Dtn 26 5 16

African leaders endorse AfDB’s New Deal on Energy gB1

NLC faction proposes N90,000 minimum wage Ï 01è MG ƏƆ ƑƌƆƗ Ɛ ƋƊ ƍƆƐƏ Ƌ ƍƏƈƅƆ ƈƊƆ ƈ ƅ ƅƋƑ ƈƒƆ Ï ^ ƏƐƈƆ ƏƆƆ Ɛ ƆƐ Ƒƍ ƅ ƌƌƈƐƐƆƆ Ɛ ƏƆ ƋƒƆ ƈ ƑƆ Joy Ekeke G

ÎÎÎThe Joe Ajaero-led faction of the

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has proposed N90, 000 as minimum wage to the Federal Government, as against N56,000 demanded by the major faction

led by Comrade Ayuba Wabba.

Ajaero disclosed this at an interactive session with journalists in LaContinued on page 6

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THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016 VOL. 2. NO. 117

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 17th May, 2016.

CONOIL

23.00

1.99

9.47%

UNIONDICON

13.86

0.66

5.00%

VITAFOAM

4.43

-0.47

-9.59%

TRANSCORP

1.16

-0.12

-9.38%

NEIMETH

1.05

0.05

5.00%

CUTIX

1.65

0.07

4.43%

DIAMONDBNK

1.82

-0.19

-9.45%

FO

205.32

-19.68

-8.75%

G ƌƈ ƏƆƅƆ ƈ ë

Senate summons Adeosun, Emefiele Ï dƆ Ɛ Ə Ɠ ƏƏƈƆƗ Ƅ ƑƐ Ƌ ƌƈ ƏƆƅƆ ƈ è Ƒ Əƈô economic policies

Ï ój ƆƏƆ ƈ ƑƏ Ɔ Ɛ ƆƆƗ Ɛ address the present economic state of the nation’ Ï óLƆƆƐƈ ƊƆƕ ƄƑƗ ƆƐ Əƕ ƏƆƒƆ ƑƆ ƍƏ ƉƆƅƐƈ è ƋƈƊƆ ƾêƾƌ Ƅ ƏƏƆƋ ƃƗ ƕè ƈƌƍ ƈƄƋƆô Ï `Ɔƍ Ƒƌƌ # ƌƄ ƖƖ Ƒè ƑƏ Ɛ ƈè Ə Ɔè #1 Ƈ #dd ƒƆƏ ƆƏƗ ƌƆ è Ƈ ƏƌƆƏ ƅƋ Ɔ Olufemi Samuel, ƄƑƉ & Henry Omunu, ƄƑƉ

ÎÎÎWorried by the predicted economic recession in Nigeria, the Senate on Wednesday

Continued on page 6

Court refuses Metuh’s permission for medical trip abroad g24

Gé`ë ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛ Ƈ ƇƏƈƅ #ƆƒƆƋ ƍƌƆ Ɛ Ɗ æ Ƈ# çè Ɗƈ ƓƑƌƈ ƗƆ ƈ ì Mƈ ƆƏƈ ô yƈƅƆ ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛè Ɔƌƈ R ƈ Ƅ Ɖ ì Ɨ ƈƏƌ è n ^Ƌƅè 0 Ƒ ƗƆƏ Ƈ j ƕ &ƋƑƌƆƋƑ 0 Ƒ Ɨ Ɛƈ è j ƕ &ƋƑƌƆƋƑ ƗƑƏƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƍ ƆƋ Ɨƈ ƅƑ ƈ ƐƈƐƋƆƗ Ò C Ƅ Ƈ Ə ƑƐ ƈ ƇƏƈƅ ÿ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ Ƒ Ƌ LƆƆƐƈ Ƈ Ƈ# ƆƋƗ ƈ GƑ Ɗ è ƌƄƈ Č jƑƆ Ɨ ƕê

Yaw

The total gL1 entertainer

Military vows to sustain onslaught g6 against militants, criminal herdsmen

African leaders endorse AfDB’s New Deal on Energy gB1

NLC faction proposes N90,000 minimum wage Ï 01è MG ƏƆ ƑƌƆƗ Ɛ ƋƊ ƍƆƐƏ Ƌ ƍƏƈƅƆ ƈƊƆ ƈ ƅ ƅƋƑ ƈƒƆ Ï ^ ƏƐƈƆ ƏƆƆ Ɛ ƆƐ Ƒƍ ƅ ƌƌƈƐƐƆƆ Ɛ ƏƆ ƋƒƆ ƈ ƑƆ Joy Ekeke G

ÎÎÎThe Joe Ajaero-led faction of the

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has proposed N90, 000 as minimum wage to the Federal Government, as against N56,000 demanded by the major faction

led by Comrade Ayuba Wabba.

Ajaero disclosed this at an interactive session with journalists in LaContinued on page 6

dailytimesng

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

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016 VOL. 2. NO. 117

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 17th May, 2016.

CONOIL

23.00

1.99

9.47%

UNIONDICON

13.86

0.66

5.00%

VITAFOAM

4.43

-0.47

-9.59%

TRANSCORP

1.16

-0.12

-9.38%

NEIMETH

1.05

0.05

5.00%

CUTIX

1.65

0.07

4.43%

DIAMONDBNK

1.82

-0.19

-9.45%

FO

205.32

-19.68

-8.75%

G ƌƈ ƏƆƅƆ ƈ ë

Senate summons Adeosun, Emefiele Ï dƆ Ɛ Ə Ɠ ƏƏƈƆƗ Ƅ ƑƐ Ƌ ƌƈ ƏƆƅƆ ƈ è Ƒ Əƈô economic policies

Ï ój ƆƏƆ ƈ ƑƏ Ɔ Ɛ ƆƆƗ Ɛ address the present economic state of the nation’ Ï óLƆƆƐƈ ƊƆƕ ƄƑƗ ƆƐ Əƕ ƏƆƒƆ ƑƆ ƍƏ ƉƆƅƐƈ è ƋƈƊƆ ƾêƾƌ Ƅ ƏƏƆƋ ƃƗ ƕè ƈƌƍ ƈƄƋƆô Ï `Ɔƍ Ƒƌƌ # ƌƄ ƖƖ Ƒè ƑƏ Ɛ ƈè Ə Ɔè #1 Ƈ #dd ƒƆƏ ƆƏƗ ƌƆ è Ƈ ƏƌƆƏ ƅƋ Ɔ Olufemi Samuel, ƄƑƉ & Henry Omunu, ƄƑƉ

ÎÎÎWorried by the predicted economic recession in Nigeria, the Senate on Wednesday

Continued on page 6

Court refuses Metuh’s permission for medical trip abroad g24

Gé`ë ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛ Ƈ ƇƏƈƅ #ƆƒƆƋ ƍƌƆ Ɛ Ɗ æ Ƈ# çè Ɗƈ ƓƑƌƈ ƗƆ ƈ ì Mƈ ƆƏƈ ô yƈƅƆ ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛè Ɔƌƈ R ƈ Ƅ Ɖ ì Ɨ ƈƏƌ è n ^Ƌƅè 0 Ƒ ƗƆƏ Ƈ j ƕ &ƋƑƌƆƋƑ 0 Ƒ Ɨ Ɛƈ è j ƕ &ƋƑƌƆƋƑ ƗƑƏƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƍ ƆƋ Ɨƈ ƅƑ ƈ ƐƈƐƋƆƗ Ò C Ƅ Ƈ Ə ƑƐ ƈ ƇƏƈƅ ÿ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ Ƒ Ƌ LƆƆƐƈ Ƈ Ƈ# ƆƋƗ ƈ GƑ Ɗ è ƌƄƈ Č jƑƆ Ɨ ƕê

Yaw

The total gL1 entertainer

Military vows to sustain onslaught g6 against militants, criminal herdsmen

African leaders endorse AfDB’s New Deal on Energy gB1

NLC faction proposes N90,000 minimum wage Ï 01è MG ƏƆ ƑƌƆƗ Ɛ ƋƊ ƍƆƐƏ Ƌ ƍƏƈƅƆ ƈƊƆ ƈ ƅ ƅƋƑ ƈƒƆ Ï ^ ƏƐƈƆ ƏƆƆ Ɛ ƆƐ Ƒƍ ƅ ƌƌƈƐƐƆƆ Ɛ ƏƆ ƋƒƆ ƈ ƑƆ Joy Ekeke G

ÎÎÎThe Joe Ajaero-led faction of the

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has proposed N90, 000 as minimum wage to the Federal Government, as against N56,000 demanded by the major faction

led by Comrade Ayuba Wabba.

Ajaero disclosed this at an interactive session with journalists in LaContinued on page 6

dailytimesng

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

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016 VOL. 2. NO. 117

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 17th May, 2016.

CONOIL

23.00

1.99

9.47%

UNIONDICON

13.86

0.66

5.00%

VITAFOAM

4.43

-0.47

-9.59%

TRANSCORP

1.16

-0.12

-9.38%

NEIMETH

1.05

0.05

5.00%

CUTIX

1.65

0.07

4.43%

DIAMONDBNK

1.82

-0.19

-9.45%

FO

205.32

-19.68

-8.75%

G ƌƈ ƏƆƅƆ ƈ ë

Senate summons Adeosun, Emefiele Ï dƆ Ɛ Ə Ɠ ƏƏƈƆƗ Ƅ ƑƐ Ƌ ƌƈ ƏƆƅƆ ƈ è Ƒ Əƈô economic policies

Ï ój ƆƏƆ ƈ ƑƏ Ɔ Ɛ ƆƆƗ Ɛ address the present economic state of the nation’ Ï óLƆƆƐƈ ƊƆƕ ƄƑƗ ƆƐ Əƕ ƏƆƒƆ ƑƆ ƍƏ ƉƆƅƐƈ è ƋƈƊƆ ƾêƾƌ Ƅ ƏƏƆƋ ƃƗ ƕè ƈƌƍ ƈƄƋƆô Ï `Ɔƍ Ƒƌƌ # ƌƄ ƖƖ Ƒè ƑƏ Ɛ ƈè Ə Ɔè #1 Ƈ #dd ƒƆƏ ƆƏƗ ƌƆ è Ƈ ƏƌƆƏ ƅƋ Ɔ Olufemi Samuel, ƄƑƉ & Henry Omunu, ƄƑƉ

ÎÎÎWorried by the predicted economic recession in Nigeria, the Senate on Wednesday

Continued on page 6

Court refuses Metuh’s permission for medical trip abroad g24

Gé`ë ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛ Ƈ ƇƏƈƅ #ƆƒƆƋ ƍƌƆ Ɛ Ɗ æ Ƈ# çè Ɗƈ ƓƑƌƈ ƗƆ ƈ ì Mƈ ƆƏƈ ô yƈƅƆ ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛè Ɔƌƈ R ƈ Ƅ Ɖ ì Ɨ ƈƏƌ è n ^Ƌƅè 0 Ƒ ƗƆƏ Ƈ j ƕ &ƋƑƌƆƋƑ 0 Ƒ Ɨ Ɛƈ è j ƕ &ƋƑƌƆƋƑ ƗƑƏƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƍ ƆƋ Ɨƈ ƅƑ ƈ ƐƈƐƋƆƗ Ò C Ƅ Ƈ Ə ƑƐ ƈ ƇƏƈƅ ÿ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ Ƒ Ƌ LƆƆƐƈ Ƈ Ƈ# ƆƋƗ ƈ GƑ Ɗ è ƌƄƈ Č jƑƆ Ɨ ƕê

Yaw

The total gL1 entertainer

Military vows to sustain onslaught g6 against militants, criminal herdsmen

2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

RC 103022

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

Page Three Æ s

3

PHOTO TIMES

Editorial Ending child malnutrition in Nigeria

C

hildren are the joy of every home and the future of every country. That is why their arrival is celebrated by all and sundry, while their progress generates enormous interest in all societies. Therefore, like other countries of the world, Nigeria cannot afford to be indifferent to the welfare of her children. Even at this, Nigeria has continued to lag behind the internationally accepted standards for child development, especially in the area of child nutrition.

Due to this, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) in Nigeria has been at the forefront of sensitising mothers and other stakeholders on the need for breastfeeding children from the start of pregnancy until their second birthday.

This 1,000-day period represents a critical window of opportunity to avert malnutrition and ensure that they have adequate nutrition at this time to grow, learn and rise out of poverty. For long, there has been rising malnutrition among Nigerian children. According to recent Federal Ministry of Health report, more than 41 per cent of Nigerian children under age of five suffer stunted growth resulting from malnutrition.

Corroborating this report, UNICEF put the estimate of severely malnourished in the country at 1.1million. In fact, the findings estimate that nearly four in 10 Nigerian children of less than five years of age are stunted- the second highest rate in the world, and the highest in Africa. This embarrassing development is cause for concern and a clarion call for action.

What is malnutrition? The condition occurs when people consistently do not consume or absorb the right amounts and types of food and essential ingredients.

Dubbed “Nigeria’s Silent Crisis”, malnutrition is responsible for the

deaths of more than 500,000 children in the country before their 5th birthday, even as it is a major contributory factor for stunted growth among them. The same survey shows that almost 30 percent of Nigerian children are underweight, while those who are wasted or too thin for their height has risen from 11 percent in 2003 to 18 percent in 2013.

Moreover, up to 1 million Nigerian children under age five suffer from severe acute malnutrition (SAM), while 4 out of 5 of do not meet the World Health Organisation’s recommendation for exclusive breastfeeding in the first six months of life, even as 70 percent of children between 6 to 23 months are not receiving the minimum acceptable diet. With this alarming development, we call on the Federal Government and other health related agencies to devote more attention and resources towards eradicating child malnutrition in Nigeria.

With all hands on deck, we believe that malnutrition, which manifests in some children as kwashiorkor and affects the cognitive ability to learn in school, can be history, even in Nigeria with a high children population.

All that is needed to tackle the conundrum is the redoubling of campaign for families to space their children adequately, and to a proportionate size. However, the problem of malnutrition goes far beyond how it affects children. A large population of Nigerian adults is suffering healthrelated problems due to imbalance in their diet. Many ignorantly go on feeding on meals with high percentage of carbohydrates, which health professionals deem inadequate for balanced diet. On the other hand, child-feeding practices should be improved through breastfeeding. This is because breast milk contains enzymes, antibodies, long-chain fatty acids and hormones.

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R-L: Former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel; Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose; one of the children of the diseased, Chief Bode George; his wife, Roli and Ondo State Governor Olusegun Mimiko during the Church Service for Late Mrs. Violet Phillips-George, at Methodist Church Nigeria, Apongbon, Lagos… on Wednesday.

PHOTO: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI.

L-R: Executive Director, African Centre for Leadership Strategy and Development, Dr. Otive Igebuzor; Director-General, Electoral Institute, Prof. Abubakar Momoh; former Chairman, National Human Rights Commission, Prof. Chidi Odinkalu; President, Public Interest Lawyers League, Abdul Mahmud, and a Journalist, Mr. Bodunrin Adebayo, during the commemoration of the 1st year anniversary of Comrade Emma Ezeazu, in Abuja… on Wednesday.

Words On Marble :

Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Group General Manager Olisa Egbunike 08034004224

President Muhammadu Buhari (right), presenting a souvenir to outgoing Ambassador of Islamic Republic of Iran to Nigeria, Mr Saeed Koozechi, during a farewell visit at the Presidential Villa, in Abuja… on Wednesday.

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STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Paul Adefarasin

Ibrahim Babangida

Thabo Mbeki

“The transformation we desire will not only come from the governments of our land or from beyond our shores, it must also come from our hearts”.

“The work of Nigeria is not complete for as long as there is any one Nigerian who goes to bed on empty stomach.”

“As Africans, we need to share common recognition that all of us stand to lose if we fail to transform.”

4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

Believe in the Naira We dream of a Nigeria where the Naira will be a popular international currency of transaction, but it will continue to remain a dream when YOU choose to rely on foreign over Nigerian. Demand for foreign exchange weakens the Naira and weakens the economy.

That is why when you fly Arik Air to London Heathrow, New York JFK or Johannesburg, you demonstrate your belief and confidence in the Naira and in Nigerian. You are contributing to stimulating domestic growth and building a country we can all be proud of. #ArikAdvantage • 10 years of Safe and Reliable flying.

• 28 new, state-of-the-art aircraft.

• Fleet maintenance by world renowned Lufthansa Technik, Iberia & SAMCO. • Only West and Central African airline with a triple IOSA certification.

• Employ over 3,000 Nigerians.

• Unbeatable value to a network of 19 domestic destinations, 10 West and Central Africa destinations and 3 international destinations.

Fly Arik Air. Demonstrate your faith in the Naira.

a r i k a i r. c o m West and Central Africa’s Leading Airline

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

Reps halt privatisation of refineries by NNPC Henry Omunu Abuja

ÏÏÏ The House of Repre-

sentatives, on Wednesday, halted the privatisation of the country’s refineries by the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), declaring that the corporation initiated the procedure of withdrawing government’s stake in the refineries without due process.

House Committee on Privatisation gave the order in Abuja, after it expressed dissatisfaction with the presentation of the Group Executive Director, Refineries of the NNPC, Mr. Anibor Kragha, during an interactive session with the committee.

Kragha had during his submission informed the committee that the NNPC was only seeking a joint venture in the management of the refineries

and was not seeking to privatising the utilities.

He added that the “NNPC does not have the mandate to privatise the refineries, it is a misrepresentation”, just as he denied knowledge of letters written to the NNPC by the Bureau of Public Enterprise (BPE) on the said privatisation of the refineries.

Briefing the committee, the Acting Director General of BPE, Mr. Vincent Akporabie said the bureau was not aware that the NNPC was planning to privatise the nation’s three refineries.

Akporabie disclosed that the administration of President Goodluck Jonathan had begun preparing a framework for the privatisation of the refineries before the general election.

At the end of the submissions from the NNPC and the BPE, the committee ruled that the NNPC

violated Section 11 of the BPE Act, adding that the joint venture agreement the NNPC was seeking to enter into had overtime failed the country.

Chairman of the committee, Hon. Ahmed Yerima, in his ruling said, “You have not given us clear cut answers and you are saying you are recently appointed. In fact, you don’t have a presentation which is against the rule.

“I suggest we call off the meeting and you stop all procedures of privatisation and we are going to report this to the House.

It is a total violation of the BPE Act.” The committee, therefore, resolved to summon the Minister of State for Petroleum, Mr. Ibe Kachikwu to answer questions on the said privatisation of the refineries, as the group executive director was not competent enough to answer questions from the committee.

No better time to diversify Nigerian economy than now, says Buhari

ÏÏÏ

President Muhammadu Buhari, on Wednesday, said that there was no better time to diversify the Nigerian economy than now.

President Buhari said this at the 56th Annual General Meeting and Conference of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), in Dutse.

Represented by Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enelamah, the President said his administration was determined to ensure the long-overdue fundamental restructuring of the Nigerian economy.

He said that Nigeria had depended on oil and gas which accounted for more than 75 per cent of government’s revenue for so long.

The President said that with the current dwindling prices of oil, the needed reform to diversify the country’s economy

Buhari

must be carried out.

Buhari said that with the current challenge, the country must harness its natural resources like agriculture and solid minerals to survive, being a country blessed with arable land, endless swathes of grasslands and forest.

He said that these natural resources produced more yam, cassava, cashew nut, shea nuts and kola nuts than the rest of the world.

Buhari said that Nigeria was equally blessed with solid mineral resources, stressing that not less

than 44 mineral resources were available in commercial quantities across the country.

The President said that it was disheartening that every year Nigeria spent more than three billion dollars to import steel despite the fact that the country had enough iron ore.

He said that his government would create environment that would enable private sector to partner the government to implement the Nigerian Industrial Revolution Plan.

5 News

CARTOON

News Analysis

Unemployment: The unsettling data from NBS Sam Nzeh

ÏÏÏThe report by the Ni-

gerian Bureau of Statistics (NBS)) that Nigeria’s unemployment crisis worsened in the first quarter of 2016, though not surprising, has reinforced the need for all hands to be on deck to tackle the crisis.

According to the report released on Friday, the country’s unemployment rate grew from 10.4 percent in the last quarter in 2015 to 12.1 percent.

In the third and fourth quarter of 2015, about the same number of people become unemployed in Nigeria.

“In Q1 2016, the labour force population (i.e. those within the working age population willing, able and actively looking for work) increased to 78.4 million from 76.9million in Q4 2015”.

“This means an addition-

al 1,528,647 economically active persons within 15-64 entered the labour force i.e. were able and willing and actively looking for work between January 1 and March 31 2016.

“Within the same period, the total number in full time employment (did any form of work for at least 40 hours) decreased by 528,148 persons or 0.97%.

“This consists of people who lost their jobs and were either forced or for various reasons chose to move from full time employment to underemployment.

“Within the same period, the number of unemployed in the labour force, increased by 1, 449, 18 persons (increase of 518,000 between Q3 and Q4 2015) between Q4 2015 and Q1 2016.” “Youth unemployment also rose to 42.24 percent, as 15.2 million youths remain unemployed in the economy.

“Accordingly, out of a total youth labour force of 38.2 million (representing 48.7% of total labour force in Nigeria of 78.48mn), a total of 15.2mn of them were either unemployed or underemployed in Q1 2016 representing a youth unemployment rate of 42.24%, the NBS said.

The report is enough to worry every Nigerian but much more the Federal Government whose responsibility it is to create enabling environment for the economy to thrive. With a conducive economic environment, businesses (large and small) will be in much better position to expand their capacities as well as employ more persons.

Additionally, the Federal Government among others should avoid policies that may end up shrinking the economy further if the nation is to witness a reduction in the number of unemployed persons.

ÏÏÏ Ebonyi State govern- Ebonyi, Union Dicon sign pact on ment has signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Union Dicon Salt Plc for large scale production and processing of cassava in the state.

The ceremony which took place in Abakaliki had in attendance, the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Prof. Benard Odoh, who signed on behalf of the state, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Chief

cassava cultivation, processing

Augustine Nwankwegu and the Managing Director of Union Dicon Salt, Mr. Chuka Mordi, who signed for his company.

The agreement to engage in cassava cultivation and processing in commercial quantity is another bold initiative by the Governor David Umahi-led government to mechanise the agricultural sector and propel

the much needed economic diversification in the state.

In the terms of agreement, Ebonyi State government will contribute 15,000 hectares of land spread across the state for the Union Dicon Salt to grow cassava and establish a factory where cassava products would be processed into raw materials for export and domestic use.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

Looming recession: Senate summons Adeosun, Emefiele Continued from page 1 summoned the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun and Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria ( CBN), Godwin Emefiele to brief it, and explain fiscal policies being adopted by them to salvage the situation.

Senators during the day’s plenary expressed worries that the economic policies of President Mohammadu Buhari within the last one year have not been achieving the desired impact, stressing the need for an urgent review, to avoid further plunge of the economy into full blown recession.

The Senate also observed

decline in crude oil production from the 2016 Budget benchmark of 2.2 million barrels per day by 800,000b/d and feared that meeting key budgetary revenue projections in the budget are “practically impossible”.

Adeosun and Emefiele were summoned by the Senate on Wednesday, just as the House of Representatives committee on Police Affairs investigating the incessant clashes between herdsmen and farming communities summoned the Interior Minister, Lt. Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau (rtd); Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Director-General of the Department of State Ser-

vices (DSS), Lawal Daura, Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase and the representatives of the Miyatti Allah Cattle Rearers Association to appear before it.

Noting that budgetary revenue projections may not be met, the Senate stressed the need to have a rethink, so as to avoid deepening budget deficit in the 2016 fiscal year or have a situation of poor budget implementation.

The Senate took the position after a motion moved by Senator Bassey Albert Akpan (PDP Akwa -Ibom North - East) on “an urgent need to address the present economic state of the nation”, Senator Akpan predi-

cated his motion on a report by the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS), which was released last week.

The NBS had in its score card for the first quarter (January -March) of 2016 for GDP, painted a gloomy picture of rising inflation and unemployment as prelude to total economic recession.

The Senate observed from the report a decline of 0.36 per cent which is a drastic drop from 2.11 per cent in Q4 2015 in GDP; increased unemployment rate to 12.1 per cent in Q1 2016 from 10.4 per cent in Q4 2015.

The report further disclosed that Underemployment also increased to

19.1per cent from 18.7 per cent in the same period, while the rate of inflation rose from 9.6 per cent in January 2016 to 13.8 per cent in April 2016 with attendant increase in prices of basic food commodities and services in the country.

The Senate in the motion, said it felt deeply concerned that the continued complacency of the current state of our economy, if allowed unchecked, will set the tone for a full blown economic recession by the end of June this year as confirmed by CBN in its Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting.

It added that the current economic constraint is the first major drastic slump since June 2004, which according to the CBN is a 12-year-low, but the World Bank’s position is a 21-yearlow.

At the House of Representatives, Chairman of the Police Affairs committee, Rep. Haliru Dauda Jika issued the order on Wednesday,

when the affected government officials and the Fulani apex body failed to appear at the public hearing being conducted by the House on the clashes between herdsmen and Tiv and Agatu communities in Benue State that claimed so many lives and led the destruction of properties.

Before issuing the summons, the committee chairman had come under fire from lawmakers, who accused him of failing to wield the big stick to compel heads of the security agencies invited by the committee to appear at the public hearing.

The first salvo came from the Chairman, Committee on Aviation, Rep. Nkieruka Onyejeocha (PDP-Abia), who while lamenting the goriness of the pictorial evidence presented by the Tiv community raised alarm over the absence of the police boss and the minister of interior who were supposed Continued on page 12

Military vows to sustain onslaught against militants, criminal herdsmen Ï ^ ƋƈƅƆ ƏƏƆ Ɛ MƈƌƄ ƐƐ ƅƊƆƏ è ƏƆƅ ƒƆƏ ƒƈƗƆ Ƈ ƐƐ ƅƊ Segun Adio

`ƆƍƏƆ Ɔ Ɛ ƐƈƒƆ Ƈ Ɛ Ɔ dƍƆ ƊƆƏ Ƈ Ɛ Ɔ 6 Ƒ Ɔ Ƈ `ƆƍƏƆ Ɔ Ɛ ƐƈƒƆ è 6 ê Ƌ # ƑƓ æƏçè ƓƆƋƅ ƌƈ Ɛ Ɔ 0ƈ ƅƈ Ƌ dƆƅƏƆƐ Əƕè LƗƖƆƑ n jƈƒè LƏê &ƌƌ ƑƆƋ 9 ƏƐƕƆƏ æƾ ƗéƋç Ɨ Ɛ ƆƏ ƌƆƌƄƆƏ Ƈ ƈ ƗƆƋƆ Ɛƈ Ɛ ƍƑƄƋƈƅ Ɔ Əƈ Ɛ Ɔ Ƌ Əƌƈ ƈ ƇƋƑƔ Ƈ Ƒ ƈƗƆ ƐƈƇƈƆƗ ƆƏƗ ƌƆ ƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƑƆ dƐ ƐƆ Ɨ ƅ ƆƎƑƆ Ɛ Ɛ ƏƆ Ɛ Ɛ ƍƆ ƅƆè ƋƈƇƆ Ɨ ƍƏ ƍƆƏƐƕ ƈ Ɛ Ɔ Ɛ ƐƆè ƄƆƇ ƏƆ Ɛ Ɔ 6 Ƒ Ɔ Ƈ `ƆƍƏƆ Ɔ Ɛ ƐƈƒƆ ƌƌƈƐƐƆƆ ^ ƋƈƅƆ ƇƇ ƈƏ è ƈ ƄƑƉ êêê zƆƗ Ɔ Ɨ ƕ

NLC faction proposes N90,000 minimum wage Continued from page 1 gos on Wednesday while explaining the terms his group had reached with the Federal Government following the recent withdrawal of subsidy on petrol.

He spoke just as the Federal Government and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) agreed to set up a committee to resolve the issues surrounding their disagreement on the recent liberalization of the downstream sector of the petroleum industry which led to a hike in the pump price of petrol from N86.50 to N145 per litre.

This meeting between both parties, which ended on ended on an inconclusive note, took place on Wednesday in the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) in Abuja.

Present at the meeting were the SGF, Mr. Babachir Lawal, the Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, and the Edo State Governor, Adams Oshiomhole, who was a former labour leader. The NLC President, Mr. Ayuba Wabba, led the team from labour.

Ajaero further said labour would not sign any agreement on a new mini-

mum wage, if it was not implementable.

According to the NLC factional leader, the ability to pay the proposed new wage is the purpose of any minimum wage agreement, stressing that no labour leader will sign an agreement that cannot be realistic.

He said that since his group proposed N90, 000 while the Ayuba Wabba-led group demanded for N56, 000, government had the prerogative to come out with its own position. ``If the government comes out with its position, we, the labour movement can cross-

check and counter it, if necessary, before the agreement is signed,’’ Ajaero said.

He said that the minimum wage was a proposal based on the economic index, which could force the government to reduce its workforce, if necessary.

Ajaero said that there would be a sub-committee that would look into an increase in wages for the manufacturing sector, to enable it to be able to cater for the welfare of employees in the sector.

The factional leader also said that only the Board Continued on page 12

ÎÎÎThe Nigerian military,

on Wednesday, vowed to sustain its onslaught against Niger Delta militants, Boko Haram insurgents and criminal herdsmen across the country, even as it said it is ready to suppress any form of insurrection in any part of the country.

This is even as the Police High Command on Wednesday announced the arrest five suspects involved in the midnight raid on Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State on April 25, 2016.

The Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin and Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok Ete-Ibas, made the vow to sustain the military’s onslaught against Niger Delta militants, Boko Haram insurgents and criminal herdsmen, at the International Maritime Conference organised by the Nigerian Navy (NN)

as part of activities to celebrate its 60th anniversary.

According to the Gen. Olonisakin, the Armed Forces have “stepped up the game” against militancy in the Niger Delta and warned those involved to desist from any form of sabotage.

He also assured that the Armed Forces would continue to work together to keep the nation’s maritime environment safe from any form of criminality.

“The Navy has done well within its available resources, especially in securing the maritime environment,’’ the CDS said.

Also speaking at the conference, the Chief of Naval Staff (CNS), Vice Admiral Ibok Ibas, said the Navy had been able to reduce robbery and piracy on the nation’s waterways. ‘’We are expanding the technical aspect of our surveillance to ensure that we curtail the menace. ‘’The Navy has also built Continued on page 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

7 News

Lagos govt signs N844b 4th Mainland Bridge MoU Benjamin Omoike

ÎÎÎIn what is set to become

a major milestone achievement in its 50 years of existence, the Lagos State Government, on Wednesday, signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) to kick-start the construction of the 38km 4th Mainland Bridge, expected to bring a

14-year old dream to reality.

The bridge, which is geared towards economic growth, is expected to gulp N844 billion in a Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative and would be delivered in three years.

Speaking at the signing of the MoU held at the Banquet Hall, Lagos House, Ikeja, Governor Akinwunmi Am-

bode said that the need for the bridge had become imperative following the phenomenal growth of the state with a population of over 21 million people, which had in turn increased commercial activities and traffic gridlock.

“This has made it imperative for us to have a 4th Mainland Bridge that will serve

as an alternative route to the eastern axis and decongest traffic in the state.

“More importantly this bridge will provide the required transportation compliment to the rapidly growing industrial activities on the Eti-Osa - Lekki - Epe corridor of the state,” he said.

He said the proposed alignment of the bridge will pass

through Lekki, Langbasa and Baiyeiku towns along the shoreline of the Lagos lagoon estuaries, further running through Igbogbo River Basin and crossing the Lagos lagoon estuaries to Itamaga Area in Ikorodu.

The Governor said the alignment would also cross through the Itoikin road and the Ikorodu-Sagamu Road to connect Isawo inward Lagos Ibadan Expressway at Ojodu Berger axis.

He said the bridge would be made up of eight interchanges to facilitate effective

interconnectivity between different parts of the state.

“This structure will be a four-lane dual carriageway with each comprising three lanes and two metres hard shoulder on each side. The bridge will be constructed to have a generous median to allow for both future carriageway expansion and light rail facility. There is no gainsaying the fact that huge benefits will be derived from this project but most importantly, make life more comfortable for Lagosians,” he said.

FG declares May 30 public holiday ÎÎÎThe

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello (right), with the Speaker, FCT Children’s Parliament, Master Oral Nwaka (left) when members of the FCT Children’s Parliament visited him in Abuja…Tuesday.

Ortom flags off 2016 fertilizer sale Freddie Adamgbe, Makurdi

ÎÎÎGovernor Samuel Ortom

has warned against the diversion and arbitrary increase of fertilizer or any attempt to frustrate Benue farmers to harvest better yields this cropping season.

Governor Ortom dropped the warning, on Wednesday, at Tse- Ukegber, Guma Local Government Area, while flagging-off the 2016 fertiliser sale and distribution.

He said the decision of the state government to provide the fertiliser and other farm inputs at the right time was to enable Benue farmers to maintain the state’s position

as the “Food Basket of the Nation”.

“To attain lofty goals in the agricultural sector, all stakeholders must play their critical roles. Our administration will leave no stone unturned in our drive to make the sector vibrant in order to boost the state’s economy”, he stated.

He noted that the state government had paid its counterpart funds’ requirements for the implementation of the IFAD-Benue State Assisted Rice and Cassava Value Chain Development Programme. It is on record that 3000 farmers are already participating in the programme, with Offtakers’ arrangement to buy farmers’ harvest at very good prices.

Abuja

ÎÎÎThe Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Hon. Abike Dabiri- Erewa, has appealed to the British parliament to strengthen its anti-money

laundering and banking laws to prevent Britain from being a safe haven for looters.

She made the appeal in a press statement signed by her Special Assistant on Media, Alhaji Abdur-Rahman Balogun in Abuja, on Wednesday.

the 2016 Appropriation Act, the country would witness a “New Deal” with its full implementation.

The minister noted that the 2016 Appropriation Act was laced with social intervention programmes aimed at improving the living conditions of the populace.

Dambazau congratulated Nigerians on the attainment of one year in office of President Muhammadu Buhari and enjoined all to continue to support the President in his sustained effort to build a peaceful, enduring and democratic legacy

Activists laud Buhari’s anti-corruption war Ogbonnaya Ndukwe, Aba

ÎÎÎA member of the defunct

Zikist Movement and Organising Secretary of the NCNC, Elder Idika Nwobasi, has lauded the anti-corruption war of the present administration, saying it would correct anomalies in the way things were done in the country.

Nwobasi, who was speaking to our correspondent, on the occasion of one year in office by the administration, however noted that while the President could be found to be doing well, his lieutenants were mostly people whose antecedents were known as a part of the old corrupt Nige-

rian society and had participated in past governance of the country.

He said the war should be extended to other areas outside members of the immediate past Jonathan administration, if it was to gain credibility among all Nigerians, stressing that for now, it seemed as if the then PDP administration was singled out for probe, for which many Nigerians and friends of the former ruling party in the diaspora were not very comfortable.

The septuagenarian Organising Sectretary of the old Lower Cross River (now Cross River State) chapter of the NCNC and educationist, said that while the PDP may not have done well in managing

Dabiri-Erewa urges UK to strengthen its anti-money laundering laws Lateef Ibrahim,

Federal Government has declared Monday, May 30 as public holiday to celebrate the 2016 Democracy Day. The Minister of Interior, Retired Lt.-Gen. Abdulrahman Dambazau, made the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, on Wednesday, in Abuja.

A statement signed by the Permanent Secretary in the Ministry, Mr Bassey Akpanyung, quoted the minister as wishing Nigerians happy democracy day celebration.

He assured Nigerians that with the signing into law of

The Presidential aide, according to the statement, made the appeal while delivering a paper as a guest speaker on “Partnerships and Engaging Nigerians in Diaspora’’ at the House of Commons in London.

Dabiri, a two-term member of the House of Repre-

sentatives, urged Britain to adopt what she tagged the “unexplainable wealth policy”, which has been adopted by seven countries including France, Canada, New Zealand, Australia, which forfeits assets of foreigners and firms with questionable wealth.

the economy for which many Nigerians, especially the poor masses were suffering, the Buhari administration had not come out to institute tangible policies that would alleviate the pains inflicted by the condemned regime.

He noted that it was the belief that the PDP had lost focus in leading the country and its people to greatness that led to the massive support the All Progressives Congress (APC), and its candidate, Muhammadu Buhari, became the next president, and wondered how long it would take any meaningful government to implement positive ideology that would enhance its people’s living standards.

On the removal of petrol subsidy by the government, Nwobasi said that while the government meant well in its programme, labour movements scuttled the chances of getting it come to terms with palliatives it would put in place to cushion the effects of the removal as it had affected all segments of life especially transportation and procurement of usable items that

were daily looked for by common Nigerians.

According to him, inflation was at the highest level with prices of foodstuff and other domestic needs selling at costs that were almost affordable to many Nigerians, ecept those in government and their immediate relations.

He said the Nigerria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), which represents the nation’s workforce and the common citizenry in the rural communities, should have worked with one voice, and blamed elected representatives of the people for standing aloof and behaving as if all was well.

Buhari

8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

Politics

Æs

S’East APC knocks PDP for fuel shortage Moses Oyediran, Enugu The South-East All Progressives Congress (APC) at the weekend bashed the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the crushing fuel shortage in the country.

Addressing an interactive town hall meeting with members of APC in Enugu State, the spokesman of the South East Caucus of the party, Mr Osita Okechukwu, said Nigerians are paying for the sins committed

by PDP-led federal government which in 16 years failed to nei-

ther fix the existing refineries nor build new ones.

His words: “We are paying unfortunately for the sins of PDP, I remember vividly in 2010, when Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, then Finance Minister and Coordinator of the Economy, announced to the whole world, the award of $23 billion Greenfield Refineries, to a Chinese company. The refineries were to be located at Bayelsa, Lagos and Kogi State. There was jubilation nationwide. If they had completed the refineries, today we won’t be talking of scarcity

or astronomical increase in fuel pump price. They squandered the money and put Nigerians in the harms way”.

Okechukwu assured that APC will fix the rot in the petroleum sector, but made it clear that one year was not enough to fix a refinery or build a new one.

He however observed that the Hon. Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu has assured Nigerians that government will fix the existing refineries and enter into partnership with private sector

to erect new refineries.

When reminded that Nigerians are getting tired of excuses for the crushing fuel crisis, Okechukwu rhetorically answered: “We can’t stop pointing out the unconscionable wreckage the PDP unleashed on our economy, in the last 16 years. The wreckage keeps on popping up at each junction, despite the efforts being made to suppress it. For instance how can one fail to point out why Enugu Coal remained moribund, when the fact on the ground shows that in 2012 CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Diezani

Attack on SGF: Group warns of plot to create mistrust

SGF

Abia: Between Orji Kalu and T.A. Orji

Eddie Onuzuruike Like the foremost Author, Chinua Achebe rightly puts it, “when falsehood continues without rebuttal it mistakenly starts assuming the colour of truth”. It needs to be stopped. Since newspaper publisher and former governor of Abia State, Orji Uzor Kalu

A Human right group, the Centre for Social Justice, Equity and Transparency (CESJET) has described recent report accusing the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Engineer Babachir David Lawal of job racketeering as false, saying the accusations are only directed at undermining the anti corruption war of President Muhammadu Buhari and create mistrust within the adminisrtation.

Addressing journalists in Abuja, Executive Secretary of the group, Comrade Ikpa Isaac said knowing the importance of the office of SGF in the effective running of the country, the blackmailers are desperate to undermine his office and rub-

bish the anti-corruption was of the president He said “The desperation to create doubts about President Buhari’s commitment to tackle corruption was such that they accused the SGF of allowing the activities of government to nosedive.

“Unable to pin anything on him, they came up with the allegation of job racketeering, which they claimed was operated on his behalf by a syndicate.”

He said the group is concerned because the strategy of those behind this plot is that they will attempt to create mistrust, division and infighting within the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari.

“The expectation is that with

has been exerting unsuccessful pull to grab the senate seat, many of his followers have been coming out to spill anything just to express political loyalty. It is common in political fronts such as ours but people need to be cautious of the dept they go.

For instance, conscience was thrown to the wind and honesty

stood by its head by trying to portray the people of Abia State as being blind and unable to decipher productive administration in effort to exercise allegiance to his boss. Otherwise how could someone who claims to be an Ibeku son and a former secretary of an association lose sense of percepCONTINUED ON PAGE 10

confusion sown in the government several outcomes to derail the anti-corruption crusade would be achieved: President Buhari would be distracted from focusing on stamping out corruption; the President would be misled or pressured into dropping those that are actually performing in the government “After being wrongly accused of corruption, the exit of those that are performing in the government would virtually cripple the cabinet or slow it down; with the vacancy created by wrongly sacking key members of the cabinet, the proxies of procorruption persons would be appointed as replacements; the replacements will then engage CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Kalu

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

9 Politics

Fuel shortage: APC fingers PDP CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

N923 million, 2013 - N1.7billion and 2014 - N1.1 billion were budgeted for 3D Seismic Study Survey for Enugu and Gombe Coal and were ignobly squandered?

“How can’t we stop reminding ourselves of the sordid past, more so, when the crude oil price which used to cushion and cover the PDP gross corruption track has since the inception of Buhari’s regime nosedived? A barrel of crude oil hovered between $90-100 in most of the period under review; now it hovers between $30-40. PDP sins bleed in every facet of our lives - dilapidated roads, poor power supply, collapsed social infrastructure and state of uncertainty.

“Our elders admonished us that before we find solutions to the rain beating us, we must first remember where, when and how the rain started. For us yesterday is not gone. President

Okonjo-Iweala

Buhari’s score card is that he has triumphed in taming corruption and containing insecurity. Revamping the economy is next in line with the 2016 budget,” Okechukwu said.

Confronted with the selective nature of the war against corruption and the secrecy over recovered looted funds, Okechukwu retorted: “Can the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) probe Mr. Osita Okechukwu for looting Enugu State fund, when I was neither the governor nor a contractor in Enugu State?

They are probing Chief Sullivan Chime and cohorts because they presided over the commonwealth of Enugu State.

“The secrecy of the recovered fund is strategic, for a seasoned rabbit hunter cannot shout or beat his chest, after discovering one or two holes. He has to be reticent if he wants to capture the rabbits, because sometimes

rabbit underground habitation has some times more than seven exit holes. Methinks the rabbit-hunter-model is what President Buhari adopted”, he added.

On the way forward, Okechukwu implored all Nigerians to as a matter of urgent national importance to join in monitoring the 2016 budget implementation and urged Nigerians to go through the budget, when it is passed and identify their areas of interest and monitor it. Okechukwu called on Nigerians not to shy away as usual, as President Buhari cannot spend any money not budgeted for as prescribed in the 1999 Constitution of Nigeria.

He noted that Mr. President has raked in N3 trillion via the Treasury Single Account, and therefore enjoined Nigerians to monitor how the ministers, heads of departments and agencies execute it.

Why we must promote APC - Ganduje Governor Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State has disclosed that the All Progressives Congress (APC) is an institution that must be promoted because it symbolises a better change for the country.

Consequently, the governor said instead of promoting an individual in the party, it is the APC that must be promoted as it signals a new beginning for Nigeria. As a result, he has directed that no public building in the state should have Gandujiyya in scripted on it, adding that any public building already bearing Gandujiyya should be erased.

The governor, who was apparently dismayed by the branding of a renovated classroom after him at Kureken Sani in Kumbotso local goverment area of the state also directed the state urban planning agency, KNUPDA to dismantle billboards, remove posters or any such material promoting him, under the guise of “Gandujiyya”.

He stressed that APC is the institution to be promoted because it symbolised the vehicle for change under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari adding that the APC represents a new beginning in Nigeria with a promising and brighter future.

He argued that it is wrong to personalise public property

since government belongs to all, adding that branding public buildings and erection of billboards with the name of any individual not only defaces the structures but also negates the beautification of the environment.

The governor, who was commissioning completed projects and inspecting ongoing ones as part of activities marking his one year in office, thanked the people of Kano for their goodwill and support to his administration urging them to maintain their support towards the success of government’s policies and programmes.

On education, Governor Ganduje expressed happiness that the N10 million released to Kumbotso education promotion committee were judiciously utilized, assuring that more investments would be made in the sector as part of strategies to revitalise it.

The governor appealed to citizens of the state to contribute towards giving the education a glorious rebirth in view of its centrality to human development.

In their separate remarks, the chairman of Kumbotso local government council, Alhaji Lawan Isma’ila Unguwar Rimi and a community leader and APC chieftain in the area, Alh-

‘‘He stressed that APC is the institution to be promoted because it symbolised the vehicle for change under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari adding that the APC represents a new beginning in Nigeria with a promising and brighter future.’’ aji Mustafa Hamza Buhari (aka Bakwana) thanked the state government for giving priority attention to the sector and restated the loyalty of their constituents to the government.

Meanwhile, Governor Ganduje has stressed the need for more community participation in education, saying the challenges in the sector are too enormous

Ganduje

for the government to handle alone.

Speaking during a visit to Rano Special Primary School in Rano local government area, the governor explained that the State Education Promotion Committee was established by his administration to encourage well meaning individuals and corporate bodies to help the

government in providing qualitative education public schools in the state.

The governor, therefore, commended Alhaji A. A. Rano for single handedly renovating Rano Special Primary School and providing additional classrooms and furniture, describing the move as a true example of patriotism.

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

Posers over 76-man devt board for Lagos LGs The Lagos State House of Assembly has proposed a 76-member Economıc Plannıng and Development Board for Local Governments ın the state.

Thıs was the hıghlıght of the stakeholders parley on the proposed law tıtled: ‘A bill for a Law to establish the Local Government Economic Planning and Development Board in Lagos State and For Connected Purposes’.

Stakeholders at the publıc hearıng however, expressed dıvergent vıews on the proposed law.

Those who expressed support for the law saıd ıt will enable economic planning and development of council areas in the state.

Though, the State Commissioner for Economic Planning

Ambode

and Budget, Mr Akinyemi Ashade appeared to support the bıll when he saıd “it is a novel initiative, if we do not plan we have planned to fail”, he however, called for the harmonisation of relevant sectıons of the law wıth the exıstıng and related law of 2015. He also faulted the large number of the board, stressing that the 76 membership should be trimmed down to save the state the competıng revenue.

The Executıve Secretary, Barıga LCDA and Chaırman, Conference of Local Government Executive Secretaries in the state, Mr. Alabı Kolade supported the posıtıon expressed by the Commıssıoner on the large number of the board members and therefore suggested that ıt should be reduced.

A representative of the Na-

tional Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Olusegun Spencer, urged the Assembly to include transport workers in the membership of the board saying transporters occupied a central role across all council areas in the state.

Other partıcıpants took turns to appeal to the House to create avenue for people and other relevant agencies in the community to be appointed as members of the board.

Speakıng wıth journalısts after the parley, the Chairman of the House Committee on Budget and Economıc Plannıng, the organısers of the publıc hearıng, Hon. Rotimi Olowo said the proposed law would ensure appropriate and meaningful economic planning and developCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Group alleges plot to cause mistrust within FG CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

in acts that will undermine the integrity of the government and compromise the anti-corruption fight “Even when President Buhari is discerning not to fire his strong hands, the sustained allegation of corruption against cabinet members is aimed at placing question mark on his government.”

He said other campaign to discredit the President Buhari’s anti-corruption war include recent claiming that a member of the President’s cabinet and serving minister used stolen funds to make Mr. President’s election possible.

He added that the campaign has now found a new target in the person of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Engineer Babachir

David Lawal, who they are accusing of monetizing his office for personal gain.

According to him “As with all other stories with sinister motives, all that was offered was ‘sources’ that have never been named in any of the several publications that have made such far reaching allegations.

Knowing the importance of the Office of SGF in the effective running of the country, we are worried about the impact that distractions like these allegations will constitute at a time when the country should be exploring multiple options for moving forward.”

He urged Nigerians to ignore the minute population of the very few and disgruntled elements seeking Engineer Lawal’s head for doing his job and serving the people with his best.

“Even when President Buhari is discerning not to fire his strong hands, the sustained allegation of corruption against cabinet members is aimed at placing question mark on his government.”

Buhari

Abia: The Orji Kalu and T.A. Orji controversy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

tion to the extent of casting aspersions at a prolific administrator in the person of Sen T A Orji while at the same time referring to the eight years of Uzor Kalu administration as being golden?

What more can we say or write that haven’t been said or written?

What other evidence than those that were awash all over the print and the electronic media. The lies propagated by the publication and other offensive allies of Uzor

Kalu hitherto walked tall, aided by some heinous media hype until Mr. Labaran Maku came with his Good Governance Tour of 2013 where over 50 journalists, heads of NGOs and some ministerial staff involving information experts came to Abia and gave the world their eye witness account.

Heading the different groups were Nkechi Okemiri of National Council of Women Society, NCWS Muhammed Garba, former Nigerian Union of Journalist, NUJ president, Yemi Bangbose, Presi-

dent of Radio and And Television Theatre Art Workers, RATAWT, who marvelled at the 48 room complex of Broadcasting Corporation of Abia State, BCA. Maku laid the foundation stones of some projects, some of which he came back after few months to cut the tapes.

Okemiri of NCWS was there and had no complaints but only asked for a little step-up on hastening the removal of all glass ceilings on women which the governor harkened to by aiding the appointment of a female, in his govern-

ment. Mrs. Iheukwumere as registrar of Abia State University, the first of its kind in the history of the school was a beneficiary.

They toured Abia for three days and could not finish all completed and ongoing projects. Most of these places are now in use and the ones that couldn’t be completed are still ongoing, funded by the present Governor, Victor Okezie Ikpeazu as governance is a continuous process.

For clarity and contrary to Igwe’s descriptions, the twin tower

secretariat built by Governor T. A. Orji is in use now. The International Conference Centre, first of its kind in the South East with its 9 cascading roofs and multiple floors was first put in use in the thanksgiving service when Dr Okezie Ikpeazu was sworn in.

The E-Library, first of its kind is elegantly on the junction to Abia House of Assembly, so nobody can deny it as all the legislators APGA or PDP members drive past it on their way to sittings or is it the CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

Questions over 76-man devt board for Lagos LGs ‘‘The time has come for council chairmen to stop going cap-in-hand looking for money. The situation is challenging.

Many of the local government councils can no longer pay their personnel and this cannot continue.’’

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

ment across council areas.

Accordıng to hım, all the Local Governments and LCDAs in the state had their peculiar needs which should be met in order to ensure their development.

“The House proposes the bill for a Law to establish the Local Government Economic Planning and Development Board in the state for our council areas to live up to their mandate.

When the bill is passed into law, it will be all inclusive. The time has come for council chairmen to stop going cap-in-hand looking for money. The situation is challenging. Many of the local government councils can no longer pay their personnel and this cannot continue.

“They must now be incorporated in such a way that they would be able to perform well. If Lagos Island is good at fish farming, then let it be. Each will now operate maximally using its economic strength,” the lawmaker explaıned.

Gıvıng the overvıew of the bıll whıch was ınıtıated by the Deputy Speaker, Hon. Wasiu Eshinolokun-Sanni, the Majority Leader of the House, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade said the law would make local government administration more dynamic.

Agunbiade said the bill when

Obasa

passed ınto law wıll make local governments in the state more independent and be able to determine the best methods to develop their various areas.

As proposed, the board will include the state governor, the commissioner for economic planning and budget, the commissioner for finance, the commissioner for local government administration and community affairs.

Others are, the 57 council chairmen; the chairman, council of traditional rulers; a representative of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN); a representative of the League of Imams and five members of the Community Development Association (CDA).

The bill gives the board the power to assess the various needs of each local government and to advise them on issues of planning development. It also gave the board power to ensure due compliance with guidelines on economic planning and development as well as encouraging local governments participation in economic activities of the state. The large number composıtıon of the board and the cost ımplıcatıon to the state however, remaıns the unresolved knotty ıssues of the proposed law among the organısers and stakeholders at the parley.

11 Politics

Lawmaker urges Nigerians to join govt in growing economy

Abıru

Alade Tasma The Chıef Whıp of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Rotımı Lateef Abıru has appealed to Nıgerıans across the land to joın hands wıth the present admınıstratıon ın the country to grow the economy

by patronızıng made-ın-Nıgerıa products. Thıs, he saıd, would help ın growıng the natıon’s economy and strengthen the naıra.

The lawmaker who was speakıng wıth journalısts at the Assembly premıses on the way forward for the Nıgerıan economy and how the natıon’s

currency could be made stronger saıd the fırst step to be taken now by Nıgerıans ırrespectıve of theır status ıs to be complıant ın Made-ın-Nıgerıa products and local servıces.

Abıru who saıd, as a lawmaker and one who enjoys the prıvıledge of been lookıng up to for dırectıon, ınterpretatıons and detaıl analysıs of government polıcıes and programmes by hıs constıtuents, he has taken ıt upon hımself to propagate at the grassroots, the use of Madein-Nigeria goods and also taking the objectives of the Buharı led administration ın encouragıng Nıgerıans to patronıze Made-ınNıgerıa products and servıces as one way of growıng the natıon’s economy for the overall benefıt of all Nıgerıans.

He therefore, urged Nıgerıans to embrace the change mantra of the APC led government ın the country by showıng more ınterest and commıtment ın localy made products and servıces being rendered by Nıgerıans, stressing that, thıs wıll ın turn help strengthen our naıra as well accelerate the growth of the country’s economy. Thıs, accordıng to hım, wıll allow government meets ıts oblıgatıons and fulfıll ıts promıses to the people.

Orji Kalu and T.A. Orji controversy deepens CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

renovated Abia House of Assembly Complex where they carry out deliberations and their ultramodern constituency offices right there at the Assembly Complex?

The Good Governance Tour team spent elaborate time at Amachara Specialist Hospital with the new blocks and new departments. The 100 bed hospitals erected in 9 LGAs had a tip of the iceberg in Amachara complemented by residence for medical interns, Chest Centre and a proposed research centre for Ebola and Malaria. This is a small unit of Abia Specialist Hospital and Diagnostic Centre equipped with dialysis machines, MRI, ophthalmological equipment and 21st century x-ray machines.

Chances are that the so-called Igwe doesn’t live in Umuahia and

may not have held the post he claimed because he displayed so much ignorance in isues of Abia state.

In Ohafia Barracks located along Ohafia Arochukwu Road, Sen. Orji while governor complemented the Federal Government’s efforts to resuscitate a barracks abandoned for over 20 years. He paved their parade ground, built a helipad at Isuikwuato and donated many vehicles for their security operations At Tom Ikoro drive, opposite the Ministry of Justice are 3 buildings specially built with military precision for the officers of the Armed forces to aid security coordination in Abia. Kidnapping which kept Abia in the news for the wrong reasons was dealt a decisive blow to the extent that other states came consulting Gov. T A Orji.

Orji

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

Military vows to sustain onslaught against militants, criminal herdsmen Continued from page 6 a Seaward Defence Boat and it is in the process of inaugurating the second one. ‘’As to militancy, we are doing the very best we can to get them even before they venture out into the creeks,’’ the CNS said.

In a similar event, the Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, has inaugurated six

communication vans which are to be deployed to the various troubled areas across the country.

Gen. Buratai, who was in Lagos to inaugurate some buildings renovated by the 81 Division, Nigerian Army, as well as address the troops as part of his maiden official visit to command, also assured that the military was leaving nothing to chance in combating armed

conflicts.

He said: “We are still pursuing the terrorists and we will continue to do that. So far so good, as the troops are doing very well.

“We are fighting the insurgents in the north east.

We are also handling militants in the Niger Delta and combating the criminal elements disguising as herdsmen.

“We will continue to op-

erate the way we have been doing. We may not be able to divulge our strategy because it is an operational issue.”

In a related development, the Police High Command has announced the arrest five suspects involved in the midnight raid on Nimbo community in Uzo-Uwani Local Government Area of Enugu State on April 25, 2016.

The attack on the Enugu left at least 20 people dead.

The Force Headquarters said in a statement on Wednesday that operatives of the police Inspector General’s Intelligence Response Team (IRT) arrested the suspects based on “credible intelligence”.

The statement signed by spokesperson, Olabisi Kolawole, said the response team arrested Mohammed Zurai, Ciroma Musa, Sale Adamu, Suleiman Laute and Haruna Laute.

Police said they also recovered one Gionee L88 mobile phone with memory card containing the video recording of the massacre in the community.

The police said the team, on May 6, 2016 also arrested a three-man syndicate of bank robbers/kidnappers and recovered arms, ammunition, dynamites and rifle

servicing tools from them.

“The gang members, Gogo Daniel Ume, Ikado Michael and Ifeanyi Kalu had been terrorising Rivers, Imo and Enugu State, respectively,” the statement said.

“Items recovered from them include 3 AK-47 rifles; 1 LAR rifle; 310 rounds of live ammunition; 12 rifle magazines; rifle servicing tools; cache of dynamite explosive; 1 Toyota Highlander Jeep; 1 Toyota Venza jeep; and 1Ford Edge Jeep.

“In continuation of the IRT anti-kidnapping operations in Kaduna State, the team on 20/05/2016 as well arrested Babangida Ibrahim; Idris Abubakar and Idris Mai Anguwa in the state for allegedly involved in kidnapping and robbery, while different calibre of weapons were also recovered from the bandits,” the statement added.

NLC faction proposes N90,000 minimum wage Continued from page 6

Chairperson, House of Representatives Committee on Foreign Affairs, Nnena Ukeje (left), with Archbishop of Abuja Diocese, John Cardinal Onaiyekan, at the 2016 Nigeria Summit on National Security, in Abuja… on Wednesday.

of the Petroleum Products Pricing and Regulatory Agency (PPPRA) had the

Looming recession: Senate summons Adeosun, Emefiele

Continued from page 6

to be the drivers of whatever resolution that the committee would reach.

“I take exception to the fact that the Inspector General will not be here to listen to these presentations where we are seeing pictures showing how people were brutally murdered; not just murdered but butchered in the most gruesome way ever seen and somebody might say, did this really happen?

“So, I would like to tell the committee chairman to do what’s necessary to compel them to come here and answer questions being raised by these people who are alleging that no single person

has been arrested in the wake of all these killings.

“For God’s sake, how can Nigerians be so maimed and traumatised and security agencies will fold their hands and watch the impunity go on without making arrest. I want to see people arrested and prosecuted, and the inspector general must be here to answer our questions”, she said.

Following the insistence by committee members that all those summoned must appear before the committee today or incur the wrath of the legislature, the chairman after a closed door session ruled that the committee “will be left with no option but to invoke relevant sections of the constitution

to compel compliance”.

Earlier, the Tiv people in Benue state, under the aegis of Mdzough U Tiv informed the House Committee that Fulani herdsmen had killed over 984 Tiv people between 2014 and 2016.

In a report co-signed by the President General of the Mdzough U Tiv, Edward Ujege and Secretary General, Azer Ukende, the body told the committee that over 29, 974 people have also been displaced across the state, with property worth over N40billion lost to the mayhem.

The President General, who said he was speaking for Tiv people all over the world by the virtue of his office, accused security agen-

cies of neglecting their duties to secure the people of Benue state.

He specifically accused the police of not arresting a single herdsman since the killings started, adding that the police and federal government had often referred to the killers as unidentified herdsmen.

From his report, Ujege said that in 2014, 142 persons were killed in Guma Local Government Area; 6, 544 persons displaced with property worth over N128 million lost, while in Gwer East, 15 people were killed, 253 displaced with over N53million destroyed.

In Gwer West, he said 168 people were killed, 4,543 displaced and property worth

over N592million lost; Katsina Ala, 20 killed, 1679 displaced, over N4billion lost; in Kwande, 3199 displaced, over N132million lost; In Logo, 54 killed, 4088 displaced, over N9billion lost, and in Makurdi, 484 killed, 3018 displaced and over N31billion lost.

Ujege further stated that in 2015 and 2016, 28 people were killed in Buruku, 6650 displaced and over N8billion was lost in two wards of Binev and Mbaya, and in four wards in Logo, 58 killed, with people displaced too and property destroyed, as well as in Tarka, where 15 people were killed and also in Ukum, where 101 were killed, 6650 displaced and over N8billion lost.

prerogative to fix the prices of petroleum products. ``Even if Organised Labour and Nigerians were able to compel the government to reduce the N145 Petrol price to N50 per litre, it would have been illegal,’’ he noted.

Ajaero, who recalled that the Board of the PPPRA had not been reconstituted for the last four years, however, called for its reconstitution within two weeks.

Also speaking, Mr Igwe Achese, President, Nigeria Union of Petroleum and Natural Gas Workers (NUPENG), stressed the need for the country to build new refineries.

He called on government to ensure that existing refineries were fixed, to enable them perform optimally and pave way to end the importation of petroleum products.

According to him, labour will ensure that the N5 trillion palliatives promised by the government are implemented, to alleviate the pains of Nigerians from the withdrawal of subsidy.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

13

News 14 Group cautions MUBIPOLY ASUP against face-off with Rector Tom Garba Yola

ÏÏÏThe Concern members of

the Federal Polytechnic Mubi Community, have called on the Academic staff Union of Polytechnic, Mubi, Adamawa State, to desist from personality conflict with the rector of the institution.

Mr. Inusa Yerima made the call in a statement signed and made available to newsmen in Yola on Wednesday.

The Concern Members of the Federal Polytechnic Mubi Community have its membership drawn from academic staff, non-academic staff, and students in the federal polytechnic, Mubi.

Yerima accused the Mohammed Kabiru-led faction of the union of converting his personal grudges against the rector to unionism.

He noted that the recent vote of no confidence passed against the administration of Dr. Sadiq Yahya, the rector of the polytechnic was a clear demonstration of ignorance and selfishness on the part of the union.

He told the union that the appointment of a rector was not in any form a union affair.

He recalled that the same group had fought past rectors and succeeded because the polytechnic community was ignorant of their antics.

Comrade Inusa insisted that the group would not sit and watch some scrupulous individuals to throw the institution into crisis for their personal interest.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

FG approves single window for port, border posts Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Government, on Wednesday, announced a single window for easy movement of goods along the Economic Community of West Africa (ECOWAS).

In a press statement from the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Honourable Chibuike Amaechi, disclosed this at the opening ceremony of the 5th Conference of Borderless Alliance held in Cotonou, Benin Republic.

According to the release, the Minister, further explained that the Federal Government approval of the Single Window is a complete computerisation of the entire Ports entrance and the nation’s border posts, noting that the system would eliminate time wasting components including check points and corruption, thereby making it easier for

people to transact their business without any hindrance.

“It makes it a lot easier for those who want to export or import to Nigeria to be able to deal with the Single Window rather than human beings. The more human beings you deal with, the more corruption you face and the more challenges you have’’, he said.

He stressed the need for the Business Community in the West Africa States to take the advantage of Nigeria economic climate and its proximity to the West African nations, and site their factories in the country, adding that Nigeria is the biggest and largest market in the West Africa sub region.

According to him, it is easier, less costly, hitch free to do business in Nigeria and you have the market, it is a right choice for business men.

Amaechi added that Nigeria would like to import food from

the other countries in the West Africa sub region rather than import outside Africa, noting that Nigeria imports more than N2billion dollars of fish annually and over N3billion dollars of chicken, arguing that while Nigeria is struggling to be self-sufficient in food production, its ready to patronise any business man within member states if he sites his factory in Nigeria.

Amaechi, who assured the Borderless Alliance of governments support, insisted that Benin Republic should encourage all member states including Nigeria to invest in her country by ensuring that her tax regime is lower and infrastructures are better than other countries, stressing that Nigeria on its part has put some measures in place to attract investors from other countries within the West African Sub Region.

L-R: Osile Oke-Ona Egba, Oba Adedapo Tejuoso; his Ooris, Omolara, Yetunde and Olabisi, during the 27th coronation anniversary of Oba Tejuoso at his Ago-Oko Palace, Sapon, Abeokuta, Ogun State… Photo: DAVID IDOWU.

Herdsmen: PDP condemns killings in Benue Freddie Adamgbe Makurdi

ÏÏÏ

The People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in Benue State has expressed concern over the spate of violent killings in the state with its attendant grave implications on the security of lives and property of citizens of the state.

The party lamented incidents of violent killings of people in the state which had been on the increase, mostly in Makurdi metropolis, where a number of commercial motorcycle operators have been killed in circum-

stances which suggest they were the victims of violent crime.

It observed that only a few days back, Mr. Denen Igbana, the Senior Special Assistant to Gov. Samuel Ortom, was shot and killed in his house by yet to be identified gunmen, and this had brought into sharp focus the seriousness of the security challenges confronting the government and people of the state.

In a statement signed by the Publicity Secretary of the party, Mr. Gbemgba Iortyom and made available to Daily Times, stated that the situation, most regret-

tably, only serves to disappoint the high expectations of the people of this state that security of lives and property in the state would at least be guaranteed as a necessary dividend of the Amnesty Programme of the Ortom government, which was pursued at great cost on taxpayers money put at an estimated over N100 million.

“As a political party and a major stakeholder in the Benue project, the PDP observes that this heightening state of insecurity, is capable of further worsening the weak state of the

economy of the state, with the attendant erosion of quality of life available to the people, and this must be condemned in the strongest possible terms” Iortyom stated.

The statement noted that while the PDP sympathise with and condole the families of Mr. Denen Igbana and other victims of these killings, as well as the people and government of Benue State, we do call on the security agencies to fish out the perpetrators of those killings and prosecute them in line with the laws of our land.

Oyeyemi, FRSC boss

FRSC commends Niger gov on road construction Saka Bolaji Minna

ÏÏÏThe Corps Marshall of

the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), Boboye Oyeyemi gave kudos to the road construction and rehabilitation scheme of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello of Niger State.

He also expressed concern that about 70 percent of drivers attached to most governor’s convoy operate with expired licences and are not well schooled in the act of driving convoy.

Oyeyemi made these known when he paid a visit to Governor Abubakar Sani Bello in Government House, Minna, in continuation of the Commission’s public sensitisation on use of standard tyres.

Represented by Kayode Olagunju, Assistant Corps Marshall/ Head Policy, Research and Statistics, Oyeyemi commended the efforts of Gov. Sani Bello in the massive construction and rehabilitation of roads network within the state, adding that these will help reduce carnage on highways, safe lives of motorists in the state.

Edo govt withdraws letter on Oba of Benin

ÏÏÏEdo State government has

withdrawn a letter earlier issued on the Oba of Benin, saying it was issued in error.

In a retraction signed by the Secretary to State Government, Prof Julius Ihonvbere, dated May 25, 2016, the government stated: “In deference to the revered age-long tradition and respect for the sensibilities of the people of the great Benin Kingdom, the Government of Edo State hereby withdraws a letter issued on 24th May 2016 entitled: “Appointment of His Royal Highness Edaiken N’Uselu, Crown Prince Eheneden Erediauwa as the Oba of Benin” “The said letter was issued in error as the rites of passage of His Royal Majesty, Omo N’Oba N’Edo Uku Akpolokpolo, Oba of Benin are still on.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

15 Opinion

Buhari Administration: One Year After

D Mike Udah

uring the 2015 electioneering campaign period, presidential candidate Muhammadu Buhari had flaunted the change mantra: he would right all wrongs wrought on Nigeria by the Goodluck Jonathan administration, he had claimed. In specific terms, he would improve power supply, provide employment for the large army of graduates and give N5, 000 to each of those unemployed; security would be adequately tackled as Boko Haram would be hounded out of existence and social infrastructure provided in good measure.

Fortunately for the APC, many Nigerians at that time wanted the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to go.

Reasons were the non-availability of petroleum products, irregular and very poor power supply, the orgy of crime and criminality with kidnapping being rife, the advent of Boko Haram and the abduction of 219 Chibok girls as well as government’s seeming incapacity to deal with the tinder box which the country had turned into.

It was, therefore, a welcome relief when Muhammadu Buhari was declared winner of the 2015 election. One year down the line, has this administration justified its existence? Has it lived

up to the people’s expectations? What type of change has the Buhari government brought to Nigerians?

On the positive front, the Buhari government realised early enough that the state governments were pauperised and could not pay salaries. As a pro-people government, it quickly embarked on a bailout policy. There is no doubt that helped in rescuing the states from bankruptcy.

On security, it is obvious that the administration has degraded, Boko Haram. In fact, the government has taken the battle to the enclave of the insurgents - to the much – dreaded, once impenetrable Sambisa Forest. The numerous internally displaced persons (IDPs) have been taken better care of even as it is not yet uhuru.

The main victims of Boko Haram are Northerners living in the North Eastern part of the country. Government’s attention and rehabilitation, expectedly, has been focused them. Thus far, those non-Northerners who died and suffered severe losses from Boko Haram attacks, that is, those from the Eastern and Western parts of Nigeria as well as others from the South-South, are unremembered. The Government should do well to support the nextof-kin of dead fellows and wounded ones. Similarly, the soldiers who have been waging these wars against the

insurgents do not seem to have been properly taken care of. The plight of the wounded is no better.

On the big issue of corruption, President Buhari through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has dragged numerous high profile persons to courts to either prove their innocence or face the wrath of the law.

This move has somehow shown that the era of unbridled corruption and impunity is over. Against the accusation of prosecuting only non-APC members, the President has shown non-partisanship by not interfering in the on-going trial of the Senate President and APC chieftain, Chief Bukola Saraki.

In the area of foreign relations, the present administration has scored high marks, what with the many useful trips made by Mr. President to the United States of America, Germany, United Arab Emirate, France, South Africa, Chad and Benin Republic. The friendly manner in which Mr. President was received by his counterparts in these countries he visited, showed that not only has the image/perception of our country improved at the international scene; in a few years, our economy will witness significant growth.

In spite of the foregoing strides, however, President Muhammadu Buhari and indeed all Nigerians have an arduous task to ensure the stability of

our country and secure the happiness of the greatest number of Nigerians.

Sadly, the state of stability, order and of happiness still eludes Nigerians today. With Boko Haram and Shiite Muslims in the North; Movement for the Actualization of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) in the East, Niger Delta Avengers, the Red Egbesu, Water Lions and Isoko Liberation Movement in the South-South, Odua Peoples Congress (OPC) in the South-West, the unity of Nigeria is only but a mere mental phenomenon.

Buahri must now show leadership by dousing the rising tension in the land. He can carefully do this by applying “diplomacy.”

He must critically sieve the advice by both his official and unofficial aides some of whom are bound, to be driven by selfish, ethnic, religious and or other considerations.

As a matter of urgency, he must fashion out a blue print and begin the implementation of it with a view to cushioning the poverty in the land.

I congratulate Mr. President on his first year in office. I know that no one who truly wants to serve will envy him.

Your Excellency, please remain focused and do not let the dream die!

Udah, a Media consultant, wrote from Lagos

Curbing Fulani Herdsmen terrorism

F Funso Ologunde

or many years, Nigeria has contended with many societal infractions, all of which relate with threats to peace and security of lives of citizens.

Most notorious has been the Boko Haram insurgency that has become a part of world – wide terrorism confronts many nations today, not even sparing nations like the United States, Britain, and France et al! The others include militancy, local militias, armed robbery, communal land conflicts, clueless assassinations, kidnappings and lately, Fulani herdsmen hostilities.

Thanks to President Muhammadu Buhari’s initiatives since the All Progressives Congress came to power in 2015, the Boko Haram embarrassment is fast becoming outdated.

On the other hand, the festering Fulani herdsmen hostility has assumed an increasing dimension.

Historically, the Fulani are a predominantly nomadic people, a culture that perfectly fits into their tradition of cattle rearing.

Since amalgamation in 1914, this culture had never brought them into conflict with their host communities, the way that we now experience it.

I recall with nostalgia how in those days, as school children we would visit the Fulani abodes to watch cows at close quarters, when being milked. We were not attacked nor did our parents

and ancestors confront them due to mutual respect.

Today, such conviviality is fast disappearing. Rather, it has been gory tales from one community to another. Numerous reports now abound of Fulani herdsmen’s invading communities, burning houses and killing defenseless Nigerians as “reprisal” for the latter’s challenge of cattle destroying crops that they had laboured to cultivate.

In the pre and early post-independence times, the herdsman would go about with only arrows and knives.

Nowadays, they carry sophisticated weapons like AK – 47 rifles and pump action guns, as well as petrol, not for defense but for assault and arson!

Where herders whose cattle destroyed farms were arrested and made to pay compensation, they soon staged reprisals by kidnapping such victims to extort multiples of fine as compensation. We have even had a case where a former Finance Minister and Secretary to the Federal Government were kidnapped.

It is a fact that numerous lives have been lost and countless houses burnt

by Fulani herdsmen. The latest of these happened at Ukpabi – Nimbo, Enugu State where about 50 people were reportedly killed on April 24, 2016.

In earlier assaults on the Agatu community in Benue State, the number of lives lost reportedly ran into hundreds.

These attacks are nothing less than terrorism, which Nigeria cannot af-

ford again. We must do everything to ensure that terrorism by herdsmen is eliminated in Nigeria.

The nation requires a double prong attack to bring further attacks under control and ultimately eliminate them.

The short – term solution is what the President has already directed, the military and the police to establish presence in all the affected communities under attack. In addition to ongoing pacification and reconciliation efforts by different arms and tiers of government.

Good as these look, they have apparent inherent weakness, because only communities that had once been attacked would qualify for protection, and mediation.

In a situation where the herdsmen act like terrorists, this approach could be both ineffective and inefficient.

Experience of Plateau State lends credence to this reservation. I do not believe we have the manpower to cope with simultaneous protection of all the Nigerian communities. Moreover, if it were true that the attackers are from outside Nigeria, efforts at mediation between presumed Nigerian Fulanis and their victims would have been wrongly directed!

The long – term, but obviously more effective and efficient approach is multi pronged.

First, which the Federal government has announced, is to establish cattle ranches, in every state of the federa-

tion. Herdsmen settlements should be built within each ranch. Nomadism should be allowed only within the confines of each ranch. Physically driving cattle in the age-old nomadic way should be banned. The practice is archaic and would accentuate interethnic disharmony.

No state particularly in the south should lose sleep over the establishment of cattle ranches. Ranching is a veritable way to achieving self-sufficiency by the country.

The additional benefits of this to the nation would be the possibility of introducing of research – based cattle feeds for faster cow growth and healthier beef.

In addition, modern city facilities like schools, recreation centres could be provided to encourage the herdsmen and families to make a living there.

Second, a programme should be established to encourage Fulani herdsmen to ease out of nomadism.

Third, it is important to mention that ranches as proposed here could, sooner than later, become additional centres of development in Nigeria.

It is hoped that other West African, nay other African nations would take a cue from these innovations because of their potentials for economic growth and peaceful co-existence.

Chief Funso Ologunde is Vice Chairman (West) All Progressives Congress, (APC), Lagos State

16

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

Features Æ s

Managing the humanitarian crisis in the Northeast Ï9Ǝô Ǝ Ƅ Ƒ ƍ Ǝ ƏƊ ƆƎ ƍƆ ƃƍƆ Ɔ Ɔ ƃƄ z ƍƉƕ z ƍ 99 é EƆéL Tiamiyu Arobani (NAN) Hundreds of countries, companies and philanthropists on Tuesday May 24th converged in Istanbul, Turkey, for the first-ever World Humanitarian Summit.

The summit which opened on Monday was widely described as an unprecedented effort aimed at revamping humanitarian aid and global responses to modernday crises besides finding practical solutions to the global humanitarian challenges.

UN Secretary-General Ban KiMoon said that the summit was convened as part of efforts to tackle what he described as ‘the worst humanitarian crisis since World War II.’ Ki-Moon said the summit must usher in new era of global solidarity, stressing that its main goal was to reaffirm the society’s commitment to humanity and humanitarian principles. ``We must not fail the people who need us, particularly when they need us most. ``First, the best way to achieve a bold and courageous change is to make sure that leaders are there to deliver it. ``History will judge us by how we use this moment,” Ban said, while urging countries to come to Istanbul and show leadership in nascent efforts to tackle the great challenges of humanitarian crisis. ``We must not let down the many millions of men, women and children in dire need,” he added.

Northeast Nigeria: a case study

Stakeholders in Nigeria say the summit seeks to, among other things, generate renewed focus on essential humanitarian commitments that are highly relevant to the people of the region affected by the Boko Haram insurgency.

The Information Officer of the UN Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs, Ms Kate Pond said, `The crisis in the Lake Chad Basin, including Niger, Nigeria, Cameroon and Chad, has continuously deteriorated over the last two years. ``Insecurity, violence by Boko Haram and counter-insurgency measures have uprooted over 2.4 million people, making it the fastest growing displacement crisis in Africa,” she said.

Pond said the conflict has dramatically exacerbated the vulnerability of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs), adding that ``in the worst-affected areas, almost half of the population – more than 9.2 million people need assistance. ``More than three million of the IDPs are affected by food insecurity,” she added.

Stakeholders, therefore, underscore the need for the participants at the summit to join forces to create a major breakthrough in efforts to assist millions displaced by Boko Haram insurgency in the northeastern part of Nigeria.

Ahead of the summit, UN Under-Secretary-General for Humanitarian Affairs and Emergency Relief Coordinator, Stephen O’Brien undertook a four-day visit to Niger and Nigeria, and after his assessment of the humanitarian situation in Northeast Nigeria, said, ``More than nine million people affect-

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The 800 million dollars pledged by the World Bank to help rebuild the Northeast was grossly inadequate, in view of the challenges that trailed the insurgency. It is in the interest of humanity to rally round Nigeria over Boko Haram. The developed world gave Turkey two billion dollars to resettle refugees from Syria. There are about two million IDPs from Borno, 20 Local Government Areas were overran by the Boko Haram insurgents and there is food crisis currently in the state — Kashim Shettima, Gov of Borno state ed by the Boko Haram-related conflict across the Lake Chad Basin – 76 per cent of whom are in Nigeria – are grappling with dire conditions. ``The dire conditions will worsen if immediate humanitarian needs are not met. Around 20,000 internally displaced persons are living in communities close by. ``Insecurity in the area means that people are unable to access humanitarian assistance, leaving them in desperate need of food, clean water, basic services and protection. ``We have to listen to them (victims of the insurgency); we must respond to what they actually need,” he said.

The UN envoy stressed: ``Our responsibility is to identify and meet with great urgency the immediate needs of saving lives and protecting civilians. ``At the same time, we need to make sure that girls and women

are protected, while young boys are not taken to camps by factions of the fighting forces. ``We must make sure that there are opportunities for education and for families to stay together. It’s not enough to deliver aid today; we must also end need tomorrow. ``To stop Boko Haram and to protect women and children, we must first recognise that de-radicalisation is an essential part of humanitarian work and part of the platform to effective development.”

Speaking on the enormity of the crisis, Gov. Kashim Shettima of Borno said the 800 million dollars pledged by the World Bank to help rebuild the Northeast was grossly inadequate, in view of the challenges that trailed the insurgency. ``It is in the interest of humanity to rally round Nigeria over Boko Haram. The developed world gave Turkey two billion

dollars to resettle refugees from Syria. ``There are about two million IDPs from Borno, 20 Local Government Areas were overran by the Boko Haram insurgents and there is food crisis currently in the state,” he said.

Shettima underscored the need to adopt a holistic approach in efforts to address the challenges confronting the Northeast, warning that without such an all-inclusive approach, any other strategy would be futile and cosmetic. ``There has to be a holistic approach because we might win the battle but to win the war needs concerted efforts from all and sundry to address some of the underlying causes,’’ he said.

As he departed for the Istanbul summit, O’Brien pledged to make a strong case for the humanitarian crisis facing Northeast Nigeria, promising that he would bring it to the attention of world leaders at the summit. ``The humanitarian crisis in the Lake Chad Basin is appalling and that is why precisely I’m here, so as to personally witness the testimonies and discuss the priorities. ``When you look at the scale of the humanitarian needs here in the Lake Chad Basin, we want to make it the focal point of attention for the world communities as they assemble in Istanbul. ``They (world leaders) will think about these issues and how we can best meet the humanitarian needs of the people in crisis. ``The Lake Chad Basin represents a very serious current issue where all the factors that CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

19

Features

CHILDREN’S DAY:

‘Story Theatre with Grandma Wura’ returns on stage

Joy Ekeke

Two months after its brilliant premier before an enthusiastic audience at The Real Place, Anifowose, Ikeja, Lagos, ‘Story Theatre with Grandma Wura’, a total theatre piece specially created for children and indeed, families, returns on stage in Lagos.

Unlike the earlier show, this Children’s Day performance is a full musical train, with the orchestra. It will hold at the National Theatre, Iganmu, Lagos on Friiday May 27.

The musical which is directed by director Israel Eboh, choreographed by Uche Onah and songs composed by multi-instrumentalist Patrick Edwards, is a #Back2myRoots project initiative by Proud African Root.

Creative Director and co-owner of Proud African Roots, Patrick Edwards, said #Back2MyRoots is an initiative specially created to raise a new generation of future leaders equipped with the right values for leadership.

“This initiative seeks to educate children and teenagers on impactful topics such as service, integrity, hard work, team-work, love, etc. for the overall development of Nigeria while sustaining and reinforcing her value system as well as her rich cultural heritage which seems to have become extinct, resulting into the high moral decadence we are witnessing in the society today.

“It is host-driven by Grandma Wura, a riveting grandmother character who engages children through storytelling, proverbs, songs and conversations on topical issues,” he said.

Eboh further said the idea is to awaken a movement of reviv-

‘‘Back2MyRoots campaign initiative uses storytelling and the arts entertainment as alternative tools for education. The initiative is designed to prepare and position society for the birth of a ‘New Nigeria’.

It strategically conveys and imparts positive values through several promotional categories while involving society in a mentoring process for nation building.’’

The play live on stage

ing our culture and value system.

“Nigeria is being portrayed outside as a country without integrity, but we know that it is not true.

The fact that we have challenges does not mean that the country does not have people with integrity.

“So, what we started doing is going to the kids – cradle – and see how we can begin to make them imbibe leadership values, using the arts as a medium to pass this message.

“On this premise we have started a movement called ‘Back2MyRoots’, taking us back to our roots where values are the utmost above materialism. Our target audience is the children; let us get to these children; let us begin to inculcate in them with good leadership skills and values.

“The peculiarity of Proud African Roots, what we do is that it is a form of art but it is skilfully done in a way we want leadership in passing these values.”

“We are a children’s-contentprovider of afro-centric ideas with world class and professionalism. Our concepts are specifically designed for today’s child and teenager. We are a pacesetter and flag bearer for African arts education for children in Nigeria and the Diaspora. We are here to create a national frame work for the purpose of the ‘New Nigeria’ dream. We take each child on a journey of self-discovery, development and expression of their indi-

vidual talents and skills.

“Back2MyRoots campaign initiative uses storytelling and the arts entertainment as alternative tools for education. The initiative is designed to prepare and position society for the birth of a ‘New Nigeria’. It strategically conveys and imparts positive values through several promotional categories while involving society in a mentoring process for nation building. It captures children’s attention and interest by innovatively spreading its tentacles across various platforms such as television, radio, theatre and school tour events.”

Explaining further, co-founder of Proud African Root, Bola Edwards said Grandma Wura is a character that Proud African Root created to push the Back2MyRoot project.

“Grandma Wura has been going from school to school; there has been a school tour which is called ‘The Assembly Time With Grandma Wura’. She goes to assemblies, and she tells the children a story titled ‘I wish I wish’, which is about a little girl who wished that she was an ant. Her dream came through but then she realized that there was a lot to ant than what she thought. And she was able to learn some values about ants, with regards to leadership.

“We believe that children can learn a lot about leadership from the ant; that is why we have the story theatre, which is something we intend to become - a culture for families, where parents can come with their children and watch a show, not just watch a show, but also let it be an experience for them; the children get to learn more things about the stories they see on stage,” she said.

It’s not enough to deliver aid today; we must also end need tomorrow – O’Brien, UN Under-Secretary-General CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

contribute to humanitarian needs are coming together at one time. ``The summit holds prospects for drawing attention to this humanitarian crisis here in the Northeast. ``It is very important that we bring this to the attention of all the world leaders and UN member states as well as the humanitarian actors who will be attending the summit,’’ he said.

O’Brien said that a special side-event of the summit would involve the launch of an appeal fund for addressing the humanitarian crisis facing the Lake Chad Basin. ``We will have Gov. Kashim Shettima there and we will have some people from agencies such

as the International Committee of the Red Cross. ``Persons, like me, who have eyewitness accounts of the humanitarian crisis will bring them to the attention of the world community because it is our priority to support humanitarian needs around the world. ``We need to expose the humanitarian crisis in Northeast Nigeria to the world’s attention; we need to do this in order to secure the resources that we require to enable us to meet the people’s needs,’’ he said.

O’Brien further said that even though the UN had made an appeal for the donation of 248 million dollars to alleviate the humanitarian crisis in the Northeast, the estimate was inadequate considering the mag-

nitude of the crisis and ought to be updated.

He however said that the request was being reviewed to 318 million dollars, as additional 70 million dollars would be required to address the food crisis in the area this year alone. ``Investing in humanitarian action now is the best way to spend to save for the future. This is the best way to invest in the people of Nigeria and to save lives and livelihoods today and tomorrow,” he said. ``The current scale up in food assistance alone requires an extra 70 million dollars and a scale up of this magnitude is impossible without more resources and more personnel, especially experienced humanitarians,” he said.

Internally-Displaced-Persons

Crime 20

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

3-yr-old boy missing in Lagos

Olapamileriayo and mother

Joy Anyim For the Eyitomilayo family, Saturday the 21st May is a date they will never forget in the nearest future. On the said date, Mrs. Olayemi Eyitomilayo had left her son, Olapamileriayo about 12 noon at No. 3, Iga-Ogun Street, in Ijanikin, Lagos for a simple thing as to dress a wound she had on her left arm at the hospital.

Upon her return four hours later, her adorable son she had left at a neighbours room had disappeared without trace.

When The Daily Times visited the family home, a face-me-I-faceyou apartment, it was gathered that the 24-years-old young mother of two, an indigene of OttoAwori in Lagos state, had lived in the said area for more than five years since she got married to Niyi Eyitomilayo.

The residence ofEyitomilayo’s family

Olayemi who seem lost in thought with swollen eyes running with tears managed to tell all she could remember that transpired that day. “It was a Saturday, after I had finished with a few house chores in the morning, I decided to go and dress an injury I had on my left arm and that was at about 12 in the afternoon.

“My husband had gone to work before I left, so I called out to my neighbour’s son to know if my son Pamileriayo was in their room, and she said yes. I was not bothered because I felt he was safe there and usually when I am going out, I often leave him at home to play with other children and still return home to meet him.

“I returned about 5p.m. and went to my neighbour’s room to carry him so as to give him something to eat but he was not there. I asked my neighbours if he was in

their respective rooms, but no one said they had seen him.

“I also went to some houses within our neighbourhood, where I felt he would have gone to play, but y he was also not there. It was at this point that it downed on me that I have lost my son. I immediately called his father to let him know what had happened.

“My husband rushed back home and we went to Ijanikin police division in company of some neighbours to report the sudden disappearance of our child, they advised to go and come back in 24 hours time if we still hadn’t found him.

“So we went round neighbouring communities of Ayetoro and Alasia with his picture but no one was said they had seen him within the area. We also went to the Palace of the Oba of Ijanikin and the Palace of the Oloto of Otto

land and the two kings told us to drop our numbers that if the child was found, they would contact us.

“The next day which was on Sunday, we went back to the police division and they took our statement and asked for the picture of my son which we gave them. They assured us they would do everything possible to find him but till date, he is yet to be found.”

Of the missing child, Olayemi said “my son is a very sweet and quiet child who is not troublesome; he is not the type that plays with strangers, and that is why I am even surprised at the fact that he was taken away without unnoticed. He would never go to a stranger.

“I really miss him. The worst is even when I see his school bag, clothes and toys, or even his classmates going to school, it makes my heart ache the more. I miss

him coming to call me whenever he wants to buy something to eat.

We have even been to prayer houses just to make sure we find him.

“He is my first son although my second child. His elder sister has been living with my mother, while he has been with me. I am so fond of Pamileriayo and I sincerely want the government especially the police to help me find my child. My son must not be allowed to just go like that, they should please help find my son.”

Father of the boy, Niyi was as troubled as his wife. “I had gone to work when this whole thing happened. I am very surprised as I have never experienced something like this before,” was all he could say.

The police however said all hands are on deck to help find the little boy who is a pupil of Covenant of God Schools in Ijanikin.

RRS saves mother, baby in Lagos Oguntade Ismaila

Operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) last week prevented a mother of four from jumping into the Lagoon with a 12 – month old baby in a suicide bid.

The lady, Halimat Adegoke (not her real name), 27, was restrained by two RRS riders from plunging into the Lagoon from the top of the Third Mainland Bridge.

A cab driver had drawn the

attention of the RRS riders on routine patrol of the area to Halimat, who was carrying a 12-month-old baby at about 5p.m. when the incident occurred.

Upon interrogation at the RRS HQ, Halimat told the officers that she trekked from Medina Estate in Gbagada to the Third Mainland Bridge.

She said that she heard a voice calling out her name and instructing her to come to the Third Mainland Bridge.

She pointed out that she decided to hearken to the call because the voice was consistent and compelling.

Halimat, a University of Lagos drop out, told RRS interrogators that before the incidence, she had issues with her husband before relocating to her parent’s house in Gbagada, Lagos.

The lady along with her baby has been released to her relatives this morning.

Mother and baby are reported to be stable now and doing well.

Halimat Adegoke with baby reunited with husband

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

21

News 22

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

UK, Australia deport 40 Nigerians Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÎÎÎFor the second time in a month, the United Kingdom and Australia, on Wednesday, jointly deported about 40 Nigerians for various immigration offences.

The deportees comprising male and female arrived

at the hajj camp area of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, in Lagos, at 7:25am on chartered aircraft.

It was gathered that chartered aircraft with the registration number ZTA -4741 repatriated into the country 36 Nigerians comprising 29 males and seven females.

Also, Air Seychelles with

the registration number SND1 brought four males into the country for similar immigration offences.

Apart from Nigerians deported by the two countries, some citizens of other African countries especially from Ghana, Liberia and Egypt, were equally deported.

The returnees were re-

ceived by various agencies such as Immigration that checked their identities to ascertain their nationalities, Police, National Agency for Protection and Trafficking in Persons, NAPTIP, and other relevant stakeholders.

A source close to the terminal, but who preferred anonymity, told our corre-

ISRAEL JOSHUA UDOCHUKWU

ADEKANBI DAISY MUYIWA

RAPHEAL IFEYINWA PROSPER

OKON SATURDAY I, OKON SATURDAY, AND BENARD SATURDAY AKPAN, refer to one and same person but now wish to be known and addressed as, OKON SATURDAY. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

MRS VIVIAN AMUCHE EKEIGWE

I, Formerly known and addressed as MISS VIVIAN AMUCHE CHIEDOZIE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS VIVIAN AMUCHE EKEIGWE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, UGWU JOSHUA UDOCHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as, ISRAEL JOSHUA UDOCHUKWU . All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

SAMUEL VICTOR JOHNSON I, formerly known and addressed as, OTOBONG VICTOR JOHNSON, now wish to be known and addressed as, SAMUEL VICTOR JOHNSON. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

THE HOLY COVENANT ORDER OF CHERUBIM AND SERAPHIM CHURCH, ILOROMU, ILE-IFE The general public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has Applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. SUPT. APOSTLE PROPHET ALUKO JULIUS ABIODUN 2. APOSTLE IJIDELE EBENEZER SEGUN 3. PASTOR ALUKO EMMANUEL SEYI 4. REV. MOTHER ALUKO OLAYEMI 5. SENIOR MOTHER IN ISREAL IDOWU FELICIA AIMS: 1. To promote and propagate the teaching of Christianity.

2. To praise and worship God in accordance with holy Bible.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days fromthe date of this publication.

Signed: TRUSTEES.

CHRISTIAN MEDICAL AND DENTAL ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION: This is to notify the general public that the above-named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for amendment of constitution under the Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Laws of the Federation 2004.

AMENDED SECTIONS: 1. Preamble, all Parts and Clauses of the Constitution are expunged and replaced by new provisions.

2. Constitution amended in line with current standard.

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

Signed: Trustees

I, formerly known and addressed as, ADEKANBI OLUWADAISI MUYIWA, now wish to be known and addressed as, ADEKANBI DAISY MUYIWA. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, RAPHEAL IFEYINWA ABUNDANT, now wish to be known and addressed as, RAPHEAL IFEYINWA PROSPER. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

MISS EMENIKE GRACE CHINWE

OKUPE ADEOLA MUSLIMAH

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS AGBACHI GRACE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MISS EMENIKE GRACE CHINWE . All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, GIWA ADEOLA MUSLIMAH, now wish to be known and addressed as, OKUPE ADEOLA MUSLIMAH . All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

JOSEPH .O. COMFORT

ALHAJA AMINAT KIKELOMO LAWAL.

I, formerly known and addressed as, OYEBISI ADENIKE HAPPINESS, now wish to be known and addressed as, JOSEPH .O. COMFORT. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, OTULANA MRS MORENIKE OLUWAKEMI, now wish to be known and addressed as, ALHAJA AMINAT KIKELOMO LAWAL.. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

UDEH NKECHIYERE RITA

COMFORT ABEL OBOT

I, UDEH NKECHIYERE RITA, AND UDEH IFEOMA RITA, refer to one and same person but, now wish to be known and addressed as, UDEH NKECHIYERE RITA. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

ALI SIMON I, formerly known and addressed as, ALI SAMSON, now wish to be known and addressed as, ALI SIMON. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

SAMUEL OLUWATOYIN OLUWABIMPE

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OGUNLOWO OLUWATOYIN OLUWABIMPE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SAMUEL OLUWATOYIN OLUWABIMPE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

spondents that some of the deportees were violent when officers of the Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS) attached to the international wing of the airport attempted to collect their fingerprints for data purpose.

The source maintained that others who did not kick against the fingerprinting were swiftly attended to by the officers and were allowed to leave the airport after the completion of their documentations.

Some of them waited for any available means to get out of the airport without attract-

ing much attention to themselves while others talked in trickles.

The deportees it was gathered were returned from their host countries for overstaying their visas and other immigration offences.

Public Relations Officer, NIS, Mr. Ekpedeme King confirmed the deportation with our correspondent on phone, but could not give much details.

He said that the service was still awaiting more information from its Lagos office as at the time of filing in this report.

OYENIYI OLASANMI JOHN

MRS ONYEJIAKA IJEOMA MERCY

I, formerly known and addressed as, AKEREKAN OLASANMI JOHN, now wish to be known and addressed as, OYENIYI OLASANMI JOHN. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

JOSEPH IDOGHO I, formerly known and addressed as, SUNDAY JOSEPH MOSES, now wish to be known and addressed as, JOSEPH IDOGHO. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

ELISHA EDET

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS NWAFOR IJEOMA JENNIFER, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS ONYEJIAKA IJEOMA MERCY . All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

JOSEPHINE OMONIGHO USIGBE I, formerly known and addressed as, JOSEPHINE OMONIGHO EIMUHI, now wish to be known and addressed as, JOSEPHINE OMONIGHO USIGBE.. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

IYORE ASUEN

I, formerly known and addressed as, CHARITY ABEL OBOT, now wish to be known and addressed as, COMFORT ABEL OBOT. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, EDET LUCKY USOROH, now wish to be known and addressed as, ELISHA EDET. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, EVELYN ASUEN, now wish to be known and addressed as, IYORE ASUEN. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

MRS. SANDRA NYEGONUM AMADI

SALAMI BABATUNDE HAKEEM

ADAM OTITE FAITH OBERHIRI

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. SANDRA WEHERE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. SANDRA NYEGONUM AMADI. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known as SALAMI BABATUNDE. Wish to be known and addressed as SALAMI BABATUNDE HAKEEM. All former document remain valid, general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, ADAM OTITE OBERHIRI, now wish to be known and addressed as, ADAM OTITE FAITH OBERHIRI. All former documents remains valid. Firstbank And General Public Please Take Note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

IYERE JUSTICE

I ABIODUN ADEGBOLA ABAYOMI Is the same person as ABIODUN ADEGBOLA ABAYOMI OGBOMOLA. That all documents/credentials bearing all these names remains valid.

General public please take note.

It is hereby confirmed that NWORIE AUGUSTINA NONYE is the same person as NWORIE NONYE EPHRAIM. All fomer documents remain valid. Banks , Institutions and The General public should take note

I formerly known and addressed as IYERE OBES now wish to be known and addressed as IYERE JUSTICE .

All former documents remain valid. General public to take note

FREEBONDEL GLOBAL FOUNDATION

CHRIST REALM OF GRACE AND GLORY CHURCH

GOD OF MANGER CHURCH.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has Applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

This Is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the corporate Affairs commission for registration under part’ C’ of the companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990 .

The general public is hereby notified that the above named CLUB has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under “Part C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Francis Oko-oboh Omon - President .

2. Oko-oboh Blessing Okaka.

3.Aniekwensi Michael Amaechi 4. Kunle fredrick Ebunola.

The Trustees Are : 1.Apostle. Samuel Bassey Udo , 2.Evang. Mary Samuel Bassey, 3.Rev Uwem Etim, 4. Evang. Christopher Anthony Etim, 5.Pastor. Emmanson Sunday Ette-fia

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Dan Obinegbo (Chairman/CEO) 2. Dr. Ahamefuna Agomou 3. Mrs. Ifeoma Obinegbo 4. Dr. Ifeanyi Umeh (Secretary) AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To fight against social and traditional beliefs/systems that put people in bondage like the Osu system.

2. To promote governments’ interventions in fighting such traditional belief and system.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES; 1. To liberate people from sin and satan and prepare them for heaven.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days fromthe date of this publication.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication

Signed: TRUSTEES.

SIGNED : PRESIDENT.

Aims And Objectives: To preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama, and Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed CHAIRMAN

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

23 News

Ekiti TUC chair slams Fayose over unpaid salary Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÎÎÎAs workers in Ekiti State

begin their strike today over their five months’ unpaid salaries and last year December deductions, the court-validated Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), in the state, Mr. Kolawole Olaiya, criticised Governor Ayo Fayose, saying “it is quite unfortunate that Ekiti workers could be going through this present situation despite their supports for Fayose.”

Olaiya, who condemned Fayose for what he described as insensitivity on his part to the plight of the workers, pointed out that “the Governor brought Ekiti workers to the present situation as result of his wasteful spending”.

Olaiya pointed out that Fayose’s inability to pay workers’ salaries could not be justified when his administration was spending billions of naira to

construct a flyover in Ado Ekiti and said that the shortfall of allocation from the Federation Account was not enough an excuse not to pay workers.

He told journalists in AdoEkiti, the state capital, on Wednesday, that the Fayose administration was owing workers five months’ salaries and that it was an indication that “Ekiti has become a failed state”, for failing to perform the basic function of paying its employees.

Olaiya’s chairmanship of Ekiti TUC was affirmed by a judgment delivered by the Nigeria Industrial Court, Akure Division, in October 2013, which ruled that his tenure expired in October 2016.

The TUC Chairman, who also expressed regrets that retirees, who were being owed about six months arrears of pensions were dying at home for non-payment of their benefits, declared that unless the state government acceded to

Gov. Fayose the demands of labour by midnight of Wednesday, an industrial action would commence on Thursday.

Olaiya said: “Every government is created for the security and welfare of the people

and it is criminal for any government not to pay its workers’ salaries, as it is in Ekiti State.

“In a situation where a government cannot pay for five months, such a government

is a failed government. All the indices on display in Ekiti, presently, show that it has become a failed state.

“We don’t expect Governor Fayose to be treating workers like this; he should not compensate them with suffering and non-payment of their salaries after they voted him to power and welcomed him to office amidst singing and dancing.

“His own is a failed state.

The governor is not doing anything to improve upon the welfare of the people. Look at the flyover being constructed, that is not the priority of our people.

“The workers have resolved not to go to work again because they don’t have the money to feed and transport themselves to their offices. The situation is so bad and what I am saying can be verified by anybody.”

He said that despite “The huge money made from internally generated revenue (IGR), taxes and levies, he cannot account for the IGR. When Fayemi was there, the IGR was N300 million and the monthly wage bill was N2.2 billion.

“But Fayose is now saying that his own monthly wage is N2.6 billion and he is not paying monthly stipends to the aged.

Alternate your tyres in six months, FRSC advises drivers Jacob Ogodo Abakaliki

ÎÎÎDrivers

in the country have been advised to alternate their vehicle tyres every six months in the horizontal form, to ensure that they were regulated.

The Secretary to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Corps, Mr, Joseph Falana, gave the advice, in Abakaliki, during the Ebonyi Sector Command’s Tyre Safety Campaign.

Falana, who represented Mr. Osita Chidoka, FRSC Corps Marshal, at the occasion, said that alternating the tyres involved the front and rear tyres.

“This would ensure the smooth movement of vehicles, as the drivers should fix the front tyre of the driver’s side at the passenger’s position at the back side, while fixing the front tyre of the passenger’s side at the driver’s side of the back side.

He noted that the enlightenment covered stakeholders in the tyre Management, who inlcuded drivers, vulcanisers, dealers among other stakeholders.

Ebonyi State Sector Commander of the Corps, Mr Charlse Aborchi, advised drivers not to be deceived by the packaging of tyres, but insist on the tyres’ information before buying them.

Man defiles 13-yr-old girl Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÎÎÎAn

Ile-Ife Magistrate Court has remanded one accused person, Erioluwa Olanrewaju, 24, for illicit affairs with one Kudirat Akintide,13.

The Police Prosecutor, Sgt Sunday Osanyintuyi told the court that the accused committed the offence on May 19, 2015 at Omilode Compound Ifetedo, in Ife South Local Government of Osun.

Osanyintuyi said that the accused forcefully had carnal knowledge of Kudirat Akintide.

He added that the offence

was contrary to and punishable under Section 221 (1) of the Criminal Code Cap 34 Vol 11, Laws of Osun, 2003.

The Presiding Magistrate Dorcas Ajiboye did not take the plea of the accused, but remanded him in prison custody.

Ajiboye blamed Kudirat’s parent for their negligence in caring for their daughter, saying their lackadaisical attitude lured the girl into that circumstance.

She promised to transfer the case to welfare home, where the state government would take proper care of the girl to have brighter future.

L-R: President and Chairman-in-Council, Nigerian Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), Mr. Rotimi Oladele; Cross River State Commissioner for Information and Orientation, Mrs. Rosemary Effion Archibong; Director, Public Communications, Dangote Group, Mr. Tony Chiejina, representing the President of Dangote Group and the President, African Public Relations Association (APRA), Mr. Peter Mutie, during the APRA Calabar International Conference Centre,… on Wednesday.

Fuel price hike: Edo DPR goes tough on errant filling stations Titus Akhigbe, Benin

ÎÎÎOperators of

petrol filling stations in Edo State have been given two weeks ultimatum to regularise and renew their operating licenses or face severe measures.

The Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) said

that failure to carry out this directive by any of the operators would result in their facing the full weight of the law.

The state Head of DPR, Mr. Maynard Oriafo, who disclose this to newsmen, said that the new directive was aimed at ensuring that retail outlets conformed to rules, and that anyone who violated

it would be deemed to be carrying out illegal activities.

Oriafo led some officials of the agency to some filling stations in Benin-City.

In the course of the monitoring operation, a filling station, Petom Oil and Gas, situated on Benin-Lagos Expressway, was sealed up.

He said the tour was in fur-

therance of compliance with the new federal government directive that fuel be sold at N135 to N145 per liter.

According to him, “Any offender, who violate the official pump price will have his station sealed, license suspended, while repeated offenders will have theirs revoked.”

Omoworare hails Osun residents for resilience during hardship Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÎÎÎThe

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Rules and Business and the Senator representing Osun East, Senator Babajide Omoworare, has commended residents of Osun State for standing by Governor Rauf

Aregbesola, during the period of hardship.

In his goodwill message to congratulate the Governor who recently attained the age of 59, Omoworare encouraged the Governor to keep his faith in God and to work hard to impact positively on the people regardless of the present challeng-

es facing the state and the rest of the country.

Omoworare said, “The people and workers of Osun must be commended for standing by Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola and our party the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the face of excruciating economic challenges and the relent-

less efforts of the President Buhari- led Federal Government of the APC to ameliorate the situation.”

He described the situation as a phase that would soon pass and end in a stronger economy, restored value, dignity, prosperity and better living standard for all.

News 24 Edo 2016: NASS APC caucus presents nomination form to Obaseki Titus Akhigbe Benin

ÎÎÎThe

governorship aspirant of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, on Wednesday, received the party’s nomination and expression of interest form purchased for him by the state APC caucus at the National Assembly and market women, appealing to his coaspirants to see the contest as a brotherly one and not war.

Presenting the form to Obaseki before a crowd at his campaign office, the leader of the Edo State APC caucus in the National Assembly, Senator Francis Alimekhena, said that they decided to purchase the form for Obaseki because “we believe he is the right one who will fit into the shoes of Governor Adams Oshiomhole”.

According to him, “ On behalf of APC caucus at the National Assembly, market women, youths, we believe in Obaseki, because he has the capacity to manage the resources. He is the only person that can take over from Oshiomhole. That is why we all resolved that he is the one that has the wherewithal to lead us. I am presenting the form to him so that he will match to Osadebey Avenue.

Obaseki is the one we have chosen to represent APC come September 10 governrship election”.

Obaseki said: “I thank our members at the National Assembly and everybody who has contributed in purchasing this form for me to contest the gubernatorial election in Edo State. I thank former chairmen, market women and the Obaseki family for their contribution. I want to assure you that I will not disappoint you.

“I want to assure you that I will continue the good work Oshiomhole has started, by the time we finish in eight years’ time, Edo State will not be the same again. I have accepted the form and I want to assure you that by the grace of God I will be your candidate come June 18. I want to appeal to my co- aspirants in this race that we are in a contest, we are all trying to serve Edo State.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

Court refuses Metuh’s permission for medical trip abroad Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja has dismissed the application filed by Chief Olisa Metuh seeking permission to travel to United Kingdom for medical treatment.

Trial Judge, Justice Okon Abang on Wednesday ruled that the court which admitted Metuh to bail early this year lacks jurisdiction to allow the defendant travel because of the defendant travelling documents that are in custody.

He said Metuh’s appli-

cation which was argued on Monday by his lead Defence Counsel, Onyechi Ikpeazu (SAN), lacks merit.

Chief Olisa Metuh, the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and his company, Destra Investment Limited, are facing trial for accepting N400 million that form part of Col. Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (rtd), former National Security Adviser (NSA)’s 2.1 billion dollars arms purchase scam.

The defendant, who had earlier pleaded not guilty to the charges, last

week applied to the court to grant him five weeks leave to travel abroad for medical treatment citing deteriorating health conditions after he called five witnesses who testified in his defence.

In refusing the application, Justice Abang said that the court lacks jurisdiction to reverse itself of an earlier order directing the defendant to keep his international passport with the chief registrar of the high court.

“This is not a case of sympathy, but a case of law.

This court has no jurisdic-

tion to entertain this application,” he said.

“The court is not Father Christmas to give to the defendant what it did not ask for.”

He said that since the court order has not been set aside, the court cannot grant the defendant’s request.

The judge also observed that the applicant’s medical report which were in evidence bears no significant legal weight as it was not certified.

“The application lacks merit. It is accordingly dismissed,” he ruled.

Achebe

Ex-Gov wants Nigerian leaders to emulate Achebe Moses Oyediran Enugu

ÎÎÎFormer

Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi, has urged leaders in the country to emulate the enviable qualities of late Chinue Achebe, the literary giant, in order to move the country forward.

He made the remark, in Nsukka on Wednesday, during the biennial memorial lecture organised by Faculty of Art, University of Nigeria, Nsukka tilled: “In the Service Arts, in the Service of Culture and Nation”, to honour Achebe .

He said that it was as a result of Achebe’s honesty and patriotism that made him to reject appointments offered him as he believed leaders in the country had not done enough to eradicate poverty as millions of Nigerians were still wallowing in abject poverty.

FCT Minister sacks AEPB mgt staff Id Jude Abuja L-R: Members, Lagos State House of Assembly Committee on Local Government and Community Affairs, Oluyinka Ogundimu; his counterparts Alimi Kazeem and Oluwa Fatai; Executive Secretary, Amuwo-Odofin Local Government, Deaconess Modupe Ajibola-Ojodu and Managing Director, Western Concrete Ltd, Mr. Folorunsho Ola, during an inspection of ongoing road construction of Olujobi Street, AdoSoba, Amuwo Odofin in Lagos state… on Wednesday.

Jos dry port’ll employ over 1,000 youths, says Shippers’ Council Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÎÎÎThe

Executive Secretary, Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Mr Hassan Bello, has said that the Jos Dry Port was targeted at employing over 1,000 Nigerians, which would boost the economy of Plateau State and the North Central when completed.

He made the disclosure on Wednesday in Jos when he paid a courtesy call on Governor Simon Lalong.

According to him, the dry port, also known as

Inland Container Deport (ICD), would be to international level with all the facilities of a standard port.

He said that Nigeria was going through a difficult phase that needed a very important decision to revitalise her economy, pointing out that the port would contribute significantly.

Bello explained that the port would directly employ 1,000 persons, while 2,000 would engaged indirectly.

“The port has the status of Port Harcourt and it is

unique in that it can be accessed by road, rail and is near an airport.

“It would be made an export- free zone and that means that products can be exported from Jos. There would be a custom office at the port and excise duty will be paid here in Jos,” he said.

He commended the state government for promptly addressing some of the issues that inhibited the completion of ICD that during former President Olusegun Obasanjo tenure.

He charged Duncan Nigerian Limited, the concessionaire to step up efforts to complete the depot.

Meanwhile, Lalong has directed all the stakeholders responsible to step up efforts because of the obvious benefits.

“I have seen the advantages and I want to assure you that we’ll give you the maximum support to succeed,” he said.

Lalong said that he had met with Minister of Transport, Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, to lend his support for the project.

ÎÎÎThe

Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has set up a financial recovery committee to probe the contracts awarded by the former Baba Shehu Lawanled Abuja Environmental Protection Board (AEPB), who has been replaced by his assistant, Mrs. Oluwatoyin Omolla Olanipekun.

In a press statement issued by the Chief Secretary, Sule Hazat Mohammed, the Minister has also approved the immediate removal of all Heads of Department, as well as Heads of Unit under the Board and directed their deputies to immediately take charge.

Bello directed the Director of the FCT Establishment and Training, who was also a part of the meeting, to issue the new appointees with their appointment letters.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

25 Opinion

Light Up Nigeria ÏÏÏ

Two days ago in Zambia, our amiable vice president, Yemi Osinbajo, hit the nail on the head: he spoke as I expect African leaders and elite to speak and think: “we must be sensitive, principally, to the development of our own people to avoid their falling further into the looming spiral of poverty and extinction.

We cannot ignore those resources under our soil, notably coal, for firing power plant that would generate our desperately needed electricity. Yes, we are sensitive to global warming, which might be further exacerbated by continued fossil fuel use.

However, in the absence of workable alternatives, we must rely on these fossil fuels in our soil to improve the lot of our people and avoid the loss of hundreds of thousands of lives yearly in Africa, particularly Nigeria”.

Osinbajo was of course speaking to two things at the same time. One, which he emphasized, is the need for the world to understand that as things are presently, our survival as African people depends on our ability to ensure

sustainable development.

Tied to this is the fact that power, electricity, is probably the most critical element of this desperately needed development. Over and above these two is the link between power for development and development itself. It is the fact that development is in increments. When we have electric power, industry will kick off.

Large scale industries and small and medium scale industries. These would be followed by other smaller scale businesses capable of leveraging those direct manufacturing industries.

But even those follow up or fallout businesses would need power to survive. The same applies to small and medium scale businesses and professions such artisans and service providers. As things stand, everyone’s business, at all levels, is greatly challenged, if the business has not already closed down due to lack of electric power.

But where are these fossil fuels and how can we ensure that they are annexed effectively for FastTrack national development? The two

principal fossil fuels available in Nigeria are coal and petroleum.

According to the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission, Nigerian coal is one of the most bituminous in the world owing to its low sulphur and ash content as well as its environmental friendliness. There are nearly 3 billion tonnes of indicated reserves in 17 identified coalfields and over 600 million tonnes of proven reserves. In short, there is an abundant coal deposit in the country to power the coal-power plants that can contribute up to 30 per cent to the nation’s power generation by year 2020. You would recall that we had reported in this column previously that one of the coal-rich areas is the Okaba district of Ankpa LGA, which alone holds reserves of 99 million tonnes of coal. As things stand, Kogi state alone has enough deposits of coal to supply all of Nigeria with electricity for 400 years. We cannot ignore that. We cannot not exploit that for electricity.

As for petroleum, Nairaland reports as follows: Akwa-Ibom ranks as the top crude oil producing states in Nigeria with production going on in up to 8 different local government Areas in the state. Rivers state is a major oil producing states in the country with two refineries in Port Harcourt and large crude oil reserve.

Delta ranks third in the list of oil producing states in Nigeria. Bayelsa is the state where crude oil was first

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discovered in commercial quantity in Nigeria. Other petroleum producing states are Cross River, Imo, Abia, Anambra, Ondo States and now Lagos all produce petroleum oil in commercial quantity. This is of course in addition to natural gas, either existing alone or in association with petroleum oil.

The question is how can we begin to convert these energy potentials to electric power? We ask this question in view of the fact that efforts to harness them for electricity in the past, including recently due largely to pipeline vandalism, has been largely unsuccessful. We therefore need a paradigm shift in the management of these resources in order to appropriately and sufficiently make them available to power our lives and industries through adequate electricity generation towards achieving sustainable development.

At the risk of sounding like an old broken record, let me reiterate that if we do not restore into the constitution of Nigeria those sections of the 1960 Constitution, which guarantee fiscal federalism, we might continue go round in circles economically. The relevant constitutional provisions that need to be reinserted into the Nigerian constitution from the original 1960 Constitution are as follows: “Mining royalties and rents 134. (1) There shall be paid by the Federation to

each Region a sum equal to fifty per cent. of(a) the proceeds of any royalty received by the Federation in respect of any minerals extracted in that Region; and (b) any mining rents derived by the Federation during that year from within that Region.

(2) The Federation shall credit to the Distributable Pool Account a sum equal to thirty per cent. (a) the proceeds of any royalty received by the Federation in respect of minerals extracted in any Region; and (b) any mining rents derived by the Federation from within any Region.

(3) For the purposes of this section the proceeds of a royalty shall be the amount remaining from the receipts of that royalty after any refunds or other repayments relating to those receipts have been deducted therefrom or allowed for.

(4) Parliament may prescribe the periods in relation to which the proceeds of any royalty or mining rents shall be calculated for purposes of this section.

(5) In this section “minerals” includes mineral oil.

(6) For the purposes of this section the continental shelf of a Region shall be deemed to be part of that Region.”

Note that it was the 30% allocated to the distributable pool account that was shared with other regions (states) not producing the relevant minerals and

petroleum. This meant the federal government only kept 20%. There was development in the 1960s backed by that fiscal federalism as enshrined in the 1960 Constitution.

The current constitution of Nigeria, that of 1999, allows the state to generate electricity. We should go further to empower them to control the raw materials for generating electricity – coal, petroleum oil and natural gas. As things stand, only the federal government controls minerals and mineral oils by virtue of section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution as well as the Petroleum Act and the Minerals Act. This scenario is unhealthy. The moment the states take charge of the minerals and mineral oils in their territory, resources will not only be available for power generation; these resources would also be freed for all round development. Abuja is too far to reasonably and strategically/profitably manage the resources in the states. Only the governments on ground, led by state governors, can effectively manage the resources in their state, including coal, petroleum oil and natural gas. The federal government should only be interested in taxes from the exploration and exploitation of these resources.

May the current leadership of Nigeria at state and federal level have the courage and the wisdom to take the right steps towards economic development.

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26

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

Health Æ s

2 million women, girls suffer obstetric fistula Lara Adejoro

Someone suffering from obstetric fistula in the hospital

Ebola: Report shows how mobile wallets saved lives, money Lara Adejoro Mobile phones serving as digital wallets for payments to response workers proved an invaluable tool in Sierra Leone’s response to the Ebola crisis, according to a new study from the United Nations-based Better Than Cash Alliance.

With economic instability, natural disasters and political conflict now taking place at unprecedented rates, the new research offers valuable lessons on how to harness the power of technology to help emergency workers reach more people by paying them digitally during crises.

The country has been Ebola free since January.

The study shows digital payments delivered compelling results in Sierra Leone, including: Cost savings of US $10.7 million for the government, taxpayers, development partners and response workers – the equivalent of funding Sierra Leone’s Free Health Care Program catering for 1.4 million children and 250,000 pregnant women annually; reducing payment times from over one month on average for cash to one week; preventing the loss of around 800 working days per month from the Ebola response workforce, helping save lives during this critical

Continued on page 27

As the world commemorate this year’s International Day to End Obstetric Fistula with the theme: ‘End fistula within a generation’, the United Nations has called for the need to accelerate efforts towards ending the condition.

Executive Director of the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA), Dr Babatunde Osotimehin said ending fistula remains one of our highest pri-

orities for the UN. Globally, two million poor and marginalized women and girls suffer from Obstetric Fistula, a preventable and treatable condition as a result of hole or tear between the birth canal and the rectum or bladder that results in chronic incontinence and dangerous infections. It afflicts those who do not have access to good quality maternal health care.

Also, added to the pain and suffering is the stigma and dis-

crimination that surrounds Obstetric Fistula in many communities around the world because it is almost entirely a condition of the poorest, most vulnerable and most marginalized women and girls. Sufferers of this condition often live with it for years because they cannot afford to get treatment.

Osotimehin said, “the global Campaign to End Fistula, launched in 2003 by UNFPA and partners, has made significant

Continued on page 27

Health insurance for all is key – NMA President

Professor Mike O. Ogirima is the newly elected President of the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), President Nigerian Orthopaedic Association and an expert in Orthopaedic and Trauma Surgery at the Ahmadu Bello University Teaching Hospital, (ABUTH), Zaria. In this interview with LARA ADEJORO, he says there is need for a deliberate health intervention policy, government-driven health insurance scheme, among others.

As the new president of NMA, What would you do differently to give a facelift to the Association?

Our agenda for NMA is to reduce the disharmony between various professionals and between many groups of Doctors in the health sector. To protect the most vulnerable among Doctors.

These are: the House officers, the residents, the state and local government doctors and the doctors in private sectors. We would pursue the welfare of every doctor in a just, fair and equitable manner.

We would fend for every group and affiliates within the NMA and by so doing, the affiliates within NMA would develop trust in the NMA leadership and would naturally surrender their agitations to NMA to pursue. We need to lunch a programme of welfare package that will benefit all. Doctors must love themselves-this is the Oath.

Confidence will gradually return.

Strong advocacy on promoting Public–Private Partnership (PPP) and competition by the private medical practitioners. We shall advocate for single digit interest rates for medical industry and encourage multi-specialty hospital complexes-Mega Hospitals. I will bring in a lot of innovations with experience and maturity. The Secretariat of NMA shall be functional 24/7. Diplomacy shall be the

Prof. Ogirima guiding principle. Welfare of my colleagues shall be paramount, our pact with government shall be robust so that the populace shall once again enjoy holistically professional service at its best.

There is this issue of brain drain in the medical profession, what are the causes and

what can be done to avert it?

Poor working environment, lack of job satisfaction. Strong advocacy on provision of appropriate equipment and sound maintenance culture of the equipment.

Adequate remuneration of all professionals in medical industry and ensuring strict adherence to

good work schedules and ethics.

Nigeria loose a huge amount of money to medical tourism, can we possibly make the country a tourist centre medically for other countries?

Many factors are responsible.

These include the poor working condition (paucity of equipment and facilities), corruption within the government circles, and lack of awareness/illiteracy of the populace as well as attitude of the elite class. In most countries where health is very well developed, there is a more private sector participation than government and the possible cost burden of this on the populace is on the other hand cushioned by functional well packaged health insurance schemes. We believe there is need for a deliberate health intervention policy but not limited to low interest credit facility for health industries, import duty waivers for health care equipment, special tax regimes on tobacco, alcohol, GSM calls etc dedicated to improving public health facilities and PPP. PPP will promote healthy competition by the private medical practitioners.

This will lead to the emergence of Mega hospitals that can compete positively with the foreign hospitals. In order to cushion the effect that this might have on health

Continued on page 27

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

27 Health

‘Health insurance for all is key’

Continued from page 26

access and pricing for Nigerians, government driven- health insurance scheme that is compulsory for every Nigerians and that will cover most of the health needs is key. NMA under my leadership is raising a strong advocacy team for both purposes. We shall also re-orientate Nigerians attitude towards indigenous health care service professionals and facilities.

In as much as we now advocate patronage of local goods, we also need such campaigns in the area of health care. Perhaps an annual health/hospitals exhibition may be helpful to showcase the range of care that can be achieved in the country and NMA is championing the course. We will also strengthen our clinical governance system that will guarantee quality assurance, clinical and strategic effectiveness and patient involvement in healthcare decision-making.

The government is already doing a lot on corruption and NMA under my leadership shall collaborate with the government on this.

The NMA under our collective leadership shall be a watchdog on the judicious use of resources in our hospitals and Ministries of Health. This we intend to do by independently monitoring the use of the resources allocated to each of the teaching hospitals and the ministries. We shall setup an internal mechanism within the NMA to investigate and call to other any chief executive that is found wanting.

Ironically, India has the highest number of maternal mortality in the world yet Nigerians keep going there for medical treatment. What is it about India and what are we getting wrong?

India has the highest population on planet earth. We expect them to have high indices both in positive and negative trends. Indians are focused, plan strategically, have good leadership, have moved to be a developed economy, and are patriotic. Nigerians attitude to government is not right. We need to be patriotic and be ready

Prof. Ogirima to sacrifice. We need to change our attitude through rigorous national orientation programme.

How much would Nigeria be saving if we put an end to medical tourism May be about 2billion dollars annually.

On the budget for the health sector. Whats your take on it?

The budget presented by the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria to the National As-

sembly allocated N221.7 billion to the health sector. This represents about 4% of the budget far from minimum of 15% as recommended by WHO. This is a disaster but the NMA under our collective leadership shall be a watchdog on the judicious use of even this meagre resources in our hospitals and Ministries of Health. It is not how much is earmarked but how well the money is utilised at the end of the year. But NMA is thrilled by the plan of government to rehabilitate at least 1000 functional primary health care centres before the end of the administration. We call on the government to establish a emergency ambulance on our roads and functional resuscitation centres along our highways. These will minimise the carnage on our roads.

As I have said before, NMA is independently monitoring the use of the resources allocated to each of the teaching hospitals and the ministries. We have an internal mechanism to investigate and call to other any chief executive that

is found wanting.

There has been incessant strike actions in the profession. Do you think going on strike is the best way to drive home your demands from the government?

Strike is a legitimate right of all workers and doctors are not exempted. Because doctors uniquely take care of lives and wellbeing that is why their welfare stands utmost as clearly stipulated in the physicians oath...’may they enjoy the good things of life.’

NMA will not abuse this right but shall engage the government diplomatically and making sure government honours agreements reached with our members to avoid strikes.

What quota would you contribute to revamp health sector?

To give a purposeful leadership and strong advocacy for good governance, universal applicability of welfare packages and auditing developmental health programmes as they are unfolded.

Ebola: Report shows how mobile wallets saved lives, money Continued from page 26 time and saving response workers around $80,000 per month in travel costs by avoiding lengthy journeys to cash payment centres.

Sierra Leone’s experience shows the critical importance of governments, companies, and international organizations working together to develop policy frameworks, infrastructure and operating guidelines for digital payments before crises strike.

“Sierra Leone’s firsthand experience with digital payments and its impact on Ebola response and control taught us that, Governments like ours must take this growing payment system seriously as it can significantly con-

Mobile wallet

tribute to inclusive growth and transparency,” said H.E. Momodu L. Kargbo, Sierra Leone’s Minister of Finance and Economic Development. “In developing the partnership with private sector, development organizations, the Central Bank, financial institutions, network providers; and building the foundation for an inclusive digital payment system, Government must take the lead.”

Sierra Leone was one of the hardest-hit countries during the Ebola outbreak, with more than 14,000 reported cases of the 28,000 total cases in West Africa. Ebola response workers were spread across Sierra Leone’s 14 districts, including many health units in rural areas. The speed with which

Ebola spread meant the government needed a more efficient, reliable and secure tool than cash to manage payments to response workers in a country where there were fewer than 50 Automated Teller Machines (ATMs) when the outbreak struck.

Digital payments offered a powerful solution, particularly given Sierra Leone already had mobile network coverage across nearly 95 percent of the country, and more than 90 percent of response workers with access to a mobile phone.

One of the major challenges of cash is that it is expensive, slow, difficult to transport and vulnerable to theft, graft and payment errors. Late or incorrect payments to response workers often led to strikes during past emergencies and at the start of the Ebola crisis before digital payments were implemented.

In Sierra Leone, digital payments reduced these strikes from an average of eight per month - causing the loss of about 800 working days per month – to virtually zero.

“Ebola response workers put their lives at risk every day. It was vitally important they received all the money they earned, with no skimming or theft. They got it immediately, as their families had no other income; and only legitimate workers got paid - no one else.

Someone suffering from obstetric fistula in the hospital

2 million women, girls suffer obstetric fistula Continued from page 26 progress towards eliminating fistula and supporting its survivors through prevention, treatment, social reintegration and advocacy. UNFPA has supported more than 70,000 fistula repair surgeries for women and girls in need, and Campaign partners have enabled many more to receive treatment.

“As we talk about ending polio, HIV/AIDS, female genital mutilation and so many other forms of suffering, so must we commit to stepping up our efforts to end fistula, once and for all. This means heeding the call of the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development to leave no one behind, especially those most neglected, invisible and powerless, including the women and girls living with fistula.

Now is the time, and I am confident we can do it”.

In his remarks, the UN Secretary General, Ban Ki Moon said, “the persistence of fistula in some countries and regions is an indicator of very poor access to quality maternal health services. To end it, we must strengthen health systems and address broader development and human rights issues affecting women and girls: poverty, gender inequality, early marriage, early childbearing, and lack of education. Fistula has virtually been eliminated in most high- and middle-income countries around the world, so we know that it can be eliminated in every country”.

International Day to end Obstetric Fistula is celebrated on May 23rd every year.

Giwa FC

G

bundled out of Federation Cup

iwa FC of Jos was bundled out of this year’s Federation Cup competition on Wednesday, just as NPFL side Heartland FC crashed out to non – League team, Top World FC of Ekiti at Oleh Township Stadium.

Lokoja’s Confluence Stadium was the venue of

Giwa FC’s fall, as the team was spanked 2-0 by NPFL side Sunshine Stars.

The Federation Cup fully lived up to its character of surprises and more surprises with another NPFL club, MFM of Lagos made to sweat before eliminating El-Kanemi Babes of Maiduguri on penalties in Kaduna.

L-R: Territory Manager, Guinness Nigeria Plc., Ms. Alero Fawole; N100,000 Winners, Mr. and Mrs. Bukola Alaka and Area Sales Manager, Guinness Nigeria Plc., Mr. Seriki Taiwo during cheque presentation in the just concluded Guinness “Every Minute Made of Black” Football Promo in Lagos.

Page 28

Thursday, MAY 26, 2016

Eagles will miss

Eagles land in France,visa delays Iheanacho,

charismatic Yobo — Dalung N

igerian sports minister Solomon Dalung has said the country will miss the leadership and charisma of Joseph Yobo, who will have a testimonial staged on Friday in his honour.

Yobo is hanging up his football boots after an illustrious career during which time he captained Nigeria for several years.

Dalung has therefore tasked the former Super Eagles captain to use his wealth of experience in the game to groom players who will step into his shoes.

“There is need for us to have people who will succeed us. We have to produce people who will replicate what we did,” he told

Yobo when he visited him in Abuja.

“Your (Yobo) charisma and leadership in the national team was outstanding and you have to think along the line of having a system that produces players who replicate that in the national team. No doubt, the national team will miss you.”

Dalung said he remembers Yobo from the 2002 AFCON in Mali.

“I was a member of the Federal Government delegation to the Nations Cup in 2002 in Mali. You

Omeruo ANDREW EKEJIUBA Sport Editor

W Yobo

were so young then.

I appreciate your commitment to the national team,” the minister recalled.

“There was this match (against Senegal) that we lost and we would have conceded more goals if not for your doggedness in defence. In fact, at a time you rushed forward to help the attack when the attackers were not doing enough.

“The good thing is that you are being celebrated while you are alive. At least, you will know that all your labour was not in vain for Nigeria.”

Nestle Milo Basketball: Bayelsa,Enugu battle in Equatorial Conference semis ANDREW EKEJIUBA

S Action at the Nestle Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship at the Equatorial Conference.

t. Jude Girls Secondary School, Amarata, Bayelsa State will square up against Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School, Enugu State in the semi-final of the ongoing Nestle Milo Secondary School Basketball Championship Equatorial Conference at the Indoor Sports Hall of the Nnamdi Azikwe Stadium.

The Bayelsa girls earned their ticket to the last four after overcoming Emeka Aghasili High School Nuse, Anambra State with a ruthless 45-02 points’ victory.

Tena Ikidi and Grace John were the outstanding players. Their explosive moves dis-

organized the girls from Anambra.

Trans Ekulu Girls Secondary School Enugu State had to wait till the last quarter to claim a 12-09 victory against hard-fighting Federal Airport Authority Secondary School, Calabar, Cross Rivers State.

Holy Rosary International College, Owerri, Imo State, got more than what they bargained for, as they were beaten 18-11 points by their more illustrious opponents, Marist Comprehensive Secondary School, Uturu, Abia state.

The last quarter final match saw Fortune High School, Uyo, Akwa Ibom State outclass Annunciation Secondary School, Abakaliki, Ebonyi State 19-14 points.

atford FC of England star forward Odion Ighalo was the first player at the Super Eagles’ camp in France on Tuesday night, but has since been joined by 16 others as the three–time African champions prepare for a friendly international with Mali’s Les Aigles at the Stade Robert Diochon in Rouen on Friday night.

The list of 17 players includes the nine who left from Abuja aboard an Air France flight on Tuesday: Ogenyi Onazi, Brown Ideye, Abdullahi Shehu, Umar Aminu, Kingsley Madu, Elderson Echiejile, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Etebo Oghenekaro and Musa Muhammed.

There are also England–based goalkeeper Carl Ikeme, Germany–based defender Leon Balogun, Arsenal of England’s Alex Iwobi and Belgium–based forward Moses Simon.

Morocco–based midfielder Babatunde Michael and Turkey– based Raheem Lawal and Gbenga Arokoyo were being expected.

South Africa–based goalkeeper Daniel Akpeyi and Norway–based defender William Troost Ekong are expected on Thursday. But Manchester City forward Kelechi Iheanacho and Turkey–based defender Kenneth Omeruo have been held back by visa hitch.

However, Super Eagles’ administrator Enebi Achor revealed that both players are hopeful of getting their visa latest today.

The team trained on Wednesday evening, and will train twice today, at 9am and at 6pm.

Thursday, May 26, 2015

EXTRATIME

29

SPECIAL FEATURE

COPA Coca-Cola:

Inspiration to Nigerian teens

ge; , Awori Junior Colle als Winning Team Place Gold Trophy at the Fin ola -C ca Co PA t 1s CO rms Seconding handed their rejoicing after be ola Lagos Finals, held at Dairy Fa -C ca Co PA 2015 CO e, Lagos. ary School, in Ageg

ANDREW EKEJIUBA Sport Editor

M

ost Saturday mornings, on bare streets or unoccupied school fields in most areas across the country, it is not unusual to see young people pairing up to play football. When they get opportunities like the one CocaCola provides through its COPA CocaCola platform, teens thrive!

Knowing how important it is to groom younger players, and support their footballing passion, Coca-Cola Nigeria, through its annual COPA CocaCola Nigeria football tournament, each year, offers more teens the reward of learning life skills such as teamwork, confidence, and sociability.

In fact, a recent global research reveals that more youths actually

prefer sports to the internet. The research which was carried out by Nielsen Research in 16 countries, Nigerian included, found out that nine out of ten young people (91per cent) believe playing football builds key strength in teamwork, 86 per cent say competing on the pitch helps boost their confidence, 95 percent consider themselves fit and healthy and twothirds (67 percent) think playing the game is more important than winning.

In the Coca-Cola commissioned study, Nielsen Research polled the opinions of over 11,000 male and female teenagers across 16 countries to gain a better understanding of the role football plays in the development of young people’s lives.

Aside the aforementioned, the research showed talent to be a key trait that Nigerian teenagers admire

“Copa Coca-Cola is the largest brandsupported grassroots Football tournament in the world, played in over 60 countries by 1.3 million teenage players, with the aim of inspiring young people to be active and healthy through their shared passion for the sport.” in a famous sportsperson (97 per cent) and desire in a fellow teammate (94 per cent). Furthermore, 86 per cent

L - R: Principal of COPA Coca-Cola, Lagos Winning Team, Awori Junior College, Adeyemo Joshua; National Secretary, Nigeria School Sports Federation (NSSF), Olabisi Joseph; Team Captain of the Winning team, Fasasi Elijah, and Senior Brand Manager, Colas, Coca-Cola Nigeria Limited, Gbolahan Sanni, at the 2015 COPA Coca-Cola Lagos Finals, held at Dairy Farms Secondary School, in Agege, Lagos.

cite playing football has helped boost their confidence, doubling the global average (42per cent).

Eight out of ten (83 per cent) believe playing has encouraged them to become more sociable, and 82 per cent, a friendlier person. Other important life skills teens attribute to playing Football include being more determined (86 per cent), happier (85 per cent) and hard-working (85 percent).

87 per cent of Nigerian teenagers believe they will be playing Football in five years, considerably higher than the global average (59 percent) and over double that of Russia (39 per cent), who polled the lowest.

The research also showed that young people in Nigeria who play Football are happier than their nonplaying peers, with a majority (94 per cent) considering themselves happy, and 89 per cent more satisfied than their peers, just higher than the global average (65 per cent).

Highlighting some of the best upcoming youth Football talents in Nigeria, Coca-Cola took a step further this year by encouraging all Nigerians, particularly the youths, to get active and healthy.

In this year’s edition, COPA CocaCola scaled up from last year’s edition in every part of its activities, which include increasing the number of states from 10 to 32, number of participating schools from 144 to over 3000, number of matches to be played also increased from 120 to about 3000 and number of players increased from 2160 to over 60,000.

Commenting on the tournament, Marketing Director, Coca-Cola Nigeria, Patricia Jemibewon explained that, “It is good to know that our mission

is corroborated by the research, as platforms such as the COPA CocaCola tournament inspire the next generations of Football stars, both on the field and outside the field.”

No wonder that Copa Coca-Cola is the largest brand-supported grassroots Football tournament in the world, played in over 60 countries by 1.3 million teenage players, with the aim of inspiring young people to be active and healthy through their shared passion for the sport.

The COPA tournament which kicked off on May 16th will end with national finals taking place from June 24th to 30th.

“In this year’s edition, COPA Coca-Cola scaled up from last year’s edition in every part of its activities, which include increasing the number of states from 10 to 32, number of participating schools from 144 to over 3000, number of matches to be played also increased from 120 to about 3000 and number of players increased from 2160 to over 60,000.”

30

Thursday, May 26, 2016

EXTRATIME

UCL: Ronaldo shakes off injury in Real training

Clubs chase Atletico star,

Griezmann

A

Ronaldo

Ronaldo

C

ristiano Ronaldo returned to Real Madrid training on Wednesday, calming fears over his fitness for the Champions League final.

Ronaldo hobbled out of Tuesday’s session after a collision with goalkeeper Kiko Casilla, sending alarm through Los Blancos fans just a few short days ahead of Saturday’s European showdown with Atletico Madrid at San Siro.

The Portugal captain said after the incident: “I had a little knock in today’s training, but in a few days I’ll be ok.”

However, Madrid’s talisman has recovered even quicker than he expected, taking full part in Wednesday’s final session before departing to Milan.

Raphael Varane and Alvaro Arbeloa are the only players likely to be unavailable to Zinedine Zidane as Madrid seek a second Champions league final win over their neighbours in three seasons.

ntoine Griezmann has not signed a new deal with Atletico Madrid and is considering offers from other clubs, according to his football adviser Eric Olhats.

France forward Griezmann has enjoyed an outstanding season with Atletico, scoring 32 goals in all competitions, and will be key if they are to defeat arch rivals Real Madrid in Saturday’s Champions League final at San Siro.

Donnarumma

eyes Milan History, not captaincy revenge motivating Atletico! F

Koke: K

oke is focused on creating history by helping Atletico Madrid to their first Champions League triumph, not gaining revenge over Real Madrid.

Atletico were moments away from claiming the European trophy for the first time in 2014, but Sergio Ramos’ 93rd-minute goal forced extra time, where Madrid went on to secure a 10th top continental crown by winning 4-1 in Lisbon.

The only previous appearance in the final for Atletico also ended in defeat to Bayern Munich in 1974, the Germans triumphing 4-0 in a replay.

Saturday’s match against Madrid at San Siro is the only thing standing between the club and a maiden

Champions League triumph, and Koke believes that will be their greatest motivation.

“It’s a new, great, wonderful opportunity. Revenge isn’t on our minds because no one can go back in time and give us back the Lisbon final,” he told reporters.

“We just want to create history by winning the first Champions League for the club.

“Statistics are there to be broken and to change. Our goal is to come back with the cup.”

Coach Diego Simeone has led Atletico into their second Champions League final in three seasons, changing the atmosphere at the Vicente Calderon.

ollowing an “extraordinary” debut season at AC Milan, Gianluigi Donnarumma dreams of going on to be the club’s captain.

Donnarumma made his debut in the 2-1 win over Sassuolo last October, retaining his place in goal ahead of Diego Lopez for the remainder of the season.

Stilljust17yearsold,thegoalkeeper has been touted as the heir to Italy and Juventus icon Gianluigi Buffon, while reported interest from Europe’s elite clubs has been rife.

Milan failed to qualify for continental competition following defeat to Juve in the Coppa Italia final, but Donnarumma enjoyed the season on a personal level and has high hopes for his future with the club.

Bosz Sevilla confident honoured

by Ajax of keeping appointment

Emery S Emery

Hummel

evilla are confident Unai Emery will reject interest from Everton and AC Milan to remain with the Europa League champions next season.

Emery has led Sevilla to Europa League glory in all three of his full seasons at the helm, despite losing key players such as Ivan Rakitic and Carlos Bacca, their latest triumph coming courtesy of a 3-1 win over Liverpool in Basle.

After an extra-time 2-0 defeat at the hands of Barcelona in Sunday’s Copa del Rey final, Emery’s name has been linked with other jobs.

But with Champions League football on offer yet again at the Ramon Sanchez Pizjuan in 2016-17, Sevilla

Koke

president Jose Castro believes the coach will stay put.

“The priority is to maintain the players and coaching staff.

“There was a time where we had to sell to grow, now we have the ideal platform and have no need to sell.

“We have an obligation to create a competitive team and we will make the necessary effort to be realistic, but with ambition.

“The coach has understood out character to perfection. Football is crazy, but he knows how to carry the group, the hours that he dedicates.

“I say this now in success and also at the start of the season.

P

eter Bosz is honoured to be the new coach of Ajax after signing a three-year deal with the club. The former Vitesse boss took over at Maccabi Tel Aviv in January, helping them to a second-place finish in the Ligat ha’Al. Ajax failed to regain the Eredivisie title from PSV on the final day of the season, with Frank de Boer subsequently agreeing an early termination to his contract at the Amsterdam ArenA. Bosz is delighted to be appointed his successor and is looking forward to start working with the squad on June 27.

Thursday, May 26, 2016

EXTRATIME

31

ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP

Name rights

delaying Mourinho’s Mourinho

Man Utd deal Mahrez

C

helsea’s ownership of the copyright to Jose Mourinho’s name is one of several image rights issues delaying his appointment as Manchester United manager, according to reliable sources.

Mourinho is understood to have agreed personal terms to succeed the sacked Louis van Gaal at Old Trafford, and his agent Jorge Mendes has all-but finalised the deal during face-to-

face talks in London with Manchester United’s executive vice-chairman Ed Woodward.

Lawyers are now meeting to resolve complications over image rights, and one of these is believed to be Chelsea’s ownership of the trademark to ‘Jose Mourinho’, despite Chelsea sacking him last December.

According to the Intellectual Property Office, Chelsea own the rights to Mourinho’s name

being used on a string of merchandise including glassware, teddy bears and face masks. A number of these items, including a large ‘Jose’ poster, are still on sale on the Chelsea megastore website.

The bill for this trademark to be lifted or transferred could reach hundreds of thousands of pounds, according to sources. Chelsea have declined to comment.

Leicester ‘make Musa bid’ L

eicester City have made a bid in the region of £23m for CKSA Moscow striker Ahmed Musa, according to the Russian c l u b ’ s

Musa

manager Leonid Slutskiy.

The Premier League champions were interested in the 23-year-old in January, but have now returned with a concrete offer for the Nigeria international.

Musa scored 18 goals and provided six assists in 44 appearances for CSKA this season, as he helped his club secure their sixth Russian Premier League title.

Leicester are expected to bring in some major additions to their squad as they look to defend

Gullit: No R sympathy

for LVG!

uud Gullit did not hold back when it came to assessing Louis van Gaal’s reign as manager at Manchester United.

Van Gaal departed Old Trafford following two years at the club which saw Manchester United finish fourth and fifth in the Premier League respectively, while being knocked out at the group stage of this season’s Champions League.

their league title next season and CSKA boss Slutskiy has confirmed the Foxes have made a bid for their leading goalscorer.

Speaking to reporters, Slutskiy also revealed his striker is keen on a move to the King Power Stadium to work under Leicester boss Claudio Ranieri.

“The British club offered a bit less than €30m (£22.86m),” he said.

“Musa came to me a few days ago and asked when Ranieri is back for the holidays and I told him I do not know, I do not know Ranieri.”

Gullit, 53, captained the Netherlands to European Championship glory in 1988, and also enjoyed back-to-back success with Milan in the European Cup in1989 and 1990.

Speaking from Wentworth on Wednesday, he told reporters that football is tough and he did not have much sympathy for his compatriot who was sacked by United earlier this week - just

days after lifting the FA Cup at Wembley.

“A lot of things were his own fault. You can’t argue with the press all the time,” Gullit said. “They have a certain opinion and you have to respect that. So if you argue all the time it doesn’t help you.

“Man United has a certain status and they didn’t do it in two years.

No Champions League and it’s very important for them.

Benitez to stay at Newcastle R

afa Benitez and Newcastle United have struck a deal to see him remain as manager, according to sources. A three-year deal is expected to be announced later which will contain written assurances for the Spaniard on full control of player recruitment and budgets set for the summer and winter transfer windows. The 56-year-old signed a three-year deal to become Newcastle boss back in March, when he replaced Steve McClaren, but the contract was reported to include an option to cancel at the end of the season.

Scholes makes case for

Giggs

P

aul Scholes hopes fellow Manchester United legend Ryan Giggs will be retained on Jose Mourinho’s Old Trafford staff.

Mourinho is poised to replace Louis van Gaal in the Old Trafford hot seat after the Dutchman was sacked on Monday, just two days after leading United to FA Cup glory. Giggs served as Van Gaal’s assistant for two years, and had been tipped to take the top job after the former Barcelona coach’s planned departure in 2017, but Mourinho is expected to hire his own staff, including long-term right-hand man Rui Faria.

Aggressive EPL better for me – Xhaka

G

ranit Xhaka believes the aggressive nature of the Premier League will suit his game after he signed for Arsenal on a long-term deal. The Switzerland midfielder’s move from Borussia Monchengladbach was confirmed on Wednesday. Arsenal are thought to have a paid a fee in the region of £30million to secure the 23-year-old’s services.

Gunners capture Xhaka A

rsenal have confirmed the signing of Switzerland midfielder Granit Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach.

At the weekend, it was reported that Xhaka was in the process of completing the move for a fee in the region of £30m Arsenal’s third-most expensive transfer.

Xhaka subsequently completed his medical and will join up with his new teammates after Euro 2016, where he is expected to star for Switzerland.

The 23-year-old has been among the outstanding central-midfield performers in the Bundesliga in recent seasons.

Eriksen

Arsenal boss Arsene Wenger said: “Granit is an exciting young player, already with good Champions League and Bundesliga experience.

“We have been watching him for a long time now and he is a player who will add quality to our squad.

“We wish Granit a good Euro 2016 with Switzerland and look forward to welcoming him to Arsenal ahead of next season.”

Xhaka

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com.ng; email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. GROUP EDITOR: BIODUN DUROJAIYE News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotlines: 08086296714

THURSDAY, MAY 26, 2016

VOL. 2. NO.117

Price: N150

Alves tips

Atletico for Champions

League glory!

B

Unfit

Keshi

Moses pulls out of Moses

Eagles’friendly N

igeria will look to claim only their second win of 2016 against Mali on Friday, but will have to do so with Victor Moses having joined a host of other key players in missing out.

The Chelsea winger - who spent this season on loan at West Ham - was included in the squad for the friendlies with Mali and Luxembourg but has pulled out because of fitness problems.

That news comes as a blow to a

Nigeria side winless in their last four games and one that cannot qualify for the 2017 Africa Cup of Nations after Chad withdrew from the tournament.

Chad’s withdrawal annulled a 2-0 win for Nigeria and left them with only two points from three games, ending the Super Eagles’ hopes of progressing to the finals.

Captain John Obi Mikel and Ahmed Musa have both been released to

compete in Joseph Yobo’s testimonial game, while forward Aaron Samuel Olanare has a knee injury and defender William Troost-Ekong is unavailable due to club commitments, although he will be able to feature against Luxembourg.

For Mali, captain Seydou Keita has been left out of Alain Giresse’s 23-man squad and Werder Bremen midfielder Sambou Yatabare will not be involved in Rouen because of injury.

arcelona defender Dani Alves admits he is hoping Atletico Madrid prevail over bitter rivals Real Madrid in Saturday’s much-awaited Champions League final.

Diego Simeone’s Atletico knocked defending champions Barcelona out of the tournament in the quarter-final stage, before edging past Bayern Munich in the semis.

Madrid are the only team that stand in Atletico’s way of a maiden Champions League crown, in a rematch of the 2014 final that ended 4-1 in favour of the former after extra time.

But Dani Alves is hoping for a different result at the San Siro, with the Brazil international of the belief that Atletico are more than worthy winners of the competition.

Alves

FEDERATION CUP RESULTS Sunshine Stars 2-0 Giwa FC J. Atete 1-0 Akwa Starlets Fasbir FC 0-2 Niger Tornadoes Prime FC 2-1 Inneh Stars Kogi United 4-3 Ekiti United Go Round 3-1 Yobe Stars MFM FC 3-2 El-Kanemi Babes Shooting Stars 2-0 Wikki Feeders Heartland 3-4 Top World FC 0 Rivers United 4-3 FC Papilo Plateau United 4-0 Zara FC Wikki Tourists 3-2 FRSC FC Yarmalight 2-3 Warri Wolves Katsina United 3-0 FC Lokoja (W/O) Jigawa Stars 3-0 Gashaka Buffaloes Sokoto United 1-3 Crown FC Rovers 4-5 Flash Flamingoes1 FC IfeanyiUbah 1-0 Ebonyi United

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

Dangote contributes 53% of revenue in mineral resources Page B2 sector – FG

Oil price goes up, almost $50 per barrel Page B3

Reactions trail new CBN foreign exchange regime

Page B4

Ebonyi, Union Dicon sign pact on cassava cultivation, processing Ebonyi State Government has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Union Dicon Salt Plc for large scale production and processing of cassava in the state.

The ceremony which took place in Abakaliki had in attendance, the Secretary to the State Government, Prof. Benard Odoh, who signed on behalf of the state, the Commissioner for Justice and Attorney General, Chief Augustine Nwankwegu and the Managing Director of Union Dicon Salt, Mr. Chuka Mordi, who signed for his company.

CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Cross River to build N500m ethanol plant

time for practical engagement by supporting the AfDB to leverage Africa’s huge potential,” Kenyatta said.

Speaking also, Adesina said that Kagame and Kenyatta represent what Africa needs currently, the political will to translate Africa’s potential into tangible benefits for its people.

“Money is not the key. Political will is all we need to get things done,” Adesina added.

Adesina argued that while Africa has a lot of energy poten-

Cross River Government on Wednesday announced its plans to build a N500 million ethanol production plant in the state.

The state’s Commissioner for Agriculture, Prof. Anthony Eneji, made the disclosure at the ongoing collaborative meeting with the Partnership Initiative for the Niger Delta (PIND) Foundation in Calabar.

PIND, a non-governmental group is in Cross River to explore ways of partnering in the development of aquaculture, cassava and palm oil production.

Eneji said the state was ready to collaborate with the private sector to develop the agriculture sector in Cross River. ``We have the potential to become the largest economy in Nigeria through agriculture and we are committed to taking advantage of the current dwindling crude oil price to develop our agriculture potential. ``We welcome any willing partner as we cannot do it alone.’’

Eneji said the ministry was working towards increasing its output in cassava production through the Fadama 111 additional project. ``We are arguably the largest producer of cassava in the country. We have concluded plans to build an ethanol production plant worth over N500 million.

CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

L-R: Chairman, Diamond Bank Plc, Dr. Chris Ogbechie; Founder and CEO, HealthPlus Limited, Mrs. Bukki George; MD/CEO,Wakanow, Obinna Ekezie and the CEO of SB Telecoms & Devices and Convener of the TAMS Summit, Mr. Afolabi Abiodun at the inaugural edition of the TAMS Summit in Lagos ... recently.

African leaders endorse AfDB’s New Deal on Energy Olisa Egbunike Lusaka

African Development Bank (AFDB) “New Deal on Energy,” a vehicle through which the continental bank plans to invest in delivering electricity across the 54 African countries by 2025, has received the blessing of Nigeria and other member states.

The Daily Times reports that the endorsement of the new deal on energy and aggressive road map toward curtailing the

Thursday, May 26, 2016

effects of climate change remains the epicenter of the ongoing AFDB on going annual general meeting in Lusaka, Zambia.

Rwanda President Paul Kagame and his Kenyan counterpart Uhuru Kenyatta, announced the endorsement on behalf of African leaders while appearing on CNBC-Africa television programme with AFDB President Dr Akinwumi Adesina.

Sharing their ideas on the “path to universal access to energy in Africa by 2025”, the two

leaders commended AFDB and Adesina for proactive leadership.

“This New Deal on Energy is a big deal for Africa,” kagame said adding that it provides a new momentum in the ongoing efforts to transform Africa.

In his own contributions, Kenyatta said that the “New Deal”, would fast track the ability of Africa to effectively utilisation of its potential in renewable energy.

“We have heard and had enough of the theory. It is now

Nigeria exempted as Shell increases job cut by 20% Opeoluwani Akintayo Royal Dutch Shell, the parent company of Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria (SPDC), has announced increase in the number of job cuts in 2015/2016 by around 20 percent to about 12,500.

The job cut is as a result of low oil prices and the integration of BG Group, it said on Wednesday.

According to the statement,

the company will reduce the size of its UK and Ireland oil and gas production, or upstream by 475 units throughout 2016, it said.

“Despite the improvements that we have made to our business, current market conditions remain challenging,” said Paul Goodfellow, Shell’s vice president for UK & Ireland, after breaking the news to employees in Scotland’s Aberdeen.

The oil major has significantly

reduced its annual spending target to below $30 billion and is selling $30 billion (20 billion pounds) worth of assets to weather weak oil prices which brought its 2015 earnings to the lowest in over a decade.

Shell said it expects net job losses in 2016 to be lower than 5,000 due to recruitment in IT and at the graduate level.

The company let go 7,500 staff and direct contractors last year

and previously said 2,800 jobs would be cut with the integration of BG Group.

However, Nigeria was excluded from the list as against recent news making the rounds that its Nigerian workforce would be included.

In February, the Chief Executive Officer of the group, Ben Van Beurden, said in a webcast on its 2015 fourth quarter and full year results that it would

cut its global workforce by about 10,000 in 2016.

This raised speculations in Nigeria, with different labour groups threatening fire and brimstone if workers were laid off.

Questions were filed to its spokesperson in Nigeria, Precious Okolobo on the stand of Nigerian workers in the looming sack, however, he declined responding to enquires.

Business News B2 Ebonyi, Union Dicon sign pact on cassava cultivation, processing CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

The agreement to engage in cassava cultivation and processing in commercial quantity is another bold initiative by the Governor David Umahi-led government to mechanise the agricultural sector and propel the much needed economic diversification in the state.

In the terms of agreement, Ebonyi State Government will contribute 15,000 hectares of land spread across the state for the Union Dicon Salt to grow cassava and establish a factory where cassava products would be processed into raw materials for export and domestic use.

Governor Umahi, who was represented at the ceremony by Prof. Odoh, expressed optimism that the partnership would open up a new vista of opportunities for investments in the state, create jobs and bring about economic prosperity for the people.

The governor explained that the volume of raw materials from cassava from the factory would create a large market for the products and support brewery companies in brewing.

Umahi encouraged the company to hasten action and complete documentation with the state to enable it start off the agricultural project.

The Commissioner for Justice, Nwankwegu who gave an insight into the terms of the agreement, noted that apart from the 15,000 hectares of land to be provided, no financial commitment was required from the state government for the agro business.

He however explained that owners of the land would be entitled to five per cent benefit from the project yield and the state government, 10 per cent.

The commissioner was happy that the agro investment was coming at a time when the state was in the process of revolutionalizing the agricultural sector as an alternative to solving its economic problem.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

Dangote contributes 53% of revenue in mineral resources sector – FG An agency of the Federal Government, the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI), has revealed that Dangote Industries Limited generates more mineral resource revenue for the government than the rest of the nation put together.

According to its reports made available to the press on Wednesday, Dangote Cement was responsible for 53 percent of the government revenue, that is, N15.9 billion of the total N33.86 billion accrued last year to the Federal Government.

The report revealed that 93 percent of the total government revenue from the solid minerals sector was mainly from five

companies: Dangote, WAPCO, Ashaka Cement, Unicem, CCNN and others.

The report states that: “53 percent of the country’s revenue from the solid minerals sector was paid by Dangote Cement Plc to the Federal Government.”

NEITI says Nigeria has about 52 solid mineral resource across all states of the federation, with every state possessing at least two mineral resources. But of all 52, limestone was exploited more in 2013, than 51 others put together. Limestone, which is used for making cement, was responsible for 52 percent of solid mineral productions.

Granite, Laterite, and sand were responsible for 27.8, 11.3 and 5.8

percent respectively. Forty-eight other minerals were responsible for only 3 percent of the country’s solid mineral productions.

It would be recalled that Dangote Cement Plc has recently expanded its frontiers to Asia, by constructing a 3 million metric tons per annum (mmtpa), Cement Plant in Nepal, as part of its new investment of $4.34 billion into 10 African countries.

Aliko Dangote, Chairman of Dangote Cement, who revealed this recently assured Nigerians that, the country will no longer be used as a dumping ground, as the company, now has capacity to export more than 10 million metric tons of cement outside the country.

L-R: Managing Director Agriculture Africa, Zainab Akwanga; Managing Director CPD1 Africa, Nmadili Okwumabua and Managing Director Chanja Datti Africa, Olufunto Boroffice during the Environmental Art Collective Foundation Media Roundtable, Abuja … on Wednesday.

Cross River to build N500m ethanol plant CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

``This is aimed at utilising the extracts from cassava for other uses. We are serious about diversification of our economy,’’ he said.

Eneji disclosed further that a Swiss palm oil company, Welmar, had begun large-scale oil palm production in some Local Government Areas of the state with more than 50,000 hectares

of palm plantation.

He noted, however, that most of the state’s aquaculture sites were in bad shape and needed refurbishment.

Eneji said the ministry had taken measures to address the situation and that fish farmers were being given fingerlings to support them. ``We have also given soft loans to some cooperative groups, to facilitate their fish farming

businesses in the state,’’ he said.

Also speaking, the Programme Director of PIND, Mr Dara Akala, said said the group was established in 2010 by Chevron for the development of Niger Delta.

Akala said the foundation was in Cross River to explore collaboration in three agricultural areas with a view to assisting the state in wealth creation and reduction of unemployment.

AFDB rekindles entrepreneurial spirit of 85,000 African youths Ï^ƉƄƕ Ƅ ƄƑ ƄƄƕ ƃ ƋƆƎ Ɖ for African small budding entrepreneurs Olisa Egbunike, Lusaka

The lost ambition of about 85,000 African youths to become entrepreneurs and contribute to the economic diversification of the continent has been rekindled by the African Development Bank (AFDB) and other development institutions to assist them with seed capitals.

The Daily Times reports that the restoration of the youths hope to participate in sustainable African economic transformation followed the passionate appeal but gloomy picture painted by Mr Tony Elumelu, President of Tony Elumelu Foundation on the bleak future of African youths, at the ongoing AFDB annual general meetings (AGMs) in Lusaka, Zambia.

Elumelu, who is also the Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA), said that statistics from his foundation youths entrepreneurial activities across the continent, showed that finance remains a bane to youth entrepreneurship.

Tony Elumelu Foundation champions youths entrepreneurship in Africa by earmarking 100 million dollars or 10 million dollars annually for 1,000 successful youths over ten years.

The foundation according to Elumelu had empowered only 2,000 youths from more than the 85,000 applications received over its two years of operations.

Elumelu said in a passionate presentation at a youths’ round table at the AGMs that it was a delusion and a misrepresentation of issues that only governments and established companies have the capacity to breach the alarming unemployment rate within Africa.

“Over the years we have missed the point by depending on government and big companies to provide employment for our youths.

ƅƍƆƃ ƉƄ ƕƄƍ Ƅ ƕ ƍ Ƅ ƅ# ô MƄƑ #Ƅ Ɖ & Ƅƍ Ɠ CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

tial, industries don’t run on potential, they run on energy.

According to him, AFDB has pledged to commit 12 billion dollars over the next five years to invest in energy, as part of the banks plans to ensure access to

electricity across the continent by 2025.

Available statistics showed that only 16 per cent of Africans are connected to some sort of energy source while more than 645 million Africans having no access to electricity.

The data also indicates that

over 700 million don’t have access to clean energy for cooking.

As a priority, Adesina unveiled the AFDB five priority areas, tagged the “High 5s”on which the bank will focus during his leadership.

Specifically, the areas of focus include energy, agriculture, in-

dustrialisation, integration of the 54 member countries and improvement of the quality of life of the average African.

“Africa is simply tired of being in the dark. Our goal is clear; universal access to energy for Africa within 10 years,” Ad-

esina added.

The goals include expanding grid-power by 160 Giggawatts, connect 130 million people to grid, another 75 million people connected to off-grid sources, and 150 million households to clean cooking energy.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

B3 Business News

Oil price goes up, almost $50 per barrel Opeoluwani Akintayo Oil charged towards $50 a barrel on Wednesday, making it the first time in seven months.

The rise was driven by expectations that shrinking supply will help take over any oversupply of crude, especially after data showed a major fall in the U.S inventories.

Outages as a result of violence in Nigeria, wildfires in Canada, have helped cut global oil supply by nearly 4 million barrels per day this month.

Although outages in Nigeria and Canada are temporary, however, they have cut down oversupply which has haunted the market for nearly two years.

Brent crude futures were up 65

cents at $49.26 a barrel by 7:13a.m.

ET (1113 GMT), while OPEC’s daily basket price stood at $44.02 a barrel as at Tuesday.

“We are definitely moving out of this surplus situation that we’ve been living in since mid2014. There will still be some time, maybe six months of surplus, but then we’re basically into rebalancing,” SEB head commodities strategist Bjarne Schieldrop said.

“There have been losses in equities and especially emerging markets (this month) and still oil is up, so it’s definitely about oil fundamentals, rather than tailwinds from equities and currencies,” he said.

Strikes across France that crippled output from most of the country’s eight refineries have had little impact so far on crude

Kachikwu

oil prices, but rather helped lift refining margins for diesel and gasoline.

Data on Tuesday showed U.S. crude inventories fell by 5.1 million barrels to 536.8 million last week, double the expectations of analysts polled by Reuters.

Some of the drop was caused by falling imports due to the fires in Canada, which cut production by about 1.5 million barrels per day, said Ben Le Brun, market analyst at Sydney online brokerage OptionsXpress. Some crude producers restarted operations on Tuesday in Canada’s energy heartland.

“A strong U.S. economy is (also) good for oil consumption and demand,” Le Brun said.

Investors are awaiting confirmation of the big draw when the U.S. Energy Information Administration (EIA) issues official inventory figures on Wednesday.

Masanobu Hamada, general manager of the crude oil trading department at JX Nippon Oil & Energy Corp, said the current price rise was due to supply disruptions.

“Unless there is a halt in supply, the market lacks material (strength) to go higher because the inventory levels are high,” Hamada said.

However, analysts fear the rise may drop again, especially with Saudi Arabia recently boosting output to snatch market share from higher-, particularly U.S. shale drillers.

Saudi’s boost came on the heels of OPEC’s next general meeting in June where analysts are already in doubt of any need to look up to the cartel to cut output in order to boost price.

Lagos to give job creation a boost

this end, the ministry is strengthening collaborative approaches to drive and raise productivity.

According to him, the government is resolved to create an enabling environment for entrepreneurship and innovation to boost economic performance.

He said the state is encouraging more apprenticeship training courses, with a refocused skills training plan.

Durosinmi –Etti said this will boost job prospects across the local government areas. There is an action to create openings for artisans, build resource projects and reform the education system to prepare a workforce for the future.

According to him, the government has the objectives to maximise the school-to-jobs plan, including focusing on early handson learning in schools, shifting education to match jobs in demand and entering partnerships with industry and labour to deliver training.

Joy Ekeke

L-R: Chairperson, Gender and Youth, Committee for Defence of Human Rights (CDHR), Comrade Chinazor Queen Ifechigha; President, CDHR, Barrister Malachy Ugwummadu; Executive Director, Female Leadership Forum, Barrister Comfort Ogunye; Chairperson, Women Empowerment and Legal Aid, Barrister Funmi Falana and Founder, Princess Modupe Ogunbayo Foundation/ Mother of the day, Princess (Mrs.) Modupe Ogunbayo, during the maiden Gender based Seminar on the Challenges of Protecting The rights of women in a Democracy, organised by Committee on Gender and Youth of CDHR in Lagos..recently.

Lagos State Commissioner for Wealth Creation and Employment, Mr. Babatunde Durosinmi–Etti has announced plans by the government accelerate job and wealth creation for the unemployed and under-employed in the state.

The commissioner noted that the programmes when implemented would lead to a more successful, sustainable and fairer economy.

Durosimi-Etti told journalists that there is a plan to explore more talents and resources to build the state’s potential to become a hub for the industries of the future. To

Allowances: FG enforces automation to check over-payments Joy Ekeke The Federal Government has moved to enforce its directive on automated payments of every allowance to civil servant and public office holder, in order to end issues of over withdrawals.

Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, stated this yesterday in Abuja at a joint meeting with the security chiefs of paramilitary agencies under the Ministry of Interior, on continuous audit

and migration from manual to automated payment system.

According to her, the move was in line with the Presidential directive that everybody working under the Federal Government should be enrolled into the automated pay roll system by the end of the year.

“Both teams are working very hard on how to meet the deadline. This meeting is really on how to discuss the modalities and specifically, the number of allowances (noncredit allowances).

Buhari

“We have to make sure that those allowances are paid directly to those concerned and the best way to do that is by automating the pay roll system, which is linked to BVN, so that every payment will be go to individuals specifically, rather than withdrawing them.”

Adeosun, said that the meeting was a continuation of audit meeting that started last week, aimed at bringing all paramilitary agency under the Ministry of Interior into the automated payment

system, as it concerns salaries and allowances.

The minister disclosed that about N165 billion was being spent on salaries and allowances every month and lamented the continuous leakages and wastages that characterized Federal Government’s payment system, said that the government can no longer afford such a huge amount of money which is characterized by continuous leakages and wastages in the prevailing circumstances.

Money Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

Reactions trail new CBN foreign exchange regime Ï ƄƒƋƄƍƎ ƂƉ ƊƄ Ƅƃ ƊƓ Ƒ Ƅ Ɖ ƎƄ ƕƄƃƆ Ɔ Stories by Motolani Oseni Following the outcome of the Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday in Abuja, which had voted to adopt a new flexible foreign exchange regime, industry experts have continued to react on its positive implications on the Nigerian economy, Daily Times investigations can confirm.

Speaking exclusively in a separate telephone conversation

on Wednesday in Lagos, some financial stakeholders extolled the federal government on its recent decision to partially deregulate the downstream oil sector and the outcome of the just concluded MPC, most importantly its conclusion to adopt a flexible foreign exchange regime.

A Professor of Financial Economics at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Leo Ukpong, pointed out that the Nigerian economy was already in recession, not even heading towards

it but believed that the introduction of a new forex regime by the economic team was a good policy in the right direction.

Professor Ukpong, explained that allowing the nation’s currency to float is a decision that was supposed to have been taken a long time ago, “because the nation do not have enough foreign currency to support exchange rate of N199 or N197 per dollar, if we are just looking at the dollar alone.”

He noted that for a country to

continue to support its currency, that means such a country must have enough foreign currency to give to the people who need to import but unfortunately, Nigeria does not have that amount of the foreign currency to support it.

Ukpong further said that the easiest thing to do was to let the market determine the rate, adding that it will definitely create inflation, because the local currency will depreciate.

According to him, “unfortu-

L- R; Ambassador Shehu Malami, Board Chairman, Abuja DisCo; Mrs Funke Osibodu MD/CEO Benin Electricity Distribution Plc and Mr Charles Momoh, Chairman, Eko DisCo at the signing ceremony between representatives of the United States Agency for International Development (USAID) Mission in Nigeria and Benin Electricity Distribution Plc. (BEDC) in Abuja…Monday

nately, in this case we have waited too long, if we were smart enough immediately when President Muhammodu Buhari came in, that was the opportunity we lost, if we had done this a long time ago the currency would have stabilised somewhere around N200 to N250 at most but look at it right now, we are talking about N360 may be by the time the market stabilizes, the floating rate is going to be close to N400.

“We actually destroyed the currency by waiting too long, and the same thing happened to gasoline prices. If we had taken off the subsidy at the beginning when the present administration came onboard, fuel would have been around N100 to N120 which ordinarily would have been a free market but right now it has been pegged at N145 and if floated, it’s going to edge higher just because of the micro psychology.”

However, the MPC eventually did the right thing, now people who can outsource forex will use it judiciously for what they really need it for. “Because there are certain things we do not need in this country that we were buying from outside, things that we have the ability to produce locally.

“It is the right policy, and I support this particular policy of the CBN, because it falls into what I was expecting. Although, in the short term we will suffer but in the long run it will be better for all of us.

Why fraud is common in commercial banks National President, Association of Senior Staff of Banks, Insurance and Financial Institutions (ASSBIFI), Comrade Sunday Salako, has blamed casualization of employment by some Deposit Money Banks and other financial institutions for the incessant fraudulent activities in the financial system.

Salako who disclosed this in Lagos recently pointed out that some financial institutions have refused to join the sector’s union because most of their staff are casual workers or on contract employment.

DTN Exchange Rate Monitor Currency

Official Rate

Parallel Market

USD

197

347

EUR

225

387

GBP

285

495

He said that the reason banks like Fidelity Bank Plc; GTbank Plc.; Diamond Bank plc , Chartered Bank and other financial institutions disallowed their staff from joining the Union was because they are not organised. He added that seventy percent of their employees are causal workers.

He, however, noted that Diamond Bank Plc has reconsidered its decision and will soon join ASSBIFI. He posited that those financial institutions who are not member of ASSBIFI are easily identified with the incessant fraudulent banking practice.

“Casualization has been blamed for robbery cases in the banks. Everybody who works in this sector must be employed as a full staff member. This has been the position of ASSBIFI

since 2007,” he added.

Salako said that with ASSBIFI, they encouraged banks management to install punishment on the erring staffs who is their members.

The ASSBIFI chief restated the association’s opposition to casualization and exploitation of workers, especially in the banking sector.

He argued that casualization was partly responsible for the persistent fraud in the banking sector that had been taking its toll on the economy.

Salako added, “The eradication of out-sourcing of employment or casualization of casual workers will, to a large extent, reduce sharp practices in banking operations.

Commenting on the issue of retrenchment of staff in the banking sector, Salako argued

that retrenching workers would worsen the Nigerian economy and engender untold hardships among workers, especially those employed in the banking sector.

He advised banks not to be in a hurry to cut jobs because “government can reverse the

policy if it becomes harmful to the economy.”

He added, “Employers should not be in a hurry to cut jobs just because of the on the ongoing economy melt down . Before the policy, banks were making money and declaring fabulous balance sheets.

CBN Exchange Rate

Date

Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central(NGN)

Selling(NGN)

5/25/16

US DOLLAR

196

197

197

POUNDS STERLING

10/13/00

289

289

EURO

21854.00%

219

220

SWISS FRANC

198

198

199

YEN

1/1/00

2

2

CFA

31.46%

0

0

WAUA

275

275

276

YUAN/RENMINBI

1/29/00

30

30

RIYAL

2/21/00

52

53

SDR

276.6736

277.3794

278.0852

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

MTN excites Nigerian youth with Pulse relaunch MTN Nigeria has introduced a new package the MTN Pulse for the youthful subscribers on its network. The new MTN Pulse is a revamped package that allows the youth be whatever they choose to be.

Subscribers on the Pulse plan can enjoy unlimited streaming of the latest and exclusive hit jamz on Music, browse, download movies all night, and also get 1GB data for just a token.

Beyond the exciting data package, MTN Pulse is an enabler that empowers the youths with relevant offerings fit for their daily academic and lifestyle needs, according to Richard Iweanoge, General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria.

In his words: “MTN Pulse is much more than a tariff plan; it’s a lifestyle and a movement of individuals who want to stand out from the crowd, proud of their originality, pacesetters, and trendy. With MTN Pulse, you can enter into an unlimited world of possibilities.”

MTN Pulse also debuted a short movie and a hit track featuring the trending trio of Falz, Skales and Tekno, which has since dominated the social media space and air waves.

CDK Integrated Industries set to Commence Production CDK Integrated industries, has disclosed plans to commence production of high quality standards porcelain tiles and sanit, ary wares soon in its stateof-art factories in Shagamu, Ogun state.

B5 Brands & Marketing

Anxiety as Lagos brings foreign agency to manage outdoor sector The last may not have been heard about the challenges facing outdoor practitioners in Nigeria as Lagos State Government has concluded to hand over the state’s out-of-home business to Jean Claude Decaux, a foreign outdoor advertising firm, GODWIN ANYEBE reports.

The current president of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN), Mr. Babatunde Adedoyin didn’t have the likely incursion into the outdoor sub-sector of the advertisng industry in mind recently when he declared that Out-ofHome advertising has become an endangered species in Nigeria.

During an interactive session with journalists in Lagos, Adedoyin had taken the reporters through the various challenges facing the industry. Specifically, he mentioned among other things; the issue of one billion naira owed his members by Lagos State Government, multiple taxation and the outrageous payment on vacant boards in a few states, especially Lagos.

“Outdoor sector has become endangered species in the country as practitioners contend with regulatory bottlenecks and harsh

economy. From left, right and front, we are being batched. Government careless about our challenges and keep putting pressure on us, not minding the challenges we are facing as businessmen.

Outdoor practitioners are not operating in isolation but within the same harsh economic environment and government appears not to be concerned about our plight,” Adedoyin had declared during the interactive session.

If the rumour making round is anything to go by, then Adedoyin and his team have gotten a bigger challenge contend with. A reliable source close to Lagos State Government recently confirmed that the state has concluded on its intention to bring in a foreign agency, Jean Claude Decaux, to take over outdoor activities in Lagos. On further findings, it has been revealed that the agency will not come in just as a practitioner

like Scan Group, an advertising agency owned by Bharat Thakrar, a Kenyan-born Indian three years ago. Jean Claude Decaux, the source revealed would be repository of the outdoor advertising business in Nigeria. What this implies is that the agency will serve as both a regulator and practitioner as it will be in charge of site allocation to other practitioners.

The question many observers are asking are; what has become of the industry reform which was rolled out three years ago to spell out the percentage of ownership that can be accrued to a foreigner, who intends to invest in the industry, what is the fate of local practitioners and thousands of Nigerians who are employed by the industry, is APCON concern only about creative agencies or has the regulatory body gone to slumber?

Aside the fact that bringing in

J C Decaux will lead to job loss, many have raised the question around local content and capital flight. As a time Nigeria is undergoing serious economic recession, pundits believe that bringing a foreign agency into an active industry where Nigerians are performing greatly is like killing the business of local practitioner, thereby creating another phase of poverty in the land.

With the agency, it is believed that local practitioners would find it tough to compete because of the exchange rate, which will be at the advantage of the foreign firm. Reacting to this, Adedoyin said the association had had about it but that it still remains a rumour. He pointed out that both LASAA and the registrar of the Advertising Practitioners Council of Nigeria (APCON), Alhaji Bello Kankarofi, has allayed their fears that it was a mere hearsay.

L-R: Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode (m); Managing Director, CFAO Yamaha Motor Nigeria Limited, Olivier Levigne; President, Yamaha Motor Corporation, Masaya Otsuka; Deputy Managing Director, CFAO Yamaha Motor Nigeria Limited, Mr. Hisashi Fujii and Chairman, Management Board, CFAO Group, Paris, France, Mr. Richard Bielle, at the commissioning of CFAO Yamaha Motor Nigeria Limited assembly plant and showroom at Amuwo Odofin, Lagos ... recently

TAMS Summit ties time management to increased productivity Speakers at the inaugural Time Attendance Management System (TAMS) Summit have said individuals, organizations and countries that pay attention to time management usually experience increased productivity when compared with those who pay little attention to time management.

Organized by SB Telecoms in recently in Lagos under the theme: From ‘African Time’ to ‘On Time’: A Paradigm Shift, the time management summit aimed to draw attention to the

economic impact of ‘African Time’ on productivity in the progress of individuals, organizations and nations of the world.

In his welcome address at the TAMS Summit, Mr. Afolabi Abiodun, Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of SB Telecoms, said findings from a research conducted by the company recently showed that almost 12 percent of annual labour cost is lost to lateness, tardiness, time theft and absenteeism in the private and public sectors of the econ-

omy.

Abiodun said, “For some time now, various Nigerian governments have touted Vision 2020 as the panacea that will take the country to the promised land of development. Four years to expected delivery date, we have yet to scratch the surface of this laudable target. Why? Although it is easy to blame lack of political will and socio-economic factor, the real culprit is a lack of interest in doing things in a timely manner and a readiness to give excuses.”

He lamented that poor time management has robbed many African economies of progress and turned the people into victims of its manifestations which are evident in rampant corruption, infrastructure decay, apathy and poverty, among others. “But it would be difficult to have any meaningful development if we hesitate to demand accountability, not only of resources and budgets but also of time in the private sector and at all levels of government.”

To solve the challenge, he said SB Telecoms developed a Time Attendance Management System (TAMS) which from 2013 to the present has been deployed by over 1,000 organizations, including multinationals.

Declaring the Summit open, Mrs. Bukky George, founder/ CEO of HealthPlus Limited who was also the Summit’s chairperson said time is wealth which should be efficiently managed.

She added that poor time management is the bane of development in African economies.

Capital Market B6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

Banking stocks drive NSE ASI to record high following flexible forex regime The Nigerian equities market sustained the previous day’s gains as banking stocks rose by 6 percent following the Central Bank of Nigeria’s decision to introduce a flexible foreign exchange regime on Tuesday, which drove All Share Index (ASI) to a record high, gaining 3.78 percent or 1,029.11 points to close at 28,260.61 points compared to an increase of 0.80 percent or 215.53 points to close at 27,231.50 points

the previous day.

Market capitalisation likewise surged by N353.4 billion to close at N9.7 trillion compared to N74.0 billion gained previously to close at N9.4 trillion.

All other market index also finished the day on a positive note except the NSE Oil and Gas index which dropped by 0.12 percent on losses incurred Mobil Oil Plc which dropped by 5 percent or N8.75 to close at N166.25 per share and Forte Oil

which lost N2.95 to close at N6.26 peer share.

Leading the day’s top price gainers (48) were NESTLE with an increase of N20 to close at N750 per share, followed by Dangote Cement which added N6.99 to close at N177 per share, while Nigerian Breweries appreciated by N6.38 to close at N133.99 per share. Guinness and Wapco garnered N4.75 and N3.85 respectively to close at N99.85 and N80.85 per share.

On the other hand Mobil topped the day’s price losers (10) with a loss of N8.75 to close at N166.25per share. Forte Oil followed with a decline of N6.26 to close at N206.21 per share, while Glaxosmithkline lost N1.05 to close at N20.49 per share. Union Dicon and Cadbury similarly fell by 59 kobo and 38 kobo respectively to close at N11.31 and N16 per share.

Top three traders for the day in volume terms were FBN

Holdings which exchanged 73.9 million shares worth N294.2 million, Zenith Bank which traded 48.2 million shares worth N790.2 million shares and Skye Bank which sold 45.9 million shares valued at N55.9 million.

At the end of the day’s trading, investors had exchanged a total of 474.4 million shares valued at N3.5 billion in 5,260 deals compared to 274.2 million shares worth N1.54 billion exchanged in 4,160 deals previously.

Summary of activities on NSE ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP

28,260.61 5,260.00 474,402,882.00 3,503,958,256.69 9,706,088,326,414.30

NSE admitted to Gold Community of Global Reporting Initiative ÏdƄƎ Ǝ Ɖƕ Ƽ ƕ dƏ Ǝ Ɔ ƂƆƉƆƎƓ ƄƊƆ ƍ The Nigerian Stock Exchange has announced that it has been admitted into the GRI Gold Community by Global Reporting Initiative (GRI). The GRI is an international independent organization that helps businesses, governments and other organizations understand and communicate the impact of business on critical sustainability issues such as climate change, human rights, corruption and many others.

According to Michael Meehan, Chief Executive of GRI,“The GOLD Community is made up of leading organizations that are helping GRI shape the future of sustainability. GOLD Community members are the core of GRI’s global network and through their participation they play a crucial role in enabling us to carry out our mission,” said GRI Chief Executive Michael Meehan. The NSE joins other stock exchanges such as BM&F Bovespa (Brazil), SIX Group (Switzerland), Deutsche Boerse, Taiwan Stock Exchange and NASDAQ as GRI Gold Community Members .

Commenting on this development, the Head of Corporate Services Division, NSE, Bola Adeeko said ‘’this recognition affirms our commitment to drive sustainable and responsible actions in the marketplace, workplace, community and environment. It is a call

to greater responsibility to promote best practices initiatives and we will continue to partner with GRI to raise the bar in our operating environment”.

The Exchange became an Organisational stakeholder of the Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) in October 2015 and has collaborated on a number of initiatives aimed at increasing the sustainability performance and disclosure in the Nigerian capital market.

Currently, the Exchange is implementing a phased strategic plan that will stimulate the appropriate application of relevant sustainability imperatives in the Nigerian capital market. This process which will be implemented in phases includes high-level engagement process with listed companies, investors and capital market community; development of Sustainability Reporting Guidelines and sustainability reporting & disclosure training and certification for stakeholders.

The maiden Nigerian Capital Market Sustainability Conference (NCMSC) was held in partnership with Ernst and Young (EY) and Global Reporting Initiative (GRI) on Friday, November 13, 2015 in Lagos, Nigeria. A follow up seminar themed “Beyond Reporting: Real Value Proposition” is planned for June 8, 2016.

L-R: Managing Director GlaxoSmithKline (GSK) Consumer Plc, Mr. Thandalam Dayanand; Consultant Periodontology, Department of Preventive Dentistry, LUTH, Prof. Kofoworola Savage; Marketing Director, GSK Consumer Plc, Kerry Alexander and President, Nigerian Dental Association, Dr Olabode Ijarogbe during the GSK Business Dental Seminar in Lagos …on Wednesday

NSE receives HR People Magazine 2016 Employer of Choice Award Lagos The Nigerian Stock Exchange has been awarded by the HR Peoples Magazine 2016 with the Employer of Choice Award in the Under 1,000 Employees category. According to the organisers of the event, eight (8) organisations were shortlisted for further screening out of which the final top three (3) contenders emerged namely; Seven Energy Nigeria Limited, Seplat Petroleum Development Company Plc and The Nigerian Stock Exchange, the overall winner of the category.

The entries from the companies were rigorously appraised by local panel and foreign technical partners to the award that

includes Frank Pedersen, CEO of Siemens Security Solution, Julie Gordon, Managing Director of Chrysos HR Solutions Ltd, United Kingdom and Ron Thomas, Managing Director of Strategy Focused Group-MENA and a former Chief Executive Officer.

Commenting on the award, Pai Gamde, Head, Human Resources, NSE, on behalf of The Nigerian Stock Exchange stated, “We are greatly humbled and honoured to receive this award and we would like to offer our gratitude to “HR Peoples Magazine Employer of Choice Award 2016” for creating this platform to recognise excellent HR practices. Our acceptance of this

award and honour would not be complete without recognising the entire workforce of the NSE whose support have made this milestone a reality.”

The NSE strives towards building a strong and consistent relationship with all its employees, built on trust and dignity.

We provide a safe working environment as well as career development opportunities. As at today, the NSE employs 264 people across our 13 upcountry branches and head office in Lagos. We are a results-oriented organisation, and we have established a working environment that is intellectually stimulating and performance driven.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

B7 Capital Market

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY ( EQUITIES) 25-05-2016

Motoring B8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, May 26, 2016

Nissan aims to take over Mitsubishi, eyes 34% stake

Dodge Durango vehicles

Stories by Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo The new CFAO Yamaha Motor Nigeria Limited assembly plant in Lagos, which is the product of a joint venture between CFAO Nigeria and Yamaha of Japan, has been hailed as a showcase of fruitful partnership that will contribute substantially to the efforts by the state government to boost industrialisation and business in the area.

Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode who made the remark while commissioning the motorcycle assembly plant and showroom at Amuwo-Odofin, assured that the state government was committed to the provision of incentives and critical infrastructure for investments to thrive.

He said the inauguration of

CFAO targets 70,000 motorcycles by 2018 Ï ƊƂ ƕƄ ƋƄ Ɗ Ɗ Ǝ ƍƃƓƃƉƄ ƄƊƂƉƓ ƋƉ Ǝ CFAO Yamaha Nigeria Limited assembly project brings the number of similar plants commissioned in Lagos to 10 since the Federal Government introduced the automobile policy.

Gov. Ambode said that Lagos with the population of over 21 million people which comprises of the middle-class with strong purchasing power, remains the best place for business in Nigeria and called on other international

business conglomerates who have not yet established their businesses in Lagos to consider doing so.

The Chairman, CFAO France and the President, Yamaha Motors Company Limited, Messrs.

Richard Bielle and Hiroyuki Yanagi, while speaking separately at the event, said that the joint venture was strategic as it would boost their capacity to deepen their operations in Africa.

The two guests, who expressed their belief in Lagos as the business hub of Africa, also pledged their commitment to using their business expertise to better the lot of Nigerians and thanked the government of Lagos state for its support to the project.

They said the joint venture between CFAO and Yamaha would strengthen the transport sector as well as boost employment opportunity in the country.

Two of Japans leading auto makers, Nissan Motor Co. Ltd. and Mitsubishi Motors Corporation, have confirmed that they have signed a basic agreement to form a far-reaching strategic alliance between the two Japanese automakers.

The tie-up Nissan will see Nissan take a 34 percent equity stake in Mitsubishi for 237 billion yen.

The strategic alliance will extend an existing partnership between Nissan and MMC, under which the two companies have jointly collaborated for the past five years.

Nissan and MMC have agreed to cooperate in areas including purchasing, common vehicle platforms, and technology-sharing, joint plant utilisation and growth markets.

Chief Executive and President of Nissan, Carlos Ghosn, said: This is a breakthrough transaction and a win-win for both Nissan and Mitsubishi Motors.

It creates a dynamic new force in the automotive industry that will cooperate intensively, and generate sizeable synergies. We will be the largest shareholder of MMC, respecting their brand, their history and boosting their growth prospects. We will support MMC as they address their challenges and welcome them as the newest member of our enlarged Alliance family.

Here come Fuso trucks with Daimler, Mitsubishi genes Kia partners UBER to provide free rides Following the recent successful unveiling of new generation Fuso trucks to the motoring press, CFAO Equipment has formally launched the medium (FA and FI) and heavy duty (FJ) models into the commercial vehicles market.

The sole distributor of the Fuso brand in Nigeria used the event in Lagos which was witnessed by stakeholders in the industry and Fuso representatives, to disclose that the trucks are driving in with the advantages derived from combining the Daimler and Canter DNAs. Also ascribed to the new Fuso range is being a blend of the hitech trucks that are popular in Europe and easy-to-maintain trucks technologically adapted to fit the motoring environment in Nigeria.

Addressing the guests, the Managing Director of CFAO Mo-

R-L : Group Managing Director, CFAO Nigeria, Mr. Steve Faderin; Assistant Corps Marshal, Zonal Commanding Officer, FRSC, Zone 2 Lagos, Mr. Nsebong Akpabio; Managing Director, CFAO Motors Nigeria, Mr. Thomas Pelletier; and Deputy Managing Director, CFAO Motors, Mr. Kunle Jayesimi at the launch All-new Fuso trucks in Lagos.

tors Nigeria Ltd, Mr Thomas Pelletier, said: “Todays milestone represents another successful launch for the Mitsubishi Fuso Truck and Bus Corporation (MFTBC), one of Asias leading

commercial vehicle manufacturers, under its continual growth in Africa following the recent launches in Kenya, Tanzania, Uganda, Ethiopia, Zambia, South Africa and Mozambique.

Kia Motors Nigeria has once again teamed up with the innovative technology platform Uber to provide a free ride to all Kia customers.

Kia and Uber are both committed to raising the bar in customer service and this informed their move to provide an amazing value added service to all Kia customers.

Recognized as two of the nation’s premier customer service providers, both companies commitment to provide the very best customer service support to thousands of customers nationwide is at the core of this partnership.

“Customer-centricity is at the epicentre of everything we do at Kia and our partnership with Uber, is aimed at giving optimum value to customers to ensure that they have access to the value oriented service from Uber by giving them a free ride worth N3,000” said Sandeep Malhotra, Chief

Commercial Officer, Kia Motors Nigeria.

“At Uber we are passionate about building a reliable and affordable platform that allows thousands of Nigerians get around their cities like never before and we continue to do that by creating exciting customer experiences.

We are thrilled to be partnering once again with KIA who make up one in every 10 Ubers on the road, bringing a memorable first experience to their extensive list of customers” said General Manager for Uber Nigeria, Ebi Atawodi The promotion will run from the 23rd of May to 20th of August, 2016, and it’ll be available to all Kia customers. To redeem this offer, KIA customers will need to download the Uber app from their Apple, Android or Windows app store, register an account and apply the code “KIAMOTORS” to unlock a free first ride worth N3,000.

Life&

Times Thursday, May 26, 2016

Yaw The total entertainer

L2,3

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday May 26, 2016

With Shalanga, every moment will be fun Reputable on- air personality, Steve Onu, aka Yaw, doesn’t need any introduction especially to lovers of WAZOBIA FM (95.1). The Theatre Arts graduate of the Lagos State University has warmed his way into the hearts of many listeners both in Lagos and the neighbouring states due to his style of speaking Pidgin English and personality. Yaw is known for his popular programme, “Make una Wake, the morning show which is aired from 6am to 12 noon.

Yaw, who has bagged many personality awards and nominated for several others, is rising daily in his game as he has a hand full of activities. He got launched into limelight with the then popular series known as “Flat Mates.’ His story is that of one who has experienced the lowest part of life and been picked up by sheer grace, determination and hard work. Ahead of his show tagged ‘Shalanga,’ Yaw spoke with MUTIAT ALLI on some of the expectations of the event, stage play challenges in Nigeria, next project and sundry issues. Enjoy…

Life&

T E A M

What is your forthcoming coming show ‘Shalanga’ all about?

(Laughs), funny as the name sounds, Shalanga which otherwise known as Pit Latrine is a play written by actor, Femi Branch. I did ‘Poo’ stage play in 2008 alongside Kofi which mirrors the society in a satiric manner. I discussed with Femi Branch that I wanted to repeat the stage again and he told me he has another play that I will love and that gave birth to Shalanga; literally the audience will enjoy a recap of what has happened in the country from the beginning of the year till now which revolves round politics, entertainment and what is generally applicable in the society at large. In essence, when you see the poster for the event, you would see me squatting and pooing into the country (Nigeria) which assumed to be the pit latrine and everybody just comes from nowhere, and all we just do is, we just deposit, it’s none of our business, we deposit it, plus the hard one, plus the watery one, everybody just drop whatever they want drop in, and we don’t care about anything. In all fairness, most times people don’t care about

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

-Yaw

happens to Shalanga (Pit Latrine) because we just drop and then we go. The thing there is that we are all government, and it’s not just about those in Aso Rock alone, we must contribute our own little quota and don’t wait till everything is spoilt before we start complaining. The country can only be better if we all are united and that is what Shalanga is trying to pass at the end of the day. This is the 8th edition of different plays, the same theme, talking about government, it’s just a recap of what you and I know, and we just come to watch, and we just laugh about it, and you know what satire is, satire is just like a rubber sword, you pierce someone, you don’t intend to spill blood, but you inflict pain, you stab the person a little, the person feels it. At the end of the day, you might laugh and then go home, and think about it.

Unlike every other comedian whose show is just about music and comedy, yours is different; is it deliberate or that is your standard?

You know because I did drama in school and I am a proud Theatre Art graduate. From days in school when I started putting out stage plays, I said to myself I want to continue in this trend because back then in school I would do Comedy, Music and drama on my shows and the likes of Omo Baba, Jedi, Sound Sultan, Rugged man where regular attendees of those programmes. So when I came out of school, I told myself, let me continue with this same style, that’s when I started doing it. I just wanted to do something completely different, and because I am first and foremost, an actor, a trained actor. I decided to just do that, and just infuse music, and comedy, because lots of people like to watch music, and comedy. It’s a standard I have built overtime, I can only improve but that is my stand.

Society Correspondent Abimbola Obatayo

Why the choice of AY for Shalanga?

Like you all know that I have acted alongside Funke Akindele, Koffi, Okey Bakassi to mention but few and last year, AY approached me that he would love to be on board for the next one; so also is Sound Sultan, Akpororo. With other people lined up already that means for the next three years of my show, I have those I will be acting with. For AY, he is also a Theatre Art graduate who has done well in the comedy and movie industry; I love his craft and style and I know we can always pull through together. The stage play I bet with you will whoa the audience and the message we are trying to pass will get across to people.

So that means all through the Show, we get to see just you and AY? Normally that’s the concept I used to do before now; I introduced the crown troop of Africa, to add to it. Crown troop will come, and do dance, to interpret, and places where we needed crowd scene, we have crown troop to help do that, but this I decided not to use the Crown troop. I wanted just to have maybe one or two 2 actors that play minor roles and they are off the stage. But majorly it’s just myself and AY that will be on stage almost all the time, because we don’t intend to have black out on stage, and all that, because that is the concept I work with.

Away from Shalanga, what is really happening to Yaws and Myn? Ooooh! Yaws &Myn is on hold for now but pretty soon, we will be hitting location for more episodes even though putting the sitcom is quite expensive to record because we don’t have a sponsor and it is our duty to take care of all our cast and crew members. I will be airing it back soon before the end of the year as fans have been asking for it; so immediately after Shalanga show, we will commence production. Also my team and I have been working tirelessly to come up with new ideas.

You are also a comedian, don’t you think that part of you have been relegated to the background?

Comedy depends on what aspect you are looking at it from. We’ve got stand-up comedians, comedy actors, and then radio comedians, so anyone that comes my way, I am always on air 24/7. If it’s to act, I act, if you call me for stand up, I do it, but I just see myself, as a total entertainer, basically that’s just it, then it’s not everybody that is good as a comedy actor that can necessarily be as a stand-up comedian, and not all stand-up comedians can act. You might just like it for the first 1 or 2 minutes, then afterwards you just be like he should just face the stand-up comedy.

Continued on L3

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Daniel Ekiye

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday May 26, 2016

L3 Interview

‘I see myself as a total entertainer’ Continued from L2 So where you stand in all?

My Sister na everything oh. In my place, they say “you don’t stand in one place to see a masquerade. If the masquerade go like this, you follow. If you want to enjoy the masquerade” and being a theatre artiste, you must be versatile, and that’s just it, you must be able to do little of almost everything.

In essence what should we expect at the event?

Expect all the best packaged fun at the show as it will be filled with performance by talented musicians and comedians that includes Olamide, Phyno, Ycee, Lil Kesh, Vector, Humble smith, Solidstar, Reminisce to mention but few and off course my colleagues on the field. We’ve also got surprises that we are going to be working on. Last year, we had Old school act performing. After I finished my show, a lot of people started using them too.

This year, we are still using Old school act, and then some other ones, then total show package is what makes it different. I try to do something different from the regular.

Considering the present economic situation and the fuel palaver, are you not concerned that it might affect your show?

Last year the same thing happened and so this time too, there was the same fuel issues.

Two years ago, the same thing. It happens every time surprisingly. So if you watch the play, the one I did with Julius, we acted something like that, where we had the fuel pump in front, and then we had people queuing up to buy fuel, even when I did with Funke Akindele, it was almost the same thing, there was fuel wahala, so am not bothered, it will come and go, that’s all I just believe, then if people stay at home, but people are not at home, because you guys are not at home, but if people are truly at home from now till that time towards my show, they will be tired of sitting at home, it will make them come out.

Who are the people you target for the show?

My sister, I target everybody oh. Nigeria na for everybody, don’t forget that the plays that I do talks about Nigeria generally. I always believe that if we start from the bottom to teach people the things that are right, you know most of us these days when we do things, we don’t do it because of the country. We just do it because she is my friend, he is my friend, that’s why we do some things. We render helps, we don’t even do it bearing the country in mind, but I also believe that when am doing it for her, she does it for me, and it goes round like that, this country will still be a better place.

So it’s everybody majorly, the top, the middle, the bottom. In the plays sometimes people say, No that was too hard, don’t say it like that, but we try even though we don’t also want to build enemies, but we try to do that.

With shows most times taking place on Lagos Island which targets the upper

class, what then happens to those in areas such as Ikotun, Ayobo and the likes?

That is when we decide to start doing community theatres, and then you have to take these plays to them, but you don’t even have the venue if you want to do plays for those kind of people. If I say I want to do my play, we’ve done little shows that we did in Ikeja, and you don’t see huge turnout of people, even within that area, because for you to package a play is really expensive. That’s why I say if its community theatre where it’s sponsored, you can then take it from one place to another, and then you are touching every lives. For instance, National theatre, security is key, most people till date still finds it difficult to go to the theatre, so I for one will not risk putting money down to do a show at national theatre because I know that people are scared of going to the theatre.

When they do plays at the theatre, notice it, it is only when they have free shows or they give invite to people, that is when people will come, but for paying shows, people don’t come, and then don’t forget its government thing, you now tell them, can we have light, you just hear ahhh, ahhh!!!!! Then you go and square them something, they will put it on for you, then next thing when it’s getting to 7pm, the light would go off, you now ask them what is going on and they say ahhh!!!, the people that were there had closed by 6pm, we just resumed. By the time you start to hear these things, it’s annoying, so why would I want to take my plays there.

With your love and involvement in the entertainment industry when should we be expecting your first musical single or probably an album?

Album for where, I did a song with Nigga, 2Shot, Rugged man in 2006 and I equally did one too with my brother Koffi and X-Project which was released and that was all from me musically.

What are the challenges of stage plays in Nigeria?

It all boils down to finance and gone are those days when you get sponsors for stage plays. Another thing is that is there is no proper structure to put things in the right order.

With the current entertainment industry fight, do you think it’s favourable for the industry to grow?

Yes it is, I think it is, that is why journalist have news to write. So whether you like it or not the industry is gradually buying into it and it is better you air opinion and know your enemies. For me, I think it’s good because in Nigeria even when they beef or ditch one another, they don’t beat or shoot themselves; so it’s all good and fine.

There’s this argument that Comedians make better money than the movie practitioners, how true is that?

Says who? But you know it’s not easy for movies, because you have lots of people to pay, but it is not also easy for comedians, it is one comedian per event, so it is only one comedian that makes the money but in movie,

Yaw they can be up to like 10, and they are making the money. It is either way, you know as they are making, also the comedians are making, so it’s not every actor that makes money, and it’s not every comedian that makes money.

A comedian will take 10 minutes to make his money, if you miss it then you’ve spoilt your business, nobody will call you again. But for movies, they can say cut, action again, take it again, you can fix it.

Comedians seem to have also taken over the MC Job, what’s your take?

The problem of Nigeria is too much, they always want to laugh, and all this professional MCs it’s only English they can speak, so we comedians spice things up and that’s all.

Based on your radio show, you do newspaper review in the morning, its quiet entertaining the way you broadcast, do you rehearse?

I don’t rehearse because it’s what I see in the papers I review but believe me sincerely the NBC is on my neck, they said I trigger issues. I’m a humorous person, you look at the humorous part of it. I think beyond what newsmen have written. Am sure my MD didn’t have that in mind when we started WAZOBIA, but it was the way I started the presentation, and then it caught everybody. I started it with humor, I just told myself I will put humor in every part of it. Nigerians need humor. NBC said that’s not news, but people want to listen to it, but every time they call me, and say am going against NBC rules, I tell them I say

things I see in the paper. They even said I should even stop opening newspaper to see, that I should only be reading front page.

What is the difference between Yaw and Steve Onu? Steve Onu, to an extent, is a quiet reserved person; to the extent that people don’t know, but I’m shy that’s why sometimes I just want to be on my own. Left to me, I want to be at home counting money till night. But for Yaw, Yaw must be outgoing, attend events, be at red carpets, and talk. This is Steve Onu speaking now, a Yaw will not speak English, but Steve Onu will speak English. Basically, they are totally two different people, but some things are just similar. I can’t run away from that, my humorous side. But apart from that, I just prefer to be indoors. I don’t want to go out, I don’t party, or club, I just prefer it that way.

As a Theatre Art graduate, what makes a good script?

It’s all about the style, then the plot, and then the end, because nothing is new. If you want shoot a film, stage play, nothing is new. Its key is how it is written, and then the plot, and then the end of it; even the middle and the end, it’s just the writing skills, the use of words. Those are the things that you must look out for. Then apart from that, you will look out for those who are actually behind it, who is directing, who is producing, the producer does not really matter in Nigeria for now, but who is directing and who are your co –actors are critical.

Music Gist L4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday May 26, 2016

Mutiat Alli

Adekunle Gold to drop album after Ramadan YBNL act, Adekunle Gold has revealed he would be dropping his debut album scheduled to hold next month till early July after the Ramadan season.

He made this known via a Now O’ Clock podcast hosted by Wole in an episode 1 tagged “Creative and Criticism” with Adekunle Gold.

“I am pushing it forward a bit because of Ramadan, it was supposed to drop for June 1 before, but apparently it occurred to me that my Muslim friends don’t listen

to music during Ramadan, so it makes sense to push it forward because of them as well, so by God’s grace in July after Ramadan, and all of us can enjoy it together,” the singer said.

He then went ahead to talk about the album making process and dynamics, and dealing with criticisms in the industry from fans. He also revealed who his music influences are and which international acts he would love to collaborate with, amongst other entertaining tidbits.

Chocolate City announces Ice-prince and Jesse Jagz’s label Following the recent announcement

by Ice-Prince of his exit from Chocolate City Music label, the label CEO, MI Abaga has debunked rumours flittering around that Ice-Prince left the label base on rift with the company.

MI disclosed that Ice-Prince contract with the label expired years ago and the need for a self-owned label has been discussed even before his contract expired and as such that is the more reason why they have put up conference to officially announce

Adekunle Gold

Fuji Star, Malaika wins Best Collaboration Album of the Year

the birth of two new labels ‘Super Cool Cats and JagzNation as record label imprints under the popular Chocolate City Music label.

This makes them become the first African record label to follow in the footsteps of international heavy weights such as Universal Music and Sony Music Group. The two labels are owned and headed by Ice Prince and Jesse Jagz respectively.

According to Ice Prince, “Super Cool Cats is beyond a music label, as we are

New Video Alert: Niyola Musician Ara is new Ife out with Never gonna stop cultural ambassador It’s good time indeed for Nigeria’s first female talking drummer, Ara, as she was recently appointed as the cultural ambassador to the kingdom of Ife. The appointment of Ara as the ambassador by Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi is as a result of her handwork and doggedness and resilience as an accomplished first female African talking drummer in Africa.

Ara was presented an appointment letter from the office of the monarch, confirming her new position.

The female drummer made a post on her Facebook page, where she showed off the appointment letter.

She wrote, “My appointment letter from His Imperial Majesty Oba Adeyeye Babatunde Enitan Ogunwusi the Ooni of Ife.”

Fuji Music Star, Alhaji Suleiman ‘Malaika’ Adekunle has clinched yet another award. Malaika won Best Collaboration Islamic Music and Associated Nominees (IMAN) album of the year with song titled ‘Iya Mi’.

The album featured five female artistes. The efforts described the importance of woman in the world.

This creativity however won the award for him.

Excited Malaika in appreciation of the award said ‘Alhamdulillah, I just got the award for the Best Music Collaboration of the Year 2016. My sincere appreciation goes out to my entire numerous fans worldwide for the great support.

I will not let you down”.

The last heard from the Proper Music exponent, Malaika, was the duet he did with Dammy Krane, Nana Dance that is trending till date and Malaika Alayeluwa Fans Day that was held in last month, April 2016.

Niyola

Malaika

already working with fashion designers, video directors etc; it is in fact a full platform for different expressions of the arts”. He also mentioned that he is already working on an urban line with Seyi Sanusi popularly known as “Sneaker Boy”.

Jesse Jagz was cool, calm and all smiles as he told the press that being an artiste under a large label limits his creativity, but that having his own record label gives him more creative freedom and control on his content.

Last bus stop crooner and Empire Mates Entertainment singer, Niyola has proved her musical dexterity away from the usual love beats as she recently put out the visual to her latest collection ‘Never gonna Stop’.

Produced by Ex O, the song has an up-tempo vibe, and figuratively, it is an anthem for everyone out there hustling to follow their dreams and passions irrespective of obstacles faced along the way.

Speaking about the song, Niyola said “it expresses that music is a passion and I would rather not do it at all than not do it right! A lot of people try to say how it should be done and why.

But what is art if it’s not an expression?’

Ara

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday May 26, 2016

L5 Movie Gist

Mutiat Alli

Sola Sobowale, Funke Akindele, others for May Ball event this weekend

Sola Sobowale

Odunlade Adekola

Talented entertainers led by veteran actress, Sola Sobowale have been confirmed to be among stars who will be gracing the Nigeria Society for the Blind event tagged ‘Masked May Ball’ scheduled to hold at the Shell Hall, Muson Centre, Lagos on May 28, 2016.

Other confirmed celebrities includes Funke Akindele, Femi Adebayo, Odunlade Adekola, Bimbo Akintola, Iyabo Ojo, Fathia Balogun, Dayo Amusa, Cobhams Asuquo, Foluke Daramola-Salako, Stephaine Okereke-Linus amongst others.

Asiwaju Fola Osibo, Chairman of the Executive Council of the vocational centre, disclosed that the May Ball event is a special one as it gives members of the public opportunity to dine and wine with the visually impaired. He also noted that the event is a platform for fund raising towards the development of the centre.

Highlights of the event includes celebrity blind auction, fashion show, raffle draw, live band, music performances and special five course meal.

Africa Magic and Femi Odugbemi premiere Gidi Blues Africa Magic, the continent’s leading provider of premium entertainment content, and ace Nigerian filmmaker Femi Odugbemi, will on June 4, 2016, premiere Gidi Blues, an unusual love story filled with intrigue and suspense told with a ‘Lagos-state-of-mind.’

Gidi Blues features a stellar cast which includes Gideon Okeke, Bukky Wright, Tina Mba, Lepacious Bose, Nancy Isime, Banky W and others. The movie promises high-quality entertainment with humour, music and drama, and also dwells on the unpredictability of Lagos city where anything can and often does happen.

Filmed in iconic Lagos locations like Idumota market, Makoko, Victoria Island, Isale Eko, Lekki, Freedom Park and Broad Street, Gidi Blues showcases Lagos city and the unique energy of its people. Akin, played

by Gideon Okeke, is an indulged playboy from an affluent family who accidentally meets an interesting beauty, Nkem, in an unpredictable place. Nkem is a beautiful, confident but unusual young lady who devotes herself to her work as a community volunteer in the belly of the city’s worst slum.

Their encounter drags Akin into a whirlwind experience that unravels his world.

Speaking on the movie, the Producer and Director, Mr. Femi Odugbemi said: “Gidi Blues was exciting as it was challenging and we are extremely delighted with the finished work. The movie deals with the famous spirit of Lagos, the resolve within every Lagosian that confronts every challenge with the belief that all is surmountable. Gidi Blues is also

a love story which seeks to inspire young people to give back through community volunteer work. For example, Makoko, the fishing slum under the Third Mainland Bridge, is where the lead characters find meaning in their lives as they volunteer as teachers and also start initiatives that support and empower the disadvantaged in the community.”

Gidi Blues premieres at the Federal Palace Hotel in Victoria Island, Lagos.

Firm to promote Yoruba unity with N2bn ‘Kiriji War’ film ANOB Film Productions Ltd., an Arts and Culture preservation and propagation outfit, is set to promote unity among the Yoruba nation with a N2 billion film ``Kiriji War’’.

Mrs. Anike Obot, the Managing Director of the company, said this on Monday night at the Kiriji War Film Script Conference held at the International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan.

The event however attracted prominent traditional rulers, academicians, artistes and other notable personalities across Yoruba land that includes the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi; Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi; Olubadan of Ibadan, Oba Saliu Adetunji and Adagba of Iyanfoworogi, Oba Boluwatife Fatunmise.

The conference provided the platform for the monarchs and warlords, Aare Latoosa, Chief Adegboyega Mabinuori and Obanla of Ijeshaland, Chief Oyekunmi Ogedengbe the opportunity to recount the war.

The monarchs pledged their support for the production of the film and equally urged the Yoruba to live in peace among themselves and other Nigerians.

Oba Adeyemi called on the producer to ensure that historians, academics and monarchs were consulted on the project to make it rich.

Anike Obot further disclosed that the movie is aimed at promoting unity in the Yoruba nation, saying ``a nation divided against itself would not stand’’.

Tonto Dike showers encomium on step mum Proud mother of one, Tonto DikeChurchill has described her step mum as the best mother she could ever have who has played motherly role with a heart of gold and wanting nothing other than greatness for all her step-kids.

The talented actress who have been off the screen tagged her step mum her woman crush of the day sharing a photo and a caption that goes thus ‘“My WCW goes to my Wonderful step ma. She happens to be the best mom ever. Never judging and ever ready to protect, Pray and love.

Her devotion to the family is next to none, in a country were step moms are far from great she stands out heavy... I love u so much Mrs. Dikeh Aka Big mummy/Mama.

Thank you for playing the mother role with a heart of gold and wanting nothing other than Greatness for all of us... Thank you for giving me the best brother any girl could ask for (Pastor Tonye aka Boss). Thank you for sharing your husband with us and taking good care of him, I believe my mom appreciates you too...

Kehinde Bankole, Nathaniel Bassey,

others for Discovery for Youths Conference 2016: Raising Champions As part of her commitment to raising a new breed of dynamic young leaders in Nigeria, the Discovery for Youths (D4Y) team in partnership with Entertainment Konzult Limited is holding a national conference tagged “Raising Champions” come Monday, May 30, 2016 at Aieda Hall, Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos.

The National Youth Conference 2016 is a pedestal for empowerment specially organised for Nigerian youths. Like some of the organisation’s past events such as ‘Love factor’ and ‘Discovery for Youths: Live your dreams,’ which featured Samklef, Ade Bantu among others, this event will feature some notable speakers including the multiple award winning actress, Kehinde Bankole, Nathaniel Bassey, and Dr. Dokun Adedeji, the National Coordinator of CADAM - Drug Rehabilitation Centre, among others. Commenting on the event, Willie Workman Oga, the PR/Media

Kehinde Bankole Relations Executive for D4Y, said: “This event is organised largely to Connect, empower, inspire, re-awaken dead dreams and impart the “can do” spirit to all that would be in attendance at this conference. Inside every man is a continent of untapped potential, and this event is specially designed to help you unlock these potentials and live an effectively fruitful life as opposed to simply existing till you pass on.”

Mixed Grill L6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday May 26, 2016

Mutiat Alli

Genesis Studios sets for a new game show, The Price is Right L-R Mr. Abraham Praise, executive producer and project director TPIR NG, Mrs. Deborah Odutayo, president of EMCOAN and Mr. Olatubosun Olaegbe, executive producer TPIR NG and managing director, Genesis Studios.

Genesis Studios, creators of the award winning television drama, So Wrong, So Wright and Tales of Eve has partnered with London-based television content, production & distribution company, Fremantle Media, to bring the exciting game show- The Price is Right to Nigeria.

The company is getting ready to produce five seasons of the show, making the total number of adaptations of the format to 43 versions worldwide.

Set to premiere towards the end of the year, The Price is Right is the longest running family game show in history and has won twenty daytime Emmys; it has also been tagged the number one daytime show in United

States. The format has been sold to 42 territories worldwide with Nigeria being the first in sub-Sahara Africa.

For the Nigerian audience, The Price is Right is an added advantage because it promises to be entertaining, engaging, and interactive. With a charismatic host and an enthusiastic audience, the game plays out with life changing prizes to be won by participants.

In his word, Genesis Studios Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Olatubosun Olaegbe, explained that there is an ardent need for Nigerian television screens to be graced with yet another world class game show that is engaging, entertaining and most importantly

MultiChoice and M-Net Channels launch movie pop-up channel on DStv Premium in June On Friday June 3, 2016, MultiChoice and M-Net Channels will launch M-Net Movies Select, an urban movie channel celebrating the immense contribution of African American stars to the magic of Hollywood.

While the spotlight will fall on a long list of well-known international Black talents, this pop-up channel will also feature a variety of popular films that will appeal to a diverse cross-section of viewers.

Coinciding with the American Black Film Festival (ABFF), an annual international event in Miami dedicated to showcasing

entertainment content made by and about people of African descent to a worldwide audience, M-Net Movies Select will be available on DStv Premium across Africa.

The slate of more than 170 films will be screened on channel 109 for 18 hours a day – from Friday, June 3 at 5:00am until Thursday, June 30 at 10:59pm.

Among the stars who will come out to play on M-Net Movies Select are Will Smith, Whoopi Goldberg, Kevin Hart, Tyler Perry, Wesley Snipes, Viola Davis, Morris Chestnut, Martin Lawrence, Mia Long,

Vivica A. Fox and Zoe Saldana. Some of the big titles that viewers can look forward to are Wild Wild West, Diary of a Mad Black Woman, Bad Boys 2, Madea’s Witness Protection, Get Hard, Fast & Furious 7, The Wedding Ringer and Ride Along.

Jan du Plessis, Director, M-Net Channels, said M-Net Movies Select builds on the massive success of previous movie pop-up channels on DStv such as last year’s Star Wars extravaganza and kykNET’s Afrikaans language holiday treats, fliekNET.

Solidstar to drop “Wait” Refix tomorrow …features Tiwa Savage and Patoranking

Triple Ice music unveils DJ Ree, Veecko Kingz Achievas Entertainment signed artiste, Solidstar is set to drop a stunning refix of ‘Wait’ featuring global dancehall megastar, Patoranking and returning pop queen, Tiwa Savage, tomorrow, Friday, May 27, 2016.

The original version of the song, which featured Davido dropped in March 2016, and the release of the refix comes ahead of the launch of his forthcoming third studio album, ‘Weed’.

In chat with the One in a million crooner, he disclosed the reason for the ‘Wait’ refix, saying: “It’s one of my favourite songs that I have ever recorded, and when I got the chance to work with Tiwa and Patoranking on the refix, I jumped at it because they are probably the biggest artistes in their genre in Nigeria right now. It was amazing working with them and I can’t wait for my fans to jam to the song like I’ve been doing!”

Fast rising music label, Triple Ice Music led by Jerry Uwagbulam has unveiled their first set of signees on the label, DJ Ree and Veecko Kingz.

DJ Ree born Nwafor Nnamdi is an all-round talented entertainer. Aside from his skills on the wheels of steel, he is also a talented singer, song writer, producer and sound engineer who has shared stage with the likes of Timaya, Wizkid, 2face, D’banj and a lot of other heavyweights. DJ Ree brings a new blend of RnB /Pop, fused with a deep African feel.

Veecko Kingz on the other hand, born Obi Victor is a rising pop sensation from Anambra State, Nigeria whose love for music kicked off as a music producer in 2005 having produced songs for the likes Sound Sultan, W4, Rugged man and others.

He has several materials to his credit as a musician that includes My Cap, Ikebe Super featuring Rugged man, Kwarangida, and Communicate to mention but few. It is important to disclose that the duo of DJ Ree and Veecko Kingz are the new set of artistes to watch out for in the music industry.

suitable for the whole family.

“We have been looking for a world class game show that would engage and entertain the entire family and The Price is Right is the perfect format for us and we know it will be a big success in Nigeria,” Olaegbe said.

He added that it is long overdue for Nigerians to have a family oriented show like this. “I am grateful to Fremantle Media for a partnership that ensures that Nigerians will benefit from the wide acceptability of the show and most importantly the simplicity of its audience rating which means that even the very young can participate and smile home with mouthwatering prizes.

Burna Boy premieres new video for ‘Duro ni be’ featuring Phyno Spaceship Entertainment presents the official video for “Duro Ni Be”, track eleven off Burna Boy’s sophomore album - #OAS (On a Spaceship) - which was released late last year. The video was directed by Matt Max. This is Burna Boy’s third video off the album. It comes after the release of his colourful last video for fan-favourite, Rizzla, two months ago. Duro Ni Be, another fan-favourite, features Phyno and takes a different creative approach from his last few videos.

The Duro Ni Be video brilliantly captures the mood, theme and message of the song from the start. Its scenes give the us-againstthe-world vibe that are all over Burna’s lyrics - an aptly-dressed Burna is in the company of his crew - as he sings about his place in the industry and how he handles haters and enemies while briefly chronicling his music journey.

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday May 26, 2016

L7 Opinion

Addressing Discrimination in Nollywood

Brand your

...A case of disunity in diversity

The blind are the most creative creature

By Femi Isaac These are interesting times for the movie industry in Nigeria. It seems that finally Nollywood is starting to get it right with out of the ordinary productions, concept and delivery.

The undeniable growth in the industry is a progression that no one can ignore. The curtainfall experiences of stage plays and theatre arts that hitherto represented people’s preferences have slowly faded with history, giving room to an era of exciting home videos.

However, there is a trend that has closely accompanied the growth of the Nigerian film industry especially since its adoption of the name Nollywood, a term which started to gain acceptance after a 2002 article by Matt Steinglass in The New York Times where it was used to describe the Nigerian Cinema and subsequently the movie industry. Observations abound of a worrying trend which has seen English speaking actors hugely prioritised over indigenous actors as regards recognition, awards and even endorsements. Examining the long road to the industry’s success and its attendant challenges is imperative particularly at a time when the industry is faced with stiff competition from foreign contents and needs a united bond to scale the heights.

The Movie industry in the glorious 90s Many have referred to the 1992 release of Living in Bondage as the industry’s first blockbuster and I couldn’t agree less. Especially since the movie sparked a fire of burning successes for the movie industry, a development which has seen the industry grow to become the third biggest in terms of revenue earnings after America’s Hollywood and India’s Bollywood.

The 90s could have offered no better parting gift than it did with the release of Saworo Ide in 1999. I remember how we gathered in our usual group of growing lads to see the movie soon after its release. First view was an awesome experience, that day I spotted a genius in Kunle Afolayan in his Arese Jabata character and since then the dude has continuously made the country proud.

Fighting challenges and discrimination It seems that one of the strongest advantages of the industry which is its ability to produce films in different languages is starting to become its nightmare as a growing trend of discrimination and segregation is starting to set actors apart placing them in classes and creating a complex of dominance in the growing industry.

If by the term Nollywood we mean the totality of activities taking place in the Nigerian film industry, be it in English, Yoruba, Hausa, Igbo, Efik or any other Nigerian Language, then one will expect that every actor regardless of what language he speaks be referred to as a Nollywood actor. Sad to say this has not been the case as only English speaking actors are referred to as Nollywood actors while their contemporaries are labelled Yoruba actors, Igbo actors and others.

The likes of Mercy Aigbe Gentry and Yomi Fash Lanso have at one point or the other addressed the issue of perceived discrimination,

segregation and factionalism from English speaking actors in the Nigerian movie industry and one need not wonder that such will possibly be a sentiment shared by other indigenous actors irrespective of languages. The omission of Mercy Aigbe in This-day’s style Nollywood’s most dressed at the AMVCA sparked a huge online debate and to some further authenticated the reports of perceived bias against indigenous acts.

The Nigerian movie industry has also recorded a long battle of piracy oppression from heartless pirates and until a demonstration of unity in purpose especially as it regards to the war against piracy is effected, we may have to endure this menace for a longer period, hence another reason to put away unnecessary discrimination and face industry challenges as one body. The invasion of content and struggle for space especially from foreign Industries is also a growing challenge, these days many are surprised that telemundo and other foreign soaps are beginning to steal the heart of Nigerian women particularly housewives away slowly. We surely need a united industry to stay relevant amidst stiff competition among other growing challenges.

Moving forward with a positive outlook It must have beaten the imagination of many when a Nigerian rapper and comedian, Falz the bahd guy, emerged the Best Actor in a Comedy role at the 2016 Africa Magic Viewers’ Choice Award in what appears to be his first major experience as an actor beating notable comic actor, Ime Bishop and others IK Ogbonna, Kelechi Udegbe and Bowoto Jephthah.

For the many that have criticised the rapper’s first time- first win AMVCA experience, the truth is that the development portends more positives than negatives for the industry. It implies a break from the norm, a better and fairer recognition of hard work and a step in the right direction towards discouraging the growing discrimination.

The list of indigenous acts that are gradually joining other English speaking actors and actresses is proof that the spread of endorsement largesse is meant for all hardworking Nollywood actors irrespective of the language spoken. This is why the mix of Nollywood celebrities becoming faces of brands continues to increase by the day.

Patience Ozokwor, Odunlade Adekola, OC Ukeje, John Okafor, Chiwetalu Agu are outstanding examples of the growing numbers.

The recent Etisalat deal of Eniola Badmus is also an indication of good things to come for others who continue to improve their art and further strengthens the bond within the industry. We hope that going forward Nollywood will make the most of its diverse languages and experience the unity that is found in diversity.

Blindness with Rasaq Adekoya

The popular adage that there is ability in disability seems to be an understatement compared to the true picture of what you can encounter when you meet the phenomenal being at the vocational training center for the blind. It has been an advancement from ability to creativity to productivity.

We all grew been told that everyone has a natural gift called talent. But the current situation is that no one pay you for your talent. You are paid for your skills. Skills are refine talent that are needed to accomplish productivity. The ingenuity of such skills displayed by the student of the vocational training center for the blind is a true reflection that the center is the hub of creativity Let’s face it. Albert eisten says logic move things from point A to B, imagination moves things around the world”. All the innovation on the surface of earth initiated from imagination.

This imagination is a powerful tool utilize by the blind in doing things. They moved around without seeing. The type on their phone and laptop without reading physically. The cooked without visualizing. These are the least of things they do. But all of this has been achieved courtesy of the other sense organ mostly that of hearing, touching and smelling.

When it comes to hearing, the blind has the ability to hear the lowest frequency of a beat from a far distance. Their tympanic membrane has the sensitivity to fine tune the exact nature of an audio sound. This hearing ability has been fully explored at this center as they teach their trainees on how to play musical instruments and digital sound production. Just hum a sound, they will make a melodious beat out of it. Write a poem, they will write a meaningful lyrics from it. Say few words and your song is compose. A visit to their world class digital musical studio will suffice your curiosity.

Furthermore, what about their imaginative writing skills. A blind person has the ability to picture the feature of the future he dreamt of.

They understand that idea rules the world.

And this is why I call them the word smith.

If you have an opportunity to read a drama sketch, narrative book, motivational piece or advertisement script written by a blind person, you will not only be persuaded to take an action, you will also feel like you’re in the realm of where the action is taking place. Few among the trainees of the vocational training center for the blind has authored books which has made tremendous sales and impact.

However, as unemployment rate increase tremendously, the management of the vocational training center consider this popular trend. This has been the bane of what they inculcated into their curriculum ab-initio. The management understand that vocational skills

has a vital role in creating job for most blind student who tend to be self employed and has lesser interest in education. They annex their sense of touch to produce beautiful art work and materials. When you see the beautiful bags weaved, the flower verse bead, the set of dining chairs and table knitted, you will be amaze if such creativity is a production of the blind. The most astonishing of all is how they create unique artistic patterns on the batik they produced. Just visit their tie and dye showroom, you will have no option but to patronize them for your next aso ebi.

Nevertheless, the relevant of all the skills aforementioned is incomplete in a 21st century without digital skills. Assistive technology has made life easier for the blind to fully utilize the computer system and compete with their sighted counterpart. Not only to type using word processing software’s, they also surf the internet, hang out on social media platforms like what’s app, bbm, twitter, Facebook etc. and as well advance their capacity to building website and developing mobile apps.

If there is one thought on your mind, I’m sure it is whether this is real in Nigeria? Or a speculation under planning? Either of both, delete such notion. It is currently happening.

It is a dream come true for the founders, executive members and management of the federal Nigeria society for the blind. It is a great social project a non-profit organisation like they has been investing on since the past sixty one years. Despite the how it has been capital intensive as a result of foreign exchange volatility in procuring equipment and tools tailored for special education, it has been a relentless effort for them to ensure productive blind graduate from their institution.

They have always seek for generous donation from philanthropic individuals and corporate bodies like you to sustain their existence and effectiveness.

A developed society is not measured only by the beautiful infrastructure they build but how inclusive they are, not by the number of wealthy people but how the most marginalized persons, mostly people with disability, are integrated into the society with equal socioeconomic opportunity. The blind in our society can only be economically advantage when you patronise the ingenuity of their creativity.

If you think you’re creative, never dare that of the blind. And if you are yet to be convinced, a visit to Firro road at Cappa Oshodi where the vocational training center for the blind is located will be the best place you can go to.

Creativity is productivity. The blind are emblem of uniqueness. Respect them for whom they are.

You are amazing and unstoppable. Live your best life always.

TV guide L8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday May 26, 2016

Showing on

Showing on

Movies Comedy Channel 104

Movies ACTION Channel 110

22:28

13:00

Thu, 26 May |16 SL

Thu, 26 May | PG 13V

Oscar winner Kevin Spacey and Danny star in this film about three salesmen who dissect life as they wait for a man who could make or break their sales targets. Danny DeVito, Kevin Spacey.(1999)John Swanbeck

Jackie Chan turns on the charm in this action film. A chauffeur is thrust into the world of international espionage when he puts on a suit that gives him extraordinary powers.

Jackie Chan, Jennifer Love Hewitt. (2002) Kevin Donovan.

101 M-Net

23:35 Behind The Scenes: Unbroken 00:00 Chicago Med 00:50 Behind The Scenes: 1st Project 01:20 Shakesspeare School Year 02:28 Behind The Scenes: Walking On Sunshine 02:40 Behind The Scenes: Annie 03:15 Made In Hollywood

04:00 MasterChef Australia 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 05:59 The Middle 06:29 Sarah Graham's Food Safari 07:30 Chicago Med 08:30 From Rough 10:04 Behind The Scenes: The Theory Of...

10:30 The Goldbergs 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 MasterChef Australia 13:00 Carte Blanche 14:00 Shades Of Blue 15:00 Modern Family 15:30 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:00 Kevin From Work 17:30 MasterChef Australia 18:33 My Story

118 Telemundo

23:40 The Face Of Destiny 00:30 Elena's Ghost 01:20 Broken Angel 02:10 Broken Angel 03:00 The Face Of Destiny 03:50 Fearless Heart 05:20 Elena's Ghost 06:10 Husband For Hire 07:00 The Face Of Destiny 07:50 Fearless Heart 08:40 For Love And Justice 09:30 Cruel Love 10:20 Husband For Hire 11:10 The Face Of Destiny 12:00 Fearless Heart 12:50 For Love And Justice 13:40 Cruel Love 14:30 Husband For Hire 15:20 The Face Of Destiny 16:10 Fearless Heart 17:00 Broken Angel 17:50 Broken Angel 18:40 Husband For Hire 19:30 The Face Of Destiny 20:20 Fearless Heart 21:10 Broken Angel 22:00 Broken Angel 22:50 Husband For Hire

120 BBC Brit Entertainment

23:14 The Graham Norton Show

11:10 Would I Lie To You?

00:04 An Idiot Abroad

11:40 QI

00:54 The Cube

12:15 The Cube

01:41 Police Interceptors

13:05 Top Gear

02:29 John Bishop's Australia

14:55 Police Interceptors

03:24 Undercover Boss USA

15:45 Undercover Boss USA

04:10 Pointless

15:55 Would I Lie To You?

05:00 The Cube

16:20 QI

05:50 Would I Lie To You?

17:00 Pointless

06:25 QI5

18:00 Top Gear

07:00 Police Interceptors

19:00 Dragons' Den

07:45 Top Gear

20:00 QI

08:40 Pointless

20:30 Youngers

09:35 Undercover Boss USA

21:10 Top Gear

10:20 Ducks Quacks Don't Echo

22:05 Top Gear: Special: Best Of British

155 AfricaMagic World

152 AfricaMagic Epic

00:00 Music On Africa Magic

00:40 World's Wildest Police Videos 01:30 Freakshow 01:55 Extreme Reality Clips 02:20 Sexy Car Wash 03:15 Sexy Car Wash 03:45 Video Zonkers 04:10 South Beach Tow 04:35 South Beach Tow 05:00 World's Wildest Police Videos 05:45 World's Wildest Police Videos 06:35 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking 07:25 Video Zonkers

07:50 South Beach Tow

09:00 Good Morning Africa

08:40 Most Shocking

10:00 Lies That Bind

09:35 World's Wildest Police Videos

10:30 Lies That Bind

10:30 World's Wildest Police Videos

11:00 Lies That Bind

11:30 Baywatch

11:30 Lies That Bind

12:30 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking

13:00 Music On Africa Magic 14:00 Music On Africa Magic 15:05 Music On Africa Magic

01:00 Good Morning Africa

16:00 Star Gist

11:10 Maiden Of Destruction

02:05 53 Extra

16:35 Deal Or No Deal Sa

01:26 Mirror And Beauty

12:39 Sacred Skull

02:45 Star Gist

17:25 53 Extra

02:25 Africa Rising: Behind The Scenes

14:20 Twins Of The Rainforest

03:15 Star Gist

18:00 Jara

14:48 Behind The Scenes: The Place

03:45 Jara

18:30 Tinsel

15:00 Enemy Must Obey

04:25 Jara

19:00 Lies That Bind

17:02 Enemy Must Obey

05:00 Goodmorning Africa

19:30 Lies That Bind

06:01 Only Hope

19:10 The Mastermind

06:00 Deal Or No Deal SA

20:00 Jacob's Cross

07:50 Mother's Tears

20:55 Behind The Scenes:Next Dean

07:00 53 Extra

20:55 Jacob's Cross

09:31 Painful Secret

21:05 Royal Desire

07:30 Star Gist

21:55 Jacob's Cross

05:35 Behind The Scenes: Secret Room

23:50 World's Wildest Police Videos

08:15 South Beach Tow

00:10 Mystic Mirror

03:40 Impostor

23:00 Most Shocking

08:00 Jara

12:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 23:37 Behind The Scenes: Secret Room

128 SONY MAX

13:30 South Beach Tow

14:00 World's Wildest Police Videos 15:00 World's Wildest Police Videos 16:00 Most Shocking 17:00 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking 18:00 South Beach Tow 18:30 South Beach Tow 19:00 Baywatch 20:00 Extreme Reality Clips 20:30 Rude Tube 21:00 Rude Tube 21:30 Freakshow 22:00 Sexy Car Wash