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We’ll strengthen actions to protect children from violence – Buhari For the first Ï 9 ƏƆƌ ƈ ƅ ƌƌƈƐƐƆƗ Ɛ ƇƑƋƇƈƋƋƈ ƌƕ ƍƏ ƌƈ Ɔ Ƈ ƄƆƐƐƆƏ Ɛƈ è ƕ ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛ time in seven Ï óLƕ Ɨƌƈ ƈ ƐƏ Ɛƈ Ɠ ôƐ ƏƆ Ɛ Ƒ ƐƈƋ Ɗ 6 Ə ƌ ƈ Ɛ Ɛ ƋƋƕ ƆƋƈƌƈ ƐƆƗ ƇƏ ƌ Mƈ ƆƏƈ ô months, oil ÎÎÎPresident Muhammadu Buhari strengthen ongoing actions to protect and other related offences. sells above The president, who stated this in has reiterated that his administra- children from violence, child-labour, child-trafficking, forced marriages B1 tion would continue to sustain and g $50pb Continued on page 6

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N150

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016 VOL. 2. NO. 118

GAINERS

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%

We’re on track to fulfil our promises – FG Ï ózƆôƒƆ ƗƆƅƈƗƆƗ Ɛ ƐƑƏ Ɛ Ɔ Ɨƈ ƐƆƏ ƓƆ ƈ ƆƏƈƐƆƗ ƈ Ɛ ƄƋƆ ƈ Ƅƕ ƗƈƒƆƏ ƈƇƕƈ Ɛ Ɔ Ɔƅ ƌƕô Ï ó6 Ɨ Ɛ ƈ ƒƆƏ ƌƆ Ɛ Ɛ ƄƆƆ ƆƋƆƅƐƆƗè Ɛ ƆƏƆ Ɠ ƑƋƗ ƒƆ ƄƆƆ Ɔƅ ƌƕ Ɛ Ɨ ƕô Ï ój Ɔ Ə Ɨ ƓƈƋƋ ƄƆ Ə Ƒ è ƄƑƐ ƑƏ Ƌ ƑƇƇƆƏƈ ƍƆ ƍƋƆ ƓƈƋƋ ƑƏƆƋƕ ƌƈƋƆ ƈ ô Ï ƾƠơÕ ƄƑƗ ƆƐ ƈ Ƒ Əƈô Ɔƅ ƌƈƅ ƄƋƑƆƍƏƈ Ɛè ƕ 1Ƅ Ɖ Ƅƈ ƌƈƋ Tom Okpe, ƄƑƉ & Henry Omunu, ƄƑƉ

ÎÎÎThe

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed has reiterated government’s commitment in fulfilling promises made during the electioneering campaign.

Speaking at a town hall meeting with Broadcasting Organization of Nigeria (BON) stakeholders at the Transcorp Hilton Abuja on Thursday, the minister maintained that he will not hesitate to say the government is on track.

Alhaji Lai Mohammed, joined by his counterparts in Industry, Trade and Investment, Dr. Okechukwu Enalameh, Labor and employment, Dr. Chris Ngige, Federal Capital Territory, Mallam Mohammed Musa Bello, and the Minister for Power, Gé`ë LƏ ê 9ƄƑƊƑ Ɠ ƈƊ è ƈƏƌ è 0ƈƏ Ɛ Ɗ Ƈ Mƈ ƆƏƈ GƈƌƈƐƆƗì #Əê ƗƆ Ƌ ƗƆƗƑ Ɛ è L#è 0ƈƏ Ɛ Ɗ Ƈ Mƈ ƆƏƈ GƈƌƈƐƆƗ ÷ dƑƄ ƈƗƈ ƏƈƆ ì LƏê nEê &ƊƆè L0`è 1Ə Ƒƍ L ƈ #ƈƏƆƅƐ Əè 0 M 6 ƋƗƈ ^G ì Ɨ #Əê RƄ RƐƑƗƆƊ è 0`è 1Ə Ƒƍ ƈƏƌ è 0 M 6 ƋƗƈ ^Ƌƅ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ 0 M 6 ƋƗƈ ƿƐ Ƒ Ƌ 1Ɔ ƆƏ Ƌ LƆƆƐƈ ƆƋƗ ƈ G êêê j ƑƏ Ɨ ƕ

Family raises alarm over 6 g Metuh’s health, alleges persecution

Again, militants blow up Chevron gas pipeline g24

Herdsmen attack plot to extend Caliphate to Benue – Ortom g12

Continued on page 6

2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

Page Three Æ s

3

PHOTO TIMES

Editorial SON and substandard goods

R

ecently, the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) destroyed goods worth more than N500 million as a way of checking fake products into the country. According to the agency’s Head of Inspectorate and Compliance, Bede Obayi, the goods were about 80 percent electricity cables in nine trucks seized from border stations and unapproved routes in the country. Justifying the action, Obayi said; “We need to destroy them completely as they pose dangers to life and ruin the nation’s economy”.

It is disheartening that despite the hazards associated with the distribution, purchase and use of substandard products, importers still engage in the illicit trade. Unfortunately, most of the products have expired well before but were still kept on the shelves for sale to unsuspecting consumers, even as some are wrongly labelled.

There is no denying the fact that the circulation of substandard in the country is a conspiracy between government officials and importers, who place orders for such low specifications just to make huge profits at the expense of the ordinary citizens.

We therefore call on the SON to impose stricter penalties on those countries exporting substandard goods into Nigeria, as they do not mean well for the economic development of the nation.

On its part, SON should put its two laboratories to use in order to ensure that any product that undergoes test in Nigeria will be accepted globally.

Statistics have shown that more than 40 percent of the goods imported into the country are counterfeit. There is also no denying the fact that the flooding of Nigeria’s market with substan-

dard products is killing the growth of local industries and creativity, even as it discourages investment. We are of the view that substandard and counterfeit products are antithetical to national economic development and the well-being of the citizenry.

This explains the tough laws on the manufacturers of counterfeit or fake products and the stiff penalties imposed on them by some Asian and European countries. However, it is not enough to continue mulling over the importation of substandard goods into the country without putting in place policies to discourage the practice. We therefore call on the government to provide a favourable economic environment and other incentives that would promote and encourage local manufacturing of products that meet acceptable international standards.

To do so, government must provide the enabling environment for job creation, to enhance people’s purchasing power, as this will help them to go for quality products, even when they are more expensive.

The regulatory agencies such as SON, NAFDAC and CPC should be better funded for maximum performance, while the banks should become more proactive in offering long-term loans to local manufacturers to enable them purchase better equipment for the production of quality products.

It is only with such measures that Nigeria could be rescued from her present substandard status in terms of consumer products. Substandard products have been implicated in many accidents in the country, be it fire, road or collapsed buildings.

They are therefore a danger to society, and should not be allowed to flourish.

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L-R: Senate Leader, Sen. Ali Ndume; Deputy Senate President, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu; President of the Senate, Dr. Bukola Saraki; leader of delegation of the Champions for an AIDS-FREE Generation in Africa and former President of Botswana, Dr. Festus Mogae, and former Vice President of Uganda, Dr. Speciosa Wandira, when the group visited the Senate President in Abuja… on Thursday.

L-R: Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC, Sola David-Borha; Wife of former Ekiti State Governor, Erelu Angela Adebayo; Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode; Executive Director, Dangote Foundation, Hajiya Halima Dangote, Chairman, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Commissioner for Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation, Hon. Lola Akande and Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Sanai Agunbiade during the launch of the Dangote Foundation Micro Grants to beneficiaries across Lagos State at the Lagos House, Ikeja… on Thursday.

Words On Marble :

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

President Muhammadu Buhari (left), with former Vice President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme at State house, Abuja... on Thursday.

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STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Ibrahim Babangida

Pope Francis

Matthew Ashimolowo

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

“Life is a journey. When we stop, things don’t go right.

“If you have your eyes permanently on the rear view mirror, you cannot drive fast.”

4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

NIMASA fraud: How Akpobolokemi laundered N11b — EFCC Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏ

An Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness, Orji Chukwuma, on Thursday told the Lagos High Court in Igbosere, that a staff of Niger Delta University (NDU), John Simon Adomene, allegedly transferred N11,316,295,549.29 from Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) into his account.

Chukwuma, an operative of the Commission with investigative duties, told the court that Adomene laundered the money on behalf of an ex Director-General (D-G) of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Akpobolokemi.

He testified before Justice Raliat Adebiyi as the third prosecution witness in the trial of Senior Ad-

vocate of Nigeria (SAN) Dr. Joseph Nwobike who is facing a five-count charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice and offering gratification to a public official, a charge he denies.

Led in evidence by EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, Chukwuma said that in 2015, the Commission received intelligence of “A monumental fraud perpetrated in NIMASA.” “In the course of the investigation, it was revealed that one John Simon Adomene, a staff of Niger Delta University was used by the D-G of NIMASA, Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi to perpetrate this fraud.

“Subsequently, efforts were made to trace accounts linked to John Adomene and companies linked with him,” he said.

He listed the companies to include Wabod, Global

Resources Ltd, Gokiad Marine Services, Boloberi Properties and Estate Ltd. “We traced billions of Naira in accounts and properties to these companies which were merely fronts for Dr. Akpobolokemi,” Chukwuma added.

The witness testified further that the anti-graft agency obtained two High Court orders freezing the accounts but that the orders were set aside at the Federal High Court via an order dated October 30, 2015.

“There was N200m in Adomene’s account with Boloberi, but because of the order the N200m was taken.

“On November 12, 2015, N100m and N5m were transferred to Sterling Law Alliance. This was after the Federal High Court order was delivered,” Chukwuma said.

FG loses $2bn revenue in oil licenses fees Henry Omunu, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The House of Repre-

sentatives ad hoc committee investigating the granting of Oil Prospecting Licenses (OPLs) and Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) by the Federal Government on Thursday, said that oil companies have avoided paying compulsory fees to the tune of $2billion to the government.

Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Rep. Gideon Gwani while addressing a press conference in Abuja, said the oil companies which should salvage the economic situation of the country by the prompt payment of fees are the firms compounding the problem by being indebted to the government.

Rep. Gwani while describing the situation as alarming and worrisome, described the trend as dangerous which cannot be allowed to continue.

“It is estimated that the oil companies by their actions have either evaded or avoided the payment of these compulsory fees

Kachikwu

which is presumed to have denied the Federal Government the sum of about two billion dollars.

“At a time when the government is talking of obtaining loans for infrastructural development, such as roads, railways, power plants, petroleum refineries, among others and where oil blocs have been allocated to some companies to use the proceeds accruing from royalties, signature bonuses etc, to fund these important projects, yet, several years after, these facilities are still in

comatose with little or no new projects to show as approved”, said.

The lawmaker expressed unhappiness that the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu and the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele had not responded to queries from the committees.

He added that only the director of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) had responded to the committee’s queries, adding that the committee would not be intimidated to abandon its assignment.

5 News

CARTOON

News Analysis

Buhari’s directive on herdsmen: Better late than never Segun Adio

ÏÏÏ

Finally, President Muhammadu Buhari recently launched a tirade against the increasingly unbearable menace of herdsmen attacks against innocent land owners across the country, when he directed Chief of Defence Staff, Gen. Abayomi Olonishakin and the Inspector General of Police, Solomon Arase, to fish out the perpetrators and bring the blood-thirsty marauders to justice.

From Benue to Adamawa, Oyo to Enugu states among others, herdsmen have carried out wanton destruction of lives and property, making it look as if they are out to implement a plan B to that of their Boko Haram brothers.

Senior Special Adviser to Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, also is-

ÏÏÏ

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode on Thursday said the conscious initiative of his administration at ensuring enduring peace and repositioning the State University is already yielding positive results.

He said with the recent ranking of the institution as the best State University in Nigeria and the 11th overall best public University in the country, he would continue to do

sued a statement, quoting his principal as assuring Nigerians that he would end the upsurge of attacks by these marauders soon.

Buhari claimed ending the menace is now a priority for his government.

Not a few Nigerians are not impressed by this rather belated response from the president. They believe that the matter ought to have been nipped in the bud since the inauguration of President Buhari in May, last year.

One of such is Nobel laureate, Prof. Wole Soyinka, whose outburst against the Presidency’s seeming nonchalance to the carnage by the Fulani herdsmen across the country, was well received by concerned Nigerians. Fiery Balarabe Musa, a known voice of the voiceless, also did not spare the Federal Government of his chastise over the matter. Anyway, maybe one should forgive the Pres-

ident for the slow response to the issue. The President is currently faced with a plethora of challenges in the administration of the country and so should be pardoned if he did not react to the matter until the blood of thousands of innocent Nigerians had been shed by these people.

But the president needs to go a step further beyond the directive given to the security agencies. He needs to convince Nigerians and indeed the global community that his directive and conviction for a safe Nigeria is untainted.

What is more, Mr. President should seek and identify those who genuinely lost loved ones and properties in the hands of these ungodly herdsmen and offer appropriate compensation them. For until that is done, would the affected communities continue to pledge their loyalty to the nation.

Repositioning of LASU yielding results — Ambode everything to make the institution the preferred university of excellence in research and human capacity building in Nigeria, Africa and beyond.

Governor Ambode, who spoke at the 20th Convocation ceremony and installation of the new Chancellor of the Lagos State University

(LASU) held at the New Auditorium Complex of the Ojo Campus of the institution, said his vision was for the citadel of learning to produce the next generation of leaders, innovators and entrepreneurs who will not be looking for employment but be job creators and employers of labour.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

We’re on track to fulfil our promises – FG Continued from page 1 works and Housing, Bar. Babatunde Raji Fashola described the meeting with BON as an expanded edition of the earlier meetings.

The Minister spoke just as majority leader of the House of Representatives, Rep. Femi Gbajiabiamila on Thursday, faulted insinuations that the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari does not have an economic blueprint, declaring that the 2016 budget contained the economic policies of the All Progressives Congress (APC) led administration.

Alh. Mohammed said,

“This meeting, coming ahead of Sunday’s first year anniversary of this Administration. Many Nigerians have been asking; to what extent has the Administration fulfilled its electoral promises. My answer is simple: We are on track! Recall that we campaigned on three major issues: Tackling insecurity, fighting corruption and revamping the economy. Any dispassionate observer of the activities of government in the past one year will admit that the Administration has made great strides towards fulfilling its promises”.

“We appreciate the great and unprecedented trust

that Nigerians repose in the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to steer the ship of state to safe shores. We acknowledge that the Nation is passing through a very difficult situation at this time, with the loss of over 60 per cent of our national income due to the crash in the price of crude oil. Many have asked me if indeed Nigeria is broke. In answering them, I have shunned semantics. I have simply asked them: If a man earning 100,000 Naira a month suddenly sees his salary plummet to 40,000 Naira, what is that called? Will he not have to make some painful adjustments? If he was

living in a three-bedroom apartment, he would have to move out to perhaps a two-bedroom apartment. If his children had been in an expensive private school, he would have to change them to public schools. He might even have to sell his car, if he had any.

“This Administration is aware that it was not elected to make excuses but to put the nation back on a sound economic footing, ensure the security of lives and property and banish corruption.

We have therefore decided to turn the disaster that we inherited into a blessing by diversifying our economy away from the mono-product

Gé`ë `Ɔ ƈ Ƌ RƍƆƏ Ɛƈ #ƈƏƆƅƐ Əè G `Ɔ ƈ è ƈƏƐƆƋè RƋ Ɨ ƊƑ RƕƆì Ɠƈ ƆƏ Ƈ ƈƏƐƆƋ jƏ ƅƆ LƑ ƈƅ dƐ Ə dƆ ƾè & ƈƆƗƑ ƕƆ &ƖƆ ƈƊƆ ƓƈƐ L ƈ #ƈƏƆƅƐ Əè jƏ ƅƆè Mƈ ƆƏƈ Ɨ Ƌ é ƇƏƈƅ Ƒ ƐƏƈƆ è d ƌ R ƕƆƌƆƋƑƊƓƆ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ M Ɛƈ Ƌ Ƈƈ ƋƆ Ƈ ƈƏƐƆƋ jƏ ƅƆ LƑ ƈƅ dƐ Ə dƆ ƾ ƈ G êêê zƆƗ Ɔ Ɨ ƕê

We’ll strengthen actions to protect children from violence – Buhari Continued from page 1 Abuja on Thursday, in his 2016 Children’s Day message, said the well-being of Nigerian children remained a top priority on his administration’s agenda for national development. ``We have demonstrated our strong commitment in this regard with the allocation of N12.6 billion in the 2016 budget for vaccines and programmes to prevent childhood killer diseases such as polio, measles and yellow fever. ``Other measures in the 2016 budget, such as the school feeding programme for children at a cost of N93.1 billion, will ensure that more children go to

school and enjoy the fun of learning and growing together with their peers,’’ he added.

The president reassured the children and youth that his administration would remain fully committed to fulfilling its promise of a better nation for all Nigerians.

He noted with delight that on this year’s Children’s Day, Nigerians would celebrate with one of the abducted Chibok girls, Amina Ali Nkeki, freed from the clutches of Boko Haram. ``I assure all Nigerians and friends of the country, once again, that my administration will not rest on its oars until the ungodly terrorist sect is totally elimi-

nated from our country. ``As peace gradually returns to the insurgencyravaged North-Eastern states, the Federal Government will continue to work diligently to ensure the rapid and full reintegration and rehabilitation of all internally displaced persons, including orphaned children in the region,’’ he said.

He, however, urged the children and youth ``to imbibe and exhibit in greater measure, the virtues of hard work, diligence, discipline, honesty, prudence, selflessness and patriotism which are essential for the actualisation of our vision of a truly great nation. ``The world now looks up to our dear nation, Nige-

ria as an exemplary model of democratic ideals after the smooth transition that brought our administration to power. ``You, our children and youth have a very significant role to play in ensuring that our democratic institutions of governance are continuously nurtured, improved and strengthened to underpin national development and prosperity.’’

The president assured that the Federal Government would continue to do its best to prepare and equip Nigerian children to harness their potentials.

President Buhari wished all Nigerians a ``Happy Children’s Day celebration.’’

of oil, leveraging on Agriculture, Solid Minerals as well as Culture and Tourism, among others. In the words of Henry David Thoreau, all misfortune is but a stepping stone to fortune”.

Alhaji Mohammed assured Nigerians that the Change promised is real despite the tough situation at the moment saying, “under the dedicated and visionary leadership of President Buhari. In fact, I make bold to say that had this government not been elected, there would have been no economy today. Now, make no mistake about it: The road will be rough. But as the saying goes, the darker the night, the brighter the morning.

Our long suffering people will surely smile again.

“Change is no instant coffee. It is a process. We are now laying a solid foundation for our country. By earmarking 30 per cent of our budget to capital expenditure, we are building and rebuilding infrastructure.

Through our massive social intervention this year alone, we are catering for the weak among us through the conditional transfer of 5,000 Naira to the vulnerable, we are creating jobs as we move to employ 500,000 graduates and 100,000 non-graduates, we are offering soft loans

to market women, men and traders, we are ready to feed 5.5 million school children once daily, and we are providing scholarships to 100,000 students studying Science Technology, Engineering and Mathematics. In total, over 8 million Nigerians will benefit directly, and millions more indirectly, from our social intervention fund.

“Almost every country that is great today has passed through a rough road. The US survived the Great Depression that started in 1929 and lasted till the 1930s to become the world’s top economy; The depression also spread to Canada which today is a member of the G7 Group of Advanced Countries. Back here in Africa, about 20 years ago, people around the world were contributing money to feed Ethiopia. Today it is a model of sustainable economic development in Africa. Rwanda survived genocide to become an African success story. Nigeria will overcome the economic catastrophe, caused by years of bad governance, mind-boggling corruption and unprecedented profligacy, we must not despair, and we must keep hope alive”.

The Minister expressed the successes of the adminContinued on page 12

Family raises alarm over Metuh’s health, alleges persecution Ï d ƕ 01 ƏƆƇƑ ƆƗ LƆƐƑ ô ƒƆƏƐƑƏƆ Ɛ ƏƆƇƑ Ɨ ƌ Ɔƕ Ï ƋƋ ƅ ƑƏƐô ƏƆƇƑ Ƌ Ɛ ƋƋ Ɠ Ɛ ƆƈƏ ƌƆƗƈƅ Ƌ ƐƏƆ ƐƌƆ Ɛ ƄƏ Ɨ Ƅ ƑƏƗ Lateef Ibrahim ƄƑƉ

ÎÎÎThe family of

the National Publicity Secretary of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, has expressed shock at the Wednesday’s refusal of the Federal High Court Abuja to grant the application of their son (Olisa Metuh) to seek medical treatment abroad.

The family specifically described the refusal as absurd in view of the information available to the court regarding his (Metuh’s) grave medical condition

and the critical need for him to have this corrective surgery.

The Metuh family stated this on Thursday in Abuja in a press statement tagged “Our Son’s Life In Danger” and signed by Chief Gilbert Metuh on their behalf.

The family noted with sadness that several overtures by their son (Olisa Metuh) to the arresting authority for him to refund the money since they now claim in court that it came from government coffers, have been unsuccessful.

Continued on page 12

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

NAF redeploys 12 top commanders, directors

Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe Nigerian Air Force

(NAF), on Thursday, announced the redeployment of 12 officers of Air Rank, comprising 10 Air Vice Marshals (AVM) and two Air Commodores (Air Cdre).

Those affected by the new deployment include AVMs Auwal Muhammed as Air Officer Commanding Tactical Air Command (AOC TAC) Makurdi; Emmanuel Ag-

wungwu as Air Officer Commanding Mobility Command (AOC MC) Yenagoa; Nurudeen Balogun as Air Officer Commanding Training Command (AOC TC) Kaduna; and Sani Ahmed as Air Officer Commanding Logistics Command (AOC LC), Lagos.

According to a statement signed by Group Captain Ayodele Famuyiwa, the Director of Public Relations and Information, others affected include AVMs Wakili Ahmed as Director of Policy,

Headquarters Nigerian Air Force; Uko Ebong as College Secretary, National Defence College, Abuja; Emmanuel Akogu as Commandant Air War College, Makurdi; and Benjamin Nweze as Director of Electronic Warfare, Defence Headquarters (DHQ).

Other AVMs affected by the redeployment are AVMs Olusoji Amomodu appointed Director of Plans (HQ NAF) and Isiaka Amao as Director of Operations (HQ NAF).

The two Air Commodores are Dahiru Sanda appointed Deputy Director Transformation (DHQ) and Ibrahim Lawal appointed Commander 339 Base Services Group, Kano.

The redeployment, as a routine exercise, is aimed at ensuring that the NAF is effectively manned for operational efficiency and effectiveness in line with the vision of the Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar.

Lagos to represent Nigeria in USA -Dep. Gov

Njoku Chibuike

ÎÎÎIn

its continued investment in the provision and equipment of Science Laboratories in the state’s schools, Lagos state government will be representing Nigeria at the 2016 International Science Exhibition Fair (ISEF) in Phoenix, Arizona, USA, for emerging overall “Best State Team”.

This was disclosed on Thursday by the deputy governor of Lagos State, Dr (Mrs.) Idiat Oluranti Adebule, at Alausa, Ikeja, during the ongoing Ministerial Press Briefing of the Lagos State government to commemorate the first year in office of the Lagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode.

She said that the Lagos State Science Competition team emerged the overall “Best State Team” at the 2016 National Festivals of School Science Competition held at Ado Ekiti, winning the 1st, 2nd, and 4th prizes, a feat

MRS OLOKO BUSAYO REBECCA I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS EWI TOYIN BUSAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS OLOKO BUSAYO REBECCA. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

ABOLURIN AFEES ABIOLA

I, formerly known and addressed as, ABOLORIN AFEEZ WOLE, now wish to be known and addressed as, ABOLURIN AFEES ABIOLA. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

which qualified them to represent Nigeria in United State of America at the end of the month.

The deputy governor also disclosed that the State had also emerged the overall best at the 2015 National Robotics Competition held at the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos which qualified the state to represent Nigeria at the 2015 World Robot Olympiad (WRO), in Doha, Qatar.

She further stated that the state government’s objective to produce socially stable and self-reliant students who can easily integrate into larger society is manifesting in the quality of debate amongst the states’ students.

“It is evident that there is remarkable improvement in our students’ proficiency skills, enhanced oral communication skills as well as the culture of boldness in public speaking.

This noticeable improvement in our students’ performance informed the Governor’s per-

sonal cash gift of the sum of N2.5million to the winners of this year 2016 edition of debate competition”, she said.

Dr. Adebule also said that the state’s goal of providing conducive teaching and learning environment in Lagos State by making available adequate educational facilities in schools is being pursued with renewed vigor.

She said, “This government has during the period under review established three new secondary schools to bring secondary education closer to the communities thereby making higher education accessible to more primary school leavers in the affected communities and their environs.

“The new schools are Toma-

OLUCHI MARY AHANONU

DALUMO DEBORAH JOLAADE

I, formerly known and called OLUCHI MARY DANIEL now wishes to be known and called OLUCHI MARY AHANONU. All former documents remain valid. The general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, OGUNTUYI DEBORAH JOLAADE, now wish to be known and addressed as, DALUMO DEBORAH JOLAADE. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

EKEH GETRUDE BLESSING .O.

MRS SOBOWALE ABISOLA ADEDOYIN

I, formerly known and addressed as, EKEHNLUMA GETRUDE BLESSING, now wish to be known and addressed as, EKEH GETRUDE BLESSING .O.. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS OLUYEMI ABISOLA ADEDOYIN, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS SOBOWALE ABISOLA ADEDOYIN. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

MRS, KHADIJAT - KUBRAT ADERINOLA FOLAHAN I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS KHADIJAT-KUBRAT ADERINOLA KOLAWOLE, now wish to be known and addressed as, Mrs, KHADIJAT KUBRAT ADERINOLA FOLAHAN. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

BLESSING OSAZE EKWENOBE

MUKHTAIR SULIAT ABIDEMI

NDUBUISI LIVINUS CHINEDU

I, formally known as BLESSING OSAETIN EHIABHI now wish to be known and addressed as BLESSING OSAZE EKWENOBE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formally known as OLANIYAN SULIAT ABIDEMI now wish to be known and addressed as MUKHTAIR SULIAT ABIDEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formally known as CHINEDU TIMOTHY SUNDAY now wish to be known and addressed as NDUBUISI LIVINUS CHINEDU. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

ro Senior Secondary School, Tomaro Island, Amuwo-Odofin; Offin-Ile Community Junior Secondary School, OffinIla via Igbogbo, Ikorodu; Odo Ayandelu-Onosa Junior Secondary School, Odo Ayandelu, Epe”.

7 News

Osun Police Command gets new CP SodiqAdekunle Osogbo

ÎÎÎThe new Commissioner

of Police posted to Osun State Police Command, Mr. OlufemiOlanipekun Oyeleye, has assumed duty at the police headquarters in Osogbo, the state capital.

According to a statement issued and signed by the Assistant Commissioner of Police, (DFA), Mr. Olanrewaju Stephene, the new CP resumed work on Tuesday.

According to the statement, CP Oyeleye was the Commis-

sioner of Police in charge of Force Criminal Intelligence and Investigation Department at Force Headquarters, Abuja, before he was posted to Osun Command.

The new CP enlisted in the police as a Cadet Assistant Superintendent of Police (ASP) on December 31, 1984 after obtaining LLB, B.L in Law from the Lagos State University and Nigerian Law School.

ACP Olanrewaju said CP Oyeleye is an astute, well-exposed and well-trained officer who has attended professional courses in USA, France and England.

‘Legal issues hamper Ajaokuta steel coy’

ÎÎÎDr.

Kayode Fayemi, the Minister of Solid Minerals Development, has said that Federal Government will not touch the Ajaokuta Steel Company until all legal issues are resolved.

Fayemi made the disclosure at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja.

He said that there was a pending case between the Federal Government and a foreign

investor, called the Global Infrastructure Holdings Limited (GIHL), which claimed that the steel plant was concessioned to them in 2003. ``For us, Ajaokuta is priority but nobody is going to touch Ajaokuta in the international investment terrain until it become unencumbered. ‘’Ajaokuta was concessioned off in 2003 by President Obasanjo, in 2008 President Umar Yar’ Adua came and revoked it.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

Politics

Æs

Ganduje’s one year: Dawn of a new era Yakubu Salisu, Kano

Ganduje

Shortly after Governor of Kano State, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje was sworn into office on May 29, 2015, the governor reaffirmed to the people of the state that his government is determined to fulfill it’s campaign promises which in a nutshell could be summarized into moving the state forward in areas

such as Agriculture, education, commerce and industries, transportation, as well as human development and most importantly, the completion of contracts left behind by his predecessor.

The governor was described as one of the most obedient fellows the state has produced in a long time. Ganduje earned this record considering his loyalty and obedience particularly under

the Kwankwaso administration where he was two times the deputy governor of the state and that his humility, loyalty and dedication throughout his career even before becoming a politician has made him successful in life and loved by many.

There were fears that Governor Ganduje who took over the mantle of Leadership at a time the economy of the state and

country at large is in serious crisis would have his administration paralyzed due to lack of funds to run the state but being a well experienced leader who has passed through different hurdles in life, is able to device other means of generating revenue for the state and as a result, activities in the state are running without hitches at a time some states in the counCONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Lalong: Consolidating on mission to rescue Plateau Chijioke Kingsley, Jos Assuming office on May 29, 2015, Governor Simon Lalong pledged to run a transparent and an all inclusive governance without playing politics of personnel vendetta Inheriting a huge debt from his predecessor, Lalong constituted a committee that will look into the spending of the previous administration with the aim of recovering stolen funds. But this he pledged to do in accordance with the law as provided in the constitution.

However, in keeping with his campaign promise he began with the payment of huge salaries owed by his predecessor and also continued with completing most of the abandoned projects spread within the length and breath of Plateau.

According to Lalong, “even though some of the projects of the past administration are doubt-

Nigerians knock FG’s Town Hall meeting, want economy addressed

ful, but because of the people, we have to complete them”, he said.

He is also quoted saying that the backlog of salaries his administration inherited from the previous administration is most paramount to him of which he has demonstrated commitment in paying with the bailout funds of n5billion from the Federal Government. No wonder Plateau was rated among the five states by the Central Bank of Nigeria that utilized its bailout funds to pay salary out of the 27 states that benefited from the gesture.

Appointing his commissioners that will help him fulfill his mandate, Lalong took out time to hold a retreat with them in other to enable them key into his vision.

With other cabinet members, they converge at the National Institute for Policy and Strategic Studies (NIPSS), Kuru.

The retreat, with the theme ‘Delivering Effective Service in an Era of Dwindling Resources’ had resourceful speakers from political, religious, and legal worlds bringing their wealth of experi-

ences to bear.

The likes of the former governor of Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, Reverend Father Hassan Matthew Kukah, Bishop Benjamin Kwashi, Professor Dakas C Dakas, among others took their time to lecture the participants on the habit of prudent management of state’s limited resources to achieve the desired goal of delivering good governance.

The choice of NIPSS was equally hailed by Lalong’s supporters, who reiterated that it was clear evidence that the governor was actually ready to cut cost, when he didn’t have to take the retreat to a faraway venue from home.

Lalong also charged his cabinet against corrupt practices and wasteful spending.

He warned that failure was not part of the agenda of his administration, noting that “Our economic challenges have compelled us to think ahead, look ahead, prepare ahead and stay ahead, if ever we sincerely desire to make

Of recent the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) started a forum, tagged Town Hall Meeting which is a platform organized by the Federal Government to discuss with the people their agenda, activities and relate with the people. It is a novel idea and already, two of such meetings have been held across the country in La-

gos and Kaduna respectively where ministers in key ministries that touch the lives of the people speak of their plans, challenges and action plans. How relevant or useful is this forum especially when the people have yet to feel the impact of the new government they voted for a year ago based on its Change Mantra? Boluwatife To-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Lalong

lonisede went to town to sample peoples’ opinion and now reports: According to Osagie Jagabian, town hall meeting is an avenue for people to be aware of the governments’ activities but it appears the governments are not making any progress about the situation of the country. He advised the FedCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Buhari

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

9 Politics

Ganduje’s one year: Dawn of a new era CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

try are unable to pay their workers’ salaries.

Since his assumption into office, Dr. Ganduje has made tremendous achievements that demands nothing but applause.

During the period, the government has successfully completed the reforming of 5th batch of 156 youth who engaged in drug abuse at Kano Reformatory Institute Kiru (KRIK) and completed additional skills upgrade at Industrial Training Fund (ITF), waiting for graduation as well as empowerment package. The modalities on the enrolment process is still on the pipeline for 150 Females of the 6th batch of KRIK aim to address and reform the women who were in to drug abuse across the 44 LGA in the State.

Also the government has graduated/empowered of 132 repaired Vesco Vaginal Fistula (VVF) patients in collaboration with fistula foundation supported by UNFPA. Upward review of casual workers allowances from N5, 000 to N10, 000 an increase of 100%.

The social homes are: Nassarawa children’s home Remand home G/Dutse, Torrey home T/maliki and VVF Kwalli and Babies Unit at Murtala Muhd. Specialist Hospital.

The administration initiated a new scheme of women empower-

A Non Governmental Organisation (NGO), The Senior Citizens Care Foundation has berated the three tiers of government alleging insensitivity to the plight of the elderly in the society.

In a statement in Lagos by the foundation’s national coordinator, Jide Taiwo and executive member, Princelyn Oduenyi, the group lamented the ill treatment that the society has continuously meted out to the senior citizens despite their age and frailty which makes them vulnerable to such abuses and inhuman treatments.

According to the group, such treatments had resulted into exploitations, endangered their health and in some cases resulted into their outright killings by the policies of those who ordinarily are expected to protect and care for them.

They admonished the governments at all levels to ensure that retirees who have dutifully and sincerely committed a greater part of their youth in serving their fatherland are not abandoned at their old age or at their point of need.

According to them, the senior

‘‘As a step forward to revitalize Wheat production for its commercial value chain, the State Government has acquired and provided new Wheat seeds varieties (Atilla Gan Atilla) to Wheat farmers at the cost of N120, 000,000:00 in the State. It has also procured a cleaning and sorting machine to assist wheat farmers at the cost of N18, 000,000:00.’’ ment programme tagged ‘Kano Kal-Kal’, 500 women are drawn from eight metropolitan LGAs as pilot scheme who will evacuate refuse from house to house.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo launched the new initiated women empowerment programme through municipal solid waste management which involved 500 women and 60 mini-truck disposal tagged “Kano Kal-Kal” under the leadership of Dr. Ganduje.

Agricultural inputs supply to farmers, is a matter of prime consideration. Therefore, soon after his assumption Dr. Ganduje, ordered the State Ministry of Agriculture and Natural Resources to provide these vital crop production components to farmers in the State.

Kano Agricultural Supply

Company Limited, a Parastatal of the Ministry was set up to ensure adequate and timely provision of Agricultural inputs to farmers in the State. The Company responded quickly by providing 1500 metric tons of NPK Fertilizer at the cost of N5,200 per bag. To further complement this effort, the Ministry has procured additional 13,170 metric tons of assorted fertilizer to make the total of 14,670 metric tons. These were sold to farmers at the subsidized rate of N3, 500:00 per bag.

The sales and distribution were made at 30 metric tons for each of the 489 wards of the 44 Local Government Areas of the state.

As a step forward to revitalize Wheat production for its commercial value chain, the State Government has acquired and

Kwankwaso

provided new Wheat seeds varieties (Atilla Gan Atilla) to Wheat farmers at the cost of N120, 000,000:00 in the State. It has also procured a cleaning and sorting machine to assist wheat farmers at the cost of N18, 000,000:00.

Agro-chemicals are also vital complements in crop production. That is why the State Government put more emphasis in their provision to farmers. 120 farmers’ cooperative societies

or groups benefitted from the State Government distribution of Agro-chemicals under Fadama III additional financing programme. The Government has also supported 20 farmers’ cooperative societies each of which has membership exceeding 2,000 members to get production and processing equipment. These include among others Tractors, Rice Reapers, Milking machines,

Group seeks policies to protect rights of the elderly

and women in the society, warning that government’s continued non-challant attitude to some of these heinous crimes must be condemned and would no longer be tolerated.

The NGO recalled that in the last eight months, Nigerians have witnessed gruesome murders of these senior citizens by those paid to take care of them like the killing of the 83-year old Iyaloja of Ijebu Ode in her house, a retired high court judge in Abeokuta and a retired Vice chancellor of a Federal University who were all murdered by their domestic aids.

The group wondered why the government has done nothing about these first degree murders, warning that never again will they fold their arms and watch such insults on the collective responsibility of caring and protecting the elderly in the society.

It called on the governments and the national assembly to urgently come up with strong policies and legislations that will protect the rights of these frail and vulnerable in the society saying the call became necessary due to rising cases of inhuman treatment and abuse of the elderly people nationwide.

IGP

citizens should be taken care of and whatever emoluments due them must be paid promptly to enable these elder statesmen and women meet up with their various responsibilities as parents and grandparents.

This the group said will also enable them to continue to take care of their old age and not live in penury as is always the case in Nigeria, but live an acceptable standard as enshrined in the charter of the world assembly on ageing

over three decades ago.

Already, the foundation disclosed that it had briefed its legal team to formally write the Edo State Government, Inspector General of Police and the Edo State Commissioner of Police to know the extent government has gone on some recent unfortunate incidents in the state like when a young tenant snuffed life out of his 83-year old landlord just because the man wanted to know why the young man has not paid his rent since 2014 despite still occupying the apartment; as well as the recent one which was perpetrated by an hoodlum whom police described as a teenage cultist and serial killer who has been on the wanted list is the gruesome murder of a 65-year old grandmother, Mrs. Clara Uwaifo, a retired headmistress by a neigbour whose family had been at loggerhead with the deceased.

The group lamented that there had been other several ugly incidences pointing out that the unfortunate thing was that nobody seems to stand up for these frail vulnerable elder statesmen

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

Lalong: Consolidating on mission to rescue Plateau ‘‘For this policy thrust to be realisable, I must emphasise that team spirit, financial prudence, discipline, dedication to duty, leadership drive and strategic implementation of policies, programmes and actions are necessary ingredients for success.’’

Lalong CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

the kind of positive impact we seek to make on our sincere bid to make lighter the burden of existence for all our citizens.”

The retreat, facilitated by the Jos Business School (JBS), saw Lalong affirming his government’s commitment to creating enabling environment that would grow the economy of the state through Public and Private sector Participation (PPP), and warned participants that there would be no room for failure.

He said the reforms and structural adjustments at the federal and state levels, aimed at cutting the cost of governance and exploring alternative sources of funding are the change ideology which upholds in Plateau.

“The tangible and progressive development we seek demands continuous knowledge-driven action which saves cost and maximises opportunities. For this policy thrust to be realisable, I must emphasise that team spirit, financial prudence, discipline,

dedication to duty, leadership drive and strategic implementation of policies, programmes and actions are necessary ingredients for success.

“I therefore urge you all to begin a process of critical thinking on the quick fixes that would make you hit the ground running in your various ministries and agencies. We have already set in place strategic initiatives and programmes with timelines over short, medium and long terms for the actualisation of our policy

thrust, which will be unveiled at this Retreat.”

Coming from a new government under a new political platform, it would be expected that there would not be continuity in governance as the new political party in power will want to jettison the works of the previous administration to chat a new course.

However, this can not be said in the case of this current government on the Plateau, as political observers however said that the situation is different as the governor has strived to complete the abandoned projects inherited from his predecessor.

Among other projects inherited was the Plateau State House of Assembly Complex which was under construction by the time Gov. Lalong took over office but has been completed and commissioned within three months of assumption in office.

Others are construction on 18 on-going metropolitan roads, the Federal Low Cost Housing network roads, Rantya Road network, Purchase and distributed 650 trucks of fertiliser on assumption of office, through a community based distribution, which involves Ward and District Heads to eliminate the sharp practices associated with middle men and the resumption of intensive work on the Secretariat fly-over bridge among others.

He also reinstated the ViceChancellor of Plateau State University (PLASU), Prof. D.D.D Sheni with the reconstitution of the Governing Council, headed by Prof. Attahiru Jega as Pro Chan-

cellor and Chairman.

Also, Lalong vowed to harness other key areas of comparative advantage, namely the Agriculture, Tourism and Mining, and intensify investments to create employment and boost revenue base for sustainable development.

While resolving to continue to work and improve its collaboration with development partners and multi-lateral agencies for the common good of the state, the Governor has also expressed determination to overhaul and arrest the continued decay in the education, agriculture, and health sectors, which are key elements to development of the state and welfare of the people.

Noting that the role of the civil service in the delivery of the 5-Point Policy Thrust is critical, Lalong’s emphasised the imperatives of the reform processes and procedures. And in line with this, he added that all MDAs should leverage on the use of ICT in order to improve the productivity of its workforce and build a knowledgebased economy.

He has also said that governance would continue to work in partnership with, and support all relevant security agencies, NGOs and communities in consolidating the peace already achieved in the state, seeing that peace and security are essential recipes for meaningful development.

Not forgetting his background, as a lawyer, he has facilitated funding of the minimum National Judicial Council (NJC), requirements for approval to have 6 new High Court Judges.

Enugu Assembly refers Child Right Bill to standing committees Moses Oyediran, Enugu Enugu State House of Assembly members after a heated debate on the floor of the House, Thursday, referred the Child Right Bill which has been pending in the House to their standing committees.

The committees charged with the responsibility of taking a critical look at the merit of the bill are the House Committees on Judiciary, Gender, Education and Poverty Alleviation.

The Speaker of the Assembly, Chief Edward Ubosi, who spoke the mind of his colleagues on the bill said that they were not in a hurry to pass the bill to ensure that justice is done to the bill before its passage.

Ubosi urged the committees to conduct a public hearing for four difference days to enable everyone to contribute his or her

own quote before the passage of the bill.

He promised to assist the committees both financially and other wise to ensure that they do a thorough job and gave the committees one month to look at the bill so that at the end of the day they would get it right before the passage.

In his own contribution, Hon. Paul Nnajiofor, Nkanu East and House Committee chairman on Information said that if the bill is passed it would help children to behave well saying that the bill would also help parents to know their roles in the family because the Bible says, “train up a child the way it should be and when he grows he would not depart from it.”

He said that 24 states out of the 36 states of the federation had passed the bill adding that Enugu State would not be left

Ugwuanyi

out.

Hon. Anthony Ogidi, IgboEze North 1, said that the bill

if passed would guard children against rape and sexual harassment saying that N50, 000 fine

for defaulters was too small adding that it has to be reviewed upwards so that people would take it serious.

He said the bill gave freedom to the children adding that committees involved should consider the Igbo culture before concluding their reports.

Hon. Chuma Obieze of Ezeagu Constituency said that the bill if passed would help curb child begging which is becoming a usual occurrence on the streets of Enugu adding that the child deserved a better life other than begging, and urged his colleagues to do the needful at the committee level and public hearing to avoid more confusion in the society.

Obieze said that a child should be someone under 0 to 17 year adding that some people under the ages of 15 to 17 have up to two or three children.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

11 Politics

Kano: Ganduje’s scorecard CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Wabba

Minimum wage: Negotiation for increase commendable, retrenchment not an option — CANAN Executive Director of Christian Association of Nigerian Americans (CANAN), Dr. Ade Oyesile, has commended the on-going meeting between the Federal government and the Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC) over increase in national minimum wage for workers adding however that mass retrenchment is not an option.

In a statement by Williams Ekanem, media consultant to CANAN, the Executive Director pointed out that the Federal government must be commended for opting to sit at the negotiation table to even talk about salary increment in the face of harsh financial realities occasioned by oil price drop.

According to Oyesile, “it surely shows that the government has the interest of the people and should therefore stop introducing the option of staff rationalization because if the federal government, the highest employer of labor cannot retain its staff, where would they run to when thrown out of job.” Warning of the dire consequence of the mass retrenchment to the already sagging economy, Dr. Oyesile pointed out that government should rather be thinking of how to creatively engage the workers into revenue yielding activities such as commercial farming and involvement in the extractive industries.

The CANAN director also commended the NLC for calling off

the nationwide strike action over the removal of fuel subsidy saying it would create an enabling atmosphere for labor to make its case. He added that since no meaningful dialogue can be achieved with strike action, the Federal government should use the window of opportunity to make a persuading case to the labor leaders and by extension the generality of Nigerians.

CANAN is a leading voice of Nigerian American Christians living in the United Sates with the mission to vigorously advocate for all Nigerians at home and abroad as well as mobilize Nigerians to participate in nation building process wherever they find themselves.

crop residue e.t.c. under the State Commercial Agriculture Development Programme (SCADP).

In view of the importance the Administration attached to crop production, it has strengthened the State Commercial Agriculture Development Programme and other crop production exercise Livestock breeding is part of the cultural heritage as well as economic activity of the people of Kano state. This administration is fully aware of its significance as source of both income generation and provision of animal protein. To enhance livestock production in the state, therefore, the administration has undertaken some renovation and construction works at 2 Nos. Artificial Insemination centers of Kadawa in Kura local Government area and Tukui in Makona Local Government areas.

Pursuant to achieving the cardinal objective of the present administration towards total reinvigoration of the state health system through provision of quality health care services, equipment and infrastructure to the teaming people of the State,the State Executive Council considered and Approved the procurement of basic/specialist medical equipment/furniture to the four rehabilitated hospitals (Rano, Bichi, Marmara & Danbatta)and Dawakin-Tofa Cottage Hospital, which is under rehabilitation works. The contract of required equipment/furniture was awarded at the total contract cost of N117.4million and items supplied, inspected/launched by His Excellency, the Executive Governor on Monday 26th August, 2015 at the State Medical Stores, DMCSA Compound, Kano State.

Apart of renovations and provision of needed materials and equipments in the state schools the following achievement were

also recorded, 502 in-service returnees have completed various training programmes and reported back for further posting to schools.

450 applicants have received “Temporary release letters” for in-service training programmes in various institutions of higher learning.

1905 temporary teaching staff were converted to permanent and pensionable appointment.

3130 senior staff and 435 junior staff were promoted to the next grade levels.

230 cases of advancement/ charge of cadre were processed to various grade levels.

17 disciplinary cases were treated.

Guidance and counselling officers of the state were given training on students counselling, so as some selected principals in collaboration with Sa’adatu Rimi State College of Education.

The Board facilitated the promotion of 14 Zonal Education Officers from grade level 15 to 16 as Zonal Directors. This paved the way for the introduction of Assistant Zonal Education Director Academics and Administration respectively.

Ganduje

Nigerians knock FG’s Town Hall meeting, want economy addressed CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Buhari

eral Government to work more on their Public Relations initiatives saying it is not enough for them to enlighten the people of their activities but that they should also dish out the possible solution.

Emeka Nduka said that the town hall meeting is the best possible means for people to tender their opinion, solve their problem and share opinion, but then the efficiency of the leaders comes in by selecting scholars, people with human feeling and those who are

sincere and trustworthy to represent their community who will go to speak the mind of the people.

One of the respondents who declined to be named has this to say: “the Federal Government created this town hall meeting for political propaganda, they pretend as if they care for the welfare of the people but they don’t. The first thing they are supposed to do is to fix the wobbling economic system.

The electric charges have doubled, we that produce oil why should we be suffering!”

Besides, he said that at The

Gambia, the same rate they charge for local call is the same rate they charge for international calls, but in Nigeria international calls are very expensive adding that in Gambia, if any foreigner wants to invest in the country, the price of the commodity or service must not be beyond what an average citizen can afford, but in Nigeria, reverse is the case.

He said: “on a daily basis, I look to God for help, we lack love in our country, how can an ordinary dog eat chicken, turkey, expensive food while some people scavenge for

food in the dust bin?!”

Christy Umaru said that the town hall meeting has not solved anything, that people now trek since the fuel price has been increased and bus fare has also been increased. She appealed to the government to meet the basic needs of the people. However, Chibike Kingsley said that, “a journey of a thousand mile starts with a step, pointing out that the issue of town hall meeting is a means to an end as it will enlighten the masses politically and ensure that public opinion is effective.”

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

Herdsmen attack plot to extend Caliphate to Benue – Ortom Ï jƈƒ ƗƆƌ Ɨ MơƠƠƄ ƅ ƌƍƆ Ɛƈ Ï ^ ƋƈƅƆ ơƤ ƆƏƗ ƌƆ ƈ ƅƑ Ɛ Ɨƕè ƕ Ə Ɔ Henry Omunu Abuja

ÎÎÎGovernor

of Benue State, Samuel Ortom, on Thursday, raised an alarm over a well-orchestrated plot

by Fulani herdsmen and their foreign collaborators to annihilate the inhabitants of the state with the objective

of establishing a caliphate in the state.

The governor, who was represented by the Deputy Governor, Benson Abonu, at a public hearing organised by the House of Representatives Committee Police Affairs on the incessant attacks by Fulani herdsmen in Benue State and the con-

sequent threat to peace, life and property, said a report has already been made to the relevant security agencies on the matter.

Ortom said that “they want to weaken the fabric of Benue State in such a way that when they want to pass to other parts of the country, there won’t be any resis-

tance.

“We’re all witnesses to what happened in Mali sometimes ago, where some people tried to establish a caliphate there, and from what we hear, when the people there were chased out, they moved to Nigeria.

“They entered Benue from Taraba State. We think this information is authentic because if you look at what happened in Agatu, it was well calculated. We believe that what is happening in

Benue State is more than meets the eye.

“I want to appreciate the efforts of the police and the army. We tried to make this known to the presidency, the National Assembly and the world that what is happening in Benue State is not mere communal clashes; it’s more than that.

“It has been insinuated that Boko Haram has some presence in Kogi State. What happened in Agatu is better seen than imagined. We’re talking about a systemic takeover of a whole land of people. What happened in the North East can’t be compared to what happened in Agatu. They made sure that they burnt down everywhere they go.

“Oweto, Ahila, etc, are completely wiped out. We believe that there’ll be a complete hunger next year.

There appears to be a sys-

temic movement of some people to Benue State to annihilate the people and establish some kind of kingdom.

“What is happening in Benue State is not localised.

It has taken a national dimension. They want to weaken the fabric of Benue State in such a way that when they want to come to pass, there won’t be any resistance. The attacks are also in Ekiti and Ogun and some other South East states. It must be looked at as a national problem and be nipped in the bud.

“Something tells me that if we don’t nip this one in the bud, the catastrophe we’re going to see may be 10 times more than what we’re seeing from Boko Haram.

It is on the basis of the government’s intervention that there is now seriousness to deal with them. Even three days ago, there was an attack in Buruku.

0 ƌƈƋƕ Ə ƈ Ɔ Ƌ Əƌ ƒƆƏ LƆƐƑ ô health, alleges persecution Continued from page 6

R-L: Ag. Chairman, Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Ogun State Council, Comrade Soji Amosun; Barr. Taiwo Adeoluwa; Otunba Dayo Adeneye and Mr. Niyi Adesanya at the NUJ democracy day lecture titled: Democracy in Nigeria; the gains, the pains, Ogun example, at IweIrohin Hall, Oke-Ilewo, Abeokuta… on Thursday.

Photo: DAVID IDOWU

We’re on track to fulfil our promises – FG Continued from page 6

istration’s scorecard in tackling insecurity, fighting corruption and revamping the National Economy.

“This Administration is pulling Nigeria out of a tough economic situation while preserving the gains it has recorded in battling insecurity and tackling corruption”, he added.

Meanwhile, Rep. Gbajabiamila, who stated that the 2016 budget is Buhari’s blueprint while fielding questions from journalists during the second edition of the quarterly report on legislative activities of the 8th House of Representatives at the National Assembly complex.

He insisted that the Buhari administration has an economic blueprint contrary to insinuations that the government lacked such a programme, asserting that the “economic blueprint of any government is the budget.

“If you look at this government’s budget, it is the largest and most robust; money is pumped into government to stimulate the economy, there is the social safety net.

“If anybody wants to see the blueprint of this government, let the person pick up the budget”.

The lawmaker added that the government would make more money if the tax regime was broadened, just as

he disclosed that President Buhari was influenced into accepting the deregulation of the downstream of the oil sector and the fuel price increase based on present realities.

However, while acknowledging that Nigerians were passing through difficult times, he said that such hardship being experienced by majority of Nigerians was not peculiar to the country as other countries were also experiencing such hardship.

He said that “we are all feeling the difficult times Nigerians are passing through, it happens all over the world. This has nothing to do with policies of government, but it has become

a mantra of some people who never see anything good with the APC government.

“I still maintain that things sometimes have to be difficult in order to get better.”

Gbajabiamila further stated that President Buhari was not in total support of deregulation and fuel price increase, but was made to change his mind.

Assessing the one year anniversary of the APCled federal government, the House Leader said, he refused to make an assessment as it was premature to do so, adding that the nation’s constitution gave a four-year duration for the assessment of any govern-

The family further said that it was instructive that out of over 300 names listed as having received money

ment.

He said the administration hasn’t spent one year in office and that considering what the government met on ground when it came onboard, it would be better to assess the government after two years.

“Giving what government found on ground and the prevailing oil situation all over the world, I think this government has done well.

What government has done so far is unprecedented anywhere in the world.

“If I am supposed to rate this government, it has done very well, it has dealt with the fundamental problem.

The man (President Buhari) was elected on the basis of anti-corruption”, he added.

from the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA), all those who offered to refund money were not arraigned in court.

“Our son is the only one whose offer to refund money was rejected and has been arraigned in court and his case given accelerated hearing”, the family lamented.

The family said it is absurd that the main reason given by the court for refusing the application is that there are several teaching hospitals in Nigeria that can handle such critical spinal problems, especially as this dramatic claim by the trial Judge has no medical basis whatsoever.

The full statement reads: “The entire Metuh family has been following the issues regarding our son, Chief Olisa Metuh and his ordeal since his arrest, detention and arraignment by the EFCC since January this year.

“We are aware that the matter regarding our son is subjudice hence we shall only comment on matters that are already in the public domain.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

13

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

FG loses $2bn revenue in oil licences fees Henry Omunu, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

House of Representatives ad hoc committee investigating the granting of Oil Prospecting Licences (OPLs) and Oil Mining Leases (OMLs) by the Federal Government, on Thursday, said that oil companies had avoided paying compulsory fees to

the tune of $2billion to the government.

The Chairman of the ad hoc committee, Mr. Gideon Gwani, while addressing a press conference, in Abuja, said that the oil companies, which should salvage the economic situation of the country, by the prompt payment of fees, were the firms compounding the problem by

being indebted to the government.

While he described the situation as alarming and worrisome, he also said that the trend was a dangerous one, which should not be allowed to continue.

“It is estimated that the oil companies by their actions have either evaded or avoided the payment of these compul-

sory fees, which is presumed to have denied the Federal Government the sum of about two billion dollars.

“At a time when the government is talking of obtaining loans for infrastructural development, such as roads, railways, power plants, petroleum refineries, among others, and where oil blocs have been allocated to some companies

to use the proceeds accruing from royalties, signature bonuses etc., to fund these important projects, yet, several years after, these facilities are still in comatose with little or no new projects to show as approved”, Gwani said.

The lawmaker expressed unhappiness that the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu and the Governor

of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had not responded to queries from the committees.

He added that only the director of the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR) had responded to the committee’s queries, adding that the committee would not be intimidated to abandon its assignment.

EFCC takes anti-corruption campaign to major streets

Nigeria will always be in my heart – Chinese envoy

ÎÎÎThe

out-going Chinese Ambassador to Nigeria, Gu Xiaojie, said, on Thursday, in Abuja, that Nigeria would always be in his heart.

Gu, who disclosed this during an exclusive with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), maintained that his stay in Nigeria was eventful and fruitful.

According to him, Nigeria would remain a strategic partner to China and the relationship had grown bigger and better than he met it.

The ambassador had told the gathering at a reception in his honour that since 2014 when he came to the country, “the bilateral ties between Nigeria and China has grown bigger and better”.

He expressed optimism that the ties would still get bigger and better in the years ahead.

Gu also lauded the democratic process that brought President Muhammadu Buhari to power, describing it as very satisfactory.

While thanking Buhari for his support, he urged Nigerians to continue to support government’s developmental agenda.

He expressed delight at the warmth reception he received from Nigerians and the government during his stay.

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Enugu zonal office, on Thursday took its anticorruption crusade to major streets of Enugu as part of activities marking the 2016 Democracy Day. The South-East Zonal Head of the commission, Mr Obioha Okorie, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu that the rally was in solidarity with the current administration’s efforts at reducing corruption.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the country began to celebrate the Democracy Day on May 29, 1999 when former President Olusegun Obasanjo assumed office.

Okorie said that other stakeholders such as the Nigeria Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), the police, youth corps members and students were involved in the rally.

“The essence of the rally is to sensitise the people regarding ahead of this year’s democracy day and the agenda of the current government at ensuring that corruption is reduced.

“Corruption has become a global issue and it should be the desire of everybody to fight for a better Nigeria as it is now a moral burden in this country,” he said.

Okorie said that the onslaught against corruption had far exceeded what an institution could do, adding that a holistic approach needed to be put in place to tackle the menace.

He said that the commission had achieved a major landmark in its bid to curb economic and financial crimes in the country.

ÎÎÎThe

L-R: Special Adviser to Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Prince Anofiu Olanrewaju Elegushi; Public Relation Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Mr. Bisi Kazeem; Deputy Corps Marshal, FRSC, Mr. Charles Theophilus, during the year 2016 FRSC stakeholders forum in Lagos… on Thursday.

PHOTO: OLAWALE ROTIMI.

NIMASA Fraud: How Akpobolokemi laundered N11 billion – EFCC Peter Fowoyo

ÎÎÎAn

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) witness, Orji Chukwuma, on Thursday, told the Lagos High Court in Igbosere, that a staff of Niger Delta University (NDU), John Simon Adomene, allegedly transferred N11billion from Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) into his account.

Chukwuma, an operative of the Commission with investigative duties, told the court that Adomene laundered the money on behalf of an exDirector-General of NIMASA, Dr. Patrick Akpobolokemi.

He testified before Justice Raliat Adebiyi as the third prosecution witness in the trial of Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN) Dr. Joseph Nwobike.

Nwobike is facing a fivecount charge of attempting to pervert the course of justice and offering gratification to

a public official; a charge he denies.

Led in evidence by EFCC counsel Rotimi Oyedepo, Chukwuma said that in 2015, the Commission received intelligence of “A monumental fraud perpetrated in NIMASA.” “In the course of the investigation, it was revealed that one John Simon Adomene, a staff of Niger Delta University was used by Akpobolokemi to perpetrate this fraud.

“Subsequently, efforts were made to trace accounts linked to John Adomene and companies linked with him,” he said.

He listed the companies to include Wabod, Global Resources Ltd, Gokiad Marine Services, Boloberi Properties and Estate Ltd. “We traced billions of Naira in accounts and properties to these companies which were merely fronts for Dr. Akpobolokemi,” Chukwuma added.

Chukwuma said further

that the anti-graft agency obtained two High Court orders freezing the accounts but that the orders were set aside at the Federal High Court via an order dated October 30, 2015.

“There was N200 million in Adomene’s account with Boloberi, but because of the order the N200 milliom was taken.

“On November 12, 2015, N100 million and N5 million were transferred to Sterling

Law Alliance. This was after the Federal High Court order was delivered,” Chukwuma said.

He added that the total sum transferred to Boloberi Properties and Estate Ltd. was N3,836,292,794.68, while Gokiad Marine Services had a total credit of N7,480,002,754.61 both totalling N11,316,295,549.29.

Meanwhile, Justice Adebiyi has adjourned till June 2.

Ex-minister, Tanko Ayuba, buried ÎÎÎA

former Minister of Communications, retired Maj.-Gen. Tanko Ayuba, who died on Wednesday, in a Lagos hospital, has been buried in Kebbi.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Ayuba’s body was flown to Birnin Kebbi and moved to his country home at Dirin-Daji in the Sakaba Local Government Area of Kebbi.

He was buried, on Thursday, at his family compound.

Ayuba, 71, was a Senator between 1999 and 2007.

He was also a former Governor of the old Kaduna State, after which he was appointed Minister of Communications.

He was survived by wife, Mrs. Ronke Ayuba, a former broadcaster, eight children and eight grand-children.

Gu Xiaojie

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

15 Opinion

FRSC: Driving license and substandard tyres

I Polycarp Onwubiko

t is shocking that the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), has mustered leadership idiocy by coming out with double driving license in Nigeria. According to news report, the new driving license will cost a N10,000 with the expiry date of five years; and will run parallel with the existing one with three years as expiry date. Which country in the world has double driving license? In fact, renewal of driving license should be abolished because education certificates are never renewed. This impunity in Nigeria must stop. It is naïve to threaten motorists to purchase brand new tyres which is not affordable by over 80 percent of motorists. Without tokunbo tyres many vehicles would have been grounded. Due to bad governance and lack of power supply, tyre manufacturing companies relocated to Ghana.

Government should stop the brazen extortion in renewing driving license because it is much uncalled for. It is lamentable that the FRSC did not wean itself from the naïve and mischievous mindset that characterised its past leadership whose stock-in-trade had been to come with grotesque proposals and sneak into Aso Villa to crawl before the President Goodluck Jonathan to secure his blessings to go ahead.

Nigerians want the APC-led federal government to demonstrate a Spartan will to reinvent ideal governance by restructuring the country to reduce over-centralisation of MDAs. It is clear that there could not have been APC-federal government without the political sagacity and formidable financial war machine of Bola Tinubu in his avowal to reinvent the inviolate principles of federal system of government, which were brazenly truncated by the aberrant military regimes.

Inherent in the envisaged restructuring of the country is decentralisation of the MDAs with the review of the lopsided revenue allocation. Most of the federal laws that prohibit subnational governments from exploring and exploiting the natural and mineral resources within their territory should be amended. The shenanigan of the minister of solid minerals in ‘advising’ state governments to exploit the mineral resources within their domain without first amending the federal laws is to maintain the covert agenda sequel to the feudalisation of the polity.

It is sad that former President Goodluck Jonathan dragged his feet when the time was auspicious to organise a Sovereign National Conference. However, the spectacular and auspicious event nevertheless took place in 2014 and the worthwhile and far-reaching

recommendations remain a panacea and formidable milestone for the country to reinvent True Federalism.

The APC-led federal government must not be seen as a one-man show in which President Muhammadu Buhari will be acting as an autocrat and shun the recommendations of the 2014 National Conference which all Nigerians participated and agreed on.

It had dawned on Nigerians that the brazen and mindless violations by past military regimes of the scientific principles inherent governance like the principles under-girding federal or unitary systems of governments have disastrous and far-reaching consequences; and it was the violation of the principles that positioned Nigeria as an undeniably failed state.

For instance in terms of security of lives and property, the deliberate failure of the police and the army to disarm the supposed Fulani herdsmen along with their foreign allies has proven that Nigeria is a failed state.

A situation where Buhari has clearly demonstrated nepotism [the worst form of corruption] by not commanding the army to flush out the gun-toting terrorists in the guise of herdsmen in Agatu, arresting the so-called ‘fake army’ that arrested villagers in Awgu Enugu state who were trying to rescue their women-folk kidnapped by the

lecherous Fulani herdsmen and keeping mum on the atrocity at Uzouwani, Nsukka shows that there is no government in Nigeria.

The APC-led federal government should as a matter of national emergency put measures in place to restructure the country to maintain “One Nigeria”. One of the first steps is to disband the FRSC and merge it with the police.

Let the FRSC prove that the cost of producing drivers’ license is more than N500.00, while vehicle number is more than N1,000. 00. What pushed the FRSC to introduce double drivers’ license other than the usual idiocy and naivety to leave the impression that it is creative to make quantum revenues for the federal government.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo saw the crude mindset and leadership idiocy of the FRSC and on February,2000, merged it with the police. The FRSC should return to its glorious early days when its patrols, disciplined officials and volunteers reduced road carnage through professionalism and zero tolerance for corruption and extortion…Enough is enough for monstrous waste in the name federal government while the reality on ground is a Unitary Government in Nigeria”.

Mr. Onwubiko is a public affairs analyst

Security agents and Abia’s approach to pastoral conflicts

I Okechukwu Ukegbu

t may not be out of place to suggest here that our security agents are contributing negatively to the fragile security situation in the country.

This suggestion is informed by the ugly incident that took place in Aba penultimate Thursday where a soldier allegedly killed a meat-seller at the Aba abattoir at “Aba Waterside”.

The incident has attracted different story lines and has been changing in form and content. However, despite the angle one approaches the incident, none paints the actions of the soldier professionally. Thank God, for the swift response of the police and Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu.

In a swift reaction to the ugly incident, Abia State Government condemned the dastardly act, which sent the victim, to his untimely grave.

Expectedly, the premature death of the meat-seller should diminish even the hardest of hearts; because, according to John Donne,” Any mans death diminishes me, because I am involved in Mankind; And therefore never send to know for whom the bell tolls; It tolls for thee.

The incident has reenacted discussions on the conducts of our security agents, especially in discharging their duties. It will be recalled that few months ago, the peaceful atmosphere of Aba, had a crack from the activities of the same security agents.

In the Ariaria episode, members National Drug Law Enforcement Agency, NDLEA, allegedly on an operation to raid drug hideouts, inflicted pain on the peaceful and serene environment.

The incident left on its trail scores of people severely injured, including a Divisional Crime Officer, DCO of Ariaria Police Station.

It is a common knowledge that security agencies’ response to threats should be proportionate to the threat.

The rationale behind the NDLEA, engaging in such operation in a densely populated market and threw professionalism and rules of engagement to the whirlwind remains a puzzle.

One would have expected the agency to take a critical study of the operations and design the best practices to undertake. The lives of innocent civilians are worth more than whatever operations they went for in the market.

There is a dispassionate appeal to our security agents not to stretch the fragile security situation in the country, which is occasioned by ethnic suspicion, hunger in the land any bit further.

Though the suspect- soldier has been arrested,a lot needs to be addressed. No doubt, soldiers are trained to protect to protect the country from external aggressions, current situations have demanded that they involve in internal security. This arrangement

may not be entirely evil but I think that some adjustments need to be made.

There have been calls to redesign the soldiers recruitment process to expose them to some academic works on human psychology, human rights, and the constitution. Proponents of this arrangement also advocate a review of academic entry requirements of the soldiers. They are of the view that the proposal if implemented would go a long way in enhancing the soldiers’ performance and respect for the civil population.

The Abia State Governor deserves commendation for not contemplating shutting down the markets. This action could have been counterproductive. One it could have exerted more pressure on the lean resources of the state occasioned by dwindling federal allocations. Two, it could have provided the fifth columnists,who have no business in the town but are looking for opportunities to unleash mayhem, the leeway.

Another action of the Governor that deserves mention is the proposed pragmatic approach to check pastoral conflicts in the state.

He has directed the Abia State Vigilante Services (AVS) to commence, a two-week intensive training, for onward deployment to communities to assist in community policing.

All traditional rulers in the state are to submit names of 10 able-bodied

youths from their community to the Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. This approach has multifarious benefits as it will provide employment opportunities for over 7,000 youths and ensure effective community policing.

While the law enforcement agencies have been mandated to search and monitor all trucks and vehicles conveying livestock, food items and persons into the state with a view to preventing inter-state movement of arms and terrorists, they are also to search and monitor markets and settlements where livestock and dealers are located, to ensure security.

The Governor has approved the constitution of a Farmers/Herdsmen Conflict Resolution Committee in the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.

The state encourages the people to be vigilant and report any suspicious movement or activities of strange persons within the communities to the Traditional Rulers or call any of the following Police Emergency Control phone numbers: 08079210003, 08079210004, 08079210005, 08035425405 for prompt deployment of a Rapid Response Unit.

Indeed, the Abia State model of checking pastoral conflicts and terrorism is a pragmatic approach and deserves to be emulated.

Ukegbu, a public policy analyst, writes from Umuahia,Abia State.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

Enjoy unbelievable discounts when you book Arik Air ticket online Chigozie Okereke ÎÎÎReal business is happening online and Arik Air is not sparing anything to ensure that customers not only get their booking done on the Company’s website www. arikair.com but most importantly that all online transactions are safe, secure, convenient and pocket-friendly.

The beautiful thing is that booking your Arik Air ticket on the official website is so simple and interactive as the system has been designed in such a way that it literarily

discusses with you from the time you commence your booking till you select your mode of payment and receive your ticket.

Arik Air web booking is also loaded with unbelievable discounts as customers get to pay less than what is available across the counter.

Discerning travellers who have discovered this secret are shunning over the counter sales as web booking saves them time and money.

A customer in Nigeria ,Mrs. John who bought a ticket for a family member

living in the United Kingdom could not hide her excitement on discovering that the web booking she made was over N10,000 (Ten Thousand Naira) cheaper than the fare quotation she got earlier on offline. She confessed that the search for cheaper fares took her online and she has been hooked for good as all her Arik Air ticket purchase will henceforth be made via Arik Air’s website.

Arik Air’s online payment system is designed in such a way that every user is able to choose a payment option

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and pay for Arik Air ticket via their personal internet banking platform, at any Quickteller- enabled ATM or via Quickteller.Com. Arik Air also made provision for customers who want to book online but pay offline as customers in this category use the booking reference generated via the book-on-hold option to pay at Bank Branch or at the nearest Arik Air Sales Office. However, the Book-onHold payment option does not permit International money transfers.

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available on Arik Air’s website is Internet Banking and Branch Banking which allows customers to place their booking on hold. Customers can now book for their flight for 3-6hours and pay at any Bank branch or via their bank’s Internet Banking Platform using their booking reference number. Customers using this option can make payments with cash or from their bank account.

Once payment is confirmed, the customer will receive an email alert containing details of the electronic ticket.

All the payment options are very convenient and customers will receive their tickets via the email address supplied in the reservation as soon as payment is confirmed.

Arik Air’s website is also available on mobile devices like I-Phone, I-pads and Android and customers can enjoy the best rates on Nigeria and West Africa’s largest Carrier anytime, anywhere.

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Arik Air offers so much more as customers can take control of their booking by clicking on ”Manage My Booking”. Customers can view, print or email their itinerary .Customers can also select their preferred seat, submit request for special diets, modify their booking and make any special service request. *Chigozie Okereke is a Corporate Communications Officer with Arik Air.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

Features Æ s

Civil servants, workers in the private sector and other stakeholders in the economy have taken a swipe on the current disparity in their salaries and blamed the trend for corruption and poor economic growth of the country.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that civil servants working in many `high profile’ ministries, departments and agencies of Federal Government earn more than their counterparts in `low profile organisations’.

The salaries and working conditions of workers in some key establishments like Central Bank of Nigeria and NNPC are far beyond others with equal qualifications in other establishments.

Some of them, who spoke with NAN in some North-Central states of the country, called for urgent review that would put wages at par, or at least reduce the disparity to boost the morale of all workers and ensure optimum productivity.

Mr Sunday Emmanuel, a media consultant in Jos, for instance, described as ``very strange’’, a situation where graduates’ start-up salaries in some Federal Government establishments could quadruple that of their counterparts in other Federal Government organisations. ``The situation is saddening; two workers working for the same employer but with a wide disparity in their entitlements. ``When we have situations like that, it is difficult to get the best from workers that do not believe that they are getting the maximum attention,’’ he said.

Emmanuel said that the situation had created ‘class’ among the workers, with people already employed in some organisations struggling to move to others where they felt the packages was better.

Mrs Josephine Adankat, a teacher, said: ``There is usually no rationale behind the disparity either by job description or number of hours in service; in most cases, the disparity is just inexplicable.

Workers in Nasarawa State also decried the disparity with Mr Abdullahi Adeka, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), saying the situation was killing productivity among workers.

Adeka advised government to fashion out ways of addressing the issues as all civil servants were exposed to same market forces and utilities.

Mr Jimoh Musa, Nasarawa

Salary disparity, high corruption and low productivity: The public service tradition — NAN survey

Protesting members of Nigeria Union of Teachers

state Chairman of Judicial Staff Union of Nigeria (JUSUN), said it was unjustifiable for workers performing the same tasks in different agencies to be paid different salaries.

He therefore advocated for the harmonisation of salaries to enhance productivity and ensure job satisfaction.

Similaly, Federal Government workers in Taraba said it was unfair for workers in the same federal service with the same qualification and grade level to earn salaries with huge differences.

Mr Robbert Angyu, a worker, said: ``The Federal Government should review the salary structure in the spirit of change so as to be fair to all workers.”

The Taraba Commissioner for Finance, Mr Jessy Ashumade, frowned at the gap, adding that harmonising the salaries would encourage civil servants to remain and grow within a particular system and encourage specialisation.

The Niger State chapters of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) also decried the disparities.

Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Responsibility Commission (RMAFC) should check wide poverty and income imbalance in the country. Those who earnestly work hard are most times the least paid while indolent workers who were erroneously highly rated and less busy political attaches received jumbo pay at the end of the month. This is an aberration which must be checked in order to restore dignity to labour — Prof Okolie, UNN, Nsukka The state Chairman of the TUC, Malam Tanimu Yunusa, said that the existing salary structure would not encourage civil servants.

“I suggest that the salary should be harmonised while allowances can differ based on the job or profession.

“For instance, a nurse should not be deprived of his shift duty allowance, while a doctor must be paid the call duty allowance. That can form the little difference and

would also be understood by others.’’

Mr Yahaya Ndako, NLC state Chairman, called for a return to the old structure where civil servants in the country earned the same salary.

“These salary disparities were created by the same government because before now local, state and federal workers with same qualification and grade level earned same salary .

Ndako decried a situation

where a federal civil servant on GL eight earned N80,000 while another counterpart with same qualification and same grade level in another department earned N250,000.

A cross section of Nigerians in Lokoja kicked against the current situation and said it was not healthy for the service because it might impede quality service delivery to the people.

Alhaji Nnda Umar, a retired Director in the Kogi State Local Government Service Commission, observed that the development had bred unnecessary enmity in the public service .

NAN reported that Mr John Ushie, Chairman of Cross River chapter of NLC, called on the Salaries and Wages Commission to harmonise the salaries. ``It is a very interesting situation where you find workers of the same cadre earning different salaries simply because they work in different ministries, departments and agencies. ``The same salary disparity also exists between federal, state and local government workers.

The chairman added that the disparity was unnecessary since all workers would always go to the same market.

An economist, Dr Ikechukwu Obiora, also said the situation was alien to advanced democracy. ``In normal situations, disparity can only exist in the private sector or in cases of professionalism in special areas,’’ he said.

Residents of Uyo shared similar sentiments by calling on the government to abrogate salaries disparity in the federal service.

They called on the Federal Government to stop the policies that allowed boards of federal agencies to fix jumbo salaries for their workers.

Mr Eshiet Edem, a banker, said that the laws establishing some institutions, which allowed them to fix high salaries for their workers should be expunged.

A don at the University of Uyo, Dr Aniekan Brown, noted that low salary could lead to abuse of work ethics and induce corrupCONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

19 Features

LOVE AT NYSC CAMPS:

A fantasy of youthful exuberance? Ïj Ƅ Ɖ Ƅƍ Ɔ Ǝ Ƅ Ƅ Ǝ Ǝ ƄƎ ƋƍƄ Ǝ ƕ Ɔ ƕƏƊƋƄƕ ƅƎƄƍ Ƅƍ ƄƍƐƆƃƄ

Erinle David If the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) scheme established in 1973 were to be a person, he would have attained the age of 18 by 1991 which would have qualified him to vote and be voted for. The bright child would have started primary school about 1997 and graduated from a university or polytechnic in 1993 qualifying for his own scheme in 1994.

Perhaps the child would have since taken up a good job and got married to the lovely girl he met as a corps member! But have we asked ourselves this sensitive question? Does this Guy or lady really love me?

Following the successful completion of the Batch A Corps members across the state, the question erupted as a result of the one year relationship corps members engage in during the NYSC service year.

Should NYSC relationships be taken seriously?

“Some of such relationships have blossomed, but they are precious few. Faithful hearts are hard to come by in choosing a future partner,” a corper who just finished her service year told The Daily Times in confidence.

In recent times, the question has become rhetoric as answers have been likened to a diamond so hard to come by. Most times the relationships end in sorrow during their passing out parade.

Display Pictures (DPs), a social media lovers code has overtime been proven to unreal and none binding, having been used by lovers for the fun of it. One of the popular dps which reads ‘Distance is crap when love is true’ has not lived up to its billing as distance has taken numerous relationships to the cleaners. The popular saying is that the loser is the corper who gets pregnant and dumped after the service year is over.

Ms Josephine, an ex-corper who served in Benue State and passed out on Thursday 14th of April 2016 had this to say: “What really matter is, what happens after youth service? It is easier to build a relationship when you are together, but what happens when both of you leave for your various homes is unforeseen.

“Although it is better for adults to build a relationship, the reason it does not work for most people is

Ngige

It is not done in advanced countries – Octogenarian Prof Okolo CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Corpers celebrating end of their service year at Makurdi, Benue State

Many of us went into the campus with different background, upbringing and moral aptitude. The good ones come out clean and marry afterwards while the loose ones flirt throughout their university years and climax it in their service year. There is no yardstick to pick out the good ones from the unserious — Ex-Corper Oluwaseyi that they find it difficult to maintain the relationship because of distance which, at the initial stage was not taken into consideration.”

One of the intrigues of graduating and serving graduates is that most corps members have a relationship before coming for youth

service.

“It is unfair therefore to break the heart of someone waiting for you somewhere,” Josephine said.

Ogunode Oluwaseyi who served said in Lagos state dismissed such relationship with a wave of the CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

tion in public service.

In the same vein, a schoolteacher, Mrs Glory Bassey, urged the Federal Government to devise measures to minimise the embarrassing trend of ostentatious living among some workers while others wallowed in abject poverty.

Dr Edidiong Ebitu, lecturer, University of Calabar, opined that salaries disparity was a function of the agency’s ability to pay.

Mr Imo Ekeh, a level 12 worker of a federal ministry in Rivers, said the agitation for harmonisation would continue until government did the needful and necessary thing.

“A worker at the NNPC may have different task from a worker at the Federal Ministry of Education, but they have to resume by 8:00 a.m. and close at about 4:00 p.m.

“My suggestion is that all workers, especially at the federal level, should have a unified salary structure, while workers who do extra tasks and overtime should be paid allowances.”

The Chairman of the NLC in Abia, Mr Uche Obigwe, said the existing did not promote industrial harmony.

The NLC leader described the practice as `discriminatory and unhealthy’ in the labour sector.

He said the disparity among workers on the same grade level and under the same employers, whether federal, state or local governments could not be justified.

A human rights activist, Ifeanyi Onwunneme, and immediate past Chairman of the Civil Liberties Organisation (CLO) in Abia, condemned such disparity.

Prof. Aloysius Okolie, at the Political Science Department of the University of Nigeria (UNN), Nsukka, urged the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Responsibility Commission (RMAFC), to check wide poverty and income imbalance in the country.

He said those who earnestly worked hard were most times the

least paid while indolent workers who were erroneously highly rated and less busy political attaches received jumbo pay at the end of the month. ``This is an aberration which must be checked in order to restore dignity to labour.’’

A civil servant, Mr John Okeke, said that workers in the non-revenue generating Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) were most times neglected in pay rise as well as allowance schedule. ``The way the RMAFC is favouring some MDAs is not healthy and if we continue this way, it will not be long seasoned technical and professional hands will leave the service and redundancy sets in,’’ Okeke said.

But a Technology Consultant and Engineer, Elias Igwegbu, decried the call for harmonisation of salaries of civil servants.

Igwegbu told NAN that salary should not have anything to do with paper qualification, adding that every industry should be allowed to set salaries based on its productivity.

Okoro, 85, said it would encourage corruption and laziness as those who did little or nothing in the civil service would benefit more.

From Oyo State, NAN reported that labour leaders, economists and other stakeholders expressed the belief that only a harmonised salary structure would boost productivity and promote industrial harmony.

The Chairman of the NLC, Mr Waheed Olojede, urged the Federal Government to take a decisive decision in harmonising the salaries, with only certain institutions having the powers to approve special allowances.

Dr Tosin Adesina of the Department of Economics, University of Ibadan, also described the disparity as unfair.

A former Head of Service, Mrs Modupe Adekunle, said salary differentials might vary because of varying conditions of service.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Features 20

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

In most cases, salary disparity is just inexplicable - Mrs Josephine Adanka

Doctors on strike

Workers in the non-revenue generating Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) were most times neglected in pay rise as well as allowance schedule. The way the RMAFC is favouring some MDAs is not healthy and if we continue this way, it will not be long seasoned technical and professional hands will leave the service and redundancy sets in — Okeke (Civil Servant) CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Mr Akeem Adeoti, a financial analyst in Ijebu-Ode, said the disparity was normal, adding that different occupations were faced with varying degrees of risk as the hours of service also varied with different occupations.

Mr Ojo Fanimokun, the Chairman of the Nigerian Union of Teachers (NUT) in Ondo State, decried the huge disparity but stressed that such did not exist among workers in the state civil service.

The Chairman of the NLC in Ekiti, Mr Ade Adesanmi, also said it was illegal to pay workers performing the same duties in government offices different salaries.

The NLC boss clarified that though the fault was not that of the current government, the Muhammadu Buhari administration must strive to correct the imbalance.

The Chairman of the state chapter of Medical and Dental Consultants Association of Nigeria, Dr Olajide Taiwo, said the

only way to tackle acrimony in the public service was to address the disparity.

The Secretary to the Ekiti State Government, Dr Modupe Alade, said cases of disparity in staff salaries were more evident in federal agencies.

In Osogbo, Mr Tosin Yusuf, a former Consultant to the Federal Government on Millennium Development Goals (MDGs), said the disparity required urgent review to prevent industrial acrimony.

He said it was a structural error that needed to be corrected for industrial harmony and better performance.

In his view, Dr Kayode Ajulo, a Financial and Personnel Consultant, enjoined the Federal Government to amend the error to prevent the polarisation of the civil service.

Dr Seun Olayungbo, a lecturer in Economics at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife, said there was urgent need for salary harmonisation in the federal civil service.

“It’s unfair and not justifiable

Wabba

for civil servants with the same certificate and patronising the same market to be collecting different salaries.

The Secretary of the National Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) in Kwara, Abayomi Afolabi, condemned the disparity, saying it was gross injustice.

Stakeholders in Kebbi, Kaduna and Kano states argued that the current trend had led to disillusionment among most workers.

An Economist, Mr Elaisha Dangiwa, noted that the disparity was partly responsible for corrupt tendencies in the Nigerian civil service.

Dangiwa who is a Lecturer in the Department of Economics, Kaduna State University (KASU), said there was no justification for workers with same certificate, employed on the same grade level to be receiving different salary packages.

“Corruption will continue to thrive in the civil service as long as workers salaries are not harmonised,” he stated. ``How can someone who works for eight to 12 hours daily earn far less than someone who works for only two to three hours daily because they belong to different MDAs?’’ He said inflation had reduced the value of the current N18, 000 minimum wage to mere peanuts, following high cost of goods and services in the country.

On his part, Dr Abuh Adah, a lecturer in the Department of Accountancy, Kaduna Polytechnic, also said government must address the issue of inflation that had reduced the purchasing power of Nigerians.

The Chairman, Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) in Kebbi, Murtala Usman, supported the harmonisation of salaries, saying it would ensure equity in the public service.

Usman stressed that it would enhance dedication, improved performance and provision of quality service by public service workers. ``It is worrisome that a Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) officer receives over N115,000 as salary whereas a teacher on the same level receives N54,000 as salary.

“What has the teacher done to deserve such a disparity,” he asked.

Usman Adamu, a legal practitioner, called for the scrapping of Salaries and Wages Commission, and deregulation of salary issues to allow states and local governments determine their salaries based on ability to pay.

In the Northeastern part of the country, workers, labour leaders and lecturers said the current disparity, no matter the reason for it, was counter-productive.

They argued that apart from dampening the morale of some workers, thereby having a negative effect on their productivity, the arrangement was causing disharmony among workers.

A Senior Lecturer at the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University (ATBU) Bauchi, Dr Mohammed Gambo, said the differences in salary did not encourage efficiency but constant change of jobs by workers in search of greener pastures. ``No job is more important than the other; every worker should be paid same salaries with their counterparts across all MDAs,’’ he said.

Mrs Hauwa Musa, a federal civil servant, described the difference in salaries between those in the ministries and agencies like NNPC, Federal Inland Revenue Service and NPA as mindboggling.

Alhaji Ali Grema, Borno Chairman of Trade Union Congress, said the country was witnessing a unique period of economic meltdown and the price of everything had already skyrocketed, hence the need to ensure equality in paypacket.

Wabba

‘Survival of NYSC relationship is put at 50-50’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

hand: “I don’t see it leading anywhere; you can’t tell me you don’t have someone in your life before rounding up your tertiary education,” she told our correspondent.

Down to earth and without mincing words, Oluwaseyi said corpers’ dps is just a means to flirt for the fun of it.

“Many of us came to campus with different background, upbringing and moral aptitude. The good ones come out clean and marry afterwards while the loose ones flirt throughout their university years and do the same in their service year. There is no yardstick to measure the good ones so it is advisable corpers finish with the business of service and face their decide their professional and love life ahead of them.”

Similarly, Vincent (also an excorper), scored corpers dating on a scale of 30 percent success. “The girls may be after the peanuts you receive monthly and they are not predictable because they can do and undo. Whichever you assess them, they are dangerous,” he said.

A tertiary statistics records that only 5% of NYSC relationships come to reality or see the light of day. It is largely seen as mere fantasy, the climax of youthful exorbitance.

That’s the way the youthful ones interpret their emotions; but the lines are drawn between teenage and adult life: if the lines fall in pleasant places, the serious ones are bound to have a goodly heritage.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

ASSOCIATION OF IMO PROFESSIONALS OF LIKE MINDS.

21 Public Notice

TRUE REDEEMED INTERCESSORS ASSEMBLY OF CHRIST.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under part’ ‘C’ of the companies and Allied Matters Acts 1990 .

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Dr. Chiny ere Vivien Nwoga - President.

2. Dr. Sabastine Amauche Ngah - Secretary.

3. Dr. Patrick Chika Ohia .

4. Sir. Obinna Ezenwa Okoro.

5. Chidozie Malachy Nwaka, Esq.

THE Trustees Are: 1. Bro EMMANUEL EZEAGABU NZUBE-chairman.

2. Sis. UWOYE OMOZUSI VIOLET-secretary.

3. Bro JOSEPH EHIS OYAMWENDA-treasurer. 4. Bro EKOJIKOKO FREEBORN OBUKO-Public relations officer.

5. Sis OGORNNA EZEAGABU ANULIKA-member.

6. Bro ONYEBUCHIEZE CHINONSO STEPHEN-member.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : 1. The objects and vision of the Association is to pursue policies and projects that would ensure the well-being of Imo Citizens.

2. The mission of the Association is to engage all stakeholders on matters that would achieve sustained growth and development of it’s people.

Aim and objective to declare God’s counsel.

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

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

SIGNED : Chidozie Malachy Nwaka, Esq.

Sign OMOKHAFE OMOZUSI ESQ

CHANGE FOR AFRICA PATRIOTIC DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE The General Public is hereby notified that the above named organisation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

Trustees are: 1. Kelechi Agor -. Chairman 2. Chidozie Michael Nwaibe - Secretary .

3. Edward Imonitie Idiahi.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To promote & Provide humanitarian services/aid to desplaced persons in Nigeria.

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

Signed: secretary.

ZAMAN LAFIYA BARBERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

OLUYOLE-OMONIGBEYIN ISHERI-OSHUN ASSOCIATION LAGOS

ILA GRAMMAR SCHOOL OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION

The general public is hereby informed that the above named Association 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 Association has applied to the Corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OKE OYEWOLE LAMIDI - (Chairman) 2. ALARAPE MUIDEEN OLUWASEUN - (Vice Chairman) 3. ALI TAIWO BALOGUN - (Secretary) 4. BABATUNDE JOHNSON ADEGBOYEGA - (PRO) 5. JAMIU KOLAWOLE ADEDEJI - (Financial Secretary)

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Adeagbo Bolarinwa 2. Amuda Aderemi Farinmade 3. Lawal Olatunji Karim 4. Agboola, Johnson Olabanji Babatunde 5. Raheem Kolapo Mohammad 6. Mrs Ibidun Lawal 7. Adedeji Ahmed Akintola 8. Abioye Joseph Abiodun 9. Balogun Olayinka Babatunde

The Trustees Are: 1. MUSA ABDULSALAM - CHAIRMAN. 2. BALA ZAKI - VICE CHAIRMAN 3. SURAJU UMAR - SECRETARY. 4. MUHAMMED AMADU –TREASURER 5 WANZAM MOHAMMED 6 SALEH MANU 7 ZUBAIRU ABUBAKAR

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To foster unity amongst its members and Ibadan indigenes in Isheri-Oshun and in diaspora 2. To help widows, needy and the less privileged of Ibadan indigenes in IsheriOshun and in diaspora Any objection should be forwarded to Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days of this publication.

Signed: Oluseun Fatomide (Mrs) (Solicitor)

WORD OF TRUTH AMBASSADORS CHURCH The general public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act Cap C 20 Laws of the Federation of Nigeria. 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Peter Steve Chizurum 2. Chizurum Miracle Ihuomachi 3. Happiness Uche Ole 4. Collins Ndubisi Peter 5. Agbeze Gabriel Ogba 6. Chukwuma Emma Abiayi 7. Joseph Agbonna Kennedy THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. To raise end-time Gospel bearers.

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

Signed: TRUSTEES

NKA N’UZU GARMENT DESIGNERS ASSOCIATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) Odindu Chibuzor Sunday (3) Chukwu Orji John (6) Ejihusu Moses Ozor (8) Ikechukwu Japhet Winner

(2) Sampson Napoleon (5) Okonkwo Anthony Ikechukwu (7) Nwachukwu Kingsley Uchenna

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:(1) To promote amicable resolution of disputes and foster mutual love, unity and cooperation among members.

(2) To promote and defend the interests and wellbeing of members in all spheres of their endeavours.

(3) To articulate ideas and views, and agree on ways of improving production, sales and increase income of members in the ‘cut and sew’ business.

(4) To pursue meaningful programmes that would enable members and the Association achieve set goals.

(5) To promote socio-economic advancement of the members.

To embark on projects aimed at protecting the image and solidarity of the Association.

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 from the date of this publication SIGNED BY: Agu Ukaogo, Esq. Solicitor to Association

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To unite in fellowship all the old students of the school.

Aims And Objectives: 1. To bring about healthy living through sterilization in other to prevent deadly diseases 2 To foster unity, promote mutual understanding and co-operation among members 3 To provide information and counseling on health living and preventable health conditions among members nation wide

Any objections to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar general corporate Affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent off aguiyi ironsi street maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

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: Solicitor - A. A FARINMADE & CO, Barristers & Solicitors.

Signed: TRUSTEES

ORGANIZATION FOR ERADICATION OF CORRUPT PRACTICES

HOLY MARY APOSTOLIC LIGHT & MIRACLE MISSION INT’L

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

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part ‘c’ of companies and Allied matter Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) Prince Emmanuel Adebayo Adeyanju (Chairman) 2) Mr Olufemi Josiah Oyeweso (Secretary) 3) Mrs Oluwakemi Mary Adeyanju (Member)

THE TRUSTEES AREREV (PROPHET) OFONIME DICKSON ESSIEN PASTOR (MRS) GLORIA OFONIME ESSIEN EVANGELIST SUNDAY UDOH AJAYI BASHIRU OGUNNIYI PASTOR ARANSIOLA OLALEKAN JAMES PROPHETESS ADODO TITILAYO OLABISI

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1) To promote crusade for eradication of corrupt practices in Nigeria 2) To educate Nigerians the menace of corruption and its negative effect on our nation 3) To promote all legitimate ways leading towards eradication of corrupt practices in Nigeria.

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

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty eight (28) days of this publication.

PRINCE EMMANUEL ADEBAYO ADEYANJU (CHAIRMAN)

Signed: TRUSTEES

THE FOURTH ARM EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE 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 Trustees are: 1- Ejiro Leslie OWEDE - Chairman.

2- Odiri Nancy OWEDE - Secretary.

3- Eseoghene Humphrey OWEDE - Trustee.

Any objections to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar general corporate Affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent off aguiyi ironsi street maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Trustees.

Signed: Secretary

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

SIGNED: SECRETARY

The Trustees Are : 1. OLUFUNMILOLA MACILINA OSHINNOWO. 2. ADENIKE SHOBOWALE

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

THE NEW DIMENSION FRIENDS OF IKORODU LAGOS.

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

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

Aims And Objectives : 1. To enhance unity & beauty principles amongst barbers, hairdressers and body therapists.

2. To provide jobs for both graduate & non graduate.

FRESHWORD CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY

Aim And Objective 1)To prepare the saints ready for the return of the lord by word of God and In The power of the holy spirit.

2)To develop evangelism and missionary outreaches to reach the unreached unsaved, unchurched with the gospel of Jesus Christ to enable them commit their live to him.

3)To mentor members to discover their talents, inherent skills and natural gifts for maximum benefit to the church and local community..

ASSOCIATION OF BODY THERAPISTS, HAIRDRESSERS AND BARBERS OF NIGERIA

Aim & objective: 1. To help the less priviledge in society.

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

TRUSTEES 1 REV FOLASHOLU OWOSENI OYEBOKUN 2 PASTOR ( MRS) FOLAKE GRACE OYEBOKUN 3 PASTOR PAUL TEST ONIYIDE

AIM AND OBJECTIVE To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ

NAMES OF TRUSTEES: (1) AKEEM ABIODUN (2) BADMUS LATIF (3) MATTHEW STEVEN (4) AYANWALE ABIODUN .

ANAM AMAKA UNITED CLUB OF NIGERIA LAGOS BRANCH. The General Public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

NAMES OF TRUSTEES (1) ANIKPE PIUS (2) UDUAKA SYLVESTER (3) UDOGALA NNAMDI (4) MADUKOLU BENJAMIN.

AIM TO CREATE LOVE AMONG MEMBERS.

AIM .

TO CREATE PEACE AND LOVE AMONG MEMBERS.

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

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

SIGNED SECRETARY.

SIGNED SECRETARY

Public Notice 22 CONVERGE OF THE PEOPLE WELFARE FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REMOVAL OF TRUSTEE TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 OLD TRUSTEES: 1. ALHAJA LATIFAT OLUFUNKE GBAJABIAMILA. -RETAINED 2. HON. SHAKIRUDEEN SANNI AJAO -RETAINED 3. ALHAJA BADRU ISLAMIAT MOJISOLA. -RETAINED 4. HON. FEMI GBAJABIAMILA -REMOVED AIMS AND OBJECTIVES AND OTHER PARTS OF CONSTITUTION REMAIN THE SAME

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

EBONY FOUNDATION FOR EMPOWERMENT AND DEVELOPMENT

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. MIRIAM ARIELLA EKIUDOKO 2. EKIUDOKO OSARIEMEN FRANK 3. DR. EKI-UDOKO FIDELIS EWENITIE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO EMPOWER THE YOUTH AND THE LESS PRIVILEGE FOR POSITIVE CHANGE IN OUR SOCIETY. 2. TO SUPPORT DEVELOPMENTAL PROJECTS.

ATLANTIS EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE FOR BETTER FUTURE The general public is hereby notified that the above named BODY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under “Part C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 1. OLANREWAJU MOSHOOD 2. ADELAKUN BAMIDELE JOSEPH 3. AKINBIYI JIMMY AKIN Aim and objectives 1. To aim towards eradication of poverty in Nigeria.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REMOVAL SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

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: SECRETARY

SIGNED: PATRICK UZUM SOLICITOR, ABUJA

Signed BASIL AGUNWA. ESQ. 07038780894

SUPPORT FOR SAFE MOTHERHOOD FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. DR. MICHAEL AYIVOR -PATRON 2. MR. FIDELIS IKEMEFUNE ERIKEN -PATRON 3. MRS. MARYJANE UKAMAKA OBIORA -FINANCIAL MANGER 4. HAJIA UMMA GARBA -WELFARE OFFICER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO EMPOWER AND SUPPORT FOR SAFE MOTHERHOOD ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

ARK OF SALVATION MINISTRY INT’L THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. KINGSLEY UZO 2. AMANDA KINGSLEY THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO ALL CREATURES Any objection to this registration must reach the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 daysof this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

CHRIST THE BEAUTY OF HOLINESS INT’L MINISTRY The General Public is hereby notified that the above named 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. EVANGELIST LOVELINE BLESSING OBI 2. MR. AZUBUIKE SAMUEL OBI 3. MR. VALENTINE CHIGOZIE ASIEGBU 4. PATIENCE NDIDI ASIEGBU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: a. To provide avenue and platform for Christians to carry out their Christian obligations of service and worship. b. To encourage, advocate and empower the generality of indigent Nigerians.

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

SIGNED: CHIMA HENRY EBERE ESQ. (SOLICITOR)

ICHI BELIEVERS ASSOCIATION THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. PASTOR EMEKA NWOKEBI 2. EVANG NABITH OKONKWO 3. REV. PRINCE FRANK ANIAKOR 4. EVANG NDUBISI UZOR 5. BROTHER IKENNA NNABUDE 6. EVANG AUSTINE OBICHUKWU 7. ELDER GODDY OKAFOR AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO UNITE, GUIDE AND PROTECT THE GENERAL INTEREST OF ALL BORNAGAIN CHRISTIANS IN ICHI 2. TO EVANGELIZE THE WHOLE OF ICHI COMMUNITY AND BRING PEOPLE TO THE ACCEPTANCE OF JESUS CHRIST AS LORD AND ALL SUFFICIENT SAVIOUR

DISCOVERY AFRICA YOUTH EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

DIVINE MERCY OF CHRIST MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. AIGBOMIAN OSAGIE OLABISI 2. AIGBOMIAN OLUFUNMILAYO HANNAH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO EMPOWER YOUTHS IN AFRICA WITH INNOVATIONS IN SCIENCE AND TECHNOLOGY BY PROVIDING SEMINARS AND TRAININGS TO ENHANCE SELF EMPLOYMENT AND SELF – SUSTENANCE. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: OLUMUYIWA TELUWO SOLICITOR

STRATEGIC RESOURCE ADVOCACY. CENTER The general public is hereby notified that the above named CENTER has applied for ADDITIONAL AIM & OBJECTIVE, APPOINTED and RETAINED OF NEW TRUSTEE AND the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under “Part C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 OLD. TRUSTEES 1. DALHAT ABUBAKAR SADIQ 2. MICHAEL EJIOFOR NEW TRUSTEES 1. EKPENYONG. E. ITA, CFR - CHAIRMAN APPOINTED 2. DALHAT ABUBAKAR. SADIQ. MFR - RETAINED 3. MICHAEL EJIOFOR. - RETAINED. 4. RAYMOND NKEMDIRIM. - APPOINTED 5. KEN NWABUEZE. - APPOINTED Aim and objectives 1. TO. Profiling for institution and corporate. Organisation Any objection to this ADDITIONAL of AIM & OBJECTIVE, APPOINTED and RETAINED OF TRUSTEES registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama, and Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed. ADAMU SALE. SECRETARY

CHARISMATIC EPISCOPAL COMMUNION IINTERNATION CHURCH THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Bishop lbiso lgani 2. Fr Terver Cyprian Nyiyongu 3. Rev Robert lmo 4. Rev Justin Alom AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ Any objection to this registration must reach the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 daysof this publication.

SIGNED: Secretary

REMO ASSOCIATION OF COMPUTER ENGINEERS OGUN STATE NIGERIA. The General Public is hereby notified that the above named organisation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

TRUSTEE ARE; 1. FAYIGA OLORUNJU SOLOMON 2.FAYIGA OLUSOGA MICHAEL 3.ADEYEMI ADEWUMI BENSON 4.ESANJU DAVID ADEWALE 5.ALUKO DAVID TUNDE 6.ADIGUN OLALEYE 7.EWEBIYI ADESINA 8.ESANJU ADEWALE. AIM & OBJECTIVE:.

TO PROMOTE PEACE AND UNITY AMONG THE MEMBERS.

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

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

SIGNED: SECRETARY

Signed: Secretary

TRUSTEES: I. HIS MAJESTY KING DENNIS YERE -( FOUNDER /SOLE SPIRITUAL HEAD) 2. SUPERIOR SENIOR APOSTLE ROBERT SEIPOLOU - CHAIRMAN 3. SUPERIOR SENIOR APOSTLE DESEOTU KELLY - SECRETARY. 4 APOSTLE HEADQUARTER AKP0NANABOFA - TREASURER 5. BISHOP SPIFF ABUJA - MEMBER. AIMS: I. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST. .

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 OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: BARR HAPPINESS NNAMDI O8O39575795

THE HEALINGSTREAMS OF GOD INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named BODY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under “Part C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 Trustees are : 1. Adedokun Roberts Adebayo - chairman 2. Adedotun Isaac Aladeojebi- secretary 3. Bishop Abraham Olaleye. - member 4. Ayodele Adebayo.

- member.

Aim and objective 1 To preach the gospel of our lord 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. Secretary

ROYAL CLUB OF IDANRE THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CLUB HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Mr. Akin Akinde - CHAIRMAN 2. Mr. Smart Adeuyi - SECRETARY 3. Mr. Bode Akinyimika - MEMBER 4. Mr. Kunle Adebayo - MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote social, cultural, educational and economic advancement of members.

2. To extend and maintain friendly relationship with other organizations worthy of emulation.

3. To safe-guard and improve or establish friendship cum social interaction among its members 4. To cater for the welfare and training of indigent members of Idanre Kingdom.

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

SIGNED: Mr. Smart Adeuyi Secretary

FOUNDATION OF GOD GOSPEL CHURCH THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED CHURCH HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. PASTOR RICHARD OMOREGIE - CHAIRMAN 2. PASTOR SONIA OMOREGIE 3. BARISUA ISRAEL PYABARA 4. ABRAHAM MOYAKI - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST Any objection to this registration must reach the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 daysof this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

EBIKHALU OSEMHENZE RACHEAL I formerly known and addressed as EBIKHALU FAITH RACHEALnow wish to be known and addressed as EBIKHALU OSEMHENZE RACHEAL All former documents remain valid. General public to take note

NGME KOMOLAFE BISIRIYU OLAMILEKAN I, formerly known and addressed as OLASUNKANMI BISIRIYU ALABA now wish to be known and addressed as NGME KOMOLAFE BISIRIYU OLAMILEKAN . All former documents remain valid. General public should take note

CORRECTION OF NAME: THAT MY NAME WAS WRONGLY WRITTING AS SLAMI RASQ ADEWALE MY CORRECT NAME WAS SALAMI RASAQ ADEWALE, ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

ADESHINA BABATUNDE ABDULFATAI I, formerly known and addressed as, Babs Abdull, now wish to be known and addressed as, Adeshina Babatunde Abdulfatai . All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

ABIGIRL NGUEMO DAVID I, formerly known and addressed as A.A ABIGIR now wish to be known and addressed as ABIGIRL NGUEMO DAVID. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID.BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE CONFIRMATION OF NAME

That I Am The Same Person Bearing KENEDY KENECHUKWU OBI And KENEDY KENECHUKWU OBIEZU. All Former Documents Rain Valid General Public Should Take Note

ODOEMENAM EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA I FORMALLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS UWA EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ODOEMENAM EMMANUEL CHUKWUMA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

CORRECTION OF NAME THAT MY NAME WAS WRONGLY WRITTING AS ABUBAKIR IBRAHIM MY CORRECT NAME IS SHEHU ABDUL-RAHMON OLAITAN, ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

MERCY AND GLADDY’S ORPHANAGE HOME. The general public is hereby notified that the above named BODY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under “Part C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 TRUSTEES ARE 1.ADEFOLU SAMSON ABOLORE-chairman 2.AMADI INNE ANGELA -secretary

AWONUSI MOFOLUWAKE ABOSEDE I formerly known and addressed as SUBULOYE MOFOLUWAKE ABOSEDE now wish to be known and addressed as AWONUSI MOFOLUWAKE ABOSEDE All former documents remain valid. General public to take note

MRS. OGBONNE IHEKE OKORONKWO

23 Public Notice

SULAIMON BABATUNDE SALAM

ADELAJA ABOSEDE SAMIAT

LYDIA EWOMAZINO EJEKWEMU.

I, formally known as SALAM TUNDE now wish to be known and addressed as SULAIMON BABATUNDE SALAM. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formally known as APENA ABOSEDE SAMIAT now wish to be known and addressed as ADELAJA ABOSEDE SAMIAT. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formally known as LYDIA ZINO PAUL now wish to be known and addressed as LYDIA EWOMAZINO EJEKWEMU. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

OBILAM DANIEL CHIDIEBERE

MRS. CHIZOBA CHINWENDU ANSELEM

MRS. EYITAYO ITORO ABAYOMI

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. AKPAN ITORO ALPHONSUS, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. EYITAYO ITORO ABAYOMI. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, EKWENWA DANIEL CHIDIEBERE, now wish to be known and addressed as, OBILAM DANIEL CHIDIEBERE. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

HELEN UGONMA MBAH

MRS. EMEA CHIOMA PATIENCE

MRS. NWAEZE CHIOMA LYNDA

I, formally known as HELEN UGONMA JOHN now wish to be known and addressed as HELEN UGONMA MBAH. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. EJIDIKE CHIOMA PATIENCE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. EMEA CHIOMA PATIENCE. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. OKOYE CHIOMA LYNDA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. NWAEZE CHIOMA LYNDA. All former documents remains valid. NYSC and general public should take note.

FELIX FADEH

OKORIE UKPABI HELEN

I, formerly known and addressed as, FELIX SANWI, now wish to be known and addressed as, FELIX FADEH. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and called Olanrewaju Okorie Helen, now wish to be known and called Okorie Ukpabi Helen.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLADEINDE REMILEKUN GANIAT

MRS. UDUAKABASI AUSTIN EKPOBO

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. OGBONNE EGBE IBE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. OGBONNE IHEKE OKORONKWO. All former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

MRS. ESSE EMMA AKHIDELOR ARUYA I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. ESSE ANDREW MOMENTO OKORO, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. ESSE EMMA AKHIDELOR ARUYA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I,formerly known and addressed Oladeinde Remilekun Labake now wish to be known and addressed as Oladeinde Remilekun Ganiat.All former documents remain valid general public and Firstbank take note.

CHANGE OF TRUSTEES OLD TRUSTEES 1 NNABUIKE CHUKWUNENYE - REMOVED 2 UFELE AZUKA - RETAINED 3 ENYESIOBI HENRY-RETAINED 4 CHIDI AFORKA - RETAINED

I FORMALLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS. ETUKUDOH UDUAKABASI ELIJAH NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS. UDUAKABASI AUSTIN EKPOBO ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

XXX

GUARDIAN ANGEL CLUB OF NIGERIA The general public is hereby notified that the abova named CLUB has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the under-mentioned changes in the CLUB in accordance with Part C of the Companies and Allied matters Act 1990

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. CHIZOBA CHINWENDU OHANYERE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. CHIZOBA CHINWENDU ANSELEM. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named BODY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under “Part C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 Trustees are : 1. Adedokun Roberts Adebayo - chairman 2. Adedotun Isaac Aladeojebi- secretary 3. Bishop Abraham Olaleye. - member 4. Ayodele Adebayo.

- member.

Aims. And obj 1,TO ASSIST THE ORPHANS IN THE SOCIETY. 2,TO HELP THE NEEDY 3,TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF MEMBERS.

NEW TRUSTEES 1 UGWU ONYEKA MALACHI - ELECTED 2 UFELE AZUKA - RE-ELECTED 3 ENYESIOBI HENRY -RE-ELECTED 4 CHIDI AFORKA - RE-ELECTED 5 ANI ONYEBUCHI BENJAMIN - ELECTED

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

ANY objection thereto should be forwarded tn the Registrar- General Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent Aguiyi lronsi street Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this Publication

Aim and objective 1 To preach the gospel of our lord 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

Signed. Secretary

Sign-chairman

SECOND OPPORTUNITY AFRICA FOUNDATION

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME

ATMOSPHERE FOR PRAYERS AND DELIVERANCE MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

THRESHOLD OF FAITH CHURCH

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

The general public is hereby notified that the above named non-governmental organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, for registration as an incorporated trustee under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Cap. C-20, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

TRUSTEES: 1. LINDA SOMIARI STEWART 2. SAINT MICHAEL STEWART

TRUSTEES: (1) REV IGHODARO NATHANIEL., -GENERAL OVERSEA. (2) ELDER ROSELINE IGHODARO. (3) DEACONESS ALICE KUKU -CHURCH SECRETARY. (4) IGBEKELE MICHAEL

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1). ONYEBUCHUKWU ISAAC IKENI - CHAIRMAN 2). ONYEBUCHUKWU EMMANUEL 3) ABRAHAM JOHN 4). ADODO HENRY OSAGIE

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the Gospel of Christ all over the world.

2. To take care of the welfare of its members.

3. To establish Local Branches for the propagation of the Gospel worldwide.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES i). To preach the word of God to all Nations ii). To win souls to Christ through evangelism

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

Any objection to this registration should be addressed 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: SECRETARY

SIGNED: CHAIRMAN

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO RENDER HUMANITARIAN SERVICES TO THE LESS PRIVILEGE IN OUR SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

OLD PATH LIBERTY REVIVAL MISSION WORLD-WIDE

THE DREAM CENTRE OF THE LIFE OASIS INTERNATIONAL CHURCH

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR CHANGE OF TRUSTEES AND AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

TRUSTEES: 1. PASTOR AFOLABI BARNABAS BAMIDELE 2. MRS. AFOLABI GRACE OMOBOLA 3. ENGR. JEGEDE FUNSHO TIMOTHY 4. JOSEPH GBENGA 5. MR ABILOMU DAVID ADEKUNLE

CHANGE OF TRUSTEES AND AMENDMENT OF CONSTITUTION OLD TRUSTEES 1. REV. OLUSOLA AYODELE AREOGUN -STEPPED DOWN VOLUNTARILY 2. REV. (MRS) OYENIKE OYESOLA AREOGUN- STEPPED DOWN VOLUNTARILY 3. DR. ADEDAYO ADETOKUNBO OWOEYE - RETAINED AS THE NEW CHAIRMAN NEW TRUSTEES: 1. DR. OLOYEDE ADEKANYE FATAI -NEWLY APPOINTED : AS THE NEW SECRETARY 2. PASTOR AWE OLALEKAN- NEWLY APPOINTED. 3. ELDER KOMOLAFE JOSHUA OLUSEGUN- NEWLY APPOINTED:

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED BY :SECRETARY:

THAT ARTICLE EIGHT “A” PARAGRAPH (I) BE REMOVED AND TWO PARAGRAPH BE ADDED TO ARTICLE “A” TO (I) AND (II) EIGHT “D” TO BE (IV). AND ADDITIONAL ARTICLE NINETEEN BE INSERTED ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGE AND AMENDMENT SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED SECRETARY

EBONYI GSM VILLAGE DEALERS FORUM ABUJA THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES (1) UCHENNA MBOTA (2)EZE EZEKIEL (3)ABARA TOCHUKWU (4)IGWE FRIDAY DAVISON (5)AJA SAMSON (6)NWORIE LIBERTY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO ASSIST, PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE WELFARE AND INTEREST OF MEMBERS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: J.C. ALUM ESQ 08063849404

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

Again, militants blow up Chevron gas pipeline Ï & ƅƏ ƒ ƐƆƏƌƈ Ƌ ƑƐ Ɨ Ɠ Ï ôLƈƋƈƐ Əƕ ƍƍƏ ƅ Ɛ ƗƆ Ƌ ƓƈƐ ƏƆ ƆƓƆƗ ƐƐ ƅƊ Ɠ ôƐ Ɠ ƏƊô ÎÎÎNew militant group, Ni-

ger Delta Avengers (NDA), on Thursday, blew up Chevron Nigeria Limited’s main pipeline that supplies gas and provides electricity to the Escravos tank farm in Delta State.

The attack which effectively shut down oil production at the Escravos terminal came less than 24 hours after the military High Command vowed to sustain its onslaught against militants in the Niger Delta, Boko Haram insurgents and criminal herdsmen across the country.

The latest attack in the early hours of Thursday was confirmed through the group’s tweeter handle, @ NDAvengers.

“We warned Chevron, but they didn’t listen. NDA just blew up the Escravos tank farm main electricity feed pipeline,” the groups said on Thursday.

The NDA explained that the oil facilities were sabotaged following attempts by Chevron to carry out repairs of main Escravos crude oil

pipeline it blew up earlier.

Reuters quoted sources as saying that the company’s onshore operations in the Niger Delta had been shut down following the attack, which involved the main electricity line leading to its Escravos terminal.

“It is a crude line which means all activities in Chevron are grounded,” a Chevron source told Reuters on Thursday, without elaborating.

Oil industry sources said roughly 90,000 barrels per day (bpd) of Escravos were gone due to the latest attack and another on Chevron’s offshore facilities earlier this month.

Meanwhile, the management of Chevron Nigeria Limited declined comments

on the latest attack.

Sola Adebawo, manager communications and government relation at CNL, said the oil firm would not immediately comment.

“We are not able to comment at this time,” Adebawo said in a text message on Thursday.

Also, a Chevron spokeswoman in the United States said on Thursday that it was against policy to comment on the safety and security of personnel and operations.

However, residents in the area said that an explosion occurred on Wednesday night.

Eric Omare, spokesman for Ijaw Youths Council confirmed the incident but did not provide details.

Industry sources said that

Escravos onshore production accounts for roughly a third of its total output, on average 3.8 million barrels per month (bpm) in 2014, according to the latest available data from the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

In a related development, a committee set up by Delta State leaders warned on Thursday that a military approach to deal with the renewed militants’ attacks would not work and “an apparent consensus” that the Federal Government and oil companies have neglected the grievances of local communities.

“There is total willingness by the communities to help the Federal Government end oil facility vandalism provided there is a recognised plat-

form to do so,” the committee said after meeting local communities.

Other attacks have forced Shell and ENI to declare force majeure on exports of Bonny Light, Forcados and Brass River crude, while an accident at an ExxonMobil terminal put Qua Iboe under force majeure. Fears of loading delays and cancellations have made international buyers reluctant to seek Nigerian crude.

Nigeria is now pumping under 1.5 million bpd - less than Angola - and well below the 2.2 million bpd assumed in the 2016 state budget.

The Delta committee said that, given the attacks, “it is doubtful if the expectations of the budget can be fulfilled.”

Ɨƒ ƅ ƅƕ ƅƆ ƐƏƆ Ɠ Ɛ ƒƐ Ɛ ƅ ƆƅƊ ƆƏƗ ƌƆ ƊƈƋƋƈ Abiodun Taiwo ƄƆ ƊƑƐ

ÎÎÎNigeria

has been tasked on a need to ratify the African Union Convention on the Conservation of Nature and Natural Resources of 1968, in order to stop the tide of killings by the Fulani herdsmen in the country.

The call came from Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre, under the auspices of State of the Union (SOTU), at a press conference, held in Abeokuta, in commemoration of the 2016 African Union Day. Chairman SOTU, Okeke Anya, said that the ratification of the convention would ensure a better environment that would naturally restrict the movement of the herdsmen.

He, however, lamented that while Nigeria led other African countries to review the convention in 2003, she had refused to ratify it.

R Ƒ dƐ ƐƆ 1 ƒƆƏ Əè dƆ ê 9ƄƈƊƑ ƋƆ ƌ Ƒ æƏƈ Ɛçè Ɨ ƈƆƇ Ƈ Əƌƕ dƐ ƇƇè GƐê 1Ɔ ƆƏ Ƌ jƑƊƑƏ Ƒ ƑƇ ƑƏ Ɛ ƈè ƗƑƏƈ ƅ ƑƏƐƆ ƕ ƅ ƋƋ Ɛ Ɔ ƒƆƏ Ə Ɛ ƈ RƊƆéL ƇƇƈƅƆè ƄƆ ƊƑƐ Č j ƑƏ Ɨ ƕê

Buhari eager to move Nigeria out of poverty R Ƒ Ben Nwachukwu, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe Minister of Science

and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has reaffirmed the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari to move Nigerians out of poverty.

He said so when he inaugurated a two-week, handson training for rural youths and women potters on the design, fabrication and installation of locally-made metal and clay-based energy efficient wood cook stoves, at Ushafa pottery in Bwari

Area Council, Abuja, on Thursday.

Onu said that the Buhari administration believed that Nigerians were in a position to do things that would be friendly to the environment, adding that the programme, with an objective to train women and youths, who were conversant with pottery and welding business, respectively, was a noble one that could help in the reduction of poverty.

According to the minister, “Time has come for the Energy Commission of Nigeria (ECN), to work with

many other agencies within the ministry to ensure that Nigeria was placed in a position of renewable energy.”

He noted that the Buhari administration wanted a situation in which “we will use our coal in energy and power generation as is done in many countries, but the Commission must help us find out that when we use our coal, it will not destroy our environment.”

Earlier, the Director General of ECN, Professor Eli Bala, said the agency, in collaboration with United Nations Development Pro-

gramme (UNDP) and the Social Development Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, had chosen the Ushafa Pottery Centre based on the fact that it had local expertise and skills, as well as facilities for pottery.

He added that the capacity would include the fabrication of eco-friendly fuel wood cook stoves, with the participation of private sector for wider job creation and economic empowerment of rural women and youth within the Bwari Area Council.

j Ɔ Ɨ ƏƆ RƏƉƈ

Children’s Day: dƆ ê RƏƉƈ ƋƈƅƈƐ ƌ ƏƆ ƅ ƌƌƈƐƌƆ Ɛ Ƈ Ə ƈƋƗƏƆ

ÎÎÎImmediate

past Governor of Abia State, Senator Theodore Ahamefule Orji, has reaffirmed his commitment towards the well-being of the Nigerian children, and has pledged to continue to invest in their future.

In a press statement to mark this year’s Children’s Day celebration, signed by his Media Adviser, Mr. Don Norman Obinna, and made available to newsmen, in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, on Thursday, the Orji, who represents Abia Central, reminded pupils and students that they represented the future of the country and should endeavor to remain focused in their studies and shun evil companionships.

Sen. Orji said that as future leaders, on whose shoulders laid the greatness of Nigeria, “we shall not relent but strive to initiate action that will benefit and promote children’s welfare, mutual exchange and understanding,” adding that the best way to achieve these was by exposing the children to modern education.

Ex-WAFU media officer loses mum

ÎÎÎThe

passage has occurred of a prominent community leader and business mogul, madam Victoria Amope Akinyemi.

She died in the early hours of Thursday, May 5, after a breief illness in Ilorin, Kwara State, where she sojourned for over 60 years.

She was aged 87 years.

She was buried two days later in her native town of Ijebu-Igbo, Ogun State, South West Nigeria according to her wish.

Madam Akinyemi is survived by six children, one of whom is one time Media Officer of the West African Football Union, (WAFU), Debo Akinyemi.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

25 Opinion

One year of change: Not yet morning on creation day

ÏÏÏ

The pall of grief that enveloped the two geopolitical regions - south east and south south, the political bases of exPresident Jonathan- had barely lifted when bugles and drums sounded, car horns blared, and machine guns boomed to herald the coming of President Buhari, winner of the 2015 presidential poll.

Supporters of exPresident Jonathan were visibly sad. They chose not to share the joys of those victorious Nigerians who rooted for President Buhari.

With their candidate losing the keenly contested and divisive presidential poll, their future in a polity of the winner-takesall invariably became uncertain.

For them, and understandably so, sadness was a sad place to be.

They learned to carry sadness into their homes, away from streets filled with the cries and chants of “Sai Baba and Sai Buhari”!!

President Buhari’s supporters were in charge of the streets. They owned them.

They made no pretense about possessing them for good. The Presidential Inauguration Day wasn’t for sadness. Success has many friends.

There were joys etched in the faces of leading opposition figures and their friends who gathered in Abuja to witness that epochal moment never before experienced in the history of Nigeria. For the

first time the ruling party in Nigeria was dethroned by the opposition, in spite of the ruling party’s boast of occupying the seat of power for sixty years. As it turned out the ruling party’s hold on power lasted for a little over sixteen years before the impossible happened.

Truly the impossible happened. The mission of the opposition party, All Progressives Congress (APC), to capture power, was accomplished on Inauguration Day. For the APC, the journey from the wilderness of opposition wasn’t an easy one, neither was the road to power an easy road to travel, nor were the many battles that raged along the road to power any easier.

The Presidential Inauguration Day met a nation torn by sadness and joy.

A strange oxymoron that highlighted the nature of politics in Nigeria: how it gives joy to those who are victorious at the poll, while losers possess only sadness.

Nigeria politics is tribal.

The celebrations in the southwest and the entire north showed why tribal ownership of victory was important at the time.

The north and southwest owned the victorious President and Vice President.

The northerners and south westerners had every reason to party beyond the Inauguration Day into the morning after the night before, map and renew the boundaries of their

geography of joy.

President Buhari understood the tribal nature of Nigeria politics very well.

He understood the adverse effect the struggle over possession and ownership of the victors of power has on national unity, so he made that famous remark to counter the claims of possession and ownership: “I belong to everybody and I belong to nobody”.

Welcome to the country of everybody and nobody.

His mission, no matter how it was misread at the time, was clear. He didn’t fail to unveil his plans to restore order to the Nigerian House; at least, contain the Boko Haram insurgents in the northeast.

He also promised to take corruption head on. On Inauguration Day, President Buhari presented Nigerians the workable agenda for reinventing Nigeria.

How far has Nigeria fared since the Inauguration Day Address?

There were considerable improvements in public services few weeks following the inauguration of President Buhari.

Reports of Nigerians who enjoyed unbroken hours of electricity flooded the Nigerian public space.

Countless photographs of frozen refrigerators and chilled bottles of beer were produced as evidence.

No fresh investments flowed into the privatized Nigerian power sector during that time, but something jolted the indolent electricity workers into action. “The Buhari Magic is working”, his ardent supporters swore.

Many Nigerians put the electricity workers love of work to President Buhari’s body language. His chief spokesperson screamed: a new Sheriff is in town.

Perhaps the image of the Sheriff holding up manacles under the hot Abuja sun

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overhanging the seat of power- Aso Rock- compelled electricity workers to take their work seriously.

One year after the chickens have come home to roost. Electricity workers have returned to their bad habits. Refrigerators have forgotten their first nature and beers have given up their chilled tastes to time.

For six hours on a certain day in March, Nigeria generated zero megawatt.

The opposition mocked the famous body language of President Buhari.

The Minister of Power, Raji Fashola, became the butt of public joke. Many called him out on the claim he made when he was in the opposition that a serious government can generate enough megawatts of electricity in six months.

They asked: “Mr. Minister, Sir, do you consider President Buhari’s government unserious having failed to provide regular electricity for ten months?”.

Meanwhile, small and medium enterprises are still suffering constant blackouts.

Many enterprises have closed shops. Many more are struggling to keep their doors opened to customs.

The prospect of keeping them afloat, or as going concerns, is dire. The light up Nigeria project is faltering.

The unemployment rate is at an all-time-high.

Banks are shedding staff weights on a daily basis.

The manufacturing sector is comatose, and it has been so for many years though.

The Nigeria Bureau of Statistics says the national economy contracted in the first quarter of the year, putting the GDP growth rate at -0.36%. Recession is here. Damning.

President Buhari’s anti-corruption war is progressing slowly. Several politicians have either been clamped into detention or

arraigned before the courts.

Many notable opposition figures are also standing trials.

Opposition supporters have accused President Buhari of a political witchhunt.

Here is what appears as President Buhari’s riposte: the President of the Senate, Bukola Saraki, a member of President Buhari’s governing party, is fighting false declaration of assets charges.

President Buhari’s supporters readily tell their listeners that fighting corruption is possible under the President’s watch. Believe them.

Anti-corruption is one area where President Buhari’s governance imprints have been most noticeable. No corrupt politically exposed person of note has been convicted just yet.

Nigerians were promised change last year and so far their groans and pains hint at the reality that the road to change is paved with bumps and torture. The Presidential spokesman, Femi Adesina, says: “It is mendacious to say that in the last one year, what Nigerians have been experiencing is suffering. It is not true”.

Femi Adesina is the typical spokesman who sees no suffering, hears no wail and feels no pain of the suffering masses of the people.

Change is torturous, bumpy ride through time and space, yet there is no visible evidence on the ground that suggests that the current managers of change appreciate the pains of transiting between two political epochs and the casualties in-between.

There is growing hardship in the land, growing despondency, and growing unbelief in the change agenda. Critics and skeptics of the change agenda are doing NTORR - that non-

verbal, gestural mockery, a way of pressing the fingers to the lower eyelids- a kind of déjàvu- at the believers of change. They point at the rising cost of living and the depressing value of wages.

They point at the removal of oil subsidy. They taunt them with electricity tariff hike.

Nigerians want change NOW. They are impatient.

Can anyone blame them?

Can anyone blame stand-up comedians who pull jokes out of the bag to ridicule President Buhari and his supporters? Here is one of such jokes: “If the Jonathan years gave Nigerians HALF-CURRENT and all President Buhari can offer with his change is BLACKOUT, please, bring back the Jonathan years, Nigerians go manage am like dat”.

It isn’t all gloom and doom. This government has brought sanity to the way public funds are warehoused through the Treasury Single Account (TSA), a scheme proposed by ex-President Jonathan which President Buhari faithfully implements.

Bombs are no longer exploding in the cities centers.

Boko Haram insurgents have been chased into Sambisa forest.

President Buhari has spent a year in office and it is stupid, if not wishful thinking, to imagine that the social, political and economic problems of Nigeria can be solved in three hundred and sixty five days. But he has to show Nigerians he is dirtying his hands and his agbada for the sake of the change he promised the electorates at the stomp. Bringing that change about is a task that must be done.

The road to change is a bumpy road. But for Nigeria and Nigerians, one year after the government of change came to power, it is not yet morning on creation day.

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

Art Review

A bookshop in Lagos

Social media, killing reading culture, experts alert Once upon a time, reading culture was the order of the day for Nigerian youths, with shelves at home filled with books. However, the social media seems to be relegating it to the background. This, notwithstanding, advocates and campaigners who are seeking a return of the good old culture of reading are not relenting as Njoku Chibuike reveals.

Many avid lovers and readers of books have fond memories of the past. They remember the period when reading was the prized asset of every Nigerian youth. At secondary and university level, students competed over the number of literature books read.

Literary and debating societies as well as other book-learning activities were, frequently, organised by the relevant bodies to stimulate students’ interests in literature. But, suddenly, everything nosedived. The situation became so bad that a visit to any National library is like taking a walk into a museum.

In an effort to bringing young people back to the forgotten path of reading and in the process, discovering budding talents, to continue with creative writing,

necessitated former President Goodluck Jonathan to launch the Bring Back the Book (BBB) project, and even when many Nigerians were happy thinking that it is an initiative that could revive the reading culture, nothing came out it.

Akindele Omotosho, senior lecturer in the Department of Mass Communication, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) lays the blame for students’ non-interest in reading books today on the growth of the internet, Facebook and other forms of social media, which, he said, had taken over full control of the interest of youths.

He also cited lack of qualified teachers, poor infrastructure, poor remuneration for teachers, non-chalance of government to education as reasons for the decline of reading culture.

job because they have connections and need to survive in the teaching profession”, Omotosho said.

Omotosho, while proferring a way out, told Daily Times that parents should encourage their children to return back to reading culture.

Soyinka

“The level of standard or quality of education will continue to diminish in a society where some people, who are “half-baked”, are employed nowadays, as teachers; compared with those days, when we had teachers that were well read and qualified. They got the

Michael Omisore, a native of Ife, Osun State, who had written several books, including his recent, Writing Masterpieces, is one man whose daily activities revolve around books. Omisore described the quality of books and publications in the country today as awful.

“We don’t have so many bookshops stocking good materials, which is one of the major problems causing the low reading culture in our society. “Worse still,

check the few leading bookshops around, you don’t find so many books by Nigerian authors and publishers. No offense meant by the bookshop owners, it only shows that Nigerian authors and publishers need to up their game.

It means your book can’t just be accepted, unless you have done your homework well with some level of good writing, graphical representation and packaging”, he added.

Omisore, told Daily Times that the problem started with the leaders, especially, the military, due to their negative attitude to books and scholarship. Yet, according to him, nothing is like a good book, because books are fundamental to knowledge and that is why he is campaigning that youth, especially, student’s return to regular reading.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

27

Art Review

Acheme debuts with Who is Jesus Emerging writer, Ramson Acheme unveils the surest routes to knowing Jesus Christ.

Caleb Akinboro Ramson Acheme is neither a pastor nor a seer, but an investigative researcher he must certainly be. He notices what others would not have noticed, take interest in what many will simply ignore, and dig into it.

These qualities were what made his friends call him ‘Young Prof ’ while in Core Television, a privately own TV, where he worked as a presenter and reporter.

Driven by this sheer investigative mind to unravel what others see as difficult topics, Acheme, a humanitarian since his teenaged years, emerges with Who is Jesus, a book that x-rays the Christology of Christ. Acheme may not be a scholar of the higher critics, but, he said the book could become one’s surest way of knowing who Jesus actually is.

The message of the book is that considering the work, death, resurrection and victory of Jesus Christ on earth, He is no doubt ‘from God. Although some Christian churches argue that there is no plurality of God, Acheme assert in the book that ‘He (Christ) is indeed the son of God and God Himself. “Appearing in human

flesh does not mean Jesus cannot be God. After all, God as we know, can take any form whether in flesh or in the spirit’’, he wrote in the book.

The book with five chapters and 84 pages is a veritable teaching aid for those who may like to know more about the Christ.

The opening chapter of the book entitled: Why is Jesus Important to Us?, Acheme points out why He is important to humanity.

In the second chapter entitled The Birth of Jesus, the writer further expresses his belief that everything about Jesus has a proof and was done in accordance with God’s plan.

The third chapter entitled What Did Jesus Do?, takes the reader through some of the great miracles that Christ performed while on earth. Outlining these, Acheme wrote “Aside from teaching and healing the sick, Jesus performed some extraordinary signs. By observing these miracles closely, we will discover He is a true savior.’’

Other chapters in the book include, How Did Jesus Die?, The Death of Jesus, The Final Word.

Acheme buttressed his point by quoting the Scripture to support

Enwonwu’s painting rakes in N109 million at London auction At the Bonhams Africa the auction were also by EnwonNow auction in London held on wu and Yusuf Grillo. recently, Ben Enwonwu’s “Spirit of Ogolo” topped Modern Africa auction sales at £218,500 (N109,250,000 at N500 to £1).

The second highest sales was El Anatsui’s wooden sculpture “Used Towel”, sold at £176,500 including premium which is about N88million.

While Yusuf Grillo’s “Mother of Twins” which was the third highest, sold at £146,500, and translating to about N73million.

Other works sold above £100,000 Spirit of Ogolo by Enwonwu or N50million at

his points. Jesus, who understood this said, “No prophet is accepted in his home town.” This

A show, Think Global, Build Social, an exhibition of architectures for a better world open in Lagos tomorrow May 28. The show which holds at Federal Government Press, 9 Broad Street, Lagos Island, explores the theme of social responsibility in contemporary architecture. The exhibition which features panel discussion with local architects and urban designers will be organised in cooperation with Heinrich-Böll Foundation and the Nsibidi Institute.

It showcase 15 current examples of an alternative approach to architecture, socially-responsible practices that require greater personal initiative and creativity to de8velop low-cose architectural solutions that will improve living conditions for people in less-privileged parts of the world.

Many of the projects selected by curator Andres Lepik, which include schools, public spaces and residential buildings - have been developed through close collaborations with the future users and also incorporate local building traditions and techniques.

marked the beginning of the plot to eliminate Jesus. They looked down upon him and despised

him. Acheme also reveals how Christ was betrayed by his own disciple, “Judas Iscariot” with thirty silver coins and later arrested, maltreated and was laid on a trial by the Jewish leaders (Sanhedrin) for preaching against their tradition.

After the trial of Jesus, the Jews substituted Barabbas for Jesus and nailed him on the cross.

By this, Jesus came and fulfilled his purpose on earth by shedding his blood on the Calvary to cleanse away all human sins.

Acheme also showed how Jesus resurrected from the dead in three days as he has proclaimed, how the guards went to report to the chief priests, everything that happened. “The guards who saw him rise and how the angel of God had rolled the stone away reported to the chief priests what they saw, yet the chief priests still tried to turn the whole story upside down. Even if a blind man hears the false testimony by the priests and guards, would he not query the guards sleeping on duty when they were to guard Jesus’ body”, Acheme stated.

“Humanity may be divided over who Jesus is, but does not change the fact about who Jesus is. What the prophets of old said about Him and what He said about Himself reveals clearly who He truly is,’’ wrote the author.

Architecture goes on stage in Think Global, Build Social “Projects like these address the specific needs of those for whom they are being implemented, and thereby enable a two-way knowledge transfer. A number of common features can be seen in the various projects and approaches presented here, indicating that beyond the realm of ‘Starchitecture’, a very differ-

Goethe

ent kind of movement has been emerging within contemporary architecture for quite some time one that aims to tackle social issues within a global society’’ said the curator.

A workshop will be organised with the Fabienne Hölzel(Fabulous Urban) for the closing weekend in June.

Islam 28 Islamic

Point of View

Concept of Jinn in Islam Ustaz Ibrahim Ibn Tijani Akinola ...Continues from last week

The angels can also be transformed into man but not for the purpose of evil and nobody can injure them in this form or any other forms. However, Jinn eat, sleep, defecate, vomit, transact, worship and do many of the human activities. They are extremely ugly in their natural form and live primarily in filthy and unkempt places like toilets, dung places and markets as their head offices.

Due to their invisibility; their ability to traverse far and wide, windward and seaward at the speed of light ; and their ability to penetrate and enter any object, they can render serious havoc to the well beings of their weak, unsuspected and unprotected victims. They can easily attack people who are unconscious of the well-beings of their souls and disconnected from their Lord.

Music and drug addicts, picture lovers, naked women, those that engage in many vices and people that are far away from the remembrance of Almighty Allah are their easiest preys.

The more you are negligent of your duties to Allah and His Prophet, the more you are vulnerable to their attacks. Migraine, mental disorder, uncoordinated sleeps, meningitis, bareness, epileptics, miscarriage and the likes may be more of Jinn/demon induced than medically, biologically or physiologically motivated.

Most importantly, Does Islam proffer any way-out or remedy? How effective are they if yes? How do we know if someone is actually possessed or attacked by these devils?.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

’Western education is not opposed to Islam’ Esther Taiwo Lagos State Government has said that Western education is not antithetical to Islam but complimentary while charging parents and clerics not to join the ignorant that ascribe the moral decay in the society to Western education which is responsible for keeping many Muslim children out of school system. This according to the government is dangerous to Islam and the society at large.

This was disclosed by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education, Mr. Adesina Odeyemi during the lecture commemorating the Children’s day celebration at the Alausa Secretariat Mosque, Ikeja, adding that Western education is a blessing that has brought civilization and making life a lot easy.

According to him, Western education in form of Science and Technology has revolutionized the world in the area of communication, transportation, petroleum, engineering and forms that are

progressive adding that the Arab world is benefitting from scientific discoveries and inventions.

Adesina stressed that what is not in tandem with the development of Islam is the Western Civilisation which our children are copying recklessly without recourse to the teachings of the Holy Quran and the Hadith. Children he noted were drifting aimlessly in a sea of vices such as cultism, kidnapping, rape, drug abuse, child abuse, homo sexualism, adultery, fornication, sexual harassment, robbery and many more which Islam frown at.

The Permanent Secretary enthused that “We owe responsibility therefore as parents, clerics, friends, peers and guidance to ingrain in our children and wards the basic tenents of Islam. Influence their dress code, what they eat and drink, what they are exposed to on the social media and the television. They can grow in pursuit of Western education required for their development as future leaders without losing their dignity as Muslims”.

SAYINGS OF THE PROPHET “Islam has been built on five [pillars]: testifying that there is no god but Allah and that Muhammad is the Messenger of Allah, performing the prayers, paying the Zakah, making the pilgrimage to the House, and fasting in Ramadan”.

Source: Tirmidhi

Paedophilia: Islamic group cautions parents on menace Subair Mohammed An arm of Shafaudeen Islamic organisation, Shafaudeen Sister Daawah Circle has made an appeal to both the Federal and State government tp diversify into agro- allied economy in order to arrest the challenges of insecurity and unemployment staring the country in the face with a total condemnation of paedophilia in our society.

The plea was made by the Chairperson, Shafaudeen Sister Daawah Circle (SSDC)Sister Habeebah

Abdul-Hameed during the 23rd anniversary of SSDC which was held at the international headquarters of the organisation in wakajaiye, Ibadan, Oyo state at the weekend.

She urged the youth to develop their entrepreneurial skills for self employment and probable job creation to help in the development of the nation.

Abdul-Hameed commended Prof. Sabit Ariyo Olagoke, Founder and Spiritual Head of the Islamic organisation, particularly for his investment in educational, economic and spiritual well being of his members, adding “we have block making industry, Clinic and Schools which cater for the interest of members and outsiders regardless of their religious inclinations.

Muslims should be model for positive change, morals- Hajia Aisha Subair Mohammed Calls have been made to Muslims in the country particularly, the Muslim sisters to be model for positive change with the display of high level of behavioural standard.

These calls were made by stakeholders at the Sisters’ seminar themed “The Model” organised by the Ejigbo Area Council of the Muslim Students Society of Nigeria, Lagos, recently.

While speaking on the theme for this year’s seminar, Amirah of council, Hajia Aisha Adebayo disclosed that it was inspired by the frightening decline in moral standard and with the urgent need for Muslims especially the sisters to brace up to correcting the societal ills.

She said, “The theme for this year’s seminar was chosen based on the fact that the level of moral decadence is on the increase and the Muslims particularly the sisters are not spared. But Allah has said that the prophet is the best example for mankind and this is why we are calling on all Muslims to go back to the Qur’an and the hadiths to read, understand and emulate the qualities that made the prophet an outstanding personality. This explained why we advocate for Muslims to serve as models to correct societal ills”.

Second from left Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Alhaji Abubakar Sa’ad with Governor of Ogun State, Ibikunle Amosun and his Osun state counterpart, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola at the commissioning of Aiyepe Central Mosque, Aiyepe-Ijebu in Ogun State... recently

In her lecture titled ‘The Model’, Hajia Ruqooyah Alli Nasirdeen reasoned that being a model has a twin nature. According to her, it entails modesty and being religious.

She explained further “In the making of a model, I want to implore our sisters to seek for knowledge that conform to the dictate of the Qur’an and Sunnah of the prophet. But it’s unfortunate that many Muslim sisters today have people of shady character as their role model. Aliamdulilahi, Allah has given all mankind the prophet of Islam as a role model with sterling qualities all Muslims could

emulate therefore; I want to appeal to our sisters to copy the virtues of the prophet for the attainment of a good here and hereafter”.

Similarly, a Nutritionist, Hajia Jafar Suhurah Odunlami in her paper discussed the importance of healthy living to the deen.

“It is only a healthy person that can serve Allah and walk through the task of this world. It is only a healthy person that could preach the Qur’an and act the Sunnah to correct the vices in our society.

However, healthy living is about making right choices, eating right and being fit physically because our

lifestyle determines how healthy we are and this to an extent robs off on our worship”.

On the relationship between a model and living healthy, she said, “it is only a healthy being that can be a model. A model is expected to know what to eat, when and how to eat and when to engage his/her body in physical and spiritual activities because he/she is a source of inspiration to others. Consequently, I want to advice all Muslims to take our food as medicine and not take our medicine as our food because it is only when we eat right, we’ll have the strength to serve Allah”.

a

Okechukwu, four others beat Siasia’s deadline ANDREW EKEJIUBA

T

he camp of the U-23 National Team, Dream Team, came alive on Wednesday with the arrival of five of the invited foreign-based players hitting camp to beat the Wednesday deadline handed down by Head Coach Samson Siasia.

First to arrive the Serob Legacy Hotel camp of the Dream Team was captain Azubuike

Okechukwu who was looking fit and ready as he wasted no time in joining the team’s morning training session.

Next was Portugal-based defender Stanley Amuzie who came in around 2pm thereby being part of the team’s evening training session, and the number was increased when the team was having dinner with the arrival of the trio of Godwin Saviour, Taiwo Awoniyi and Usman Mohammed, with back slapping and hugging

from their team mates and officials.

On Thursday afternoon, the camp was further boosted when England-based Nathan Oduwa arrived. Speaking, skipper Okechukwu expressed delight in being called upon to wear the colors of the country as he sees it as a thing of pride and honor.

“This is a big family and any time I am called upon to be part of the family, I feel highly honored and as such will do every thing to make it. I have

had a hectic season and as such had wanted to rest a little with my family, but this is a call to duty which I must honor, so I had to cut short my rest to beat the deadline set by my coach who I know is a no –nonsense person,” he said.

With the arrival of the six players, the camp now has seven of the eight foreign-based players invited to camp, with France-based midfielder Sodiq Popoola expected in camp today due to flight challenges.

Page 29

Friday, May 27, 2016

Super Eagles line up before a match.

Confident Eagles

confront Mali

ANDREW EKEJIUBA

T

he Super Eagles are good to go for victory against their Malian counterparts in today’s international friendly match at the Stade Robert Diochon in Rouen, France, according to interim Head Coach, Salisu Yusuf.

Yusuf, who is assisted by Imama Amapakabo and Kennedy Boboye, have worked with a relatively young team in three training sessions but says there is belief in the squad going into the clash with the fellow West Africans.

“Yes, we have had only three training sessions. But they were very good sessions and the team has bonded very well. We expect to go all out even though it is a friendly match.

“We are working with players who have self–belief and there is excellent team spirit.”

Only two players, namely Turkey–based defender Kenneth Omeruo and Belgium –based midfielder Wilfred Ndidi were being expected as at Thursday afternoon.

In camp are Odion Ighalo, Ogenyi Onazi, Brown Ideye, Carl Ikeme, Alex Iwobi, Abdullahi Shehu, Umar Aminu, Kingsley Madu, Moses Simon, Elderson Echiejile, Leon Balogun, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, Musa Muhammed, Etebo Oghenekaro, Babatunde Michael, Raheem Lawal, Gbenga Arokoyo, Kelechi Iheanacho, Daniel Akpeyi and William Troost Ekong.

in Rouen

LMC to

announce

new

sponsors

Access Bank /UNICEF Polo: Children’s —Dikko

Day celebration takes centre stage ANDREW EKEJIUBA Sport Editor

N

igerian children are set for one of the grandest moments of their lives as Access Bank Plc today, celebrates the Nigerian child at the ongoing 2016 UNICEF Charity Shield Polo Tournament with a special Children’s Day event.

The Children’s Day event which will feature over two hundred school pupils from selected schools around Kaduna city and its environs, will see the children spend a whole day at the foremost Kangimi Resort, venue of the charity polo event.

This event has become a special part of the Charity Polo tournament which started nine years ago with Access Bank as main

sponsor. and sports generally in the country, as strategic The Emir of Hadeja, HRH Dr. Adamu platform to alleviate poverty in the society and Abubakar Maje performed the traditional redirect youths away from societal vices as opening ceremony formalities on Wednesday, worthy of emulation.

May 26, while Special Guest of Honour, the former Governor of Katsina State, Barrister Ibrahim Shema lauded the Access Bank commitment to the UNICEF campaign for child rights and the Children’s Day initiative that would further deepen the initiative.

Head Strategic Brand Management, Access Bank Plc, Amaechi Okobi; Director, They both singled L-R: Business Development, Fifth Chukker, Terri Brennan; Executive Director, Personal out the unequalled Banking, Access Bank Plc, Victor Etuokwu and Communications Officer, UNICEF, involvement of Access Blessing Ejiofor; Head Corporate Communications, Access Bank Plc, Olubusola Osilaja and Captain, Katsina Fifth Chukker, Babangida Hassan at the Press Conference Bank in promoting on the 2016 Access Bank-UNICEF Charity Shield Polo tournament in collaboration charitable efforts, polo with Fifth Chukker which held at the Bank’s Head Office in Lagos recently.

C

hairman of the League Management Company (LMC) Shehu Dikko has revealed that they will announce a sponsor for the league “in the coming weeks”.

The 2016 Nigeria Professional Football League have been running with only TV rights money being the sole official source of revenue for the league and Dikko disclosed they will announce one of six multi-level sponsors soon.

“We were scheduled to unveil a sponsor this week, but it has been moved and we hope to announce in the coming weeks,” he said.

“There are a few more things we need to tidy up to make the deal better and we will announce shortly afterwards.”

The league had telecommunication giants Globacom as title sponsors last season, but with the expiration of their contract, the LMC has moved to change the sponsorship format for the league from single title sponsorship to multi-level sponsors.

Friday, May 27, 2016

30

EXTRATIME

Bale calls

Bale

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for calm in Real ahead UCL final

areth Bale says Real Madrid’s players must work hard to keep their emotions in check against fierce foes Atletico Madrid in the Champions League final on Saturday.

The local rivals from the Spanish capital met in the decider of UEFA’s elite club competition in 2014, Madrid equalising in the 93rd minute before running out 4-1 winners after extra time.

Referee Bjorn Kuipers handed out 12 yellow cards in Lisbon, seven of them to Diego Simeone’s men and five to los Blancos, with both teams perhaps lucky to finish the game with a full complement of players.

And Bale knows cool heads will go a long way to determining the outcome of the latest continental decider between the neighbours at Milan’s San Siro this weekend.

“The key factor is to keep your emotions in check,” he said.

“If you let your emotions run away with you it can really damage you and your game. It’s important to focus on the football.”

Simeone has worked wonders to orchestrate another competitive season from Atletico, despite continually losing key players from the Vicente Calderon.

Juve chief hints

at Alves deal J

Alves

uventus chief executive Giuseppe Marotta has strongly indicated the club will try to sign Dani Alves, but played down links with his Barcelona team-mate Javier Mascherano.

The Serie A and Coppa Italia winners have been tipped to move for the Camp Nou duo, as they prepare to challenge for a sixth consecutive Scudetto in 2016-17.

Full-back Dani Alves is under contract until the end of next season, while Mascherano - able to play in central defence and midfield - has a

deal with Barca running until the end of 2017-18.

Some outlets have claimed a transfer of Brazil international Dani Alves to the Turin giants has already been agreed, but Marotta stopped short of confirming the move.

“Dani Alves and Mascherano to Juventus? Nothing is done. I can neither confirm nor deny,” he told reporters.

“Dani Alves is not our player but he’s an important player. We’ll see what we could do considering that Juventus can compete in all the

competitions.

“Mascherano?

That’s media speculation.”

According to media reports, Dani Alves’ agent Dinorah Santa Ana denied negotiations are underway but claimed contact had previously been made with Juventus.

Juve meanwhile face a battle to keep striker Alvaro Morata, with Real Madrid expected to activate a buyback option they hold on the Spain international.

‘disappointed’

by Barca struggles T

La Coruna, but he has played 20 times in 2015-16 as Barca won the Club World Cup in addition to maintaining their domestic dominance.

The Belgium defender has not played since March 12, however, and says his lack of playing time made it difficult to enjoy the celebrations.

When asked if he felt like a “participant” in the double, Vermaelen told a news conference: “A bit more than last season.

This season I played some games in both La Liga and the Copa [del Rey].

“It’s only really a year that I have played for Barca, because the first passed me by almost entirely as I was seriously injured.

“In the second season, I started well. I had my chances at the beginning and also participated in some games after the winter break. But then less.

Liverpool, Dortmund bid for Guerreiro L

iverpool and Borussia Dortmund have tabled bids for Lorient leftback Raphael Guerreiro, according to the French club’s vice-president.

Alex Hayes says the French-born defender – part of Portugal’s squad for Euro 2016 – is in high demand, but will only leave the Ligue 1 outfit if the price is right.

“No one wants to see Raphael leave, especially the president,” he is quoted as telling reporters.

Ronaldo open to working under

Mourinho Ronaldo

C

ristiano Ronaldo hopes Jose Mourinho can bring the feel-good factor back to Manchester United - and revealed he would have no problem working with his fellow Portuguese in the future. Ronaldo won three Premier League titles and a Champions League at Old Trafford before moving to Real Madrid for what was then world record £80 million fee in 2009, linking up with Mourinho when he took over at Santiago Bernabeu a year later.

Atletico must win

Vermaelen homas Vermaelen says he was left “disappointed” after being left out in the cold for Barcelona’s double-winning run-in.

Barca produced a stunning late-season surge to retain La Liga, while a 2-0 extratime victory over Sevilla last weekend kept the Copa del Rey in their possession.

Vermaelen made just one appearance in his debut campaign at Camp Nou, their final-day Liga draw against Deportivo

BRIEFS

Vermaelen

Champions

League –Cerezo N

ot winning the Champions League this season would be a big disappointment for Atletico Madrid, according to president Enrique Cerezo. Atletico are seeking a maiden Champions League title as they prepare to go head-to-head with city rivals Real Madrid in Saturday’s final. Diego Simeone’s men have continued to defy the odds this season, seeing off defending champions Barcelona and Bayern Munich en route to the decider in Milan, but Cerezo insisted the job is not done.

Friday, May 27, 2016

EXTRATIME

31

BRIEFS

Lukaku offers Everton

ultimatum R

omelu Lukaku has dropped a strong hint that his future lies away from Everton, after outlining his desire to begin collecting trophies. Lukaku has scored 61 goals across three seasons for the Toffees, but this term’s defeats in the semi-finals of the League Cup and FA Cup to Manchester’s City and United respectively are the closest the Belgium star has come to silverware.

A return to Chelsea has been mooted for Lukaku, who says he has already made a decision on where he will play next season, while his father has been keen to talk up a move to United or Bayern Munich.

Djourou

compares

Xhaka to Pirlo

Xhaka

N

ew Arsenal signing Granit Xhaka has been compared to Italian maestro Andrea Pirlo by former club defender Johan Djourou. Arsenal completed the signing of Xhaka from Borussia Monchengladbach for an undisclosed fee, rumoured to be worth £30million, on Wednesday. The 23-year-old Switzerland international starred in Bundesliga, making 141 appearances for Gladbach after arriving from Basel in 2012. Ex-Arsenal defender Djourou - now playing for Hamburg in Germany - likened his countryman to twotime Champions League winner and 2006 World Cup victor Pirlo.

Ibrahimovic hints at Old Trafford switch Z Ibrahimovic

latan Ibrahimovic hailed the impending arrival of Jose Mourinho at Manchester United - and playfully refused to deny he had been in touch with the Portuguese about a move to Old Trafford.

The Sweden international - set to leave Paris Saint-Germain following the expiration of his contract suggested he was keen on a reunion

United could appoint Mourinho,” he said. “You want action, you bring Mourinho.

“I believe he is the man to bring them back to the top and he knows what he is doing.

“I had a great time with him at Inter. If we have the chance to work together again, I don’t know - let’s see how it plays out.“The future is written. I

made m y choice a long t i m e ago. I just have to push the button.

“I have spoken with him every day since I left Inter.

Devils Balotelli set for Red stronger with Liverpool return! Mourinho —Willian W M ario Balotelli is set for a return to Liverpool after AC Milan owner Silvio Berlusconi confirmed the striker is among a host of departures at the club.

Balotelli joined Milan on a seasonlong loan in August last year but suffered a disappointing campaign at the San Siro, scoring just once in 20 Serie A appearances.

The 25-year-old admitted in April does not want a return to Liverpool at the end of the season, but with two years left on his deal at Anfield he will be left with no other option.

Milan finished seventh in Serie A this season,

with coach Sinisa Mihajlovic sacked and replaced by Cristian Brocchi a month out from the end of the campaign.

And Berlusconi confirmed there would be a clean-out at the club in the off-season, with Balotelli just one of several players set to depart.

“There are many departures in sight, and Mario is one who will end his contract with us,” the 79-year-old said.

“There is also Philippe Mexes, Alex, Kevin-Prince Boateng and others, all five are at the end of their contract, and then some other names that we put on the transfer market.”

illian expects Manchester United to be a fearsome outfit under Jose Mourinho, amid reports that he could reunite with the former Chelsea manager at Old Trafford.

Brazil international Willian enjoyed his finest individual campaign at Stamford Bridge last season, though his team-mates were unable to follow suit and their Premier League title defence ended in tatters, with Mourinho sacked in December.

Mourinho is poised to take charge at United following the sacking of Louis van Gaal and has reportedly earmarked Willian for a £60 million swoop when he assumes control.

And Willian was keen to talk up his relationship with ‘The Special One’ as he prepares for the Copa America Centenario.

“Jose is one of the most successful coaches in the world and Manchester United will be stronger with him as manager,” the winger, 27, said.

Gallas proud of

Ramirez set for

Ranieri’s title glory

Southampton

exit

W

G

aston Ramirez will leave Southampton following the expiration of his contract, while goalkeeper Kelvin Davis is to be offered a “behind-the-scenes” role. Uruguay international Ramirez arrived at St Mary’s Stadium from Bologna for a club-record fee in 2012, but has failed to live up to his billing since making the switch.

with the former Chelsea boss, who is expected to be named as Louis van Gaal’s successor at United this week.

Speaking as Sweden prepare for Euro 2016, Ibrahimovic - who worked with Mourinho at Inter fanned the flames of speculation and revealed he has already made up his mind on where to go next.

“I think it’s great that Manchester

Ranieri

illiam Gallas has hailed his former manager Claudio Ranieri and feels “very proud” of the Leicester City boss’ stunning Premier League title success.

Ranieri and Leicester confounded all expectations by winning the English top flight for the first time in their history in 2015-16.

Leicester only narrowly avoided relegation 12 months previously, but ended this season some 10 points clear of secondplaced Arsenal.

Ranieri signed Gallas for Chelsea in 2001, before getting the sack at Stamford Bridge three years later when Roman Abramovich hired Jose Mourinho.

And the ex-France defender, who went on to play for Arsenal and Tottenham,

told reporters of his affection for the man who brought him to England.

“I was very happy for him because I knew him from Chelsea, we were together for two to three years. I wanted to thank him. I had the opportunity to thank him today,” Gallas said, after playing in a charity match in Monaco in which Ranieri was involved as a manager.

I

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

FRIDAY, MAY 27, 2016

VOL. 2. NO.118

Price: N150

M

Mourinho

Man Utd appoint

Mourinho

as new coach

anchester United have appointed Jose Mourinho as their new manager, on Thursday.

The 53-year-old Portuguese replaces Dutchman Louis van Gaal whose two-year reign at Old Trafford ended on Monday, two days after United lifted the FA Cup. The self-styled “Special One”, Mourinho was sacked by Chelsea in December, ending his second spell in charge of the London club.

However, a deal has been agreed for Mourinho to become Manchester United’s new manager, after three days of talks.

Negotiations between Mourinho’s agent Jorge Mendes and senior United officials have concluded and an official announcement from the club is expected today.

As noted earlier, the Portuguese will replace Dutchman Louis van Gaal, who was sacked on Monday.

Discussions, which started on Tuesday between the two parties and were delayed by negotiations over Mourinho’s image rights, finally finished on Thursday.

Mourinho’s appointment has been backed by some former United players, including former goalkeeper Peter Schmeichel and Hull City boss Steve Bruce.

And on Thursday, ex-defender Rio Ferdinand praised the Portuguese former Chelsea boss.

“I have heard many say the ‘Mourinho WAY’ is not the Manchester United style of playing football,” the 37-year-old former England skipper wrote on his Facebook page.

“However, the Chelsea team that Jose put together first time round when he entered the Premier League played with wingers and hurt teams with quick attacking play.

“This is a sign he knows how to get a team playing in a way Manchester United fans can look forward to seeing.”

He added: “One thing I can tell Manchester United fans is that they have got themselves a true winner in all aspects. His CV shows success.”

FEDERATION CUP RESULTS (MEN) Kwara United Abia Comets Damaturu FC Nasarawa Utd Vs FC Zamfara El-Kanemi Warriors ABS FC Dreams FC Gateway FC

7-0 Galadima Best 2-0 Nembe City 1-8 Dynamite FC FC Abuja (Abandoned) 0-3 Almar FC (W/O) 2-0 Katsina Feeders 1-0 Yenagoa City 4-2 Akwanga Selected 0-1 Kano Pillars

FEDERATION CUP RESULTS (WOMEN) Alberto Queens FC Robo Abia Angels Ibom Angels

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

Osun Queens (W/O) Rivers Angels Rising Queens Edo Queens

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

FG to save more than N220b through IPPIS – AGF Page B2

First Bank discredits downsizing workforce, reduction of branch networks Page B3

For the first time in seven months, oil sells above $50pb Opeoluwani Akintayo For the first time in seven months, crude oil yesterday sold above $50 a barrel thanks to series of militant attacks in Nigeria, wildfires in Canada and economic recession in Libya.

Brent oil futures climbed above 50 dollars a barrel on Thursday, an indication that the excess global supply that plagued the market for nearly two years is showing signs of easing.

Oil prices had rallied in recent weeks after a string of outages due mainly to wildfires in Canada and unrest in Nigeria and Libya.

The outages had knocked out nearly four million barrels per day of production.

Above 50 dollars a barrel, oil was seen by many market players as breaching a psychological barrier that could lead producers, particularly among U.S. shale companies to revive operations scrapped in recent years.

Global benchmark Brent crude oil LCOc1 was up 36 cents at 50.10 dollars a barrel, the highest in nearly seven months.

The upsurge was due to a larger-than-expected draw in U.S. crude oil inventories last week indicated buyers are starting to mop up spare supply.

U.S. crude futures CLc1 were up 29 cents at 49.85 dollars a barrel, after touching 49.97 dollars, the highest since mid-October.

“Certainly (50 dollars) is a psychological barrier, there is a momentum, people will try and

push it up over that,’’ said Ric Spooner, Chief market analyst at Sydney’s CMC Markets.

A meeting of the Organisation of the Petroleum Exporting Countries on June 2 in Vienna to discuss the oil market added further support.

However, analysts already said there could be no need for a freeze deal between OPEC and NON-OPEC countries, as OPEC, led by Iran and Saudi Arabia, seem to be interested in market share than improving price through cuts.

AfDB decentalises operations, establishes five regional offices Olisa Egbunike Lusaka

As part of efforts to reposition and strengthen its operations and impact the lives of average Africans, the African Development Bank (AFDB), has established five regional integration and business delivery offices, under the bank’s new development agenda.

The Daily Times quotes Dr Akinwumi Adesina, AFDB President, as saying at the bank’s ongoing annual general meetings (AGM) that the overhaul became imperative following their renewed commitment to deliver within the time frame.

Although Adesina declined to disclose specific locations of the offices, he only said that new offices located in the West, East, Central, Northern and Southern regions of the continent would be headed by director-generals.

The director-generals charged with the responsibility of spearheading the new bank’s economic agenda would be supported by CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

L-R: Honorary Adviser to President/CE, Dangote Group, Engr. Joseph Makoju; Executive Director, Dangote Group, Halima Aliko Dangote; President/CE, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; and Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, during the official flag-off of Dangote Foundation Micro Grant Scheme for Women in LGAS/LCDAS on Thursday, in Lagos.

Friday, May 27, 2016

LCCI calls for transparent guidelines for new forex policy Page B5

Glo preaches virtues of honesty, hard work at Children’s Day celebration Nigerian children have been enjoined to cultivate the habit of hard work and honesty and shun vices like greed and laziness.

The country’s data masters, Globacom, in a goodwill message to Nigerian children on the occasion of this year’s Children’s Day celebration, encouraged “children to be obedient, respectful and exhibit good virtues at home and in school. The company said this will help the children to achieve their desired academic goals and imbue them with the well-rounded development they need to become successful leaders of tomorrow.”

Globacom noted that Nigerian children are highly talented and have the potentials to be world-beaters in all disciplines, adding that they will excel when exposed to the right environment as well as the most current teaching aids.

The statement added: “Our children are our future, so we must take our commitment to children seriously and ensure that they are properly trained and well taken care of as we prepare them for future leadership of the Nigerian nation.”

Africa’s energy deficit: Obasanjo accuses IOCs of complicity, sabotage Olisa Egbunike, Lusaka Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, a former President Nigeria has accused international oil and gas companies (IOCs) operating in the continent of sabotaging member states’ commitment to light up Africa and assist in laid out programmes for industrial energy needs.

Obasanjo said his conviction about IOCs subterranean activities followed his personal experience as a former president and the narratives of other African leaders.

Obasanjo, who spoke passionately at a high-level session on “Africa’s Energy: What’s the New Deal?”, at the ongoing 2016 annual general meetings of African Development Bank (AfDB) in Lusaka, Zambia, lamented that the IOCs preferred to burn the gas instead of building power plants that would have provided electricity for Nigerians.

The former two time Nigerian President said his then government’s proposal for the IOCs to establish plants that would convert gas to electricity was thwarted by their inordinate profit con-

siderations.

“When I was President, I asked all IOCs operating in Nigeria to build plants that would convert gas into electricity, only Agip responded and built a power plant of only 3 megawatts, the others ignored the programme,” Obasanjo lamented.

According to him, Africa resources and potential over the years and now has made it imperative for all the stakeholders to converge under the AFDB leadership towards speedy electrification of the continent.

He argued that African gov-

ernments to utilise available resources within a coordinated mix toward providing Africans the huge benefits of electricity power.

“I’m an environmentalist, I will not keep environment clean at the expense of power in Africa. Without coal, industrialisation would not have been possible in Europe and other developed world.

“We may not use coal like in the past, but let use a mixture of what we have - coal, gas, crude oil, sun, wind, etc to get what we want,” Obasanjo argued.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

Salary arrears: Ekiti workers down tools in protest Joy Ekeke

L-R: Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa (SEWA), Emmanouil Revmatas; Chief Executive Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Matthew Willsher; Global President, Samsung Electronics, Dongjin Koh, and Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Francesco Angelone during a Business Dinner for senior management staff of the two companies in Lagos...on Wednesday

AfDB decentalises operations, establishes five regional offices CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

full compliments of senior and skillful staff, he said.

The new business and development operational model, projected to strengthen relationships with member countries, especially the fragile states, also focuses on assisting regional blocks in fast tracking aged long proposed African integration.

“The landmark institutional reforms will make us more efficient, effective and faster in delivering greater development impact across Africa.

“Some said we are too passionate and ambitious. Well, there is no option for Africa. Africa has already waited for too long,” Nigeria former Minister of Agriculture argued.

The overhaul of the operations of AFDB, Adesina submitted would further leverage the bank toward effective alleviation of 500 million Africans living below poverty line, reduce spending on food imports, enhance continental security and meet commitments to climate change challenges.

Dangote disburses N400m grants to disadvantaged Lagos women To cushion the effect of the current economic downturn, the Dangote Foundation yesterday commenced the disbursement of N400 million micro grant to 40, 000 indigent women in all the local governments in Lagos State.

The disbursement held at the Conference Hall of Lagos Housde, Ikeja, is a continuation of grassroots poverty alleviation strategy of the Foundation set up by the renowned business mogul, Aliko Dangote in 1993. The programme is costing the Foundation a sum of N10 billion and six states have so far benefitted.

The empowerment programme which is meant to compliment the efforts of the government at all levels is targeted at the disadvantaged and vulnerable women and youths with a one-off N10, 000.00 cash transfer to boost household income generation.

Dangote, the Chairman of the Foundation, had expressed concern over widespread poverty among the people especially the youths and the women at the grassroots and promised that his organization would institute

a scheme that would help in addressing the menace.

Consequently, the Dangote Foundation came up with a micro grant scheme aimed at empowering the grassroots dwellers with funds to help them undertake petty trading so as to lift their economy.

Already, 256,500 women in states such Kano, Jigawa,, Kogi, Adamawa, Borno, and Yobe have benefited from the scheme that is expected to move round all the 774 local government areas across the nation.

However, for the first time since the programme started, the beneficiaries in Lagos are also to be given hand held mobile devices through Airtel telecommunication, while disbursement would be via electronic payments The programme, according to Dangote is to cover at least 1000 women in each of the 774 local governments in a bid to assist the federal government in the onerous task of poverty reduction by equipping the vulnerable women with some money to help them start a trade to improve family life.

Workers in Ekiti State today have embarked on an indefinite strike to press home their demand for five months’ salary arrears and other outstanding entitlements.

A statement by the Secretary of the Joint Negotiating Committee Blessing Oladele says an industrial action is the only option for labour following the expiration at midnight on Wednesday, the ultimatum given to the Fayose administration to settle all outstanding workers’ salaries, pension arrears and other allowances.

A further insight into the reason adduced by the Labour movement in Ekiti revealed that the Ekiti State Government is presently owing its labour force including local government workers and teachers, five months salary arrears, 2014 and 2015 leave bonuses, while

primary school teachers’ are still owed October 2014 salary with the State pensioners being owed seven months pension arrears and gratuities of 2011 to date.

Efforts so far made to get an official reaction of the relevant Ekiti State Government officials to speak on the industrial action embarked on by Labour has remained futile as at the time of filing this report.

Meanwhile, all government establishments and offices across Ekiti State have remained shut as the civil servants in the State had continued staying away from their various offices since last week when the fuel subsidy industrial action which culminated in the present industrial action commenced. It would be recalled that the Chairman of the Ekiti State Chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress, Comrade Ade Adesanmi had on the last day of the three day fuel subsidy protest threatened the Ekiti State Government of an imminent indefinite strike action to press home their demands for payment of their outstanding salary arrears and entitlements.

FG to save more than N220b through IPPIS - AGF Joy Ekeke

The Federal Government on Tuesday said it had saved more than N220bn from since April 2007 from the implementation of the Integrated Personnel Payroll Information System.

A statement from the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation said that the amount was expected to increase when other agencies of government would enrol onto the platform.

The IPPIS is one of the Federal Government’s reform initiatives conceived to transform the Nigerian public service, improve the management of human resources and provide a centralised payroll system for the service.

The project implementation commenced at the Bureau of Public Service Reforms before its management was transferred to the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation in October 2008.

The project went live in April 2007 with seven pilot Ministries, Departments and Agencies, and its objective include centralised payment of salaries; aiding of manpower planning and budgeting as well as facilitation of convenient staff remuneration payment with minimal wastage.

The statement explained that 447 MDAs were already on the IPPIS platform, while others were expected to be enrolled before the end of this year.

It read in part, “The IPPIS initiative is aimed at improving the management of human resources and providing a centralised payroll system in the service.

“A total of 447 MDAs are already on the IPPIS to date, including all the core ministries, medical and allied health institutions and agencies under the Ministry of Science and Technology, among others. Fifty-six of them came on board in 2016.

NICN adjourns Odunewu’s N2.1bn suit against MTN till June 29 Tony Nwakaegho National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN) sitting in Lagos, Wednesday adjourned till June 29, a $13.14 million (about N2.1 billion) suit by Paul Odunewu, an ex-Network Group Operations Manager in MTN Nigeria against the company.

Justice Oyejoju Oyewumi ad-

journed for hearing of a motion filed by defence counsel, Mrs. Ayo Obe, SAN, seeking to substitute a witness.

Odunewu has accused the company of withholding his entitlements, including a longterm incentive scheme (share option) worth over $13.14 million (about N2.1 billion). He is also demanding N100 million damages,

among others.

MTN Group Limited, South Africa; MTN Nigeria and MTN International, Mauritius are defendants in the suit.

At the commencement of proceedings yesterday, claimant’s counsel, Kemi Balogun, SAN, opposed the motion on the grounds among others that the defendants intended to use it to amend their

statement of defence without following due process.

He said: “There was no mention of amendment of statement of defence. The amendment seeks to change the colouration of the entire case in view of the evidence already tendered.”

Justice Oyewumi directed the claimant to file his objection in writing and adjourned till June

29 for hearing of the motion and October 24, 25 and 27 for the defendants to open their case.

At the last hearing in November, a former chief executive of the company, Mr. Adrian Wood, told the court that Odunewu increased MTN’s base stations from 100 to 2,500 in three years and was one of 50 top employees offered the company’s shares.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

B3 Money Market

First Bank discredits downsizing workforce, reduction of branch networks ÏzƆ ƏƆ ƍƏ ƑƗ Ƈ ƑƏ ƆƏƈƐ Ɔ 0 M Stories by Motolani Oseni Contrary to indications that emerged recently that the wave of sacking that characterised the banking sector a couple of years back has not abated and that a massive job cut is inevitable, First Bank Limited, a subsidiary of First Bank of Nigeria Holdings, has debunked the rumours of cutting staff strength and or reduction in number of the lender’s branch networks.

Speaking to Daily Times Newspapers (DTN) on the telephone in Lagos recently, Head, Media and External Relations, Marketing & Corporate Communications, FBN, Mr. Babatunde Lasaki, said that there was no truth in any report linking the bank to reduction of its workforce or branch networks.

According to him, “if the management has such plan, they will announce it, and I have said this several times without number that we are not planning anything of such, either to reduce our workforce or to cut down on our branches.”

“We are proud of our heritage and also proud of our large branch networks, and the issue of cutting workforce or the branches do not arise, because there are

DTN Exchange Rate Monitor Currency

Official Rate

Parallel Market

USD

197

347

EUR

225

387

GBP

285

495

other ways an organization can take to reduce its operating expenses, not by reducing its workforce”, he explained.

The indication had hitherto been that the nation’s dwindling economy, coupled with difficult operating environment, which often posts operating challenges to DMBs in the country, were largely responsible for the decline in profit of most of the lenders operating in Nigeria.

This has reignited the fear of the unknown which has continued to envelop bank workers, who are unsure whether their names have been penned down among employees who may lose their jobs.

However, a source close to FBN who would not want his name in print, disclosed that there is a conscious realization that to keep operating margins up and ensure that lenders can withstand present economic headwinds, labour has to be more intelligently optimized, this could mean reassignments or reclassification of designations.

This, however, aligns with what the immediate past Group Managing Director/CEO of the bank, Mr. Bisi Onasanya had disclosed in 2015 that FBN would be considering processes across the Group

to reduce transaction costs and processing cycles. Realigning and rationalizing the workforce in order to enhance overall manpower efficiency and productivity is currently the target of the Group.

He claimed this is part of the bank’s efforts to reduce its huge operating and personnel costs, which have had adverse effects on its bottom-line, regardless of the

fact that the bank has the largest gross revenue in the industry.

The recently released 2016 Q1 financial result of FBN shows that that the commercial lenders profit after tax (PAT) fell by 8.3 percent to N20.7 billion in Q1 2016 from N22.6 billion in the corresponding period of 2015.

Meanwhile, indications have emerged that more bank workers

will lose their jobs in 2016 following cost-cutting measures on zero Commission on Turnover (CoT), even though account maintenance has been introduced by the CBN, Treasury Single Account (TSA) and a whole lot of issues which is been introduced by the banks in order to mitigate the effects of some regulatory policies on their profitability.

L-R: Technical Head, Highway Digital Nigeria Limited, Hussein Mohamed; Country Manager, Highway Digital, Sultan Mohammed and the Company Consultant, John Nzukie, during exhibition of speed limit devices by Highway digital at the year 2016 Federal Road Safety Corps Stakeholders’ forum in Lagos…on Thursday.

Official Naira rate remains N197, as banks awaits FX regime

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

NOTE: The parallel or black market rates stand for the most common. However, there could be slightly higher or lower among distinct traders.

Following the announcement by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on Tuesday after its two day Monetary Policy Committee (MPC) meeting that it would adopt a flexible exchange rate policy, traders said the apex lender directed commercial banks to fund their naira accounts and submit bids for dollars on Thursday at 197.

The CBN had said it will come up with guidelines on the policy within days that is going to see a shift from a peg for the naira, but traders in Lagos have pointed out that this has been creating uncertainty in the market.

The apex bank has said it will introduce a flexible interbank market from a de facto peg

of around 197 and retain a window for funding critical transactions, creating a dual exchange rate.

Traders said it was not clear whether the bank will settle Thursday’s bid at 197, adding that quantity of dollars sold has been declining. The central bank sold around $110 million last week, down from around $150 million previously, traders say.

The naira is trading around the pegged rate on the official interbank market on Thursday at 197.50 to the dollar but is quoted at 350 on the black market.

One-month non-deliverable forwards (NDFs) showed the naira trading at 266 naira per dollar, after hitting 276 naira per

dollar on Wednesday.

But according to a Professor of Financial Economics at the University of Uyo, Akwa Ibom State, Leo Ukpong, who recently expressed regrets delayed in decisions taken by both the fiscal authority and the monetary authority as measure to address ailing nation’s economy.

He said, “the country has waited too long, before coming up directives because if we had done that a long time ago, the Naira would have stabilize 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 with the floating rate is going to be close to N400 per dollar.”

Real sector digest B4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

Combating ‘tomato ebola’ menace FG has commenced efforts in its response as containment solution is already being sought from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations; intervention which will entail the development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Tuta will soon commence.

Tomatoes before intection

Stories by Siaka Momoh Pests attack on food crops is not new. Our current experience with tuta absoluta, otherwise known as ‘tomato ebola’, is also not new. There were reports of its attack June last year. Records have it that a total of one million hectares of land is used annually for cultivation of tomato varieties within Nigeria, and this makes the country the second largest producer of tomato in Africa.

But poor farm management, quality of pre-harvest and shelflife of postharvest tomato fruit is impeded by biotic and socioeconomic constraints, which affect its overall nutritional value and account for over 30 per cent of yield loss/waste. The cause: Preharvest crop deterioration mostly due to pests and diseases affecting quantity and quality of marketable tomato fruit.

High profitability from bumper harvest and seasonal inflation, especially during rainy seasoninduced scarcity draw large numbers of farmers to tomato planting. Tomato accounts for about 18 percent of the average daily consumption of vegetables in Nigeria. It is a very important soup ingredient that housewives can hardly do without. They love the taste it gives to their soup, the fullness it gives and of course the attractive red colour it gives to the soup. Tomato fruit is fresh; canned tomato is not. Housewives prefer fresh tomato, which to them is better and more nour-

Tomato Ebola/Tuta absoluta

ishing than processed tomato.

But tomato ebola has come to spoil their joy. These Nigerian housewives are now switching to pastes, on account of the ravaging insect pest which has destroyed an estimated 40 percent of anticipated harvest, causing prices to shoot up by 105 percent, from N17, 000 to N35, 000 per basket.

Nigerian fresh tomato bulk sellers have resorted to purchasing the produce from the Republic of Benin and Cameroon, in an effort to bridge the shortfall in Nigeria.

Federal Ministry of Agric’s response: Fallout of global trade The spread of the insect pest of tomato, known as Tuta absoluta, is symptomatic of problems trailing globalisation, which entails movement of goods and human services. Under global paradigm of tree trade, many invasive plants, diseases and pests of plants and animals spread easily. This is one of the great prices nations of the world now pay while exchanging plant and animal products through trade.

For a country that has been dependent on importation of assorted foods, both raw and processed, this is one of the undesirable outcomes. Nigeria, no doubt, became a host to this pest through international trade as many mega retail chains and their outlets in Nigeria have reportedly been selling imported vegetables, including raw tomato. This could give a signal as to the route Tuta took into this country.

South America, Europe have

it too Major tomato-producing nations of the world, including South America and the European nations, have been associated with the spread of Tuta, an insect with damaging effects on tomato foliage, which affect production and plant survival. Tuta absoluta is a species of moth in family Gelechiidae known by the common names tomato leafminer and South American tomato moth.

Tuta is well known as a serious pest of tomato crops in Europe and South America. The pest was first reported in Nigeria about a year ago. And, since it was noticed, it became apparent that the measures applied by countries in successfully coping with Tuta invasion will need to be studied and adopted.

Use of chemicals and its limitations In an attempt to curtail the Tuta problem, farmers need to know that the use of chemical pesticides have risks and benefits, which must be carefully weighed before application. While the use of chemicals may be of help, its limitation has to be weighed against the implication on climate and other friendly insects and animals in the wild, as well as acceptable chemical residue limits in the tomato fruits in terms of food safety for human consumption.

Nigeria’s response through FAO The Nigerian government has commenced efforts in its response as containment solution

is already being sought from the Food and Agriculture Organisation (FAO) of the United Nations.

This request has been accepted by FAO and will soon commence intervention, which will entail the development of Integrated Pest Management (IPM) for Tuta.

Unscrupulous importers For those who have shown concerns about possible devastation of tomato production in Nigeria, it is important to emphasise that globalisation, for Nigeria, until recently, meant an annual outflow of billions of naira on tomato paste importation. The imported tomato paste brought in by unscrupulous importers, had been adjudged to be largely of poor quality, despite the deprivation of local tomato growers a great opportunity to be in productive business.

Local production of tomato paste The long-awaited industrialisation and local processing of tomato is coming with an initial adjustment in the supply and demand profile with the commencement of operation of the two major tomato processing companies recently in Nigeria. This could dramatically affect the volume of raw tomato traded in the open market in the short run.

Limitless opportunities for tomato growers On the long run, however, industrial production of tomato opens limitless opportunities for tomato growers to produce diversify their market base as they produce huge volume to satisfy

both industrial and household uses as the industrial processors begin to organise their own supply chains, dealing directly with their own outgrower farmers and in-house supply mechanisms. In many cases, those produced for household uses offer even more attractive prices as they are produced to consumers’ preference.

This means those for the mass markets retain their niche.

It is yet to be determined how many thousands of tons locally produced tomatoes these high capacity processing companies are already taking from the traditional tomato markets and the magnitude of impact this is already making on the quantum of supply and the pricing in the open markets. It is certain, however, that the outlook of the market, both for industrial users and household consumers, remain bright as the processors settle down to business.

Adjusting to the huge raw material demands of these big tomato processors, including those of relatively smaller mills, will require growing a lot more tomato so as not to upset the raw tomato business or hurt the consumers of the raw tomatoes in terms of availability and price.

This should not be muddled up with the Tuta invasion problems as those countries with Tuta are still producing for home use and for export. Government will respond to these challenges speedily and the production, supply and pricing in the markets will be stabilised.

Siaka Momoh, a media consultant, is publisher of The Real Sector monthly digital magazine and Realsectornow.com. Contact:siakamomoh@yahoo.com; 08061396410

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

B5 Industry Private sector to finance transportation varsity – FG Charles Okonji

L-R: Branch Manager, Adeniran Ogunsanya, Marian Nwana; Business Executive, Corporate Banking, Moji Bakare; Executive Director Finance & Strategy, Abubakar Suleiman; Group Head, Education, Adolphus Abraham, all of Sterling Bank Plc. with children from various schools at flag-off of the bank’s children’s day celebration in Lagos…on Thursday.

LCCI calls for transparent guidelines for new forex policy Stories by Charles Okonji The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called on the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to ensure transparency in the formulation of guidelines for its new flexible foreign exchange regime.

The Director-General of LCCI, Mr Muda Yusuf, who made the call through a press stamen made available to Daily Times on Wednesday, reads that any preferential treatment could cause distortion and abuse of the policy.

He noted that the abuse could

arise from creating special window for critical transactions with preferential rates.

“It can pose a risk to the entire system. We will like to be assured that the window for the critical transactions will be managed transparently and in a manner that it will not create distortions in the economy,” he said.

It could be recalled that the CBN on May 24 said it would adopt a flexible foreign exchange regime to stimulate economic growth, adding that the new guidelines on the management of foreign exchange market would soon be released.

Yusuf pointed out that the decision to refrain from monetary policy tightening would increase liquidity, boost investors’ confidence and attract more foreign exchange into the economy.

He urged the apex bank to review its ban on 41 items on foreign exchange exclusion list as they formed critical inputs of production for manufacturing companies, asking CBN to allow export proceeds, capital and Diaspora remittances into the economy through the autonomous window at prevailing market rates.

The DG suggested that

owners of such funds should have unhindered access to their funds.

He said, “We also welcome the decision of the CBN to refrain from further tightening of monetary policy at this time.

The current context is that the economy has been declining. The Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has contracted for the first time in twelve years; unemployment is on the rise; manufacturing capacity utilization has been weakening; and investors’ confidence has been at its lowest ebb. The decision not to tighten monetary policy is therefore appropriate.”

Kwara commends BUA over $300m sugar investment As part of its efforts towards ending Nigeria’s dependence on importation to meet its sugar demands, the Kwara State government has commended BUA Group over its $300 million investment in sugar production in Lafiagi, Kwara State.

The Governor of Kwara State, Mr Abdulfatah Ahmed, stated that more investments such as these are required to end the nation’s dependence on sugar import, stressing that Nigeria has the comparative advantage to be a large producer and exporter of the commodity.

He noted that the company’s move was a step in the right direction to end importation of

sugar in the country, while also expanding the industrial base of the State’s economy.

He explained that Nigeria continues to be a large sugar consumer, maintaining that the high consumption rate is largely attributed to the nation’s increasing population as well as continuous growth in food processing sector for which sugar is a major ingredient.

He urged foreigners to leverage on the available opportunities to invest in the nation’s sugar industry to end importation of the commodity, adding that that Nigeria has the capacity to meet its local demand for sugar.

The Governor stated that Ni-

geria’s raw sugar import in 2015 was estimated to be 1.345 mtpa which is expected to rise to about 1.7mtpa.

He said; “This is because of the absence of competitive alternatives to meet the demand for local consumption. This is rather worrisome considering the fact that Nigeria is endowed with the manpower, raw materials and excellent climate condition to produce enough sugar to meet local demand and of course export.”

According to him; “It is imperative to change the statistics in sugar production not to only save us from wasting our scarce foreign exchange but also generate wealth and enhance econom-

ic growth. We have identified agriculture as a major strategy to create wealth and jobs for the youths which we believe will be felt in the medium and longterm. We are putting the policies and structures in place for an agro-led economic diversification.”

The Governor during the flag off ceremony of BUA Group’s flag off ceremony of its sugar nursery plantation in Lafiagi, Kwara State, said the sugar subsector is an important sector due to its ability to contribute largely to solving unemployment, development of other subsidiary industries and its significant impact on the rural economy.

The Federal Government has stated that the proposed Transportation University in Nigeria would be financed by private sector investors.

Mr Rotimi Amaechi, Minister of Transportation, who said this in Abuja on Tuesday, noted that the government would develop the Maritime Academy, Oron in Akwa Ibom State, instead of building a Maritime University, while investors would fund the Transportation University.

“It is part of the negotiation between us and the Chinese that they must build a University of Transportation because they cannot dump technology on us.

We have to build the University of Transportation to teach our people how to construct and manage railways, construct and manage coaches and locomotives but funded by the Chinese as part of the contract.

“Similarly, we agreed with General Electric (GE) that in the course of constructing the LagosKano rail line, they must also construct a University of Transportation for us. They will train Nigerians on the different aspects of the railway transportation and then maritime and possibly aviation and all that, that is what we want to do.’’

He stated that the Federal government will partner Chinese to build one and also partner with GE to build another, stressing that it was more viable to build the Transportation University than Maritime University since the academy in Oron was very active and already being funded by the government.

“There is huge investment in the maritime sector; there is huge investment in the railway sector and the money from these sectors will not be small; they are things you can use to fund the economy.’’

Amaechi

Capital Market B6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

NSE ASI sustains gains, up 2.18% The Nigerian Equities Market continued on a positive trajectory previous day’s gains as All Share Index (ASI) further gained 2.18 percent or 616.86 points to close at 28,877.47 points compared to 3.78 percent or 1,029.11 points gained last session to close at 28,260.61.

All Sectoral indices similarly finished the day on a positive note except the NSE Premium Index which sustained a loss of 0.27 points due to a 1.8 percent depreciation of Dangote Cement’s stock.

Market Capitalisation how-

Oscar

ever surged by N211.9 billion to close at N9.92 trillion compared to the increase of N353.4 billion to close at N9.7 trillion gained in the previous day’s trading session.

Guinness Nigeria Plc led the day’s 49 gainers with an increase of 10.25 percent or N10.23 to close at N110.08 per share, Oando added 10.11 percent or 67kobo to close at N7.30 per share, Union Bank of Nigeria grew by 9.96 percent or 51 kobo to close at N5.63, Diamond Bank added 9.95 percent or 21 kobo to close at N2.32 per share and

UBA Capital appreciated by 9.63 percent or 21 kobo to close at N2.39 per share.

Conversely the day’s 6 decliners were topped by A.G. Leventis with a loss of 5 percent or 5 kobo to close at 95 kobo per share. Learn Africa followed with a decline of 3.95 percent or 3 kobo to close at 73 kobo per share, while Fidson Health Care lost 3.64 percent or 8 kobo to close at N2.12 per share. 7up dropped by 1.77 percent or N2.50 to close at N138.50 per share and Dangote Cement depreciated by 1.08 percent or N1.92 to close at

N175.08 per share.

Top three traders for the day in volume terms were UBA which exchanged 101.9 million shares worth N537.2 million, Fidelity Bank which traded 75.9 million shares worth N103.4 million shares and FBN Holdings which sold 72.7 million shares valued at 318.1 million.

At the end of the day’s trading, investors had exchanged a total of 651 million shares valued at N5 billion in 5,796 deals compared to 474.4 million shares valued at N3.5 billion exchanged in 5,260 deals previously.

Summary of activities on NSE ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP

28,877.47 5,796.00 651,000,986.00 5,020,736,592.22 9,917,951,533,693.61

FBN restates commitment to shareholders value, gives N5.4b dividend The management of First Bank of Nigeria Holdings Plc has once again given its commitment to ensuring returns to its shareholders, just as it declared N5.4 billion dividend.

At the Annual General Meeting of the company on Thursday in Lagos, shareholders approved the N5.4 billion dividend translating to 15 kobo per ordinary shares to be paid on Monday, 30 May, 2016.

According to the Group Managing Director, UK Eke, the 2015 financial results reinforced the strength of the underlying business, as well as highlight significant vulnerability in “our business, especially around cost management. And loan book efficiency.

“Consequently, we have taken a hard look at our operating model and have begun to take bold steps in changing the way we do business to meet the evolving reality, armed with valuable insights and lessons learnt from the challenges we faced in the last couple of years.”

He, however, noted that the company would intensify its portfolio review for the purpose of effectively deploying capital, recovering impairment, and enhance risk management process to enhance returns to shareholders.

On his part, Group Chairman of First Bank of Nigeria Hold-

ings, Oba Otudeko, said “despite the arduous environment that 2014 presented, the management team and employees worked under intense pressure to deal with a number of complex business issues”. He noted that the board made some major leadership changes within the institution with the appointment of new CEOs at both the Holding Company and the Commercial Banking group.

On the revenue synergies, he explained that despite the economic performance, the group realised an additional N2.3 billion from revenue synergies through collaboration among the various strategic business units and cross-selling.

Otudeko, however, remained optimistic that in 2016, the board will achieve its growth aspirations by a sustained sharp focus on strategic priorities, adding that operating efficiency would remain at the heart of decisions made, to ensure that our disciplined growth meets the strictest hurdles of shareholder returns.

For the year ended December 31, 2015, FBN Holdings Plc made Profit Before Tax of N21.5 billion, a 77.1 percent decline from the N94.1 billion of year 2014, attributed to the high impairment charges taken in financial year 2015.

Elumelu

Buhari

Tackling unemployment, clear path to sustaining economic growth – Elumelu Tony Elumelu, Chairman of United Bank for Africa (UBA) has urged the private sector to tackle unemployment among African youths, adding that Africa has the potential to be the engine of economic growth.

Elumelu, who spoke during a panel session at the 51st Annual General Meeting of the board of governors of the African Development Bank (AfDB), on the topic “Jobs for African Youths,” stated that “The solution to the problem of unemployment is going to come first from within and then from all of us working collectively. I believe entrepreneurship can solve the problem of job creation.”

Other speakers at this session include H.E. Professor Yemi Osinbajo, Vice President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria; H.E Hailemariam Desalegn, Prime

Minister of the Republic of Ethiopia; Akinwunmi Adesina, President, African Development Bank; Carlos Lopes, Executive Secretary of the United Nations Economic Commission for Africa; Mo Ibrahim,Founder of the Mo Ibrahim Foundation and Thomas Silberhorn, Parliamentary State Secretary, Federal Ministry for Economic Cooperation and Development(BMZ).

Mr. Elumelu charged the audience and co-panelists: “If we are serious about cultivating jobs, let Africans who want to help deal with this issue. The Tony Elumelu Foundation Entrepreneurship Programme (TEEP), is my foundation’s 10-year, $100 million commitment to empowering the next generation of African entrepreneurs and surely, there are more private sector leaders that are willing to invest in our conti-

nent’s future.”

“I see great entrepreneurship potential in many of the 45,000 applicants that applied for TEEP this year alone, but the level of training, mentoring and networking that we offer means that we can only select 1,000 each year. I call on everyone here to support those who missed the cut. This is a clear path to sustaining African economic growth.”

Also contributing to the panel discussion, the AfDB president, Akinwunmi Adesina, noted that Africa has a job crisis.

“Unemployment rate is a crisis.

Africa is in a job crisis. I believe the solution is right here in Africa” Akinwunmi, who is also Nigeria’s immediate former Minister of Agriculture, emphasized that the future of Africa lies in a more “prosperous and inclusive Africa.”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

B7 Capital Market

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY ( EQUITIES) 26-05-2016

Entrepreneurship B8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

“An intensive, participatory and interactive entrepreneurship, financial and wealth creation business training programme, a real life transforming exercises would make all the difference if you will get in touch with us for details”

Adaptive Leadership for the VUCA World:

A Case study of Two Managers (Part 4) Continuing our business tale that started some weeks ago; on the reactions to the environmental factors that tips decisions and actions in business and organisational circumstances in times of turbulence, both locally and globally; —in this times of rapid rate of changes— which are swirling around many of us, tipping us this way and that, as we attempt to navigate a safe passage through them all.

How companies and employees cope with the dynamism and rapid unpredictable changes that defines the VUCA world over the last few years is a paramount fascination to our personal guide to escape, survival, sustainability and success, both as an organisation and individuals; hence our interest and the privilege of the offer of the unique window on how the two different managers reacted to environmental and organisational dynamism and the effect.

As espoused by the two manager’s stands, convictions, reactions and overall results, and in conclusion of the discussion; We revisit the case study in focus … An Engaged and Impactful Leader, as the test case So, what have been the results of the second leader’s adaptation?

Being able to let go of many past measures of success has allowed the leader to be open faster and more agnostically to new performance imperatives from both the client base and from within the organization. While this manager still has some business growth goals to meet, he has re-oriented much of his portfolio growth strategy toward more complex and risky, but more lucrative, potential client engagements—the kind that are the future of the business. He has also steadily embraced new performance measures by trying to put personal insecurities aside and bring humility to his development. Similarly, his ability to embrace working with the contradictions and paradoxes that often accompany

uncertainty and ambiguity has helped him keep his team fully engaged in the organization’s vision and strategy.

Keeping his ego in check in the face of an extraordinary career move and demonstrating a keen desire to keep learning has gradually earned him newfound respect from others in the organisation—a crucial characteristic for VUCA times when employees are constantly looking for leaders who can acknowledge their own imperfections and willingness to try to address them. Moreover, the active learning “gene” has helped the manager get the new skill sets under his belt as well as to be a role model, first for his team, and gradually for others. Indeed, the ability to embrace learning, “unlearning,” and “re-learning” is critical for leaders in the VUCA world, where many bodies of knowledge are changing so fast and information and insight becomes irrelevant quickly.

Finally, this leader’s ability to remain open and welcoming to everyone in the organisation—another practice that is grounded in humility and self-awareness—has

resulted in the gradual gaining of trust and a spread of this manager’s influence with many employees, peers, and bosses. This, too, has been critically important to the organisations overall leadership posture in VUCA times, as employees look for leaders to be available and to communicate often and honestly; as peers look to each other for ideas, support, and easy collaboration; and as senior leaders look for ideas, honest feedback, and clear input into, and loyalty toward, the vision, mission, and strategy.

This leader has some distance yet to go in adapting his leadership for VUCA times—no question—and he admits to it. Goals include further enhancement of some critical skill sets that essentially require facing up to longstanding insecurities about innate abilities, as well as continued shaping of his communication style toward more “straightshooting” and away from the kind of “sugar-coating” that has, in the past, left some to doubt the intent and value of his comments. Leaders who hold back out of fear and whose words are discounted or in-

terpretable are in danger of being rip-tided in VUCA times.

Still, this leader has made enormous strides toward adapting to VUCA times, and is increasingly making a positive impact on the business and organisational culture, with their attendant personal rewards.

An intensive, participatory and interactive entrepreneurship, financial and wealth creation business training programme, a real life transforming exercises would make all the difference if you will get in touch with us for details.

Addressing the Challenges of Adaptability The need for humans to adapt is nothing new and indeed, those who point out that humankind has faced even more dramatic adaptation imperatives in the past are no doubt right. That said, we are where we are in the history of human development and in the scope and pace of dynamic change in the marketplace and in our organisations. A failure to meet the challenges will leave many companies behind and the human capital potential of their employees unfulfilled.

At IDEAS Exchange Consulting, we work with globally focused companies and organisations from many industries and fields of endeavour (especially among the micro, small and medium scale enterprises - MSMEs) to help their leaders develop or further enhance their ability to adapt to turbulent times. We help leaders become more comfortable and agile with ambiguous and seemingly contradictory demands through focusing on managing paradoxes. We focus on the skills and mindsets that it takes to move nimbly and often without specific authority in making fast decisions through influencing and networking. We address the need for speed and for bringing all applicable resources to bear for impact in collaborating across silos.

And, we focus on the self-awareness, reflection, and the need for quick recovery from failure in sessions on resiliency. Above all, we help leaders embrace a mindset of change that is so critical in navigating the turbulent times of the VUCA world that we all live in now, especially in our beloved country.

Some observers downplay the concept of VUCA, claiming that there is no way of knowing whether or not these times are any more turbulent than many in the past, but researches has pointed out that from 1980 to 2010 and now, companies has faced an increasingly rapid rate of change that was more dynamic, taking place more often, and long lasting than has ever occured in any other time.

In retrospect, this act pointed to a predisposition to the kind of adaptability it would take to thrive and lead in an organisation facing a VUCA world and the paradoxes that characterise organisational balance in the VUCA world. As well as how in VUCA World, Maximising Business Results with the Strategic Performance Framework and Cultural Orientations guide works and activities in any organisation that is facing rapid change.

Nwaodu Chukwuemeka, is a consultant with IDEAS Exchange Consulting, Lagos. He can be reached at nwaodu.lawrence@hotmail.co.uk (07066375847)

Life&

Times Friday, May 27, 2016

Risikat

Adegeye: My most memorable day was when I met KSA L2,3 P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

Despite being a polygamist, KSA satisfies all his wives

– Hon. Risikat

Adegeye

Hon. Risikat Adejoke Adegeye is one of the wives of popular musician, and Juju maestro, King Sunny Ade. She was a member of the State House of Assembly after which she got an appointment as a Commissioner of the newly constituted Lagos State Assembly Commission. In this interview with Abimbola Obatayo, she talks about her love life with her husband and issues surrounding her job, her aspirations and other issues. Excerpts: Tell us about your career?

I’m Risikat Adejoke Adegeye, I was born and bred in Lagos. I am a politician, mother and wife.

I was once a House of Assembly member in 2007/2011. I am presently at the House of Assembly Service Commission.

Why politics?

I was born and bred in politics; my late mother was a politician and since my youth, I determined to be a politician; and God gave me the grace to be a politician that people would know worldwide.

What’s your view on the current economic situation?

People are complaining; things have gone

Life&

T E A M

wrong for long and there is an adage that says: Rome was not

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Abimbola Obatayo

built in a day. If a place is destroyed a new foundation is needed to rebuild the house, it would take time. I just want to appeal to people that all these challenges we are encountering now is just for good.

As a female politician, have you ever been looked down upon when airing your views in any political meeting?

Nobody has ever looked down on me; while I was at the assembly, female members don’t act like one because we have 35 males and just five ladies. Right from the entrance of the gate, we turn ourselves to men because what a man can do, a woman can do better as well.

What higher position are you aspiring to in politics?

My intention is to become Amuwo Odofin local government chairman and I believe I will be there by God’s grace and I’m going to soar higher than that; but I don’t count my eggs before it is hatched. I always commit all I want to do into God’s hand because He is the only one that can see tomorrow.

You are a commissioner in the newly constituted Lagos State Assembly Commission, what are your roles and functions?

We are to disengage, engage, discipline

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Daniel Ekiye

and we are career managers. We have four Commissioners and a chairman, and we manage all the staff of the assembly including our staff in the Commission.

How many terms did you serve in the House of the Assembly and what was your impact there?

Whoever goes to the assembly for the first time will be under tutelage for two years.

Someone like me loves to learn and after two years, the person will understand what it takes to be a lawmaker. So the first two years is just as if one is a baby who wants to learn, but others may feel they know better.

You were learning in the first two years, so what were you able to able to come up with in the remaining two years?

I came out to support some of the laws that were passed.

What impact does King Sunny Ade have in your political life?

That’s my husband, my darling; whenever his name is mentioned, I am always happy.

He is a man of honour, a kind man and he is a father that always gives support to the wife and

Continued on L3

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

L3 Interview

‘My intention is to become the Chairman of Amuwo Odofin local government’ Continued from L2

monthly allowance up till date.

children. He gave me a very good support; he made me what I am today.

What is the relationship like between you and the other wives?

We are cordial, as well as the children.

In what sense?

To become an honourable member is not an easy task. About 14 of us came out in 2007 while I was the only one that was chosen, by God’s grace through my husband’s name and the God sent, that is my political father, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu. So I want to say wholeheartedly that my husband is a very supportive husband. He is not just a husband to me, but also a father, brother because whatever I want to do in life, I must tell him. Since I became a politician, he supported me from the onset.

How did you meet?

That was from God because we had a tenant then and this gentleman came to our house, and I was around. I was so happy when I met him. We spoke, and he came with an elderly man who asked him if he likes me and the man told my mother that Sunday is interested in marrying her daughter and I was also eager and that was how the love story started.

What really attracted him to you?

I love him as a person, as well as his music.

You got attracted to him despite knowing that he is married, why is that?

I just like him and was determined to marry him as if God has told me that the future will be ok.

So how has life been with him?

It has been very comfortable, he is a man that one can relate with, very quiet in nature, very helpful human being, and very lovely and caring husband.

How many children do you have for him?

I know I have fruits of the womb.

Memorable experience?

The memorable experience that I have that brings me joy is the day I met Sunny Ade and the day I had my first child and also the day of my inauguration as an House of Assembly member.

Any regrets so far?

No. What is your greatest achievement so far?

So far, I am a commissioner, it’s a great achievement as well, and I am hoping to be the chairman of Amuwo Odofin local government in future.

What steps have you taken so as to ensure you to get the chairmanship?

I will continue with my good works I’m having in my constituency, and if people saidd that they

How do you feel as the wife of a popular musician?

I always feel proud. I want to tell you, worldwide when anybody hears that name, especially in America or London, they love his music over there. Whenever anyone asks for my name, I just tell them that I am King Sunny Ade’s wife and they exclaim “wow” I know him. I always feel very happy. There is no regret in my marriage.

What lesson did you learn from KSA? I learnt a lot from him. He is a very humble human being and he is also very quiet and focused. If you are quiet and focused in life, there is no way you will not get your target; you will definitely make it in life.

How will you describe your love life with KSA? The love I and my husband play, most young couples don’t do such because he is a caring man. Apart from being a polygamist, he is trying. I still collect my

want me there, definitely, I’ll be there.

What’s your social life like?

I am a socialite. If there is any function, I am ready to go there, except if I am not around or I’m at work or not in the country.

How do you relax?

I relax anytime I close from work, I go home to sleep. If there’s nothing to be done anywhere, I just relax at home. I go to bed on time and make sure I have seven hours sound sleep everyday.

As the wife of KSA, we all know he dances and sings as well, do you have any of this?

KSA’S own is a gift from God and also part of his work, something he has been doing for donkey years. And I dance very well, I love music and dancing is also an exercise.

There is no regret in my marriage .... Hon. Risikat Adegeye

Since you can sing, have you thought about singing with him someday?

I will do it someday. His 70th birthday is around the corner and I want to mimic him that day. I already told him that he is going to give me few minutes on that day and I will dress and sing like him.

As a mother, politician and wife, how do you combine all together?

I don’t think it disturbs. Being a mother does not stop me from working and moreover, politics is not an everyday thing. We don’t go for meetings everyday and we don’t go to chamber everyday. Moreso, I don’t have a baby, my last child is 30 years old.

L4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria

Friday, May 27, 2016

L5

Society L6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, May 27, 2016

Abimbola Obatayo

Union Bank rebrands, wins two international awards

Who Wants To Be A Millionaire Introduces new App

...As Project Fame Winner, Jeff cheers crowd After giving back to the society and still having the urge to do more, the most popular and educative quiz programme in Nigeria: Who Wants to be a millionaire (WWTBAM) which is currently in its 13th season recently developed an application that will enable viewers play the

Jeff Emeka Emuwa Union Bank’s new brand identity which was unveiled in October 2015 has won two Gold awards at the Transform Awards MENA 2016 held at the Waldorf Astoria Hotel, Dubai, on May 18, 2016.

Union Bank won the award for ‘Best Brand Development To Reflect Changed Mission/ Vision/Positioning’ beating Abu Dhabi Sports Council, Bank Al Bilad, Gulf Finance, VOX, Bahrain Finance Company and Commercial Bank of Dubai, and ‘Best Visual Identity From The Financial Services Sector’ beating Bank ABC, ADCB, Commercial Bank of Dubai, Gulf Finance and MAF Finance.

Reacting to the awards, Head of Corporate Affairs & Corporate Communication, Ogochukwu Ekezie-Ekaidem, who managed the rebranding exercise for Union Bank said, “To be recognized at the Transform Awards and competing against premier brands across Middle East and Africa is truly a fantastic validation of the hard work that went into the development and execution of our new identity. Our brand identity is a critical piece of Union Bank’s overall transformation and our goal was to depict a more contemporary and energetic institution while maintaining our authenticity and key ele-

ments of the brand heritage.

Chief Executive Officer, Emeka Emuwa said, “Our award winning identity reflects our new proposition to make banking simpler and smarter for our customers.

Following the brand launch, Union Bank has introduced two innovative savings products – UnionKorrect and UnionGoal to the Nigerian market. We have rolled out the new identity in 80 branches across the country, ensuring that our customers are able to bank in a modern and professional environment. We continue to launch new branches every quarter.

“Our technology and banking platform upgrades, along with the transformation of our processes have reduced our transaction processing times by over 20%. The impact of these changes are being felt by our customers and reflected in reputable independent surveys which show a marked improvement in Union Bank’s industry rankings on customer service. We are also attracting new customers to the bank and growing our overall customer base which boosted our deposit book by 12% in 2015,” Mr. Emuwa stressed.

game from the convenience of their home or wherever they are.

The WWTBAM is currently available on Google play store for free and will also be available on Facebook next week. Using the app will not only be for leisure or intellectual gains, as top players will win weekly and monthly cash prizes.

In addition, the app provides another means of getting on the hot seat to win up to Ten Million naira as top weekly and monthly players will be invited to try their luck in fastest fingers first.

In a previous edition where the media was invited, MTN project fame season 8 winner, Jeff Akoh cheered the crowd with his brilliant performances and succulent voice: he sang ‘Never let you go’ and ‘Skip’ which happens to be his latest hit at the moment and the songs are enjoying massive airplay. The sky is the limit for Jeff as the audience in the show were excited and impressed with his performance.

The WWTBAM app is engaging, addictive and intuitive and will deliver game show rewards to deserving players in Nigeria.

Stranger Lagos launches the first Maker Library in Nigeria The first Maker Library in Nigeria is to be launched at Stranger, Lagos on Saturday.

Maker Library is a British Council initiated model that supports the creation of unique networked spaces to allow designers and makers connect with each other and allow them the use of a makespace, a gallery and a library, connected via an online platform.

Stranger, Lagos, which started out as a concept boutique that stocks many alternative international and local fashion designers, will through the grant open up a co-working space for makers living in, or passing through Lagos.

Yegwa Ukpo, Creative Director, Stranger Lagos expressed his excitement at being the pioneer Maker Library in Nigeria saying: “We were inspired to open Stranger, so that we could share our ideas and interests with others. As the first Maker Library in Nigeria, we are thrilled to have this opportunity to work with makers from all over the world to fulfil the global Maker Library Network goals of providing a space where our makers can swap skills, share resources, exchange

ideas and take part in mentoring sessions.

“The Maker Library Network is an initiative which started out in the South Africa, in partnership with Daniel Charny and From Now On in collaboration with the British Council connects designers and makers internationally,” said Ojoma Ochai, Director Arts, British Council Nigeria while presenting the grant.

“We are pleased to be partnering with Stranger, Lagos to impact the creative space because not only will this create more opportunities for creatives and entrepreneurs it will also encourage collaboration.”

The Makespace will be launched on May 28 in Lagos, and we are inviting artists and the people who love their work to be a part of the grand opening. Following the launch in Lagos, House 33, will be opened as the first Abuja Maker Library in June 2016 also supported by the British Council Nigeria.

Maker Library is part of UK/Nigeria 2015– 16, a major season of arts in Nigeria aimed at building new audiences, creating new collaborations and strengthening relationships between the UK and Nigeria.

Why I give out cars to Nollywood actors-Cleric

Prophet Iginla and family

The Senior Pastor of Champions Royal Assembly, Kubwa, Abuja, Joshua Iginla, has explained that he doles out gifts, especially cars to Nollywood actors because many of them are poor but people erroneously think they are rich due to the wealthy roles they play in the movies.

Iginla disclosed this last Sunday during the celebration of his birthday, saying the gifts were his own way of correcting the wrong impression people have about Nollywood actors.

According to him, the fruit of Nollywood artistes is being reaped by pirates and challenged government to do something to arrest it.

“The Nollywood actors and actresses are our ambassadors; they have projected the image of this country positively”, he said.

At the event, the benevolent man of God, gave out 32 cars to selected Nollywood actors and other including and sundry gifts to some less-privileged people. Out of these cars were 16 SUVs.

Iginla also gave out money running into several millions of naira to the aged, widows, orphanages and scholarships to orphans from nursery school to university.

Six Nollywood actors and actresses got Hummer jeep 3 series, Mercedes G-Wagon and Mercedes CLS 550.

They included Prince Jide Kosoko (Jide Babs); Francis Duru, Alex Usifo; Ngozi Osondu; Thelma Nwosu and Sunday Omobolanle, popularly known as Aluwe.

Daily Times Nigeria

Friday, May 27, 2016

L7 Society

Ajibade Alabi

Prince John Ayan Afilusoro releases Great Commendation Talented drummer, Prince John Adamson Oyeyemi (a.k.a Prince John Ayan Afilusoro International) has highlighted the importance of commendation to people and bodies in order for them to contribute their quotas more to the socio-economic and educational development of the country.

He disclosed this while speaking on his maiden album titled The Great Commendation.

Prince John, who uses traditional talking drum to showcase federal government, corporate bodies and well – meaning Nigerians said every individual is endowed with talents and needed to be commended as a motivation for them to do more.

His words: “talking drum is a means of communication and I decided to employ it in another dimension to pass vital messages to Nigerians.

“The composition in the six-track album was also translated into Yoruba language to promote Yoruba tradition and cultural heritage as encouragement to federal government’s determination to the diversity of culture and tourism to boost the nation’s economy”, he

Prince John Ayan added.

The corporate bodies include Nigerian Breweries Plc, Nigerian Bottling Company, Aliko Dangote and GSM service providers in supporting education programs and provision of job opportunities, infrastructural development among others.

The album, which will be launched on June 25th is a demonstration of patriotism and encouragement to corporate bodies, traditional rulers professionals among others in their efforts to make Nigeria a better place

Pastor Sam Adebayo in double celebration

Sam Adebayo

Lagos State based popular Pastor and General Overseer of Sam Adebayo Ministries, Prophet Sam Adebayo is in celebration mood. The man of God weeks back celebrated his birthday and also came up with a programme tagged: “The Company of Prophets” which was held at Cumberland, Hall, Agbado Station Road, Ijaiye-Ojokoro, Lagos.

Speaking on the programme that had many men of God as guest speakers, Prophet Adebayo said: “today marks the fulfillment of God in my life; it is delivering day for people, this programme supposed to come up during my birthday but I was on the mountain, many people turned up and I am very proud, being born again is not the end of the day, there is a vision for your being born again, so you have to fulfill that potential in you.

Edi Kriz Okri bounces back with new “Oshofree” Still basking in his successful track of Oshofree, years back, multi-talented artiste, Edi Kriz Okri is out with his latest single titled: “Chidinma” in a follow up to the Oshofree. Speaking with selected entertainment journalists, the Delta State born artiste said he is not proud to be younger brother to Mike Okri. “I am not proud of him, because he was never a good success to my success; in fact he was not happy that I am where I am today, just like Sir Shina Peters is not happy with Yomi Peters.

He went further to speak about his latest single: “I’m supposed to have released this latest, but for the death of my mother, who passed away recently. But been a talented artiste, I know I will easily adapt to the shock of my mother’s passage”.

Speaking about the title of the album, he said the title has nothing to do with Chidinma as an artiste, but as a woman to love and care for. Its just like in those days when you just pick any African lady name and sing about it. You know when we started as a musician; people like Kenny Ogungbe and Dayo Adeneye were running programmes on radio then, so I am experienced

Edi Kriz Okri as far as music is concerned. In all humility, I did not know the artiste called Chidinma, I just pick on an African woman name, and it happens to be Chidinma”, he concluded adding that by the time you will be reading this story he will be on his way to USA “I should be back before the end of the year for the final burial of my mother which will come up in Delta State, in November, 2016”, he cupped.

Eskay La-la bounces back with new hot single ‘Mizkololo’ Eskay Lala emerged from the cocoon to release his latest work, Mizkololo. Eskay, who released his works under own record label had walked the length and breadth in order to have his hip-hop Fuji music recorded and released.

His first attempt at finding a promoter landed him and his crew with a promoter in Ikeja.

The promoter, Uncle Dammy, the CEO of Alphabet Music had on his list Shanko Rasheed and Omo Olope. Thinking his dream of becoming a recording artist is about to materialise, he was thrown off balance when Uncle Dammy after listening to his music suggested Eskay give the music to one of his artistes to sing. In fact, he asked for permission to give it to either Pasuma or Wale Tekoma.

Although, Uncle Dammy had stylishly linked up Eskay and Wale Tekoma, Eskay refused to give his work to be reproduced

by Wale Tekoma. After all his antics and persuasion failed, Uncle Dammy told Eskay point blank that he cannot promote his music because he is not a known artist. Even though, Eskay media manager pleaded with Uncle Dammy to give them a chance, the door remained shut on his musical case.

His musical career was on permanent suspension; his life hanged in the balance until he was jostled out of his deep mourning. “I relented, I don’t want to do music again”. He set

out again to find another promoter, this time they were introduced to Kennis Music.

They quickly repackage the group adding a female dancer and renamed the group Resurrection Squad.

After they got the attention of head macho, Eskay was advised to be a stand alone artist singing Fuji hip-hop.

With the influence of Mr. Suleiman, he was able to record two of his songs with OJB. Kennis Music played some of his songs and hinted their audience about the new act they will be promoting soon. Alas his efforts also fell by the biblical roadside.

“I waited for about five years for a contract and nothing happened”. He

moved on to join Leo Entertainment in Magbodo.

There, he met Da Grin, who was one of the seven artists Leo Entertainment wanted to sign. “I signed three years with them without releasing even a single after about two years. I kept waiting for them to do something.

Although, they do take me to shows but I never get to release an album. Da Grin actually left me in there. I signed a three years record deal, I spent five years without releasing an album.”

Now Eskay Lala is back with Mizkololo, his new hot single currently running on Radio Stations across the nation is recorded by White Gold Entertainment and Giraffe Multi Media.

Eskay La-la

Nollywood actress knocks other actresses for ‘paying’ for roles Nollywood actress, Rita Edochie has criticised some Nigerian actresses in the industry for “polluting” up and coming actresses by encouraging them to use indecent means to solicit for roles.

Edochie who made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Thursday in Abuja said: “Instead of them going for audition, they will prefer to go to producers rooms; they will be visiting and asking them what can you take?

“That is what they do; most of us can’t even get roles because even elderly actresses do it as well; they pay for the roles that are supposed to be given to good hands.

“If they don’t pay by sleeping with men, they pay with their money; a lot of them from some big cities of the country destroy our industry.

“Simply because they are from oil city like Port Harcourt; you will see some paying N500, 000 even up to N1million just to get a role”, Edochie alleged.

She also blamed some parents for contributing to the problems, saying ”they don’t even ask their children where they get

all these kind of money from.

“They will see their daughters driving cars and will not have the effrontery to ask them how come, because they want their daughters to be celebrities.

“As a mother, I cannot just bring in anything that I am not supposed to bring into my husband’s house, not to talk of my child.

“Those type of actresses are the people abusing our producers; you will see them going from one producer’s room to the other; they should stop it”, she stressed.

On the Children’s Day celebration, Edochie said: “the day is worth celebrating, if it will be used to create awareness on the need to address the abuse of children’s rights, especially sexual abuse”.

Edochie, who spoke on her experience, said although she was sexually abused as child and became pregnant but she did not hide the pregnancy from her mother explaining that the abuse many years ago when she was in primary six was not ordinary as the boy used diabolic means to violate her.

Daily Times Nigeria

Friday May 27, 2016

L8 Mixed Grill

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 today

…features Tiwa Savage and Patoranking

Lip Sync Battle Africa: Funke Akindele goes head-to-head with Joselyn Dumas

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, today, 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!”

On this week’s episode of Lip Sync Battle Africa, popular actresses Joselyn Dumas and Funke Akindele will be putting aside their acting careers as they battle it out in MTV Base’s (DStv channel 322) epic lip syncing competition.

Premiering on MTV Base on Saturday night at 6pm, will be filled with so much energy as the gorgeous “Jenifa” star and the Ghanaian beauty Dumas ignite the stage in their efforts to impress the studio audience.

Commenting on her appearance in the upcoming episode, Funke Akindele remarked, “I’m sure people will be expecting to see a lot of ‘Jenifa’ inspired dance moves, but I have a lot more in store for my fans. I’m going to have fun bringing some real Nigerian flavour to the stage, and showing Joselyn Dumas that Nigerians are not just better at Jollof.”

Ghanaian actress Joselyn Dumas added, “I was highly elated; when I found out I was going to be on Lip Sync Battle Africa and going up against Funke Akindele has proven to be exciting and scary at the same time. We all know how energetic Funke can be.”

Since it started airing on 30 April 2016, Lip Sync Battle has featured epic battles between, Denrele Edun vs. Ebuka ObiUchendu, Flavour vs. Maps Maponyane, Toke Makinwa vs.

Chigurl and Uti vs. Tumisho Masha.

Pearl Thusi hosts Lip Sync Battle Africa and the Koko Master, D’Banj is the colour commentator, offering his hilarious feedback to the show.

Tune in to Episode 5 of Lip Sync Battle Africa on MTV Base (DSTV channel 322) on Saturday 28 May at 6pm to find out who takes home the winner’s belt and the biggest bragging rights on the planet.

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.