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Forgery trial: FG lists 90 YEARS OF 10 Senators against JOURNALISM Saraki, Ekweremadu Ï 9Ɛ & è RƉƑƗƑè G Ɠ è L Ə Ƈ è 6Ƒ ƊƑƕƈè ƇƈƒƆ Ɛ ƆƏ Senators listed as witnesses against accused persons ÏÏÏNo fewer than 10 Senators have been listed as witnesses by the Federal Government in the case of forgery of Senate Standing Rule

preferred against the Senate President, Dr. Olusola Saraki; his Deputy, Senator Ike Ekweremadu; and two Continued on page 6

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016 VOL. 2. NO. 139

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N150

15 States going bankrupt, IGRs below 10% of FAAs

Ï ƄƆè ƌƇ Ə è &ƊƈƐƈè Ə è EƆƄƄƈè j Ə Ƅ è M Ə Ɠ è Ɨ ƌ Ɠ è 1 ƌƄƆè Cƈ Ɠ è Ƒƅ ƈè 9ƌ è E Ɛ ƈ è Mƈ ƆƏ Ɨ d Ɗ Ɛ ƇƇƆƅƐƆƗ Ï `Ɔƍ ƏƐ ƈ Ɨƈƅ ƐƆ G Ɔ ƆƏ ƐƆ ƌ ƏƆ 91` Ɛ Ƣƾ Ɛ ƐƆ ƅ ƌƄƈ ƆƗì `ƈƒƆƏ è #ƆƋƐ è R Ƒ Ɨ &Ɨ ƒƆ Ɨ ƈ ƐƆƏ Ƌ ƏƆƒƆ ƑƆ Segun Adio

ÏÏÏFifteen states of the federation are on the

verge of bankruptcy, an analysis of their Internally Generated Revenues (IGRs) against their Federation Account Allocations (FAAs)

has indicated.

The analysis, made by an economic intelligence magazine, show that the IGRs of the said 15 states in 2015 were far below 10% of their FAAs in twelve months, from June 2015 to May 2016, which signifies one year of Presi-

dent Muhammadu Buhari’s administration.

According to the analysis by the magazine, Economic Confidential, the IGR of Lagos State of N268bn is higher than that of 32 States combined together, excluding Rivers, Delta and Ogun States whose IGRs are very impressive.

The 32 other states merely generated a total of N257bn in 2015.

The latest report on IGR reveals that only Lagos State generated more revenue than its Continued on page 6

CHANGE READY TO TAKE-OFF: Gé`ë ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛ LƑ ƌƌ ƗƑ Ƒ Əƈì Ƅ ƅ ƈƏ # ƒƈƗ G Ɠ Ƌì Ƒ ƈƗƆ ƐƈƇƈƆƗ ƈƗƆ Ɨ ƈƏƌ Ƈ ƋƋ ^Ə ƏƆ ƈƒƆ ƏƆ æ ^ çè ƈƆƇ C RƗƈ ƈƆéRƕƆ Ƒ ƈ ƈƏƅƏ ƇƐ ƗƑƏƈ Ɛ Ɔ ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛƈ Ƌ ƅ ƌƍ ƈ ƒƆƏ ƕƆ Ə ê Ƒ Əƈ ƅ ƌƍ ƈ ƆƗ Ƒ ƈ Ɛ Ɔ ó Ɔô ƌ ƐƏ ê R Ɔ ƕƆ Ə ƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƗƗƋƆè Ɨ Ɛ Ɔ Ɨƌƈ ƈ ƐƏ Ɛƈ ƄƆ ƈ ƈƌƍƋƆƌƆ Ɛ Ɛƈ Ƈ ƈƐ ƇƈƏ Ɛ ƑƗ ƆƐè ƈƐ ƅƆƏƐ ƈ Ƌƕ Ƌ Ɗ ƋƈƊƆ Ɛ Ɔ ó Ɔô ƈ Ƅ ƑƐ Ɛ Ɛ ƊƆé ƇƇê PHOTO: Olu Jinadu

Doctors Without Borders discovers thousands of graves in Borno IDPs camp 6

Afenifere raises the alarm over alleged plot seize, distablise Yorubaland 12

NSE QUICK BITE

GAINERS AS AT 24th June, 2016 GLAXOSMITH

22.12

2.05

10.21%

FIDSON

2.22

0.20

9.90%

LOSERS FCMB

1.68

-0.09

-5.08%

ETERNA

2.87

-0.15

-4.97%

NNPC’s $39.5m annual pipelines protection contract led to more oil theft – Report

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

Page Three

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PHOTO TIMES

Editorial Expectations from new IGP

W

ith the appointment of Mr. Ibrahim Idris as the Acting Inspector General of Police (IGP), Nigerians are now looking forward to a new and positive image for the Nigeria Police Force. It is a fact that most Nigerians see the organisation as nothing more than a cesspool of sleaze, corruption and incompetence. Nothing best describes the attitude of many Nigerians towards the police as cold, repugnant and contemptuous. Any impartial survey would rank the police at the bottom rung of those institutions that command respect among Nigerians.

Reasons for such negative disposition are not far to see.

For long, the Nigeria Police have through methodical brutality and disregard for human rights become the public enemy rather than a friend.

Today, not a few Nigerians see them as armed thugs who are willing to shoot and kill innocent citizens at the slightest provocation. Matters are not helped by the fact that the organisation is now seen as part of the security challenges facing the country. Every day brings embarrassing news of police personnel either getting involved in armed robberies or aiding and abetting criminal activities across the country.

Nothing best depicts the decay in the organisation than the personnel recruitment methods and their barracks. One would forever wonder if there are any universal standards for recruiting their personnel. More galling is that most of the police personnel live in very squalid and fetid environments. It is indeed disheartening that majority of police barracks are dilapidated and in need of rehabilitation. More pitiable is that many of the officers pay for their service uniforms, which normally should be provided by

the Federal Government.

That is why many of them look scrubby, scruffy and unkempt because of abandonment by the country they are serving.

How then does one expect them to perform their duties with the utmost dedication and professionalism? It is not unusual for the officers to demand bribes from complainants before coming to their assistance. The low stipends that are paid as salaries have been blamed for the never-ending shenanigans pervading the institution. To make ends meet, many of the officers now work as private security personnel to some wealthy Nigerians, while some mount illegal roadblocks to extort money from motorists and other road users.

That is why the assignment before Mr. Ibrahim Idris is not only arduous and tasking, he is also saddled with the unenviable task of restoring the battered image of the organisation before an increasingly sceptic citizenry.

There is no doubt that there is morale deficit within the force.

Most of all, Mr. Idris must look for funds to recreate a new police force that will be a show piece in the 21st century. It bears repeating that police is a professional job and as such, it should be given a professional touch and consideration in all ramifications.

Nevertheless, training and recruitment of qualified personnel is indeed necessary for achieving effective policing in Nigeria. When qualified personnel are recruited, there is the guarantee that they would achieve the desired result.

There are no misgivings that equipping the Nigeria Police would be the starting point for boosting the morale of the personnel for effective service delivery. We have no doubt that the new Acting IGP is equal to the task.

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Former Vice-President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar (4th left); National President, Ohanaeze Ndigbo Youth Council, Mazi Okechukwu Isiguzoro (3rd left) and others during a courtesy visit to Abubakar in Abuja… on Sunday.

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Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko (2nd right) monitoring on-going continuous voters registration exercise at Ward 7 at St. Patrick Primary School, Ondo State… at the weekend.

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Muhammad Ali

Matthew Ashimolowo

Mother Teresa

“Don’t count the days; make the days count.”

‘You never increase in anything you resent”.

“Be faithful in small things because it is in them that your strength lies”.

4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

5 News

News Analysis Leadership of BREXIT and the new Union Fidelis Anosike

ÏÏÏBritish Prime Minister, Da-

vid Cameron, has both by design or accident and in unambiguous manner redefined Democracy government of the people by the people and for the people.

In his redefinition, he remained very assertive on the need for leaders to always listen to their people. Cameron action also brings to mind the African proverb that what an old man sees sitting, a young man can’t see standing.

In spite of the outcry, outburst, panic, and resentment against Great Britain following the result of recent BREXIT vote, Britons only reminded the rest of the world that they are leaders and would remain so in all spheres of international polity.

The British people used the BREXIT referendum to reinforce their courage, focus and savvy in international diplomacy.

Outside the outcry that cocoon the silent import of the British referendum, Britain quietly demonstrated their capacity and ability to alter world order.

Unlike colonisation, creation

America and Britain’s role in leveraging what is today referred to as Europe, the outcome of BREXIT once again demonstrated Great Britain’s deep understanding of how to balance heritage and civilisation in a highly dynamic world.

Contrary to other opinions, most Britons through BREXIT categorically stated that at perilous times, political leaders must exhibit the courage to accept and take non-popular decisions needed to pull back the world from imminent collapse.

The outcome of BREXIT referendum contrary to other views deserves serious applaud and provided the rest of the world an insight into an emerging new world order.

Seriously, Africa and its leaders need to understudy Cameron selflessness and inclusive politics to sustain and facilitate the change in the world.

In Nigeria, BREXIT speaks to President Muhammadu Buhari’s approach to the Nigerian developmental challenges and calls for an overhaul of years of socio-economic intercourse with ECOWAS. In Nigeria, we must think global but act local.

Overall, BREXIT is a big welcome wake-up call from the world, especially the emerging economies.

Cameron

C’River: Abducted Macmahon workers released

Edem Edem Calabar

ÏÏÏThe seven workers of Mac-

mahon Holdings Limited abducted by suspected kidnappers have been released. The workers were abducted near the operations base of the company in Calabar, last Wednesday.

Investigations revealed that five of the men were injured while two among them, seriously ill, were said to be receiving attention from a team of medical specialists. The two uninjured men are also undergoing medical assessment. “Arrangements have been made for the men’s safe return to their families, once they receive medical clearance to travel” a source hinted.

In a press release made available to our correspondent, General Manager, Investor Relations & Communications, Sy van Dyk said, “Macmahon CEO, Chris-

tian Sealey, the company commended the men for the courage they displayed throughout the ordeal.

“Our men have been through a traumatic experience, and we have mobilised medical and other support teams in Nigeria to provide immediate support.

“I also thank the men’s families for working so closely with the company during what has been an extremely difficult time for them as well. They too have endured an incredibly stressful experience. The families have all been informed of the successful release of the men and have had the opportunity to speak to their loved ones.

“Our team has worked around the clock in locations around the world to bring them home and I am so proud of the dedicated and professional work they have done. While we are relieved to be able to reunite the seven men with their loved ones, we are

deeply saddened by the loss of the local driver Matthew Odok, who was fatally injured during the initial incident.” van Dyk praised the efforts of the Nigerian authorities which have worked closely with the company throughout the incident. “We are very grateful for the professional support we have received from the authorities on the ground in Nigeria. The assistance of local and federal agencies has been invaluable.”

He also praised the efforts of the Australian, New Zealand and South African authorities and the company’s security advisors who have supported Macmahon’s crisis management team since the men’s abduction on Wednesday. “This has been an incredible team effort and our highest priority now is to finish the job by continuing to work together to get our people back safely to their families and homes” he added.

Gov. Fayose can’t be prosecuted, but investigated‚— Lawyer Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏ A legal practitioner, Bar-

rister Lawrence Anyia, has said that Governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose can be investigated by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), but cannot be prosecuted.

Anyia said the act that established the EFCC gave the com-

mission powers to investigate and froze the account of public office holders that enjoys immunity, except that they cannot be prosecuted until after the expiration of their tenure in office.

Interacting with our correspondent in Jos, Barr. Anyia said that EFCC, by the powers enabling its operation can investigate Fayose but cannot press criminal proceedings against him, because of the immunity

clause as stipulated by section 308 of the Nigeria constitution.

According to him, “in the process of investigation, the EFCC is enabled by the act, to obtain an ex-parte court order to freeze the bank account of the said public office holder irrespective of his immunity, for the purposes of preserving the money, pending the conclusion of the investigation”, he said.

He said the immunity only

stops the EFCC from filling criminal proceedings against Gov. Fayose, as interpreted by section 308 of the Nigeria’s constitution, which interprets thus, “no criminal proceedings shall be instituted against the person holding the office of the President, the Vice President, the Governor and the Deputy Governor.”

He, however, did not dismiss the insinuation that Fayose is being witch hunted because of his

vocal nature, saying that the President Buhari engineered fight against corruption is only out to fight those in the opposition.

In the case of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki and the Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, Barr. Anyia wondered if the allegation against them is correct, explaining that their emergence as principal officers was frowned by the presidency from onset.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

15 States going bankrupt, IGRs below 10% of FAAs Continued from page 1 allocation from the Federation Account by 150% and no any other state has up to 100% of IGR to the federal largese.

The IGR of the 36 states of the federation totalled N682.67 billion in 2015 as compared to N707.85 billion in 2014, a drop of N25.18 billion or a minus 3.56 percent.

The report provides shocking discovery that indicates that 15 states may go bankrupt and may not stay afloat outside the Federal Account Allocation due to lack of foresight in revenue generation drive coupled with arm-chair governance.

The states that may not survive without the Federation Account due to poor internal revenues include Yobe which generated meagre N2.2b compared to a total of N57.4bn it re-

ceived from the Federation Account Allocation (FAA) from June 2015 to May 2016 representing about 3.9%.

Others are: Zamfara with IGR of N2.7bn compared to FAA of N56.6bn representing 4.8%; Ekiti N3.2bn compared to FAA of N50.460bn representing 6.5%; Borno with N3.5bn compared to N78.7bn of FAA representing 4.5% and Kebbi with IGR of N3.5bn compared to N64.8bn of FAA representing 5.5% within the period under review.

Others poor internal revenue earners are Taraba which generated N4.1bn compared to FAA of N56bn representing 6.4%; Nassarawa N4.4bn compared to FAA of N50.5bn representing 8.5%; Adamawa N4.4bn compared to FAA of N62.2bn representing 7.1%; Gombe N4.7bn compared to FAA of N49.8bn representing 9.6%; Jigawa N5bn

compared to FAA of N73bn representing 7%; Bauchi N5.3bn compared to FAA of N72.6bn representing 7.4%; Imo N5.4bn compared to FAA of N71.6bn representing 7.6%; Katsina N5.7bn compared to FAA of N88.8bn representing 6.5 %; Niger N5.9bn compared to FAA of N74.8bn representing 8% and Sokoto N6.2bn compared to FAA of N69.7bn representing 8.9%.

Meanwhile Lagos State retains its number one position in IGR with a total revenue generation of N268.22bn in the twelve months of last year. It is followed by Rivers State N82.10bn, Delta State N40.80bn, Ogun State N34.59bn and Edo state N19.11bn.

However, these five states look good to be on top of the current economic challenges. They are: Enugu, Oyo, Anambra, Akwa Ibom

and Kano with N18.08bn, N15.66bn, N14.793bn, N14.791bn, and N13.611 bn respectively.

The Economic Confidential report further showed that the richest northern state is Kano which is the only state from the North to be among the 10 highest IGR earners while the rest are Southern States.

The poorest southern State is Ekiti which is the only state from the South to be among the 10 lowest IGR earners while the rest in the category and bottom of the ladder are Northern States.

The report submitted that the IGRs of the respective states could be improve through aggressive diversification of the economy to productive sectors rather than relying on the monthly Federation Account revenue that largely come from the oil sector.

Doctors Without Borders discovers thousands of graves in Borno IDPs camp ÏÏÏAn

international medical humanitarian organisation, Médecins Sans Frontières (MSF) also known as Doctors without Borders has discovered thousands of graves at the Internally Displaced Camp (IDP) in Bama, Borno State.

The discovery, MSF said in a release, came to light after it visited the area. The agency said on their inspection, they found about 1,233 graves, 480 of which contain children, located near the IDP camp.

The MSF Head of Mission in Nigeria, Ghada Hatim, said: “For several hours on June 21, an MSF medical team was able to access the town of Bama in north-eastern Nigeria, where 24,000 people, including 15,000 children (among them, 4,500 under five years of age) are sheltered in a camp located on a hospital compound.

During those few hours, the MSF medical team discovered a health crisis — referring 16 severely malnourished children at immediate risk of death to the MSF inpatient therapeutic feeding centre in Maiduguri.

Continued on page 12

I was under quarantine during Kuje jail break – Okah Chief Executive Officer, Red Star Plc., Sola Obabori (left), and former Managing Director of Fidelity Bank, Reginald Ihejiahi during the Deloitte C-Suite engagement and cocktail in Lagos… at the weekend.

Forgery trial: FG lists 10 Senators against Saraki, others Continued from page 1 others.

The forgery trial is scheduled to begin today in Abuja with the expected arraignment of Saraki, Ekweremadu, as well as a former Clerk of the National Assembly, Alhaji Salisu Abubakar Maikasuwa and his deputy, Mr. Benedict Efeturi before Justice Haliru Yusuf at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Jabi.

The arraignment was shifted till today after an attempt last Tuesday was aborted as the accused persons were not in court.

The judge had then, at the request of the prosecution counsel, ordered that the court summons be by substituted service and pasted on the No-

tice Board of the National Assembly.

This was complied with same day by the federal government.

The accused persons are to be arraigned on two-count criminal charges for alleged forgery of ‘Senate standing Rule 2015’ with which the two principal Senate officials were elected in June, last year.

However, the Senate has kicked against the planned arraignment, accusing the federal government of seeking to force a change of leadership in the upper chamber of the National Assembly, and warning that this was against the principles of separation of powers between the various arms of government.

The federal government had last week insisted on going ahead with the arraignment of the accused per-

Saraki sons.

A document obtained by our reporter from the court revealed that ten senators and two others have

been lined up to testify and prove the forgery case against Saraki and the others.

According to the court document, the Senators to testify against the Senate President, his deputy and the others are: Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi, Senator Ita Enang, Senator Solomon Ewuga, Dr. Ogozy Nma, Adem J, Senator Ahmed L. Lawan and Senator Abdullahi A. Gumel.

Others are Senator Kabiru Garba Marafa, Senator Gbenga Ashafa, Senator Robert Boroffice, Senator Abu Ibrahim and Senator Ojudu Babafemi.

The document also revealed that all the witnesses lined up have already given a written statements during investigation.

ÏÏÏSuspected

mastermind of the 2010 Independence Day bombings, Charles Okah, who was rumoured on Saturday to have escaped from Kuje prison on Friday evening, on Sunday, said he was receiving treatment isolation for suspected Lassa fever infection at the time of his alleged escape.

Speaking through his lawyers, First Law Solicitors, Okah, who is standing trial for allegedly masterminding the 2010 Independence Day bombings, said he would never be involved in any prison break, as he is confident of “triumphantly walking out of the Kuje Prison gates as a free and vindicated man”.

“We are Solicitors to CHARLES TONBRA OKAH (whom we shall hereinafter, refer to as “our client”),” read the statement, signed

by Timipa Jenkins Okponipere.

“Our client has instructed us to notify the general public that he Continued on page 12

7 News

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

Govs, monarchs, stakeholders meeting to resolve N’ Delta agitation -Gov Dickson Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÎÎÎGovernor of

Bayelsa State, Dr. Seriake Dickson, has disclosed that governors, traditional rulers, security agencies, as well all other stakeholders and leaders have started doing the needful to ensure peace in the country over the agitation of the Niger Delta militants.

He has also advised both the Federal Government and the rampaging

militants of the Niger Delta region to embrace peace and dialogue.

The governor gave the advice, at the weekend, during the 21st convocation of Ekiti State University (EKSU), where he was garlanded with the institution’s Doctorate Degree in Public Administration in recognition of his exemplary leadership as a representative of his people at the federal legislative body and governor.

The event held at the main audito-

rium of the institution in Ado-Ekiti, Ekiti State. Dickson received the honour – alongside the Chancellor of the University and monarch of Aramoko-Ekiti, Oba Abdul Azeez Olu Adegoke Adeyemi, and the Ekiti State born legal luminary, banker and oil and gas magnate, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode, while a total of 18,685 candidates received the institution’s Degrees, Diplomas and Post-graduate Diplomas.

Militants, under the aegis of the

Niger Delta Avengers, have declared war on the federal government, destroying national assets and causing huge financial losses running to billions of Naira, over resource control among others, while the FG has considered a military option of hunting down the militants.

But Dickson who, condemned the development, urging the parties to come to a round table and dialogue for peace and stability said, that “The way forward is not war, war. It

is jaw jaw. The way forward is peace and dialogue, it is consensus building and that is what some of us are in support of; we are not in support of violence.

“We are not in support brigandage. We are not in support of destruction of strategic national assets and killings. We know there is an issue and this issue can only be addressed when all stakeholders work together for unity, peace, prosperity and stability and progress for our country.”

Osinbajo’s wife urges wealthy Nigerians to empower more women Val Okara, Owerri

ÎÎÎWife

A tourist (right) performing with other drummers at the just concluded Ogidi-Ela Art and Cultural Festival in Kogi State… on Sunday.

African nations to work together on transition to digital broadcasting – Minister

ÎÎÎAfrican

nations have agreed to work together in their quest to successfully transit from Analogue to Digital broadcasting, the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said.

Speaking at the 6th African Digital TV Development Seminar in Beijing, China, on Thursday, he said that the decision to engage in shared- experiences and synergy, on a continental level, was reached by the African Ministers in charge of Information and Communication, who attended the 3rd Forum on China-Africa Media Co-operation also in Beijing, which preceded the Seminar.

FG to restructure ‘Project Act Nollywood’ with N3bn grant Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe Federal Government

is organising a workshop for stakeholders aimed at restructuring and reinvigorating Project ACT Nollywood, the N3billion grant programme established by the federal government to solve the main challenges impeding the growth of the Nigerian movie industry.

The workshop, which is scheduled for Friday, July 1, 2016, would be attended by key stakeholders in the Nigerian Film industry, such as the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, the leadership of Nollywood, the Actors Guild, Film and Videos Censors Board, The Ni-

Adeosun gerian Film Corporation and The Nigerian Copyright Commission.

The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, the Convener of the workshop, in a statement made available to the Daily Times by the Direc-

tor of Press, Salisu Na’inna Dambatta, stated that the ideas discussed during the workshop would be a part of the input for restructuring the project to ensure its sustainability.

Adeosun explained that,

so far, the Project ACT Nollywood had implemented specialist training programmes in Nigeria and abroad in which 247 practitioners had been trained to improve their technical and professional capacities in the entertainment industry.

“Similarly, 113 film projects, employing 2,436 people, have been co-financed through grants from the fund at the cost of N799 million, while the Innovative Film Distribution Programme has been designed to support viable solutions in film distribution and the prevention of piracy. The World Bank has estimated that for each copy of a Nigerian film sold, nine pirated copies are sold,” she added.

of the Vice-President, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo, has charged wealthy Nigerians to embark upon women empowerment, in order to reduce the level of poverty and crime rate in the society.

She made the remark while speaking at the graduation of more than 800 Imo people who were trained to acquire various skills by the Mrs. Osinbajo Pet Project, “PROJECT AYODELE” at the Imo State International Convention Centre, Owerri, stressing that empowering those who needed empowerment in the society would definitely reduce poverty and crime.

She said that “the Foundation PROJECT AYODELE was set up in memory of my mother, who died four years ago. So, this foundation is an honour to her memory.

Training people on skills that can be turned speedily into cash was a move to empower our people and stop poverty and crime in the nation.”

Mrs. Osinbajo

8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

Politics

Godwin Obaseki

Why Edo APC guber primaries may be annulled — Bamidele

s Tom Okpe, Abuja Chairman of the Appeal Committee for the Edo State All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship primary election, Honorable Opeyemi Bamidele has given an indication that the Edo State APC Governorship Primaries may be cancelled but if it becomes necessary to do so.

Bamidele’s committee was billed to submit the outcome of its assignment on Friday, 24th June, 2016, but could not do so, because

of what he described as weighty allegation before it challenging the integrity of the electoral process of the election conducted by the Kastina State Governor, Bello Masari-led committee.

Speaking to newsmen at a press briefing held at the party’s National Secretariat Abuja, Bamidele said: “Gentlemen of the Press, on behalf of this committee, I want to assure all of you, canceling this primaries is not something we are going to blink an eye if it becomes so necessary

based on our findings, not only our findings as laymen, but also on findings based on expertise that has been placed at the disposal of our committee; we are inviting those who are experts in forensic analysis to also look into some of these issues, because it is either it is not true or it is true”.

He said: “It is not about the number of petitioners we have, just two out of 12, but it is about the issues raised, a lot of the issues are very weighty, very sensiCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

800 days of Chibok Girls: French schools now involved in Advocacy After over 800 days since the abduction of the over 200 girls from Girls Secondary School in Chibok, Borno State, advocacy for the release of the girls has gotten the backing of secondary schools in France.

This is coming as the Bring Back Our Girls Movement which is marking the 800 days of the girls in captivity called on President Muhammadu Buhari to direct the military to provide a progress report to the nation on their effort.

In a statement at the weekend, Huguette Chomski Magnis, Secretary General, Mouvement Pour la Paix et Contre le Terrorisme in France assured the BBG that the organisation is totally supporting the Chibok Coalition in all its efforts to free the girls.

Besides, she assured that; “We now want to involve French secondary schools in advocacy for the Chibok girls and have received the support of French Minister of Education, Ms Najat Vallaud Belkacem and asked to be kept

NNAMDI AZIKIWE

There is plenty of room at the top because very few people care to travel beyond the average route. And so most of us seem satisfied to remain within the confines of mediocrity.

abreast of events as they unfold.

However, in a statement by Aisha Yesufu, Oby Ezekwesili, BBG lamented that more than one “month since Ms. Ali was rescued and her avowed restoration process by the Federal Government as pledged by the President began”, the Movement has a number of concerns regarding Amina Ali as well as the rest of the ChibokGirls still in terrorist enclave.

It called on the Federal Government to transparently share with the public the programme of recovery being implemented for Amina Ali, asserting that one month after the promises were made, government should share what specific programme is ongoing for Amina, her child and her mother’s wellbeing, stressing: “extremely important to us are what plans have been made for her eventual return to complete her education”.

The movement wanted to know the status of Mohammed Hayyatu, who was found with her dur-

TONY ELUMELU Nobody is going to develop Africa except us.

HOLLANDE

French President

TAFAWA BALEWA

ADEKUNLE AJASIN

We must recognize our diversity and the peculiar conditions under which the different tribal communities live in this country.

“Our Federalism is upside down. We are not practicing Federalism in Nigeria.”

ing her rescue restating that he must be charged and prosecuted for the criminal act of abduction and rape that resulted in Amina’s pregnancy and child bearing., adding that the secrecy attendant to the measures being taken to ensure appropriate punishment for his criminality does not bode well for building public trust in the Federal Government.

Speaking of relapse into bureaucratic inertia in the vigorous effort needed to rescue the remaining 218 school girls, the group expressed extreme disappointment with the evident lull in rescue actions and lack of any progress report, saying neither the President, the FG nor the military have offered any progress report and wondered whether there was still any active operation mounted to rescue the 218 Chibok Girls. They called on the President to direct the military to provide a progress report to the nation on their effort.

The group which vowed not to cease to remind the Federal GovCONTINUED ON PAGE 9

GEN. HARUNA IBRAHIM, EX AREWA BOSS

“The country Nigeria started from being divided. We are never one. It was the process of history that brought us together. The British did not meet us as one country. The country Nigeria started from being divided.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

9 Politics

Chibok Girls: French schools now involved in Advocacy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

ernment of its constitutional duty to rescue our ChibokGirls and all similarly abducted citizens of Nigeria hoped that within the next one month, Mr. President and his administration will have results of a reinvigorated rescue mission in the rescue of all of them, stressing: “Our Movement will continue to demand a committed, strong, consistent, sustained and effective operation”, warning: “We may be compelled to demand for a meeting in the coming weeks to press our demand further.

Reminding the Federal and Borno State Governments that the Chibok Community has made numerous demands for closed schools in their community to be reopened after more than two years of shutdown, the group it is

puzzled as to what has stalled the rebuilding and reopening of the school and advised the Federal and Borno State Governments to be accountable and responsive by engaging Chibok community to resolve these matters peaceably.

The Movement also called for the release of the Major General Mohammed Sabo Fact-Finding Committee Report of 2014 into the abduction of Chibok School Girls submitted to the former administration as well as details of the new investigation into the abduction of the girls that National Security Adviser announced to the public in January, 2016 at the approval and instance of President Buhari.

On IDPs, the Movement said it was appalled at the news coming out of the Internally Displaced

Buhari

Planned strike in Kogi, a sabotage

Bello

As the workers in Kogi State prepare to commence a strike action today, the state government has described the action as sabotage.

The State Government in a reaction to Bulletin 8 of the state branch of NLC/TUC, directing Civil Servants to commence strike action with effect from to-

day, said considering the fact that payment of arrears of salaries commenced two weeks ago there was no reason for the action now.

According to a statement by Hon. Mohammed Awwal Imam, state Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism 48 MDAs out of the total 55 MDAs have been paid; 7 MDAs are yet

People’s camps in the North East wondering whether the Federal Government was aware of reports of pillaging and diversion of relief materials and the deaths of IDPs from hunger despite the huge sums of money allegedly budgeted for their wellbeing and asked what actions the Federal government and state government were taking to end the despicable and criminal neglect of these our long suffering citizens by criminally minded officials responsible for their wellbeing?

The Movement saluted and expressed gratitude to the gallant troops from all the armed forces and security establishment who continue in patriotic service to bring insurgency to an end and to secure the territorial integrity of the Nigerian country and people.

to be paid because the correct grade levels of the workers are being verified, adding that salary variations were received from many MDAs for the month of February to April 2016 with 14 Local Government Areas giving correct information already paid, while work is in advance stage for the payment of both Local Government Areas and State Pensioners.

The government noted that the patience Kogi State workers have endured and should not be thrown away by accepting the strike action, adding however that the action will truncate the ongoing efforts of payment of remaining 7 MDAs, LGAs, and Pensioners.

The government assured that it has the best interest of the State Civil Servants and the entire Kogi State at heart as the Screening Exercise, which is the main cause of delay in the payments of salaries, is being carried out “in order to eliminate the deep rot we have within the civil service. Those behind the proposed strike action may be those benefitting from the series of illegal salary payment in the past that has crippled the State.

I assure you that Government is working round the clock to ensure that the remaining civil servant are paid within the coming days.

“I wish to state categorically that His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the Executive Governor of Kogi State, remains committed to the general wellbeing of

all Kogi State indigenes, which include the Civil Servants, and ever prepared to weed out ghost workers from the State, with a view to allow workers get paid as at when due”, the government stressed.

The government also pleaded with the Academic Staff Union of the university to return to their classrooms as the ASUU strike affects not just the psyche of the student, but also causes further stress to the parents and ultimately tarnishes the reputation of our great State and reminded them that ASUU were the first to be paid even when Government could assess only 40% of the bailout funds requested.

“We should all remain focused on the prize and remind ourselves that the screening exercise will create a lot of savings for the state. The money saved will be used in the prompt and complete payments of the genuine civil servants and also assist in the critical developmental areas identified by His Excellency.

These include the creation of world class public model schools, health institutions, development of small and medium enterprises and also rapid rural infrastructural development.

“Civil servants should think deep and join forces with the Government in order to develop our dear State. His Excellency implores you all to disregard falsehoods from persons trying to hinder the development of the State for their personal and other reasons”, the commissioner said and enjoined all genuine Civil Servants in the State to go about their normal work schedule.

Group chides Fayose over Aisha Buhari Tom Okpe, Abuja

Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose has been lampooned by a Northern group, Northern Alternative Forum (NAF), for what they described as deliberately dragging the name of the wife of the President, Aisha Buhari into a needless controversy arising from the prosecution of American Congressman, William Jefferson over corruption and bribery in Nigeria.

Chairman of the Forum, Alhaji Gidado Ibrahim explained that Fayose is on a wild goose chase to divert attention from the allegation of widespread corruption leveled against him by the EFCC. His words: “For Fayose to link the wife of the president to the corruption trial of Congressman Jefferson or any imposter called Aisha Buhari is a huge joke taken too far to say the least”.

He said the governor has formed the habit of casting aspersions and spreading falsehood against the president and his government saying what has become of Ekiti after Fayose took over was a huge embarrassment and disgrace to the highly urbane and educated people of the state.

Ibrahim also urged the media to always cross-check any information given by Fayose in order to guard against embarrassment as the governor is fond of churning out lies and deceit as always.

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

How Tinubu saved my career, by outgoing Lagos Assembly clerk, Ganiyu Abiru Alade Tasma For the out-going Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr. Ganiyu Olusegun Abiru, his entrance into the civil service could be described as accidental as his original plan was to travel to the United States of America after studying History at the University of Lagos.

But his sister bought a form for a civil service job in the Lagos State Civil Service on his behalf and behold, the civil service job however, turned out the making of his destiny.

Abiru had a meritorious service in the employment of Lagos State from which he would finally bow out as he turns 60 years in August 2016.

Speaking at a special interactive session, Abiru took journalists into his world as a civil servant where he recounted his memorable moments in the service chief among was how the national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Asiwaju Bola Tinubu who was then the governor of the state came to his rescue and saved his career over an unfortunate issue that caused an embarrassment to the state in 2003.

“I started by working in the Governor’s office, when I joined the civil service in 1983 under former Governor Lateef Kayode Jakande. I later worked with several agencies and departments such as the Agricultural Development Project, Ministry

ABIRU

Out-going Clerk of the Lagos State House of Assembly

of Agriculture, the Civil Service Commission, Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board amongst others.

“The kind of trainings we had as civil servants back then are no longer there, but I introduced some of those trainings in the Lagos State House of Assembly. As a civil servant back then, your letters must be errors free and your

minutes must be perfect. But now, nobody is mentoring anybody and there is no coaching in the service anymore.

“However, in LSHA and as a policy, we attach junior officials to officers on Grade level 13 upwards for mentoring. Many of the current civil servants don’t know the rules of the service. But our staff-

ers here are knowledgeable based on the exposure we have given to them,” he said.

Abiru stressed that some civil servants place much emphasis on money, but that he always made them realise that if they were good, people would search for them. According to him, he did not travel out of the country on the bill of the government until he got to level 15 adding that it was unlike now, when workers on level 8 or 9 want to be sponsored abroad by the government at all cost. Abiru recalled an unfortunate incident that almost brought his career as a civil servant to an abrupt end in 2003 but for the then governor, Tinubu’s compassion but he was able to survive the matter and also learned from it.

According to him, as the secretary of the Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board, he trusted and over relied on one of his subordinates when the board was preparing for the airlifting of would-be pilgrims. It however, turned out that the pilgrims could not be airlifted and this caused the state a big embarrassment while I got all the blames as the administrative head of the board. Different panels were set up of which I appeared and when it seemed the end has come, Governor Tinubu eventually came to my rescue on compassionate ground and asked me to go and “sin no more”.

Assessing the Lagos State House of Assembly, where he was posted in 2008 as the Director of Finance and Administration

(DFA), Abiru said the Assembly is unique and the lawmakers could not afford not to perform considering the cosmopolitan nature of the state. He however, affirmed the number one position of the House among the 36 Houses of assembly in Nigeria.

“The Assembly cannot afford to be backward in the scheme of things. I have travelled far and wide, but no other House of assembly has done what we have done here. Other Houses of Assembly come here for advice and guidance.

“However, one of the problems we have in the country is the rate at which we change our lawmakers. Under the military government, the legislature suffered a lot as they got suspended while the executive and the judiciary continued to exist and working.

It’s worthy to note that the legislative arm of government is just evolving. But despite that, people don’t understand the work of the legislators. I agreed that returning a legislator to office after four years under democratic system is not automatic, but considering the turnover of lawmakers in the Lagos Assembly for instance, it’s very low and has its negative consequence” he said.

Abiru who said it was very unfortunate that only 20 out of 40 members were re-elected into the House at the 2015 general elections, warned that the electorate should not see the assembly as a place for sharing the national cake.

PDP crisis: I have nothing to hide, Makarfi replies Sheriff Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja The National Caretaker Committee of the crisis ridden Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday declared that it has nothing to hide in its determination to rebuild the party after the exist of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff as National Chairman.

The Committee made the declaration in a statement issued by its spokesperson, Prince Dayo Adeyeye in Abuja.

The declaration was in reaction to the allegation by the former National Chairman, Senator Sheriff that the caretaker committee chairman and secretary were holding meetings with an unnamed chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and have reserved the PDP 2019

presidential ticket for him.

The committee also said it was willing to receive any individual or group irrespective of his/ their political dispositions for as long as it is in the interest of PDP. The committee observed that since the removal of Sheriff, most founding members of the party who had left are returning to PDP. It said, “It is also a fact that as soon as Senator Ali Modu Sheriff was appointed as Chairman, many founding members of the party left it.

“On the other hand, as soon as the National Caretaker Committee was appointed, people started retracing their steps back to the party,” the statement added.

It accused Sheriff of spreading falsehood, recalling that barely

Makarfi

two weeks ago the former chairman alleged that Senator Ahmed Makarfi was only pursuing a presidential ambition and not concerned about the job given the committee by the national convention.

The statement further recalled that one of the problems that led to the removal of Senator Sheriff as national chairman was his presidential ambition.

It added, “He (Sheriff) went further to start offering running mate position to different individuals.

“For avoidance of doubt, any high profile visits/meeting to/ with the committee or by the committee are always reported to key leaders of the PDP. Therefore, there is nothing for Senator Ali Modu Sheriff to disclose.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

Edo Guber: APC primaries may be canceled — Appeal Committee

Bamidele

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

tive issues that could not be swept under the carpet”.

According to him, “Some of the issues for instance has to do with the integrity of the ballot papers that were used to conduct the primaries in Benin City and as far as we are concerned, we felt that there is no way we could conclude this and submit a report to the party without having to do some manual inspection and possible forensic analysis of the ballot papers if justice on this matter would be done.

Bamidele explained that “If it is true that the integrity of the ballot papers has been compromised, definitely there is no way the result of such primary election can stand. And I don’t think it is an issue we are going to lose any sleep on. Governor Oshiomhole led the team to Bayelsa to conduct the primaries in Bayelsa, personally, he wasn’t convinced by the time the results were announced he put down his foot until another round of primaries has to be conducted in Bayelsa. So he himself set a precedent in that respect.

“It is not just about these petitioners who are making the allegation, it is about the integrity

11 Politics

of the entire process and more so in a matter of few weeks as the party would also be going to Ondo State to also carry out governorship primaries and thereafter in some other states and we feel that the issues of integrity of our electoral process is one that should be considered very seriously. Today, we have come here to explain our position to the leadership of the party. We have met with the National Organizing Secretary and of course he and the National Chairman of the party who also have been in consultation with other members of the National Working Committee of the party have agreed to extend the time, you know, the dateline for us to submit this report is next week.

“It is not about individual, it is about the integrity of the party, is about the integrity of the electoral process and I want to assure you if it becomes an issue, we are not going to blink an eye on that, but we must all be convinced. If we said this must done, we have to know what basis we are saying that and if we are going to say no the integrity is not compromised, we must also know to what basis we are saying that. We just need to be scientific which ever conclusion we draw”, he added.

Local Content: Reps recommend 3 Hyundai officials’ deportation The House of Representatives on Friday advised the Federal Government to deport three officials of Hyundai Heavy Industry Company Limited.

The advice was directed to the Minister of Interior, retired Lieut.-Gen. Abdulrahman Danbazzau, and the officials of the company recommended for deportation are Een Moon, Lee Woo and Lee Jong.

Besides, the lawmakers said that an extensive investigation of activities of the company since it began business in Nigeria would be carried out.

This is sequel to alleged of violation of the Nigerian Oil and Gas Content Development Act, 2010 by officials of the Hyundai.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, Chairman of Committee on Local Content, Rep. Emmanuel Ekon (Akwa Ibom-PDP), said that the committee would invite relevant government agencies on the investigation.

“The agencies are Department of State Security (DSS), Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Accountant General of Federation to investigate and audit activities and finances of the company since its inception in the country.

“The officials of HHI have very little or no regard for the

extant laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“They continued with their operations and had flagrant disregard for the rule in spite of observations by the Nigerian Content Development and Monitoring Board (NCDMB).

“The NCDMB gave HHI conditions for renewal of their expatriate quota or even obtaining the ones which they neither observed nor bothered to address.

“The Nigerian Immigration Service and the Federal Ministry of Interior should step up in the regulation of the quota system,’’ Ekon said.

He said the committee would write to the HHI’s parent company to send a ``proper Managing Director of Vice President status’’ to its Nigerian office considering the amount of business it was doing in Nigeria.

He added that if found wanting after investigation, the committee would recommend to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation that HHI and its subsidiaries were not fit to operate in Nigeria’s oil industry.

Earlier, Assistant Comptroller-General, Nigeria Immigration Service, Mrs Rebecca Ayuba, who appeared before the committee members, said that out of 23 passports it retrieved

DANBAZZAU

Minister of Interior

from Hyundai, 21 were Temporary Working Permits.

According to her, two of the passports are subject to registration Visa STR. She told the committee that

the service was more concerned with the temporary working permits, and had put a stop to applications for the extension for 10 expatriates’ permit due to ongoing investigations.

Lamido

PDP crisis, indication of strength — Lamido The former Governor of Jigawa State, Alhaji Sule Lamido, says the current crisis rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) is an indication that the party is strong.

Lamido told newsmen in Bamaina village in Birninkudu Local Government Area of the state that the party would emerge stronger and bigger.

According to him, it is normal for people to fight for what is existent, valuable, worthy and important. ``PDP is a big party that has history and it is a party of conglomeration of all Nigerians across the devide. ``This is not our first crisis, if you go down our history from the formation of the party you will notice that this is not the first time we are having crisis. ``You can remember that the late Sunday Awoniyi had battle of leadership with former Chairman Banabas Gemade. ``We also had crisis during Audu Ogbeh’s reign. ``You don’t fight for what is not in existence. ``PDP was in power for 16 years and the crisis and fight had always been with us,’’ he said.

He said that both Ahmed Makarfi and Modu Sherrif are members of PDP and would remain members no matter what happened.

Lamido said further that the party had the capacity to resolve its differences.

He gave the assurance that the discord within the party would soon be over.

The former governor stated that PDP would return to power in 2019 because it is a conglomeration of Nigerians.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

L-R: Co-ordinator-North West, Talatu Philomena; Co-ordinator -North East, Zariatu Abubakar; National Co-ordinator, Women Situation Room Nigeria (WSRN), Joy Ada Onyesoh; Co-ordinator - South West, Bridget Osakwe; Co-ordinator South South, Doris Onyeneke; Co-ordinator South East, Oluchi Eze at the Media Launch of WSRN, ahead of the 2019 elections… recently.

Afenifere raises the alarm over alleged plot seize, distablise Yorubaland Sam Nzeh

ÏÏÏYoruba

socio-political organisation, Afenifere, on Sunday, condemned the response of Nigerian Police Force to the invasion of some communities in Lagos and Ogun states last week by suspected militants which led to the death of many innocent residents, saying the attacks may be precursors to organised campaign of violence to seize and distablise Yorubaland.

Recall that no fewer than 50 people were feared dead on Thursday night when suspected militants swooped on the neighbouring communities in Elepete and Igbo Olomu, the borderline communities in Lagos/Ogun states. This came days after the militants killed no less than 15 persons in Imushin community in Ogijo area of Ogun State.

Afenifere in a statement signed by its Publicity Secretary, Yinka Odumakin, expressed worry that “just like in the first attack, the police has failed to make any arrest and instead has engaged only in feeble denial of the casualty figures by ridiculously insisting that “only two people were killed”.

The organisation said: “The latest police claim is as ridiculous as the remarks of Ogun Police CP, Abdumajid Ali after the earlier attack.

The police boss who claimed the same militants had been behind the recent spate of pipeline vandalism and economic sabotage had said: “It’s not true that 15 people were killed there. The DPO Ogijo was on ground; he reported that only three people were killed and their bodies have been recovered from the scene”.

Afenifere said it was deeply troubled that all accounts from the communities show that the security forces have not been of any assistance to the affected communities in all their travails.

“Our fears are now heightened that these nibbling attacks may be precursors to organised campaign of violent attacks to seize the peace of Yorubaland and destabilise the peaceful region,” the organisation stated.

While sympathising with all families that lost loved ones in the attacks, the Yoruba socio-political organisation appealed to residents of the affected communities and indeed the entire South West states to be more vigilant than ever about movements around their communities “as the Nigerian state is daily showing them that it cannot protect

them and yet would not accede to our quest for state police”.

The organisation disclosed that it had “embarked on top level consultations with our neighbours whom police sources have pointed fingers at without any arrest to get to the bottom of these needless, unprovoked and unwarranted attacks and investigations are going on all sides and our findings will be made public in the next few days. It is important to know the source of these attacks less we fall into a possible trap to set off war between us and our neighbours by fifth columnists.

“To the Nigerian state we say: you are shamelessly failing the Yoruba nation in this decisive moment and we are losing confidence in your capacity to guarantee our safety. Act now!, the organisation added.

I was under quarantine during Kuje jail break – Okah Continued from page 6 was not involved in any manner whatsoever in the prison break, which occurred at about 7.00pm on Friday June 24, 2016 at the Kuje Maximum Security Prison in Abuja.

“It is our client’s brief that he was quarantined in an isolation room within the Kuje Prison Clinic for a suspected Lassa fever infection when news of the incident broke.

“On account of his popularity amongst the inmates, word quickly spread that our client was among the two inmates who escaped by scaling the 25 feet-high Kuje Prison fence. It took almost

24 hours for the inmates and Prison Authority to realise that our client had not escaped from the Prison.

“Our client has further instructed us to notify all Nigerians and the international community that, God willing, and without prejudice to his ongoing trial, he shall triumphantly walk out of the Kuje Prison gates as a free and vindicated man. He has already set his sights, upon his release, on working assiduously with the current administration to bring stability to the Niger Delta region.

“He is however, using this opportunity to appeal to the Judiciary, particularly, Hon. Justice Gabriel Kolawole, to speedily determine

his case; which has dragged on for nearly 7 years.

“Our client has further and better instructed us to notify his kith and kin in the Niger Delta region to give maximum support to the AARON TEAM 2; a peace initiative of the Movement for the Emancipation of the Niger Delta (MEND) which is aimed at dialogue with the Federal Government on the immediate, medium and long-term future of the region.”

Okah also appealed to militant groups in the region to “stop the attacks on oil installations and desist from being used by disgruntled, corrupt and selfish politicians”.

Okah

Doctors Without Borders discovers thousands of graves in Borno IDPs camp Continued from page 6 A rapid nutritional screening of more than 800 children found that 19% were suffering from severe acute malnutrition — the deadliest form of malnutrition.

“This is the first time MSF has been able to access Bama, but we already know the needs of the people there are beyond critical.

Bama is largely closed off.

“We have been told that people there, including children, have starved to death.

“According to the accounts given to MSF by displaced people in Bama, new graves are appearing on a daily basis. We were told that on certain days, more than 30 people were dying due to hunger and illness.”

“According to the MSF, since May this year, at least 188 people had died in the camp and almost six people pass away daily mainly because of diarrhoea and malnutrition.

“In June the MSF jointly with Nigerian authorities evacuated 1,192 people in need of medical treatment from the Bama area to Maiduguri.

“This group of mostly women and children was placed in the Camp Nursing internally displaced camp.

“Of the 466 children screened

by MSF medical teams at Camp Nursing, 66% were emaciated and 39% of these children had a severe form of malnutrition.

Upon assessment, 78 children had to be immediately hospitalised at the MSF feeding centre which has an inpatient capacity of 86 beds,” the statement said.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

13

Opinion 14

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

“An army of anything is possible”

L Yinka Odumakin

t. General Salihu Ibrahim FSS FHWC (retired) was Chief of Army Staff (Nigeria) from August 1990 until September 1993 during the military regime of General Ibrahim Babangida.

Ibrahim joined the army in 1956.

He was given officer’s training at the Nigerian Military Training College. He became a respected Armoured Corps officer, considered apolitical although he served as a member of Major-General Muhammadu Buhari’s Supreme Military Council (1984-1985). He was briefly arrested in August 1985 during the coup in which Ibrahim Babangida took over from Buhari and he became a member of Babangida’s Armed Forces Ruling Council. He was appointed Commandant of the Nigeria Defence Academy (1988 1990).

In August 1990, General Sani Abacha, then Chief of Army staff (COAS) ceded this job to Ibrahim, while remaining Chairman Joint Chiefs and becoming Minister of Defence. Ibrahim was unable to assert much authority, with Abacha even refusing to vacate Flag Staff House, the traditional residence of the COAS. In August 1993, then Head of State, Ibrahim Babangida appointed Lt. General Aliyu Mohammed as his replacement, but Abacha delayed the change until September to allow Ibrahim time to “retire with honour”.

As he bowed out of the Nigerian Army, Ibrahim granted an interview to one of the leading newsmagazine in Nigeria where he lamented the death of professionalism in the force declaring it had become “an army of anything is possible”.

Twenty three years after Ibrahim made the poignant remark,

the Nigerian Army had released the statement below in defence of its Chief over allegation of owning properties in Dubai where the Commander-In-Chief recently went to ask for reparation of looted funds from Nigeria.

“The attention of the Nigerian Army has been drawn to another round of campaign of calumny against the Chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai and his family by some unscrupulous elements as contained in Sahara Reporters story titled “Revealed: Buhari’s Chief of Army Staff, General Buratai, Wives Own Dubai Property”, alleging that Nigeria’s Chief of Army Staff (COAS), General Tukur Buratai, and his two wives are joint owners of a Dubai property that was paid for in one transaction posted on the website, this evening.

“It is important to know that these baseless allegations were not new. In March this year, some groups of individuals under the aegis of “Concerned Citizens”, tried same smear campaign to their disappointment, it could not fly, because it is not true.

“You will recall early this week, there was similar campaign of calumny by yet another online news medium, The Cable, in which among other things, it alleged that wounded in action Nigerian Army personnel were abandoned by the Army, government and the nation which is not true.

“Therefore, the latest round of smear campaign by Sahara Reporters is one of the series of campaigns of calumny by these faceless individuals to malign the

Chief of Army Staff and the Nigerian Army. Yet, typical of blackmailers and mischief makers, despite failures, they did not give up, hence they now found a willing accomplice reputed for muckraking like the Sahara Reporters. The online news medium this evening uploaded another campaign of calumny allegedly based on a petition by obviously fake and non-existent group it described as “Concerned Soldiers and Officers from the North East”.

“The allegations contained in the Sahara Reporters write up are baseless and not correct. It is a fact that the Buratai family have two properties in Dubai that were paid for instalmentally through personal savings three years ago. This, along with other personal assets have consistently been declared

by General Buratai in his Assets Declaration Form as Commander Multinational Joint Task Force Commander and as Chief of Army Staff.

“It is pertinent to state that the Chief of Army Staff does not have any account with Skye Bank as alleged, let alone making deposits in the imaginary bank account to the tune of the amount stated in the write up. Similarly, he has not been involved in any form of shady or dishonest transaction, not to talk of “contract scam”.

“In addition, General Buratai

was never near either Defence Headquarters or Army Headquarters in 2013. It is pertinent to also note that he was never a Director of Procurement in Army Headquarters as alleged. As a matter of fact, the Nigerian Army never had a Directorate of Procurement till when he established one last year when he became Chief of Army Staff.

“In a bid to rubbish the hard earned reputation and good name of the Chief of Army Staff, these blackmailers will stop at nothing hence all these kinds of mudslinging.

“It is really worrisome that some people could condescend so low to fabricate baseless allegation against the Chief of Army Staff for reasons that could best be described as mischievous. It is equally worrisome that Sahara Reporters could lend space for this obvious mischief. We really do not believe that it is because the price is right.

“Consequently, the public and indeed all well-meaning persons should disregard this round of campaign of calumny against the Chief of Army Staff and similar ones because they are baseless and unfounded.

“For the unscrupulous elements and their cohorts, these campaigns would prod the Nigerian Army and indeed the Chief of Army Staff to continue to serve the nation diligently and with utmost zeal”.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

15 Opinion

How to make N-POWER programme work

L Matthew Oye

ast week the Federal Government launched the N-Power program, a social intervention initiative of the Buhari-Osibanjo Government. It is a programme designed to stem the tide of spiralling unemployment in Nigeria and help young unemployed graduates acquire skills that can help them start their own businesses or make them employable. I must say that this is a particularly laudable initiative of the Federal Government coming on heel of loud cry all over the nation as poverty continue to bite hard and most state government employees are not paid their salaries.if this initiative is properly executed it will go a long way to help Nigerians especially the teeming unemployed graduates to become solution providers and for those to be trained in the area of technology innovations they will become competitive players in both local and international market as the world is moving towards technology advancement.

Personally, I am excited about this program as is was launched at the time I just came home from the diaspora after 20 years out there.

Any initiative that seeks to empower young people to be creative and develop their ideas to add value to others and grows the economy is a welcome program.

For now this government’s initiative have three thematic area which are N-Power teachers corps where 500,000 unemployed young graduates will be trained to provide teaching services in primary and high schools and also, engaged in community services. The second area termed N-Power knowledge is designed to empowered 25,000 non-graduates in innovative technilogy development while the third area is where the participants will acquire skills to become qualified technicians and artisans.

Although similar initiative like ‘You win and Sure-P’ were initiated by past government, it could not yield any tangible result because of poor implementation. It is therefore important that as good as the N-Power initiative is, it will require meticulous

implementation so that the desired results can be achieved. The government must do everything to make it work since this is one of the first ideas that this government initiated and is implementing it own policy.

However, I’m a little bit curious that the initial segment rolled out in this initiative did not include N-Power entrepreneurs where applicants will be taken through the process of doing market research on an idea, prepared a business and marketing plan and clearly articulate how he/she will build a manufacturing company that is much needed in this country. Such a would be entrepreneur should present a foolproof plan on how to employ at least 10 - 20 other unemployed Nigerians in the next two years. I’m suggesting that in the next phase of N-Power, the government should focus on how to raise and train 500, 000 N-Power entrepreneurs who will go through training as business owners and been mentored by private sector industry players so they can have hands on experience on how to run business profitably. This country need more business owners

who becomes employers of labour so they prepared to absorb young graduates who are coming out of higher institutions and the circle going on and on. In addition, the age restrictions placed, as a requirement to participate in this program should be removed so that older Nigerians who want to do something new could also try their luck. Participants must also be taken through a booth-camp where business leaders/speakers will come and motivate them to go for their dream. At least one million naira should be given to each N -Power entrepreneur who had gone through the necessary training and defended his or her project as N-power entrepreneur.

Manufacturing is dying in this country as we are inundated with cheap imported products that are of low value. The government should use the N Power initiative to focus on empowering Nigerians to get back into manufacturing so that we can have enough products for our domestic consumption and some for export.

Email: successnewsmag@yahoo. co.uk Tel: 08140854948

Avengers: ‘Omo-oniles’ of Niger Delta?

W Friday Ekpo

hen a new group the Niger Delta Avengers appeared in the horizon more than a month ago, their mission, we were told was not about destroying human lives but oil and gas installations in the Niger Delta, thereby bringing Nigeria economy to its knee and vacate the “scavengers” who have over the years fed fat on the resources of the area.

They had brought a long list of demand that government must meet to achieve peace and steady oil and gas production in the area. These demands range from mundane to the sublime.

Now, who are the Omo –Oniles?

Omo –Oniles in Lagos and environ are those who claim to own the land we build, farm, park and/or do any business on. You can never claim to have successfully bought a land until Omo –Oniles are fully settled. Not even after the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy by government. At every stage of land development, Omo –Oniles must have their cut.

Their activities reached a crescendo last year October, when Taju Disu, the then Managing Director of Lekki Free Trade Zone was murdered.

As at today, none of them has been identified. That is the audacity and impudence of Omo –Oniles in Lagos.

NDA are the Omo –Oniles of Niger Delta. Why their activities are catching, the nation’s consciousness is because it is at the root of what government and the entire nation holds dear to its heart-oil and gas. They are asking the government to settle the goose that lays the golden egg.

Oil was first discovered in Oloibiri in Bayelsa State in 1956. It reached a commercial quantity when it was first exported in 1958 - two years before independence and 17 years before Abuja. Why does Abuja, now receive so much attention, while Niger Delta remains in complete degradation and neglect? Many are wont to point at the creation of Niger Delta ministry and NDDC as direct government intervention agencies.

However, what is the level of funding for the agencies? Have appropriate oversight functions been provided by our legislators to ensure that what needs to be done was/is done?

Besides, why must government show so much preference to a section of the country to the disdain and spite of others? Out of 59 appointments so far made by President Buhari, 41 are from the North, leaving the entire South with just 18. The most brazen and outlandish of these

appointments are found in the para military services.

Nigeria Custom service (NCS) – Kano, Nigeria Immigration service (NIS) – Kano; Nigeria Prison Service (NPS) – Bauchi; Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corp (NSCDC) – Niger; Nigeria Fire Service (NFS) – Benue. In addition to these, the Heads of INEC, DSS, EFCC, NDLEA, NCC etc are all from the North. Is this how to build peace and National cohesion? Since January this year, the nation has been treated to so much blood letting by the Fulani Herdsmen. Taraba, Agatu, Nimbo and Ekiti currently bear the signpost of their savagery. Not once did Buhari condemned the activities of the herdsmen. Nevertheless, in far away

China, he threatened to give “pipeline vandals” in Niger Delta the Boko Haram treatment.

Again, in London, he ordered that Biafran agitators be crushed. This is in stark negation of the constitution he swore to uphold and defend.

Now, the calls for restructuring of the country are loud and deafening.

His administration can only ignore it to its own peril.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

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FG lauds Dangote’s N4.8tr refinery Page B2 capacity

NCCG to raise standards for running entities –FRC boss Page B3

Monday, June 27, 2016

Insurance firms will not retrench – Wiggle Page B7

FG set to restructure N3Bn Nollywood grant for sustainability

Labour urges FG to declare state of emergency over salary crisis

Tony Nwakaegho

Joy Ekeke

Federal Government through the Ministry of Finance has disclosed that the N3billion grant for the Nigerian Film industry known as Nollywood is being restructured to make it serve the purpose for which it was created.

The ministry said in a statement that a talk shop to work out the strategy is scheduled for July 1, which will involve key stakeholders in the industry including the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture, the leadership of Nollywood, the Actors Guild, Film and Videos Censors Board, The Nigerian Film Corporation and the Nigerian Copyright Commission.

Labour leader and General Secretary, National Union of Garment and Textile Workers of Nigeria, (NUTGTWN), Comrade Issa Aremu, at the weekend asked the Federal Government to immediately declare a state of emergency over the current salary crisis rocking majority of states of the federation just as he noted that the anti-corruption crusade would not be effective in the face of a hungry workforce.

Aremu, who made the call at a Ramadan lecture organised in memory of his late wife, Hajia Hamdalat Abiodun,by the Kwara Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), said the failure of governors to meet the salary obligations to workers was impeachable adding that even the excuse of falling oil revenue was also not tenable.

The theme of the lecture was “Perspective on Labour Wages and the Nigerian Situation”.

The former Vice President of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC) argued that it was high time Nigeria treated wage-related crimes, non-payment, low payment and wage-diversions as economic crimes and noted that support of organised labour for President Muhammadu Buhari’s condemnation of state governors who still owed their workers.

His words: “Given the importance of wage payment for national development, all arms of governments, namely the executive, judiciary and the National Assembly are expected to declare a State of emergency on the current unacceptable crisis of compensation in the country.

DANGOTE REFINERY

L-R President/CE, Dangote Industries Limited, Aliko Dangote; Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Raji Fashola; Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun and Vice President of Nigeria, Professor Yemi Osinbajo on a working visit to the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant under construction in Lekki, Lagos … at the weekend.

NNPC’s $39.5m pipeline protection contract led to more oil theft – Report Opeoluwani Akintayo A document obtained by Daily Times has revealed how a $39.5 million yearly pipelines protection deal signed between the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), and leaders of defunct the Movement for Emancipation of Niger Delta (MEND) in 2011, led to more oil thefts in the region.

MEND sprang up amidst crises between International Oil Companies (IOCs) in Nigeria and people of Niger Delta over oil spills which have crippled the sources of living in the communities where oil exploration and

productions take place. The group claimed to be fighting for the common good of their people in gaining control over their natural sources however, recent developments have proven otherwise.

According to the document by the Natural Resource Governance Institute (NRGI) due to the activities of oil thieves which had become rampant in the Niger Delta, Pipelines and Products Marketing Company, (PPMC) which is a subsidiary of the NNPC created in 1988 with responsibility of bringing about comparative ease with which petroleum products are sourced and distributed to all parts of the country, initially

hired community members as guards. But when local guards started breaking into the pipelines themselves, PPMC brought in the military Under the soldiers’ watch, sabotage “continued unabated,” then NNPC took a new step in 2011, signing pipeline protection contracts with ex-Niger Delta militant leaders worth at least $39.5 million a year.

“Government touted the deals as effective tools in the fight against oil theft, yet NNPC’s own data shows pipeline losses actually went up after the new contracts started,”, it said.

By mid-2012, the corporation

was avoiding using its own pipelines, and supplying oil to the Warri refinery by ship through an opaque, costly arrangement.

A similar arrangement for Port Harcourt followed quietly in 2014.

As a result, in 2011 over 2010, value of Port Harcourt refinery pipeline losses was over N27 billion, while that of Warri was over N70 billion. In 2010, PPMC’s crude oil pipeline losses (barrels per day) was 4,854, rising to 17,718 in 2011.

In August 2014, Nigeria’s petroleum minister told a U.S. audience that NNPC was spending an average of $7.52 per barrel to transCONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Reps to probe NBC, MTN, others over sale of bandwidth

Tony Nwakaegho

House of Representatives has declared that it would investigate the process of Digital Broadcast switchover in the country, particularly the sale of bandwidth to MTN. The House is also poised to investigate the concession of the

Graphic User Interface (GUI) value added services to InViewTech Ltd. of United Kingdom.

This investigation was initiated following the resolution to a motion by Rep. Chris Azubogu (PDP-Anambra).

The House Committee is also determined to find out whether the aggregation of the equip-

ment which cost billions of naira to procure over 20 million ‘Set-up Boxes’ were capable of meeting the digitisation deadline.

Azubogu while moving the motion, informed the house that for the second time, Nigeria failed to meet the deadline for Digital Switch-Over (DSO) from analogue transmission to digital ter-

restrial transmission.

He hinted that the National Broadcasting Commission (NBC) was saddled with the responsibility to comply with the policy of the International Telecommunications Union (ITU), which Nigeria is a member.

He asserted that in spite of the digitisation team advice to NBC

to issue one ‘Signal Distribution Licence’ to a strong and reliable technical company, it went ahead and issued three independent licences.

Azubogu faulted this trend, adding as a result of this, there was confusion in the market.

He said: “that the failure to CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

NNPC’s $39.5m annual pipeline protection contract led to more oil theft – Report

STERLING

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

port domestic crude to the Port Harcourt and Warri refineries by ship.

The document showed that Warri arrangement cost at least $43.6 million over nineteen months, though the number was not sufficiently broken down to show whether it included all associated costs.

Then supposedly due to high theft from the refinery’s supply pipeline, NNPC began delivering crude oil to the Warri refinery by water in 2011. A similar arrangement for the Port Harcourt refinery commenced in 2014.

Under the Warri arrangement, PPMC contracted PPP Fluid Mechanics Ltd., a private Nigerian company, to manage deliveries to the refinery. The company chartered a “very large crude carrier” (VLCC) that could hold roughly 2 million barrels of crude. Once it arrived offshore of the Niger Delta, the VLCC would begin lifting domestic crude barrels from the Escravos oil terminal— usually about a million barrels at a time.

It would then travel to a point close to the mouth of the Forcados River, where it would anchor. Soon thereafter, smaller shuttle vessels would arrive and take crude from the VLCC by ship-to-ship transfer.

They would then transport the oil up the Forcados River to the Warri refinery jetty for discharge to the refinery.

Reps to probe NBC, MTN, others over sale of bandwidth CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

consider telecommunications companies that have the needed critical infrastructure like Fibreoptic Network as key stakeholders in the process of issuance of DSO, should be looked into’’.

According to him, the situation made the proposed solution to look inefficient and wasteful, considering the number of satellite dishes scattered in Jos, where the pilot scheme was launched by the Ministry of Information and Culture.

He revealed that the government paid billions of naira to private companies to import set-up boxes and Graphic User Interface (GUI) for over 20 million viewers in Nigeria but were wasted.

L-R: Chairman, Sterling Bank Plc./Outgoing Chairman of Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Section on Business Law (NBA- SBL) Asue Ighodalo; Past Chairman, NBA-SBL, Mr. Gbenga Oyebode; and Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun at NBA’s Annual Business Law Conference sponsored by the Bank and held in Abuja … at the weekend.

FG lauds Dangote’s N4.8tr refinery capacity ÏRefinery to save $7.5b yearly for economy Charles Okonji Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday commended Alhaji Aliko Dangote as the largest single refinery investor in Africa which would boost the country’s refining capacity in the first quarter of 2019.

Speaking during a visit to Dangote refinery at the Lekki Free Trade Zone in Lagos, Osinbajo noted that the nation would attain sufficiency in refined petroleum products for the domestic market and for export at the completion of the refinery.

He noted the current effect of foreign exchange depreciation had taken its toll on the project which was earlier estimated at N2.8 trillion which has now doubled to N4.8 trillion based on the new exchange rate.

He stated that the project would also boost gas supply to power plants through the three billion

Regulatory agencies should see MAN as development partners – Babatunde Charles Okonji The chairman, Manufactures Association of Nigeria (MAN), Apapa Branch, Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Odunayo has said that, Regulating Agencies should see MAN as Development Partners

standard cubic feet per day gas pipeline, adding that the facility would generate export earnings after meeting the country’s current requirement of two billion scfpd.

Osinbajo said: “The gas pipeline, slated for commissioning in 2018, would take off from Bonny through Ogedegbe to Olokola and onward to Lekki. The line would hook up with Escravos-Lagos pipeline and the West African Gas Pipeline.

“The project is an incredible industrial undertaking and possibly the largest ambitious investment in the continent today. I think it is inspiring. The refinery would start production in the first quarter of 2019. The subsea gas pipeline, which is an important and strategic project is meant to take off in 2018.”

The vice president, who described the refinery as the highest investment in Africa and the by creating a nurturing relationship towards making the environment safer for all.

Babatunde who was represented by the first vice chairman of the association, Chief Joseph Onyebu disclosed this while delivering his opening remark at the 7th edition of mandatory environmental seminar with the theme; “Constructive Engagement of the Nigerian Manufacturers towards clean and safe environment” organized by the Apapa branch of the association recently in Lagos.

DANGOTE Founder/CE of Dangote Industries Limited

biggest of its type in the world with a 650,000 barrels per day refining capacity, added that the facility also includes a three million tonnes per year world single largest fertilizer plant; petrochemical plant; 400 Mega Watts power plant; and 1,100 kilometers of pipeline to handle three billion standard cubic feet per day.

Briefs

Ambode woos investors to Lagos Island CBD In an effort to attract investors and corporate organisations back to the Lagos Island Central Business District (CBD), the Lagos State government will on Tuesday, June 28, hold an interactive stakeholders’ forum.

Special Adviser to the Governor on CBD, Hon. Agboola Dabiri in a statement on Sunday said that aside wooing investors, the one-day forum initiated by Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, would elaborate on the vistas of opportunity in the CBD and the need for them to turn challenges therein to opportunities in line with the onerous desire of government to revitalize and return the lost glory and beauty of the Lagos Island of the 80s and 90s.

The Special Adviser who said that the forum would hold at the City Hall, Lagos Island, is also in line with Government’s quest to turn around the fortunes of the Agency around through effective Public-Private Sector partnership.

NIMASA calls for enhanced seafarers’ welfare Babajide Okeowo In marking the annual International Day of Seafarer, The Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, (NIMASA) has joined its counterparts all over the world to call on stakeholders to enhance the living and working conditions of seafarers.

This is even as stakeholders in the maritime industry who appreciated the work of seafarers also

called on relevant authorities and NIMASA in particular to enforce the Maritime Labour Convention (MLC 2006) and Decent Work Agenda both aimed at improving the wellbeing of seafarers.

Delivering his welcome address at the event, the Director General of NIMASA, Dr. Dakuku Peterside described the seafaring profession as indispensable stating that seafarers are the unsung heroes that ensure that the wheel of global commerce keeps rolling.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

Briefs Sterling Bank introduces flexible work conditions for employees Sterling Bank Plc has come up with a policy to promote work-life balance among its staff as it continues to strive to build a great place to work for its workforce through the introduction of Flexi-time and Flexiplace.

The initiative which complies with global best HR practices, according to a statement from the lender, is currently being piloted in the Bank’s corporate Head Office and is aimed at introducing flexibility in work arrangements for the Bank’s staff.

The Flexi-time arrangement allows members of staff the opportunity to determine their own working hours by choosing a convenient time to come to work within the options provided by the Bank. Similarly, the Flexiplace package gives staff the opportunity to choose a convenient location from which they can carry out their job functions. In this pilot phase, interested staff particularly in the Head Office are encouraged to select locations closer to their place of residence.

B3 Money Market

Dwindling profit: How banks woo depositors with incentives Stories by Motolani Oseni In an effort to mitigate the continuing decline in profitability, some proactive Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), are now increasingly relying on various forms of incentives, including cash incentives to woo new customers, investigations by the Daily Times of Nigeria (DTN) has revealed.

Our findings revealed that at various banking halls across the nation, customers now meet more relaxed smiling Tellers ready to attend to their needs with patience, unlike before, where some bank officials would behave as if they are doing customers a favour.

But more than that, banks now connect with customers in various other ways including offering free packages to entice them into saving, so as to shore up their deposit base, especially in this season of high competition; drop in profit; challenging operating environment, coupled with different regulatory policies, among many other factors.

We, however, gathered that banks that were not very much visible in the retail segment have now shifted focus, indicating that banks are now seriously looking for how to boost their customer base and increase deposits.

Our findings reveal that incentives given by some of the

banks are part of strategies that are significantly related to target market and the design of those tools is actually determined by the target market.

For instance, 36 customers of Skye Bank Plc recently won one million Naira each in its nationwide ‘Reach for the Skye’ Millionaire promo, ending the first phase of the millionaire promo.

Speaking on the initiative, the Head, Retail Banking at Skye Bank Plc, Nkolika Okoli disclosed that the scheme was established to increase the flow of funds to support SMEs, accelerate employment generation and development of indigenous entrepreneurship as well as encourage saving culture among

FIDELITY Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc, Nnamdi Okonkwo; United Nations High-Level Commissioner and Managing Director, SDG Global Advocate, Alaa Murabit; and Head, CSR & Sustainability, Fidelity Bank Plc, Chris Nnakwe at the United Nations Global Compact (UNGC) Leaders’ Summit in New York, USA at the weekend.

CSR: Governor Okorocha extols Ecobank support for educational growth Imo State Governor, Owelle Rochas Anayo Okorocha has commended Ecobank Nigeria for supporting the development of education in the state under its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiative. The Governor who was speaking at the commissioning of a multimillion water project and school furniture provided to Girls’ Secondary School, Akwakuma, Owerri, Imo state at the weekend, said the bank’s support would go a long way in enhancing the learning environment at the school.

Governor Okorocha who was represented by the Commissioner for Education, Science and Technology, Mrs Gertrude Ego Oduka, said, “by this comprehensive package, Ecobank has openly declared that it is our partner in progress.

This is a way of complementing our government’s effort at uplifting the standard of education in the state. Education is life and spirit and any support to the sector is well appreciated. It is a thing of joy to all of us in the state. I urge everyone to tell others about Ecobank.”

Nigerians.

Similarly, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) Limited has been continuously rolling out series of Reward promos, such as ‘’Millionaire Promo Season 1 and2’’, Save and win Big Promo, which has seen different customers of the Bank being rewarded with the cash prizes.

The bank said its Millionaire Promo Season 1 and 2 are targeted at all segments of the society and for existing as well as potential savings account customers. The eligible products/ accounts for the promo include FCMB basic savings, kids account, Nairawise, e-savings, premium savings and third party accounts.

NCCG to raise standards for running entities –FRC boss

OSAYANDE

Chief Executive Officer, Financial Reporting Council (FRC),

The Executive Secretary/ Chief Executive Officer, Financial Reporting Council (FRC), Mr. Obazee Jim Osayande, has disclosed that the federal government’s decision to adopt a National Code of Corporate Governance (NCCG) is aimed at raising the standard of running entities’ in Nigeria.

Speaking at the Council’s Final Public hearing on the NCCG, at the Airport Hotel, Ikeja, in Lagos at the weekend, Osayande, said that the National Code of Corporate Governance is targeted at ensuring change in financial reportage.

He explained that at the FRC, the understanding of the change Mr. President is talking about is change of epic proportions, change of consciousness as well as a change of behavior.

According to him, the premise

of this requires an understanding of the fact that the pain to be endured from the change must be experienced as lesser pain to that of continuing the present course, adding that this is the journey Nigerians must undertake now in its consideration of this National Code of Corporate Governance.

Therefore, he explained that the Code referred to as the National Code of Corporate Governance for the Private Sector in Nigeria 2016 is the outcome of a directive given to the Steering Committee on the National Code of Corporate “The sectoral corporate governance codes identifiable at the commencement of the Steering Committee’s work were the Code of Corporate Governance for Banks in Nigeria Post-Consolidation 2006, Code of Corporate Governance for

Licensed Pensions Operators 2008, and Code of Corporate Governance for Insurance Industry in Nigeria 2009.”

On the other hand, he said the Public Sector Governance Code in Nigeria 2015 is also an outcome of the directive given by the same Honorable Minister of Trade and Investments to the Steering Committee on Corporate Governance on 17th January 2013 to extend Corporate Governance to the Public Sector. This he said, is a commendable attempt by the Federal Government to correct the perceived defect in the “bottom-up” strategy used in introducing the concept of corporate governance into Nigeria in 2003, which limited the concept to listed and unlisted public companies and the Anglo-Saxon variant of board structure.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

29,500

Naira Value (m)

NSE All Share Index

13,000

9,500

27,000

6,000 24,500 2,500

24-Jun

21-Jun

18-Jun

(1,000) 15-Jun

`

12-Jun

09-Jun

06-Jun

22,000 03-Jun

B4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

B5 Thought Leadership

Damilola Akinduro and Busola Farinmade When companies are faced with economic and financial challenges, the knee-jerk reaction is to deploy cost-cutting measures.

With the increase in operating costs, the daunting challenge for HR is to ensure that Staff Cost to Income ratio remains at sustainable levels, while also keeping an engaged workforce.

The options typically hover around rightsizing, pay-cuts, recruitment freeze and pay freeze.

Pay freeze, commonly known as salary freeze or pay flattening refers to a company’s policy of maintaining current pay levels for some or all categories of employees for a period of time.

A pay freeze can mean “business as usual” for companies that do not typically increase pay. Conversely, for organisations that are driven by annual and promotional increases, this can pose a major change management issue, impact employee engagement and overall business performance if not properly managed.

This article explores various

Improving employee value proposition during a pay freeze reasons and forms of pay freezes, possible effects and options for enhancing employee value proposition, even in “drought”.

Reasons for Pay Freeze Organisations adopt pay freezes for the following reasons: Restructuring: Some organisations carry out restructuring through mergers & acquisitions, while some make structural changes to optimise resources and adapt to the changing business environment. These project types have a time span of about six months to one year or even longer periods in unionised environments and to this end, some companies freeze pay, as a temporary measure until key and informed decisions are taken.

Pay Market Practice: Organisations may adopt a pay freeze to: Adjust pay movement, where pay-out is above the desired market reference point.

Manage red circled employees. i.e. employees who are earning above the maximum of their respective pay bands.

Economic Climate: In an economic downturn, a pay freeze is considered an alternative to massive employee layoff, except in cases where the company re-

ally needs to shed weight.

The results of the KPMG 2015/2016 HR Practices Survey of one hundred and twenty one (121) companies across various sectors in Nigeria shows that companies have responded to the current economic situation as follows: Ability to Pay: A company’s ability to pay and sustain its desired pay levels is dependent on its financial size and the efficient utilisation of its resources.

Where the business performance is moving at a slower pace than pay reviews, a company can consider freezing pay, while leveraging on incentive schemes to drive individual and business performance.

Forms of Pay Freezes Base Pay usually takes the first hit during a pay freeze. Some of the possible options to pay freeze are highlighted below: Freeze Basic Salary – This implies that only Basic Salary would be held constant. Fixed pay elements may be reviewed periodically to douse tension amongst employees.

Freeze Guaranteed Pay – Here, all items tied to Basic Salary would be held constant. However, this should not be prolonged, to

manage retention.

In addition to freezing base pay, organisations may consider the following: Review of Incentive Schemes: Whilst freezing guaranteed pay, an organisation may need to review its performance management system and incentive schemes to ensure linkage between individual and company performance. A common practice is to modify Key Performances Indices and ensure pay-out is reflective of performance.

Treatment of Benefits-InKind: The depreciation in value of the Naira coupled with the

reviewed automotive policy have increased the cost of certain benefits. To cushion the effect of the escalating cost, some companies have undertaken to: Monetise Certain Benefits – More companies have joined the band wagon. Companies must however consider the resulting tax implications, in the case of assets such as status cars, furniture and generators, e.t.c.

Set a Cost limit – Companies may choose to cap the benefits at a fixed amount, rather than incurring additional costs for the purchase of the same benefits.

Restructuring of Retire-

ment Benefits: Based on the 2015 Consumer Market Remuneration Survey, 22% of companies have either restructured or closed their gratuity schemes between 2014 and 2015 to optimise cost. It is important to note that a pay freeze would also have reducing effect on pay-out from retirement benefits schemes and should be considered before taking key decisions.

Effect of Pay Freezes Pay freeze may look good on the financials, however, if not properly managed, it may affect employee motivation and engagement.

Key considerations for employers are provided below: Employee-Employer Relationship: Pay freezes may put a strain on relationships which is detrimental to business growth.

It is therefore important that employees are carried along and that the process is considered fair.

Impact on Recruitment: Competitive pay is not only beneficial to employees. Attracting the right talents during a pay freeze can pose a challenge if prolonged or not properly managed.

Capital Market B6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

Fidson’s WHO compliant new facility will grow FX, create jobs Fidson Healthcare Plc, a major pharmaceutical company, listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange has commenced operations in its recently completed World Health Organisation (WHO) compliant, ultra-modern brand new manufacturing plant, which is arguably the largest pharmaceutical manufacturing facility in Africa.

According to a statement released by the company, the facility provides an opportunity to export some of its products to other countries (Africa and beyond) and grow its FOREX income while also extending affordable quality medicines to some of the poorer nations within the continent.

The statement noted that “an overarching benefit in job creation as additional 300 jobs are being created while, profitability is expected to improve as a result

of increased efficiency” Adding that asides from increasing production capacity, the new factory would enhance Fidson’s business prospects by enhancing the ability to tender for WHO sponsored programmes, which Nigerian pharmaceutical manufacturers are unable to access, losing out to foreign companies in these tenders.

The new facility is equipped to produce 6 distinct product lines (intravenous infusions and other sterile preparations, tablets, capsules, oral liquids, creams & ointments and dry powder) to contribute immensely to the nation’s medicine needs and proffer opportunities for future exports.

The project is part of the strategic expansion and diversification programme the company started following the successful Private Placement in 2008.

Omobola Johnson becomes Custodian and Allied new chairperson

sity of Manchester, and MSc in Digital Electronics from Kings College/Chelsea College, University of London as well as a Doctor of Business Administration from Cranfield University, United Kingdom.

She is the Founding Chairperson and a member of the Board of trustees of Women in Management and Business.

She Joined Accenture in 1985 and rose to become the Country Managing Director of Accenture in December 2005. She was Nigeria’s Minister of Communication and technology from 2011 to 2015.

Mr. Olakunle Ade-Ojo was also appointed as a Director on the company’s board.

Following the approval of the resignation of Chief Michael Ade Ojo as the Chairman of the Board of Directors of Custodian and Allied Plc at the Board meeting held on June 23, 2016, the board also approved the appointment of Mrs. Omobola Johnson as a Director and the New Chaiperson of the Company’s Board of Directors.

Mrs Omobola Johnson, holds a B.sc in Electrical and Electronics Engineering from Univer-

91.705 M

The third place was occupied by the Consumer Goods Industry with a turnover of 91.705 million shares worth N6.253 billion in 4,433 deals

Summary of activities on NSE ASI

30,649.66

DEALS

5,565.00

VOLUME

444,512,888.00

VALUE

3,702,086,172.52

CAP

10,526,608,268,185.30

Equities market sustains gains, adds 4.79% WoW Equities on the Nigerian Stock Exchange continued its ascent last week on renewed investors’ appetite following the re-launch of the Forex market. Even though the first day of the week closed in red as investors resorted to taking profits, the second to fourth day saw the lead indicators close in green as market cap improved by N790 billion, while the fifth day of the week closed 1.36 percent lower as a result of reactions following the results of the BREXIT’s referendum.

The NSE All-Share Index and Market Capitalization however

appreciated by 4.79 percent to close the week at 30,649.66 and N10.527 trillion respectively, while all other Indices finished higher during the week, with the exception of the NSE ASeM Index that closed flat.

Trading in the Top Three Equities namely – United Bank For Africa Plc, Zenith International Bank Plc and Guaranty Trust Bank Plc. (measured by volume) accounted for 887.282 million shares worth N12.894 billion in 7,483 deals, contributing 37.17 percent and 48.88 percent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

A turnover of 2.387 billion shares worth N26.381 billion in 28,072 deals were traded last week by investors on the floor of the Exchange in contrast to a total of 2.158 billion shares valued at N20.394 billion that exchanged hands previous week in 24,369 deals.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.951 billion shares valued at N16.832 billion traded in 17,226 deals; thus contributing 81.75 percent and 63.80 percent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively. The Conglomerates

Industry followed with 223.156 million shares worth N477.064 million in 1,461 deals. The third place was occupied by the Consumer Goods Industry with a turnover of 91.705 million shares worth N6.253 billion in 4,433 deals.

Forty (40) equities appreciated in price during the week, lower than forty-four (44) equities of the previous week. Thirty-two (32) equities depreciated in price, higher than twentyfour (24) equities of the previous week, while one hundred and eight (108) equities remained unchanged lower than one hun-

dred and twelve (112) equities recorded in the preceding week.

Also traded during the week were a total of 121,501 units of Exchange Traded Products (ETPs) valued at N90.716 million executed in 34 deals, compared with a total of 519,199 units valued at N6.582 million transacted last week in 42 deals, while a total of 9,439 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N10.429 million were traded in 7 deals compared to a total of 4,170 units of Federal Government Bonds valued at N4.413 million transacted last week in 3 deals.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

B7 Insurance

Insurance firms will not retrench – Wiggle Stories by KAYODE ADELOWOKAN The Nigeria Insurers Association has assured that it 58 insurance companies in the country will not retrench any of their staffs in a bid to cope with the current financial crisis affecting all sectors of the nation’s economy of which insurance industry is part of.

Mr. Godwin Wiggle, outgoing Chairman of the Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA) disclosed this during a chat session with journalists announcing the end to his two-year tenure as the chairman of the association in Lagos, noted that though some sectors are sacking workers to cope with the present economic reality, the sector felt retrenchment of workers will not change the current situation, but instead, throwing more people into the already depressed labour market.

Though, doing business under the present situation is challenging, he said insurers would continue to think out of the box to remain afloat.

He urged the government to assist the industry by enforcing compulsory insurance laws, stressing that relegating insurance, as presently being practiced, is inimical to the development of the economy.

According to him, insurance plays an important role in the economy, as it helps to reduce economic waste.

However, the outgoing lamented that underwriters, Federal and State governments are losing a lot of revenue to fake insurance outfits across the country.

Despite efforts to tame the activities of the racketeers, Mr. Godwin Wiggle, said it seems they are always finding ways to perpetrate their evil act.

He blamed Nigerians who are patronizing them by buying, especially, third party motor insurance cover from them because it is cheap, noting that any person who do so is only carrying a worthless paper that could not be presented for claims, warning Nigerians to beware of these men of the underworld.

“Fake insurance is a worthless paper, but it seems people are ready to buy fake paper because it is cheap. The fact that a product is cheap does not make it a good one. Government is losing revenue from fake insurance because these racketeers don’t pay tax from the illegitimate businesses they do.”

The Chairman therefore called for the cooperation of the law enforcement agencies, such as the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) to assist, especially in the area of fake third party motor insurance certificates which majority of road users carry in the country.

If fake insurance could be abolished, he stressed that government will generate more revenue, while more employment would be created, if genuine insurers have access to the several billions of Naira the insurance industry is losing to these insurance racketeers.

Speaking on Energy and Allied Insurance Pool (EAIPN), Mr. Godwin Wiggle, said that over 20 insurance companies in the country have subscribed to pool since the take-off.

He added that to ensure high performance and leverage on international experience, African Re has been appointed as the manager to the pool.

He noted that the association organized micro insurance fair in 2015, which aim was to bring the stakeholders together and chart

GODWIN

WIGGLE

the way forward for micro insurance in Nigeria. “I am happy to report that it was a success and we will continue to build on the success of that event to push microinsurance as a veritable product line for improving market penetration”, he said.

According to him, “To enforce market discipline by encouraging

Outgoing Chairman of the Nigeria Insurers Association (NIA) peer review among member companies with a view to aligning the market practice with international best practices and sustain the current effort at addressing the laws affecting the growth of the market. The Companies Income Tax Amendment Act (CITA) 2007 amongst others readily comes to mind.

CIIN distributes textbooks to secondary schools in 10 states In its quest to develop insurance education in Nigeria, by the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) said no fewer than 3,000 insurance textbooks have been distributed to secondary schools in 10 states through their respective Ministry of Education.

The President, Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN), Lady Isioma Chukwuma, disclosed this at a media parley in Lagos recently that the aim of the project was to increase insurance education and awareness among Nigerian youths.

She listed the benefiting states to include; Lagos, Ogun, Edo, Ondo, Kwara, Rivers, Imo, Osun, Ekiti and Enugu States.

According to her, “the over three thousand copies of the books donated were meant to further enhance the teaching and study of Insurance as a subject in Secondary Schools in Nigeria. We are currently working with some identified states through the Institute’s local chapters to facilitate the donation of the books to such states while the proposed Launching/ Presentation of the Book at the National Level will also be pursued to its logical conclusion.”

Speaking on a project of the institute to train insurance teachers on a national level, Lady Chukwuma, who is also the Managing Director of the Nigeria Reinsurance Corporation, stated that Train-the-Trainer programme was designed for the up scaling of Insurance education and to ensure that insurance teachers possess the required skills for imparting the necessary knowledge to the future generation of insurance practitioners.

Insurance rebranding to create awareness among youths – Committee The Insurers’ Committee rose up from its meeting over the weekend, with a pledge to drive a massive insurance awareness among Nigerian youths through a multi- billion insurance rebranding project.

Briefing journalists at the end of the meeting that took place in Lagos, Vice Chairman, Sub Committee Publicity of the Insurers Committee, Mrs. Ebelechukwu Nwachukwu, said

insurance operators are working assiduously with the consultant engaged for the project to evolve a robust campaign that would help stem the negative perception on insurance in the country.

Nwachukwu, who is also the Managing Director of Zenith Insurance Company Limited, added that operators want to take the campaign to schools to enable them educate pupils on

the need for insurance.

She also noted that operators are eying the highly mobile individuals who need insurance to secure their future.

In line with the campaign, she stated that operators have also resolved to improve on their service delivery, stressing that the body have decided to pull resources together to pursue a robust and well-co-ordinated awareness campaign.

Business Interview B8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

Government must make deliberate effort to salvage airlines – Olowo Mr. Gbenga Olowo is the president, Aviation Round Table ART. In this interview with Aviation Correspondent, CHUKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO, he bares his mind on critical issues affecting the country’s aviation sector and ways of solving myriads of problems affecting the growth o the industry, – Excerpts A lot of Nigerians are conversant with the quarterly breakfast meeting usually organized by Aviation Roundtable but do not seem to understand what ART represents. Is it a pressure group, an advocacy group or a mere non-governmental organization?

Aviation Safety Round Table Initiative (ART) is an Aviation Professional Organization with unambiguous mission statement as stated. To ensure the Advancement of Nigerian Aviation Industry that will consistently promote Safety and Professionalism through effective working relationship with Government and Knowledge sharing with all stakeholders.

Many of your breakfast meetings organized in the past with recommendations made at the end but there is little or nothing achieved in terms of getting the government to implement the recommendations, does this not dampen your morale?: That’s not totally correct. Our quarterly breakfast meetings (designed essentially for achieving the objective of knowledge sharing) have had a couple of the recommendations being implemented.

Our red alert warning on possible fuel contamination through tanker haulage invited NCAA and Fuel suppliers spontaneous reaction, the need to strengthen NCAA through undue political interference by reducing Aviation ministry to a junior ministry, the very many advocacy in favor of Nigerian Airlines, etc have yielded very positive results .We believe in allowing superior opinion to prevail hence we are not deterred when and where some of the recommendations are not heeded. Posterity will bear us out.

Aviation sector in Nigeria enjoys the category A1 status conferred by the US FAA just as the country has emerged with distinction from various audit exercises but the challenges still remain in terms of the operating environment, the high mortality rate of the airlines with some of them failing to last up to 10 years in the market and so on. Where have we really gotten it wrong in the sector?

Nigeria and Managers of our agencies are very clever. We

do know how to pass examinations. How I wish that translates to efficient and optimal service delivery?

Motion does not necessarily translate to activity neither does programme translate to progress so says my Pastor.

Go to all the airports in the country and see how you score the toilets, passenger processing, one hour or more long traffic from airport toll gate to the terminal building without serious security process, very hot, rowdy and not too sanitized environment, so many check points unlike other civilized airports, chaotic and oven arrival halls.

One can go on and on with long list of dissatisfaction and disaffection at our airports. Of what use therefore is passing FAA Cat 1 ? Thanks for passing in any case but please lets see the effect of the passing safe for the ability of Nigeria registered aircraft to operate to the US. Our numerous brilliant graduates are just not employable given same scenario. It is simply frustrating. This of course could be directly or indirectly related to the high mortality rate of our Airlines, i.e.passing exams with no value added.

Do you foresee the present government changing the status quo? What should the government do to drive the sector to begin to significantly contribute to the country’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP)?

Transport Minister and his aviation colleague should be tasked with delivering 1 % of the GDP by 2020 at an annual growth rate of 25 -30%. It is presently 0.4% when small country such as Spain delivers up to 5%.

A grossly under-performing sector. Measurable task with timeline is the answer and stake holders including ART do have ways and means to achieving such deliverables.

Recently, there were concerns about the frequency of flight delays and cancellations following the report released by the NCAA which indicated that about 50 percent of flights operated in the first quarter of 2016 were delayed, what does this portend for the sector?

Delays could be as a result of so many factors . Lately Aviation Fuel poor supply I am aware is re-

Gbenga Olowo Transport Minister and his aviation colleague should be tasked with delivering 1 % of the GDP by 2020 at an annual growth rate of 25 -30%. It is presently 0.4% when small country such as Spain delivers up to 5%. sponsible for most delays. Airlines insolvency is also contributory as purchase is now on cash and carry basis to the exclusion of former credit lines. Technical, VIP movement , late arrival if operating aircraft, weather etc are some other rea-

Is the president, Aviation Round Table ART

sons but with varying remedies for passenger comfort.

In recent times, there were reports of dwindling passengers’ traffic at the indigenous level.

What do you think is responsible for this reduction in the number of air travellers resulting in, for instance, an airline going to Abuja with less than 50 per cent of passengers occupying the available seats?: Economic activity generally has declined 2015/2016 year on year due low government expenditure which is the highest element of our national income .

Private sector participation in all sectors will stimulate economic growth while government ensures good standards through regulation. Reverse is the case presently and so without government spending and annual budget for almost half of the year, economic activity automatically declines.

Are you in support of airlines merging their passengers?

Absolutely Yes. It is called Pooling. It is a process of cooperation that will remove unnecessary competition, reduce waste, and enhance yield. It should go beyond pooling of passengers to pooling

of all the resources and or merger.

Regrettably however, it is un Nigerian to cooperate rather its me alone die alone.

Over 80 percent of international passengers are airlifted by foreign carriers through the signing of Bilateral Air Service Agreements (BASAs) and a lot of people have called for review or abolishment of these BASAs for not being mutually beneficial, what is your take on this?

What option is there if foreign airlines do not operate the BASAs so long there are no strong Nigerian airlines to reciprocate in the face of growing demand?

Necessary condition is 3 to 4 strong airlines parading minimum of 50 modern and operational aircrafts each. We can then begin to see the need to review the BASAs absent which will result to overfull demand situation and high prices in the market.

The Nigerian Government must make deliberate effort to salvage our airlines if we are serious about reducing the pressure on Naira exchange rate as of necessity. Foreign airlines must repatriate their excess of earnings or refuse to trade in Naira as it were.

Life&

Times Monday, June 27, 2016

Benefit of eating

maize L6

P

12

years ago they said hunger will force ASA out of music’

L3

P

Juliet

Ibrahim Turns entrepreneur

L2

P

Buzzbyte

L2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday June 27, 2016

Juliet Ibrahim

Mutiat Alli

launches lipstick, lashes line Not a new role in a movie, but the curvy actress/producer, known for her head-turning red carpet looks, the gorgeous and business minded, Juliet Ibrahim is set to launch her very own lashes and lipstick line.

It was learnt that while this is her

Juliet Ibrahim

Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtle Movie

– out of the shadows to premiere in Nigeria July … Nickelodeon to reward Lucky families with Movie Tickets

venture for the entrepreneur who already runs a fashion house, House of Glamour.

Juliet will be launching two productsShades by Juliet Ibrahim lashes line.

The eyelash extensions will feature three Horse hair lashes.

with extended wear and feels 100 per cent “While the hotly lashes line is already selling, the lipsticks which will be in different shades will hit the shelves soon and you will get to experience all the beautiful hues she loves wearing and more. The products which are designed to bring your beauty to the fore are wallet friendly,” the rep added.

Family releases burial details for Late OJB

The family of late Nigerian music producer and artiste, Babatunde Okungbowa, aka OJB Jezreel, who passed on Tuesday, June 14, newcomer, Casey Jones.

In the new movie, super villain Shredder

rites.

The respected music producer and singer

scientist Baxter Stockman and two dimwitted unleash a diabolical plan to take over the Teenage Mutant

movie – Out of the Shadows. Nickelodeon

Shredder and his crew, they are faced with an even greater evil, the notorious Krang who has the same intention to take over the world.

The private screening will feature a fun goodies.

Mr. 2Kay and friends

one of her kidneys to save his life and also on the people, fans and friends that gave support monetarily and otherwise.

However, his kidney transplant failed again a week before his demise and OJB passed on.

Jigga, as he was fondly called by close friends and associates, was preparing for his 50th birthday slated for 4th of July before his death. His body has been deposited in Farewell Funeral Homes, Isolo.

Late OJB Joseph Okungbowa. Others are wives Okungbowa and Korede Okungbowa and eight children. to kick start with a candle light procession on of songs/Tribute holds on Thursday, July 7, 2016 and a proper burial at the Ikoyi Cemetery on Friday, July 8, 2016.

Mr. 2kay takes friends on a tour of his hood Tee Blaq shoots Gbemileke Over the weekend, fast rising musical

where his life and struggle began before he got signed to Grafton records. The visit which

Eldar record act, Tee Blaq is not relenting on his cause to be more relevant in the music industry as he recently stormed location on the

rekindled with the sights and the people they

stations in the city for interview sessions.

The visit to the waterfront and radio stations

of the entertainment magazine.

Harcourt at Cosmos lounge.

where he bought clothes on credit, as well as where he hung out to have fun. Undoubtedly, it was an emotional sight as his tale was

special, Who no like better thing, Count it all

The video which was directed by

appearances by Nollywood actor,

Life&

T E A M

Tee Blaq is signed to Eldar

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Teeblaq

Society Correspondent Abimbola Obatayo

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

his credit.

Graphics Daniel Ekiye

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday June 27, 2016

L3 Opinion

Emma Ugolee

Facts about Asa -

’12

years ago they said hunger will force ASA out of music’

L4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday June 27, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday June 27, 2016

L5

Nutrition L6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday June 27, 2016

maize Maize is often thought as food but recently, but there are so many values that maize has in it, that most comes once in a year;

corn, but there are so many things also have so many nutritional values in are so many maize every

Here are some nutritional values of maize: It improves pressure: Its alleviate constipation:

Slowly

Corn is rich in vitamin C:

Its rich in antioxidant:

Maize

is

good

for

your

eyes: It naturally Gluten- free:

Digested

Source

of

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday June 27, 2016

L7 Wellness

Soremekun Gbemisola

home remedies that actually work Here are some weird home remedies you may never think of: I. Tomatoes cures acne:

blood pressure:

The tomato has several qualities that make it a good source of treatment for various minor ailments. The fruit possesses high levels of vitamins C and A, antioxidants and acidic content. These elements are especially useful when treating acne. Tomatoes have a lot of vitamins C and A, antioxidants and acidic content, so they can be used to treat a variety of minor skin ailments. This cure is especially good for oily skin. Mash one small tomato into a pulp, then spread the pulp on your face and let it sit for one hour. Wash it off with tepid water and pat dry. Repeat once a day for a week.

Thirty minutes of the right tunes every day can help lower BP, according to research from the University of Florence in Italy. Researchers found that people on a medication for hypertension further lowered their blood pressure after they listened to music while breathing s l o w l y .

Systolic readings (the

II. Biting on headaches:

a

pencil

cures

Many people have headaches due to different reasons, some through stress, lack of enough sleep, some are cause by noise, or sinus pressure. But by biting on your pencil can cure your headaches in place of your paracetamol or Panadol. Tension headaches can often arise from unconsciously clenching your jaw. Gently holding a pencil between your teeth forces your jaw muscles to relax, easing your headache. When we are stressed, we naturally clench our teeth, which can cause strain to the muscle connecting the jaw to the temples. By putting a pencil between the teeth, it effectively unclenches the jaw and can help alleviate the stress.

III. Sugar stops hiccups: Hiccups are annoying, but now you can stop them within one minute simply by swallowing a teaspoon full of dry sugar. Experts believe that the sudden sweetness on the tongue overloads the nerve endings in the mouth and stops the hiccup spasm. The sugar is believed to modify the nerve muscles that would otherwise tell the muscles in the diaphragm to contract spasmodically and Sugar addiction is real, and too much can seriously mess with your health.

IV. IPod can reduce your high

decreased an average of 3.2 points in a week; a month later, readings were down 4.4 points.

a study published in the Archives of Pediatrics and Adolescent Medicine. In the study, the duct tape eliminated 85% of the warts after 2 months, compared with 60% with the freezing method. To use duct tape safely, clean the area.

Then cut a piece of duct tape to a size slightly bigger than t h e wart.

Apply the duct tape to the site and rub into place. Every 3 days, remove the tape and

Chemicals in the tape suffocate and kill the wart.

VII. Vegetable oil cure brittle nails: address the problem of too-little moisture.

In addition to using hand lotion regularly, try this nighttime treatment from dermatologist Dee Anna Glaser, MD: Before you go to bed, apply vegetable oil to your hands, then put on vinyl gloves or wrap your hands in plastic wrap to keep the oil off your bedding. The hand coverings force the oil to penetrate your skin, preventing your hands and nails from getting too dry.

VIII. Listerine cures toenail fungus: Listerine can feasibly work as a toenail fungus treatment by utilizing the various antiseptic properties of different alcohols and other substances found in the mouthwash. Fill up a small basin with enough Listerine in which to submerge the affected toenails and let soak for 15 to 20 minutes. Repeat this process two times a day until toenails fully heal. This process requires dedication, as it could take months to fully heal the infected toes.

pe Duct ta

V. Olive oil and lemon cures sea sickness: Motion sickness causes you to produce excess saliva, which can make you nauseated, some doctors say.

Compounds in olives called tannins dry out your mouth and can help soothe the queasiest.

IX. Olive oil cures eczema:

ne Listeri

hint of nausea; sucking on a lemon can also do the trick.

After a shower, while your skin is still moist, cover the entire area of eczema with Extra Virgin Olive Oil until the oil completely coats the skin. It is recommended to pour the olive oil into a small bowl or dish for easiest application. It is most effective to apply before bedtime, as your skin is most actively working while you sleep to Keep in mind that due to our unique individual chemical compositions,

VI. Duct tapes cures wart: Covering warts with duct tape eliminates them better than freezing them off, according to

oes Tomat

actually cure eczema, it may simply reduce the symptoms for others.

Regardless, olive oil is certain to deeply moisturize and lessen the severity of these conditions.

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday June 27, 2016

Showing on

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Mon, 27 June | 16L

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L8 TV guide

128 SONY MAX

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

Features

s

Dearth of medical research on egg donation

Gbubemi God’s Covenant Snr

“Not everything in life is for sale, nor should it be” Jerry Brown, Governor of California, USA once said.

That trafficking in human organs through hospitals and private clinics has been backed by law, advertently or inadvertently is disquieting enough. Our only comfort is that concerned law-

yers are taking the matter to the courts to have the law redressed.

Reacting to the seeming unawareness of the law makers who were instrumental to passing the bill in the first place, Dr. Obiezulu Chikammadu, a volunteer health professional with the Doctors Health Initiative (DHI), a human rights medical intervention organisation said it was scandalous to say the least.

“But learning first hand again that unsuspecting cash strapped young students, ladies and women in need of money in Nigeria are being lured with cash to have their ovarian eggs harvested for money is upsetting.”

A recent article by Obi Onochie titled ‘What manner of hospitals?’ presented a picture of the serious lapses that exist in CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Harvested ovarian eggs

Place of vocational training centres in economic development

Edo State skill acquisition centre for women.

Sani Adamu Experts define technical vocational education as any form of education which primary purpose is to prepare persons for employment in recognised occupations.

By most accounts therefore, vocational education is fundamental to the attainment of solid economic development of any country.

They also argue that the dearth

of trained vocational and middlelevel technical manpower represents a very serious gap in the development of third-world countries, including Nigeria.

This argument, perhaps, underscores President Muhammadu Buhari’s inquest to why foreign construction companies operating in Nigeria still source for artisans and other skilled workers from their home country.

The president sought the explanations during a recent meeting

with the Board of Directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. The company told Buhari that most of the foreign construction companies operating in the country sourced their artisan manpower requirements from abroad because of a shortage of competent construction workers and artisans in Nigeria.

Acknowledging that the practice was detrimental to his administration’s commitment to boost employment opportunities for

young Nigerians, Buhari insisted that his administration would address the shortage of skilled construction workers in the country.

In the light of this, Buhari directed the Federal Ministries of Works and Lands, Housing and Urban Development to urgently prepare and present for approval and implementation, a plan of action for the speedy revitalisation and expansion of the nation’s vocational training centres.

Shedding more light on the

president’s concern, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said the president demanded a report on the current status of existing vocational training centres established by the Federal Government nationwide.

In a statement, he said Buhari had promised that his administration would take all necessary action to rapidly reposition vocational training centres as efficient producers of skilled workers for Nigeria’s building and construction industry.

Buhari said that his administration would act swiftly to ensure that the Building Craft Training School and Skill Improvement Centre in Lagos were fully revamped, staffed and equipped to produce more skilled electricians, brick and block layers, carpenters, painters, welders, fabricators, plumbers and other artisans.

Reaffirming his administration’s commitment to the proper education and training of Nigerian youth for the current demands of the labour market, he said that the Federal Government would remove all impediments to the fulfillment of its promise of more jobs for unemployed Nigerians.

He also assured the directors of Julius Berger Nigeria Plc. led

by Mr Mutiu Sunmonu that in spite of present funding challenges, the Federal Government would continue to settle genuine outstanding payments due to contractors.

To boost skills development, Mr CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

19 Features

EGGSPLOITATION: The market demand supersedes any consideration CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

the healthcare sector in Nigeria due to a weak regulatory health ministry.

The presence of a large number of unregulated health providers in the country means that many Nigerians are at the mercy of incompetent medical personnel who continue to sustain national death indices. A clear mandate conferred on the Federal Ministry of Health is to safeguard the health of the nation primarily through the formulation of policies that promote wellbeing and longevity.

That mandate is on paper but the reality is quite different.

The National Health Bill controversy that raged on for the greater part of 2012 to 2013 resurfaced again last year.

“That the satirical problem has changed name best describes what the proponents of the NHB 2014 have failed to grasp,” Obiazulu told The Daily Times.

“For the information of the general public with little knowledge of the debate, let it suffice to say that a change of numbering from Article 53 to Articles 51, 52 & 53 means very little when the essence of the message remains the same.

“I would like to present an argument with the hope that discerning Nigerians will draw the right conclusions and begin to demand for answers.

Recently, a young undergraduate of the University of Lagos ended up in the Intensive Care Unit of the University’s teaching hospital. She came in with a distended abdomen caused by her ovaries that had ballooned to ten times their original size.

This disorder occurred as a direct reaction to the high levels of hormones administered to stimulate her ovaries to produce dozens of eggs. These eggs were destined to be harvested and sent to an IVF clinic that had request-

This ovarian egg could be you

ed for egg donations from young women who were kind enough to help other women have children – be part of a miracle and help someone have a family! The incentive offered was N20,000.

As much as this selfless act appears to be, it certainly is a risky gamble to trade in one’s health and fertility for another.

“The award-winning 2013 documentary ‘Eggsploitation’ is a must watch. A free viewing took place in my office on a late Friday afternoon, as expected all interested parties were female.

As expected, the reaction was one of disbelief expressed in familiar terms, ‘It’s not true!’ as if expressed denial would wipe out the import of the words and images before them.

“Briefly, the documentary is an exposé of egg donation and its consequences. The story centred around six young American women who donated their eggs and now live out the consequences everyday of their lives – from a partial stroke to breast cancer, a perforated ovary to an ophorectomy…one will never have biological children of her own. The basic message was about caution. The lack of medical research to follow up on the effect of egg donation on the general health and fertility of these anonymous donors is telling.

“Now enter the NHB Law. This is Nigeria. I bet you that the Health ministry will be hard pressed to produce statistics to indicate the exact number of clinics and hospitals in Nigeria.

I stand to be corrected. ”Egg donor clinics can be found in Lagos, Kaduna, Ilorin and in many more cities.

Do women donate their eggs at these clinics freely? Are they informed of the risks that this procedure might have on their ability to have children in the future? Are they monitored in the long term to ensure that there is CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Skill acquisition centre for the disabled in Adamawa

‘FG aims to train 370,000 artisans under new scheme’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

Afolabi Imoukhuede, the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Job Creation and Youth Employment, recently announced plans by the Federal Government to train 370,000 artisans.

At the inauguration of the Construction Skills Training and Empowerment Programme (C-STEmp), Imoukhuede said the plan would generate employments.

C-STEmp, an initiative of J. Hausen Ltd. and a construction management consultancy firm, is an accelerated skills development project to prepare eligible beneficiaries for employment as artisans in construction industry.

Represented by Mr Ife Adebayo, Special Assistant on Production and Innovative, Imoukhuede said the Federal Government also planned to employ 500, 000 graduates as teachers to improve the educational system. ``The Federal Government plans to train 370,000 artisans this year and to employ 500,000 graduates as teachers, because one of our key problems is on education,’’ he said.

He, however, called for collaboration with the relevant government agencies and public-private participation to train more Nigerians in skill development.

Commenting on the initiative, Rev. Ugochukwu Chime,

C-STEmp Chairman of Trustee, noted that the project would break the paradox of high unemployment and poverty. ``This will be done through a fast track intensive skills acquisition programme, using a combination of classroom, indoor and outdoor practical and a programmed apprenticeship period. ``It will equip beneficiaries with sufficient skills, certification and reference to enable them to gain employment in the housing and construction industry,’’ he added.

He said that the struggle for economic inclusiveness by the grassroots over the years in Nigeria was worsened by lack of education and competence in chosen profession.

Supported by UK Aid, under the construction idea fund of the Growth and Employment in States (GEMs) project, Chime said that the programme would enable the under-employed persons to fend for themselves and rise above their limited circumstances.

Chime, who is also the President, Real Estate Developers Association of Nigeria, noted that curriculum, manuals and other vocational teaching resources would be used for the training.

He listed the courses to include concreting block laying and plastering, general construction, carpentry, steel fabrication, plumb-

ing installation and maintenance and electrical installation and maintenance.

Others are tiling and decorative stone work, painting and decoration and site orientation and practice for building and engineering graduates.

Irrespective of this, Prof. Aondover Tarhule, a university lecturer, stressed the need for the Federal Government to initiate steps that would elevate the standards of technical and vocational education in the country.

At a recent workshop in Kaduna on Technical and Vocational Education Training, he said that the government should establish many functional technical and vocational institutions across the country to boost access to skill acquisition. ``I think we have a situation in this country where we focus too much on the classic liberal education; everybody goes to the university and then they have no job on graduation. ``We need a skilled technical labour force; as such, we ought to put up in every state, almost as many technical colleges and institutions as the universities we have. ``You go to restaurants and hotels, and you don’t get good services because people don’t learn it. ``This is because we don’t have enough vocational institutions CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Features 20

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

FG’s revolutionary approach to fight malaria Gbubemi God’s Covenant Snr The Nigerian government is encouraging use of a new home test kit to diagnose malaria, in hopes that citizens don’t assume they have the disease and self-medicate every time they have a fever.

The simple urine test kit, containing five test strips, is available at a Nigerian pharmacy for $12 (about N3,600).

After urine is collected in the cup, the user dips a test stick in the sample and leaves it for 25 minutes. One line on the stick means the person doesn’t have malaria.

Two lines indicate infection from the mosquito-borne illness.

The test kit replaces painful blood tests.

VOCATION: I will address shortage of skilled construction workers in the country — Buhari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

Researchers from the Fyodor Biotechnologies

“I think that is revolutionary,” key for successful treatment. said shopper Ezinne Anyanwu, The urine test was explaining that many of her famdevelily members “don’t necessarily take care of themselves well, so whenever anything i s wrong [they assume] it is malaria … and so they take medications.”

Malaria is endemic in many countries, including Nigeria, and there are an Malaria urine test estimated 425 million cases worldwide. The disease kills more than oped by Fyodor Biotechnology, an 400,000 people a year, according to American company, and understatistics. went trials in Nigeria.

Prompt diagnosis is considered “Malaria elimination in Nigeria

is overdue,” said Victoria Enwenmadu of Fyodor Biotechnology.

“A lot of countries have succeeded in eliminating malaria … and the Federal Ministry of Health is doing a lot of work to encourage proper care.

So, I think what we bring to the table also adds value to malaria elimination. One aspect is to test before you treat.”

Fyodor Biotechn o l o g y hopes to make the test available throughout Africa and Asia.

EGGSPLOITATION: Luring females to sell their ovarian eggs for money is upsetting

Okowa. He was Chairman Health Committee that pushed the bill through CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

no adverse reaction to the volume of hormones pumped into their systems? Could there be the added danger that masses of young, ignorant and poor women will be coerced into giving up

their eggs without due consent?

You know better than I what the answers to these questions will be.

Nigeria and the third world as a whole is a virtual minefield for the fertility industry. Our women

will not produce enough eggs fast enough to fuel the insatiable demand needed for stem cell research and assisted reproduction.

I see a market economy of supply and demand where monetary gain supersedes any humane considerations. I remember the images of those young illiterate women found in the so-called baby factory in Abia State who sold their infants for money. Egg donor programmes will be conducted without ethical informed consent, but on the basis of ‘food for eggs’. Egg-trafficking, organtrafficking, child-trafficking, women-trafficking…all join!”

A February 2011 Report from Global Financial Integrity about Transnational Crime In The Developing World estimates that the illegal organ trade generates profits between $600 million and $1.2 billion per year, India suffered the effects of unregulated organ transplant industry that led to an increasing number of poor peasants losing their vitals (without their consent) to people willing to pay any price to secure an organ.

As a result, India’s lawmakers passed the Transplantation of Human Organs Act in 1994 giv-

ing clear guidelines regarding authority for removal of human organs, regulation and registration of hospitals, appropriate authority, offences and penalties. The new National Health Law opens the door to abuses because our legislators have not cared enough to read between the lines, or quite frankly do not care what passes as long as the price is right.

Here are the key concerns about the bill as related to the theme of this article. Firstly, articles 48, 51 & 52 contain blanket statements such as the ‘removal of tissue’. Not being qualified, this could represent a spectrum spanning from the insignificant removal of a finger nail to lifethreatening actions like the removal of a heart or viable foetus.

Read between the lines…this is an opening that could be used to justify a range of unethical practices. Secondly, Article 51 contains a serious ambiguity. It states the prohibition of cloning and all forms of genetic manipulation but then goes further to state otherwise that a prior written approval of the minister is required.

where people get certification and proper training,’’ he said.

Tarhule said that if there were as many technical and vocational institutions as there were universities in the country, not everybody would like to go to the university. ``There is the need, therefore, to elevate the standard of technical and vocational education so that the people can tap from the gains that accrue from it. ``This way, we will be reducing congestion in the universities and strengthen the service aspect of our industry; thereby, elevating the quality of service and the quality of life for everybody. ``I hope that at some point, we will begin this very important task, because there is a lot that should be done and can be done on multiple fronts to strengthen technical and vocational education in the country,’’ he said.

Identifying vocational education as key to job creation and poverty alleviation, Mr Stanley Okegbenro, a teacher at a private vocational centre in Oyo State, listed inadequate equipment and poor funding as some of the challenges of the private initiative to make the youth self-reliant.

To support the Federal Government’s initiative, the Kano State Government says it has also upgraded two of its four vocational centres to the status of technical colleges to boost vocational and technical education in the state.

The Executive Secretary of the state’s Science and Technical Schools Board, Alhaji Ahmad Abdullahi, noted that the upgraded vocational centres were located at Kwakwaci and Gani towns in Fagge and Sumaila local government areas of the state, respectively. ``Currently, we have no fewer than 150 youths undergoing training in each of the two centres’’, he said.

He, however, appealed to the local government areas and wealthy individuals in the state to make the best use of the opportunity provided by the centres.

Nonetheless, stakeholders have stressed the need for government at all levels to accord special priority to vocational education in the country.

They note that providing necessary vocational training will keep the youth busy, reduce youth restiveness and generate more employments.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

21 Public Notice

EVA SULE FOUNDATION

FREE FROM POVERTY EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

SUCCESS MOTIVATIONAL WORLD INITIATIVE.

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

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission 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 Abuja for Registration Under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990.

THE BOARD OF TRUSTEES ARE AS FOLLOWS:(1) SULE OSARETIN TAIYE CHAIRPERSON (2) EDOBOR OTUOMAGIE FELLONGA SECRETARY (3) IZEDONMWEN OSAYI OWA EDMUND

Trustees are: 1) Dele Richard Pelemo (Chairman).

2) Kayode Pelemo (Secretary).

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:(1) Seek to create economic change through mentoring young Nigerians (2) Inspiring and empowering young Nigerians (3) To empower members of foundation

Aim and Objective To empower people living in poverty by providing; training, information advice and guidance,

Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, 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 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 from the date of this publication

SIGNED BY: SECRETARY

SIGNED BY: SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Omiyale Tubosun Shola - President 2. Tolase Tomiwa Timilehin - Vice president 3. Ajao Omowunmi Kafayat - Executive 4. Eluwole Oluwabanke. Oluwayemisi - Executive 5. Agbongbon-Bakare Oluwaseun - Executive 6. Olagunju Ibukun Oluwatoyin - Secretary.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1 To assist the youth in the society 2 To develop their skill and talent. .

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

SIGNED: SECRETARY

EGI INDEGINEOUS FORUM.

OMOKU COMMUNITIES WOMEN ASSOCIATION.

CROSS OVER TO LIFE ASSEMBLY.

This is to inform the general public that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs commission for registration under part’ C’ of the companies and Allied Matters Act N0. 1 of 1990 .

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

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. PRECIOUS OKARA - PRESIDENT. 2. JULIET OGBOWU. 3. PRAISE ELLAH.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. APOSTLE OKWUDIRI CHRISTAIN ENYIOKOH. 2. EVANG. PRINCE NDUKA MOSES. 3. PASTOR CATHERINE EKPUNWA. 4. ELDER OLAKANMI TIAMIYU. 5. MUMMY EVELYN AMONI. 6. ELDER EJIKE NWANKWO.

THE TRUSTEES ARE; 1. APOSTLE CHE I. IBEGWURA. 2. MR. MECHI BLESSING IGWE. 3. MR. OKECHUKWU MATTHEW. 4. BARR. IBEGWURA ORDU A. 5. MR. IKECHUKWU MARK. 6. BARR. UCHENDU EGBEZOR.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To inculcate our rich values into the lives of the up coming women.

2. To maintain the dignity of womanhood among member, Communities and beyond.

3. To source and provide training of women in skill and other sustainable vocational job.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : 1. To preach the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

Any objections to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi street Maitama Abuja within 28days of this publication.

Any objections to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi street Maitama Abuja within 28days of this publication.

SIGNED : PRESIDENT.

SIGNED: APOSTLE OKWUDIRI CHRISTAIN ENYIOKOH.

PUBLIC NOTICE. I CHIKEZIRIM ODINAKA GLADYS, a native of old Umuahia in Umuahia. South Local Government Area of Abia State, a Teacher, now residing at N0. 44 Bonny Street, Port-Harcourt, an adult female, Christian, Citizen of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, do hereby make and solemnly declare as follows :1. That I am the deponent herein and make this publication in good faith.

2. That I was formerly known, called and addressed as EJEZIE ODINAKA GLADYS. 3. That I now wish to be known, called and addressed as CHIKEZIRIM ODINAKA GLADYS. 4. That all documents bearing my former name(s) remain valid .

5. That this publication is now made for Official and record purposes and to notify all relevant authorities and the general public.

PRIMEWATERVIEW COURT RESIDENTS & LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION

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. MR. OLUTAYO ODUWOLE 2. MR. HENRY AGBEBINE 3. MR. FOLARIN ALEGE

-CHAIRMAN -SECRETARY -EXECUTIVE MEMBER

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO MANAGE PRIMEWATERVIEW COURT ESTATE AND ITS FACILITIES ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

SOLID GOSPEL FOUNDATION MINISTRY 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. Okoh Paul Ibeabuchi -President/Founder 2. Agidiomo Solomon Seun Secretary 3. Vivian Onyinyechi Okoro Treasurer 4. Prince Patrick C. Duru 5. Sunday Obinna Duru 6. Peter Akuba Oiko Collins AIMS AND OBJECTICES: 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ within and international.

2. Humanitarian Services for the less privileged; 3. To enhance Godly influence for nation building and Gospel spread.

Any objectives 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: Chairman

SOCIETY FOR ASSURANCE OF FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS PROTECTION 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.GODWIN EKEMEZIE. OKORIE 2. Barr IKE OBETA 3. Pastor PETER CHUKWUJEKWU. EZENWEGBU 4. JOSEPHAT OFORBUIKE ODENIGBO 5. ALEX ONYEMAUCHE NWANKWO 6. JOHNFELIX EZENNAKA 7. EMMANUEL AKONUCHE. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: TO PROMOTE FUNDAMENTAL RIGHTS ENFORCEMENT ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED : UDEOGU OBINNA ESQ

NOTICE OF AMENDMENT OF THE CONSTITUTION OF THE INCORPORATED TRUSTEES OF PEACE COURT ESTATE RESIDENTS’ GRA, IKEJA Notice is hereby given to the General Public that the Incorporated Trustees of Peace Court Estate Residents’ GRA, Ikeja,-CAC/IT/NO 79946 (the Association), will, after 28 days of this notice apply to the Corporate Affairs Commission for the amendment of the Constitution of the Association.

The Articles of the Constitution to be amended are: 5, 6, 7, 8, 10, 11 and 15; Inclusion of Articles 9, 19; and restructuring of some articles of the Constitution.

Objections to the amendment of Constitution should be sent within 28 days of this publication to the registered office of the Association- C/o the Facility Manager, Peace Court Estate, 2/4, Adeyemo Alakija Street, Ikeja GRA, Lagos State or the law firm ofBamidele Ibironke & Co. 15th Floor (Lagoon Suite), Western House, 8/10/ Broad Street, Lagos Island, Lagos.

Dated this 22nd day of June, 2016 Signed: Secretary

By Order of the Board of Trustees

THE TRIUMPH OF CRUCIFIED SAINTS MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for Registration under the part “C” of Company and Allied matters Act 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. JACOB OMOIKHOJEH OLOBAYO 2. JANET OMOLABAKE OLOBAYO 3. DANIEL NATHANIEL OJEHROZ OLOBAYO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To spread and preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ To engage in Christ Evangelism on Television and Radio programmes To reach out to remote areas in the spread and preaching of the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ Any objection to the above registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja. Within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: ANTHONY JOHNSON & CO.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES: 1. To foster Unity and Peace among the people of Egi. 2. To uphold the good Culture and tradition of Egi people.

3. To initiate developmental activities, encourage educational, entrepreneurship, infrastructural and Socio-economic development of Egi Communities.

Any objections to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi street Maitama Abuja within 28days of this publication.

SIGNED: EMEKA ELEANYA.

PEOPLE OF PROGRESS AND COMFORT SOCIETY 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. OBINABO LUKE 2. EZEOYE LAWRENCE 3. AKABUEZE RUFUS 4. EMELOGU CHUKWUDI 5. ISUAMAENYI FIDELIS 6. CHUKS PROSPER MUOMAH AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: TO PROMOTE MEMBERS WELFARE ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: CHUKS MUOMAH ESQ 08035484434

INTER FAITH CHAPLAINCY OF NIGERIA 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. CHAPLAIN EZEKIEL JOSHUA (REV)./ 2. CHAPLAIN HOSEA MAMMAN 3. CHAPLAIN UKOM KALU 4. PROF. ABDULS-SALAM ABDULGHANI ENIKANONAYE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. COUNSELING 2. ALTERNATIVE DISPUTE RESOLUTION 3. TRAINING OF CHAPLAIN AND ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MATIAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION. SIGNED: CHAHUL EMMANUEL SUMAKA

AMESI YOUTH 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. Paul Chukwudi Anusi, 2. Micheal Chukwunyelum Ezeonyejekwe, 3. Romanus Udochukwu Alagboso, 4. Kelechukwu Bonaventure Umezinwa, 5. Anthony Chinenye Mbakogu, 6. Ikechukwu Peter Ezeigwe, 7. Okwuchukwu Peter Muoneme .

Aims and Objectives: 1. To promote unity and trust among it’s members 2. To promote the interest, existence and culture of Amesi 3. To improve and encourage the development of Amesi.

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

Public Notice 22 FATIROTI MARIAM OLANREWAJU

MRS AGNES ADARIGHOFUA OLUADE ADETOWUBO

I, formerly known as Taofeek Mariam Olanrewaju wish to be known and addressed as Fatiroti Mariam Olanrewaju. All former document remain valid, general public please take note.

I, formerly known as Mrs AGNES ADARIGHOFUA OGUNADE wish to be known and addressed as Mrs AGNES ADARIGHOFUA OLUADE ADETOWUBO. All former document remain valid, general public please take note.

ADEBUKOLA ADESOLA KOSOKO

OLUTAYO NURUDEEN BANJO

I, formerly known as Adebukola Adesola Adegoke. wish to be known and addressed as Adebukola Adesola Kosoko.All former document remain valid, general public please take note.

I FORMALLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLADAYO MOSHOOD, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLUTAYO NURUDEEN BANJO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

ASSOCIATION OF NTUEGBENESE CLAN

GLOBAL URBAN FUTURE RESEARCH ORGANISATION

This is to notify the general public 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 ORGANISATION 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. Israel Ani 2. Josephat Akputa 3. David Igweani 4. Linus Udeh 5. James Nwonye

THE TRUSTEE ARE : 1. YUSSUFF OLUSEGUN BANKOLE 2. OSHODI LOOKMAN SHEHU 3. LAWANSON TAIBAT OLAITAN 4. AYINDE OLUTOYIN ADEDAMOLA 5. YUSSUFF DIDEOLUWA COMFORT

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To unite the members of the communities in Ntuegbenese clan 2. To carter for the welfare of the association and the members.

3. To promote peace, love and other desired socio-political activities in the clan .

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporation Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent . off Aguiyi Ironsi street, PMB 196 Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: J.O Nwonye Esq

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO promote awareness of global urban future challenges and contribute to their resolution through the generation of sustainable, livable and practical ideas.

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.

NAWGU CONCERNED CITIZENS FORUM

This is to inform the general public of the of Original Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) in respect of Plot 244 Emene Industrial/ residential Layout Enugu, Registered as No. 31, at Page 31 in volume 8, at Land Registry Enugu belonging to LATE MR. BONIFACE MADUABUCHI ANEKE. All effort made to trace the said document proved abortive. If found contact the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development, Enugu.

DAILY LIFE CHURCH The General Public is hereby notified that the above named CHURCH has applied for registration with the corporate Affairs Commission Abuja under part C of the companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1.

ADEBAYO OLUWASEUN ALAO 2.

ADEBAYO OLUKEMI TEMITAYO 3.

OLUDARE OLUSESAN ODUWOLE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Okeke Bartholomew Nnamdi- (chairman).

2.Nnaemego Obiora Simeon- (secretary).

3.Okoye Bestley Chinemelum4. Kelvin Ugochukwu Chukwujekwu 5.Dr. Lazarus Ugochukwu Okafor 6.Enedeanya Simeon Nnaemeka.

OCEAN OF TALENT FOR YOUTHS EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE

EASY LIFE FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE.

PUBLIC NOTICE

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1.

To propagate Christian religion 2.

To win soul for Christ 3.

To deliver people from bondage 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

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVE ARE: To promote peace and harmony in Nawgu Town and Environs.

2. To promote development in Nawgu Town.

3.To support the citizens of the community in their different endeavours.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY

PRAYER DELIVERANCE MINISTRY (IT NO:CAC/IT/39916.)

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 1990.

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

TRUSTEES 1. EMMANUEL UGOH 2.BLESSING UCHECHUKWU IBE.

NAMES OF TRUSTEES ARE: 1. HRH, IGWE STEPHEN NNEJI OBUM NWATU 2. PRINCE MICHAEL OBUM NWATU 3. MRS CHINYERE NWATU 4. BAR. EMMANUEL NNAEMEKA ONYIA - SECRETARY.

The Old Trustees are: 1. REV PST NWABUBA JOSEPH (RETAINED) 2. EVANGELIZE. MRS GRACE NWABUBA (REMOVED) 3. BRO.STANLEY FEMI (RETAINED) 4. BRO.SUNDAY UKACHI (RETAINED)

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : (1)To promote and develop economic self sustenance.

(2) Provision of resources to various deprived groups of the society.

(3) Educating the masses on the alleviation of poverty.

NEWLY APPOINTED TRUSTEE: 1. REV MRS.AUGUSTINA NWABUBA.

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 application must reach the Registrar-General of Corporate Affairs Commission Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: O.C. ABALU Esq./ BARR. EMMA ONYIA

Signed: Secretary

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO INITIATE AND SUPPORT SUSTAINABLE PROGRAMS MADE AVAILABLE FOR YOUTHS IN COMMUNITIES AND TO IMPROVE THEIR WELFARE. 2. TO RESTORE THE DIGNITY OF YOUTHS THROUGH SENSITIZATION AND EDUCATION ACTIVITIES. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abujawithin 28 days from the date of this publication SIGN TRUSTEE

ZION CITY CHURCH FOR ALL NATIONS 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. Emmanuel Adah Mathew 2. Edward Okoh Mathew 3. John Kumagah 4. Stanley Amadi 5. Joseph Soyelu Olasunkanmi 6. Peter Ayuba The aim and objectives: 1. To extend the true love of God to our neglected communities especially to the poor, needy homeless in remote places 2. To worship and glorify God by proclaiming the good news of salvation which is Grace to every tribe, religion, nations and all humanity 3. To raise gaints and great talents in various areas of life carrier, calling and destiny in general

MENONITE ECONOMIC DEVELOPMENT 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. Mrs Hyeladzira Balami 2. Dr Yakubu Joseph 3. Mallam Ahmed Salihu.

The aim and objectives are; 1. Creating sustainable livelihood for vulnerable families.

2. Increasing contributions by entrepreneurs to Nigeria’s economic growth.

3. Building capacity of entrepreneurs in Nigeria.

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

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE ADDRESSED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION. PLOT 420,TIGRIS CRESCENT,OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET,MAITAMA,ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYSFROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: Erdoo Asom 08039664534

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

CRUX OF HEALTH CARE FOUNDATION

HOLY GHOST LEADS INTERCESSORY MINISTRY.

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 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.

TRUSTEES: I. BUKAR MOHAMMED - CHAIRMAN 2. ESTHER SUNDAY -SECRETARY 3. MICHAEL USMAN - MEMBER 4. MARK USMAN - M EMBER.

The Trustees are : 1Trustees: 1.pst ogbegie welkins 2.pst mrs ogbegie kate 3.omonuwa frank.

AIMS: AND OBJECTIVES: I. To proide technological solution to health care challenges

Aim and objective: To preach the gospel of our lord jesus christ

Any Objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, PMB 198, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Any Objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, PMB 198, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: Secretary

Signed. Barr Albright 08067981766

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME

PUBLIC NOTICE THIS IS TO NOTIFY THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF OCCUPANCY ISSUED BY ABUJA GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (AGIS) WITH FILE NO: KD 22136 IN THE NAME OF JAMILA B.RUFAI OF NO.19 WURNO ROAD KADUNA - KADUNA STATE. A POWER OF ATTORNEY IS REGISTERED AT AGIS DATED 17TH FEBRUARY 2016 IN FAVOUR OF ABDUL AHMED NINGI. ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE DOCUMENT PROVED ABORTIVE ABUJA GEOGRAPHIC INFORMATION SYSTEMS (AGIS) AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE SIGNED: ABDUL AHMED NINGI.

ALLEANZA COMMUNITY HEALTH INITIATIVE. This is to inform the general public 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. MRS EGOLUM AGATHA UZOMA. 3 . DR. MRS CHIZUBELU EJIOGU 5 MS ONEJEME OBIANAMMA 7 MRS IROHA PAMELA ISIOMA

2. MRS NNAJI BIBIAN OBIANAJU 4. DR. OJEAH PAUL CHUKWUWEIKE 6 MR ANIGBOGU IKECHUKWU 8 MR PETER ELEKWUACHI

AIMS: 1. To PROMOTE MUTUAL HEALTH ASSOCIATION IN NIGERIA. 2. To COLLABORATE With Government and PRIVATE AGENCIES LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY WITH SIMILAR OBJECTIVES 3. To Promote FREE And AFFORDABLE HEALTH CARE SERVICES IN OUR COMMUNITY 4. TO CONDUCT ADVOCACY OUTREACH AND ACTIVITIES T0 SENSITIZE AND MOBILIZE COMMUNITIES, RELIGIOUS BODIES for the establishment of community health insurance programmes.

5. TO CREATE ENABLING ENVIRONMENT FOR THE COMMUNITIES TO ACCESS HEALTH CARE FACILITIES. 6. TO PROMOTE QUALITY HEALTH AND HEALTHCARES SERVICES IN NIGERIA. Any Objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, PMB 198, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed Secretary

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

23 News

Botched kidnap attempt: Group hails Oyo police boss on security, peace Fadoro Oluwaseyi

ÎÎÎThe Chairman of Bore-

hole Drillers Association of Nigeria, Oyo State chapter, Mr. Samuel Afolabi has lauded the Oyo State Police Command, led by Commissioner of Police, Mr. Leye Oyebade for curbing the activities of criminals and crime in the state.

The group made the remark in a chat with newsmen, shortly after police

rescued some members of his association from the hands of suspected kidnappers, who claimed to be members of Association of Water Well Drilling Rig Owners and practitioners in Ibadan, Oyo State capital.

According to him, one of his members was contacted by one of his clients to drill a borehole for him at Elebu Area in Ido Local Government Area of the state, and

in the process of doing so some people stormed the location in several buses and attempted to drag them into the vehicles to an unknown destination.

Afolabi said that it took a distress call to the DPO at Orita challenge Police Station for the people at the site to be rescued.

He, therefore, commended the men of the Oyo State Command for their timely intervention and the good

Route march targeted at keeping personnel fit for military duties -FOC

Segun Adio

ÎÎÎThe

Flag Officer Commanding (FOC), Western Naval Command, Rear Adm. Fergusson Bobai, last weekend in Lagos said that route march was targeted at keeping personnel fit for military duties.

The FOC made the assertion while addressing officers and men during the 10km

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME

route march in Navy Town, Ojo. ‘’The event is targeted at keeping personnel fit for military duties, fostering espirit de corps and providing an avenue as well as to deter criminalities in the command’s area of responsibility. ‘’In the face of current security challenges in the country, the need to keep personnel fit for operation cannot be

overemphasized. ‘’This is why fitness and mental alertness are among the critical element of the Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Adm. Ibok Ibas’ policy thrust. ‘’It is with this in mind that the Nigerian Navy organises the one-day route march every quarter aimed at raising the level of physical fitness of personnel in the command,’’ he said.

ADEYEMI TEMITOPE

OJELEKE JOHN ALABA

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NWANEKWO ROSEMARY IFEOMA

ANGELA UDUAKA NYONG

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UZOR FRED IFEANYI

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MRS. EKE NNENNA GLADYS

work that they have been doing under the watch of the present Police Commissioner, Oyebade which made the state a no go area for crime and criminals.

He observed that if not for the police action nobody would have known where the victims would be taken to, adding that the association was a registered one that is backed by the Constitution of Federal Republic of Nigeria and that his

members were law abiding and adhere strictly to best practices in the water drilling sector.

Afolabi wondered why anybody or organisation under whatever guise would take laws into their hands when there is a legal process if it has a genuine claim.

“In this present era, no room should be given to display any act of impunity under any guise” he stated.

Oyebade

Umahi receives Chinese engineering giant ÎÎÎEbonyi State government

He specifically told the officials of the Chinese company led by the Director-General, Yu Tao, that his administration would be highly delighted if they could build a 10MW solar plant in the state.

“We will like if we can get like 5MW to 10MW solar plant to light up the streets in our towns. This is very important to us because we need to extend business hours and check crimes in the state” the governor said.

Umahi, who described Chinese investors as very reliable and dependable, thanked the United Nations Industrial Development Organisation for being another strong development partner assisting the state in various sectors like Rice mills, CT and provision of medical solar lamps.

Adding that the Chinese are very prudent in management, he assured all intending investors of safety and conducive environment.

OLADEBO ADEBOLA CHRISTIANA

MRS BLESSSING OJONUGWA DORCAS STEPHEN ADAMU

MRS AKANDE OLAYEMI OLUFEMI

has sought partnership with a Chinese firm, CAMC Engineering Company Ltd, in the area of power, agriculture, mining, manufacturing and health.

Governor David Umahi, while receiving a delegation from UNIDO and CAMCE at the Governor’s Lodge in Abakaliki said “on the issue of power, hospital, mining, agriculture, industry, we are very much interested.”

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ONIFADE ADEBOLA CHRISTIANA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLADEBO ADEBOLA CHRISTIANA ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE MRS. LENOX TAMUNONENGIYEOFORI ATUBOKIKI I, formerly known and addressed as, ORUDUKOBIPI TAMUNONENGIYEOFORI, AND TAMUNODUKOBIPI TAMUNONENGIYE-OFORI, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. LENOX TAMUNONENGIYE-OFORI ATUBOKIKI. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

KENOYE ODE AKARI

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MRS AYILARA REMILEKUN GRACE

This is to Certify/Confirm that AJISAFE G. BOLAJI and GANIJU BOLAJI AJISAFE refer to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as AJISAFE G. BOLAJI . All former documents remain valid. The general public should note.

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MRS. MARY GIDEON ESSIEN

ANIH JULIANA IJEOMA

ISSA SAHEED AYINDE

CHIWENDU OKERE

CHUKWU ENE GABRIEL

ANASS JEANIE ABIODUN

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS EYO , MARY ENEMIDEM, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. MARY GIDEON ESSIEN. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note .

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All former document remain valid General public take note

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OJEYOMI OLUWAKEMI ESTHER

OGUNMAKINDE MULIKAT OLAIDE

CONFIFATION OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

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News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

FG tasks military retirees on security, insurgency Segun Adio and Chibuike Njoku

ÏÏÏ

Gov. Ayade

C’ River to train 100,000 rice farmers

By Edem Edem, Calabar

ÏÏÏ

The Cross River State Government is to train over one hundred thousand (100,000) rice farmers across the eighteen local government councils of the state. The Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Prof.

Anthony Egrinya Eneji, made this disclosure during the Anchor Borrower’s Programme Stakeholders sensitisation forum organised by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in Calabar.

Eneji said that the programme, when fully in place, would help local farmers increase the production and supply of raw farm produce to processors and boost the overall profitability of farming. He maintained that the goals of the Anchor Borrower’s Programme (ABP) was to create jobs, reduce poverty among small-scale farmers, minimising the importation of commodities and conserve external reserve.

Bello to chair Shipping Line implementation c’tee Okay Osuji

ÏÏÏ

The executive Secretary and Chief Executive Officer of Nigerian Shippers Council, Mr. Hassan Bello, has been appointed the Chairman, Implementation Committee of the proposed national shipping line for the country.

Announcing the appointment recently in Abuja, the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi, said that the Federal Government was determined to position Nigeria as the maritime hub in sub-Saharan Africa and the preferred destination for the international shipping community.

Meanwhile, industry watchers and analysts have welcomed the appointment.

They described Bello as an expert at resuscitating flagging and moribund institutions for sustainable growth.

The Federal Government has urged retired Military officers to collaborate with their serving colleagues in the fight against insurgency in the country.

The Minister of Defence, Brig.-Gen. Mohammed Dan-Ali (rtd) made the appeal, on Friday, at the passing out ceremony of military retirees at the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), Lagos.

Represented by Mrs. Iro Ikenga, the Director Army, Ministry of Defence, he also urged retirees to work with members of the military, even in retirement, to tackle insurgency in the North-east.

“You all know that the issue of security of our country, in recent times, is at its critical stage, as the military is now contending with insurgents in the northeast.

“As retiring members of the armed forces, a lot is still required of you wherever you find yourselves in the aspect of collaborations with serving members of the military.

“You might also be required to collaborate with other security agencies of our father land to completely eradicate this threat of insurgency and other criminal activities in our society,’’ Dan-Ali said.

He said that President Muhammadu Buhari was committed to ensuring that

service personnel were properly resettled after years of meritorious service to the nation.

“The government has continued to vigorously pursue a policy of due process, aimed at ensuring transparency, accountability and rule of law. This will culminate in the transformation of all spheres of our national life”.

The Minister advised the retirees to be prudent in the management of their retirement benefits, especially in the face of scarce human and material resources.

He, however, urged them to always exhibit exemplary character and to be good ambassadors of the military.

L-R: Vicar, First African Church Mission (FACM), St. Peters Cathedral Odi-Olowo, Rev. Babatunde Durowoju; Primate FACM, HisEminence Emmanuel Koya; Ach.Bishop of the West/Bishop of Lagos West (FACM), His Grace Solomon Abimbola; Bro. Oludotun Onaniyi and People’s Warden FACM, St. Peters Cathedral, Odi-Olowo, Mr. Femi Olaluwoye during the 80th Anniversary of the Cathedral in Lagos...on Sunday.

Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI.

Dangote to build N140b sugar factory in Niger

Saka Bolaji, Minna

ÏÏÏ

The Niger State Government has assured investors of conducive atmosphere for their investment to thrive as Dangote Industries Limited concluded plans for the take-off of a N148 billion ($450m) sugar factory in the state.

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello gave this assurance through his deputy, Ahmad Muhammad.

Ketso, at a meeting between officials of Dangote Group and representatives of Jima-Nupeko villages, in Lavun and Mokwa local government areas – the host community for the proposed sugar factory.

The meeting, which took place at the Etsu Nupe’s palace in Bida, was geared towards discussing and harmonising the interest shown by Dangote Industries Limited to acquire 16,000 hectares of land for sugar cane farming and sugar production.

The Governor said that one of the means of creating job opportunities by his administration for the teeming youths in the state was by encouraging investors and development partners.

This, he said, would go a long way in boosting the economy of the state, reduce unemployment and youth restiveness, as well reducing crime rates as people would be gainfully engaged and increase the state’s internally generated revenue.

Bello then appealed to other investors, especially those in agriculture and agro-allied industry, to cash in on the state’s comparative advantage and various economic incentives being offered by the government to invest there.

Rivers: INEC awaits July 4 judgement to determine PDP fate Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Sunday, said that it was eagerly awaiting the July 4 judgement of the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, to enable it determine who to relate with among the two factions laying claim to the national leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Former interim Chairman of the PDP and ex-Governor of Borno State, Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, as well as Chairman, National Caretaker Committee of the PDP and former Governor of Kaduna State, Senator Ahmed Makarfi, have, for the past few

weeks, been laying claims to the leadership of the party.

The various organs of the party like the National Working committee, Board of Trustees, PDP Governors Forum and its National Assembly caucus, among others, are in support of the Makarfi-led faction, while only two former NWC members of the party are on the side of Sheriff.

While reacting to the development, as to who the authentic national leadership of the party is, INEC made it clear that the said judgement would go a long way in helping it (INEC) to decide whom to deal with between the two claimants to the PDP national leadership.

This was disclosed by the INEC

Deputy Director (Voter Education and Publicity) Mr. Nick Dazang, in Abuja.

Dazang equally said that the notice for the Wednesday’s gubernatorial primary in Edo State given to it by Senator Sheriff fell short of 21-day notice provided for by the 2010 Electoral Act (as amended).

He maintained that the July 4 judgement would give the Commission a clear idea on whom to relate with in the lingering leadership tussle in the PDP. It would be recalled that the Federal High Court sitting in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, had on June 16, reserved ruling on the leadership dispute in PDP between Sheriff and the National

Caretaker Committee led by Senator Ahmed Makarfi.

The national caretaker committee was put in place by the PDP at its national convention on May 21 in Port Harcourt.

Dazang, however, said that the Commission had not yet decided on whether to send monitors to the planned parallel governorship primary in Edo State by the Sheriff faction.

According to him, “INEC has monitored primaries of PDP and APC. If any party wants INEC to monitor its primary, by Electoral Act, that notice should be for 21 days.

“I understand one of the factional leaders wrote us to say he was going to hold a primary on Wednesday.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

25 News

Fayose vs EFCC: Ondo APC fumes over Mimiko’s position ‘Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÏÏÏ

The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, on Sunday, criticized a statement credited to Governor Olusegun Mimiko asking President Muhammadu Buhari to call the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to order over the frozen of personal account of Governor Ayodele Fayose.

In a statement issued to journalists in Akure by its Director of Publicity and Media, Steve Otaloro, described such call from Governor Olusegun Mimiko as disappointing.

Governor Olusegun Mimiko had last week issued a statement as the Chairman, Governor’s Forum of the Peoples Democratic Party’s (PDP), and asked President Muhammadu Buhari to call officials of the antigraft agency to order, over the gross abuse of the Constitution by freezing the account of the embattled Governor Ayodele Fayose of Ekiti State, noting that he still enjoys immunity as a sitting governor.

Otaloro said since the daily exposure of secret dealings of both past and present leaders mostly of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), the war against corruption has now sent shocking waves to the

camps of corrupt individuals living fat on public collective resources, hence the alleged fear of Governor Olusegun Mimiko in his statement.

“Judging from the content of Dr. Mimiko’s statement, one can readily link the mindset of the governor to the position of a coward who dies many times before his death as enunciated

by Williams Shakespeare of blessed memory.

“From emerging revelations, many adherents of the past government of the People’s Democratic Party who pilfered our common patrimony are being exposed daily beyond their faint imaginations, thereby sending shockwaves to

their spines.

“Who could tell whether Dr. Mimiko might eventually be mentioned as one of the beneficiaries at the end of the day that is warranting his fears to issue such statement that President Muhammadu Buhari should call to order the EFCC over the freezing of a personal account of Ekiti State governor, Ayo Fayose”, he added.

The APC Director of Media explained further in his argument that the law permits the EFCC to freeze an account and attach a property of a criminal suspect and to thereafter obtain an ex parte order from the appropriate court.

Chairman, UBA Plc., Mr. Tony Elumelu, CON, (right), delivering a lecture on entrepreneurship during the Hostel Fund Raising ceremony in memory of 60 students of Jesuit College Abuja killed in the Sosoliso air crash in Port Harcourt… at the weekend.

CAN calls for return of schools to original owners Remi Oladoye Ibadan

ÏÏÏ

Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo state chapter, has demanded for unconditional return of schools to original owners while appealing to the state government to dialogue with Labour in resolving current

tension in the state.

Chairman of Oyo state CAN, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu stated this in a press briefing while reading out a communique at the end of an emergency meeting.

Pastor Akanmu noted that researches have shown that only meaningful partnership would improve the quality of education in the state.

CAN also expressed concern over the plight of workers in the state, especially the six months arrears owed workers and urged government to reach a peaceful accord with workers.

CAN also assured government and the public that the church would willingly participate in development of schools in the state.

Obaseki

Alleged fraud: Edo Accord Party urges APC guber candidate to clear name Titus Akhigbe Benin

ÏÏÏThe

leadership of Accord Party (AP), on Sunday, asked the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate for the September 10 governorship poll, Mr. Godwin Obaseki to explain his role in the alleged #5.5bn fraudulent dealings involving real estate development, a company wherein he holds a substantial share.

The party’s statement followed a petition on the floor of the lower chamber seeking investigation of the APC candidate.

Though the campaign organisation of Obaseki had absolved the candidate of the allegation, but the National Secretary of AP, Dr. Samson Isibor, in a statement on Sunday said the explanation is “shallow” and admonished the candidate to come out clean himself.

He, therefore, called on APC candidate to clear himself of the alleged criminal offence before embarking on campaigns as the allegation is too weighty to overlook.

“Edo people are wiser now and will never make the mistake of voting for a suspect because they have suffered enough in the past. Edo People can never make the mistake of voting for anyone who will misappropriate our resources” Isibor said.

FCTA warns streetlight contractors Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The FCT Administration has warned the contractors handling the maintenance of streetlights in the Federal Capital City to either sit up or have their contracts terminated.

The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, who gave the warning during an emergency meeting with the contractors in Wuse I District, Abuja, was represented at the occasion by the Acting Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management

Council (AMMC), Hajiya Safiya Umar.

Malam Bello reiterated that the FCT Administration would not condone any further lackadaisical attitude from the contractors as they either perform or face outright termination of their contracts, because it’s no more business as usual.

His words: “All streetlight contractors in the Federal Capital City must brace to the terms of their contractors of illuminating the city especially the major streets or face termination.”

Foreign 26

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

EU urges Britain to speed up Brexit talks ÎÎÎThe European Union wants a

quickie divorce, but Britain wants time to think things over.

Senior EU politicians demanded Saturday that the U.K. quickly cut its ties with the 28-nation bloc — a process Britain says won’t begin for several months — as the political and economic shockwaves from the U.K.’s vote to leave reverberated around the world.

“There is a certain urgency … so that we don’t have a period of uncertainty, with financial consequences, political consequences,” French Foreign Minister Jean-Marc Ayrault said at a meeting in Berlin of the EU’s six founding nations.

EU Commission chief JeanClaude Juncker warned that the split was “not an amicable divorce” but noted it was never “a tight love affair anyway.”

Britons voted 52 to 48 percent Thursday in favor of ending their country’s 43-year membership in the 28-nation bloc.

But no country has ever left the EU before, so no one knows exactly how the process will play out. Britain must, at some point, unambiguously notify the bloc of its intentions and set a two-year clock ticking for

Obama in Africa to promote girls’ education

negotiating its departure. Until then, Britain remains an EU member.

In contrast to the clamoring of EU officials, the leaders of Britain’s “leave” campaign, who had reassured voters that the EU would offer Britain good terms for a new relationship, were largely silent Saturday.

England’s 300-year-old union with Scotland could be another casualty of the referendum, since most people in Scotland voted to remain in the EU but were outvoted by a majority in much-larger England.

Scottish leader Nicola Sturgeon said Saturday that her semi-autonomous administration would seek immediate talks with EU nations and institutions to ensure that Scotland could remain in the bloc. “(We will) explore possible options to protect Scotland’s place in the EU,” she said after meeting with her Cabinet in Edinburgh, adding that a new referendum on Scottish independence is “very much on the table.”

Scotland voted in 2014 to remain a part of the U.K., but that decision was seen as being conditional on the U.K. staying in the EU. The victorious “leave” campaigners have said there’s no rush to trig-

ger Article 50 of the EU’s Lisbon Treaty, which will begin a two-year exit process to renegotiate trade, business and political links between the U.K. and what will become a 27-nation bloc.

British Prime Minister David Cameron announced his resignation Friday and said his successor, to be chosen by October, should be the one to navigate the tricky process of withdrawing from the bloc.

The favorite to succeed him, former London Mayor Boris Johnson, has said there’s “no need for haste” — but EU leaders are saying the opposite, in insistent tones.

Juncker said Saturday the British had voted to leave and “it doesn’t make any sense to wait until October to try and negotiate the terms of their departure.”

“I would like to get started immediately,” he said.

French Economy Minister Emmanuel Macron expressed the frustrations that many EU politicians feel, accusing Britain of taking the EU “hostage” with a referendum called to solve a domestic political problem: challenges to Cameron from right-wing euroskeptics.

“The failure of the British gov-

Cameron ernment” has opened up “the possibility of the crumbling of Europe,” Macron said at a debate in Paris.

Top diplomats from the European Union’s six founding nations — France, Germany, Italy, the Netherlands, Belgium and Luxembourg — met in Berlin for hastily arranged talks and stressed that the exit process should be speedy.

“There must be clarity,” Luxembourg Foreign Minister Jean Asselborn told reporters. “The people have spoken and we need to implement this decision.”

France’s Ayrault suggested Brit-

Vatican, Turkey locked in Armenian genocide row

ÎÎÎU.S. First Lady Michelle Obama ÎÎÎPope is scheduled leave Sunday for Africa and Europe to advocate for girls’ education.

The six-day trip – to Liberia and Morocco, with a final stop in Spain – will highlight Let Girls Learn, one of Obama’s core initiatives. The first lady will be joined in her travels by daughters Sasha and Malia, and the girls’ grandmother, Marian Robinson.

Let Girls Learn is a global initiative launched by the president and first lady in 2015. The program addresses obstacles – such as forced marriage, poverty and violence – that keep more than 62 million girls globally out of school.

“We believe very strongly that education and the empowerment of young people is going to be critical to a region that has known so much turmoil, particularly given the enormous youth population in those countries,” Ben Rhodes, the White House deputy national security adviser, said Friday.

Obama

Francis on Sunday released peace doves on the ArmeniaTurkey border in a gesture of reconciliation as Ankara slammed the pontiff for denouncing the mass killings of Armenians by Ottoman forces as “genocide”.

Standing on a terrace of the Khor Virap monastery, Francis and the head of the Armenian Apostolic Church Karekin II released the two white birds in the direction of Mount Ararat -- the Biblical final resting place of Noah’s Ark -- now in modern-day Turkey.

The long-planned gesture at the end of a three-day visit to ex-Soviet Armenia came in the face of fresh Turkish ire after Francis used the word “genocide” to refer to the century-old slaughter that Ankara furiously rejects.

The Vatican was forced to refute claims from Turkey that Pope Francis showed a “mentality of the Crusades” over his use of the term.

Turkish Deputy Prime Minister Nurettin Canikli late on Saturday labelled the pope’s declaration “very unfortunate” and said it bore traces of “the mentality of the Crusades.”

“It is not an objective statement that conforms with reality,” Canikli said.

ain could name a new prime minister within “several days” — but that is likely instead to take several months. The process calls for Conservative lawmakers to winnow candidates down to two choices who will then be voted on in a postal ballot of party members.

Britain will remain an EU member until the divorce is finalized, but its influence inside the bloc is already waning. Leaders of the bloc will hold a summit in Brussels next week, and the second day, Wednesday, will take place for the first time without Britain.

Jordanian troops killed in bomb explosion, many wounded ÎÎÎA car bomb exploded on the Syr-

ian-Jordanian border, the Jordanian military said, killing and wounding several Jordanian border guards in an attack that raised new questions about the pro-Western kingdom’s stability.

The military said the blast went off at about 5:30 a.m., close to a makeshift tent encampment where tens of thousands of Syrian refugees are stranded, awaiting entry to Jordan.

The camp, known as Ruqban, is one of two that have sprung up along an earthen barrier, or berm, which runs along the border in a remote desert area.

Al-Shabab kills 20 in Mogadishu

Pope Francis The Vatican rejected the allegations and said the pontiff was trying to build “bridges not walls” and had nothing against Turkey.

“If you listen to the pope, there is nothing that evokes a spirit of the Crusades,” spokesman Federico Lombardi told journalists in the Armenian capital Yerevan.

“Francis prayed for reconciliation of all and did not say one word against the Turkish people. The

pope does not conduct Crusades, is not looking to organise a wars.”

When Francis first used the term “genocide” in 2015, on the centenary of the 1915-1917 killings that Armenians say wiped out some 1.5 million of their people, Ankara angrily recalled its envoy from the Holy See for nearly a year.

Armenians have long sought international recognition for the World War I killings as genocide.

ÎÎÎAuthorities

in Somalia say a terrorist siege of a Mogadishu hotel has ended, but not before at least 20 people were killed, including a government minister.

The militant group al-Shabab is claiming responsibility for the attack, saying the hotel is frequented by what it calls “apostate government members.”

Somalia’s foreign minister says among the dead is the country’s environments minister, Buri Mohamed Hamza.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

Our Heritage

27

s

From Slovenia to Ogidi rocks, for the love of Naija To many, attending choice parties in Lagos or Abuja, shopping in exquisite department stores and a few public places are best spots for seeing the best of Nigeria.

Just a few are more adventurous like Anze Zadel, a Slovenian researcher and culture enthusiast. He took some time out last week and went away from the hustle and bustle of Lagos to Ogidi Rocks in Kogi State and climbed to the top, for him, it was a memorable thrill. AGOZINO AGOZINO reports Often, it is said that Nigeria can attract huge investment capital if the tourism sector is well positioned to showcase the country’s vast endowments and heritage. Not many will think that the Ogidi-Ijumu rocks, in Kogi State, would fit into this category. But somehow, there are some people who do and can travel millions of miles criss-crossing continents to realize this.

While some people are wary of the insecurity in some parts of the country, a Slovenian national thought otherwise. To Anze Zadel, a designer and aspiring policymaker, who had climbed the Ogidi rocks and relished the serene environment of the ancient town, when he recently visited, believes it is the best story he would ever tell about the country, especially, when he leaves Nigeria. Zadel, a Ph.D student, concerned with equity, public health, and wellbeing in Public and Urban Policy Program at the New School in New York and holds an M.Sc in Architecture and Urban Ecologies from Parsons School

The Ogidi Rock

of Design, is, currently, conducting research for his Ph.D in participatory urban practices in two Lagos communities, Makoko and Maroko. He is also a member of an initiative called the Amenawon Solar School.

According to Zadel, he had heard so much about the country, meeting the locals in Ogidi-Ijumu was thrilling. He was assisted by a local guide when he was to climb the rocks.

When Zadel came to the country on the invitation of the Amenawon Solar School Initiative, which is transforming a compound in Lagos, and owned by the late Amenawon Amayo, he could not imagine experiencing the beauty of the hustle and bustle of Lagos, especially, the human traffic, and this further inspired him to probe more into the interior of the country.

His words: “Yes, this is the first time I am visiting Nigeria. But I have heard so much about Nigeria and I made my researches on the country. I must say that I am very impressed with what I have seen in the country. I can say that

Zadel I am happy for this place in Ogidi.’’

The adventurer, who also works on developing low cost and sustainable technologies to access potable water, renewable energy, and other resources for healthy and sustainable living, said his experience is unfor-

gettable. According to him, although, there were other places he had visited, his recent trip to the countryside was one that was borne out of his desire to know more about the country.

He stressed : “With what I saw here in Ogidi, of course, I will tell my friends that Ogidi Rock in

Kogi State is a nice place to visit and relax, particularly, on top of the rock. We can relax here, unlike Lagos. Of course, whenever I come to Nigeria, I will like to visit a place like this. I am glad that the people also are very hospitable. It is an inspiring place to be.

I have experienced the serene atmosphere on top of the rock and it is something special to me and the history of the place makes it more inspiring”, a highly emotional Zadel said.

True to his words, when Zadel came into the country recently on his Ph.D research project , he had plans to visit the countryside. This dream was cherished in his mind until someone introduced him to Nike Gallery, through which his dream later manifested.

An elated Zadel said, “Even when I leave the country, I don’t think the memory of the place will disappear from my memory.

I will continue to have an exciting imagination of Nigeria.

“I climbed up the rock and it’s really a great experience for me with the narrow steps and other places that we have climbed”, he added.

28 Our Heritage Femi Kuti

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, June 27, 2016

Like his great father, Femi sings about power politics, but with a lighter touch

The rise and rise of Femi Kuti @ 54 Elizbeth Amioha Very few youths can take up the career of their late father and keep the legacy running. Femi Kuti is one of those few. When Femi, in 1989, debuted with his first album, No Cause for Alarm, when Fela was jailed in 1984 on (trumped up) currency charge, Femi who had quit school to play alto sax in his father’s band back in 1978, stepped up to lead the band but ardent book makers of Afrobeat music dismissed him off as a non-starter.

Rather than get discouraged by the uncomplimentary criticism, the young man went back to the studio to record other hits.

In 1986, Fela returned and Femi formed his group, Postive Force. Continuing in the Afrobeat tradition, Femi built the band around a solid, six-piece horn section and two strong percussionists. With guitar , bass, drum keyboards and four singers and dancers, his band churned other chartbusters like Mind Your Own Business with such tracks as I know Why and Theory of Togetherness, yet the album still met with stiff criticisms.

Today, however, the story is different because the Positive Force Band, which was formed in 1989, is a name always celebrated in the music industry. Like his great father, Femi sings about power politics, but with a lighter touch. He is a proud owner of many

A book, entitled Why A Positive Attitude Is All You Need, Your Cornerstone To Success, aimed at helping everyone who wants to fulfill life’s goals and visions, has been launched in Lagos.

The author, Matthew Ogieva, said Positive Attitude is a skill which anyone can develop, provided there is the right training.

Speaking at the book launch held at the Civic Center, Victoria Island, Lagos, recently, the author said “Attitude is the decider of our success in life. What guarantees success is positive attitude, not just hard work. The country

fast-selling albums, including his sensational hit Plenty Nonsense to shut the mouths of his critics that he is capable of sustaining the Afrobeat music.

Apart from Plenty Nonsense, his other albums since then in the European and American wavemaking markets include Wonder Wonder and Stubborn Problem.

Femi, who clocked 54 recently, once said his major motivation for working very hard is to maintain the standard of the music his father started and exported to the world.

Born on 16 June, 1962, in London, England, Femi has, no doubt, established himself as a positive force in global music.

Apart from other accolades and achievments, a measure of Femi’s significant achievement can be seen in his nomination for the 2003 45th Anuual Grammy Award in the world music category (Best World Music Album) vocal and instrumental for his album, Fight to Win (MCA) Records alongside four other co-nominees.

Femi had collaborated with the likes of Common, Mos Def, Red Hot Chilli Pepper’s, Weird MC, Olu Maintain, D’Angelo, and he continues to take Afrobeat to new audiences. As the Afrobeat standard bearer marked his 54th birthday at new African Shrine, Lagos, recently, the event was filled with guests that included Ara (Queen of Drums) and many others.

Book on Positive Attitude released will not help us; we must help ourselves, through positive attitude. ‘‘Attitude influences our everyday life, including personal and business relationships, because it is the first thing that can easily be observed by others when they are dealing with us. ‘‘Success is a science. When you focus on attitude, you will discover success. This book is a product of 13 years of research. The production of the book alone took two years, because of paucity of funds to produce the world-class

quality that we had in mind. But we, eventually, got what we wanted, great content, first- class print.

It is a book for everyone who desires success in life. When you get a copy for yourself, also get for others as well, because you will be impacting their lives positively”, he added.

Also speaking at the event, the book reviewer, Mr Taiwo Akinlami, a lawyer, said the only disability in life is attitude because everything in life rises and falls on the quality of our mind-set.

Euro 2016: France fight back to beat Ireland A

ntoine Griezmann scored twice in four minutes as France came from behind to beat Republic of Ireland 2-1 and reach the quarter-finals of Euro 2016.

Ireland made a perfect start in Lyon as Robbie Brady converted a penalty in just the second minute after Paul Pogba’s clumsy foul on Shane Long.

It took France until the second half to respond, with Griezmann heading

in an equaliser in the 57th minute and scoring again shortly afterwards to put the hosts ahead.

Shane Duffy was then shown a straight red card for a last-ditch foul on Griezmann and France held on to

book a quarter-final against either England or Iceland on July 3.

Neither N’Golo Kante nor Adil Rami will be available for that tie after picking up bookings against Ireland.

Page 29

Monday, June 27, 2016

VICTOR THOMPSON

C

Siasia hails Flying Eagles after U-23 loss Siasia

oach Samson Siasia was full of praise for the Flying Eagles after watching his Olympic team succumb to the brilliance of the Emmanuel Amuneke–tutored side in a test match decided Saturday morning inside the mainbowl of the National Stadium, Abuja.

Spectators who witnessed the match also showered praises on the youthful but enterprising Flying Eagles who gave all present something to savour with their close marking, fast counter attacking play, neat dribbles and brilliant goals.

Siasia started with a very formidable side in his attempt to bury the ghost of a previous defeat in the hands of the same opponents just before his team departed for Korea to participate in the 4 –Nation Suwon Invitational Tournament.

The Flying Eagles however relied on counter attacks and opened the scoring in the 10th minute with one of such fast breaks as Samuel Chukwueze found Orji Okonkwo in space and the striker let go a grounder that found the net.

That lead lasted for 15 minutes before the U-23 boys equalised through winger Saviour Godwin. The Flying Eagles soon made it 2-1 and later 3-1 as two quick goals, from Orji Okonkwo again and then Samuel Chukwueze took the game beyond the reach of their senior opponents.

Etebo however forced his way through a parked defence to drive home a ferocious shot just from the edge of the box to reduce the tally, but Victor Osimhen flew onto a well-placed cross from man of the match Orji Okonkwo to make it 4-2 and send the fans into jubilation.

7 players,coach injured in Anambra auto crash

N

o fewer than seven persons escaped death when a vehicle conveying players and Coach of Community Secondary School (CSS) Aguluezechukwu, Aguata Local Government Area had an accident along Oba-Nnewi road.

The team was going to the final of this year’s Anambra Academicals Football competition on Saturday, when 7 of the affected persons sustained various degrees of injuries, including spinal cord.

Those injured in the crash where rushed to a private hospital at Oba but were later

Griezmann

referred to Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University Teaching Hospital (COOUTH), Awka due to the seriousness of their cases.

Speaking with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday, the Chief Medical Director, COOUTH, Dr Lawrence Ikeako, who was personally attending to the patients, said that efforts were being made to save the situation.

Ikeako said the hospital could manage some of the cases but for the Coach of the team, Benson Udeh, who had a spinal cord injury and needed to be referred to a specialist hospital.

He described Udeh’s case as complicated and promised to provide every medical assistance possible to ensure he was stable and moved to an appropriate facility. Udeh is also the Coach of Anambra Gymnastics team and had taken them to National competitions, where they won laurels.

The Commissioner for Education, Prof.

Kate Omenugha, described the accident as ‘unfortunate’ and that the state government was doing everything possible to save their lives.

Moses, Ifidzen win CBN Tennis Open

Ifidzen

ANDREW EKEJIUBA

T

he 38th edition of the Central Bank of Nigeria Senior Open Tennis Championship ended with Michael Moses and Russian-based Melissa Ifidzen emerging as champions of the men and women singles categories respectively.

In the men’s singles category, last year’s runners-up Michael Moses defeated Sylvester Emmanuel 6-4, 1-6, and 6-3 in the final decided at the Tennis Centre court of the National Stadium, Surulere Lagos, even as Ifidzen went back to Russia smiling by retaining the title she also won last year.

Seeded No 2 behind last year’s winner, Thomas Otu, Moses won the first set 6-4 but dropped his guards in the second set which he lost 1-6 only for him to bounce back in the third and final set of the match which he won 6-3 to lift the 38th CBN trophy plus the N700, 000 star prize cash award attached to the trophy.

In the women’s singles category, the defending champion and tournament No. 2 seed, Melissa Ifidzen, proved that she was not yet ready to release her crown when she defeated last year’s runners-up and tournament top seed, Christy Agugbom 6-3, 6-2 to retain her title, thus winning it for the second time back-to-back. She also pocketed the N700, 000 prize money that goes with the trophy.

It was indeed a sweet and fulfilled 38th CBN senior tournament for Ifidzen who also paired with Sarah Adegoke to win the women’s doubles trophy by beating the pair of Christy Agugbom and Blessing Samuel 6-0, 6-2 in the final decided soon after the women’s singles final.

30

Monday, June 27, 2016

EXTRATIME

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

Portugal lucky to eliminate

Croatia, says Rakitic

Rakitic

C

roatia midfielder Ivan Rakitic believes Portugal were too lucky to have eliminated their team saying Portugal had no idea how they scored in the last-16 clash.

He described football as the “dumbest thing” after his side’s 1-0 loss, as Ante Cacic’s men went down to a 117th-minute goal from Ricardo Quaresma at Euro 2016 in a poor encounter, in which Croatia had their chances, in Lens on Saturday.

Ivan Perisic had hit the post with a header before Portugal broke and Quaresma nodded in after Danijel Subasic did brilliantly to keep out a Cristiano Ronaldo effort.

An unhappy Rakitic was in disbelief after his side’s exit, saying: “They don’t have a clue how they scored. If you ask them now how they scored, they probably wouldn’t know.

“They say football is the best game in the world... but sometimes it is the dumbest thing in the world. That was tonight, because it is impossible that the better team has to go home.

“I don’t know why things always break on our backs. Where is justice?

Why is it always avoiding us?

“We played great the whole tournament, I can’t believe we have to go home.”

Fellow midfielder Luka Modric felt Portugal were fortunate, with Fernando Santos’ men having sat deep – like Croatia – for much of the contest.

Meanwhile, whether it is off the bench or in the starting XI, Renato Sanches is just happy to play his part for Portugal after they stunned Croatia to advance to the quarterfinals of Euro 2016.

Italy out for Spain revenge — Pirlo A ndrea Pirlo believes Italy will be out for revenge when they face Spain in the second round of Euro 2016 today.

Italy were thrashed 4-0 by Vicente del Bosque’s side in the 2012 final and, although Pirlo would have liked their reunion to come later on in France, he has backed his compatriots to overcome the reigning champions.

“It is too soon: Spain should have won their group and it could have been a great final, but it gives us a

chance to exact revenge,” Pirlo, who controversially missed out on the squad, told reporters.

“I think Spain are more worried about the game. It isn’t easy to play against this Italy.

“They are the favourites because they still play the best football, but we also try to have our say now. It was almost impossible for us at Euro 2012.

“Nobody takes control of a match like Spain, but then your interpretation of good football matters. Is it better to

be a solid side or one that entertains?

The best is being a side that wins and they are winning everything at club level as well.”

Pirlo feels Italy’s 3-5-2 system could pose problems for Spain, citing Del Bosque’s team’s struggle to break down Czech Republic in their Group D opener.

To’s Paris showdown will be the 35th match between the nations, who have recorded 10 wins apiece.

Meanwhile Koke has conceded

Pirlo Pirlo that Spain may need to bring “The Red Fury” back into their style of play if they are to retain their European Championship title.

Though Spain became renowned for their attractive passing game dubbed “tiki taka” - as they won three consecutive major tournaments between 2008 and 2012, they failed to reach the knockout stages at the 2014 World Cup and a 2-1 defeat to Croatia saw them finish second in Group D at Euro 2016.

Russia confirm Slutsky’s resignation

R

ussia coach Leonid Slutsky has officially tendered his resignation after Russia’s abject display at Euro 2016.

CSKA Moscow coach Slutsky was parachuted into the national job in August after Fabio Capello’s sacking and oversaw four straight wins to earn a place at the finals in France.

However, shorn of key players like Alan

Dzagoev and Igor Denisov through injury, Russia finished bottom of Group B with just a solitary point to show from games against England, Slovakia and Wales.

After a chastening 3-0 defeat to the Welsh, Slutsky said the team “need someone else in charge” and it has now been confirmed that his contract with the Russian Football Union (RFS) will not be extended.

RFS president Vitaly Mutko reacted

saying: “I am generally very satisfied with the work of Leonid Viktorovich Slutsky.

“I think he is an excellent specialist, one of our best coaches. I heartily wish to thank him.

“He got the team in a difficult situation, when we had almost no chance of reaching the Euros.

“What happened at the Euros was caused by many different things, I don’t want to talk about it.

Slutsky

Vokes consoles McAuley

after Wales win W

Vokes

ales striker Sam Vokes offered sympathy to Gareth McAuley after the veteran Northern Ireland defender’s own goal settled a tense Euro 2016 last-16 tie in Paris.

The all-British encounter threw up an attritional and largely forgettable contest but, 15 minutes from time, man-of-the-match Gareth Bale fizzed in a superb left-wing cross that forced McAuley to divert the ball past goalkeeper Michael McGovern.

“He’s a great player and he’s had a good tournament. It’s unfortunate that it’s an own goal that does it for him,” said Burnley forward Vokes “It was a tough afternoon and being a British

derby probably contributed to it. I thought Northern Ireland were brilliant in the way they went about it.

“For us it was tough to break them down but it just took that one moment, I suppose, when Gareth put it across the box and that was the difference.

“Every game is different. It’s tough to go into every game with the same mentality. We keep grinding out results, whether we’re playing 100 per cent as we were against Russia or against Northern Ireland when we were off it a bit. We still got the result.

“It’s massive. It’s amazing, it’s been a great journey so far and for it to continue with another game is a great feeling.”

Monday, June 27, 2016

EXTRATIME

31

SPECIAL FEATURE

E

ven at the peak of their powers Nigeria’s Super Eagles would have had to be very much apprehensive of their chances of topping a World Cup ‘Group of Death’ that has Algeria, Cameroun and Zambia.

And now without a permanent coach, a directionless and broke Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) as well as public confidence in the team at an all-time low, the signs are even more disturbing that the Eagles will fail to qualify for Russia 2018.

Algeria have for some time now been ranked as Africa’s No 1 team and for good reason too, while Cameroun have proved that despite their internal problems, they know how to qualify for the World Cup having done so on nine occasions.

Surprise African champions in 2012, Zambia may no longer be the force they were a few years ago, but the results the other teams in this group record against them could well determine the team on the flight to Russia in 2018.

It was not luck or that Nigeria accidentally found themselves in the toughest qualifying group for the 2018 World Cup, but the failure to qualify for two straight AFCONs under Amaju Pinnick’s NFF sealed the country’s fate.

So, while Egypt were battling Tunisia to get into Pot 1 of the seedings for the qualifying tournament draw, the Eagles already knew their chances of making it to a sixth World Cup will be a herculean task.

Brave players and officials have won our admiration for their tough talk soon after the draw, but we all know that football matches are not won on the pages of the newspapers or in the airwaves.

Self-delusion and deception only leads to only one thing - FAILURE. It is what you do on the pitch after all the painstaking preparations outside it that will count on the day, tough talk and brave faces notwithstanding.

One could safely say that for this year, Nigeria have two “manageable” qualifiers – away to Zambia on October 3 and at home to Algeria on November 7 – before the tournament restarts in August 2017 with a home game against Cameroun.

To stand any chance of qualifying for the next World Cup, both games against Zambia and Algeria are must-win.

And so the build-up for these two games will be first the Rio Olympics i n August as well as the final AFCON 2017 qualifier at home against Tanzania.

Nigeria Olympic coach Samson Siasia has listed as many as 19 full internationals on his provisional squad for the summer games and t h a t should be the core of the team for the matches against Zambia a n d Algeria.

The AFCON

Paul Le Guen is highly favoured to lead Super Eagles through the qualifiers for Russia 2018.

Popoola

Super Eagles line up before a match.

qualifier at home to Tanzania in September has now assumed a greater importance as this will serve as the final warm-up before the trip to Zambia the following month.

This match can no longer be played by players from the domestic league as the Eagles will use it to get ready for the clash against The Chipolopolos.

In previous qualifying campaigns, Nigeria have banked on a perfect home record added to a couple of away results to go through, more like Kano Pillars in the league.

But this can no longer be the case as teams have been known to come and get a result in Nigeria these days – For the 2015 AFCON qualifiers, Congo Brazzaville beat Eagles 3-2 in Calabar before South Africa achieved a 2-2 draw in Uyo, while Nigeria failed to beat Egypt in Kaduna before they lost to the Pharaohs to exit the 2017 AFCON. Then comes the vexed issue of who s h o u l d coach the Eagles.

Pinnick has made it abundantly clear that Nigeria football salvation is in the

Tasks before Super Eagles ahead Russia2018 “And now without a permanent coach, a directionless and broke Nigeria Football Federation as well as public confidence in the team at an all-time low, the signs are even more disturbing that the Eagles will fail to qualify for Russia 2018.”

hands of a foreign coach, but he also knows he will have to get the cash to pay for such a coach.

Indications still point to Frenchman Paul Le Guen, who has previously worked with Cameroun, as the man the NFF will soon appoint for the Eagles’ top job.

But is the Frenchman the most suitable man for the job and how do his employers hope to bankroll his contract even if it were just for the qualifiers?

The NFF executives were voted to take the best decisions on behalf of a country of 180 million fans and should they fail again in the discharge of this mandate, they ought to take the honourable path of resigning without being told, and not just tell us they have taken responsibility and then fall short of doing the needful.

Culled from africanfootball.com

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

DAILY EDITOR: BIODUN DUROJAIYE

MONDAY, JUNE 27, 2016

VOL. 2. NO.134

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Euro 2016:France fight back to beat Ireland

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Eagles optimistic of qualifying

for Russia 2018 Keshi

V

ice President Yemi Osinbajo has said that the life of the late Shuaibu Amodu was dedicated despite the challenge of Algeria, Zambia and we wereModric going to get any easy opponents on the ANDREW EKEJIUBA to finding and grooming Nigeria’s best Cameroun in soccer Group B. way to 2018 World Cup. I believe that we can do talents while providing them the guidance which “Thiswith is not a bad draw. I believe the Super it. If we can put everything in place structurally igeria’s senior team stalwarts have they excelled. refused to be worried about being Eagles are equal to the task. All we need to do for all members of staff and players to focus on who said this in a statement issued now is to he start planning from this very moment. just the games, together with the support of our housed inOsinbajo, the African 2018 FIFA World on the death of the Technical Director of the Nigeria Cup qualification series’ so–called group of We have to get our coach in place and give nation we will be successful,” he said.

Football Federation and former coach of the Super him, whether white or black, a very conducive Brown Ideye further revealed that at this death.

Eagles, the demise as a profound loss to to work. the I am confident that by the stage of the competition, tough groups were environment Reactions have beendescribed sharp, immediate and expected and Nigeria cannot feign ignorant of interesting, fromnation.

NFF President Amaju Pinnick grace of God we will qualify.

Thethat vice this president that only four days “We will give our 100% in every game and that. who acknowledged is thesaid time tocoming the death of former coach, Stephen home or away. Every match try to win whether “At this stage of football, tough groups like quickly sort outafter the issue of Head Coachplayer and and Keshi, Nigeria hadthing lost in yet another dedicated must be takenpublic as a matter of life and death,” said the type we have found ourselves are to be his assistants and put every other place who tirelessly to bring honour Ogenyi Onazi.to the expected. To get to the World Cup, we cannot in good time forservant the team to worked have a successful country.

Reacting to the draw, William Troost-Ekong cut corners or relax or take things for granted. outing during the qualifiers. ``He led the have national two that World Cup has quality players that can the team “The World Cup is the biggest football stage Even, the players themselves cometeam out tostated tournaments andSuper answered call to serveforas Nigeria Russia 2018 FIFA World Cup. where you meet the best of the best, so getting to express confidence that the Eaglesthequalify “I think it’s a tough draw, but I never imagined there will be tough. Now, we have to be prepared on a number of occasions. can earn a thirdNational straight Coach FIFA World Cup ticket ``Indeed his life was dedicated to finding and grooming Nigeria’s best soccer talents and providing them the leadership and guidance with which they excelled,’’ he said.

According to him, Amodu’s work as coach of Nigeria’s national team brought gladness to the nation and fulfilment to many. ``His legacy is secured in the memories of Nigerians who will forever recall the exploits his teams recorded across the African continent and around the world. ``His dutiful service spanned many years and our country is grateful for his selflessness and immense ermanycontributions, turned on the style as they the tournament, will face the winner of Italy start, although a slight deflection off Milan Skriniar helped ’’ he said. beat Slovakia 3-0 in Lille on against Spain in the the last eight at the Stade de to find the corner.

The vice president Sunday acknowledged that although to reach the quarter-finals of Euro Bordeaux on July 2. nation was pained at his death, it would take solace in 2016.

Meanwhile, the defeat for Slovakia, who the joyful memories he left behind.

A deflected Jerome Boateng volley gave the qualified as a best third-place finisher from He expressed the sincere condolences of the people world champions the lead on eight minutes, Group B behind Wales and England, means and government of Nigeria to the family of Amodu on before Mesut Ozil saw his penalty saved by they are eliminated. the loss.

Matus Kozacik.

Germany brought in Draxler for Mario Gotze ``Our thoughts and prayers are with his family. We The setback failed to deter Joachim Low’s in their only change from the 1-0 victory over pray for God’s consolation,’’ he added. side as Mario Gomez added their second just Northern Ireland, and they quickly made their before half-time (43) and Julian Draxler turned early pressure count. in their third from close range after the break Boateng, who was a doubt for the game with (63). a calf injury, volleyed home from the edge of Germany, who are yet to concede a goal at the box to give Joachim Low’s side the perfect Germany players celebrate their win over Slovakia in the last 16

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Euro 2016:Germany crush Slovakia to reach quarter-finals

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to work hard. If we work hard together as a team we will win matches and if we win our games we will qualify.

“The media have to be involved in this as well.

They have a huge role to play in motivating and psyching our team to do well. Everything is in our hands, we must plan well and ensure our house is in order. I believe we will qualify,” he said.

However, interim Head Coach, Salisu Yusuf, is of the opinion that the Super Eagles are pitched in a difficult pool, but with commitment, determination and motivation, they will scale these hurdles and qualify for the 2018 World Cup. Meanwhile, Technical Adviser, Rangers International FC of Enugu, Imama Amapakabo, says that only adequate preparation can make Nigeria to qualify for the 2018 World Cup in Russia from Group B. Amapakabo said on Sunday that in spite of the group having the best in African football; Nigeria could beat their opponents with adequate preparation.

He harped on the need for consistency by the national team with the coaches given long term contracts to study and perfect the players to their pattern of play.

“The national team is like other premier league clubs because it’s made up of people of the different geographical areas of the country and they need blending.

“We need to start preparation on time to ensure that the players get used to the coaches’ tactics and also for them to understand themselves in the field of play.

“Nigerians are clamouring for a formidable national team but it cannot be built if not through friendly matches and consistency,” he said.

He added that the country had good players who could stand out in time of difficulties but noted that “a tree cannot make a forest”.