Dtn 28 10 15

Reps probe EFCC over N1trn recovered funds Henry Omunu, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe House of Representatives on Tues-

day resolved to investigate the allegations against the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) over the acts of fraud

and corruption levelled against the antigraft agency in relation to the non-remittance of reconverted funds amounting to

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over N1 trillion into the federation account.

Continued on page 6

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.218

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 22nd October 2015.

BETAGLAS

45.15

2.15

4.76%

PZ

26.1

0.92

3.52%

GUINNESS 142.2

-8.60

-6.05%

UNILEVER 42.85

-1.98

-4.62%

GLAXOSMITH

39.99

0.99

2.48%

OANDO

10.4

0.53

5.10%

OKOMUOIL 32.16

-3.47

-10.79%

DANGCEM 163

-1.55

-0.95%

Boko Haram:

Gowon faults Buhari, military on Dec. target Jacob Ogodo, Abakalilki

ÎÎÎFormer Head of

State, General Yakubu Gowon, on Tuesday,

faulted President Muhammadu Buhari and the Military over the December deadline for crushingthe Boko Haram insurgency

in the country.

Recall that President Buhari had tasked the military to stop the insurgency in three months,

ending December 2015. The military has also come out to say that it would meet the deadline.

Gowon said this in Abakiliki,

the Ebonyi State capital, when he led advocacy visit to Governor DaContinued on page 6

TSA g17 paralyses ministries, parastatals Kogi poll: Plots to g8 stop Audu thickens Police quiz KWAM 1 over death of varsity student g12

Ngozi gL1 Omambala: Minister-designate and former Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, SAN, being presented with the Stephen J. Solarz Award by the Founder of Mo Ibrahim Foundation, Dr. Mo Ibrahim on behalf of the International Crisis Group for Fashola’s commitment to building a peaceful and vibrant society during the group’s 20th anniversary award dinner at Pier Sixty, New York, United States of America... on Tuesday.

The music promoter

2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial Now that Nigeria is polio-free

I

f there is one piece of news making Nigerians happy, it is that from the World Health Organisation (WHO) that the country has been removed from the list of polio-endemic nations. The announcement is coming after the historic achievement in interrupting the transmission of wild poliovirus for a period of 15 months. With this development, only two countries –Afghanistan and Pakistan now remain polio-endemic. Before now, Nigeria accounted for over half of all polio cases worldwide. Therefore, the remarkable change in the narrative represents a great positive leap forward.

According to WHO, the eradication of poliovirus is the result of a concerted effort by all levels of government, civil society, religious leaders and tens of thousands of dedicated health workers?

Even though removal from the list is not a definitive indication of freedom from polio, there is cause for optimism that the two-year wait to qualify for full polio-free certification will perfect Nigeria’s poliofree status. Much as welcome the news, Nigeria should not rest on her oars, thinking that the last has been heard of this debilitating disease.

Rather, the country should see the effort to keep the virus at bay as its responsibility and ensure that whether financial aid comes from abroad or not, the feat achieved would not be lost to bureaucracy and the perennial excuse of lack of funds that form the pretext for not sustaining a set objective.

That is why we welcome President Muhammadu Buhari’s pledge to keep up the momentum as well as maintain and improve on the coun-

try’s surveillance system as well as raise the childhood population immunity against the poliovirus.

In addition, we urge institutions involved in the fight against polio to continue to do everything they did right, which helped in the achievement of the success story we are now celebrating. In the light of this, they should continuously think out ways to deepen the success accomplished, so that polio will forever remain outdated in Nigeria.

Only three years ago, Nigeria looked like the last place that would eliminate polio, a highly infectious and potentially fatal disease that invades the nervous system and paralysed 1,000 children a day as late as the 1980s. Measured against other equally difficult health challenges, such as HIV/AIDS and Malaria, the polio fight is certainly a great achievement. Now that the world is within a ‘touching distance’ of eradicating polio, Nigeria and the whole world can help make the last round of the battle against polio less difficult by sensitising the public, especially rural communities on the deadly danger of the virus.

There should be sensitisation programme on community hygiene and other sanitary issues.

Against this backdrop, the country’s political and health authorities have their work cut out for them. It is necessary to provide unrestricted running water to the people, and to ensure hygienic human waste disposal, among other important actions. We therefore appeal to governments at all levels, traditional and religious leaders, as well as the private sector to redouble their efforts to keep this paralysing and deadly scourge at bay.

Can someone call Gov. el-Rufai to order?

Sam Nzeh

ÎÎΓIf you are not happy

with appointments made, you can go and climb Kufena Mountain and fall.

It was what you voted that you got because we are aware that there are people who did not vote for us, in fact they worked against us.

“But now they claim to be All Progressives Congress (APC) members and loyal to the party. We know such people. And so there is no way they would expect anything from us.

You didn’t vote us but you want appointments. What you will get is zero.”

That was the response of Governor Nasir elRufai of Kaduna State in answer to questions from stakeholders at the 4th town hall meeting with Kaduna Central zone on Saturday as he tried to justify why he could not give appointment to persons that did not vote for him during the last governorship election.

Clearly, the statement is unbecoming of a governor. It was an insult. It was arrogance on display.

Granted that Gov. el-Rufai is right to decide who to appoint into his administration, still he did not have to insult those who didn’t vote for him by his statement. He did not have to ask them go and

Words On Marble :

commit suicide.

It smacks of arrogance and insensitivity for a governor who is under oath to look after all citizens in his state including those who did not vote for him, to turn around to cause them and even push them to ‘go and die’.

As governor, it is expected of el-Rufai to exhibit maturity in the face of provocation. This is what civilised behaviour teaches people.

So, those who have Gov. el-Rufai’s ears would do him a world of good if they make him learn to keep his temper under control. The same goes to his counterparts in other states who denigrate their subjects.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Deputy Editor/Southern Bureau Chief Sam Nzeh Deputy Editor/Northern Bureau Chief Lateef Ibrahim News Editor Segun Adio Politics Editor Akintola Akinjide Business Editor Friday Atufe Head, Graphics/Design King Ododoru

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Ibrahim Lamorde

Ayo Adebanjo

Abdulaziz Yari

“When corruption and impunity become the order of the day, human rights abuses flourish.”

“I don’t want Buhari to fail. I only want him to prove people like me who spoke against his ambition wrong.”

“The only thing that can save us is to diversify the economy.

We have so many ways like agriculture, mining and infrastructural development.”

4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Ooni-elect arrives Ile-Ife as initiation rites begin Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÎÎÎThe

Ooni-elect of Ife, Oba Enitan Adeyeye Ogunwusi, is expected to receive a grand welcome today.

It would be recalled the Osun State Government had in the early hours of Monday announced the choice of Prince Enitan Ogunwusi of Ojaja family unit from Giesi Ruling House as the Ooni-desig-

nate.

According to some of the sources, his arrival at the ancient city was not official, adding that coronation holds within 21 days.

It was also learnt that installation rites for the Ooni would start today in the ancient town at Ilofi.

Before proceeding to Ilofi, Ogunwusi is expected to be led from Ajebandele area, which symbolises the actual entrance to Ile-

Ife. Earlier, his father, Prince Ropo Ogunwusi, said that he knew his son would become king.

He also acknowledged that Adeyeye’s grand-father before his death had always referred to him as “Ooni Adeyeye”.

In a related development, forms for aspirants of the Obalufe is now open, a family source told our correspondent.

Due to the death of the

former Obalufe, Oba Solomon Folorunsho Omisakin, Lowa of Ife, Chief Joseph Ijaodola, led other king-makers in the selection of a new Ooni.

It was learnt that the Obalufe tittle is the second in command to the Ooni of Ife. It was gathered that Omisakin was on sick bed when late Oba Okunade Sijuwade Olubuse II passed on at a London hospital, after a brief illness.

5

Senate wades into Apapa Port gridlock Olufemi Saumel Abuja

ÎÎÎThe Senate on Tues-

day resolved to wade into the gridlock on ApapaMile 2 and Apapa Oshodi areas of Lagos state often caused by heavy duty vehicles, trucks and tankers doing business with the port at Apapa.

Against this background, the Senate will soon task its Committee on Marine Transport to investigate the causes of the gridlock with a view to finding practicable solutions to the gridlock A motion to this effect was moved during Senate plenary by wife of former Lagos State gov-

ernor, Oluremi Tinubu who said the problem of gridlock along Mile 2 road required an urgent attention because of its great impact on economic activities in Lagos state and Nigeria.

The Committee, according to the motion, was to invite the management and leadership of the Nigerian Port Authority (NPA), the Nigerian Shippers Council, Federal Ministry of Works and Transport, the Western Naval Command, National Union of Road transport Workers (NURTW), Association of Marine Truck Owners (AMAYO), the Nigerian Police and others for dialogue.

Enugu Assembly amends Judicial Service Commission Law Moses Oyediran Enugu

ÎÎÎThe members of

former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon (rtd), (middle); Secretary to Ebonyi State Government, Prof. Bernard Odoh (right) and Commissioner for Health, Dr. Dan. Umezurike during a visit by the Carter Centre to the Ebonyi State Government at the Government House, Abakaliki… on Tuesday

Police quiz KWAM 1 over shooting of varsity student Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÎÎÎThe

police in Ogun State, on Tuesday, quizzed popular fuji musician, King Wasiu Ayinde popularly called KWAM 1 over the shooting of a student of Olabisi Onabanjo University (OOU), Ago-Iwoye three weeks ago.

KWAM 1, who arrived the Eleweran Command headquarters of the police around 11a.m., was interrogated by police operatives attached to the Criminal Investigative and Intelligence Bureau (CIIB) for about six hours before he was re-

leased on bail.

Recall that one of the band members of the King of Fuji music had shot at the OOU student identified as Azeez Kofoworola of the Department of Business Education, on Saturday, October 10, at an hotel in Ago-Iwoye, during a party organised by the owner of the hotel to mark the AgoIwoye day.

Kofoworola was however, hit by the bullet fired by King Wasiu Ayinde’s band boys while sitting inside an unregistered Honda Accord belonging to an officer of the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps

(NSCDC) identified as Hassan Afeez.

The development however, led to an abrupt suspension of the show, while Kofoworola was admitted at the General Hospital in Ijebu-Ode for treatment.

The police has however, invited the ace Fuji musician for interrogation which he refused to honour until yesterday.

Although the total number of charges levelled against Wasiu could not be ascertained, it was gathered that he was drilled for close to six hours before he was released on bail with a reliable surety on the

condition that such surety would provide him anytime he was needed.

The Deputy Police Public Relations Officer (Dpt. PPRO), Abimbola Oyeyemi, who confirmed the interrogation told journalists that Wasiu’s case was transferred to the CIIB on the shooting incidence.

KWAM 1

the Enugu State House of Assembly, have amended the Enugu State Judicial Service Law in accordance with Section 197 of 1999 Nigerian Constitution.

The amendment of the law enacted in 2004, was to review the composition of the members of the Judicial Service Commission as is obtainable in other states of the federation.

According to the constitution, members of the Commission is made up

of the state chief judge, who will act as the chairman; attorney general; president of customary court; two legal practitioners and two non-legal members but in the case of Enugu State only legal members and one nonlegal member was provided.

By the new amendment, the commission will now comprise of the Chief Judge, Attorney General, President of Customary Court, two legal officers with ten years of experience and two non-legal members.

NAF jet hits Boko Haram vehicle workshop, fuel ammunition dumps Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÎÎÎIn a renewed drive to

further degrade the Boko Haram Terrorist (BHT) assets, the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) Alpha Jets, on Tuesday, hit targets at Sambisa forest.

NAF spokesman, Air Commodore Dele Alonge, said in a statement that the jets successfully carried out air strikes and destroyed the terrorists’ vehicle workshops, fuel

and ammunition dumps all within the Sambisa forest.

This feat by the Nigerian Air Force came as a result of a painstaking Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance (ISR) efforts by the NAF’s Unmanned Aerial vehicle (UAV) and ATR-42 platforms.

In view of the above, the Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar was of the view with these successful strikes on the insurgents, their capabilities had been further degraded.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Boko Haram: Gowon faults Buhari, military on Dec. target

Reps probe EFCC over N1trn recovered funds

Continued from page 1

This resolution was passed by federal lawmakers after they unanimously adopted a motion sponsored by the Minority Leader, Rep. Leo Ogor (PDP-Delta) alleging that the EFCC in contravention of Section 31, sub-section 2 and 3 of the Act establishing the agency had repeatedly failed to remit court ordered properties and funds into the Consolidated Revenue Fund.

Also, the House directed the Solicitor-General of the federation to re-assign the investigation of the petition of George Uboh against the EFCC to the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) or the police.

The House further mandated the Committee on Financial Crimes, Drugs and Narcotics to investigate the sundry allegations against the EFCC and its agents, and present its findings to at plenary in four weeks.

Moving the motion, Rep. Ogor informed his fellow lawmakers that there exists a subsisting petition by one George Uboh against the present and past leaders of the EFCC over diversion of funds that the Senate is investigating.

According to him, the “past and present leadership of the EFCC are being accused of diversion of funds worth billions of naira meant to be paid into the Consolidated Revenue

vid Umahi on Malaria and four other neglected tropical diseases in the country.

He said the Nigerian military would do its best to meet the December deadline but maintained that nobody can really and confidently talk about the particular time any military operation was going to end.

However, he was quick to say that he has absolute confidence that the military would defeat the sect.

“I can tell you this, nobody can really talk about when any particular operation is going to end. And as a Commander-in- Chief, I know this.

“Yes, you can say you target a particular time, but it may finish before that time or it may go slightly beyond. To end it, that is the most important thing.

“I assure you that I have absolute confidence in our military that they are going to really deal with the situation as they are doing at the

moment”.

Gowon expressed worry that the insurgents have resorted to using underage and innocent children as suicide bombers, noting that such initiative was inimical to the progress and development of the nation.

“May the spirits of these poor little children who are being brainwashed to carry out such heinous crimes rest in peace”, he added.

The former Head of State, who appreciated the successes recorded by Pres-

ident Goodluck Jonathan’s administration in the fight against Boko Haram, noted that President Buhari’s administration since it came on board has been doing a lot to end the insurgency in every part of the country.

He urged Nigerians to pray fervently, saying “prayer is an alternative and the most effective weapon to defeat Hoko Haram”.

“With prayers God will touch their hearts to change for better”, he added.

Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed (right) presenting a condolence letter to Rev. Mrs. Tola Oyediran (middle) and Amb. Tokunbo Dosunmu Awolowo (left) during a visit to the residence of late HID Awolowo , at Ikenne, Ogun State… on Tuesday

Continued from page 1

Fund of the Federation as stipulated by Section 31 subsection 2 and 3 of the EFCC Act of 2004”.

The lawmaker from Delta State further stressed that “the Solicitor-General and Permanent Secretary of the Federal Ministry of Justice has directed the EFCC to investigate the allegation against Ibrahim Lamorde and to forward the result of its investigation to him”.

He however expressed concern that “the EFCC is not the only agency of government charged with investigations that bother on diversion of funds by public officers”, adding that to thoroughly investigate the allegation of diversion of this huge sum of monies, allegedly running into trillions of naira, other members of staff of the EFCC must be investigated.

He said: “By the powers conferred on the House by Section 88(I) of the 1999 Constitution as amended, the House, just like the police and the ICPC can investigate the diversion of funds

by Lamorde, as well as past and present leaders of the EFCC”.

The motion was subsequently approved by the House when the presiding officer, Deputy Speaker, Yussuff Lasun, put the motion to a voice vote.

Our correspondent recalls that the Ministry of Justice in a directive to the EFCC Continued on page 12

Rivers: Supreme Court throws out Wike’s appeal on tribunal relocation Ï ^#^ ƑƏ Ɔ ƌƆƌƄƆƏ Ɛ ƄƆ ƅ Ƌƌè Ƌ Ɠ ƄƈƗƈ Ï ^ ƈƋ ƏƑƋƈ Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÎÎÎThe Supreme Court on

Tuesday made it abundantly clear that the shift of tribunals from election violenceprone states to Abuja was legally proper as it dismissed the appeal filed by Governor Nyesom Wike of Rivers State and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that challenged the decision of Rivers tribunal which sat throughout in Abuja.

This even as the Rivers State chapter of the PDP has urged its members to be calm and law abiding, despite the verdict.

However, the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state, has lauded the Supreme Court ruling.

Five states - Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Taraba, Yobe and Borno, had their tribunals sit in Abuja. However the decision of Rivers State governorship election tribunal which also sat in Abuja as against Port

Harcourt, the Rivers State capital, was challenged at the Court of Appeal, which dismissed the appeal for lack of merit.

Dissatisfied, Gov. Wike and the PDP had approached the apex court to revert the decision of Court of Appeal.

The Supreme Court on Tuesday held that the appeal lacked merit and substance and consequently dismissed the appeal in its entirety.

Delivering judgment on the interlocutory appeal,

Justice Amiru Sanusi, said that the decision relocating the venue of the tribunal was in order for security reasons.

Justice Sanusi said that President of the Court of Appeal, Justice Zainab Bukachuwa, was right in her decision that the tribunal should sit in Abuja instead of Port Harcourt for the protection of lives of the tribunal members and the court spectators.

The judgment of Justice Sanusi which was unanimously adopted by other members of the panel said the appeal lacked merit.

Justice Amiru Sanusi held that evidence abound that there were security challenges prevailing in Rivers State as at the time the panel was constituted.

He further held that the court was not bound in the decision in Ibori’s case which was cited by the appellant.

The court further noted that in the Ibori case, it was not the President of the Court of Appeal that relocated the tribunal and that there was no situation of insecurity as at then.

“But in the instant case, it was the President of the

Court of Appeal that relocated the tribunal to Abuja because of insecurity, it was this situation that demanded for a doctrine of necessity which made the President of the Court to relocate the tribunal to Abuja to protect the lives of the members of the panel.

“I agree with the Court of Appeal that the President of the Court of Appeal is right in relocating the panel to Abuja.

“On the whole, I hold that the tribunal was properly constituted by the President Continued on page 12

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

7 News

ÏÏÏThe feud between the Warring Ogun Oguntade Ismaila

Alagbado of Agbado, Oba Adedayo Shillon and Aladiyan of Adiyan, Oba Sunday Onifade for the past five years, has come to an end as both the traditional rulers and chiefs met on Sunday at the palace of Aladiyan of Adiyan for the reconciliation.

According to Balogun of Agbado land, Chief Olalekan Kogbodoku, who spoke with Daily Times said that the initiative was a welcome development by both parties, who were both claiming superiority over one and other. He said the chiefs in the two communities made

monarchs reconcile

efforts to see that the two traditional rulers reconciled for peace and progress of our father’s land.

Chief Kogbodoku also stressed further that, “Where two elephants fight the grass we surely suffered.

He said the traditional rulers in this constituency have been living in divided home for years, as these have been causing serious setback in the traditional council of Obas in the local government.”

Crude oil contract bid: NNPC cuts contractors from 43 to 16 Augustine Okezie Abuja

ÏÏÏNigerian

National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has announced a cut in the number of crude oil contract holders from the usual figure of 43 to 16 from the 90 contractors that bid for this year’s exercise, as part of a drive to boost transparency in the institution.

General Manager, Crude Oils and Marketing of NNPC, Malam Bala Kyama, told newsmen at the auction held in Abuja on Tuesday that the current number of 43 contract holders would be reduced by at least a third

so that companies could be sure they would get oil.

“This is not business as usual. This is going to be different,” he said. Previously, tenders were published in newspapers.

Just last week, the NNPC embarked on a public harvesting of technical bids submitted by a total of 91 companies consisting largely of indigenous vessel owners vying to secure contract for the provision of Coastal and Bunkering Vessel Services, for the operations of the Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), a subsidiary of the NNPC.

Ijesa-in-Council fumes over Oba's death rumour Oyetubo Olabimpe

ÏÏÏThe Council of

Obas and Chiefs in Ijeshaland, has condemned the rumour going round that the paramount ruler of Ijeshaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromolaran is dead, describing people peddling the rumor as wicked and callous.

This was contained in a release signed by Chief Ayo Agbede, the Lorunyin of Ilesa, and made available to journalists in Ibadan, on Tuesday, where the Chief affirmed that Owa Obokun returned from London, where he went to grace the

Ondo State APC Chairman, Mr. Isaac Kekemeke (2nd right) receiving some sets of computer system from a governorship aspirant, Folusho Adefemi at the party's secretariat in Akure… on Tuesday.

Photo TOSIN AJUWON

occasion of the late Ooni of Ife son's wedding on Thursday, and held an elaborate wedding for his own son in Ibadan, last weekend.

“Initially we thought the rumour would die down naturally like many before it but when we noticed that the rumour mill have invaded the social media, hence we had to let the unsuspecting public know the truth.

“It’s quite disappointing when we also read the same falsehood report in a popular online news website on Monday which further misled the public.

Court issues ultimatum for FG, Amnesty office over ex-militants’ suit on exclusion Akam James Yenagoa

ÏÏÏA Federal High Court

sitting in Yenagoa, on Tuesday, issued a 14-day ultimatum to the Federal Government and the office of the Amnesty Implementation Committee to respond to the suit filed by the aggrieved ex-militants from Bayelsa, Delta and Rivers states over alleged exclusion from the ongoing Amnesty programme.

The aggrieved ex-militants, Asenekir Oyile, Angiama-Owei Oyindoubra, John Government, John Sawyer, Trydy Okpeke, Dollar Motor, Selebi Ayowei, Bobra Angese, Henry

Gomeromo and Ekerebi Ombe, in their suit claimed that the Amnesty Committee erred by refusing to include them in the ongoing Amnesty programme after series of resolutions from meetings with the past and present National Security Advisers to the President, Late General Owei Azazi and Col. Dasuki Sambo respectively. The ex-militants in the suit, numbered FHC/ YNG/CS/102/2013, filed at the Federal High Court, declared that they were former militants that had accepted Amnesty under the Third Phase and surrendered their weapons to the Federal Government through the Amnesty Office in 2011

under the Peace Initiative of the Federal Government.

Justice H.A. Nganjiwa, who presided over the sitting on Tuesday, ruled in favour of the aggrieved exmilitants on the plea for an extension of time on the notice to file counter motions against the preliminary objections filed by the office of the Attorney-General of the Federation and the office of the Amnesty Implementation Committee.

Justice Nganjiwa, after hearing the submissions of the Counsel to the exmilitants, K. O. Seriaki, on the two separate motions in response to the preliminary objections, ordered that the Federal Government and

the Amnesty Office are given a 14 -day ultimatum to respond to the addresses filed by the plaintiff.

The Judge, however, adjourned further hearing till November 10th, 2015.

Speaking after sitting, Barr. K. O. Seriaki, the Counsel to the Ex-militant, commended the judiciary for the granting the motion by the plaintiff for an extension of time, “the 14 days handed by the Court is an avenue for the Federal Government and the Amnesty Committee to respond.

“The next sitting of the court would be to rule on the preliminary objections raised by the first and second defendants."

Lagos police arrest fake The Sun editor’s wife kidnapper Joy Anyim

ÏÏÏThe

Lagos State Police Command has arrested a fake Nwosu’s wife kidnapper, Odo Sabastine, a 200 level Economics student at the Kogi State University. The suspect was among the over 30 suspects paraded by the Lagos State Police commissioner, Fatai Owoseni at the Police headquarters, Ikeja, Lagos, on Tuesday.

Explaining his role in the kidnap saga, Odo said, “I was not the real kidnapper that followed in kidnapping of the Sun Managing Director Nwosu’s wife. I just wanted to see if I could make quick money

out of the situation. I actually had a problem. I needed the sum of N100, 000 to solve the problem I had.

When I heard about the kidnap of Nwosu’s wife, it occurred to me that it was an opportunity to get the money I needed. I got Nwosu’s number from the back of the Sun newspaper. I used it to call Nwosu telling him that I would help him to rescue his wife.

“I told him to give me N100, 000 to do the job for him. Surprisingly, Nwosu told me that he had N2.5 million as ransom. I was shocked because have not seen such money before.

He was supposed to pay it into my account which

I had forwarded to him but he did not. So in the morning of the following day, when I called Nwosu to know why he had not paid the money into my account, he told me that he had already paid the N2.5 million into the account of the main kidnappers.”

On how he was arrested on September 22nd, 2015, he said he was tracked down through his phone by the police.

The CP also called on all Lagosians to continue to support the Police by giving useful information that could help them reduce crime rate in the state. He also stated that the ban on fireworks and anything

like explosives remains effective in the state even as the Christmas period draws closer.

Meanwhile, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, on Tuesday, paraded four fake soldiers arrested by policemen at Idi-Araba, Agege and Mile 2 areas of Lagos. The fake soldiers are: Izunwanne John 25, John Otu 23, Richard Acha 22, and Simon Anthony 39.

Exhibits recovered from them includes two pairs of the Nigerian Army camouflage uniform, one pair of Army green uniform, one Army camouflage T-shirt, one pair of boots, two Army belts and two jungle hats.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Politics

Æs Akwa Ibom: Why Umana may lose rerun to Emmanuel Philip Obin

Udom

Umana

I’m 100% APC - body and soul, and have continued to contribute my quota to the ideals of the party and its sustainability. But after carefully personally investigating the current state of the politics of Akwa Ibom State,

carrying out a survey, and hearing from a good number of Akwa Ibomites who believe the devil they know is better than the angel they haven’t met, following the judgment of the Akwa Ibom governorship election tribunal, for a rerun in 18 out of 31 local governments of the state, I make bold to say that if the Akwa Ibom Gov-

ernorship election rerun holds today as it were, the PDP will win against the APC squarely, unless the narrative and permutations change; even if the election is completely cancelled and a fresh one conducted in all 31 LGAs, as CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Kogi polls: Plots to stop Audu?

Stories by Akinjide Akintola & Adedeji Sulaiman With barely four weeks to the forthcoming governorship polls in Kogi State, there are speculations that plans are afoot to stop former governor of the state, Abubakar Audu as the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The plot was further heightened following last Saturday’s botched programme to present the party’s flag to him by President Muhammadu Buhari at the flag off of the campaign in Lokoja, the state capital.

The development is being linked to protests over the party’s primaries and allegations that Audu is facing corruption charges brought against him by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and may not be the ideal candidate for the party.

Already, a pressure group within the Kogi State APC has raised the alarm over an alleged plot by party members from a section of the state to sabotage the chances of Audu, in the impending governorship election.

The group, Kogi East APC Youth Front (KEAYF) in a statement in Lokoja by its President, Dr Abimaje Ocheni and Secretary, Miss Grace Ebune, alleged that some party leaders from Kogi Central District were among other grievances blaming Prince Audu for the defeat of Ebira candidates at the party’s primaries and have covertly decided to work against the party.

“There are very disturbing evidence that a section of our party members acting an ethnic script are trying to pull back a moving train. Regrettably, this section, specifically the Ebiras

Audu of the Central Senatorial District, is deviously scheming under a diverse agenda to reverse all the advantages of our great party in the state.

“Ever since the resounding victory of Prince Abubakar Audu, the Adoja Attah-Igala, at our party’s primary election, members of the APC family from Kogi Central have not been at ease.

Buhari “First it was alleged that the sudden realisation that the combined votes of their candidates who were the first, second and third runners-up surpassed that of Adoja ignited a fresh sense of micro nationalism propelled more by regret than reason.”

KEAYF which is an Igala forum supporting Prince Audu’s candidature lamented that the plot was now so pervasive that

Wada the Central Senatorial APC rally was largely boycotted by members from the area.

Besides, the group alleged that the first runner up at the primaries, Alhaji Yahaya Bello who is Ebira had mounted and sustained a crusade to snatch Prince Audu’s ticket even when it was obvious that it is a fruitless mission.

“All the propaganda of Adoja

stealing N11 billion and promising to return it can be traceable to this fellow obviously working with the enemies of the candidate.

“It was this same fellow who is behind the party’s appeal committee’s recommendation asking for the disqualification of Adoja on the ground of corrupCONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Controversy rages over declaration of Lagos council caretakers as illegal Controversy has continued to mount over last week’s declaration by an Ibadan High Court that the council caretaker committees in Lagos State are illegal and constitutional.

Even though the judge ordered

that the state electoral commission to conduct elections into all the affected local governments in the state immediately, the state government has given indication that it would appeal against the judgment.

Justice Abdulfatai Lawal of Lagos State High Court at Igbosere last week Thursday declared the appointment of caretaker committees to run local government councils in Nigeria by state governments as illegal

and unconstitutional.

Consequently, Justice Lawal directed Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) to conduct elections in all local governments within CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

9 Politics

Plots to stop Audu?

Controversy rages over declaration of Lagos council caretakers as illegal

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

tion even when he has not been convicted of anything.

“Even while it is clear that this fellow cannot get anywhere, he is unrelenting. It is therefore open to conclusion that he is playing the same ethnic card against Adoja.”

KEAYF lamented that the choice of a running mate in the person of Hon James Faleke an Okun-Yoruba from the Western Senatorial District is equally been tribalised and used to stoke animosity against Audu in the area with the claim that the candidate had already entered into a secret pact to shift power to the Okuns after his tenure.

While insisting Audu never entered into any such pact, the group however declared that in the spirit of justice and fairness the Okuns deserve to produce the next governor and not the Ebiras.

“The Ebiras have already previously enjoyed the position of governorship in a democratic arrangement in the person of Adamu Attah of blessed memory in the old Kwara State.

“However the closest the Okuns have come to the revered position is deputy, first by Chief Sam Akande and now Architect Yomi Awoniyi. But even in this regard the Ebiras have produced

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

sentiments purposefully sold to them by former Governor Akpabio and the PDP, that APC is a Northern party with an Agenda to islamise Nigeria, amongst other lies and mudslinging that characterized PDP’s campaigns in the last general elections.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Wada

Audu deputy governors in Kogi State for a total period of 13 years – 1999 to 2012 in the persons of Chief Patrick Adaba (1999 -2003) as Adoja’s deputy, and Philip Salawu who was deputy to Alhaji Ibahim Idris (2003 -2012). The

30 days.

“I also call upon all state governments where the local governments are being manned by administrators to conduct elections immediately,” Justice Lawal stressed.

Justice Lawal, made the declaration while delivering judgment in a case filed by the National Conscience Party (NCP) seeking an order nullifying the appointment of caretaker committees to administer local governments by the Lagos State government.

In the judgement, the court held that no governor is constitutionally empowered to take over the administration of local governments through sole administrators or caretaker committees.

The court also held that the system of local government can only be managed by democratically elected people and if the state house of assembly should make any law validating sole administrators for local government, such a law will be invalid and unconstitutional.

The judge ruled further that the Lagos State Local Government Law, which allows for the appointment of caretaker committees, is illegal and unconstitutional.

Moreover, the court held that Section 1(3) of the Constitution stipulates that Nigeria should not be run in any manner that is contrary to the Constitution.

“I call upon the Lagos State Government to immediately implement the judgment of the court by dismantling all the illegal structures of local government caretaker committees.

The court rejected the argument of LASIEC that it was waiting for voters’ register from INEC since the same voters’ register and polling booths were used for the April, 2015 elections.

The applicant, NCP, through its national general secretary, Comrade Ayodele Akele, had filed the action for a declaration that the local governments in Lagos State can only be run and managed by a democratically elected administration.

tenure of the Okuns as deputy cumulatively amounts to only five years. Chief Sam Akande as Adoja’s deputy (1992 -1993) and Awoniyi (2012 – 2016).

The group appealed to Ebira members of the party to rise

above ethnic sentiments and work for the success of the party and its candidate while warning that in the event that Prince Audu coasts to victory in spite of them they should not expect any special treatment.

Akwa Ibom: Why Umana may lose rerun to Emmanuel CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

being appealed by Umana Umana and the APC. Two major factors at play 1. The popularity of Godswill Akpabio as the chief promoter of Udom Emanuel and the PDP in the state, plus the uncommon transformation of the state by him (Akpabio), in the last eight years.

2. The fact that APC’s Umana Okon Umana hasn’t been popularly sold and marketed enough to Nigerians and especially the deserving people of Akwa Ibom, even though he (Umana) has been in politics for donkey years, to enable Akwa Ibomites benchmark his integrity, antecedents and previous achievements as public office holders, with that of Akpabio, Udom and the PDP. Although better than most previous governors of the state, Akpabio may have not done as much as he’s being celebrated, if you

have to carefully benchmark his projects and achievements with the huge amounts of resources and funds made available to him throughout his tenure.

Again, unlike Dakuku Peterside of Rivers State who’s largely running on the goodwill and popularity of his former Governor Rotimi Amaechi, who’s not just a political bulldozer but a revolutionary politician, no very popular, reputable and influential politicians are behind Umana Umana, yet, instead of focusing on attracting such personalities, unveiling and selling himself, his agenda and plans for his people, he’s rather too busy selling APC to his people, and probably believing that just because he’s running under the platform of the party, it’s enough for him to ride its goodwill, which he really didn’t contribute to; forgetting that it wasn’t only the CHANGE mantra of the APC that led to President Buhari’s uncontestable

Akpabio victory, but also his (Buhari’s) long-standing clean records, those behind him and the crystal clear presentation of the party’s ideals and programmes sold to Nigerians as a total package.

He forgets, also, that most of the PVC holders aren’t very ‘exposed’ and already bought into the tribal

Odigie-Oyegun

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Akwa Ibom: Why Umana may lose again CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Umana Umana is probably also undermining the fact that the PDP has ruled his state for some rewarding years and have also built highly financially powered political structures that won’t be easy to surmount by any means, with lots of the PDP leaders and members still in power with access to government funds and resources.

There’s also this sentiment that Nigeria shouldn’t return to a oneparty state which was almost the case during the past impunitive years of the PDP at the centre, as some see the APC taking over the whole states of the federation, while others are merely sympathizers who’ll do everything possible to ensure PDP retains Akwa Ibom, in addition to the few other states they currently hold, to avoid extinction of the party.

Another factor to bring into consideration is the true fact that our economy is currently in its worst state, as oil prices have crashed to all-time low, for a nation that until this administration, relied virtually on proceeds realized from sales of petroleum products. Again, while the new government sincerely tries to quickly revive other sectors of the economy, and properly constitute itself to begin business in earnest, Nigerians have got to bear the cost of these leadership mistakes and misfortunes, hence

Udom the common Nigerian have only seen this as rather incompetence on the part of leadership of the ruling party, the APC, as lots of Nigerians who were over expectant while supporting the party (the APC), have come to the conclusion that the solutions to Nigeria’s uncountable problems and challenges aren’t with the APC, too.

Akpabio

Odigie Subsequently, the APC has lost some supporters, while some others who were extremely loyal and supportive to the party are now sitting on the fence, too. And unless the APC-led government intensifies its efforts to sincerely bring feasible change to Nigerians and quickly begin to fulfill its campaign promises to Nigerians, which earned them such huge

support, the likes of Umana will have to pay for it.

Umana, should brace up, rise up to the occasion and go back into the field for a rigorous doorto-door campaign. He also needs to engage the right people and professionals in his campaign and up the quality of campaign, too, while bearing in mind that some of the ideals the APC sold

during the last elections may no longer sell, as certain things have changed between then and now.

Beyond Akwa Ibom, this must be done with assistance from party leaders and members from other states who have delivered their own states. In Akwa Ibom, the APC may have to form more CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Controversy rages over declaration of Lagos council caretakers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

The party had sought for an order directing Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to supply voters’ register to Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission.

Besides, the applicant is seeking for an order of mandamus compelling LAISEC to forthwith conduct local government elections in Lagos State and to declare the caretaker committees as illegal.

In response, Lagos State government and LAISEC said that upon the expiration of the tenure of the last local government administration in October 2014, Lagos State governor, by executive order appointed interim caretaker committees headed by executive secretaries, to run the affairs of all the local governments, in order to avoid a vacuum.

The NCP contended that this

is in contravention of section 7 of the 1999 Constitution which states that only a democratically elected government can be allowed to run the local governments and section 1(2) of the 1999 Constitution which states that no part of Nigeria shall be

Saraki

governed in any method that is contrary to the Constitution.

But counsel to Lagos State, Lawal Pedro, SAN and counsel to LAISEC, Yemi Adesina, submitted that unless INEC has given the voters register to LAISEC, elections cannot be conducted.

Ambode

They argued further that the delay in the conduct of local government elections could not be blamed on the Lagos State government and urged the court to dismiss the case.

But the Lagos State Government on Friday said it would

appeal the ruling of a Lagos High Court which declared the appointment of caretaker committees of local government councils in the state illegal and unconstitutional.

Reacting to the judgment, the new State Attorney General and Commissioner of Justice, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem, faulted the judgment, saying the state will file a Stay of Execution and Appeal against the verdict immediately.

The Attorney General , who expressed confidence that the State Government will prevail on Appeal , also urged residents to remain calm as there is no cause for alarm.

Already, a Lagos State based group, Save Lagos Group (SLG) has hailed the Judiciary over CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

11 Politics

Controversy over Lagos caretakers CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

the landmark Judgment delivered by Justice Abdulfatai Lawal of the State High Court division sitting in Igbosere on the issue of controversial appointment of illegal Caretaker committees to man Local council in the State, instead of democratically elected officials as stipulated in the Constitution of Nigeria.

The group also warned the State governor, Mr. Akinwumi Ambode against illegal and unlawful arrest of the Market men and women that were going about their lawful business in the areas like Oshodi, Mile 12, Ojota, Berger, Mile 2, and host of other places across the State, alleging that the officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Agency(LASTMA) and Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) had cultivated the habit of arresting any relation of those arrested that came for their release/bail by extorting more money from them illegally.

It stated that the State government action and its agencies are contrary to the protection of citizens rights as entrenched in Chapter (1V) of the amended 1999 Constitution and Section 98,99,& 494 of the criminal code Cap “C38” with cases and materials, extracts: ICPC, Money Laundering Act 2010, Laws of the Federation, 2010 & also Section 172,209 and Fifth schedule, part (1), section 6 & 8 of the 1999 “FRN” Constitution as amended.

The group described the government’s action as illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional, unwarranted, ungodly, evil, barbaric and satanic, adding that it has concluded arrangement to fight against any anti-masses policies of the present administration

Umana may lose rerun to Emmanuel structures, review existing ones and form a think-tank team that would review the dynamics and challenges faced during the last

Mohammed

Bukola Saraki

in the state and would not allow any government to return any part of the country into despotic dark days of military era.

The group, while reacting to the judgment through its Convener, Comrade Adeniyi, Sulaiman in a statement, in Lagos commended Justice Lawal for his uncommon courage to deliver the landmark judgment that affected the local government administration in Nigeria, which governors in the land have turned the local governments to conduit pipe where the council funds were siphoned into the private purse of the illegal caretaker committee members.

Comrade Sulaiman stressed that the judgment has reposed confidence of Nigerians in the ability of the Judiciary as the last hope of the common man and sustainer of the country’s democratic experiment, noting that “ Jus-

tice Abdulfatai Lawal of Lagos division will go down memory lane and Guinness Book of Records as a Nigerian judge who developed a bold spirit like Justice Olamide Folahanmi Oloyede of Osun State High Court, in delivering the landmark judgment to save the local government system in Nigeria, particularly, in Lagos State from collapse and under-development.

He added that the only way to restore the lost glory of the Judiciary among Nigerians as the last hope of common man, is for judicial officers to discharge their duties in transparent and honest manner and without fair or favour.

“State governors in Nigeria, have turned the third tier of government into their baby which they can collect its funds and spend it the way they want and this is seriously affecting the objectives and constitutional

roles of the council areas in the land. But with this landmark judgment, President Muhammadu Buhari should be able to summon emergency meeting of state governors by making inquiry on the rationale behind the appointment of Caretaker Committees, Executive Secretaries or whatever names they may call it in many local governments in Nigeria. President Buhari should also have the courage to tell the governors to conduct local government elections in their various states, as he promised in his inauguration speech on May 29th, 2015, that the Federal Government would properly monitor the 774 local governments in the nation for entrenchment of democracy in order to play its role in democratic governance”.

On the unlawful arrest of Lagos State citizens by the state government, he faulted Mr. Ambode on the illegal herding of

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

as the APC is still opposition in the state and might not have adequate access and/or funds to use the state owned traditional media for his campaign.

The national working committee of the APC should also find time amidst its very tight schedules, to also counsel Umana and work hand in hand with Akwa Ibom State chapter to see Umana through to victory, as well as do same for Bayelsa and Rivers states.

Finally, the APC, PDP, security agencies and other concerned bodies must collaborate and go out of their ways to sponsor

campaigns that will ensure and assure Akwa Ibomites of the safety of their lives and property, before, during and after the election, otherwise we’ll have a serious case of majority of PVC holders refusing to turnout, out of fear of violence, especially after what was allegedly reported to be the security situation of the last elections in the state.

Even as both parties are contesting the judgment of the tribunal and head to the appellate court, it must be done peacefully to avoid bridge of peace and order in the state, as no election is worth the life of anyone.

election which has now been partially cancelled; and come up with a comprehensive report and recommendations, ahead of the rerun election which should be coming up within the next 90 days.

Umana also needs to review his new media strategies, as well as embrace modern technologies available for electioneering campaigns, which the APC employed during the last general elections, especially as the party was an opposition party, just

people inside the Black-Maria without trial which is tantamount to the violation of their fundamental human rights and also against the principle of natural justice of fair hearing and justice. He supported his position with Justice Chukwudifu Oputa, in his treatise on ‘Human Rights in the political and Legal Culture of Nigeria’, that “……Why are these rights inalienable? The simple answer is that they attach to man because of his humanity. Without them, there is automatic diminution of his humanity”.

Sulaiman added that Honourable Justice Kayode Eso in Ransome Kuti v. Attorney –General of the Federation (1985) 2 NWLR (Pt.6) 211,229-230, also noted: “But what is the nature of a fundamental rights? It is a right which stands above the ordinary laws of the land and which in fact is antecedent to the political society itself. It is a primary condition to a civilized existence”, adding that His Lordship also in Saude v.

Abdullahi(1989) 4NWLR (Pt.116) 387,418-419 said: ” …. Not just mere rights. They are fundamental. They belong to the citizens. These rights have always existed even before orderliness prescribed rules for the manner they are to be sought”.

It would be recalled that the 7th National Assembly had intervened in the non-conduct of local government elections by state governors, giving them a deadline within which to conduct the election or face sanctions which included them running of the councils by the National Assembly. While many of them complied before the deadline expired, quite a good number of them did not and the National Assembly failed to make good its threat to sanction the defaulters until its own tenure expired last June.

Correction

This is Asiwaju Olorunfunmi Bashorun whose photograph was wrongly captioned yesterday on our major interview. The error is regretted

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Saraki halts plan by PDP Senators to drop C’ River ministerial nominee Olufemi Samuel Abuja

ÎÎÎEfforts

by some Senators on the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to halt the screening of a ministerial nominee from Cross Rivers State, Pastor Usani Usani Uguru, suffered a setback on Tuesday as the Senate President,

Bukola Saraki rose in his defence to fault the issues raised against his screening.

This occurred as the Senate screened additional six ministerial nominees who are now awaiting confirmation before the end of the week.

Those screened include Professor Adewole Isaac

Folorunso (Osun); Hon. Bawa Bwari, (Niger); Geoffrey Onyeama (Enugu); Mrs. Zainab S Ahmed, Brigadier General Monsur Mohammed Dan Ali and Pastor Usani Uguru.

Trouble started for the nominee shortly after his screening started when the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Godswil Akpabio,

raised a point of order to call on the nominee to apologise to the Senate for making a derogatory remark about the PDP. Akpabio told his colleague that he raised the point of Order after hearing the nominee remark “God forbid” to an earlier affirmation by a Senator that the nominee had traversed the

L-R: Dutch National Prosecutor on Human Trafficking, Ms. Jolanda De Boer; Consultant, Prof. Yemi Akinseye-George (SAN); Director-General National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), Mrs. Beatrice Jedy-Agba and Dutch National Rapporteur on Trafficking in Human Beings, Ms. Corrina Dettmaijar at the one day training workshop for Judges organised by NAPTIP in Abuja… on Tuesday

Rivers: Supreme Court dismisses Wike’s appeal on tribunal relocation Continued from page 6 of the Court of Appeal even without consultation with the Chief Judge of Rivers State or the President of the Customary Court.

“Even though, as at then, there was no Chief Judge, and there was no President of the Customary Court.

The consultation here is not as to the venue of the sitting but to get judges in Rivers State that will be part of the various election petition tribunals.

“It is necessary to protect members of the panel from the theatre of war to where their lives will be secured.

“The President of the Court of Appeal, has the power and has judiciously utilized the power.

“The panel is properly

constituted and it is not bereft of jurisdiction to hear the petition of the petitioner, the appeal lack merit and it is hereby dismissed”, the court held.

It would be recalled that the tribunal which sat in Abuja last Saturday nullified the April 11 governorship election which produced Nyesom Wike of the PDP as governor. It also ordered the Independent National Electoral Commission INEC to conduct a fresh election within 90 days.

This interlocutory appeal that was dismissed has nothing to do with appeal that arose from Saturday verdict.

Meanwhile, the Rivers State chapter of the PDP on Tuesday urged its members to be calm and law abiding, despite the verdict of the

Supreme Court rejecting Wike’s appeal.

The state Chairman of the party, Chief Felix Obuah, made the call in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr. Jerry Needam, in Port Harcourt.

It stated that in spite of the verdict against Wike and the state legislators, there was no cause for alarm.

According to the statement, all members of the party and Rivers people should remain resolute because Wike, the legislators and party will be victorious at the end of the day. ``But, we can now see light at the end of the tunnel, and are therefore, not perturbed.

We are sure of victory,” it stated.

The statement also said that Wike’s administration

was focused and determined to put smiles on the faces of the people.

However, the All Progressives Congress, APC, in the state, has lauded the Supreme Court ruling which dismissed Wike appeal seeking to declare as illegal the sitting of the Rivers State Election Petition Tribunal in Abuja.

“As a party, the APC is grateful that all seven eminent jurists of the Supreme Court unanimously agreed that there was sufficient violence before; during and after the elections to justify the relocation of the tribunal to Abuja and that the relocation of the tribunal to Abuja was to safeguard the lives of the tribunal chairman, members and witnesses”.

length and breadth of Cross Rivers State with some Senators who he mentioned on the platform of PDP. It was apparent that Pastor Uguru, meant to throw a banter at PDP Senators by saying ‘God forbid’ against a remark associating him with PDP, but Akpabio took exceptions to that.

It took the intervention of the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, to save the neck of the nominee, as Saraki called his attention to the protest by Akpabio indicating to him that he needed to take note of the grouse by the Senate Minority leader.

Midway into his screening, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe also raised a fresh point of order to inform the Senate that the nominee did not submit his assets declaration form alongside other documents he made available to the Senate, an indication that had not up to the point of screening declared

his assets contrary to the requirement of the law.

Abaribe said on the strength of failure by the nominee to declare his assets, the process of his screening should be halted.

Again, the Senate President intervened and told Abaribe that all the nominees indeed submitted their assets declaration forms including Pastor Uguru and asked Senator Abaribe to make a request for such if he so desired after plenary.

Not done, another Senator, Mao Ohuabunwa, interjected during the screening of the nominee, as he faulted the tax certificate he submitted for screening, pointing out that the certificate showed that he was cleared same day on tax payment.

He said such an error was unpardonable being a national embarrassment, a reason he stressed the nominee did not deserve to be screened.

Reps probe EFCC over N1trn recovered funds Continued from page 6 signed by the Director, Public Prosecutions of the Federal Ministry of Justice, Mr. Muhammad Diri, on behalf of the Permanent Secretary dated October 8, 2015, directed the EFCC to investigate the allegations against Lamorde and forward the report of investigation to him.

The letter addressed to the petitioner with reference number, DPPA/PET/ EFCC/006/2008 reads: “I refer to your letter dated the 28th September, 2015, in respect of the above mentioned subject matter.

“I am directed to inform you that your petition has been sent to the EFCC for their response to the allegation contained therein.

The commission has been directed by the SolicitorGeneral of the Federation and Permanent Secretary to forward the result of its investigation as soon as it is

completed. Accept please, the assurances of the highest regards of the SolicitorGeneral of the Federation and Permanent Secretary.”

In line with Civil Service Rules, Lamorde, must step aside during the pendency of the investigation by the Commission as he cannot preside over his own probe.

Lamorde’s tenure is due to end by November 11 going by the date of his appointment as acting Chairman but sources close to him said he is not ready to leave until January when his appointment was confirmed by the Senate.

The petitioner, who is also the Chief Executive Officer of Panic Alert Security Systems, a security firm, George Uboh, had sent a reminder letter dated September 28, to Yola, with a seven days ultimatum threatening legal actions against the ministry if he failed to respond to his petition.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

13 International

World's Catholic Bishops issue appeal to Paris climate talks Egyptians vote

Pope Francis is shown a statuette of the Virgin Mary during an audience with Roma, Sinti and others itinerant group members, at the Vatican, Monday, Oct. 26, 2015.

ÏÏÏCatholic

century goal for complete decarbonization and provide binding and ambitious mitigation commitments that recognize the different responsibilities for, and abilities to adapt to, global warming.

No precise temperature limit was proposed in the appeal. Cardinal Oswald Gracias, who heads the Asian bishops' conference, suggested the omission was a compromise designed to ensure all bishops could sign onto the appeal, which is the first of its kind for the episcopal conferences from each of the five continents.

In his landmark encyclical "Praise Be," Francis denounced what he called the "structurally perverse" fossil fuel-based world economy that he says exploits the poor and destroys the Earth in the process.

The bishops from Africa, Asia, America, Europe and Oceania were somewhat more reserved, recognizing that "accelerated climate change" is the result of "unrestrained human activity ... and that excessive reliance on fossil fuels is primarily responsible."

"The building and maintenance of a sustainable common home requires courageous and imaginative political leadership," the appeal said.

patriarchs, cardinals and bishops representing five continents appealed to climate negotiators on Monday to approve a "transformative" and fair, legally binding agreement that sets global temperature limits and decarbon-

ization goals to save the planet from climate-induced catastrophe The representatives of bishops' conferences from around the globe signed the appeal in a renewed push to encourage climate negotiators meeting in Paris next

month to heed Pope Francis' call to protect God's creation and the poor who suffer most from its exploitation. The 10-point proposal calls for governments to approve legally binding limits to global average temperatures, set a mid-

France to host talks on Syria crisis

ÏÏÏGunmen

Grenades hurled in deadly post-election Burundi clashes

ÏÏÏFrance will host talks on

the Syria conflict later Tuesday, with representatives from the United States, Europe, Jordan and Turkey, but without Syria's allies Russia and Iran, according to the French Foreign Ministry.

The meeting is expected to focus on the fight against the Islamic State group, the protection of civilians and the proposal for a U.N. Security Council resolution France plans to put forth next week.

The resolution is aimed at stopping Syrian President Bashar al-Assad's forces from using barrel bombs against his Syrian population. Barrel bombs are steel drums full of shrapnel and explosives dropped from the air.

The meeting will feature mainly lower-ranking officials, with the United States sending Deputy Secretary of State Anthony Blinken in place of Secretary of State John Kerry.

French officials were not involved in the latest round of Syria talks between the U.S., Russia, Saudi Arabia and Turkey last week in Vienna.

hurled grenades and battled with police in a series of deadly clashes in Burundi, police said on Tuesday, the latest violence since the controversial re-election of President Pierre Nkurunziza.

At least three people were killed and 15 others wounded in Monday's clashes, the latest in months of unrest triggered by Nkurunziza's successful bid to win a third term in office.

Attacks have included gunmen firing rocket-propelled grenades and machine guns on security forces in the capital Bujumbura, with the government blaming "criminal gangs".

On Monday, police killed a "madman" who tried to attack officers with a machete in Bujumbura, police spokesperson Pierre Nkurikiye said.

Later, gunmen hurled grenades and fired on security forces, a police officer said, resulting

in a firefight in which one civilian was killed. Seven policemen, two soldiers and three civilians were also wounded.

In a separate attack, a government official told AFP that gunmen killed at least one policeman in a "very violent" attack in the Kamenge district of Bujumbura.

"For nearly an hour we heard the sound of grenades and rocket explosions, the sound of firearms including machine guns," the official, who asked not to be named, said.

Others suggested the number killed was far higher, and one police officer speaking on condition of anonymity said that "many were killed from our ranks", without giving further

details.

On Tuesday, a corpse riddled with bullets was found dumped in a Bujumbura residential district, several witnesses said, a regular occurrence in recent weeks in the capital.

Sporadic street protests and violence have rocked Bujumbura since April, when Nkurunziza launched his third-term bid culminating in his controversial re-election in July. Opponents said it breached the terms of a peace deal that paved the way to ending a 13-year civil war in 2006. The UN has warned that Burundi risks sliding back into civil war after a dramatic rise in killings, arrests and detentions, with over 200 000 refugees fleeing to neighbouring countries.

in Parliamentary runoff elections

ÏÏÏEgyptians returned to poll-

ing places to vote Tuesday in runoff elections for more than 200 parliamentary seats where no clear winner emerged in first-round elections last week.

Only about 26 percent of eligible voters turned out last week for round one of Egypt's first parliamentary elections in three years.

The elections are widely expected to strengthen President Abdel Fattah el-Sissi's grip on power.

Voters will cast ballots in 14 of the country's 27 provinces on Tuesday and Wednesday to fill the 596-member parliament. Voting will continue next month elsewhere in the country. Final results are expected in early December, and the legislature plans to hold its inaugural session later that month.

Egypt has not had a parliament since 2012, when a court dissolved the democratically elected legislature that had been dominated by the Muslim Brotherhood of the country's former president Mohamed Morsi. Sissi, the former head of Egypt's armed forces, rose to power last year after a military coup that toppled Morsi, led to his eventual arrest and outlawed the Muslim Brotherhood.

The new parliament will be the first elected since adoption last year of a new constitution that empowers lawmakers to impeach a president or call for early elections.

With almost all of Egypt's political parties sidelined and three-quarters of the available parliamentary seats earmarked for independents, analysts have predicted the new legislature will overwhelmingly support Sissi and his secular agenda.

Morsi

Long-time Congo leader, Sassou Nguesso can seek re-election ÏÏÏOfficial

results show voters have approved changes to the constitution that will allow Republic of Congo's long-time leader to seek another term.

President Denis Sassou Nguesso would have been

barred from seeking re-election as he is already 71 and the constitution had had a 70-year-old limit.

On Tuesday, election officials said that more than 92% of voters had approved the consti-

tutional changes in Sunday's referendum. The opposition, though, has raised questions about the poll, calling it a "constitutional coup."

Republic of Congo borders the enormous nation known

as Congo. Sassou Nguesso first served as president from 1979 until a 1992 election defeat. He later seized power in 1997 following a civil war and then won an election in 2002 and was reelected in 2009.

News14

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Diaspora group writes Buhari, laments incessant deaths ÏÏÏA

pressure group known as Nigerian Muslims in Diaspora (NMiD, United Kingdom), has advised President Muhammad Buhari to give urgent attention to deplorable roads in Nigeria.

It said this in a letter written to the president after the death of a Nigeria Professor of Economics, AbdulHakeem Ishola Mobolaji, along with his son, Muhammad, in an auto crash along Lagos-Ibadan expressway.

It would be recalled that in the accident, which happened on Sunday, September 22, Mobolaji's second son, AbdulHafiz and a friend, Barrister AbdulRa-

sheed Attah survived.

Prof. Mobolaji, was until his death, the acting ViceChancellor of Fountain University, Osogbo; a Senior Lecturer at the University of Ilorin and the Board Chairman of Al-Barakah Microfinance Bank.

The letter, made available to our correspondent, on Sunday, via electronic mail, was signed by the NMID Administrative Director, Idris Shofolahan and 21 other members.

The letter read in part: “We, the undersigned group of Nigerians in diaspora, seek your urgent attention regarding the deplorable state of road infrastructure in Nigeria in gen-

eral, and the Lagos-Ibadan expressway in particular.

Many of us lived in Nigeria for a significant part of our adult life and still visit the country often, during which we commute on this very important road in the south-western part of Nigeria.

“No one commuting through the Lagos-Ibadan express road, either as a driver or a passenger, will do so with confidence. The number of lives that have been lost on this very important national road is just too many to count. The number of near- misses experienced on a daily basis is only a stark reminder of the jeopardy which this

road poses to millions of Nigerians, and visitors to the country. Of recent, one of the many talents in the academic world in Nigeria was killed on this same road and many more have been killed in the recent and distant past.”

The group added that the rate of accidents on the road called for a decisive action, lamenting that the bad roads were a shame to the nation.

The body also said that, “As a Muslim group, we are concerned about the dangerous state of this road.

Moreover, we are also reminded of the emphasis that Islam puts on the protection of life and property.

L-R: Daughter-in -law of the deceased, Mrs. Bella Disu; first son of the deceased, Mr. Jameel Disu; widow, Mrs. Folasade Disu another son, Babatunde Disu; daughters, Tolulope and Bukky at the 8th day fidau prayers for the late Managing Director of Lekki Worldwide Investment Limited, Mr Tajudeen Ajibola Babatunde Disu on Wednesday at Landmark Events Centre, Lagos.

Kwara workers protest nonpayment of salary arrears

Kehinde Akinpelu

ÏÏÏWorkers

of Kwara State Water Corporation, on Tuesday, staged a protest in the state capital, Ilorin, against the non- payment of their salary since July.

The workers were also protesting against the nonremittance of 10 months cooperative deductions (January to December 2015), amounting to about N70 million, outstanding promotion since 2012, non-remittance of already deducted National Housing Fund and union deductions from October 2014 to June 2015, eight months’ outstanding of N3,000 each, in addition to N18,000 minimum wage

amounting to N5.4 million The protesters who gathered under the umbrella of Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations, Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), Kwara State Water Corporation branch, blocked the entrance of the agency along state library, in Ilorin, while the protest lasted for several hours.

They carried placards with various such inscriptions as "pay us our salary arrears”; “We are not fools”; “Give us our rights”; “No pay no work”.

Speaking with journalists, AUPCTRE Chairman, Kwara State Water Corpo-

ration branch, Comrade Murtala, said the union had written a series of letters to the management and the government but did not yield any positive results.

He said the workers numbering about 600 were forced to resort to protest to press home for their demands having explored all means to let the management see the reasons to meet their demands.

He vowed that the workers would not return to work until their demands were met.

Also the State Secretary of AUPCTRE, Comrade Saliu Sulyman, who came in the middle of the protest to address the workers, told jour-

nalists that the management and government were not sensitive to the workers’ sorry plight.

“We have written a series of letters to the management and government without any positive response and nobody is even negotiating with us. Instead the governor went on air to say the state government was not owing anybody,” he said.

Sulyman added that the union had given the state government a 14-day ultimatum which expired on Monday without any response.

He lamented that the non-payment of workers’ salaries had caused untold hardship on workers of the corporation saying, “We have lost six of our workers and some are receiving treatments in the hospital.”

Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

ÏÏÏThe

Kwara State Governor, Dr. Abdulfatah Ahmed, has described the late matriarch of the Obafemi Awolowo family, Chief (Mrs) Hannah Idowu Dideolu Awolowo, as a major driver in the national quest for good governance and democratic ethos, through what he called her uncommon support to her husband.

Ahmed who made this assertion during a condolence visit to the Awolowo family in Ikenne, Ogun State, stressed that the political class and lovers of democracy in Nigeria would sorely miss her motherly and stabilising role in the country’s political space.

He said Mrs Awolowo, as a wife, stood firmly and

German CG visits Lagos Speaker Alade Tasma

ÏÏÏThe German Consul-

ar General, Ingo Herbert, on Tuesday, paid a courtesy visit to the Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa in his offıce. Mr. Herbert, who was accompanied by his deputy, Santa Di Pasquale, explained that he had been in the country since the last six weeks to ensure a better relationship

Oluwaseyi Fadoro

ÏÏÏThe

member representing Apapa Federal Constituency in the House of Representatives, Hon. Ayodeji Joseph, has assured his constituents that all the challenges facing them would be brought to the notice of the national assembly.

He stated this at the interactive dinner organided by the maritime operators held at Rockview Hotel, Park Lane, Lagos.

Ayodeji said one of the major challenges facing the people in his constituency was poor state of roads.

He gave an assurance that before end of the year, there would be an expansion of some roads in the area.

In his remarks, the conve-

‘HID Awolowo, a national icon of democracy’ supported the former Premier of Western Nigeria, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, in his political career and travails, adding that such sterling qualities should be emulated by Nigeria women of today.

Awolowo

between Berlin and Abuja.

Speaking at the occasion, Obasa urged the Consular General to encourage German investors to invest in Lagos State as a way of strengthening the bilateral relationship between Nigeria and Germany.

Ambode

Rep assures constituents of development ner of the event, Chief Engr.

Gabby Dimudde-Kabayan, said that the Federal Government got 74% of maritime revenue and called for immediate repair of roads in Apapa, where most of the maritime activities took place.

Addressing the gathering, the spokesperson of the All Progressive Congress (APC), in Lagos State, Mr. Jones Igbokwe, said Lagos State and Federal Government would collaborate to ensure that the roads in the area were put in proper shape.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

15 Opinion

Ezeigbo title and needless hysteria

T

he hysteria over the Ezeigbo title is uncalled for.

It is not an Igbo equivalent of the Deji or Oba in Yoruba land or Emir

Chief (Barr) Dan Nwanyawu

in the North etc.

Therefore the value attached to it depends entirely on the integrity and uprightness of the holder of the title. If he conducts himself with integrity and uprightness, and respects constituted authority as typical of the average Igbo person, he will command respect, loyalty and followership in the area of influence.

In general terms, Ndigbo in diaspora created that office for promoting unity among themselves as well as promoting the rich cultural heritage of Ndigbo. The office of Ezeigbo has played major roles in resolving minor disputes including marital disagreements, which would have otherwise gone to the regular courts. However, where an Ezeigbo decides to exhibit arrogance and disrespect to constituted authority, such Ezeigbo discovers immediately that he is on his own.

Ndigbo have the history and the reputation of respecting their hosts and integrating themselves with the community where they reside.

Ndigbo are also very wonderful

hosts to others which explain why Mallam Umaru Altine, a Fulani man that lived in Enugu in the early 50’s was elected the first Mayor of Enugu in 1956 by the National Council of Nigeria and the Cameroons (NCNC), a political party by Igbo people and led by Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe. Such rare show of brotherhood across ethnic Nationality is uncommon in Nigeria today. It will be misplacement of aggression to use the misconduct or the alleged misconduct of one person who calls himself Ezeigbo outside Igbo land to judge millions of Ndigbo who have lived and invested in the South West of Nigeria.

I am a good example of a titled Chief in Ondo Kingdom (Otun Atunluse of Ondo Kingdom), which was duly conferred on me

by His Royal Majesty, (Dr) Victor Kiladejo, the Osamawe of Ondo Kingdom, out of love, on behalf of the good people of Ondo Kingdom.

I have in response too, adopted Ondo Kingdom and Ondo State as my second home.

I have been living with the Yoruba’s and the Hausa Fulani’s since 1979 when I started my working career. Throughout my trade union and, banking career, and indeed law practice, I cannot mention successes recorded without a Yoruba man’s name(s) featuring

prominently.

It is time for the Yoruba and Igbo to throw away prejudices, the mutual suspicion, and come together for a better and stronger Nigeria. It is very sad indeed today in the 21st Century that you still find large number of both Igbo and Yoruba who cannot trust each other in anything and with anything. The elders have a great role to play here because they created the problems.

I will therefore be very sad to watch the demeanour of an individual be used to judge my kit and kin.

The comment of distinguished Senator Okoromu, a respected leader in the Southwest and a Nigerian statesman that Ndigbo should allow the Yoruba to answer Oba in the community where they reside is uncalled for. There is nothing whatsoever in Igbo tradition and culture restraining any Yoruba person or any other Nigerian for that matter residing in Igbo land from answering Oba, Sultan, Emir, Ezeigbo or even Holinesses or Pope, because Igbo people regard answering such names in Igbo land as a nickname to massage the ego of the person. Even Senator Okorommu or any other non- Igbo for that matter, may begin to answer henceforth, Obi, Igwe, etc if that will make them happier. We will be very pleased to call him as he

so desires. Such titles are merely honourific, without conferring on the person any territorial control or integrity.

It will be recalled that Ohaneze Ndigbo leadership had at a time directed those answering Eze Ndigbo in diaspora to change the title to (Onye Ndu Ndigbo)meaning leader of Ndigbo in the diaspora where they live. However, that was not enforced because Ohaneze has no power of enforcement. Those who relish to be called Eze Ndigbo in Diaspora naturally drops such toga once they return to their community of origin where there is only one government and traditionally recognized Eze or Obi or Igwe.

No one will encourage a visitor to subvert the culture and tradition of the host community. (Obiara bem abiagbulem maka mgbe o ga ala, ka mkpumkpu apula ya) meaning let my quest be good to me to avoid leaving my place with a hunchback.

It is heart-warming to note that the incidence in Akure Ondo State has been resolved. Let me thank and appreciate the intervention of the Ondo State Government in the effort to bring peace to bear. Ondo people not known to have shown hatred to persons of other lands who reside and do their businesses there.

Feed primary school children with security vote

T Bob MajiriOghene

Etemiku

he only raw material with which we can build a man or woman is a boy or a girl. That aphorism is true.

Our children are our bundles of joy. They are our tomorrow and that perhaps is the reason we go to great lengths to protect them. A parent may starve, wear a ten-year old shirt and trek twenty kilometres just to give a beloved child the basics of life. In an ideal situation, a parent may not be able to afford to give a child the best clothes or provide decent shelter, but at least then child will eat.In many homes, it is the father or mother who eats the biggest piece of meat or fish or takes the milk, drinks from the bottled water and eats the corn flakes, perhaps not realising that it is the child who needs the proteins and vitamins. At 40 years of age, our body metabolism slows down considerably, and a regular intake of foods like meat, eggs and only increases our waistline.

It is a growing child that needs the nutrients embedded in these foods. A recent report by UNICEF titled Levels and Trends in Child Malnutrition, key findings of the

2015 edition says that one-third of all stunted children reside in Africa. The report as well goes on to say that the number of overweight children under five years in Africa has nearly doubled since 1990. In between overweight and a stunted child is the fact that most children in Africa either do not get a balanced meal, or are children of a class of parents whose access to public funds is questionable.

Therefore when the present government promised in its campaigns to embark on a feeding programme for primary and secondary school students in Nigeria, two things happened.

Undecided voters immediately made up their minds in favour of the presidential candidate, and the political party making this kind of promise. The other thing that happened was that most of us who had benefitted from this kind of school children feeding in the 80s went down memory lane. Under the UPN government of Professor Ambrose Folorunsho Alli of Bendel State, school children were fed at least once daily. As a child, I had free uniforms, free books, Mathematical set and an extra pencil.

When we left a class and moved to the next, we would find our

schoolbooks already on our desks.

Another child would find the ones we had left behind on his desk. Of course, at any Independence Day celebration, most primary and secondary school children were given a bowl of rice and a piece of meat. I was a direct beneficiary of some of these things.

The argument that is often given for the seeming inability of government to continue to feed school children is that the Nigerian population has exploded. In the early 80s, we were not up to 180million people and therefore the cost of governance would be high. That is an unreasonable excuse for any responsible person really interested in the upkeep of their children no matter their number. Government records say in 2011, Nigeria earned $18.14 billion in 2011; $18.16 billion in 2012; $15.19 billion in 2013; $8.01 billion in 2014, and $2.17 billion in 2015. The three tiers of government share an average of $3billion every year, and have done so for the past five years. Each tier of government has been allocated what is statutorily theirs. Now from these monies, Nigeria earmarked and paid out N2.14trillion from the excess crude account to make payments on fuel subsidy

to petroleum products marketers between 2011 and 2014.

What really is happening is that we are a people and a government of misplaced priorities. Most of our revenue goes to areas of least value to human development.

Most governors collect about N500million monthly to guarantee peace, orderliness and security of the ordinary person Nigeria.

These monies cannot be accounted for, mostly because they are disbursed discreetly to informers around a spy network.. Shouldn’t we be thinking of an outright abolition of these security votes and use the monies for the upkeep of our children?

One of the reasons why there is insecurity in Nigeria is that there is a lot of injustice in the land.

Therefore, instead of voting a lot of monies for the protection of a few government officials who would come and go, we suggest that those monies should be used to tackle issues which lead to insecurity. A child who is fed in school, and taken care of by the state is less likely to take up arms against his fatherland. Feeding children in school develops them physically and mentally, and prepares them for the future.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 21, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Business Times Æ s

17

TSA paralyses ministries, parastatals ÏContractors in dilemma

Buhari

Funmi Coker, Joy Ekeke, Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo, Charles Okonji and Tony Nwakegho Implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA) which was recently introduced by the President Muhammadu Buhari is taking heavy toll on various parastatals of the Federal Government and made them unable to pay contractors rendering services to government agen-

cies.

Investigation conducted by our correspondents across various ministries and parastatals showed that all is not well with various departments of government as well as contractors since the introduction of the TSA. A senior official of the Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA), said under condition of anonymity that the TSA implementation was having a negative toll on the authority’s operation as it has been unable to meet some of its core

responsibilities.

“Ordinarily, an organisation like NPA should have been exempted from TSA the same way NNPC and a few others were exempted.

“We are a service agency. NPA has a lot of responsibilities including daily maintenance and cleaning of the port, ensuring port hygiene, servicing vessels and other crafts, providing marine services, port lighting and meeting our responsibilities to concessionaires.

We are a self-funding commercial entity and should not have been mandated to operate the TSA. “If government does not exonerate us as soon as possible, the ports may be grounded and the economy will suffer for it,” the NPA management staff said.

She said in the past, NPA had been exempted from such directives.

She said that the situation in NPA has become worrisome as even salaries for the month of September have not been paid.

“This has never happened before. It is unfortunate that this directive is putting the organisation in a very difficult situation,” she added.

The tale of woe spreads across other maritime agencies including the Nigerian Shippers’ Council, Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) and the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA).

Already, a maritime lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Mike Igbokwe has dragged the Federal Government to court challenging the inclusion of the maritime agencies in the TSA implementation.

In a suit filed at a Federal High Court, Lagos on behalf of an indigenous shipping company, Elshcon Nigeria Limited, Igbokwe contended that the directive to maritime agencies to pay their revenues into the TSA and Consolidated Revenue Fund would impair their operations and adversely affect the discharge of their duties.

Igbokwe said the plaintiff would seek an order restraining the federal Government from implementing the directives pending the determination of the case, which has been assigned to Justice Ibrahim Buba.

We also learnt that Nigerian Airspace Management Agency NAMA and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria FAAN have not been finding it easy to ensure that security and safety was not compromised.

The Single Account, some aviation stakeholders have argued, would stamp out the current level of corruption in the country, but should not be introduced into the aviation sector as a result of its complex nature. The National President of Air Transport Services Senior Staff Association of Nigeria ATSSSAN Comrade Benjamin Okewu, hoped that the decision would be rescinded as soon as the government settled down. He noted that it is now very difficult for aviation agencies to cope with it, adding that it was agreed initially that aviation sector should be exempted as most of the equipment used were not bought off the shelf.

“In line with regards to safety, funds should be made available to the parastatals for the day to day running of their businesses. It is

a critical sector,” he said.

He said since the introduction of the TSA, agencies in the aviation sector have reduced spending, staff claims and traveling in order to meet up with the most pressing needs in their agencies.

Okewu said, “Though TSA is aimed at preventing leakages in revenue generation and its management, it may be difficult to adhere to at the initial stage as its presently happening in some agencies.”

Rising from its National Executive Council (NEC) last week, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) said that operation the Single Treasury Account (TSA) could hamper the smooth running of the university system, if implemented in a hurry.

The union expressed the view that as part of its resolutions during the ASUU Meeting held in Owerri.

ASUU National President, Dr. Nasir Isa, said for such a policy to be workable in the universities, the Federal Government should have involved university representatives in deliberating the policy. He said that the union would resist any attempt by the government to deny Nigerian universities of its financial autonomy.

According to him, universities all over the world enjoy financial autonomy.

“There is no way any university can operate freely without having financial autonomy and the union will fight against any plans to deny us such,’’ he said.

Isa said that financial autonomy for universities had enabled the institutions’ authorities to articulate short, medium and longterm plans.

Paint manufacturers urge FG to invest in petrochemical sector Charles Okonji Paint Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (PMA) has urged Federal Government to invest in the petrochemical sector of the economy to unlock the potential of national growth through the manufacturing sector.

In an address of welcome, Mr. Rotimi Aluko, Chairman of the association made this call at the association’s 2015 Coatings Show with the theme, “Enhancing Coatings

Quality for the future.”

He stated that reliance of manufacturers on imported raw materials for production might continue without the completion of the second phase of the petrochemical projects.

He said that reviving the existing refineries and construction of new ones by the government or private-sector would expose the industrial sector to immense opportunities and unlimited possibilities.

Aluko stressed that the association’s collaboration with the Raw Materials Research and Development Council (RMRDC) for local sourcing of alternatives for imported raw materials for paint production became necessary for development of the paint sector.

He noted that it was gratifying that the government has finally granted more mandate to (SON) to function without hindrance, adding that PMA will join SON in the battle to eliminate the use of lead

from the manufacture of paints.

“We appeal to SON to rely on the strength of the mandate to raid the various hot spots in various markets across the country where adulteration, production and sale of paints with harmful value thrive.”

Aluko stated that fake and substandard goods act as disincentive to investments, saying that employment and economic development of the nation is greatly hindered.

Paint manufacturing plant

Interview 18

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Nigerians will soon feel the impact of the new Housing policies –MD FMBN Managing Director of the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (MFBN), Mr Gimba Ya’u Kumo has disclosed that for Nigeria to close the gap in housing, construction and mortgage finance must be single digit noting that most Nigerians cannot afford the current interest regime. He said the population of Abuja has skyrocketed from less than two million, to over seven million people residing within the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) making the available housing and other social amenities overstretched.

Kumo however, assured that with the steps being taken by the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, Nigerians would soon begin to feel the impact of the new housing policies. In this interview with journalists in his office, the MFBN boss said the bank is taking the entire issue of transparency to the public space by ensuring that every Nigerian who applies for mortgage benefits from the scheme. MATHEW DADIYA was there for Daily Times. Excerpts:

Ya’u Kumo

Recently, you were bestowed with the Public Officer Leadership of the Year 2014 Award, how did you feel?

Well, I feel challenged in the sense that once you are recognised means that you are expected to do more than the little you are doing, and that has also given me the impetus to do more for Nigerians that need houses and as you are now aware, shelter is second to food. So you are all aware that the housing gap is very big, with a deficit of 17 to 20 million units needed to address the housing needs of Nigerians. Apart from that we also believe that even some Nigerians that have houses, they deserved more than that.

So this is what we will be doing to see that we addressed these housing needs through the provision of mortgages, construction finance, and provision of home renovation loans for those that have houses and need to renovate them, introduction of diaspora mortgage programme for Nigerians that leave abroad and need houses in their home country. We have also, introduced the informal sector into the housing scheme through the engagement of the various cooperative societies across the nation for those Nigerians that are not in the formal sector of the economy to also be able to be included in the system so that they have shelter over their heads.

But we are at the moment trying to focus on an intervention programme to address the issue of NHF contributors

that have been displaced by the activities of insurgency in the three North East states of Borno, Adamawa and Yobe and we have been working out modalities to also give them the home renovation loan for those that have houses to quickly see how they can renovate and get back to their houses that have been destroyed. For those that don’t have houses we would try and see how to build affordable houses to enable them to have one in sustainable phases. You can see that we have line up a lot of activities, and these activities need funds, hard work, they need dedication and they need the support of all Nigerians, particularly the media houses so that the public can be sensitized and be able to come under our platform so that we can see what we would be able to do for the nation.

Talking about the housing scheme in Nigeria, a lot of people have complained about not having access to the National Housing Funds despite their contributions, why is it so?

It is so because if you look at the national housing fund, you will see today that we have over four million contributors. But if you look at the total contributions, it’s about five percent of their salaries. The total contribution is not enough even if there were a hundred thousand contributors, that is what we have been complaining about, asking for government intervention.

And the analysis runs this way: It needs 250 contributors,

contributing to the scheme for ten years; for one person to be able to access N15 million. And the Act provided that out of the contributions the banks receive, government is supposed to be intervening on a yearly basis. And the associated banks are supposed to be depositing 10 per cent of their total loan portfolio to the scheme, but this too, has not been done over the years.

Similarly, the insurance companies have been mandated to contribute a certain percentage of their life funds, and non-life funds that is the policy. This has not been done. You can also see that the Central Bank of Nigeria that has almost 40 percent of the shares in the bank since 2006 has not paid up, but we have been following up.

But I am happy to tell you that this government is putting funding for the bank, and when that is done, we will soon take off and see what we can do for the Nigerian people. But that is not the issue, the issue is that of 17 million deficits.

Federal Mortgage Bank or Federal Government alone cannot meet up with that requirement.

If you look at the new government policy to build one million houses every year, if that is done, it means that it would take government and developers the next 17 years to close the existing deficits; and the gap continues to grow.

So, I think the housing situation is even beyond the ordinary man’s comprehension, because if we don’t intervene, we will be in the crisis situations till

the next sixteen to seventeen years. If you had been in Abuja in the last five or six years, the population was not more than two million, but I tell you now we have over seven million people residing within the FCT. So, the housing available has been overstretched, facilities has been overstretched, transportation has been overstretched, that is why we also have security issues around Abuja. But I believe with the steps being taken by the government, we will soon begin to feel the impact of the new housing policy.

To what extent are Nigerians complying with housing loan repayment?

Nigerians are very good people, but the lack of long-term finance for housing development and mortgage, is our major problem in this country. I can tell you straightforward that most Nigerians cannot afford the current interest regime in the country. If you look at the affordability level of Nigerians; at a point I make an example of somebody who earns eighteen thousand naira, which is the minimum salary at my benchmark.

He can’t take a loan of more than five million naira, and five million naira cannot buy a good house in Abuja. Therefore, we have to work together with all other agencies that are on hand trying to address the issue of affordability. There is no any Nigerian that would not want to own a house but the houses are very exorbitant. For this to be achieved, three things must be done: serious intervention

in the housing sector by way of affordable interest, providing long-term finance for both construction and mortgage by way of giving subsidy to those who will import materials and thirdly, government introducing special taxes like tax holiday, tax consensus and so on.

Since this government is a listening government and I’m sure it will begin to implement some of these policies soon.

Nigerians have complained about the National Housing Fund contribution especially the variances in the interest rate, who regulates the interest rates?

The interest rate from the National Housing Fund is fixed at six per cent and I can further explain how it works. The six percent that we at the Federal Mortgage Bank gain, two percent comes to us to service our administrative fee and other things; two percent goes to the contributors because it’s mostly their money we are using.

Two percent goes to the Primary Mortgage Banks, because we do not deal directly.

But we have had cases whereby beneficiaries are supporting the primary mortgage banks, adding to the six percent. But where such cases have been found, we sanctioned the PMB. So there is no mortgage loan that is more than six percent interest all of them are at six percent and that is the maximum interest rate that is available and you can take a loan up to 25 to 30 years. The only issue is that the amount is not enough to go round everybody.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

19 Agric

Ban on Nigeria’s agro exports: Stakeholders chart way forward

Food products

Stories Isaac Agber Nigeria’s agro exporters have suffered a pernicious crash since the European Food Safety Authority placed a ban on importation of some agricultural produce from the country two months ago. It would be

IFAD set to enlarge food basket of Benue As part of efforts to ensure self-sufficiency in food production, the International Fund for Agricultural Development (IFAD) has commenced the planned implementation for improved value chain project for the Benue State Agricultural Revolution Programme.

Country Programme Manager of the Food and Agricultural Produce Organization, Ms. Atsuko Toda, who spoke at a meeting with the State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom, in Markurdi, the State capital, identified key areas of women and youth empowerment programmes in agriculture.

Releasing the state counterpart funding for the project, Toda encouraged large scale farmers to concentrate on agricultural produce that the state has comparative advantage in.

recalled that the EU’s Rapid Alert System for food reportedly discovered excessive chemical contaminants like aluminium phosphide and dichlorvos in the food items which included beans, melon seeds, sweet potatoes, cashew nuts, nutmeg snails, sesame seeds, smoked fish and meat,

In response, Governor Ortom, said the return of Benue State to agriculture has become imperative as people of the state must earn a living in the face of dwindling income from the national purse.

The state whose slogan is “the food basket of the nation” is a rich agricultural region where crops such as potatoes, cassava, soya bean, guinea corn, flax, yams, sesame, rice, and grand nuts are grown.

Ortom

among other consumable items.

Just two months after the ban, pervading lamentations have ensued as the country’s export industry can hardly quantify the huge revenue loss. The obvious fear is that should the ban stretches longer, the agricultural sector will suffer a significant

damage, if not collapse.

Hence, stakeholders in the agro industry and the exporting chain are determined to overturn the situation and improve the country’s fortunes in the agro export trade by setting international accepted standards that will curb the excesses of overzealous exporters, who are in the habit of cutting corners.

At a National Agro-Commodity Export Forum held in Lagos recently, the stakeholders considered the urgent need to formalize processes of standardizing Nigerian agro-export products with a view to meet the EU’s deadline slated for June, 2016.

The forum, which was coorganized by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) alongside the United States Agency for International Development (USAID), had participants from the National Agency for Food and Drug Administration (NAFDAC), the Nigerian Export Promotion Council (NEPC) and other representatives from the export chain.

Addressing the forum on the theme: “Challenges to Meeting Sustainable International Standards,” the LCCI President, Alh-

aji Remi Bello said to achieve the desired export standards, there is need to provide more credit support to exporters in order to acquire the necessary facilities and equipment to meeting international standards.

According to him, warehousing facilities should be upgraded with the best equipment for prevention against pest infestation.

This will minimize chances of overdosing agro-export produce with too much pesticides.

He urged the NEPC to set regulatory benchmarks that will check fraudulent export processes by ensuring a due process that meets the international standards.

Bello also harped on poor packaging of some export produce, which allow for pollution from unpreventable chemicals.

He, therefore, called on the government to make available special intervention funds for exporters to improve their packaging quality and step up their export capacity to compete with other international brands. The president also urged all stakeholders in the agriculture sector, to devote resources and efforts to pursue the standardization of Nigeria products for the international markets across the globe.

Nigerian farmers launch first micro-finance bank

Farmers in Nigeria

Before now, peasant farmers go through rigor to access loan facilities from the regular banks in Nigeria, a situation which has not helped the agribusiness to grow. But now, the farmers have learnt how to help themselves by launching a farmers’ micro-finance bank, called Joint Farmers Micro-finance Bank (JFMB), starting from Oyo State.

One of the founders, Mr. Muideen Adekunle, recalled that 187 cooperative societies decided to undertake this venture in order to serve farmers in Nigeria few years ago.

Adekunle, who is the Chairman of Nigeria Cassava Growers Association (NCGA) in Oyo State, said JFMB was the first of its kind in the country, wholly owned by Nigerian farmers and was dedicated to serve them and their agricultural projects.

According to him, branches of the bank will soon be oppened in Lagos, Osun, Ogun, Delta, Edo, Ondo, Ekiti, Kwara, Kogi and Abuja.

Adekunle urged farmers to buy shares in the new bank, as the bank would serve their interest and those of their children, who may be employed as skilled personnel.

The National President of NCGA, Mr. Segun Adewumi, lamented that in the past, some individuals had duped Nigerian farmers under the guise of registering them for fictitious loans and grants, assuring that the

JFMB was born out of a genuine concern to alleviate the plight of farmers and would soon be linked to the nation’s mega bank so that farmers can enjoy loans and grants at lower interest rates.

“We shall link the Joint Farmers Microfinance Bank to donors and the SME programme of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which is presently delivering N220 billion loans for which two per cent interest rate is charged,” he assured.

Another board member, Dr James Ojebode, said though the NCGA was a strong catalyst to the birth of the bank, it was a bank for farmers of different crops to benefit nationwide.

Ojebode urged NCGA members to lead the way by subscribing massively to the N100 million capital requirement of the CBN for the bank to take off fully.

ICT 20

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

NCC withdraws ‘data floor price’ for telecoms, warns against misuse L-R: Tomi Ogunlesi, group corporate Brand Manager Interswitch; Nike Ogunlesi,Founder and Chief Responsibility Officer Ruff ‘n’ Tumble; Remi Dada, Lead Product Markeing Manager, Google; Ebi Atawodi, GM Uber; and Debola Willams co-founder Red Media Africa at the recently held 2015 Konga Seller Summit.

Konga Seller summit speakers predict e-Commerce to drive economy

Danbatta

Stories Tony Nwakaegho Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) said it has withdrawn the “data floor price’’ for operators in the telecommunications industry in a bid to ensure sustainability, growth and development of the data service market segment. The Commission in a statement in Lagos on Monday said: “However, the commission will restore the floor price if any distortion is observed within the market segment.’’

“Floor price’’ is a government or group-imposed price control or the limit a price can be charged for a product to check unhealthy rivalry among players.With the withdrawal of the price, telecommunications industry now has the

permission of NCC to charge subscribers lower than the set lowest industry prices.

It will be recalled that NCC had in May 2013 imposed a price floor on telecommunications operators in the country as a means of controlling anti-competitive behaviours by operators considered to have attained the dominant status in the industry.

Such anti-competitive behaviours include charging calls within their networks much lower than what they charged for calls terminating on other networks.

With this development, the operators might just be setting up calling clubs – a practice where subscribers just call those within the network of their own service providers.

Speakers have unanimously agreed at the maiden edition of the Konga Seller Summit held in Lagos recently that the e-commerce sub-sector would drive the economy to greater height.

The summit was attended by close to a thousand burgeoning business owners and entrepreneurs.

Delivering the keynote address dubbed “The E-commerce Revolution in Nigeria: Where We Have been, Where We Are Heading and How to Get There?’’ chief executive officer of Troyka Group, Mr. Biodun Shobanjo, said that e-commerce would remain the engine room and core driver of the Nigerian economy.

According to Shobanjo, “Ecommerce mirrors the village center and Konga should be seen as a village market on the Web where there is equal access and multiple accesses for buyers. In e-commerce, mutual trust and relationship mattered a lot”.

In his welcome address, founder & chief executive officer of Konga.com, Sim Shagaya, said

the Konga 2015 Seller Summit was organised in line with the company’s vision of being the engine of trade and commerce in Africa.

Shagaya said the Summit was a platform for sellers and buyers to learn from experts about the dynamic operations of e-commerce and develop sustainable strategies to advance business services.

“E-commerce is one of the fastest growing and most dynamic business sectors in the world today. The situation in Africa is quite unique; the need to create and build from the scratch is ubiquitous.

“At Konga, we quickly realized the opportunity to partner with our valued sellers and pool our individual strengths to succeed despite the various impediments in building vibrant small and medium businesses. We firmly believe that the Konga marketplace enables us to function at our best; allowing us to provide our valued customers with great customer experience, convenient shopping and swift logistics solutions,’’ Shagaya said.

The Summit had in attendance key players in the telecom, logistics, internet and retail business across sectors including Remi Dada, Lead Product Marketing Manager, Google; Nike Ogunlesi, Founder & CRO, Ruff ‘n’ Tumble; Tomi Ogunlesi, Group Corporate Brand Manager, Interswitch; Debola Williams, Co-Founder Red Media Africa and Kabir Shagaya, CEO, Zippy Logistics.

Others are Tutu Sanni, MD, Courier Plus; Vincent Egbe, GM, KraftHeinz; Eghosa Omoigui, Founder & Managing Partner, EchoVC; Akintunde Oyebode, Head SME Banking, Stanbic IBTC; Sam Nwanze, Director, Finance & Investments, Heirs holdings; Arese Ugwu, CEO SmartMoneyAfrica; Funke Opeke, CEO, MainOne Cable; Valentine Obi, CEO, eTransact; Opeyemi Awoyemi, Co-Founder, Jobberman; Edmund Olotu, Founder, G-pay Instant Payment Ltd; Lanre Akinlagun, CEO, Drinks.ng; Erica Ayenuro, CEO, CCSP; Ebi Atawodi, GM, Uber Lagos to mention a few.

Lack of broadband penetration, bane of local internet content— Stakeholders Stakeholders in the country’s information and communications technology sector have attributed lack of broadband penetration as the bane for poor growth in the local internet content.

They said that low broadband penetration in the country as well as expensive plans few broadband services providers offered Nigerians make it complicated for content providers to break even thereby discouraging them from developing more content.

Another reason adduced is that even when content developers put content online the usage is not there, generally because the few people that have broadband service could not use the services as they are managing their ex-

pensive internet plan.

Engr. Sam Adeleke, immediate past chairman, Association of Internet Service Providers Nigeria (ISPAN), explained that internet content cannot grow without the growth of infrastructure which has to do with the provision of affordable broadband service.

Engr. Adeleke said, “There is no broadband service in the country. Broadband service is when you provide unhindered internet access to subscribers without putting limit to what they can download; the situation where providers offer subscribers 5g or 10g for certain amount is not broadband.

This will lock the subscriber up from using internet as he would love to.”

He wondered what happened

to the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC’s) State Accelerated Broadband Initiative (SABI) project with the millions spent on it, which would have given the country the needed infrastructure build up to provide broadband.

Adeleke suggested that government could sponsor service provision in areas regarded as commercially none viable with specifications and design speltout if we are to achieve high broadband penetration in the country.

However, local content, he said is growing as we have services such as car directory, hotel listing among others.

On his part, the Chief Operating Officer, Direct On Data, Satis

Kumar, harped on the fact that there are local contents on the internet, but lamented that access to them poses a big challenge due to cost of service provisioning on the side of internet service providers.

Kumar noted that it cost an average of N10million to deploy service in an area without knowing the number of customers that will subscribe to the service for the operator to break even, adding that even the absence of last mile infrastructure has made it difficult for operators to deploy service in commercially none viable areas.

He tasked government to look at a way of reducing licensing fees for internet service providers to enable them extend service

beyond the few commercially viable cities if access must improve which is needed to encourage developers of local content to experience high usage.

Broadband

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

LILLAHI PRAYER SOCIETY OF NIGERIA 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, 1990.

21 Public Notice

IMMANUEL BIBLE TEACHING MINISTRY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Kareem Lukman 2. Raimi Lateef Olusoji 3. Odewenu Lateef Olalekan 4. Sanusi Lukman Kolawole 5. Bamidele Folarin Adigun Aims and Objectives: 1. To uphold the tenets of Islam.

2. To work hard for the upliftment of Islam.

This is to inform the General Public that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Ode Emmanuel - President 2. Mrs Adekunfe Omolade - Secretary 3. Pastor Egbe Jonah - Member 4. Pastor Ijoko Moses - Member 5. Bro. Dami Emmanuel - Member 6. Bro. Jonathan Emmanuel - Member Aims and Objective: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ

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

Signed: Trustees

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

Signed: Trustees

FIRE CRUSADE ALPHA AND OMEGA GOSPEL CHURCH 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 1 of 1990 Trustees: 1. Pastor Nathaniel Kayode Ayobami 2. Mrs. Taiwo Ronke Ayobami 3. David Oluwaseyi Ayobami.

4. Emmanuel Mayowa Ayobami.

– General Overseer.

– General Secretary.

AIMS and Objectives: PROPAGATION OF THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

Signed Secretary

AMECHI WELFARE ASSOCIATION, LAGOS BRANCH The General Public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990 The Trustees:

1. Mr. Nsude Osita lsaiah - Chairman 2. Mr Agbo Moses Ebere.

- Secretary 3. Mr. Nnamani kingsley Sunday. - Member 4. Mr. Egbo Paul Ngene - Member Aims and Objectives : 1. To promote unit Peace, progress among members and to protect their interest.

2. To promote community development in lgbo land in particular and Nigeria in general.

3. To help the members in time of needs, crises or disability.

4. To work together with any organisation, non Governmental organisations with similar objectives.

5. To assist families of bereaved members in the Association.

Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

LAGOON VIEW AND KAJOLA LASISI LANDLORDS & RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN This is to inform the general public that the above named nongovernmental association has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2014.

The Trustees are: 1. Alhaji Kehinde Shitta-bey Taoheed - Chairman 2. Augustine Obagidi Oregie 3. Pastor Ugochukwu George Onyah 4. Mope Imam Lawal 5.Faud Adekunle Kassim 6. Chukwudi Oliver Ugwu 7. Vincent Augustine Okpao Okere.

Aims and Objectives.

1. To foster peaceful coexistence for cultural educational development of its members, 2. To assist the less privileged in our society.

Any objection to this registration should forward to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Area 11,Garki, Abuja, within 28 days of the publication.

Signed: Izukanachi Chukwu Esq. 07030389085

MUSLIM INITIATIVE ON RIGHTS AND JUSTICE 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 1 of 1990 The Trustees Are:

1. Adeniyi Alimi Adams 2. Nasir Maruf Adeniyi 3. Adedeji Kazeem Adewale 4. Daud Fazazy Segun

Aims & objectives.

1. To educate public especially Muslims on their civic rights, duties and responsibilities.

2. To advance the cause of justice for human development 3. To offer free legal services for the needy in general and Muslims in particular.

Any objection to the Registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P.M.B. 198, Garki, Abuja within Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

ALOR COMMUNITY CHRISTIAN CENTER

EQUIPPING LIVES FOUNDATION

COMPANY OF PROPHETS MINISTRY

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.

Trustees 1. Obijama John Obinnwa 2. Agbazue Francis 3. Oyeka Nnamdi Cyril Aims And Objectives 1. To Operate A Christian Center That Promotes The Gospel 2. To Organize Symposium Seminars Workshops To Spread The Gospel Of Our Lord Jesus Christ

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, 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Solomon Bright 2. Akon Christiana Solomon 3. Mfon Solomon Aims and Objectives 1. To alleviate poverty to create job opportunities and reduce unemployment 2. To equip citizens with entrepreneurial skills through community empowerment programme.

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named Ministry has Applied to The Corporate Affairs Commission, for Registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Pastor Onus Onos Theophilus – President 2. Iriekpen Roseline Ebisem – Secretary 3. Pastor Ohwotemu Philip Precious 4. Uwasomba Onyekachi Aims and Objectives 1.

To Raise A Prophetic People That Will Influence Society 2.

To Raise People With Positive Agenda For God 3.

To Raise People With Passion For God Any Objection To The Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

Any Objection To The Registration Should Be Forwarded To The Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja Within 28 Days Of This Publication.

Signed: Secretary

JESUS WARRIOUS PRAYING MINISTRY

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 1. Eze Godswill Friday 2. Eze Joy Ndidiamaka 3. Eze Ijeoma Mercy Aims and Objectives 1. To Enback On Evangelical Mission and Programmers throughout the World, to Win Souls for the Lord Jesus Christ and prepare the Saints for the second coming of Our Lord Jesus Christ 2. To Organise Prayer Meetings, Establish Prayer Camps And Conduct Prayer Sessions On Any Matter At Any Place and at any adequate period.

3. To Propagate The World of God and to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ Any Objection To The Registration Should Be Forwarded To The Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja Within 28 Days Of This Publication.

Signed: Secretary

MIKE AND MAHAMADU FOUNDATION

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, 1990.

The Trustees Are:(1) Michael Chimezie Sunday (2) Dr Mahamadu Ly The Aims And Objectives Are:(1) To Build Social Houses For Destitute Widows, Internally Displaced Persons (2) To Provide Seed Capital And Non- Interest Micro Credits to indigent Widows, Internally Displaced Persons And Other Vulnerable Persons (3) To Provide Cottage Hospitals To Take Care Of Indigent Widows, Internally Displaced Persons And Other Vulnerable Persons (4) To Provide Other Amenities To Cater To The Needs Of Indigent And Vulnerable Persons Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Ahamefula Harbor

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

Signed: Chairman

THE ROOT OF JESSE EVANGELICAL MINISTRY

ISREAL OLADELE FOUNDATION

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

The Trustees Are:(1) Evangelist Olasunkanmi Olusola Jeremiah (General Overseer) (2) Deacon Ajayi Benjamin (Secretary) (3) Pastor (Mrs) Olasunkanmi Olabambo (4) Deacns Akinlosotu Kehinde (Treasurer) (5) Deacns Babalola Oluwakemi (6) Deacns Adekunle Oluwatoyin (7) Mr Bakare Gbenga (P.R.O)

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, 1990.

The Trustees Are:(1) Ogundipe Isreal Oladele Ceo/President (2) Sodiq Olufowobi Adeshola Secretary (3) Ogundipe Babatunde Olumuyiwa Treasurer (4) Daramola Samuel Olusegun Welfare Officer The Aims And Objectives:(1) To Provide And Cater For Less-Privileged, Orphans, Destitute Children (2) To Provide Home For Orphans, Less-Privileged, Destitute Children (3) Provision Of Basic Education, Health Care For The LessPrivileged, Orphans, Destitute Children.

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

Signed: Secretary

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE IS:To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Signed: Secretary

BETHEL HOME FOUNDATION 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, 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Johnson Chuks Udeh - President 2. Chika Donatus Ezeani - Secretary 3. Okpala Emmanuel - Member Aims And Objectives 1. To Run Charity For The Welfare Of Children And Less Privileged Women 2. To Run And Operate An Orphanage Home For Children 3. To Promote Children Educational, Social And General Well Being For The Less Privileged 4. To Operate Care Givers Centers In Rural And Urban Settlements Any Objection To The Registration Should Be Forwarded To The Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Garki, Abuja Within 28 Days Of This Publication.

Signed: Barr. Ekpenisi Emmanuel 08060035089

THE REDEEMED COVENANT FAITH MISSION The general public is hereby notified that the above named Organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1.

Obiefuna Benedette Ngozi 2.

Obiefuna Onyebuchi Moses 3.

Obiefuna Chuks David Aims And Objectives: 1.

To spread the Gospel of Jesus Christ in the world.

2.

To draw people closer to God. 3.

To assist the needy.

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

Signed: Trustees

News 22

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

L-R: Representative of Accountant General of the Federation, Destco Mugabi; Corps Marshal, Federal Road Safety Commission, (FRSC) , Boboye Oyeyemi and Assistant Corps Marshal, Finance and Accounts, (FRSC), Dauda Biu during the training of FRSC 's accountants on Treasury Single Accounts in Abuja… recently

Ambode promises continued free education in Lagos Opeoluwani Akintayo

ÏÏÏLagos

State governor, Akinwunmi Ambode, has promised to continue in the footsteps of his predecessor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, in the area of free education in the state.

Ambode stated this on Tuesday at the 2015 Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation /Chevron joint venture National Art Competition for Nigerian Secondary Schools.

The NNPC /Chevron Joint Venture (JV), in collaboration with the Federal Ministry of Education, initiated the National Art Competition for Nigerian secondary school students in 2005. African Artists Foundation (AAF), a non-governmental organisation dedicated to the promotion and development of contemporary African Art, is

the implementation partner to the competition which creates a platform for students to exhibit their talents through their art works.

The competition which is in its 10th edition, saw both public and private schools across the country, put in to win the coveted prize.

Representing Ambode at the occasion was the Special Adviser to the Lagos State government on Education, Hon. Bankole ObafelaMoore, who said the state government, under the administration of Akinwunmi Ambode, is geared towards continuous funding of free education both at the primary and secondary school levels in the state.

Obafela-Moore appreciated the NNPC and Chevron group for demonstrating the spirit of corporate entity.

According to him, the competition will "discover more talents in arts and students will be rewarded particularly."

Six hundred art entries were said to have been received from 400 schools across the country after judges from non-governmental agencies were employed for the screening.

10 finalists each emerged from the primary and secondary schools category, making 20 overall.

Each of the finalists were presented with awards, after which the 1st, 2nd and 3rd positions in each category were presented with scholarships.

The 3rd position received the sum of N65, 000, 2nd place, N75, 000, while the 1st position got N100, 000. The scholarships will run for three years.

Lawmaker canvasses alternative transport system Henry Omunu

Abuja ÏÏÏThe Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Environment and Habitat, Hon. Obinna Chidoka (Anambra-PDP), on Tuesday in Abuja, urged Nigerians to adopt an alternative means of transport in order to reduce the emission of dangerous gases into the atmosphere.

Chidoka made the call during his awareness campaign on the need to protect and preserve the country’s environment.

Ogun to host exhibition for women entrepreneurs Abiodun Taiwo

Abeokuta ÏÏÏOgun State is set to host this year's annual Trade Exhibition for Women Entrepreneurs in Africa.

The Deputy National President of Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA), Iyalode Alaba Lawson made the disclosure at a press conference in preparation for Trade exhibition for women entrepreneurs across Africa slated to hold between December 7, 2015 and December 16, 2015 at M.K.O Abiola Trade Fair Complex, Abeokuta.

She added that the plan was the initiative of NACCIMA Businesswomen Group to promoting women entrepreneurs in the country,

UNITED BIG BROTHER SOCIAL CLUB OF IBADAN

OJIMBA IFEYINWA

OLA JULIET

This is to inform the general public that the above named CLUB has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Obioha Sabastine.

2. Ajaero Obi Christian.

3. Ukeagbu Uchenna Johnatus.

4. Nwabugwu Stanley Alexander.

I formerly known as Mrs Anoruo Christiana Ifeyinwa, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Ojimba Christiana Ifeyinwa. All former document remain valid.

NZE CHIKA

Aims and Objectives are: 1. To Foster unity and peace among the members.

2. To provide Assistance to members of the Club.

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

Signed: Trustees

SHEILA CARROLL EDUCATIONAL INITIATIVE The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1) Rev (Mrs.) Azuka Gbogboade (4) Pastor (Mrs) Kemi Daniel 2) Rev (Dr.) Wole Gbogboade (5) Pastor Clement Alogbe 3) Pastor (Mrs) Flora Egbe (6) Mr. Olisemeka Gbogboade Aims And Objectives 1) To assist in qualitative training of teachers and other personnel in schools in rural area 2) Establishment & coordination of village schools and schools for less privileged children 3) To give qualitative education to children in villages and less privileged children 4) Provision of scholarship for education of less privileged children 5) Organizing training, development workshops and seminars for schools to improve curriculum, child assessment & other educational programs 6) Distribution of educational resources to village schools &less privileged children 7) Setting up of libraries in rural & poor community schools 8) Writing, printing of books & educational materials Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28days of this publication.

Signed: OLUWASINA OLADEJI & Co. 08023809593, 08062275747

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss. Efunelu Maureen Chika, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ezeh Maureen Chika, all former documents remain valid. Godfrey Okoye University, Enugu, NYSC and general public take note.

The lawmaker, who rode on a bicycle to the National Assembly complex to drum support for his campaign, said the call has become necessary in view of the need to reduce the depletion of the environment through gas emissions from means of transportation.

According to him, "when it comes to carbon footprint and ways of measuring it, this is a simple way of saying we can protect and preserve our environment if we look for alternatives".

He canvassed for the establishment of bicycle routes in major cities across the country, saying that it would serve as a measure to reduce the number of cars and carnage on the roads.

Amosun

adding that numbers of them would be converging on Abeokuta for trade exhibitions.

Lawson explained that the Nigerian Women Entrepreneurs Exhibition (NIWEX) 2015 edition is tagged: "Promoting Women Entrepreneurs through Networking" while the exhibition is focusing on how to synchronise women economic potentials towards boosting nation's economic development and promoting women in business.

AFOAKU UGOCHI BARBARA

NKECHI GEORGE

I formerly known as Miss Idaewor Juliet Aghunopua, now wish to be addressed as Mrs. Ola Juliet Aghunopua. All former document remain valid.

I formerly called Miss uzoma ugochi barbara, now wishes to be known and called Mrs. Afoaku Ugochi Barbara. All former document remain valid General public note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss. Osadebe Nkechi Elizabeth, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nkechi Elizabeth Osadebe George, all former documents remain valid. Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and general public take note.

ANYASI ADAOBI

ADEDAPO ADABALE

OLUFEMI NICK

I formerly known as Miss Obika Cynthia Chiamaka Adaobi, now wish to be addressed as Mrs Anyasi Cynthia Chiamaka Adaobi. All former document remain valid.

I Formerly known as Miss Adabale Opeyemi Abisola, now wish to be addressed as Mrs Adedapo Opeyemi Adabale.

All former document remain valid.

I formerly known as Adegboyega Olufemi Olatunde now wishes to be known and addressed as Crown Olufemi Nick. Ekiti State University and NYSC please take note. All other document remain valid.

EPISTLE ALLIANCE GOSPEL INTERNATIONAL This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1.Bishop Humphrey Ojinduka Erumaka. (Chairman).

2.Jack Emmanuel David (Secretary).

3.Joseph Ifeanyichukwu Okoro.

5.Echezona Ebelenna Ozumba.

6.Samuel Ugwum Iheanacho.

Aims and Objectives: To promote sound doctrine To train young preachers to rightly divide the word of truth.

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

Signed: Trustees

THE OLORUNTEDO CHURCH OF CHRIST The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees Are: Trustees: 1, Ojo Babatunde Samuel 2, Ojo Kehinde Aduke 3, Williams Afolasade Abose 4, Shuara Abdulahi Ademola 5, Olaoluwa Florence Adetutu 6, Agbasi Abidemi Salmon 7, Oyemade Oluwayemisi Abiola.

Aims & Objective: 1, Propagation of the gospel of the Lord 2, To live a wholesome life style that glorified God 3, Evangelism Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28days of this publication.

Signed: Trustees

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

23 News

NGF seeks synergy between govts, traditional institutions

DPC offers free healthcare in Kogi

Lateef Ibrahim

Akor Ejumene

Abuja ÏÏÏThe Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) on Tuesday advocated a stronger synergy between governments and traditional institutions with a view to advancing the course of the common man and the development of the country.

The NGF said this in a congratulatory message to the new Ooni of Ife, Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi.

The Forum, in the message signed by its Chairman and Governor of Zamfara State, Hon Abdulazeez Yari,

declared that the traditional institution was very vital to the development of society, which could not be waved aside by any government.

The Forum advised the new Ooni of Ife to use his position to further solidify the role of the Yoruba people in ensuring peace and development in the country as he mounted the throne.

The NGF further charged the new Ooni to use his position to enhance the bond of unity that is existing among the Yoruba and other traditional rulers in the western region and the country gen-

erally.

It urged the new Ooni to emulate the works of his predecessor, the late Oba Okunade Sijuwade, who passed on July 28, in a London hospital.

The NGF described the late Ooni as a peaceful man and a bridge builder who left an indelible mark in the sand of time.

Yari assured that the body would continue to tap from the wise counsel and invaluable support of the Ife Kingdom in its pursuit to effect change and deliver true democracy dividends to the

people.

The NGF prayed Almighty Allah to guide, guard and grant the new Ooni the wisdom to be a good leader and to rule with the fear of Allah as he ascended the revered throne of his forefathers. The forum lauded the Osun State Government for playing the role of good umpire during the succession process and appealed to the ruling houses in Ife and citizens of the kingdom to unite behind the new Ooni and give him the needed support as they did to the deceased Ooni.

Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

gubernatorial candidate of the Democratic People’s Congress in Kogi State has pledged to offer free healthcare to the people of the state if elected governor on November 21, 2015.

Koleola said he would upgrade and equip all the public hospitals in the state and offer free medical services to improve the people’s standards of living. He regretted that public hospitals in the state were mere consulting clinics, which makes less helpful in arresting high mortality rate

Imo adamant on concession of hospitals Val Okara

Chief of Army Staff, Lt.-Gen. Tukur Buratai (Left) addressing some Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at their Kuka Reta Camp in Yobe… on Monday.

Oct 1 bombing: Court admits Mazda car dealer statement as exhibit Andrew Orolu

Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Tuesday admitted as exhibit the a statement of one Fatai Isiaka Adeyinka who sold the Mazda car used by Charles Okah the alleged master-mind of the October 1, 2010, in Abuja bombing that killed 12 people.

Adeyinka’s statement was admitted by the trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, despite vehement objections raised by the defence counsel.

The exhibit was tendered through the third federal government witness, Chuk-

wuma Igwe, a staff of the Department of State Security Service who also informed the court that he took Adeyinka’s statement.

Igwe told the court that he was instructed by his boss, Abdul Abubakar, to take the statement when Adeyinka, an illiterate, told them that he could not read and write in English language.

We communicated in pidgin English. “I wrote what he told me in English language in the statement after I cautioned him. I read the content of his statement and interpreted it in pidgin English language to him,” he said.

Igwe further told the court

that he took Adeyinka and his statement to Abubakar who also read it and asked him to interpret it in pidgin English which he did before the statement was signed by Adeyinka and himself.

But the defence counsel Ozodiri (SAN) and Otemu who represented Charles Okah and Obi Nwabueze, respectively said that Adeyinka’s statement was not admissible through the witness, because they could not cross examine him on the content of the statement.

In his ruling, Justice Kolawole ruled that the objections raised by the defence had failed to take cognisance of the background

and the fact that Igwe was not the maker of the statement but that he recorded it.

"The statement is admissible" and the defence could cross examine the witness on the procedure adopted by him, the judge ruled.

Under cross examination, defence counsel Otemu asked the witness to interpret the word plural used in the statement in pidgin English, the witness said it meant “caution”.

The witness also told the court he did not asked the witness to make the statement in Yoruba language.

Justice Kolawole has adjourned to November 4, for further hearing.

Owerri ÏÏÏThe battle line may have been drawn between the Imo State Government and organised labour as the government on Tuesday insisted that it would not rescind its decision on concession policy on hospitals and parastatals.

Labour on its part vowed to resist the state government’s attempt to concession any hospital or parastatals without due process.

Governor Rochas Okorocha, in a statement through

Oluwaseyi Fadoro

ÏÏÏPresident

Muhammadu Buhari has been advised to appoint fresh hands into his government in order not to negate his change mantra and to achieve his aim of transforming the country to a desired entity.

The call was made by Satguru Maharajji, the living perfect master, in a press release made available to journalists in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital.

According to him, previous administrations made ministerial appointment a bazaar to the detriment of Nigerians, adding that junkies, hoodlums and mediocre persons became heads of vital government institutions.

in the state.

He said the Democratic People’s Congress government would transform the state by offering free primary and secondary school education, while stating that his administration would also provide buses that would convey students to school and bring them back to designated places close to their homes, so as to ameliorate their transportation challenges, in government’s effort to enhance quality education.

The DPC governorship candidate said he would reform the civil service and address the plight of pensioners who had invested their productive years in service to the state. He promised to build 1000 block of two and three bedroom flats for junior civil servants within his one year in office.

his Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Sam Onwuemeodo, said that labour leaders and workers could not dictate to government on how to run the administration.

“The truth is that the government is not going back on the policy of concessioning the managements of the parastatals and the hospitals. The labour leaders and the workers in the affected parastatals are only expected to be patriotic enough by supporting the government’s effort aimed at repositioning these parastatals and hospitals”.

He further insisted, the new managements of affected outfits had begun the fumigation, painting and other maintenance works.

Buhari urged to inject fresh hands in governance He noted that the list of ministerial nominees recently submitted to the Senate by Buhari was loaded with names that had been synonymous with pillage and degradation in high government offices for several years.

Buhari

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Ondo Ohaneze backs Akure monarch, seeks abolition of 'Eze Ndigbo' title ’Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÏÏÏThe

highest decisionmaking body of the Igbo social cultural group, Ohaneze Ndigbo, Ondo State Chapter, has called for the implementation of a resolution of February 20, 2008 by the South East Traditional Rulers that condemned and banned the use of the title “Eze Ndigbo” by Igbo personalities who are not royal fathers.

Also, the group stated that the traditional rulers and its National Headquarters had since restated that only acceptable title for heads of Igbo people living out the south-east was “Onye-Ndun Ndigbo”.

Their action is coming

on the heels of a recent allegation of insubordination levelled against one Chief Gregory Iloehike by the Deji of Akureland, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo.

The group said this in a press statement issued to journalists in Akure, the state capital and jointly signed by the Onye-Ndun Ndigbo of Ondo State Chapter of Ohaneze Ndigbo, Chief Lemmy-Kingsley Chukwuma and the group’s state President-General, Chief Joseph Okeke.

They urged the Ondo State Government and the Ondo State Council of Obas to also implement a letter dated August 8, 2008 sent by the south-east traditional rulers to the Obas on how the title of Eze Ndigbo was

being used to abuse Igbo customs and tradition by some individuals.

It also commended the Deji of Akure for using his maturity to resolve the recent disagreement between Igbo people and Akure community caused by the deposed Iloehike.

The Ohaneze Ndigbo in Ondo State also expressed support to the decision of Oba Aladetoyinbo to ban the use of Eze Ndigbo.

It noted that the motion was unanimously supported by all Igbo people in the state. According to the statement “it is hitherto refusal of relevant authorities to stop Iloehika from parading himself as Eze Ndigbo of Akure as directed by the south-east

traditional rulers and the Ohaneze Ndigbo since 2008, gave him courage to desecrate the stool of Deji, an act which Igbo people in the state were not satisfied with”.

"A letter from our headquarters in Enugu on August 7, 2008, signed by the then Ohaneze Ndigbo's National President-General, Dr Dozie Ikedife and another letter dated September 14, 2012 also from our headquarters stated clearly that High Chief Kingsley Chukwuma as the Onye-Ndun Ndigbo of Ondo state is the Igbo leader in the state”.

The statement urged Igbo people in the state to continue to relate peacefully with their host communities.

R-L: Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yusuf Lasun; Deputy President, Nigerian Institute of Quantity Surveyors (NIQS), Mrs. Mercy Iyortyer and Assistant Secretary General of NIQS, Alh. Alkali Abubakar, during the visit by NIQS to Lasun at the National Assembly, in Abuja… on Tuesday

Tom Garba Yola

ÏÏÏThe Commissioner of

Environment, in Adamawa State, Hon. Bulus Hammaji, has decried the speed at which desertification was threatening the weather condition of the state, as a result of poor planting of trees.

Hammaji, who said his mission was to campaign and to bring an awareness to the people of the state via “save our forest, cut one grow ten” to bring consciousness in the minds of

Kaduna govt to upgrade abattoirs Victor Jibrin Kaduna

ÏÏÏThe Kaduna State Government is set to upgrade its abattoirs with a view to improving the hygienic nature of the business, not only for the health of the citizens, but also to attract international interest in the beef from the state.

The Commissioner of Agriculture, Dr. Daniel Monzo Maigeri, hinted at a press briefing where he deplored the hygienic state of abattoirs in the state and, of course, regretted inability of successive administrations to address the issue owing to socio-cultural and religious sentiment.

ÏÏÏA

ÏÏÏThe

All Progressives Congress (APC) says it has reactivated political activities concerning governorship campaigns primary in the party ahead the forthcoming elections in Ondo State.

Mr. Isaacs Kekemeke, the State Chairman of the party, disclosed this on Tuesday while receiving Information Communication Technology (ICT) equipment donated to the party by Mr. Folusho Adefemi, a governorship as-

pirant in the party.

Kekemeke said the party would embark on party primary to choose the candidate that would flag-up its banner, adding that there would be no room for anointed candidate in the forthcoming guber poll in the state.

He noted that there would be a free-level playing ground for all aspirants for the governorship slot of the party with an advice that they should work for the

party’s ticket.

Kekemke further explained that the APC was ready to take over the control of power from the incumbent government of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led by Governor Olusegun Mimiko.

“Our platform is now viable and come October, next year, the APC will triumph in the state and dislodge the government of the PDP”, he said.

Adefemi said the gesture

was part of his own strategy to build on the change mantra of President Muhammdu Buhari.

Buhari

people to cultivate the habit of planting trees.

According to him the aim is to combat desertification which had a serious effect on climate change, which is caused mostly by uncontrollable exploitation of forest resources, and if left unchecked could damage the entire land system in Northern Nigeria.

He said plan was being concluded to dispatch a number of people to Saudi Arabia and one other Islamic country to see what goes on there with a view to detaching religion from the business.

According to him, “We have issue with our meat hygiene. We gone round, looked at our abattoirs and believed that that sector holds great potentials for players. For example, the abattoir employs about 30,000 people state-wide, but they are not regulated in any form.” Maigeri lamented that “to say the least, the level of unhygienic there is very much. We have the potential to export meat because our meat is largely organic, but our meat cannot make it in the international market because of the level of hygiene”.

Court jails man for visa fraud Titilope Joseph

Ondo 2016: APC reactivates political activities, drums support for aspirant

Save our forest, Adamawa commissioner cries out

32-year old man, Eddie Ehiane, has been sentenced to a one year in prison by a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja for conspiracy to fraudulently procure an Indian visa.

In a four-count charge, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) claimed that Ehiane and two others – Okwara Chidera Oscar and Kennedy Nwosu – conspired to present forged documents to officials of the Indian High Commission in Lagos.

Ehiane and others were alleged to have agreed to submit a fake Letter of Introduction of a company, Trade Investment Nigeria Limited, to the Visa Consular Officer of the High Commission of India in Nigeria, with the

intent of misleading the Indians into issuing an Indian travel visa to Okwara Chidera Oscar sometime in September 2013.

According to the prosecution, the suspects claimed that the letter, dated September 5, 2013, was for a training organised by ACME Machinery Pvt India Limited.

The EFCC also alleged that the convict and other defendants conspired to present a fake Certificate of Incorporation of Trade Investment Ltd and a Higher National Diploma (HND) Certificate of the Federal Polytechnic, Ilaro, for the same purpose.

The EFCC told the court that the offences were contrary to Section 26 (1) (c) and punishable under Section 17 (1) (c) of the Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act 2000.

Education Times Æ s

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

25

Teenee Todds Day Care and Pre-School celebrate 5th year anniversary recently in Abuja....Photo: TEMITOPE BALOGUN

TETFUND vacates, re-allocates unutilized interventions by varsities

Stories by Augustine Okezie Abuja

The Tertiary Education Trust fund (TETFUND) has announced that it has vacated and re-allocated unutilized intervention funds allotted to tertiary institutions to those willing to take the allocations for the infrastructural development of their schools.

The Executive Secretary of the fund, Professor Elias Bogoro, who made the announcement in Abuja while receiving the visiting Governor of Niger State, Abubakar Sanni Bello, urged his visitor to advice in-

Provost urges Buhari to appoint an academic as Education minister

stitutions in his state to address their weaknesses and challenges that have been hampering their assessment of the fund.

He said: ’’Just recently, the BOT had to vacate interventions that were not accessed and re- allocate them to willing institutions. Please go back to your institution and remind them about their weaknesses to enable them attain parity with institutions that have fully drawn up from our mandate’’.

Prof. Bogoro further stated that the only basis for observed disparity was based on details that inform the implementation of TETfund policies.

“I must say that at TETfund,

we feel accomplished with the remarks of the Governor, possible basis for observed disparity is based on details that inform the implementation of our policies“.

He stated operational requirements also, as another basis for disparities in intervention scheme and expressed readiness of the fund to support all public higher institutions in Niger State, adding that the fund is protective of the aspect of system accountability.

Responding, Governor Bello applauded the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (Tetfund) on its accountability system, saying that it is intact. He stated that

the visit has accorded him opportunities to know more about the operations of the intervention fund, and lauded them on their support to the development of tertiary education in the country.

However, he expressed worry over the discrepancies he said he observed in the intervention scheme of the fund.

He said: “Higher institutions in Niger State had not fully utilized and accessed different categories of interventions provided by the Federal Government through TETfund to encourage both students and lecturers.

“First, I applaud TETfund board of management for the ef-

forts made so far in institutions in Niger State. Secondly, I visited TETfund to find out why universities like Bayero University Kano has more interventions than schools in Niger State”.

“But after detailed discussion with the Executive Secretary of TETfund, I discovered that the Fund should not be blamed at all on the perceived discrepancy.

“But on my return back to Niger State, I will call a meeting of all the heads of higher institutions in Niger State and we will sure do some corrections.

I hope when my request comes it will be treated in no time”, he added.

Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

enced academic as the Minister of Education to bring the needed reform and stability in the sector.

Speaking at a press conference heralding the 22nd convocation ceremony of the College, where 2,438 would be churned out, Aladejana urged Buhari to

appoint someone with cognate experience to man the Ministry of Education, saying bringing those without knowledge and workability of the Education sector would further ruin the fortunes of the critical sector.

“President Buhari must bring someone who understands the

terrain. Someone who has touch with the pertinent and contemporary issues in the education sector.

“The education standard is falling and the President must bring someone who will come to chart a new course for the future of our education,” she said.

The Provost of College of Education, Ikere Ekiti, Ekiti State, Prof. Francisca Aladejana, has advised President Muhammadu Buhari to appoint experi-

Education Times 26

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Ebonyi trains 600 teachers on Safe School manuals JACOB OGODO, Abakaliki A non- governmental organisation, Safe School Academy International, has distributed 4000 Safe School Manuals and trained 600 school teachers and administrators as Safe School Ambassadors under the Ebonyi State Safe School Empowerment Project (SASEP).

In a two-day workshop organised in collaboration with the Ebonyi State government for staff and Administrators of Local Government Service Commission, Secondary Education

Board and Universal Basic Education Board, the organisation noted that the programme was aimed at strengthening education and local government system in the state.

The trainees are to serve as Safe School Ambassadors that would have basic knowledge of what to do in terms of preventive action and in terms of mitigation actions if and when emergencies occur and must have capacity to assess the nature of risks and threats peculiar to school environment.

The National Task Team Leader of Safe School Empowerment Project, Ike Onyechere,

noted that most tragic attacks on schools could have been prevented if school operators observed basic safety protocols and safety policies installed.

He stressed that the programme was expedient and apt based on the current realities that schools are increasingly becoming targets of terrorism, kidnapping and other violent crimes.

The Regional Director of UNESCO Multi-sectoral Regional Office, Mr. Benoit Sossou, added that the psychological impact of these attacks on children and parents is significant with schools now perceived as

danger zones and as such discouraging school attendance.

He further said that where the schools were opened, many children and their families were reportedly too scared to return to the classroom.

This, UNESCO Director, said has worsened the education indices of the country that already ranks number one in outof-school children worldwide at “10.5 million, where we have more than 40 million adult illiterates with 2/3 being women and girls”.

Meanwhile, the state governor, Engr. David Umahi, warned head teachers and principals of

secondary schools that his administration would not hesitate to dismiss them if they allow cultism to exist in their schools.

Represented by his Special Adviser on Primary Education, Mr. Itapa Azuobu, the governor warned that his administration frowns at any form of cultism in the educational sector and would deal ruthlessly with any school leadership that allow it to thrive.

The Governor also said his administration had taken decisive steps to sanitize educational sector prominent of which he said was the setting of educational review committee to review the propose handing over of schools to the missionaries.

“If you are a Head teacher or principal and you allow cultism in your school, you are just preparing yourself for dismissal and we want to tell you that part of what we are doing is to reintroduce moral instruction in schools to conscientize the students to live upright.”

Taskforce impounds suspected pirated books valued at N5m in Lagos

L-R: Founder, Kudirat Intiative for Democracy (KIND), Mrs. Hafsat Abiola-Costello; Chairman, Punch Newspapers, Chief Ajibola Ogunshola; former Lagos State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Sarah Sosan; Author, Alh. Jamiu Abiola; Publisher, Ovation International, Chief Dele Momodu and Mr. Akintola Williams during the book launch in memory of M.K.O Abiola held in Lagos…on Monday.

Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

ABU lecturer denies allegations by Medical students Augustine Okezie Abuja A Senior lecturer in the department of Human Anatomy, Dr. Barnabas Dan Borno alias ‘DON B’ has denied allegations by students of Human Anatomy department in the Faculty of Medicine, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria and rejected their call for his sack from his duty post for what they called his high handedness and incompetence.

In a telephone chat with the

Daily Times from his Zaria base at the weekend, Borno said he had done no wrong to the students and to the university.

Recall that a 300 level student in the department who spoke on behalf of the departmental students union members, Mallam Ibrahim Z akari, had told the Daily Times that the students are yet to be convinced that Borno is qualified to handle his job considering the fact that he is not accessible to them and neither does he satisfactorily attend to their academic and departmental challenges

He said: ’’Don B is a sadist, there is nothing he does that excite the students, even when we approach him for mentoring, he distances himself from us’’.

The Daily Times investigation further revealed that Borno was earlier sacked as the head of department of Human Anatomy, in 2013 by the then Vice chancellor, Professor Mustapha, for negligence of duty and insubordination but he later found his way back and has since then allegedly subjected the students including those at the post graduate level to untold academic hardships.

The taskforce comprised of representatives of the Lagos State Booksellers Association of Nigeria (LASBAN),Ajegunle chapter, military personnel and the enforcement unit of the Nigeria Copyright Commission (NCC) on Tuesday seized suspected pirated books worth N5 million from bookstores and shops in Ajegunle, a suburb of Lagos.

President of LASBAN, Mr. Valentine Uche, told newsmen after the raid that it was to ensure that every bookseller in the domain operated within the framework of the NCC. “We will no longer tolerate piracy in the community again.

Ajegunle is known to be the hub of piracy and we shall kick against it,’’ Uche said.

He said that as part of efforts to stop pirates from operating in the area, the NCC had set up a 14-man task force to pursue the course. The LASBAN president said that the committee had been supportive of its members in carrying out the anti-piracy raids in the area.

“Piracy-business has reduced to the barest minimum in Ajegunle. The raid carried out was to check the activities of those involved in the business, ensure they desist from such but comply with NCC regulations,’’ he said.

Another member of the association, Mr. Amagba Casmir, said that the raid was to protect intellectual property of authors. Casmir, President

of Bibles and Christian Books Dealers Association, also said that the exercise is “to guide against mass production of substandard works, inspirational and academic books.’’

He said that the raid was to warn those selling suspected pirated works to guide against such unethical behaviour and the need for them to desist from such act.

The chairman of the Joint Task Force, Mr. Edwin Uzor, said that it was a punishable offence for sellers to sell pirated works in the area. He said that anybody found wanting would face the wrath of the law. He said that the task force had been operating effectively within the community adding that sellers had been abiding by the NCC rules.

Uzor said that the task force which was inaugurated by the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC) in 2012, commenced operations in 2013.

“NCC has been effective and at the forefront in the fight against piracy in Ajegunle, “ Uzor said, adding that nobody was arrested during the raids but the task made some seizures.

Earlier, the Zonal Manager of NCC, Mr. Chris Nkwocha, confirmed the seizure of pirated books to newsmen. He said that the anti-piracy raid was done in conjunction with NCC enforcement team and some officers of the Nigerian Army.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

IGP establishes scholarship foundation for children of Police personnel

Sam Nzeh The Inspector General of Police (IGP), Mr. Solomon Arase, has set up a scholarship foundation to sponsor talented children of serving and deceased Police officers both at primary and secondary school levels.

A statement by the Acting ACP Olabisi Kolawole, Force Public Relations Officer, recently, the action is in furtherance of the determination of the IGP to guarantee the welfare of officers and men of the Nigeria Police

27 Education Times

Force for a robust quality service delivery to the members of the public.

Forms for the scholarship scheme, according to the statement, are available at all Police children and secondary schools for collection by interested pupils and students of Police personnel.

The statement equally stated that the scholarship scheme is in line with the policy trust of the IGP, which is aimed at improving the standard of living of Police personnel, including their services to Nigerians.

Arase

Why I embarked on scholarship scheme in Kogi — Abuja based journalist Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja Gowon Egbunu is an Abuja based journalist and publisher of Parliament International Magazine. In his determination to put smiles into the faces of some indigent students in his state, Kogi, Egbunu, few years ago, decided to embark on a scholarship scheme under which many have benefitted in one way or the other.

In this interview with Lateef Ibrahim of our Abuja Bureau, Egbunu shed light on what motivated him into embarking on the scheme as well as his future plans for the scheme among other issues.

Excerpts: Few years back, you did embark on a scholarship scheme in your state, Kogi. What prompted you into this and when exactly did it start?

I have a passion for education because in any in any society, education is the best gift anybody can be given. And then, I have equally had the privilege of being sponsored by my own school because I was into sports and I played handball for my own school, the then Buffaloes of Makurdi, when we (Kogi State) were in the old Benue State. So, I know the extent that has gone, and I know the benefits of my school offering me a scholarship because of sports. So, about six years ago, I decided to travel my country home, and then I saw some young boys and girls who were supposed to be in school, but were not. I asked why they were not in school and they said no school fees. And how much was the school fees? Some were paying as low as N1,000 and

N2000 as the case may be. Yet, the parents could not afford it because of the level of poverty in the land. I was moved by plight of these students and there and then I resolved that I must find a way of assisting them in my own little way. By the special grace of God, I have been able to assist a lot of them.

It is not a foundation yet, but I plan to run one soonest.

As at January this year, we have about ninety-seven people who have benefitted from this.

Some are already graduates. So, this how we started.

How long has this programme gone on now?

It has been on for between five to six years.

What are the guidelines for this scholarship scheme?

What I do is that sometimes, I could walk into a secondary school, meet with the principal and tell him that I want the best of the best of his students who are indigents. And sometimes I walk into a school, and if I have up to five, ten pupils, and I don’t have the wherewithal to cover everybody, we go into a kind of balloting. We write “Yes” or “No” scholarship.

So, if you pick a yes, then we will go to your school, pay and then they issue a receipt. Because some of them have the wherewithal, but they will still come saying that they don’t, so the school management helps us to identify whose children they are, and sometimes we do it on our own. This is because some of them take advantage of the opportunity. They will come to you saying that they just gained admission. For example, during this last Sallah (Muslim festival) that I was home, somebody came to me that he just got admitted to

Egbunu

one school in Kogi State. I said okay, where is your admission letter? He said he forgot it at home. And even if he had taken public transport, it would have taken him less than thirty minutes from my country home to where he claimed to have come from. So, I asked him to go and get his letter of admission. I said if you bring it, I’ll give you cash, and you can go and pay. I didn’t see him again. But most of them are very honest. So we really don’t have any guidelines that we follow. It all depends on the situation and where we meet with the people. Some principals, provosts of colleges of education, take it upon themselves to

call us directly, saying, we have some students who are brilliant but are unable to cope financially. Can you help? And we collaborate and assist, sometimes, with problems of feeding, and accommodation. We completely define that if you have your admission letter, from any tertiary institution, and then we take over completely. So this is where we are now. But we intend to make it a full package soon.

How soon?

Well, perhaps in the next six months or so. We are planning towards February 2016.

As a media practitioner, how will you assess media practice in Nigeria under the

current civilian administration and also under the past military regime?

Media practice now is far better than in the past under the military. I can tell you that the media in Nigeria today, in a democracy, is far better than what we experienced under the military. We have a greater future.

You will notice that we are the ones who set agenda for every government at every level, from the local to the federal. So, there is a big future for us if we really know our own value as journalists.

Would you say that the advent of the social media has affected mass media practice in the country?

Yes, it has affected us negatively, no doubt. But I want you to know that many people still believe in the traditional media.

It is not everybody who believes in the social media or information they read on it. Social media, with your handset, you can sit down here, write your stories.

You are the reporter, the editor, and the publisher all combined.

This is not so with traditional media. In traditional media, you as a reporter or as an editor somebody somewhere oversees you. In social media, there is no such thing. It is mainly a oneman show. So, it has no doubt affected us. But a lot of people, not only in Nigeria, but even globally, still believe more in the traditional media.

So, what words of advice do you have for upcoming journalists?

My advice to them is very simple. They should be very patience and persevere in doing their work at all times. They shouldn’t be into much of a hurry to make money.

28

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Inside Campus Æ s Invest in Cardiac care, UNIBEN don urges govt Eddy Uwoghiren UNIBEN A professor of Medicine and Consultant Cardiologist at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Prof Austin Osemwengie Obasohan, has said the failure of government in building a National Cardiac Centre and institute is militating against care of patients with cardiac diseases.

The Professor of Medicine also disclosed that no fewer than 3000

patients leave Nigeria monthly to India for Cardiac care at a cost of N3 million each and have continued to drain the nation’s of fund despite the availability of manpower in Nigeria.

He made the observation at the 162nd inaugural lecture of the institution which held at the Akin Deko Auditorium of the university penultimate Thursday. The lecture was titled, “The Heart: Natures Quintessential Creation.

What goes wrong with it? People Die Suddenly! What Remedies”.

Prof. Obasohan wondered why Nigeria which prides itself as the giant of Africa was yet to key fully into investment in medical care of cardiac patients revealed that smaller countries like Senegal and Ivory Coast have cardiac centres which have been running since 25 years ago.

Observing that the heart which plays a vital role in the life of a person needs special care, Obasohan stated that cardiovascular diseases (CVD) are among the leading causes of death world-

wide. He added that diseases affecting the heart could either be congenital or caused by environmental factors.

“Family history of Coronary Artery Disease, Hypertension, Heart enlargement, Diabetes Mellitus, Obesity, high level of stress, tear in Aorta, stroke, cigarette smoking are among causes of death. As a result of technological advancement, house hold chores which should have been done manually are now been carried out with machines.

TETFUND projects, the best in Education Sector, says Ogbuagu Ï ƊƊƆ Ɔ ƊƏƉƎƆƊƄƕƆ ƊƆƃƍ éƎƄ ƃ Ɔ Ɖ Ƃ ƍ Ǝ ƍƓ Emeka Onwudinjo The Provost, Federal College of Education (Technical), Umunze Anambra State, Prof. Josephat Okechukwu Ogbuagu, has described TETFund as one of the most important things that has happened to the country’s education sector.

He noted that without interventions from TETFund, most public tertiary institutions in the country would have been in a state of inactivity.

According to him, TETFund has executed several intervention projects in most tertiary institutions of learning in the country which are aimed at enhancing learning, even as he commended TETFund for their commitment towards moving the tertiary institutions forward.

Ogbuagu stated this during the commissioning of the Multimedia Micro-teaching laboratory built and fully equipped by the TETFund Special Presidential Intervention 2013 at the College permanent site. He commended the Presidency, TETFUND and other relevant agencies for partnering with the college especially in building the gigantic edifice and fully equipping it with ultra –modern facilities for better service delivery in producing teachers

Ogbuagu commissioning the building, while Surv. Achumie and other members of the management looks on

who will help the nation raise a generation of citizens whose performance will meet the international standards; teachers that are well equipped with the desirable knowledge, skill and effective operations of the educational system.

He stated that most infrastructure in the college were courtesy of various TETFunds’ interventions, adding that a lot of achievements are attributable to the funding that has come from the Tertiary Educa-

tion Trust Fund (TETFund).

Handing over the building to the College management, the Director, Physical Planning Department, NCCE Abuja, Surveyor Jonathan Achumie, who doubles as the representative of the Presidency, stated that the Federal Government through TETFUND deemed it necessary to erect the Micro-Teaching laboratory in the college to ameliorate the difficulties encountered during teaching and learning and also noted that the Micro-

Teaching laboratory has been equipped with the best facilities and the technology is the first of its kind.

The handover ceremony attracted the cream of college dignitaries including the Deputy Provost, Lady J.C Madichie, College Teaching Practice Coordinator, Barrister A.C Assimonye, Director of Works and Services, Engr. D.C Mojekwu, Director, Physical Planning and Statistics, Engr. B.U. Agwunobi among others.

LAUTECH students protest robbery, rape of colleagues Fawole Isreal, G nj& 6 Following increasing rate of robbery and rape in the immediate vicinity of the Ladoke Akintola University of Technology, Ogbomoso, Oyo State, the students rose in a general protest, led by the student union president of the institution.

The protest led to the closing down of all entrance into the university campus denying both the university staff and students entrance into the institution.

This took place for over an hour before the arrival of the Vice Chancellor, Professor Sulaiman Adeniyi Gbadegeshin, and his entourage which included the university Acting Registrar, Dean of Student Affairs and others.

They were also part of those that were locked outside the school. The Vice Chancellor took his leave after about 45 minutes of standing and trying to address the students. Not quite long after his exit from the scene, the gate of the school was thrown open and over three thousand students took to the Ogbomoso-Ilorin express road to register their plight.

Prior to the taking of this drastic measure, the students being in close proximity to the school have been subjected to various degrees of physical and psychological abuse with the effect of evil acts like robbery and rape. There have been several reports of hostels being robbed, even more than once, students being mugged on their way to or from school and even inside the school premises.

The most pathetic part of the story comes from some of the rape victims, as some of the victims are yet to recover from its psychological effects. Since the incident took place, over seven students have fallen victim of the evil act.

The culprits after forcing their ways into the hostels point guns and axe at the students staying in a particular hostel and order everyone to strip themselves and asked them to start having sex with themselves in the presence of the other hostel occupants and also abscond with all their valuables.

Features Æ s The last may not have been heard of the scandalous negligence of the management of St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos which allegedly resulted in the death last November of On Air Personality and Relationship Coach, late Mr. Charles Bruce Chukuma, popularly known as Chaz B. A medical professional and member of a family that almost lost their wife to similar circumstances in the hospital spoke to Daily Times on her encounter. GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR reports.

Yomi Adeosun is a graduate of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH). She did her mid-wifery in 1982 and concluded her nursing course in 1985 before running her public health programme in 1989/90. At the peak of her career, Adeosun worked with seasoned doctors in top Nigerian hospitals and was a tutor at the Nigerian Army School of Midwifery before she retired from the Nigerian Army School of Medical Science (formerly known as Armed Forces Medical Services (AFMS).

Alarmed at reports of blunders in the medical profession resulting in deaths of patients that otherwise have no reason dying, Adeosun reacted to the recent death of On Air Personality and Relationship Coach, late Mr. Charles Bruce Chukuma, popularly known as Chaz B and recalled the near death of a member of her family at the same hospital.

The near victim is my sisterin-law but my brother didn’t want a press issue because his employers has a relationship with St. Nicholas hospital. But immediately I learnt of the circumstances that led to the death of Chaz B in the same hospital, I realised how close we were to losing our wife early this year and I felt that no matter how it is going to be said, it has to be said, so that these people can get their acts together and treat people better.

My sister-in-law went there for a mayomectomy, that means she wanted to remove fibroid from her uterus, and from my own background in medicine, if you go to hospital and you want to do a mayomectomy, the hospital must have blood ready.

It was the absence of ready blood that killed May Eileen Ezekiel (MEE), the talk show woman and publisher of Clas-

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

29

How I almost lost my relation at St. Nicholas hospital— Yomi Adeosun

St. Nicholas Hospital, Lagos

sique magazine; she did a mayomectomy and she bled to death, and there are other people who die unmentioned.

Because the uterus has a lot of blood vessels, if they’re unable to control the blood vessel or if the bleeding cannot be stopped, it can be dangerous and that was what happened to MEE. Now our wife had a mayomectomy a day before at St. Nicholas hospital. My brother told me that they needed blood and since I am a blood donor, I went there the following day. When I got there, they told me they would come and pick me from the blood bank to go and check, that was when I stopped by to see my sister-inlaw and saw that she was paper white, very pale.

Alarmed, I asked what the matter was. Have they taken your PCV? (Packed cell volume), she said yes, that they said her PCV was low, that they will transfuse her with blood, since yesterday and they haven’t done so.

I further learnt that one doctor even had to donate blood for her yesterday when she had the mayomectomy; that the thing entered tissue and the nurses said the doctor will come and put it back.

I shouted, since yesterday?

And you’re this pale? So I went to the nurses, they said yes, that

‘‘Dr. Majekodunmi was in Saint Nicolas; he was in the hot seat and that required everyone to give their all to patients. If you read the account of the doctor that attended to Chaz B, you will know that our doctors and nurses are not adequately trained before they are released, and even if they are adequately trained, you need them to be supervised to an extent.’’ the doctor is coming, that is why they want the blood, so that immediately that one finishes, they will give another so we left for the lab. I called my brother and he met me at the blood bank.

It was then I learnt that my brother who has a donor’s card was with them yesterday and the nurses argued over his blood group. My brother told them, “I am ‘AB’ same blood group with my wife, because in our place of work, they check our genotype and it is written in our record,” but they told him that he was something else. He insisted that is not his blood group, they said they have checked it, that it is not his blood group. He phoned their medical personnel that relates with Saint Nicolas, the

man checked his record and told them that the man’s blood group is ‘AB’, they said no, that it didn’t correspond with their record.

I said no problem; I am a donor, my driver also is a donor; if you go to Lagos State they will give us blood. The nurses argued again that they don’t have blood, the state hospital staffs are on strike; they gave different excuses but I said; this person needs blood!

So I left them there and went to Lagos State hospital. I didn’t even know they were at the top of Island Maternity building, so I got there and told them I am a donor and now my relation has need of blood.

The Lagos State officials were nice; they said since I am do-

nor, they will give us one pint and I should not pay for it. But the nurse said I cannot take the blood away like that, that I should go back to St. Nicolas and tell them to come and take the blood because there is a way that they do it.

“It took St. Nicholas nurses so long to follow me; they even said I should be going, but I refused and reminded them that I came because of the blood, so I stayed there. I made sure that they brought the blood back to the hospital and set up the blood because the blood one of the doctors donated for my sister-inlaw the previous day, the nurses could not account for it.

“With all the fuss I made, they did not transfuse the blood.

When I asked to know the patient’s PCV, they said somebody was using the folder; I said okay I will wait. I waited and waited, it did not come. Then I asked the nurse, is that nurse not the one writing report? Just check there and tell me the PCV, I have the right to know my patient’s report.

In short, they did not put up that blood till I left. I was not happy at all and I told them that.

There was another drama that transpired outside the hospital wards.

The very first thing that happened is, when I got to St. Nicolas, I wanted to drive up to park, the security men said I can’t pack there, that I have to go through the front door, but the men at the gate now said that my driver should go to City Hall and give them N200 to park there.

I asked why? You are a hospital; you have car pack upstairs, why can’t I park there? They started a long story that it became clear to me the security men were sourcing customers to other parks and they probably get commission.

Immediately I entered I started making noise, they began to apologise but I insisted I want to speak to someone of authority.

They said I should write a letter and I demanded for paper; there and then I wrote and complained to them.

If it is an emergency, you are going to ask me to walk all the CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Features 30

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

‘Doctors need to wake up to their responsibilities’

Yomi Adeosun

Late Chaz B CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

way to City Hall to park? You are the people that cannot even provide blood; by the time I drop my patient and I go to look for area boys that will keep my car when you have parking space in this building, if it is an emergency, what will happen to my patient?

So I wrote all these down; dropped my phone number and my email and Dr. Bamigboye himself replied few days later.

In the light of these complaints, why has standards fallen in many highbrow hospitals? Could it be that expatriates are no longer in charge?

Not at all, Dr. Majekodunmi was in Saint Nicolas; he was in the hot seat and that required everyone to give their all to patients. If you read the account of the doctor that attended to Chaz B, you will know that our doctors and nurses are not adequately trained before they are released, and even if they are adequately trained, you need them to be supervised to an extent.

It’s just like training a hair dresser; you will send her to work under somebody first before she can buy her own equipment and start on her own.

The doctor that attended to Chaz B apparently didn’t know much; he could be qualified on paper so you can’t blame him, but the people that put him on duty knew his limitations; you could see when he kept calling them to tell him what to do; the man that was supposed to be

there did not come which is very wrong; the hospital’s administration too is faulty in this aspect.

What could be the way out?

Until you make them pay, they will continue like this; they no longer take human life seriously, which is very unprofessional.

When I was working at LUTH, my cousin who was also in healthcare department was picking a woman from the labor room to the ward and this woman knocked her hand on the lift door; my cousin said sorry, I hope no problem? And the woman said no problem.

The following day, the matron on duty saw the patient massaging her hand with rub, and she inquired what was wrong; she said she hit her hand on the lift door yesterday when she was being brought from the labour room. My cousin was given a memo, and she almost lost her position there because she didn’t report the incident. So no matter how insignificant, you must mention it in your report.

So such skills are not sharpened in the hospitals anymore and people are not held to account. Consider the doctor that donated his blood for my wife, is he not a doctor? He donated for his patient because he knew that this patient must have the blood; he knew the implication, that was why he donated the blood and he knew that it was his blood group, so he donated it, but the people that he left there spoilt the blood and didn’t care

until I showed up.

Medicine generally is practical; you will have to develop your skill from doing something. Late Chaz B’s wife said the nurse found it difficult to get a vain.

Can you imagine? A nurse that is in the bush would easily get a vain if she is doing it all the time: it is as simple as that. A doctor that is not experienced has to develop the skill;

that is why I am insisting that he should have been under supervision.

I worked with professor Bello Osagie in his hospital for two years and we had a lot of fibroid removal operations.

During the time I was there, he even brought in other doctors that brings in their patient into our hospital; they also did mayomectomy. In that hospital

till I left, we never lost a patient, but there was a case of this woman that had multiple fibroid, when she was opened up and we saw the condition of the uterus, they said they had to remove the uterus and they did, because of bleeding, and she survived.

Doctors need to wake up to their responsibilities and to their calling.

JUST HUMAN

Sunday Okpere in Lagos. Building a Nigerian vehicle without finance. Photo God’s Covenant Snr/095

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, October 28, 2015

31 Opinion

Place, Production, People

ÏÏÏActually,

it was Polly Alakija who invited me. Polly was joining two Nigerian artists, Adeola Balogun and Adewale Alimi, who recently benefited from Quintessence’s Artistin-residence programme in Sweden in giving a talk at Quintessence in Parkview. I hadn’t been to Quintessence for more than a year. Quite atypical! I was a regular at the shop when it was at Falomo Shopping Complex.

I made it to the function two hours before the event started. I wanted to have the opportunity to speak with Chief, Moses and the other staff who often, with smiles, make us feel welcome whenever we enter the shop.

I got in and recalled Quintessence of old, the days at Falomo.

- I must ask Chief how life has been.

The question took us to the very beginning.

In sunny California in the early 70s, Olu, a Nigerian art student, met

Aino, another student from Sweden. In 1972, Olu returned home. Six months after, Aino, who was now married to him, followed. In 1975, Olu secured a shop in the newlybuilt shopping complex in Falomo in south-west Ikoyi. Falomo Shopping Complex was the first shopping complex in Lagos in the mid-70s. Lagos residents trooped there in droves. There was an ice-cream bar to which children were taken for after-school treats. It was owned by Mrs. Funso Animashaun who, alas, is now late. There was the Glendora Bookshop of Mrs. Gbemi Tejuoso.

Also on that same line was La Boutique de Madame of Alhaja Muyinat Shasanya. At the angle of the line was the big Q of Quintessence that could not be missed by passers-by as they approached the shopping complex.

It was the promises of the Civil Service Commission of a ‘new and

better Nigeria’ that encouraged Olu to return to Nigeria in 1972. He was bitterly disappointed with what he met on ground. True there was oil boom and money wasn’t a problem in the Lagos of early 70s but the city couldn’t boast of the ‘state of the art’ electronics. Olu noticed this and decided to import brands that would adorn the homes of the ‘nouveaux riches’ among the military and the civilians. He set up Quintessence Shop in 1976. In the shop were top of the range brands in electronics from Britain, Norway, Japan and USA. The central location of the shop and its proximity to Dodan Barracks, the seat of government at that time, made it enjoy patronage of high-brow military and civilian clientele. Other top quality items sold in the shop were leather furniture from Switzerland and designer leather handbags from Italy. Olu Oni-Okpaku was joined at the shop by Aino after her day job at the architects firm. Aino worked for two years as interior decorator in the office of the renowned architects, Godwin and Hopewood.

She’s forever grateful to these architects who made life much easier for her during her early years in Nigeria. Aino trained as a textile artiste specialising in rugs, tapestry and appliqué.

In 1977 Olu fell off a horse and died. That same year the government placed a ban on importation of furni-

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ture and electronics and mostly all the items sold at Quintessence.

I looked at her and was going to ask why she didn’t sell the business and go back home after Olu died. Not only would that have been insensitive of me - it would also have been daft. For right before me were answers to my questions.

Comfort Bruce who worked with her since the inception of the shop and who didn’t desert her when Olu died, suggested that they should look into the Nigerian market to see what was marketable. And Aino who ‘encourages innovative ideas from the employees and implements them for the benefit of the company’ shared Ms Bruce’s ideas. That was the beginning of selling made-in-Nigeria goods.

For the past 38 years Quintessence changed from the sales of imported hi-fi and furniture to the sales of Nigerian arts and crafts, jewelries, furniture, books and other products with a gallery for exhibition. If the government had not then discouraged importation of foreign made goods would Quintessence be enjoying this reputation today?

A lot of the Nigerian artistes whose names have become household names were mentored

by Aino Oni-Okpaku e.g. Nike Ogundayo of Nike Arts Gallery, Kaine Dosekun (fashion), Soji Akinkugbe (Colours of Africa), Idowu Odunlami (furniture), Akin Alamu

(wood carver). With her long-standing driver, Boniface, Aino did a cross-country trip with Jan Kiesel. They got to have a first-hand contact with and information on pottery artistes in Nigeria. This trip spurred Aino to hold the 1st traditional pots of Nigeria exhibition sponsored by Quintessence. Quintessence is involved in ‘an exchange programme between Swedish textile designers and weavers in southwest Nigeria’. The gallery also organises international exhibitions of Nigerian arts and crafts in Sweden, England, Germany, Zimbabwe, Ghana and Burkina Faso.

Aino has been involved in charitable organisations and undertakings for a while. Her involvement in Better Life for Rural Woman, that Maryam Babangida’s pet project, made the OgtunEkiti community give her the title ‘Afn’la’ title (s/he who leads the path to wealth) in 1990. Aino set up Eruobodo House in 1997 to provide accommodation for children with physical and mental disabilities and orphans in Ijebu-Ode. She’s one of the project owners of Ebunoluwa Foundation which believes that ‘each and every child in Nigeria has a right to a safe and happy environment in which s/he can develop to the best of her/his abilities and full potential’.

The Central Bank of Nigeria wanting ‘to save the naira’ barred import-

ers of 40 ‘frivolous goods’ from sourcing foreign exchange. Justifying the measure, CBN governor said, ‘the country must start to imbibe the culture of producing for local consumption and export’. But businessmen and women have been scheming to make the CBN do a u-turn. ‘Why don’t they want to support made-in-Nigeria, made locally and made by real people? Don’t they know that every Naira is a plus for the country?’

Just cleared ministerial nominee, Mrs. Adeosun is reported to have advised that, ‘.....we must encourage local industries by patronising made in Nigeria goods.

We must buy made in Nigeria, eat made in Nigeria and drink made in Nigeria products.’

SOS Our Father who art in Aso Rock, with humility and hope, we present our supplications before you. Nepa/Phcn now Discos still hold on to power. They supply substandard materials and service. They levy us heavily. When we manifest our displeasure, they say ‘apes obey’ and tax us more heavily. They hoard their pre-paid meters and bring estimated bills to us. Every month they hike their charges.

They treat us with scorn.

Music from these Discos makes us sad. So Baba we look up to you to deliver us from our oppressors.

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WEDNESDAY, OCTOBER 28, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.218

Price: N150

‘Mourinho on bench for Reds clash’ –X6

LAKEE A W X E S VOWS TO ‘SH

THINGS UP’ IN FIFA

ANDREW EKEJIUBA

WITH AGENCY REPORT

S

outh Africa’s Tokyo Sexwale says he is “ready to take on the world” in his bid to become Fifa president and aims to repair the “damaged” organisation.

The 62-year-old won the required support to enter his application on Monday to stand in February’s election.

“I am going into this campaign as

a candidate of my country with the confidence bestowed in me to make sure that we win,” Sexwale said.

“But win or lose people will know there was an African who shook things up.”

Candidates had until 23:00 GMT on Monday to submit the relevant paperwork - together with letters of support from five football associations.

Sexwale is one of eight men who were able to do so and put themselves

in the running to contest the elections, which will be held on February 26.

“I think it was a vote of confidence by people who I can only say understand who I am and what I will be able to bring to football,” he added. “Fifa, the organisation of the beautiful game, is damaged. The brand is severely undermined.”

Sexwale has been a member of Fifa’s anti-discrimination task force, has conducted talks between the

Rashid not to blame for England loss

–BAYLISS

–X8

Palestinian and Israeli federations, and was a member of the bid team and the organising committee for the 2010 World Cup, the first held in Africa.

“Having spent time inside Fifa, I am more than ready to take on the world,” he added.

Fifa is embroiled in the worst scandal of its 111-year history, with the United States having indicted several Fifa officials for bribery, money laundering and wire fraud in May.

Swiss authorities are also investigating the decision to award the 2018 and 2022 World Cups to Russia and Qatar respectively. Both countries deny any wrongdoing.

Blatter and Michel Platini, president of European football’s governing body Uefa, who had been favourite to succeed him, have been suspended for 90 days pending a full investigation by Fifa’s Ethics Committee. Both deny any wrongdoing.

ROONEY

GRANTED MAN UNITED TESTIMONIAL –X6

Life&

TIMES Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Ngozi Omambala The diva music promoter

L2

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Live music is key in the music world

Ngozi Omambala

Queen of the monthly live music platforms in Nigeria, Ngozi Omambala, MD NMO Management in a rare interview explains exclusively to Daily Times why live music holds the key to the future of quality music business in Africa.

Life&

T E A M

Running a public relation firm involves huge capital, how are you able to meet up with tasks?

Let me be specific NMO Management is an event, artist management, PR Company with an entertainment, music and arts focus. Running the PR element involves working with select and talented client profile roster‎ which by default can drive much of the PR momentum as there is a requirement for content media establishments. The two go hand in hand.

What are NMO and PR all about?

NMO Management is a full event and camp artist Management company with an associated PR element. The event management company organises, coordinates and oversees shows and related music platforms, events, with a live music focus. These include GBT Auditions monthly platform ongoing for nearly two years for aspiring artists held on the mainland Surulere , Lagos heartbeat of youthful creativity; Contestants audition in front of an industry panel of judges. The GBT winner gains automatic entry for solo performance to the popular monthly Loud and Proud Live series, with a full live band alongside other established acts on the line up. GBT puts each manly GBT winner through a workshop mentoring program and band rehearsals in preparation for the performance the following month. The package is valued at over N250, 000.00; it investment in the future growth of aspiring artists, much needed help and assistance.

The industry is tight for breakthrough artists who have no connections to make the progress necessary to stardom! GBT Auditions facilitates in this endeavor. We have had success stories in former GBT winner VERCHI signed to Omotola’s label and release a single Jekowale ft Seyi Shay and had heavy radio rotation also opened up for Loud and Proud Live 4th Anniver-

sary edition. Daborn, another talented GBT winner has gained a wealth of experience by just winning the second nature for him performing with a live band, which he does effortlessly.

He has opened up for such artists as Kayswitch, Aina More, Chocolate City’s Koker to name a few. Loud and Proud Live Series multi artist platform for established artists held monthly every last Thursday of the month, One Nite Live Camp, Unplugged Premium Solo artist platform for well established artists of high pedigree and caliber with a strong back catalogue - previous artists included Omawumi, Waje, Bez, Priaz, Mi, Seyi Shay, Tosin Martins to name a few.

Held monthly every last Saturday of the month, the event management company looks after the careers of talent such as artists, DJ, radio presenters , actors with Hakeem Kai Kazeem, Pirates of Caribbean, Hotel Rwanda, Last Flight to Abuja, Black Sails on their books.

How long have you been in the business and what are the challenges you have encountered?

I started in the music industry in UK where I worked in Radio organising concerts and producing shows, then publishing; Entertainment editor for Pride Magazine and Aspire Magazine as well as organising club events attended by celebrities from the world of sport fashion camp music Challenges never stop - Loud and Proud live started in Nigeria with a one week window to organise our first ever show. The first edition with Omawumi, Tiwa Savage and Nneka at Ember Creek Ikoyi; it was a success, sold out full house. The nature of the business -working with camp managing talent and creative individuals there will always be differing views and perspectives and opinions. However, you learn with experience the art of compromise, keeping focused on the job at hand and being a team player.

Managing events financial constraints

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli

always evident, tough decisions have to be made hence the necessary support from sponsors and partners is essential and always welcome. So you learn the art of team work to balance resources and c ordination amongst colleagues. Patience is always a virtue in this business.

Every business has its own turning point, at what point did you think your business has arrived a ready to challenge others?

Business is about discovering strategic voids and satisfying needs in the market place and plugging into them.

The Loud and ProudLive series was initially set up to redress the lack of females in the music industry in Nigeria.

It has since evolved to such a degree where we are no longer gender specific; however the female focus is still evident. This started with Loud and ProudLive in Nigeria in 2011. There were few ladies, in the business, we commenced our shows with artists such as Tiwa Savage, Omawumi, Waje, Eva, Efya (Ghana), Nneka all now household names in the business.

Hard working ladies who have made it big, we would like to think the music platform played a part in supporting their careers.

Why the keen interest in entertainment considering the fact that we have other sectors you can contribute to?

I have always been passionate about music. My late father, Mr. William Emeka Omambala, a chartered accountant turned music promoter was similarly passionate about music, promoting African music specifically Highlife - Osita Osadebe was one of his artists and would bring him and his band to UK shows for nationwide City tours. I have such fun memories and I guess it had a profound influence on my line of business and work today.

In past years, what are some of

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Ngozi Omambala

the notable projects you have done and who did you work with in the industry?

As the former MTV Base Africa Head of Marketing for Nigeria, I had full responsibility overseeing the first ever MTV Mama awards held in Abuja 2009 which featured international artists such as Kelly Rowland, Destiny Child, Dbanj, Asa to name a few. We sold out before the event started with over 5000 people in attendance. Amazing experience. It paved the way to what the MAMA have become today. Prior to that, working with Grammy nominated artist, Brian Mcknight as his European management representative, his Grammy nominated Album apos; Back at One & apos did extremely well internationally.

I have a name credit on the Grammy nominated Album -He's the real deal!!

What difference are you bringing to the table at this year’s edition of the LoudandLive concert?

LoudNProudLive Series is a live music platform and we take pride in this.

Live music allows artists to fully express themselves without being creatively restricted by a CD time limit and allows them to explore themselves in more depth whilst interacting with an audience simultaneously. No easy feat. We celebrated our 5th Anniversary in January, a milestone era and find ourselves naturally evolving. We have a special international edition with Award winning rapper AKA who will be performing with a full live for the first time in Nigeria. We are indeed very excited about this. Hip Hop is powerful. AKA also on the bill UK/Nigerian rap sensation Aina More (aka Morenike Olukoga). Although brought up in UK has kept close to her Nigerian roots and is also billed to perform her hit single #GirlsKillingIt alongside AKA, Legendary DJ Jimmy Jatt + Uk' urban voice of Afrobeat DJ Abrantee (Capital Xtra) at Eko hotel this

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Adebambo Segun

Thursday 29th October. We are unifying African talents across the Continent and in the Diaspora. This is hotpot of creativity as Nigerian music is ever popular, however other African musicians are making an important mark our music is becoming more eclectic as it evolves.

We are bringing an element of that to the international edition - South Africa, Nigeria, Ghana all represented at this Edition. We look forward to more of the same in subsequent Editions.

In what way is your company giving back to the society at large?

We feel we are creating platforms that reflect the different levels of an artist’s progression. From GBT Auditions for aspiring artists to LoudNProudLive for more seasoned artist performances to the premium platform One Nite Live & Unplugged - the ultimate solo platform for well-established acts.

These platforms exist to facilitate and akin to graduation from school to university - it's a legacy and support and point of entry for upcoming artists to aspire to and graduate from in pursuing their own careers and journeys.

Hence the GBT Tag line 'Giving tomorrow's Stars a LoudNProudLive voice today & apos.

Why the thought on choosing to partner with Daily Times newspaper?

Daily Times is a well-established brand highly respected and unique and easily recognisable. It was a no brainer as this attributes are embedded in our own company philosophy. NMO Management & PR is very pleased with the partnership and is looking forward to taking the brand further with its entertainment & creative arts. Be sure to attend LoudNProudLive Series #International Edition with AKA, Aina More, Legendary Cool DJ Jimmy Jatt, DJ Abrantee (Capital Xtra) Eko hotel on 29th October Daily Times is a media partner.

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

L3 Global fashion

Afolabi Omobolaji

I-D magazine reveals Adele in stunning 2015 winter edition The British singer and song writer recently released a new single called ‘Hello’ made a full delight with a black and white snapshot on the cover of I-D Magazine.

The soul singer covered a side of her face showing off a dramatic eye and a flawless makeover with a full lush lashes, the singers hair was with curls and looked richly dark out the cover and the artwork for her sophomore cover ‘25’ was shot by popular British fashion photographer Alasdair McLellan.

Adele wore a feather like coat giving a flawless pose in the picture.

Sixty year old supermodel Iman Abdulmajid launches her IMAN cosmetics line because of discrimination in the modelling industry Iman has revealed that the only reason she launched her cosmetics line is because of the discrimination against black models The Somali-American fashion model and entrepreneur married to David Bowie pioneered the launch of ethnic cosmetics with own line of Iman Cosmetics but she recently admitted creating the brand because of the discrimination in the modelling industry.

Adele

Drake set to personalized lipstick shade by Tom Ford

Drake

The Canadian rapper, singer, songwriter and actor Drake seems to be the only rapper that can be as scathing as “Back to Back” and then getting his own special shade of lipstick. The hit rapper is set to have his personalized lipstick by luxury brand Tom Ford, as he is featured in their “Lips & Boys” collection. The Drake-stick will be a part of Tom Ford’s “Lips & Boys” collection, in which each shade is “inspired by notable men” in Ford’s life.

Drake’s shade of lipstick is said to be “deep burgundy,” or deep red the same colour trend most Nigerian girls now possess. This product is bound to be sold out as soon as they hit the stands.

Onobello goes flowery this November The fashion enthusiast and writer Onobello revels new beauty editorial to mark the brand’s 5th year anniversary the edition was called ‘petal perfection’.

Onobello released a themed editorial going to pleas while wearing breathtaking makeup looks wearing beautiful petals the gave the picture quality balance the fashionista revels the beauty editorial started five years ago and the brand is set to launched the monthly basis kicking off with the November issue. The floral theme of the editorial was adorable as Bello was donning in a floral crowns with makeup done perfectly stunning.

Iman lunches cosmetics line out of racial discrimination

Onobello

Iman

Big brother Africa chase contestant shows off new look Micheal Bonny Bassey shares new photos wearing platinum blonde hair the contestant joins the fierce hair movement he’s switched his otherwise dark mane for a bleached out blonde look. Sierra Leone’s reality TV star and actor showed off his new platinum blonde look -without a dark root in sight the picture show that the contestant seemed to have changed his style as well t fired up the new hair look, as most of his previous pictures all shows black looks making his coiffed hair stand out. Known for his daring, eclectic styles, Bassey seems to be taking in all the attention the hair colour is bringing his way.

Micheal

Vane Style Clinic Presents ‘The Power of Style’ For lovers of fashion and style, the much anticipated Vane Style in collaboration with great lifestyle brands is back this October for Lagos Fashion and Design Week.

The style Clinic is an informative Style Seminar that will be hosted by Veronica Odeka, the CEO of Vane Style. She will be sharing secrets to building the perfect style wardrobe, glam essentials for the 9-5 woman, getting the ‘power look’, as well as the power of accessories.

The maiden edition which took place on 14th June 2015 was highly informative and a long list of famous Stylists, Fashion Editors, Bloggers and enthusiast were in attendance.

This October, the Style Clinic promises more impactful as it is scheduled to hold for two days between October 29-30th, 2015 at the Federal Palace Hotel, Victoria Island.

Moet imperial ices launch featuring Modan

Moet The all-white MOET imperial Ice launch was brightened up with fabulous pieces from Modan, the home of luxury brands in Lagos Gracing the pool side runway on this fabulous day where Missoni, La Perla, Giorgio Armani, Alberta Ferretti, Philosophy and Cedric Charlier. Check out some of the fashion moments.

Fashion & Style L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Meet some of the contest

Name: Jenifer Oluchi State: Enugu

Name: Miriam Chinonyerem State: Ebonyi

Name: Ayuk Prosp State: Cross River

Name: Uju Obijiaku State: Anambra

Name: Ajayi Iyanuoluwa State: Oyo

Name: Amayah Eli State: Delta

Name: Helen Elims State: Edo

Name: Temitope Adeniji State: Ogun

Name: Nwachukwu State: Imo

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

L5

Fashion & Style

tant of Miss Nigeria 2015

per r

Name: Agu Uchechi State: Enugu

Name: Pamela Peters State: Rivers

ie

Name: Udoh Joy State: Edo

Name: Yisayo Ajimati State: Osun

u Nancy

Name: Deborah Alfred State: Bayelsa

Name: Okoro Chioma State: Abia

Watch this space more photographs of other contestants

Fashion L6

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Afolabi Omobolaji

Glorify your skin with

cocoa butter

The word cocoa registers chocolate in peoples mind but cocoa is not only used for beverages, it can also be used as a beauty care treatment. Cocoa butter can also be called theobroma oil people mostly mistake Shea butter for cocoa butter, the original colour of cocoa butter is pale yellow, it contains ediblevegetable fat extracted from the cocoa bean. Cocoa is the primary source of chocolate and cocoa butter these products are enriched with cocoaflavor and aroma.

Cocoa butter has been used to produce different beauty products like body cream, soap, lotion the natural product moisturizing properties are also said to be effective for treating mouth sores. Cocoa butter is naturally rich in Vitamin E as well as a number of other vitamins and minerals. Vitamin E helps to sooth, hydrate, and balance the skin. The continually usage of cocoa butter will soften the body temperature. Cocoa butter works for everybody including pregnant women; it helps to restore their beauty.

Some hidden ability of cocoa butter • Stretch mark treatment: Cocoa butter helps reduce stretch marks in pregnant women and women especially, most expensive cream works badly on pregnant women because their body tends to be soft and sensitive at that moment, but with cocoa butter you get that beautiful and glorious skin even when pregnant.

• Hair treatment: Cocoa butter can also be used as a hair cream treatment, it gives the hair this cocoa aroma that makes your hair smell and look healthy, it enriches the colour to a neutralized and beautiful tone.

• Lip balm; Cocoa butter can also been used for the lips as it prevents the lips from dryness or lip tear. Your lips look adorable gorgeous when you apply cocoa butter on your

lips.

• Shaving cream: Cocoa butter will make your shaving process smoother. It is possible to mix bar form of cocoa butter with shave lotions that’s absolutely up to your preference. Cocoa butter provides smooth and less irritating shave, leaving your skin incredibly smooth.

• Scars treatment: Cocoa butter has effective healing properties. It contains antioxidants that can battle scars.

Just use it regularly and you will see how it accelerates the process of regeneration. If you have a scar from former acne issues, a cut, or similar discolored areas, don’t panic.

Just use cocoa butter regularly and you will notice them looking much lighter or even disappearing.

Patience Ekanem We have various kinds of Concealers:Stick Concealer Stick concealer has a semi-solid texture like a lipstick; it’s richly pigmented, and has a thick, creamy texture. This type of concealer can be dotted on or swiped on in a line of color and then blended.

Cream-to-powder Concealer Cream-to-powder concealer generally comes in a small compact and is best for normal to slightly dry skin that’s not affected by breakouts. It’s very easy to use because it has a creamy texture with good slip during application.

Look classic-using

concealers

Concealer is a major makeup product ladies love but sometimes, we ladies apply it differently. Concealers are best used to conceal dark spots, hyper pigmentation, smoothen out lines and more. A typical concealer is a color corrector, it brightens the skin, and it is also used to mask large pores; Concealer covers a multitude of unsightly blemishes when applied perfectly; it can be applied either with the fingers or beauty blenders. It gives you that glamorous look, and makes you look elegant.

Color-Correcting Concealer Color-correcting concealer is a last resort when flesh-tone concealer doesn’t work well enough to cover or neutralize severe discolorations. Color-correcting concealer is most commonly available in cream or stick form; the liquid versions can be easily blended so as to appear nice.

Having problems applying your concealer? Try this.

Dab the concealer onto discolorations with a clean finger or sponge and gently blend out until there are no apparent lines of demarcation between the concealer and your skin or foundation. Liquid, cream, or cream-to-powder concealers should not be applied over powder foundation. If you use powder foundation, apply concealer first, allow it to set, and then apply your foundation.

Finish by setting the concealer with a light dusting of loose or pressed powder. A con-

cealer with a matte finish doesn’t need to be set with powder because that may make it look or feel too dry, but you can experiment and see how your matte-finish concealer looks and lasts with or without powder.

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

L7 Fashion

Mutiat Alli

Keeping your

underwear neat

As a general rule, guys should replace their underwear roughly once a year. Make your trunks look their best for all 12 of those months. Here are few tips Wash With Care Regardless of what the care instructions say, wash your undies in cold water. (Hot water sets stains and wears out fabric.) For optimal underwear care, we also recommend you: • Use a color-safe bleach to take care of bacteria.

• Apply a stain remover on underwear

Izedunor Ann

Go

stains before throwing them in the wash.

• Wash your undies on a delicate cycle in a separate load to minimize fabric friction.

• Turn your underwear inside out when washing to further reduce the wear and tear on delicate fabric; this will get your underwear cleaner, too.

if necessary, throw them in for just a few minutes to get that just-out-of-the-dryer feel.

You’ll save on electricity, too.

Let the air in Air-drying your underwear will greatly increase the longevity of your under-duds.

High heat breaks down fabrics, and in some cases, downright destroys them—the elastic doesn’t even stand a chance. Hang-dry and,

Manicure your briefs Snip loose threads on your older underwear and use a fabric shaver to them will reduce pilling—a.k.a. annoying fuzz balls— and keep your shorts looking better, longer.

Since underwear isn’t the cheapest neces-

flashy with

sun shades Sunshades are often considered to be a fashion accessory. However, they are not simply a stylish statement. On the contrary, sunglasses are an important accessory for anyone, young or old, who spends time outdoors. Sunglasses protect the eyes from the sun’s harmful rays, which in turn, prevents eye diseases as well as skin cancer around the eyes. Additionally, sunglasses reduce the glare caused by the sun, which prevents the eyes from watering and squinting too much, often causing headaches.

Sunglasses promote healthy eyes, which leads to happier wearers.

Sunglasses are a form of protective eyewear designed primarily to prevent bright sunlight and high-energy visible light from damaging or discomforting the eyes. They can sometimes also function as a visual aid, as variously termed spectacles or glasses exist, featuring lenses that are coloured, polarized or darkened.

Sun glasses can go with anything but it is really devastating to see most Nigerians abusing the powerful fashion trend, sun glasses have different types of shades that complement the stylish lens. Sun glasses can be also called sun cheaters, The powerful fashion trend comes with different classical designers likes of Burberry, Gucci, D&G Louis Vuitton etc. it all depend on how you rock your stylish sun glasses.

Things to consider when putting on sun glasses · When wearing sun glasses, be mindful of what you wear. · When wearing a sun glass always choose your face type, do not make your face look swollen due to the oversized sun glasses. · Colour doesn’t matter, some sunglasses come with amber, green or grey lenses. · When wearing sunglasses, be mindful of the atmospheric condition. · Sun glasses cannot be worn at night · Sun glasses cannot be worn during parties or clubbing.

sity, this is something you can do and blame on the fiscal crisis, for sure.

Keep them separate If you’ve been to the gym even once in your life, you know that your underwear gets the brunt of your sweat. So, set aside several pairs—like these athletic spring picks— that you wear only to the gym. You shouldn’t be working out in your top-shelf underwear.

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

Showing on

Showing on

150 Africa Magic Showcase

140 AMC Channel

00:05

06:00

Wed, 28 Oct | 18

Wed, 28 Oct | PG13

A special military unit ventures into the Demilitarised Zone of Korea to destroy a North Korean nuclear power plant slated to start producing nuclear weapons. Adrian Paul, Michael Biehn, Mark Edward Anderson. (1997) Stephen Milburn Anderson.

101 M-Net West

00:00 Plastic 02:00 Crush 04:00 The Voice 05:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 06:00 The Goldbergs 06:30 Grey’s Anatomy 07:30 Grey’s Anatomy 08:30 Salmon Fishing In The Yemen 10:30 Mike & Molly 11:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 12:00 The Voice 13:00 Battle Creek 14:00 Elementary 15:00 Chicago PD 16:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 17:00 The Middle 17:30 The Voice 18:30 Modern Family 19:00 Two And A Half Men 19:30 The Blacklist 20:30 CSI: Cyber

154 Africa Magic Family 00:00 Tinsel 00:30 Star Gist 01:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 02:00 Music Block 03:00 Good Morning Africa 04:00 Music Block 05:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 Star Gist 07:30 Days Without Rain 08:55 Living With Trisha 10:00 Good Morning Africa 11:00 Tinsel 11:30 Star Gist 12:00 Music Block 13:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 14:00 Jara 14:30 Family Ties 15:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 16:00 Prem

16:30 Living With Trisha 17:30 Mary Slessor 18:00 Meet The Adebanjos 18:30 Jane And Abel 19:00 Tinsel 19:30 Star Gist 20:00 Airtel Touching Lives 20:30 President For A Day 21:25 Family Ties 22:00 Tyme Out With Tee-A 22:00 Tyme Out With Tee-A 23:40 53 Extra

‘S3/E779 - 3/779’. Star Gist shines the spotlight on African and international celebrities. The show also features the latest news and takes you behind the scenes of magazine, movies and music video shoots.

120 BBC Entertainment

118 Telemundo

00:30 The Del Monte Dynasty 01:20 The Impostor 02:10 Labour Of Love 03:00 Part Of Me 03:50 Queen Of Hearts 05:20 The Del Monte Dynasty 06:10 Labour Of Love 07:00 Part Of Me 07:50 Queen Of Hearts 08:40 The Impostor 09:30 Forbidden Passions 10:20 Labour Of Love 11:10 Part Of Me 12:00 Queen Of Hearts 12:50 The Impostor 13:40 Forbidden Passions 14:30 Labour Of Love 15:20 Part Of Me 16:10 Queen Of Hearts 17:00 The Impostor 17:50 Forbidden Passions 18:40 Labour Of Love 19:30 Part Of Me 20:20 Queen Of Hearts 21:10 The Impostor 22:00 Forbidden Passions 22:50 Labour Of Love 23:05 QI

L8 TV guide

128 SONY MAX

00:25 Most Shocking 01:20 Sexy Car Wash 01:50 Rude Tube 02:20 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 00:30 The Weakest Link

11:00 My Family

01:20 Silent Witness

11:30 Hell’s Kitchen USA

02:15 Total Wipeout UK

12:20 Top Gear

03:10 EastEnders

13:15 Come Dine With Me

03:40 QI

14:15 Hell’s Kitchen USA

04:10 Top Gear

15:05 The Weakest Link

05:00 Mr. Bean: The Animated Series

16:00 EastEnders

05:25 QI

16:30 Deal Or No Deal

06:00 The Thin Blue Line

17:10 The Cube

06:30 EastEnders

18:00 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

07:00 Antiques Roadshow

19:00 Dragons’ Den

07:55 The Weakest Link

20:05 Top Gear

08:45 The Cube

21:05 Hell’s Kitchen USA

09:30 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

22:00 Live At The Apollo

10:20 Deal Or No Deal

22:50 QI

155 AfricaMagic World 00:00 Music Block 01:00 Good Morning Africa 02:05 Deal Or No Deal SA 03:00 Music Block 04:00 The Dzigbordi Show 05:00 Good Morning Africa 06:00 The Bleeding Heart 07:30 Star Gist 07:55 Star Gist 08:25 Star Gist 09:00 Good Morning Africa 10:00 The Dzigbordi Show 11:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 12:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 13:00 Music Block 14:00 Star Gist 14:30 Star Gist

02:45 Upload With Shaquille O’Neal 03:10 Hip Hop Squares 03:35 Most Shocking 04:30 South Beach Tow 05:00 Criss Angel Mindfreak 05:25 Exposed 05:50 Exposed 06:15 Video Zonkers 06:40 Video Zonkers 07:05 World’s Wildest Police Videos 08:05 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 09:05 South Beach Tow 09:35 Most Shocking 10:35 Most Shocking 11:35 Video Zonkers 12:05 Video Zonkers 12:35 World’s Wildest Police Videos 13:35 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 14:35 South Beach Tow 15:05 Most Shocking 16:05 1000 Ways To Die 16:30 Video Zonkers 17:00 Video Zonkers

15:00 Star Gist 15:30 Lies That Bind 16:00 The Dzigbordi Show 17:00 So Wrong So Wright 17:30 So Wrong So Wright 18:00 The Dzigbordi Show 18:55 Kumwesu 19:25 Kumwesu 20:00 The Mastermind

17:30 World’s Wildest Police Videos 18:30 South Beach Tow 19:00 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 20:00 Jerks With Cameras 20:30 Impractical Jokers 21:00 Rude Tube 21:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 22:00 Sexy Car Wash

CHIKATARA TELLS g X3 WARRIORS TO WIN FOR MUM

: O H N I D L A RON Y M S I R A M Y E N ´ !

R I E H A C R BA

Odegbami g X3 opens up on failed FIFA bid

Wenger

backs Arteta for managerial role g X6

About Felix Ekpo is a Nigerian May 10, 1981) kg category. His Felix Ekpo (born in the 77 weightlifter competing 335 kg. personal best is All-Africa Games, gold at the 2007 He won overall kg. ps he with a total of 333 Weightlifting Championshi At the 2007 Worlda total of 327 kg. ranked 23rd with in the clean the snatch, silver 2008 African He won gold in silver at the kg. and jerk, and overall with a total of 335 Championships, the 2008 Summer Weightlifting at He competed in 77 kg division finishing fifteenth Olympics in the with 325 kg. division in the same weight In 2012 he competed of 331 kg. total a with and finished 8th 170 lb. tall and weighs He is 5 ft 3 inches

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

EXTRATIME

FELIX EKPO

g X7

Felix Ekpo

g X4,5 UN About LEON BALOG

Ekpo Felix rian Nige e: 10, 1981g Nam lity: : May ghtliftin Nationa Wei g of birth Date t: 335K Sport: l Bes ona (77 kg) Pers record es al Algiers Med a Gam 2007 kg) All Afric onships nd (77 : Gold an Champi 2008 Stra Afric Silver:

Poster!

NAL TION PERSO RMA INFO

X4 Wednesday, October 28, 2015

EXTRATIME

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

KAUFMAN captures maiden g X8 PGA title X5

X2

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

EXTRATIME

MARTINS,

Adi star in MLS playoffs O

bafemi Martins and Fanendo Adi will lead Seattle Sounders and Portland Timbers attack respectively when they battle for honours in the MLS playoffs.

The Nigerian strikers are the shining light of their respective clubs in the just-ended regular season of the MLS, scoring 15 goals each and they now have their hands full in a bid to make impact in the playoffs.

Their teams play in the Western Conference and today Seattle Sounders will host LA Galaxy.

Seattle Sounders were knocked out in the playoffs last year and so Martins and his team mates will now be seeking revenge.

Fanendo Adi and his Portland Timbers teammates will face Sporting Kansas City in the playoffs on Thursday.

Nigerian-born Canada international Tesho Akindele will represent FC Dallas in the playoffs.

Sunshine Stars striker Kingsley Eduwo (right) could head to Finland.

N

igeria U-23 team invitee Kingsley Eduwo is on the radar of the Finnish club of Taye Taiwo, HJK Helsinki, ahead of a winter transfer.

Eduwo’s representative, Lanre Famakinwa, who got married to Oluwafunmilayo last weekend in Lagos, said the club are interested in the 19-year-old Sunshine Stars striker.

“Kingsley Eduwo is on the radar of HJK Helsinki when the transfer window opens in January.

Other clubs too are interested, but HJK are front runners for now,” disclosed Famakinwa, who took Shehu Abdullahi to Al Qadsiya in Kuwait and manages Gomo Onduku.

EDUWO

in Helsinki radar Eduwo expressed his joy for the call-up by Coach Samson Siasia and promised to give his best to make the final cut.

“I am very happy about my call-up to the U23 national team. I will do my best to make the final cut because I am eager to represent Nigeria,” he said.

SUNDERLAND REJECT UNFIT OBASI Martins

T

roubled English Premier League (EPL) side Sunderland will not sign Nigeria forward Chinedu Obasi because he could not prove his fitness.

Obasi, who is a free agent after he

was released by German Bundesliga side Schalke 04, has been training with Sunderland with a the hope of bagging a deal.

According to reports, Sunderland have passed on a chance to sign Obasi

after he failed to prove his fitness while they need a player who could walk straight into the team.

The Nigeria international, who holds a German passport, will now seek other options.

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

EXTRATIME

X3

U-20 WWC qualifier:

I’m positive about second leg – MIGCHELSEN

T

Odegbami

ODEGBAMI

OPENS UP ON FAILED FIFA BID F

ormer Nigerian international Segun Odegbami has said his turbulent attempt to become the next Fifa president is better rested at the altar of history.

The former chairman of the National Institute for Sports (NIS) is Nigeria’s candidate for the world football body presidential election but his name was conspicuously missing on Monday, October 26, which was the deadline for the submission of a nomination form.

Odegbami said his quest to vie for the coveted position of Fifa’s topmost position was doomed to fail from the start as the lofty intention was treated with disbelief.

“I don’t want to say that the process was sabotaged from the word go but that’s the truth staring us in our faces.

“At 2pm on Monday I got an email requesting the nomination, sent to Fifa and copied to me.

“That’s the first document I needed to seek endorsement from other five countries, and I got that vital document at exactly 2pm.

“Meanwhile, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) president, Amaju Pinnick, was in Cairo, Egypt, where some big heads of CAF were meeting and he promised to use his weight to get the required five endorsements.

“I was not in Cairo but information filtered in that some

Nigerians were determined to stop Pinnick from getting the endorsements as they insisted that somebody else has been endorsed.

“Eventually, Pinnick could not get the five endorsements but I think the federation did not want to do it from the start anyway.

“I think the Nigerian government must call for an inquiry into the circumstance surrounding the whole episode because I believe we just wasted a rare opportunity for a Nigerian to take a shot at the Fifa presidency.

“I think the whole exercise is all about bad blood, I did it.

Nobody asked me to do it.

“It just occurred to me that throughout the whole exercise nobody knew what the rules say about vying for the office of Fifa president, which is not more than get five endorsements and your federation’s backing.

“I’m sure government must be taken aback by the turn of events as they forced the NFF to make the pronouncement backing my candidature, but then the NFF never released the required document on time.

“I think my candidature was shrouded in disbelief - why him, he cannot win, he is wasting our time, among other insinuations.

...BLAMES ADAMU, KALU FOR FAILURE

F

ormer Nigeria skipper Segun ‘Mathematical’ Odegbami has blamed ex-FIFA executive committee member Amos Adamu and rival Orji Uzor Kalu for his failure not to get the backing of other African countries in his quest to be elected new FIFA boss.

Odegbami, who was endorsed by the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to run for the FIFA presidency in February, could not muster

nominations from five African FAs by Monday’s deadline for him to qualify to stand for the FIFA presidential elections.

“Where were Amos Adamu and Orji Kalu on Monday? It’s a Nigerian thing to bring down others,” accused a sobered Odegbami on a radio interview monitored in Abuja Tuesday morning.

“Well, I have done my own bit and it is left for others to do theirs.”

Former Abia State Governor Kalu was linked with the FIFA presidential race, but he did not submit any documentation for his candidacy to the NFF. The NFF therefore endorsed Odegbami at the weekend.

Adamu, who is now being investigated by the FIFA ethics committee, publicly endorsed Kalu as the best candidate from Nigeria to contest for the FIFA presidency.

he coach of the South African U-20 women’s national team, Basetsana, Elisabeth Migchelsen believes they will get the desired result when Nigeria’s U-20 squad comes to South Africa for the second leg of the third and final round of the 2016 Papua New Guinea Women’s U-20 World Cup qualifier.

The return leg will take place on Saturday, November 7, at the Makhulong Stadium in Tembisa.

South Africa lost 2-1 to the Falconets of Nigeria in the first leg at the Abuja National Stadium on Saturday, October 24, but scored what might prove a crucial away goal.

“Under the circumstances we had in Nigeria, I think this is a very good result. The way the staff and the team dealt with everything was just amazing. We had a long travel, had to change hotels and we played on a very long grass but still managed to score an away goal against Nigeria.

“What gives me more hope is that we scored a crucial away goal,” said Migchelsen.

The squad is enjoying a week’s break and return to camp on Sunday, November 1, to start preparations for the second leg. But the technical team knows what needs to be done

Basetsana striker, Amogelang Motau. to ensure victory.

“I am very confident of a positive result at home mainly due to the circumstances I mentioned earlier.

If you saw how the girls fought, they showed they want to go to the World Cup. They played with their hearts, they were disciplined in what they needed to do, and so with all that I am very positive.

“We know first of all that we cannot afford to concede, then we must score a goal and then we would have qualified. They will try to make it difficult for us but I see the results going our way,” added Migchelsen.

CHIKATARA TELLS WARRIORS TO WIN FOR MUM

B

ereaved Abia Warriors top striker, Chisom Chikatara, has charged teammates to win for the departed soul of his mother, Madam Ifeyinwa Beatrice Chikatara.

The late mum of Super Eagles’ lethal finisher will be interred at the Chikatara’s home in Amuzukwu Ibeku, Umuahia today same day teammates will engage strugglers, Bayelsa United

Chikatara

in top flight match day 35 clash at the Oghara Township Stadium.

Chikatara who will not be available for the clash at Bayelsa United however promised to host teammates upon return with the whole three points at stake.

“Of course, I won’t be available for today’s clash at Bayelsa United as same day my late mum will be buried.

“However, I have charged my teammates to win, at least, for the departed soul and come back for a sumptuous entertainment.

“They have promised to come back with the three points though we understand that victory belongs to God so we are seeking His blessing and favour in the clash.

“Abia Warriors do not have too much stake to play under pressure, the pressure will certainly be on Bayelsa United due to their uncomfortable position on the league table.

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About LEON B

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L A N N O O I S T R PE ORMA INF

X4 Wednesday, October 28, 2015

EXTRATIME

Felix Ekpo

er in the snatch, silv an He won gold in erall silver at the 2008 Afric ov d an . , kg rk 5 je d 33 an s, with a total of Championship 08 Summer tlifting at the 20 fifteenth gh ei W in d te ishing He compe 77 kg division fin Olympics in the with 325 kg. eight division d in the same wkg. te pe m co he 331 In 2012 h with a total of and finished 8t s 170 lb. gh ei tall and w es ch in 3 ft 5 is He

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

EXTRATIME

X5

X6

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

EXTRATIME

BRIEFS

Jones ready to fight for United place Manchester United centre-back Phil Jones is unfazed by the potential arrival of defensive reinforcements, with the fit-again Englishman ready to fight for his first-team spot. After overcoming thrombosis that ruled him out of the opening games of the season, Jones started only his second Premier League match of the campaign as United drew 0-0 at home to rivals Manchester City on Sunday. Jones has partnered Chris Smalling in the centre of United’s defence for the past three games in all competitions, having ousted make-shift defender Daley Blind.

Rooney

ROONEY

GRANTED MAN UNITED TESTIMONIAL M anchester United have granted Wayne Rooney a testimonial after a campaign by supporters to honour their captain’s service to the club.

The game will take place on August 3 next year against yet-to-be-named opponents with Rooney donating all the profits from the match to the NSPCC, Alder Hey Childrens’ Hospital, Claire House Hospice, and the Manchester United Foundation through the newly-formed Wayne Rooney Foundation.

Rooney has scored 236 goals in 493 appearances since moving to Old Trafford.

“I would like to thank everyone involved in making this testimonial become a reality,” Rooney said.

“Most of all I want to thank the fans for all their incredible support for me and the team since I joined the club.

“The match night will obviously be special for me and my family but I hope it will be a night of celebration for all involved and that we can also deliver one or two surprises.”

Rooney’s representatives said the club awarded the striker the testimonial following a meeting between “like-minded individuals and Manchester United fans” who wrote to executive vice-chairman Ed

‘Mourinho J

ose Mourinho is likely to be on the touchline at Stamford Bridge on Saturday.

The Chelsea manager was charged on Monday by the Football Association “in relation to his language and/or behaviour towards the match officials in or around the dressing room area at half-time” during his side’s 2-1 defeat to West Ham on Saturday.

Mourinho has until 6pm on Thursday to respond to the charge, which only gives the FA a day to convene the independent panel and discuss the case before Chelsea take on Liverpool on Saturday lunchtime.

However, the case will almost certainly be heard next week, leaving Mourinho free to take his place in the dug-out for the match and Jurgen Klopp’s team.

Mourinho watched the second-half of the match at the Boleyn Ground from the directors’

Woodward asking that a testimonial be awarded following the player’s 11year spell at the club.

Rooney said: “Most of all I hope the fans will come out in force and help raise as much money as possible for these amazing charities, all of which are very close to my heart for different reasons.”

Since joining from Everton in 2004, Rooney has won the Premier League five times, the League Cup twice and the Champions League once.

The striker has also gained a host of individual accolades and is now just 13 goals short of Sir Bobby Charlton’s all-time scoring record.

on bench for Reds clash’

box following a half-time incident with referee Jonathan Moss, who had shown a red card to Nemanja Matic and also sent Chelsea coach Silvino Louro to the stands for his reaction to the decision.

The independent panel can take previous game-time charges into account.

Mourinho returned to Chelsea in 2013 and has since been set to the stands twice, firstly against Cardiff City in October 2013 and a g a i n against Aston Villa in March Mourinho 2014.

Solanke reminiscent of Ibrahimovic—Vierklau Chelsea loanee Dominic Solanke has capabilities reminiscent of Zlatan Ibrahimovic, according to former Vitesse defender Ferdi Vierklau.

The 18-year-old was sent on loan to the Eredivisie side for the 201516 campaign as part of a partnership between the two clubs and has scored three goals in eight appearances. Since Solanke’s arrival, ex-Ajax right-back Vierklau believes he has shown similar capabilities to Paris Saint-Germain’s record goal-scorer.

Janmaat: Newcastle not in relegation fight yet!

Daryl Janmaat is refusing to panic despite Newcastle United’s lowly position, insisting it is too early to accept the club are in a relegation scrap. The 10 men of Newcastle crashed to a 3-0 Premier League defeat at Sunderland in Saturday’s Wear-Tyne derby after Fabricio Coloccini was controversially sent off. A sixth loss in 10 matches has left Newcastle languishing second-bottom on six points, two adrift of safety.

Wenger

Wenger

backs Arteta for managerial role A rsenal boss Arsene Wenger believes captain Mikel Arteta has the qualities to be a manager once his playing career comes to an end.

Arteta is in the twilight of his career but the 33-year-old has made five Premier League appearances this season, all off the bench.

However, Wenger feels the veteran Spaniard can make the transition into management when he decides to hang up his boots.

“Mikel has a huge influence even when he is not playing,” Wenger said.

“He is super conscientious, and every morning two hours before training he prepares and that is absolutely right.

“Just through his behaviour, his focus on getting everything right in the team, he has a huge influence.

He has great experience and is respected throughout the squad.

“I really hope Mikel considers going into coaching. When you manage, you want to see your players continue and see them give their experience and knowledge back.

“You want them to give their expertise of the way we want to play football and the way we want to behave. It would be great if someone like Mikel went into management, so somewhere the spirit of our game can survive through the players who have played for us.”

Wenger added: “But at the moment I must say Mikel is still here as a football player. The first thing in life, when you sign the contract you have to give absolutely everything to the job you have signed for and I think he does that very well.”

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

EXTRATIME

X7

MESSI to retire at Barca

Neymar

F

ormer Barcelona star Ronaldinho has described Neymar as the heir to his position at Camp Nou. Signed from Santos in 2013, Neymar has established his place as one of Barca’s most indispensable attacking talent, having won the treble last season after forming a formidable attacking partnership with Lionel Messi and Luis Suarez.

Former World Player of the Year Ronaldinho, who won the Champions League and two Liga titles in a glittering spell in Catalonia, is confident Neymar will forge a memorable career with the reigning Spanish champions.

“Yes, he’s a great player and he’s certainly going to make history,” he told reporters when asked if he considered the 23-year-old his heir.

“Neymar will repeat what other Brazilians have done before him.”

Ronaldinho, 35, left Fluminense last month after telling the club he

–Bartomeu

Ronaldinho:

Neymar

is my Barca heir!´ felt incapable of sustaining his form and fitness, prompting rumours of retirement.

However, the former Paris Saint-

Germain forward says he will return to playing in 2016 after taking a much-needed break from the game.

“Next year I’ll get back to playing,

but I don’t know where. Now, I’m only thinking about resting and enjoying my holiday. I really need it,” he added.

Ibrahimovic blasts critics

P

aris Saint-Germain striker Zlatan Ibrahimovic has suggested criticisms of his recent performances in the French media do not affect him because he cannot understand the language.

The 34-year-old has come under fire for a series of lethargic displays - Coach Laurent Blanc called on him to improve after a disappointing showing in the 0-0 draw with Real Madrid in the Champions

League last week - but was on target, and provided an assist for Edinson Cavani, in the 4-1 triumph over Saint-Etienne on Sunday.

After being replaced by Lucas Moura in the 70th minute, the Swede stuck his tongue out in a defiant gesture to television cameras.

Ibrahimovic then took his response a stage further in the mixed zone following the game, with a sarcastic comment to media.

Vardy

“It’s good to win after the defeat against Real Madrid. We didn’t lose? But it looked that way,” he commented.

After being asked to respond to the critics, Ibrahimovic replied: “The problem is that I do not understand French, so I do not give them any importance.”

Victory over Saint-Etienne sent PSG seven points clear at the top of Ligue 1, with their next fixture away at Rennes on Friday.

Athletics

Vardy

would cost Real much, says Ranieri

C

laudio Ranieri has admitted that Real Madrid or another of Europe’s elite clubs could price Jamie Vardy away from Leicester City, but only for a big fee.

Reports in Spain linked the former non-League player with a move to the Santiago Bernabeu on Monday and Ranieri initially insisted he was not for sale.

However, the Italian has now said Vardy – who has scored 10 goals in as many Premier League appearances this season and has been on target in each of his last seven top-flight appearances – could be available if his valuation is met.

“It is important Jamie enjoys it

L

ionel Messi will finish his career at Barcelona, according to club president Josep Maria Bartomeu.

The superstar has been linked with a move away from the La Liga giants despite being contracted until mid-2018.

Bartomeu said the recent tax case against Messi, who was cleared, had an impact on the 28-year-old, but he feels the Argentina international will stay at Barca.

“Leo and his father said they don’t imagine playing at another club than Barcelona,” he said.

“The relationship with the family is very good. We are not in the negotiation phase yet, when the time comes it will be presented. He has contract for the next three seasons.

“Messi is very angry about the Spanish taxation. It is not normal the information published on Leo Messi. If his tax advisers have made a mistake they have to pay like everyone else. Messi deserves respect as all.”

While Messi’s contract is yet to be renewed, Barca are in the process of extending Neymar’s stay.

Bartomeu said that was still a work in progress despite the Brazilian also having almost three years left on his deal.

Milan forward Menez out until January Ibrahimovic

here but I can also understand if he wants to go to find a great club, but it would cost a lot,” Ranieri said.

“If Real Madrid or some big names want to buy him they have the money to buy him.

“The valuation is made by the owners, not me.

“But nobody asks for him, he is very happy here and we don’t want to sell him – it is clear.”

The England international signed a three-year deal at the King Power Stadium ahead of the 2015-16 season, but Ranieri admitted his form could result in another offer at the end of the campaign.

A

C Milan forward Jeremy Menez has been ruled out of action until the New Year after suffering a setback in his recovery from injury.

The 28-year-old has made just one appearance so far this season after being forced to undergo an operation to correct a back problem.

However, head coach Sinisa Mihajlovic has now revealed Menez could be sidelined until February 2016 as a result of an infection following the surgery.

“Menez has an infection in the area he was operated on, he is taking antibiotics,” said Mihajlovic. “He will be out until January or February.”

Mihajlovic hinted at a potential deal for Kevin-Prince Boateng once the transfer window opens, however, after the Ghanaian impressed during his time training with the club.

X8

Wednesday, October 28, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

Golf

WTA Finals: SHARAPOVA

Tennis

KAUFMAN captures maiden PGA title

sees off top seed Halep

W

orld number four Maria Sharapova held her nerve in a tense finish to beat top seed Simona Halep and close in on a lastfour place at the WTA Finals.

The Russian withstood a Halep fightback to win 6-4 6-4 and move top of the Red Group in Singapore.

US Open champion Flavia Pennetta earlier beat Agnieszka Radwanska 7-6 (7-5) 6-4 to keep her hopes alive.

Pennetta and Sharapova will meet in the final round of Red Group matches on Thursday, with Halep facing Radwanska.

All four players remain in with a chance of securing one of two semi-final places.

World number one Serena Williams is absent from the eight-player field in Singapore as she recovers from injury.

Five-time Grand Slam champion Sharapova showed her quality and fighting spirit as she built a commanding lead, and then gathered herself as Halep came battling back.

Sharapova, completing only her second full match since Wimbledon following injuries, led 6-4 5-1 but failed to convert two chances to serve out the match.

Halep had her chance to level on serve, only for Sharapova - after a pep talk from Coach Sven Groeneveld - to rediscover

Sharapova

her attacking intent and fire away a backhand on match point.

The Italian, 33, knew that a second defeat of the week would see her eliminated and it brought out her best performance since winning a first Grand

Kaufman

Slam title in New York last month.

Pennetta, who could play her last ever match on Thursday before she retires, fought back from 5-3 down in the first set to win in one hour and 40 minutes.

A

merican Smylie Kaufman carded a final-round 61 to win his maiden PGA title with victory in the Shriners Hospitals for Children Open in Las Vegas.

The 23-year-old began the day seven shots off the lead but played the final nine holes of a bogey-free round in 29, with five birdies and an eagle, to reach 16 under.

Former champion Kevin Na finished one shot back, after his 15-foot birdie chance at the last shaved the hole.

Kaufman collected $1.15m (£750,000) for his win.

SFO INVESTIGATES WORLD CUP MONEY-LAUNDERING CASE Football

T

he head of the Serious Fraud Office (SFO) says it is looking into potential money-laundering offences related to the 2018 and 2022 World Cup bids.

David Green told MPs’ culture, media and sport select committee that, while Switzerland-based FIFA

is outside the SFO’s jurisdiction, it is investigating the possibility laundered money might have passed through London.

“We are still examining issues around possible money laundering and I won’t be able to go into detail as new information has come to us quite recently.” he said.

Asked about a payment from the Australia 2022 bid committee to former FIFA vice-president and CONCACAF boss Jack Warner, he said: “I cannot confirm the assertion that money went through London - it certainly started off in Sydney and appears to have ended up in Trinidad.

“It could be money-laundering, yes. Whether the money came through London is important.

“There are outstanding matters which touch upon moneylaundering, there are a number of matters we are still looking at and digging in to.”

Rashid not to blame HAMILTON, Rosberg for England loss

–BAYLISS

Cricket

E

Rashid

ngland coach Trevor Bayliss says no-one is blaming Adil Rashid for the manner of his decisive dismissal in the 178-run second Test defeat by Pakistan.

Rashid was last man out, caught at cover from a mistimed drive, to end England’s stubborn resistance on day five with just 6.3 overs remaining.

Prior to that, the 27-year-old spinner had batted 242 minutes for 61.

“I am sure he is reflecting on the shot he played at the end and kicking himself,” said Bayliss.

“I thought he did sensationally well with the bat and showed his all-round qualities. He took fivefor in the second innings of the

first Test and now his batting in this - the potential for him going forward is very good.

“No-one is blaming him for that shot. If a few of our boys had played in a similar fashion to him throughout the match we wouldn’t have been in that situation.

“There are certainly no negatives with Rash. It was a fantastic effort from him and three or four guys at the end of the innings.”

Yorkshireman Rashid’s 172ball innings was the backbone of England’s late innings resistance after they had stumbled to 193-7 in pursuit of 491.

He was ably assisted by Stuart Broad (30) and Mark Wood (29) but was unable to see the innings out.

dispute ‘blown out of proportion’

Hamilton

T

he dispute between teammates Lewis Hamilton and Nico Rosberg following the US Grand Prix has been “blown out of proportion”, Mercedes say.

Rosberg threw a cap at Hamilton after the race, in which the drivers touched while disputing the lead at the start.

Hamilton’s win at Sunday’s race in Austin sealed the World Championship.

Team boss Toto Wolff said: “If it were drivers from different teams, it would be seen as completely normal, what we all love to see and like it should be.

“But because it was team-mates, and they touched, we are going to

ort

Motorsp

discuss it, as we did many things in the past.”

He added that the situation was “political not critical”.

Rosberg was unhappy after the race about their battle at Turn One after the start, describing Hamilton’s driving in running the German wide and off the track as “very aggressive”.

Wolff said: “It is what we want to see and it is what we owe to the fans. It is what racing is about.

We don’t want to have remotecontrol puppets who drive around with a metre distance between themselves. It is not how these guys are calibrated and it is not what people want to see and we don’t want to see it either.