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PDP is anti-workers, says Oshiomhole Titus Akhigbe Benin City

ÏÏÏEdo State Governor, Comrade

Adams Oshiomhole on Wednesday described the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as an anti-workers party which he said purged the pub-

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Continued on page 6

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Budget padding scandal: Dogara YEARS OF threatens Jibrin with legal action JOURNALISM Ï 9 Ɛ Ɨ Ƅƕ ƌƕ allegations, I will never apologize, says Jibrin

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India shuns Nigeria’s crude over Niger Delta gB1 crisis

PDP National Chair: Groups back Gbenga Daniel, Bode g11 George

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NSE QUICK BITE

GAINERS AS AT 27th July, 2016 OKOMUOIL

34.73

3.22

10.22%

MRS

35.19

3.26

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LOSERS SKYEBANK

0.76

-0.04

-5.00%

REDSTAREX

4.23

-0.22

-4.94%

Avengers: Buhari acquiring drones to fight us, lying about dialogue g6

2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

RC 103022

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

Page Three Æ s

3

PHOTO TIMES

Editorial Encouraging local rice production

R

ecently, the Dangote group of companies unveiled an out-growers scheme for rice production in Jigawa State.

The scheme, which will start with 20,000 hectares of rice cultivation, will expand to 800,000 in the next three years. While inaugurating the scheme, Chief Executive Officer of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, said that time has come to turn to agriculture to save the country’s economy.

According to him, the scheme will provide local, value added products and services that meet the basic needs of the populace. In doing so, Dangote Rice would develop small hold farmers by providing quality inputs (certified seeds, fertilsers, agrochemicals and petrol), improved agricultural practices and technology to increase yield and produce quality rice paddy which would be bought back from them by Dangote Rice Limited. We applaud this initiative by Dangote Group in view of what that portends for the nation’s food sufficiency and foreign revenue earnings.

It is a fact that the country continues to spend huge amounts of its foreign reserve in the importation of rice from such disparate countries as India, Thailand, Japan, Malaysia and Indonesia. This is in spite of the fact that Nigeria has the potential to produce rice on commercial quantity.

Such lack of initiative in embarking on large-scale cultivation of rice is the attendant losses of employment generation and wealth creation opportunities.

According to statistics, the country consumes about 6.1 million metric tons of rice annually of which only 2.6 million metric tons are produced internally. There is no denying the fact that Nigeria is blessed with

vast arable land for massive rice cultivation. However, the lack of government initiative at encouraging farmers to go into rice production is responsible for the enduring incidence of individual small-scale farm holdings that are found all over the country.

Over time, rice has grown to become the most important staple food in Nigeria. That would have been all right, if the country had maintained the self-sufficiency in rice production that it had from pre-colonial times until the 1970s. However, with the phenomenal increase in the demand for rice came a massive culture of importing foreign parboiled variants, thereby opening the country to food insecurity blackmail from foreign nations.

All these when the country has the land, the climate and the manpower to produce enough rice not only to feed Nigerians but to export as well.

This is why we welcome the Federal government policy, which imposes quotas and doubles tariff on imported rice, as this that is meant to encourage value addition by favouring rice millers over rice traders.

The rice policy is good, for our national interest and is capable of transforming Nigeria into a global player as an exporting nation. In addition to the economic impact, the food security impact on the rural communities is noteworthy. With the benefit of hindsight, the decision to embark on such an ambitious programme has proved worthwhile, as this has restored hope and brightened business prospects.

In any case, Nigeria has little choice because with the collapse of oil prices and the drastic fall in the country’s foreign exchange earnings, the era of carefree rice imports will soon be over whether we plan for it or not.

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (right), with his Niger State counterpart, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello during a courtesy visit

by Bello at the Lagos House, Ikeja… on Wednesday.

President of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki (right), in a handshake with the Iranian Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mohammad Javad Zarif, who led a business delegation from Iran on a visit to the Senate President in Abuja... recently.

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President Muhammadu Buhari (right), in handshake with Bayelsa State Governor, Seriake Dickson during a visit to Buhari at the State House in Abuja… on Thursday.

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Chinua Achebe

Mathew Kukah

Muhammad Ali

“Nigeria is what it is because its leaders are not what they should be.”

“The world can provide for the need of everybody but cannot provide for the greed of everybody.”

“It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.”

4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

Economy may be tight but not on Arik Air

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West and Central Africa’s Leading Airline

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

5 News

Navy faults Oghara people over land compensation demand Segun Adio L Ɗ ƏƇƈ

` ƈƋ ƍƏ ƉƆƅƐè Ƌ Ɨƌ ƏƊ Ƈ ƑƏ ƅ ƈƆƒƆƌƆ Ɛè ƕ ^#^ Lateef Ibrahim ƄƑƉ

ÏÏÏThe

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Wednesday in Abuja declared that the Tuesday’s inauguration of Abuja-Kaduna standard gauge rail line project by President Muhammadu Buhari has put a sealed lip on the claim by the All Progressives Congress (APC) government that the 16 years of PDP administration was a waste.

The opposition PDP, in a statement by its National Caretaker Committee, equally accused the APC government of trying to appropriate the project.

In the statement signed by spokesperson of the caretaker committee, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, the party categorically declared that the rail project was conceptualized, awarded and constructed by successive PDP administrations.

According to the statement, “The truth, which history will bear out, is that the PDP in its 16 years of rule, successfully completed numerous projects that substantially changed the infrastructure landscape of Nigeria”.

ÏÏÏThe

Nigerian Navy, on Wednesday, said that it did not have the mandate to pay compensation to the people of Oghara, Delta State, over the hectres of land it secured to build its Logistics Command Headquarters, Barracks, Air Strip and other facilities.

In a statement through its Director of Information, DINFO, Commodore Christian Ezekobe, the Nigerian Navy asked the host community to direct their complaints to the Delta State Government.

It said that it was pertinent to note that the Navy has not encroached on the community land

and had no mandate for compensation as it remains the prerogative of the Delta State Government.

“Therefore, the NN is appealing to the aggrieved members of the host community to kindly channel their complaint to the appropriate authority rather than take laws into their hands”, it stated.

The people from the host community of Oghara, had blocked the Benin-Warri section of the EastWest Road over claims of illegal encroachment on their land.

The protest which lasted for some time was said to have caused discomfort to members of the public who were denied free access through the area.

However, the Navy said it was imperative to clarify on the status of the parcels of land in Oghara, allocated to it by the Delta State Government, on which Headquarters Naval Logistics Command, Nigerian Navy ultra-modern Barracks, NN Air Strip and other auxiliary structures are being sited.

It said it was on record that an initial allocation of 213 hectres of land was given to the Service by the Delta State Government in 2008 for the construction of NN Barracks.

However, due to the nature of facilities planned for the Barracks, the NN viewed that there was a need for a more expansive area hence an additional request was

made to the Delta State Government following which 30 hectres of land previously ceded to the Mobile Police was re-allocated to the NN. Consequently, the Mobile Police was relocated to Ogharofe, another community around the area.

In view of the additional 30 hectres of land allocated to the NN, the Delta State Government issued a duly certified Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) for 243 hectres of land to the NN. Additionally, the Headquarters Naval Logistics Command which sits on 5 hectres of land was also issued a duly certified C of O in favour of the NN.

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IYC alleges plot against Ijaw in Lagos, Ogun Nigeria to export ‘special grass’ Ï ƇƆ ƈƇƆƏƆ ƗƆƅƏƈƆ ƐƐ ƅƊ G è R Ƒ ƅ ƌƌƑ ƈƐƈƆ Ï ^Ə ƐƆ Ɛ ƈ G ƒƆƏ ƈ ƅƆ Ɛ Ƒ ƌƆ ƐƐ ƅƊ ÏÏÏThe Ijaw Youth Council (IYC)

has alleged a grand plot by some highly placed persons in Lagos and Ogun states to declare Ijaw people in the two states enemies of the people.

This is even as the Yoruba sociopolitical organisation, Afenifere, on Wednesday, expressed worry over the incessant attacks on communities in Lagos and Ogun states by people suspected to be NigerDelta militants.

Also, some residents of Lagos State on Wednesday trooped en masse to protest incessant gunmen attacks and raping of women in the riverine parts of the state by suspected members of Niger-Delta

militants.

The IYC said linking Ijaw ethnic nationality to the kidnappings and killings in parts of Lagos and Ogun states was the beginning of such plot to cause inter-ethnic clashes between Ijaw and Yoruba people.

Lagos and Ogun states have recently witnessed a rise in militancy, kidnappings and other criminal activities. On Monday, 26, 2016, gunmen stormed the Igando area of the state and reportedly killed a police officer and some other residents in a clash said to be between two rival groups.

The police said the gunmen are former pipeline vandals who have

now taken to other forms of criminal activities because they could no longer vandalise pipelines with ease.

In a statement by its spokesman, Eric Omare, the IYC said: “There is a deliberate plot by some highly placed persons to paint the Ijaw ethnic nationality in bad light so as to justify the evil they are planning against the people.

“The latest of this orchestrated plan is the accusation of Ijaw militants for carrying out the Sunday, July 24, 2016 kidnap of a pastor of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG) at Santos bus stop, Ikorodu, Lagos State, by unknown gunmen.”

to Saudi Arabia for forex ÏÏÏMinister

of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh, on Wednesday, said the ministry will begin the paddock development (growing of special grasses for cattle) in August.

Ogbeh, who made the disclosure at an interactive session with newsmen in Abuja, explained that after some time, the country would become an exporter of the grass to earn foreign exchange.

He said the ministry had started bringing the special seeds of grass (fodder seeds) into the country.

“The Saudi Arabia is asking that if Nigeria can grow enough grass, they will buy to feed their cows,” he said.

He assured that with the paddock development, the clash between farmers and herdsmen in the coun-

try would be put to an end.

“The clash between farmers and herdsmen has been getting worse by the years and by the grace of God, I will bring it to an end,” he said.

He said that no farmer would allow his crops to be eaten by cattle.

“No farmer in the world would like to plant his crops and arrive to see that cows have eaten everything up,” he said.

The minister noted that the problem had persisted because, over the years, successive governments had not done enough to check the problem.

He said that most of the conflicts were been perpetuated by Fulani from some West African countries such as Senegal, Mauritania and Mali.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

No alternative to Buhari’s economic policy – FG ÏÏÏMinister

L-R: Managing Director, ENGEE PET Limited, Mr. Narendra Chulani; Ogun State Commissioner for Special Duties and Intergovernmental Relations, Barr. Leke Adewolu; Director ENGEE PET Limited, Mr. Taslim Animashaun and Ogun State Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Otunba Bimbo Ashiru, during a breakfast meeting with Ogun State Governor, Ibikunle Amosun at the Government House, Abeokuta, Ogun State… recently.

N’East in ‘top emergency’ like Syria, Iraq – MSF Segun Adio with Agency reports

ÏÏÏNortheast

Nigeria is “close” to famine with hundreds of thousands trapped without help, and must be declared a “top emergency” by the UN, said Medical charity Doctors Without Borders said on Wednesday.

The charity, known by its French acronym MSF, said the region devastated by Boko Haram’s Islamist insurgency had between 500,000

and 800,000 people trapped in areas that cannot be reached by humanitarian workers.

A UN “top emergency” designation -- which would put Nigeria on a list with Syria, Iraq and Yemen -would immediately mobilise more resources to a crisis that has not received nearly enough attention, MSF said.

Boko Haram attacks in the northeast have declined over the last year, but MSF’s emergency programme manager Hugues Robert

noted that aid workers were still limited in where they can go.

Some cities in the northeast, such as Banki and Bama, had gone up to 18 months without any humanitarian deliveries before aid agencies and the UN arrived in June.

“What was extremely shocking was the level of severe acute malnutrition,” Robert said, adding that communities faced “close to a famine situation.”

Many areas can only be accessed

under escort from the Nigerian army, he told reporters in Geneva after returning from Borno state, the epicentre of the Boko Haram insurgency.

“We need the UN and all their agencies to consider this as a top emergency,” Bruno Jochum, director of MSF Switzerland, told reporters.

Boko Haram, which seeks to impose strict Islamic law in northern Continued on page 12

PDP is anti-workers, says Oshiomhole Continued from page 1 lic service of over 7,000 workers in one fell swoop, without paying their pensions and gratuities.

Also, the Governor has assured workers of Egor Local Government who were omitted from the recent bailout for other Local Governments in the state that their arrears will be paid this week.

Speaking at a gubernatorial rally of the All Progressives Congress (APC) at the Olua Primary School in Egor Local Government Area, Wednesday, Oshiomhole said the PDP has a deep-seated hatred for workers and teachers as they were shabbily treated in the ten years they were in the saddle.

According to him, “the choice is between two political parties, one which in seven and half years has

redefined governance and another which in ten years treated workers shabbily.

“When Nigeria was doing well and PDP was in government in Edo State, don’t forget, the first thing PDP did with Ize-Iyamu as Secretary to Government was to dismiss about 7,000 civil servants. They sacked them, because according to them, they wanted to reduce labour cost, when actually they wanted to take the money and privatise it.

“That is not all they did, when they dismissed the workers, they didn’t pay them their pension, they did not pay them their gratuity. So I need our pensioners to remember that the PDP carried out retrenchments, but we never carried out retrenchments, I never carried out mass dismissals in our public service.

“When PDP were here, they issued a circular to the Head of Service, banning employment into the public service, they stopped employment into the State Health

Oshiomhole

Management Board. When I came in, I lifted the ban, recruited Civil servants and employed over 1,000 teachers.

“When the PDP were here, in four months, five months, six months, Nigerian Union of Teachers will remember, with Ize-Iyamu as Secretary to Government, they were not paying salaries and the teachers had to alternate on which days to attend classes to make ends meet, the classrooms were leaking with potholes inside the classrooms. So many male teachers left, leaving only the women who were hoping that one day God will intervene and God intervened and APC came.

“Today, I am proud to say of the thirty-six states in the federation, the Edo teacher is the first Continued on page 12

of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, has said that the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration is on the right track and there is no alternative to what it is doing.

The minister stated this at a meeting with the members of staff of the Nigerian Embassy in Madrid, Spain.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the meeting was during the minister’s two-day official visit to the United Nations World Tourism Organisation (UNWTO).

“I believe that we are on the right track, there will be some pains, but there is no alternative to what we are doing,’’ he said.

Mohammed said the administraContinued on page 12

Avengers: Buhari acquiring drones to fight us yet lying about dialogue … Military to launch Operation Ex Crocodile Smile in S’ South ÏÏÏNiger Delta Avengers (NDA)

has accused the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government of hypocrisy, saying he (Buhari) was acquiring drones to fight the group and lying about dialogue with Niger Delta militants.

Spokesman of the group, Brig.

Gen. Mudoch Agbinibo, said information available at its disposal had it that the Federal Government has been acquiring drones which it intends to use to fight the group.

Agbinibo described the peace talks initiated by the government as a delay tactics pending the arrival of the drones.

He said the plan of the current administration would not work, adding that the government should focus on oil exploration in the north because very soon “one litre of crude” would not be lifted from the Niger Delta.

“The intelligence agency gathered that the said peace talk or dialogue by the Federal Government is a delay tactics employed by the Federal Government to enable their purchased drones arrive from the United States latest by the end of August.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

S’ East totally eliminated, marginalised in Nigeria, says Dokpesi Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÎÎÎOne

of the contestants for the office of the National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and founder, DAAR Communications, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, has said that the south eastern part of the country had been highly marginalised in the helm of affairs.

Dokpesi was speaking at the state PDP headquarters in Umuahia when he came to solicit for the assistance of the state faithful in the forth-coming congress of the party in Port Harcourt, stating that the APC-led government was not providing the conducive environment

for people to maximise their potentials.

He said that the PDP made lots of mistakes in the last congress which made them to lose the April 2015 general elections as a fault of theirs.

He regretted that the party had been branded as most corrupt, while its members are termed “corrupt and useless”, stating that in spite of that, that today, the country was faced with high cost of everything, even kerosene.

“We cannot sit by for the country to decline. We want to give them purposeful light and win in 2019 elections”, the High Chief said, and thanked the state PDP for being behind the state Governor Okezie Ikpeazu in his fight to retain his seat.

“PDP needs to be rebuilt and re-branded. We will use our own way to rebrand the party”, he said, and pleaded to be elected so as to enthrone a party where its members would be useful.

Dokpesi said that the PDP was blessed with enough competent and capable people, stating that he was one of the people aspiring and the best amongst all.

On the factionalization of the party from the ward to the national level, he assured that there was nothing to fear as “what we have is a group of persons who you can count with your fingers are those with Amodu Sheriff. They are different from those who are 99% of the PDP original and founding members who are

under the 12 governors under the Markafi-led caretaker committee.

“A few disgruntled persons who have access to the media are expressing and venting their anger on the party and the courts of the land have clearly stated that they had no standing and very clear that they’re all out to foment trouble and pose challenges to the party”, he said, assuring that the founding members of the party would definitely ensure that the party repositioned itself from the 17th of August this year.

On if the Dasukigate allegation against him would be a distraction if he eventually emerges as the National Chairman of the party, Dokpesi said no, stating that the

matter was still in court, and that the accuser must have to prove his case, pointing out that they had not.

Answering questions on his public condemnation of Jonathan over second tenure, while the former President was in office, even as a PDP member, and which made critics to say he was not a team leader, the DAAR Communication founder said that at that time in 2010, it was a contest within the party, stating that his position was very clear that the party had a zoning principle and that he had discussed with Jonathan who told him that he wanted to complete the term that remained of his predecessor in office, disclosing that Jonathan then was put under pressure.

7 News Budget padding: SERAP drags House of Reps to UN ÎÎÎThe Socio-Economic

Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) has sent an urgent appeal to Professor Philip Alston, UN Special Rapporteur on Extreme Poverty and Human Rights, urging him to “use your good offices and position to urgently request the leadership of the House of Representatives of Nigeria to explain the alleged deliberate padding of the 2016 budget with N481 billion, removal of critical projects and replacement of such projects with constituency projects, which have not only undermined the fight against corruption in the country but also exacerbated extreme poverty and violations of internationally recognised human rights.”

Ekiti screens 206 intending Hajj pilgrims Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÎÎÎEkiti

Newly promoted Assistant Inspectors-General and Commissioners of Police after their decoration in Abuja… on Wednesday.

I’ll create 200,000 jobs for Edo people –Obaseki Titus Akhigbe, Benin

ÎÎÎAll

Progressives Congress (APC) standard bearer for the forthcoming governorship poll in Edo State, Godwin Obaseki, has reiterated that he’d create 200,000 jobs when he becomes governor in November.

In an interview with the Daily Times, Obaseki, who is presently the chairman of the state economic and strategic team, stated that he’d create the 200,000 jobs essentially outside the civil service system.

“Mark my words; I will create jobs but not in the civil service. You cannot create 200,000 jobs in the

civil service. The civil service is not where the bulk of the jobs in the society are created.

“The jobs are created in the private sector by expanding the economy. I would specifically identify where the jobs would be created.

“Our government’s role is to enable things to happen. That’s the principle function of government.

What you do is to look at the activities centre and you create what we call stimulants to happen,” he stated.

On agriculture, he disclosed that two months ago the state government issued out C of O (Certificate of Occupancy) to twelve

large companies “who have expressed interest to come and cultivate various crops in Edo State. We issued a total of 150,000 hectares.

“These are companies that are going to be involved in large- scale commercial farming. The rule of thumb is that if it takes about five people to cultivate a hectare using tractors, different implements and activities, what will be the multiplier effect of the number of people working in 150,000 hectares of land in four years?”

He averred that many of such job opportunities would be created by his administration before the expiration of his first fouryear tenure.

“We are not talking of our strategy for e-commerce where we’ll invest in broadband. That will ensure mass availability of internet in the state. We are not talking of mining and working with the initiative of the federal government.

“We are not talking of women empowerment. So, when we talk about creating jobs this is what I have done all my life. It’s going to be a challenge for those who don’t have such experience.”

On comatose industries in the state, he asserted that a careful investigation of such industries would reveal that they were scams perpetrated by some in-

dividuals in government then.

“If we decide to investigate what happened in such cases of moribund industries it may result in many more people going to jail.

But that is not our priority for now.

“Our priority is to revamp the industrialisation policy of the past, which, from all indications, was fraudulent, so that the state can move forward,” he stressed He promised to work assiduously in ensuring that the state reclaimed its glorious days in sports and entertainment, especially as the two sectors created jobs and were money- spinners.

State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board has screened 206 intending pilgrims in preparation for the 2016 Hajj.

Speaking during the exercise, the Chairman of the Board, Alhaji Latif Agbaje, explained that the move was in accordance with the rules and regulation guiding the conduct of the pilgrimage.

Agbaje stressed that the exercise would also enable the Board ascertain the health status of the intending pilgrims, as well as guarantee that the state contingent was made up of only genuine Muslims.

Allaying the fear that there may be a repeat of the tragic cases of stampedes with attendant loss of lives, he assured that the Hajj exercise would be successful and stress free.

According to him, the Saudi Authority has put in place an improved security measure that would guarantee safety of lives and property of pilgrims, adding that he was sure that there would be no untoward incident during this year’s Hajj.

Agbaje said that his Board furthermore sensitized the intending pilgrims during the screening/interactive session, on how best to conduct themselves in order to avoid unnecessary risk that could lead to loss of lives and property.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

Politics

AYOKUNLE

Æs

CANAN decries killings of Christians in Nigeria Ïd ƕ ƢƤƿ Əƈ Ɛƈ Killed, 111 Injured so far in 2016 alone

Members of Christian Association of Nigerian-Americans (CANAN) have condemned the horrible killings of Nigerian Christians by Muslims across the country.

Speaking through the Executive Director, Dr. Ade’ Oyesile, they said: “we are saddened by the rapid occurrences of these atrocious killings without a corresponding accountability being meted to the growing list of perpetrators”, and called on the federal government “to go be-

yond mere expression of shock at the vicious killings and set in motion practical steps to stem this ugly spectacle of continuous massacre of Christians.

“As at July 20, 2016, our records show that at least 384 Christians have been killed and 111 injured in various parts of the country. With just weeks past midyear, this figure compares in a scaring proportion to a total of 431 deaths and 301 injured Christians in the entire 2015”, it lamented.

According to CANAN, “These killings, we noticed, are carried out either by tit-for-tat attacks, arson on properties especially churches or the targeted systemic killings of Christians perpetuated by the Boko Haram terrorist religious sectarian group.

“Our figures of Christians killed and maimed by Muslims corroborates with documentation by “The Religion of Peace,” a magazine that chronicles attack on Christians. The magaCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Okoli: Only restructuring can save Nigeria from disintegration Chief Cosmas Okoli is a businessman and politician. Though physically challenged, this consummate entrepreneur has shown that with sheer determination and will power one can reach the Zenith and stay there. In this interview with Okay Osuji, he spoke on state of the economy, politics and other sundry issues. Excerpts: Who is Cosmas Okoli?

I am Cosmas Uchechi Okoli, founder and President/CEO of Mobility Aids Appliances Research and Development Centre (MAARDEC). I am also founder/President of Association for Comprehensive Empowerment of Nigerians with Disability (ACEND) as well as Chief Executive of Cosokoli ventures Nig. Ltd and Amokas Nig. Ltd - freight forwarding and haulage business.

How are you coping with the present economic condition?

The operating environment has been very tough. Now, we are operating at less than 20 percent of installed capacity. It is even worse; if you consider the specialised industry, in which we are operating, especially when it has to do with goods and ser-

WOLE SOYINKA

“The greatest threat to freedom is the absence of criticism.”

vices for physically challenged persons. Unless the federal, state and local governments live up to their responsibilities and take measures to cushion the economic hardships facing those with disabilities, this group of Nigerians would be in for very hard times.

What are you doing to bring your plight to attention of government?

We have been presenting our problems through the media, contacts and colleagues. It may interest you that for the first time, the President of Nigeria appointed a physically challenged person as Special Assistant.

Moreover, he also appointed one of us, Mr. Balami as acting boss of NIPOST. We are now pleading that Mr. President confirms his appointment as substantive Post Master General. That would go

BEN OKRI

“Politics is the art of the possible; creativity is the art of the impossible.”

a long way to lifting the morale of our physically challenged colleagues. You would remember that I was the President of ‘Persons with Disabilities’ for many years and led the sports team to many international competitions. With the parlous state of the economy, sports for physically challenged persons are taking a back seat, which is very unfortunate. Recently, I heard that only two athletes would represent Nigeria at the ‘Rio 2016’ Paralympics. This is in contrast with 2000, when I led 36 athletes to the Sydney Olympics in Australia. If after 16 years, the country is sending only two athletes to Brazil, then something is terribly wrong.

Is the government to blame for all these?

I think persons with disCONTINUED ON PAGE 9

BINYAVANGA WAINAINA

There is no country in the world with the diversity, confidence and talent and black pride like Nigeria.

OKOLI

‘‘If after 16 years, the country is sending only two athletes to Brazil, then something is terribly wrong.’’

OBAFEMI AWOLOWO

“Life itself is, from the cradle to the grave, a series of unbroken risks. Those who know me intimately will testify that I have never, at any time, shrunk from taking my full share of the risks of life.

LAMIDO OF ADAMAWA

If Nigeria breaks, some people in the country would have no where to run to, but for me and my people in Adamawa Kingdom, we will pack our luggage and join our kith and kin in Cameroun.’’

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

9 Politics

People with disabilities face bleak future, says Okoli

Okoli CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

abilities have their share of the blame too. Even at that, most of the blame falls at the doorsteps of federal, state and local governments because they have not provided the enabling environment for this class of Nigerians to excel. Why I put some of the blame on the physically chal-

lenged persons is that they are not doing enough to call government’s attention to their plights.

Therefore, I am using this opportunity to call on my colleagues to rally round and get involved in politics and commerce. Sadly, the facilities and infrastructures that would have enabled them to compete favourably are utterly

lacking. Moreover, where available, they are not ‘disabilitypersons’ friendly. For example, governments and organisations do not take the interests of these persons into consideration when constructing roads, vehicles and buildings. In more organised societies, persons with disabilities are given priority whenever facilities and infrastructures are being constructed.

How are you fighting this discrimination?

In 2006, we presented a proposal to the National Assembly, which both legislature later harmonised as a bill. Unfortunately, former President, Goodluck Jonathan never signed it into law.

What were the reasons for not signing it?

None that I know. That was a big failure on part of that administration. Goodluck Jonathan would have made history if he had signed that bill into law but he never did. Now, we have another harmonised bill with the National Assembly. We hope that President Muhammadu Buhari would sign it into law, to enable persons with disabilities fight for their rights in Nigeria.

Are you then insisting on ‘Affirmative Action’ in Nigeria?

We need not go far to find those African countries that have such laws. For example, there is Affirmative Action in Kenya and South Africa. Even some less endowed African countries have laws that cater for the physically challenged persons. Enacting such law is not a function of hav-

ing enormous natural resources; it is all about having the political will to do the right thing.

There appears to be reduced activities in your factory. Why is it so?

They have to do with the present economic downturn. For example, I borrowed money to pay staff salaries for one year and did not get any financial returns.

However, if the situation persists, I may have to close down the entire operations. It is painful having employees come to work everyday and at end of the month, they are not paid.

How about patronage from governments, organisations and individuals?

You are aware that many state governments are yet to pay workers’ salaries. Individuals and organisations are also not forthcoming.

As a politician, how do see the present political environment?

I am not satisfied with happenings in the polity. It looks like governance has deteriorated.

There is too much rancour within the ruling party, while the opposition is in disarray. If Nigeria fails, it would have tremendous negative impact in Africa and even other parts of the world given the population that would migrate. It is time our leaders shun divisive politicking and concentrate on governance. The impact of falling oil prices would not have hit the country so hard had our leaders prepared for the rainy day.

There are accusations of

Minister tasks APC leaders on good governance Minister of Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Muhammad Musa Bello has called on leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the North Central zone of Nigeria to remain focus, united and provide good governance to the populace.

In a statement by his Deputy Director/Chief Press Secretary, Muhammad Hazat Sule noted that the minister made this call when the Deputy National Chairman, North Central zone of the Party, Zakari Idde, led the state chairmen of the zone to pay him a courtesy visit in Abuja, adding that this was necessary if the party was to prolong its electoral fortunes in the region.

Bello noted that Nigerians were unequivocally yearning for change in the manner their affairs were being managed and that the party should remain the arrowhead and the platform for people to realize that.

“The Party is in control of all the states in the North Central and the only way it could go back to solicit their support during elections is by providing quality leadership at levels of government,” the Minister said.

According to him, “this is an opportunity for us to show good governance because it is something that our members have been yearning for a long time. We have to really govern properly to

enable the people spot the difference so that next time, when we go back to them, they will receive us with open arms.”

Recalling that the APC in the FCT was polarised along diverging interests when he assumed office as Minister last year, he noted that the party’s leaders in the zone played very crucial roles in reconciling and uniting the aggrieved members under one front, which he said helped a great deal in achieving the landslide victory that the party recorded during the last FCT Area Councils’ elections.

His words: “You played a reconciliatory and fatherly role.

You were able to talk to the agCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Oyegun

bias in the fight against corruption by the Buhari administration. Do you agree?

I agree. A cursory look would reveal that majority of those arrested and charged for corruption are of the opposition.

Nevertheless, that does not vitiate the fact that, there is need to fight corruption no matter those involved. We must slay the monster of corruption. However, it is dangerous to fight corruption while focusing only on the opposition.

Which is the way forward for Nigeria?

It is a pity that Nigeria is in this political and economic quagmire. We would have ameliorated the situation if past and present governments had the foresight.

The way forward is for the masses to continually demand accountability from their leaders.

Nigerians are tool docile, which is why we are in this quandary.

You then support the restructuring of Nigeria?

Yes, I am in total support of restructuring the polity to make for true federalism. This can be along the present six geopolitical zones. There is urgent need to make the centre less attractive. Nevertheless, I am aware that some people and even ethnic groups are kicking against restructuring. May be, they are benefiting from the present lopsided status quo. However if Nigeria is not restructured now, time would come when other marginalised groups would stand up and fight for break up of Nigeria.

Politics 10 Blame past leadership failures for Nigeria’s present economic woes — NOA boss The Director-General, National Orientation Agency (NOA), Mr Garba Abari, has identified the failures of past leaders as the causes of Nigeria’s present economic woes.

Abari stated this when he featured at the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) Forum in Abuja. According to him, successive leaders have failed to deliver on their mandates, and as such, have put the nation in a dire situation.

He said: “We as a country are not happy that our nation has been left far behind by our peers.

“We started with countries like South Korea, like Malaysia, like Indonesia, like Brazil.

“These countries are far ahead of us, simply because we have had a leadership that has not been able to inspire, a leadership that has been self serving. And a followership that is not any less inspiring and not any less patriotic, simply because they learned from what the leadership is doing.

“It is as a result of this, we have so many consequential fall-out of our conduct as a people and as a nation, so that dishonesty has now become a way of life”, Abari said adding that it was unfortunate that mistrust had developed between the citizens and the government.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

PDP afraid to conduct LG polls in Cross River — APC

Ayade

Edem Edem, Calabar The All Progressives Congress (APC) in Cross River State said that the People Democratic Party (PDP) is afraid of election hence the Party (PDP) refused to conduct lo-

cal government poll in the state.

The party alleged that PDP-led government planned to set up caretaker committees in the 18 local government areas of the state which was not unacceptable to it.

The APC said that it has the

capacity to defeat the ruling PDP in the state if the elections are held.

A statement jointly signed by the state Acting Chairman, Sir John Ochala and the National Vice Chairman, South South of APC, Ntufam Hilliard Eta insisted on the conduct of the local government elections which is due later this year in the state.

The party chieftains alleged that the state governor, Senator Ben Ayade was on the verge of setting up caretaker committees to run the councils instead of conducting elections. Ochala said “our intelligence reports have it that the state governor does not want to conduct local government polls as at when due and of course, we have put into motion some strategies within the ambit of the law to checkmate such moves, the party will move to puncture the existence of the caretaker committees.

“If our suspicion is confirmed, then Ayade will meet us at the appropriate point. In Cross River State, we will not accept caretaker appointments in councils, we will go for elections”, he stressed.

Also, National Vice Chairman of the APC, Ntufam Hilliard Eta said the PDP was scared of the rising profile of the APC hence the plan to resort to caretaker committees as against the conduct of elections.

According to Eta: “We suspect

that because of the rising profile of the APC in Cross River State, the governor is scared to his wits end on how to conduct elections.

As I speak to you, if election is conducted today, APC will defeat Ayade even in his Obudu local government area. We are prepared for the elections: so let the PDP put their popularity to the test by conducting local government elections.

“I personally will like the Supreme Court to make pronouncement on this issue of local government caretaker committees because the constitution talks about elections clearly. It talks about elected local government.

I think that the Supreme Court should make a law, or make a pronouncement that the resources of Nigeria should not go to any local government with unelected administration.

“The Supreme Court should assert itself by making pronouncement in matters of that nature.

We have copied presidential system of government from the United States but refused to copy parts that could help us more. In America, the Supreme Court has amended the constitution so many times without going through the legislature”, he stated. The duo blamed Governor Ayade for the heightening insecurity in the state stressing that there was complete absence of governance in the state that the criminal gangs have taken advantage of.

PDP chairmanship: Groups back Gbenga Daniel, Bode George Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja Ahead of the forthcoming national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, a formidable group within the party, New Era, has began wooing the immediate past Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel to contest for the National Chairmanship of the party.

This is as a faction of the party in Lagos State threw its weight behind the former Deputy National Chairman of the party, Chief Olabode George for the post.

The PDP zoning committee barely 24 hours ago zoned the position of National Chairmanship and 20 others to the Southern part of the country.

The New Era group, which addressed a press conference in Abuja on Thursday, pointed out that after a wide and extensive consultations among the various stakeholders within PDP, the consensus of opinion was that Otunba Daniel is the right personality for the position of the National Chairman.

The Secretary of the group, Mr. Obute Benji (from the SouthEast), who read its speech, stated that going by his antecedents, the former Ogun State Governor parades all the leadership qualities required to fix the PDP “at this critical time”.

According to the group, the leadership the PDP needs, as of now, an uncompromising integrity, dynamic and sagacious, far sighted and focused with towering capacity of a team builder

and player.

His words: “Against this backdrop, we members of PDP New Era had embarked on broad based consultations among party stakeholders, men and women, old and young, leaders and followers on the right person to lead our party to greatness again.

“In all our consultations, one name kept resonating. That name is His Excellency, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, former Governor of Ogun State”, it said, adding that it was a consensus that since the position of the National Chairman is expected to be filled by the Southern part of the country at the coming National Convention, Otunba Gbenga Daniel is the right personality for the position of the National Chairman.

It added: “Going by his antecedents, OGD (Otunba Gbenga

Daniel) parades all the leadership qualities required to fix our party at this critical time.

“The leadership our party needs should be of uncompromising integrity, dynamic and sagacious, far sighted and focused with towering capacity of a team builder and player, open and courageous.

All these OGD amply and naturally possesses.

“We are therefore joining other stakeholders in asking Otunba Gbenga Daniel, popularly called OGD, to throw his hat in the ring for the race for the National Chairmanship of our great party”.

Also, a faction of the Lagos State Executives of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), on Wednesday declared its support for Chief Olabode George, to be the National Chairman.

Daniel

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

11 Politics

CANAN decries killings of Christians in Nigeria CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

zine gives even more details of the vicious killings in 2016 alone as follows: “On January 27, at least 16 Christians were killed and 32 injured when a suicide bomber sent a shrapnel at a vegetable market in Chibok a Christian town in Maiduguri.

“On January 29, in Adamawa, 10 Christians were killed and 28 injured when a suicide bomber detonates a bomb at a busy market near a church. All the victims were Christians.

“On February 14 in Abbi community in Uzo-Uwani, Enugu State, Fulani herdsmen killed 2 Christians when a brother and sister were hacked down in a Christian dominated community. 19 people were injured.

“On February 24 in Agatu, Benue State, the nation witnessed the merciless killings of at least 300 Christians by radical Islamic mercenaries including pregnant women.

“In Enugu on April 25, 48 Christians were killed and 60 injured also perpetuated by Fulani herdsmen.

“On April 30 in Dadawa, an outskirt of Sabongari in Kano State, a man and his daughter were burnt alive in a church by Boko Haram.

“At Ninte village, in Jema’a local government in Kaduna State on May 31, just a month after, three Christians were burnt to death in a Pastors’ home as they slept.

“In Kano on June 2, a Christian woman was beheaded by Islamic fundamentalist after a minor argument.

“On June 30 at Obi town in Nasarawa State, a Pastor was killed by a militant Muslim.

Ayokunle

Okorocha

Ekweremadu

Ekweremadu: Imo rerun holds today Barring any unforeseen circumstance, the supplementary poll to determine the eventual winners of the inconclusive Okigwe re-run senatorial election, as well as the State Assembly seats for Oru East and Isiala Mbano, would now hold today.

Confirming this in Owerri, the Resident Electoral Commissioner, REC, Mr. Nasir Ayilara, said that the commission would do everything possible to go ahead with the exercise.

With today’s exercise and possible emergence of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate as the winner of the election, Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu may be in for the battle of his life.

Only on Tuesday, APC governors were reportedly to have met President Muhammadu Buhari to demand for the removal of Ekweremadu of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

Minister tasks APC leaders on good governance

as the Deputy Senate President.

Before the governors’ meeting with Buhari, both APC chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun and Imo State governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha had spoken of the necessity of replacing him with an APC member with Okorocha saying that with the possibility of the Imo candidate winning in the senatorial rerun, the days of Ekweremadu as Deputy Senate President was numbered.

Addressing journalists in Owerri, the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, candidate for the senatorial seat, Chief Athanatius Achonu, who thanked the people for defying the rains to exercise their legitimate franchise, however, frowned at the absence of collation officers at the collation centres.

“I have the results announced in the various polling units of the local government areas, which showed that I was com-

fortably leading the All Progressives Congress, APC, candidate.

I urge INEC t do the needful by granting the wish of Okigwe people”, Achonu pleaded.

When contacted to respond to the allegation, the State APC Deputy Chairman, Mr. Ugochukwu Nzekwe, described Nigerians as “bad losers”.

While agreeing that “the rerun election may not have been very perfect, even as events have shown that Nigerians are very bad losers”, Nzekwe queried how anybody would have expected APC to lose the crucial election.

“I won’t be surprised if the APC candidate is finally declared the winner after the supplementary election, especially as he is clearly ahead of his closest PDP rival, by 8,000 votes”, Nzekwe said.

Shootings were reported at Okata and Amiri in Oru East, while skirmishes and snatching

of ballot boxes characterised the election in some communities in Isiala Mbano area during the rerun last Saturday.

Prof. Arinze Agbogu, the INEC Returning Officer for Imo North Senatorial District who announced the result on Sunday, however said that Mr Ben Uwajumogu, APC’s senatorial candidate, polled 48,921.

Agbogu also announced that PDP’s Athan Achonu scored 40,142 votes to emerge second in the already declared result.

He explained that results of several polling units in Isiala Mbano area were characterised by irregularities leading to cancelation of the results.

Agbogu explained that the exercise was cancelled in 15 polling units with a total of 13,000 registered voters.

According to him, the difference between the candidate with the highest score and the second stood at 8,777 votes.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

objective is to win elections and to provide good governance. For that to happen, we have to be united, extremely patient and know that under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari, we will continue to show what good governance is,” he stated.

The Minister assured that the FCT Administration would continue to provide the moral and logistics support to the party in order to strengthen its structure in the region as well as cushion

some of the challenges being faced by the party’s leaders across board, the statement said.

Speaking earlier, Idde, thanked the Minister for his efforts to win five out of the six Area Councils during the last Councils’ election and commended President Muhammadu Buhari for his anticorruption crusade noting that the Zonal leadership condemned in strong terms the impeachment threat on him, the statement added.

grieved parties to bring people together. I think that gave us the necessary unity that made it possible for us to get the successes that we got during the last Area Councils’election”.

Bello further stressed the need for the party to build upon this unity; adding that its electoral successes would always depend on it.

“At the end of the day, no matter our differences, I think our

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

Budget padding scandal: Dogara threatens Jibrin with legal action Henry Omunu & Emmanuel Iriogbe, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

crisis in the House of Representatives became messier on Wednesday as Speaker Yakubu Dogara gave Rep. Abdulmumin Jibrin seven days to retract his allegations against him and tender an unreserved apology or face legal action.

According to a statement, made available to newsmen, the demand was contained in a letter written and addressed to Jibrin by counsel to Dogara, Professor Joash Ojo Amupitan (SAN) & Co. and signed

by Professor Joash Amupitan, who is the Principal Partner of the firm.

The letter noted that the claims of the former Appropriations committee chairman, that the Speaker is corrupt and abused his office is

aimed at tarnishing Dogara’s image at home and abroad and is a clear case of libel.

However, Jibrin, in a reaction on Wednesday, said he will never apologize to Dogara over allegations of padded budget 2016.

In a series of tweets, “I will not and will never apologize.” He also said his lawyers have approached the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) as well as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) towards working out a date to personally submit his petition against Dogara and the others.

The letter by Dogara’s lawyers to Jibrin read in part, “The attention of our client has been drawn to a libellous press statement you issued on Monday 25th July 2016 which was made available to members of

the press (print and electronic media) titled ‘THE CORRUPT SPEAKER YAKUBU DOGARA AND HIS 3-MAN CABAL.’” According to the letter, in the said publication, Jibrin published words concerning Doagara and three other principal members of the House of Representatives, and that personal references were obviously directed at the Speaker and thus amounts to a very serious libel.

“By the said publication and without putting to the public any shred of evidence, our client is portrayed as a criminal, corrupt, dishonest, fraudulent, dishonourable and unfit to hold the position of Speaker of House of Representatives.

“Our client’s reputation has further been brought down in the

estimation of right thinking members of the society and he has been thrown into public opprobrium, odium, scorn and ridicule.

“Consequently, we consider your publication on the matter as not only libellous but made in bad faith; an act of vendetta owing to your recent removal as the Chairman of House Committee on Appropriation.

“The said publication is also aimed at causing disaffection between Nigerians and members of the House of Representatives.

“Sequel to the above, we have to request you to submit immediately to us a clear and unqualified apology and retraction of the publication in an equally conspicuous position in all the print and electronic media where the publication appeared.

N’East in ‘top emergency’ like Syria, Iraq – MSF Continued from page 6 Nigeria, has been blamed for some 20,000 deaths and displacing more than 2.6 million people since 2009.

This alarm by the MSF is being raised 16 days after the UN’s regional humanitarian coordinator for the Sahel, Toby Lanzer, said Nigeria’s Northeast, particularly Borno state, was in ‘acute emergency’.

“I have worked in many, many places -- Central African Republic, Darfur, South Sudan -- and the condition of people in very rural parts of Borno state is as bad as I have ever seen. It is an acute emergency,” he had told AFP by telephone from Cameroon on July 11.

He said urgent funding was needed to keep thousands of people alive in the Boko Haram-hit northeast Nigeria, stressing that the situation bordered on famine and compares to crises in Darfur and South Sudan.

Lanzer said $220 million (200 million euros) was needed for the next 10 weeks “for the purposes of keeping people alive”.

No alternative to Buhari’s economic policy – FG Continued from page 6

L-R: Governorship aspirant, All Progressives Congress (APC), Ondo State, Mr. Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN); Director of Organization, APC, Mr. Abubakar Kari and National Organizing Secretary, Sen. Osita. Izunazo, during the collection of nomination form by Akeredolu at the party’s headquarters in Abuja... on Wednesday...

Photo: TEMITOPE BALOGUN

PDP is anti-workers, says Oshiomhole Continued from page 6 to be paid and we are up to date in the payment of teachers’ salaries, whether primary school, or Junior Secondary School or Senior Secondary School.

“I am proud to say that in Edo State, teachers are the most prominent to be paid and we will continue to pay them, no going back.

“In Edo State, we see the worker, not as a cause agent, we see the worker as the engine of growth if properly managed and that is why even this week, if you are in the em-

ployment of Edo State government, you are already getting alert, so God win!

“So, even the one omission, when Egor was omitted, I’m happy to say that this week, not next, those Egor Local Government workers will be paid. So I believe in the worker.

“When they said the minimum wage was too high, I said No, it is too small and we increased it from N18,000 to N25,000, they said it’s a May Day joke, but we are already paying it, even those on Level 17.

And by the way, the highest level for an Edo public servant was Level 16,

today they can go up to Level 17 like their Federal counterparts, because for me, the Edo worker is not inferior to their Federal counterparts.”

The Governor said the state Government has paid about N26 billion of Bond taken for Water storm masterplan project, adding that the first phase of the project will be complete this December.

He said aside the deep drains to de-flood the state capital, ten roads with street lights, underground drains as deep as four metres and six metres wide are included in the stormwater project.

On his part, the gubernatorial candidate of the APC, Mr Godwin Obaseki said his government will focus on human capital development, adding that to achieve this, industrialisation, technology and large-scale agric farms will be established to provide jobs for the youths.

He said Edo state will plug into the Federal Government scheme where the poorest in the society will get a N5,000 succour monthly.

He assured women that they will get soft loans to empower them and grow the economy.

tion had fulfilled its campaign promises to address insecurity, fix the economy and fight corruption.

In the area of security, the minister said that when President Buhari came on board, 14 of the 20 Local Government Areas of Borno State, four in Adamawa and three in Yobe were under the sovereign authority of Boko Haram.

He said that with proactive measures and soft diplomacy with neighbouring African countries, the U.S., France and the G-8 had helped the country to “decisively deal with Book Haram’’.

“Today, all the major highways leading to Maiduguri are opened and about two months ago, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) played a league match in Maiduguri stadium,’’ he said.

On the renewed agitations in the Niger-Delta region and parts of the South-East, the minister reassured that the government would not marginalise any part of the country, and assured that economic development would go round to everyone.

According to the minister, the present administration is implementing fiscal discipline and other measures to address the messed up economy it inherited from its predecessors.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

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Opinion 14

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

The Negotiability of Nigeria (2)

T

his multi-part contribution to the negotiability or otherwise of the Nigerian State began two weeks ago. I opined that there are two camps, one seemingly committed to the unity of Nigeria and the other calling for its division. I explained that the views in this series of essay were first expressed about ten years ago. I promised to do an auto critic of the view at the end of their presentation. I gave a very brief summary of the major ethnic composition of Nigeria and the impact of that ethnicity and the incidence of high quality Nigerian petroleum oil on the socio-political stability of the country, especially as epitomized by the civil war of 1967 to 1970, which led to mass starvation and death of hundreds of thousands.

I decried ethnocentrism and racism for being very dangerous and highly destructive game. I cited Bala Usman as providing a very deep understanding of the reality of politics in Nigeria. I confessed my own previous shallow understanding of the intricacies that of geographical expression that Britain adopted. I introduced briefly the three basic assumptions that Bala Usman posits as drivers of conflict in Nigeria. These assumptions, all wrong according to him, are, firstly, the existence of a fundamental dichotomy between the North and the South of Nigeria.

The second is the inevitability of competition and conflicts between supposedly ancient monolithic and distinctive ethnic groups. The third is an inherent antagonism between Muslims and Christians in Nigeria. He argued that these assumptions obscure the mosaic plurality of Nigeria and Nigerians and the processes of fusions, diffusions, intermeshing, formations and transformations, which have marked the history of the people of the Nigerian area for millennia, before, and since the country’s formation, and right up to today.

Today, I continue the presentation of my essay.

Ethnicity in Nigeria: The three false assumptions[1] As I mentioned above, Bala Usman points us to three false assumptions that have caused many conflicts in Nigeria including the very bitter civil war. These false assumptions are, firstly, the presumed existence of a fundamental dichotomy between the North and the South of Nigeria. This is the myth of Nigeria’s arbitrary creation. Secondly, the assumed inevitability of competition and conflicts between supposedly

Buhari monolithic and distinctive ethnic groups, which are presumed to have existed as distinct racial entities for millennia, and which are also presumed to be the constituent units of the country. This is the myth of electoral ethnicity. The third assumption is the supposedly inherent antagonism between the Muslims and the Christians of Nigeria. This is the myth of religion. As I reported earlier, Dr. Usman argues that these assumptions obscure the mosaic plurality of Nigeria and Nigerians and the processes of fusions, diffusions, intermeshing, formations and transformations, which have marked the history of the people of the Nigerian area for millennia, before, and since the country’s

formation, and right up to today.

The myth of Nigeria’s arbitrary creation If we merely say there is a geographical North and South dichotomy or that there have emerged sub-national political and cultural identities we would be correct. We would however be wrong to say either that the Federal Republic of Nigeria is an amalgam of two, distinct geographical, cultural, economic, social and political entities, namely the North and the South brought together by the British, for their own reasons, in the 1914 amalgamation of the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria and the Protectorate of Northern Nigeria or that these two amalgamated entities have

never fused, or, merged into one, but have remained an amalgam of two distinct, and often antagonistic entities, in terms of their background, interests and aspirations.

The amalgamation of 1914 did not amalgamate two distinct entities, standing apart from one another and having some cohesion on their own. The Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria was, in 1914, a variegated collection of distinct colonial entities, which except for Lagos, had just been conquered by the British and were, at that time, being brought under effective colonial military occupation. This entity, which is falsely presented as constituting the South, standing distinct and cohesive apart from the North, at the time of the 1914 amalgamation, was itself produced by a series of amalgamations going back to 1893. In that year the Oil Rivers Protectorate was amalgamated with other territories nearby, which the British had subjugated, to form the Niger Coast Protectorate. This Niger Coast Protectorate, which, only in 1897, came to include the conquered Kingdom of Benin, for example, was, in 1900, amalgamated with a series of protectorates the British had imposed in the immediate hinterland of the Colony of Lagos, to form the Protectorate of Southern Nigeria, administered separately from the Colony of Lagos. Six years later, in 1906, the Colony of Lagos was amalgamated with this Protectorate of Southern Nigeria to form the Colony and Protectorate of Southern Nigeria, which far from being some cohesive colonial entity, was, largely, a sphere of influence, from which the British kept out other European colonial powers. The military expeditions for colonial occupation continued, right up to 1914, and beyond.

The Protectorate of Northern Nigeria, proclaimed in 1900, was also just a sphere of influence claimed by the British. It did not exist as a distinct entity, which could be termed ‘the North’ up to 1914, and beyond, when military expeditions to establish it continued. It was a variegated collection of the subjugated, hitherto largely autonomous, emirates of the Sokoto Caliphate, the subjugated Sheikhdom of Borno, the Igala and Jukun Kingdoms and numerous independent polities, which by the time of the 1914 amalgamation cannot be said to have constituted a distinct entity standing on its own, as the North, distinct from the South.

We shall continue this discussion in the next edition. Meanwhile, your contributions are welcome.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

15 Opinion

Edo 2016: Between a talking drum and a working brain

N

Ernest Omoarelojie

igerians are stressed almost beyond measure. Some are affected by the effects that rational reasoning seems to be eluding them. Certainly, no one can rightly blame anyone in this class because there is always a difference between the levels of resistance in even two average individuals. Right now what is required most is something that can divert attention, a comic relief if you like.

The good news is that comic relief is coming in droves from the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, in Edo State.

For ardent supporters of Pastor Osaze Izeh- Iyamu, PDP personified in the September 10 governorship election, talking loudly is equal to unassailable knowledge. So, they tend to reach organism when discussing the pastor’s pulpit points.

They get so convinced that shouting his voice coarse at every campaign rally is a sure-fire panacea for turning hard times to a one stop dream life that they label Godwin Obaseki as inauspiciously inept. His quiet mien, they assume, is give-away, beyond-reproach evidence. I cannot stop laughing at the apparent naïveté of a people groveling in the assumption that a talking drum is far better than a working brain.

It is sad that there are still indi-

viduals who regard Edo people as a bunch of simpletons. It is even more heart-rendering that they still nurse the ill notion that the people do not have the capacity to see beyond façade. Sadly, for them, the people are familiar with the antecedents of every one of those aspiring to lead the state. They know the difference between a talking drum and a working brain and will express their knowledge through the ballot in September.

Let me talk about Godwin Enogheghase Obaseki, the man with noble antecedents.

I am a bona fide citizen of Edo State, very familiar with its political history. I know about its yesterday when those we elected stole the state blind. I am equally familiar with today seeing others helping to redefine how the little resources we have can be redistributed for the general good of the people. I know Obaseki to belong to the latter group.

Let emphasise that while the contest for the gubernatorial candidate the face of the All Progressives Congress, APC, lasted, my sentiments were for someone else. However, looking back now, I know for that my position then was based on what I did not know about him.

I have since discovered that the relationship between Obaseki and Edo State is the same between a parent and love child. Thus far, Obaseki has proven that his love

for the state and its people is worth every sacrifice.

Let it be said for the umpteenth time, that he has been an invisible but prime player in the Oshiomhole administration. As head of the economic team, his team is reputed to have introduced the policies that shaped the administration’s enviable economic and managerial conducts. His contributions were also instrumental in steering the state away from recession. In addition, he did all these without receiving a salary in seven and a half years. We need no rocket scientist to explain that this is as good as any sacrifice can be.

Yet, there is another part of Obaseki largely unknown to people of the state. Many have wondered why Oshiomhole almost insisted that an investment banker must succeed him. That was revealed recently in Lagos during the fund raising dinner for the APC flag bearer.

According to Oshiomhole, Obaseki, along with a few other well-meaning patriots co-opted him into mainstream politics. Beyond successfully persuading him, they also went the extra mile of raising the required funds and were there at the various tribunals.

With victory secured, some of them were persuaded to join the administration. Obaseki heeded the call and was made head of the

administration’s economic team.

Yet, he never received salary for all the sacrifices.

Indeed, sacrifice is more like a second nature to Obaseki. It tallies with his belief that governance should not be an avenue for getting rich but for service. For the same reason, he believes that one’s contributions are enough talk.

So far, Obaseki lived up to his word by remaining tacitum. However, political jobbers seem to be feasting on his quiet mien. They insinuate that, he allows Oshiomhole to be his voice. Of course, his traducers will continue to be blind to the fact that unlike Obaseki’s voice, whatever represents it, will be quiet, if it has nothing to talk about.

Lest we forget, Obaseki has been described variously as the “brain”, “software”, “arrowhead”, etc. None of the description is misplaced. One can take something home when an Obaseki, with less authority is given such credit. There is more to take to the bank if he obtains requisite democratic authority. If he could work from the sideline and receive plaudits, he is very likely to do more when conferred with democratic authority. Certainly, the job requires a working brain, not a talking drum.

Ernest Omoarelojie writes from Benin City

Effective leadership and the Anambra dream

T Prince Okpala

he recent award of Zik’s leadership prize for Good Governance on Gov. Willie Obiano of Anambra State is another testimony to his superlative statecraft.

Obiano had hitherto been a beneficiary of such awards and honours from various institutions and bodies.

These recognitions reflect much on the way and manner he has taken the arduous task of governance and leadership to another level in the state.

Before his election, Obiano had distinguished himself as a frontline banker, excellent management and financial expert, and a First-class economist. His intimidating pedigree in financial management and banking was a ready asset in tackling the plethora of economic and management issues in Anambra.

Hitherto, the state had never had it so good. iMost of the past leaders in the state lacked vision, focus and commitment. Some were neck-deep in vain glory and ego trips that did nothing to move the state forward.

Some of the leaders were only inter-

ested in playing politics of survival, while real governance took a back seat.

That was the scenario before Chief Obiano came on board. He came with a vision, a mission to transform Anambra State.

It is no longer news that most states cannot meet the needs of their people. They cannot pay salaries or fulfill other constitutional obligations. Notwithstanding the fact that revenue coming to the state has noose-dived considerably, Gov. Obiano has maximised available resources.

His husbandry of scarce resources is particularly excellent. With the eagle eyes of an economic expert, he foresaw the impending drop in the price of crude oil and the danger it would portend for Nigeria.

In line with this vision, he prepared for tomorrow. Today, the result is there for all to see. Whilst his counterparts cannot pay salaries, Obiano is increasing workers salaries and embarking on gigantic projects to affect the lives of the people.

The thrust of the Obiano Administration is hinged on the four pillars of agriculture, industrialisation,

trade and commerce, and oil and gas.

These enablers include critical aspects of governance such as security, education, healthcare, power generation, finance, social and civil infrastructure, water, sanitation, environment, hospitality and tourism, transportation, water and sanitation and youth and sports.

It is not an overstatement to say that the identification of these critical ingredients of governance by Obiano is highly cerebral. This is why he is being honoured and recognised within and outside Nigeria.

Drawing from his wealth of experience in banking, he created an enabling environment for Nigerians and foreigners to build industries and create jobs in the state.

The governments’ blueprint for jobs creation of jobs is yielding results.

Today, 42,500 direct jobs and 200,000 indirect jobs are in the pipeline. About 500 youths have been trained in various skills and crafts at the technology incubation centre, Nnewi. In the Agricultural training centre, Mgbakwu, hundreds of youths have received training.

Obiano’s investment in agricul-

ture is matchless. He has attracted $150million from coaschans farm project at Anaku. The sum of $50m from Novtec Farms Limited in Ndikeli Onwu, $160m from Joseph Agro Limited Rice Project in Omoru and $220m from Ekcel Farms, Tomato Production Farm at Omasi. There is also the $50m from Soughai/ Delfarms Integrated Organic Farm project at Igbariam.

Others include grans and silos with $40 million in storage facilities, Iynden farms with the $61m poutry farm in Igbariam, and Tricity Integrated farms with $11.4m ultra modern abattoir in Awka.

Over $140 million investment has been attracted to the manufacturing sector. The Obiano Administration also plans to have a fully developed oil and gas sector by 2018. Other sectors such as education, health and environmental have been given priority.

In transportation, government has put in place the modern mass transit scheme. Modern bus stops and terminals have been built while 24 speedboats, water ambulance and a gun boat for the Nigerian Navy.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

Features Æ s

17

How Militants struck at Igando, shoot three policemen

Militants

Gbubemi God’s Covenant Snr Residents of Pacific Estate at Ikejiobi Avenue, Ewedogbon, in the Igando area of Lagos State played host to evil yesterday (Tuesday) after some militants engaged security operatives in a gun battle for all of seven hours.

During the encounter, three

Ambode

policemen attached to the Igando Police Division and two residents, identified as Baba Victor and Adedokun, were injured.

The Daily Timesgathered that the gunmen, suspected to be militants, had invaded the community around 6am through the waterways behind the estate.

They were said to have looted some shops on the estate.

It was learnt that when the matter was reported at the Igan-

do division, a police team was deployed in the area about two hours inside their evil operation.

The policemen were said to have engaged the bandits in a gun battle, during which three policemen were shot.

Although one of the policemen was shot in the head, the police said he survived the attack and was receiving treatment in a government hospital.

During the gun battle, some

residents fled from the militants who had earlier abducted them.

When our correspondent got to the estate around 9am, four streets – Ojo Benjamin, Kehinde Ashafa, Ganiyu Adekunle and Ikejiobi – had been deserted.

A landlord in the area, who was afraid to give his name said there were women among the militants, who also looted shops and escaped with foodstuffs.

He said, “The attacks started

in Fatoki community, Igando, on Saturday. We did not know it was our turn this morning (Tuesday).

At about 6.30am, they came into the estate, shooting and moving around the streets.

“Everyone ran inside and bolted the doors. They caught a resident, Baba Victor, on his motorcycle, and took him away. They cut him with machetes, but he escaped during the gun battle with CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Nigerians must support Buhari’s anti-graft war to wipe out corruption - Stakeholders God’s Covenant Snr with agency report

wwwww

With the recent rating of Transparency International categorizing Nigeria as the 136th among Corruption Perception Index in 2015 out of 168 countries it investigated, now is the time for Nigerians to join the Buhari-led Administration in the anti-graft to effectively wipe corruption away from our psyche.

This was the general consensus of analysts and stakeholders at a

recent meeting called to discuss and evaluate the Transparency International rating.

Participants noted that the rating calls for urgent need to deploy all necessary measures to stem the tide of corruption in the country by making public institutions more accountable and transparent.

The consensus is that the current trials of highly placed suspected corrupt public officials in various courts of law have given credence to President Muham-

madu Buhari’s administration doggedness in the war against corruption.

Nonetheless, they call on Nigerians to view the anti-graft war as a national crusade and join the war to effectively wipe out corruption.

Also at a recent town hall meeting in Kaduna to engender citizen participation in the anti-graft war, stakeholders also admitted that the current anti-corruption war would achieve little without CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Features 18

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

Militants strike at Igando, shoot three policemen people suddenly started running, saying some hoodlums were coming with guns. Immediately I bolted my door, the gunshots started.

From the keyhole, I saw four of the men. A boy of about 20 years was in the front. He wore a red cap with coconut in his hand and a charm on his chest. The three others had guns and shot into the air sporadically.”

Thirteen police vans, two Rapid Response Squad armoured tanks and three OP MESA vans were sighted at the bus stop with displaced residents numbering over 200 people.

A policeman, who had gone to the waterside, said the gunmen arrived at the riverside around 6am, adding that they could have collaborators in the estate.

He said, “The attackers are Ijaw youths. They are young, slim and can easily swim away in wa-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

the police.

“They smashed the vehicles they found on the streets. They broke into shops and stole frozen foods, bags of rice and garri.

They were about 15 men. The hoodlums did not cover their faces and there were women among them. Some of us were watching them from our houses.”

More gunfire exchange between the operatives and hoodlums erupted, sending everyone scurrying to safety again.

Our correspondent observed some residents – women and children – leaving the area at about 2pm.

Soldiers on the streets searched their luggage as they filed out in groups.

One of the women said, “I was sweeping the corridor of my house around 6.30am when

Owoseni, Lagos State CP

ter. They shot at us and three policemen were injured. They saw us and laid an ambush. When we got to a section of the river, they began to shoot. We replied the bullets. But three policemen were hit and injured.”

The gun battle was still on about 2.30pm when our correspondent left the area, a suspected hideout of the hoodlums around the waterside was set ablaze.

The Police Public Relations Officer, SP Dolapo Badmos, said the police had yet to make any arrest, but normalcy had been restored to the area. She said, “Some group of people invaded the area in the early hours of Tuesday. Operatives were alerted and moved in to foil the attack. Normalcy has been restored in the vicinity. No policeman died in the incident.

The command is still on the trail of the suspects.”

FG should establish special courts to handle corruption cases CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

the support of the public.

Organised by Cleen Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, the meeting noted that the support of Nigerians translate to a mere cardinal spectators to the success of anti-graft war.

Mr Oluwole Ojewale, Senior Programme Officer, Research and Strategy Development of the foundation, advised that the war should also be extended to the states and local government authorities.

According to him, corruption thrives in the operation of joint account between states and local government councils.

He noted further that lack of transparency in procurement and award of contracts aided corruption at the state and local government levels.

“Lack of monitoring in budgeting process and implementation, absence of data due to poor record keeping culture in ministries, departments and agencies are also strong factors that have aided corruption at the lower levels of governments.

“Thus citizens’ engagement becomes pivotal for an open and transparent system of governance,’’ the official said.

He, therefore, said that citizens must be enlightened and encour-

aged to claim a space in the fight against corruption at the states and local governments by demanding accountability.

Ojewale explained that the town hall meeting was organised to build the capacity of community members and key stakeholders at the state and local government levels to fully participate in the anti-graft war.

“Such meeting provides a platform for information sharing on the negative effects of corruption on the nation’s socio-economic and political space and the necessary steps that must be adopted to win the war. ``Similar meeting would be held in Rivers, Benue and Lagos State to make Nigerians more aware of corruption and its negative effects,’’ Ojewale said.

In her contribution, Mrs Mary Cole of the Enlightenment and Reorientation Unit of the Economic and Financial Crime Commission, noted that the fight against corruption required the collective determination of the citizenry.

She said that the failure of many governments to draw the community, civil society and the private sector actively into anti-corruption campaigns was among other factors responsible for the failures of national initiatives to tackle corruption.

According to her, citizens en-

gagement will empower local voices, increase institutional responsiveness, built a new democratic space for citizens engagement ensure better budget utilisation and service delivery.

In his view, Mr Olusegun Adigun, the North West Zonal Coordinator of the Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission, attributed the impediment on the fight against corruption to lack of support by Nigerians.

He said that Nigerians must view the ongoing fight against corruption as a national war that must be supported by all to succeed.

He attributed the impediment to the fight against corruption to lack of will and commitment by Nigerians.

Adigun observed that Nigerians had yet to see the fight against corruption as a national issue, adding that until it is seen as such, not much would be achieved.

“People are expected to report corrupt cases to prosecuting agencies to investigate and bring corrupt persons top book, but we don’t get much from the public.

“They only report cases that affect them directly, but if it does not affect them, they turn a blind eye and keep mute.

“People do not write petitions on corrupt issues, they are not

Buhari

ready to volunteer information and are not ready to testify. How do we win the war with this kind of attitude?’’, he said.

Adigun also frowned at complaints by some Nigerians that the current administration’s fight against corruption was politically motivated and selective.

“The question we should ask is whether or not the people facing trials for corrupt cases actually

committed the crime they were held for; corruption is corruption and it must be dealt with,’’ he noted.

However, the Kaduna Branch Chairman of the Nigerian Bar Association, Mr Sherif Ndasule, said that government must provide adequate machinery to strengthen justice delivery system to ensure maximum result in the war against corruption.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

19 Features

2 robbery suspects nabbed in Lagos ÏGuns, loot recovered Stories by Oguntade Ismaila The operatives of Rapid Response Squad of the Lagos State Police Command have arrested two armed robbers in two separate incidences in Ikotun and Olodi-Apapa area of Lagos, just as it recovered guns, jewelries, a laptop and 18 mobile phones from the robbery suspects.

The suspects, Bashir Wasiu (22), from Oyo State and Tunde Adedeji (23), from Abeokuta, Ogun State were arrested in Olodi – Apapa, around 6:35am on Tuesday, 19th July, 2016 and Ikotun on Monday 18th July, 2016 around 4:33am respectively.

Bashir had early on Tuesday morning in company of two other gang members, waylaid Viho Segun at his residence’s car park, snatching his documents, phones and N15,000 from him at gun point before leading him to his flat intending to collect more valuables from his family.

At the Viho’s flat, Bashir threatened to kill him in the presence of his children and wife if they fail to produce more valuables.

When the wife refused to surrender what they wanted, Bashir allegedly hit Viho’s head with gun butt and beat the wife to a pulp.

Viho’s account: “When he started beating my wife, I summoned courage to engage him. As soon as we started fighting, his colleague took to his heels.

He too tried to run but I seized his gun and held him down and called out to neighbours. Just in

The first of the suspect

Second of the suspect

the nick of time, RRS officers on patrol arrived and they arrested him.”

According to the suspect, they had been monitoring Viho without his knowledge for some time.

“We know he goes to work early in his car and we decided to ambush him.

“We were three, Michael and I followed him into his flat to collect more money while Joseph was monitoring the situation outside.

“The three of us met at a point near boundary in Ajegunle. That is where we plan and set out for our operations. We operate early in the mornings and late evenings.”

For Tunde Adedeji, his 10-member robbery team invaded Muslim and Omotayo Streets, where they robbed all the occupants of the three buildings they targeted.

Two of the three buildings are in Muslim Street while the third building is in Omotayo Street.

Over 25 robbery victims residing in the three buildings narrated their ordeals in the hands of the robbers when they besieged RRS Headquarters in Alausa after reports filtered to them that RRS officials arrested one of the robbery suspects.

Most of the robbery victims sustained several machete cuts in the head and body.

The robbery victims, who came to Alausa in three fully loaded commercial buses were invited one after the other to identify the suspects and also identify their belongings from the 18 mobile phones, trinkets and assorted jewelries recovered from the suspects.

Explaining how they planned and carried out the robbery operation, Adedeji said “at about 12:00

22 teenage suspects arrested for robbery, cultism The operatives of the Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of Lagos State Police Command have arrested 22 teenagers for suspected robbery, stealing and cultism.

The 22 teenagers, amongst whom are four female, were arrested for allegedly committing the offences in separate incidences around Agege and its environs in Lagos State.

The two leaders of the first gang, which consists of eight members, Babatunde (15) and Tayo (15), were arrested last Thursday about 11:30pm in

Mulero, Agege for assaulting and robbing one Aladegbo Abidemi with an axe, and snatching her Blackberry Z10 mobile phone.

The suspects were reported to have led the police to other members of the gang the following day. They include Matthew (18); Sakiru (16); Ganiyu (13); Reliwan (15); Ibrahim (15) and Kudus (15).

According to their 26-year-old female victim, Aladegbo Abidemi, “I was coming from work and decided to pass through Mulero to link the closest bus

stop around 10:00 p.m. I sensed my phone ringing and I picked it. Just few seconds while on the call, I noticed about 12 young boys like a swarm of bees milling towards me.

“I attempted to run but I fell down. They rough handled me, threatened me with an axe and took my phone. They retreated and abandoned me inside the gutter.

A few minutes later, I saw RRS patrol vehicle and reported the incident; they gave the rascals a hot chase, and arrested them with my phone.”

Some of the teenage suspects

midnight, Sadiq, Sule, Ijoba, myself and six others whose names I don’t know met and discussed about the robbery.

“I was invited into the operation by Sadiq. We met at Ikotun Egbe. We discussed the plan and at around 2:00 in the morning, we converged at Ikotun Roundabout.

“The arms we used for the operation were cutlasses, woods and sticks. None of us had a gun. We used legs to break doors and took phones, jewelries and laptops from our victims.”

He disclosed that all the recovered items found with him were taken from the victims. “Sule and I were coming from the operation around 4:00am when a local security man intercepted us. He collected Sule’s bag.

“We ran away just as he was opening the bag. But, I was later arrested by RRS officials of patrol after seeing the content of my bag.

“This is my second operation with the team. In June, we also robbed another house in Ikotun.

We also took from them phones and money.

“We sell all what we take to one guy called Tablet. Sule normally call him on phone after the operation and we meet him at Olugbede somewhere at Egbeda,” he said.

While Bashir Wasiu was transferred to SARS office in Ikeja, Adedeji was transferred to Ikotun Police Station along with the recovered items for further investigation. Speaking on the robbery, the Police PPRO, SP Dolapo Badmos confirmed the arrest and added that the police is not resting on its oars. She stressed that the Command would continue to work round the clock to reduce crime in the state.

20

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

Public Notice 21

Don’t shield anyone involved in Budget padding, Gowon tells Buhari Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÎÎÎA former Head of

State, General Yakubu Gowon, has asked the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to ‘check’ and ‘stop’ anyone guilty of budget padding.

Gowon spoke at Ile-Ife Health Caravan and award ceremony for the Ooni of Ife, Oba Enitan Ogunwusi, who

was conferred as the Royal Ambassador for Hepatitis Advocacy in Nigeria.

The event, which commenced at Ile-Ife, on Wednesday, with free screening, was organised by the Seham Health Care Foundation as part of activities to commemorate the 2016 World Hepatitis Day. The elder stateman wondered why the issue of budget paddling became the order

XXX

OBI EMMANUEL ROBINSON I was formerly known and addressed as EMMANUEL ROBINSON CHIGOZIE, Now wish to be known and addressed as OBI EMMANUEL ROBINSON. All former documents remain valid.

General public to take note.

OKOROUME CHINENYE

AVAROKOME GOODLUCK GABRIEL

of the day in Nigeria, saying such never occurred during his administration.

He, however, urged government not to allow anyone found guilty of budget paddling go scot free.

He added, “If that is true.

If anybody is doing that, the person should be checked and stopped to ensure that such does not occur in the future.

“We didn’t it do it during my time. We had Chief Obafemi Awolowo in-charge of our finance during my time and he taught us to survive without borrowing. Such (budget paddling) should stop, there is no point doing that.”

Gowon also advised the Federal Government to ensure that the country’s economy regain its strength.

Responding to questions after the award ceremony, Gowon urged Nigerians to cooperate with government, saying that the FG was doing everything within it reach to resolve the economic challenge.

Gowon When asked to suggest solution to Nigeria’s economic challenge,Gowon said, “Let the currently authority find a way out of the current economic crisis. The Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun, has been telling us what they have been doing to get the economy PLEASURE IGBIKINAKUROBO-OFORI MICHAEL

I, formerly known and addressed as AVAROKOME GOODLUCK UDOMODE now wishes to be known and addressed as AVAROKOME GOODLUCK GABRIEL. All documents remain valid.

General Public take note.

MRS FLORENCE OKWUKWEKA OBINAGHA

MRS. BLESSING LAWRENCE .N. PEARSE-COOKEY

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS FLORENCE OKWUKWEKA OBI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS FLORENCE OKWUKWEKA OBINAGHA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known and addressed as, PLEASURE TEME, now wish to be known and addressed as, PLEASURE IGBIKINAKUROBOOFORI MICHAEL. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. BLESSING WARIBO TOM JAJA, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. BLESSING LAWRENCE .N. PEARSE-COOKEY. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OPADAYO IBUKUNOLUWA TOSIN now wish to be henceforth reffered to as OJO IBUKUNOLUWA TOSIN . All erstwhile documents still remain valid.

General public please take note.

MRS. MFONOBONG TEMIDAYO AMURE

OGUNRIN ADEOLA BOSEDE

SURU TIMOTHY AGBOYINU

SUNDAY BARINUA TORPIE I, formerly known and addressed as, SUNDAY NIABARI NANCY, now wish to be known and addressed as, SUNDAY BARINUA TORPIE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ADEKANYE OLUWATOSIN PETERS

I, formerly known and addressed as AJA CHINENYE MODESTER, now wish to be known and addressed as OKOROUME CHINENYE. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank and general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. MFONOBONG EKPE MOSES, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. MFONOBONG TEMIDAYO AMURE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AKINYOADE ADEOLA BOSEDE now wish to be henceforth reffered to as OGUNRIN ADEOLA BOSEDE . All erstwhile documents still remain valid. General public please take note.

I Formerly known and addressed as AKOVOWANU TIMOTHY AGBOYINU Now wish to be known, called and addressed as SURU TIMOTHY AGBOYINU All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. General public and Relevant authorities please take note.

EUCHARIA NWAKAEGO AKINMOYE

RAHEEM HAMMED ADEWALE

ADEBIYI WALE KAFAYAT OMOBOLAJI

MRS FOLORUNSO GODSBEST AKPOUVIE

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

JIMOH JUBRIL

I, formerly known and addressed as, OSARUMWENSE SHITTU, now wish to be known and addressed as, OSARUMWENSE OMORUYI. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

I, GOSPEL NNADI, AND GOSPEL GILBERT, refer to one and same person but, now wish to be known and addressed as, GOSPEL NNADI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as JOMOH MOHAMED ABASS. Now wish to be known and addressed as JIMOH JUBRIL. All former documents remain valid . General public should take note.

I FORMER LY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS OKOGBA GODSBEST AKPOUVIE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS FOLORUNSO GODSBEST AKPOUVIE ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

ASHIKE LAZARUS VICTOR

UDE UJUUCHE .J.

I, formerly known and addressed as, YEJE SUNDAY ONAH, now wish to be known and addressed as, ASHIKE LAZARUS VICTOR. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

BETTY NNEKA NWANKWO

I, formerly known and addressed as, UDE JOY AMAMCHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as, UDE UJUUCHE .J. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, NWANKWO NNEKA QUEEN, now wish to be known and addressed as, BETTY NNEKA NWANKWO. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

THAT I AM THE SAME PERSON BEARING ADIO RIDWAN OLALEKAN AND ADIO RILIWAN OLALEKAN ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

I, formerly known and addressed as, OLAREWAJU ABDULAZEEZ MUSILI, now wish to be known and addressed as, OLAREWAJU MUSILI. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

POROYE JOY UGWO

SULEMAN KASIM

OSARUMWENSE OMORUYI

I formerly known and addressed as ADEBOWALE KAFAYAT OMOBOLAJI now wish to be henceforth reffered to as ADEBIYI WALE KAFAYAT OMOBOLAJI. All documents still remain valid.

General public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, CLEMENT JOY, now wish to be known and addressed as, POROYE JOY UGWO. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known, called and addressed as ADEKANYE OLUWATOMISIN. Now wish to be known, called and addressed as ADEKANYE OLUWATOSIN PETERS. All former documents remain valid .

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, SULE KASIM, now wish to be known and addressed as, SULEMAN KASIM. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I FORMER LY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ROTIMI HAMMED ADEWALE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS RAHEEM HAMMED ADEWALE ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE

OLAREWAJU MUSILI

OSHIN SHAKIRAT JOKE

OJO IBUKUNOLUWA TOSIN

I formerly known and addressed as MUSTAFA SHAKIRAT AJOKE. now wish to be known and addressed as OSHIN SHAKIRAT JOKE.all former document remain valid.General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as EUCHERIA NWAKAEGO ANENE now wish to be henceforth reffered to as EUCHARIA NWAKAEGO AKINMOYE. All erstwhile documents still remain valid. General public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

strong again. She said all will be well by September. Let’s wait till then.

“I have left government for a long time, so I may not really know what the problem is. The current administration should do whatever they can to solve to economic challenge.

They should find a way to restore confidence in citizens and the nation at large by fixing the economy.”

Receiving the award, the Ooni urged Nigerians to ensure that they support the less privileged.

He expressed delight to be awarded and called on Nigerians to cultivate the habit of celebrating good leaders.

On her part, the Executive Secretary of Seham, Princess Adepeju Hameed, explained that since the formation of the foundation, the rate of Hepatitis has reduced in Nigeria.

She noted that the Ooni was awarded to deepen the awareness about the disease and its control.

Youth Goodwill Ambasador for Hepatitis, Latasha Ngwube challenged youths to also do something for the society through selfless services.

During the programme, free Hepatisis test was conducted for indigenes of Ile-Ife and drugs were given to those that tested positive.

MRS FALILAT AJIBIKE SHONUBI I, formally known and addressed as MISS FALILAT AJIBIKE DIPE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS FALILAT AJIBIKE SHONUBI. All former documents remain valid . General public should take note.

IDOKO JAMES OBEYA

I, formerly known and addressed as, OBEYA JAMES YAKUBU, now wish to be known and addressed as, IDOKO JAMES OBEYA. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

NWEDEGO FRANCIS NKWUDA

I, formerly known and addressed as, JOHN FRANCIS, now wish to be known and addressed as, NWEDEGO FRANCIS NKWUDA. All former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

Public Notice 22 GREATER GLORY REVIVAL CHURCH WORLDWIDE This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) OLUSEGUN A. OLUSOJI. (2) MR.ADEBOGUN FRANKLIN. (3) MRS OMOTOKE O.OLUSOJI. (4) MR MATHEW AYOHINE YUSUF. (5) MR LEKAN LIJOFI Aims And Objectives: 1. PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST THROUGHOUT THE WORLD, HOLD CRUSADES, CAMP MEETING. PLANTING OF CHURCHES IN ANY PART OF THE WORLD. 2. PUBLISH OR CAUSE TO BE PUBLISHED IN ANY PLACE AND AT ANY TIME CHRISTIAN LITERATURE, INCLUDING, TRACTS,MAGAZINES, PERIODICALS, BOOKS, STICKERS AND MAKE BROADCASTS, AND ANNOUNCEMENTS THROUGH ANY ELECTRONIC MEDIA 3. To do all such things conducive or incidental to the attainment of the above aims and objectives

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

HIS GLORY APOSTOLIC CHURCH OF NIGERIA This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PROPHET SAMSON ADESIDA - GENERAL OVERSEER 2. DEACONESS ADENIKE ADESIDA - TREASURER. 3. SOTUNDE OLU IDOWU - SECRETARY 4. ADEWALE JOSEPH OMOLAYO - Member 5. APOSTLES AKIN OLATOKUN 6. SALAMI O ADEYINKA 7. DEACONESS OLUWAFUNMILAYO JACINTO AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO ALL THE NATION.

PETRATROS DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION The above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission to be incorporated under Part ‘C’ of CAMA 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Adewumi Kehinde 2. Adewumi Taye 3. Adewumi Olubunmi Olufunmilayo 4. Tobe Olugbenga Idowu.

AIMS: To provide a platform for talented indigent members of the society to harness, develop and express their God given treasures/ talents/skills and abilities.

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

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

Any objection to this application should be forwarded to the REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA TO REACH HIM NOT LATER THAN TWENTY EIGHT (28) DAYS from the date of this publication.

Signed: Ogori Nnenna F. (Esq) Solicitor

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

ANNOUNCER: Barrister Gbenga Tobe.

INDEPENDENT METAL &ROBBERS DRUMS BUYING & SELLERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA The General Public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act NO.1 Part C 1990.

EVER LASTING LIFE CHRISTIAN MISSION INT’L The general public is hereby notified that the above named organization has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part ‘c’ of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

ZION MISSIONARY INTERNATIONAL CHURCH The general public is hereby notified that the above named organization has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part ‘c’ of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BISHOP SANDY ELIJAH 2. BLESSING SANDY 3. EKAETE ALLOY 4. CLEMENT UCHE 5. REV (MRS) LOVE SANDY

THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) Adetunji Rabiu (2) Alh. Rafiu Olaiya (3) Igbayilola Afeez (4) Alaka Wasiu Aremu (5) Hassan Oke Adeleke (6) Shittu Kehinde Alamu (7) Shittu kudirat Oyinlade

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. EDOJAH JAMES 2. MR JEWO FRIDAY 3. Chief Oghenejakpor Freeborn 4. Evangelist WINNER EDOJAH 5. Pastor. Mrs Edojah Victoria

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1.To Promote And Protect The Interest Of The Members.

2. To Forster Peace And Harmony Among Members .

3.To Give Moral And Financial Supports To Members When Needs Arise .

4. To Organize Conferences, Symposia, Seminars. Geared Towards Members Development And Empowerment.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To train, ordain and license candidates for work of Gospel ministry

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To establish and maintain place of worship for Jehovah God in accordance with the Holy Bible, nationally and globally.

2. To train, ordain and license candidates for work of Gospel ministry

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO REGISTRAR – GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, P.M.B 198, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA ABUJA, WITHIN (28) DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO REGISTRAR – GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, P.M.B 198, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET MAITAMA ABUJA, WITHIN (28) DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED SECRETARY

SIGNED SECRETARY

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

SYLVESTER CHUKWUEGU ARTS FOUNDATION

– – – – –

President / General Overseer Secretary Treasurer P. R. O National Women Coordinator/ Vice president

GREAT EBONYI PEOPLE’S CLUB OF NIGERIA

– – – – –

President / Founder Secretary Treasurer P. R. O National Women Coordinator/ Vice president

KINDLE MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

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

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

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 of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Mrs. Odochi Akujuobi 2. Mrs Uchechi Odoemena 3. Mrs. Chidiebere Nnaekpe 4. Mrs. Ngozi Obinna 5. Mr. Iheanyi Chukwuegu

TRUSTEES 1.NOME MICHEAL USULOR- CHAIRMAN. 2.JEREMIAH EGARA- SEC. 3.OGBONNA JOHN UCHE4.NWAKPA COSMAS EMEKA5.IKECHUKWU NWEKE. 6.OKIWE CHINOS FRIDAY 7.NWALI NDUBISI NWANKWO.

TRUSTEES 1.MRS IBUKUN AREOLA 2.ROTIMI AREOLA 3.ADETUTU ADEDEJI 4.OYEBOLA SANYAOLA 5.PASTOR OLUBUNMI ADEBAYO.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote Arts and Culture in Nigeria 2. To engage in social humanitarian services 3. To promote philanthropic activities for the benefit of people engaged in Arts and Culture.

Any objection to the registration should be addressed to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication Signed: Michael Nnaekpe Esq.

GOOD COMMUNITY EMPOWERMENT AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

AIMS 1 TO PROMOTE THE INTEREST OF MEMBERS. 2 TO FOSTER UNITY AMONG MEMBERS.

AIMS. TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD TO ALL MANKIND IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE TEACHINGS OF CHRIST AND THE DOCTRINES OF CHRISTIANTY.

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

Any Objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar General, corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja, within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY.

SIGNED.JOHN KPAKU ESQ 08059100313.

DIVINE RECONCILIATION MINISTRY

JOE ZABBEY FOUNDATION FOR HUMAN RIGHTS AND SOCIAL JUSTICE.

The general public is hereby inform that the above named Church has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Degree No. 1 of 1990.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR UDO, LUCY ASUKWO 2. USANGA, DANIEL USEN 3. EKASO, IMAOBONG VICTOR

TRUSTEES. 1.JOE ZABBEY ESQ 2.MICHAEL DUMLE ZABBEH ESQ 3.KAABEE KENNETH BARISI.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES: 1. To preach the gospel of salvation 2. To teach Bible doctrines

AIMS. To CREATE A PLATFORM FOR THE ADOVOCACY OF EQUAL RIGHTS AND JUSTICE IN THE SOCIETY.

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

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

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

Signed: Secretary

Signed: Chairman.

SIGNED JOHN KPAKU ESQ 08059100313.

The general public is hereby inform that the above named has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Degree No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Prince Fola Omokayode.- President/Founder.

2. Omokayode Folajimi Olamide Roseline. (Sec).

3. Madam Comfort Oluremi Ogunsola.

4. Oyedji Adeshina Severin. .

5. Adewale Joshua Adeniyi.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE:: To assist the less priviledge in the communities,by creating wealth through empowerment and feeding the Nations at large,with a total Security in the Society.

HOPE FOR THE WORLD EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION 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 company and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. VEN. AZUBUIKE MBADIWE INNOCENT UGOHA-CHAIRMAN 2. EVANG. ODICHAOBIMMA AMBROSE UMUNNA UGOHA-SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO ASSIST MENTALLY DERANGED PERSONS; TO CLOTHE THE NAKED AND TO HELP THE SICK. 2. TO OFFER HOPE AND HELP TO INDIGENT PERSONS IN THEIR SPIRITUAL, EDUCATIONAL TRAINING, SKILL ACQUISITION AND SOCIAL DEVELOPMENT. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days of this Publication.

SIGNED: THEOPHILUS NDU OKPARA, ESQ. RHINOS LEGAL (SOLICITORS) NO. I6, MBARI STREET, IKENEGBU, OWERRI, IMO STATE.

ABIMBOLA OLU CARE FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act N0. 1 of 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1 pst (Mrs) Abimbola Sarah Oluwadahusi.

2 Mr. Emmanuel Oluwashogo Joshua .

3 Olutoyin Adewunmi Akanji 4. Mr Israel Oluwapelumi Oluwadahusi 5. Mr Oluwatimilehi Agboola 6. Miss Estherfaith Oluwadahusi 7. Mr Ebenezar Aduragbemi Oluwadahusi 8. Oluwatosin Dorcas Joshua.

Aims To organise programmes, seminars lectures, symposia .that is Geared towards the healthcare development of the less previleged.

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

Signed.Pst. (Mrs) Abimbola Sarah Oluwadahusi.

THE GREAT HOUSE MINISTRY.

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act N0. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE ; (1). Pst(Mrs ) Ekaette Etim Ekpo (General Overseer).

(2) Elder Victor Nyoho Edu. Aims/Objective-: (1). To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

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

SIGNED ; Pst(Mrs ) Ekaette Etim Ekpo (General Overseer

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

23 News

Ex-Edo council chair drags Igbinedion to court over land Titus Akhigbe, Benin

ÎÎÎFormer Transition Com-

mittee Chairman of Oredo Local Government Area of Edo State, Samuel Omede, has asked a Benin high court to restrain a two-time governor of the state, Lucky Igbinedion, from trespassing on a disputed piece of land, running into millions of naira.

Omede, prayed the court to restrain one Joseph Osa-

giobare, who is the second defendant in the suit, as well as their servants, agents, privies or any person whoever described from further alienating, selling or doing anything injurious or adverse to his legal, equitable interest.

Omede, through his counsel, Olayiwola Afolabi, prayed the court for the order of interlocutory injunction in respect of the piece of land measuring 5.010 hect-

ares lying and situated at Evbuodia Community, near Ogba River on Airport Road, Benin City, pending the determination of the substantive suit filed.

Omede, in his statement of claim dated 14th April 2016, averred that he (Omede), was the rightful owner of the said parcel of land delineated in survey plan No. JAO/EDO/2013/105 dated 30th/06/2003, which was allocated to him vide an applica-

tion of a Building Plot Allotment Committee in Ward 2, in Evbuodia Community to the Odionwere (Community head) and the Elders’ Council of the Community.

Omede also averred that that he was devastated on seeing some persons working on the plot of land and that he was informed by the second defendant, Osagiobare, that he was acting on Igbinedion’s directive.

Omede further prayed the

court for a declaration that the defendant’s act by allegedly forcefully trespassing on his land was illegal and against his constitutional rights to have quiet possession and enjoyment of his land. He requested for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the defendants, as well as the sum of N50 million (Fifty million naira) as general damages for the illegal and forceful trespass on his land.

Igbinedion

Economy: Clergy urges Nigerians to keep hope alive Titilope Joseph

ÎÎÎDistrict

Superintendent West and central Africa of the Apostolic church (WECA), Rev. Adebayo Adeniran, has admonished Nigerians not to lose hope because there is light at the end of the tunnel for all the challenges that the country is presently going through.

Rev. Adeniran made this known at the church’s headquarter in Anthony village, Lagos, at the precamp meeting gathering of the church.

While speaking on the church’s forthcoming annual convention, the District superintendent said, the church is prepared to offer ceaseless prayer for the peace, unity, social and political development of Nigeria because the country is in dire need of a true

transformation in all facets.

Rev Adeniran also said that this year’s camp meeting which has been tagged with the theme: “The Relationships of the Godly” will hold between Sunday 7th28th of August 2016.

“The three week event will witness greater out pour of divine blessings and manifestation of the power of God as all programmes, sermons and teachings shall focus on the principles of Gospel.

“This year’s convention is also to awaken the consciousness of every citizen on the need to turn unto God in repentance because if we all are determined to seek the face of God in prayers and supplication, God is willing and able to turn around the situation of our great country for good”, Rev. Adeniran said.

Delta police arrest six robbery suspects, nine cultists

Nosa Ogiugo, Asaba

ÎÎÎThe police detectives at-

tached to the Delta State Police Command, Asaba, have arrested six robbery suspects, and nine suspected cultists in the last one-week.

In press release signed by the police image maker in the state, Mrs. Celestina Kalu, a copy made available to our correspondent, stated that the police detectives on a stop and search duty around Okere roundabout, Warri, intercepted a tricycle with registration number AKA 231 QV with two occupants, one of them, identified as Boye Agofore 25 years old.

Accordingly, the statement added that Bore Agofore, a

resident of Morogun by Odusaphien Street Effurun, and Lucky Efe 30 years old, also resident at 5, Okunbo Street Effurun were arrested, and when they were searched, the police detectives recovered assorted handsets and the sum of 340,000 suspected to have been stolen.

The statement further revealed that upon investigation, the suspects had earlier robbed one Agbhoghoubia Rukevwie of No. 4 Aghoghohoubia Street, Warri, including one Ifeanyi Agim of No. 26 London OPI Street, Warri of their valuables adding that the victims were contacted and have identified the suspects including the exhibits as properties robbed for them.

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (middle), leading his delegation to a meeting with the UN World Tourism Organisation, led by its Secretary-General, Mr. Taleb Rifai, in Madrid, Spain… on Tuesday.

Niger urges FG to consider Bida basin for crude oil search Minna Saka Bolaji

ÎÎÎBarely

two days after President Muhammadu Buhari ordered deeper inquest for crude oil in the Chad Basin, the Niger State Government has called on the Federal Government not to forget the Bida basin, but to also intensify the search for crude oil there.

While commending the Buhari administration for stepping up oil-related measures for in the region, the Niger State Government said that the search would not be complete in the north, until the Bida basin, which had a lot of potentials, was included.

In a statement signed on Wednesday, the Commis-

sioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Comrade Jonathan Tsado Vatsa, called on the Federal Government to remember Bida basin, because there had been several intensification

Buhari

of crude oil search with re-invigorated exploration, based on fresh strategy.

It would be recalled that the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, hinted, recently, that the government was stepping up measures to ensure a successful operation in the ongoing search for crude oil in the Chad Basin and other parts of the Inland Sedimentary Basin.

The Niger State Government had, in a bid to join the oil producing states in the country, re-awakened efforts to give full support to the proposal on the Bida Basin Hydrocarbon research that was initiated by the

state-owned, Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Lapai (IBBUL) in 2010.

This, according to Vatsa, was a giant step that could step up the economic potential of the state and the country if included in the renewed search for hydrocarbon deposits.

It should be noted that a 24-man committee, under the chairmanship of General M.I. Wushishi, called Gubernatorial Committee on the Development of Bida Basin (GCDBB) on October 15, 2011 was inaugurated with the mandate to establish facts about the availability of oil and gas in Bida basin, and findings of the committee were positive.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

Ugwuanyi assures of even devt in Enugu

By Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏ

Enugu State Governor, Mr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, has assured the people of his administration’s commitment to provide development projects in every council area, once the economic situation in the country improved.

Ugwuanyi, who spoke through the Chairman of the Enugu State Urban Renewal Committee, Arc. Chris Offor, during the committee’s inspection tour of the ongoing construction works, noted that the present administration had

carefully designed a blueprint of development strategy that would ensure the execution of projects in all the communities.

He regretted that the present economic challenges in the country had slowed down the vision.

Offor said that Ugwuanyi still maintained his vision to give every council area a sense of belonging, adding that his administration was on the verge of awarding contracts for the construction of 25 roads, including bridges, across the 17 Local Government Areas of the state.

He, therefore, called on

communities that were yet to feel the impact of the administration to exercise patience and continue to offer special prayers for a positive turnaround in the nation’s economy.

He disclosed that the tremendous achievements the governor had been able to record so far were in keeping with his promises as contained in his inaugural address, assuring that rapid development would still be extended to other areas.

Offor equally commended the quality of work done by most of the construction companies handling the road projects,

stressing that it was in line with the promise the governor made to the people of the state to provide quality leadership for the overall benefit of the sta te.

He noted that Nike Lake, Abakpa Nike and 9TH Mile Corner By-pass roads, started by the present administration, had been completed.

Responding on behalf of other construction companies, the project manager of Ferotex Construction Company, Engr.

John Nkwueke, thanked the state government for its support and co-operation.

INEC conducts Okigwe senatorial re-run poll today Val Okara, Owerri.

ÏÏÏ The Independent National

Electoral Commission (INEC) has scheduled the inconclusive senatorial re-run poll of Okigwe Senatorial zone for Thursday. In the election conducted on Saturday, July 23, 2016 by the electoral body, the APC candidate, Hon. Benjamin Uwajumogu, led his Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) opponent, Senator Athan Achonu, over 8,000 votes.

Senator Achonu of PDP, on Wednesday, submitted results to INEC state headquarters, challenging the electoral body to publish their own results.

He described the Saturday senatorial re-run as a rape of democracy, saying that if the impunity continued unabated the country may be heading to anarchy. He accused the security agencies of taking side alleging that some beat up PDP polling agents.

He appealed to both the Federal Government and INEC to investigate what happened during the inconclusive poll on July 23, 2016. He further alleged that collation of results from different booths were not collected at ward levels. According to him, collation officers were nowhere to be found till 11p.m., alleging that the results of last Saturday’s poll were written in different homes of APC bigwigs in the state.

Yakubu

R-L: Proprietress, Diadem College, Mrs. Abimbola Oladinni; Chairman, Mr. Olapoju Oladinni; former Minister of Works, Engr. Femi Anibaba and his wife, Aderonke during the valedictory service and launching of Diadem College brochure in Lagos… recently.

Don urges Nigerians to embrace tourism Augustine Okezie Abuja

ÏÏÏ

A lecturer with the National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Professor Abubakar Suleiman, has urged Nigerians to embrace tourism and recreational activities as part of measures to ensure steady health and longevity.

Speaking as the inaugural lecturer at the 10th inaugural lecture of the university, Suleiman further noted that there were lots of constraints to recreation and tourism in Nigeria. He said that many Nigerians would have liked to take part in recreation and tourism, but for low income.

According to him, social activities such as dancing, draft, `ayo’, Ludo, card games and partying, can provide less expensive forms of recreation.

Suleiman, who is the Director, Abuja Model Study Centre of NOUN, also listed other factors that militate against tourism as illhealth, age, social issues, religious

background, inadequate security, time factor, psychological reasons, and unstable government policies, among others.

“In order to facilitate the growth and development of recreation and tourism, government has to embark on a massive and aggressive publicity campaign.

“Government has to simplify the issuance of visas to intending visitors by lessening the difficulties associated with it.

“On a regular basis, government can organise training for the purpose of re-orientation for workers in the discharge of their duties,’’ he said.

The inaugural lecturer noted that tourist sites abound in all the states of the federation and could be harnessed for economic growth and diversification.

Also speaking at the occasion, the Vice-Chancellor of National Open University of Nigeria (NOUN), Prof. Abdallah Adamu, identified poverty and the biting economic crunch as factors hampering recreation and tourism

in Nigeria.

He said: “Nigerians would rather look for food than embark on tourism, due to economic difficulties. People are poor; they are struggling to survive; they are looking for what to eat; therefore, it is very difficult for them to go for leisure and holidays.

“You can imagine going to the beach or a posh location; that requires money; it requires resources; only people who have extra money can do that.

“For the vast majority of Nigerians, life is a struggle; so, going for tourism is not something they think of.’’

The varsity boss further described inaugural lectures as an occasion of significance in an academic staff member’s career at the university.

Such lectures, he said, provide newly appointed professors with the opportunity to inform colleagues, the campus community and the general public of their work and current research.

Gov. Bello

Kogi: DSS arrests 10 kidnap suspects, 4 in military uniform ÏÏÏ The Kogi State Command

of the State Security Service (SSS) said on Wednesday that it had arrested 10 suspected kidnappers.

The state SSS Director, Mr Joseph Okpo, told newsmen in Lokoja that they were arrested in different parts of the state in the past two weeks.

Okpo, who spoke while parading four of the suspects before newsmen, said that the suspects were arrested in full military combat uniform last week.

According to him, the suspects were Haruna Saleh, Kabiru Shuaibu, Mumuni Adamu and Tukur Shuaibu.

He said that the suspects were arrested on the Lokoja-Abuja road on their way from Kaduna with the intent to link up with their accomplices in Obajana area, where they had planned to kidnap some people.

He said that the suspects had started making useful statements, adding that the state Police Command had been contacted to investigate the source of the military uniforms.

Okpo said that the suspects, during interrogation, confessed to have carried out six operations between the Ramadan period and the day they were caught.

“Investigation has revealed that most of the kidnappers operating in the state are from outside Kogi. The people are taking advantage of the geographical location and the route structure of the state.”

Okpo pledged the commitment of the SSS to co-operate with other security agencies to address the security challenge facing the state.

One of the suspects, Mumuni Adamu, said that they bought the military uniforms from a commercial motorcycle operator at the cost of N1,500 a pair.

Adamu, who claimed to be the leader of the gang, said that he had been living in Obajana for almost six years but got involved in kidnapping and other criminal activities in 2015.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

Recession: Nigeria’ll emerge stronger, says Ngige Idu Jude, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, has expressed optimism that Nigeria would emerge from the present economic downturn a stronger and more prosperous nation.

“What Nigeria is going through today is a passing phase. Developed countries of the world have at one time or the other witnessed such.

Your country China has passed through it but emerged for rea-

sons of hard work and resilience.

Nigeria shall certainly weather this storm and emerge a stronger and more prosperous nation. We are very optimistic” said Ngige who received a visiting team from Huawei Technologies Co. Nig. Ltd, led by its Abuja Managing Director, Mr. Tank Liteng, on Wednesday.

The Minister called on Huawei Technologies Co. Nig. Ltd to support the economic diversification efforts of the Federal Government, by deploying Information Communication Technology to

the enhancement of Agricultural and Mining sectors, the critical area, he said, “the nation can leverage on to boost its economy in view of the dwindling oil price in international market.”

According to Ngige, “we urge you to support the diversification efforts of the Federal Government by deploying information communication technology into agriculture and mining. These areas are largely untapped and we have a comparative economic advantage therein.

Your assistance in these two

sectors can help Nigeria generate additional revenue needed to reflate the economy.”

He said that entrepreneurial and Information Communication Technology skills were necessary on youths who form the large army of unemployed persons, emphasising that the devil will always find work for an idle hand.

Tank Liteng expressed the commitment of his company to the employment creation initiative of the Federal Government through human capital development of the Nigerian youths on info tech.

L-R: Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa; Director-General, Centre for Management Development (CMD), Dr. kabir Usman; Chief Executive Officer, Diaspora Innovation Institute, Mr. Akinwale Ojomo and Chairman, Wi-Pay Technologies Ltd. Dr. Chamberlain Peterside during a seminar on National Development in Abuja… on Wednesday.

We didn’t mortgage civil servants’ salaries for agric loans – Ebonyi govt Jacob Ogodo, Abakaliki

ÏÏÏ Ebonyi State Government

has debunked allegations that it had mortgaged the salaries of civil servants in the state for an agric loan from the Central Bank.

Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Barr Uchenna Orji stated this in Abakaliki.

According to him, the one hectre per worker policy of the state government attracted the attention of the apex bank, which agreed to partner with government by making certain facilities available to all interested farmers.

Under the scheme, anybody who is interested in taking up

farming will be given N170,000 worth of farming support.

The Commissioner said that at harvest time government would receive the crop equivalent of the money.

On the demand for BVN number on the application form Orji said that it was to preventing people from collecting multiple times.

His words, “Nobody is deducting any money from their salary.

Government has encouraged all those who are willing to participate to open a separate account from their business or salary account.

“If you are participating in the programme your money will not be deducted.

“You will access this money in cash and in kind to enable you go

into crop production and at the end after harvesting government will buy back and take the monetary equivalent of what government has invested in your farm based on the one hectre”.

“The excess is yours but government can still buy back that excess at the prevailing market price.

And give you the money if you want or you can keep it. No money will be deducted from your salary”.

“BVN collection is nothing fraudulent. BVN belongs to you; nobody can collect it. It’s like your phone number. The essence is to ensure that no one will collect more than once”.

25 News Plateau to immortalise Justice Uloko CHRIS EMETOH, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Plateau State Gover-

nor, Simon Lalong, has promised to look into the controversies surrounding the entitlements and gratuities of a former Chief Judge of the State, Late Justice George Uloko, even as it plans to immortalise the legal luminary.

Lalong who said that until now he was unaware of the situation made the pledge on Wednesday in Abuja, during a condolence visit of North Central Judges to the family of the former Chief Judge who was also a former Chief Commissioner of the Public Complaints Commission.

The Governor, represented on the occasion by the Plateau State Attorney General of the State, Mr. Jonathan Ayuba Mawiyau, recalled the achievements of the late Uloko, saying that he was primarily instrumental to the reformation of the judiciary in in Plateau and the reorganising of the State Ministry of Justice, noting that the he was not just an icon but also a mentor to many.

The Governor stressed that such a man of high honour, who left a big legacy worthy of emulation, deserved his entitlement and must not be treated otherwise.

Uloko

Nigerians urged to exercise patience with Buhari

By Edem Edem, Calabar

ÏÏÏ

His Holiness, Olumba Olumba Obu of the Brotherhood of the Cross and Star, has advised Nigerians to honour and respect their leaders because they were made leaders by God. Delivering a speech to mark the successful conclusion of a week-long international youth fellowship of Brotherhood of the Cross and Star celebration in Calabar, Olumba said Nigerians should respect those in the helms of affairs.

“People should respect those who are in position of authority because they derived their mandate from God and have the

powers to punish offenders”. He said that people and political enemies of the President Muhammadu Buhari had spent billions of Naira for spiritual warfare to eliminate him and this was to no avail. “He will not die”, he stated.

“He will not die because of their wishes or whatever they have done”, but President Buhari will stay and complete his tenure in office because God put him there. Which other Nigerians can do what the President Buhari is doing now”. Olumba Loumba Obu thanked God because government’s exercise touched the small, big and mighty as well as the well-connected in the Nigerian society which had never been the case before.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

Health Æ s World Hepatitis Day:

Expert urges on prevention Stories by Lara Adejoro

Malnourished children

12m under 5 children stunted for lack of protein, says Agency Recent research has shown that about 12 million children under the age of five are stunted due to malnutrition from protein deficiency, according to the National Biotechnology Development Agency (NABDA).

Speaking on Tuesday during the Agency’s monthly seminar, Dr Sunday Uhiene, the Technical Adviser to the Director-General of NABDA, Prof. Lucy Ogbadu said, protein is a vital class of food was critical to the growth and development of children and the deficiency of it could cause a lasting damage to a child.

Stunting is a lifelong consequence of malnutrition in the first two years of a child’s life and is largely irreversible after that age.

According to Dr Uhiene, Protein is critical in achieving adequate nutrition for the children, and this government is talking about the school feeding programme to ensure that children have a balanced diet.

“We must take control of our destiny using the work of all the scientists and NABDA is the mouth piece of all biological research and innovation and in this instance the scientists are focused on animal nutrition.’’

Mrs Doris Umeakuana, a scientist in Food Science and Technology who presented papers on the production and shelf-life of Intermediate Moisture in Snail Meat, encouraged Nigerians to go into snail farming.

Umeakuana said that the essence of the paper was to throw more light into the importance of snail meat in the nutritional content of Nigerians. She said that the importance of snail could not be overemphasised, especially when washed with lime.

As Nigeria joins the rest of the world to commemorate World Hepatitis Day today, a public health physician at the University of Benin Teaching Hospital (UBTH), Benin, Dr Eseigbe Efe has urged health workers and individuals to prevent the infectious disease by getting vaccinated.

Viral hepatitis is a group of infectious diseases known as hepatitis A, B, C, D, and E affecting hundreds of millions of people worldwide, causing acute and chronic liver disease and killing more than 1.4 million people every year, mostly from hepatitis B and hepatitis C. The World Health Organization estimates that only 5 per cent of people with chronic hepatitis know of their infection, and less that 1 per cent have access to treatment.

Viral hepatitis is the seventh leading cause of death worldwide, and causes more deaths than AIDS, tuberculosis, and even road injuries.

Dr Efe said, hepatitis A and E are usually transmitted through contaminated food and water while, B, C and D are transmitted through blood and body fluids.

“Hepatitis B and C can cause serious problems as they can stay in the liver for long periods or years and cause scaring of the liver and possibly liver cancer “All of these Hepatitis viruses are usually cleared by the body’s immune system. But B and C

HEPATITIS may persist over years to cause scaring and possibly cancer of the liver which almost always kills victims except they can quickly get a liver transplant which is very expensive, so prevention is usually advised.”

Explaining further, the expert said, Hepatitis B virus is sexually transmitted. “Many people only check for HIV status of their partners without checking for Hepatitis B and even medical workers are at risk, so preven-

A medical official vaccinating a child against viral hepatitis

tion is always better than cure.

“For Hepatitis B, the vaccine is available and in some places free. The vaccine is taken three times on the first date, one month later, and six months from the first date and provides protection for life according to research research. Hepatitis B vaccine is part of the routine vaccine for babies, once the person is screened to be negative he/she can take the vaccine at a health facility.”

Adding, he said, “But If people notice constant weakness, yellow colouration of eyes, fever, upper right abdominal pain, very deep yellow urine, they should visit their doctor.”

He advised individuals to practice safe sex, avoid sharing sharp objects.

World Hepatitis Day is marked July 28, to highlight the global burden of disease and efforts to combat viral hepatitis around the world.

Stakeholders discuss progress on domestic immunization financing

Prof. Adewole

The Sabin Vaccine Institute’s Sustainable Immunization Financing (SIF) Programme recently assembled senior officials from 17 countries including Nigeria to share their successes in increasing government budget allocations for national immunization programmes at Kathmandu, Nepal.

Greater political commitment and advocacy are building the momentum needed for countries to fully finance their immunization programmes by 2020 and

achieve the goals set forth in the Global Vaccine Action Plan (GVAP).

During the three-day colloquium, delegates participated in an open exchange of strategies and best practices that have helped their countries increase domestic commitments to fund national immunization programs.

In panel sessions, delegates presented their legislative activities, conducted peer assessments and discussed innovations in financing, budgeting and advocacy.

They also prepared shortterm, country-specific advocacy plans designed to make progress on sustainable immunization financing by 2020.

The need for sustainably financed national immunization programmes is recognized by Sustainable Development Goal three (ensure healthy lives) and the GVAP, a framework for extending the full benefits of immunization to every man, woman and child by 2020.

Continued on page 27

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

27 Health

Stakeholders share success stories in increasing immunisation budget allocations Continued from page 26 However, rising costs due to the addition of new life-saving vaccines and unguaranteed external funding pose serious challenges for national immunization programmes.

“Immunization is among the most cost-effective health interventions, saving lives and lessening the crushing burden of illness for wealthy and poor people alike. Countries are investing in their future when they fund immunization programs,” said Dr. Jon Andrus, executive vice president at the Sabin Vaccine Institute. “We are inspired by the commitment of these delegations to take ownership of their immunization programmes by funding such essential health services that strengthen their citizens and economies. Immunization should be a basic right for all people, provided by their government. Each of these countries is taking significant steps to develop a sustainable immunization programme to provide its citizens with life-saving vaccines.”

Sabin’s SIF programme currently works with 21 countries to facilitate collective action on immunization financing and has helped organize more than 270 advocacy briefings and peer exchanges since 2008 to assist those countries.

“We must not only advocate for increased funds but also better resource tracking, efficient spending and transparency,” added Dr. Helene Mambu-MaDisu, senior programme officer responsible for SIF programme activities in the Democratic Republic of Congo, Republic of

Congo and Madagascar. “We must ensure that countries’ investments in immunization are delivered and sustained to support national immunization programs that help drive broader development.”

“At the colloquium we learn from one another, develop innovative solutions and share tactics to champion immunization across all levels of government,” said Devendra Prasad Gnawali, Ph.D. senior programme officer in Cambodia, Nepal and Sri Lanka. “Nepal’s innovative approach to immunization financing through legislation could serve as a model for other countries seeking sustainable solutions, just as Nepal’s leaders have learned from our counterparts in the SIF programme,” he continued.

Other countries that participated in the colloquium include Armenia, Cambodia, Cameroon, Democratic Republic of Congo, Georgia, Kenya, Madagascar, Mongolia, Nepal, Republic of Congo, Senegal, Sierra Leone, Sri Lanka, Uganda, Uzbekistan and Vietnam.

Prof. Adewole

FG promises to eliminate polio by 2017

President Buhari vaccinating his grand child

LASUTH

LASUTH doctors walking against Asthma

LASUTH doctors walk against asthma Adeshewa Akanni-Shelle, Gbemisola Adekoya The Association of Resident Doctors (ARD), Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) recently held a sensitisation walk against asthma in Lagos.

Asthma is a common long term inflammatory disease of the airways of the lungs. It is characterized by variable and recurring symptoms, reversible airflow obstruction The awareness walk commenced from LASUTH premises to Ikeja Local Government Secretariat, where they later screened residents freely for diverse ailments.

Speaking with Daily Times during the walk, President of the

Lara Adejoro President Muhammadu Buhari has promised that the Federal Government and its partners would not rest on their oars but continue to provide the needed resources to achieve total polio eradication by 2017.

He said this as Nigeria marks two years without any outbreak of the wild polio virus on the 24th of July, 2016.

Nigeria was on July 2015 removed from the list of polioendemic countries by the World Health Organization, leaving only Afghanistan and Pakistan in list that had 125 in 1988.

In a joint statement between the Nigerian government and its partners issued in Abuja, Buhari said: “This is a historic moment that has brought Africa and the world the closest it has ever been

association, Dr Dade-Matthews Gbenga said, the walk is in commemoration of the association’s 9th edition of the Scientific Conference and Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) with the theme: Synergy in Medical Practice: A panacea to challenges in healthcare delivery.

“The association has been at the vanguard of advocating for improved healthcare in Lagos and Nigeria, while promoting the welfare of her members.”

Speaking on asthma, Dr Gbenga says, asthma is on the increase. “About 300 million people have asthma worldwide and about 1 in 13 adults are asthmatic and children are not left out. People with asthma belong to families, work in communities and are in schools. We need to sensitize our populace on the triggers

of the condition. We need to keep our environment healthy and friendly so asthmatics can live longer and be more productive”.

He said, asthma can be treated and controlled if the patient has the right information.

While commending the doctors, one of the beneficiaries of the medical screening, Mr Olajide Olushola said, “I decided to leave my office for this screening to know my health status. It’s not all about being strong. Sometimes, you hear some people die while working but if you know your health status, you will know what to do.”

The president however urged Nigerians to attach priority to their health, adding that both patients and doctors have their roles to play in achieving a healthy nation.

to eradicating this devastating disease. But our job is not yet done. We must protect the gains we have made and stay on course to tackle the challenges that remain in eliminating polio for good.”

Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Folorunso Adewole, said government is building resilience by “getting people out of their comfort zones to further enhance the quality of polio campaigns, reach children in difficult areas and continue to improve routine immunization.”

Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Dr. Ado Muhammad, said Nigeria was increasing environmental surveillance sites and community informants across the country.

Acting WHO Representative

for Nigeria, Dr. Rex Mapazanje, noted that though the national laboratories have been vigilant in monitoring polio cases, the country must continue to be at alert for any sign of the virus through heightened surveillance, particularly in the vulnerable populations including insurgency-hit areas of North-East and the adjoining areas of Cameroon, Chad and Niger.

However, the Country Representative of UNICEF, Jean Gough, said, “Achieving a poliofree Africa will bring us closer than ever to a polio-free world, but that success should not be taken for granted. We must continue to work together with all partners in particular with the traditional institutions at all levels to ensure we reach every child so we can relegate this paralysing disease to history forever.”

28

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

Niersbach to appeal FIFA ban F ormer German Football Federation (DFB) President and FIFA council member Wolfgang Niersbach is to appeal his one-year ban from football, he has said on Wednesday.

“After consulting with my lawyers, I will lodge an appeal, if only to obtain the written reasons for the judgment.

“I can only repeat that I consider the judgment to be excessive and I therefore feel obliged to act against it,” Niersbach told newsmen.

FIFA’s ethics committee on Monday banned Niersbach, who is also a member of the UEFA executive committee, in connection with the awarding of the 2006 World Cup to Germany.

FIFA said its adjudicatory chamber found Niersbach failed to report findings about possible misconduct concerning the awarding of the 2006 World Cup, including potential breaches of the FIFA Code of Ethics.

Meanwhile, Niersbach resigned as DFB president on Nov. 9, 2015.

He said he took responsibility for the

World Cup affair surrounding a payment made by Germany’s 2006 World Cup organising committee, under its president Franz Beckenbauer, of 6.7 million Euros (7.4 million dollars) to FIFA. However, the adjudicatory chamber could also attempt to appeal the length of the ban having demanded a two-year suspension.

Page 29

Thursday, JULY 28, 2016

ANDREW EKEJIUBA

C Mikel

Rio Olympics: Mikel delighted to captain Team Nigeria Fed Cup:Holders Akwa United,Wikki crash out!

A

kwa United have failed to defend the Federation Cup they won last year after they lost 4-2 on penalties to Nasarawa United after fulltime scores stood at 0-0.

Nigeria league leaders Wikki Tourists were also upstaged by lower league side Crown FC 4-3 on penalties after a scoreless draw in regulation time.

Crown gave as much as they got against Wikki and then steadied their nerves to also go through to the last four of the cup competition.

Nasarawa scorers in the penalty shootout against Akwa United were skipper Emmanuel Makama, Esosa Igbinoba, Thomas Zenke and Seun Sogbeso.

Akwa penalty goals were by Ubong Friday and Chigozie Emmanuel.

The quarterfinal between Warri Wolves and FC IfeanyiUbah in Ijebu-Ode was abandoned after Wolves walked out in protest after 55 minutes, when what they believed was a deserved equaliser was chalked off for offside.

The star quarterfinal between Enyimba and Rivers United, which was rained off on Wednesday, will resume by 9 am today after a goalless first half in Ibadan.

I’ve not been paid for 5 months, Siasia laments N

Akwa United

aptain of Team Nigeria to the Rio Olympic Games and member of the Nigeria U-23 squad, John Mikel Obi has described his appointment as overwhelming.

Speaking from the U-23 team’s camp in Atlanta, Georgia, Mikel said: “First and foremost, I will say I am overwhelmed with this opportunity to be the captain of Team Nigeria to the Rio Olympics.

This is the highest accolade you can ever have as a sportsman and it’s one I am really looking forward to.

“I am much pleased and very happy with myself for what I have been able to achieve, and grateful to the Federal Ministry of Youth and Sports and the entire country for this opportunity.

“My objective is definitely going to be to carry everyone along. I think it’s important that we all work together, it’s important that we all set one goal, and that goal is to be successful, to win medals, to make sure we get gold medals. Our country has not done very well in recent times at the Olympics, so hopefully we can go to Rio and do well.”

On the burden his appointment has placed on him, Mikel who is also the captain of the Super Eagles said: “ It’s massive, it’s big, it’s not just the football team. I am the captain of the Super Eagles. Sometimes you look at it and you think that’s a big burden, but this is even much bigger, it’s one that I am looking forward to.

If you look at my track record at Chelsea, I have always played for the team, I have always been a team player, I have never been an individual player, so I think this is something I will be carrying into the Olympics and carry into Team Nigeria to make sure that we are successful.”

He however called on Nigerians to support the team and wished all the players and officials well.

igeria Olympic team coach Samson Siasia has raised alarm from the team’s training camp in Atlanta, Georgia, that he has not been paid for the past five months and his team are yet to receive any allowances leading up to the Rio Olympics.

“We are suffering in Atlanta. We have not received any money since we arrived this training camp. I have not been paid for the past five months,” lamented Sia-

sia.

“We will not hold the country to ransom by threatening not to play our matches, but the government has to come to our rescue.

“I know that by the time the Olympics will be over, our monies will not be paid.”

Siasia’s team have been overseas for the past one month.

The Olympic team are due to depart the United States of America for Brazil on Friday.

30

Thursday, July 28, 2016

EXTRATIME

TRANSFERS…TRANSFERS…TRANSFERS… TRANSFERS…TRANSFERS…TRANSFERS…

Mascherano extends Barca deal

Gomes joins Barca from Valencia

Javier Mascherano has agreed a new contract extension to keep him at Barcelona for the next three years. The Argentine joined Barcelona in 2010 from Liverpool initially as a midfielder, but has formed a key centre-back partnership with Gerard Pique at the Nou Camp. The 32-year-old made 32 appearances in the Spanish top flight last season as Luis Enrique’s side secured another La Liga title.

Mascherano will face competition from Samuel Umtiti next season, after he joined from Lyon earlier this summer.

Gomes

Digne

B

arcelona have completed the signing of Portugal midfielder Andre Gomes from Valencia, both clubs have confirmed.

The Portugal international arrived at the Nou Camp on Tuesday night following an announcement last Thursday that

a reported deal had been agreed between the two La Liga clubs.

He completed the formalities by officially signing his contract on Wednesday morning.

The 22-year-old, who was part of Portugal’s Euro 2016-winning squad, spent the 2014-15 season on loan at

Valencia from Benfica before making the move permanent last summer. He made 78 appearances for Valencia, scoring nine goals.

Gomes won the Portuguese treble - the league and two domestic cups - with Benfica in 2013-14, when they were also

Europa League runners-up for the second successive season.

He is Barca’s fourth signing of the summer, following fellow midfielder Denis Suarez from Villarreal and France defenders Samuel Umtiti and Lucas Digne from Lyon and Paris Saint-Germain,

We want Balotelli, says Besiktas boss B

esiktas president Fikret Orman has claimed Mario Balotelli is keen to complete a move to the Turkish champions.

The Liverpool striker has been told by manager Jurgen Klopp to find a new club after a dismal two-year period at Anfield, which has included a

disappointing loan spell with AC Milan.

Balotelli has been training with Liverpool’s youth side in a bid to regain sharpness, and despite some reports linking him with a return to Serie A, he has yet to find a suitor.

But Besiktas have now said

they could be the solution to the Italy international’s “infamous troubles” as they look to sign a replacement for Mario Gomez, who has declined to extend his stay at the club.

“Mario Balotelli is the type of footballer that our fans can associate themselves with,”

Orman told reporters. “I’m pretty sure he would attract great attention.

“To be fair, if he wasn’t deemed as a troublemaker, he wouldn’t be rumoured to be joining us.

Balotelli

Man City chase Jesus, Sane, Moreno

M Jesus

anchester City are in talks to sign Gabriel Jesus, Leroy Sane and Marlos Moreno, according to reliable sources.

Schalke midfielder Sane was expected back at his club on Wednesday after an extended break following Euro 2016 having told them last week he wanted to leave, with the German club valuing the 20-year-old at £40m.

The winger was outstanding in the

Bundesliga last season scoring eight goals and registering six assists. He can operate on either flank and his potential arrival would further bolster Pep Guardiola’s attacking options following the acquisition of Nolito for £13.8m from Celta Vigo earlier this summer.

City remain in negotiations with the Bundesliga club, who are believed to want around £40m for the pacy 20-year-old.

The deals for Jesus and Moreno could be more complicated, however, with work permits potentially an issue, but City remain in talks with Palmeiras in Brazil and Colombia’s Atletico Nacional for the two players.

Atletico Nacional would like around £8m for Moreno, while Jesus, who is part of the Brazil squad for the Olympics is likely to cost City more than £20m.

Arnautovic

commits to Stoke Marko Arnautovic has signed a new fouryear deal with Stoke, days after being linked with a move to Everton. The Austria international was due to become a free agent at the end of the 2016-17, but is now committed to the club until the summer of 2020. Arnautovic has been at the Bet365 Stadium since 2013, when he joined Stoke from Werder Bremen for £2m. The forward enjoyed his most prolific season in 2015-16 when he scored 11 Premier League goals.

Smith signs for

Bournemouth Bournemouth have completed the signing of Liverpool defender Brad Smith on a fouryear deal. Smith will join for an initial fee of around £3m fee that could rise to £6m, including add-ons and bonuses. Smith made four Premier League appearances for Liverpool last season and already has nine international caps for Australia. He will become the second player to leave Liverpool for Bournemouth this summer following Jordon Ibe’s club-record £15m switch to the Vitality Stadium.

Thursday, July 28, 2016

EXTRATIME

31

INTERVIEW Mallam Elias Yusuf, former President of Traditional Sports Federation of Nigeria (TSFN) has opened up on the state of traditional sports in the country. During his first coming as the TSFN helmsman, he initiated a lot of programmes that popularised our indigenous games, but after some years, traditional sports development witnessed a decline. In this exclusive interview with Extra Time duo of ANDREW EKEJIUBA and VICTOR THOMPSON, the inventor of Abula ball game speaks on his ambition to stage a rescue mission such that Africa will no longer be a dumping ground for foreign sports. Excerpts:

W

s e k a m f Yusu r o f e s a c ditional tra

sports

e gathered that you are the inventor of Abula ball game, what is the state of the sport now?

The game is now thirty two years old and I believe it is growing steadily because it is now penetrating every nook and cranny of the nation. I have gotten enough recognition as regards the game and it has been a mainstay in National Sports Festival since Imo 1998.

Abula is also a medal scoring event and we expect more actions from the sport at the next National Sports Festival holding in Calabar later this year.

Abula has also been approved by the Nigeria Education Research Council to be part of the school curriculum.

You were one time president of the Traditional Sport Federation of Nigeria, what were the notable achievements you recorded while in office?

Let me begin from when I was the Technical Committee chairman of the Traditional Sport Federation of Nigeria; I initiated that the rules of traditional sports in Nigeria be documented because before then we were using rules that were not written down. These set of documented rules were put into use at the 8th All Africa Games and I also led Team Nigeria traditional sport squad to demonstrate our games for the first time in the history of the All Africa Games. I remember we had a theme for the Games then, which was “All Africa Games is not complete without African indigenous games”, because when you say “All Africa Games”, there is actually no African game on display, since all the games showcased during the competition are actually adopted. I was also the first leader to organise an African Conference on traditional sports prior to the Abuja Games in 2003.

I also remember organising the Oba of Benin Traditional Sports Competition as the president of the TSFN, although, sponsorship almost became a stumbling block, but we were able to stage the tournament.

I recall leading the Nigeria traditional sports contingent to the Ministry of Education so as to make the rules and regulations of traditional sports usable in schools. After that meeting, four trado sports were then introduced into their curriculum; Abula, Langa, Kokawa and Ayo were the traditional sports adopted.

I organised many competitions and seminars during my stay in office as President of TSFN and I remember organising Kokawa Power Tussle, a competition in which many people came from different parts of the country to participate in and it was held here in Lagos.

It was also during my tenure as the president

of the TSFN that we held an annual competition christened “National Ayo Challenge Cup”. And we even created a platform where our coaches were taught the games and awarded certificates based on their performance.

After you left office, did the subsequent presidents of the TSFN consolidate on your achievements?

In some areas, they have done well, but in internal programmes, I think they need to look inwards and organise more competitions back home to popularise our indigenous games. Though they went to Senegal for a competition and our wrestlers also went to Niamey, Niger, to compete in a tournament, all these initiatives were first brought about in my administration.

It is believed that you cannot give what you don’t have. When you are talented and zealous about a particular thing you tend to perform well.

Over the years, Africa seems be a dumping ground for foreign sports. All the sports that African countries participate in today are all adopted, like Football, Thai-Boxing, Taekwondo and the rest of them. Why is it that we are yet to create a game from Africa that is recognised and accepted globally?

It is not that we don’t have games we can introduce to the world, the problem is that we don’t have enough support. Let us take for instance the “Kokawa”, traditional wrestling, in the Olympics today we have two types of wrestling, the GrecoRoman and the Freestyle wrestling. If we had worked very well on our traditional wrestling then it could have been recognized as well.

Americans that invented Basketball made the game theirs and today no team can beat them to it because it is their game, but Nigeria hold unto an adopted game of football and we all know the result. That is one of the major reasons why we are not winning enough medals at the Olympics because we don’t have our own game there.

Asians have their Judo, Taekwondo and some other sports that medals are attached to in the Olympic Games; they specialise in them and

“Americans that invented Basketball made the game theirs and today no team can beat them to it because it is their game, but Nigeria hold unto an adopted game of football and we all know the result. That is one of the major reasons why we are not winning enough medals at the Olympics because we don’t have our own game there.”

believe that these games are theirs and as such don’t allow other countries to beat them to it. The Olympic Games has five rings as its logo and the black ring at the center represents the African race and it is empty because we only consume other people’s Yusuf sports without contributing ours.

We are only thinking of winning gold medals at the Olympic Games and not putting medals at the Olympics. I remember some years back when Korea came to Nigeria to donate their equipment for one of their invented games, Judo or Taekwondo, I think this was done under the then Minister of Sports, Jim Nwobodo. They did this, so as to make sure their sport gains popularity around the world.

If we develop and accept our games with both hands, then no doubt, it will spread across the continent and the world because “popularity” is a criteria considered before a sport can be recommended to be at the Olympic Games.

If you are given an opportunity to return as the president of the TSFN, which area will you pay special attention to in terms of developing traditional sports in Nigeria?

Firstly, I will have to look at education. I will again meet with the Ministry of Education so as to inculcate these games into our school system which will give our youths the opportunity to embrace them.

Another area is facility; our indigenous sports ought to have its facilities in all stadia in the country. Sports like Abula, Langa, Kokawa and the rest of them, don’t have facilities in our stadia.

Dynamism and transparency is what we need in Traditional sports for now.

Traditional sport brings popularity and glamour to the country and we need to involve people that matter in the society to support these sports.

Being the president of traditional sports is not to beef up your CV but to develop our traditional sports, especially some of which are going into extinction. We just have to save them. We have to involve the six geo-political zones we have in the country so as to carry them along.

If you recall, at the last All African Games, “Pharaoh Wrestling” was displayed, so we should take these as a challenge to demonstrate our own traditional games at the next All African Games and use them to mobilise Africa. We need to let our traditional sports be under the Confederation of African Indigenous Sports so that we can have a continental body and then be able to regulate and develop these games.

Our traditional sports ought to be linked with the Ministry of Culture and Tourism, because it ought to be a kind of tourist attraction. Recently the Oshogbo festival was held and football was among the events that was organised; all these are not helping matters.

If I become the President again, we will look into revitalising traditional sports in totality and also promote it on a multilateral basis. There are many of our sports that have not gotten enough recognition, but five of them like: Abula, Ayo, Dambe, Kokawa and Langa are now scoring events at the National Sports Festival and 21 gold medals are attached to them.

If I return as the TSFN boss I will help polularise our indigenous sports because I believe that Africa should not be a dumping ground for foreign sports.

We have very good wrestlers in the SouthSouth part of the country, why is it that we are yet to produce world beaters at various wrestling events?

When we talk of the Olympic Games, we have not been able to emerge victorious, not because we don’t have good wrestlers but because we need exposure, good training and we also need to involve those that have the passion for it. It is a pity that in Nigeria, many of the companies we have here take no interest in other sports, unlike oversees where companies sponsor sporting events massively.

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. email: info@dailytimes.ng Tel: 018447948.

DAILY EDITOR: BIODUN DUROJAIYE

THURSDAY, JULY 28, 2016

VOL. 2. NO.161

Price: N150

Rio Olympics: Mikel delighted to captainTeam P 29 Nigeria

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Nosa Ogiugo

Dream Team VI

Asaba

T

Keshi’s burial rites Keshi

begins today ANDREW EKEJIUBA

A

head of the final preparations for the 5th FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, Jordan 2016, Coach Bala Nikyu has invited to camp 30 players who will arrive in the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on Sunday.

At the head of the pack is team captain Rasheedat Ajibade, who plays for FC Robo Queens in the Nigeria Women Football League.

There is also midfielder Peace Efih, experienced left back Patience Dike and forward Cynthia Aku. Nigeria, quarter finalists at the 2010, 2012 and 2014 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup, has been drawn against Korea DPR, Brazil and England at the fifth edition of the competition starting in Jordan on the last day of September 2016.

All the invited players have been directed to report at the Agura Hotel, Abuja on Sunday, July 31, with their training kits, birth certificates and

international passports.

The Flamingoes defeated Sierra Leone, Namibia and South Africa home and away on the route to qualifying for the finals in Jordan.

The full list of invitees are: Rasheedat Ajibade (FC Robo Queens), Cynthia Aku (Rivers Angels), Mercy Omokwe (Abia Angels), Yetunde Fajobi (Young Talented FC), Arit Ifu (Rivers Angels), Abidemi Ibe (Ibom Angels), Folashade Ijamilusi (Spring Soccer Academy), Catherine Kenneth (Rivers Angels), Esther Adeboye (Young Talented FC) and Opeyemi Sunday (Sunshine Queens).

Others are, Peace Efih (Edo Queens), Christy Ucheibe (Nasarawa Amazons), Christiana Obia (Martins White Doves), Chiamaka Nnadozie (Abia Angels), Patience Dike (Abia Angels), Rebecca Ajimuda (Edo Queens), Margaret Etim (Delta Queens), Agnes Ajibade (Osun Queens), Ramat Abdulkareem (Abia Angels), Joan Benedict (Akwa Ibom Queens), Maryam Ezenagu, Ikekhua Brume (Delta Queens), Uchechi Onyechere,

Akudo Ogbonna (FC Robo Queens), Chinyere Igbomulis (Nasarawa Amazons), Patricia Innocent (Sunshine Queens) Hodo Williams (Pelicans FC), Seun Bello (Confluence Queens), Effioawan Ekeng (Pelicans) and Helen Oga (Confluence Queens).

Jordan2016:

Nikyu calls30

Flamingoes

tocamp

he final journey of Nigeria football legend Stephen Okechukwu Keshi will begin in Benin City, Edo State, today.

On Wednesday, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) confirmed that the final rites would now be confined to Edo and Delta States.

The NFF delegation to the final rites will be led by the President, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, and will include, among others, Mr. Frank Ilaboya (Chairman of the Edo State Football Association), Mr. Neville Bekederemo (Chairman of NPFL side Warri Wolves FC) and Mr. Edema Fuludu (Chairman of Delta State League Management Company).

Keshi, one of only two men to have won the Africa Cup of Nations as player and as coach, died in Benin City on Tuesday, June 7 at the age of 54.

The charismatic libero captained the Super Eagles for 11 years, winning the Africa Cup of Nations gold, silver and bronze.

In 2013, as Coach of the Super Eagles, Keshi lifted the Africa Cup of Nations again after Nigeria defeated Burkina Faso 1-0 in the final at the Soccercity Stadium in Johannesburg.

In a 44–month spell as head strategist of the Super Eagles, Keshi also took the team to the Round of 16 at the FIFA World Cup, led the team to the FIFA Confederations Cup and qualified Nigeria for the African Nations Championship for the first time, winning bronze at the competition.

Family sources have also confirmed that the remains of the legend will be interred at his hometown, Illah, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State, on Friday.

When Extra Time visited his Ukpologwu Quarters home in Illah, on Tuesday, the entire compound was wearing a new look after renovation works were completed in readiness for his burial.

Work on the tomb, where his remains will rest, had been completed as at the time of the visit.

All was also set at the St. John Evangelist Catholic Church, Illah, preparatory to the service of songs/vigil mass that will hold today, as well as the requiem mass on Friday and the thanksgiving mass on Sunday.

As a titled chief i n Illah, Keshi’s body will stop briefly at t h e palace of the traditional ruler of the town on Friday f o r traditional rites.

Nikyu

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

Naira slips to N376/$1 at parallel market

Page B3

Unrepaid loans: Banks chase after Plateau lawmakers for recovery Page B2

SEC investigates Fittco Securities over alleged fraud Page B3

FG to appoint Transaction Adviser for airport concession The Federal Government says it has concluded arrangement to appoint the Transaction Adviser for the concession of the big four airports in the country.

The Minister of State for Aviation, Sen. Hadi Sirika, disclosed this during an inspection tour at the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, Abuja, on Wednesday.

Sirika said the government would concession the Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos; Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano; Abuja and Port Harcourt International CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

UKTI to enhance trade and investment ties with Nigeria Afolabi Adesola

L-R: Deputy Director, International Cooperation Department, Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Mr Lanre Adekanye; Head of UN-system, International Cooperation, Department, Dr Sanjo Faniran, and the representative of the Country Representative of UNFPA, Mr Dashe Dasgot, during the partnership meeting among MBNP, UNFPA and federal implementing partners in Abuja on Wednesday

India shuns Nigeria’s crude over Niger Delta crisis Opeoluwani Akintayo India’s Bharat Petroleum Corporation Limited, BPCL, has closed its eyes to Nigerian crude following uncertainty over Nigeria’s export due to crises in the Niger Delta.

The company issued a spot tender to purchase several Malaysian light sweet crude grades, Southeast Asian light sweet crudes, including Malaysia’s Miri Light, Labuan, Tapis, Kikeh, Kimanis and Bintulu as

Thursday, July 28, 2016

well as Brunei’s Seria Light and Champion crudes over September 11-20, according to an official tender notice seen by S&P Global Platts.

The spot tender have raised a few eyebrows in the Asia-Pacific sweet crude market, especially because the Indian state-owned company does not usually buy Malaysian and Bruneian crude grades in the spot market.

However, BPCL’s move to salvage its crude market was seen as the smartest because order-

ing from Nigeria would be a risk following the ongoing production disruptions by oil militants in the Delta.

ExxonMobil issued a statement last week that Nigerian crude Qua Iboe has been placed under force majeure and exports were halted, while Italian company, Eni, said earlier this month that 4,000 barrels per day, b/d, of oil equivalent of equity production had been shut-in following an attack claimed by militants in the Niger Delta. Ni-

gerian militant group, the Niger Delta Avengers, said weekend that it would not permit foreign oil companies operating in the Niger Delta region to carry out repairs on bombed oil pipelines, threatening more devastating attacks on any repaired facility.

The latest attack by oil militants was a gas pipeline belonging to the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, located at Nsit-Ibom local government area of Akwa Ibom State.

The United Kingdom Trade & Investment (UKTI) Prime Minister, John Howell visited the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) in commemoration of the closing gong ceremony today July 27th 2016, during his visit, John Howell noted that his visit is not unrelated to increasing the trade opportunities between Nigeria and the UK. According to him the trade opportunities and energy between both countries is phenomenal, he also stated that his appointment and presence at the NSE is an illustration of the UKTI’s commitment towards broad expectations of doing business in Nigeria, despite the challenges the African economy is facing.

“Asides deepening traditional ties in areas like oil and gas, the UK is looking towards including new areas such as the textiles industry, there are big opportunities in the logistics as well and I think that will be of great interest to many British companies.” he said.

With the nation’s capital market vibrant, he expressed that United Kingdom is keen at doing business with companies listed on The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), a key factor to aid business relationship between Africa and UK. Mr. Howell while speaking to journalist at the Closing Gong

Oshiomhole seeks removal of exemption in minimum wage law Joy Ekeke

Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has said there is need to revisit the exemption clause in the national minimum wage law.

Oshiomhole made the call at the International Trade Union Congress Africa (ITUC-Africa) Regional Conference on Advancing Decent Work in Global Supply Chain in Africa, in Abuja.

“I think there is need to revisit some of the assumptions that in-

formed the drafting of the Nigerian National Minimum Wage Law when it was enacted. I think it was at a time when big corporations dominated the economy.

“This is particularly true in the organised private sector where I come from; they had about 4000 workers and some were even bigger than that.

“So, the law simply looked at the informal sector characterised by people employing 20, 40, 50 less than 100 and the current minimum wage law allows for exemp-

tion enterprises that are employing less than 50.

“But now, our businesses are contracting. With the aid of technology, those employing more than 50 are increasingly fewer and those employing fewer than 50 are increasing.

“So, if the essence of the minimum wage is to provide protection for those who cannot organise, then that has been lost”, he said.

The governor urged workers unions to ensure the removal of the exemption clause while re-

viewing the national minimum wage. “We should look at removing the exemption clause of people who employ less than 50, because with 30 workers now and with modern technology, you can generate so much.

“So, the old assumption ‘that employ 50 and be a small player’ is no longer valid.

“If we are going to protect domestic workers, we have them in millions; you have to remove those assumptions of those below 50 in the law.

Oshiomhole

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

BA, Airtel partner to offer joint customer ticket discounts

FG to appoint Transaction Adviser for airport concession

Tony Nwakaegho British Airways has entered into an agreement with telecommunications giant, Airtel, in a deal that will enable customers of both organisations enjoy substantial discounts off tickets purchased in the next few months.

Kola Olayinka, British Airways’ regional commercial manager for West Africa said at the signing of the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) in Lagos that both companies operated in similar markets and placed a premium on customer service.

“This partnership is a way in which we are able to offer benefits to our joint customers.

If you already have an Airtel

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

Airports.

He said that government would go ahead with the concession of the airports through Public Private Partnership, adding that the asset will ultimately come back to the Nigerian people. ``This will take time because we have to respond to law and due process and the government is in the process of appointing a Transaction Adviser. ``We have already been to Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), they have posted a staff to us and they are also partnering with us to see that we have a very smooth activity. ``The Transaction Adviser would be the one to guide the process and I am sure that government will not hesitate to give us the liberty that is critical in the appointment. ``Going forward, we do believe that in this current situation that the country has found itself, the new challenge, sources of revenue are dwindling and the rate of foreign exchange is not favourable. ``In accordance with global best practices, it is not wise for us to continue to take the burden of running these airports,’’ the minister said.

Sirika also explained that the construction of the second runway for Abuja airport would be carried out by whoever takes over the running of the airport after the concession.

He said the airport was built in 1982, and that the runway at the time was designed and constructed with its load bearing capacity to last for 20 years.

According to him, this means that from somewhere around 2002, the runway is expected to fail and of course, it is common knowledge that the runway is where aircraft take-off and land.

Sirika

Lalong

Unrepaid loans: Banks chase Plateau lawmakers for recovery Chijioke Kingsley, Jos Owing to unpaid salaries and the inability to service loans collected, banks in Plateau State have started chasing after members of the State House of Assembly for recovery.

The bankers, who stormed the House of Assembly complex Wednesday, were seen by our correspondent chasing after each member they see and demanding to know why they are not servicing their loans.

In another development, Daily Times gathered that the House has not received overhead to effectively run the Assembly in the past three (3) months from the Executive.

Recall that State houses of assembly are yet to have financial autonomy.

Confirming the situation the Speaker of the House, Rt. Hon. Peter Azi, said the members are managing without the overhead because of the economic situation the state has found itself.

The Speaker, who spoke to our correspondent, however emphasized that the members despite all odds are united as one.

His words, “it is natural that

we are here as politicians and definitely, there are PDP and APC members in the House, yet we move as one entity.

“For the overhead, that is not an issue now looking at the economic situation of the state. At least, the overhead is to assist the leadership to effectively run the House and for Members to perform their oversight functions.

“Even when some members complain of not willing to sit because we have not been paid, I still encourage them. If there is an evil day, why would I be postponing it?

“If the Banks chase after members of the House, I am inclusive.

I also collected facilities from the Bank. It is not healthy that one collects facility from the Bank and he/she is not servicing it!

“We know that there are certain things one cannot meet up with, so, we collect Bank facilities to help out. But, one must service it!

“It is actually not palatable to walk into a Bank and collect facilities, but, when one does, it is expected that the money is engaged productively to enable one service it.

number, more details on our partnership will be shared with you, if you do not have an Airtel number, this would be a good time to get one, so you can enjoy the discounts we are offering,” Olayinka added.

Ahmad Mokhles, Airtel’s chief commercial officer, who signed on behalf of his Company, expressed his pleasure at the opportunity to partner with British Airways.

Daily Times gathered that the discounts to Airtel customers will be accessible to worldwide destinations, in the UK, United States, Canada, Europe and parts of Asia, while customers can choose and pick their preferred destinations for summer or even plan, prepare and book early for Christmas.

Nigeria needs strong fiscal policies now, says economist The Chief Executive Officer, Time Economics, Mr Ogho Okiti, has said that what Nigeria needed to drive growth in the economy were strong fiscal policies rather than monetary policies.

Okiti was reacting to the decisions of the Monetary Policy Committee meeting to raise the Monetary Policy Rate, MPR, from 12 to 14 per cent on Wednesday in Abuja He said that people were criticising the MPC for its decisions, forgetting that the managers of the economy were expected to formulate strong fiscal policies to back monetary policies for growth to occur.

“The truth is that the monetary policy committee has virtually exhausted their options to support growth. Growth must now come from the fiscal authority.

“So when you talk about growth now, the question should go to the managers of the economy not the managers of monetary policies.

“This is because the question of growth should be about investments, consumption; it’s about incentives and reforms. Those are the things that will bring out growth.

“What else could they (MPC) have done yesterday? Reduce interest rate further or what? You have to understand the transmission mechanism.

“If they had left it at that 12 per cent like everybody thought they would, it wouldn’t have made

any difference because we have a very poor economic performance.’’

It could be recalled that the 2016 budget has presently been implemented to the tune of N2.1 trillion out of N6.06 trillion.

Only N253 billion of the N1.8 trillion budgeted for capital expenditure has been released.

He said that the ministries of Finance, Budget and National Planning and all the key players in the fiscal sector must improve the implementation of the 2016 budget.

He said when this was done, he expected the economy to grow at the end of the third quarter “no matter how small”.

“They need to identify sectors, whether it is solid minerals or agriculture or transport, and attract significant investment.

“Policies that will attract investors to those sectors are what we should start talking about,” he said.

Okiti said that raising the MPR was unlikely to curtail current inflationary pressures since the factors driving the current increase in general price levels were largely cost-shocks and not demand related.

“On the bright side, tightening the MPR which will reduce negative real interest rate will come as a good news particularly for foreign portfolio inflows.

“It will also help to stabilise the Naira in the currency markets which is one of the core mandates of the CBN.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

B3 Money Market

Naira slips to N376/$1 at parallel market ÏzƆ ƊƆ Ɛ ƋƋéƐƈƌƆ low of N330.12 /$1at interbank market Stories by Motolani Oseni A day after the Central Bank of Nigeria, CBN, hiked benchmark interest rates to attract foreign investors back into local assets, the Nigerian currency, the Naira slipped to N376 against the dollar at the parallel market on Wednesday in major cities across the country.

The local currency also weakened to an all-time low of N330.12 per dollar on the interbank market on Wednesday, data from the FMDQ OTC security exchange has revealed.

On the parallel market, the naira was traded at N376 a dollar in Abuja, as against 375 on Tuesday. Pounds Sterling went for N493, while the European currency, Euro, was exchanged for N403, in Lagos, Ogun and Port Harcourt.

Traders said investors were pushing the currency lower to test the limit of how far it can fall, given a spread of almost 12

CSR: Ecobank supports education with lecture theatre

Kie

Ecobank Nigeria Limited says it has built and handed over a 100-seater ultra-modern lecture theatre to the Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu University, formerly Anambra State University, as part of its corporate social responsibility (CSR) initiatives.

The fully furnished theatre at the heart of the Igbariam Campus of the University boasts of facili-

L – R: Director, Afriland Properties Plc, Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom; Managing Director/CEO, Mrs Uzo Oshogwe; Chairman, Erelu Angela Adebayo; and Director, Mrs Olayinka Ogunsulire, at the 3rd Annualn General Meeting of the company held in Lagos... on Tuesday.

percent between the official and black market naira rates.

“If we have more people trying to buy the naira, then it should strengthen. I think we will keep seeing the trickles. I don’t think we will see large inflows until the fundamentals of the economy improve”, one trad-

er told Reuters.

However, the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) opened on a positive note on Wednesday, after the CBN raised key interest rate to its highest point in the bank’s available history.

The stock market saw a sizable rise in all share index after

ties that stand it out in the university community.

Speaking at the commissioning ceremony, Managing Director, Ecobank Nigeria, Charles Kie, said the multi-purpose CSR project initiated in 2014 has its fundamental objective to providing a convenient centre for general students’ academic activities and relaxation. According to the Bank’s Managing Director, the laudable project symbolizes Ecobank’s business partnership reward and appreciation with the university’s long-standing patronage.

Kie, who was represented by Team Lead, Medium and Local Corporates, Commercial Banking, South East of the Bank, Jovita Okeahialam, said, “this is a promise kept in line with our business mantra. The vision of this particular project revolves around creating a conducive environment for learning. This for us is reasonably considered to be the best way to exhibit a visible, vibrant and enduring corporate social responsibility.

It is also a far-reaching compensation to the learning community for the endless years of unwavering patronage.”

He explained that the guiding principle of Ecobank’s CSR activities is to give back and contribute

effectively to the communities in which it operates, adding that the Bank would continue to contribute to societal ventures that enhance the lives of the people in the continent.

Kie further disclosed that plan is under-way to open a cash centre in the campus to mitigate the hardship currently being experienced by the university community in accessing banking services.

“These services are expected to delight not only the teeming student population and the staff community on the campus, but would also extend some collateral banking benefits to neighbouring establishments and communities.”

In his response, the Vice Chancellor of the university, Professor Fidelis Okafor, commended Ecobank for partnering with the university, stressing that, the project would further enhance the partnership and relationship that have existed between both institutions for a long time.

His words: “We must commend Ecobank for this lecture theatre.

As a matter of fact, the strategic location of this edifice will serve many purposes – ideal reading place, lecture and of course, relaxation. Indeed, this is a product of longstanding partnership.”

the apex bank’s decision to move rates from 12 percent to 14 percent, in a bid to curb inflation.

Meanwhile, the MPC said the fall in the naira over the past month was due to “normal market reaction to a new regulatory reform”, adding that the daily average is still within its “rea-

sonably optimistic” 250/$1 band.

“The exchange rate at the interbank market opened at N197.00/US$ and closed at N292.90/US$, with a daily average of N244.95/US$ between May 25 and July 19, 2016,” Godwin Emefiele, CBN governor, said on Tuesday.

FICAN holds training on financial markets, instruments

As part of efforts to enhance capacity of reporting the new foreign exchange structure, the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) has concluded plans to organise series of training sessions for its members.

The first edition of the series of programmes on the foreign exchange market is expected to hold this Saturday, July 30th, at the FICAN secretariat in Onipanu, Lagos. A financial market analyst at Ecobank Nigeria Limited, Mr. Olakunle Ezun will be the facilitator of the programme.

A statement from the association explained that Ezun is expected to take members through all the numbers on the FMDQ Daily summary which contains activities on the bond, treasury bills, foreign exchange, Nigerian Interbank Offered Rates (NIBOR), among others.

“The facilitator is also expected to provide FICAN members the opportunity to better understand the various structures of the interbank market as well as how to effectively report the OTC FX Futures and forward market.

“We enjoin all members of the association to take part in this exercise in our effort to further improving reporting of activities in Nigeria’s financial market. This training is particularly pertinent as it will help improve knowledge of our members and also effectively deepen understanding of key issues in the foreign exchange market. It is also a build-up on previous capacity development initiatives that the association had embarked on,” the statement added.

The Central Bank of Nigeria last month introduced new guidelines for trading on the interbank market. The policy allows the exchange rate of the naira to be determined by the market forces of demand and supply, as against the previous pegged rate system.

Under the new arrangement, selected commercial banks act as FX Primary dealers. Part of the objectives of the new framework, which included the introduction of the naira-settled Over-the-Counter (OTC) FX Futures trading, was to discourage people from frontloading or hoarding forex due to uncertainty.

Motoring B4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

Mercedes Benz GLA drives in with flexibility, fuel efficiency Stories by Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo After a spectacular first outing at the Shanghai Auto Show in China, and later at the Frankfurt Auto Show in Germany - both three years ago - Mercedes-Benz GLA compact crossover has finally driven into the Nigerian market where it is blazing the trail for the brand’s new generation compact cars (NGCC).

Positioned below the GLCClass, Mercedes-Benz GLA is a premium sports utility vehicle defined by its progressive, sporty

character and agile handling which significantly differentiate it from the competition.

Introducing GLA recently, Mr. Mirko Plath pointed out that the other strong points setting SUV apart from the competition included the expressive design and the high everyday practicality as well as comfort and safety features typical of Mercedes-Benz.

“The bold GLA fuses authentic SUV versatility with the pure passion that defines every MercedesBenz”, remarked Plath, who is the Managing Director of Weststar Associates, the authorised general distributor of Mercedes-

ISUZU wins Ipsos quality awards for pick up sales, service

Benz in Nigeria. To him, GLA is serene in day-to-day motoring and has good off road capability.

“Its nimble size delivers an ideal mix of flexibility, fuel-efficiency and fun. Its advanced engineering delivers genuine capability, true luxury and classleading innovation. The GLA is indeed a sport utility vehicle with cutting edge drive systems and dynamic design. Based on the A-class hatchback, lovers can now enjoy even more comfort both with the standard suspension, and the slightly firmer setup that’s fitted to AMG Line versions”.

Isuzu was named one of the top performing brands by customers in the latest Ipsos Quality Awards for sales and service experience in the light commercial vehicle segment. This is a favourable piece of news for the Isuzu brand in Nigeria where its DMAX pickup is a strong competitor for customers’ patronage.

The coveted Ipsos awards measure the vehicle owners’ satisfaction when purchasing and servicing a vehicle and recognition is given to top achievers in the following categories: • Passenger vehicle (PC) purchasing experience

• PC servicing experience • Light commercial vehicle (LCV) purchasing experience, and • LCV servicing experience Isuzu scooped two gold awards, one for Purchasing Experience (LCV) and one for Servicing Experience (LCV) and after achieving gold four years in a row, Isuzu earned the platinum award for consistently achieving excellence in the LCV purchasing experience.

Brian Olson, General Motors Sub Saharan South Africa Vice President of Sales, Service and Marketing, commended the sales and after sales teams for excellent

performance.

“Putting the customer at the centre of everything we do is one of our core values and we are pleased that Isuzu delivered on this promise. We continuously strive to meet and exceed our customers’ expectations and the IPSOS Award is testimony to this,” said Olson.

The legendary Isuzu pick-up is built at General Motors South Africa’s (GMSA plant in Port Elizabeth for almost 40 years. Pick-ups from the plant are sold in Nigeria

by Koncept Autocentre Limited, a subsidiary of Kewalram Chanrai Group.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

Aviation B5

Owolabi, ex-SAHCOL boss bows out in blaze of glory Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo On two occasions he was asked to come and serve and on the two occasions he proved to be the man that first of all rescued the Skypower Aviation Handling Company Limited, a subsidiary of the defunct Nigeria Airways out of the woods.

At a send-forth party for the retiring Chief Executive Officer of SAHCOL, Dr. Oluropo Owolabi was showered with encomium

by friends and colleagues who cut across aviation and other sectors.

He was also bestowed with the highest individual award by the Publisher of Nigeriantravelsmart, Mr. Simon Tumba who extolled the virtue of the former SAHCOL boss for his exemplary leadership and how he was able to transform the company into global reckoning.

Owolabi transformed SAHCOL from a small handling firm

to one that is about the largest in the country with only Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc to contend with in the field of aviation ground handling business.

SAHCOL at that time in the 1990s was doing well until November 21, 2002 when fire razed down the entire warehouse of the company. It was a sad day for the staff and customers who lost goods worth over N1billion.

With the fire that gutted the warehouse in 2002, the fortunes

of the once most viable of the defunct Nigeria Airways subsidiaries begun to nosedive as the absence of the warehouse greatly affected its operations.

The company was able to sustain itself during its trying period based on the professionalism of the then general manager; Dr. Oluropo Owolabi used his wealth of experience to keep the handling company in business against all odds.

The company ran into another

controversy when Owolabi who was generally referred to as the success behind the then SAHCOL was unjustly removed by the then government.

Even when Owolabi was replaced, the company continued to struggle as the only subsidiary of the defunct Nigeria Airways remaining as others had been privatized.

This was the position the former SAHCOL was until government decided to privatise it.

Medview boss bags aviation Personality of the Year award in Accra 2016

SEND-FORTH

L – R: MD Medview Airlines, Alhaji Muneer Bankole; Former MD Sahcol, Dr. Oluropo Owolabi; and MD Arik Airlines, Mr. Chis Ndulue, during the send-forth and celebration of Owolabi in Lagos... a t the weekend.

In UK, Nahco Aviance wins Global Risk Award For excellence in the face of very challenging business environment, the Nigerian Aviation Handling Company PLC (nahco aviance) has won award in faraway United Kingdom. The event was the Global Risk Awards 2016 which held at the London Hilton, Park Lane.

The Awards covers 13 categories in 40 countries; and is one of the most coveted risk management awards in the world. It was at this event, where global players were in attendance, nahco aviance demonstrated the its resilience spirit by coming tops in probably the most competitive category, ‘Excellence in the Face of Adversity’.

The category had as shortlists, world-renowned ArcelorMittal (UK), Leicester City Council (UK),

Nigerian Aviation Handling Company PLC (nahco aviance) (Nigeria), Roy Hill Holdings Pty Ltd (Australia) and Council Services & Chancellery, University of Newcastle (Australia). At the end of it all, NAHCO emerged winner.

The Head, Enterprise Risk Management, nahco aviance, Mr. Wale Akinwale, who picked up the award on behalf of the Company expressed satisfaction with the performance of the Company.

He said the “Excellence in the Face of Adversity” award was well deserved by NAHCO. He also expressed the desire by the Company to win the overall award at the ceremony next year. The overall award was won by ArcelorMittal for last year.

“When you put into consideration the circumstances under

which nahco aviance operates, you will no doubt agree with me that we deserved this award,” Akinwale stated, adding that the Company is not resting on its oars.

Only last month, nahco aviance emerged the overall winner in the Public /Technology/Healthcare/ Transportation & Aviation Industry category of the 2015/2016 edition of the Nigerian Risk Awards.

Some of NAHCO’s achievements that delighted judges were the Company’s record of a 99.6 percent reduction in cargo claims in the year under review, from N53 Million in 2014 to less than N200, 000 in 2015.

It recorded zero percent in aircraft damages. Cargo claims payment went down from N53, 434,096.03 in 2014 to just N177, 356.78 in 2015.

The managing director/ chief executive officer (CEO) of Medview Airlines, Alhaji Muneer Bankole has bagged the Balafon Aviation Personality of the year award, 2016 in Nigeria at the just concluded 2nd Accra Weizo’s travel and tourism conference and exhibition in Ghana.

Bankoke who was nominated through a credibility and transparent award selection process by a multinational committee defeated other contenders to emerge winner of the award.

Presenting the award, the organiser of Accra Weizo, Mr. Ikechi Uko commended Alhaji Bankole for his effort so far to reduce the pains of Nigerian travellers, who had been at the mercy of foreign airlines.

Uko said Medview Airline’s strong presence in the aviation

industry in Nigeria is what had endeared Bankole to travellers, who through an objective online process voted him as the Aviation Personality of the year.

He expressed delight that a Nigerian carrier was championing the crusade to uplift the aviation industry.

In his acceptance speech, Alhaji Bankole thanked the organisers of Weizo and noted that the industry was undergoing a metamorphosis, pointing out that from over 20 Air Operating Certificate (AOC), the industry was down to a one digit AOC. He said that what keeps the airline going is dedication to duty in ensuring that travellers get the value for their money.

Balafon is the West African Travel Awards instituted many years ago by the organisers of Akwaaba African Travel Market.

Automation: NAMA trains 18 AIS personnel The Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) has begun the training of personnel on Aeronautical Information Services (AIS) which the agency plans to commence.

Various categories of personnel are set to be trained in order to build adequate capacity needed for its deployment.

Already, the first batch of six personnel have proceeded to Frankfurt, Germany for a threeweek Train-the-Trainer Course on Map/Chart/e-AIP Publication spanning from July 18th to August 5th.

The next batch of 12 trainees is billed to also undergo training in Germany between August 15th and September 2nd, 2016 ahead

of the deployment of Aeronautical Fixed Telecom Network (AFTN)/ ATS Message Handling System (AMHS) in Lagos and Kano which will be networked to other airports in the country using the VSAT Network.

The Ag. Managing Director, Emma Anasi stated that the above operator’s trainings to be conducted by Avitech GMBH at the company’s factory in Germany are critical components of the AIS Automation Project targeted at giving trainees the needed exposure to handle the complex situations associated with the project, stressing that upon their return, it is hoped that they will drive down the process by training others.

Capital Market B6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

Stock Market Report

Equities market sustains gains, appreciates by 0.93% The Nigerian equities market sustained previous days gain on growing demand of stocks as NSE Indices increased by 0.93 percent.

The NSE ASI closed at 28,205.62 basis points compared to 27,945.02 basis points recorded previously, while Market Capitalisation added 89.5 billion to close at N9.687 trillion compared to a gain of N108 billion recorded on Tuesday to close at N9.597 trillion.

Okomuoil Plc topped the day’s 24 gainers with an appreciation of 10.22 percent or N3.22 to close at N34.73 per share, MRS Plc added 10.21 percent or N3.26 to close at N35.19 per share, Axamansard Insurance Plc appreciated by 9.81 percent or 21 kobo to close N2.35 per share, Dangote Flour Plc improved by 9.09 percent or 40 kobo to close at N4.80 per share, and Unilever Plc gathered 5 percent or N1.65 to close at N34.65 per share.

On the other hand, The day’s 23 losers were led by Skye Bank

Plc which lost 5 percent or 4 kobo to close at 76 kobo per share, Red Star Express Plc followed with a loss of 4.94 percent or 22 kobo to close at N4.23 per share, United capital Plc dropped 4.76 percent or 12 kobo to close at N2.40 per share, Nigerian breweries lost 4.46 percent or N6.54 to close at N140 per share and UAC- Prop Plc depreciated by 3.64 percent or 14 kobo to close at N3.71 per share.

At the end of stock trading for the day, investors had exchanged a total of 488.9 million valued at N4.8 billion in 4,713 deals compared to 286.72 million shares worth N2.3 billion exchanged in 4,316 deals on Tuesday.

UBA Plc recorded the highest volume of trade, exchanging 127.3 million shares worth N584.8 million, Access Bank came second with the sale of 111.8 million shares valued at N626.5 million, while FBN Holdings followed with an exchange of 62.9 million shares valued at N223.2 million.

Summary of activities on NSE ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP

28,205.62 4,713.00 488,899,159.00 4,827,257,321.58 9,687,202,613,438.61

NIDF set to pay 37th coupon to investors Investors in the Nigerian International Debt Fund (NIDF) – an NSE listed mutual fund that invests in fixed income securities of Federal and State Governments - will get N3.32 per note as the Fund Managers, Afrinvest Asset Management Limited (AAML), commence payment of the interim coupon for the 2016 financial year on July 28, 2016.

This represents the 37th coupon since the creation of the Fund in 1997.

According to Ola Belgore, Managing Director of AAML, “NIDF is consistent in dividend payment and it is declaring the sum of N18,610,753.79 as interim coupon to be distributed amongst subscribers in the register of the Fund as at June 30, 2016 at N3.32 per note. This in line with the structure of the NIDF, which is designed to pay coupons twice a year. The fund closed at N212.24 as at 30 June

2016”.

Belgore noted, “NIDF offers investors safety, capital preservation, steady returns, diversification and value, and has a consistent dividend history making it quite attractive for both individual and institutional investors such as Pension Fund Administrators (PFAs), insurance companies, asset managers and gratuity funds.”

In 2015, the NIDF was rated “A-” by Global Credit Rating Company (GCR). This rating by one of the leading global rating agencies is among the best for mutual funds in the market today.

Afrinvest Asset Management Limited is a subsidiary of Afrinvest West Africa Limited, a wealth advisory firm involved in investment banking, securities trading, asset management and investment research with a focus on West Africa.

L-R: L – R: Yetunde Ojo, Head, Technology, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Boma Beddie, Member, United Kingdom Trade & Investment (UKTI); Ahmed Bashir, MBE, Acting Deputy High Commissioner & Director UKTI; Ade Bajomo, Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology, NSE; John Howell, MP, Trade Envoy to Nigeria; Ufuoma Odiete, Trade Development Manager UKTI; Laura Mackie, Personal Assistant to Trade Envoy; Olumide Lala, Head, Transformation and Change, NSE and Ade Ewuosho, Head, Market Services, NSE at the Closing Gong Ceremony at The Exchange Wednesday.

SEC investigates Fittco Securities over alleged fraud

Stories by Afolabi Adesola

The Nigerian Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) has announced the investigating of complaints relating to the unauthorized sale of shares belonging to Alhaji Abass Bolatitio O. and 35 others,

by Fittco Securities Limited.

According to the apex regulator, a preliminary investigation carried out by the Commission revealed that Fittco Securities Limited sold the complainants’ shares without authorization thereby violating the provisions

“The incidence of hacking attacks are on the rise and the need to secure and maintain information integrity has never been greater. Businesses need to take proactive measures to prevent theft and misuse of information, damage to intellectual property and loss of value as a result of breaches.

Capital market players must be up to speed with the techniques employed by hackers as well as processes for adequate business continuity and disaster recovery”. This was the counsel of Mr. Ade Bajomo, the Executive Director, Market Operations

of Rules 43 and 182A (1), (3) and (5) of the Commission’s Rules and Regulations.

“Consequently, the Commission has directed that the Firm, and the under-listed Directors and Sponsored Individuals of the firm be invited to a meeting to explain their roles in the transactions.” SEC stated The SEC thus named Francis Olusegun Alabi, Ibrahim Ahmed Rufai, Chika Mbonu Casimir as Directors and George Damiete Mamuzo, Oyebade Patrick Titilayo, Folusho Olusegun Alabi as Sponsored Individuals to appear

at the Securities & Exchange Commission (4th Floor Committee Room), Plot 272, Samuel Ademulegun Adesujo Street, Central Business District, Abuja for the Meeting scheduled to hold on 4th August, 2016, by 11.00 a.m.

Just last month the SEC also launched investigation into alleged multi-million Naira shares fraud involving another stockbroking firm, WT Securities Limited, indicating that WT Securities Limited engaged in fraudulent sale and mismanagement of clients’ shares, valued at about N254 million.

NSE promotes cyber-security awareness among capital market stakeholders and Technology, of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), at the 3rd edition of the Nigerian Capital Market Information Security Forum with the theme “What to do when you are hacked”.

According to Bajomo the forum which is designed to deepen awareness on information security and cyber threat plays a crucial role in ensuring that firms continue to provide reliable and secure services that en-

dear customer confidence and patronage, whilst leveraging technology to grow their profitability.

As part of his advice, Bajomo said that “to make hacking attacks less expensive, business owners should constantly embark on staff training, introduce right technology and processes as well as ensure round the clock IT infrastructures system surveillance”.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

B7 Brands & Marketing

How advertising impacts macro, micro economy,

by Olusona Stories by Godwin Anyebe President of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria (AAAN), Kayode Oluwasona has said that the business of advertising in a way play a significant role towards the growth of the national economy.

Oluwason who disclosed this to Daily Times recently in Lagos said that the work of the Association of Advertising Agencies of Nigeria affects the activities of micro economy in Nigeria by a hundred percent.

“When you talk about revenue, you have to talk about cost; both variables are affected by the availability of advertising, the quality of advertising and the cost of advertising, the consumer also who is trying to maximize the level of

utility at his disposable income and all of that,” he noted.

What that means, he continues, is that the choices the consumers are making is influenced by the level of information at their disposal and the level of awareness they have, and advertising play a very key role in bringing awareness concerning products, products can be goods, places, services, people; so advertising helps the consumer to make the right choice, advertising also helps the consumer to assess the product that will meet his needs. In most cases, brands are able to expand their market through advertising, and then of course use their cost also to boost the economics of scale, and then use their cost to produce more goods.

On the macro level, he posited that, you have to look at the ag-

The honourable Minister of Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Nwabueze Ngige, (middle) in a group photograph with the executives of Huawei Technologies Co. Nig.Ltd including directors in the Ministry at the Ministry Head Quarters in Abuja…on Wednesday.

gregate, the national income, inflation rate, and unemployment, among others. Those are the phenomenon that we have in the macro economy, and the general aggregate of the economy. The fact remains that, advertising also contributes to macro economy, for instance, employment in Nigeria, employment in the macroeconomic phenomenon.

7even Interactive aims to be top ad agency in Nigeria 7even Interactive, one of the young and vibrant creative agencies in Nigeria has said that the agency is aiming to be one of the top ad creative agencies in Nigeria. This, the agency will achieve by delivering on its brand promise, and also by way and manner the agency has pride itself in the last one year by way of shaping consumer behavioral pattern for the brands they have worked for. So far, 7even interactive has earned itself respect among practitioners and brand owners by way of developing critical value addition in Nigerian marketing communication landscape.

According to the Chief Operating Officer of 7even Interactive, Tayo Agboola, recently in Lagos, the agency is an independent creative agency that is youthful central, and also has a different approach to marketing communication. This ad agency is ready to go extra mile to satisfy a client. This, for him, is because clients are very dynamic, and any attempt for an ad practitioner not to deliver on promise, a client will look for another shop.

Agboola

7even interactive has performed credibly well on for instance, Fidelity bank creative brief, GAC motors, mainone, sunsalt, among others brands that it has handled in the last one year. Consumers behavior is dynamic, and things are changing very fast, we are no longer in the age of ‘this is how we use to do it’, if you want to stand tall among your competitors, you must go the extra mile. Said Agboola.

The chief operating officer disclosed that, one of the things that keep them going is their creative process and hunger to do more. In addition to that, we would not have competed favourably well with agencies that have been in the system for the past twenty years if not for the kind of people that we are working with. The agency has in its staff strength people that have gathered experience from more than two to three agencies in Nigeria.

According to him, advertising also contribute in government revenue generation, so when you are talking about national income account and other issues , you are talking about macro economy, we also contribute in multiple taxation, the taxes we and levies that we pay as an association and practitioners contribute a lots to the national income.

The President of ADVAN, David Okeme has revealed that the marketing communications industry will grow if associations and groups within the industry look out for ways they can work better collaboratively.

David Okeme said this recently when top officials of Advertising Agencies Association of Nigeria (AAAN) paid a courtesy visit to the National Secretariat of The Advertisers Association of Nigeria (ADVAN). Receiving the august visitors at their Salvation Street office in Lagos with other members of ADVAN exco, Okeme noted that the move by AAAN to collaborate at a bigger level with ADVAN was a good development for brands and the industry in general. Explaining that relationship building sits at the edge of client and agency connection, Okeme promptly endorsed the desire of the two industry associations to look at ways that they can connect effectively.

The AAAN delegation was led by the President, kayode Oluwasona. The Vice- President, Ikechi Odigbo and Executive Director, Lekan Fadolapo were also part of the delegation from AAAN.

He further pointed out that,” we are involved in few international trade matter, we move talent across border, we do production outside of Nigeria when it is necessary, and that is international trade and all of that, through all of these, advertising play a significant role contributing to Nigeria economy both at micro and macro level.

Strengthening sectoral collaboration will grow Nigeria’s marketing industry — Okeme Speaking on the visit which he sees as a decision by two key stakeholders in the industry to foster the spirit of corporation and collaboration, AAAN President, Kayode Olowasona philosophically pointed out that the two bodies are two sides of the same coin which means the two must consciously work together always to remain a coin.

He explained that the vision of his new exco is to foster stakeholder understand and that is why they see the meeting as very strategic. His words, “with this visit and the fantastic discussions that we have started, we believe we are both committed to the same vision, which we believe is lofty and in the interest of the two bodies. In fact, we don’t want to have two parties anymore; the brand is what is central. The two parties are one, in favour of the brand. I expect that going forward, we will do many things in common.

B8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 28, 2016

Life&

Times Thursday, July 28, 2016

Red Mist Nigeria presents Liam Hemsworth, others in new movie, “The Duel�

PL5 Skoochies: The new cannabis drink Nigerian celebs are drinking

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Adewale Ayuba

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Meet the Bonsue Fuji music maestro

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday July 28, 2016

Hip hop is no threat to Fuji music-Adewale Adewale Ayuba also known as Mr. Johnson, the king of Bonsue Fuji, is an easy going person who is set to up his game despite that the music trend in the country has diverted into another dimension.

He is a traditional style singer, a drummer, an actor and an artiste. Ayuba has released approximately 26 albums, writes his lyrics and co-produced some of his released tracks.

In this interview with ABIMBOLA OBATAYO, he spoke on issues affecting music in Nigeria, and the way forward among others.

Enjoy…

Ayuba

What has the Bonsue Fuji star been up to all this while?

We are trying to rebrand musically, artistically, rebranding the name itself which is Fuji music and Adewale Ayuba as a band leader. That’s what we are doing and we are trying to digitalise Fuji music; we are trying to bring the analogue into the digital level. We are trying to go on tracking not like the normal way of releasing album like seventeen minutes long. So those are the things we are trying to do.

Your starting point seems interesting, so how exactly did you see music in the beginning?

I will say it’s my calling because I started as early at the age of five, so I can say it’s my calling. I just love singing.

When did you release your first album?

My first album was released 1986 when Dele Giwa died and it’s called “Ibere,” meaning Beginning.

So when you look back to those days, what do you really remember?

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T E A M

What I remember those days is that before you release any album, there’s a censors board that listens to it particularly the lyrics to know if it’s suitable for children, for the country. I don’t think we do that anymore, so, it’s not that organised like before. Then you had the record label that will handle marketing and by the grace of God, everything they put out there, all the income goes to them but now piracy is killing that.

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Abimbola Obatayo

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Daniel Ekiye

What do you think can be done in Nigeria music industry now because when we look at those days you started, the content of the songs made more meaning but nowadays I don’t really know what we are dancing to.

What do you think can be done to make things right?

We just need to do the right thing. First, government must set up a platform that before you release an album, you need to take it to the organised censors’ board. Secondly, government should try to eradicate the issue of piracy. Those are the two things that can be done.

What would you have loved to change about your music if you could turn back the hands of time?

I will love to still be a Fuji singer. I am a Nigerian and I’m proud of Fuji music. So, it’s the only thing I can use to open western world for myself. The only thing I’m trying to do now is to digitalise, take it away from where it was before, so that is that.

What was your break in music?

It happened 1990 when I released “Bubble”.

When you write your songs, what kind of issues do you put in content?

When I am writing my songs, I have to think of children first, something that will educate children, couples and families in general. I wouldn’t want to do a song that it’s only men that can listen to it, when it get to women they stop it and I wouldn’t want to do something that as parents are listening to it, the children come in and say no, what kind of music is this. So, I try to relate and I will always make sure that it’s 100 percent Fuji music.

With the rise of hip hop music which is rendered in our local dialect, how has your music been able to cope?

Continued on L3

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday July 28, 2016

L3

Mutiat Alli

‘I have never been to a club house’ Continued from L2 That’s not our own, it’s a different brand of music. They are doing well on their own but you can’t tell me everybody wants it like that, that’s a different brand, so we don’t have problem with that.

Do you see them as a threat to your own brand of music?

I don’t see them as a threat. You can only get an award on the music that you know it’s from your nation. They will hardly give Grammy award to a Nigerian because hip hop is from America. Have you ever seen anybody collect reggae award at the international level apart from the Jamaicans? So, that is it.

What else have you done apart from music?

I am into hospitality and it is part of entertainment to us in Nigeria.

What are the fondest memories you have had?

I will say we had good one and we had bad one but the one we call the bad one is like a trial which happens to everybody.

The good one was when I first got my artiste award, which is the best artiste in Nigeria and the second one when I got Grammy award in South Africa. The negative one was when they shot me in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, when I went to perform. So, that’s life but we thank God.

What is your staying power in music?

I will say originality; I stick to what people know me for, Fuji artiste. I try to promote it; I try to certify it so that I keep being better every day. People know that when you want to listen to Ayuba, its original Fuji music you will listen to.

How would you rate the music industry?

I will say we are doing very well, we have beautiful talents in Nigeria. I can’t give any kudos to government, people are just doing it without making money. That’s to let you know that this nation is meant for entertainers and the government need to come down on how to assist to make money from it.

The Ayuba we know those days can really dance, can he still do those things?

It’s part of my style but we should know that the Okocha we know ten years ago is not the same Okocha we know now. Dancing is an ability, it needs to do with strength, it needs to do with age but that does not mean you don’t have the strength, so that’s the reality of life.

can’t wear that. I call them my wardrobe managers, so I thank God for that.

What’s the secret of you looking good always?

How can you describe your personal style?

I will give glory to God and my woman in the house and my children. When you dress somehow, they tell me daddy, you

So, it’s not as if you as a person is trying to mentor somebody?

I discover that I’m a brand; I represent a lot of fans, so anything you want to do, you have to think of your fans because if you do the right thing, your fans will be happy with you but if you do anything bad, it will hurt them.

It’s not by calling someone to my band and show him how I do it. A lot of people want to emulate one.

Does your personal style influence your choice of music?

It’s obvious that hip hop music has taken over?

Yes, I think so because your background matters a lot. If you don’t go to school, you can’t speak in English, you can’t write your songs. If you are from a bad background, it will affect your style too, so we give glory to God and our parents and families.

That is the problem we are facing in Nigeria, we always believe that anything international is better than us even to the food we eat. We see our own things as local and dirty and it’s only the government that can change that.

They will hardly give How has fashion as a Grammy award form of art influenced personal style? to a Nigerian because your Fashion is part of But that does not entertainment industry, so hip hop is from mean you’ve stopped what people see is you and dancing? you look matters a lot.

America. Have you ever how Of course, I am just telling you For example, you release that you can’t compare Ayuba of an album, everybody loves seen anybody collect seventeen years to Ayuba of fifty it but one day they meet you years of age. personally and start to say, reggae award at the ‘see how this guy dresses’ and that can make them Most artistes now have international level forget about the music. People their own record label, they don’t know that when you are a apart from the have artistes they groom. Do singer, no matter how good you are you also have something like Jamaicans? in singing, you have to make sure your that?

Yes, the BA record belong to our company. We have a lot of companies and BA record is one of them, so they are the ones managing me and we are preparing to sign another artiste very soon. The BA recording studio also belongs to us and anybody can come in to record.

stop and my style will be there. I still see a lot of people that sing like Ayuba and what we are trying to do now is to popularise Fuji music to the western world which is the major thing we’re doing now.

dress also matters, it’s a combined effort.

What’s the future of Bonsue music now because if you stop what you are doing now, there is nobody that will take over?

Somebody started Fuji, Sikiru Ayinde, may his soul rest in peace. He started Fuji music but gone and we are still doing Fuji. So my own style is just Bonsue Fuji. Sikiru had his own style; everybody have their own style, so Fuji music will never

How did you now strategise to meet up to that standard?

What makes music is the beat behind it, not the voice.

It’s the rhythm that makes music. If you are listening to Indian song, you know it’s Indian and if you are listening to reggae beat without music, you know its reggae. You can’t be singing Fuji and put it on hip hop beat because music is not judged by song or language, it’s by the rhythm, the beat behind it.

Can you say there is a future for Fuji?

We need to get back to our own thing, you said a lot of people now sing hip hop, how many of them have won Grammy award, they keep on nominating Femi Kuti. When you see Fuji artiste or juju artiste, embrace them, talk to them even if they are doing things that are not right.

What kind of person is Ayuba?

I love my music, I don’t do any other thing apart from music. I can say I’m a homely person, from my office to the house. I’ve never been to the club house. That is me.

How do you find time to relax?

I thank God for the kind of job I do because music itself is life so when you sit and listen to good music and at the same time doing your work, you are relaxing at the same time.

When I get home, I play with my kids.

Music Gist L4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday July 28, 2016

Mutiat Alli

9ice surprises fans at Fuji T’o Bam, Ado Ekiti Concert …unveils new record label logo Nigeria multiple awards singer, Abolore ‘9ice’ Akande astonishes his fans during the season 4 Fuji T’o Bam, Goldberg concert held last Friday 22nd July 2016 in Ado Ekiti.

9ice’s fans in Ado Ekiti have never seen him performing with a Fuji artiste on stage live. Watching the Gongo Aso singer performing with Taye Currency, Fuji Star together really amazed the audience who came out massively to watch him.

At the middle of the show, Taye Currency abruptly lured 9ice on stage to perform with him. He did an excellent work singing Gogoro,Gogoro, a single from Malaika’s hit song.

He also sang Acapella of his hit songs with the Ibadan based Fuji star, Currency.

Fans responded with positive gesture after the duo left the stage by praising him.

However, Nollywood Super Star, Odunlade Adekola who was the master compere of the concert had earlier called 9ice on stage. He dazzled with hit songs from Gongo Aso and Tradition albums:

9ice thrilling excited fans Street Credibility, Photocopy, Gbamu Gbamu, Nobi Mistake. The veteran singer also ignited his fans with new songs he released recently, Faaji, ATM, Sugar, Pariboto and Abefe respectively.

Nevertheless, after his performances, 9ice used the platform to unveil Alapomeji Ancestral Records (AAR) logo. He urged his fans to patronize it as they have been supporting his previous items.

However, tomorrow Friday July 29, 2016, 9ice will be performing at the final of the Fuji T’o Bam concert at the Trans Amusement Park in the ancient city of Ibadan.

Freeze, Mayorkun, Do2dtun, Others React to Naomi Mac’s “Ori Mi” Following the release of the muchpublicized “biggest track of 2016”, ‘Ori Mi’, by Naomi Mac, the House One Music singer has been receiving several positive comments from celebrities and OAPs on social media.

Commenting on his Twitter handle, popular Cool FM OAP Freeze remarked, “One of my favourite songs in 2016. Simply amazing work by @ thenaomimac”. Going further he also

As the day draws closer to Harrysong’s One Delta Peace Concert, the prolific Five Star Music artiste and founder has announced partnership with leading multimedia and production company, G29.

In a statement signed by his media and publicity manager, Desmond Ike Chima, the top entertainers described his partnership with G29 Productions as a brilliant move and a step in the right direction.

His words ‘I am particularly thrilled to have G29 productions on board in this project. The One Delta Peace Concert is a sensitive project that deserves the best hands on deck and bringing in a production company in the caliber of G29 is indeed a brilliant move which I am happy to announce’.

G29 Productions is a multimedia company which boasts of high tech production and post-production equipment’s for all categories of events.

From sound to visual, editing suites, top of the range still and video cameras, well equipped audio and video production studio et al, the company has truly made a mark for.

According to the CEO of G29 productions,

Naomi Mac Since its release last month, “Ori Mi” has been well received among critics and audiences, swarming over 50,000 download and repeated radio airplay.

MTV Base VJ search: Auditioning opens in Abuja, Enugu &Lagos Nigeria’s leading entertainment platform MTV Base is going back on the road in Nigeria this August to audition thousands of potential new VJs to represent the youth and music channel. The channel is on the hunt for a smooth-talking, quick-thinking, musicloving newcomer with swag and a big personality to become the stand-out new Nigerian VJ (TV presenter) for the youth and music channel.

“The most important quality required in an MTV Base VJ is that they should have the ability to communicate Ehiz with and connect to our audience,” comments

Harrysong ink deal with G29 production on One Delta peace concert

Harrysong and G29

tweeted, “I can put this song on repeat all day!”

Also giving his take on Twitter, popular YBNL hype man Do2dtun tweeted “I am loving this song by @thenaomimac ft @ pheelzonthebeat”.

Davido Music Worldwide signee Mayorkun also responded with a photo of the song’s artwork on Instagram accompanied with a simple “thumbs up” Emoji.

Ogwuche Dickson Godwin, ‘we are specially deploying drone cameras for the coverage of One Delta Peace Concert in Asaba and this is to ensure that all angles are covered during the event. Our team of top sound/visual engineers will also be investing their wealth of experience to make sure no stone is left unturned.

Haven produced top of range events for several other celebrities, we are excited to also be a part of an applaudable event like One Delta peace Concert’.

The Peace concert which is a brain child of Delta born Harrison Tare Okiri famously known as Harrysong is holding on Sunday, July 31 at the prestigious ‘The Dome’ event centre along Okpanam Road in Asaba, Delta State, with his Excellence, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa declaring the event open.

….who takes over from VJ Ehiz Alex Okosi, Senior Vice President & Managing Director, Viacom International Media Networks (VIMN) Africa. “We’re looking for someone who lives and breathes contemporary youth culture, with a strong personality, and the energy and confidence to build their brand and make a long-term career in the entertainment business.”

For your chance to be the MTV Base star of the future, head down to the 2016 MTV Base VJ Search - Nigeria auditions for your chance to impress the judges and

The Temple Management Company (TMC), has announced the formation of a 360 management company which is poised to bridge the gap between the Nigerian corporate space and the burgeoning creative and entertainment sector.

At a time of rising global recognition and demand for the work of Nigerian creative talents, the perennial challenge has been that to compete properly with their international counterparts, Nigerian creative need better branding, access and positioning. Industry experts have also pointed out that brands have failed to maximize their potential because of the sub-par representation they currently get.

TMC, which began operations in March 2016, primarily in the entertainment, sports, media and art sectors, is set to change

CEO TMC Mr. Idris Olorunnimbe

win a 2-year contract with MTV Base worth a cool 20 million Naira. Auditions will be held at NAF Conference Centre & Suites, Abuja (9 August), De Dome, Enugu (12 August) and the Classique Event Centre, Lagos (16 August).

Doors open at 9:00 am. To register your application please go to www. mtvbase.com. Successful applicants will be notified by SMS or email one week prior to the auditions.

MTV Base’s brand new VJ will be following in the footsteps of MTV Base veteran Ehiz Okoeguale who won the channel’s second Nigerian VJ search back in 2013, and was transformed overnight from a job-seeker to a bona fide TV star!

Temple Management Company launches full-service talent agency all that, and bring Nigerian talents to the same table with their international counterparts.

Incorporated in Nigeria with strong international affiliations across Africa, North America, and Europe, TMC was founded by serial investor and art aficionado Idris Olorunnimbe.

Mr. Olorunnimbe, who also serves as Chief Executive Officer, sums up the TMC vision this way, “With the constant expansion of the entertainment industry and growth of sporting activities, our vision is to remain the leading African talent and event management outfit, representing the biggest talents in entertainment, sports, media, the arts and other relevant areas.”

Mr. Olorunnimbe added, “Our focus is now to expand the recruitment of agents to create a new enduring institution in this country.” TMC will focus on the core functions of talent representation but will, allied with corporate organizations, also provide a wide range of financial and advisory services, manage endorsement portfolios, and package bespoke events for domestic and international markets.

Within a short spell, TMC has already sent shock-waves into the industry by signing management deals with some of Nigeria’s biggest talents, including Nigeria’s biggest record label Mavin Records, renowned disc jockey DJ Jimmy Jatt, award-winning visual artist and writer Victor Ehikhamenor, media personality Bunmi Davies, artist/jeweler Mode Aderinokun and the doyenne of Nigerian broadcast media, Funmi Iyanda.

After signing the deal with TMC a few weeks ago, Mavin Records CEO, Don Jazzy, said, “We are stepping into the future with The Temple Management Company as they redefine creative talent management in Nigeria.”

The TMC board includes luminaries of Nigerian industry and enterprise such as Mr. Tunde Folawiyo and Mr. Ajibola Abudu.

The diversity of the Executive team includes individuals who have worked with Nigeria’s leading law firm, Zenith Bank, Samsung, McDonalds, Nestle UK, Eurosport, the English Football Association, 234Next, the Lagos State Government and in the music industry, with LA Reid, Pharrell, Jamie Foxx and Sean ‘P Diddy’ Combs.

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday July 28, 2016

L5 Movie Gist

Mutiat Alli Fortune continues to smile on Mercy Aigbe-Gentry as the wave-making actress and entrepreneur has been unveiled as the new face of Edalaf Brothers, an IT firm which provides integrated school management system software’s in Nigeria. The beautiful mother of two was unveiled on July 26, 2016 at Ibis Hotel, Toyin Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

Biodun Falade, a co-founder of the firm, noted that Mercy Aigbe-Gentry was an ideal choice of ambassador for the company.

“Mercy has done pretty well for herself in the entertainment industry, she is at the peak of her career, she has been scandal-free and chiefly, her character is congruent with our brand.

She will in no doubt reach out to our target market and impact the youths

Mercy Aigbe-Gentry inks deal with ICT firm of this nation,” he said.

Reacting to the honour, Mercy said: “Words cannot express the pride and honour I feel about this great company.

It has been a remarkable year for me and I am beyond thrilled to have been considered for such a huge role.”

In other interesting news, to keep in touch and share experiences with her teeming fans worldwide, the beautiful mother of two who commands huge following for her impeccable fashion

taste would launch her website and app on August 1, 2016. The app will offer access to her exclusive photos, videos, Fashion styles, sneak peak of her films and other projects. Fans will also have the opportunity to sign up and interact with one another, post pictures and comments to mention a few.

The app which has been developed

by Edalaf brothers will be available at Google Play after the unveiling.

Red Mist Nigeria presents Liam Hemsworth, others in new movie,

“The Duel”

ing Alice r u t a e F …Also mory Cohen Braga, E

Red Mist Films, is set out to release into Nigerian cinemas another internationally acclaimed movie, “The Duel,” starring popular Hollywood actors Liam Hemsworth, Woody Harrelson, Alice Braga, Emory, amongst others.

The Duel features Liam Hemsworth as a Texas Ranger who investigates a series of murders in a small town led by a charismatic preacher played by Woody Harrelson. However, the routine undercover investigation soon turns personal for the ranger who must solve the case before he loses everything to the mysterious town. The thrilling movie will be released in Nigerian cinemas nationwide on August 12, 2016.

The 110 minutes long thriller movie, is the debut feature film of talented writer, Matt Cook directed by Kieran Darcy- Smith and produced by David Hobberman, Todd Lieberman, Adam Rosenfelt and Maureen Meulen.

Red Mist Films acquires high-quality, talent driven films for mainstream African audiences.

The company aims to bring unique and universal stories that thrill the audience with promises to keep the flag running as it pushes frontiers to deliver the best of quality movies to Nigerian audiences. The Duel

New Telenovella, All Roads Lead to Love, rolls into town this August From the creator of top telenovella, For Love and Justice and My Heart Beats for Lola, comes the gripping, brand new telenovella All Roads Lead to Love, exclusive to Telemundo. Think: scheming, suspicion, love triangles, plot twists, betrayal and revenge, this series has it all, but at its core, spins the story of Eva Soler, a woman discovering her strength through

her own undoing.

Played by the ever enchanting Edith González, Eva is a tough and determined beauty who always dreamed of becoming a truck-driver, so when she inherited her late father’s truck, her life started to fall into place. She found love, settled down to start a family and even established her own transport business. Fast forward a few years, and all is not well in paradise.

Between her two troubled daughters, with issues ranging from Asperger’s to substance abuse, a sister who envies her deeply, and a best friend who is also her worst enemy, Eva has enough to contend with. Then the serial infidelity of her husband, Armando, sets off a chain reaction leading to intrigue, murder, conspiracy and potentially even Eva’s imprisonment. Thrown into the mix is her growing attraction for the steamy Pablo.

He’s a handsome and noble ex-cop who is ten years her junior. But with a tragedy in his past, Pablo has his own secrets, and it’s no coincidence that his path has crossed with the Soler family.

CEO, Edalaf Brothers Limited, Dr. Abiodun Falade; Brand Ambassador, Mercy Aigbe-Gentry

Biodun Okeowo dazzles guests as children graduate Sultry Yoruba actress, Biodun Okeowo was a sight to behold as she danced to the admiration of guests during her children valedictory service at Topmost International School, Lagos, recently.

Okeowo, who said she was introduced to the school by an older colleague popularly known as Lola Idije whose children also passed out from the same school, stressed that she felt as an achiever and a proud mother to see her son, Ayomide Okeowo completing his secondary education while the daughter, Ifeoluwa is moving to Senior Secondary School.

Her words: “I am close to tears because I remember when I enrolled my children in this school some years back, I had to appeal to the Chairman of the school to give me concession because as a single mother things were quite tight for me financially”.

The single mother described as agonising but worthy, her experience

as a single parent having to cater for the children all alone but was quick to add that it was worth it after all as she advised parents to make their children top of their priority.

“My advice to any woman who finds herself on this other side of life that no one actually prays for but when it happens that couples divorce, I advise the woman to take the custody of her children. The children would later appreciate her because no woman can take care of another person’s child like the real mother”, she said.

Biodun Okeowo and son Ayomide

AY’s A Trip to Jamaica to hit cinema September

Following the success recorded from his maiden movie ’30 Days in Atlanta, Comedian AY sure understands the movie business as he is back with another flick titled ‘A Trip to Jamaica,’ a movie filled with lots of love, adventure, crime and lots of comedy.

With a steller cast that includes Hollywood actors Eric Roberts, Dan Davies, Rebecca Silvera, Paul Campbell of the 3rd World Cop, also featured are our own Nigerian super stars with the likes of Nse Ikpe-Etim, Funke Akindele, Chris Attoh and cameo appearances by music stars; YBNL Olamide, Patoranking and dancehall queen, Cynthia Morgan.

With a world premiere expected to hold Sunday, September 25, 2016, the movie will be open to cinemas across the country from September 30, 2016.

A trip to Jamaica will however be distributed

by FilmOne distribution, Nigeria’s fastest growing film

Trip to Jamaica

distribution company behind box office successes such as Wives on strike, Ghana must go, and Fifty amongst others.

Mixed Grill L6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday July 28, 2016

Mutiat Alli

Brymo presents “Organised Chaos” concert Music enthusiasts and followers of Nigerian singer, song writer cum performer, Olawale Ashimi-Olofo’ro, better known as Brymo, should prepare for a big treat as the music act has unveiled plans to stage a one of its kind music concert in Lagos where music lovers will enjoy proper live music.

Tagged ‘Organised Chaos’, the music concert is Brymo’s

Brymo

Ycee joins Basketmouth on debut episode of Ridiculousness Africa

Ayawa

J’Bryte releases sizzling new single, Ayawa Fast rising music sensation, J’Bryte has released another sizzling hit tune titled Ayawa. The love song which features reggae and dancehall sensation, Ketchup, was produced by talented music producer, Dreybeatz.

The stylish singer shows off his enviable versatility in a smooth dancehall delivery that promises to leave its audience grooving for a long while. The classic love song centres on lovers and the promise of eternal love.

The songster’s versatile musical style has taken music lovers by storm with singles like Follow and his cover of Rihanna’s Work which he titled Chop.

J’Bryte officially began his music journey when he participated in the first edition of Nokia First Chance music competition many years ago. He built on that experience to fully launch his music career. Since then, he has worked with some well-known artistes, producers, directors, choreographers and more all in the entertainment industry in and outside the shores of the country.

first major own concert and is scheduled to take place on Sunday, October 2, 2016, at the prestigious Freedom Park, Lagos.

The concert will be headlined

by Brymo alongside his band, ‘The Lagos Touts’ with an array of great Nigerian performers also on the radar.

The night promises to be one of an unforgettable experience

with lots of music and artistry on offer. The event will showcase Brymo in a form the audience has never witnessed before.

Brymo, fresh from the release of his much talked about chart topping album, “Klitoris” disclosed that no stone will be left unturned to ensure music lovers and other attendees are given optimum satisfaction on the night.

Papertrail records signs new act, SETH Fast rising Nigerian pop star, Seth Ubogu famously known as Seth is a young talented artiste who hails from Delta State, but has spent all his life in Lagos.

The last of eight children, 19-year-old Seth prides himself as a singer, dancer and performer who showed interest in music at an early age as a chorister in his local church. After losing his father many years ago, Seth couldn’t continue his education and as a result he sought solace and comfort in entertainment. He started dancing and rapping at local bars and joints around the Ajah area of Lagos where he met his Label manger, Lukman.

Lukman took him under his wings and helped through his transition from rapping and dancing to singing. After a series of Demos, he was introduced to the CEO of Papertrail Records, Dapo, who put him on probation while still working on Karat Kid who was signed to the label at the time.

The wait and zeal he showed paid off.

SETH Blessed with a sultry voice, a unique tone and good looks, he dropped his first single Kilofe, produced by the serial Hit maker, Dr. Amir. It’s an easy going yet unforgettable song that is sure to give pleasure to the senses of anyone who listens.

The race for MTN Project Fame Season 9 contest is up …..as contestants battle for the ultimate N5m prize Ycee As the debut episode of Ridiculousness Africa-a brand new video clip featuring bizarre video clips of crazy antics, begins, shocking stunts and eccentric exploits from some of the internet’s craziest clowns takes centre stage.

Embrace your own inner Ridiculousness as Nigerian comedian, Basketmouth, is joined by South African actor and comedian, Thomas Gumede, and gorgeous TV personality, Boity Thulo, with a special guest appearance by Ycee in the first episode of the series, premiering on tomorrow, Friday, July 29 at 6.00 pm.

Future episodes of Ridiculousness Africa will feature big name celebrities including DJ Nasty C, South African actress, Nomzamo Mbatha and TV & radio personality, Dineo Ranaka.

Ridiculousness Africa puts some hilarious local flava on the Rob Dyrdekfronted US comedy show, and carries the warning ‘Don’t Try This at Home!” The show celebrates the brave, fun-loving, light-hearted and unapologetically foolish men and women who are prepared to risk life and limb – all in the interest of achieving 15 seconds of fleeting fame on the internet.

After weeks of various auditions across West Africa, in search of the next set of music diamonds in the rough that will be polished for stardom, the Project Fame Season 9 Academy opened its doors to receive 14 contestants for the new season.

The unveiling of these lucky 14 contestants took place at the Opening Gala which was held at Ultima studios, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos on Saturday, July 23, 2016.

Although the atmosphere was laced with suspense as the contestants and audience held their breaths to know the verdicts of the Judges on the contestants who will get admitted into the Academy, and the ones who will sadly drop out of the competition, still, the evening could boast of enough glitz, glam, and entertainment that no one will forget in a hurry.

One of such was Jeff’s electrifying performance, which again reminded us why West Africa thought he was the perfect head to wear the crown of Season 8 winner. He thrilled the audience with his debut single

Cross section of contestants who made it into the academy titled ‘Never let you go’.

For the 18 contestants who hoped to get the baton from Jeff, the Judges decided that 12 of them had fully convinced them that they deserved a spot each in the Academy, hence, Eli, Oluchi, Gabriel, Winner, Elizabeth, Yusuph, Pere, Mirabel, Dipo, Solomon, Okiemute, and Favour went straight in.

However, Benjamin, Blessing, Kitay, Kissi, Seun, and Steve had to perform again to get their admission. In the end, Kitay and Steve made it in. For Kissi, Seun, Benjamin, and Blessing, it was time to say goodbye- but not the final goodbye as they will automatically assume the Wild Card contestant positions. This

means that with enough votes, they can be called back into the race.

So West Africa, the journey into fame and fortune has fully begun for these 14 contestants. They will take center stage every week to entertain and serenade us, while the Faculty and Judges do their bits by nurturing the seeds of greatness in them.

It is important to note that the 3rd runner-up walk home with N2 Million, 2nd runner-up N2 Million and a brand new saloon car, 1st runner-up: N3 Million and a brand new saloon car and the grand prize of N5 Million, a brand new SUV, and a recording contract worth millions of Naira.

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday July 28, 2016

L7 Opinion

Adedayo Showemimo Drinking the tea may relieve anxiety while reducing nausea and chronic pain.

Unlike smoking marijuana, the tea is not inhaled through the lungs and thus does not contain the risk of developing long-term lung problems.

If you’ve never heard the word ‘Skoochies‘ and you claim to be ‘street’, then your street credentials needs to be re-evaluated and this story is NOT for you!

In simple terms, ‘Skoochies’ is a ‘street

Ycee

Skoochies: The new cannabis drink Nigerian celebs are drinking cocktail’ made from cannabis/ weed leaves. The leaves are boiled, the shaft is sieved and the water (tea) is mixed with different solvents like alcohol, milk, sugary drinks and more.

Its popularity on the

streets and among Nigerian celebrities is rapidly growing and the fact that it has health benefits as well as its sexual enhancement prowess has made it an increasing replacement for other street

drinks like alomo, ogidiga, Jedi-drinks and others that reigned supreme in time past.

We researched the drink further and we stumbled on an article written by article by Ryan Hurd on

Livestrong.com, where he states: ‘Cannabis tea does have health benefits; some of which are predictable, and others that are not. Like smoking marijuana, drinking the tea may relieve anxiety

while reducing nausea and chronic pain. Unlike smoking marijuana, the tea is not inhaled through the lungs and thus does not contain the risk of developing long-term lung problems, like emphysema.

Surprisingly, cannabis tea may help treat autoimmune diseases‘.

The origin of the word ‘marijuana’ dates back to the late 19th century. It is an Americanism for the Mexican Spanish marihuana or marijuana, which is associated with the personal name María Juana. Another name for marijuana is Mary Jane, the English version of María Juana.

In Nigeria, it has become a popular drink at Fela’s Shrine, but recently its popularity has spread like wild fire on the street.

According to a recent report

by Life out of Alcohol and Drugs Ghana (LOAD Ghana) in collaboration with Basic Needs Ghana, ‘14.3% of Nigeria’s population of about 130 million people smoke weed in public view and boys as young as 12 years peddle it at open markets’.

So when next you see your favourite celeb holding that ‘RED’ cup, it could be Skoochies! And guess what, it’s like drinking tea; you won’t smell the awful stench of alcohol.

And for the veterans correcting the spelling of ‘Skoochies’, we know it has a lot of spellings (Skuchiez, Skushes, Skushies… and more) but until the word is adopted into the Oxford Dictionary, we are sticking with ‘Skoochies’.

Cannabis tea

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday July 28, 2016

Showing on

Showing on

Movies Comedy Channel 104

Movies ACTION Channel 110

22:28

13:00

Thu, 28 July16 SL

Thu, 28 July | PG 13V

Oscar winner Kevin Spacey and Danny star in this film about three salesmen who dissect life as they wait for a man who could make or break their sales targets. Danny DeVito, Kevin Spacey.(1999)John Swanbeck

Jackie Chan turns on the charm in this action film. A chauffeur is thrust into the world of international espionage when he puts on a suit that gives him extraordinary powers.

Jackie Chan, Jennifer Love Hewitt. (2002) Kevin Donovan.

101 M-Net

23:35 Behind The Scenes: Unbroken 00:00 Chicago Med 00:50 Behind The Scenes: 1st Project 01:20 Shakesspeare School Year 02:28 Behind The Scenes: Walking On Sunshine 02:40 Behind The Scenes: Annie 03:15 Made In Hollywood

04:00 MasterChef Australia 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 05:59 The Middle 06:29 Sarah Graham's Food Safari 07:30 Chicago Med 08:30 From Rough 10:04 Behind The Scenes: The Theory Of...

10:30 The Goldbergs 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 MasterChef Australia 13:00 Carte Blanche 14:00 Shades Of Blue 15:00 Modern Family 15:30 The Big Bang Theory 16:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:00 Kevin From Work 17:30 MasterChef Australia 18:33 My Story

118 Telemundo

23:40 The Face Of Destiny 00:30 Elena's Ghost 01:20 Broken Angel 02:10 Broken Angel 03:00 The Face Of Destiny 03:50 Fearless Heart 05:20 Elena's Ghost 06:10 Husband For Hire 07:00 The Face Of Destiny 07:50 Fearless Heart 08:40 For Love And Justice 09:30 Cruel Love 10:20 Husband For Hire 11:10 The Face Of Destiny 12:00 Fearless Heart 12:50 For Love And Justice 13:40 Cruel Love 14:30 Husband For Hire 15:20 The Face Of Destiny 16:10 Fearless Heart 17:00 Broken Angel 17:50 Broken Angel 18:40 Husband For Hire 19:30 The Face Of Destiny 20:20 Fearless Heart 21:10 Broken Angel 22:00 Broken Angel 22:50 Husband For Hire

120 BBC Brit Entertainment

23:14 The Graham Norton Show

11:10 Would I Lie To You?

00:04 An Idiot Abroad

11:40 QI

00:54 The Cube

12:15 The Cube

01:41 Police Interceptors

13:05 Top Gear

02:29 John Bishop's Australia

14:55 Police Interceptors

03:24 Undercover Boss USA

15:45 Undercover Boss USA

04:10 Pointless

15:55 Would I Lie To You?

05:00 The Cube

16:20 QI

05:50 Would I Lie To You?

17:00 Pointless

06:25 QI5

18:00 Top Gear

07:00 Police Interceptors

19:00 Dragons' Den

07:45 Top Gear

20:00 QI

08:40 Pointless

20:30 Youngers

09:35 Undercover Boss USA

21:10 Top Gear

10:20 Ducks Quacks Don't Echo

22:05 Top Gear: Special: Best Of British

155 AfricaMagic World

152 AfricaMagic Epic

23:37 Behind The Scenes: Secret Room 00:00 Music On Africa Magic

23:00 Most Shocking 23:50 World's Wildest Police Videos 00:40 World's Wildest Police Videos 01:30 Freakshow 01:55 Extreme Reality Clips 02:20 Sexy Car Wash 03:15 Sexy Car Wash 03:45 Video Zonkers 04:10 South Beach Tow 04:35 South Beach Tow 05:00 World's Wildest Police Videos 05:45 World's Wildest Police Videos 06:35 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking 07:25 Video Zonkers

07:50 South Beach Tow 08:15 South Beach Tow

09:00 Good Morning Africa

08:40 Most Shocking

10:00 Lies That Bind

09:35 World's Wildest Police Videos

10:30 Lies That Bind

10:30 World's Wildest Police Videos

11:00 Lies That Bind

11:30 Baywatch

11:30 Lies That Bind

12:30 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking

13:00 Music On Africa Magic 14:00 Music On Africa Magic 15:05 Music On Africa Magic

01:00 Good Morning Africa

16:00 Star Gist

00:10 Mystic Mirror

11:10 Maiden Of Destruction

02:05 53 Extra

16:35 Deal Or No Deal Sa

01:26 Mirror And Beauty

12:39 Sacred Skull

02:45 Star Gist

17:25 53 Extra

02:25 Africa Rising: Behind The Scenes

14:20 Twins Of The Rainforest

03:15 Star Gist

18:00 Jara

14:48 Behind The Scenes: The Place

03:45 Jara

18:30 Tinsel

15:00 Enemy Must Obey

04:25 Jara

19:00 Lies That Bind

17:02 Enemy Must Obey

05:00 Goodmorning Africa

19:30 Lies That Bind

06:01 Only Hope

19:10 The Mastermind

06:00 Deal Or No Deal SA

20:00 Jacob's Cross

07:50 Mother's Tears

20:55 Behind The Scenes:Next Dean

07:00 53 Extra

20:55 Jacob's Cross

09:31 Painful Secret

21:05 Royal Desire

07:30 Star Gist

21:55 Jacob's Cross

05:35 Behind The Scenes: Secret Room

128 SONY MAX

08:00 Jara

12:00 Deal Or No Deal SA

03:40 Impostor

L8 TV guide

13:30 South Beach Tow

14:00 World's Wildest Police Videos 15:00 World's Wildest Police Videos 16:00 Most Shocking 17:00 Top 20 Countdown: Most Shocking 18:00 South Beach Tow 18:30 South Beach Tow 19:00 Baywatch 20:00 Extreme Reality Clips 20:30 Rude Tube 21:00 Rude Tube 21:30 Freakshow 22:00 Sexy Car Wash