Dtn 30 11 15

Biafra: Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls for Kanu’s release Ï d ƕ ózƆ Ɛ Ɨ ƾƠơƿ Ƈ Ƅ Ɨ ƅƑƌƆ Ɛô Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÎÎÎApex Igbo socio-cultural organi-

Kanu.

The call was contained in a comzation, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on Sun- muniqué issued after a meeting that day asked the Federal Government to was also attended by representatives free detained Biafra activist, Nnamdi of both the Movement for the Actual-

ization of Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB).

Continued on page 12

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MONDAY, NOVEMBER 30, 2015 VOL. 1. NO. 241

GAINERS

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 25th November 2015.

DANGCEM

158

159.99

1.99 %

NB

115.72

116.7

0.98%

MOBIL

GUARANTY

21

21.99

0.99%

CAVERTON

2.37

2.59

0.22%

GUINNESS 122

138.99

N150

132.05 -6.94%

JBERGER

39.5

37.53

-1.97%

120

INTBREW

16.5

16

-0.5%

-2%

Kogi crisis

Faleke rejects APC offer, insists he’s gov-elect

Ï dƆ Ɛ Ə Ɔ ƅ ƍƆ ƗƆ Ɛ Ɛ ƑƗƑô Ɔƈ Ɛ éƗ ƕ ƍƏ ƕƆƏè ƅƋƆƏƈƅ ƑƏ Ɔ ƍƈƆƐƕè Ɔ ƆƏ Ƒ ƈƐƕ

ÎÎÎHon. James Abiodun Faleke, the

(APC) candidate in the inconclurunning to the late Prince Abubakar sive November 21 governorship Audu, the All Progressives Congress poll has rejected the offer to be run-

ning mate to Alhaji Yahaya Bello, the party’s new candidate for the supplementary election scheduled

for December 5.

Faleke, in a new letter to the APC Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oye-

gun, entitled ‘My Purported NomiContinued on page 6

Minister of Transport orders probe of Maritime Academy’s rector g17

Kogi: Can APC sort itself out?

g 26

Buhari, g6 Commonwealth leaders unite against corruption

Nike gL1 Okundaye: Me, art and my life

L-R: Executive Director, Stakeholders & Corporate Communication, Dangote Group, Engr. Mansur Ahmed; Executive Director, Dangote Foundation, Hajiya Halimat Dangote, receiving a gift from Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, during a visit to the Goverment House on the Hajiya Mariya Sanusi Dantata Ultral Modern Medical Complex by Dangote Foundation in Kano... on Saturday

Synagogue building collapse: Trustees, engineers for arraignment today g6

2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial Marking World AIDS Day

T

omorrow, December 1, the international community will be marking World AIDS Day. It is a day to draw attention to HIV/AIDS epidemic around the world and an opportunity for people to unite in the fight against the disease, including supporting sufferers. Moreover, the commemoration is important because it reminds the public and governments that HIV is still a public health threat and therefore there is need to raise money, increase awareness, fight prejudice and improve education.

We join the international community in marking World AIDS Day and lend our voice in creating awareness on the dangers posed by the epidemic with a view to combating the scourge. While the world has come a long way in containing the AIDS pandemic since it became known in 1984, a lot is still to be done to bring it under manageable control.

What is AIDS? It stands for Acquired Immune Deficiency Syndrome, which is caused by a virus called HIV (Human Immunodeficiency Virus). The illness alters the immune system, making people much more vulnerable to infections and diseases. HIV is only transmitted between people through direct contact of a mucous membrane or the blood stream with a bodily fluid.

Incidentally, there has been a lot of stigma around the spread of HIV and people living with it.

According to the World Health Organisation (WHO), there are about 34 million AIDS sufferers around the world. In Nigeria, estimates put the number of those living with HIV/AIDS at 3.4 million,even as 60,000 children were infected in 2014 alone. Presently, Nigeria bears the second highest burden of HIV/ AIDS, next to South Africa in Africa

and third in the whole world after South Africa and India.

Yet, despite extensive research into the transmission, prevention and treatment, myths and stereotypes continue to fuel discrimination and prejudice against people with HIV – which has been having devastating effects on the individuals and the response to the virus itself. Sadly, unlike some other viruses, the human body cannot get rid of HIV. That means once you have HIV, it is for life, as no safe and effective cure currently exists, even as scientists are working hard to find one. Surprising, the origin of HIV has remained a hotly contested issue.

This notwithstanding, the impact of HIV-related stigma is shattering on an individual. Research found a long list of potential consequences, ranging from loss of income and livelihood through to employment discrimination and feelings of worthlessness. Definitely, there is need to further curb the incidence of AIDS in Nigeria. A way to do this is for Nigerians to make themselves available at the various screening centres across the country for AIDS tests.

Knowing one’s status is the surest way of combating the epidemic. Unfortunately, discrimination against those with AIDS continues to hinder progress in the fight against the disease. That is why the Anti-Stigma Law signed by former President Goodluck Jonathan for prevention of discrimination against those living with HIV and making access to healthcare a human rights issue, is a step in the right direction. In spite of this, the government should make substantial investment in HIV prevention, especially in personnel, logistics and drugs. This way, the disease can be adequately contained.

Child brides: Will the UNICEF report rouse us from slumber?

Sam Nzeh

ÎÎÎThe

report by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) on Thursday which classified Nigeria as the “home of child marriages in Africa” has once again highlighted the need for a national action plan to stem the practice.

The report titled “A profile of child marriage in Africa” showed that a total of 124 million children were forced into early marriages in Africa.

According to the report, “Worldwide, more than 700 million women and girls alive today were

married before their 18th birthday. Seventeen per cent of them, or 125 million, live in Africa”.

“More than one in three of these women and girls (over 40 million) entered into marriage or union before age 15. Nigeria is home to the largest number of child brides in Africa, with 23 million girls and women who were married in childhood,” the report added.

That Nigeria, according to the UNICEF report, has a 23 million girls and women who were married in childhood is not something to cheer about.

It is a national embarrassment and something that Nigerians must bury their heads in shame, particu-

Words On Marble :

larly those who directly and indirectly promote the practice under the guise of culture and religion.

Fact is that it does not augur well for Nigeria if an increasing number of girls continue to be married off before their 18th birthday. This deprives the affected girls their childhood, shatters their futures and has long term implications on the socioeconomic development of the country.

In the light of these, there is an urgent need for a national action plan to tackle the practice.

Such plan should provide among others a countrywide ban of the practice as well as prosecution of culprits.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Editor Biodun Durojaiye Deputy Editor/Southern Bureau Chief Sam Nzeh Deputy Editor/Northern Bureau Chief Lateef Ibrahim

Group News Editor Segun Adio Politics Editor Akintola Akinjide Business Editor Friday Atufe Head, Graphics/Design King Ododoru

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike Group Executive Commercial/ Business Developement Ifeoluwa Isijiola 08086296714 Group Head Accounts & Control Samson Abiodun

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Tunji Braithwaite

Femi Okurounmu

Annkio Briggs

“I think it is morally reprehensible for any government to let those returning stolen funds to go scot-free. Buhari must mention their names and stop pampering them.

“The problems of Nigeria lie on the issues of devolution of power and that of resource allocation. These were the problems that we set out to address but President Buhari threw away these resolutions”.

“The future I want for Nigeria is the one that ensures we stay together as a country and the different ethnic groups will find space in the country to operate, no matter how small or big they might be.”

4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, November 13,30, 2015 Monday, November 2015

‘PEACE ADVANTAGE’ Frequent Flyer Program

Overview PROGRAM OVERVIEW The Air Peace “Peace Advantage” Frequent Flyer Program is a customer initiative by Air Peace to show appreciation to & continuously reward its frequent flyers for their patronage from inception of Air Peace flight operations. The Peace Advantage FFP offers distinctive value to frequent fliers by delivering ‘recognition’, ‘rewards’ and differentiated service levels with an integrated customer interaction strategy to allow for continuous customer expression & feedback via a unique smartphone app (Android/iOS/blackberry 10 versions) and a dedicated website.

The “Peace Advantage” FFP aims to clearly communicate to Air Peace customers the value Air Peace places on their patronage & Air Peace’s commitment to building long lasting mutually beneficial relationships with its customers. The basic principle being that – The More You Fly with Air Peace, The More You Get Back From Air Peace.

The “Peace Advantage” Program rewards program members with an exchangeable loyalty currency called “Peace Points” for all their qualifying International, Regional & Domestic flights on Air Peace. Earned ”Peace Points” can be exchanged by program members for Air Peace flights nationwide, and in Future Air Peace promotional offers, gift merchandise, vouchers & other lifestyle related items from a dedicated online rewards catalogue – The Air Peace Loyalty Shop. In addition, program members will also be entitled to additional benefits – discounts & status benefits – from a network of Air Peace partners nationwide.

EARNING “PEACE POINTS” Peace Points are awarded to program members for flights flown as follows

The “Peace Advantage” program has 4 Member levels - Peace Bronze, Peace Silver, Peace Gold & Peace Platinum with the following benefits – TIER BENEFITS & QUALIFICATION

**Based on Availability

All individuals / passengers above 16 years of age will be eligible to enrol in the Peace Advantage Program, whilst to cater for our numerous passengers with families, Family Memberships will be allowed for passengers / individuals below 16 years of age, who will be enrolled under a parent / adult utilizing the Family Membership option.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

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News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

Faleke rejects APC offer, insists he’s gov-elect Continued from page 1 nation As Deputy Governor’, rejected his ‘purported and illegal nomination’ to Bello, saying “I remain the Governor-elect of Kogi state on the platform of our great party.”

His new letter came to light on Sunday, just some irate youths chased away a former National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr Ahmadu Ali, and Sen. Nicholas Ugbane from the eighth-day Fridau prayers for Prince Abubakar Audu.

While Ali was asked to go back at the main entrance of

the house, Ugbane who managed to gain entrance, was chased out by the youths. He escaped death by whiskers as stone throwing and stick wielding youths pursued him into a ditch, but his driver was able to maneuver and sped away The Chairman, Kogi State Council of Ullamahs, Sheikh Salman Adam, at the event, at Ogbonicha in Ofu Local Government area, advised Muslims to live a life of piety and cultivate the spirit of generousity.

Faleke, in his letter, said he remained fully committed to his joint ticket with Audu, which he noted re-

ceived the blessings of the party leadership, including Chief Odigie-Oyegun.

He noted that the APC had the highest number of votes of 240,867 against PDP’s 199,514 in the governorship poll, leaving a difference of 41,353, adding that with the death of Audu, he remains the governor-elect on the platform of the party.

Said he: “Please take this letter as conformation to dissociate myself from this unusual and strange supplementary nomination of my humble self as running mate to Alhaji Yahaya Bello. This also serves as a notice of REJECTION of the purported

and illegal nomination of myself as running mate to Alhaji Yahaya Bello.

“I wish to put on record that I was neither consulted nor informed by anybody before my name was submitted as running mate to a man who has since the conduct of primaries, abandoned the party, took the party to court, worked for PDP thereby causing our party to lose his polling unit with 88 votes as against his ally party the PDP’s 116, repeating same feat at the ward level with APC scoring 1,146 to PDP’s 2,058 votes.”

Faleke concluded his twopage letter by saying, “Please

take note that I am not interested in surrendering the mandate which the people of Kogi State bestowed on the Audu/Faleke joint ticket at the November 21 polls as I REMAIN THE GOVERNORELECT “Sir, I believe in the leadership of our great party to resolve this in the shortest possible time, failure upon which I shall be forced to seek redress in the court of law.”

Meanwhile, Sheikh Salman Adam, at Audu’s eighth-day prayer advised Muslims to live a life of piety and cultivate the spirit of generousity, saying this was necessary to prepare a place for themselves in paradise.

Adam, who was assisted by over 100 other clerics, called on Nigerians to shun acquisition of wealth and corruption, stressing that what Allah had provided in

paradise were far better than earthly riches.

He urged Muslims to emulate the life of service to God and humanity that the late Audu lived, saying that death could come at anytime.

He described the death of Audu, the candidate of All Progressive Congress in the Nov. 21 governorship election in Kogi, as a big loss to the Igala nation and the whole country,.

The Deputy Governor of Kogi State, Mr Yomi Awoniyi, in his brief remarks, said that it was difficult to quantify the death of Audu, describing it as a big blow to the government and people of the state.

He said that the people would continue to remember the late Audu for his giant strides and landmark projects he established during his two tenures as the first civilian governor of the state.

Buhari, Commonwealth leaders agree on joint efforts to tackle corruption ÎÎÎLeaders of the 53-mem-

L-R: General Manager, Finance and Planning, Red Star Express (RSE), Mr. Vincent Ihenewa; General Manager, Operations and Services, RSE, Mr. Mohammed Panti; Managing Director, RSE, Mr. Sule Umar Bichi; Chief Executive Officer, Red Star Freight, Mr. Nasir Turaji and General Manager, Sales and Marketing RSE, Mr. Victor Ukwat during the unveiling of the Pay Less Ship promo held in Lagos… at the weekend.

Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI.

ber Commonwealth on Sunday agreed to work together to strengthen international, regional and national responses to corruption.

In a communiqué released at the end of their three-day meeting in Malta, the leaders pledged to achieve this through enhanced transparency and collaboration among law enforcement bod-

ies. `` Corruption is a significant challenge facing the world today. The Commonwealth is doing important work to address corruption and this should be strengthened in future,’’ the communiqué which was made available in Abuja, said.

The leaders noted the Continued on page 12

Synagogue building collapse: Trustees, engineers for arraignment today ÎÎÎSenior

Pastor of the Synagogue Church of All Nations (SCOAN), Prophet T.B Joshua, along with other trustees of the church will today be arraigned before a Lagos State High Court in Ikeja over the collapse of a six-story building on its premises on September 12, 2014, leading to the death of 116 persons.

The trustees will be arraigned before Justice Lawal Akapo, alongside the engineers that constructed the collapsed building.

A statement by the Deputy Director, Public Affairs

of the Lagos State Ministry of Justice, Bola Akingbade confirmed the scheduled arraignment.

It would be recalled that Justice Ibrahim Buba of the Federal High Court in Lagos had dismissed the fundamental human rights enforcement suits filed by the engineers who constructed the collapsed sixstory building to stop their planned trial.

The engineers – Mr. Oladele Ogundeji and Mr. Akinbela Fatiregun – had filed two separate suits before Justice Buba seeking an order restraining the po-

lice from inviting, arresting or prosecuting them over the victims’ death.

The Lagos State Government, had set up a Coroner Inquest to unravel what went wrong. In a verdict delivered on August 7, 2015 by Magistrate Oyetade Komolafe, the Coroner had indicted the engineers and recommended them for investigation and prosecution for criminal negligence.

The engineers had filed the suits following the Coroner’s verdict, which attributed the building collapse to structural defect.

The engineers had specifically rejected the Coroner’s verdict, describing it as “unreasonable, one-sided and biased.”

But Justice Buba, in his ruling on the defendants’ preliminary objection, held that the engineers “had not made out a case of infringement on their fundamental rights even on the merit of the application,” and dismissed their applications.

The judge, who noted that the Coroner Law was an enactment of the Lagos State House of Assembly, which is constitutionally

empowered to make laws in the state, said the Federal High Court could not dabble into the affairs of the state and “start dishing out injunctive orders.”

On the prayer by the engineers asking for an order of perpetual injunction restraining the Lagos State Attorney-General or any officer under his authority from initiating or commencing criminal proceedings against them based on the verdict of the Coroner, Justice Buba held that such request was ungrantable in the circumstance of the case under review.

The judge added: “The Coroner’s inquest is not a court of law; it does not find anybody guilty, it only recommends. The Federal High Court cannot tamper with the Coroner Law, which is a Constitutional enactment of the Lagos State House of Assembly.”

Shortly after the verdict, the State Government had assured that the affected persons would be swiftly charge to court. The assurance was contained in a statement issued by the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice in the State, Mr. Adeniji Kazeem.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

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News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

Biafra: Ohanaeze Ndigbo calls for Kanu’s release Continued from page 1 In the communique, signed by the President and the Secretary, Chief Gary Enwo-Igariwey and Dr. Joe Nwaorgu respectively, the group said: “Ohanaeze Ndigbo, the apex socio-cultural organization of Ndigbo in Nigeria and the Diaspora, is gravely concerned by current wide-spread and public Biafra agitations in States of the South-East and some other states of Nigeria.

“These agitations and public protests have become exacerbated by the detention of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu,

the promoter/proprietor/director of Radio Biafra by Department of State Services.

“Ohanaeze Ndigbo fears that these developments may threaten the security and peaceful co-existence of Nigerians wherever they may be domiciled, and consequently, decided to summon an emergency meeting of Imeobi, Ohanaeze Ndigbo to discuss the situation. This emergency meeting was held in Enugu at the National Secretariat of Ohanaeze Ndigbo on Sunday, 29th November 2015. Representatives of the various organizations and associations

involved in the current public protest also attended the meeting.

“The Imeobi Ohanaeze Ndigbo, after extensive candid discussions and analysis of the situation is of the view that the current agitations are the direct result of the excruciating pain of severe injustice, marginalization and exclusion of Ndigbo from decision making structures in Nigeria as presently configured.”

They added that “The Imeobi Ohanaeze Ndigbo strongly avers that the exclusion of Ndigbo in decision making structure presents

danger to the unity and wellbeing of the country, not only now but also in future, and should be redressed urgently.

“Consequently, the Imeobi Ohanaeze Ndigbo advises the federal government of NIgeria to arrest the current Biafra agitation from deteriorating, and hereby recommends that the continued detention of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, who has since his incarceration become the focal point of the public protest, be treated more as a political than a security matter. The Ohanaeze Ndigbo believes that the release of Mr. Kanu

will diffuse the current public protests.

“The Imeobi Ohanaeze Ndigbo strongly deprecates any attempt to drag the current grave situation and public expression of Ndigbo over their exclusion from the Nigerian nation into the realm of partisan politics and wants all those who may be so inclined that they shall bear the full consequences of their actions.

“The Imeobi Ohanaeze Ndigbo notes that Ndigbo are nation-builders, who are found in all parts of Nigeria and cautions that all actions and activities which threaten the security and harmonious co-existence

of all Nigerians wherever they may be domiciled are dangerous and must not be encouraged.

“The 2014 CONFAB document is veritable document for any discourse. Ndigbo stand on that document.

“Ndigbo shall continue to remain committed to the ideals of nation building and harmonious coexistence of all peoples of Nigeria, whilst resisting attempts to reduce Ndigbo to second class citizens in our God-given country: a country, which our fathers and our fore-fathers laboured and sacrificed, shoulder to shoulder with other Nigerians to bring into being”.

Buhari, Commonwealth leaders agree on joint efforts to tackle corruption

Buhari Continued from page 6

L-R: A beneficiary of British-American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) Cassava Enterprise Project, Otta, Kwara State, Mr. Amosa Moshood; Executive Director, BATNF, Mrs. Seyi Ashade; another beneficiary, Mr Ajao Ismail and General Manager, BATNF, Ms. Abimbola Okoya, after presentation of Best Company award in support of agriculture to BATNF at the 9th SERA Awards held in Lagos… recently.

Terrorism can only endure if good people remain idle, complacent – Buhari Egena Egena, Abuja

ÎÎÎPresident Muhammadu

Buhari said on Sunday in Malta that violent extremism and terrorism can only thrive and endure if good people remain idle and complacent.

Speaking on behalf of other participating African Heads of State and Government at the closing Executive Session of the 2015 Commonwealth Summit, President Buhari said that he was confident that terrorism will be ultimately defeated with greater international cooperation and collaboration.

“We have had the opportunity to discuss, in a serene

atmosphere, wide ranging issues that are of great significance, not only to the members of the Commonwealth, but to the entire global community.

“Of particular note is the Action Statement on Climate Change, which is expected to herald our commitment to saving the planet for present and future generations.

“Of equal significance are our deliberations on Radicalisation and Violent Extremism. We are witnesses to the growing phenomenon of terrorism that is affecting us all, whether big or small.

“The reign of terror will only succeed if peace-loving people choose to remain idle. But I am confident

that through our collective efforts, we will defeat this scourge and restore peace,” A statement by the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said Buhari also reaffirmed the unwavering commitment of Nigeria and other African member-countries to the promotion and protection of the core values of the Commonwealth.

“I came into power via democratic principles and values espoused by this same body. Nigeria as a country will continue to protect and promote these democratic ideals,” President Buhari assured heads of delegations at the session.

He thanked the outgoing Secretary-General, Kamalesh Sharma for his exemplary service to the Commonwealth, saying “We in Nigeria will not forget his five memorable visits to our country during his tenure.

As this is his last CHOGM in his present capacity, I know I speak for my colleagues from Africa in expressing our immense gratitude and best wishes to him,” The President also congratulated the Commonwealth’s Secretary-Generalelect, Rt. Hon. Patricia Janet Scotland, and assured her of the full support of Nigeria and other African members of the Commonwealth, according to the statement.

remarkable achievement made by the world in tackling polio disease and called for more action to ensure its total eradication.

They, therefore, resolved for an accelerated action and renewed financial support to affected countries to assist them in the fight against polio.

The 18-point communiqué also announced an agreement by the leaders to launch the Commonwealth Climate Finance Access Hub, the Commonwealth Trade Finance Facility, and the Commonwealth Small States Centre of Excellence.

These bodies, it said, were aimed at adding value to the organisation and enhancing ``the Commonwealth’s relevance and practical impact’’.

The leaders said they were deeply concerned about the increase in flows of refugees, asylum seekers and irregular migrants, which entailed suffering, abuse and exploitation, particularly for children and women, and

unacceptable loss of life. ``Migration, if properly harnessed and managed, can deliver economic and social benefits which improve the resilience and prosperity of Commonwealth member states. ``We underlined the importance of safe, orderly and regular migration and of ensuring full respect for human rights and the humane treatment of all migrants as well as refugees and displaced persons. ``We are committed to responding decisively, guided by the principles of solidarity, partnership and shared responsibility,’’ the document said.

It said the leaders, therefore, pledged to support enhanced national and international efforts to address the causes of irregular migration.

The leaders condemned increasing incidences of terrorism and violence by extremist groups, which often target vulnerable groups and individuals. ``These threats should not be associated with any particular religion, race, nationality or ethnicity,’’ it said.

They, however, agreed that such threats must be countered through strong national, regional and international action and cooperation, and called for measures to counter the use of the internet by extremist groups to radicalise and recruit fighters.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

Nigerians in UK narrate ordeal at detention centers Ngozi Okafor, London

ÎÎÎFollowing

the gradual deportation of Nigerians from the United Kingdom last week, there are fresh revelations from more Nigerians in that country of their horrific and inhuman treatment in the hands of immigration officials.

The Independent Diplomat Commission, a UK-based advocacy group, in a survey among Nigerians discovered that many Nigerians were being ill-treated in detention centers across the region.

In their various narratives, the Nigerians said that their plight might not be with the approval of the British Government, yet they were made to undergo unfair treatment in the various centres.

Victor Ewroh, who travelled to the UK in 2008 in search of greener pastures, told Independent Diplomat Commission group of his ordeals in the hands of immigration officials. He claimed he was picked up by fiercelooking operative of the UK Border Agency on the claims that he had over-stayed his visa, even though his visa status proved contrary. In his words: “I was physically tortured for 150 days, dehumanised, transferred to Scotland Dungavel Centre.

Before then, I was poorly fed, stripped naked, humiliated for no just cause, simply because I was a Nigerian looking good on British soil. This incident happened when I came out of a movie theatre.

This has left a huge scar on my back.”

For Damilola Dada, a 44-year- old, who moved to Britain in 2000, he had all his documents regularised and also kept a quiet lifestyle. He claimed his neighbours set him up and called UK Border Agency officials.

His words: “The door of my house was busted. I was picked up in my house by six hefty armed UK Border Agency officials without any warrant of arrest and handcuffed. I asked them to allow me to call my lawyer, but all my pleas fell on their deaf ears.

I was not allowed to pick any of my property, but was driven straight into Oakington where I was excessively tortured until I developed high blood pressure. I was detained for 38 days.”

It was the same story for

Allis Marvellous Onyekachukwu, who was allegedly detained for 240 days in Oakington, like many other Nigerians languishing in the hands of the UK Border Agency officials.

Several attempts had been made by The Commonwealth Liberation Party (TCLP), a UK-based political party headed by Professor Alexia Thomas to help the plight of these Nigerians, but her efforts had not yielded much results as the British government already had started the deportation of Nigerians considered to be staying in the country illegally.

When contacted, the British High Commission, Abuja acknowledged receipt of the request for comments on the issue, but never get back to us as at press time.

13 News

Subsidy theft: Oil marketer denies complicity Titilope Joseph

ÎÎÎAn

oil marketer, Ms. Adaoha Ugo-Ndagi, has told a Lagos High Court, sitting in Ikeja, that the N1.9 billion subsidy fraud charge preferred against her and three others was false.

Ugo-Ndagi, who is the Managing Director of Ontario Oil and Gas Limited, in her testimony before Justice Lateefa Okunnu, maintained that the allegations was just a plot by two key players in the industry to settle old scores with Ontario oil.

Ugo-Ndagi urged the court to discharge and acquit her, Ontario and Mr. Walter Wagbatsoma, the Executive Director of the firm,

2016 poll: Boroffice tours Ondo, slams PDP govt ’Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

ÎÎÎThe

L-R: Former President Goodluk Jonathan; PDP Governorship candidate for Bayelsa, Hon. Seriake Dickson; his wife, Rachael, at the PDP Governorship rally in Yenagoa… at the weekend.

of the nine-count charge of conspiracy, obtaining property by false pretences, forgery and altering.

Led in evidence by the defence counsel, Mr. Edoka Onyeke, Ugo-Ndagi, told the court that she had never met the third defendant, Mr. Fakuade Babafemi, a staff of the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Authority (PPPRA), until they were arraigned in court.

“I have never seen him in my life before. The first time I met him was when we were brought before the court. So, how can somebody now claim that we conspired with him to forge documents to fraudulently obtain subsidy from the government?” she asked

senator representing Ondo North Senatorial District at the National Assembly, Prof Ajayi Boroffice, has disclosed that a majority of people in Ondo State were tired of the Peoples Democratic Party-led government.

Boroffice made the disclosure during a statewide tour of the 18 Local Government Areas of the state in his bid to campaign ahead of the 2016 governorship election coming up in the state.

He said his tour was hinged on consultation

with party stakeholders, enlightenment of party members and genuine step towards promoting peace and unity within the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) family in the state.

According to him: “From Owo to Okitipupa, Odigbo to Ose, Akoko land to Ondo Kingdom, Irele to Idanre, Ifedore to Ilaje, Ese-Odo to Oke-Igbo, there exists an unfluctuating trend of dispiritedness among people who have lost confidence in the irresponsible style with which they are being governed by PDP-led government in Ondo State.

Danjuma urges Wukari people to stop killings ÎÎÎFormer

Chief of Army Staff, Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, has called on the people of Wukari in Taraba State, to stop incessant killings and embrace knowledge in order to attract rapid development to the community.

Danjuma made the call at the end of a public presentation of Jukun Language Curriculum and Presentation of Service Award to some illustri-

ous Nigerians, on Sunday, at the Federal University, Wukari.

He was represented at the ceremony by a former Minister of Water Resources, Obadiah Ando.

“I want to call on all of you to stop incessant killings of your brothers and sisters and embrace knowledge to foster development in your community. The world today is knowledge-driven but you

will all agree with me that knowledge cannot strive in the face of killings and destruction of property,” he said.

Danjuma also urged the people of the state to assist the young university to enable it attract development to the state.

Also speaking, Gov. Dairus Ishaku urged the people to give peace a chance to enable his administration deliver its

campaign promises to the people.

The governor commended the Federal Government for bringing the university to Wukari for the benefit of the community.

Ishaku had earlier inaugurated various projects in the institution, including access roads, e-library, and an administrative block.

Earlier, Prof. Geoffrey

Okogbaa, the Vice- Chancellor of the university, thanked God for giving him the strength to lay foundation for a world class university.

Okogbaa said he had worked hard with the support of some well-meaning Nigerians to fulfill his promise to the university.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Merit Awards for contributions to the growth of

Danjuma the institution were also presented to Danjuma and Ishaku, among others.

14

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

THE COMMONWEALTH LIBERATION PARTY PRESS STATEMENT BRITISH GOVERNMENT DEADLINE ULTIMATUM TO RELEASE ALL NIGERIAN MIGRANTS IN DETENTION CENTRES ALL OVER UNITED KINGDOM AND EUROPE OR HAVE THEIR CITIZENS FROM NIGERIA EQUALLY DEPORTED BACK TO UNITED KINGDOM: International Federalistic Political Approach Resolution To Clamp Down On Conservative Government Ruling Party Hate Crime Motives Geared At Depowering Coloured People Civilisation Enrichment.

DEFINING CONSTITUTION:

We Hold These Truth To Be Self-Evident, That All Men Are Created Equal, That They Are Endowed By Their Creator With Certain Inalienable Rights, Which Among These Are Life, Liberty And The Pursuit Of Happiness.

That To Secure These Rights That Governments Are Instituted Among Men, Deriving Their Just Powers From The Consent Of The Governed. That Whenever Any Form Of Government Becomes Destructive Of Those Ends, It Shall Be Right Of The People To Alter Or Abolish It, And To Institute New Government, Laying Its Foundations Upon Such Principles, And Organising Its Powers In Such Form, As Shall Seem To Them Most Likely To Effect Their Safety And Happiness --------- By Thomas Jefferson (3rd US President 1743 - 1826) Despotism Can Only Exist In Darkness And There Are Too Many Lights Now In The Political Firmament To Permit It To Remain Anywhere As It Has Heretofore Done, Almost Everywhere.

---------- By James Madison (4th US President 1751 - 1836) The Commonwealth Liberation Party (TCLP) Pronounces this Declaration on the 22nd Day of November 2015 at 10.00pm as an Opposition Government, that in Truth and in Sincerity that we are unable to cover up for the Conservative Ruling Party Government secrecy of intention to declare War of Destruction against the People of the Commonwealth Nations.

2. Nigerian Citizens are most populated amongst the Victims consisting of all Three Ethic Tribes (Igbos, Yorubas and Hausas).

3. We declared Today that we have seen the Destruction upon Humanity and that the Conservative Ruling Government has lost it bearing and not fit to be a Government.

4. We shall be calling for their disbandment by asking the Queen Elizabeth II of England the sitting Monarch to withdraw Powers from Parliament for the time being, possibly allowing Labour Government to head the Operations of Parliament until the current officials of the Conservation Government are brought to the drawing board because they have currently violated the UDHR 1948 Treaty of Article 9, 13 and 15, which automatically makes the British Government liable for Criminal Prosecution.

5. The Conservative Party Government have lost their Political Mythology which is evidential through their initiating Hate Crime Laws to destroy the Ancestry Bond between the British Empire and her Commonwealth Nations.

6. Until these matters are resolved, we are at Educational War of Correctiveness with the Conservative Ruling Party Government as through their trait of Tyranny to run the British Empire as their Fathers Vineyard. We revolt and exposed their lust concept as delusional Ideologies and Reasoning, is simply to Wage War against the Commonwealth Citizens which is evidential through a confession made by the Nigeria UK Ambassador Olakunle Akindele Bamgbose

to the Guardian News Paper Published on Thursday at 09.45 GMT the 19/11/2015 how the British Authorities have compelled them to accept Non Nigerians for deportation.

7. The Nigerian UK Ambassador in his confession and on recent development shows that illegal Travel Certificates were issued by them as been pressured against their Will to sabotage their own Citizens Will, is upsurge.

8. The Truth coming to light, is money were given to these corrupt Nigerian Officials by the UK Authorities bribing the Commonwealth Governments into granting them False Deportation Certificates to illegally deport Nigerian Citizens from the UK and all Nationals from the Commonwealth Nations.

9. The actions of Conservative Ruling Government is Political Gangsterism, which they have knowingly violated the Treaty through enforcing Injustice as a Law and this will see the British Kingdom and her Commonwealth Nations destroyed.

So we will ask Parliament through the sitting Monarch to revoke the Powers of this Conservative Party leadership Act to govern through the Peoples Vote.

10. Conservative Ruling Government submission will be a Blind Argument that they are executing Policies scheduled as an Act. This is an Error Argument because they lack Political Education simply meaning Policies as an Act cannot override Treaty. Treaty Bond must Stand.

THE MANDATE AND ULTIMATUM 11. United Kingdom Ruling Government are given up till the 7th of December 2015, to pronounce Mandate to Release Nigerian Citizens from Immigration Detention Centres in the UK unconditionally without compromise or else by the 9th of December 2015, they should expect Nigerian Citizens to boycott British Products and Produce.

12. The Nigerian People and Citizens will refuse to patronise British Airline and Nigeria Citizens will refuse to visit British Embassy or submit Applications nor pay them any Fees.

13. The Conservative Ruling Government is compelled to refund all Visa Application Fees paid by Nigerians at Home and Abroad for Residence and Visitors Application which was declined from the Year 1999 to 2015.

14. By the 14th December 2015, the Conservative Ruling Government are requested to pronounce immediate release of Nigerian Citizens in Detention Centres or Failure will see the British Embassies in Lagos and Abuja shut down from operation to the Public.

15. By the 21st December 2015, an ultimatum to release all Nigerian Citizens in Detention Centres or face the consequences of British Citizens resident in Nigeria also equally will be deported back to the United Kingdom unless those who have dual Nationalities.

16. The Conservative Ruling Government is given 28th of December 2015 deadline to release Names and Profiles of deceased Migrants’ Records deaths

since 1968 to 2015, which they are compelled by Law to release under the Freedom of Information Act 2000. They are required to release Names of the deads who committed suicide and those killed in the hands of UK Government Employees.

They are to compile Dead Victims Dozier send to the Office of the Minister of Foreign Affairs, Abuja.

17. The Conservative Ruling Government are under a mandate to send to the Ministry of Foreign Affairs ‘Arrangement and Provisions’ kept in place to compensate Families of deceased Victims.

18. We the TCLP declares this Resolutional Formula called the ‘International Federalistic Political Approach’ because the British Conservative Party Ruling Government has violated the Treaty of Article 9, 13, 15 of UDHR 1948.

“INJUSTICE TO ONE IS INJUSTICE TO ALL”.

19. The British Government (Conservative Ruling Party) intention is a premeditated attempt to “Depower Coloured People Civilisation Enrichment”. There actions is “War Against Humanity” and the Queen is called upon to caution the Conservative Ruling Government before they bring shame to the British Kingdom as their action to dehumanise Citizens from the Commonwealth Nations and treat them as Third Class Citizens denying them Equality means Third World War is looming.

20. The TCLP pronounces that the World is yet to recover from the Second World War of 1935, that saw Fifteen Million (15,000,000) Jews and Others lost their lives and Jews were massacred and 100,000,000 Citizen of the World displaced and made Homeless.

21. The Insanity of Conservative Ruling Government must be stopped or else Anarchy a new Face of change will Throw the mud at Reparation and the Commonwealth Citizens Uprise will stand for itself.

22. Conservative Ruling Government is seriously warned through the Press medium to stop all Hate Crime Abuses, Motives, Covert Operations and Mayhem being unleashed on Commonwealth Citizens or else they are advise to disband and will disband, so the Labour Government will manage the British Empire/ Parliament for the moment. The Queen of England will be advice accordingly before United Kingdom invites destruction upon herself, her Country, her Citizens and her People 23. United Kingdom Government Do Not Use A Constitution.

It Is Still Not Clear Why They Gave Their Commonwealth Nations Constitution, Which Simply Means The Rule Was For The Upper Class To Oppress The Middle Class And The Lower Class.

24. United Kingdom Did Not Give Her Commonwealth Nations Freedom But Instead They Gave Them Sovereignty, Simply Meaning The Will To Do Your Own Thing With Out Them Interfering.

25. Freedom Is Unlocking The Code Of Knowledge;

So Failing To Give Them Their Practises Of Statutes, Court Judgments, Works Of Authority And Treaties Simply Means They Have Given Them The Right To Commit Homicide On Their Citizens. Freedom Has Now Been Given To The Commonwealth Nations Through The International Bill Of Patriot Mandate (IBOPM) Released September 2015.

26. The Constitution of the United Kingdom is the sum of Laws and principles that make up the body politic of the United Kingdom. It concerns both the relationship between the Individual and the State, and the functioning of the Legislature, the executive and judiciary.

Unlike many other nations, the UK has no single Constitutional document.

27. United Kingdom has an uncodified or “unwritten” Constitution.

[1] Much of the British Constitution is embodied in written documents, within Statutes, Court Judgments, Works of Authority and Treaties. The Constitution has other unwritten sources, including Parliamentary Constitutional Conventions. [2] What Britain has instead is an accumulation of various Statutes, Conventions, Judicial decisions and Treaties which collectively can be referred to as the British Constitution. Is thus more accurate to refer to Britain’s Constitution as an ‘uncodified’ Constitution, rather than an ‘unwritten’ one.

28. The Parliament of Great Britain was formed in 1707 following the ratification of the Treaty of Union by Acts of Union passed by the Parliament of England and the Parliament of Scotland. At the start of the Nineteenth century, Parliament was further enlarged by Acts of Union ratified by the Parliament of Great Britain and the Parliament of Ireland that abolished the latter and added 100 Irish MPs and 32 Lords to the former to create the Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Ireland.

The Royal and Parliamentary Titles Act 1927 formally amended the name to the “Parliament of the United Kingdom of Great Britain and Northern Ireland”.

LONG LIVE THE COMMONWEALTH NATIONS LONG LIVE THE QUEEN LONG LIVE THE UNITED KINGDOM Authored By: Professor Alexia Thomas Chairman For: COMMONWEALTH TREATY ALLIANCE COMMISSION THE COMMONWEALTH LIBERATION PARTY (TCLP) Signed: TCLP - Dated: 22/11/2015 Registered Office: Kemp House, 152 – 160 City Road, London, EC1V 2NX Postal Address: Po. Box 67288, London, SE6 9NG. DX: 40023 – Covent Garden Exchange Website: www. thecommonwealthliberationparty. org - Email: governance@ thecommonwealthliberationparty.org Tel: 44(0) 844 334 3215 – Mobile: 44 (0) 787 869 7388 – Fax: 44 (0) 207 022 1625 ELECTORAL COMMISSION ENTRY: RPP 9014909

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

15 Opinion

Boko Haram: Revisiting Stephen Davis report

H

“

Olalekan Waheed Adigun

ide nothing from the masses of our people. Tell no lies. Expose lies whenever they are told.

Mask no difficulties, mistakes, failures. Claim no easy victories”Amilca Cabral This drama series, which depicts the issues trailing Nigeria, “My Country”, is never in want of Acts and Scenes with its peculiar dramatis personae as professional politicians. When one is left to think that one event is at anti-climax, another event within same plot is in ‘raising action,” the question on the minds of the audience is: When will this film end.

Sometime last year, while Nigerians were still doing their best to cope with how to cope with the Boko Haram, there came the Ebola Virus Disease (EVD), with its dramatic entry through a Liberian Diplomat, Patrick Sawyer. Just as we were getting relief, with the country’s capacity able to contain the world’s deadliest virus, the damning report from an Australian hostage negotiator (for the release of over 200 abducted

Chibok girls), Dr. Stephen Davis, came into the offing. For me, Mr. Davis has not said what is not in public knowledge about Boko Haram. The only intriguing aspect of his report was the inclusion of one name, the ex-Chief of Army Staff, Lt General Azubuike Ihejirika, and ex-Governor of Borno State, Ali Modu Sheriff and a senior official of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), which Mr. Davis did not name.

Davis report came at a time when speculations about the sponsors of the terrorists were at peak. The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, and the All Progressives Congress, APC, were in verbal warfare of which the real sponsor was. Specifically, the APC was under serious investigation for being the sponsor. While the PDP repeatedly told the nation that it “knows” the sponsors of the sect; Nigerians, who were disturbed of the wastages that has followed the insurgency, desperately wanted them unveiled.

Expectedly, the Federal Government responded through the Department of State Security (DSS). Its then spokesperson, Ms Marilyn Ogar, denied the involvement of Lt. General Ihiejirika or the Military High

Command of any complicity. She had however clarified that the ex-Borno State Governor, Sheriff was under investigation.

The government had further declared Davis, a self-appointed negotiator, and not on behalf of the Federal Government. In the circumstance, government further queried the rationale for breaking such sensitive matters to the foreign media without first reporting to it.

As expected in situations as this, it is only natural to get two replies. One was that Davies was not acting on its behalf. Such denial was normal, given that no government is known to directly negotiate with terrorists.

They do so, using a third party negotiator, in the likes of like Mr. Davies.

Secondly, if government’s query that Davis took the issue to the foreign media before reporting to it is anything to go by, why was the government so deeply concerned.

It was known that in 2012, former President Goodluck Jonathan came said, that members of Boko Haram were serving in his cabinet. After making what close watchers had described as careless statement, it was thought that he had unconsciously given a clue to unravelling the real

sponsors of insecurity in Nigeria.

Later in 2012, General Andrew Owoye Azazi (rtd), then National Security Adviser (NSA) said the PDP was behind the Boko Haram. Had this statement came from a northerner, some of our southern friends would have publicly demanded for his head? He was later to die in controversial circumstances in a plane crash.

At this point, let us again ponder to look into the case of the now embattled former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki. Though he wasn’t expressly indicted in the report, but with the recent revelations that he actually profited from $2 billion (£1.3bn) meant to buy weapons to fight Boko Haram, the case has assumed a worrisome dimension. . Let us assume, in his report, that he fingered any or all the following people: General Muhammadu Buhari(rtd), Atiku Abubakar,Rabiu Kwankwaso, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola or Mallam Sanusi Lamido Sanusi. The news headlines would probably have been, “Foreign negotiator Indicts Buhari, Tinubu, others as Boko Haram Sponsors”, or “APC leaders behind Boko Haram”.

The Aba manufacturing revolution

A

Okechukwu Keshi Ukegbu

ba, a city that prides as the ‘Japan of Africa’, is the hub of creativity. The appellation did not come by accident rather through the dexterity and ingenuity of its artisans. Made in Aba products are fast capturing the world market.

Before now, made in Aba clothes, like other made in Aba products, was treated with derogation, but when Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu announced on May 29 that he would only wear made in Aba dresses, the Aba tailor did not envisage the effect of the governor’s action on his fortune.

The governor also pledged to turn the fortunes of Aba, around, adding that he will equip at least two hospitals in every local government area in his first 100 days in office.

The decision was propelled by the governor’s desire to popularise the products, and to patronise and promote the products. According to him, if the products are given the right exposure, they would compete favourably in the international market.

The governor’s decision has changed the fortunes of the Aba made goods. Demand for made in Aba goods has increased tremen-

dously and has affected both local and international market for the products.

Aba, the ‘commercial-hub of Abia and the entire South East’ and which is fast assuming the leadership of the Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (SMEs) of the nation is now the destination for fashion.

Elder Gospel Nwakwue, a tailor, whose business is located along Abam Street, , said that the governor’s action has increased his clientele.

“There is increased patronage of Aba made wears since the pronouncement of Gov. Ikpeazu.

The products are even more popular outside the state. My clients cut across Port- Harcourt, Lagos, Abuja, and Onitsha”, Nwakwue said.

Not only has the market for made in Aba made goods improved but one of the factors for which they were derogated, quality, has also improved.

Apparels sewed in Aba are being exported to neighbouring African countries, repackaged and smuggled into Nigeria as foreign shirts.

Amaka Obi , a client to one of the tailors, said that she decided to patronise made in Aba products when she discovered that most of the designer wears they bought in supermarkets in major cities in Nigeria or supposedly made by

the top designers, which they paid exorbitantly for, were actually sewn in Aba. The ability of the Aba tailors to download designs from the Internet and copy them exactly has given them an enormous edge in the business. They equally interpret designs from fashion catalog.

The Aba tailor has a lot of things going for him and enjoys comparative advantage over his counterparts operating anywhere in the country.

There is availability of quality clothing materials, which are imported into Aba by some businessmen.

Because of the nearness to the market of these imported fabrics, these materials are bought at a relatively cheaper rate and this enhances sales.

Another tailor, Ben. Ihekoromadu, attributed the boost in their productivity to the adoption of mechanised operations.

“Industrial machines have contributed immensely to the success we are recording in our businesses.

It has made sewing operations decent and has provided a boost to our productivity,”Ikekoromadu said.

There is always an odd in every prospect. The success of the Aba tailor is sometimes undermined by the activities of unskilled tailors who parade as professionals.

The unskilled class is mainly con-

stituted by those who are not trained tailors.

The problem of the Aba tailor is not limited to the above. The tailors are scattered in mini clusters around Market by Kent, Market Road by Mosque, Tenant Road, Etche Road, and Ngwa Road. This arrangement leads to poor regulation of their activities, and may in turn; affect the quality of their products.

Just like Gov. Ikpeazu has proposed a cluster for garment, shoe, belt and bag workers at Umukalika, a shouting distance from Aba, tailors in Aba also deserve a cluster.

This cluster will ensure concentration of persons with similar skills and promote competition and innovation.

The shoemakers will easily learn about changing economic conditions, adapt and benefit from the changes; and the physical proximity of these tailors would encourage interaction and promote the exchange of ideas and expertise.

Power is required in most of the operations in cloth making, especially now that all the processes are mechanised.

Like ‘Oliver Twist’, the tailors would always ask for more. They want government to assist in form of soft loans to enable them acquire machines to make their operations easier.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

...Luxury & Style

Li LINEA ITALIA FURNITURE

41 Gana Street, Maitama, Abuja, Nigeria Tel 234-9-4136342, 0805 5103 177 www.lineaitalia-ng.com

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

Business Times Æ s

17

NARTO calls on FG to curb lingering fuel crisis Joy Ekeke The Nigerian Association of Road Transport Owners, NARTO, has called on the Federal Government and the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC), to find immediate and lasting solution to the perennial problem of petroleum products scarcity in the country.

In a communiqué issued at the end of its 16th annual general meeting in Abuja, the association noted that the lingering fuel scarcity had continued to inflict increasing hardship and suffering on Nigerians.

The association also said in the communiqué signed by its National President, Alhaji (Dr) Kassim Ibrahim Bataiya that the masses have to spend so much on commercial transport due to the sudden hike in transport fares occasioned by the scarcity.

As a way out of the fuel quagmire, NARTO called on the NNPC and one of its subsidiaries, Pipeline and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), to ensure the speedy repair of pipelines across the country for easy lifting of petroleum products to every nook and cranny of the nation.

The association also urged the Federal Government to put in motion the necessary machinery that would ensure that refineries resume production as a way of enhancing local refining so as to solve the problem associated with importation of refined products, including the subsidy issue.

From Left, Executive Commissioner Legal and Enforcement, Securities and Exchange Commission, (Sec), Sa’ Adatu Bello! Director General of Sec, Mounir Gwarzo, and Director Sis (Sec) Abdul Zubairu, at Capital Market Committee press briefing in Lagos during the weekend

Minister of Transport orders probe of Maritime Academy rector

Funmi Coker

Barring divine intervention, the beleaguered Rector of Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), Oron, Mr Joshua Okpo, may soon lose his job as the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, has ordered a full- blown audit into the financial activities of the Academy.

The order followed the allegation of large scale fraud leveled against the Rector.

Ekpo has stirred the honest nest when he has consistently accused the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency( NIMASA) of starving the school of funds through the agency’s alleged flagrant refusal to release the statutory five per

cent subvention funds to the Academy.

It was gathered that the Rector has also told the Minister, who was newly appointed of NIMASA’s recalcitrant attitude towards the release of the statutory funds, an action he said has continued to frustrate the infrastructural development of the institution.

The Minister was said to have summoned the management of NIMASA to his office and asked why it was sitting on the subvention of MAN, Oron.

However, the bubble burst when the Minister was told by the Acting Director-General of NIMASA, Haruna Jauro that the agency has remitted over N18 billion to the Academy since

2009.

At the enquiry of the Minister, Mr Okpo said he only took over in 2011 to which NIMASA declared that a sum of N13billion was remitted to the institution since the Rector took over.

Alarmed by the quantum of the funds, the Minister was said to have become livid with Okpo whom he said has told him ‘lies’ about the true situation of the disbursement.

When asked to explain what he has done with that huge sum against the backdrop of lack of physical infrastructural development of the institution, Ekpo was said to have given inconsistent and incoherent answer. ‘’I could have sacked you and your Finance Director straight

away’’, the Minister was said to have threatened.

He was however said to have ordered immediate audit of all the amounts said to have been remitted to the institution since 2009.

In addition, Amaechi has decided, along- side NIMASA management staff and relevant ministry officials, to commence on the –spot- assessment of the facilities at the Academy in a bid to ascertain to what use the enormous amount received by the Rector was put. ‘’We could have gone last week Tuesday but for the trip the chief executive of the agency and the Minister made to London to attend IMO meeting. When they come back this week, we shall carry out the Minister’s directive’’ a source declared.

It was also learnt that the Minister has asked for the model of a similar institution in Egypt to compare with what is on ground in MAN, Oron. ‘’Clearly, Okpo is in trouble and he may be the first victim of the axe-wielding Minister’’, a source in the Ministry of Transport said.

PR executives set future agenda at 15th NECCI roundtable Joy Ekeke Executives of top notched public relations firms in the country have charted a course for the future of the industry at the 15th NECCI Public Relation Roundtable tagged “Charting the Future of Public Relations.”

The event, which held last week proved to be a veritable platform for the convergence of the big names in public relations practice in Nigeria, and was held at Four Points Sheraton Conven-

tion Centre, Lagos.

Participants at the summit used the opportunity of the roundtable provided to x-ray some of the challenges and trends in the sector and to map out highly innovative and proactive ways to add more value and grow the industry.

According to the Principal Consultant/CEO of NECCI, Nkechi Ali-Balogun, the NECCI PR Roundtable was established in 2009 specifically to provide a platform whereby Public Relations

executives converge to discuss burning developmental issues as well as latest trends in the public relations practice.

She however noted that this year’s event was the biggest round-table conference and NECCI has worked relentlessly to put this together to ensure quality and contemporary content, delivery and satisfaction.

“The round table had in the past served as a platform for effective product sampling. We are proud to say from our feedbacks

that discussions from this forum have had great and positive impact on the development of PR practice. In addition, it is meeting the training needs of practitioners who for lack of time hardly go for long courses,” Ali-Balogun said.

She disclosed that recently the roundtable which is a one-day programme held every quarter was nominated for an award in the NIPR Golden Eagle Awards in the Best Contributions to the PR Education in Nigeria category.

Money18

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

Quoted banks record 10% rise in total assets Stories by Adeesola Akindele An analysis on recently released results for the nine month period ended 30th September 2015, has revealed that 14 of the Nigerian Banks listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange with the exception of FCMB Plc which is yet to release its Q3’15 results has shown resilience amidst the current economic challenges as they recorded a total of N28.4 trillion in assets. This is 10 per cent higher than the N25.9 trillion recorded in the same period of 2014. Facts of the results showed that Ecobank Transnational Incorporated Plc and First Bank Holding Company (FBHN) were the only financial institutions that crossed over N4 trillion in total assets in the nine months under review. PanAfrican Bank, Ecobank Transnational Incorporated Plc has the highest total assets in the nine months with N4.65 trillion as at September 2015 from N3.8 trillion in the same period of 2014, representing 21 per cent growth.

Loan & advances to customers and customers’ deposits; two major factors of a banks’ total assets contributed an average of 49 per cent and 68.8 per cent in total assets of ETI respectively.

First Bank Holding Company (FBHN) assets increased by three per cent from N4.19 trillion to N4.3 trillion as at September 2015 due to a 3 per cent or N89.2 million increase in customers deposits while loans and advances to customers dropped by 6 per cent or N119.5 billion.

According to the result, Zenith bank Plc is the only bank currently with over N3 trillion in total assets rising 13 per cent from N3.4 trillion in September 2014 to N3.8 trillion as at September 2015.

Further findings by Daily Times revealed that United Bank of Africa recorded an eight per cent increase in its total assets from N2.65 trillion to N2.87 trillion as at September 2015.

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc total assets rose by ten per cent from N2.24 trillion to N2.56

trillion while Access Bank total assets gained 16 per cent to N2.4 trillion from N2.07 trillion recorded in the same period of the preceding year.

Statistics gathered by our correspondent showed that five Banks that include Diamond Bank Plc, Fidelity Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc, Union Bank of Africa and Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc crossed the N1trillion yardstick in total assets.

Diamond Bank total assets increased by five per cent from N1.7 trillion as at September 2014 to N1.77 trillion as at September 2015 while Fidelity Bank also added four per cent in total assets from N1.115 trillion to N1.159 trillion. Further details on financial institutions that made the list include Skye Bank that rose by nineteen per cent to N1.3 trillion from N1.1 trillion. Union Bank of Nigeria gained eleven per cent toN1.084 in total assets from N979.13 billion recorded as at September 2014 while Stanbic IBTC Holdings total assets rose by four per cent from N962.5 billion to N1 trillion.

Finance analysts said DMBs over the years have expanded business networks, investment on securities and Technology in order to increase customers’ deposits and profits. They noted that banks have also increased their liabilities from foreign investors and high network investors.

Banks with assets below N1 trillion are Sterling Bank Plc, Unity Bank Plc and Wema Bank Plc. Of the three Tier- II Banks, Sterling Bank has the highest in total assets which dropped 6 per cent to at N792.5 billion from N846.7 billion. Unity Bank however gained eight per cent in total assets from N407.8 billion to N440.1 billion while Wema Bank’s total assets stood at N350.6 billion compared with N351.4 billion as at September 2014.

Banks stronger growth in total asset would not have been possible without the 2005 banking sector reforms. Before the reforms in the banking sector, the largest banks were only a fraction of the size of the topfive banks in South Africa with no Nigerian bank in the top-20 banks in Africa.

Today, six Nigerian banks that comprises of Guaranty Trust Bank, Access Bank, First Bank of Nigeria Holding Plc, ETI, United Bank for Africa and Zenith Bank are among the top20 in Africa with branches from Senegal to Kenya and from London to South Africa.

These banking reforms also had major impacts on the nation’s economy by driving strong growth in the amount of bank credit provided to the private sector.

Fortis MFB , DN Meyer get new MDs Management of Fortis Microfinance Bank Plc has announced the appointment of Executive Director, Business Development, Mr. Ugochukwu M. Ezeh as its new managing director.

This was disclosed via a publication released by the Nigeria Stock Exchange stating that Mr. Kunle Oketikun will resign as the Managing Director of the Bank with effect from 30 November 2015.

Fortis states that while Mr. Ugochukwu M. Ezeh will succeed Mr. Oketikun in an Acting capacity pending the appointment of a substantive Managing Director, Mr. Oketikun still remains a director and shareholder of the Bank.

Meanwhile, aforementioned publication also revealed that Mr. Kayode Okuwa of DN Meyer Plc has been appointed as the new Managing Director of the Company following the approval of the

Board at its meeting of 26 October 2015.

Mr. Kayode Okuwa is a seasoned and experienced professional with over 25 years post graduate experience covering manufacturing, agriculture and consultancy services. He holds a B.Sc. (Honours) Magna Cum Laude in General Agriculture from University of Maryland, U.S.A (1984) and an MA in Agricultural Economics from Washington State University, U.S.A (1986).

Nigerian Interbank Rates, Money Market and FX: Source FMDQ

CBN exchange rate as at 27th November 2015

Nigerian Interbank Rates, Money Market and FX: Source FMDQ

Exchange rates; Source: CBN

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

19 Capital Market

R- L: Executive Director, Sterling Bank Plc, Abubakar Suleiman; Controller, Highway Sanitation, Lagos Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Mr. Juwon Akinyemi; LAWMA Official and Group Head, Cards & e-Channels, Sterling Bank Plc, Olugbenga Adams, during the Bank’s biannual Sterling Environmental Makeover (STEM) exercise at Ojuwoye Market, Mushin Lagos during the weekend.

SEC launches corporate governance score cards ÏSet asides N5bn for NIPF. The Director General of the Securities Exchange Commission (SEC) Mr. Gwarzo Mounir has in a post press briefing held after the third quarter Capital Committee Meeting (CMC) announced that the amount of N5 billion has been set aside as a seed capital to jump start the recently launche d National Investor Protection Fund (NIPF), with the maximum pay out set as N200,000.

This he said is part of the initiatives taken by the apex regulator to boost investor confidence in the Nigerian Capital Market.

The Securities and Exchange Commission also launched the

corporate governance score card for public companies.

The score cards which were launched in collaboration with International Financial Council (IFC) is the first of its kind in Africa said the SEC’s DG and it helps: the regulators assess observance of codes and standards of best practices; investors make informed decisions; companies and banks analyze gaps and shortcomings of their corporate governance practices against national standards; and business associations evaluate governance practices of their members and help improve governance among their membership.

According to Mr. Edward Okolo; Head of Department Financial Standard and Corporate

Governance, adequate trainings on how the score cards will be completed has been held with all company’s secretaries prior to the launch especially since its implementation is compulsory.

Other initiatives embarked by the SEC to complement the effort of the government in terms of developing the economy is the focus on the access of capital by SMEs. According to Mr. Gwarzo, the SME’s are the major engine of economy growth and employment generation. Hence the need to encourage more SME’s to be listed in the market through through the relaxation of requirements and the granting of tax waivers or cuts to listed companies.

Financial sector tops trading on NSE The NSE All-Share Index and Market Capitalization depreciated by 1.83% and 1.81% to close the week at 27,617.45 and N9.495 trillion respectively. Similarly, all other Indices finished lower during the week, except the NSE Insurance index, while NSE ASeM Index closed flat.

Twenty-one (21) equities appreciated in price during the week, higher than nineteen (19) equities of the preceding week.

Forty-one (41) equities depreciated in price, same as the number of equties that declined in the previous week, while one hundred and twenty-eight (128) equities remained unchanged,

lower than one hundred and thirty (130) equities recorded in the preceding week.

Trading in the Top Three Equities namely – FBN Holdings Plc, Zenith International Bank Plc and Diamond Bank Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 475.120 million shares worth N3.682 billion in 3,026 deals, contributing 45.66% and 28.31% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

A turnover of 1.041 billion shares worth N13.007 billion in 13,407 deals were traded this week by investors on the floor of The Exchange in contrast to a total of 793.557 million shares

valued at N7.152 billion that exchanged hands last week in 12,831 deals.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 857.050 million shares valued at N6.772 billion traded in 7,916 deals; thus contributing 82.36% and 52.06% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Consumer Goods Industry followed with 64.553 million shares worth N4.217 billion in 2,479 deals. The third place was occupied by the Conglomerates Industry with a turnover of 62.745 million shares worth N585.655 million in 638 deals.

SEC DG gives assurance on retail investor comeback ÏAs NSE boss advises investors on portfolio diversification The Director General of the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), Mounir Gwarzo has said that retail investors will return to the capital market once their concerns are properly addressed.

Speaking at a workshop organized by the Capital Market Correspondent Association of Nigeria (CAMCAN) in Lagos at the weekend, Gwarzo said, “We want to address concerns of retail investors before we start wooing them into the market.”

According to him, the commission has inaugurated the board of Investors Protection Fund (IPF) and from next year, proceeds of shares sale will be paid directly into the account of investors as part of efforts to address the investor concerns.

Gwarzo, reiterated that dematerialisation is very important to the growth of the market, and hinted that by 2016 more shares would be dematerialised.

Also speaking was the chief executive officer of the Nigeria Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr. Oscar Onyema who spoke on the workshop theme, “Effective Reporting of Changes in the Nigerian Capital Market,” he said retail investors need to be educated on why they should take portfolio approach to investment and advised investors of the Nigerian capital market on the need to create sustainable wealth by broadening their investment portfolios.

Mr. Onyema noted this while giving his opening remarks at

the 2015 CAMCAN workshop adding that listed companies have increasingly shown resilience and are repositioned to deliver superior values to investors.

“Opportunities still exist for investors in stocks, in spite of the current downturn in the capital market. If you look at large, mid and small cap securities; mid cap securities have done well, they have returned about 6 percent positive, the whole market is about 18 percent down and that is because of the weight of the large cap securities.

However, “There are opportunities, not only in the equity side but across the various asset classes. We always advise investors to diversify their portfolios across different assets classes to mitigate risks.” He advised.

According to the NSE Boss, the investors need adequate information from the Nigerian financial journalist to further influence their business decisions.

“Financial journalists have the potential to influence investors’ behaviour. Negative reporting may result in sensationalism and put additional pressures that can force investors’ decisions negatively.

Throughout the history of The Exchange your presence has helped to project and promote the capital market. We believe that our success has been your success. It is our hope that we will continue to play our various roles in the transformation of the Nigerian capital market and this same measure of commitment will lead us to all-round market improvement in 2016.” He added.

Insurance 20

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

FG vows to offset N10bn insurance premium debts Stories by Isaac Agber In a desperate move to assuage fears of insurers and tame the prevailing bleakness in the insurance industry, the Federal Government has promised to offset outstanding premiums owed the insurance industry as soon as the economic situation of the country improves. Cumulative premium on group life insurance owed the insurance industry by the Federal Government is said to be in excess of N10 billion, Daily Times gathered.

The new Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, disclosed this at the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) 2015 Staff Retreat held in Abuja recently. According to her, the government is cautious of its debt to the sector and will endeavor to clear it as soon as the nation recovers from the economic crash.

“Government meeting its responsibility of paying premiums to some extent is a challenge; you will also agree with me that there is a serious situation in the country in terms of revenue that accrues to government,” Adeosun said.

According to her, the tasks ahead are onerous but the expectation of government is that the Nigerian insurance industry would wake up to its responsibili-

ties as a potential growth area of the economy, emphasizing that the industry must accept the prevalent challenges and embrace the process of change with a view to subduing all challenges head-on.

“It must surmount its timidity, shape up and contribute to the turnaround of the economy. It must contribute positively to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and creation of employment. It can achieve these by cleaning itself of the bad eggs within itself and by improving its services to its consumers,” Adeosun added.

It would be recalled that in 2004, the Federal Government singed the Pension Reform Act into law, which directed insurance companies to hand off management of pension funds and open a bigger business opportunity for them, making group life insurance for workers both in private and public sectors compulsory.

Section 9 (3) of the Act states that every employer must “maintain life insurance policy in favour of the employee for a minimum of three times the annual total emolument of the employee.”

The expected major advantage of the group life insurance for employees was that it would guarantee if a worker was unable to accumulate significant

L-R: Managing Director, Airtel Nigeria Limited/Keynote Speaker, Mr. Segun Ogunsanya; Chairman, International Chamber of Commerce Nigeria (ICC), Mr. Babatunde Savage; Former Chief Justice of Nigeria/Special Guest of Honour, Hon. Justice Aloma Mariam Mukhtar and Managing Partner, Olawoyin & Olawoyin, Prof. Gabriel Olawoyin during the ICC 2015 Annual Dinner held at Victoria Island, Lagos… at the weekend. Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

amount in his retirement savings account before he dies, his estate would still get something tangible up to at least three times his annual salary.

The amount would go a long way to relieve the pain associated with the loss of a breadwinner even as the employer is relieved of the burden of making additional ex-gratia payment to the estate of the deceased.

However, the whole process has been abused as insurance com-

Sovereign Trust Insurance sends off Onaolapo After meritorious years of service culminating into 21 years, the amiable and indefatigable Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc, Mr. Wale Onaolapo finally takes a bow.

An astute and thoroughbred Professional in every sense of the word, Wale Onaolapo joined the company from inception in 1994 as an Assistant General Manager, Technical, and rose through the ranks.

He was appointed to the Board of the company in 2004 when he became an Executive Director and later rose to the position of the Managing Director in 2008. In 2009, he became the MD/CEO when thepioneering Managing Director/CEO, Mr. Oluseun Ajayi took his exit from the organization.

Wale Onaolapo’s invaluable contributions to the development and growth of Sovereign Trust Insurance Plc has been described as very phenomenal by watchers of the industry. He was part of the Management

Team that took the company’s Shareholders’ Fund from N20 Million at inception to over N4Billion to date while growing the balance sheet size from N25 Million to N9.6 Billion as at the end of third quarter of 2015.

The gross premium income of the company grew from N36Million in 1995 to over N7 Billion in 2014. Under his leadership, the company executed two successful Rights Issue in 2011 and 2015 respectively in shoring up the capital base of the company.

A seasoned Insurance Practitioner who has devoted over three decades of his life to the business of insurance. Before joining Sovereign Trust Insurance plc in 1994, Wale, as he is fondly called by colleagues, had worked with Ban-Doy Brokers Company, Femi Johnson & Company, Unitrust Insurance Company Limited to mention a few.

He cut his teeth as a journalist after obtaining a Diploma in Journalism from the Lon-

don School of Journalism. He is the Chairman of the Media & Publicity Committee of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria.

And currently, he sits as a member of the Governing Council Board of the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria.

He was also for some years on the Governing Council Board of the Nigerian Insurers Association, NIA. An alumnus of the Lagos Business School, having successfully completed the Advanced Management Programme, (AMP12), of which he later became the Alumni Class President for a number of years. A very devoted and active member of the socio-cultural association known as the Jericho Businessmen Club, JBC. Meanwhile, the Board of Directors of the underwriting firm has ratified the appointment of Mr. Olaotan Soyinka, Executive Director, Technical, as the MD/CEO designate come January 2, 2016.

panies were cajoled into granting group life insurance to government on debt. Overtime, the debts had accumulated to over N10 billion with heart-wrenching implications.

There have been pervading fears and uncertainty over the government owed premiums such that the fate of employees of the federal government Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) over their Group Life Assurance (GLA) schemes seem to

The Lagos State Government has approved the release of N1.5 billion for the payment of another batch of retirees numbering 238 from the State Public Service for the month of November.

According to a statement released by its Public Relations Officer, Lawal, B.A., the total payment brings the number of retirees paid so far, between August and November, this year to about 1,992. Total accrued pension rights for years spent under the Pay As You Go pension scheme paid on behalf of the retirees was N8.4 billion.

The statement added that this kind gesture is in continuation of the Governor’s magnanimity and earlier promise to clear the outstanding benefits of the retirees.

The Director General, Lagos State Pension Board, Mrs. Folashade Onanuga said that despite the fact that the State Government has other things contending with the State funds, His Excellency believes that retirees deserved to be honored, having put in their best whilst in active service. “This is part of the change, the administration has promised

be hanging in limbo.

They are worried that should anything happen to them, life insurers underwriting the schemes may not be able to pay their estates.

The regulatory body, NAICOM, had attempted to curtail excessive debts from the government by adopting a “No premium, no cover” policy but it appeared the policy was goofed by lack of good implementation measures across board.

238 LASG retirees receive N1.5b the people of Lagos State”, she added.

She made this known whilst welcoming the Retirees to the 21st Retirement Bond Certificate Presentation Ceremony, held between Wednesday 25th to Friday 27th November, 2015 at the NECA, House, Central Business District, Ikeja. She spoke further that, retirees should be guided in any business they might want to invest their money in.

She also mentioned that the retirees would soon be issued identification cards to enable them access health care facilities.

The beneficiaries could not hide their happiness as they received their Bond certificates, and expressed their optimism that with the monthly payment of entitlement to retirees, the issue of retirees waiting for months before being paid will soon be a thing of the past.

Daily Times Nigeria Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, August 18, 2015 Monday, November 30, 2015

21 21

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OPERATIONAL HEADQUARTERS DTN COMPLEX LATEEF JAKANDE ROAD, AGINDIGBI, IKEJA, LAGOS CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 44 ADETOKNBO ADEMOLA CRESCENT WUSE 2, ABUJA

News 22

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

AIB faults Senate’s claim on accident reports Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏThe Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), has faulted the Senate claim that the agency is keeping the reports of investigation into air crashes in the country from the public, describing the claim as a misinformed one.

A legislator in the Upper House had during plenary alluded, albeit incorrectly, that the investigative reports on Sosoliso crash of 2005, Bellview crash of 2005, ADC crash of 2006 and Dana crash of 2012 were yet to be in the public domain.

The AIB stated that the

reports in question, like many others were on the AIBs website, just a click away and that site has been in the public domain as long as the AIB had existed, stating that the reports have led to many safety recommendations that are under implementation stage by the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

A statement made available to our reporter by Mr. Tunji Oketunbi, Head, Public Affairs of AIB, in part read thus: “Accident Investigation Bureau holds the Senate and the distinguished Senators in high regard

ERTERNALLY EXALTED GOVERNOR’S MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named ministry has applied to the corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of the companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Elisha Tolulope Olugbenga - President 3. Reverend (Dr) Victor B. Akerele 5. Pastor (Dr) Benjamin Emikpe 7. Mrs Impact Temitope A. Olugbenga

2. Pastor Victor Kayode 4. Rev. (Mrs) Felicia A. Sosanwo 6. Mr Emmanuel Kolade Borisade 8. Mrs Alice Ajoke Adewa

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. Organizing power crusades for the liberation of humanity 2. Raising a people of excellence, integrity and kingdom dominion 3. Teaching the people to become who they were created to be.

4. Helping them to fulfill destiny in all ramifications.

5. Bringing healing to the spirits, souls and bodies of men in readiness for the imminent rapture of the saints.

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

TOURIST BLUE MOTIVATIONAL FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named CLUB has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

TRUSTEES 1) Mr. AKIN DAVIS. 2) Mr. JOHNSON ADEDAYO OLUDARE. 3) Mr. JOKODOLA OYEKUNLE EMMANU. 4) Mr. OZIOKO IFEANYI CHARLES. 5) Mrs. CHRISTY BRAIMAH. 6) Mrs. OKE- NWANGWU IJEOMA. 7) Mr. SEAN AKINRELE. AIM& OBJECTIVE1. TO PROMOTE UNITY AMONG MEMBERS. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28 Days from the date of this Publication

Saraki

and would not want to join issue with the premier legislative arm.

However, the AIB is saddened by this unjustified vilification of the Bureau

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

TRUSTEES 1. Chigbu Ndubuisi Justice 2. Uluonu Christopher Mmaduabuchi 3. Okoro Azubuike Joseph AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To Foster Peace, Unity, Love And Progressive To The Member And Beyond 2. To Inculcate In Members The Need For The Decent Characters And General Discipline 3. To Protect And Enhance The Welfare And General Interest Of Members Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28 Days from the date of this Publication SIGNED: BARR. KINGSLEY CHIDIEBERE OKEKE

published and on our website since 2012 while DANA’s preliminary report has been published since July 2012. Other outstanding accident reports are being diligently pursued.

“A little research including a check on our website or the aviation committee of the Senate would have made this debate unnecessary. Happily, the Senate Committee on Aviation is aware of the diligence and the passion with which AIB has been pursuing the delivery of its mandate.

The committee is also not unaware of the challenges facing the Bureau, especially with funding.

ÏÏÏINEC was reacting to

insinuations in some quarters that the election might be postponed or cancelled due to the political impasse the death of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate, late Prince Abubakar Audu caused.

According to INEC’s Deputy Director of Voters Education and Publicity, Nick Dazang, the commission’s has already prepared its supplementary budget for the election.

He stated that INEC was not ready to either postpone or cancel the election. He said: “We are prepared for the election and we are not thinking of either postponing it or cancelling it. In fact, we have prepared a supplementary budget for the election.

Ganduje urged Shi’ait groups to be security conscious Yakubu Salisu Kano

ÏÏÏKano

State government has called on the Shi’ait group to involve security in all their gatherings in other to overcome security threat and safety of their members across the state.

The state governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje

made this known while inspecting Friday bomb blast scene at Daskasoye town of Kura Local Government Area of Kano state where about 22 people were killed and 33 injured.

Dr. Ganduje noted that despite the fact that the causalities and those who lost their lives are the Shi’ait members, stressed

LIGHT OF GOD HEALING MINISTRY ANAMBRA NIGERIA

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the corporate affairs commission for registration under part c of the companies and allied matters act 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. LOUIS NWABUNWANNE EZEJIEGU 2. OBINNA DOMINIC EZEJIEGU 3. ONWUCHEKWA OCHU 4. MARIA TERESA RAMIREZ ALVAREZ. 5. EZEJIEGU FRANCISCA EKWUTOSI AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the registrar general, corporate affairs commission, plot 420, tigris crescent off aguiyi ironsi street maitama abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED BY- SEAN AKINRELE ESQ. (SOLICITOR).

AKUAMIA CLUB OF NIGERIA

on the floor of the senate as the allegation was mostly incorrect.”

“The Senate was misinformed. As at the time the debate was going on in the Senate, the reports referred to were on the Bureau’s web site (aib.gov.ng) and just a click away from any interested member of the public.”

Statement continued, “For record purpose, Sosoliso Accident report, which had been released since 2006 and published in the national newspapers, has been on the Bureau’s website for several years now. Bellview and ADC crash reports have been

INEC insists Kogi supplementary election’ll hold Dec 5

SIGNED SECRETARY

that the group doesn’t involve government in their activities, while adding that the state government will continue to work with all security agencies towards ensuring the safety of the people in Kano.

Dr. Ganduje added that the public should also assist the security agencies by reporting any suspicious persons or groups

to the security, urging that without such information the security can’t overcome such acts.

In his address, the state Commissioner of police Mohammad Katsina said that the actual number of those who lost their lives cannot be obtained because the bodies were not on ground when the police arrived the scene,

CAVEAT EMPTOR This is to inform the general public that the property known and described as No. 10, Afikpo Street, Aladinma Housing Estate, Owerri, Imo State, a bungalow behind Aladinma Motor Park, Owerri is not for sale. Prospective buyers beware. Barrister Emeka Ukachi.

KELLY ELIZABETH

EBRI MAURICE OMINI

ABDUL-GANIU OLANIYI OLASUNKANMI

ONWURAH NDUKA FELIX

I, formerly known and addressed

I, formerly known and addressed as OTU MAURICE EBRI now wish to be known and addressed as EBRI MAURICE OMINI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OLATUNDE SEGUN now wish to be known and addressed as Abdul-Ganiu Olaniyi Olasunkanmi.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed

as EDOGBO UCHE RUTH now wish to be known and addressed as KELLY

ELIzABETH. All

former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MISS AMISU OLUWASEUN MARIAM

GREETINGS MEDIA

BABATUNDE FUNKE KEJI

I, formerly known and addressed as BABATUNDE SEUNfUNMI MARIAM now wish to be known and addressed as MISS AMISU OLUwASEUN MARIAM. All former documents remain valid.

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

Plateau CP identifies cause of barracks fire Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏThe destruction of

the Police Barracks, Mopol 8 Squadron, of the Nigeria Police, in Jos, the Plateau State, has been traced to an electrical fault. This was explanation given by the Commissioner of Police, Plateau State Command, Mr. Adekunle Oladun-

joye, when he inspected the burnt building.

He said the barracks was built in 1976 and had a lot of unco-ordinated electrical connections from the ceiling that might have triggered the fire.

However he said arrangements were in top gear to provide a temporary accommodation for the victims.

Narrating the ordeal to

our correspondent, a victim stated that the fire started at about 11p.m. and before an intervention by the Fire Service and neighbours, a huge damage had been done to the building and some of its contents.

The victim, Sgt. KufreAbasi Ebong, said, “I was on night duty when my wife called me to ask where I kept my documents; that

she wanted to pick them as fire had engulfed our house.

I told her to run for safety with the children and forget about the documents. I hurried made home immediately and when I got home I watched, helplessly, the fire burn down all my property, including my certificates.

It was painful. I was heartbroken as I watch all I had raised down,” he said.

Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki (left) exchanging pleasantries with Senate Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio on arrival at the Asaba Airport for the thanksgiving ceremony of Sen. Ighoyota Amori on Sunday.

23 News

ASSERCORN urges Nigerians to stamp out corruption Joy Ekeke

ÏÏÏA

pressure group known as the Association for Eradication of Corruption in Nigerians (ASSERCORN) has made a call on citizens to exhibit corruption-free attitudes in the discharge of their civic and corporate responsibilities.

This call was made at the celebration of (ASSERCORN) Junior Club, tagged: “To Uproot and Eradicate Corruption in our Nation is a Task for Everybody.”

The event was held at Agidingi Senior Grammar School, Lafeef Jankande Road, Agidingbi Lagos State.

The Superintendent Officer of the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offenses Commission (ICPC), Mrs. Joy Omonoyan, said, on the oc-

Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

ÏÏÏWomen farmers, under the aegis of Smallholder Farmers’ Association ofNigeria (SHOWFAN), have called for special priorities in agriculture programme and policies.

“The small-holder women farmers should be put at the forefront of agricultural policies and programmes in the country, because they are the most direct farmers and are therefore very crucial to the food sufficiency programme,” the women said in Ilorin.

Their declaration was contained in a communiqué from the association’s third annual forum held in Ilorin.

The forum was organised in conjunction with the Centre for Community Empowerment and Poverty Eradication (CCEPE)/ActionAid Nigeria.

The women said they wouls like to see an increase

in allocation and timely release of the agricultural budget to meet the Maputo Declaration Commitment on Agriculture and Food Security in Africa, to which Nigeria is a signatory.

According to the communiqué, SHOWFAN said that there was a need for smallholder women farmers to be included in decisionmaking at all levels to ensure that policies were more effective and had better impact on small-holder women farmers.

The farmers’ group observed that the participation of small-holder women farmers in policy-making processes was highly inadequate, as they were usually neither invited nor consulted.

“This is due to the absence of space and processes through which smallholder women farmers can engage with policy- makers and their voices heard. De-

spite a significant number of agricultural policies and programmes developed at the national, state and local levels in Nigeria, most policy and programmes targets, especially those involving small-holder women farmers, are not met due to poor implementation.

“For example, 10 years after signing the Maputo Declaration, committing a minimum 10 per cent of annual budget to agriculture, there has been a steady decline in allocation with the 2014 and 2015 Kwara State budgets, showing 1.38 per cent of the total budget for 2014. ``The figure went even further down in the 2015 budget, as it decreased to 1.29 per cent of the total budget,” the association further observed.

It observed that the farmers were faced with indigenous technologies, with many having to cope with sustainability challenges

like climates shocks and low soil productivity.

The forum demanded a review of Nigeria’s land policy so that women could easily own land, while small-holder women farmers should be supported to form co-operatives through funding, capacity building and technical support.

“We seek a commitment to making existing policies operational – including committing adequate resources for implementation and putting mechanisms in place for a transparent process. “We, also, desire an easy access to adequate and cheap credit to smallholder women farmers, as well as the implementation of policies aimed at putting agricultural researches into use, while providing more extension workers, especially females, to meet the capacity needs of smallholder women farmers,” the communique said.

Buhari

Ohanaeze Ndigbo Kano calls for national unity Yakubu Salisu

ÏÏÏThe

SHOWFAN advocates special priorities for agricultural

casion, that, “If you build your destiny on forged certificate and other fraudulent acts, it will fail you some day.

I assure you that one day the secret will be opened and that is corruption. The word corruption was got from two Latin words which are cor and ruptum; cor which means to break and ruptum means to break, so corruption is the intent to break laws, to destroy or to kill.

ICPC act defines corruption as bribery, fraud and other related practices.”

President of Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Kano State, Chief Chris Chukwubuzor Azuka, has called for national unity and peaceful co-existence. He made the call during a funeral ceremony organised in honor of the late Eze of the Igbo people in Kano State, Eze John Chiejina Nnaji, who passed away on September 22, 2015, after serving as the traditional rulers of the Igbo people in Kano for six years.

According to him, the Ohanaeze Ndigbo Kano branch were committed to national unity. That they believe in peaceful co-

existence, accommodation and harmony among all segments of the Nigerian society. Azuka called on the Kano State Government to come to the aid of Sabon Gari people, especially over the deplorable state of roads in the area, adding that the continuous poor treatment of Sabon Gari people or neglect of their aspirations and needs supposedly on account of their location or perhaps ethnicity by some past administration’s should be of serious concern to everyone.

Azuka stated that discrimination and segregation of any kind at any level was to the detriment of national unity.

APC wins Plateau constituency bye-election ÏÏÏThe

candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Mr. Eric Dakogol, has won last Saturday’s bye-election to fill Qua’an Pan North Constituency’s seat in the Plateau House of Assembly.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that Dakogol polled 5, 409 votes to defeat the candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr. Alloy Oliver, who garnered 4,977 votes.

The Returning Officer

of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Associate Prof.

Akkarven Ashakah, who announced the result at the legislators’ chamber, in Qua’an Pan Local Government Secretariat, described the election as “very successful and credible.”

Ashakah, who is the Deputy Dean, Faculty of Law, University of Jos, congratulated the two candidates and their parties for conducting themselves peacefully during the bye-election.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

L-R: Vice-Chancellor, Tai Solarin University of Education, (TASUED) Ijagun, Prof. Oluyemisi Obilade; Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun and Former President Olusegun Obasanjo after decoration of Obasanjo with honorary Doctorate Degree in Political Science by TASUED, Ijagun, Odogbolu, Ogun State… at the weekend.

Kuku alleges plot to link him with terrorism, arms stockpiling Joy Ekeke

ÏÏÏThe

past Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Hon. Kingsley Kuku, has expressed concern over surreptitious moves to persecute and link him with terrorist acts and stockpiling of arms.

He said on Friday that there was some desperation to tie him to the stakes by some people in the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari, and that the same elements were conspiring with security agencies to seize him at the airport upon his return to Nigeria on false charges.

Kuku stated that his comments became necessary following an on-line media re-

port by a Kano-based group, National Security Watchdog, which claimed that “there was an incontrovertible evidence linking (me) to terrorist acts and illegal stockpiling of arms.”

The group also called on the Attorney-General of the Federation to initiate proceedings for Kuku’s extradition in order to face terrorism charges.

“The claim by this group must not be taken lightly by either the government or well-meaning Nigerians.

This is because a few months ago, I received information that a security agency was plotting to link me with acts of terrorism, falsely. This information with the evidence is already before a law court, for which the security agency has denied. It is, therefore,

not a co-incidence that a shadowy group in the name of National Security Watchdog was created to reinforce their claim.

“As a peace-loving Nigerian, I have worked for the peace, progress and prosperity of our dear country over the last one and a half decades. I am, therefore, shocked that such dastardly and criminal activity could be linked to me.

“Having failed to gather concrete evidence of misappropriation of funds against me, these persons are now fishing for evidence to link me with terrorism. They will definitely fail again.

“Since 2007, when I was appointed Secretary of the Federal Government Committee on Peace and Conflict Resolution in the Niger Delta, I have

rendered selfless service to Nigeria.

“It is on record that during my tenure as Presidential Adviser on Niger Delta and Chairman of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, kidnapping and other criminal activities in the Niger Delta were reduced to the barest minimum. Working with the state governments in the region, stakeholders, prominent ex-agitation leaders, as well as security and intelligence agencies of government, we were able to contain the ugly spectre of criminality, kidnapping and related crimes in the Niger Delta. It is rather unfortunate that just six months after the Goodluck Jonathan administration left office, insecurity in the region has risen sharply,” Kuku stated.

Adamawa lawmaker may lose seat over alleged demand for bribe from SSG Owolabi Adenusi Yola

ÏÏÏThe

Adamawa State House of Assembly has declared that its former Chairman on Finance and Appropriation, Hon. Abdurahman Abubakar representing Mubi South, who was suspended on alleged bribery scandal, may lose his seat if he failed to meet up with the constitutional requirement of 100-day sitting required of the lawmakers.

The Chief Whip of the House, Hon. Hassan Burgumah, at a press conference held at the Conference Hall of the House of Assembly,

said that relevant constitution section would be invoked to enforce the sanctity of the constitutional.

Burgumah explained that Abdulrahaman was suspended for three months on allegation that he demanded bribes from some contractors working in the state, including the Secretary to the State Government (SSG).

“The record is there for anybody to verify; Abdulhaman asked SSG to give him money, if governor wanted the support of the House. He even went ahead to threaten some contractors working in Mubi, to give him money.

Because of his questionable

character, we decided to dissolve the committee he headed which he had turned to a ticket meal,” he said.

The Chief Whip explained that the suspended member took the House to court to seek for an injunction directing the House to stay action on him pending the determination of the suit.

He added that the court injunction he sought had been belated because he had started serving his suspension before he went to the court.

It would be recalled that members of the Adamawa State House of Assembly announced the suspension of Abdulrahman Isa for the pe-

Gov. Bindow

riod of three months over a letter from Governor Mohammadu Jibrilla Bindow sent to the House to which he raised objection.

Abdulraham Isa explained that as the House Committee Chairman of Finance, Budget and Appropriation the speaker referred a letter August 28, 2015, to the committee.

Gbenga Sodeinde

Ado Ekiti ÏÏÏIn its determination to end open defecation and ensure a clean and healthy environment in the state, the Ekiti State Government has reiterated its resolve to collaborate with interested individuals in area of public awareness The State Commissioner for Environment, Chief Bisi Kolawole, made this known while hosting the President of the Lion International Club in Ado metropolis, Dr. Idowu Adeojo, who led a delegation on a courtesy visit to his office.

Kolawole said all contri-

Ekiti govt, NGOs partner on clean environment butions towards sensitising the people on the need to end open defecation was welcomed, adding that sponsorship of jingles on radio and television stations by organisations would go a long way in assisting to achieve the desired result. He stressed the importance of proper waste disposal, emphasising a need for the people to be educated and cultivate the habit of disposing their waste appropriately.

Ifon ceramic industry’ll provide 1, 500 jobs, says Ondo govt ’Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÏÏÏThe Ondo State Govern-

ment has said that the Golden Ceramic Products Company, located in Ifon, Ose Local Government Areas of the state, which is being resuscitated, would provide about 1,500 jobs for the unemployed.

Secretary to the State Government, Mr. Rotimi Adelola, said this, at the weekend, in Akure, while signing the Memorandum of Understanding (MoU), on behalf of the government in collaboration with the Jac-Estee Nigeria Limited.

Dangote plans 500MW power plant for Kano ÏÏÏThe

pan-African conglomerate, the Dangote Group has concluded preliminary arrangements to build a multi-million Naira 500mw of electricity into the national grid for the people of Kano, the Company management said at the weekend.

Group Executive Director, Stakeholders Management and Corporate Communications, Engineer Mansur Ahmed, said at the Dangote Special Day event at the Kano 36th International Trade Fair, just as the Dangote Cement mega promo triggered sales at the fair.

Ahmed said the electricity project would also benefit Jigawa, Katsina and some parts of Kaduna.

He said the Dangote Foundation was scaling up its charity works across several African countries and had started deepening its philanthropic gestures in the areas

Adelola disclosed that the 24- year-old, moribund Golden Ceramic Products Limited, would boost income generation for the people and the state as a whole.

He explained that development was part of efforts by the state government to prioritise industrialization, which was included in the “Caring Heart” mantra of the Mimiko government.

“It will aid genuine development of the state economy, and so a need to rejuvenate the industry, which has proved a hard nut to crack for previous administrations”, Adelola said. of health and education.

According to him, the Foundation’s projects in Kano included the construction of a Diagnostic Centre at the Murtala Muhammad Specialist Hospital, the building of eleven healthcare centres and 200 boreholes, as well as its nutrition programme.

He said that in the northeastern part of the country, the Foundation had also provided over a billion naira to support internally displaced persons (IDPs) and was desirous of addressing the challenges of unemployment in the country.

The Dangote Group outfits included Dangote Sugar Refinery, NASCON Allied Industries Plc (Dangote Salt), Dangote Cement Plc, and Dansa Foods Limited, among others.

Some of the products being displayed at the fair include Dangote sugar, Dangote Cement, Dangote salt, DanQ seasoning, tomato paste, various ranges of fruit juice products and bottled water from Dansa Foods.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

We’ll always remain in PDP, says Gov Umahi Jacob Ogodo Abakaliki

ÏÏÏThe Ebonyi State gov-

ernor, Chief David Umahi, has once again restated his resolve to retain his membership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Governor Umahi was reacting to the speculations in a section of the media that he was set to move to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) when the leadership of the Abakpa Main Market Traders Association, came calling at the Government House in Abakaliki last weekend.

Said he: “When I said publicly that Ebonyi people will support Mr. President, they said, we have moved to the APC. PDP remains our

party and will remain our party.

“But we need help and the way to get it is not to start castigating the President, and no governor should castigate the President. But opposition belongs to the political parties. For me and you, we are still bonafide members of the PDP.” On the increasing wave of the activities of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Governor Umahi stated that the South-East governors had listened to the complaints of the IPOB agitators and had decided to discuss them with the President.

“We have listened to the complaints of the boys.

There is no way anybody

could say that what they are saying is completely outside the truth, but just like husband and wife, you must have a way of getting along through dialogue.

“The governors of the South-East have taken up their matter to discuss with Mr. President and I believe that we don’t need another war in this country. I want to plead with you to encourage whoever is involved that we have taken up the matter and we will do everything possible to make sure that their feelings are addressed.

“We should not support secession. We should not support demonstrations, we should not support the castigation of our leaders”.

Governor Umahi main-

tained that his government was poised to redefining Abakaliki by looking inwards on how to take advantage of its location as a transit point to “realize our potential.”

Urging the traders to key into the vision of his administration, he stated that the first batch of traders would be relocated to the International Market in April 2016.

According to him, the second batch will be relocated in June, while the third and final batches will be in September. Earlier in an address, the Chairman of AMMTA, Comrade Emeka Nwome, commended the governor on his life touching achievements within six months in office.

25 News

Yoruba monarchs pledge support for Akintola’s golden jubilee Remi Oladoye

Ibadan ÏÏÏTraditional rulers in Yorubaland including the Soun of Ogbomoso, Oba Jimoh Oladuni Oyewumi, Ajagungbade 111, Olugbon of Ile Igbon, Oba Samuel Adegboyega Osunbade and other individual and corporate institutions, have pledged their active involvement in the 50th remembrance anniversary of the late premier of the Western region, Samuel Ladoke Akintola.

Apart from the traditional rulers, the group Managing Director of the Oodua Investment Ltd, Mr. Raji Adewale, Vice chancellor of Ladoke Akintola University

Enugu Court executes N45m Judgement on bank Moses Oyediran

L-R: Managing Director/CEO, Standard Chartered Bank, Mrs. Sola Adesola; Deputy Managing Director, Deutsche Bank, Mrs. Adeola Azeez; Managing Director/CEO, Luxury Bridal Store, Mrs. Yeside Laguda; Justice Bisi Akinlade and wife of Minister of Information, Culture and National Orientation, Hadjia Adeoti Mohammed, during the official launch of Luxury Bridal Store in Lekki, Lagos… at the weekend.

FG seeks UK help for WTO membership Idu Jude

Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Government has demanded her right of membership of the World Trade Organisation (WTO) to enable her diversify the economy in the near future, thereby urging Britain to lend a voice in the gathering of nations to ensure that it becomes a reality.

This call was made in Abuja last weekend by the newly appointed Minister of the Niger Delta Affairs, Dr. Usani Usani Uguru, while playing host to the new British High commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Thomas Arkwright, who was on a courtesy visit.

According to the Min-

ister, Nigeria's colonial masters, should be able to lend Nigeria the voice, to be a bi-economy nation, not just a mono economy, which would in the near future grant Nigeria that economic viability and to again become exporter of products for revenue generations.

His words: “We cannot continue to be a consuming nation within our mono economy, we look forward to becoming giants in commanding the exportation of products and revenue generation."

The Minister, thanked the British government, on the role it played to ensure that the recent general election in Nigeria was a success. He said that

the election wouldn't have been a success, if not for the seriousness of Britain, with effort to deploy both human and material resources for the election.

Speaking on the precarious security situation in the country orchestrated by the insurgency in the North East, Dr. Usani Usani, Uguru thanked Britain through the visiting new High Commissioner on the effort made by his country in making sure that Nigeria experiences peace.

His words: “I must commend the British government, on the role it played to bring Boko Haram to a near end, we know the way things were in the past but today, we have cause to glo-

rify God." Speaking earlier, the British High Commissioner to Nigeria, Mr. Paul Thomas Arkwright said that the government of his country, is actually interested in the beautiful outcome of the forthcoming Bayelsa State election and the general well-being of the Niger Deltans. He pointed out that the British government is quite interested in this regard, and which however informed his choice of visit to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, who would get the massage down to his people.

"My Prime Minister, is actually interested in the forthcoming election in Bayelsa State, because the state is very important to us as well as the entire Niger Delta", Arkwright said.

of Technology, Ogbomoso, Professor Niyi Gbadegesin, Senator Ayoade Adeseun, Senator Lekan Balogun, Chief L A Gbadamosi, and many other prominent indigenes of Ogbomoso and political associate of the late premier, have promised to ensure an elaborate and successful 50th remembrance anniversary The Soun of Ogbomoso Oba Jimoh Oladuni Oyewumi, while advising the anniversary committee headed

by Mr. Adeyemi Adedokun, said the committee should ensure a befitting remembrance programme for the late sage and promised to give necessary support for the programme.

Enugu ÏÏÏAn Enugu State High Court has begun the process of executing a N45m (Fortyfive million naira) judgement it entered against the United Bank for Africa (UBA).

This followed the alleged refusal of the bank to obey the court's order four years after it was delivered.

The judgement was sequel to a suit filed by a staff of the UBA, Goldiermier N. Ekwe over alleged wrongful dismissal. After years of legal battle, the court presided over by Justice N. Oluedo, held that the plaintiff was wrongfully dismissed and

ÏÏÏThe dust raised by the

judgement of the Taraba State gubernatorial election petition tribunal, which ousted Darius Dickson Ishaku as governor of the state, is far from settling down particularly among the political gladiators in the state.

The tribunal, which sat in Abuja, had ruled that Ishaku was not validly nominated as candidate of the People's Democratic Party (PDP) and as such was not a candidate abinitio in the election, and therefore declared the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Senator Aisha Jummai Alhassan, who was runner up to Ishaku as winner of the April 12th election.

as such was entitled to all her salaries and allowances.

He, therefore, ordered as follows: "That the plaintiff is still and remains an employee of the defendant.

"That the unsigned letter dated 3rd August, 2001, purporting to dismiss the plaintiff from the employ of the defendant is null and void and of no effect.

"That the defendant is ordered forthwith to pay to the plaintiff her accrued salaries and entitlements of N2, 224,000.00 from 3rd August, 2006, N5m for the year 2007, and N6m yearly from the year 2008 until the date of compliance with the judgement of this court.

Fresh dust over Taraba tribunal verdict The judgment indeed raised so much dust and has elicited mixed reactions from across the country with several groups and individuals condemning or hailing the tribunal based on their political affiliations or leanings.

Ishaku

26

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

Politics

Æs

Kogi: Can APC sort itself out?

Buhari and the lessons of June 9th SKC Ogbonnia

Audu With barely 24 for the submission of a fresh name by the All Progressives Congress (APC) to replace late Alhaji Abubakar Audu as its governorship candidate for the rescheduled election slated for Saturday, the party appears to be in disarray.

As at Sunday night, no fewer than six aspirants are gearing up to replace Audu as directed by the Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC).

The incumbent governor and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate has to vacate office by January 27, 2016.

Those fighting tooth and nail to clinch the ticket include (SAN), Isah Jibrin Echocho, Hon James Faleke and Alhaji

Faleke Yahaya Bello as replacement for the late Audu. The other is Muhammed, Audu’s son, who has been thrown up by his senatorial district.

While Faleke is the late Audu’s running mate who would have automatically become the governor if INEC had not declared last Saturday’s governorship poll inconclusive, Yahaya and Ocholi were aspirants in the August governorship primary of the APC. Yahaya came second to Audu in the keenly contested primary election.

Echocho was one of the aspirants in the governorship primary of the rival PDP but switched to the APC after losing to the incumbent, Governor Id-

Audu ris Wada.

In 2011, a high riding Echocho, a former Afribank chief, was expected to succeed former Governor Ibrahim Idris after picking the ruling party’s (PDP’s) ticket but lost out in the power equation after the court extended the tenure of the then incumbent.

When the next primary was held, Idris backed Wada against Echocho.

Ocholi, who contested against the late Audu in the APC governorship primary, is currently a member of the federal cabinet after President Muhammadu Buhari appointed him the minister of state for Labour and Employment.

Other aspirants who contest-

ed with the late Audu during the APC primary were Senator Alex Usman Kadiri, Hussein Idris Kashim and Alh. Sanusi Abubakar Aliyu (Gamji), Senator Nicholas Yahaya Ugbane; Sani Halilu Shuaibu; Suleman Baba Ali; AVM Saliu Atawodi; Muhammad Abdullahi; Senator Nuruddeen Abatemi Usman; the only female contestant, Princess Hadiza Ibrahim; Yakubu Mohammed, Rt. Hon. Clarence Olafemi; and Suleiman Ejeh Abutu.

Others included Sunday Ejibo; Otunba Suleman Lanre Ipinmisho; Dr. Tim Nda Diche; Habeeb Abdullahi Yakeen; Rotimi Yakub Obadofin; Babatunde CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

The events since the inauguration of Nigeria’s 8th National Assembly are not trending exactly like the making of the change the world had hoped for when Muhammadu Buhari was elected president. The opposition is already weakened and compromised. Party indiscipline, which had been a cancer of past regimes, is now full grown. The discredited corrupt oligarchy of Nigeria’s Legislature once more appears primed to dictate the content and character of the much anticipated change. And the very enemies of the change are having a blast.

It is a common knowledge that any democracy with a weak opposition activity is prone to dictatorship. It is no wonder then that most political insiders in Nigeria—including two reliable barometers of military opinion in the persons of Olusegun Obasanjo and Ibrahim Babangida—have agreed that the country’s history with weak opposition fundamentally led to past leadership crises—from electoral irregularities, lack of checks and balances, mismanagement of resources, corruption, dictatorship, impunity, ineffective leaders to chances of military takeover of government.

These true statements explain why well-meaning Nigerians as well as the international community roared in jubilation when a strong opposition party, the All CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

No factions in Ekiti PDP - Secretary Pastor Adejorin Tope, Ekiti State Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Secretary spoke in Ado-Ekiti with GBENGA SODEINDE on political situation in the state. Excerpts:

Fayose

Tope

Why the divisions in PDP in Ekiti?

PDP has no factions in Ekiti.

But people will think there are factions, given the influence of members like former secretary of the party, Tope Aluko. But, Aluko is not a true party man. He has now

proven he is working against the party with his recent visit to the Kaduna panel, despite his expulsion. We gathered authoritatively that those being invited to testify before the panel were doing it openly with cameras and photographs everywhere. But when it was Aluko’s turn, he said he preferred speaking behind closed doors. That is one evidence that his testimony did not favour PDP. But this is a man who has been expelled since July. What license CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

Buhari

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

27

Politics

Buhari and the lessons of June 9th CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

Progressives Congress (APC), was born. The euphoria brimmed as the country witnessed in the 2015 election campaign the closest semblance of a true democratic culture. For the first time in our national life, instead of mass revolt or the military alternative, the opposition was finally able to replace an inept party in power. This historic victory saw us bubbling with renewed hope like never before. We had hoped to witness true change in the business of governance. We had hoped for a return of discipline in the society as well as consequences for bad behavior.

Until June 9th!

Like June 12th, 1993 before it, June 9th, 2015 was another fateful day in which fears eclipsed hope.

It was the day that treacherous disease that has been tormenting Nigeria since 1999 reared back its ugly head. I mean the day the

main opposition party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in an embarrassing dexterity, and to the chagrin of a deserving society, suddenly abandoned its new role and wangled to become a part of the ruling party by default. The implication is that the very hope of instilling essential components of democracy in the new administration, such as party discipline, dynamic competition, choice politics, and checks and balances has taken a dramatic nose dive.

To add salt to the injury, the PDP has been indiscreetly obtuse with ceaseless media campaign to whip up public support. Their army of cohorts triggered the debate by comparing the events of June 9th to the First and Second Republics where leadership positions in the legislature were shared with opposition parties. But it is clear they are viewing the history from a rear view mirror. Unlike the chicanery of the 8th Senate, the past

examples were products of mutual party agreements. The PDP has also been peddling the manner the Hon. Aminu Tambuwal became Speaker of the House of Representatives in 2011 as an ancient similarity to the June 9th.

But what has consistently escaped their memory is that, not only did Tambuwal emerge in the full view of the entire body, the legislator was a bonafide member of the ruling party as at the time. Sum it this way: Unless in cases of coups, the world wide history is yet to prompt any democratic nation where a losing party fudged itself into the leadership of a new government without the consent of the ruling party.

The most disingenuous yet is the archaic attempt by opposition elements to overheat the polity by injecting tribal sentiments into the debate, tossing the Igbo nation as an unfortunate bet. But the Igbos should not fall for the show of

shame this time. It is an old movie.

Even worse, the leadership of the Legislature under the new government is also a product of gross party indiscipline, leading to untold level of political treachery and unholy alliances. The challenges of party indiscipline are well chronicled in democratic history. For example, Senator Jibril Aminu, after analyzing the crises facing the country, lamented in 2011 that lack of party disciple within his political party, PDP, was the main problem with Nigeria.

Not long after, April 27th, 2012 to be exact, a serving National Security Adviser, General Andrew Owoye Azazi, shocked the world by revealing that the Boko Haram menace is indeed as a result of lack of internal democracy within PDP— the then ruling party. This type of relationship is what the famous Italian political scientist, Giovanni Sartori, probably had in mind when he wrote in 1976

that that any value system that is exhibited by the political parties, particularly the ruling party, has direct consequences on the entire society.

The salutary lesson here is that the political party is a picture-perCONTINUED ON PAGE 28

Buhari

Kogi: Can APC sort itself out?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

Irukera; Ocholi James (SAN); Aliyu Zakari Jiya; Engr. Olushola George Olumoroti; and Dr. Onukaba Adinoyi Ojo. Most of them have been using everything in power to ensure that are picked by the party.

Bello, who is Igbirra from Kogi State’s central senatorial zone, had polled 703 votes to finish second to Audu in the primaries.

Sources said Bello was actually preferred by the top party leaders even above Audu, since the latter did not support President Muhammadu Buhari in APC’s presidential primaries last November. Audu was a staunch supporter of former

Kano State Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

According to the informed sources, party leaders are not inclined to allow Audu’s running mate Mr. James Faleke to pick the ticket because he did not contest in the primaries.

Another minus against Faleke, the sources said, is that he is essentially a Lagosian of Kogi ancestry who served as chairman of a local government in Lagos State and is currently a legislator representing a constituency in Lagos State.

Besides, the source said Bello comes from Kogi State’s second largest ethnic group which APC

leaders believe is more advantageous politically.

But a group of youths under the aegis of Kogi Youth Vanguard, had stormed the APC headquarters demanding that Faleke, be given the mandate to represent the party in the supplementary election.

Faleke himself had written INEC asking to be declared governor-elect and threatened to go to court to seek his mandate.

But another group within the party is rooting for Muhammed.

There are strong indications that Audu’s campaign organisation was making plans for his son, Mohammed to replace him.

They stated that nobody could win the state governorship primary of the APC without the support of Audu’s supporters.

“Abubakar Audu’s supporters, including his campaign structure, are rooting for either Audu’s son, Mohammed, or James Faleke for them not to lose out entirely. They are narrowing it to either Faleke or Mohammed because the APC machinery believes that the election has been won. But the party elders and leaders, who worked for him, will be more comfortable with Mohammed” a source within the party said.

Perhaps, this was why there

was a violent protest in Audu’s area following reports that Bello might be picked.

The late Audu had polled 240,867 votes in the election while the People’s Democratic Party’s candidate and incumbent state governor polled 199,000.

There are fears that the APC might be incapable of sorting itself out before the expiration of the INEC deadline which might give the PDP a chance or lead to a Constitutional crisis if it is not resolved on time.

The electoral Act provides for at least 60 days between the election and swearing in for a new governor.

Wada

Mahmud

Bello

Ocholi

Echocho

Politics 28

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

Those criticizing Fayose are mischievous – PDP Secretary CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

does he have to go to the panel?

This was how he colluded with the 19 lawmakers then to unseat Fayose.

Observers are already criticising Fayose for not measuring up to Fayemi’s governance standard?

They are mischievous. How can someone who knew what happened at the time of Fayemi compare him in whatever way to Fayose. Fayose is a performer any day. Fayose today ranks as one of the best, if not the best governor in Nigeria; and this is despite the rot and decay he met on ground. The people’s governor has been paying salaries and putting up structures that are critical. There is also relative peace in Ekiti today compared to what we all experienced before in Ekiti; teachers had a raw deal with Fayemi, you remember. They lived throughout in fear of one examination or the other. Many head teachers were demoted for failing some so-called exams. The governor is not witch hunting or harassing anyone with promotion examination.

Today, Fayose has taken transparency to another level. Whatever comes to the state now is known because there is a com-

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

fect genre of our everyday life. It also goes to say that the nature of discipline or even of democracy within the political parties is organic and usually permeates both the public and private sectors. It is not surprising then that the current leadership of the Legislature has already become a hybrid of the very corrupt cabal that Nigerian masses swept out on March 29th, 2015. The ruling party, APC must therefore recognise that any hope of delivering the desired change without restoring discipline within the party ranks is only a pipe dream.

The tragedies of the leadership of the Legislature are a dizzying tale. And to continue to enumerate them here does nothing but further ridicule the notion of common sense. The simplest takeaway is that the act of indiscipline must be confronted head on. Any nation where anything goes, goes no where.

To conclude this piece without admonishing President Buhari is akin to performing a sanguine Igbo ritual without the presence of a vulture. Yes, it is gladdening to learn that the president has tacitly accepted responsibility for his

mittee which oversees how to disburse the funds. The committee determines what the money will be used for. This is not my own imagination. Whoever is interested should visit the ministries for ascertainments. When Fayose was leaving office in 2006, he left billions behind which Oni met and used. No one reported Oni met any debt because Fayose was not owing anyone. But when Fayemi was leaving, he left a debt of nearly N50 billion which the state will continue to pay. Prudence and transparency have been the watchword of Fayose’s government. You can never compare a performer with a non-performer.

Is Fayose as popular today as he was when he came in last year?

I believe most sincerely Fayose is as popular today as he was when he came in. Perhaps, he is even more popular. Of course it is possible some are dissatisfied with some of his decisions. Like those just being displaced at the Oja Oba market. Fayose market today is a toast for everyone but when it was being constructed by Fayose, people did not like it. But the fact is the Oja Oba project has been conceived long before now by Fayemi,

and other successive governments but they never had the mind to do the needful. The local government election is coming and it will be an opportunity to prove the popularity not only of Fayose but the PDP. Fayose has promised to allow the election. He will do it.

People also criticise him for not seeing or saying anything good about President Buhari’s administration?

Fayose is saying the truth. Remember that man who trekked to Abuja when Buhari won the election. He has hanged himself and he left a letter that he did so as he had been disappointed in President Buhari. There is no criticism Fayose hurled at Buhari that is unjustifiable. None. People actually expected Buhari to be a Messiah, given the hype and the promises.

Today, he has proven to be far less than that. Petrol now sells for N200 and above per litre in many petrol stations, subsidy is still being paid.

Electricity supply has only marginally improved in some places.

If he wants to show the world that he is incorruptible, let him start with those who sponsored his campaign, bought helicopters and jeeps for his campaign at the time.

Let him start with those who spon-

sored his election with billions of dollars!

Will the new taxes being introduced not harm Fayose’s popularity?

Even President Buhari has encouraged state governors to look inwards and increase their internally generated revenue (IGR). The new taxes Fayose has introduced are not strange in many other states but because the past governors had so much money to joggle with, they never explored those areas. Personally, I don’t think a rate of N1000 on a cow which sells for a minimum of N60,000 is much. The little amount is going to be used to maintain the abattoir. Is this not proper? Tipper operators also have been asked to pay N1000. The operators collect as much as N15,000 per trip. The tippers are the ones who destroy the roads. As long as Fayose remains as governor, PDP will win in Ekiti.

If Fayemi lost his ward that time, Fayose has been and will continue to win his own. His popularity is waxing stronger.

Is it true that Fayose has hijacked PDP? I cannot support such a stupid allegation. How can Fayose hijack a whole party. It was the party

perceived indifference to the leadership of the National Assembly, which some impostors had exploited in attempt to betray our change.

But that is not enough.

Moving forward, Buhari has to realise that the era of passing the buck ended on May 29th, 2015. Regardless of the location of the crisis, whether in the executive, legislative, judicial branch or any part of the country, for that matter—be it a APC, APGA or PDP state— the President and Commanderin-Chief of the Nigerian Armed Forces is expected to own the crisis and influence the desired change.

The Executive branch in successful democracies, including that of the United States of America, also influences the leadership of the Legislature as well as that of the Judiciary.

Yet, Buhari deserves some sympathy on two grounds. First, having said that he would not meddle with the affairs of the Legislature, he does not want to appear to be vacillating back and forth. At the same time, the president has to remember that not only is leadership a dynamic process, it is also contingent upon the prevailing environment.

Effective leaders are pragmatic

and, where and when necessary, can be influenced by what are objectively desirable in the particular environment and, in course, find ways to shift from their individual core beliefs. Even as it is vitally important for leaders to be unwavering in their convictions, any conviction should be able to advance the greater good, if it is to translate to effective leadership. Blind following of ideology is another name for dogmatism and can easily lead to destructive leadership.

Second, the president is trying to walk a fine line between the nuances of control and the perceived freedoms of democracy, includ-

ing separation of power among the three arms of government.

The thinking is to avoid evoking a choking nostalgia of his military regime, unfairly defamed by the opposition during the presidential campaign.

Yet, it is interesting to note that the same opposition has emerged as the loudest cheerleader of the president for removing himself from the leadership crisis rocking the Legislature. But the general from Daura is an old soldier. He does not need to be told that relying on enemy command is a recipe for disaster.

The fact of the matter is that, contrary to what the opposition

Buhari

Tope that produced him. But the constitution of PDP says he (Fayose) is also the leader of the party. In matters relating to the party, Fayose has been supporting decisions as agreed to by the Elders forum and the state working committee (SWC). The Chairman of the party’s Elders’ Forum, Chief C.K. Awoyelu and the Secretary, Rotarian Bola Oluojo, have always been on hand to offer directions. No decision is ever taken at the level of party unilaterally by the governor.

wants us to believe, Nigerians are under Buhari’s government and the president has to be fully involved. Effective leadership is the ability to successfully integrate and maximize available resources within the internal and external environment in line with organizational or societal values, standards, and goals and objectives.

The process in this case entails being able to influence all segments of the polity towards greater good.

Passing the buck has the tendency to stoke a series of excuses. A habit of excuses, as my father would say, is an existential catalyst for failure.

Finally, President Buhari has to be very careful not to squander his overflowing goodwill. He must not undercut the core attributes that endeared him back to the masses. The history beckons on him to lead by reinforcing the original credo of our change. The most compelling way forward is to confront the gross indiscipline that is not only tearing the ruling party apart but also undermining his agenda proper. *Ogbonnia, a leadership scholar, writes from Houston, Texas for Transform Nigeria Movement

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

29

Our Heritage Æ s I encountered Shakespeare on the streets of Ikere-Ekiti -Osundare World-acclaimed poet, Niyi Osundare is a professor of English. He has written several collections of poems and executed some landmark scholarly researches, among them, Katrina poems, which tell his story during the tragic Katrina hurricane in the United States. He needs no introduction as an intellectual, whose patriotism and genuine concern for Nigeria is unalloyed. The Professor of English at the University of New Orleans, United States, exhibited this trait of intellectual candour at the Ake Arts and Book Festival. Unlike many who, readily, run away from difficult questions, Osundare was candid enough to say, with pride, that he was never born with a silver spoon. He traces his success to hard work and a committed father who worked to give him a better future, writes AGOZINO AGOZINO. You were born into a rural family with modest means, but, who had no library at home. How did you discover the pleasure of reading? What book inspired you as a young man and when did you decide to be a writer?

Well, my father was a farmer and my mother was a cloth weaver. Everybody had to go to the farm. About five years ago, I remember, when an American friend of mine asked me that question, He said ‘Niyi, can you tell me what kind of books your parents give?’ I laughed and told him that my father had a very big library and that the library was yams. When I was a young lad, I watched my mother weave and I washed many cottons. That was how the first uniform I wore was made, that was the kind of Nigeria that I grew up in, a Nigeria where children grew with strong moral values, but, things are upside down today. Both of my parents were hardworking, my father was always working and he wanted you to do same, but, my mother was a quiet woman, who believed in disciplining you to the core. I often asked my father why you have to work very hard and he would tell me that “the hands that don’t work should not eat”.

While he worked on his farm, he was always singing and some of these songs have been translated in my poems today. So, my parents never gave me any book or silver spoon. In those days, when Nigeria was a good place, ironically, I can say that Nigeria was better under the British colonial system than the way things are done today. Everything in school then was done on merit, if you came first or second, you would be given a report card, based on your performance, so, there was no magic about what I have been able to achieve. I lay it at the door

of my parents and that is good training for any child.

What book did you, eventually, read to get your inspiration?

Well, it was quite different when I was growing to what we have today in schools. I remember when I was to go to school, my father bought me one exercise book, but, he said to me “... this place you are going, I want you to return with two hands”.

What my father was saying was that ‘this culture that we have provided for you, hold it in your right hand. Whatever the white man is going to give you, bring it home with the other hand’. It was a typical Yoruba phenomenon.

Yes, I love the Bible, but, I don’t think that most of those things are not found in our Yoruba culture. They are all folktales we have in our culture, before the Europeans came here, they are all in Yoruba culture. For me, I can even say that I encountered Shakespeare on the streets of Ikere-Ekiti, before I went to school.

How did you encounter Shakespeare?

Simply, through our culture, the Olofota festival, Orole festival and others. Then they competed for your sight, so that imagination itself is amazing and I cannot forget it. Then the other festivals like Oloba, Ologun and Sango were part of what I would say we lived with and the society was good. In all these festivals, I never heard anyone said my God is superior to yours, this was the kind of atmosphere we grew up in Yorubaland. The entire culture shaped my imagination and philosophy. There were no African books to read at that time, but, later, we had books like King Solomon’s Mine, Shakespeare and others. But, you see, in this thing, the deliberate denigration of African personality struck

Osundare

me. And, so, it continued until the secondary school, when I encountered Things Fall Apart by Chinua Achebe. People always ask me ‘why do you like Achebe so much?’ And I tell them “I speak with him every month”. I also spoke to him the November he died, so we took to that novel.

So, I tell people that I feel the impact of Achebe’s work in my writing the same way I feel Soyinka’s works.

So when you started serious writing, you made a pledge to yourself that the poor will find their voices in your works.

Why was that decision?

Simple, because the world I saw before me was bent. My mother used to say ‘one mouth must not feed while the others are open to hunger’. If you eat and your neighbour is hungry, the grumbling in his face will disturb your peace. Our society is so unjust the way we do our things.

The poor are discounted and the way we worship material things (is beyond imagination). So, I have always asked why the world

should be like this. This has been my question until I started reading while looking for the answer, and I have many books to find the answer, so, I made a decision that the poor will always find their voice in my poems. If you have all the money in the world and you have no humanity, where do you think it will lead you? The truth is that we must put humanity first. I read a lot and, as I said, all the time, music and poetry are first cousins.

What about those great teachers of yours who nurtured your creative sensibilities in literature?

In 2002, Spectrum Books called me and said they needed my help on something. They said there was a backlog in the improvement of literature in Nigeria and they wanted to address it. ‘Can you do a book for us?’ At the time, I was teaching at the University of Ibadan and I have begun to see a very big illiteracy in schools.

Things that should have been taught them at the lower classes they didn’t know. I later did three

books for them. When it was time for dedication, they called me and said ‘who do you want us dedicate this books to?’ I said to my teachers who taught me at primary school, St Luke’s School, Ikere-Ekiti. Book One was dedicated to the teachers who taught me in primary school, Book Two was dedicated to those who took over from 1961 to 1966, all the teachers who taught me I mentioned their names. Then Book Three was dedicated to all the teachers that taught me at the tertiary level from United Kingdom to Canada.

So, last year, as part of the celebration of the National Merit Award orgainsed by our sponsor, Dr. Lekan Are, in Ibadan, Prof.

Ayo Banjo was the chief guest. I told all those lecturers how they helped my career. I honoured all of them, one after another.

Your mother remains constant in your poetic essence. In your Katrina Poems you mentioned her profusely. Why? CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

30 Our Heritage

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

Discover Katsina’s hospitality Agozino Agozino KATSINA State was created on the 23rd of September, 1987, out of the old Kaduna State. The demand for the creation of the state, which is predominantly Muslim started shortly after the country was given a 19-state structure in 1976.

Katsina State is agrarian. About 80 percent percent of people are farmers. In order to encourage farming in the state, special agricultural schemes were introduced by the State. Tourists also will find the palaces of the Emirs of Daura and Katsina, which reflect traditional architecture, worthy of a visit. The Durbi Takush-

eyi monument comprises three mounds believed to be the tombs of the first Hausa Kings of Katsina dating back to about 1000 A.D. These mounds were exhumed by a Colonial officer in 1907. Katsina city itself is the home of polo with the ruling family pioneering the game in Nigeria. In the palace of the Emir of Katsina, trophies won over the years in polo, by the family are displayed. Some of these glittering trophies date back to half a century. In the state, traditional boxing and wrestling as well as celebrations of Muslim festivals attract visitors. The first Teachers’ College in Northern Nigeria is also in Katsina State. The college, built in 1922, produced

such leaders as the late Prime Minister, Alhaji (Sir) Abubakar Tafawa Balewa and the Premier of Northern Nigeria, Sir, Ahmadu Bello.

Katsina State, has made some impact in the development and promotion of tourism. Tourist attractions in the state include historical monuments, some of which are the Gobarau Minaret, Kusugu well, Dan -Marina Tomb, the Kofar Yandaka gate through which Lord Laggard entered Katsina in 1903, DurbiTa Kusheyi, Old Katsina, Daura and Ganuwar Amina wall. The three hundred year-old Gobarau Minaret is an interesting place to behold.

How I became a writer –Osundare CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

I was the first born in a polygamous family. Anyone from a polygamous family knows that it is always not easy, no matter how you try to make it work. My mother was a disciplinarian and she tried to make peace evenly, but, it was not all that easy. I didn’t quite appreciate the way my mother trained us until when I became an adult. So I grew up admiring her when I discovered her traits.

When you nearly died in the New Orleans during the Katrina hurricane, you had it in your longest poem, in which your mother appeared to you assuring you that because you are from the waters, you would not die. Can you explain this?

August 29, 2005, the Katrina came and met me and my wife in our house. We would have evacuated, but, because we had a visitor, who decided that we should be

evacuated first. So, we stayed behind for her to first leave and the Katrina met us at home. The water was rising one foot, two feet, and it was rising in our bedroom and my wife told me we were drowning. I did not know why I was not thinking about my life, but, my books. Then the furniture started falling. All my books, art works, everything in the house went away. We managed to get hold of the ladder because the water had swallowed everything in the house. So we perched on top of the ladder with our heads up for 26 hours. On the following day no help came, I thought the end had come. I was worried and started asking myself if Nigeria was good, wwould I have come here to perish like this? How can I waste away like this? At that time, my wife was getting delirious. I was too, but, I was able not to show it. But at that time, our neighbour, who speaks little English came. My wife said she was

hearing footsteps on the roof. He had three jackets and gave us two.

So I tied one and my wife tied the other one. I jumped into the water and told her that if the water takes me away, she should please take care of the children. Somehow, I was able to swim out, but, I didn’t know where I was going.

The whole city was under water.

However, some people came and took us to the Catholic Mission, where we stayed until help came to us. In fact, America missed it with the Katrina. There were dead bodies everywhere and there was no sign of government at all. Eventually, we landed at the Red Cross Centre at Birmingham Alabama. Seven days after the event, that was when I had the opportunity to sleep for the first after the tragedy. It was later that my wife told me that my mother appeared and started chanting incantations that I came from the waters and that another land’s water will not take me away.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

31 Opinion

Lai Mohammed needs some lessons from Adedibu

Yinka Odumakin

ÏÏÏInformation Minis-

ter, Allhaji Lai Mohammed, recently met social media influencers in Lagos and was waxing lyrical on the need for them to “self-regulate”, maintain “credibility” and weed out the “charlatans” in their midst. How interesting it is when the hunter becomes the hunted.

Here is Alhaji Mohammed who a few months ago did not consider any line too decent to cross in the quest to use vile propaganda to win political power. His party did not reject (I will not say it recruited) the services of these “charlatans” dwelling on cyberspace in maligning people, spreading falsehood and promoting hate amongst Nigerians.

The APC campaign leaned on this army of e-thugs to promote mali-

cious propaganda and vicious attacks against anyone who did not share their views.They were all over Facebook,Twitter and all internet fora doing name-calling, spreading wicked rumours and maligning their opponents with unsubstantiated allegations.

They had no argument on any issue. Most of them did not even understand what the issues were beyond the abuses they were programmed to unleash on others. They could not hold two lines conversation before they would start “your mother, your father”. A great number of them became maladjusted in thinking that it would take several years of mental rehabilitation for them to be able to function like rational human beings ever again.

Now that Alhaji is in power, he wants those “charlatans “ to cease functioning so that he won’t enjoy the dish they served those who came before him.

Hear him: ”Let me assure you that the Federal Government does not intend to stifle free speech or abridge the rights of Nigerians to air their views freely. We are not about to regulate or stultify the Social Media.

This explains why we are asking you to self-regulate. That is why we are encouraging you to rein in the impostors among you and show restraint

Lai Mohammed

when dealing with issues of national unity, issues of Nigeria’s sovereignty, as well as issues concerning the lives and wellbeing of Nigerians. ”What I am saying in essence is that you must self-regulate in order not to self-destruct. Self-regulation allows you to weed out the charlatans among you in order to maintain your credibility and en-

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sure your survival. Lose credibility and lose it all.

That is the stark reality.

If you must survive and grow, you must not compromise your credibility. ”It (hate debate) is adding fuel to some lowintensity fires and, if left unchecked, could conflagrate and consume all of us. Remember, you need a peaceful country before you can even dream of

greatness. You need a united, strong and virile country to provide the necessary environment for your dreams to come true.”

It doesn’t cut easily like that, Alhaji! This may be why Oscar Wilde said “when the gods want to punish us they answer our prayer”. Your party savoured the antics of these “charlatans” up until “power changed hands” and it would take more than mere admonitions for them to learn that there is other saner way to public debate.

And in this regard, the honourable minister may have to take some posthumous lesson from the late “garrison commander” of Ibadan politics, Alhaji Lamidi Adedibu, who was so canonized by “Ebora Owu” and APC “navigator”, Olusegun Obasanjo.

Obasanjo told us in his Ota home in 2003 how he was in Ibadan to campaign and the then Oyo State Governor, Alhaji Lam Adesina, reported to him that Adedibu was pulling down his campaign billboards. He said he thereafter asked Adedibu why he would do that and he said that it was in retaliation for the report Alhaji Rashidi Ladoja made to him that Lam pulled down his own billboards too.

He said Lam explained at that point that it was

the state signage authority that carried out that task based on contravention and that they even removed some of his own billboards.

Obasanjo reported that he then turned to Adedibu and said to him that as an elder, he should have inquired what transpired before embarking on retaliation, wondering what type of legacy he was bequeathing. The political warlord responded, “A whole president came to resolve the problem I created and you are still asking me about legacy”.

Eventually, Ladoja became governor with the assistance of Adedibu and all his ways. But they fell out along the line because Ladoja wanted Adedibu to stop being Adedibu.It was Ladoja who lost his seat when push came to shove.

Adedibu is late now but the Information Minister can still find the video on YouTube as he was reporting to his followers his encounter with Ladoja when Obasanjo called them to a meeting.

He said that Ladoja was insolent to the point of condemning him for what he used to crown him governor. “O ni mo mo nna eyan, bi enipe o ma di gomina ti mi ba nayan” (he said “I go about beating people as if he would have become governor if I did not beat some people).

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mondaY, noVEmBER 30, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.241

Price: n150

, s r u Sp PREMIERSHIP RESULTS Tottenham West Ham Liverpool Norwich City

0-0 1-1 1-0 1-1

Chelsea West Brom Swansea City Arsenal

SERIE A RESULTS ChievoVerona Frosinone Genoa Roma

2-3 3-2 1-2 0-2

Udinese Hellas Verona Carpi Atalanta

LA LIGA RESULTS Getafe Eibar

2-0 0-2

Villarreal Real Madrid

BUNDESLIGA RESULTS Borussia Dortmund 4 - 1 VfB Stuttgart Augsburg 0 - 0 Wolfsburg Bayer Leverkusen 1 - 1 Schalke 04

LIGUE 1 RESULTS Saint-Etienne Bordeaux

3-0 1-4

Guingamp Caen

EREDIVISIE RESULTS Vitesse Groningen FC Utrecht PEC Zwolle PSV Eindhoven

1-0 2-1 4-2 0-2 3-0

NEC Nijmegen ADO Den Haag Heracles Ajax AZ Alkmaar

BELGUIM PRO-LEAGUE RESULTS Anderlecht 3 - 2 Oud-Heverlee KV Mechelen 1 - 4 Club Brugge

a e s l e Ch raw, as d l l u d in d l o h h c i w r o N s r e n n Gu

Tottenham Hotspurs hitman, Son Heung-min (right), on the prowl against Chelsea during the Premiership encounter on Sunday.

ANDREW EKEJIUBA WITH AGENCY REPORTS

T

ottenham extended their unbeaten run but missed the chance to go fourth with a goalless draw against Chelsea.

Chelsea’s Asmir Begovic was the busier goalkeeper in the first half, keeping out Son Heung-min’s header and Mousa Dembele’s low drive.

Playing up front, Eden Hazard forced Tottenham keeper Hugo Lloris into a low, reflex save from a superb volley - their only shot on target.

The point saw Chelsea to move up a place to 14th in the Premier League.

Spurs striker Harry Kane also tested Begovic, while Pedro was wayward with a couple of strikes from outside the box.

It was a fair result in a London derby which petered out in the second half after Tottenham’s trip to Azerbaijan and Chelsea’s match in Israel in midweek.

Chelsea were much improved compared with other times this season, but there

seems to be a lack of harmony between boss Jose Mourinho and striker Diego Costa.

Mourinho decided to drop the Spain international, 27, to the bench after admitting the pair had “a few kisses and cuddles” after an argument during their Champions League win at Maccabi Tel Aviv.

Hazard was deployed as the furthest man forward at White Hart Lane, and the Belgium forward’s hard-working performance saw him make 71 sprints - more than any other player on the pitch.

He should have done better with a headed effort which went over the bar in the opening period and was thwarted by Lloris’ excellent save.

The Blues kept their third clean sheet in a row in all competitions, but the lacklustre stalemate means the defending champions have won just four times in 14 league games this season.

On the other hand, Tottenham are still unbeaten since the opening day at Manchester United and have now gone 13

without defeat in the Premier League for the first time.

However, they have drawn half of their matches and an inability to be clinical in front of goal may hinder any prospects of finishing in the top four.

Meanwhile, Arsenal lost both Alexis Sanchez and Laurent Koscielny to injury in what could prove to be a damaging 1-1 draw with Norwich City on Sunday.

Mesut Ozil scored his second Premier League goal of the season to put Arsene Wenger’s side ahead at Carrow Road but Lewis Grabban equalised from close range just before the break, after Koscielny had been forced off with an apparent hip problem.

Sanchez had to be withdrawn after an hour with a hamstring injury and Norwich came close to a winner when the ball flicked off Gabriel’s head and toward his own goal, only for Petr Cech to make a superb save to end the game 1-1 apiece. The Gunners, remain fourth on the table after missing a chance to leapfrog Manchester United above them.

Life&

TIMES Monday, November 30, 2015

Nike

Okundaye:

The Art impressario

L2,3

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

Me, art and my life

–Nike Okundaye

She has traversed the world. She is also a woman of immense accomplishment. In some quarters, she is known as Chief (Mrs.) Nike Okundaye. To some, she is just Nike, a remarkable artist and Chief Executive Officer of the nationally spread network of culture center named Nike Art Centre in Lekki, Lagos. AGOZINO AGOZINO had an encounter with the always affable woman of art. Excerpts:

Life&

T E A M

Looking back, are there anythings you would have done differently if you are not into arts.

Some people just look at you and they are surprised with what you have achieved?

I don’t think there is anything I could have done differently because at the end of the day, everything has worked out well for me.

For this, I thank the Almighty God for His mercies and kindness over my life.

You always look so cheerful with the stream of visitors coming to this place. What is the secret?

Hard work, Humility and of course, following what I believe is my passion right from childhood.

Almost who-is-who visit your gallery including Serena and Venus Williams when they came to Nigeria; one would like to know what is the secret of this high profile collectors and individuals coming to your gallery and what makes Nike Okundaye tick?

Every human being does get pissed off. It all depends on situation at a time. However, as an artist, I have more thing that make me happy daily than those that put me off. I keep working and one of my philosophies is to provide a gallery where visitors can see the best Nigerian art pieces. So that is why they come. In other words, they appreciate what I am doing even they have not seen me. However, I can’t say it my work alone, I think it is the favour of God. There are too many versions of your background. Can you throw real light on this?

I started my sojourn into arts when I was just six. Because I lost my mother early in life, one of my mother’s sisters had to bring me to Osogbo. You know, Osogbo has a history of being a home to arts and culture in Yorubaland. It was while in Osogbo as a young girl that I heard about the late Susanne

Wenger and her husband Ulli Beier. Up till today, I consider them the major catalyst of art movement.

The extra moral classes they conducted in those days was what empowered many artists. Today, as you know, many of them have become international artists. For me, I will say I derived some of my inspirations from Susanne; she not only loved our culture but because she remained committed to our culture till she passed away. I wish we can have another artist like Wenger. You remember that she was with Beier in the 1950s. It was then that I said let me go and grow up with her because the way she embraced everybody and Yoruba religion and culture. Honestly, she truly inspired me during my stay with her. So, in brief, that was how I started with arts and background.

But let me equally say that from the very beginning, my family is into craft art especially where I come from in Ogidi Ijumu, Kogi State.

My first efforts were in weaving, then from weaving I moved into Adire (indigenous textile designing). But later, I discovered the Batik, which I called the loss wax method. But some people prefer to call it Campalla. Although it as by accident, but before you know it, that was how people started calling me Mama Adire up till today. The Adire has carried me to so many countries of the world. Apart from that, today I also do oil and acrylic paintings. We have held so many exhibitions in this gallery since we opened. Some featured my works and other Nigerian and foreign artists.

People talk about your gallery in Abuja, and Osogbo. Why did you build this imposing one in Lagos?

I build it so I can provide a platform for artists to engage the public with their works. It is part of my contribution for young artists or those interested in creativity. It is true as

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli

you said, that I have such edifice in other places but our gallery in Lagos is a different thing. For instance, we know that a lot of art events in Nigeria take place in Lagos.

Because of

that, I feel we should have a kind of gallery that will reflect that.

So the gallery is dedicated to arts, especially to promote it.

That is why we welcome everyone to be part of our activities. It is for everyone to come and express their creativity. It is the journey that I set to do in my life. It is a vision that started over three decades ago and I am happy that I have achieved it.

One of the memorable places that fired my zeal to build the gallery was the Convent Garden in London. I cannot forget my experience the first time I was there.

If you visit Convent Garden, you will see all kinds of works and beautiful paintings from the ground to the top floor.

You will see paintings h a n g ing all over the place.

S o when i visited the gallery, I CONTINUED ON

L3

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Sunday O. Emmanuel

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

L3 Interview

‘I’ve more things to make me happy than put me off’ CONTINUED FROM

L2

kept dreaming of that place. I kept dreaming that one day, I will build that kind of gallery in Nigerian that actually looks like that. Apart from that, I think Nigeria has a lot to learn from some countries like Kenya. If you go to Kenya and Senegal, you will discover that the government is investing heavily in arts and tourism.

What challenges do artists face in Nigeria?

Without even talking about it, many people know that finance is the greatest problem that young artists face. I think it will be very good if government and banks can develop products that will help not only artists but all creative people in his country. That will go a long way to solve the problem of young artists.

Some people hold the view that Nigerians have problems appreciating works of arts?

I will not blame people who hold such view. Because if you look at the works of Hubert Ogunde and how it has been left since he died, you would agree with that. If you leave property for your children, it is their right to protect it. So I am appealing to our leaders to do something in helping artists. In many cases, the rights are violated but no one speaks for them. We should also stand up just like what other countries are doing to promote our culture.

What type’s works will one find in Nike Art Gallery?

We have different types of paintings, sculptures, installation and all other types of arts works that you can imagine. We equally hope that

“

I have more things that make me happy than those that put me off.

I keep working and one of my philosophies is to have a gallery where young artists, creative people and visitors can meet and express their talents.

“

we will continue to improve with time and demand. With time, there will be more works. Our gallery is also offering opportunities for young artists to showcase their works as well as see what others are doing with their talents. So we are open to every art and culture lover.

Lessons of life at 62?

Now at 62, I will tell you that life has taught me so many lessons.

Whatever one finds him in life is for a moment, no condition is permanent. Therefore, one can work and change his situation.

Fact file of Chief (Mrs.) Nike Okundaye 1.

In 1974, Nike was one of the 10 African artists who toured and taught arts in various crafts institution in the USA. These tours were sponsored by USIS, Lagos.

These trips took Nike to 50 states of America including the Ice regions of Alaska and the Virgin Island of America conducting workshops and delivering lectures in schools and communities centres.

2. In 1981, Nike’s work won the first price during the South West Arts Festival in Washington DC, USA. And, she was awarded many prices of honour at the end of the festival.

3. In 1983, the National Arts Council Lagos, sponsored Nike to represent Nigeria at a workshop held at the museum of Natural History, New York. During the period, her

works attracted many art collectors.

4. In 1985, Nike was one of the six women artists who exhibited at the African Heritage Kenya, during the World Women Conference held in Nairobi. The United Nations sponsored her trip.

5. In 1986, Nike was the only Nigerian woman who represented Nigeria in an exhibition featuring African Centre, London. That exhibition was sponsored by Akin Mama Wa Africa, London.

6. In 1989, Nike and Sakari Douglas Camp were the only Nigerian women artists who represented Nigeria in an exhibition held at the women museum in Washington DC, USA. In1991, USIA sponsored Nike’s educational visit to many institutions of higher learning and museum in USA. This trip again

7.

took Nike to Washington DC to lecture and conduct workshops at the Howard University of Maryland and the Rhode Island school of textile.

In 1992, Nike was the only African who represented the continent of Africa in an exhibition organized by BMW Company, Munich Germany, during their anniversary celebration. Nike was accompanied by her cultural troupe.

9. In 1994, during the celebration marking the 50th anniversary of UN, Nike was one of the 50 artists selected to exhibit their work in a film, a documentary in-put for the anniversary was exhibited in South Africa.

10. In November 1994, Nike exhibited her works at the Royal York Hotel, Toronto Canada, during the 37th annual conference

8.

of the African Studies Association of USA and Canada.

11. In June 2000, Nike was invited by the Federal government of Nigeria to supply all the textile materials, which was designed for the Nigerian pavilion at the Expo 2000 in Hanover, Germany. Her art works were also on display during that Expo in Hanover, Germany.

12. In 2000, she was again invited to Italy by the CISV of Italy and Caritas of Italy to organize art exhibition and workshop in Turin to address the problem of the female prostitution in that country. She mounted these art exhibitions which were largely attended.

13. In 2002, Nike held an art exhibition at the Pan African Film Festival (PAFF) in Hollywood, Los Angeles, California, USA.

Buzz Bytes L4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

Mutiat Alli

New single Alert

Koker drops Kaabo Drama, excitement as Africa Magic brings ‘The Voice to Nigeria’ …as auditions begin January 2016 Nigeria’s leading entertainment platform, Africa Magic, provider of premium African entertainment, is launching The Voice Nigeria, a Nigerian version of the internationally acclaimed reality singing competition with auditioning kick starting 8th of January 2016 and the show begins proper airing in April 2016.

Since its original launch in 2010, The Voice has gone on to win audiences in countries like the US, Australia and the UK, where renowned artists including Adam Levine, Blake Sheldon, Christina Aguilera, Shakira, Tom Jones, Pharrell Williams, Kylie Minogue and Ricky Martin have occupied the show’s famous red chairs as coaches.

The Voice Nigeria employs the

same format including a panel of four coaches who critique the contestants’ performances. The coaches guide their teams of selected artists through the remainder of the season whilst also competing to ensure that their act wins the competition.

According to the Director, M-Net West Africa, Wangi Mba-Uzoukwu: “We are thrilled to announce the launch of The Voice Nigeria.

All over the world, lovers of entertainment recognise The Voice franchise as premium, exciting entertainment and we are thrilled to introduce this excitement to audiences in Nigeria and across Africa.

Our viewers will definitely enjoy the stellar performances by the ar-

tistes and all the excitement as the coaches compete to pick the best performers.”

For his part, the Managing Director, Multichoice Nigeria, Mr. John Ugbe, said: “For over 20 years, MultiChoice has played an active role in the development of the African film and television industry.

The Africa Magic channels, which sit on our DStv and GOtv platforms, continue to display the best of African entertainment content to the world and with the launch of The Voice Nigeria, we have once again provided a platform for African talent to shine.”

The auditioning is expected to be held in PortHarcourt, Calabar, Abuja and Lagos respectively.

Few months after dropping his first official single ‘Do Something’ which took the industry by storm, Mr Koker, as he is fondly called is out with a brand new single titled: ’Kaabo’ as produced by YBNL’s Pheelz.

Koker is signed unto MI Abaga’s led chocolate city music group.

Koker

New video Alert

May D drops ‘’All over you” Visual As the end of 2015 draws closer, musical sensation and dancer, May D has finally released the music video for his Philkeyz single ‘All over you’, which was originally released in April of 2014.

The video is however directed by UJ Pro Films.

May d on set

Chiwetel to receive ‘Richard Harris Award’ at 2016 BIFAs

Seyi shay & Olamide

Seyi shay, Olamide, others for Baseline Christmas gig Ahead of the Yuletide season, the baseline and friends, an innovative event aimed at celebrating Nigeria’s finest entertainers while creating a unique touch to the Yuletide season is at it again as it gears up ahead

of its concert billed to hold at the Lagoon Restaurant, Victoria Island, Sunday December 13, 2015.

The black tie event is expected to host stars such as Darey Art-Alade, Aramide, Brymo, Seyi

Shay, Olamide, Adekunle Gold, Lil Kesh, Vector, and Skales among others gracing the stage.

Music will be provided by renowned DJ’s - DJ Jimmy Jatt and DJ Fresh Waves and Comedian Seyi Law will host the event.

Actor, Chiwetel Ejiofor will receive the Richard Harris prize at the upcoming BIFAs in December. The “12 Years A Slave” actor will receive this year’s British Independent Film Awards’ Richard Harris Award.

The award which was introduced in 2002 in honour of the legendary Richard Harris, is usually given in recognition of outstanding contribution to British film by an actor.

The actor will receive the award for his exceptional service to the film industry on December 6, during the ceremony.

Previous winners include John Hurt, David Thewlis, Bob Hoskins, Jim Broadbent, Daniel Day-Lewis, Helena Bonham Carter, Ralph Fiennes, Michael Gambon, Julie Walters andEmma Thompson.

Chiwetel

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

ON

L5 On set /movie gist

Set Movie title: Aye Ajifa Produced by: Mistura Asunramu

Behind the scene of Tunde Ednut’s Jingle Bell Bellshoot

Directed by: Muka Ray Cast: Femi Adebayo, Tope Osoba, Idowu Philips, Seyi Edun, Bayo Bankole, Tunde Owokoniran, Buki Dahunsi,

Artiste: Tunde Ednut featuring MI, Orezi and Falz Directed by:Q

Olaitan Akingbile, Bukola Fagbuyi, Bose Akinola, Lola

Produced by:Popito

Margret amongst others.

Location: Lagos Island

Location: Houston, Texas, USA

Behind the scene of Brain’s Recognize shoot Artiste: Brain Ft. Ma’Cherie Directed by: Adams GUD Produced by: Seanz Beatz Production outfit: Magikal Entertainment Location: Lagos

Viva Cinema Company debuts in Kwara Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

The Viva Cinema Company Limited has debuted in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital amidst fanfare, pomp and pageantry.

The company, being sponsored by the Bank of Industry (BoI), had at its launch last week Friday, some Nollywood stars like Olumide Bakare, Bukunmi Oluwasina and Muyiwa Oladapo amongst others in attendance.

Viva cinema hall located at the heart of the popular Shoprite Mall was packed full with Nollywood lovers who wanted to catch a glimpse at their stars.

Speaking with Daily Times, Bol, Divisional Head for Large Enterprises, Joseph Babatunde said the bank had invested millions of Naira into the industry, adding that “at the same VIVA Entertainment set similar cinema centre in Ibadan. We have spent quite some money to support the company.”

Mr. Babatunde added that “the entertainment industry holds a lot in terms of provision of employment. You will recall, the 2013 rebased Gross Domestic Product (GDP), the creative industry contributed about 1.6 percent (six million Dollars). That means the industry hold a lot

of potentials. Scores of youths who come out of the university with a lot of talents can exercise themselves through the promotion of the creative industry.

“For us in the Bank of Industry (Bol) we have made adequate arrangement to support the creative industry. For instance we support this in Ilorin. There are youths who are working there; you remember in those days the cinema culture was a great privilege.

“What we are trying to do is to bring back that same cultural values and by bringing them back, we believe that a lot of youths will be employed. So the creative industry is the door for the youths.

The industry holds a lot of potential to take a lot of youths out of the streets and for us in Bol, we are ready to provide funding so that in movie production and cinema, all these age long cultural values can be brought back. So it is not just all about work, people can mix recreation with work”.

He said the movie industry has a lot of challenges bedevilling it in Nigeria. Said he: “It is not only funding that is the key issue with the creative industry in Nigeria, a major issue is that of distribution. Without effective distribution, there is no way you can make your money back. This cinema platform is a major outlet for the

purpose of distributing movies.

Apart from this is lack of standard studios; a lot of film makers go to South Africa, Canada and United States of America to shoot their films, which is not good enough for the industry.

“So we still need a lot of investment in standard studios so that our film producers can shoot their films locally, coupled with the cinema centres coming. For us in the Bank of Industry we have financed about four cinema outlets with about screens and before the end of this year, we will add another 25 or thereabout across the nation”, he said.

Olumide Bakare said that film producers in the country have been able to improve the standard and content of Nigerian movies technically, adding: “the development can help the Nigerian movies as we are creating jobs; bringing new artistes. We want the old the ones go and rest, but I am still very relevant.

“What I want you to know is that there is a cinema house in Ilorin.

So you can come here and watch Nollywood films. Today we are starting with five movies”, he said.

For Oluwasina, the producer of Ayomi: “this is a form of bringing movies to the cinema in a different and dynamic form. We want everybody to enjoy them”.

Behind the scene of Dayo Amusa’s Aye Mishoot Artiste: Dayo Amusa featuring Oritsefemi Produced by: Dayo Amusa Cameo Appearances: Femi Adebayo, Biodun Okeowo, Fathia Balogun, Funke Etti, Iyabo Ojo, and Bimbo Oshin amongst others.

Location: Ibadan

Lilian Esoro bags endorsement deal Just few days after a member of the triple MG was announced as the Cross Rivers Festival carnival Ambassador, newly married Nollywood actress, Lilian Esoro-Franklin has equally signed her first endorsement deal, few weeks after her wedding to Made Men Music Group (MMMG).

The clinic matter star is now the Brand Ambassador of House of Lunettes; a premium store for designer sunglasses.

Lilian Esoro

Nutrition L6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

Eat smart: Judith Frank-Edet

Just like other parts of your body, the brain requires nutrients essential for keeping your memory and intellect sharp. Foods can help improve your memory naturally and boost brain power. The following memory enhancing foods will help boost your brainpower and reduce your risk of dementia: a disease that involves memory loss and difficulty in thinking.

Fish: Fish especially cold water “fatty fish” such as salmon, tuna and sardines are rich in omega-3 fatty acids and approximately 8 per cent of the brain’s weight is comprised of omega-3 fatty acids 3, the building block for an estimated 100 billion neurons. More and more evidence indicate that omega-3 fatty acids are particularly beneficial for brain health. In addition to boosting brainpower, eating fish may also lower your risk of developing Alzheimer’s disease, a disease that impairs memory.

Shrimps too have a high level of vitamin B12, which has been shown to prevent memory decline and is crucial for healthy nerves and brain cells. In a study, scientists analyzed the diets of 12,000 pregnant women and found out that children of those who consumed the least omega-3 were 48 per cent more likely to score the lowest quartile on IQ tests.

Avocado pear: Every organ in the body depends on blood flow, especially the heart and brain and avocados enhance blood flow, lower cholesterol, and aid in the absorption of antioxidants. Avocados also come with many antioxidants of their own, including vitamin E, which protects the body and the brain from free radical damage. They are also a good source of potassium and vitamin K, both protect the brain from the risk of stroke.

Virgin coconut oil: Coconut oil is a hearthealthy oil that is free of cholesterol and transfats, and boosts ketones. It contains medium chain triglycerides ( MCT) that the body uses for energy, leaving glucose for the brain. Anything that benefits the heart and circulation also benefits the brain. Coconut oil acts as an antiinflammatory as well and has been linked to helping prevent Alzheimer and dementia. The good thing about coconut oil is that it works almost instantly. In a study published in 2004 in the journal, Neurobiology of Aging, it was determined that coconut oil’s MCT improved cognitive function among older people with memory problems and even Alzheimer disease. They

took 20 subjects and randomly fed them coconut oil or placebos on different days and all of them demonstrated better paragraph recall shortly after taking each dose of coconut oil.

Beans: Beans and legumes contain complex carbohydrates which are also mixed with fiber that slows absorption, giving us a steady supply of glucose for the brain without the risks of sugar spikes associated with many other sugar sources. Beans and legumes are also rich in folate, a B vitamin critical to brain function and essential omega fatty acids. Beans is good for the heart and also good for children’s brains since they have energy from protein, complex carbohydrates, fiber, and vitamins and minerals. They can keep energy levels high.

Blueberries: Blueberries are antioxidant powerhouses, protecting the brain from oxidative damage and stress that lead to premature aging, Alzheimer, and dementia.

They contain flavonoids which improve the communication between neurons, improving memory, learning, and all cognitive function, including reasoning, decision making, verbal comprehension, and numerical anility. Other dark berries are good for the brain too.

Green tea: Green tea contains less caffeine but still acts as a mild stimulant while also providing your body with antioxidants and flavonoids. Drinking a cup of green tea extract improves your memory by increasing connectivity between the parietal and the frontal cortex of the brain. A study published in the journal Psychopharmacology, found green tea isn’t just good for the body, but also for the mind, as it boosts brain power, possibly helping treat psychiatric disorders, such as dementia. So it may be time to trade coffee or black tea for some green tea.

Walnuts: Eating walnuts may improve performance on cognitive function tests, including those for memory, concentration and information processing speed. They are great sources of omega 3 and omega 6 fatty acids, vitamin B6, and vitamin E. Vitamin E has been shown to prevent many forms of dementia by protecting the brain from free radicals, and it improves brain power. A study by School of Medicine at UCLA, Los Angeles, found that cognitive function was consistently greater in adult participants that consumed walnuts regardless of age, gender or ethnicity. Just a handful of

Memory boosting food

Coconut oil walnuts a day could be a way to improve your memory, a great deal.

Tomatoes: Tomatoes contain lycopene, a powerful antioxidant that protects against memory loss. Research shows that lycopene can protect against free radical damage in cells which can speed up dementia. Other lycopene sources are pawpaw, watermelon, grapefruit, etc.

Olive oil: Instead of cooking with unhealthy oils which have saturated the market, substitute them with olive oil. Olive oil nutrition data shows that it’s a good source of vitamins E and vitamin K. Vitamin E prevents mental decline as we age especially in the presence of vitamin C, works to maintain a good memory, slow memory loss, and significantly reduce the risk of Alzheimer’s and dementia.

Chewing gum: Chewing a gum can also do some magic to your memory. A study at Cardiff University had two groups of people each listen to a 30-minute recording of a sequence of numbers. When asked to recall the sequence later, the group that chewed gum had higher accuracy rates and faster reaction times than the group without the gum. This suggests that chewing gum helps us focus on tasks that require continuous monitoring over a longer amount of time.

Water your brain: Your brain needs enough fluid to work effectively. A study published in Psychology Today, reveals that dehydration can affect cognitive function and also impair

short-term memory, focus and decision-making. Target 6-8 glasses of fluid a day. Water is the healthiest choice but natural fruit juice, the one you juice yourself, fruit smoothies and milk, also count towards your fluid intake.

Eggs: Eating eggs with its yolks provide choline, a nutrient in the vitamin B family. A study found that people who have a diet rich in choline, scored higher on verbal and visual memory tests and are less likely to show signs associated with dementia. Choline can lower blood levels of an amino acid called homocysteine which causes heart disease, cancer and dementia if it becomes too much in the body. Choline can also aid in constructing our”memory” neurotransmitter called acetylcholine. Try incorporating eggs into your breakfasts, but eat them in moderation as they contain dietary cholesterol.

Yoghurt: Yoghurts are sweet tasting and when you consider its brain-boosting properties, you have more reasons to take them. Researchers at the University of California, Los Angeles, determined that the probiotics, found in yogurt might be good for the brain. They can help keep brain cell membranes flexible, helping them to send and receive information.

Beef: A study published in the American Journal of Clinical Nutrition reveals that healthy iron levels aid performance of mental tasks.

Iron helps transport oxygen throughout the body and to the brain.

Tomatoes

Avocado pear

Eggs

Blue berries

Chewing gum

water Green tea

Beans

Fish

Walnuts

Yoghurt

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

L7

Images of the WEEKEND FACES AT NIGERIA TECHNOLOGY AWARDS, LAGOS

L-R: Chief Operations Officer, Center Point Network, George Opara, DGM, Admin & Corporate Services, CPN, Ijeoma Chukwureh and AGM Eng., CPN, Yinka Bamidele

A cross section of awardees

Presentation of award to Onyeka Akumah of Anozim Limited Photos: QUADRI OLOWOLAGBA

L-R: Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode (right) with pupils during the official opening of the 31st edition of Christian Family Funfair at LTV Agindingbi, Ikeja, Lagos…at the weekend.

Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

DANGOTE FOUNDATION PRESENTS PROTOTYPE OF ULTRA MODERN MEDICAL COMPLEX

Executive Director, Dangote Foundation, Hajiya Halimat Dangote (left) presenting a prototype of Hajiya Mariya Sanusi Dantata Ultral Modern Medical Complex by Dangote Foundation to Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje During the Visit to the Government House, Kano State… at the weekend.

Executive Director Dangote Foundation, Hajiya Halimat Dangote (left); Dangote Project Division, General Manager Civil, Engr. Auwalu Haliru (middle); Kano State Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje (right) and others during the Governor’s visit to the construction site of Hajiya Mariya Sanusi Dantata Ultral Modern Medical Complex by Dangote Foundation.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 30, 2015

Tinsel

Showing on

13:30

Mon, 30 Nov | PG13

Showing on 150 Africa Magic Showcase ‘S8/E1536 - 8/1536’. Tsav takes a huge risk to deliver a personal message to Amaka. The girls adjusts their travel plans as the Baale and Prince Ojo pay a very special visit. Bimpe confronts Nina and causes trouble for Soji.

101 M-Net

L8 Television 166 Channel

Married Again

08:00

Mon, 30 Nov | PG

‘S1/E94 - 1/94’. Yash’s father is accused of having another child outside his marriage. He agrees to take a DNA test to prove he is not the father. Aarti breaks into Radha’s house in search of ammunition and is shocked at her findings.

120 BBC Entertainment

118 Telemundo

128 SONY MAX

00:20 Would I Lie To You? 00:50 The Cube 01:40 Call The Midwife: Christmas...

03:00 EastEnders 03:30 EastEnders 11:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 12:00 The Voice 13:00 Royal Pains 14:00 Arrow 15:00 Resurrection 16:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 17:00 The Goldbergs 17:30 The Voice 18:30 Grey’s Anatomy 19:30 Mysteries Of Laura 20:30 Elementary 21:30 Carte Blanche 22:30 Hello Ladies: The Movie

154 AfricaMagic Family

00:55 Out Of The Ghetto 02:30 Jane And Abel 03:00 Good Morning Africa 04:00 Scarlet 05:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 Star Gist 07:25 Redial 08:30 Living With Trisha 09:25 Mashariki Mix 10:00 Good Morning Africa 11:00 Tinsel 11:30 Star Gist 12:00 Music Block 13:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 14:00 Goge Africa 14:30 Nowhere To Be Found

04:00 EastEnders 04:30 EastEnders

03:50 The Impostor 05:20 The Del Monte Dynasty 06:10 Labour Of Love 07:00 Part Of Me 07:50 Queen Of Hearts 08:40 The Impostor 09:30 Forbidden Passions 10:20 Labour Of Love 11:10 Part Of Me 12:00 Queen Of Hearts 12:50 The Impostor 13:40 Forbidden Passions 14:30 Labour Of Love 15:20 Part Of Me 16:10 Queen Of Hearts 17:00 The Impostor 17:50 Forbidden Passions 18:40 Labour Of Love 19:30 Part Of Me 20:20 Queen Of Hearts 21:10 The Impostor 22:00 Forbidden Passions 22:50 Labour Of Love

15:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 16:00 Prem 16:30 Tenant 17:30 Mary Slessor 18:00 Jane And Abel 18:30 Jane And Abel 19:00 Tinsel 19:30 Star Gist 19:55 Paul’s Puzzle 21:00 Nowhere To Be Found 21:30 Goge Africa 22:05 Living With Trisha

05:00 Mr. Bean: The Animated Series

14:10 Total Wipeout UK

05:25 QI

16:00 EastEnders

06:00 The Thin Blue Line

16:30 Deal Or No Deal

06:30 EastEnders

00:30 Killer Karaoke

17:10 The Cube

07:00 Antiques Roadshow

01:30 Tattoo Nightmares

07:55 The Weakest Link

18:05 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

02:00 Most Shocking

08:45 The Chase

19:00 Celebrity MasterChef

09:30 Total Wipeout UK

20:00 Hell’s Kitchen USA

10:30 The Cube

21:00 Hell’s Kitchen USA

11:20 New Tricks

21:50 The Graham Norton Show

12:20 Top Gear

22:40 Would I Lie To You?

13:15 Come Dine With Me

22:30 Would I Lie To You?

15:05 The Weakest Link

155 AfricaMagic World

03:00 Most Shocking 04:00 Exposed 04:30 Exposed 05:00 Criss Angel Mindfreak 05:25 Exposed 05:50 Exposed 06:15 Video Zonkers 06:40 Video Zonkers 07:05 World’s Wildest Police Videos 08:05 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 09:05 South Beach Tow 09:35 Most Shocking 10:35 Most Shocking 11:35 Video Zonkers 12:05 Video Zonkers 12:35 World’s Wildest Police Videos 13:35 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 14:35 South Beach Tow

00:05 Music Block 01:10 Good Morning Africa 02:10 Deal Or No Deal SA 03:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 04:00 The Dzigbordi Show 05:00 Good Morning Africa 06:00 The Heart Of A Shepherd 07:50 Star Gist 08:25 Star Gist 09:00 Good Morning Africa 10:00 The Dzigbordi Show 11:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 12:00 Deal Or No Deal SA

13:00 Music Block 14:00 Star Gist 14:30 Star Gist 15:00 Star Gist 15:30 Lies That Bind 16:00 The Dzigbordi Show 17:00 So Wrong So Wright 17:30 So Wrong So Wright 18:00 The Dzigbordi Show 19:00 Kumwesu 19:30 Kumwesu 20:00 Revelation 21:20 Jara 21:55 Music Block

15:05 Most Shocking 16:05 1000 Ways To Die 16:30 Video Zonkers 17:00 Video Zonkers 17:30 Caught On Camera 18:30 What Went Down 19:00 South Beach Tow 19:30 Hardcore Pawn: Chicago 20:00 Enemy Territory 21:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 22:00 Sexy Car Wash 22:30 Most Shocking

‘Rooney struggling with role’ g X6

Wenger backs

Campbell to earn spot g X6

Monday, November 30, 2015

e l o i t E claim CAF Confed g X2 Cup title

g X3

Igbokwe tasks NFF on league boards’ elections

Olsson urges g X7

Ibrahimovic

to make EPL move

o h n i r u o M ta denies Cos ! n i a g a t f i r

g X6

Neymar plans Barca extension g X7

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Monday, November 30, 2015

EXTRATIME

Etiole claim CAF Confed Cup title E

toile du Sahel are the new CAF Confederation Cup champions after defeating Orlando Pirates 1-0 (2-1 on aggregate) in the second leg of the final at the Olympic Stadium in Sousse on Sunday afternoon.

The Tunisians scored the only goal through Ammar Jemal (the same scorer as the first leg in Soweto last weekend which ended 1-1) and then put up a superb defensive display to protect their narrow advantage.

Needing an away goal after drawing 1-1 in the first leg in Soweto last week, the Buccaneers were unable to find the back of the net against Etoile’s impenetrable defence, though they can take pride from a performance in which they were arguably the better team through the 90 minutes.

Etoile settled the quicker of

Tornadoes emerge NNL champions

N Etoile du Sahel players celebrate after scoring a goal against Orlando Pirates of South Africa during the CAF Confederation Cup final on Sunday.

the two teams, but it was Pirates who created the first clear chance, with Thamsanqa Gabuza sending Thabo Rakhale through on goal on the right of the penalty area, but the winger scuffed his shot wide of the far post in the 18th minute.

Shortly thereafter the home side suffered a major blow when they were forced to substitute leading goal scorer Baghdad Bounedjah due to injury, with the Algerian suffering under a heavy challenge from Ayanda Gcaba.

Nonetheless, Etoile shrugged off that setback and claimed the lead midway through the first half.

A left-flank cross was deflected toward his own goal by Happy Jele and goalkeeper Felipe Ovono was unable to handle the ball cleanly, allowing Ammar Jemal to poke the ball home from close range.

The hosts moved up a gear

after taking the lead, playing with confidence and intelligence to force the Buccaneers onto the back foot, but they were unable to add to their advantage, leaving the score 1-0 in their favour at the break.

Pirates, playing with a strong wind at their backs, were the better team in the second half, with Etoile prepared to sit back and look to soak up whatever the visitors threw at them. It was a risky strategy from the hosts, but their excellent defence held up and frustrated the South African side.

Bucs’ only real threat at goal arrived late in the game when substitute Menzi Masuku sent a shot at goal direct from a free kick, but veteran goalkeeper Aymen Mathlouthi made an excellent save to keep his side in the ascendancy.

iger Tornadoes are the champions of the Nigeria National League (NNL) following their 1-0 win over Plateau United in the Super 4 finals on Sunday in Abuja.

Tornadoes led by Coach Abdullahi Biffo got the only goal of the game from the penalty spot through Lukman Mohammed in the 59th minute.

Biffo has now won the NNL title twice having won it in 2013 with Giwa FC. MFM FC won the bronze medal in the battle of the Lagos clubs when they beat Ikorodu United 4-2 through penalties after game ended

2-2 at the end of the regulation time.

Ikorodu United opened scoring in the fourth minute when Olisema Cyril converted a spot kick.

MFM leveled scores in the 20th minute, when Onajite put the ball in his own net.

Olisema Cyril restored Ikorodu United’s lead in the 26th minute, but MFM resorted parity in the 44th minute through Austine Ogunye.

Ikorodu United’s goalkeeper was sent off in the 33rd minute for a tackle on a goal-bound player.

The resultant penalty taken by Babatunde Oshoke in the 38th minute came off the goal post.

Niger Tornadoes FC players celebrating after winning the Nigeria National League 2015 Super 4 competitions in Abuja on Sunday. They defeated Plateau United FC 1-0 in the final.

PHOTO: NAN

Monday, November 30, 2015

EXTRATIME

Igbokwe

I’ve forgiven Green, Zira, others, says

tasks NFF on league boards’ elections I yke Igbokwe, Vice Chairman of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) Disciplinary Committee, has urged the leadership of the country’s football house to conduct election into the board of the Nigeria Premier League (NPL), alongside other leagues.

Igbokwe, who made the call in Abuja on Sunday, said anything short of elections into the NPL Board this time around would amount to illegally perpetuating the League Management Company (LMC) in office.

The News Agency of Nigeria

FEPSGA boss warns against use of mercenaries ANDREW EKEJIUBA

T

he National President Federation of Public Service Games (FEPSGA), Comrade Dahiru Hassan, has warned against use of machineries in the 34th edition of the competition.

Hassan told newsmen in Owerri at the 3-Day pre-games seminar on sports activities that the use of mercenaries would not be tolerated.

He urged the participating public servants not to see the game scheduled to kick off formally next week Monday as a do-or-die affair.

He said that the competition offers ample opportunity for every public servant to wine, interact, and make friends with one another as citizens of the same nation called Nigeria.

In his brief speech Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo state represented at the event by his Senior Special Assistant on Special duties Barr Emma Ibediro assured everyone present that there is no going back on hosting the game in the state this year.

He said that whatever that is needed to be done must be given serious attention stressing that Imo state is hosting the games to win.

The governor who formally welcomed the participants to the state, expressed optimism that the game would boost the economy of the state giving the calibre and number of people that would come to Imo from across the country.

(NAN) reports that Igbokwe’s call came on the heels of comments credited to Amaju Pinnick, NFF President that the tenures of the three leagues chairmen have expired.

The leagues are the Nigeria National League chaired by Emeka Inyama; Nigeria Women League (NWL) with Dilichukwu Onyedimma as its Chairperson and the Nigeria Nationwide League (NNWL) headed

by Ahmed Kawu.

According to Igbokwe, it is worrisome that the LMC has remained in office overseeing the NPL and illegally occupying one of the seats in the executive committee

of the NFF, contrary to the country’s football statutes.

Igbokwe pointed out that the present government unlike what was in existence during the NFF election in Warri, frowns at illegality and would be ready to punish anybody who indulged in it.

He said that the action of the NFF would erode public confidence if it failed to conduct the NPL election alongside other leagues.

He also warned that he would petition President Buhari and the Minister of Sports on some shoddy deals of the NFF if it tried to manipulate the electoral guidelines to favour any group or individuals.

Bewarang

B

Igbokwe

o d n o w k e a T P G I tour ney holds in Lagos ANDREW EKEJIUBA

T

aekwondo practitioners from across the country are expected in Lagos this week for the 2015 edition of the Inspector General of Police National Open Taekwondo Championship holding from December 2-5, 2015, at the National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Chairperson of the Nigeria Police Taekwondo, Superintendent of Police-Stella Ebikefe revealed to Extra Time that the championship would be unique as over 200 Taekwondo athletes drawn from across the country are expected to feature in the exercise based on the entries received from the Nigeria Taekwondo Federation (NTF) that conducted the registration exercise.

Ebikefe, who dismissed any logistic worries including medicals,

said adequate arrangements for the successful staging of the competition have been concluded even as the carefully selected members of the Local Organizing Committee are good to go.

She said adequate security have

NTF boss, Grand Master George Ashiru.

been made as officers and men of the Nigerian Police Force are combat ready as they have been put on full alert to ensure that participants at the IGP Taekwondo Championship will sleep with their two eyes fully closed throughout the 4-day tournament.

The Police chairperson pleaded with members of the public to besiege the venue of the competition to be part of the exciting moments of the IGP Taekwondo tourney.

Meanwhile, President of the Nigerian Taekwondo Federation (NTF), Grand Master George Ashiru, has commended the Inspector General of Police for the championship while commending the Nigerian Police Taekwondo chairperson, Ebikefe for her foresight in organizing the championship.

Asoju-Oba tennis tourney serves off in Lagos ANDREW EKEJIUBA The 47th edition of the annual Asoju-Oba Molade Okoye Thomas Table Tennis Championship will serve off today, November 30 at the Sir Molade Okoya- Thomas Sports Hall of Teslim Balogun Stadium, Surulere, Lagos.

Disclosing this to the media during a press conference to herald the tournament, son of the late sponsor,

Ayodeji Okoya-Thomas announced that the family in keeping with the request of the sponsor before his death decided to continue sponsoring the championship which has now been changed to AsojuOba Molade Okoya Thomas Table Tennis Championship and will be concluded on December 4.

According to him, in keeping with the tradition of the championship, a total of 22 titles will be at stake at

X3

the competition which will be in three categories; Cadet, Intermediate and Senior categories, even as he announced that there will be women and men’s singles, doubles and mixed doubles, while Para- table tennis will also be competing for the third time this year. There will also be Administrators singles event, Coaches singles, and Sports Writers singles events among others.

itrus Bewarang, the General Manager of Plateau United Football Club of Jos, has said that he has forgiven groups and individuals that almost frustrated his club’s promotion to the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL).

Bewarang, who is also the President, Nigeria Football Coaches Association (NFCA), said this on Sunday in Abuja, in an interview with newsmen.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the NFF Disciplinary Committee had promoted Adamawa United to the NPFL ahead of Plateau United following controversies surrounding the last league matches of the season.

The committee had on Oct. 16 decided that Plateau would lose their points because of the delayed kick-off of their final match with Spotlight FC of Katsina.

Plateau United, however, appealed the decision and was subsequently promoted instead of Adamawa United, which the Disciplinary Committee preferred.

According to Bewarang, the groups and individuals have been forgiven after the Appeals Committee of the NFF waded into the case and gave them justice.

He noted that with Christopher Green as the Chairman of Disciplinary Committee and Emmanuel Zira, as the Chairman of Adamawa United, the forgiveness became necessary for the development of football.

Bewarang said that his club had been denied promotion to the NPFL on several occasion in the past but noted that this season was destined for them to achieve their dream.

Bewarang, who was an assistant Super Eagles coach said that the team had all it takes to play in the elite league having beaten three NPFL clubs in the FA Cup competition.

Bewarang

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Monday, November 30, 2015

Monday, November 30, 2015

X5

X6

Monday, November 30, 2015

EXTRATIME

‘Rooney struggling with role’

Rooney

W

ayne Rooney is still struggling to come to terms with the role Louis van Gaal wants him to play at Manchester United, according to media reports.

Rooney, who has scored just two Premier League goals this season, struggled to make an impact in his side’s 1-1 draw at Leicester on Saturday.

The 30-year-old was substituted after 68 minutes at the King Power Stadium after taking a kick to the chest from Robert Huth, but Dunn thinks Rooney is still struggling to get to grips with Van Gaal’s methods.

“It’s taken him 15 months to get the goals Jamie Vardy has scored in this record breaking run,” Andy Dunn told reporters.

“He’ll know that’s not good enough but he does look off the pace physically and mentally.

He looks a bit jaded.

“However, when I look at him in this United side I also think Rooney looks unsure of his role in the team during game time.

You don’t know whether he’s the 10. You don’t know whether actually Van Gaal’s given him a license to get further forward or whether it’s to drop back when things change around.

“He snatched at a couple of volleys and he gave away possession high up the pitch which is unlike him. Even after 18 months or so, I think he’s still struggling to come to terms with what Van G a a l

specifically wants out of him.”

D

Mourinho denies Costa rift again!

C

helsea manager Jose Mourinho has again denied suggestions of a rift between himself and Diego Costa and expressed happiness with how his decision to drop the striker for Sunday’s 0-0 draw with

Tottenham worked out.

The striker was seen arguing with the Portuguese during the 4-0 win over Maccabi Tel Aviv in the Champions League in midweek, a row Mourinho claimed was settled with “a few

kisses and cuddles” at half-time.

However, Costa was omitted from the starting line-up for the trip to White Hart Lane and, having not participated in the warm-up, threw his bib in the manager’s direction after Ruben Loftus-Cheek entered as the final substitute in second-half stoppage time.

“There is not an issue, not at all. It was just a decision and

o ourinh Jose M with (right) Costa.

Diego

I think we played really well, the dynamic was really good,” Mourinho told reporters.

“I don’t like my subs to warm up. I just want them to be mentally ready to play when I need them.

“During the second half when I felt that I could eventually use one of them, they went to warm up and he was ready to play.

“Eden Hazard and Oscar appeared in dangerous positions, the same as Pedro, so the game went in the direction we wanted to take it.

“I’m really happy with my decision.”

Wenger backs

Campbell A

to earn spot

rsenal manager Arsene Wenger backed “fighter” Joel Campbell to win a regular first-team place at the club.

The Costa Rica international has been on loan in four straight seasons since joining Arsenal from Deportivo Saprissa in 2011.

With injuries hitting Wenger’s squad, Campbell has been given his chances, making three Premier

League appearances and four in Europe.

Wenger said he was impressed by the 23-year-old’s qualities and feels Campbell is ready to be a regular, even when the likes of Aaron Ramsey and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain return.

“This season I didn’t want to give him out because he has a genuine team attitude and he’s a fighter,” the Frenchman said.

“What you want from him is to bring more offensively when he played and recently he has

shown when he is confident he can produce the offensive quality as well being reliable on the team attitude.

“He’s a fighter so that’s great for us. I smelt something with him that is very interesting.

“The other night he has a positive attitude, he was not only playing safe.”

Wenger ruled out sending Campbell away from the club again, insisting the 55-time international was now ready for the competition.

Klopp: I’m free to sign Dortmund players

L

Campbell

iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp insisted he is free to sign players from Borussia Dortmund, denying an agreement is in place to prevent him raiding his former club.

The German coach has been linked with moves for several of Dortmund’s stars, including defenders Mats Hummels and Neven Subotic and midfielder

Ilkay Gundogan since taking over at Anfield in October.

However, Klopp has told supporters not to expect multiple transfers between the two clubs, explaining how his new side are unable to compete on the same finance scale as other elite clubs.

“I have no agreement with Borussia Dortmund,” Klopp said.

“I heard about an agreement, but no. Yet in my opinion it only makes sense to go for players we think we can get.

“So if we want to battle with the likes of Chelsea and Manchester City... we can pay 100 million, they can pay 120.

It’s a crazy marketplace when you start doing this.”

Klopp

Monday, November 30, 2015

EXTRATIME

BRIEFS

Neymar plans Barca extension N

eymar says he plans to end speculation over his future by signing a new contract with Barcelona.

The 23-year-old continued his fine form on Saturday evening as he scored twice in Barca’s 4-0 win over Real Sociedad.

He is under contract at the Camp Nou until 2018 but his father recently said that ongoing tax issues in Spain could throw any extension into doubt while Manchester United are reportedly keeping tabs on the Brazilian.

However, speaking after the win over Sociedad, Neymar said: “I still have some years left on my contract and my father has already spoken about my future.

“It’s true that my father said that the tax issues are a problem, but we’re talking

all that over. I’m still under contract and of course I intend to sign a new one.”

Neymar has been a key player for Barca this season, particularly with Lionel Messi missing almost two months through injury, the Brazilian has bagged 16 goals including 14 in La Liga.

Messi scored his first La Liga goal since late September against Sociedad and Neymar admitted he worked hard to ensure his team-mate got on the scoresheet.

“It’s true that, at the end, I looked for Leo so he could score his goal,” he said.

“Off the pitch, he helps us a lot. I’m happy when Luis Suarez and Messi score, and they are when I do. I’m very happy with everything we’re doing at the moment.

“I want to help my team-mates and keep scoring and creating goals.”

out for three months

A

tletico Madrid President, Enrique Cerezo, expects Tiago to be out for at least three months after suffering a broken leg.

Tiago was replaced by Yannick Ferreira Carrasco in the 33rd minute of Atletico’s 1-0 win over Espanyol, with a subsequent scan revealing the extent of his injury.

Cerezo was joined by a group of players in visiting the Portuguese at hospital while he awaits surgery.

However, the president hopes Tiago can return before the end of the season.

“In spite of the injury he’s fine and keeping his spirits up.

I think he’ll be out for three months,” Cerezo said.

“He has a fractured tibia and

Fekir dreams of Barca move L

yon forward Nabil Fekir dreams of playing for Barcelona and winning the Ballon d’Or during his career. The 22-year-old formed a formidable partnership with Alexandre Lacazette – totalling 40 goals between them – in his breakout season as Hubert Fournier’s side finished second in Ligue 1 in 2014-15.

Fekir is determined to maintain his good form for Lyon, but admitted he has his eyes set on a transfer to Camp Nou in the future.

Galliani: Milan refused to sell Niang A

driano Galliani has praised M’Baye Niang after the attacker scored his first Serie A goals for AC Milan in a 4-1 win over Sampdoria on Saturday and has taken credit for preventing the Frenchman from joining Genoa on a permanent basis.

Niang - who scored twice and set up another to help Sinisa Mihajlovic’s men to a comfortable win at San Siro - spent the second half of last season on loan at the Stadio Luigi Ferraris and Genoa were apparently keen to hold of him beyond that temporary spell.

Lahm hails Bayern for adapting to injuries P

Neymar

Olsson urges

Tiago

Ibrahimovic to make EPL move

P

Tiago

will undergo surgery. It’s a very important loss for us but we hope he returns soon and can be back playing.

“All we are thinking about at the moment is Tiago and hoping that his operation turns out successfully.”

Diego Simeone lamented the loss of the former Chelsea midfielder and wished him a speedy recovery.

“Tiago is out injured, but with every day that passes he is closer to being back with us,” he said.

“He’s a player with a tremendous amount of energy, he’ll be back in good time.

“I’d like to send him all of our energy – from the club, the fans, the squad. We love him very much.”

aris Saint-Germain star Zlatan Ibrahimovic has once again been urged to make an English Premier League (EPL) move.

The 34-year-old, whose contract with the Ligue 1 champions expires in mid-2016, said earlier in November it was too late to make a switch to the English top-flight.

But Ibrahimovic’s Sweden teammate and West Brom defender Jonas Olsson said the striker was still good enough to have an impact in the Premier League.

“He’s still at the top of his game,” Olsson said.

“He is the strongest player I have been up against. I really hope

Ibrahimovic

X7

he comes. Zlatan on his day is the most talented footballer in the game.

“He has played under Jose Mourinho before at Inter and the only place where he’s not 100 per cent appreciated is in the UK. “I think he can play for any team in this league - he is still that good.”

Ibrahimovic has won league titles in Netherlands, Italy, Spain and France, but his next move is seemingly most likely to MLS in the United States.

The striker scored in PSG’s 4-1 win over Troyes on Saturday to take his tally in Ligue 1 this season to 10 goals.

hilipp Lahm has praised Bayern Munich’s ability to cope with injuries following their 2-0 win over Hertha Berlin on Saturday. Arjen Robben and Franck Ribery have sat out most of the season, with head coach Pep Guardiola forced to rejig his line-up further after Douglas Costa’s thigh injury. Kingsley Coman, naturally a left-sided winger, was used in a more attacking role at the Allianz Arena and club captain Lahm was pleased with how the team restructured their play.

Inter playing to their strengths

–Sarri N

apoli coach Maurizio Sarri says he does not feel Inter are a boring team and is eagerly anticipating the clash between Serie A’s top two at the Stadio San Paolo today.

Roberto Mancini’s miserly side have recorded seven 1-0 wins from 13 league matches this season, but Sarri has praised the Nerazzurri for playing to their strengths rather than criticise what are considered by some to be overly defensive tactics.

“Inter are a very strong and solid team. Their results in Serie A so far are proof of this,” Sarri said at a news conference.

“I disagree with those who say Inter do not play good football. Each team plays a style of football that fits their characteristics.

“Two very different teams will lock horns. Inter play a very efficient type of football. They are a very physical and strong team. But we will try to play our own game, like we always do.

X8

Monday, November 30, 2015

EXTRATIME

FOOTBALL

Russia ban signing of Turkish players

R

ussian clubs will be banned from signing Turkish players during the upcoming winter break.

Relations between the countries have been strained since a Russian warplane was shot down by Turkish forces on the Syrian border, killing one pilot.

Russian sports minister Vitaly Mutko told reporters that clubs had “already got the message”.

“If anyone wants to sign a Turkish player during the break, there will not be such a possibility,” he said.

Mutko said the sports sanctions would not affect Turkish players currently playing for Russian soccer clubs, such as Rubin Kazan’s midfielder Gokdeniz Karadeniz, who joined the Tatarstan outfit in 2008.

ATHLETICS

T

he IAAF has been accused of trying to “muddy the waters” in the ongoing investigation into doping in athletics, by an expert involved in the case.

The world governing body defended its conduct after it was implicated in the World Anti-Doping Agency’s (WADA) commission into the allegations.

Michael Ashenden was one of two experts enlisted to analyse leaked data belonging to the IAAF. He said the IAAF’s 38-page statement on Friday was “deliberately bloated”.

In the statement, the federation insisted it had used

A

CRICKET

sh’s 49 Shaun Mar ralia to st u A helped victory.

Australia beat NZ in Adelaide day-night Test Blood experts criticise IAAF claims “every tool available to it to catch blood dopers in athletics and with considerable success”.

British marathon world record holder Paula Radcliffe, who claimed she had been implicated by a parliamentary hearing, was declared “entirely innocent” by the IAAF and the UK Anti-Doping Agency after what the IAAF called a “gross misinterpretation of raw and incomplete data”.

The IAAF said documents

showed that it had “consistently been a pioneer” in the war against doping and sought to demonstrate that it had been rigorous in its testing and use of the blood data it held.

But Ashenden responded: “Faced with the life-threatening blood values which they knew existed amongst their athletes, I say they should have tried to push the legal envelope.

GOLF

l e z t r a Schw unhill title D h t r u o f s n i w

C

harl Schwartzel secured a fourth Alfred Dunhill Championship title in 11 years when he finished 15 under par in his native South Africa on Sunday.

The world number 50 shot a finalday two-under in Malelane to win by four shots from France’s Gregory Bourdy.

Schwartzel, 31, led Frenchman Benjamin Herbert, who slipped to third, by three strokes heading into the fourth round where he carded

a second successive 70. England’s Matt Ford was the highest Briton, tied in fifth.

Schwartzel, the 2011 Masters champion, was unhappy with his round on Saturday and had to recover from a bogey on the third on Sunday.

He bogeyed again on the eighth at Leopard Creek Country Club, but four birdies made sure he held off a resurgent Bourdy.

“It’s an honour playing here,”

Schwartzel

Schwartzel told reporters.

“I knew I was going to have to shoot at least two or three under on the back nine to give myself a good chance of winning and I’m very happy with that.”

It meant Schwartzel became the third South African to win 10 European Tour events, alongside Ernie Els and Retief Goosen, and the youngest to do so ahead of Els. The competition marked the start of the 2016 European Tour.

ustralia sealed a 2-0 victory in the threematch series against New Zealand with a three-wicket win in a gripping inaugural day-night Test in Adelaide.

Set 187 to win after bowling the Kiwis out in the first session on day three, the hosts were made to work hard for every run.

Trent Boult took 5-60 but Shaun Marsh’s 49 and 28 each from Adam Voges and Mitchell Marsh proved decisive.

Josh Hazlewood took a careerbest 6-70 to help dismiss New Zealand for 208.

All of the real drama, though, was reserved for the evening when, for the third day running, the extra swing of the pink ball ensured a regular fall of wickets.

Boult was the main beneficiary, adding a five-wicket haul to the 2-41 he claimed in the first innings to keep an increasingly nervous home side and crowd on edge throughout what had seemed a straightforward chase.

In the absence of Mitchell Starc, who has been unable to bowl or field since injuring his foot on Friday, Hazlewood came to the fore, spearheading the Australia pace attack in impressive fashion.

The 24-year-old helped the home side dominate the first session, getting them off to the best possible start by dismissing BJ Watling - caught at slip by Steve Smith - before the Kiwis had added to their overnight lead of 94.

Hazlewood completed his fivewicket haul when he had Mark Craig caught behind for 15 to leave New Zealand 140-7.

After spinner Nathan Lyon had Mitchell Santner, the innings’ top scorer with 45, stumped and all-rounder Mitchell Marsh claimed a third wicket by having Tim Southee (13) caught pulling at deep backward square, Hazlewood finished New Zealand off by bowling Boult.

Doug Bracewell was the last man standing, his 27 not out helping the visitors set a modest target of 187.

Murray

wins the Davis Cup for GB TENNIS G

reat Britain have won the Davis Cup for the first time since 1936 after Andy Murray beat Belgium’s David Goffin to clinch the decisive point in Ghent.

Murray won 6-3 7-5 6-3 to give the visitors an unassailable 3-1 lead in the best-of-five tie.

Britain have now won the team title 10 times, while Murray adds the Davis Cup to his other major titles at Wimbledon, the US Open and the Olympic Games.

Captain Leon Smith guided Britain from the third tier to glory in five years.

The combined challenge of whistles, shouts, camera flashes and the weight of history could not derail Murray from his task - and neither could Goffin.

The two-time Grand Slam champion claimed a regulation straight-set win in very irregular circumstances, completing a Herculean year-long effort.

Goffin gave everything and extended Murray to two hours and 54 minutes, but there was no stopping

the Scot, who was mobbed by his team-mates after landing the title with a brilliant lob and falling back on the clay.

“I just can’t believe we did it,” said Murray. “I play some of my best tennis when I’m playing for my country.

“We have to enjoy this because we may never get the opportunity again.”

Captain Smith said: “It is amazing, as good a feeling as I could imagine.

Andy has shown himself to be an absolute superstar.

“He will be the first to say that it is a team thing but what he has done is astonishing. I am proud of everyone.”

Murray also matches his contemporaries in winning one of the sport’s biggest prizes, having won more points along the way than Novak Djokovic (seven points in Serbia’s 2010 win), Roger Federer (seven points in Switzerland’s 2014 win), and Rafael Nadal (six points in Spain’s 2011 win).

Murray adds the Davis Cup to the Olympic title that he won on Great Britain duty in 2012.