Dtn 30 12 15

2016 Budget: Buhari’s govt. plans to borrow N5b daily, says PDP Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe Peoples Democratic

Party (PDP) on Tuesday listed reasons why the party

raised alarm over the N6.08 trillion budget presented

by President Muhammadu Buhari before the National Assembly.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja, the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh, said the budget presented by the

president is a huge fraud.

Metuh said that the N1.84 trillion proposed for borrowing in the 2016 budget amounts to Nigeria’s doom

in the near future.

He added that a breakdown of the N1.84 trillion reContinued on page 6

dailytimesng

https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

WEDNESDAY, DECEMBER 30, 2015 VOL. 2. NO. 12

GAINERS

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 29th December 2015.

FO

286.65

315

28.35%

TOTAL

145

147.01

2.01%

NESTLE

800

790.98 -9.02%

UNILEVER 45.5

MOBIL

143

150

7%

JBERGER

41.68

43

1.32%

WAPCO

96.8

92.5

GUINNESS

-4.3%

N150

122.5

43.25

-2.25%

120.4

-2.1%

Shi’ites training soldiers, got arms – Sheik Gumi Ï &Ƌé ƊƖ Ɗƕ ƏƏ ƈ ƆƗè ƅ Ə ƆƗ ƓƈƐ ƅƏƈƌƈ Ƌ ƅ ƍƈƏ ƅƕè ƈ ƅƈƐƈ ƍƑƄƋƈƅ Ɨƈ ƐƑƏƄ ƅƆ ÎÎÎEminent

Islamic scholar, Sheikh (Dr.) Ahmad Abubakar Gumi has alleged that Islamic Movement of Nigeria, the Shia Muslim sect led by Sheik Ibra-

him El-Zakzaky has been running a parallel government in most parts of the north in the last 40 years.

Sheik Gumi spoke in Kaduna

on Tuesday, just as El-Zakzaky was arraigned at the Chief Magistrate Court 1, Zaria Road, Kaduna and charged with criminal conspiracy and

inciting public disturbances.

Gumi said that ‘’the Shi’ites have been embarking on military training and producing cadets and soldiers,’’ adding

that they were ‘’operating a state within a state.’’

According to the KadunaContinued on page 6

N1.04tn fine: M Ɗ ƅ ƑƏƐ Ɛ dismiss gB7 LjMô ƅ Ɔ How we plotted g 8 dƆ ƐƆ Ɛ ƊƆ over, by &ƊƓƆƏƆƌ ƗƑ Nigerians to ƍ ƕ MƤÕêǀƠƊ for petrol from Jan. 1 g12

Biodun Okeowo:

Exploring talent betond ƅƐƈ gL1

L-R: Sen. Domingo Alaba John Obende (Edo North); Governor Ben Ayade of Cross River State; Miss Nigeria, Leesi Peter-Vigboro and Senator Ita Giwa at the main event of Carnival Calabar… on Monday

NLC to FG: zƆôƋƋ ƏƆ ƈ Ɛ ƏƆƌ ƒ Ƌ Ƈ ƇƑƆƋ ƑƄ ƈƗƕ Ɛ Ə Ƒ Ƅ ƅƊ Ɨ Ə g12

2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

SUITES

HOTEL

GARDENS

Plot 1415 Adetokunbo Ademola Street, PMB 12724 Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria, Tel: +23412772700-5 (ext,6124) +23414606100 -29 Fax +234 1 2704071 sales@ekohotels.com, reservation@ekohotels.com banquet@ekohotels, www.ekohotels.com

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial A horrible year for Journalists

D

efinitely, 2015 will go down in history as one of the horrible years for journalism and its practitioners. The year would be remembered as one that journalists were killed in their numbers while carrying out their professional and legitimate duties.

According to Reporters without Borders (RSF), 110 journalists were killed around the world. Even as many died in war zones, the majority was killed in supposedly peaceful countries. These figures do not include the many journalists who on a daily basis suffer from non-fatal attacks, including torture, enforced disappearances, arbitrary detention, intimidation and harassment in both conflict and non-conflict situations.

Statistics by the watchdog showed that 67 journalists were killed in the line of duty this year, even as war-torn Iraq and Syria were listed as most dangerous places for journalists with 11 and 10 fatalities respectively, followed

by France, where eight journalists were killed in a jihadist assault on a satirical magazine, Charlie Herbdo.

The report stated that another 43 journalists around the world died in circumstances that were unclear and 27 non-professional “citizen-journalists” and seven other media workers were killed. It noted that the high toll is largely attributable to deliberate violence against journalists and demonstrates the failure of initiatives to protect media practitioners. More galling in this gory episode is the growing role of nonstate groups, often jihadists such as the Islamic State group (ISIL) in perpetrating atrocities against journalists.

Caught between warring parties, journalists are liable to end up as collateral casualties, or even being abducted by non-state actors like religious jihadists. Incidentally, non-state groups perpetrate targeted atrocities, while many

governments do not comply with their obligations under international law.

We are indeed alarmed at the growing number of journalists who are deliberately killed for no other crime than being purveyors of information to a world wishing to know of events around them.

We are therefore calling on the United Nations Organisation (UNO) and the International Federation of Journalists to hold world governments and de facto authorities accountable for impunity and crimes against journalists. Murder is the highest form of these crimes but all attacks targetting journalists that remain unpunished must be denounced.

There can be no press freedom where journalists work in fear, even as it is imperative for governments to promote a safe and enabling environment for journalists to perform their work independently and without undue interference.

When attacks on journalists remain unpunished, a very negative message is sent that reporting the “embarrassing truth” or “unwanted opinions” would get ordinary people in trouble.

Journalists have given their lives to cover wars and terrorism around the globe. If they did not go, we would not know.

It bears repeating that the role of a journalist is to act as a mediator between the public and policymakers through recording and distilling information that are then passed for public consumption. The journalist assumes this role because the public is not in a position to deconstruct the growing and complex flurry of information produced in the modern world, and so needs an intermediary for such assignment.

Journalists around the world fight every day for the right to report the news without fear of reprisal. Too often, they pay the ultimate price. We therefore join all other freedom-loving peoples of the world to denounce the acts of impunity against journalists.

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

ÏÏÏUntil

October 17, 2015 when he returned to Nigeria from his base in the United Kingdom, Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, never passed as popular. His name never rang bell and many Nigerians did not lose sleep over him. Both the man, his family, associates and other Nigerians carried on with no premonition that things will soon change and that for the worse.

Things indeed changed sooner than expected and Kanu, the director of Radio Biafra, acquired instant celebrity status, no thanks to the actions of the Federal Government who through the Department of State Services (DSS) clamped him into detention, leveling all manner of allegations on him. He has been in detention since then having to be dragged from one court to the other, some-

thing that is popularizing him the more.

At first, the DSS arraigned Kanu before a Wuse Zone 2 Magistrate Court, Abuja on the charges of criminal conspiracy, managing and belonging to an unlawful society, and criminal intimidation.

Days after, the Federal Government applied for the transfer of the case to the High Court and the Magistrate, Shuabu Usman, struck out the case.

Almost immediately, Kanu was taken to Federal High Court in Abuja presided over by Justice Justice Adeniyi Ademola, this time on charges of financing terrorism acts against the country.

After listening to the arguments of the prosecution and defence counsels, Justice Ademola, ordered the unconditional release of Kanu, insisting that his continued incarceration was unlawful.

Not done yet, the Federal Government a day after the ruling, slammed a fresh six-

Group Executive Commercial/ Business Developement Ifeoluwa Isijiola 08086296714 Group Head Accounts & Control Simpa Ajayi

https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

count charge of treason and managing the affairs of ‘an unlawful society’ against Kanu, alongside two others.

In all of these, rather than silence the Radio Biafra director, the otherwise unknown personality has become one of the most talked about individuals in the country today. He is gradually acquiring a cult figure, at least among his peers.

This would not have been if the government had while keeping tab on him avoided hurling him into detention.

Again, if the government had obeyed the ruling of both the Magistrate and High Courts freeing Kanu, he would have taken time to relax, and reintegrate into the society and things will move on.

This disposition by government to popularize individuals, no thanks to what its officials interpret as threat, did not start with the current administration.

It has been the practice of successive regimes in Nigeria. This is unfortunate and needs to stop.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Technical Adviser To Publisher Innocent Nwankwo 08033072614 Ag Head Operations Segun Bamigboye Adverts/Partnerships/ Corporate Subscription Ifeanyi Emefu 08086296714 Konnie Agu 09033765031

More info: www.dailytimes.com.ng https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

Sam Nzeh

Words On Marble :

Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Editor Biodun Durojaiye

How government makes people popular

dailytimesng www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

Tanko Yakassai

Audu Ogbeh

Eze Ilomuanya

“The suffering that we are having today is as a result of the decision of the Buhari government to introduce a Treasury Single Account system for all the government departments and agencies without proper planning”.

“We cannot destroy ourselves in an attempt to be charitable to others”.

“We must also realise that no sacrifice made to keep Nigeria intact as a nation will be too much”.

44

Daily Times Nigeria Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015 Friday, November 13, 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 Wednesday, December 30, 2015

5

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Gov. Okorocha presents N102.2bn budget to assembly ÎÎÎGov.

Rochas Okorocha of Imo on Tuesday presented the 2016 appropriation of N102.2 billion to the state assembly for scrutiny.

Tagged the Budget of Consolidation and Continuity, its breakdown shows that 43.1 per cent is for capital expenditure while 56.9 per cent is for recurrent expenditure.

Okorocha said that the budget was aimed at industrialising the state as well as creating jobs for the unemployed youths.

The governor explained that the state hoped to rake in N23.209 billion from the Federation Allocation,

N17.458 billion to be generated from internally while N148 billion would come from excess crude account, among others.

He said the policy thrust of the budget was anchored on the completion of ongoing projects. ``Substantial provision will be channeled to the completion of ongoing projects while new ones of high priority will also receive attention in line with the state’s medium term expenditure framework,’’ he said.

Okorocha said that the 2016 budget would sustain the gains of the free educa-

tion from primary to tertiary levels.

He added that industrialisation, healthcare delivery, agricultural development and infrastructure would be given more attention.

He said that with the current harsh economic situation in the country coming from the drop in oil revenue, the state’s revenue would drastically reduce. ``It is logical that revenue will also reduce drastically in 2016. This calls for stringent measures to effectively manage government expenditure to reduce the shock arising from the reduction

in the Federation Account,’’ he said.

Okorocha, who reviewed the performance of the 2015 budget, said that the expected revenue of N122.31 billion was only realised to the tune of about 35 per cent. ``As at Sept. 30, the actual revenue realised was N32.96 billion representing 35.64 per cent proportionate performance,’’ he said.

Receiving the proposal, the Speaker of the assembly, Mr Acho Ihim, assured the governor that the legislators would look at the estimate thoroughly and give it due attention and prompt passage.

Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu (middle) during a condolence visit to families of APC supporters who died in a ghastly motor accident in Ebonyi State… on Tuesday.

Shi’ites training soldiers, got arms – Sheik Gumi Continued from page 1 based eminent scholar, ‘’The Islamic Movement of Nigeria does not recognise the corporate entity of Nigeria. The group is not registered.

They operate above the law and they get direct foreign aid.’’

Gumi further said that late President Umaru Yar’Adua had told him of the massive importation of ammunition and weapons to different parts of the country, adding that the late president had mentioned Iran as supplying arms to the Shiites.

Sheik Gumi, who is also a trained medical doctor, said that the recent clash between Shiites and soldiers was ‘’a divine intervention to prevent us from a catastrophe like that of Boko Haram. It came sudden and powerful to eradicate and uproot any plan that they must have been having to harm the society.’’

Gumi said that he had written El-Zakzaky about a year ago, warning him about the dangers of blocking roads during the annual Ar’baeen trek, where his follower travelled on foot from all over the country to Zaria.

He said that blocking road is an abomination in Islam.

The scholar warned that the north will con-

tinue to be under-developed if the twin evils of Shia and Boko Haram are not eradicated, adding that ‘’the strife and unnecessary blocking of roads and shouting slogans on the way increases the tension in the north.’’

Meanwhile, El-Zakzaky, who was arraigned alongside some of followers by the police, was however remanded in prison custody.

Contacted, the Force Public Relations Officer, Olabisi Kolawole, said the Shi’ite leader was being prosecuted for incitement and public disturbances among other charges.

She said: “The Shi’ite leader has been arraigned in court where he was charged with criminal conspiracy, inciting public disturbances among others; he has been remanded in prison custody and the case adjourned.”

The Shi’ite members had had a clash with the Army about two weeks ago during which about 20 persons were killed.

El-Zakzaky was subsequently taken into custody by the Army before he was released to the police for investigation.

The Army had accused the Shi’ite group of attempting to assassinate the Chief of Army Staff, Tukur Buratai, but the Islamic movement said the soldiers simply at-

2016 Budget: Buhari’s govt. plans to borrow N5b daily, says PDP Continued from page 1 veals that Nigeria would be borrowing N5 billion a day for the next 365 days, starting from January 1, 2016.

This, he said, does not correspond with provision for economic production or a repayment plan.

Metuh said: “Some people may be wondering why we raised an alarm about the budget. The reason is simple. When we analyzed the budget, we discovered it is a misshapen attempt at

a Keynesian economics of applying deficit spending to stimulate growth even when studies have proven that GDP growth rates decrease by over 50% when debt goes from low or moderate to high. But then we know the borrowing here is to pay huge campaign debt and fund a political war chest.”

The PDP spokesman said the 2016 budget is a trap against Nigeria as the budget failed to highlight specific projects for which

the nation intends to borrow for.

“The President should explain to Nigerians how they intend to pay back the loan. Is it by continuous borrowing to service the interests, and does he intend to accumulate colossal debt for future generations of Nigerians?” he asked.

He added that the present administration under the leadership of President Buhari can barely justify the recent budget proposal.

“There is no known

economy in the world where you can justify borrowing N1.84 trillion without specific projects and precise repayment outline.

This is worse still in an oil-driven, mono-economy at a time crude oil is selling at $30 dollars per barrel and is speculated to go down to about $20 dollars or even lower in the next one year. The idea can only come when you diversify the economy and boost production capacity in manufacturing and other critical

sectors, a direction, which the budget clearly failed to provide,” he said.

Metuh said as it is, borrowing is a negative plan for the country.

He further said his party is disturbed about negative economic policies by the Buhari-led administration, stating that the present administration has resorted to emulating economic policies that have failed in the past.

“Recall that we had earlier alerted on the negative

consequences of the retrogressive foreign exchange controls wherein this government is making it impossible for honest Nigerians to engage in free trade and regulate their personal activities.

“They are driving us to be like Greece, and to plunge us into unnecessary debt. When the PDP took office in 1999, we achieved the cancellation of inherited debts. This administraContinued on page 12

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Why Osun is slumbering,

by Aregbesola Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÎÎÎOsun state government

has said the signing of a $50million Agriculture Investment with the United States of American (USA) firm for the provision of modern agricultural technological services was to have an alternative to the dwindling allocation from the federation account.

The signing of the partnership with the US JIL Firm Limited, which took place in Osogbo, Osun state capital, was aimed at giving fresh impetus to its agricultural sector revolution drive in the state.

The MoU covered the development and infrastructural upgrade of a breeding, fattening and processing of beef cattle ranch and the establishment of agricultural

equipment leasing and hire centres to be managed by JIL farm Limited.

Speaking shortly after the signing of the agreement, Osun state governor Rauf Aregbesola, noted that Osun is predominantly an agrarian state, adding that the survival of the state was tied to agriculture.

He said, “We cannot survive without the success of farmers. What has been sustaining the state is agriculture. If the farmers succeed, they will fulfil their civic responsibility and we all will be better for it. We slumbered because of the oil windfall. All lands in Osun must now be available for agriculture. Farming is the only way we can work and progress without stress.”

An American animal husbandry expert and a member

of JIL Farms Limited, Jerry Cunningham, expressed keenness of the team to work with indigenous farmers and transfer best practices in animal husbandry and modern agricultural technology competences.

He added, “We’ve always wanted to do this and now we’ve got an opportunity.

You’re going to be number one in the country in animal husbandry with the latest technology we are deploying. We will not let you down.

We’ve got all our equipment on ground.

“We’ve got talent in Nigeria, but we’ve got to manage it. We will train your people to operate the equipment.”

JIL Farms Limited team, Dr. Ayoade Akere, assured the governor and people of the state that the investors are poised to impact the host

community greatly while doing business.

He said not only that hundreds of people will be employed, tourism in the host communities will also be improved greatly.

Under a joint-venture partnership, Osun state will transfer some of their current equipment service centres to JIL Farms to develop agricultural equipment leasing and hire centres in the state on a five-year basis subject to further renewal.

JIL Farms will provide finance and establish the agricultural equipment leasing centre to provide modern farming equipment, technologies, and techniques to local farmers on fair and workable terms taking into the consideration the profitability of the scheme to the farmers.

L-R: Chairman, Sango Alaro Plank Market Association, Oyo State, Mr. Oladipo Faseyitan; former Secretary to State Government; Mr. Ismail Olalekan-Alli and Special Adviser to the Governor on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, during a condolence visit to the market, on Monday.

I’ll continue to criticise el-Rufai’s ‘anti-people’ policies – Shehu Sani ÎÎÎThe Special Assistant

to Senator Shehu Sani (APC- Kaduna), on Politics and Ideology, Malam Suleiman Ahmed has said that nothing will deter his principal from criticising the ``anti-people” policies of the state government.

Ahmed stated this in an interview with NAN in Kaduna on Tuesday while reacting to the alleged suspension of the Senator by

the Tudun Wada North, Ward 6 of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The party at the ward level had in a letter dated Dec. 7 and signed by the party’s Ward Secretary, Malam Ahmed Abdullahi; the Public Relations Officer, Malam Auwal Anguwa; and an Ex-Officio member, Malam Aminu Alilan, suspended Sani for 11 months.

The letter said that Sani was suspended for consistently criticising the policies of Gov. Nasir el-Rufai, an act which the APC ward executives described as ``anti-party”.

The aide said that the suspension would only strengthen his principal’s resolve to criticise any policy of the el-Rufai administration that he considered ``anti-people”.

``This letter is not relevant; it has no value to us; this letter will energise him the more; it will strengthen his resolve to criticise the government of the state if it goes wrong. ``The senator will continuously criticise any (government) policy that is anti-people up to the end of (his tenure in) the Senate and beyond.

7 News

Buhari holds maiden media chat today

Buhari

Egena Egena, Abuja

ÎÎÎ

President Muhammadu Buhari will host his first Presidential Media Chat today.

A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity,

Femi Adesina, said, “In the course of the programme, which will be broadcast live on the network services of the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) and the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN), President Buhari will answer questions from a panel of journalists on a broad range of current national issues.”

It further said: “The Presidential Media Chat will begin at 1900 hours.

Other television and radio stations in the country may hook-up to NTA and FRCN to relay the programme to their viewers and listeners.”

28-yr-old man remanded in prison over fake dollar deal Titilope Joseph

ÎÎÎA

Lagos Magistrate Court in Igbosere, has remanded a 28-year-old man, Musa Makinja Bukar in Ikoyi Prison for allegedly stealing and presenting fake United States (US) dollars to a customer.

The suspect, Bukar, who was charged before Magistrate, Mr. P. A. Balogun, is said to be a money changer, and is facing a two-count charge of stealing genuine $5,000, and also being charged for unlawful possession of fake $5,000 by the police.

The prosecutor Inspector, Ingobo Emby, told the court that the defendant obtained genuine $5,000 valued at N1.4million from one Tony

Emokpere, but exchanged it for fake $5,000 which he presented as original US currency to Emokpere.

According to the Prosecutor, the defendant committed the offences at about 1.30pm on December 16, 2015, at plot 42, Olabanji Olajide Street, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos.

Emby also averred that the offences contravene and are punishable under Sections 285(7) and 327 of the Criminal Laws of Lagos State 2011.

The defendant, however, pleaded not guilty when both charges were read to him.

The suspect was granted bail in the sum of N50, 000

by Magistrate, Mr. P. A. Balogun, with two sureties in the like sum.

Gov Dickson visits Aso Rock Egena Egena, Abuja

ÎÎÎBayelsa state governor,

Seriake Dickson, visited the Presidential Villa on Tuesday.

The curious visit came ahead of the supplementary governorship election scheduled for January 9th, 2016 in the state.

Dickson is seeking re-election for a second tenure.

His major contender is the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Timipre Sylva, who is also seeking a second term having governed the state between 2007 and 2011.

It was not certain whether the governor actually met with the President in his office or not during the brief visit.

The governor, who was seen emerging from the President’s office section, refused to speak on the purpose of his visit to the seat of power.

He told reporters, however, that he was going to the office of the Chief of Staff to the President, Abba Kyari.

Speculations were rife that his inability to see President Buhari may have informed him to pass his message though Kyari.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Politics

Æs Suspension: Shehu Sani goes underground

Shehu Sani

El-rufai

Following last Monday’s suspension slammed on Senator Shehu Sani, Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial District, the distinguished senator, a former human rights activist may have gone underground.

Efforts by our correspondent in Kaduna to track in down in his two houses and offices in Kaduna on Tuesday proved abortive as he

was said not to be available. Also, calls made to his two phone lines were not going through as they had been switched off.

Besides, one of his media aides who was called informed our correspondent that he was driving and would call back but he never did. Calls made to the line thereafter were not going again.

Our correspondent was trying to reach them for reactions over

the suspension as well as allegations leveled against the suspended senator, whom many people in the state is already jostling for the governor’s job.

For the past three months, the senator had been engaged in a sort of media war with Governor Nasir el-rufai of Kaduna State over allegations of non-perforCONTINUED ON PAGE 9

How we plotted Senate take over, by Ekweremadu

Ekweremadu

Saraki

Akpabio

Mark

Secondus

Akinjide Akintola and Victor Jibrin

that long night.

“We decided that when we got to the chamber in the morning, we were going to perform wonders and when the time came for the inauguration of the Senate, I was re-elected Deputy President of the Senate. It was the will of God”, he said.

He spoke at a civic reception

at his country home in Mpu, Enugu State, shortly after a special thanksgiving service, where Ekweremadu rededicated himself to service to Nigeria and mankind.

Earlier at the special thanksgiving service by his family, Ekweremadu recalled his journey back to the Senate, saying, “about two years ago, nobody would have be-

lieved that we will be here talking about Ike Ekweremadu being a Senator again, let alone being the Deputy President of the Senate.

But, by the grace of God, I am today not only the Senator representing Enugu West, but also the Deputy President of the Senate.

“We went through very tumultuous primaries that almost di-

vided our state along the line, but we thank God that today Enugu is united and peaceful”, he said and described his re-emergence as Senator and Deputy President of the Senate as an act of God. In his speech, Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki described

Femi Akorede

my to ill-informed commentary.

In November 2015, the state government approached the Kwara State House of Assembly (KWHA) for approval to take a N20b bond from the capital market to fund major infrastructure projects which were stalled by the almost 50 per cent drop in monthly allocations to the state.

As part of its effort to ensure in-

clusiveness and give the public a say on the bond, the KWHA directed its members to hold constituency meetings on preferred projects to be funded under the bond window. The subsequent meetings in constituencies across the state witnessed robust input by Kwarans on the

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu has finally opened up on the behind-the-scenes plots that enabled his party, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) snatch the position of Deputy Senate Presidency from the majority All Progressives Congress (APC) in the scramble for the senate leadership.

He spoke of the night of long knives when his party plotted the moves to upstage the then largely inexperienced APC. His words: “After the elections, PDP lost control of the National Assembly and many people thought we were finished, but we went into political engineering and I want to thank my colleagues for

The politics of Kwara’s N20 billion bond

Recently, the Kwara State Government announced plans to raise N20b for infrastructure development through a bond issue. Expectedly, the decision has aroused much interest with comments ranging from genuine concern about its possible impact on the state’s econo-

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

9 Politics

The politics of Kwara’s N20 billion bond CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

desirability of the bond.

However, determined to give other members of the public a say on the issue, the House scheduled a public hearing at the House of Assembly. But, based on popular demand and the need to ensure a wider representation at that hearing, the state government and KWHA agreed to expand the consultation to ensure participation of other stakeholder groups.

It must however be noted that there is no constitutional stipulation or financial regulation requiring a public hearing on a proposed bond issue.

The subsequent interactive session led by the Kwara State Governor, Abdulfatah Ahmed, was attended by representatives of major stakeholder groups including labour, organised private sector, student groups, Conference of Nigerian Political Parties (CNPP) market women, artisans, taxi drivers, and journalists. Over two days, Governor Ahmed, took the 5000-strong audience through his comprehensive plans for infrastructural development in the state.

The State Governor said his administration has commissioned a study on Kwara State’s Strategic Infrastructure requirements which identified a N255b gap. While he was determined to plug this gap, Governor Ahmed said the state government cannot afford to raise such funds within the life time of his administration. He said the state government decided to implement the strategic projects aimed at bridging the gap in phases, starting with the N20b bond. Governor Ahmed made

Suspension: Shehu Sani goes underground

Ahmed it clear that the proposed N20b was one of several platforms for funding the N56 billion capital expenditure in the proposed estimates of the 2016 budget.

Other sources of funding are Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and monthly Federal Accounts Allocation Committee (FAAC) inflows into the state, emphasising that the bond will be used strictly for advertised

projects as it leaves no room for any unauthorised variation. At the end of the interaction, the 5000 stakeholders endorsed the Ahmed administration’s infrastructure plan and the proposed bond.

Additionally, the proposed bond has led to questions about the utilisation of previous borrowing and the FAAC allocations that have flowed into the

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

the state Monday suspended him from the party.

The senator, a registered member of the party from the Tudun Wada ward, was suspended over alleged anti-party activities and other offences.

The chapter of the party in the ward said in a letter to the senator dated December 27 that the suspension was for a period of 11 months and that, henceforth, “the senator is disengaged from

mance and deceiving the people of the state with mere propaganda.

This had not only brought him in confrontation with the governor’s people but with the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) which has plotted his dismissal from the party.

However, on Monday, the Tudun Wada ward of the APC in

state since 2003 when ex-Governor of the state and current Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki took office. As most informed Nigerians know, 70 per cent of monthly federally allocated funds accruing to all states in the country go towards the payment of civil servants’ salaries. In the case of Kwara State, which is only gradually shedding the toga of a ‘civil service state’, that situation leaves little room for funding infrastructure development projects. Not only does this demonstrate where the bulk of monetary inflows into Kwara since the 2003 have gone, it also underlines the very limited options open to states seeking to fund strategic infrastructure projects that will positively impact their people and boost the levels of economic activity in their respective domains.

In view of this, it is impossible for even “affluent states” to fund infrastructure from recurrently inflowing funds such as FAAC. Indeed, some of these states’ monthly allocation is five times that of Kwara State. As a consequence, one option is the money market. However, bank loans are expensive facilities compounded by short tenor that leave states little room to manoeuvre.

As a result, it is the norm for government’s around the world and indeed several states in the country to fund infrastructure from medium and long term borrowing such as bonds which are cheaper, have longer tenor and relatively low repayment installments.

In such cases, FAAC allocations and IGR are used as the basis for raising bulk funds for CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

partaking in or attending party activities in Kaduna State.”

In the letter signed by the secretary of the ward, Ahmed Abdulhamid; the Public Relations Officer, Auwal Mai Anguwa; and ex-officio member, Aminu Alilan, said Sani was being suspended for various offences.

The party listed Sani’s offences to include, uttering statements that allegedly violated the rules of engagement of the par-

Ekweremadu

How we plotted Senate take over, by Ekweremadu CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

his Deputy, Ekweremadu, as a perfect example for Nigerian politicians, saying that he has no regret working with him.

Senator Saraki described Senator Ekweremadu as a man, who every Nigerian politician should look forward to working with.

He said: “For we politicians, it is always better to get close to know somebody because in our meetings in the 7th Senate, myself and him were far apart, but in this current Senate, I am the first person to tell a few people that Senator Ekweremadu is a perfect gentleman. You are a perfect gentleman and I repeat that many times and you are a good example for we politicians.

“He is the type of Nigerians that we will want to continue to serve because he only sees things for the good of Nigeria. I am grateful to be working with you and I will continue to assure you that we will continue to work closely for the interest of this great country.”

It would be recalled that since the emergence of Ekweremadu from the minority party as Deputy Senate President, a lot of stories had been going round with even Ekweremadu himself saying his party never planned his emergence as deputy senate president against the majority party.

ty, factionalising the party and engaging in anti-party activities by criticising the policies of Governor Nasir el-Rufai.

It said, “Hardly a week passes by that his group will not be on air criticising and challenging the enduring legacies of Mallam Nasir el-Rufai, that his statement on national issues is not in conformity with that of the state CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Abia: Thinking Outside The Box Okechukwu Ukegbu On the 24 December, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State briefed journalists in the state. The briefing is held to appraise the journey so far and acquaint Abians with what to expect in the next circle. Besides, the workers have just received their December salaries-an experience that has eluded them for quite a period-and there were intense jubilations across the state.

As the governor listed his numerous achievements within the last 100 days, there was a unanimous concession in the hall to the fact that the administration is indeed on a speed lane. But what baffled everybody was the magic behind these achievements, considering the fact the states are almost on their knees as a result of the dwindling monthly allocations from the federation account occasioned by the decline in oil economy globally. Abia is badly hit by this experience. The monthly allocations fluctuate between N2.2 billion to N2.4billion, which is half or more than half of what it was getting.

With this level of paucity of funds staring Abia menacingly on the face, Ikpeazu must be a magician to have engaged over 40 active roads construction sites (running simultaneously and some fitted with street light), and which out of the lot, not less than nine has been completed; completed Okonu and Umunneochi bridges; pay Abia workers promptly; amongst other other achievements. Also, plans are underway to engage a major contractor on the popularly Ururuka Road to reduce the time spent from Aba to Umuahia; and to also give Faulks Road a facelift for an unfettered access to Ariaria International Market.

Besides, the state has adopted cement technology in some of these roads. A technology that is capital intensive. But Ikpeazu’s motive behind the adoption of the technology is that the roads will outlast his administration.

Because, according to him, it will be counter-productive if the administration, within one to two years, borrows solicits for loans to rehabilitate these roads after they must have collapsed.

Cement technology, also known as “Rigid Pavement Technology in road construction, ensures the mixture of crush rock-based materials and other items to achieve a thickness fill and compaction to the level of 300mm. This is followed by a concrete reinforcement cast with

Ikpeazu 8mm to10mm-high tensil (mash of wires) reinforcement bars over the stabilised base before treating it with prime coat and asphaltic concrete.

Though the cost of this technology is higher than those of the conventional construction

methods, Gov. Ikpeazu chooses this technology as a means of strengthening the load-bearing capacity of roads in Abia and to boost the strength and quality of the finished work. The technology has a sustainability guarantee of 10 to 20 years.

Cement technology is one of the technologies used in the construction of airport runways, tarmac and places with heavy loads like machines and equipment. The technology is a good solution for achieving sustainable roads in Nigeria.

Indeed, the current Nigerian economy requires every governor to think outside the box, and that is what Gov. Ikpeazu is doing to succeed in Abia. Thank God that recently the federal government urged states to explore alternative sources of revenue.

Ikpeazu’s approach in addressing these problems is hinged on two prongs. One is to minimise any wastages experienced in the revenue generation process of the government. Between the time of this revenue collection and the time it gets to the government coffers, over 70 percent is lost. There is a huge gap between the revenue collection and the time it arrives to government coffers.

Part of the administration’s strategy to plug physical leakages and enhance its revenue basket is to make sure that the revenue is one. The negative narrative of government revenue generation in Abia will change from 2016. There will be a departure from what was obtained in the past where all manner of agents were contracted to collect revenue.

Another leg of the “operation plug the wastages campaign” is to cut down on all celebrations and miscellaneous. This is evident in events observed since Ikpeazu assumed the mantle of leadership CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Shehu Sani

Suspension: Shehu Sani goes underground CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

government and government of Kaduna State”.

The party also said the senator had chosen to remain in constant confrontation with the government of Kaduna State.

When contacted, an aide to Sani, Mr. Suleiman Ahmed, said it was clear that those who wrote the letter were ignorant of the laws guiding the APC. He said though it was clear from the letter that the people were out to stop the senator from expressing his views about what he considered as the anti-people policies of the El-Rufai administration, the move would not stop him from expressing his views.

Ahmed said, “They are toeing the line of the state secretariat of the party, so our reaction is that those that wrote this letter are ignorant of the party’ constitution and they are dancing to the tune of the state executive of the party and Governor Nasir el-Rufai.”

The politics of Kwara’s N20 billion bond CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

infrastructure. This was the case with N17b bond obtained by the previous administration of Dr Saraki in 2009. The N17b financed the Kwara State University (KWASU), the International Aviation College, Ilorin, the Harmony Advanced Diagnostic Centre, the remodelling of the Ilorin Township Stadium, Upgrading of Asa Dam Waterworks and phase one of Ilorin Water reticulation Projects, Urban and Rural Electrification, Rural and Feeder Road Projects, Ilorin Metropolitan Street Lights Projects, and the Kwara

Mall Project.

These projects have eased access to higher education, boosted healthcare for Kwarans, established the state as an aviation hub, created thousands of local jobs and significantly developed Kwara State. They have also transformed Kwara State into the North Central’s emerging economic hub. However, the Saraki administration was unable to complete some other ongoing projects prior to its exit in 2011.

As a consequence, and in view of public confidence in his capacity to continue Dr. Saraki’s good work, Alhaji Ahmed ran for

and won office in 2011 on a platform on continuity. In line with this pledge, Governor Ahmed spent the last administration completing some of the projects inherited from the previous administration. The administration also implemented new projects such as the innovative City and Guilds of London-backed International Vocational Centre, Ajase Ipo, KWASU’s ultramodern Engineering Complex and remodelling, renovation and equipping of five general hospitals into state-of-the-art facilities, rural and urban road CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Ahmed

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

11 Politics

The politics of Kwara’s N20 billion bond CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

projects as well as people-oriented programmes such as youth empowerment and SME development. The Ahmed administration also paid off the N17b in August 2014.

If Governor Ahmed had chosen to, he could have followed the norm in Nigerian governance: abandon inherited projects. He could have started ‘HIS PROJECTS’ with the money spent for inherited projects in a vain effort for ‘performer’ status or be praise-sung. Had he done so, the people of Kwara State will have been the worse for it. They will neither have benefitted from the stalled projects nor recovered the money already sunk into the project. Having completed some inherited projects as well as those who he initiated in the previous administration, therefore, the administration decided to plug the N255b Strategic Infrastructure gap in phases, starting with N65b worth of projects over four years. The expectation is that incoming administrations will take the projects to completion and completely plug the identified gap.

On the basis of the above, the state government initiated moves to secure the N20b bond.

This is less than fifty percent of the N56b capital expenditure proposed for implementation in 2016. The projects include new campuses for KWASU at Osi

Ahmed and Ilesha Baruba, Dualisation of Michael Imoudu to Gamo, Ilorin, the dualisation of ZangoUITH Road, Ilorin, part completion of the N8b Kishi-Kaima Road, part-funding for comple-

tion of Ilesha-Baruba-Gwanara Road, and construction, equipping and fitting of New KWASU School of Business and Governance. Others are renovation and equipping of the Ilorin

Stadium Indoor Sports Hall, Equipping and Training for the International Vocational Centre, Ajase Ipo, renovation of Oro General Hospital and four other cottage hospitals, renovation of 481 old classrooms and 318 new ones at secondary level, contribution to the construction and equipping of the Kwara Textile Industrial Park, Compliance with Contributory pension scheme and sinking of 938 boreholes. Clearly, the above listed projects have potential multiplier effect on the development of Kwara State and the welfare of its people through job creation, boosting the local economy and expanding livelihoods. However, they are distinct from other infrastructure windows through which infrastructure projects not covered by the bond will be implemented.

Yet, the proposed N20b bond, although a fraction of planned spending on infrastructure, has raised questions about the capacity of the state government to repay the borrowing and the possibility of leaving huge debts for incoming administrations.

The truth is banks do not offer social services as a core business.

Neither is the Security and Exchange Commission (SEC), the regulatory body for the capital market, a charity. No financial institution will lend to a customer incapable of complet-

ing the asset conversion circle.

In order words, mid to long term borrowing is not only necessary for funding infrastructure, it is a signal of financial institutions’ confidence in borrowers’ capacity to repay without hampering important obligations like payment of salaries.

Just as repayment of the N17b bond of 2009 did not hinder the Ahmed administration’s capacity to meet its recurrent and capital obligations, the current administration has also carefully tailored borrowing to current and anticipated revenue inflows such as enhanced IGR. The repurposed Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) has a monthly target of N2.5b. This will grow IGR by an additional N1.8b monthly. By the government’s calculations, it can borrow N20b for infrastructure for every N500m growth in monthly IGR. Clearly, the Kwara State government has ensured that its lofty plans for development through Strategic infrastructure and injecting more funds into the economy will leave it thriving and solvent rather than the hamper its capacity to meet current and future obligations.

Besides, governance is a continuum. The State Government has an obligation to create conditions for the prosperity of current and future generation of Kwarans.

pupils and volunteering to renovate the dilapidated structures of the schools. This is a departure from the old tradition whereby government renovates and equips primary schools project in rural, urban and semi urban areas. In this approach, the worst primary schools in each of the local councils will be identified and given face lift with the hope that when the worst of these schools are upgraded, the effect on the entire primary school system will be enormous.

While the project aims at turning around the poorest primary schools across the state, it is also designed to give hope to pupils from poor schools by getting well-to-do individuals within and outside the state to adopt such schools and in the process enhance their fortunes and by extension the intellectual horizon

of the benefiting pupils.

The most cheering news is that in view of the economic crunch, it is not in the radar of Abia State to downsize its workforce. According to Ikpeazu, “For now it is not on our radar to downsize our workforce. Times are hard but Abia is not in the relegation zone”, adding, “we are going to sustain our determination for workers to receive their salaries as at when due”.

Ikpeazu had earlier addressed the problem identified by President of the NLC, Ayuba Wabba, who charged state governors “to cut down cost of governance”, which he said, “was the major source of financial problems they are having instead of making workers the sacrificial lamb”.

The cost of governance in Abia has been cut down drastically, and Abians are enjoying it.

Abia: Thinking Outside The Box CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

of Abia. The events have been observed in low key. It will be recalled that shortly after Ikpeazu assumed office he placed himself on half salary and cut his travelling allowances by 50% until the backlog of workers’ salaries and allowances owed are cleared.

The second approach is to make sure that Abia residents are brought into the state’s tax net. Unfortunately, more than 60 percent of the people who do business in Abia are not in the state tax net.

To encourage parents to pay their children/wards school fees as well improve tax payment in the state, from January 2016, admission of pupils and students into schools in Abia State will be based on evidence of payment of tax by their parents. The policy

affects both public and private schools, and a committee headed by the deputy governor has been setup for this.

The motive behind delivering world class infrastructure in the state is to muster the boldness to demand taxes from Abians. According to the time- tested adage, “to whom much is given, much is expected”. In Abia, the latest approaches are” tasking our resourcefulness” and” adopting local content in what we are doing.

This approach is manifests in the “Friends of Abia School Adoption Initiative (FASAI).

It is a private-sector driven initiative aimed at involving wellmeaning individuals within and outside Abia to give back to the communities that moulded them, especially the schools that raised them. By this arrangement, they are expected to adopt indigent

Ikpeazu

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

NLC to FG: We’ll resist removal of fuel subsidy through the back door Akor Ejumene, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Tuesday warned the Federal Government against removal of fuel subsidy through the back door, saying the congress would mobilise Nigerians to resist the removal which it claimed would post hardship on the people.

The congress said in

the past few weeks, it has heard discordant tunes from government officials and chieftains of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) on what the future portends for the prices of petroleum products and the management of the subsidy scheme.

It wondered why the party chieftains who supported and encouraged the massive protests against

subsidy removal in 2012 are now preaching the inevitability of subsidy removal.

The congress quoted the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachukwu, to have announced that come next year, the price of petrol will revert to 97 per litre and that subsidy will be phased out.

It said two days later, the minister denied the state-

ment and stated that what he said was that the price will operate within a band of 87 to 97 and that this did not mean removing the subsidy.

The same minister, the congress said, now said that the price of petrol will now be 85 in January signifying the deregulation of the sector.

According to the congress, the vacillations and

L-R: Corps Public Education Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps, Corps Commander, Imoh Etuk, representative of Corps Marshal, Corps Commander, Omo Kagho and Acting Secretary, Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Alh. Abdulhameed Mohammed during a Sensitization Programme on the New Drivers’ License Procedure in Nigeria at Garki International Market, Abuja... on Tuesday.

flip flops were designed to confuse Nigerians and pave the way for deregulation of petrol prices through the back door.

The NLC maintained that as long as the nation continues to depend on imported refined products, deregulation and the abandonment of a subsidy scheme will unleash hardship on Nigerians.

According to the laws, the congress said the determination of the recommended prices of petroleum products is the responsibility of the Petroleum Products Prices Regulatory Agency (PPPRA).

By law, it noted that the board of PPPRA is made up of stakeholders, stating that none of the contradictory prices the minister is throwing up is a product of the agency.

It claimed that the board of the PPPRA has not operated for over two years although it had made repeated demands for the convening of the board.

The congress called on

2016 Budget: Buhari’s govt. plans to borrow N5b daily, says PDP Continued from page 6

Nigerians to pay N86.50k for petrol from Jan. 1 ÎÎÎBeginning

from January 1, 2016, Nigerians will enjoy reduced price of petroleum products as the Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), late Tuesday announced new price for the product.

The announcement was contained in a statement signed by the Executive Secretary of the PPPRA, Farouk Ahmed The new pricing amounts to 50k reduction in the price of petrol effective.

With this development, petrol will now sell for N86.50k from January 1, 2016.

According to the state-

ment, the reduction in the price of petrol follows the implementation of the revised components of the Petroleum Pricing Template for Premium Motor Spirit and Household Kerosene.

Ahmed said this was based on the approval of the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, for the implementation of the revised template.

The statement says: “Accordingly, the Ex-depot price of PMS shall be N77.00 per litre, while the pump price shall be N86.50 per litre in line with the prevailing market trend. This new price regime is with effect from 1st January 2016.

“All Marketers are hereby advised to adhere strictly to the PPPRA Ex-depot and pump prices, as PPPRA in conjunction with relevant government agencies shall enforce compliance.”

The executive secretary further stated that the NNPC would sell lower than other oil marketers, due to the fact that it was cheaper for it to import, compared to both the independent and major oil marketers.

He listed the major components affected by the review in the pricing template to include Traders Margin, Lightering Expenses, Nigerian Port Authority (NPA) Charges and Jetty Through-

put and Storage Charges, as well as Bridging Fund.

Other components, he said, included Retailers, Transports and Dealer margins.

Giving a breakdown of the revised template, Mr. Ahmed disclosed that Trader’s margin, which was the amount paid to traders for bringing the commodity into Nigeria, has been eliminated, from N1.47 per litre previously.

He said that ‘Lightering’ expenses reduced from N4.07 per litre to N2 per litre; NPA reduced from N0.77 to N0.36 per litre; while Jetty Through and Storage charges were reduced.

the government to be guided by the rule of law and constitute and convene the board of PPPRA in accordance with the law without further delay.

It said that the constitution of the board will enable the agency to examine and agree a new pricing template based on the realities of today, stating that any price unilaterally determined and announced by the minister is in violation of the law.

The congress restated its opposition, adopted at its Central Working Committee Emergency Meeting of December 22, 2015 to any attempt by the government to increase the price of or remove subsidy on petrol.

In a statement signed by the General Secretary, Peter Ozo-Eson, the congress further reiterated its directive to the State Councils and Industrial Unions to commence the process of mobilisation prior to a meeting of the National Executive Committee to be convened in the New Year.

tion, in seeking to accumulate debts, should know that there is no possibility that any country in the world will give us debt cancellation anymore.”

“There seems to be the erroneous belief that the controls will create foreign exchange stability or strengthen the Naira by limiting foreign currency outflows. This policy had badly affected other countries in the recent past; including Argentina, whose new government had to reverse the policy to save their economy. Why then are we copying a policy that failed in other countries?”

Metuh added that the crude controls implemented by the Federal Government have been proven to be ineffective in preventing

capital flight.

He added that by limiting the local availability of foreign exchange, the controls have obviously increased the demand for foreign exchange thereby putting greater pressure on the naira and achieving the exact opposite of what the government in its naivety believed would happen.

“The negative impacts of the ill-conceived controls include the hindering of international trade and discouraging of foreign investment. We have seen first-hand the crippling of the private sector in the last six months, upon the implementation of these measures. Traders, importers and all manner of businesses are being destroyed as a result of the contrived unavailability of foreign exchange,” he stated.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Syria, France deadliest countries for journalists - Report ÏÏÏThe Committee to Pro-

tect Journalists says 2015 was one of the deadliest years on record for members of the press worldwide, with 69 journalists killed on-assignment. According to the CPJ, 2015 was the sixth year out of the last ten (and eighth since 1992) in which more than 60 journalists were killed in the line of duty—a figure that includes those targeted for their profession as well as those killed in combat, crossfire or while covering other assignments deemed dangerous.

For the fourth consecutive year, the death toll

among journalists in Syria topped CPJ’s 2015 list—a figure currently at 13, and a steep decline from previous years: 31 journalists were killed in Syria in 2012; 29 and 17 were killed in 2013 and 2014, respectively.

However, the number alone does not tell the complete story. CPJ reports that the declining deaths in Syria can be attributed, in part, to the reduced number of journalists working in the country—both as a decision among international news organizations not to send reporters to the country and among local journalists to flee into exile.

13 Foreign News

Guinea declared Ebola free ÏÏÏThe World Health Or-

ganization has declared the West African country of Guinea free of Ebola transmission. WHO says this marks an important milestone in the two-year struggle to stop the spread of this deadly disease, which has claimed the lives of thousands of people.

Guinea has passed 42 days without a confirmed case of Ebola, making it the third of three severely affected countries after Liberia and Sierra Leone to have stopped the spread of this deadly disease.

This is also the first time all three countries have halted the original chains of transmission of Ebola, since the virus was first detected in Gueckedou, Guinea in December 2013.

Director of Ebola Response and Coordination at the World Health Organization, Richard Brennan calls this a significant achievement. But, he warns the disease could re-emerge. He tells VOA Guinea and other countries in West Africa must not become complacent. They must remain vigilant.

“Between March and

November of this year, we have had 10 mini-outbreaks of Ebola — what we are calling flares of Ebola,” he said. “And, they have occurred due to re-emergence of the virus in individuals because of persistence of the virus in survivors.”

Dr. Brennan explains the virus may remain in the semen of some survivors for as long as nine to 12 months, during which time Ebola could be sexually transmitted. Therefore, he says Guinea now enters a 90-day period of heightened surveillance to make

sure new cases are quickly identified before they can spread to other people.

Dr. Brennan says WHO will actively monitor the situation in Guinea, as well as in the other West African countries.

“We will maintain a presence in every prefecture of Guinea, in every district of Sierra Leone, and every county of Liberia for the next 12 months. We will have to support local health care workers in the prevention, detection and response to potential outbreaks,” he said.

Egypt arrests 4 anti-Mubarak movement leaders ÏÏÏEgyptian

authorities on Monday arrested four leaders of a youth movement that spearheaded the 2011 revolt against former president Hosni Mubarak, judicial officials said.

The arrests of the leaders of the April 6 movement come less than one month before the fifth anniversary of the January 25 2011 revolt that ousted Mubarak.

Sherif Arubi, Mohamed Nabil, Ayman Abdel Megid and Mahmud Hesham were arrested at their homes on Monday morning, a judicial official said.

“The four are accused of inciting violence” and will

A health worker prepares to inject a man with an Ebola vaccine in Conakry, Guinea, March 7, 2015.

20 soldiers arrested in Burkina Faso over jail break plot

ÏÏÏAuthorities in Burkina Faso have arrested around 20 soldiers for plotting to free from prison a prominent general who has been charged with staging a coup, Prime Minister Yacouba Isaac Zida told a news conference.

The arrests come in the wake of the short-lived coup in September and appear to show continued tension between the government and supporters of veteran President Blaise Compaore, who was over-

The coup failed, the presidential guard was disbanded and Diendere was arrested and charged with murder, threatening state security and crimes against humanity. He is still in detention.

Hundreds ill in mass Vietnam food poisoning ÏÏÏHundreds of

Zida

thrown in October 2014.

During the coup allegedly led by General Gilbert Diendere, troops from the presidential guard took transitional President Michel Kafando and the prime minister hostage.

workers at a Hong Kong-owned garment factory in Vietnam, which makes lingerie for labels like Victoria’s Secret and Wacoal have been hospitalised with food-poisoning, state media reported on Tuesday, More than two-thirds of the 650 workers, mostly female workers at Regina Miracle International Viet-

nam, were rushed to hospitals and clinics in Hai Phong City, 100km from Hanoi, Thanh Nien newspaper said.

Most of them suffered from dizziness, stomach pain and headaches after eating a lunch of rice, fish, meat, vegetables and yoghurt in the factory canteen.

“By Tuesday noon, 223 workers remained in hospital, but with minor symp-

toms (of food poisoning),” Pham Thu Xanh, director of Hai Phong’s health care department said in an interview with state-run Vietnam Television.

The Thanh Nien report said authorities were investigating what had made the workers sick while the food company has been temporarily suspended from operations until the results are known.

be held for 15 days under preventative detention, the official said on condition of anonymity.

Since the army toppled Mubarak’s Islamist successor Mohamed Morsi in July 2013, the authorities have cracked down on all forms of opposition.

They adopted a new law in November 2013 outlawing demonstrations that have not been given advance authorisation by the police.

Hundreds of Islamist protesters - as well as dozens of secular and leftwing demonstrators - have been jailed under the legislation.

Suicide attack kills 21 in Mardan, Pakistan ÏÏÏA

suicide blast in Mardan, Pakistan, has left at least 21 dead and more than 20 wounded.

The blast in the city northwest of Islamabad occurred outside the door of a government office called the National Database and Registration Authority or NADRA, which is responsible for issuing national identity cards.

Deputy Inspector General Mardan Division Saeed Wazir told local media the attacker was on a motorbike and exploded his explosives vest when he rammed at the gate. He added that authorities have identified the remains of the bomber and an investigation is underway.

First responders quickly cordoned off the area and moved the wounded to hospitals for treatment.

Eyewitnesses reported seeing human remains strewn across the blast site. Some of the injured are in critical condition leading to fears that the death toll may rise.

Jamaat ul Ahrar, which is part of the anti-state alliance of Islamist groups called Tehreek-e-Taliban Pakistan (TTP), has claimed responsibility for the bombing.

In a statement sent to VOA, the group’s spokesman said it targeted NADRA’s office because it is part of Pakistan’s anti-terrorism war.

But the spokesman for the mainstream TTP, Mohammad Khorasani, in a separate statement to VOA, said the group had nothing to do with the Mardan bombing because “targeting civilians is not our policy.”

14 News

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Terrorism: Minister tasks media on balanced reporting ÏÏÏThe Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, on Tuesday, urged the media not to glamorise attacks of the Boko Haram sect.

Mohammed spoke during a courtesy visit to the headquarters of the Punch Nigeria Limited in Magboro, Ogun State.

He appealed to journalists to exercise restraint in

their reportage on Boko Haram attacks.

“When we glamorise the attacks, it gives the terrorists more life, and in a time of insurgency, like this, the media also has a role to play, which is not to glamorise the attacks.

“Publicity is the oxygen that any insurgent or group uses to survive; we are not saying that you should not report what is happening.

“We do not intend to censor, interfere in your sense of judgement or editorial.

We believe that in times of war, the media should know that it has to be on the side of the country,” he said.

Mohammed said that reports in the media were giving the public an impression that government was losing the war on terrorism.

Mohammed emphasised

that the Federal Government had met the December deadline on terrorism.

“I think the military has largely succeeded in wiping out Boko Haram.”

He said that isolated bomb attacks on soft targets should not be confused with insurgency, stating that such soft attacks would be hard to eliminate.

“We insist that we have met it; it is not rhetoric. It

is true and the military has done its part; Boko Haram has been defeated. What is missing is the civilian end of the war,” he said.

Mohammed urged the media to support the government in public service campaign on what Islam is and the sensitisation on how to identify improvised explosive devices (IEDs) and suicide bombers.

“The media needs to play

its role now, and that is also reporting equally the progress reports,” he said.

The Controller, Publications, Punch Nigeria Ltd., Mr. Joseph Adeyeye, who thanked Mohammed for coming, said that media would have to reflect the realities in the country.

He urged the Federal Government to improve upon its intelligence gathering.

Okorocha proposes N102.2b budget for 2016

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

Val Okara, Owerri

ÏÏÏThe

FRSC promotes 442 Marshall Inspectors

ÏÏÏImo

State Governor, Chief Rochas Okorocha, on Tuesday, presented N102.2 billion budget to House of Assembly for 2016 fiscal year.

The budget is christened “Budget of Consolidation and Continuity”. Okorocha said that 2016 budget was lower than 2015 budget by N41.11billion about 28 percent.

The budget according to him, consisted of N44.043 billion as capital expenditure representing N43.1 percent of the total budget, while N58.165 billion would be for recurrent expenditure, which is about N56.9 percent of the budget.

He further disclosed that the recurrent expenditure was expected to reduce from N63.03 billion in 2015 budget to N58.17 billion in 2016 proposed fiscal year, representing N7.72 percent reduction.

He said that the major thrust of the 2016 budget would be anchored on the completion of all on-going projects, while new projects of high priority rating would also receive attention in line with the state’s medium term expenditure framework.

Gov. Okorocha

L-R: Pastor Omotola Adeyemi; Senior Apostle Hezekiah Akinadewo; Snr Superintendent Gabriel Akinadewo (Omo Jesu II); former Majority Leader, Lagos State House of Assembly, Dr. Ajibayo Adeyeye and his wife, Dr. Adeyeye, at the ‘Celebration of Life’ for the Primate of Motailatu Church Cherubim and Seraphim Worldwide, His Most Eminence, Archbishop Isaiah Akinadewo (Omo Jesu) in Ondo town...at the weekend.

Group declares support for Kogi gov-elect Ibrahim Obansa, Lokoja

ÏÏÏThe people of

Bassa Local Government Area of Kogi State have declared their support for the Governor-elect, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, saying that the decision of the National Working Committee (NWC) of the party was supreme, and urged its members to abide by it.

Addressing a crowd at Gboloko in Bassa LGA, on Tuesday, the leader of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the council, Mr. Peter Aga Sokoa, said they strongly believed and supported the decision of the NWC of the APC to resolved the saga which emanated from the death of Prince Abubakar Audu to avoid a breakdown of law and order within the party.

According to him, “we gathered here, today, to,

unequivocally, show our unflinching support and loyalty to the new administration, which will be piloted by Alhaji Yahaya Bello. We are here to strongly affirm our stand that all the stakeholders and chieftains in Bassa have, unanimously, resolved to support the change that God has brought to Kogi state.”

While lamenting the

present precarious nature of the state, where basic social amenities were lacking, Sokoa called on the people of Bassa to unite to enable the Council enjoy the gains of democracy from the new government.

“For us to benefit from the new government, we, in Bassa, must eschew violence, unite and be our brother’s keeper, so that

peace can usher in the desired development in the area.

“Bassa people have for long been neglected in terms of provision of basic social amenities and this is the time for us to join hand with His Excellency, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, so that we can enjoy our struggle to entrench positive change in the state” Sokoa said.

ESUME EMMANUEL

MRS ANADU BIBIAN NWAMAKA

AKANNO BLESSING CHIKA

I formally known as ISUMEH EMMANUEL now wishes to be known and address as ESUME EMMANUEL. All former document remain valid. The general public should take note

I formally known as MISS ONWUASO BIBIAN NWAMAKA now wishes to be known and address as MRS ANADU BIBIAN NWAMAKA. All former document remain valid. The general public should take note

I formally known as EDEH BLESSING CHIKA now wishes to be known and address as AKANNO BLESSING CHIKA. All former document remain valid. The general public should take note

AMUSU DAVID OLAKUNLE

ADEBISI OLAJUMOKE SALAMI I formally known as ADEBISI OLATUNDE now wishes to be known and address as ADEBISI OLAJUMOKE SALAMI. All former document remain valid. The general public should take note

I formally known as AMUSU DAVID KING LAMOUR now wishes to be known and address as AMUSU DAVID OLAKUNLE. All former document remain valid. The general public should take note

Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC) has promoted 442 Marshal Inspectors in line with its commitment to reward efficiency and punish indiscipline in the service.

This was contained in a statement signed by Mr. Bisi Kazeem, Head, Media Relations and Strategy, and made available to the Daily Times.

According to Kazeem, the commission promoted 442 personnel within the ranks of Deputy Chief Inspector and Marshal Inspector III. “At the end of the last promotion exercise, 38 Deputy Chief Inspectors were promoted to the rank of Chief Inspector, while 80 Assistant Chief Inspectors got promoted to the rank of Deputy Chief Inspector.

“Also, 66 Principal Marshal Inspectors were promoted to the rank of Assistant Chief Inspector, while 77 Senior Marshal Inspectors moved to Principal Marshal Inspectors,” he said.

OSIFO OLANIKE REKIA I formally known as UGBODAGA OLANIKE REKIA now wishes to be known and address as OSIFO OLANIKE REKIA. All former document remain valid. The general public should take note

MRS FAITH NABOTH UMEAKU

SHITTU YUSUF ABOLAJI

I formally known as MISS FAITH CHIDIMA OGOKO now wishes to be known and address as MRS FAITH NABOTH UMEAKU. All former document remain valid. The general public should take note

I formally known as OGUNSORO YUSUF ABOLAJI now wishes to be known and address as SHITTU YUSUF ABOLAJI. All former document remain valid. The general public should take note

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

15 Opinion

Okorocha’s Christmas tree and political vanity

P Moses E. Ochonu

olitical vanity is a particularly Nigerian affliction and has been an ancillary scholarly interest of mine. I published an academic article in 2004 on the subject, citing several examples from Nigeria’s then fledgling experiment with civilian rule. The article dwelled extensively but not exclusively on the cases of late former governors Abubakar Audu of Kogi State and Mohammed Lawal of Kwara State.

The former had an obnoxious penchant for naming every government project after himself and his family members. The latter by a need to personalise his power that all mass transit buses belonging to the Kwara State government were boldly marked with the moniker “UP LAWAL.” Since the publication of that article, similar examples of personalised power and political vanities in high places have proliferated. In Kayode Feyemi’s Ekiti State, a lot of projects were named after him and his wife.

Public office holders in Nigeria adorn their offices with all manner of silly award plaques. One former minister had an entire wall of her office covered in awards from all manner of organizations. She

liked to take pictures against the background of this wall of vanity.

The pictures made it to newspapers and then the to Internet, where they live to date. It was a vulgar form of political narcissism, a kind of self-deification.

The said former minister was so in love with her own image that she invested energy, time, and resources feting and garnishing herself in awards and other accouterments of self-validation.

Fortunately, she was a largely effective, achieving public servant, so her political vanities did not matter that much.

Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State is another vain politician. Whether by design or happenstance, Obiano has emerged as one of Nigeria’s most conspicuously vain public servants.

It is comical to see him surrounded at public events by aides and appointees wearing Obianoemblazoned clothes. Obiano, also dresses in the same Obianobranded Ankara fabric as his aides.

I cannot even imagine the embarrassing awkwardness of seeing your own face on your own clothes. It is spectacle to behold in its vacuous vainglory. It looks like something out of Chinua Achebe’s novel, A Man of the People.

But, Governor Obiano is a performing governor. He is

building and commissioning things and does not owe Anambra civil servants a single month salary arrear. He even paid them a Christmas bonus! He has earned the right to be vain and to celebrate himself in flamboyantly selfadulatory terms. I have no problem with a little vanity alongside purposeful leadership.

Former Governor Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso of Kano has a certain strain of political vanity in him. As governor, he built a personality cult to himself labeled Kwankwasiyya, with its own esoteric chants and ubiquitous emblem of the red cap.

During his tenure, it was always amusing to see the sea of reds whenever and wherever the former governor appeared. Like Obiano, he largely backed up boast and hype with his performance as governor.

Recent revelations that Kwankwaso left a crippling debt profile for his successor, commissioned heavily mortgaged white elephants, and owed contractors billions of Naira have dented but not diminished the essential reality of his successful tenure. His vanities therefore should be seen as tolerable footnotes in his larger political biography.

Then we have the clownish Governor of Imo State, Rochas Okorocha. Among other comically

cringe-worthy acts of vanity, Okorocha has apparently erected a Christmas tree monument to himself in Owerri, that is at least 30 feet tall. Some accounts estimate the contract for this giant public Christmas tree to be N600 million. Some of his supporters may dispute this figure. It does not matter. It is not the amount but the principle.

A governor who has not paid pensioners their entitlements for 21 months has no business spending any public funds, on a Christmas tree.

A governor who owes most of his state workers at least six months salary arrears has no business investing state funds in an ephemeral religious symbol, especially since the said religious symbol stands for a religious festival that, because of the failure to pay salaries and pensions, many Imo citizens are not celebrating.

This is Okorocha who allowed the infamous Obama handshake billboards to be erected in Owerri upon his return from Washington DC, where he had been part of President Buhari’s official delegation. Owerri residents woke up to a billboard of a grinning Okorocha shaking hands excitedly with President Obama, a vain attempt to publicly memorialise a routine diplomatic encounter.

Measuring Buhari’s socio-economic policies in 2016

A

Prof. R. A. Ipinyomi

s we begin a new year, we would like to thank every community for their fervent prayers for Nigeria in 2015. Their prayers produced General Muhammadu Buhari as Nigeria’s President.

Recall that Buhari (PMB) is a recycled military dictator and a Muslim with a possible aggressive Islamic agenda. Already it appears that some of the biggest thieves are being arraigned before the courts, and Boko Haram is being downgraded. Sadly, however, the Chibok girls are still missing and suicide bombings occurring everywhere.

Biafra agitators are on the increase, fuel scarcity prevailing daily living and the naira tumbling against important international currencies. There is a long way to go yet.

Hence, we plead that you do not relent in your prayers. Our focus is to examine the expectations from Buhari and any significant effect his administration may have in our daily lives, in 2016.

Recall that his party, the APC that sponsored his electioneering,

and all the ministers he appointed, came on the slogan of change.

The direction of their change will also be crucial in our forecast. The change slogan may have any of these outcomes; (1) No change at all, just another election gimmick to get rid of an equally weak and corrupt opposition, (2) Forcing others and the opposition parties to change. (3) Only Buhari, his wife Aisha and a few others in will buy the change mantra or (4) there is significant positive change upon which to build a new nation. The society is already traumatised after seven months of Buhari’s administration. The promised employment has drifted to everyone queueing for petrol daily. Certainly, that is not how we intend to change. Already we envisage that APC is not acting as one, or not behaving as the ruling party. We notice a lot of inactivity, whereas the opposition is still controlling the news media and the weak economy.

For the Buhari phenomenon to be effective, it must run the race ahead, while engaging the public in the direction of change.

Campaigns are over for now. APC and Buhari should be seen per-

forming rather than talking.

The public ought to understand that Nigeria cannot grow above herself. We must support Buhari in its attempt to start a new culture of accountability. If the ongoing probe should pull any APC government officials down, so be it. The probe is a fundamental and essential part of the change concept.

In the coming year, Nigeria will continue to fight the old battle for doctrinal supremacy of faith and of religion, of ethnic groups and other interests. In the struggle, we should realise that there are many varieties of Muslims in Nigeria and a lot more varieties of the Christian faith. Sectarian differences are likely to flow out and possibly produce violence. Yet, we must resist all temptation, support our f men and women in uniform, and make them proud.

For instance, Nigerians should not be tempted to reduce the recent confrontation between Gen. Buratai and his men and the El-Zakzaky leader as a “Sunni in uniform who is wielding a gun, confronted by a Shiite insisting on lack of regard for the state”. Incidentally, Buratai is a Muslim and El-Zakzaky

is a Muslim but of different sect.

Suppose Gen Buratai has been Christian faith and did what he did? Hence, we must support Gen Buratai and the position he took even when so many lives have been lost. I ran to the El-Zakzaky boys sometime 2014 coming from Sokoto to Abuja immediately after Funtua.

They occupied the entire length of the road and reduced every vehicle to trekking speed. You dare not over take them. I was in a Sokoto State government bus with others.

It was a new thing to me. However, we must blame previous governments that have only one side of the religious sentiment. The battle is always going to be in the hearts of the men on all sides. It could be regarded as theological, ideological as well as indoctrination battle.

Nonetheless, Nigerians must be made to feel the impact of the government, those whose votes count, who can express self freely and associate as desired. President Muhammad Buhari must factor the average Nigerian in his efforts to run an inclusive government and making rooms for their independent participation in the economic life of the nation.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

GETAWAY WEEKEND WITH BMW @ EPE RESORT

Offer valid while stock lasts

EPE RESORT

COSCHARIS MOTORS GROUP HEAD OFFICE: SHOWROOM / WORKSHOP KM 32, Lekki - Epe Expressway Awoyaya, Lagos, Nigeria.

Tel: 07013486102, 07013486236, 07013486228, 08126195596, 07013486202, 08122901869.

LAGOS SHOWROOM OFFICE: 68A, Adeola Odeku Street Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria Tel: 0803 473 0003

Celeb Cosch EPE R Epe, L

LAGOS WORKSHOP: 1-7, Conscharis Street New Kirikiri Industrial Estate Apapa, Lagos, Nigeria.

Tel: 0812172216, 08034730003

ABUJA SHOWR Plot 388 Central B Tel: 0805

For further enquiries please visit: www.cosch

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

17

BMW 6 SERIES

www.bmwnigeria.com/6series

Sheer Driving Pleasure

brate this season by buying BMW 6 Series from haris Motors and Enjoy 2 Nights at the prestigious RESORT, Opposite Lagos State Driver’s Institute, Lagos.

ROOM/WORKSHOP: 8, Constitution Road Business District, Abuja.

52421361

A bottle of wine awaits you upon arrival PORT HARCOURT SHOWROOM/WORKSHOP 242, Aba Road, Port Harcourt Rivers State.

Tel: 08035470559

harisgroup.net or www.eperesort.com

UYO SHOWROOM/OFFICE Nwaniba Road Opp. Radio Nigeria, Uyo Akwa Ibom State.

Tel: 08037099026

KANO SHOWROOM/OFFICE: Plot 8, Guda Abdulahi Road Farm Centre, Kano State.

Tel: 08033334003 08036302325.

TERMS AND CONDITIONS APPLY

18

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Education Times Æ s

NUC sets up machinery for appointment of varsity officers Augustine Okezie Abuja The National University Commission (NUC) has put modalities in place for appointing principal officers in Nigerian universities.

The Executive Secretary NUC, Professor Julius Okojie, made the disclosure during a luncheon with the Education Correspondent Association (ECA), in Abuja.

According to him, a workshop would soon be organised in conjunction with the Tertiary Education Trust Fund to ensure that the appointment of inexperienced individuals as Vice Chancellors of tertiary institutions comes to a halt.

Prof. Okojie also explained that the workshop would not only address issues relating to appointment of principal officers within the university community, but also, award of degrees especially honorary degrees, examination administration and also issues relating to matriculation and convocation.

He said: “We intend to have a workshop for all universities and I have discussed with the Executive Secretary TETFund, we need a workshop because a lot of things are happening, not just convocation alone, even matriculation and

L-R: Permanent Secretary, Lagos State Ministry of Education, Mrs. Olabisi Ariyo; Chairman, State Universal Basic Education, (SUBEB) Dr. Ganiyu Oluremi Sopeyin; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr. Idiat Adebule and the representative of the wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Nike Joseph, cutting the cake commemorating end of the year / get together ceremony organised for Head teachers and Directors in Public Primary Schools by SUBEB at Grandeur event Centre, Oregun, Ikeja , Lagos...on Tuesday.

the appointment of vice chancellors.

“There are minimum academic standards; you must pass through a process. We think we need to address that area of the university system as to what you require to appoint principal officers not just award of degrees.

“Examination administration is also a very aspect of the university system. To award

degrees, you must have somebody come from another university whether within the country or outside the country to look at the quality of work you are doing, look at students’ projects,” the ES added.

Okojie further clarified that so far, there had not been an award of degree in any university without due process.

“We have what is called university traditions. As far

as I am concerned, there is no report before me that somebody has awarded honorary degree without permission from senate of that institution and the council.

He also disclosed that a chancellor of a university cannot award degrees until he earns the degree of that university and that a university may have the right to award honorary degree or doctorate.

SSANU strike enters Day 6 The industrial action embarked upon by the members of Senior Staff Association of Nigeria Universities, SSANU, enters day 6 today (Wednesday) as there are growing fears amongst students and stakeholders in the Education sector over palpable disruption of academic activities especially in the New Year.

Recall that the union had ordered all its members to embark on indefinite strike over the planned retrenchment of over 2,000 staff of University Unity Schools. The association said that the indefinite strike would commence on December 24, 2015.

While describing the planned retrenchment as an attempt to desecrate the sanctity of an agreement entered with the Federal Government, the union said it would resist every attempt to make its members jobless.

Addressing newsmen at its national secretariat in Abuja recently, the National President of SSANU, Comrade Samson Ugwoke, explained that following the December deadline for the removal of personnel/teachers of University staff schools from the pay-roll of government, at least 2,000 workers from over thirty universities would be thrown into the unemployment market.

FG panel exonerates Adikwu A Federal Government panel set up to investigate allegations of misappropriation of funds leveled against the Vice Chancellor of the University of Abuja, Professor Michael Adikwu, has exonerated him from blames, describing the petitions which were sent by some members of the University’s Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (SSANU) as ‘’mischievous’’ and ‘’unfounded’’.

An official of one of the association who was also summoned by the panel and who refused to be named, quoted the chairman of the panel, Professor Olorede, as saying that

the petitioners did not follow the laid down procedures in writing their petition and were unable substantiate their allegations when requested to do so.

The panel boss further disclosed that the petitioners who swore to an affidavit may be dragged to court for perjury and for wasting government resources and time.

Recall that a splinter group of the University’ branch of SSANU had petitioned the Education Minister alleging among other things the renting of the University’s guest house by the Vice Chancellor and

the issue of his refusal to pay accumulated promotion arrears.

The group also accused the vice chancellor of purchase of cars for top management staff.

The petitioners also accused the vice chancellor of releasing the audit report on the Transport Unit, insisting that the action was a mere witchhunting designed to cover up some short comings.

Education minister, Mallam Adamu Adamu, had while inaugurating the ad-hoc committee said the setting up of the fact finding committees is in response to petitions received

from different stakeholders within and outside the institutions with variety of allegations bordering on irregularities, abuse of due process, mismanagement, immorality and fraud as well as corruption among others He said: ’’As you are aware the current administration under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to turning around the fortunes of the education sector and laying the foundation for proper conduct in our campuses.

“The foundation for the change that is necessary to turn them around

lies in the quality and sincerity of leadership in all our institutions anchored on justice, rule of law, respect for due process and prudent management of resources’’.

Some of the terms of reference for the panel included investigating all allegations contained in the petitions, determine the veracity of the claim and counterclaims, to meet and interview the writers of the petitions and establish the basis for their claims, to ensure fair hearing with and listening to explanations from all those against whom petitions have been written.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

19 Education Times Stakeholders make case for children with special needs

Some of the 400 kids who participated in the Basketball Children Clinic during the 2015 David Mark Basketball Competition In Otukpo, Benue... on Tuesday.

Be productive or face redeployment to farms, Umahi tells teachers Jacob Ogodo, Abakiliki Ebonyi State Governor, Engr.

Dave Umahi, has asked teachers in the public service of the state to sit up and be productive or face the consequence of being redeployed to farms.

Umahi gave the charge in his country home, UmunagaUburu, in Ohaozara Local Government Area when members of the State Universal Basic Education Board and the Secondary Education Board led

by Chief Hyacinth Ikpor and Mr.

Emmanuel Odoh respectively paid him Christmas homage.

The governor said he would not take it kindly with anybody that would stand in the way of sound education in the state.

“I want you to sit down and look at how to improve education. The only way you are judged is by the improvement in education”.

He directed the two bodies to re-evaluate their teachers before the middle of January, 2016. He assured that no one would be sacked after the exercise, but that only those

that were fit would remain in the classrooms, while others would be re-deployed to areas like Agriculture.

“Our educational system is very much in problem. I think the immediate past administration did not really care about Education.’

Describing education as a very important sector in his administration, the governor said that there is need to convene an interactive meeting of all stakeholders in the education system on how to tackle the problems.

Vocational institutions bring hope to youths, says Educationist Mutiat Alli The founder of Gazelle Vocational Academy, Muna Onuzo, has said that vocational institutions bring hope to the youth of a nation.

Speaking at the graduation ceremony of the academy held in Lagos, Onuzo said that happiness was written all over the faces of the graduands because they didn’t just graduate with a certificate but skill to better their lives.

She stated that at present they were in partnership with the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) while looking to partner with government and corporate organisations to implement their community sustainable developmental programmes.

“We know that government on its own cannot do enough, so we hope to partner with them to help them actualise their social

enterprise vision because we have the platform for them to strive on. We’ve been accredited and certified by the Federal Government as a vocational training centre and we hope that organisations would see credibility in that to partner with us in delivering their suitability projects.”

She said at Gazelle, they give out practical solutions on things to make an individual independent, skillful and financially buoyant.

“We give our students the ability to stand and build their business. We start by teaching them the skills of the trade and then we empower their mind so that the inner disabilities won’t limit them from actualising their true potential. We also teach students how to run a business that is clean, sustainable and viable,” she explained.

Although they appreciate and encourage students with at

least SSCE certificates, Onuzo insisted that their gate was open to anybody willing to improve him or herself.

She added: “One of my students now serves as a teacher in the academy. That shows fulfillment and promise that we bring to students. We don’t just talk, we back up what we promise with actions.

Some of our students would be receiving awards for excellence today because they did well throughout their stay in the school. We are going to unveil our website soon, which also contains a business model.

From the point of graduation they would have business tools to work with on our platform because we want them to just concentrate and work. We have created an accessible and easy to use model that once they graduate they can take advantage of it.”

Some educationists on Sunday urged proprietors of schools to encourage children with special needs in their schools to always interact with other children during learning and other school activities.

They said this would afford such children the opportunities to quickly overcome their physical defects and feel a sense of belonging with their peers.

A school proprietress, Mrs. Mabel Babasola, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that exposing children with special needs to other children would help them overcome their defects easily.

According to her, they will be able to also learn fast with the help of specialists, who come to check them in schools from time to time. ``You find out that such children adapt well with other children, they should be allowed to play with other children,’’ she said.

Babasola, who is the proprietress of Maria Breed Schools, Ajah, Lagos, said that school proprietors should also grant rebate in school fees to

parents of children with special needs.

With that such parents would be encouraged to bring their children for enrollment in schools, she said.

She said her school had been granting such parents rebate on school fees because the parents of these children with special needs would still pay specialists to assist them at home.

Also speaking, Mrs. Jomion Shogbola, Education Consultant, Straitgate College, Ishara Remo, Ogun State, said that her school accommodated children with special needs.

Shogbola said that teachers in her school were tutored to understand the challenges of such children.

According to her, any child with special needs should not be out of school due to his or her challenges but should be allowed to mingle with other children.

She said that she had been inviting specialists to her school to help the children either in speech or sight deficiency and above all to overcome their challenges.

Olugbenga (third right) joined by members of NAPS executive as he read his inaugural speech

NAPS to FG: Stop discrimination against HND graduates President of the National Association of Polytechnic Students (NAPS), Olugbenga Adeyeye, has called on the Federal Government to put an end to the discrimination against polytechnic certificate.

Olugbenga spoke during the inauguration of NAPS executive at the Federal Polytechnic in Bida (BIDA POLY), Niger State.

He said it was mischievous to discriminate against polytechnic certificate despite development in technology and technical education.

The NAPS president averred that his administration was poised to put an end to the maltreatment of Higher National Diploma (HND) certificate in the job market, stressing that the discrimination had hindered career progression of polytechnic graduates.

He appealed to the

government to introduce measures that would abolish the dichotomy between Bachelor’s degree and HND. He also called for more investment in polytechnic facilities, noting that the nation required quality technic education to develop its economy.

He said: “In 1992, Britain abolished the polytechnic system, converting all polytechnics to universities and Bachelor’s degree awarding institutions. We can do the same thing in Nigeria. In the United States, there is no discrimination between the polytechnic and university. We can be like them.”

The Rector, Dr. A.A. Dzukogi, promised to assist the NAPS executive, while lending his voice to call for ending the discrimination against polytechnic graduates.

20

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Inside Campus Æ s UNILORIN VC harps on entrepreneurship as solution to youth unemployment Hameed Opeyemi The Vice Chancellor of University of Ilorin (UNILORIN), Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, has highlighted youth entrepreneurship as an important strategy to address the challenges of unemployment in Nigeria, saying that schools must equip students with entrepreneurial skills.

He stated this at the launching of an online platform, “Repertoire” by some UNILORIN students. Repertoire is a digital platform that seeks to scout and connect student entrepreneurs from all tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Ambali lamented that the high rate of unemployment among Nigerian youth has greatly con-

tributed to the increasing level of poverty and insecurity in the country, adding that it also erodes youths’ self-confidence.

The VC, who was represented at the event by the Dean, Faculty of Communications & Information Sciences of the institution, Prof. S.S Sadiku, faulted the growing rate of unemployment on youth over-dependence on white collar jobs, which he said, has become scarce.

He also blamed higher institutions in the country for “training students to have more of cognitive skills and less of psycho-motor skills that can make them self-employed, rather than desperately searching for jobs”.

Ambali stressed the need for academic institutions to train and encourage their students

LASPOTECH to produce self-reliant graduates

Prof. Ambali, UNILORIN VC to acquire necessary life-long skills that could make them independent and successful in life, noting that UNILORIN would continue to support initiatives that prepare students for life challenges.

“We must train students to be job creators and not seekers of jobs in an overstretched public service. We must train them to become entrepreneurs who search for change, respond to it and exploit it as an opportunity,” he said.

Earlier in his address, the CEO of Skyground Africa and founder of Repertoire, Ibrahim Shittu, disclosed that the online platform was created to address the challenge of unemployment

by connecting student entrepreneurs together and encouraging other students to embrace entrepreneurship.

“We observed that some students have talents, skills and business ideas, but do not know how to nurture these ideas and skills. Our platform, Repertoire, intends to give them the push that will enable realise their dreams of becoming business owners.

“Repertoire will also provide opportunity for student entrepreneurs to exhibit their products, skills and ideas, as we will be having exhibitions across campuses in the country,” he said.”

Six-yr-old thrills Pharmacy students at Christmas Cantata Ezekiel Efeobhokhan (UNIBEN) The office of the Vice President, Pharmaceutical Association of Nigerian Students, PANS, Faculty of Pharmacy, University of Benin, has organised a Christmas carol competition for pharmacy students.

The competition was made to encourage the creative skills of students who could sing properly and to mark the Christmas celebration.

The event was held at the open field beside the lecture theatre two of the Faculty of Pharmacy old building. The event saw the presence of lecturers across all departments in the faculty.

Speaking on the topic ‘Sexual purity’, Dr. Patrick Igbinaduwa, stated that even if the Christmas celebration was to recognise the birth of Jesus Christ, the saviour of the

Young Grace world, many still sabotage its essence to commit all sort of lewdness. He therefore advised pharmacy students to stand out and use this opportunity to preach love.

“Many persons sell their selves so cheaply during Christmas celebration. This is wrong. Thank God for an event

like this. As you all go home, instead of being partakers of lasciviousness, try to reach out to the poor man in the street; try to put a smile on the face of the destitute because that is what Christ would do if he was here”.

The climax of the event was the special presentation by

young talented Gracious Enosetale Tafamel. She created an ecstatic atmosphere with her mind blowing display with the keyboard. She played Christmas carol songs with the keyboard and got a standing ovation from the students present.

She said she liked playing the keyboard hence she was good at it at a young age.

There was also a drama presentation. The drama described the birth of Jesus Christ and how the wise men found the new born king. The 500 level class choir was announced the winner of the singing competition. They are to get free installation of class room fittings.

Expressing her appreciations, the vice president of the association, Courage Omoregbe, thanked all those who helped her in the organisation of the event. She also congratulated the 500 level class for such display of splendor.

Rector of the Lagos State Polytechnic (LASPOTECH), Mr. Samuel Shogunro, has charged students to acquire skills that would make them to be self-employed after their graduation.

Shogunro stated this at the empowerment programme organised by the school at its Ikorodu campus recently.

The rector, represented by his deputy, Mr. Ola Olateju, said students must embrace vocational education to contribute to the revival of the nation’s economy. He said the school had a plan to introduce a measure in 2018 that would make its students to be selfemployed while in school.

He said: “The polytechnic has signed a partnership with Technology Incubation Centre in Agege and Federal Institute of Industrial Research in Oshodi on three-week vocational training for students.

The programme will be funded by the Lagos State House of Assembly, Bank of Industry and First City Monument Bank (FCMB).”

Chairman of the programme, Mr. Ademola Aderogba, said the empowerment project was introduced to reduce unemployment and socioeconomic challenges.

“This programme is mainly to empower students of this polytechnic and it is aimed at alleviating poverty and reducing unemployment amongst the graduates in the society,” he said.

The Dean, School of Technology, Mr. Olumide Metilelu, said students who would be graduating in 2016 would be those who have acquired skills that make their lives better.

Sogunro

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

What happens to retirement benefits of an employee?

Timessearch e-mail: oyin_K@yahoo.com 08055103156

Sarah ODEDE

ÏÏÏI

Why are industries in Nigeria closing down? ÏÏÏSo

many industries have been closing down in Nigeria due to one reason or the other, but it appears some bodies are still against the small left over industries trying to survive this nation.

This is not encouraging to any young organisation trying to come up to rescue this nation in the area of employment, as this enables employment for the youths and all applicants in any area relating to the establishment of industries in the country.

It beats my imagination that Nigeria, despite the economy recession it is going through still has the guts to close down young industries thereby making livelihood very difficult for the people.

My area of concern in this aspect is for the TIMESEARCH to please help find out through its investigative journalism to unravel the real mystery surrounding this problem of closure of industries in Nigeria, and also find out why they are closed down, instead of encouraging such developments.

Do you know that many textile industries in Nigeria have relocated to Ghana, and other African countries?

Thereby leaving Nigerians to sort things out for themselves by patronising foreign industries either by importing or placing orders for them?

This is not fit for a country like Nigeria, giant of Africa, and the population at large.

For this reason therefore, I

ÏÏÏPlease

TIMESEARCH help find out from the Lagos State Government when and if families who were told to vacate their apartments within two weeks in Oke Afa Housing Estate since 2013 have been compensated.

My parents happened to be affected and relocated to my house in Abeokuta, Ogun State from where my father took ill and eventually died of the illness. This ugly development

would be happy if the riddles surrounding this issue of closure of industries in Nigeria is unraveled to enable Nigerians know what steps to take to avoid their industries being closed down by the authorities concerned.

Daniel Odenekan 33, Isale Koko Close Agege, Lagos State The enquiry of Mr. Odenekan was taken up with one of the top officials of the Standard Organisation of Nigeria, who told the TIMESEARCH that Nigerian Industries were not just closed down for the fun of closing them down.

According to the official, who craved anonymity, he had this to say: “As far back as 2013, it would be recalled that the Director-General of the Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON), Dr. Joseph Odumodu, made a pronouncement during a national sensitization workshop tagged “save the nation, shun substandard products” to the National Association of Nigeria Traders, NANTS, Federal Capital Territory, FCT Chapter sometime in August two years ago.

According to the official, the SON Director General made it clear in his statement that fake and substandard products contributed immensely to the closure of many industries and unemployment rate in the country.

His words: “Fake and substandard products chased away good products which led to factories closing down and hundreds of thousands and million becoming jobless. He noted that to be job-

21

Buhari

less was terrible.

Quoting the Director General, the official said further: “We must understand that for us as a nation any import into Nigeria is a job created for the exporter country. It is also a job loss for Nigeria. It is better for us as a country to patronise Nigerian made products for two main reasons, namely by buying made in Nigeria, we are helping to create employment opportunities for our teeming school leavers. We are building a better and stronger economy for our country. Secondly, you are also helping government to protect our citizens from the evil effects of substandard products.

At this juncture, the Director General said that SON has awakened to its mandate of guaranteeing goods and services, improve the quality of life Nigerians as well as training and re-training of its workforce.

As you can see, the organisation is trying its best to make sure that goods in Nigeria are not substandard, and closure of industries are not malicious. It only checkmates the standard of our good and nothing else.

would be happy if the TIMESEARCH could take up this issue for me judging from the report I read in one of its publication regarding pension scheme for workers in Nigeria.

I would want to know what happens to the retirement benefits of an employee who is already under a pension scheme existing before the commencement of the new pension scheme.

I would also want to know how the Federal Government would fund the redemption bonds, as well as how the accrued benefits under existing funded defined benefits schemes would be handled.

If the above is positive, what would happen to the existing pensioners in the private sector?

Answers to these question would be appreciated if handled by the TIMESEARCH through its investigative prowess.

More grease to your elbows.

Mumunni Abba P.O. Box 2210 Gamji Sokoto State At the National Pension Commission, Maitama District, Abuja, the enquiries of Mumunni Abba was taken up with a top official of the Commission who smiled on hearing the nature of the enquiry, and did not hesitate to reveal to the TIMESEARCH that what the enquirer wants to know are frequently asked questions on the Contributory Pension Scheme.

Commenting, he said, Employee’s right to accrued retirement benefits for the previous years he/she has been in employment is guaranteed by the Pension Reform Act

2004. In case of the public service of the Federation and the Federal Capital Territory, where pension scheme was unfunded, the right would be acknowledged through the issuance of a “Federal Government Retirement Bond” to such employee. The bond will be redeemable upon retirement of the employee.”

The official also had this to say as regards the Redemption Bonds: “The Federal Government has established a Retirement Benefit Bond Redemption Fund Account in the Central Bank of Nigeria.

“In the case of funded pension schemes in the public service of the Federation and the private sector, employers shall undertake actuarial valuation of the employee’s accrued benefits and accrued benefits and credit the Retirement Savings Accounts (RSAs) of its employees with such funds and in the event of any deficiency, the shortfall shall become a debt and shall be treated with same priority as salaries owed.

“The employer shall also issue a written acknowledgment of the debt and take steps to meet the shortfall.

“Pension Boards in the private sector existing before the coming into force of the Pension Reform Act 2004 will continue to administer the pensions of the existing pensioners and the National Pensions Commission will supervise such boards.

“However, on the Public Service, it was said that the Pension Departments had been created to carry out the functions of the relevant Pension boards or offices in the public service of the Federation and Federal Capital Territory with a view to making regular and prompt payment of pension to existing pensioners.”

Has Lagos govt compensated Oke Afa Housing estate residents? (the death of my father) occupied my mother so much that she could not pursue the matter to the level she was supposed to have, because it was said that some of the families affected have been compensated.

To date, nobody could say the exact amount the Lagos State Government gave to the affected families and no one is prepared

to direct us to the appropriate source of payment, if it is true they have been paid by the Lagos State Government, as widely rumoured.

Please TIMESEARCH help solve this issue and let us know if it is true compensation has been made to the affected families.

My family should not be ex-

empted. Please help me out.

Oredola Temilehin P.O. Box 4471 Onikolobo Abeokuta, Ogun State Investigation into the issue of Oredola Temilehin at the Lagos State Emergency Management Authority, Alausa, Lagos State, revealed that the Lagos State

Government had since given the sum of N200,000 each to 15 families occupying three distressed buildings at Oke-Afa Housing Estate Ejigbo who vacated their apartments within two weeks as ordered by the Lagos State Government at that time, said an official in the department who refused to disclose her name to the TIMESEARCH.

22 Public Notice DIVINE GRACE APOSTOLIC CHURCH OWODE EDE

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

CHRIST DOMINION APOSTOLIC CHURCH.

MASSES EMPOWERMENT ADVOCACY CENTRE

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

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Oyelami Sunday Elijah President.

2. Oyelami Elizabeth Bukola Vice president.

3. Olasupo Comfort Tosin.

Treasurer.

4. Salako Timothy Ayobami.

Member 5. Adekanmi Oluwatosin Adegoke Secretary.

6. Obanla Sunday Thomas Member.

7. Philips Micheal Oluwasanya Member

THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) REV. MRS.VICTORIA ODUWOLE. J.P. (2) ELDER ADEWALE GABRIEL OJO. (3) MR.SAMSON TEMITAYO ODUWOLE. (4) EVANGELIST MRS. FLORENCE ADESIYAN.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. GODSON GBENGA SAMUEL 2. MATILDA GODSON-SAMUEL

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To preach the full gospel of Jesus Christ 2. To raise up a formidable army of Christ for the end_ time harvest of souls into God’s kingdom 3 .To bring many souls into glory through teaching, preaching.& healing ministry as the Lord of harvest has appointed.

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

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES (2) To preach Christ, Love, fellowship, respect and peaceful coexistence amongst members.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:I. Empowering the less priviledged 2. Sensitizing relevant authorities to the plight of the masses of the society

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

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

Signed by:- SECRETARY

Signed by: TRUSTEES.

SIGNED BY :GODSON SAMUEL SNR ESQ

PUBLIC NOTICE

FOLARIN & FATIMA AFELUMO CHRISTIAN FOUNDATION

FRESH FIRE CHRISTIAN MINISTERS ASSOCIATION

CHANGE OF NAME OF TOLULOPE DAYO ABIODUN FOUNDATION: The trustees of the above mentioned foundation wishes to notify the general public that the foundation has hereby change its name from TOLULOPE DAYO ABIODUN to TOLULOPE AKIN-DAYO ABIODUN FOUNDATION Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

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

TRUSTEES 1. DR. FOLARIN FOLUSO AFELUMO 2. MRS. FATIMA OLANREWAJU AFELUMO 3. MR. FOLUSO PAUL AFELUMO 4. MR. OLUWAFEMI TEMITOPE AFELUMO 5. MR. OLUWAFUNMILAYO ADEOGO AFELUMO AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. TO GIVE SCHOLARSHIP TO THE LESS PRIVILAGE CHRISTIAN CHILDREN 2. TO PROMOTE EXCELLENCE IN EDUCATION 3. TO PROVIDE WELFARE TO THE ORPHANS, DISABLE HOMES AND POOR WIDOWS 4. TO INVOLVE IN CHURCH PLANTING AND SUPPORT MISSIONARY WORK 5. TO PROMOTE AND DISTRIBUTE CHRISTIAN BOOKS, TRACKS, ELECTRONIC EVANGELISM AND PUBLISHING Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEE

SIGNED: BRAINTRUST & SPRINGBOARD CONSULT 08023078234

TRICYCLE EMPLOYERS &EMPLOYEES ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA OGUN-STATE CHAPTER.

WORDBASED APOSTOLIC GLOBAL CHURCH OF CHRIST

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. REV (EVANG) UCHE OKOGBUA DIKE 2. APOSTLE DR. CHUKS S. UWADOKA 3. REV. AUGUSTINE A. OKEOMA 4. APOSTLE IKECHI THOM 5. BISHOP KELVIN OBIWUMMA 6. REV DR. JOSEPH AGU THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1.To propagate the gospel of christ 2. To enhance unity among ministers of the gospel Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed by:GODSON SAMUEL SNR ESQ

NIELS AND DAVID FOUNDATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part ‘’C’’ Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

This is to inform the General Public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration of trustees under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 (as amended).

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR. ADELAKUN ADEDAYO 2. MR. OKE AKANBI 3. MR. OYEKAN ADEJUWON 4. MR. HAASTRUP GBENGA 5. MR. OLANREWAJU SEGUN 6. MR. AKINDELE DELE 7. MR. SOGBAMU KAMORUDEEN 8. ALHAJA MONINUOLA ERIONOSHO 9. CHIEF ADEODU MUTAIRU 10. ALHAJI ELEFONDE MUTALIB.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1 REV. DR. OLADIPUPO KEHINDE ANTHONY PAUL 2 OLADIPUPO ITUNU FUNKE (MOTHER IN ISRAEL) 3 DR. AGBOOLA MUSTAPHA ADEWALE 4 ADETUTU OMOTESO ADEMOLA

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1 DANIELS INNOCENT UCHE - PRESIDENT 2 UZOUKWU CHRISTIAN SUNDAY- VICE- PRESIDENT 3 DANIELS FRANCISCA OBIAGELI - SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1 To propagate the gospel of our Lord and savior Jesus Christ 2 To carry out missionary works and give also to the needy 3 To uphold the Apostolic faith and scriptural doctrine as laid down by our Lord Jesus Christ

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1 To help the less privileged people and young in our society 2 To create an enabling environment for Africans through education, enterprise development and leadership support to drive the socio- economic well-beings of the African nation.

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

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

SIGNED: MR. E. O. MOSES

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

LYDIA OLD STUDENTS CLUB

TESS WORLD HEALTHCARE ORGANISATION.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO FOSTER PEACE AND UNITY AMONG THE MEMBERS. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within twenty eight (28)days of this publication.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE AKHIRA CHARITY FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration with the corporate Affair Commission under Part “C” Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. JIMOH GARUBA (CHAIRMAN) 2. MENAY ABUDU HARUNA 3. ZUBARU AFE IGIEKHUME 4. NASIRU SALIU IKHARO (SECRETARY/CEO) 5. YESUFU SULE DURU 6. MOMOH- JIMOH MAMUDU IKHARO 7. PROF. MEDINA OMO KADIRI

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Asabor Amadin (Chairman) 2. Uyi Darlington Osamuyi 3. Igbogidi Ogagaoghene Edorodion 4. Odagwe Emmanuel Blo-Ndi 5. Okosun Ehizogie 6. Ipogah Osikhena Anthony 7. Eboigbe Samuel A. 9. Otoide Idialu Vincent 10 Udoroh Joy Ifeanyi 11. Igabali Imoisili Darlington - Secretary

AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To assist in the alleviation of the living conditions of Auchi’s most vulnerable indigenes.

2. To promote peaceful coexistence of muslins and non-Muslim in Auchi Kingdom.

3. To promote ethics and moral values through Islam (Daw’ah).

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

AIM AND OBJECTIVE : To promote purity and progress of the club.

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

Signed: BARR. MENAY A. HARUNA

SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE SERAPHINE OUTREACH

CHANGE OF NAME AND AMENDMENT CONSTITUTION

This is to notify the general public that the above named church has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1 of 1990.

TRUSTEES ARE : 1. NWOSU SERAPHINE CHIOMA 2. EZENYI LAWRENCE CHUKWUDI 3. EZECHUKWU UJU ABIGAIL 4. CHUKS G. NWOSU 5. YVONNE YINFAOWEI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To consistently equip and empower African Youth and Women through resourcing, training, mentoring and counseling in order to overcome the millennial challenges and build dependable society worthy of emulation.

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

Signed By General Secretary.

The general public is hereby notified that NEWDOWN BETHEL-PENTICOSTAL MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Change of Name and Amendment of Constitution under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

Old Name - NEWDOWN BETHEL-PENTICOSTAL MINISTRY New Name - NEWDAWN BETHEL-PENTICOSTAL MINISTRY The constitution shall be amended to reflect the new name as stated above.

The Trustees are: 1. Pastor IGWE CHIGOZIE SUNDAY Chairman/General Overseer Re-appointed 2. OGBONNA PHILIP NDUBUISI General Secretary Re-appointed 3. CHUKWUEMEKA MICHAEL CHID -Re-appointed 4. UGORJI EMMANUEL CHINENYE -Re-appointed 5. MBAMA FAVOUR NNENWA -Re-appointed Aims and Objective; To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ to all Nations To worship and serve God and fulfill the great commission of Jesus Christ as set forth in Matthew 28:19-20 To evangelize and win souls.

To engage in open and indoor crusade To promote and foster mutual beneficial relationship among members.

Any objection to this change of name and amendment of constitution should be forwarded to Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission Pot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28days of this publication.

SIGN: TRUSTEES

This is to inform the General Public that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration of trustees under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 (as amended).

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Telufusi Adijat Kuburat Adebukunola 2. Dr. Kayode Abdulwaseel Odutayo 3. Telufusi Hassan Olalekan Adeniyi 4. Telufusi Malik AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : 1. An organization dedicated to providing quality access to health care across sub-Saharan Africa 2. To provide humanitarian organisation that will strive to advocate for the improvement of the literacy level in healthcare.

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

Signed: ARAMIDE ADEGBITE & CO 08188887727 & 08027488526 JONES OLUWAYINKA SAMUEL SUNDAY

I formally known as AKOGUN OLUWAYINKA SUNDAY now wishes to be known and address as JONES OLUWAYINKA SAMUEL SUNDAY. All former document remain valid. The general public should take note

ADELEKE PETER. A I formally known as OGUNTADE PETER. A now wishes to be known and address as ADELEKE PETER. A. All former document remain valid. The general public should take note

OLADIPUPO OLAKUNLE OYEWOLE

JOYCE OMOTOLANI OLATUNDE-OLUWOLE

I formally known as FANIYAN OLAKUNLE OYEWOLE now wishes to be known and address as OLADIPUPO OLAKUNLE OYEWOLE. All former document remain valid. The general public should take note

I formally known as JOYCE OMOTOLANI OLATUNDE now wishes to be known and address as JOYCE OMOTOLANI OLATUNDE-OLUWOLE. All former document remain valid.

The general public should take note

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Ebonyi Dep Gov tasks media on devt Jacob Ogodo, Abakaliki

ÏÏÏThe Deputy Governor

of Ebonyi State, Dr. Kelechi Igwe, has urged media practitioners in the state to support the development efforts of the government, under the leadership of Engr. David Umahi.

He made the call, on Tuesday, when members of the state Correspondents’ Chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists, (NUJ), paid him courtesy visit in his office at Government House, Abakaliki.

Igwe, who underscored the roles of journalists in the society, urged them to, at all times, balance their news reports and be objective in their criticisms.

He noted that in some other climes, journalists were, in most times, known to be destructive in their reportage, but journalists in Ebonyi State have been the great pillar of strength and encouragement of the present government.

23 News

APC carpets Fayose over N250m Dubai Christmas trip Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏThe All Progressives

Congress (APC) in Ekiti State has described Governor Ayo Fayose’s trip to Dubai on Christmas day as a reckless insensitivity to the workers’ plight, saying it was a height of irresponsibility by him to have embarked on private comfort abroad, while state workers lived in miserable con-

ditions during festiveYuletide season.

Specifically, it accused Fayose of refusal to pay workers’ salary for three months, and yet he went on a foreign trip, through over-bloated expenses costing Ekiti people N250 million.

Its Publicity Secretary, Taiwo Olatunbosun, described Fayose’s Sunday trip to the United Arab Emirates (UAE) as wicked,

especially because he always called himself peoples’ governor.

“It is more worrisome that the governor prepared and collected travelling allowances for 10 aides, whom he claimed were to travel with him to Dubai, but only one eventually made the trip, while money, running into millions for the remaining nine, was pocketed by the governor,” Olatunbosun alleged.

He added that the Dubai trip “confirmed our earlier alarm that Fayose is taking Ekiti money out to the Middle East country whenever he receives allocation from the Federal Government”.

He added: “Fayose just visited local governments where he lied to the workers that the state government was broke, whereas he has appropriated N250 million for his

We’ll sustain efforts at wiping out insurgents, says GOC Chijioke Kingsley, Jos

ÏÏÏThe

Kano NDLEA seizes 12kg drugs, Ekweremadu seeks Ebonyi support for Umahi marijuana governorship election as the state College of EducaThe governor also anJacob Ogodo, People returning from Kogi East to Lokoja after Christmas holiday… on Tuesday.

Yakubu Salisu

ÏÏÏThe

National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kano Command, on Tuesday, displayed various hard drugs and other prohibited substances it confiscated weighing 12,362.87KG. According to the Commander, Alhaji Umar Hamza, it had arrested 676 suspects, 3161.729KG of cannabis, 9200.935KG of psychotropic substances, 156grams of cocaine, 50 grams of heroin and that the Command had succeeded in convicting 143 suspects and 502 patients counselled in 2015, and that his Command was working in collaboration with all other security agencies in the state to rid it of the menace the state government was giving the Command every support needed.

needless trip and those of ghost aides, after setting aside another N250 million for his monthly personal security vote.

“This is a governor, who few days ago, accused his colleagues of extravagant spending through foreign trips, even though he, too, is the greatest culprit. This confirms our allegation that Governor Fayose is an incorrigible con artist that ever lives.”

Abakaliki

ÏÏÏThe

Deputy Senate President, Senator Ike Ekweremadu, has called on people of Ebonyi State to offer unflinching support to Governor David Umahi in his efforts to develop the state.

Ekweremadu, who paid a Christmas visit to Umahi at his Uburu residence in Ohaozara Local Government Area, said such support would make the governor deliver democracy dividends to them.

“It is when you co-operate with him that he will be spurred to do more for you.

The democracy dividend he promised you during electioneering will be difficult to meet in atmosphere of rancour,” he told other visitors, who were present.

Ekweremadu described Umahi’s victory in the last

the act of God. He said that “his administration is an instrument ordained by God for the unification of Ebonyi State.”

Ekweremadu gave an assurance that he would use his position to galvanise both local and international support for the Umahi administration to enable it accelerate the development of the state.

He expressed confidence that the on-going efforts

by Umahi to transform the markets in the state into modern ones would attract both local and international investors.

Those that visited the governor also included members of the State Executive Council, the stakeholders of Ikwo Local Government Area, led by the Deputy-Governor, Dr. Eric Kelechi Igwe, the Board and Management of

tion, led by its chairman, Engr. Fidelis Nwankwo, the Governing Council of the state university, Abakaliki, led by the Vice Chancellor, Prof. Francis Idike, the Rector of Akanu Ibiam Federal Polytechnic, Unwana, Afikpo, Venerable Ogbonnaya Ibe-Enwo, Ohaukwu Local Government stakeholders, the state Traditional Rulers’ Council, led by His Royal Highness, Charles Mkpuma, and members of the State Fiscal Responsibility Commission.

Umahi thanked his visitors for coming to share the joy of Christmas with him.

The governor used the occasion of his audience with the members of the state Executive Council to announce the suspension of the collection of internally generated revenue (IGR) for the month of January, 2016.

nounced the lifting of the suspension order on the Special Assistant to the Governor on Talent Development and Rehabilitation, Mrs. Jacinta Nworie.

Umahi appauladed the Council members for their commitment to duty and urged them to be peace makers and bridge builders.

He declared December 31 as a day of fasting and prayers by the Executive Council Members for the state and for their families.

Ekweremadu

out-going General Officer Commanding 3 Division in Jos, Gen. Hassan Umaru, on Tuesday, said that the Nigerian Army effort in wiping out the insurgents in the north-east shall be sustained, even as the Army has kept with the December dead line set by the Presidency.

Umaru made this known at the handing over ceremony to usher in the new GOC 3 Division, Brigadier-Gen. Mohammed Sani Aliyu.

Our correspondent gathered that there has been a new wave of transfer in the Nigeria Army recently, as Brigadier-Gen MS Aliyu and Umaru happen to have crisscrossed their Commands.

While Umaru is resuming in Maiduguri as the new Theatre Commander, Tactical Headquarters, (Operation Lafia Dolle), Brig. Aliyu is being transferred from 21 Brigade, Maiduguri to Jos to serve as the new GOC. The two Generals encouraged officers to be united in fighting the insurgents, while urging them not to allow sentiments to inform their judgement.

News 24 Nkiru Nwagbo Awka

ÏÏÏ

Members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Anambra Central Senatorial District chapter, have resolved that they would re-nominate Mrs. Uche Ekwunife as their candidate for the forth coming senatorial election.

It would be recalled that an Appeal Court sitting in Enugu, on Dec 7, nullified the election of Sen. Uche Ekwunife as senator representing Anambra Central.

The PDP stakeholders made the resolution at the Townhall meeting in Awka on Tuesday.

In a communique

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

PDP to nominate Ekwunife for Anambra Senatorial poll read by Mr. Kenneth Enemuo, the members said they were satisfied with Ekwunife’s quality representation in her short stay before the court nullified her election.

“Mandate freely given to Ekwunife would not be compromised in spite of the negative propaganda against her person.

“That we have resolved to nominate her again as the candidate of the PDP and to vote for her massively again so that she can return to her seat in

Senate,” it stated.

Earlier in his speech, Sen Ben Obi, said the PDP would hold a primary election on Jan. 9 where Ekwunife would be nominated again to run for the party.

Obi said Ekwunife was a hardworking, mature and result-oriented politician who remained the best to represent the zone in the Senate.

“The party will go to primaries on Jan. 9 and there we would reaffirm that Uche is our preferred can-

didate,” he said.

Also speaking, Chief Peter Obi, former governor of Anambra argued that there should not have another primaries since the same PDP committee that gave Ekwunife ticket was the one that did same for the other two senators from the state.

Obi said it took the ingenuity of politicians in the mould of Ekwunife to get a crucial position as the chairman of senate committee on downstream even as an opposition sen-

ator.

He called on the people of the zone to work assiduously for her reelection as there was no candidate that can represent them better.

Obi acknowledged the economy and political situation in the country but, however, called for prayers for the nation and her leadership.

On her part, Ekwunife said the Townhall meeting which was scheduled about two months ago was to be the first of the quar-

Group tasks Kwara Gov on salary arrears

Ambode media aide, Habib Aruna loses dad

Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

ÏÏÏThe

Ilorin Emirate Descendants Progressive Union (IEDPU), has asked the Kwara state governor, Alh. Abdulfatah Ahmed to pay outstanding salaries of all categories of workers in the state.

The union equally asked the governor to ensure transparency in the process of converting some civil servants in their cadres.

The National President of the union, Alhaji AbdulHamid Adi, who made the request in Ilorin also warned the state government against imposing non-Kwarans on the leadership of the state-owned investment company, Harmony Holdings as well as government’s involvement in ‘buying and selling of lands’.

Though the state government has paid salaries of core civil servants up to date, staff of state- owned tertiary institutions and local government councils workers are being owed between four and eight months salaries.

The IEDPU president submitted that it is against the injunctions of Islam to owe workers.

He charged the state government to put in place modalities that will enhance its capacity to pay civil servants as at when due.

terly stewardship account session she planned to be having with her constituents.

She said she had put the past behind her and was now fully focus on the oncoming election, vowing to emerge victorious again with the support of the people.

She had made remarkable impact which was beneficial to her zone and the South-East geopolitical zone in spite of the initial turbulent start off of the eight Assembly.

L-R: Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi; his wife, Rachel; Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and Senate Minority Leader, Sen. Godswill Akpabio, at the state function in Enugu State… on Monday.

Ogun Assembly passes N200b appropriation Bill Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏ

Ogun State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, passed the 2016 Appropriation Bill of N200, 200, 453, 352.00, reflecting a marginal reduction of about N74m from the total of N200, 274,453,352 presented to the lawmakers by the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun a month ago.

The passage of the Bill was sequel to the presentation of the report of the House Committee on Finance and Appropriation chaired by Hon. Akanbi Bankole, who later moved the motion for the adoption, seconded by Hon. Rasaq Oduntan and supported by the whole House, while the Bill was thereafter read clause by clause before the members by the Speaker, Hon. Suraju Isho-

la Adekunbi.

The Bill was passed with an amendment in recurrent expenditure of the estimates of the State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Bureau of Tertiary Education as well as Signage and Advertising Agency.

Also, the revenue targets of the State Ministry of Information and Strategy, State Environmental Protection Agency, Judi-

cial Service Commission, Housing Corporation, Hospital Management Board, Bureau of Information Technology and the State Hospital, Ota were slightly adjusted.

The appropriation Bill allocated N89.908bn for recurrent, N11bn for consolidated revenue fund charges including pensions and gratuities, while N99.291bn was earmarked for capital expenditure.

Mr. Habib Aruna, the Chief Press Secretary to Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State, has lost his father, Alhaji Adamson Aruna.

He died on Monday evening after a protracted illness at the age of 85.

Alhaji Aruna during his prime, worked at the University College Hospital (UCH), in Ibadan.

He put in 35 years of active service as a staff of the UCH Maintenance Department before he retired and became an astute business man and a respected community leader.

Until his demise, he was the Omorodion of Ivbiaroland, Auchi in Edo State. He is survived by his wives, children, grandchildren and great grandchildren. According to his son, Mr. Habib Aruna, Alhaji Aruna was buried on Tuesday, according to Islamic rites.

Omowa Club donates to Okitipupa hospital ÏÏÏIn line with its com-

munity social responsibility, the foremost socio-cultural pan Ikale elite club, ‘Omowa’, has donated bedding materials, such as bed sheets and pillow cases to the State Specialist Hospital, Okitipupa.

While making the donation, the president of Omowa club, Asiwaju Benson Akintola Akindeju, noted that social responsibility is a factor which the club has always identified with over the years. He said when he assumed office as the presi-

dent of Omowa club, he outlined his programmes, the most significance of which is to give everybody a sense of belonging in Ikale land. ‘’We feel the hospital needs very clean bed sheets because we had once visited here and I didn’t feel

very comfortable with what I saw. I observed that the hospital can make do with clean pillow cases and bed sheets, so that the patients can lay comfortably on their beds, hence this timely and prompt donation, ‘’ Asiwaju Benson Akindeju stated.

Late Aruna

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

25 Opinion

The Beat Goes On (II)

ÏÏÏ Nationwide the beat

is that 2016 will be austere.

So we know the state of the nation, economic-wise. But how are we doing on the health front? The current life expectancy of Nigerians is roughly 56 years and this should improve to 65 or 70 years when our National Health System is strengthened. But there is no Institute of Public Health which can create robust health systems in the country. Dr. Afolabi, a consultant in Public Health, says that previous Health Ministers, though specialists in one area of medicine or the other, might not have been able to holistically measure the overall disease state of Nigerians because they don’t have professional Public Health background. He says it is high time that Nigeria instituted an immediate general Health Audit nationwide if our health system is to improve by leaps and bounds. The government desires clinical medicine to function well, so it must focus on and base clinical medicine on strong Public Health system.

When asked how healthy we are as a nation, Afolabi says, ‘Professor Adewole, I’m sure, is aware of the Social Determinants of Health meaning that majority of the illnesses of Nigerians are determined by the societal and social factors and once these Social determinants

of Health are addressed, Nigeria will spend less on the health of her nationals and thereby create wealth.

The last time a national survey on hypertension among Nigerians was conducted was around 1998 by Professor Akinkugbe, also of the University College Hospital, Ibadan so the Honourable Minister is requested to call for regular survey on NonCommunicable Diseases such as Hypertension and Diabetes mellitus.’ Afolabi urges the new minister to check how many Nigerians are hypertensive, how many are diabetic, how many of us have Chronic Renal Diseases and also the distribution of these diseases in terms of gender, location, time, occupation and wealth quintile.

How trustworthy is the health service delivery in Nigeria? Our ill-equipped hospitals managed by our brilliant medical corps are held in contempt by the nouveaux riches. That’s why they go on medical tourism to India, Germany, Saudi Arabia and this has drained the nation of hardearned foreign currency.

The Government of China supports its pharmaceutical industries in research and development. India too derives great incomes not only from medical tourism but also from researches on its medicinal herbs. Nigeria which is endowed with more

Adewole

potent medicinal herbs, brains and an erudite leader in the health industry should start viewing health as an industry.

The present Health System isn’t responsive to people’s non- medical expectations. Patients aren’t treated either courteously or in a timely manner. Sade, a young lady, gave birth to twins in a Lagos hospital last September. The second twin (as is often the case) was breech. The midwife/nurse attending to the mother just grabbed the baby’s legs and yanked him out of his mother’s body. Imagine that! The woman’s vagina was torn, the bones there dislocated. She’s presently at a bone setting centre in Ikorodu. Should the frustration, anger and arrogance of health workers be vented on the patients? This pernicious attitude has eaten deep into the fabrics of Health Delivery Services in Nigeria.

It must be recognised that there is a poor health workerpatient relationship.

W E A T H E R ABUJA

ASABA

LAGOS

Low 22°C High 40°C

Low 23°C High 39°C

Low 22°C High 38°C

KADUNA

IBADAN

ILORIN

Low 15°C High 34°C

Low 21°C High 43°C

Low 19°C High 38°C

Nigerian Health System should be predicated on Health Policy under which are (i) Relevant legislation (ii) Regulations and (iii) Strategic Plans. The nation’s Health System measures life expectancy and is also associated with people leading healthier lives so the situation of there being big health inequalities between different population groups should be avoided.

The new Minister is advised to reposition Nigeria’s health human resource - training and retraining, improved welfare and competitive wages for medical doctors and other health workers. Solution to be provided for current poor funding of the health sector.

Afolabi recommends there should be Economic Evaluation of Health Programs as there has never been such evaluation of any of our health programs be it immunization, malaria eradication, tuberculosis campaign etc etc. Such evaluation will look into Health Econom-

ics and the Economics of Health across board. He also requests that the Minister look at the Universal Health Coverage as hinted in the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) which have replaced the MDGs. Dr. Tony Marinho believes that the health sector for long has neglected to use the media to project medical or lifeskill messages on air. He therefore calls for donated or paid for space to be used daily to educate and inform the population for ignorance kills and medical ignorance kills faster. He says that there is a need for a Ministry of Health, Ministry of Education & Ministry of Information meeting for top 100 messages which can then be disseminated through Government and Private media to save lives. He and Dr. Afolabi agree that Federal Ministry of Health should work more closely with all other line Ministries such as Finance; Women Affairs, Education; Power, Works and Housing; Petroleum; Youths and Sports, Justice, Transportation, Internal Affairs, External Affairs, NNPC etc. to fund and for efficient health delivery and research.

Though the Health System should be fair, particularly in terms of the financial contributions that people make towards financing the health system, Dr. Afolabi advises that Nigeria should be in the driver’s seat of the health of her people.

He says that it is disgraceful that foreign agencies and NGOs are allowed to fund and run Nigerian Health System. Others can support with the approval of the Federal Government. At this junction, kudos should be given to the current administration for giving the health sector the second largest

allocation on the budget.

We hope the Honourable Minister will engage in Health System Strengthening for a healthy Nigerian Nation. So during his tenure, we look forward to an effective and equitable health services - taps in the hospitals running unhindered, uninterrupted power supply and transformers being used only as back up. The health institutions should be revamped so as to make them professional, disciplined, possess integrity in order to restore public confidence in the health sector. It’s only then that Nigerians will stop being medical tourists and the situation can be reverted as others come to Nigeria on medical tourism. We hope the ideas suggested above are looked into so that we can thump our chests and say, ‘We’re making progress in the health sector’. The newly inaugurated cabinet should note that citizens would be at peace when they are provided for materially and all the amenities are implemented.

Shrink for the Prince I agree that our cops should be made to see a shrink before guns are given to them. But has anybody ever thought of getting the former National Security Adviser, Sambo Dasuki, to see a shrink? What was it that made the man who, in January 2015, at Chatham House gave a talk on ‘Nigeria’s Insecurity: Insurgency, Corruption, Elections and the Management of Multiple Threats’ divert the monies meant for the national security?

As we countdown 2015, we say, ‘O God our help in ages past’. Happy New Year.

O’Yemi Afolabi can be reached at:oyemiajike@ gmail.com; @oyemiajike

R E P O R T KANO Low 13°C High 32°C

BENIN CITY Low 11°C High 26°C

P/HARCOURT Low 22°C High 37°C

CALABAR Low 23°C High 41°C

ENUGU Low 19°C High 36°C

WARRI Low 24°C High 41°C

26

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Features Æ s

Ï^ƋƆƗ Ɔ Ɛ ƏƆéƇ ƅƑ governance on the real needs of Nigerians The promising relations between many African countries and China since 15 years of the establishment of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation undoubtedly underscored the decision by some 40 African leaders - including Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari - to converge on Johannesburg, South Africa recently for the 6th China-Africa Summit.

Public affairs analyst, Alhaji Sanusi Mohammed observes that the summit which came at the instance of Chinese President Xi Jinping, also marks a new dawn for robust economic relations between Nigeria and China.

He further observed that more than 3,000 Chinese companies are currently doing businesses in many African countries, including Nigeria.

Sani Adamu, a situations analyst with the News Agency of Nigeria quoted Muhammed as saying China has consistently doubled its financing commitment to Africa from N5 billion dollars in 2006 to N10 billion dollars in 2009 and N20 billion dollars in 2012.

Statistics show also that the trade volume between China and Africa has soared from N10 billion dollars to more than N220 billion dollars in the last 15 years while China’s direct investment in Africa hit N30 billion dollars presently.

On her part, China claimed she offered scholarships to about 15,126 African students between 2013 and 2014.

Declaring the summit open, Xi announced that China would commit about N60 billion dollars for the development of Africa.

“China has decided to provide a total of N60 billion dollars of

President Buhari receiving prototype of a train from the Chinese.

THE 6TH CHINA-AFRICA SUMMIT:

Buhari proclaims China a strategic, dependable partner funding support that includes five billion of grants in zero interest loans, N35 billion dollars in preferential facility and export credit loans and concessional loans,” he said.

Describing Nigeria as a very important ally of China in Africa, Xi said that China was keen to work with Nigeria for the mutual benefit of both countries.

Appreciating the Chinese government’s gesture, Nigeria’s President Muhammadu Buhari said that China remained a stra-

Irrespective of the robust Africa-China relations, China must not turn Africa to a dumping ground for substandard Chinese products under the guise of strengthening economic ties. African governments must compel their companies to establish their manufacturing industries in Africa as against marketing finished products from China — Stakeholders

tegic and dependable partner in his administration.

He however said that his administration would take actions to correct the mistakes that hindered the implementation of agreements signed with China under previous administrations for the development of rail transportation in Nigeria.

Speaking at bilateral talks with President Xi Jinping at the summit, Buhari said that Nigeria would carry out its obligaCONTINUED ON PAGE 27

How Oluremi Tinubu feted the elderly at Christmas Senator Oluremi looks on as a gift item was handed to an elderly citizen

Committed to the frail and elderly in her primary constituency, Senator Oluremi Tinubu on Christmas eve celebrated the 4th edition of the Elderly Citizens’ Assistance Scheme (ECAS) in fulfillment of her pledge during her campaign. BABAJIDE OKEOWO was there for features desk and reports.

Venue was the new Marquee Hall of the high-brow Eko Hotel and Suite; the event was the 4th edition of the Elderly Citizens’ Assistance Scheme (ECAS), a brainchild of the senator representing Lagos Central Senatorial District, Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Men and women, they came from far and near in droves, many

of them so frail and weak they had to be led by their grandchildren to meet a woman who has made their well-being her primary objective.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu who established the platform with the sole aim of providing quality care for the elderly citizens in her conCONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

27 Features

Taking care of the elderly is compulsory- Tinubu CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

stituency, was right on hand to receive them, hugging, singing and dancing with them.

The ambience was nostalgic for most of the senior citizens as music from their generation blasted from loudspeakers and the old dears took to the floor as they had done in the good old days.

There was plenty to eat and drink while a handsome sum of money in addition to provisions like food items and clothing materials was handed to every senior citizen present at the venue

to enable them enjoy the festive season.

According to Oluremi Tinubu, care for the elderly is what everybody should imbibe.

With the theme, ‘Elderly care a challenge for our future’, Lagos state senatorial district representative, senator Oluremi Tinubu has envisaged on the need to make adequate provision for the elderly citizens in the country with attention to social security benefits to meet their medical care and basic needs such as food and shelter.

She made this known at the

16th town hall meeting which coincided with her 4th edition of the elderly citizen’s assistance scheme held at the same venue.

The occasion was attended by top APC loyalist.

Tinubu noted that there is need for us to reverence and celebrate out highly esteemed elders because they are our reservoir of wisdom and knowledge noting that the inability of our culture to recognise the old people’s home has no doubt imposed a lot of challenges to the care of the elderly in Nigeria.

Oluremi Tinubu and some senior citizens

Obasanjo only person living or dead that has ruled Nigeria for 11 years — Buhari

Buhari CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

tions under the agreements so as to reap the full benefits of the deals.

“I have looked into the previous agreements and we will now keep our part of the bargain,’’ Buhari said.

He commended China’s ongoing support for the development of Nigeria’s agricultural sector, noting that Chinese advisers deployed to some states of the federation were helping to train farmers on water conservation and the use of more productive seeds.

Addressing a roundtable of Chinese and African leaders on the last day of the summit, Buhari noted that his administration had embarked on the task of re-focusing governance on the real needs of the vast majority of Nigerians.

He therefore expressed confidence that “China will always

Chinese President XI Jinping

stand shoulder-to-shoulder with us in our quest to fulfil the aspirations of our people to propel them to prosperity.”

Appraising the potentials of the summit, Buhari expressed the hope that it would engender the right platform to engage Africa in all fields of human endeavours such as provision of essential infrastructure, skills development, capacity building, diversification of our economies to obtain maxim benefits from our resources.’’

He noted that the summit had assisted Nigeria over the years in cultivating, fostering and deepening political, economic, technological, social and other forms of relations between China and Africa.

He specifically lauded China for the vision behind the establishment of the forum as a platform for higher level Africa- China relationship.

Buhari also stressed the need for crucial link between political stability, security and sustainable development on the African Continent.

“Africa can only leverage productively on the potential of ties with strategic and development partners in an atmosphere of political stability and security of lives and property,’’ he noted.

Buhari also listed political conflicts, terrorism and other forms of Extremism, trans-border crimes, illegal arms trade, irregular migration and cybercrimes as some of the challenges confronting Africa, stressing the need for collective action to tackle such threats to global peace.

“These are veritable threats to peace and security and without peace and security we cannot succeed in our development objectives,’’ he added.

Buhari then urged China and Africa to work together to tackle

these threats as well as the challenge of climate change.

“This has become necessary in view of the fact that Africa remains badly affected with severe threats to food security and social stability in addition to unacceptable levels of poverty, unemployment and youth restiveness.

“I am confident that the summit will come out with a clear and sustainable roadmap that would be mutually beneficial to both Africa and China,” he concluded.

Also speaking at an audience with the President of Guinea Bissau, Mr Jose Mario Bavz during the summit, Buhari said he enlisted the assistance of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to mediate in the political crisis in Guinea Bissau because of his wide political and military experience.

He said he took the decision because Obasanjo was also

strongly committed to the unity of Nigeria and Africa.

“I sent President Olusegun Obasanjo because he is the only person living or dead that has ruled Nigeria for 11 years.

“That was why I looked for him and asked him to collaborate with President Macky Sall of Senegal to stabilise the situation of Guinea Bissau,’’ he said.

While appreciating Bavz’s expression of thanks for Nigeria’s support during the crisis in his country, Buhari noted that “the least Nigeria could do was what we did to stabilise your country.”

Bavz in his remarks said he came to thank President Buhari for everything Nigeria had been doing for his country, adding that he had been looking forward to such an opportunity.

He thanked him for sending Obasanjo as a special envoy to restore peace to his country, noting that Nigeria is part of the solution and stability of his country.

Irrespective of the robust Africa-China relations however, stakeholders caution against turning Africa to a dumping ground for substandard Chinese products under the guise of strengthening economic ties.

They insist that African governments must compel the Chinese companies interested in investing in Africa to establish their manufacturing industries in Africa as against marketing finished products from China.

Mr Mark Ijadunola, an economist, observes that established Chinese industries in Africa will create more job opportunities for Africans, reduce poverty and boost the economy of the continent.

Eagles star Simon glad to be hooked

E

Moses Simon (left) with his bride Sarah.

agles star Moses Simon quit bachelorhood Tuesday when he wedded heartthrob Sarah at a colourful ceremony in Ibadan.

Simon took a break from Belgian champions Gent to be hooked at a ceremony which was graced by several personalities including Tijani Babangida, ex-international as well as special assistant

to Eagles coach Sunday Oliseh as well as Eagles stars Kingsley Madu, Sylvester Igbonu, Olanrewaju Kayode and Rasheed Olabiyi.

Several top officials of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) also attended the event.

Earlier this year, Moses and his bride did a traditional engagement in Abuja.

Page 28

g 30 Sagna backs ‘faultering’

Mangala

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Respect the law,

Enyimba

Dalung warns Giwa ANDREW EKEJIUBA

W

arring faction led by Chris Giwa, claiming to be the rightfully elected board members of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have been urged to eschew violence and embrace dialogue in trying to resolve the recurring crisis in the football house.

The Honourable Minister of Youth and Sports, Barrister Solomon Dalung gave the charge on Tuesday in Plateau State.

He said that violence will amount to a breakdown of law and order which will not solve the 14-monthold crisis and will not be acceptable to the government.

“It has come to my knowledge once again, that anarchy is being

adopted as a method for addressing grievances in the Nigeria Football Federation. As a peacemaker and also a Minister of Youth and Sports, I will always implore Nigerians to apply the use of dialogue and consensus in resolving crisis. This my posture should not be taken as weakness, but as a well-intended way of promoting peace among people. I reiterate this again and again that I am standing with nobody in the crisis of the NFF but will always stand for due process,” Dalung cautioned.

He further urged the aggrieved parties who have already presented their petitions to wait for a decision to be taken on the matter: “If there are grievances, which have already been brought before me by both parties, I should be allowed to look

i a f u R makes case

for sports sponsorship

A

former Super Eagles goalkeeper, Peter Rufai, on Tuesday urged corporate bodies and wealthy individuals to sponsor sports programmes and competitions, to further enhance youth development.

Rufai, who was the special guest at the 2015 edition of the Kemisola Peace Cup in Akure, said that the involvement of youths in sports would keep them engaged and

distract them from social vices and crime.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the Kemisola Peace Cup for football clubs in Akure is sponsored by Mrs Kemisola Adesanya, representing Akure South Constituency 1 in the State House of Assembly.

The former Nigerian goalkeeper commended the sponsor and Gov. Olusegun Mimiko of Ondo for

drop Esieme, others

C

Giwa into them and take a decision. Chris Giwa and his group should not take the petition brought to my table as a license for anarchy. I will not endorse that today. I will not endorse that tomorrow and I will not endorse that forever. Therefore, I urge all warring factions to remain very calm and peaceful so that we will not destroy the image and progress built so far in football.

“While wishing Nigerians a prosperous New Year and a hopeful outing at the Olympics, I charge all

Rufai supporting and developing sports in the state.

He said that that apart from physical development of the athletes, sports was fast becoming a revenue earner and urged those engaged in it to be disciplined and dedicated.

The competition, which is holding at the Akure Stadium, kicked off

stakeholders to be more responsible and patriotic in their deeds. God bless Nigeria.”

It will be recalled that Chris Giwa abdicated the seat of the President of the Nigeria Football Federation for Nigeria to escape the dreaded FIFA ban by the deadline of Monday, September 8, 2014. Fourteen months after, the Giwa faction renewed its claim to the leadership of the NFF threatening to take over the Federation in the New Year.

with a novelty match between officials in the state executive led by the Deputy Gov., Alhaji Lasisi Oluboyo, and members of the State legislature.

The match ended 1-0 in favour of the legislators.

Oluboyo after the match told newsmen that the state government would continue to support and develop sports in the state.

He said that the reward given to the Sunshine Queens was in line with the commitment to reward success in sports.

NAN reports that the state government gave cash rewards to the victorious Sunshine Queens for winning the 2015 Women’s Federation Cup. In a pulsating final in the Peace Cup competition, Alafiatayo FC defeated Isinkin FC 5-3 on penalties, to claim the coveted trophy.

hampions Enyimba have continued to re-organise for the New Year by dropping defender Bright Esieme, Chimeze Amanfor and Emeka Nwanna ‘Ayaya’.

Last season, Esieme struggled to pin down a first-team place after he featured at the 2014 CHAN in South Africa.

Enyimba loaned out the league’s first million Naira signing ‘Ayaya’ to local rivals Abia Warriors till the end of the season in August.

Chima Uluocha has ended his loan move with Enyimba to return to Abia Warriors where he was captain.

Coming in the opposite direction is Warri Wolves ‘hard man’ Mine Ojo, who has played for Enugu Rangers and Heartland.

Esieme

Heartland will return to winning ways

—Efugh

T

he Captain of Heartland FC of Owerri, Chinedu Efugh, on Tuesday assured fans of the club that it would return to its winning ways in the 2015/2016 Glo Premier League Championship.

Efugh said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

NAN reports that the club finished in the seventh position on the league’s log with 56 points from 38 matches played in the last season.

The captain of the club added that training would begin Jan. 5, 2016, adding that the team will ensure that they leave no stone unturned.

“We will resume training in January and we intend to return to our winning ways with the support of our fans and management; our dedication is hundred per cent.”

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

EXTRATIME

Salami dumps CHAN

Watford striker Odion Ighalo (left) in action.

ambition for Euro move

ANDREW EKEJIUBA

T

adrid tico M Atlere massive bid for prepa

Ighalo

S Salami

NFF

reconstitutes Emergency Committee

N

igeria league hotshot Gbolahan Salami is likely to opt out of next month’s CHAN so as to sign for a club in Europe.

The Warri Wolves striker is the only player yet to rejoin the Eagles training camp in Abuja with officials suggesting he is in the process of completing a transfer overseas.

“We have 25 players in camp now with Salami the only player yet to rejoin the camp, it’s likely he is working on a transfer abroad,” a team official revealed on Tuesday.

Salami was top scorer of the Nigeria league this past season with 17 goals and captain of the CHAN Eagles, but he has never hidden his desire to play in Europe.

Should he sign for an overseas club he will be ineligible to feature at CHAN because the competition is reserved only for players who are playing in their home leagues.

29

panish La Liga side Atletico Madrid are ready to table a massive £12 million bid for Nigeria international Odion Ighalo after they watched him five times this season, according to media reports from Spain.

It has been reported he is a

summer target to replace Jackson Martinez, who cost them £25 million from FC Porto but has flopped.

Former Granada striker Ighalo has been a smash hit since he switched to Watford as he scored 20 goals to help them secure promotion to the English Premier League and he has

now scored 14 goals in the EPL so far this season.

Ighalo has also been linked with Italian club Roma.

However, Watford manager Quique Sanchez Flores has maintained they hope to hold on to the Nigeria striker this season.

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has announced the constitution of its Emergency Committee, with other standing committees and judicial bodies to be reconstituted in due course.

As prescribed by the Statutes, NFF President Amaju Pinnick is the chairman of the Emergency Committee, with 1st Vice President, Barr. Seyi Akinwunmi as his deputy.

The membership of NFF Emergency Committee is drawn from across the geopolitical zones, with Chief Felix AnyansiAgwu (Chairman of the Technical and Development Committee) representing the South-East; Alh. Yusuf Ahmed Fresh (Chairman of the Referees Committee) representing the North-Central; Alh. Babagana Kalli (Chairman of the Players’ Status Committee) representing the North-East and; Ibrahim Musa Gusau (Chairman of Chairmen) representing the North-West.

NFF General Secretary, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, is the Secretary of the Emergency Committee.

It would be recalled that NFF boss, Pinnick announced the dissolution of the body’s 18 standing committees and two judicial bodies immediately after the 71st Annual General Assembly which took place in Abuja on December 16.

30

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

EXTRATIME

Sagna

Mesut Ozil (right) slots past Artur Boruc of Bournemouth.

Ozil

backs ‘faultering’

Mangala B

acary Sagna has urged Manchester City fans to keep faith with France international Eliaquim Mangala, insisting he can still come good at the Etihad Stadium.

Vincent Kompany’s ongoing injury problems have turned the focus onto Mangala at the heart of the defence as City have struggled to fill the gap left by their influential captain.

Mangala became British football’s most expensive defender when he signed from Porto for £32m in August 2014. He has struggled for consistency but Sagna is adamant his team-mate can yet become one of the best in the Premier League.

“The big difference between him and myself was that he was bought for quite a lot of money, so people will expect him to be above everyone - but he’s still a human being.

comparable to Bergkamp, says Wenger

A

rsene Wenger has labelled Mesut Ozil as the “complete player” and compared him to Arsenal great Dennis Bergkamp.

Ozil produced his 16th assist of the season when he crossed for Gabriel to open the scoring in the first half in Arsenal’s 2-0 win over Bournemouth before adding a superb second after the interval.

When asked if Ozil is currently the best player in the division, Wenger replied: “Look at the numbers on the assists and they speak for him.

“Yes, he reminds me of Bergkamp. Bergkamp was more of a goalscorer than him and Ozil is more about assists, but now Ozil is becoming more of a goalscorer, so they are really comparable.

“I have seen a few good games from Ozil. What is important is that he is convincing everyone that he is not just a very talented player, but someone who is ready to work very hard for the team.

“Overall he is the complete player. I’ve not seen many players of his quality. He is an exceptional

player and you have to give me credit - I always defended that point of view even when people were skeptical.

“What’s important is that he becomes as good as he can be, and he is on the way to doing Mangala that. At the moment he is absolutely fantastic.

“Mesut was the focal point of our team against Bournemouth because we had a new midfield again. He was the guy who gave reassurance with his technical security and fluidity. He gives the team confidence.” etherlands coach Danny Wenger hailed his side’s “mental Blind believes Louis van strength” against Bournemouth Gaal would make an and thinks they answered a few excellent appointment as the Dutch questions following their heavy football association’s technical Boxing Day defeat at Southampton, director. but is not placing too much Van Gaal’s position as Manchester importance on climbing top of the United manager has come under intense scrutiny in recent weeks table for now.

The Arsenal boss also following a wretched run of form.

United suffered elimination from congratulated Petr Cech as he broke the Premier League record for clean the Champions League earlier this sheets, securing his 170th shutout month and are without a win in eight matches in all competitions. against Bournemouth.

Van Gaal has twice taken charge of

Blind opens to

Van Gaal Dutch return

N

He can make mistakes but he can do well and I am sure he is going to do even better.

“It’s not easy. I want to remind everyone that to come and play in this league is not easy at all. I had a chance to come and it was different for me.

I came at the same age, 24, and from the first season I had, everything went well.

“Now we have a setback with him but he started the season very well and we didn’t concede any goals. But when times are a bit harder, the first ones to blame are the defenders.

“I’ve been blamed, he has been blamed but that’s football. We have to deal with it, we have to learn. He’s doing his maximum to improve.

“He wants to get better. No matter what we try to communicate, even after games, we try to analyse when we concede goals what he should have done a bit better, what I should have done a bit better. We try to analyse to improve,” Sagna said.

the Netherlands and led them to the semi-finals of the 2014 World Cup in Brazil, losing to Argentina on penalties.

The Dutch football association (KNVB) are yet to announce whether they intend to appoint a technical director to help reinvigorate the national side following their failure to qualify for the 2016 European Championships in France.

However, Blind feels a potential return for Van Gaal to the national set-up would have a positive effect on him and the team.

“With Van Gaal I could achieve a lot,” Blind told reporters.”

Hiddink delighted with Chelsea display

Hiddink

I

nterim Chelsea head coach Guus Hiddink was happy with his side’s display in their goalless draw with Manchester United at Old Trafford on Monday.

United may have been the better of the two teams, hitting both the crossbar and the post in the first half, before Thibaut Courtois

produced a sensational point-blank stop to deny Ander Herrera after the break.

However, the Premier League champions had their chances too, with United goalkeeper David de Gea saving well from John Terry, Cesar Azpilicueta and Pedro to keep the visitors at bay.

Meanwhile, Nemanja Matic also wasted a wonderful opening when played clean through on goal after half-time, only for the Serbia holding midfielder to blaze high over the bar.

And given that Chelsea were without

suspended striker Diego Costa, as well as injured forwards Loic Remy and Radamel Falcao, Hiddink thought a point away from home was a good result for the visitors.

“Everyone knows we have some problems in our striker’s position due to suspension and injuries,” said Hiddink, who has still only lost one game in his two spells in charge of the west London club, after the game.

“We have not won, but now we are three games unbeaten and that is important.”

BRIEFS City unlikely to sign Messi—Aguero

S

ergio Aguero has played down the chances of international team-mate Lionel Messi leaving Barcelona to join him at Manchester City. City have long since been linked with an audacious swoop for Messi, who is under contract with the European champions until 2018. But Argentina striker Aguero cannot see Messi quitting his beloved Barca any time soon to head to the Premier League, despite ongoing speculation to the contrary.

Ex-Newcastle goalkeeper, Srnicek dies at 47

F

ormer Newcastle United goalkeeper Pavel Srnicek has died aged 47 following a recent cardiac arrest, his agent has confirmed. The former Czech Republic international collapsed while jogging on December 20 and was hospitalised before spending recent days on a life support machine.

P

Bamford quits Crystal Palace

atrick Bamford has announced he has played his last game of a “terrible” loan spell at Crystal Palace. Bamford was due to remain at Selhurst Park until the summer but the striker is now set to return to Chelsea after growing frustrated at the lack of opportunities under manager Alan Pardew.

g2 Wednesday, December 30, 2015

EXTRATIME

BRIEFS

A

tletico Madrid coach Diego Simeone says he expects Fernando Torres to improve and has backed the misfiring striker to reach the 100-goal mark for the club.

Torres has been stuck on 99 goals for Atletico since he last found the net in September but will again go in search of his landmark goal against Rayo Vallecano today.

Simeone’s men resume their La Liga campaign in second place - level on points with Barcelona, having played a game more and the Argentinian says there is plenty more to come from his squad.

“I always expect more from all of them, Fernando loves the club and he is an idol,” Simeone told reporters.

“He has brought a lot to the club, today he will play and he is close to the famous 100th goal.

“He always has chances, so he has to continue working as he is and forget the pressure which I do not think is a big problem for

Barca sack new signing

S

e n o e m i S

him.

“Things will change and go right for him I am sure, when you least expect it.”

Jackson Martinez will return to

the bench for Simeone after recovering from an ankle sprain as Atletico face a Rayo side beaten 10-2 by Real Madrid before the winter break.

A

Capello: Ronaldo was a bad influence

F Torres

Rayo briefly led at the Santiago Bernabeu and Simeone is wary of Paco Jemez’s side, who sit 18th in the table.

tletico Madrid midfielder Koke said it is a dream to play for his boyhood club and believes his team can go all the way in the Champions League this season.

Koke joined Atletico at eight years of age and remembers idolising his team-mate Fernando Torres before the Spanish s t r i ke r

moved to Liverpool.

“All of the kids wanted to be like him,” Koke told reporters.

“We’d say: ‘If he can do it, so can we.’ We had that dream... And I was lucky enough to see it come true.”

Since making his first team debut in 2009, Koke has played with the likes of Sergio Aguero and Diego Forlan and said it was hard to choose one who impressed him the most, but said the current crop could achieve something special in 2016.

e k dreams of o K

Champions League triumph Real:

Benitez

raises the alarm over negative campaign

U

Suarez

backs

o c i t e l t A h c to rea centur y

Barca weighing up Suarez move

B

panish midfielder Sergi Guardiola, 24, joined Barcelona on Monday - and was sacked by the Catalan club shortly after the ink had dried on his contract.

Guardiola signed terms with Barca’s B team but was shown the door just a few hours later when angry fans made the club aware of a series of abusive tweets he sent in 2013. However, shortly afterwards, Barca removed the story and confirmed his contract had been cancelled.

s e r r o T

Enrique:

arcelona coach Luis Enrique says the Spanish champions are weighing up a move to bring Denis Suarez back to Camp Nou from Villarreal.

Having spent last season on loan at Sevilla, Suarez joined Villarreal in August on a four-year deal, although Barcelona retain a buyback option to re-sign him either at the end of this season or in 2017.

Barca also have first refusal on the 21-year-old and Luis Enrique acknowledged the forward remains an option while acknowledging members of his squad may leave in January.

“I think I’ve seen him play well, he played with Sevilla but could have played more there,” explained the Barca boss.

“He looks good and is playing well and could be an option for us.

“It’s possible that players leave but it will be based on reinforcing the team. We’re looking at everything, the window hasn’t opened but you always have to think about improving the team.”

31

Koke

nder-pressure Real Madrid head coach Rafael Benitez claims there is a campaign against him, his club and president Florentino Perez.

The former Napoli coach’s position is under scrutiny following his team’s performances, which included a shock 4-0 loss to rivals Barcelona – who are two points

abio Capello has named Brazilian soccer legend Ronaldo as the best player he has coached, but also the worst influence.

Capello coached Ronaldo at Real Madrid in 2006 before sanctioning the sale of the brilliant but troublesome forward to AC Milan. Speaking at the Globe Soccer Awards, Capello discussed his time at Madrid, saying Ronaldo was shown the Madrid door in the January transfer window before his men recovered from a deficit to overtake Barcelona and win La Liga.

Mancini laughs off Lavezzi reports

I

nter coach Roberto Mancini has laughed off reports suggesting he will meet with Paris SaintGermain’s Ezequiel Lavezzi this week over a possible transfer to San Siro. Both Inter and PSG are in Doha for a mid-season training camp and will meet in a friendly today, with reports in Italy suggesting discussions could take place regarding the Argentinean’s future. Lavezzi has long been linked with a move to Inter and his contract in Paris expires at the end of the season.

Mancini clear of them at the top of La Liga having played one match fewer – in El Clasico at the Santiago Bernabeu last month.

A turbulent first half of the season has also seen them expelled from the Copa del Rey for fielding the ineligible Denis Cheryshev against Cadiz in the round of 32.

Speaking ahead of Madrid’s home Liga match against Real Sociedad today, Benitez feels stories are consistently being manipulated to target him and the club.

“It is clear there is a campaign against Madrid, against Florentino and against me,” he said at his prematch media conference.

29

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

Published by folio communicationS ltd, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com.

dailytimesng

ng; email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. GROUP EDITOR: Biodun duRoJaiYE news Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. advert Hotlines: 08086296714

WEdnESdaY, dEcEmBER 30, 2015

VOL. 2. NO.11

NFF Dalung crisis:

g 28

Price: n150

warns Giwa

ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP FIXTURE Today’s Match Sunderland v Liverpool 20:45 LA LIGA FIXTURES Today’s Matches Levante v Malaga 16:00 Real Madrid v RealSociedad 16:00 R/Vallecano v A/Madrid 18:15 Sevilla v Espanyol 18:15 Eibar v Sporting Gijon 18:30 Barcelona v Real Betis 20:30 Celta Vigo v A/Bilbao 20:30 Getafe v Dep/La Coruna 20:30 Las Palmas v Granada 21:00 Thursday, December 31, 2015 Villarreal v Valencia 16:00 SCOTTISH PREMIERSHIP Today’s Matches Hamilton Academical v Inverness 16:00

FIFA has , e m d e n o d aban

r e t t a l B ies out

Aberdeen v Partick Thistle 20:45 Dundee FC v Celtic 20:45 Hearts v Dundee United 20:45 Motherwell v St. Johnstone 20:45 INTERNATIONAL FRIENDLIES Thursday, December 31, 2015 India v Maldives 11:00 Guinea v Mali 12:00 Afghanistan v Sri Lanka 14:00 INTERNATIONAL CLUB FRIENDLY Today’s Match Inter v Paris Saint Germain 17:30

cr S

uspended FIFA president Sepp Blatter has accused the organisation of abandoning him, pledging to continue the fight to clear his name.

Blatter and Michel Platini were handed eight-year bans by FIFA’s Independent Ethics Committee this month following allegations of a “disloyal payment” from FIFA to the suspended UEFA boss.

Both men were cleared by FIFA of corruption allegations and the pair have vowed to appeal the decision against their bans.

However, the committee ruled there was no legal basis to the payment of two million Swiss francs made by FIFA to Platini in 2011 - dismissing claims from Blatter and Platini there had been a verbal agreement in place.

With Blatter’s successor set to be voted for at an Extraordinary Congress in February, the 79-year-old took a swipe at world football’s governing body, accusing it of abandoning him.

“I now no longer fight for FIFA. They have abandoned me. I only fight for myself and my honour,” he said.

“These false allegations have unleashed in me a new energy. After Christmas, I’ll start to defend myself.”

Blatter has been FIFA president since 1998 and announced his decision to step down shortly after gaining re-election in the midst of a corruption scandal that rocked FIFA earlier this year.

Platini - UEFA chief since 2007 had been widely tipped to succeed Blatter as FIFA president before the

scandal broke.

Meanwhile, ex-UEFA boss, Michel Platini believes he will be vindicated after again vowing to clear his name following an eight-year ban from football, which was handed down by the FIFA Ethics Committee amid what he claims to be part of a “plot” against him.

Platini has repeatedly insisted on his innocence despite seeing his case rejected by the Court of Arbitration for Sport (CAS).

Platini – who was sanctioned along with Blatter in relation to an alleged “disloyal payment” of two million Swiss francs made by FIFA to the Frenchman in 2011 – says he will continue to fight his corner, including appealing to CAS, as he feels

the charges against him have been fabricated.

“I am waiting to hear the reasons behind the eight-year ban because there will then be the appeal at the Court of Arbitration for Sport,” he told reporters.

“My lawyers are ready and I will fight my battle at all sporting levels and I will go to the civil courts if necessary. I will not accept such injustice and I am ready to claim damages in the civil courts.”

On the subject of Blatter, Platini said: “The last time I saw him was two months ago after we were removed.

I wouldn’t exclude the possibility of seeing him in the future.

“From a human perspective, after 41 years at FIFA I would like to see him at the next congress to promote his reforms.”

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

Buhari, Elumelu, Umunna make list of 100 most influential Africans in 2015 Page B4

N1.04tn fine: Page B7 ICAO to help fix Africa’s NCC asks court to funding, coordination challenges Page B8 dismiss MTN’s case

Edo NLC commends Oshiomhole on workers welfare

Ngige lobbies National Assembly on labour funding

Joy Ekeke Nigeria Labour Congress, NLC, in Edo State has commended the state governor, Mr. Adams Oshiomhole, for his commitment in ensuring that the welfare of workers in the state was well attended to, especially in the area of prompt salary payment.

The Union members described the state as lucky, compared to other states in the country.

CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Joy Ekeke

year-end review and index rebalancing exercise which will see the entry of some major companies and the exit of others from the various indices.

In the NSE 30 Index, the incoming firms are Fidelity Bank Plc, Total Nigeria Plc and Glaxo SmithKline Consumer (Nigeria) Plc while the exiting firms are Cadbury Nigeria Plc, FCMB Group Plc and UACN Plc. Also, in the Insurance Index, the in-coming firms are Law Union & Rock Insurance Plc and STACO Assurance Plc while the exiting firms are Sovereign Insurance Plc and Prestige Insurance Plc.

The incoming firms in the NSE Pension Index are Cadbury Nigeria Plc, Glaxo Smithkline Consumer (Nigeria) Plc, Julius Berger Nigeria Plc, Seplat Petroleum Dev Co Plc and Beta Glass Co Plc while the exiting firms are Wema Bank Plc, Union Bank Plc, Honeywell Flour Mills Plc, UACN Property Development Co. Plc and Ecobank Transnational Inc. There were no changes in the composition of the NSE Consumer Good Index, NSE Banking Index, The NSE Industrial Index and The NSE Oil & Gas Index.

The Nigerian bourse began publishing the NSE 30 Index in February 2009 with index values

available from January 1, 2007. On July 1, 2008, the NSE developed four sectorial indices with a base value of 1,000 points, designed to provide investable benchmarks to capture the performance of specific sectors. The sectoral indices comprise the top fifteen most capitalized and liquid companies in the Insurance and Consumer Goods sectors, top ten most capitalized and liquid companies in the Banking and Industrial Goods sector and the top seven most capitalized and liquid companies in the Oil & Gas sector.

In July 2012, the Nigerian bourse launched The NSE Lotus

Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige, has appealed to members of the National Assembly for adequate budgetary allocation in 2016 for effective and efficient service delivery of statutory mandate of the ministry.

Ngige made the request in Abuja at the presentation of the 2015 Budget performance of the Ministry before the Senate and House of Representatives committees on labour and employment at the National Assembly.

During the presentation, the minister stated that low budgetary allocation had been a major impediment militating against the actualisation of the ministry’s statutory responsibilities particularly in the area of job creation and social protection.

He, therefore, urged the committees to assist and work with the ministry to enable it achieved its mandate of employment generation as it remains one of the front burners of the present administration.

Commenting on workers’ compensation scheme, the Minister frowned at employers who have perpetually reneged on paying their contributions to the Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF), which is the custodian of the scheme, and urged the Na-

CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Auto sector to contribute 4.5 % to 2016 global sales

Nigeria’s automobile sector may contribute at least 4.5 per cent of 2016 global automobile sales as a result of the country’s increased investment in the automobile sector in 2015, which encouraged local production.

This was contained in the review report of the trends in the automobile sector in Nigeria by online vehicle marketplace, Carmudi.

According to the report, In 2015, investment in the automobile industry in Nigeria was at an all -time high as more than

12 automobile manufacturing plants including cars, bikes, tricycles, and trucks began production in Nigeria. With the rise of local automobile manufacturing industry, investors, auto financing and favourable government policies, 2016 promises to be an interesting year for Nigeria’s automobile industry.

It is estimated that the revenue generated from this sector will produce 25 per cent of the national GDP in the first quarter of 2016.

The report also noted that “vehicle ownership increased

in 2015 with the availability of locally manufactured cars, increase in the availability and sale of Nigerian used cars and access to car loans. Use of personal cars also increased.”

The report’s projection for 2016 trends in Nigeria noted that “E-car technology will be taken into consideration more in 2016.

More people will embrace hybrid cars because of their low fuel consumption and reduced exhaust emission and production of these cars will increase by 4.6 per cent by 2020. Demand

L-R: Former Ecobank Chairman, Chief John Odeyemi; Chief Executive Officer, Financial Reporting Council, Mr. Jim Obazee; Group Chief Finance Officer, UBA Plc , Mr. Ugo Nwaghodoh; Past Chairman, Financial Regulatory Council, Mr. M.A. Popoola and Head Financial Control, UBA Plc, Mr. Adewale Adeniyi, at a summit by the Financial Reporting Council, held in Lagos recently.

NSE reviews composition of market indices Friday Atufe

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has reviewed the composition of its sectoral indices which will become effective from January 1, 2006.

The indices are: The NSE 30 index, The NSE Lotus Islamic Index, The NSE Banking Index, The NSE Consumer Goods Index, The NSE Oil & Gas Index, The NSE Pension Index, The NSE Industrial Goods Index and The NSE Insurance Index.

The NSE said yesterday that the composition of the indices would be effective on January 1, 2016 after the completion of the

Amaechi

Wednesday, December 30, 2015

CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Auto sector to contribute 4.5 % of 2016 global sales

NSE reviews composition of market indices

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

for cars with other simple technologies such as GPS, remote sensor locks, car tracking devices, keyless ignition will increase.”

It added: “E car market penetration will also increase in 2015 as research paper by Carmudi Nigeria showed that 83 per cent of Nigerians start their search for cars online before purchase.

The research also stated that the online car market in Nigeria is driven by internet growth and mobile penetration. 2016 promises to surpass the 300 million searches online for new and

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

Islamic index (NSE LII) which consist of companies whose business practices are in conformity with Shari’ah investment principles, with the aim of increasing the breadth of the market and creating an important benchmark for investments as the alternative noninterest investment space widened. The companies that appear on the Islamic Index have been thoroughly screened by Lotus Capital Halal Investment, in accordance with a methodology approved by an internationally recognized Shari’ah Advisory Board comprising of renowned Islamic scholars.

Also, the NSE launched the Pension Index on July 1, 2015 to serve as performance benchmark for Pension Asset Managers, Non-Pension Asset managers and investors. Similarly, the Nigerian bourse launched The Premium Board Index, an equity index designed to provide a benchmark to capture the performance of companies listed on the Premium Board in August 2015. The index provides a basis for developing products (such as ETFs and equity index derivatives) that are tradable on the bourse. As at December 29, 2015, the NSE Premium Board Index has a four year average return of 11.04% versus the All Share Index return of 7.3% over the same period. The Premium Board is for issuers with a minimum market capitalization of N200bn who voluntarily adhere to meet an independently verified standard of stringent corporate governance standards.

Companies aspiring to be listed on the Premium Board must achieve a minimum score of 70% on the rigorous Corporate Governance Rating System (CGRS). In addition, they are required to maintain a minimum free float of 20% of their issued share capital or a free float value equal to or above N40 billion.

The price indices, which were developed using the market capitalization methodology, are reviewed and rebalanced on a biannual basis - on the first business day in January and in July.

The compiler of the indices maintains the right to modify the circulated selection above in connection with any mergers, takeovers, suspension or resumption of trading or any other company structure changes during the period before the effective date of the annual review.

Dangote

19 new millionaires emerge in Dangote Cement promo Status of 19 persons was at the weekend elevated to that of millionaires by Dangote Cement Plc in the on-going Dangote Cement Mega Million Dash promo.

The atmosphere at the Eliozu, GU Ake Road, Port Harcourt River state, venue of the formal presentation of the winners was ignited when one million naira cheque was presented to each of the 19 winners, all end users of Dangote Cement in South-South geo-political zone of Nigeria, whose entries were picked during the draw held in Lagos.

Speaking at the cheque presentation ceremony, Group Chief Marketing Officer of Dangote Cement, Oare Ojeikere said the ‘Dangote Mega Millions Dash’ was part of the efforts by the management of the company to give back to its end users of the product as a way of empowering, encouraging and thanking them for their patronage.

Ojeikere noted that the company usually have interactions with its agents and distributors, stressing that the company felt the need to go beyond its distribution value chain and reward end users mainly block makers, masons, bricklayers and builders.

According to him, the idea is to move beyond meeting and interacting with our distributors and give something back to people who use our products every day.

People like block makers, those working at the construction sites and those building their homes.

“Whether it is the engineer or the home owner himself, it is a way to still retain our name and our customers who are the end users of our products. Every week 14 millionaires are announced.

We have done 13 weeks already and we are expecting that more are expected to win in the ongoing promo. Those who won are cross different segment of people, women, youths and a small boy who happens to be our star winner. We believe this will help them improve their lives,’’ he said.

The group chief marketing officer said the Dangote Mega Millions Dash promo started late November and “we have had 3 draws already, adding that the first draw was in November and the last draw will be at the end of February 2016.

Ojeikere said that N300 million is up for grabs in the Dangote Mega Millions Dash, explaining that winners emerged after they cut out and collect five tokens from the top right corner of Dangote Cement bags.

He however disclosed that 42 millionaires have so far emerged and given their money while 420 others who won N50,000 have redeemed their prizes.

Also speaking at the event, the Zonal Coordinator, Consumer Protection Council, South-South, Prince Chinonye Ikegwuruka commended the foremost Cement Company and said the Commission was around to monitor what the company was doing with the promo and draws.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

tional Assembly to make stringent laws that will reprimand defaulters, who have not been remitting their contributions to the scheme.

Ngige also decried the influx of expatriate workers into the country, describing it as increasingly becoming worrisome adding that, the trend has adversely affected the Nigerian economy.

He called for proactive measures to checkmate the trend, noting that the expatriate quota abuse menace has deprived Nigerians opportunities to be gainfully employed.

The minister declared that the abuse of expatriate quota has led to jobs losses amongst Nigerians, saying: “jobs for Nigerians should be reserved for Nigerians.”

He disclosed that his Ministry is liaising with the Ministry of Interior to have a second look at the expatriate quota allocation, adding that the National Assembly has important role to play by revisiting the policy on expatriate quota in order to reverse this negative trend which has taken

used cars in Nigeria.”

On auto brand trends, the report said: “A brand research in 2015 showed that Volkswagen may have greater potential than its closest competitors in Nigeria. Hyundai market shares will also continue to increase in 2016 followed by Toyota, General Motors and German automakers.”

Recall that recently, the KPMG 2015 global Automotive Summary Survey pointed out that the automobile industry across Africa will increase in volume and global sales will pass the 100 million mark and continue to rise till the end of the decade.

Ngige lobbies National Assembly on labour funding its toll on job seekers in the country.

He reiterated the determination of the present administration at tackling the scourge of unemployment adding that the skills acquisition centres scattered all over the federation which some of them are either under-utilised or moribund will be revived to offer Nigerians skills and boost entrepreneurial spirit among young people.

He added: “Entrepreneurship is the way to go, we want to train our people and certificate them, and we want to do that aggressively.”

Edo NLC commends Oshiomhole on workers welfare CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

Chairman of NLC in the state, Emmanuel Ademokun, in a statement, described Oshiomhole’s seven years reign as a huge success, pointing out that the governor’s efforts in blocking leakages in the ministries had yielded fruit.

He appealed to governors of other states to emulate Governor Oshiomhole in the payment of salaries, saying, “It is very sad today that some of our colleagues went home for Christmas and New Year without getting their

November and December salaries.

“That is why we sincerely thank our governor for his unflinching commitment in the payment of worker’s salaries up to date. Our governor has clearly shown that he is a man of distinction who sees workers as assets and not liabilities.”

It will be recalled that Edo workers went into jubilation on the 21st of December after they received alerts for the payment of December salaries from the state government.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Motolani Oseni Current state of the Nigerian economy has illustrated level of resilience the banking sector has shown in 2015, in spite of this severe negative business environment which was widely believed by financial experts, Deposit Money Banks (DMBs) have continued to hope for better and improved business environment in 2016, so as to boost the sector performance and increase its contributions to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

Although, some banks recorded staggering growth in 2015 but financial analysts have associated the state of the economy with the drop in the price of oil at the international market forcing the then President, Goodluck Jonathan, through the Finance Ministry to adopt austerity measures to cope with the effect of oil price drop.

But the Governor of Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Mr. Godwin Emefiele, had, sometime in the year, disclosed that the Nigerian economy is at the verge of collapsing following the continued stress it has been contending with in recent times.

According to Emefiele; “Having seen two consecutive quarters of slow growth, the committee (MPC) recognized that the economy could slip into recession in 2016, if proactive steps were not taken to revive growth in key sectors of the economy.”

However, it is noteworthy that economic development involves investment in various sectors of the economy, where banks collect savings from the people and mobilise savings for investment in industrial project. As well as involving in the process of increasing wealth of the economy, particularly the capital goods needed to enhance productivity.

Consequently, industry analysts have therefore noted that financial institutions are therefore, capable of influencing the major saving propensities and opportunity. The need to achieve sustained economic growth, they said, within any economy can be possible admits strong financial institution and precisely within the existence of a virile banking system.

Their activities, according to them, must be such that are tailored to work in the congruence with government policies and programmes in a bid to attaining the desired macro-economic objectives as a nation.

Major highlight of CBN policies, directives in 2015 The apex bank has remained actively engaged on multiple policies designed to curb speculative attacks on domestic Foreign Exchange (FX) market while also seeking to preserve reserves. The

B3 Money Market

Banking sector awaits better operating environment in 2016

Emefiele

frequency and inconsistency of such policies have contributed to weakening investors’ confidence and triggered outflows and banks are extremely uncomfortable as the books in 2015 are already in stress.

Closure of RDAS/WDAS The CBN had in 2014 relied heavily on external reserves to support the Naira which came under pressure following the continual fall of the crude oil prices at the international market.

Rather than continue to defend the Naira in order to maintain exchange rate stability, some financial analysts advised the CBN to further devalue the currency in to ease the rapid depletion of the nation’s external reserves.

But in its efforts to maintain exchange rate stability, the apex bank introduced various policies and measures in the year under review to ease the significant pressure on the naira. And the closure of the Retail Dutch Auction System (RDAS) and (WDAS) foreign exchange window in February 2015 is one of the several measured taken in 2015.

Forex restriction of some 40 items Also, in order to beef up the fast depleting external reserves, the CBN in June this year stopped the sales of foreign exchange to importers of rice, private jets, textiles, tomato paste, poultry products and 35 other times.

The CBN, in a circular dated June 23, 2015, stated that the implementation of the policy would help to conserve foreign reserves and facilitate the resuscitation of domestic industries as well as generate employment.

The circular, which was signed by the Director, Trade and Ex-

change, CBN, Mr. Olakanmi Gbadamosi, stated that it was imperative to exclude importers of some goods and services from accessing foreign exchange at the Nigerian foreign exchange market in order to encourage local production of the items.

It read in part, “In the continuing efforts to sustain the stability of the forex market and ensure efficient utilisation of forex and the derivation of optimum benefits from goods and services imported into the country, it has become imperative to exclude importers of some goods and services from accessing foreign exchange at the Nigerian forex markets in order to encourage local production of these items.

“The implementation of the policy will help conserve foreign reserves as well as facilitate the resuscitation of domestic industries and improve employment generation.

The list of 40 items include cement, margarine, palm kernel, vegetable oil, poultry products (chicken, eggs and turkey), Indian incense, tinned fish in sauce (Geisha, Sardines), cold rolled steel sheets, galvanized steel, roofing sheets, wheelbarrows, head pans, metal boxes and containers, and enamelware.

Others are steel drum, steel pipes, wire mesh, steel nails, wire rods, security wire, wood particle and board, wood fibre boards and panel, plywood board and panel, wooden doors, toothpicks, glass and glassware, kitchen utensils, tableware, tiles and wooden fabrics, plastic and rubber products, and soap and cosmetics.

Implementation of TSA Just recently, the commencement of full implementation of

Treasury Single Account (TSA) as ordered by President Muhammodu Buhari, had widely said to put banking sector in a tight liquidity crisis.

TSA is a unified structure of bank accounts enabling consolidation and optimal utilisation of government’s cash resources, and it has been lauded by experts that it will reduce fraud in the system, ensures transparency and accountability in government spending even though some believe that it will cause havoc to banks since most of them are likely to be exposed to liquidity crisis and distress conditions.

Financial analysts affirmed that the implementation of the TSA resulted in a net outflow of about N250 billion from the financial system, the six per cent reduction of CRR will bring about an inflow in excess of N700 billion.

Prior to the announcement of the decision of the MPC, bankers had hoped for a further reduction of the CRR to around 20 per cent to cushion the effect of the TSA implementation.

Last MPC meeting in 2015 The result of the emergent challenges of fiscal and monetary policy environment under which the banks struggled through in 2015 could be summed up in the November Monetary Policy Meeting (MPC), decisions.

In its 6th and final meeting for the year on 24th November presided over by Mr Godwin Emefiele the MPC emphasized the need to focus on financial system stability while taking proactive and administrative measures needed to support the environment in which market institutions operate.

However it noted that close coordination between the monetary and fiscal policy, was necessary for sustainable growth in the banking industry and the economy in general.

The Committee considered the present macroeconomic challenges in the country noting that although headline inflation has been on a persistent rise, the observed moderation in October on a month-on-month basis provided some room for monetary easing to support output in the short to medium term while keeping focus on price stability. The MPC also considered the bullish trend in the fixed income space of the bear run in the capital market.

Finally, the MPC reviewed and assessed the impact of the current policy to leave the market awash with liquidity in a bid to

foster credit expansion by banks to the real sector. However, the committee noted that the expected impact was yet to be met and it was against this backdrop that the MPC made the following policy pronouncements; Reduction of Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) from 13.0% to 11.0%, Cash Reserve Requirement (CRR) reduction from 25.0% to 20.0% In a communique issued by the CBN added a requirement that the additional liquidity would be released on a condition that the funds will be channelled to the real sector. Nevertheless, the lower SDF rate and increase in liquidity level would lower competition for deposits amongst banks and we expect to see a decline in savings and interbank rates.

The statement stated: “We expect NIBOR rates currently at 10.1% on average to adjust to the new SLF rate to an average of 7.1% (if the same spread is maintained) whilst average yields on Tbills and Bonds market (currently at 4.7% and 10.5%) are likely to also correct to 3.7% and 9.5% respectively. Given the lower financial market rates anticipated, we expect slight reduction in prime lending rate.

This will necessitate banks to improve on their risk management framework to identify opportunities and earn a relatively higher margin (compared to the cheap rates in the fixed income market) and buoy assets turnover and shareholders’ return.

Meanwhile, the relaxed monetary stance of the MPC after its last meeting for the year, though positive for stimulating shortterm economic growth, may not come without negative implications for the economy in the medium term. With the reduction in interest rate, Nigeria is likely to face increased capital flight consequences in the medium to long term, more so with the Fed raising its benchmark interest rate at its last meeting recently.

Equally, the spike in financial market liquidity resulting from the reduction in CRR to 20.0% as well as the expansionary 2016 fiscal year are expected to further trigger inflationary pressure.

While the decisions by the MPC ensued from a need to grow the real sector through increased lending by banks, decision of lending will continue to be governed by risk considerations with Banks more conservative in taking risk given the macroeconomic headwinds.

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Neimeth Pharmaceuticals increases loses by 47% Stories by Adesola Akindele

Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals Plc has posted its audited accounts for the full year ended 30th September 2015 via the NSE site. The results revealed that the company’s loss after tax has grown by 47 per cent from N228.5 million achieved in the previous year to N335.7 million for the current period.

Onyema

Revenue for the company declined by 10 per cent to N1.5 billion from N1.6 billion declared in 2014, while loss before tax increased 59 per cent from N198.2 million in 2014 to N315.7 million in the same period of 2015.

Neimeth recorded a 22 per cent decline in its Net Assets as it dropped to N1.2 million from N1.5 million recorded in 2014.

The health care company is

listed on the Main Board of the Nigerian Stock Exchange, with 1.6 billion shares outstanding. Its share price is currently 89 kobo per share, bringing its market capitalization to N1.4 billion.

Neimeth International Pharmaceuticals is known for manufacturing & marketing of pharmaceuticals, animal health products and general healthcare products.

Stock Market Report

NSE ASI down 0.40% The Nigerian Stock Exchange resumed after a long holiday break on a bearish note as lead Indicators of the equities segment dropped by 0.40 per cent against 0.17 per cent lost previously.

The All Share Index depreciated by exactly 108 basis points to close at N26,763.24 against 46.98 basis points lost previously to close at 26,871.24 points. Market capitalization likewise lost N37.1 billion to close at N9.20 trillion against N16.2 billion lost in the previous trading session to close at N9.24 trillion.

The NSE Oil & Gas index led the sectoral indices for the third consecutive trading session as it appreciated by 5.2 per cent due to gains sustained by Eterna and Forte Oil which gained 10 per cent respectively, while the NSE Industrial Index led the day’s sectoral losers with a 2.03 per cent loss despite a 10 per cent increase witnessed in CCNN and a 5 per cent appreciation in the share value pf Portland Paints Plc.

Market breadth closed with 23 gainers against 29 losers.

Top three gainers were Cement Company of Northern Nigeria (CCNN), with an increase of 10.11 per cent or 84 kobo to close at N9.15 per share followed by Eterna Plc., which added 10.00 per cent or 18 kobo to close at N1.98 per share, while Forte Oil Plc., gained 9.89 per cent or N28.35 to close at N315 per share.

On the flip side, Glaxosmithkline Plc topped the losers chart with a decline of 5.00 per cent or N1.75 to close at N33.25 per share, Livestock Plc., which also depreciated by 5.00 per cent or 7 kobo to close at N1.33 per share, while Conoil Plc., dropped 4.99 per cent or N1.30 to close at N24.74 per share.

At the end of the day’s transactions, investors on the Nigeria Stock Exchange had in 2,455 deals exchanged a total of N1.3 billion shares worth N3.6 billion in contrast to a total of 149.9 million shares worth N1.6 billion, exchanged in 3,255 deals previously.

Buhari

Elumelu

Buhari, Elumelu, Umunna make list of 100 most influential Africans in 2015 Tony Elumelu, Chairman, Board of Directors, United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc, has been named among the “100 most influential Africans of 2015.”

The list published by pan African magazine “New African” presents Africa’s definitive power list and profiles the continent’s top game changers in eight different fields: Politics (22); Public Office (4); Arts and Culture (21); Business (21); Civil Society (11); Technology(9); Media (7); and Sports (5).

Also on the list are President Mohammadu Buhari and former President Goodluck Jonathan.

Both President Buhari and Jonathan made the list for the significant role they played in Nigeria’s 2015 elections which saw the first successful transfer of power from a ruling government to an opposition party in Nigeria. Jonathan’s humility in defeat and Buhari’s magnanimity in victory ensured

that Nigeria avoided a post-election crisis.

Other Nigerians recognised include the UN Special Advisor on Post Development Planning, Amina J Mohammed, AfDB’s new President Akinwumi Adesina, and Nigerian Diasporan, UK MP and Labour Party leadership hopeful, Chuka Umunna as well as Arumah Oteh, World Bank Vice President and Treasurer.

Amina Mohammed is Nigeria’s current Minister of Environment. Before her appointment, she was Special Adviser on Post2015 Development Planning at the United Nations where she contributed to the shaping of the new 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development across three years of complex negotiations and the most inclusive consultation process in the history of the United Nations, her vision and voice helping to bring people together, enlist new partners to the cause

and reach global consensus on the Sustainable Development Goals.

Akinwumi Adesina is Nigeria’s former Minister of Agricultural where he led a drive to curb corruption of the fertilizer distribution scheme and significant improvement in agricultural production that led to a sharp drop in food imports.

Chuka Umunna was recognised for the significant positive recognition he has brought Nigerians in the UK while Arumah Oteh was recognised for her elevation to one of the most significant positions at the World Bank.

Omar Ben Yedder, Group Publisher, of the New African said the list of “100 Most Influential Africans” celebrates the “men, women and organisations that have shaped our beloved continent, the trail blazers, influencers and the rising stars who are redefining Africa’s future in the various spheres in which they operate.”

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

B5 Capital Market

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY ( EQUITIES) 22-12-2015

Maritime B6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

APM Terminals boosts cancer patients care Stories by Funmi Coker APM Terminals Apapa Limited has aided the diagnosis, treatment and care for cancer patients in Nigeria by renovating the Oncology Section of the Radiotherapy and Oncology Department of the Lagos University Teaching Hospital (LUTH), one of the best teaching/specialist hospitals in Nigeria.

Speaking during the commissioning of the renovated Clinic,, the Deputy Managing Director of APM Terminals Apapa, Olu-

femi Ransome-Kuti said cancer is a leading cause of death in the world today especially in developing countries like Nigeria.

This fact, he said, aroused a passion within the company to support the care and treatment of cancer patients.

“The renovation of the oncology clinic is a corporate social responsibility initiative of our company in line with one of our core values, constant care, which focuses on sustainable business environment. This includes our employees, customers and their families,” he said.

The Head of the Radiotherapy and Oncology Department of LUTH, Professor Remi Ajekigbe said along with everyone in the department, he is happy to see the oncology clinic take a facelift and is grateful to APM Terminals for taking the initiative.

According to him, “Cancer is a gloomy disease, and taking care of cancer patients in a gloomy environment will be double jeopardy.”

A recovered cancer patient and Managing Director of Bricon Global Consult, Abigail Simon-Hart who worked with

Police impound tanker loaded with stolen petrol The men of the Ogun State Police Command attached to the Sagamu Police Division, have intercepted a truck loaded with 33,000 litres of petrol, allegedly stolen from vandalised pipelines of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation.

The truck was said to have been intercepted at Ogijo in the Sagamu Local Government Area of Ogun State.

The state Police Public Relations Officer, Muyiwa Adejobi, said the policemen, who acted on a tip-off, moved to the area where the pipelines were located and caught one Elochukwu Byron, and others, now at large, in the act of siphoning petrol

into the truck with number plate, KTU 760 XC. Adejobi, a Deputy Superintendent of Police, said the suspect was assisting the police in their investigation to apprehend the fleeing members of the gang and reveal more information about their activities.

He further explained that the suspect and the exhibits would be transferred to the Department of Criminal Investigation and Intelligence in Eleweran, Abeokuta, for further investigation.

He said, “The Commissioner of Police in the state, Abdulmajid Ali, has once again put all officers and men of the com-

mand on their toes to make sure that pipelines and installations are adequately protected, particularly during this fuel crisis, as many of the hoodlums will want to seize the opportunity to perpetrate their criminal act of economic sabotage.”

APM Terminals on renovating the oncology clinic praised APM Terminals for taking the lead and sponsoring the renovation work. Sharing her experience, Abigail stressed the importance of early detection of cancer and the need to have an environment conducive for treatment, which she said, would aid the speedy recovery of patients.

APM Terminals Apapa is the largest container facility by capacity, of the three serving Lagos, Nigeria’s largest city and business center. With a container throughput of about 700,000

Nigerian Navy Ship, NNS DELTA, in a move to end illegal bunkering activities in its domain, has warned communities not to allow illegal refining activities in their area or else such lands shall be forfeited to the Federal Government under its new strategy.

This followed the destruction of 48 (50 X50) underground storage reservoirs, several thousand drums, 8,000 metric tons of crude oil and 200 metric tons of refined Automotive Gasoline Oil (Diesel) in Warri South and Warri South West Local Government Areas of Delta State on Wednesday last week in its bid to end illegal oil bunkering in the area.

The feat which caused illegal bunkerers several million naira in the destroyed goods was

TEUs in 2014, APM Terminals Apapa is the busiest container terminal in the West African region, handling 50% of Lagos inbound containers.

With a 350 million USD investments and expansion program since 2006 by APM Terminals has resulted in container volumes more than doubling and productivity increasing significantly, with waiting time for vessel berthing eliminated. Regular rail service, running weekly to Kano, 960 km (600 miles) from Lagos was also established in August 2013.

Communities to forfeit properties for bunkering undertakings —Navy

achieved in a twin operation coordinated by Commodore Raimi Mohammed, Commander, NNS DELTA.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

B7 ICT

NCS tasks FG on national software policy

Stories by Tony Nwakaegho

Nigeria Computer Society (NCS) has tasked the Federal Government to give approval to the National Software Policy (NSP), aimed at providing a strategic roadmap to make the country competitive in the area of software engineering.

Prof. Adesola Aderounmu, the president of NCS in a statement explained hat the NSP would also assist the country to have a digital knowledge development and implement e-government strategies as an imperative for corruption-free, equitable, productive and knowledge-based society.

The statement also said that the society was committed to partnering with government to build an inclusive, prosperous and digitally enabled nation.

It suggested that government

Juliet Anammah appointed CEO of Jumia Jumia, e-commerce leader in Africa has approved the appointment of Mrs Juliet Anammah as the head of Jumia Nigeria, Africa Internet Group’s (AIG) biggest company on the continent.

Juliet Anammah is taking over from former Co-CEOs Jeremy Doutte and Nicolas Martin, who are taking the reins of Jumia Global across the 11 African countries in which the group operates.

“Juliet brings strong leadership capacity and a consumer driven mindset honed from her experience in consumer goods and services.

“As Jumia moves into a new phase of growth, consolidating on the gains so far, while driving for more relevance to our customers, Juliet’s ability to focus sharply on the strategic levers of success is invaluable,” Jeremy Hodara, Co-CEO Africa Internet Group said.

Prior to joining Jumia, Juliet Anammah was a Partner in Accenture and the Managing Director of the firm’s Consumer Goods Practice in Nigeria.

She focused during her later years in Accenture on the digital consumer and route to market for consumer goods companies.

She brings to Jumia over 24 years of professional experience with six years at senior executive level. Passionate about

should give the use of registered local Information Technology (IT) professional and companies the priority in executing IT jobs.

“There should be a deliberate focus on youth innovation to generate massive employment for millions of youths through riding on the start-up boom in the country,’’ it said.

The statement noted that the government ought to mandate NCS in collaboration with National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) to supervise all IT projects.

“There should be capacity building in cyber security, most especially within the security agencies and in the nations educational system.

“National policies could only make the desired impacts and make the country great if implemented by qualified persons,’’ the statement said.

“Africa rising” and women advancement, Juliet serves on the board of many non-profit organisations involved in women development and trade expansion.

This appointment marks a new phase of growth for Jumia Nigeria, emphasized by two key themes: the focus on the customer and the partnership of Jumia with its brands and its vendors, which will be the battlefield of the newly appointed CEO. “My objective is to relentlessly focus on building the Jumia brand, making it the one-stop shopping destination in Nigeria by offering convenience and the widest assortment of quality products at affordable prices.

“We are building a platform for local and global brands to enter the market at the speed of light by going directly from the factory to the consumers. This is a game changer for Nigeria and a major shift in the way companies look at their market entry strategy,” Juliet Anammah said.

L-R, Children of Dubai trip winner, Mariam and Michael Obi; Head, Mass Segment, Airtel Nigeria, Oladipo Jolaosho; Airtel customer/ winner of Dubai trip, Mrs. Victoria Obi with Raphael Obi during the departure party organised for the Dubai trip winners in the Airtel Red Hot promo Season 3, held in Lagos shortly before their flight to Dubai on Monday.

N1.04tn fine: NCC asks court to dismiss MTN’s case

Prof. Danbatta, NCC-EVC

Anammah

Nigerian Communications Commission has urged the Federal High Court in Lagos to dismiss or decline hearing in the suit filed

by MTN Nigeria Communications Limited to challenge the N1.04trn fine imposed on it by the commission.

NCC had imposed the N1.04trn fine on MTN for its failure to disconnect its unregistered subscribers in line with the commission’s directive.

But not pleased with the sanction, the communications company had through its legal team, comprising seven Senior Advo-

cates of Nigeria, approached a Federal High Court in Lagos seeking an order quashing the fine.

MTN had urged the court to determine whether NCC could act pursuant to Section 70 of the NCC Act to impose a fine on it without breaching the provisions of sections 1 (3), 4 and 6 of the 1999 Constitution.

The telecommunications company claimed that NCC violated its fundamental right to fair hearing, adding that by imposing the fine, NCC was already usurping “the exclusive legislative powers of the National Assembly, as

well as the judicial powers of the courts established under the Constitution.”

But in a motion on notice filed through its lawyers, Ahmed Raji (SAN) and Mahmud Magaji (SAN), NCC asked the court to dismiss the suit for want of jurisdiction or send it to Abuja.

The commission argued that the suit was wrongly filed in Lagos, noting that the subject of the dispute took place in Abuja, while the two respondents in the suit, NCC and the Attorney General of the Federation, are also based in Abuja.

NCC urged the court to void the service of court processes on it, arguing that the commission failed to comply with Section 143 of the NCC Act in serving the processes.

It asked the court to either dismiss the suit or transfer it to the Abuja division of the court.

MTN in its suit, which has yet to be heard, is contending that it was not afforded enough time to comply with the NCC directive, adding that the commission did not also give it fair hearing before hurriedly announcing the sanction.

It also contended that the sanction of N200, 000 per SIM was excessive, noting that was the highest fine ever imposed on a telecommunications company in the world.

The suit was filed on behalf of MTN by Chief Wole Olanipekun, Tanimola Molajo, A.B. Mahmoud, Dr. Gbolahan Elias, Oladipo Okpeseyi, Prof. Fabian Ajogwu and Dr. Oladapo Olanipekun, all Senior Advocates of Nigeria.

Aviation B8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

ICAO to help fix Africa’s funding, coordination challenges Stories by Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

President of the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), Dr. Olumuyiwa Benard Aliu, has stated world aviation regulatory body’s resolve to help African countries surpass their challenges and enable them to effectively initiate standards and policies that would aid them.

He made this known at the 25th triennial plenary session of the African Civil Aviation Commission (AFCAC), in Cairo, Egypt where he highlighted that the challenges to Africa with regards meeting aviation standards stem from funding and coordination regarding technical, managerial and financial resources required to ensure effective implementation Standards.

According to the ICAO president, although ICAO’s function to address these challenges under its ongoing No Country Left Behind initiative (NCLB), the body has gone a step further to provide African States with the assistance and capacity building

Aliu, ICAO President.

they require.

He said, “Besides ICAO’s work to address these gaps under its ongoing No Country Left Behind initiative, ICAO’s further commitments to provide African States with the assistance and capacity building they require, whether through the ICAO Comprehensive Regional Implementation Plan for Aviation Safety in Africa (AFI Plan), or the ICAO/ AFCAC Human Resources Development Fund (HRDF) programme.”

“Many of the challenges Africa faces today are tied to shortfalls in funding and coordination, especially regarding the technical, managerial and financial resources required to ensure effective implementation of ICAO Standards and policies by African States.”

“Whether we are talking airport development, the modernization of air navigation technologies and infrastructure, or greater liberalization in African skies, no targets will be met unless African aviation training capacity is sufficiently expanded,” he commented.

“ICAO has established Global Plans for aviation Safety and Air Navigation for the next fifteen years, with clear targets and timelines for States to adhere to, but we must also ensure sufficient numbers of skilled personnel are in place to ensure that any progress made is sustainable and effective over the longer term.”

The Council president also expressed concern on the global security situation, stating that due to recent terrorist-related incidents on the continent, aviation security concerns have been heightened.

Aliu highlighted to the Plenary’s high-level participants, representing 55 African and other world States, the recent implementation of ICAO’s AFI Security and Facilitation (SECFAL) Plan in May of this year, while noting in separate discussions that airport security concerns will be on the agenda at the next ICAO Aviation Security (AVSEC) Panel meeting in March of 2016.

“Our newly-established AFI SECFAL effort supports the establishment and resourcing of suitable authorities and programmes to ensure effective aviation security and passenger facilitation standardization in all African States,” he elaborated.

“As this work proceeds, we are hopeful it will foster deeper collaboration and improve related capacities across the continent.”

Airport to get fuel hydrant soon As part of efforts to stop the recurring indiscriminate illegal parking along the Airport Road axis by tankers claiming to be distributing fuel into the airport, the Federal government is looking at revamping the fuel hydrant at the Murtala Muhammed Airport, Lagos as part of plans to stop the clear and present danger.

Speaking to reporters during the visit and familiarization tour of the Minister of Transport, Hon. Rotimi Amaechi and Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, the Managing director of the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engineer Saleh Dunoma said the situation was a safety and security concern

According to him, talks are already on with the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) and the National Security Adviser (NSA) to look into the issue and solve it once and for all.

Dunoma said,” We are looking at restoring the fuel hydrant at the airport and if that is done we will no longer need the trailers even if they were never authorised to be there in the first place. As you know the fuel hydrant system was stopped a while ago and about six weeks ago we saw the Group Managing Director NNPC to restore the lines but you know it has been a long time and so a few things need to be done to establish that the line is still okay.”

“We are also talking to the NSA as the parking is not only a safety and economic concern because of the gridlock it causes around that axis but for the security implication, we hope to resolve this very soon.”

Recall that FAAN had in August 2013 relocated the tanker drivers to a permanent site within the environment after years of causing havoc on the highways at the airport.

But, despite the relocation to a permanent site, the tanker drivers who hide under the guise of uplifting aviation fuel to airlines in the airport, line up their vehicles on the road and threatened to down tools whenever their action was challenged by the airport authorities.

Sirika

4,000 airport fire cooperatives members get loans in 2015

Almost 4,000 members of the airport fire cooperatives have benefited from various types of loans from the airport fire safety cooperatives in the last one year.

The president of the airport fire safety cooperatives, Mr Richard Tella in an interview with aviation correspondents in Lagos on the activities of the cooperatives in aviation industry in

Nigeria in the last one year, said virtually every member numbering about 4,000 have benefited in different ways with 6% interest rate.

Mr Tella disclosed that the 6% interest loan was redeemable within a period of 15 months adding that it was a way of encouraging members of the cooperatives.

According to him, the harsh

economic situation has forced Nigerians to make cooperatives as their last resort as it has become very cumbersome to get loans from the conventional banks.

Mr Tella said a mechanism has been put in place to checkmate the activities of loan defaulters as loans given out were deducted from source.

He expressed delight that the

cooperatives has been able to assist members have their own houses at the cooperatives estates at OPIC and Iyana Iyesi in Ogun state, cars and businesses through the loan scheme.

“We bought new cars for members and two estates in Ogun State, we also have some block of flats at the police estate in Idimu in Lagos.”

Life&

TIMES Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Biodun Okeowo: Exploring talent beyond acting

L2

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

An actor’s potentials are best seen in his/her role deliveries Curvy actress and CEO Vicasho Productions and Victoria Beauty Store, Biodun Okeowo, more popularly known as Omo-Butty from her role in the movie, ‘Omo Butty’, is one of the most-sought after actresses in Nigeria’s movie industry, having featured in over 50 movies with a total of eight films to her credit as a movie producer. In this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, Biodun reels out her love for fashion. Excerpts: How do your children react when they watch some of your movies?

Honestly, they laugh at me most especially my boy.

He will be like, “Look at you forming as if you can actually cock a gun for real when we know it is toy gun” and I will just laugh along with them.

But the funniest aspect is that when they see me play a role where I am an abusive mother, they will nod their head and say that they are sure I will do that perfectly since I harass them a times.

How do you handle the responsibilities of been an actress, producer and a business woman?

God has been so good to me and my parents support is immeasurable most especially my mother. As an actress, whenever I am on set, I don’t forget my various businesses totally, but I like to concentrate so that I can deliver well. You know as an actress, your potentials are best seen in your role deliveries, so most of the time, on set I forget the name Biodun Okeowo, my children, where I am coming from and get into character. It is tasking to handle all of them together but God has been seeing me through.

Which will you describe

wrong with them, you just have to pamper them. You budget for their fees and some un-foreseen situations. On the other hand as an actress, you become the baby on set because the producer will want to make sure that you are comfortable at all time; you are just like a mini God and you enjoy all through the production.

most challenging, being an actress or a movie producer?

I will definitely say being a

movie producer because you shoulder the responsibility of so many things ranging from

your artistes, to their welfare, accommodation, safety and other things. Nothing must go

What are some of the hitches you have encountered while on a movie location?

There are so many but the most regular one is the issue of area boys. They just storm your set and tell you that if you don’t pay them, they will disrupt your set and since you don’t want to drag matters with them, you obey them. Then also the issue of ambience is one thing that elongates our shootings. You discover that when the director says action, an aircraft might just be passing by, motor bikes may just decide to press their horn at that time and all that. On the issue of location, there are some places that you don’t just go to and shoot due to their protocols.

You cannot shoot an airport scene without a permit from the necessary authorities or in any government establishment. We do our bit by writing letters to the necessary authorities but they don’t respond.

Most loved outfit

Blackcurrant drink

Life &

T E A M

I love to put on gowns. I love gowns made with Ankara or lace.

Favourite food That is ikokore. It is my local food and I equally love chicken wings as well.

Best drink Any black currant drink.

Kind of car I love Toyota brand of cars.

Best colour That is pink. You will see that is the colour all over my business outlet.

Best holiday spot

I love Germany.

Best music artiste That will be Tope Alabi.

Best fashion accessory Ear-rings, to be precise.

Book you cannot do without My Bible, it’s key.

Favourite author I love books by James Hardly Chase.

Favourite all time quote “Do unto others what you want them to do unto you”.

That, to me, is the golden rule.

Movie & Music Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Tope Alabi

Bible

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Jewries

Toyota Camry Germany

Light textured backround

Chickenwings

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Chase ikokore

Graphics Sunday O. Emmanuel

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Mutiat Alli

L3 Global Fashion & Style

Obagoal set to unveil clothing line Soccer star, Obafemi Martins, is set to launch a fashion line to serve millions of fans who are enthralled by the master dribbler.

Martins unveiled some of the works via his Instagram account. The collection features T-shirts, knits and flashy hug and sweater.

The Nigerian is the face of the brand, with the back-flip goal celebration image.

Martins said: “I love clothing, that’s why I decided to launch a clothing line so that my fans can identify with me.

“Aside Oba gear, I also have other innovation like putting together a foundation in order to give back to the society.

The ‘Oba gear’ is yet to hit the Nigerian market but is currently available at a number of boutiques and stores in United States of America.

Sekinah Shoe gallery presents ‘A tale of shoe whisperers’ …Unveils Moet Abebe as models Shoes are like little personalities waiting to be put on, and like relationships, having your feet wear the right pair can almost be likened to building a good life with the right partner.

Sekinah Shoe Gallery is Introducing its interesting range of affordable luxury feet stunners to the fashion and style community laying emphasis on the open yet secret romance that ensues between Her Feet and Her Shoes. Preaching style, comfort, essence on how owning and punctuating a look with the perfect shoes, bags and clothes can craft a whole new image without doing too much.

Maryam Elisha gives to Charity as she celebrates birthday Nigeria’s Leading Female Wear Designer and Socialite, Maryam Elisha, recently clocked a year older. In celebration of this new age, she decided to give back to the community and support in great measures through gifts and good tidings.

To mark her birthday more formally, she visited the destitute center in Yaba and dished out so much more to celebrate with them. The kids were overjoyed and appreciated her kind gesture displayed to them.

She attained a notable height

after winning a beauty pageant some years back and has grown wisely using the positions she has gained rightly to excel above her contemporaries.

Her fashion brand has also enjoyed wide acceptance and patronage making her the most preferred choice of women home and abroad.

She topped the day with the presentation of a five million naira cheque to her foundation which has been set aside to support and facilitate the activities taking place under her care.‎

Maryam flanked by kids

Fitness instructor Tinuke Lawal gears up for 5th edition of Danzfx Studio The 5th edition of Walking Workout, an initiative of Danzfx studio founded by Tinuke Lawal, an energetic and stylish, self-trained dancer and wellness expert, which brings together corporate players, as well as Big Boys and Babes in Lagos is set to hold on January 9th, 2016. Danzfx, according to Tinuke was incorporated in 2013 to rekindle her love for dance since her youth.

According to Tinuke, the exercise will run for about 2 hours covering a distance of about 4

Moet Abebe Tunuke Lawal

kilometers with not less than six dance intervals which lead to energy burn off up to 700 calories.

The theme for this edition is ‘Lose the Fat in the Sand’ which will be anchored by David Roberts, a dancer, compere and martial arts instructor. After event reception will feature fitness tips, music performance by Young-Heart, a dynamic up-coming artist, comedy and motivation jists by Chakapoon, comedian, beach volleyball, fitness challenge, games, networking, Paparazzi, etc.

L4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

CARNIVAL CALABAR 2015

5: Photos of the main event day

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

L5

Fashion score sheet L6

Que Peller Score: 7/10

Base One Score: 8/10

Reminisce Score: 7/10

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Vector Score: 9/10

Adekunle Gold Score: 9/10

Stephanie Coker Score: 8/10

Fun & Razzmatazz from OLIC 2 concert carpet It was a night of glamour as top entertainment practitioners, fans, politicians all turned-up for the second edition of the Olamide Live in Concert season 2 held at the Eko Hotels & Suites.

Here are fabulous pictures from the red carpet.

Falz the Bahd Guy Score: 9/10

Adunni Ade Score: 7/10

Toke Makinwa Score: 8/10

Zoe Chinaka Score: 6/10

Eniola Badmus Score: 7/10

Kunbi Kuye Score: 7/10

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

L7 Fashion

Mutiat Alli

Hair that flatter TIPS styles the full figure Ò Layered hairstyle,

when paired with loose

curls, gives a sexy look.

Ò Long and wavy hair

looks great on busty

Hair they say is a woman’s crowning glory and so the importance of understanding the necessity of having a hairstyle that suits your personality and body frame cannot be overflogged.

For the curvy woman, determining the right hairstyle begins with an understanding of the shape of the face. Simply put, the right hairstyle can create the image you seek.

These flattering hairstyles are capable of taking some pounds off you.

Layered hairstyle Why: Simple and one of the safest to try, helps minimize a double chin and gives more definition to the shoulder area.

Shoulder length or slightly below the shoulder

women.

Why: Reduces the width of the face, giving an illusion of a leaner and longer face.

Side part Why: Creates a face-framing effect to bring more definition.

Also makes the cheekbones more prominent.

Chic updo Why: Creates an illusion of a slimmer face and neck. The more volume your hair has, the more pleasing to the eye you will look.

Wispy side bang Why: Ideal for camouflaging a double chin, adds dimension to the face and brings attention to the eyes, while diverting focus from the cheek area.

Highlights Why: Adds depth and dimension to your look.

Ò Never hesitate to try out different hair accessories to beautify your hair.

Avoid Ò Super short hairstyles. Ò Center partings Ò Blunts Ò Any hairstyle just because it is trendy. Ò If you want to go for pixie cut, make it wispy, textured, with some height at the temple.

Out boring nail shape, in almond nails Statement nails are in vogue now and no style makes more of an impact than beautiful almondshaped nails. The almond-shaped nail is feminine, sophisticated, and modern. Almond nails have always been a classic vogue style for women right from the vintage era till date. Almond shape nail is feminine, sophisticated and modern. With an elongated shape, the possibilities are seemingly stunning. However, the almondshaped nails are not for everyone.

This is due to their edginess, but you can adapt the length of the nails to suit your personal style.

Proper care is needed as the sharp tip of the nail can easily chip when subjected to pressure. It is advisable you adapt the shape and length of your nails to your lifestyle.

Tips to take good care of your nails Want beautiful, strong nails that don’t chip or break? Follow these tips for strong, elegant, pretty and feminine looking nails ◆ Calcium gels and nail hardeners: Even though they can make your nails stronger, you can’t expect results right away.

You may need to give it some time

and use the products regularly. ◆ Nail creams: Your regular hand cream is sometimes not enough. In order to take good care of your nails, you need to get special nail creams. Quite affordable, find the one that best suits you. ◆ Cuticle removing: One of the biggest mistakes many do when it comes to their nail is cutting the cuticles. This should never be done. Instead, apply cuticle remover gel or cream and gently push your cuticles with a cuticle stick. ◆ Filing and polishing: Invest in a good nail file so that every

time you clip your nails, you can file them. Do this by moving the file in one direction only. When you move to the left and right, you are actually creating tiny cracks that weaken your nails. Polish your nails not more than once a month. If you do it too often, you can make your nails thinner and weaker. ◆ Acrylic or gel nails: Acrylic and gels keep natural nails from breaking. Be careful though as some people react badly to them not to talk of the risk of pulling your natural nail together when it is applied. It can hurt.

Television L8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, December 30, 2015

Showing on

Showing on

125 FOX Channel

107 M-Net Movie Romance

02:10

02:15

Wed, 30 Dec | 13SL

Wed, 30 Dec | 16SNL

‘S3/E4 - Full Moon Fever’. Bobby falls for Travis’ photography professor, but Travis refuses to introduce them. Laurie falls for a guy she’s never met when she begins a romance via Twitter.

In this introspective film, a young man has everything one could possibly want, but still isn’t happy. When he meets a woman from his past, he wonders if she is the missing piece. Rachael Taylor, Josh Lawson. (2012) Rob Sitch.

101 M-Net West

118 Telemundo

120 BBC Entertainment

128 SONY MAX

00:00 New Worlds 01:00 Time Of Death 02:05 Hours 04:00 MasterChef Australia 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:00 The Goldbergs 06:30 Mysteries Of Laura 07:30 Grey’s Anatomy 08:30 Stranded In Paradise 10:30 Mike & Molly 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 MasterChef Australia 13:00 NCIS: Los Angeles 14:00 Elementary 15:00 Chicago Fire 16:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:00 The Middle 17:30 MasterChef Australia 18:30 Modern Family 19:00 Two And A Half Men 19:30 The Blacklist 20:30 CSI: Cyber 21:30 NCIS: Los Angeles 22:30 Gotham 23:00 Twelve Monkeys

00:30 The Del Monte Dynasty 01:20 The Impostor 02:10 Labour Of Love 03:00 Part Of Me 03:50 Queen Of Hearts 05:20 The Del Monte Dynasty 06:10 Labour Of Love 07:00 Part Of Me 07:50 Queen Of Hearts 08:40 The Impostor 09:30 Forbidden Passions 10:20 Labour Of Love 11:10 Part Of Me 12:00 Queen Of Hearts 12:50 The Impostor 13:40 Forbidden Passions 14:30 Labour Of Love 15:20 Part Of Me 16:10 Queen Of Hearts 17:00 The Impostor 17:50 Forbidden Passions 18:40 Labour Of Love 19:30 Part Of Me 20:20 Queen Of Hearts 21:10 The Impostor 22:00 Forbidden Passions 22:50 Labour Of Love 23:05 QI 23:35 Top Gear

00:20 Most Shocking 01:10 Kenny vs Spenny 11:00 My Family

01:40 Freakshow

00:25 The Weakest Link

11:30 Hell’s Kitchen USA

02:10 Poorman’s Bikini Beach

01:15 Silent Witness

12:20 Top Gear

02:40 Upload With Shaquille O’Neal

02:10 Total Wipeout UK

13:15 Come Dine With Me

03:10 Hip Hop Squares

03:05 EastEnders

14:15 Hell’s Kitchen USA

03:40 Most Shocking

03:35 QI

15:05 The Weakest Link

04:30 South Beach Tow

04:05 Top Gear

16:00 EastEnders

05:00 Criss Angel Mindfreak

05:00 Spy

16:30 Deal Or No Deal

05:30 Exposed

05:25 QI

17:10 The Cube

05:55 Exposed

06:00 The Thin Blue Line

18:00 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

06:20 Video Zonkers

06:30 EastEnders

19:00 Dragons’ Den

06:45 Repo Games

07:00 Antiques Roadshow

20:05 Top Gear

07:10 World’s Wildest Police Videos

07:55 The Weakest Link

21:05 Hell’s Kitchen USA

08:45 The Cube 09:30 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

22:10 Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow

08:10 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol

10:20 Deal Or No Deal

23:45 So You Think You’d Survive?

155 AfricaMagic World

154 Africa Magic Family

00:00 Tinsel 00:30 Living With Trisha 01:30 Family Ties 02:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 03:00 Good Morning Africa 04:00 Music Block 05:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 Star Gist 07:25 Evanescent 08:35 Living With Trisha 09:25 The African Child 10:00 Good Morning Africa

11:00 Tinsel 11:30 Star Gist 12:00 Music Block 13:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 14:00 Prem 14:30 Jara 15:00 Family Ties 15:30 At Home With Michelle Attoh 16:30 Living With Trisha 17:30 Comfort Zone 18:00 Meet The Adebanjos 18:30 Jane And Abel 19:00 Tinsel 19:30 Star Gist 20:00 Airtel Touching Lives 20:35 Evanescent 22:00 Tyme Out With Tee-A 23:35 53 Extra

00:05 Noose Of Gold 00:35 Good Morning Africa 01:40 The Dzigbordi Show 02:30 Good Morning Africa 03:30 Good Morning Africa 04:30 Prem 05:00 Good Morning Africa 06:00 Johnbull And Rosekate 08:35 Prem

09:00 Good Morning Africa 10:00 So Wrong So Wright 10:30 So Wrong So Wright 11:00 Lies That Bind 11:30 Lies That Bind 12:00 Jara 12:30 Jara 13:00 Series TBA 14:00 53 Extra 14:30 53 Extra 15:00 Kakibe Ki 15:30 Noose Of Gold 16:00 Foot Print 16:30 Lies That Bind 17:00 Lies That Bind 17:30 Star Gist 18:00 Star Gist 18:30 Star Gist 19:00 Prem 19:30 So Wrong So Wright 20:00 Market Sellers 22:25 Series TBA 23:30 The Tracker

09:10 South Beach Tow 09:40 Most Shocking 10:40 Most Shocking 11:40 Video Zonkers 12:10 Repo Games 12:40 World’s Wildest Police Videos 13:40 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 14:40 South Beach Tow 15:10 Exposed 15:40 Criss Angel Mindfreak 16:10 1000 Ways To Die 16:40 Video Zonkers 17:05 Repo Games 17:30 World’s Wildest Police Videos 18:30 South Beach Tow 19:00 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 20:00 Don’t Trust Andrew Mayne 20:30 Impractical Jokers 21:00 Freakshow 21:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 22:00 Kenny vs Spenny 22:30 Tool Academy 23:20 The Real