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DSS re-arrests Dasuki at Kuje prison gate Ï ƈƋƋé Ɔ ƋƐ Ɛ ƋƋ ƏƏ ƈ ƌƆ Ɛ Ƈ L ƌƌƆƗè ƆƔé^#^ ƅ ƈƏƌ Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

Department

of

the State Security Service (DSS) on Wednesday re-arrested former National Se-

curity Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd).

The re-arrest of the for-

of the Peoples Democratic Party, Haliru Mohammed, mer NSA came on a day at a Federal High Court the arraignment of a former National Chairman Continued on page 6

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THURSDAY, DECEMBER 31, 2015 VOL. 2. NO. 13

GAINERS

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 30th December 2015.

NESTLE

790.98

825

34.02%

NB

115

124

9%

DANGCEM

151.9

164.95

13.05%

MOBIL

150

155

5%

TRANSCOHOT

ETI

N150

6.1

5.8

-0.3%

NAHCO

3.61

3.43

-0.18%

16.2

16

-0.2%

ETRANZACT

3.2

3.04

-0.16%

No ‘bail’ for Dasuki, Kanu, says Buhari

Segun Adio, Akinjide Akitola, Egena Egena & Babajide Okeowo Ï zƆ Ɨ ôƐ Ɗ Ɠ ƈƇ ƈƄ Ɗ ƈƏƋ ƏƆ ƋƈƒƆ Ï 6ƈƉ Ƅ Ɛ ƄƆ Ƅ ƆƗ ƈƇ Ɗ 6 Ə ƌ Ƅ ƌƄƈ ƅ Ɛƈ ƑƆ ÎÎÎFormer National Security enormity of the ‘atrocities’ they committed and the likelihood Col. Sambo Dasuki and Ï 01ôƋƋ ƈ ƐƈƐƑƐƆ ƅ ƌƌƈ ƈ Ƈ Ɔ ƎƑƈƏƕ Əƌƕƃd ƈôƈƐƆ ƅƋ Adviser, of their jumping bail, President leader of the Independent People Muhammadu Buhari has said. of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu Ï 9 ƆƆƗ Ɛ ƄƆ ƅ ƒƈ ƅƆƗ Ƅ ƑƐ ƗƆƒ ƋƑƈ Ɛ Ɔ ƈƏ may not be released on bail as Continued on page 6 Ï 9ôƋƋ ƌƆƆƐ ƓƈƐ M dd ƍƆ Ɨƈ MƿǀƄ Ɛ ƄƑƕ ƅ Ə directed by the court, given the

President Muhammadu Buhari flanked to his right by Anchor/Media Practitioner, Mr Kayode Akintemi and Ibanga Isine and to his left by Dr Ngozi Ayaegbeluman and Manila Dan Ali during the maiden media chat at the Presidential villa in Abuja

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial Recruitment of 500,000 teachers

W

hile presenting the national budget for 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari revealed that his administration would recruit additional 500,000 teachers for the country’s basic education and secondary schools. If implemented, the programme would be an answer to the consistent calls by education experts for the employment of more professional teachers to address the yawning manpower shortage in the nation’s basic education and secondary school system.

As we welcome the government’s plan, it is pertinent to advice that those recruited should only be professional graduate teachers and National Certificate of Education (NCE) holders.

We believe that doing so would help arrest the embarrassing falling in standard of education in the country. For long, commentators have decried the poor products of our educational institutions, especially at the basic and secondary school levels. They have attributed this sad development to the recruitment of non-professional teachers and quacks by many educational institutions.

The consequence of recruiting nonprofessional teachers and quacks is that, such instructors are wont to impart “garbage”, to their wards, thereby leaving the parents, students and society the worse off. It is painful to realise that most products of our educational institutions cannot read and write proficiently in any language of instruction in our schools.

This falling standard in education could be linked also to the lost glories of traditional education, which inculcates among other things the very important values of hard work, diligence, integrity, and high productivity. In recruiting the new teachers, efforts must be made to employ those with enthusiasm for teaching. As we know, teach-

ing is a very noble profession, and only those with inspired calling can effectively give their best.

Even at that, those who desire to make teaching a life-long career should be encouraged and their remuneration made very competitive.

It is a shame that over the years, the authorities have not seen it pertinent to give adequate attention to institutions that train professional teachers such as teachers’ training colleges and colleges of education. As result, many of those willing to take to the teaching were demoralised and discouraged from the profession. Teaching is often described as the profession that creates all other professions. No education system can be better than its teachers can. This is an insight embraced by the world’s top education performers. For example, Korea recruits its teachers from the top 5 percent of graduates; in Finland, there are 10 applicants for every teacher-training place.

Therefore, in Nigeria, teaching must be made more attractive for the brightest students. We say this to discourage the penchant for using such recruitment exercise to reward only party supporters and loyalists. There is no denying the fact that any modern economy needs teachers who are high-level knowledge workers, able to support the learning of children and students in a digital age.

It therefore supports the universal truth that the most successful countries for education are often those that deliberately recruit the best students into teaching. Moreover, in posting the new teachers, authorities should not make distinctions between urban rural school areas, if only to reduce the educational gap between them.

We therefore welcome the plan of the administration to recruit more teachers in order to create employment and give the country’s education the muchdesired fillip.

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

ÏÏÏThe growing cases of

disobedience to court orders by agents of the President Muhammadu Buhariled Federal Government in recent time have heightened fears that the country is fast returning to dark days of dictatorship where state agencies and officials placed themselves above the law.

Aside the fact that the incidences are worrisome and make nonsense of the pledge by President Buhari that actions of his administration, agencies of government inclusive, will be guided by the rule of law, disobedience to court orders remain an affront to the rule of law.

At the last count, agencies of the Federal Government in the last seven months have disobeyed no fewer than eight court orders and there are indications that the days ahead may not be different unless

there is a rethink.

Just take a look: Not long ago, the Department of State Services (DSS) was barred by a court from evicting its former Director General, Kayode Are, from his Lagos residence but the agency refused to obey the order. Later, the court gave another order that the former DG be restored to his home. Again the DSS disobeyed.

Despite two court orders to release the director of Radio Biafra and leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, from detention, the DSS, till date has refused to comply.

The DSS also ignored a court order and placed former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) on house arrest for weeks after the a court granted him bail for medical treatment abroad.

The former NSA was rearraigned before another court in Abuja and was granted another bail, still the DSS refused the order.

Dasuki was also moved to another Federal High Court

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in Abuja but was admitted on bail. Again, the DSS refused to allow him enjoy the bail.

Just on Wednesday, the DSS re-arrested the former NSA at the gate of the Kuje Prison, Abuja, while he was about leaving the prison after meeting the bail conditions set for him by a Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja. On and on the list of disobedience to court orders under the current administration goes.

One wonders what gain the DSS and other agencies of the Federal Government hope to achieve by disobeying court orders.

Fact is that disobedience to court orders portrays the Buhari administration in bad light. It makes the country a laughing stock in the comity of civilized nations. If the government feels strongly against any order of the court, what it needs to do is to approach a superior court to set it aside. It should not resort to self-help, as the DSS and other agencies have been doing in the last seven months.

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Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Editor Biodun Durojaiye

Disobedience to court orders: Return to dark days?

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Onyeka Onwenu

Senator Joy Emodi

Femi Fani-Kayode

“Being a woman is not a setback but a push up because nobody can limit a woman when she’s determined.”

“Education is not a money making venture, it is a social venture that is changing the lives of the children; bringing up the children for the good of the society”.

“Given the fact that the US backed arms embargo was in place, one wonders how the Jonathan administration was supposed to procure arms unless it did so with raw cash in the black market”.

4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

No ‘bail’ for Dasuki, Kanu, says Buhari Continued from page 1 Answering questions in Abuja on Wednesday from a panel of journalists during his maiden presidential media chat, President Buhari said government could not risk either of the two jumping bail.

Dasuki has been granted bail by three different courts, yet has been re-arrested by the Directorate of State Security. He is being tried for allegedly diverting and sharing over $2.2 billion dollars meant for arms procurement for the anti-Boko Haram war, to politicians and cronies.

Kanu, who is leading agitation for an independent state of Biafra, was earlier granted bail by a Federal

high Court sitting in Abuja.

He too was also re-arrested by the DSS, which slammed fresh charges against him.

Buhari, who became a bit agitated while answering a question of the disobedience of court orders by the Directorate of State Security (DSS) pertaining to bails granted Dasuki and Kanu, said “…the former President just wrote to the Central Bank and said give N40 billion to so so so… And then they said we should give him bail so that he can go and see a doctor in London.

“When we have two million people in IDP (camps), half of them they don’t even know their fathers? What kind of country do you want to run?

“And the one you are calling Kanu, he has two passports. One Nigerian, one British. And he came into this country without using any passport. ” The president further said that the IPOB leader brought in sophisticated equipment into the country and was using it to broadcasting secessionist messages on Radio Biafra.

“What kind of government do you want to run?,” Buhari asked rhetorically.

Buhari also admitted that his government has no knowledge whether the missing over 200 Chibok girls were alive or not.

The president said that at the moment there was no credible intelligence on the whereabouts of the girl were

taken captive by the Boko Haram insurgents since April last year.

Buhari said the government was however ready to negotiate with a credible leadership of the Boko Haram for the release of the girls, if it was proven that they are still alive.

Besides, the President also threatened that the government might wield the big stick by banning the use of Hijab if the ongoing suicide bombing by Boko Haram continued unabated.

On how long the trial of suspects implicated in corruption acts will take, he said it might take years before Nigerians get the outcome of ongoing trial of people suspected to have been involved

R-L: Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi; his wife, Rachel; wife of former Governor, Eunice Egwu and former Governor, Sen. Sam Egwu, at a thanksgiving service by Egwu at Assemblies of God Church, Ezzamgbo in Ebonyi… on Wednesday.

in the oil deal and other scams.

He said his government is trying to build watertight cases against those involved so that by the time they get to court, they would be able to get convictions.

He said because of the scope and enormity of the fraud especially those who have taken the money abroad, the government is already collaborating with foreign countries to collect necessary documents to nail them.

He said all the money being recovered and those paying back will not be known for now as the process was being properly documented in case the affected people go to court, adding that if all the money coming in now through CBN, NNPC and Customs are properly accounted for, Nigeria would be better.

He said his anti-corruption war of 30 years ago was different from that of the present where suspects are innocent until proved guilty, pointing out presently there are cases of people who tool crude oil money and paid into private accounts instead of government’s account.

On the economy, the President acknowledged that Nigeria is in a bad shape but disclosed that his government is bringing about the desired change with the Treasury Single Account (TSA) and his rejection of over N400 million budgeted for vehicles for The Presidency which he said was not

necessary since there were still serviceable vehicles in the fleet.

He pledged to have a closed-door meeting with the National Assembly over its N47 billion budget for vehicles, saying since they had also collected vehicle allowances, something can be done to review it.

Reacting to the Army/ Shi’ites clash in Zaria, Kaduna State, President Buhari said that investigations are currently ongoing on the issue by the Nigerian Army and Kaduna State government. Describing the situation as ‘serious’, the president called for patience and restraint in jumping into conclusion on the matter.

In his words, “We need to have the patience and restraint to wait for the conclusion of investigation (into the Zaria clash) “I have allowed the army and the Kaduna State government to come up with their reports before I come out to speak on the clash.

This does not mean that the police and the DSS are not doing their part.

“How can one group create a state within a state?” he asked On public declaration of assets, the President disclosed that he had declared his assets four times in his life, while a military governor and member of SMC under the late Gen. Murtala Mohammed, as Minister of Petroleum, as Head of State Continued on page 12

DSS re-arrests Dasuki at Kuje prison gate Continued from page 1 Abuja was stalled due to ill-health.

Dasuki was re-arrested at the gate of the Kuje Prison, Abuja, while he was about leaving the prison after meeting the bail conditions set for him by a Federal Capital Territory High Court, Abuja.

The DSS took custody of Dasuki shortly after perfecting the third bail granted him by Justice Peter Affem after two other courts had done same.

Commenting, Counsel to Dasuki , Mr. Ahmed Raji (SAN), said the former NSA had met all the bail conditions given by Justice Affem but regretted that the court order was not obeyed by the operatives of the DSS. “He was re-arrested by the operatives of the DSS and whisked away to an unknown destination.

“He met the bail conditions set for him by the judge, but as he was stepping outside the prison, he was arrested,” Raji

said.

Raji who perfected the bail condition of his client disclosed that the actions of the security agents was an affront to the rule of law under democracy.

The lawyer appealed to the authorities of the security agents and the Federal Government to respect court order and allow Dasuki to enjoy the bail granted him by the court.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court also in Abuja had

granted the ex-NSA bail on November 3 in the charges of unlawful possession of firearms, but the bail was on November 4 scuttled by the DSS who laid siege to his Asokoro Residence and placed him under house arrest.

The claim of the security agents was that Dasuki was being investigated on another matter.

He was later arraigned before Justice Yusuf Baba of the Abuja High Court on breach of trust and was granted bail but

which was also refused to be obeyed by the security operatives.

The former NSA was also moved to another high court presided over

by Justice Affem who also admitted him on bail on the grounds that the offence was a bailable one.

Dasuki is facing two sets of criminal charges involving alleged diversion of about N45 billion meant for arms procurement along with others before two judges of the FCT High Court, Abuja.

Meanwhile, sources close to the former PDP National chairman whose arraignment at a Federal High Court in Abuja on Wednesday was stalled said has been sick hence cannot be arraigned today as scheduled.

Mohammed, a former minister of Defense alongside his son, Abbah Mohammed, are alleged to have aided in the diversion of funds slated for arms procurement by the Office of the National Security Adviser.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

Terrorism: CDS restructures Defence Headquarters Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÎÎÎAs

the deadline for the defeat of Boko Haram draws to an end, the Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Gabriel Olonisakin, on Wednesday, announced the restructuring of the Defence Headquarters to advance the fight against terrorism technical defeat.

A statement by the Acting Director, Defence Information, Brigadier-General Rabe Abubakar, said the CDS had established additional offices.

“In this regard, the office of Campaign Planning, Coordinating Centre for Naval Component, Theatre Commander and Deputy in Operation Lafiya Dole, as well as Theatre Media Office, have been established to co-ordinate the operational activities of the Armed Forces.”

The Theatre Media Office would liaise with the media and general public in the north-east.

The restructuring, according to the CDS, became expedient in order to inject new tactics, operations and robust initiatives to attain efficiency and professionalism in the major operations, nationwide, where the rule of law and human rights were strictly adhered to.

Olonisakin made this remark on the occasion of end of year 2015 conference with Principal Staff Officers of the Defence Headquarters.

The CDS affirmed his commitment to an indivisible Nigeria, stating that the military would continue to fight for the unity of our dear country. He emphasised that Nigeria remained one nation, with one destiny.

He maintained that the

Armed Forces was working round the clock in the fight against terrorism, oil bunkering, cattle rustling and other forms of illegalities and crimes.

He used the occasion to advise the citizens of the country to be wary of the latest tactics of the terrorists to perpetuate their evils acts, especially in mosques, churches, market places, motor parks and other social gathering.

Olonisakin revealed that female bombers now get easy access to citizens’ homes by requesting for water to perform ablution.

He warned civil populace to be suspicious of such strange females, maintaining that all those intrigues are calculated ploy to gain access to designated areas to detonate their bombs.

While thanking the secu-

rity agencies for their discipline and resilience, the CDS urged them not to relent in their efforts but to “maintain the momentum towards purging our nation of bad elements.”

He also sought the co-operation of all well-meaning Nigerians in the fight against terrorism, adding that the war against insurgency was not for the military and other security agencies alone, but for the generality of citizenry for a crime-free society, as security was a collective responsibility.

General Olonisakin, therefore, commended the troops in the north-east for their sacrifices to their fatherland, promising that their allowances, entitlements and other required logistics would not be denied them to boost their morale for more successes.

PDP: New petrol prices too little to cheer

Secondus

Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the new pump prices of petrol announced on Tuesday by the Federal Government as a continuation of the All Progressives Congress (APC) government by deception.

The PDP said this in a

Nigeria to start local production of pencils in two years – Onu ÎÎÎThe Minister of Science

and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, has said that the country would begin local production of pencils in the next two years.

After a facility tour of Projects Development Institute (PRODA), Enugu, Onu said the project would create over 400,000 jobs in line with the vision of the current administration.

He said that it was wrong

for the country to be importing pencils when it had the capacity to produce them.

“It is unthinkable that 55 years after independence, Nigeria is still not producing pencils, when we have the human and material resources.

“PRODA has to produce pencils for Nigeria and they have given me the assurance that this could be done and that with pencil manu-

factured here we will be creating 400,000 new jobs.

“The Buhari administration is committed to creating new jobs and growing our economy,” he said.

The minister said that the ministry would give PRODA the necessary assistance to realise the project.

He said that the agency could do more than it was doing now, with the needed support.

He said that the country could leverage on pencil production to increase its foreign earnings.

“For the information of Nigerians, pencil is not produced anywhere in West Africa, so I am directing PRODA to realise this within the next years,” he said.

Onu said that another area of interest was in the production of Nigerian made six cylinder engines.

statement on Wednesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh.

The PDP pointed out that, besides, it was the APC government’s deceptive element, adding that the reduction in the N87 per litre pump price to N86 and N86.50 per litre for the retail outlets of the NNPC and retail outlets of private business concerns, respectively, offered too little to cheer.

The statement said, “After heightened expectations occasioned by the promise to review the N87 per litre pump price of petrol made by the administration amid crippling scarcity of the product during the Christmas season.

US renews collaboration with Nigeria, neighbours against Boko Haram ensure that the people of ÎÎÎThe U.S. Government toCameroon, Chad, Niger and has restated its commitment to help Nigeria and its neighbours to counter terrorism acts by Boko Haram.

A statement issued by the U.S. Embassy, in Abuja, on Wednesday, said that much still needed to be done to ensure that the people of Nigeria and her neighbours lived in peace.

“The United States remains committed to helping Nigeria and its neighbours counter Boko Haram’s senseless acts of terror.

“Despite much progress over the past year – due in large part to newly-bolstered Nigerian and regional efforts – more work remains

Apprehended Air Force Cadets, Abdullahi Fahad (left) and Peter Solomon by Lagos State Governor’s Convoy, for locking a citizen, Dahiru Lawal (in the trunk of the car), at Mile 12 on Ikorodu road, Lagos… on Wednesday.

7 News

Nigeria can live in peace.

“The conflict has affected the lives of communities across the Lake Chad Basin region with some 2.5 million internally displaced people and more than 170,000 Nigerian refugees forced to flee their homes,’’ the statement said.

It said the U.S. had provided various forms of support for Nigeria and her neighbours in the fight against the Boko Haram insurgency.

“The United States provides advisors, intelligence, training, logistical support and equipment to our African partners as they work to defeat Boko Haram.”

Mosque demolition: Religious crisis looms in Osun Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÎÎÎThere are strong indi-

cations that there may be a clash between traditional worshippers and Muslims in Osun State over an alleged substitution of a shrine for the expansion of Osogbo Central Mosque.

Some traditional worshippers, who hailed from Orisa-Oko in Osogbo, told our correspondent that the shrine was planned to be demolished.

Speaking through their leader, the traditional wor-

shippers noted specifically that their family house at Oja-Oba area, which was allegedly planned for demolition, housed their family house.

It was gathered that some members of the Osogbo Central Mosque had attempted to pay some money to the traditional worshippers, but the worshippers refused.

The family head, Pa Jimoh Iyanda has appealed to the Ataoja of Osogbo land, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji Olanipekun, Larooye II, to intervene.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

Politics

Æs

How Atiku gave me N500 million for guber poll – Adamawa Gov reveals

Bindow

Atiku

Nyako

The Adamawa State governor, Senator Jibrilla Bindow has spoken of his harrowing experience during the last governorship election in getting funding for the crucial polls and how former Vice President Atiku Abubakar bailed him out.

According to him, the former Vice President gave him a huge

war chest of N500 million with which he was able to prosecute and won the election.

He revealed that this was why he shifted loyalty from one-time governor of the state, who had earlier sponsored him, Admiral Murtala Nyako to former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar.

Nyako rooted for his candidacy

Kaduna APC splits over el-Rufai, Shehu Sani

and ensured he won the primaries against all odds but was incapacitated from helping Bindow following his impeachment and had to run for dear life and manhunt for him by anti-fraud agents.

The governor, who recently appointed Abubakar’s daughter as Commissioner of Health in the state, said the ex-Presidential aspirant of the All Progressives Congress, APC, donated N500 CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Ribadu

Why Ribadu visited Akande

Sani

Victor Jibrin, Kaduna The Kaduna Chapter of the All Progressives Congress, (APC) may have been ruptured owing to the ongoing rift between the state governor, Mallam Nasir el-Rufai and Senator Shehu Sani who have been at logger heads for some time now.

Already, the state executive is polarized between the two warring factions with one called the government house group and another, the principled group belonging to Sani.

Perhaps, a bit of background. In the unending political game, the

el-Rufai

common stock-in-trade by the major players is deceit – telling people, the electorate, what they want them to hear with a view to winning their votes during elections.

With experience which is said to be the best teacher, to the helpless Nigerian voters, this is the character of most Nigerian politicians of this generation. However, some of them live by their promise when they coast to power but sometimes it launch them into danger.

A typical example is the case of Comrade Shehu Sani, a Senator representing Kaduna Central Senatorial Zone of the state at the Na-

represent his people in the Upper House at the National Assembly during the general elections. Of course, it appears the Senator has not disappointed his political admirers and supporters so far, from all indications.

As promised during his campaign tours, Senator Sani had strove to keep his promise by voicing out his views and feelings at both the state and federal level over issues considered not human development friendly, particularly in Kaduna state. This has however

More facts have emerged of why former Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC) Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, held a private meeting with a former Interim Chairman of the All Progressives Congress, Chief Bisi Akande.

Ribadu, who contested the 2011 presidential election on the platform of the defunct Action Congress of Nigeria, (ACN), visited Akande at his residence in Ila-Orangun on Sunday evening and discussed with him for a few hours.

The visit immediately set the rich rumour mill in top gear linking it to the possibility of the imminent defection of the former anti-graft boss to the ruling APC. Ribadu had in the contest for last general election defected from the APC to the then ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on whose platform he vied for the governorship of his home state of Adamawa but lost to the APC candidate, Jibrilla Bindow.

Impeccable sources told Daily Times that though the issue of possible defection came up briefly in abstract, topmost of the agenda was the treatment meted out to Ribadu when he flew the flag of the defunct (ACN) in 2011.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Odigie-Oyegun

tional Assembly. Sani, the human rights activist-turned-politician, succeeded his predecessor, Senator Saleh, a retired Army General, by snatching the APC ticket from him during the party primaries and subsequently defeated other contestants in the general elections to realise his political ambition.

Success or failure of a candidate in an election depends on his political antecedents and campaign promises. Undoubtedly, the rights activist’s outstanding activities coupled with his promise to speak for the people when and where it matters gave him the upperhand to

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

9 Politics

The unending war between el-Rufai and Shehu Sani CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

earned him suspension from his party, the APC for close to one calendar year. For his disclaimed party executives, the Senator’s offence was that he is not supportive but very critical of Governor Nasiru El-Rufai’s administration despite both being in the same party.

It would be recalled that on assumption of office, Governor ElRufai’s first outing was marked by restructuring of the state ministries, “premature” retirement of permanent secretaries and the demolition of building infrastructure among other things with devastative effects on the people.

Sani’s reaction to this happening was considered injurious to both the Governor and his government.

This may have been responsible for the suspension order slammed on him but he dismissed it with ignominy.

Alhaji Suleman Ahmed is the Senior Special Adviser (SSA) to Senator Shehu Sani on Political and Ideological issues. On the suspension placed on his principal, Ahmed said in an interview that the news of Senator Sani’s suspension from the APC got to them on Tuesday, December 29, 2015.

His words: “This suspension is illegal, out of place and out of priority”, adding: “the suspension has in a way declared to us that those that are claiming to be running the affairs of the party in the state are ignorant about the constitution of the party regarding the procedure for suspending a senator or party member”.

According to him “just three days ago, Sunday December 27, we came to the office and found a letter written from the ward of the senator, (Kaduna south local government ward 6). The letter was signed by three executive members of the ward exco. They are the secretary, PRO and one ex-officio of the party. Funny enough, they signed the letter ahead of the suspension. What really surprised us is that this letter was sent to the media. The procedure for suspending a senator does not start in this manner. A day later, we found out that some of the ward executives which included the chairman, Alh. Abbas, debunked the letter saying that they are not party to that action.

“The following day, Tuesday 29 December, we heard that there was a press conference at the state secretariat of the party affirming that particular letter of suspension

Bindow

How Atiku gave me N500 million for guber poll, says Adamawa Gov CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

el-Rufai even as the executive members are incomplete for the fact that 11of them were after the elections, subsumed to hold political positions in the government of Mallam ElRufai. So who were the state executives of APC that sat to decide the fate of the Senator”? Alhaji Ahmed queried, sensing fraud in the development.

According to him, “the senator was expecting the party to write informing him about the remaining vacancies and what the executives intend to do towards restructuring the party either by upgrading those that are running the party, to the positions of acting chairman and secretary respectively, that has not

Sani been done. Just one day, we woke up to find out in the media that the senator was being invited because of his utterances. The reason why we are reacting is for the society or the electorate to know the weaknesses of these assumed executives of APC in the state.

“It is not surprising why they cannot function properly. This people who are claiming to be running the affairs of the party, hold their meetings and take their decisions in the government house. That is why the party is polarized in the state and this is reflected in what is called ‘APC With Principle’ under the directorate of very strong and highly respected members of APC

who felt that the party in the state is not living up to task but only dancing to the tune of the Government House”.

He gave the names of people like the former state chairman of PDP, Yaro Makama, Dr. Hakeem Baba Ahmed, Hafsat Baba, Haruna Sa’ed, former gubernatorial candidate and Isah Ashiru, gubernatorial aspirant as those who decided to form themselves into a strong force known as APC With Principle and Ideology. Thus, if the saying that thickness of a forest is the Lion’s honours anything to go by, then all things being equal APC may be CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

million to his governorship campaign, while nobody gave him as little as N10.

Disclosing this to Jimeta community elders, he further accused some powerful politicians of attempting to smear his image because he refused to do their bidding after coming into power.

His words, “Apart from the money from the headquarters, nobody gave me N10 during the campaign. The former Vice President asked me if we had any financial problem. So, I called the party secretary, Abdullahi Bakari, who put our demand at N300 million.

Then, the former Vice President sent N500 million through Jauro.”

During the election, Governor Bindow, who contested under the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) defeated Mallam Nuhu Ribadu, the former anticorruption Tsar who flew the flag of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Why Ribadu visited Akande CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Ribadu was said to have used the opportunity to complain bitterly about being shortchanged during the polls when his party dumped him for the candidature of the PDP, then President Goodluck Jonathan, who was seeking his first shot at the Presidency after completing the term of his late boss, Alhaji Umaru Yar’Adua.

It was only Osun State out of all the states in the south west where ACN enjoys wide acceptability that voted for Ribadu.

This might be why the former

Ribadu

Akande

Anti-Tsar boss is visiting Osun.

He was said to have expressed his utmost respect for Akande whom he holds in highest esteem and urged to prevail on

Tinubu the other leaders in the south to ensure that such thing never re-occurred while something is done to compensate him for his humiliation.

It was learnt that last Sunday, Ribadu visited Akande in company with the National Secretary of the APC, Mallam Mai Bala Buni.

A source close to the meeting said: “He was there on Sunday.

I was told he (Ribadu) and the national secretary of the APC visited Chief Akande together.

“It is difficult to say if he is defecting to our party because I was not there but we won’t ask him not to come if he wants to come.”

The Director of Publicity CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

Why Lagos is working under Ambode – Ayorinde As the administration of Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode marks its seventh month in office, Mr. Steve Ayorinde, the State Commissioner for Information and Strategy has given seven credible reasons that confirm that the Epe-born technocrat is the right man for the job.

The first is in the area of Security. As Nigeria’s economy suffers a near recession due to the falling oil prices, with 27 out of 36 states in the country needing bail-out funds to offset salary arrears, Lagos has been witnessing an unprecedented influx of people from far and near, thereby putting pressure on social infrastructure and security. Crime rate increased but Governor Ambode rose to the occasion with an unprecedented donation of assets worth about N4.8bn to the Nigeria Police. With three patrol helicopters, two gun boats, drones, patrol vehicles and powerbikes, Armoured Personnel Carriers, bullet-proof vests and other security gadgets while also rebranding the Rapid Response Squad as the “good guys” with insurance schemes against incidentals. Ambode’s gesture has returned confidence to Lagosians and investors alike. He has taken the state’s Security Trust Fund to a new height and has smartly shifted the burden of responsibility in terms of policing Nigeria’s most-populated and prosperous state to the Police, which is no longer expected to offer excuses of being ill- equipped.

Roads: One of Ambode’s greatest assets is that he listens and is

Ambode

Why Ribadu visited Akande CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

and Strategy of the PDP in Osun State, Mr. Diran Odeyemi, who also said he heard that Ribadu visited Akande however, berated the former anti-corruption agen-

Ayorinde

Ribadu cy boss for allegedly “going back and forth”.

He said, “I was told he visited Ila-Orangun but is Ila his local government, where he is supposed to announce his defection?

“Ribadu has never proved to

very responsive. He inherited a state whose inner roads were in a very bad shape. In an election year, road infrastructure tends to suffer since attention is usually given to political campaigns. The rains also compounded the woes in a state that is already below the sea level.

There were complaints and they got to Ambode. Rather than fret, however, he responded swiftly, first through Operation Zero Tolerance for Potholes across the states and then by reconstructing hitherto abandoned roads. He has fully delivered the Ayobo-Ipaja Road and Ikotun-Ejigbo Road. Brown Street at Oshodi is half-way done; while a lane of the Okota-Ago Palace Way is ready for use this week, prepara-

tory to its full completion in February 2016. More than 300 roads have already been repaired and rehabilitated across the states through the Public Works Corporation, thereby easing off traffic. Nowhere is neglected, from Akilo Road in Ogba to Opebi Road in Ikeja and then all the way down to Oyinkan Abayomi Drive in Ikoyi, Ambode’s “roads to greatness” are visible. Together with the 57 Local Council Development Areas, a total of 114 inner roads – two per LCDA – have been awarded for completion next year and to crown it all, the governor has approved the construction of flyover bridges at two of Lagos’

be a loyal party man. He joined the PDP from the ACN and he is going back now. He is not somebody to be depended upon when it comes to politics.”

Ribadu was a governorship candidate of the PDP in Adamawa State in the April 11, 2015 election.

Speaking after the meeting, Ribadu said he was at Ila-Orangun to reconnect with Akande, who he described as a father and statesman.

His words: “Baba Akande is a very important person to all of us. He is a father in the true sense of the word. From the day I decided to venture into politics, I have benefited from his guidance and wisdom.

“I have not seen Baba in a long time, so I feel this is a good time to come and greet him at home.

Of course, I have never been far away from Baba’s fountain of wisdom. Party differences cannot be a reason to abandon old ties,” Ribadu said.

He eulogised Akande, a former Osun State governor, and the people of the community while recalling the overwhelming support and affection he was shown by the people of Osun State during his 2011 presidential bid.

Akande said Ribadu’s visit was not political.

“As an extended member of this community, I said he should come and greet you,” he said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

‘Unending war between el-Rufai and Shehu Sani’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

heading for doom.

Speaking further, Ahmed alerted that “another group that called themselves APC but does not believe in the ideology of APC are called APC government house. So in this state, we have various factions of APC”. What this spells for the party ahead of 2019 is the big question on the sealed lips of onlookers even as Shehu Sani is yet undecided about which faction to join for obvious reasons.

“The senator has not taken a decision to belong to any of these fac-

tion groups because any of the aggrieved party is significant. So he has respect for each of the groups except the one that is working for the government house. Senator Shehu Sani had before the election made it clear that “there is no way I will keep quiet, even if I am in or out of APC, when I see things going wrong.

“The allegation is that he has been challenging and criticizing the governor of Kaduna State. One thing people tend to forget is that Senator Sani is a human right activist and as such, there is no way he will keep quiet when things

goes wrong, whether he is in or out of APC. So, suspending him is immaterial as it will not stop him from being what he is. In this regard, even if you feel that you have suspended him not to speak on the platform of APC, he will speak on the platform of being an activist and he will challenge El-Rufai where and when he is wrong. But definitely, being a person I know too well, Sani will commend the governor where and when he acts right.

“In government, you don’t praise government, you only challenge them. What are you praising them

for? Are they using their personal resources? No. It is government resources which is your own resources. If government should construct a road, must you hail them because they constructed the road? That is their responsibility. That is why they are there. By the time a teacher goes to the class to teach he will not be hailed for doing that because he is being paid salary for that.

“The suspension demonstrated the ignorance of those who claimed to be the executives of APC in Kaduna state. This will only strengthen the senator to do what he is doing the more and that

is challenging the institution when things go wrong. Rather than talking of suspension, we expected a letter commending the senator for the number of Motions and Bills that he has moved and presented within the seven months of his representative in the senate, a development which has rated him as one of the resourceful senators of northern extraction. This is unfortunate. In summary, I will like to say that this suspension does not mean anything to Senator Sani’s political and activism admirers”, the senator’s political adviser remarked.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

11 Politics

Stakeholders task youth on peace Tunde Fapounda Youths in Lagos have been charged to be active stakeholders in the pursuance and maintenance of peace in the society. This was the consensus at the first ever youth interactive session held at the Onikan Youth Centre, Onikan, Lagos, hosted by the Lagos State ministry of Youth and Social Development.

Under the theme: ‘Peace in the World: the role of Lagos state youth’, stakeholders at the event agreed that peace is a vital tool for growth and development in the society and the youth remains the fulcrum for its attainment.

The event which drew youths from all parts of the state availed participants opportunity to discuss in a serene environment and also to get first hand information from the government particularly the new state government on its plans for the teeming youth population in the state.

Mrs Uzamat Akinbile Yusuf, Commissioner for Youth and Social Development in her opening remark charged youths in the

Adebule, Lagos Deputy Gov

state to be peace ambassadors and shinning example to other youths across the globe.

She added that the state government in its bid to promote peace among young people from different ethnic, religious and educational

background has put in place an operational plan that consists of various interactive programmes, livelihood vocational skills training in addition to the provision of youth centres for out-of-school learning and recreation to keep

the youths engaged meaningfully.

Speaking at the event, Mrs Bolanle Ambode, wife of the state governor, who was guest of honour stressed that sustaining peace and security is a duty of all members of the society particularly the youth.

Her words: ‘’the subject of peace and global security calls for the attention of all and sundry, more so as the modern world is becoming smaller, a global village highly integrated and technologically more advanced. It is expedient that we all must rise up to the change of making the world a peaceful place for you, me and the entire human race’’.

The event which brought together stakeholders from all spheres of the society had in attendance representatives of non governmental organizations (NGOs), Nigerian Police, the National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Mr. Desmond Olusola Elliot, state assembly member representing Surulere constituency and commissioners from the ministries of wealth creation and employment, Mr. Tunde Durosimi Etti, and Mrs. Lola Akande of women affairs and pov-

erty alleviation .

Presenting his paper at the event Chief Yomi Otubela, the national vice president of National Association of Proprietor Private Schools (NAPPS) and Mr Abiola Salami, a motivational speaker charged youths of the state to key into the lofty programmes of youthful the Lagos State government and reduce their over dependence on government.

The interactive session availed the youths the opportunity to express their grievances and suggestions on matters affecting the young minds in the state, particularly Comrade Oresile Olayinka of the Lagos State chapter of National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN) raised the issue of high unemployment amongst the youth in the country.

Responding, commissioner for wealth creation and employment, Durosimi Etti said the government had put in place an empowerment scheme to the tune of N25 billion for the next four years and also working on a website where graduates can upload their curriculum vitae for subsequent employment.

‘Why Lagos is working under Ambode’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

most problematic traffic zones – Ajah and Abule Egba.

Economy: One key antecedent of Governor Ambode is the fact that he was instrumental to the frog-leap of the state’s Internally Generated Revenue from a paltry N600m to N6bn while he was Accountant General. And so, a competent manager of resources is expected of this Fulbright scholar.

In seven months, he has sufficiently demonstrated his mettle in this regard, by first restructuring the state’s exposure to commercial banks, thereby saving the state about N3bn monthly in debt servicing. He has re-jigged the Lagos Internal Revenue Service to do away with multiple taxations but expand the tax net instead so that those hitherto not captured will be brought on board. He has sent to the House of Assembly the Employment Trust Fund Bill through which the newly created Ministry of Employment and Wealth Creation will administer a yearly N6.3bn intervention soft loan to stimulate to economy, sustain small businesses and create jobs. Lagos Global, the office saddled with investment drive in the state has demonstrated capacity in

Ambode

Fashola

making Lagos the bride to which every global investment suitor is attracted. Ambode has paid more than N11bn in pension arrears and benefits to retirees and has streamlined the issuance of Certificate of Occupancy to land owners. And in ending the year, the governor practically wowed Lagos with a budget proposal of N665.588bn with a capital to recurrent ratio of 58:42 that proposes N383,678bn for capital expenditure. No other state; not even the Federal Government, has been this proactive with capital expenditure ratio in their budget forecast.

BRT Expansion: Social infrastructure has always defined the success of successive administra-

tions, particularly in Lagos State.

Ambode is on a smooth ride here with the commissioning of Bus Rapid Response (BRT) extension from Mile 12 to Ikorodu. Through the Lagos Metropolitan Area Transport Authority (LAMATA), Ambode in November commissioned a project that included the widening of the 13.5km road with two additional lanes and the placing of BRT lanes in the middle of the road with over 400,000 passengers now being transported daily on the more than 400 brand new, high-capacity buses (which residents now joyfully call Ambode’s Buses) which now ply the corridor from Ikorodu to CMS.

Street Lights Project: When words filtered out that Governor Ambode might not approve the staggering N500m for Christmas decoration contract this year since the economy is such that requires prudent management, many thought he would be seen as not keeping faith with his promise of continuity. But it has turned out that not only is the governor a prudent manager of resources, he is also getting his priorities right.

He encouraged corporate players like banks to beautify Lagos with Christmas decorations as their own Corporate Social Responsibility while he chose to focus on an enduring beautification project for Lagosians – to light up the citystate. And to fulfill his promise, the Lagos metropolis has been lit up in the past week with Ambode’s street light project brightening up major parts of the metropolis from Victoria Island to Ikoyi, all the way down to Third Mainland bridge, down to Alapere, Berger and IkejaOgba environ.

One Lagos Fiesta and inclusive government: One of the campaign promises of Governor Ambode is to run a government of inclusion and bring governance back to the people. He demonstrated this in September when he flagged off

his quarterly town-hall meetings that saw him render account of his stewardship directly to the people.

He has promised that the townhall meetings will move from one senatorial district to another in order to constantly feel the pulse of the electorate. But the governor has added to the layer in this yuletide season by expanding the erstwhile Lagos Countdown Concert to a five-day, five-venue allinclusive celebration tagged One Lagos Fiesta. Rather than have it in one day and at the Bar beach as was previously the case, Ambode has creatively decentralized the concept of fun, entertainment and culture. Each division in Lagos – Epe, Ikorodu, Badagry, Ikeja and Lagos Island – are now experiencing simultaneous end-of-the-year merriments with local as well as popular artistes sharing the state.

Even politicians, traditional rulers and every stakeholder are now taking ownership of the project in their zones. ‘One Lagos’ has since become the buzzword all over town with the governor, who has now finally taken up residence in his official Alausa, Ikeja abode, personally witnessing the flag-off of the fiesta on Sunday at the Agege Stadium where the Ikeja zonal fiesta is holding.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

Apology to Buhari: Kanu’s family, lawyer, IPOB, dismiss report as a big lie ÎÎÎThe

father of the detained leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, and the traditional ruler of Afaraukwu autonomous community, His Royal Majesty Eze Israel Kanu has dismissed the report that his son has apologised to President Muhammadu Buhari for calling him a terrorist and a pedophile.

Also, Mr. Vincent Obetta, the lawyer to the detained IPOB leader, on Wednesday, said it was impossible

that the Radio Biafra director tendered an apology to President Buhari.

The IPOB on the other hand on Wednesday also refuted media reports that its detained leader, and director of its radio had apologised to President Buhari.

Kanu’s father described the alleged apology as the handiwork of the enemies of the struggles for Biafran emancipation, saying that his son has never regretted his actions for the liberation of his marginalized

people.

Eze Kanu said this in Umuahia, the Abia State capital, on Wednesday, adding that his son has no reason to apoligise to anybody as he was fighting a just cause and has not has violated any law.

The monarch added that he was not surprised at such fabrications and reiterated his son’s resolve to not give up the fight for a sovereign state of Biafra particularly as it was the wish of the people.

He restated his unwavering support for his son and advised those in authority to stop trying to project him in bad light through the internet even as he warned media houses against collaborating with the Federal Government to portray his son in a bad light and ultimately frustrate the agitation for independent Biafra.

He maintained that such efforts will fail.

The traditional ruler used the opportunity to renew his appeal to Presi-

dent Buhari to free his son, insisting that his son has done nothing to warrant his unlawful detention even against the judgments of courts of competent jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, Mr. Vincent Obetta, lawyer to the IPOB leader, while denying that Kanu apologised to President Buhari, said reports of the IPOB leader’s apology were proof that government was trying to use all instruments at its disposal to “puncture” the campaign for the actualization of Biafra.

“The alleged apology is not true. The government is using every instrument to puncture what we are doing,” he said.

Similarly, the Indigenous Peoples of Biafra [IPOB] has refuted media reports that its detained leader, and director of its radio had apologised to President Buhari for allegedly referring to him as a terrorist.

IPOB in a press statement issued in Umuahia, dismissed the media report as a blatant lie and cheap propaganda by its sponsors to create the wrong impression that Kanu is backing out of the Biafran project.

The statement which was signed by its spokesman, Emma Powerful, accused the Federal Government of planting the said report to dampen the morals of Kanu’s followers and other Biafran agitators.

The IPOB spokesman said: “It is an insult to the entire Biafran Republic for anyone to expect any apology from Kanu over his activities towards facilitating Biafra’s autonomy”.

The group also accused the media outfit which carried the said report of serving as a propaganda machinery of the ruling All Progressive Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to cause disaffection among Biafrans.

No ‘bail’ for Dasuki, Kanu, says Buhari Continued from page 6

L-R: Nollywood actors and actress, Chinedu Ikedieze; Osita Iheme and Chacha Eke at the Calabar Carnival… on Tuesday.

Reps sponsored 327 bills in six months – Gbajabiamila ÎÎÎMr Femi Gbajabiamila,

House Leader of the House of Representatives, on Wednesday said that the 8th Assembly in its six months of existence had sponsored a total of 327 bills as against 132 presented within the first six months of the 7th Assembly.

Gbajabiamila said this in Lagos, at an end of the year media briefing on activities of the 8th House of Representatives from June 9 to Dec. 22.

He said that 264 Bills out of the 327 had passed through first reading and

awaiting second reading while a total of 40 Bills had been referred to committees.

According to him, inspite of a bumpy start in June when the house was inaugurated, the House has been able to step up to the plate and has busied itself in working for the progress of Nigeria.

“In keeping with the resolve of the President to address the issues of insecurity, unemployment and corruption amongst others, we developed a legislative agenda that will guide the

House in achieving its set objectives.

“The Bills and Motions sponsored and passed so far are clear demonstrations of the House’s resolve to make laws and embark on legislative activities for the good governance of Nigeria.

“Bills have been presented and resolutions passed to address the issues of insecurity, unemployment, economic reform, reform in the oil and gas sector of the economy etc.

“We are not there yet but we intend as a House to

vigorously align with the hopes and aspirations of the Nigerian masses,” he said.

Gbajabiamila said that the 8th Assembly, in its six months of existence, investigated many issues that affect the development of the health, education, power and energy sectors.

He said that they also investigated and deliberated on welfare of IDPs and victims of terrorism, good governance and anti corruption, transportation, security and came up with resolutions.

and now as Civilian President.

On the minimum wage issue now generating tension between state governors and the labour, he said the situation had become critical as 27 state governments in the country were unable to pay salaries until the federal government gave them bail out funds hoping that it does not get to a stage where states that can’t stand on their own will have to merge, adding that only the Constitution can determine the merger of states.

The president also said that he needs ‘to be convinced on the need to devalue the Naira’.

“I will not support devaluation of the Naira. I need to be convinced that there is need for the country to devalue the Naira. Are we going to devalue the naira against the

dollar or pound or Rand or what?”, he asked?

Buhari also said there was no single person in his cabinet who had corruption case in court against him or her.

He declared, however, that he would not only hesitate to sack any member of the Federal Executive Council who had proven case of corruption against them but also ensure that they faced the wrath of the law.

When put to task about alleged marginalisation of the people of the South East, President Buhari laughed off the allegation saying his appointments were based on constitutional provisions. He also named some South Easterners serving in various critical posts in his administration like the Minister of State for Petroleum, Ibe Kachikwu, Sen. Chris Ngige, Ogbonnaya Onu and the Governor of the Central Bank (CBN), Godwin Emefiele.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

13

14 News

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

Dickson’s villa visit: APC, PDP trade jibes Ï^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛ Ƒ ƆƗ 1 ƒ ^ Ï9Ɛô ƄƋ Ɛ Ɛ ƋƈƆè ƕ ^#^ Akam James Yenagoa

ÏÏÏThe All Progressives

Congress (APC) in Bayelsa State, on Wednesday, described as “sign of desperation” and “acceptance of defeat” the Tuesday surprise visit by the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and the state governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson to the Presidential villa for audience with President Muhammad Buhari over the January 9th re-run election in the state.

Dickson’s visit to the villa is coming days after he was accused of re-grouping

ex-militants in the state and other neighbouring states to cause violence in the supplementary gubernatorial election in the state.

Although, the governor has denied out rightly his plans to use thugs in the election.

In a reaction to the APC claim, the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) in the state has denied claims by the APC that Governor Dickson’s visit to Aso Villa was to lobby President Buhari for safe landing irrespective of the outcome of the re-run election.

The PDP, in a statement issued Wednesday in Yenagoa by the Director of Media and Publicity for the

Restoration Campaign Organisation, Hon. Jonathan Obuebite, said the claims by the APC were set of “lies and figment of their imagination”.

According to the PDP, “the claim of the APC is filled with lies. And it is sad that the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Bayelsa state to think the governor would visit Aso Villa without any previous appointment and such statement

by the APC was a lie.”

Hon. Obuebite stated that reply was not intended as necessity to such statement as it was nothing but APC’s propaganda and recurring lies. “It’s almost like a no brainer for any discerning mind to know that nobody just wakes up in the morning, get dressed and head straight to the villa without being invited or having a prior appointment.

According to the APC,

though the surprise visit by Dickson to allegedly lobby the President Muhammad Buhari and sought for soft landing in event he is defeated in the re-run election, Governor Dickson lack the moral right to sought audience with President Mohammad Buhari after disrespecting the office of the President with series of abuses and name calling following the outcome of the inconclusive election.

Gov. Dickson

Nigeria to manage Belarus’s satellite for 15 years

ÏÏÏNigeria

has made history in the global space technology market by becoming the first country in the Sub-Sahara Africa to manage a foreign satellite.

This followed the emergence of Nigerian Communications Satellite (NigComSat) limited, the operator of NigComSat-R, the Nigerian Communication Satellite as the winner of a bidding process to provide In-Orbit test (IOT) and carrier Spectrum Monitoring (CSM) services for Belintersat-1 Satellite.

This was announced by China Great Industries Corporation (CGWIC), a satellite manufacturing company in China and a technical partner to NigComSat. Head Public Affairs, NigComSat, Adamu Idris, who revealed this on Wednes-

day during a media parley in Abuja, said the operation would commence on January 16, 2016, the official date for the launch of the Belintersat-1 in Belarus and will last for a period of 15 years.

Adamu said the bid was a keenly contested exercise between Nigeria and other bidders with over 20 years of experience in satellite management.

According to the General manager satellite Operations, NigComsat, Danjuma Ndihgihdah, Nigeria won the bid due to the high capacity of her ground facility at NigComSat base in Abuja, her human capacity resource, and the confidence reposed in NigComSat by the Chinese giant (CGWIC).

Prominent PDP members defect to APC in Ondo ‘Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÏÏÏIn

what seems to be a prelude to the next year governorship election, prominent and grassroots politicians from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Idanre Local Government Area of Ondo state, on Wednesday, defected to the All Progressives Congress (APC) amidst fanfare.

Top on the roll call of the defected politicians from the umbrella party was Mr. Oluremi Akinbobola, a Federal Commissioner in the office of the National Population Commission (NPC), Abuja, appointed during erstwhile President Goodluck Jonathan’s tenure.

Akinbobola defection came few days when two former member of the state chapter of the PDP, Pius Osunyikanmi, Director, Technical Aids Corps and Senator Ayo Akinyelure, a former member of the National Assembly who represented Ondo Central Senatorial District, defected to the APC. Speaking during their official announcement to join the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo state, Mr. Akinbobola, disclosed that he and his associates including other PDP defectors decided to pitch their tent with the APC in order to join the “change mantra” of President Muhammadu Buhari’s government.

Scene of an accident at the National Theater in Lagos… on Tuesday.

FG to digitalise Civil Service operations in 2016, says Oyo-Ita

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Government has said that it will digitalise the operations of the Federal Civil Service in 2016 to forestall altering of vital documents by some officials.

The acting Head of the Civil Service (HOS) of the Federation, Mrs. Winifred Oyo-Ita, stated this on Wednesday in Abuja, when she paid an unscheduled visit to some Ministries and Government Agencies.

She said the visit was to monitor the level of staff punctuality to duty, especially after the Christmas holidays. ``It was necessary for me to come round today with some of my permanent sec-

retaries when I observed the scantiness in some offices after the Christmas holidays. ``The essence is to find out what is really happening,’’ the acting HOS said.

She said that though some officials were on leave but some were playing truancy, adding that every is-

sue of truancy in the service would be looked into.

The acting HOS, however, commended officials in the Ministries of Communication Technology, Power and Aviation who were punctual, adding that they would be considered for award.

One of such officials, Mr.

Ebel Phillips in the Ministry of Power, while speaking with the acting HOS, said staff of the ministry had the culture of coming early to work.

According to him, the ministry has a disciplinary department that ensures that staff adhere to its rules and regulations.

Ambode convoy reprimands two Air Force cadets a Chrysler Stratus car car after dragging him on ÏÏÏThe convoy of the of with registration num- the ground for the said ofLagos State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Wednesday, apprehended two Airforce cadets in Mile 12 area of the state while dehumanizing an artisan, Dahiru Lawal for allegedly breaking the windscreen

ber KRD 267 DV. The cadets – Peters O. Solomon and Abdullahi Fahad, who claimed to be Airforce personnel attached to the Airforce Base in Ikeja, had forced Lawal in the boot of their

fence.

Governor Ambode, who was returning from an inspection visit to Agbowa in Ikorodu, saw the situation and swiftly intervened to save Lawal who was gasping for breath.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

Femi Aribisala

Why Lai Mohammed must be fired

M

ohammed Saeed al-Sahaf was the Minister of Information in the dying days of Saddam Hussein’s regime in Iraq. Nicknamed “Comical Ali” by British tabloids, al-Sahaf made a fool of himself during the Iraqi war by constantly fabricating victories of the Iraqi army, even as territory after territory fell to the American-led forces.

What was so ridiculous about him was that his lies were so blatant, only fools could believe them. Even when American tanks rolled into Baghdad, Comical Ali declared: “There is no presence of the American columns in the city of Baghdad at all. We besieged and killed most of them. Today, the tide has turned.

We are destroying them. The Americans are going to surrender or be burned in their tanks.”

Comical Lai

Lai Mohammed, Nigeria’s Minister of Information and Culture, is Nigeria’s homegrown “Comical Ali.” It would not be out of place to fashion him as “Minister of FABU.” Barely two months of assuming office, Lai has established himself as an instrument of cheap propaganda and disinformation. On Internet blogs today, his critics now refers to him as “Liar Mohammed.”

Without a doubt, he has earned this sobriquet by his penchant to be extremely economical with the truth.

Lai Mohammed’s tall tales have now reached epidemic proportions. It is a contradiction in terms that a government that claims to be anti-corruption, and a President that boasts to be a man of integrity, should have a “Comical Ali” as its face and spokesman. It is doubtful that Mohammed can stop being himself. However, if President Buhari is interested in redeeming his now battered image, he needs to admit he made a big error in appointing Lai Mohammed as a minister.

Lai Mohammed should be fired immediately. Barring which, the only thing left for him to do is to resign. A Minister of Information should not become a Minister of Misinformation.

15 Opinion

Lai Mohammed

Fictitious Victory

On 23 December 2015, Mohammed told a meeting of editorial heads of media houses in Lagos that the Nigerian military has met Buhari’s deadline to defeat Boko Haram before 31 December 2015.

He said, “Today, I can report that the war against Boko Haram is largely won. I can report that the entire 70 plus kilometre stretch from Maiduguri to Bama and all the way to Banki that leads to Cameroun and the Central African Republic is in the hands of our gallant troops. They have so degraded the capacity of Boko Haram that the terrorists can no longer hold on to any territory.”

Rather than call his minister to order, Buhari backed him in the bid to whitewash the gaffe of predicting the defeat of Boko Haram before end of the year.

He told the BBC: “Boko Haram has reverted to using improvised explosive devices. They are no longer capable of articulated conventional attacks on communication centres anymore.

So, I think technically we have won the war because people are going back to their communities. I can assure you, that we have dealt with Boko Haram as an organised fighting force.”

The President conveniently forgot he had said at his inaugural address that: “We cannot claim to have defeated Boko Haram without rescuing the Chibok girls and all other innocent persons held hostage by insurgents.”

We have heard nothing about the Chibok girls. Nevertheless, Buhari now says Boko Haram has been technically defeated.

Can we therefore to conclude that the Chibok girls have been technically rescued?

Boko Haram response

The victory declarations of Lai Mohammed and President

Buhari

Buhari turned out to not only be palpably false, but also out rightly dangerous. Just two days after Mohammed’s declaration, the Boko Haram staged a spectacular attack in Kimba, Borno State and killed 14 hapless people while razing the village to the ground.

A day later, a unit of Boko Haram fighters attacked Maiduguri. They came in a military convoy; precisely the manner Buhari boasted is now impossible. They fought pitted battles against the Nigerian Army. Thereafter, two female suicide-bombers detonated explosives in the Jiddari area of Maiduguri, causing many casualties.

There are no doubt these attacks were direct responses to APC’s vain propaganda. Boko Haram decided to give the lie to the bombastic statements that it has been defeated. To drive home the point, the insurgents chose to attack Maiduguri, the Command and Control of Nigeria’s military operations in the Northeast.

Clearly, the defeat of Boko Haram only exists as figments in the imaginations of APC propagandists. Having won the election by manipulating the press, they now seek to govern by employing a cacophony of jobless youth whose charge is to post “SAI Buhari” comments on Internet blogs. They also have the mandate to attack anyone that refuses to buy the much APC bogus propaganda. Such propaganda is partly responsible for the deaths and destruction in Kimba, Aladuwari and Maiduguri. The false victory procession of APC chieftains provoked the Boko Haram to contradict them at the cost of Nigerian lives. It is early to call for the impeachment of Mr. President. However, it is high time to call for the retirement of Lai Mohammed.

While the APC was busy

celebrating the fictitious death of Boko Haram, the New Yorkbased Institute for Economics and Peace declared in its latest Global Terrorism Index, that Boko Haram “has become the most deadly terrorist group in the world.” The day before Lai Mohammed’s bombast, UNICEF declared that Boko Haram has succeeded in keeping over one million children out of school, warning that this is likely to add fuel to the insurgency by radicalising youths in the Northeast.

Campaign recantations

Lai Mohammed told Nigerians the promises of the APC were actually not from the APC. The APC denied its key presidential campaign documents: “My Covenant with Nigerians” and “One Hundred Things Buhari Will Do in 100 Days.” Buhari himself presents one of the documents in the first person, saying: “The covenant is derived from the manifesto of my party, the All Progressives Congress.

It however represents my pledge to you all when I become your president.”

However, once he became president, Lai Mohammed denied them. However, when APC senators were forced to vote against their own campaign promise to provide N5, 000 monthly to 25 million unemployed Nigerians, Mohammed declared that the government already has N1.4 trillion recovered from banks through the TSA ready to fulfill the promise.

His words: “The nonimplementation of the payment policy so far is due to the fact that it was not included in the 2015 budget. The Buhari administration has been busy putting in place measures that will make it possible to start the implementation of this project.”

As usual, this has turned out to be another tissue of lies. The 2016 budget has been announced, and nothing about the N5, 000 stipend for the unemployed.

Presidential doublespeak

The Buhari administration is replete with contradictions and doublespeak. At the APC SouthEast rally in Owerri, Buhari declared he would make the naira equal to the dollar if voted into office. “It is sad that the value of the naira has dropped to more than 230 to one dollar. This does not speak well for the nation’s

economy,” he said. How does it speak for the economy now that the naira has dropped under Buhari to 280 to the dollar?

Buhari said: “Boko Haram is a typical example of small fires causing large fires. An eccentric and unorthodox preacher with a tiny following was given posthumous fame and following by his extra-judicial murder at the hands of the police.” What then are we to say about the extra-judicial massacre of over 300 Shiite Muslims in Zaria at the hands of the Nigerian army under his watch?

During the campaign he said: “You are all my people; I will treat you all as mine. I will work for those who voted for me, voted against me and those who did not vote at all.” Then after the campaign he said: “The constituents (that) gave me 97% cannot in all honesty be treated on some issues with constituencies that gave me 5%.”

On his election, Buhari said: “Our long night is over and a new dawn has come… Democracy and rule of law will be put in place.” “I pledge myself and the government to the rule of law, in which none shall be so above the law that they are not subject to its dictates, and none shall be so below it that they are not availed of its protection.” Nevertheless, under his administration, democracy and the rule of law continue to be violated. The DSS ignores court verdicts with impunity, as happened in the case of Col.Dasuki and Nnamdi Kanu.

Justice Muazu Pindigi was summarily replaced by Justice Ambrosa as chairman of the Rivers State governorship petition tribunal and PDP’s victory was quickly annulled.

Pindigi said: “The Supreme Court has said that for an election to be annulled, the petitioner has to prove that elections did not hold at the polling units where the winner was returned elected.

I’m not sure that the Ambrosa’s judgment arrived through that route.”

During the election, Buhari declared the maintenance of the presidential fleet of aircrafts a colossal waste of money. He said: “For me, when we come into office, all these waste will be blocked and properly channeled into our economy.” However, since then, not a single plane has been sold. Billions of naira continues to be spent as the president has goes from one international junket after the other.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

17

Features Æ s CBN ANCHOR BORROWERS’ PROGRAMME:

Scheme will uplift quality of life of peasants, small holder farmers – Buhari -Implores traditional rulers to encourage rice farming

President Buhari

Our features desk today reviews the CBN’s Anchor Borrowers’ Initiative targeted at creating an ecosystem to link outgrowers (small holder farmers) to local processors. Bold and timely as the scheme may be, stakeholders worry that unless incidents like we had before where agents supplied sands as fertiliser while fake seeds were sold to farmers by companies with no traceable addresses are eliminated, Emefiele’s passion for agriculture may be yet another effort in futility. GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR reports.

The government of change alone cannot effect change in isolation every single Nigerian. Even with the political will of the present

Emefiele, CBN governor

administration, the bite of the economy cannot be recovered with the commitment and sacrifice of Nigerians down to the grassroots.

President Muhammadu Buhari struck this note recently when he recalled that prior to the advent of oil, the country survived on agricultural production with huge economic potential from our palm oil, groundnuts, cotton and rubber plantations.

He was speaking at the inauguration of the 2015/16 Anchor Borrowers’ Dry Season Rice Planting Programme in Birnin Kebbi “During this period, the economies of our sub-region were built on agricultural activities and our Gross Domestic Product grew steadily.

The top four income commodities in Nigeria, which include rice and wheat, consume over one trillion naira exchange annually. Relying heavily on food importation fuels domestic inflation, depletes foreign reserves and create unemployment in Nigeria. The anchor programme will link rice farmers with reputable millers for off-take of every grain of paddy produced - Emefiele “The discovery of oil was expected to complement our agricultural productivity, but we allowed oil to almost completely replace it.

“The current trend in the international oil market has brought to the fore the urgent need to diversify both the productive and revenue bases of our economy

and conserve our foreign reserve by limiting our appetite for importation of goods that we can easily produce locally.

“This means there are limited resources available to government at all levels and hence economic diversification is no longer an option for us as a nation; it is the only way to reclaim economic momentum and the drive to prosperity.

“One way to do this is to go back to land and develop our agricultural production,’’ he said.

The ABP Initiative: what it is Anchor Borrowers’ Programm is an initiative of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) aimed at creating an ecosystem to link out-growers (small holder farmers) to local CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Features 18

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

Involve private sector in the implementation processes - Stakeholders CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

processors.

It will boost banks’ financing to the agricultural sector, enhance capacity utilisation of agricultural firms involved in the production of identified commodities and/ increase the productivity and incomes of farmers.

It also aims at building the capacity of banks in agricultural lending to farmers and entrepreneurs in the value chain as well as reducing commodity importation.

Under the programme, the apex bank is setting aside more than N20 billion for disbursement as loans to boost rice and wheat production in 14 participating states at 9.0 per cent single digit interest rate per annum.

The states are Kebbi, Sokoto, Niger, Kaduna, Katsina, Jigawa, Kano, Zamfara, Admawa, Plateau, Lagos, Ogun, Cross-Rivers and Ebonyi.

President Buhari said that Anchor Borrowers’ Programme could create millions of jobs for the youth across the country, expressing optimism that the scheme would uplift the quality of life of peasants and small holder farmers in the country.

“Nigeria cannot continue to spend huge sums on the importation of food items that the country can produce. Therefore I am hopeful that the programme will be a way that small holder farmers are financed across the country.

The importance of agriculture Stressing that the importance of agriculture in the economy cannot be over emphasised, Buhari said total demand for rice in 2014 was 6.1million metric tonnes. Out of this number, 2.6 million metric tonnes was produced locally while the rest were imported.

Nonetheless, Buhari pointed out that while focusing on agriculture, there was the need to adopt improved varieties that would guaranty better yield and improved nutrition to enhance the standard of Nigerian farmers.

He then promised that the

government would provide much needed enabling environment, policies and incentives for private sector investments to unlock the potential of Nigeria agriculture.

“Youths will be attracted to the block businesses along the entire agricultural value chain - farm, storage, processing, financial services and logistics,’’ he said.

He also appealed to traditional rulers to encourage rice farming as part of efforts to diversify the nation’s economy and discourage over-reliance on oil revenue.

“Monarchs, as custodians of culture and close to the populace, especially rural farmers, should ensure rice farming is embraced to assist government in diversifying the economy. The project is aimed at diversifying the dependence on oil to generate revenue for the development of the agriculture, education and health sectors.”

Buhari further said the Federal Government and the Central Bank of Nigeria would ensure the successful implementation of rice farming and that the scheme would provide food security, boost revenue generation, employment and end reduce poverty.

Pledging support for the programme, the Emir Emir of

Rice plantation

Audu Ogbeh

People supplied sands as fertiliser while fake seeds were sold to farmers and there were companies with no traceable addresses. As a result, many farmers lost their investments due to corruption, but the present administration will not give room for such situations - Audu Ogbeh Gwandu, Alhaji Muhammadu Bashar, assured the president that he would support the rice project, especially as it would improve the economic status of the rural farmers.

Addressing the farmers, the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Chief Audu Ogbeh commended his immediate predecessor, Prof. Akinwunmi

Adesina, for the innovations he introduced into the nation’s agricultural system and promised to deepen the innovation.

He, however, noted that in spite of the good intentions of the former minister, “corruption still crept into agriculture under him.

“People supplied sands as fertiliser while fake seeds were sold to farmers and there were

companies with no traceable addresses’’.

He observed that many farmers lost their investments due to corruption, insisting that the present administration would not give room for such situations.

Throwing more light on the programme, the Governor of CBN, Mr Godwin Emefiele, said that the apex bank was concerned about the high foreign exchange spent on the importation of food items that could be produced in Nigeria.

He said that the bank had set aside more than N20 billion from the N220 billion Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises Development Fund for disbursement as loans to farmers.

“The programme will advance the status of many small holder farmers to commercial or large growers with attendant increase in agricultural productivity or farm income.

“The top four income commodities in Nigeria, which include rice and wheat, consume over one trillion naira exchange annually.

“Relying heavily on food importation fuels domestic inflation, depletes foreign reserves and create unemployment in Nigeria. The anchor programme will link rice farmers with reputable millers for off-take of every grain of paddy produced,’’ Emefiele said.

To add value to the initiative, the Kebbi Government assured the president of the success of the pilot programme by distributing quality seeds to the farmers.

Dr Nababa Adamu, the Permanent Secretary in the state’s Ministry of Agriculture, noted that more than 10,000 bags of wheat seedlings had been distributed to the farmers.

According to him, the distribution is part of the state government’s commitment to the success of the programme aimed at boosting commercial wheat farming in the state.

He also said the state government had obtained the assurance of wheat millers to buy the commodity at market rates from farmers.

The permanent secretary said the state government would also provide vital farm inputs such as fertiliser, insecticides, herbicides, irrigation machines and funds, to further motivate the farmers.

Agriculturalists, nonetheless, urged the Federal Government to involve the private sector in the implementation processes of the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme to ensure its sustainability.

They also propose that indigenous and multinational companies operating in Nigeria should be made to set aside a certain percentage of their profits for the programme’s funding.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

19

CRIME Æ s

Outrage as paedophiles defile more children in Lagos -Rising rate unacceptable - Rahman Ipaye

What would make an able bodied man pick up a toddler entrusted to his care and force carnal knowledge on her?

That was the question begging for answer before Mrs. A. A. Oshoniyi of Family Court 6, Ikeja Magistrate Court Lagos when the case of a 30-monthsold toddler allegedly raped by a 38-year-old-man came up for hearing BABAJIDE OKEOWO reports for Daily Times.

This is not a one-off celebration.Almost on daily basis, the media is inundated with stories of how adult males are regularly defiling toddlers who can easily pass for their grand-children Some young men – John Mahansi, Taiye Ojo (aka Ejima), Deji Adenekan (aka Orobo) and Peter Irobo (aka Apako), whose ages range between 24 and 33 are currently held in police custody over the rape of their colleague, Ayodele Ekundayo’s two daughters aged 5 and 3 respectively.

Ayodele, a driver with a cement company located in Fagba area of Lagos and a widower was in the habit of living his children in the care of those he called his colleagues whenever he runs his beat as a driver.

Narrating the sad ordeal, Ayodele said because he had no wife and since the company provided accommodation for its employees, his children lived with him and he routinely leaves the children with his colleagues who, unknown to him, were regularly molesting the children The bubble busted when his daughters started complaining about pains in their private parts.

His story: “Recently, my younger daughter ran to me and was shouting ‘pepper, pepper’ pointing to her private part.

She took off her pants and cried when I did not answer her. When I asked her who put pepper in it, she said it was Apako.

Safety of Nigerian children a national priority I called her elder sister and she confessed to me and narrated all that happened. She said they (the suspects) threatened to kill them if they told me what was going on.”

Narrating the ugly incident, the five-year-old victim maintained that she was indeed raped by the suspects.

The child, who gave graphic details of her encounter, said one of the suspects instructed her to put his organ in her mouth.

This is her story: “Yes. Apako, John, Segun, Orobo and Ejima raped me. They put their ‘willy’ in my ‘bum-bum’ two times.

They kissed me. It was only Apako that put his ‘willy’ in my sister’s ‘bum-bum,” she said.

Apparently touched by the ordeal of the children, Lagos state Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode directed that the two toddlers be taken his custody of.

The Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation, Lola Akande, said the children had been rescued from the abusive environment

Parent should as a rule discourage their female children from following strangers or accepting gifts or lift from strangers as there are syndicates who specialise in enticing young girls with gifts like sweets - Egbuji and taken to one of the state’s homes for children for proper rehabilitation and care.

If Mrs. Comfort Oseghae who lives in Igando, a suburb of Lagos had known that leaving her two year old daughter in the care of a neighbor simply identified as Kunle will cause

the little girl a lifetime of pain and trauma, she wouldn’t have dared to. But, because she cannot tell the future, she left her little girl with the randy 35-year-old married man.

In her report, little Juliet was running a temperature and she needed to rush to the pharmacy to get some drugs for the toddler, but, since she didn’t want to exert the little girl further, she decided to leave her with her neighbor while she gets the drug.

The first telltale sign that something was wrong was when she returned and found the door to Kunle’s apartment locked.

“When I knocked on the door, Kunle opened and told me my child has slept off. I insisted I will take my daughter and give her the medicine, and when I went in, my daughter was not sleeping; she was wide awake.”

The unsuspecting Oseghae picked up her little girl and took her to her apartment to administer the drug, but the moment the drug was administered the little girl

threw up, and that was when the woman became alert and suspicious.

In the process of cleaning up the little girl, Mrs. Oseghae discovered a sticky whitish fluid suspected to be semen on the little girl’s private part and she promptly raised alarm.

Daily Times gathered that the suspect was arrested and the matter reported at the police station. The parent of the little girl was advised to take her to Igando General Hospital for checkup; it was at the hospital that doctors certified that the poor little girl has indeed been sexually violated.

The parents are currently seeking justice with the help of Access to Justice, a human rights advocacy group.

Alarming statistics These and many more are some of the bizarre stories making the rounds in our society.

The Lagos State government has over time fought against the incidence of rape, but despite all efforts to curb it, the menace is on the increase.

Some months back, the former Lagos State AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr. Adeola Rahman Ipaye, raised the alarm over increase in rape and defilement of minors in the state over the last one year.

Regretting that the trend has risen to alarming dimension, theformer AG put the figure of reported cases of minor rape and defilement in the last year at 427 and added that many cases remain unreported.

Ipaye stated that although the Office of the Public Defender (OPD) got positive judgments in respect of six cases recently, the ministry had serious challenges in assembling evidence on rape charges because most of the cases were reported late. He further said that the growing incidence of rape and defilement of minors, with 427 children raped in 2012 alone, is unacceptable.

“It is regrettable that other cases were not reported by CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Crime 20

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

Parents should be more vigilant- Barr. Gloria Egbuji Due to lack of sufficient vaginal fluids and chances of infections are high, child sexual abuse may cause infections and sexually transmitted diseases depending on the age of the child.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

parents in a bid to protect the integrity and identity of the child-victims. During the period under review - January 2013, the OPD, intervened in the pathetic case of an 11-year-old girl who was allegedly defiled by a pastor.

The pastor was alleged to have procured abortion for the girl three times in 2012.

“The OPD promptly got the pastor arrested and he has since been charged to court. The growing incidence of rape and defilement of minors, justify the warning to parents.

“There are many rape cases that had not been reported as many parents usually keep quiet when their children are raped.

“Again, there is the problem of evidence and unless the man in question is caught redhanded in the act, there would be no evidence to prove the case in court. We have taken lots of men to court and the OPD got judgment in six cases,” he said.

On their part, the Lagos State Police Command said that the command recorded 678 cases of rape in the state, being the cases that were reported between March 2012 and March 2013.

This also does not depict the true statistics on rape as most rape victims do not make a report.

It is also recorded that, more than 70 per cent of abusers are immediate family members or someone very close to the family, 30 per cent of all perpetrators of sexual abuse are related to their victims and 60 per cent are family acquaintances such as a neighbor, babysitter or a friend and 10 percent are strangers.

What the law says about child defilement According to the Nigeria Constitution, the crime of child defilement is punishable under

Comfort Osheghale recounting the sad ordeal of the defilement of her 2 year old daughter at the office of Access to Justice section 218 of the Criminal code which states that; “any person who has unlawful carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 13 years is guilty of a felony and liable to imprisonment for life. Also, section 218 states that any person who attempts to have carnal knowledge of a girl under the age of 13 is guilty of a felony and liable to 14 years imprisonment. It is a serious offence which the police should investigate and prosecute accordingly.

Rising statistics on child rape cases

Effect on the victim According to WebMD, an online encyclopedia for health related matters, “Child sexual abuse may cause infections and sexually transmitted diseases depending on the age of the child, due to lack of sufficient vaginal fluids and chances of infections are high.

Neurological damage research has shown traumatic stress, including stress caused by defilement or sexual abuse, causes notable changes in brain functioning and development.

Physical abuse in children can lead to over excitation of the undeveloped limbic system.

Reports of both physical and sexual abuse were associated with a 113 per cent increase.

Child sexual abuse may cause internal lacerations and bleeding depending on the age and size of the child, and the degree of force used. In severe cases, damage to internal organs may occur, which, some cases, may cause death.

Apart from the physical effect, the most debilitating of the effect is the psychological effect the act may have on the child”.

Preventive measures While there are no fail-proof ways to ensure your wards safety, the risks can be reduced to barest minimum by taking some precautions.

Executive Director, Crime Victims Foundation (CRIVIFON), Barr.

Gloria Egbuji, also lamented that there is no full proof way of preventing children from being abused in our kind of society today. She however urged parents to be vigilant and take some precautions to ensure that their wards does not fall victim.

“Parents should ensure that that their female children keep close friendship ONLY with children of the same sex.

“Parent should as a rule of the thumb discourage their female children from following stranger or accepting gifts or lift from strangers as there are syndicates who specialize in enticing young girls with gifts like sweets, etc “From records, most of the violations happens with someone close to the child, so parents are advised to mind closely the way your male house helps, relatives relates with your female children while also teaching the female children not to allow their big brothers, uncles, cousins or house help to fondle their sexual parts.

Sexual education, like they say of charity, must begin at home.

“There is need to re-school ourselves and begin to give the vulnerable a voice, the cause for justice for the victim must be paramount and above all allegiances no matter how deep – when a child is raped or stigmatized, it must become a compelling priority to see to it that all perpetrators, conspirators and accessories to that criminality are corralled and charged accordingly to ensure no other children suffer at the hands of these purveyors of such reprehensible evil,” Egbuji said.

The growing concern over incessant rape cases in the country has also received the attention of the wife of the President, Mrs. Aisha Buhari, who urged government at all levels to enforce the law on rape; a move she said would protect women and children in the country.

Receiving a delegation of Ministry of Women Affairs, United Nations International Children Education Fund (UNICEF) and National Population Commission who paid her a courtesy call, Mrs. Buhari, “We are aware of the national law on rape passed this year on May 25 (Prohibition Act 2015) which states imprisonment ranging from 12 to 20 years. I advocate for the enforcement of this law at all levels.”

Families and stakeholders worry that we can no longer pretend that child sexual abuse does not occur amongst us and we should not be embarrassed to expose all those who tolerate it. It is time for children to be safe indeed in the Nigerian environment.

21 Public Notice ZION TRUTH PRAYER MINISTRY 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. PASTOR AFOLABI OLARINDE 2. MRS. AFOLABI BUKOLA AGBEKE 3. AGBENIYI OLUYEMI SAMUEL THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1. To preach, teach and propagate the total unadulterated gospel of Jesus Christ both within and outside the country 2. To teach, preach and hold seminars and workshop as backup to missions work 3. To lead sinners to Christ by showing example and by teaching God’s word.

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.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

THE CHAMPION GLORIOUS MINISTRY INT”L This is to inform the General Public that the above named MINISTRY 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 OYEWUSI STEPHEN - GENERAL OVERSEER 2 PHILIP OSINACHI - SECRETARY 3 AKOREDE SEKINAT O. 4 NWOHA OBINA EMMANUEL AIM AND OBJECTIVE To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ throughout the world 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.

CROWN OF LIFE MISSION The general public is hereby notified that the above named mission has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under part “C” of the companies and Allied Matter Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.ADELEYE ADEBISI GABRIEL - PRESIDENT 2. ADELEYE TAYE GRACE - MEMBER 3. LAWAL SERIFAT FUNMILAYO - SECRETARY 4. ADESHINA ADEMOLA BANJI - MEMBER 5. ADESHINA BOSEDE GRACE - MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To propagate the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

2. To evangelize and bring the lost souls back to the kingdom of God. 3. To engage in missionary activities all over the world.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescentoff Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within twenty-eight (28) days from the date of publication.

SIGNED: Secretary

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

SIGNED BY SECRETARY.

FAIRWAYS FOUNDATION

AFRICAN REAL ESTATE SOCIETY

AIHE FOUNDATION

This is to inform the General Public that the above Named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the companies and Allied Matter Act, 1990.

This is to inform the General Public that the above Named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the companies and Allied Matter Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ADETUNJI ADENIYI ALABA 2. ADETUNJI AYOOLA CAROLINE 3. ADEMOLAKUN TAIWO

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OLAWORE AKINOLA KAYODE EDWIN - CHAIRMAN 2. AWOLAJA ADEKUNLE GBENGA - SECRETARY 3. GERSHOM ESSIEN HENSHAW 4.VICTOR ABAECHETA AKUJURU(DR.) 5. OGUNBA OLUSEGUN ADEBAYO(PROF.)

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To provide basic necessities to the motherless children.

2. To help and provide advice to older people.

3. To provide financial aids to the poor. Also,educational services,instructional material to the people with poor backgrounds.

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 from the date of publication.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1.To encourage research and promote education in real-estate and closely allied areas.

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 from the date of publication.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. EMEJE MARTINS OCHUBIOJO, PHD 2. ISIMI CHRISTIANAH YETUNDE, PHD 3. EGHAREVBA, HENRY OMOREGIE, PHD 4. AMODU BENJAMIN, B,PHARM, MBA 5. ULOKO ANDREW, MBBS 6. OLAGUNJU MUSTAPHA RASHIDAT 7. MARTINS-EMEJE COMFORT 8. EMEJE ONEH HELEN 9. AMINA BALA ZAKARI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. EQUAL PROVISION OF RESOURCES TO ALL HEALTH DEPRIVED GROUPS OF THE NIGERIAN SOCIETY. 2. PROVIDE BASIC HEALTH EDUCATION TO THE COMMUNITY. 3. TO CREATE HEALTH AWARENESS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

SIGNED BY TRUSTEES.

SIGNED BY: SECRETARY

SIGNED: UMAR SUFYAN

FAITH FOOTBALL FANS FORUM

RADIO FREQUENCY IDENTIFICATION AFRICAN FOUNDATION

IGBO EZUO COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION NASARAWA STATE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. (REV. FR) OLUOMA CHINENYE JOHN 2. DR. MRS ADAORA UMEOJI NWOKOYE 3. MR. IFEANYI NWAJIAKU 4. MR. MOLOKWU CHINEDU ANTHONY

-CHAIRMAN -SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

TRUSTEES: 1. DR. DANIEL OMOFOMAN 2. BARR. CHIDINMA UKATTA

TRUSTEES: 1. OWELLE PATRICK UBANOZIE -CHAIRMAN 2. COMRADE ALOZOR FERDINAND -SECRETARY 3. COMRADE MENIRU ALOYSIUS

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO CREATE A PLATFORM THAT WILL HELP YOUTHS CHANNEL THEIR PASSION FOR FOOTBALL TOWARDS VENTURES THAT BENEFITS THEM AND THE SOCIETY.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES EMPOWERING THE AFRICAN COMMUNITY THROUGH THE EDUCATION AND USE OF RFID TECHNOLOGY ACROSS INDUSTRY SECTOR.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

SIGNED: EUDORAH EZEONYE 08037650176

EMPOWERED UNCOMMON WOMEN OF VIRTUES INT’L ASSOCIATION

SIGNED: SECRETARY

ARMOUR OF GOD PENTECOSTAL ASSEMBLY INTERNATIONAL

BARUMARK ESTATE MUSLIM RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

TRUSTEES: 1. DEACONESS MRS. LINSDAY EGHE TES SOARE 2. MRS. MARYAM JIBRIN OBOKHALE 3. CHIEF (DR) MRS. PHILOMINA IHENYEN (FROM AGU

TRUSTEES: (1) PETER UCHENNA OJIAKA, (2) JECINTA NKIRUKA EZIKE, (3) ROSE ANYANWU.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO FOSTER UNITY AND PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF HER MEMBERS.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

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SIGNED: SECRETARY

PROACTIVE HEALTH CARE ADVOCACY & DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

YOPA MUTUAL HEALTH INITIATIVE.

TRUSTEES: 1, ABDULWAHAB GARBA. 2, BELLO MUSA ABDULLAHI. 3, AMINU ABDULLAHI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PROMOTE HEALTHCARE SERVICE DELIVERY ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: SECRETARY

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

SIGNED: CHAIRMAN.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO PROMOTE IGBO CULTURE AND LANGUAGE. 2. TO PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE INTEREST OF IGBOS IN N ASARAWA STATE.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1. ALH. UMMARU GARBA. 2. MAINASARA MOYI KAURA. 3. JAFARU MAKAU KAURA. 4. SANUSI BALA. 5. IDRIS ALIYU. 6. SANI HAMZA. 7. ALIYU MUSA KAURA 8. UMMAR IBRAHIM 9. LAWAL YAU MADUGUN KAURA.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES: 1) COL TAJUDDEEN AHMED HAMEED - CHAIRMAN 2) MAL. KABIR MUHAMMAD - VICE CHAIRMAN 3) HAJIYA AMINA TAHIR-SECRETARY 4) HAJIYA RAKIYA SAGIR 5) ABDULKARIM AHMED 6) USMAN UMAR MUSA. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1) TO PROVIDE WELFARE FOR MEMBERS 2) TO MAINTAIN THE MOSQUE IN THE ESTATE 3) TO PROVIDE ISLAMIC TRAINING FOR CHILDREN ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION SIGNED: O. MARX IKONGBEH ESQ. EVERLAW ASSOCIATES 08173342216

INITIATIVE FOR FARMING EDUCATION & DEVELOPMENT SUPPORTS. THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED FOR REGISTRATION TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 TRUSTEES. 1. TAIWO ABIMBOLA OLUSEGUN. 2. OGUNBOSOYE ALABA. 3. AKINYEMI ALABA OLUYEMISI (MRS) 4. OYENUGA OLUSEGUN. 5. ADEDOKUN ISAAC KUNMI 6. SOKALU OLUMIDE 7. OLAJIDE-TAIWO LAWRENCE OMOTAYO. 8. ODUOLA TAIWO OLANIYI AREMU 9. SALAKO OYEBAYO SAMUEL

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES PROMOTE SOCIO WELLBEING OF THE COMMUNITY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES INITIATING FARMERS’ ACCESS TO INFORMATION, EDUCATION AND AGRO ASSISTANCE.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL. CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET. PMB 198, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28TH DAYS FROM THE DATE OF PUBLICATION

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

22 News Mathew Dadiya Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Pere of

Kabowei Kingdom and paramount ruler of Patani, Delta state, His Royal Majesty, Major Lucky M. Erebulu (rtd), has called on prominent Ijaw sons and daughters to emulate the patriotism, passion and selfless spirit being demonstrated by the Special Adviser to the President/Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brig-Gen. Paul Boroh (rtd) in reaching out to the rural population

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

Emulate Boroh’s sterling qualities, monarch urges Niger Deltans in the Niger Delta region through a communitybased non-governmental organisation, Rural Africa Health Initiative (RAHI).

The royal father, who made the remark when a team of volunteer surgeons and nurses from RAHI, led by the founder and former President of the Ijaw Youth Council

(IYC) Dr. Chris Ekiyor paid him a courtesy visit at his palace, said he was overwhelmed by the patriotism and passion Gen. Boroh has shown within the short period in office as Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme.

He noted that by taking the initiative to bring health care to the rural commu-

nities in the Niger Delta region, the new amnesty boss has immortalised his name on the sand of time, adding that the community was pleased with their own son, Dr. Ekiyor, who also is a member of the Chiefs Council in Kabowei Kingdom, for remembering the community at the time of need.

Earlier, the Chief Executive Officer of RAHI, Dr. Chris Ekiyor informed the Kingdom that the teams of volunteer surgeons, nurses among other volunteers were in the palace to officially inform him of the free medical outreach mission to the community.

According to Dr. Ekiyor, the free medical outreach

Students honour Kwara LG boss

AEDC welcomes tariff review, fixed charge removal

Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

ÏÏÏThe West Africa Stu-

dents’ Union (WASU), on Wednesday, in Ilorin, conferred the 2015 Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award on the Chairman of Kaiama Local Government Area of Kwara state, Alhaji Alhassan Bagudu.

In his speech, Bamikole Oladele, Nigerian representative of WASU bestowed the Most Outstanding Administrator of the Year Award on the council due to his immeasurable contributions to education and the well-being of the populace.

The students’ union leader explained that the event was a template to the forthcoming West African Diaspora conference of the organisation that would hold at the Morgan State University.

“WASU is the initiator of the popular Kwame Nkrumah Leadership Award and lecture series, which had featured in Ghana for the last 15 years”, he said, adding that the aim was to promote all forms of action of good leadership designed to construct the defenses of West African Culture of leadership and integrity in minds of men.

Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏAbuja

A cross section of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) at NEMA IDPs Camp in Fufore Yola… on Wednesday.

IGP orders strict monitoring of firearms usage ÏÏÏThe Inspector-General

of Police (I-G), Mr. Solomon Arase, on Wednesday, called on senior police officers to monitor strictly the use of firearms and ammunition by officers under them.

The Force Police Public Relations Officer (FPPRO), ACP Olabisi Kolawole, disclosed the I-G’s order in an

interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

Kolawole said the order was sequel to some alleged killings by drunken and trigger-happy policemen in different parts of the country.

He said that Arase expressed sadness over unlawful killings and restated the

need for Assistant Inspectors-General, Commissioners and Area Commanders of various commands and units to monitor strictly the usage of firearms.

According to him, police personnel are supposed to account for arms and ammunition signed out to him or her to the supervisor. ``No policeman is allowed

to dispense any bullet without accounting for it to the supervising officer. ``No police man is allowed to kill unlawfully. It is an offence to be drunk while in uniform and carrying gun. ``Policemen have been trained on how and when to use the fire arms,’’ Kolawole said.

Shi’ite: El-Zakzaky not in our custody, says Kaduna Prison

ÏÏÏThe authorities of the

Kaduna Convict Prison, on Wednesday, denied claims that the leader of the Islamic Movement in Nigeria, Sheikh Ibraheem El-Zakzaky, was in the prison.

The Controller of the Kaduna Prisons, Abubakar Argungu, who denied the claims, however, said 191 members of the Islamic movement were in the custody of the prison.

Argungu said, “We only

mission was being sponsored by the Boroh-led Presidential Amnesty Office in Abuja, while his organisation provides the medical expertise to reach to the communities that needed health care, using Patani community as centre to reach out to adjourning communities in Kabowei clan and beyond.

have 191 followers of the Shi’ite sects in our custody.

But we do not have their leader, Ibrahim El-Zakzaky with us.”

Meanwhile, the Kaduna state government said on Wednesday that it will soon name members of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry into the recent clash in Zaria between the Nigerian Army and Sheikh Ibraheem ElZakzaky led Islamic Movement in Nigeria.

The government said in

a statement issued by Governor Nasir El-Rufai’s Special Assistant on Media and Publicity, Samuel Aruwan, that the composition and terms of reference of the proposed commission had been concluded.

It added that efforts were being made to contact all the nominees for the membership of the JCI as well as secretariat and resource persons.

The statement read in part, “The Kaduna state

government has largely completed work on the composition and the terms of reference of the proposed Judicial Commission of Inquiry.

“However, the government is still engaged in the extensive consultations that are required prior to a formal announcement.

“Efforts are also being made to contact all the nominees for membership of the commission, as well as the secretariat and re-

source persons that will support the work of this important inquiry.”

The government explained that the holidays had made the process of contacting the members of the commission difficult.

“Therefore, the Kaduna state government will be delaying the announcement of the membership of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry until early in the new year,” the statement said.

Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) has welcomed the new electricity tariff regime unveiled by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), noting also that it expressly endorses the removal of fixed charges for all classes of customers by the Commission.

In a statement made available to newsmen on Wednesday in Abuja, the AEDC also reiterated its commitment to its mass metering project which has commenced a few weeks ago with a pilot scheme in Niger Region of the Company.

According to the statement, the ongoing pilot scheme would enable the company to assess all challenges involved for it to evolve a more robust way of deploying the new meters across its coverage area of FCT, Kogi, Nasarawa and Niger states, stressing that the overall plan is to have all its customers metered within four to five years.

Fashola

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

I’ll reconstructs Titilope Joseph ÏÏÏTen inmates from Lere WestIkoyi prisons, on Wednes, benefitted from the Bashar Gatari day amnesty programme of Tom Garba, GarunKurama

ÏÏÏ“I

have a battered home, I have a home that her unity in diversity is been punched by our past selfish leaders, A member of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Mr. Bashar Gatari Idris, has pledged a reconstruction of Lere West Local Government Area of Kaduna State, so that the people there would have a real feel of the gains of democracy.

Gatari, who is aspiring to represent Lere West in the State House of Assembly, said that, I have a home that is full of economy degradation. Lere LGA is in dire need of reconstruction and I’m out to rebuild, reconstruct and restructure every phase of the ruined economy with my designed print of waiting laws if voted in to the state House of Assembly. I’m not out for war or do-or-die politics, but I’m out to foster the tenets of democracy for my people to believe in my dreams and my honest candidature to rebuild my home.”

the Chief Judge of Lagos State, Justice Oluwafunmilayo Atilade, as they regained their freedom.

According to Atilade, the amnesty programme was a gesture aimed at decongesting the prison, in order to ensure deserving inmates were made to breathe the fresh air of freedom.

While congratulating the beneficiaries of the amnesty exercise, Atilade

Lagos CJ frees 10 Ikoyi prisons inmates also admonished them to be of good behaviour and make positive impacts in the society.

“You all must note that you are being given another opportunity to start afresh, more so as it is coming on the eve of a new year. I do sincerely hope and pray that those being granted amnesty today will be of good conduct and would do no such thing capable

of bringing them back into prison,” Atilade said.

The CJ also averred that the judiciary had been taking steps to facilitate speedy trials and dispensation of cases, so as to bring about a drastic reduction in the number of awaitingtrial inmates.

“The newly introduced Bail Information Management System (BIMS) is a ground-breaking innova-

tion to improve upon the administration of criminal justice in Lagos State.

Aside from guaranteeing ease of access to relevant information as may be required for effective bail management, it is intended to eliminate all known challenges in criminal prosecution,” she said.

Atilade also appealed to Office of the Public Defender, the Nigerian Bar

Ismaila Oguntade

ÏÏÏFor issues relating to

L-R: National Vice President, National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools, (NAPPS), Mr. Yomi Otubela; Mr. Akinbile Yusuf; Olojora of Ijora, Oba Fatai Aremu Aromire; Commissioner for Youth and Social Development, Mrs. Uzamat Akinbile and Hon. Desmond Elliot during the first Youth Interactive Session held at Onikan Youth Centre, Lagos… on Tuesday.

Ondo guber: APC BOT member seeks ticket

ÏÏÏKano

ÏÏÏA

State Commissioner for Water Resources and Rural Development, Alhaji Usman Riruwe, has said that the government has concluded plans to spend N14 billion for the provision of potable water and construction of rural feeder roads in 2016 to improve upon the living condition of those in the rural areas.

He made this known after defending the budget estimate for the ministry.

According to him, the budget would ensure the provision of water to a majority of the people in the state, as well as electricity in rural areas. He also stated that over N3 billion would be used for the expansion of irrigation facilities, in addition to N2 billion meant for reactivating and rehabilitating dams.

Association and non-governmental organisations to assist inmates, whose cases were on-going, so as to ensure a speedy dispensation of justice.

The release of inmates was pursuant to the provisions of Section 1(1) of the Criminal Justice Release from Custody Special Provision Act CAP C40, 2007, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria.

Court nullifies ruling in Oke-Aro land dispute

Kano govt to spend N14bn on rural projects Yakubu Salisu

23 News

’Tosin Ajuwon, Akure member of Board of Trustees (BoT) of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Ondo State, Jamiu Ekungba, has expressed optimism that he would triumph in the forthcoming gubernatorial election over Governor Olusegun Mimiko’s would-be candidate from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), if given a ticket.

Ekungba, who said this while addressing journalists, on Wednesday, in Idanre Local Government Area, added that he had built a formidable structure beyond Akure and Ondo metropolis to make him win the election, and averred that the APC’s candidate would defeat Mimiko in his domain.

The APC chieftain noted that that his personal philanthropic life-style and

Gov. Mimiko

hands of fellowship extended to the poor amongst the committee of politicians in the state was unbeatable by any candidate of the incumbent administration.

Ekungba explained that he would also defeat Governor Mimiko at his unit, Ward and local government if he bagged the party’s ticket for next year’s election.

According to him, he had worked hard in Ondo and maintained a formidable structure in the area stressing that the APC would pick a candidate that is Ondo

State by birth and, by heart, who is progressive and not by association.

He said Mimiko lost to the grip in the Presidential election and allegedly used thugs to manipulate the last House of Assembly poll.

“I am not talking about any other candidate but I, Jamiu Ekungba, will defeat Mimiko in his domain and I can give an assurance to that effect. I ruffled his feather, during the presidential election. He used thugs and other things to set our structures back in the House of Assembly elections.

“This time around, we will defeat him in his home town, I will win Ondo town,” Ekungba said.

He, however, said there would be a period that only APC as a political structure, and no other party, would exist in Ondo State.

Earlier, Ekungba had sent out his goodwill to the

Christians community and 203 wards across the 18 LGAs of Ondo State.

While personally monitoring the distribution of food items and cash gifts to the people in his hometown of Owo Local Government Area, Ekungba said he had been extending such goodwill to the people of his community since 1972.

“The motive behind it is this: to whom God has given, must do what I call charity; that is exactly what it is; you must give out because the festive mood is to give out to the less-privileged, so that they, too, can feel what you are feeling in your house.

“It is just to make everybody during this festive mood to be able to feed from the purse of those of us whom God has blessed a little. So, it is a natural thing that I have been doing for a long time, it is not now”, he said.

fraud and failure to serve the originating process on the defendants, a high court, sitting in Ota Judicial Division, and presided over by the Honorable Justice N.I. Agbelu, has nullified the judgement in the dispute over a large expanse of land in Oke-aro area of Ogun State obtained by the trio of Timothy Afolarin Ajibose, Benjamin Oladapo Ajibose and Fasasi Salako.

In the judgement, delivered on December 15, in the suit no. HCT/26/1991, Agbelu ruled that the judgement obtained by the trio of Timothy Afolarin Ajibose, Benjamin Oladapo Ajibose and Fasasi Salako as creditors and respondents against Chief Joseph Olusegun Akingbola, Jonathan Dada Ikabala, John Dada Ikabala and Sunny Aduroja as debtors/applicants, was a nullity.

“From the above, having regard to the issue of fraud alleged against the judgement/creditors/respondent, together with the issue of non-service of the originating process on the 3rd defendant in the suit, the applicants’ application, therefore, succeeds. The proceedings and judgement in the suit no HCT/2/1991 delivered on October 30, 2013, is therefore a nullity.”

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

N13 billion land deal: Tompolo’s probe to humiliate Jonathan – Group Akam James, Yenagoa

ÏÏÏA

socio-political group known as the Alliance for the Preservation of Nigerian Democracy, on Wednesday described as “diversionary” the ongoing investigation by the Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) into an alleged N13 billion land deal by ex-militant leader, High Chief Government Ekpemupolo popularly known as Tompolo, and said that it was a political act targeted at humiliating

former president, Dr. Goodluck Jonathan.

According to the group, though the EFCC had the constitutional right to investigate alleged corruption acts, based on facts and evidence at its disposal, the on-going investigation into the role of Tompolo in an approved land deal with the Federal Government was political and an attempt to indict Jonathan.

The group, in a report titled “The Harassment of Tompolo: Is Jonathan next on APC’s list?” and made available to newsmen, on

Wednesday, via email, alleged that the move to declare Ekpemupolo wanted was a clear attempt to arrest and jail Jonathan.

The report, which was signed by the group’s convener, Bolarinwa Ajayi, and the Director of Research, Damilola Alade, stated that, “Now that the Buhari administration has finally made the bold move of targeting High Chief Government Ekpemupolo, a.k.a Tompolo, directly, we cannot help wondering if the stage is merely being prepared by the All Pro-

gressives Congress regime to pounce on the quintessential hero of Nigerian democracy – Dr. Goodluck Jonathan himself.”

“The rather puzzling irony of the matter is that the transaction in question was a legitimate deal of conveyance of developed property between Tompolo and the Federal Government in which, for the purpose of the takeoff of the National Maritime University, the Federal Government found it expedient to purchase an international diving

and maritime school that Tompolo had already established and expended a colossal amount in developing to standard.

“Interestingly, the school is not even in Okorekonko community as the APC and the EFCC would have us believe and its purchase is a different kettle of fish altogether from the purchase of Okerekonko community land as the main campus of the university, which, in its own regard, is also a perfectly legitimate transaction, as well.

NASS to review laws governing operations of security agencies ÏÏÏSen. Aliyu Wamakko

Nigerian high-life musician, Bongos Ikwue (left); founder and sponsor of Mark d’ball Tournament, Sen. David mark at the 2015 Mark d’ball Basketball Competition held in Otukpo, Benue State… on Tuesday.

SANNI SILIFAT ABOLORE

ADEBOYE AYOTOPE JOAN

I formally known as IBRAHIM SILIFAT ABOLORE now wish to be known and address as SANNI SILIFAT ABOLORE. All former document remain valid. The general public should take note

I formally known as AKINSANYA AYOTOPE JOAN now wish to be known and address as ADEBOYE AYOTOPE JOAN. All former document remain valid. The general public should take note

CLEMENT CHRISTINA OLAYINKA

SAMSON ENDURANCE SAMUEL

I formally known as OYELEYE CHRISTINA OLAYINKA now wish to be known and address as CLEMENT CHRISTINA OLAYINKA. All former document remain valid. The general public should take note

I formally known as SAMSON FELIX OPEMIPO now wish to be known and address as SAMSON ENDURANCE SAMUEL. All former document remain valid. The general public should take note

MRS NWACHUKWU OLUCHI FELICIA

CORRECTION OF NAME

I formally known as MISS NWAMARAH OLUCHI FELICIA now wish to be known and address as MRS NWACHUKWU OLUCHI FELICIA. All former document remain valid. The general public should take note

I IRIAFEN HAWA OSHUA is the same person as ABU-IRIAFEN HAWA. All other information remains the same, general public take note.

(APC-Sokoto) has said that the laws governing the operations of various security agencies in the country would be reviewed by the National Assembly.

This is to reposition the security organisations to tackle the prevailing security challenges threatening the country, Wamakko told newsmen in Sokoto on Wednesday.

“While reviewing these extant laws, new ones would be enacted to make the various security agencies more efficient and effective,” Wamakko, who is a member of the Senate Committee on Defence, added.

Benue re-run: CAN endorses Mark Tom Okpe Abuja

ÏÏÏAhead

of the Benue South Senatorial Zone rerun election, the immediate past Senate President, Senator David Mark, has received an emphatic endorsement by the State Chapter of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), led by its Benue Zone C Chairman, Reverend Father Emmanuel Odufu, on a solidarity visit to Mark in Otukpo.

“It is a consensus of CAN, especially in Benue South to identify and support him in the forth-coming re-run, for us, we are pleased and very comfortable with you, your sterling leadership qualities and record of achievement speaks for you. We stand by you and we shall be with you all through”.

The group listed various projects attracted by Senator Mark to the zone including the Multipurpose Otobi Water Dam, the Oweto/ Loko Bridge, Health Centres, schools and the annual scholarship awards to students.

Mark

Shettima approves N20m bonus for civilian JTF ÏÏÏGovernor

Kashim Shettima of Borno State, on Wednesday, approved a N20 million bonus for members of the vigilance group working with the military in the anti-insurgency operations in the North East.

Shettima announced the donation to the volunteers, popularly known as ‘the Civilian JTF’, at a meeting with members of the group in Government House, in Maiduguri.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the governor described his gesture as an appreciation for their efforts in the war against Boko Haram.

The governor’s Special

Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Malam Isa Gusau, gave the details of the gesture in a statement, in Maiduguri.

“Shettima held closed door discussions with leaders of the vigilantes with focus on enhancing community policing, during which he appreciated their gallant efforts and unveiled welfare packages for them.

“He said no amount of welfare package could equal the sacrifices being made by the volunteers, especially given the fact that some of them had laid their lives for state,” Gusau said.

“Shettima announced a bonus of N20 million to the volunteers, while directing

that any backlog of their monthly ‎allowances be paid immediately,” according to Gusau.

He said the governor had directed the Ministry of Health to put a system in place that would guarantee free medical treatment to all youth volunteers in all public hospitals in the state.

Gusau stated that the governor also ordered the supply of more patrol vehicles to the volunteers.

“We are all eternally indebted to you‎ and we thank you most sincerely for the sacrifices you have made for us to have peace in this part of the world.

I want to assure you that

once the dust settles down, once this madness is over, we have the herculean task of creating jobs, of engaging the multitude of youths who stood firm and ensured that we had peace in this part of the world,” Shettima said.

The governor also commended President Muhammadu Buhari in his fight against Boko Haram and for his role towards restructuring the military.

“I have to pay a special tribute to President Muhammadu Buhari; he has shown the zeal, the courage, the passion and the commitment to bring about peace in this part of the world.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

25 Opinion

Nigeria Vision 20-2020 Mirage (2)?

ÏÏÏIn part 1, we be-

gan discussion on this topic. In the introduction, I explained what the Vision 2020 entails, which is government design to make Nigeria one of the top 20 economies in the world. I then explained what we need to know to understand the possibility of Nigeria attaining that vision. I began my explanation of my understanding of the very challenging present economic situation of Nigeria and its causes.

In this second part, I wish to conclude the description of my perspective of Nigeria’s economic challenges.

As I had argued in the past, the continued appropriation of Niger Delta economic resources, notably oil and gas, to the Nigerian federation account, from the perspective of international law, human rights and justice, national security, economic and political integrity, is an unsafe albeit nationally self-imposed situation. It is unsafe, not only for the Niger Delta minorities but for the corporate existence of Nigeria as a whole. I admitted that the majority theft of Niger Delta oil resources has gone on for many years, beginning in 1969. I further admitted that the length and depth of our collective illegality against the Niger Delta peoples has complicated

the twin issues of peace and development. But I submitted that complexity does not justify continuity. We, majority elites in Nigeria, are wrong. And it is in our long term social, political and economic interest that we stop the constitutional theft of Niger Delta oil and gas.

We must give oil back to the Niger Delta Peoples to secure holistic peace and development, not only in the Niger Delta region but in the nation of Nigeria as a whole. I strongly believe that growth cannot be driven from the centre, Abuja, but from the peripheries/regions/states and, particularly, from the grassroots or local government areas. It is the summation of the growth of the constituent states and local government areas that would translate to national growth/economic development. Nigeria for long has been trying to grow from the centre, first at Lagos when it was the federal capital, and now at Abuja. This probably explains the massive nationalisation of lands, minerals and mineral oils by successive military regimes. I strongly believe that once local peoples’ rights to property and to the economic resources in their land are restored in Nigeria, the country will enter again, at a higher

Buhari

pace than in the mid-50s to mid-60s, a new era of very rapid economic growth.

That, for me, would be the greatest dividend of the change that Nigerians massively voted for on March 28, 2015 when they elected President Muhammadu Buhari, the most visible symbol of the change movement.

The above thoughts and the earlier ones in part 1 constitute and shape my present position and perspective as regards the future growth of Nigeria.

I however have an open mind. Hence the need to undergo the present re-examination of the economic spine of the

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Nigerian nation especially the root causes of the present challenge to economic development and possible solutions to them.

Let us begin by understanding Nigeria’s economic potential. I will do this by looking at different aspects of the economy using a list that I have adapted from BMI Research: Agribusiness; Automobiles; Commercial Banks; Consumer Electronics; Defence and Security; Education; Financial Markets; Food and Drinks; Freight Transport; Information Technology; Infrastructure; Insurance; Medical Devices; Metals; Mining; Oil and Gas; Petrochemi-

cals; Pharmaceuticals and Healthcare; Power; Real Estate; Tourism; Telecommunications; Water; Shipping; Renewables; and Retail.

Before looking at these various aspects of Nigeria’s economy, I would like to restate my belief that Nigeria has no business being poor. Its only business is engendering or rekindling elite patriotism, which births positive sacrifice based on a justifiable pride in the patrimony, similar to what China and UAE have achieved recently and What USA, Japan, Germany and Singapore achieved earlier, to mention only a few. As long as Nigerian elite class chooses to be unpatriotic, only Swiss bankers would continue to know our real worth.

Let us begin this examination of Nigeria’s economic potential from the lens of agribusiness.

One cannot appreciate the potential of agribusiness in Nigeria unless and until one understands the very sad history of agribusiness in Nigeria. In 2014 the then Nigeria’s Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala said: “Nigeria remains highly dependent on oil…70 percent of government revenues come from taxes on the oil and gas sector, and oil and gas make up more than 90 percent of exports”. Any student of Nigeria would understand why this statement is damning on the critical mass of Nigeria’s political elite. The minister reported that 90 percent of Nigerian exports are petroleum (oil and gas). It is as good as saying it is a mono-economy. Younger readers would appreciate the economic disaster that

the minister was indirectly reporting when they realize that fifty five years earlier, the minister could not have imagined what she reported. According to A. Ademola et al, agribusiness exports, which were then the most important in Nigeria, were about 97 percent in 1960. They fell to 4 percent in 1980. They now account for just 7 percent. It is an indefensible and unjustifiable fall. And it is not because petroleum income is overwhelming.

In any case petroleum price has been falling.

What would happen if oil price falls to its production and distribution costs, when we can only break even at best? No, it is not the power of petrodollar that has dwarfed agribusiness contribution to the economy. It is rather because we abandoned our primary strength, agribusiness, to share royalty and rents from Shell and Chevron oil and gas production. We now depend on these foreign strengths to stand as a nation. It is not leadership wisdom. It is not even security smart.

And Nigerians are smart, if leadership would lead them aright, which is what has been lacking for going to fifty years, specifically since we destroyed the covenant of fiscal federalism enshrined in the union/ independence constitution of 1960. As I said severally, we committed this sociopolitical and economic suicide when we made the Petroleum Decree in 1969 and retained it in our laws until today, notably the 1999 Constitution.

Next week, in this column, we shall continue our analysis of the potential of agribusiness in Nigeria.

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26

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

Health Æ s

President of the Association of University Nursing Programmes in Nigeria, Professor Mildred John; Mrs. Olufemi Kujore; Oba Moses Adelani Adegboyega Olabode, Omola of Imala Land, Ogun State; NUNSA President, Toba Odumosu; Deputy Director, Strategic Planning of the NUC, Dr. Modupe Adeniran and other stakeholders at the summit

Nurses chart path towards unity in the profession Lara Adejoro Stakeholders in the nursing profession, including the Nigerian Universities Nursing Students Association, National Association of Nigerian Student Nurses and Midwives, West African Nursing Students Association, graduate nurses, lecturers, nurse corpers, nursing leaders and retired nurses recently converged in Abuja for the maiden edition of the Nursing Leadership Summit to brainstorm on connecting the missing link in the profession.

The summit which was tagged “Nursing in Nigeria: Rethinking The Missing Link.,” started

on Monday, 14th of December to Sunday, 20th, 2015.

According to the NUNSA president, Toba Odumosu, the summit was a bold attempt to get every stakeholder to a round-table discussion for the first time, to hopefully emerge with a more united front on all sides. “The profession has suffered from internal belligerency and disagreement that has laid waste all individual effort.”

In an interview with Daily Times correspondent, the President of the Association of University Nursing Programmes in Nigeria, Professor Mildred John said, the missing link in the profession is the right education

that will make the nurses take up the leadership skills in the healthcare delivery system.

Prof. John said, the nursing profession has suffered a lot and that’s because some nurses are not doing what they are expected to be doing. “We are shifting our tasks to the patients’ relatives, junior cadre nurses and because of that, we are doing very low.

We seem not to be doing the core nursing activities again; hence, the public has lost faith in us.

We have to go back to the basics of practicing what we were taught as a nurse, caring for the patients from the heart not just from the head, caring from the patient’s perspectives not from

the nurse’s perspectives because some of the patients in the contemporary healthcare now are very knowledgeable. A lot of them read the internet when they have any disease, they know what is wrong with them and when they come to a nurse and he or she is talking at a lower level, then there’s a problem.

“Life-long learning is another missing link. Some of the nurses, once they get trained as registered nurses, they don’t want to go back to school again, even to attend workshops is a problem unless they are sponsored.

Whereas, life-long learning will continually help you improve on yourself and improve on your

NGO urges inclusion of persons with disabilities in society A non-governmental organisation, Walk Beyond Freedom From Restraint Initiative, has called on government, civil society and the global community to provide laws and policies which guarantee inclusion, equal rights and self-esteem of Persons with Disabilities (PWDs) for sustainable development.

The Chief Executive Officer and co-founder of the organisation, Mrs Anongiah Abei made the call on Tuesday at an event or-

ganised by the NGO as part of the Christmas season celebration for PWDs where wheelchairs, crutches and other supportive aids were donated to twenty identified beneficiaries.

In her opening speech, Mrs Abei said, the NGO is aimed at promoting the well-being and improve the quality of life of PWDs to enable them lead a life of dignity and independence.

Abei said, “we are donating these supportive aids for persons

with disabilities because we know they are not readily available and they are expensive. We believe there’s a lot that can be done to help and we will ensure that they fill forms with their details so we know where we can help.”

One of the international partners to the NGO, Mr Wilson Abei said, he would assist the organisation both locally and internationally so the PWDs can be empowered, “but as for them, they shouldn’t give up on themselves

so far their brain is intact, they can do anything.

“I will make sure I solicit for help from my business partners on job placements, communications skill and all that we can,” he promised.

Mr Abei urged PWDs to put their challenges aside and focus on what they can do better.

“Once your brain is intact, there’s nothing you cannot do because physical disability is not mental retardation. Disability

practice. So, you shouldn’t necessarily wait to be sponsored,” she said.

Also speaking at the summit, a foremost nurse, Mrs Olufemi Kujore said, though nursing has gone through a lot in the society among both the professionaals and non-professionals but nurses are their own greatest enemies.

Going back memory lane, Kujore said, “those who are not nurses are not enemies because when we wanted an upgrade in the profession, they stood by us.

Even some doctors aided postgraduate training in the nursing profession. We are colleagues in

Continued on page 27

is no big deal, rise beyond your challenges and move ahead,” he urged.

On the theme of the event, ‘Enabling Survivors through Rehabilitation,’ Mrs Abei said, the society we are in looks down on people with disabilities “but as an organisation, we have purposed to help them acquire skills, go to schools and to support them financially, with job placements and with all we can; because in the next five years, we are thinking of building a skills acquisition centre where

Continued on page 27

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

27 Health

Review your attitude, Boxing Day tragedy: nurses urged Expert calls for more awareness on mental health Continued from page 26

Dr Kadiri

The Medical Director/Psychiatrist-In-Chief at Pinnacle Medical Services, Lagos, Dr. Maymunah Kadiri, has said there is nee to create more awareness on psychological and mental health related challenges in the country.

She stated this against the background of the murdersuicide case in Lagos recently, where a drunk policeman shot dead three male customers at a hotel in the Ketu area of the state, before killing himself on Saturday, 26th December, 2015.

Kadiri said, in a case like this, the policeman is either a known patient on medications or not.

Secondly, it could be a case not yet diagnosed or an acute psychotic illness.”

The expert said, some mental disorders that could be associated in this case are depression,

mania or bipolar disorder and paranoid schizophrenia “He maybe severely depressed and suicidal, hence the reason he could kill the innocent people and kill himself. The other side to it is that he may be suffering from mania or bipolar disorder.

This means that he could be having symptoms such as increased energy, over-familiarity, grandiose delusion, elated mood, etc. If he was at the state, with a grandiose mind, he can think he will do anything without any consequence. Likewise , his elated mood can also lead him to commit such a crime.

“It could also be paranoid schizophrenia, which is a chronic form of mental illness. If he is paranoid, that could make him suspicious. Also, if he had any other psychotic symptoms like hallucinations which could be

auditory, visual, olfactory, etc.

For this case, if he was hearing voices commanding him (e.g telling him to kill them) that could make him kill these innocent victims and then himself. Also, the use of alcohol and other substance abuse could also lead to this evil act. These substances alter the chemicals in the brain and can lead to a mental breakdown,” she said.

Adding, Kadiri said, “In some instances, an acute psychotic disorder which means a mental illness with sudden behavioural manifestations could be the reason while he acted this way. This disorder comes with delusions and hallucinations making the person deteriorate fast especially if not diagnosed and not on any treatment.”

However, she said, “the way forward is to create more awareness on psychological and mental health related challenges in our society to reduce the labelling and stigma associated with person with mental illnesses.”

She also urged corporate organisations to incorporate mental health policies that will help resolve issues like this for their employees.

“Likewise, if government can get the mental health bill pass into law, this will go a long way to helping those with mental disorders and their families.”

Statistics show that one in four adults will in Nigeria will experience mental health difficulties in his lifetime.

progress in the healthcare sector in the country.

“If we want to be directors in the healthcare sector, we should endeavour to be directors in knowledge. Let’s show the people that we have what the doctors have to occupy those posts instead of fighting them.”

The renowned nurse urged the nurses on attitudinal change. “If the nurses get the attitude of ‘I must produce my best,’ things will be better. Our attitude must change if we want if we want a profession worth calling a profession.

“Review your attitude, look at other professionals, know why they are being successful. If the doctors totally hate nurses, we would not have gotten graduate nurses. Be proud to be a nurse, God has given us a special assignment of looking after His own people,” Kujore advised.

Oba Moses Adelani Adegboyega Olabode, Omola of Imala Land, Ogun State said, the dichotomy in the nursing profession can be resolved if only “we respect each other.”

The royal highness who is also a registered nurse and Fellow West African College of Nursing said, “The healthcare system is a multidisciplinary sector and there should be respect for each other. Nobody can impose leadership on anybody in a team until they come together to decide who they want as the leader, so, every profession should be respected.”

Founder of Nursingworld Nigeria, Mr Jude Chiedu said, the theme of the summit was

timely and apt as it provided a platform for the Nigerian nursing community to reflect on the missing link that unite them professionally.

“The conference has afforded us the opportunity to unite, specifically at the student level of university nursing students and graduates from schools of nursing and even nursing students in the West Africa subregion. The leadership summit has helped to groom future nursing leaders, educate them on the challenges facing the profession and the role that we all have to play to move the profession to greater heights,” Chiedu said.

The Deputy Director, Strategic Planning of the The Nigerian Universities Commission (NUC) who delivered a lecture on-The Graduate Nurse in Healthcare Delivery System in Nigeria: Potential, Challenges and Prospects, Dr Modupe Adeniran said, there had been some missing links in the educational system of the nursing profession.

“The dichotomy between the graduate nurses and the diplomat nurses is observed and right now, things are being put in place to correct it, so that the two streams can meet and work together in harmony.”

The stakeholders however harped on unity among nurses and continuous training for nurses to upgrade themselves.

Heralding the summit was the visit of the students to the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) camp in Abuja, where they donated food items and toileteries.

‘Physical disability is not mental retardation’ Continued from page 26

they will be trained and empowered.”

She however urged that laws and policies should be put law in place whereby people with physical disabilities would not be segregated in anyway so they can be given equal rights.

Just as it is said that there is an ability in disability, a polio survivor, Wale Lateef, displayed his skill as a disc jockey.

The initiative started as an informally in 1996 by Dr. Dapo Oshoniyi who is also a polio survivor and chairman of the NGO. For him when he started, it was all about helping people that were also physically challenged. The

initial set of people that were assisted by Dr. Oshoniyi saw in him a role model. They saw a young man who withstood all obstacles and made something tangible from his life.

The initial scope of work was limited to providing supportive aids. Over time, the support included financial support. All this was done while Dr. Dapo Oshoniyi and Mrs Abie were in undergraduates at the University of Lagos.

Upon graduation from the University, there was a lull in this philanthropic activities. The duo continued to give financial support. They also identified another need which was the need for accommodation for some of the survivors who were homeless. The

boys quarters of the family home of Mrs Abei then was adopted for this purpose. The identified survivors stay at this place until they are gainfully employed and re-integrated into the community.

For those that did not need accommodation, they are supported from primary schools to university; those that are not opportune to go to the tertiary institution, they are enrolled at skills acquisition centres ; at the end most of them are supported to secure a job.

It is estimated that, some 10 per cent of the world’s population, approximately 650 million people, live with a disability. They are the world’s largest minority, and some 80 per cent of them live in developing countries.

CEO/Co-founder of Walk Beyond Freedom From Restraint Initiative, Mrs. Anongiah Abei and some of the beneficiaries at the event held recently in Lagos.

‘United M Smalling

players fighting for own futures’

anchester United defender Chris Smalling has dismissed suggestions that the squad was not supporting under-fire manager Louis van Gaal and said the players are fighting for their own futures as well.

Despite an improved performance against struggling champions Chelsea, United are winless in eight games and are placed sixth in the Premier League.

Criticism for United’s poor results has been largely aimed at Van Gaal, but Smalling believes no one should feel safe.

“If anything we are all playing for our own futures as well,” the England international told British media. “To say we’re not playing for the manager is silly.

“Every week we want to go out there and show everyone what a good team we are and on our day we can beat anyone.”

Ighalo set to break more records in 2016

Page 28

Thursday, December 31, 2015

Mike Otanwa

C

helsea star, Mikel Obi, is not only grabbing the cash at Stamford Bridge but also from

Iheanacho

Iheancho deserves Nigeria’s No. 10 Jersey

- Nwosu

Mikel pockets

N800m

from adverts

endorsements with his Amstel Malta commercial netting him 800,000 million Naira (about $4 million).

A top insider informed: “Mikel hit it rich with the Amstel Malta advert as he will pocket about 800 million Naira over a number of years.

“Nollywood actress Genevieve Nnaji, who also did another Amstel commercial, will pocket about half that amount.”

Mikel’s Amtel commercial was a short peek into his rags-to-riches career, from playing on the streets of Jos to going on to join English Premier League giants Chelsea, playing for the Super Eagles at the World Cup and flying a private jet on his many travels.

Endorsements have formed the bulk the earnings of world football’s top stars like Lionel Messi and Cristiano Ronaldo.

Dalung urges

F

ormer Nigeria star, Henry Nwosu believes youngster, Kelechi Ihenancho deserves the Super Eagles’ No. 10 jersey, insisting he can fit into the role ahead of midfielder John Mikel Obi. Nwosu who wore the respected jersey number between 1980 and 1991, decried Mikel’s failure to provide top creativity for the Super Eagles.

The Gateway United coach suggested that a creative and quality player playing as the fulcrum of the team should be more worthy of putting on the number 10 jersey that has been worn by legends like Pele, Maradona, Zinedine Zidane and Ronaldinho in the past.

He urged coach Sunday Oliseh to consider the Manchester City youngster to fill the void left by the country’s legends like Etim Esin and Austin Okocha who shone wearing the jersey number in their active days for Super Eagles.

“It’s baffling to think we don’t have a recognizable number 10 player in the team,” Nwosu said.

“That position itself is difficult because it requires that you must be a creative and flamboyant player.

“We thought Mikel would have done it, but his game obviously does not fit this role but Iheanacho looks like a prospect and he can be managed so he can grow well,” he concluded.

g 29

dialogue in NFF crisis

Mike Otanwa with agency report

T

Mikel

he sports ministry boss has appealed to the warring parties in the emerging football leadership crisis to consider dialogue over force and assured of finding a lasting solution Sports minister Solomon Dalung has urged the warring factions in the recurring leadership crisis of the Nigeria Football Federation to eschew violence and embrace dialogue, especially the Chris Giwa-led group.

Earlier, Giwa who had claimed he was the rightfully elected president of the Nigeria Football Federation following the August 26, 2014 election, announced plans to resume office on January 12, 2016 to reclaim his mandate and chase out the Amaju Pinnick-led executive that has been in office since 2014.

Giwa vowed to rejig the case 14 months after he stepped aside succumbing to the the former government’s proposed intervention which was left unresolved. However, the sitting sports minister swiftly waded-in to resolve the matter.

Aside due process, Dalung warned the parties involved against taking law into their

hands, insisting the forceful takeover of the football house would be unlawful and unacceptable.

He assured the aggrieved Giwa of his readiness to resolve the matter amicably after thoroughly studying their presented petitions.

“It has come to my knowledge once again, that anarchy is being adopted as a method for addressing grievances in the Nigeria Football Federation,” Dalung was quoted in a statement.”

Dalung

Thursday, December 31, 2015

EXTRATIME

Onobi talks tough

Salami

out of CHAN, closes in on overseas move

N

igeria league hotshot, Gbolahan Salami, has said he hopes to tie up a move overseas next week and so opted out of the CHAN Eagles training camp in Abuja.

A source informed: “Salami is still very much in Nigeria but he believes that by next week he would most likely seal a transfer abroad.”

The Warri Wolves striker, who scored 17 goals this past season, has stayed away from the CHAN training squad, who are set to jet out of the country on Saturday.

Some years ago, Salami posted a failed move to South African club Mamelodi Sundowns and early this year, a move to Serbia collapsed after Red Star Belgrade could not pay the Nigeria striker.

Salami

29

ahead of CHAN tournament Mike Otanwa

H

s e l g a E confir m Angola, Ivor y Coast friendlies

N

igeria will step up their preparations for the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN) over the next few weeks with friendlies against the Ivory Coast and Angola.

The Super Eagles will host a camp in South Africa with

the team scheduled to travel to the country on January 3 before setting up their training base in Pretoria.

They will then take on Ivory Coast in a friendly on January 9 in South Africa and the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) have now also announced that they have penciled

Eagles celebrates in a match against Angola with the date yet to be confirmed.

The team will then head to host country Rwanda for the fourth edition of CHAN with their opening Group C game scheduled against Niger on January 18 before clashes against Tunisia and Guinea.

ome based Super Eagles midfielder, Paul Onobi has been talking tough ahead of the CHAN 2016 tournament in Rwanda.

The Sunshine Stars’ midfielder is one of the players jostling for a place at the tournament which begins on January 16, and he says he and his teammates are ready for any challenge, giving their level of preparations so far.

“It has been a good time here and we still expect more (training) from the coaches because we are ready to go all the way,” he said.

“We are preparing very hard for the task ahead and we know what we can do if we face any team at the moment and even if you bring AC Milan now, I am sure we can withstand them,” he added.

The team will travel to Pretoria, South Africa on January 2, where they will camp and play two friendly matches against Angola and Cote d’Ivoire, before leaving for Rwanda.

They are placed in group C, with Tunisia, Niger and Guinea.

Their first game is on January 18 against Niger, at the Stade Regional Nyamirambo in Kigali.

30

Thursday, December 31, 2015

EXTRATIME

Ighalo

English weather hurts my footballing philosophy

set to break more records in 2016

Ighalo

O

dion Jude Ighalo has paid his dues since he featured for Nigeria at the 2009 FIFA U20 World Cup. Six years later he made his debut for the senior national team, the Super Eagles. He has been somewhat of a journeyman playing in Norway, Italy and Spain before moving to England where he has stayed for the last one and half seasons with Watford. He helped them gain promotion from the Championship to the Premier League where he has now scored 14 goals in the first half of the season.

He reviewed some of his 2015 experience with Goal correspondent KOLADE ONI, the brains behind his form and Watford in only their debut season in the most exciting league in the world.

Odion, it was an impressive performance by you and your team against Chelsea. How did Watford feel at the end of the regulation time having drawn against the defending champions?

It was an awesome feeling I must admit. We were all very happy that we got another fine result against a very tough Chelsea team. It was due to the hard work of everyone in the team from the players to the coaches and others on the sideline too.

The goal you got against Chelsea was your 13th of the season, did you celebrate it differently from your other goals?

To be frank with you it was because of the hard work of the whole team, it wasn’t about me. I was happy to score again against Chelsea after the two I got against Liverpool but I never celebrated it differently from the other ones.

The goal you scored against Chelsea made you the first Watford player to score in five successive matches. Was setting this record on your mind before the start of the game?

It is always nice breaking and setting records but I don’t go into a match thinking about myself. I am happy to be given such accolade but this will only make me to work harder in subsequent matches. I am delighted with the feat and to break the record set by my teammate and friend, Troy Deeney is awesome but we will continue to work harder.

Did it ever occur to you and your teammates that Watford will go this far in the EPL this season with their present seventh position on the log?

To be candid we never saw this coming when we got promoted to the EPL at the end of last season but we have found ourselves in this position and we want to consolidate on it. We have had some unreal results but we won’t stop to think about them now.

We want to concentrate on doing what we have been doing that has kept us thus far.

Your impressive performances for club and country have earned you a place in the Goal Nigeria Player of the Year nomination. How do you feel about this nomination?

I feel great. I thank Goal for counting me worthy of a place among the top 10 Nigerian players that excelled in the year under review and whether I win it or not I am just elated to be on the list. It has been a magnificent year for me and I can’t thank God enough.

You made your debut for the Eagles in 2015 among other landmark feats you recorded in the outgoing year, will you say that 2015 has been a special year for you on a personal note?

I don’t know how best to describe 2015. It is my best season thus far as a professional and scoring over 10 goals in my debut season in the EPL has made it a turnaround season for me. I am indebted to God, my family, Nigerians and Watford for

Beckhanm ew

releases y r a t n e m u c do D

avid Beckham showed once again that he is one of the most charitable and good-natured footballers on the planet on Tuesday night when his latest documentary aired for the first time - though his Arsenal-supporting son may not be quite so fond of his ‘mischievous’ dad.

The former Manchester United and Real Madrid legend embarked on a round-theworld football extravaganza to raise money for Unicef, setting himself the incredible challenge of playing a football match on all seven continents of the globe.

Beckham won the hearts of football fans worldwide with his amazing trip in the BBC documentary, For The Love Of The Game, with many viewers even taking to Twitter to call for the 40-year-old to be knighted.

“Football has given me everything,” he said.

I will be busy in January window - Wenger

Wenger

“Now I want to give something back and I want to see how the power of football can unite people around the world.”

Visiting 11 countries in 10 days, Beckham played matches everywhere from a refugee camp in Djibouti to a World Heritage Site in Nepal, but it was in between playing in Antarctica (yes, really) and Miami that he showed his cheekier side.

The father of four was on the phone to Arsenal-loving son Romeo, who had stayed up past his bed time to speak to his Dad on the other side of the world, when he delivered a dastardly ultimatum.

“If you sing a Tottenham song to me, as an Arsenal fan, I won’t tell your mum [you’re still up],” joked Beckham, though we never found out if young Romeo did belt out a verse of Oh When The Spurs Go Marching In to escape the wrath of mother Victoria!

A

rsenal manager, Arsene Wenger, did not comment directly on reported transfer target Mohamed Elneny but confirmed that he will be “busy” in the January transfer window.

Sources have said that Arsenal are in talks with Basel over a move for Egypt midfielder Elneny.

Wenger is short on midfield options with Francis Coquelin, Santi Cazorla and Jack Wilshere all sidelined.

The Frenchman said at Wednesday’s news conference: “We cannot announce anything at the moment. Nothing has been concluded.

“I will be busy that is for sure. I have already said we are short.”

Wenger was also asked about the future of Mathieu Debuchy, who has lost his place in the side to right-back Hector Bellerin.

Debuchy joined the Gunners from Newcastle in 2014 but injuries have restricted him to 12 Premier League appearances.

Wenger is quoted as saying: “It’s not impossible [that he leaves]. I’m happy if he stays but we’ll see.”

Kompany facing month out with calf injury

M

anchester City captain Vincent Kompany faces an additional three to four weeks on the sideline, manager Manuel Pellegrini has confirmed.

Kompany returned on Boxing Day after a month out with a calf injury but only lasted nine minutes before re-aggravating his muscle.

And now the Belgian will be out for another length of time

as Pellegrini confirmed after the goalless draw at Leicester that he could be out for another month.

“Vincent has an injury, a second degree tear of the calf. It is the same calf but a different part,” said Pellegrini.

“We will see how long he will be out, but I don’t think it will be less than three to four weeks.

“I am not a doctor, but

with a muscle injury, it will be very difficult for him to be back in less than four weeks.

But without him, we must continue to defend as did tonight.”

Kompany

- Klopp

L

iverpool manager Jurgen Klopp has had to adapt his style of football due to the windy English weather.

Klopp has had a mixed start to life at Anfield after taking charge in October - but he believes the conditions have played a part.

“The English game is not faster than the German game. Perhaps there are a few more sprints. But there is a different style of football here, partially due to the weather,” Klopp told Sport Bild.

“The wind can be quite extreme in England. We are not familiar with that in Germany and you have to keep things simple. Stoke City’s first goal against Manchester United was a perfect example of the extreme winds.

Players who are not from the UK have to get used to the winds.

“I have to adapt my style of football as a result as well. Often, you are forced to keep things simple. And there are a lot more duels for the second ball here, and more duels in general.

Koulibaly

Koulibaly rules out move to Newcastle

N

ewcastle United are unlikely to sign Napoli’s towering central defender Kalidou Koulibaly during the January Transfer Window period.

The English Premier League (EPL) outfit are reportedly looking to beef up their defence with the services of a central defender next month.

Having conceded 34 EPL goals thus far in this 2015/16 season, United have the second worst defence in the league behind fellow strugglers Sunderland.

Neverthless, Koulibaly’s business manager Bruno Satin has ruled out the possibility of his client moving to United in January.

“Napoli has always been the first choice of Kalidou. He wants to stay to reach great levels in Naples, and wanted to prove to coach to earn a starting role,” Satin said.

“We are not concerned about his contract. He is doing well in the field, and he is happy and motivated,” he concluded.”

Thursday, December 31, 2015

EXTRATIME

31

Capello

was ‘finished’ when he came to Madrid

- Ronaldo

Ronaldo

R

onaldo Brazil legend Ronaldo has responded to the comments of Fabio Capello that he was a negative influence on teammates at Real Madrid.

Two-time World Cup winner Ronaldo has responded to Fabio Capello’s comments that he was a negative influence on his teammates, saying the Italian was past his prime by the time he got to Real Madrid.

Capello, who managed the Brazil international at Real Madrid starting in 2006, said that Ronaldo was one of the best players he ever coached, but said that his attitude towards training and fitness was questionable during their time together.

Ronaldo said that any problems with the Real squad while he was there were a result of Capello’s lack of leadership, rather than anything

to do with the players attitudes.

“Capello was a great trainer in his time, around the 1990s,” Ronaldo told Brazilian news outlet Folha de S.Paulo. “When he came to Real Madrid he was already [finished] and didn’t motivate the players.

“Proof is that after [Madrid] he never returned to manage a club.”

Ronaldo moved to AC Milan in January of 2007, and Capello and Real Madrid went on to win the

Spanish Primera Division title.

However, Capello was sacked following that season.

After leaving Real Madrid in 2007, Capello managed the England and Russian national teams. England advanced from the group stage in 2010 only to lose to Germany 4-1 in the round of 16, while Russia did not advance from the group stage in Brazil in 2014 under Capello’s guidance.

Mandragora

Juventus step up chase of Pescara starlet

Roma faces Cole, R Pjanic departures Xhaxa

Fiorentina

boss wants reunion with Basel star

F

iorentina will look to add some depth to their squad with the addition of Basel utility man Taulant Xhaka during the January transfer window.

Gigliati coach Paulo Sousa has worked with the Albanian international in the past when the pair were together at Swiss Super League club Basel during the 2014/15 campaign.

However, Sousa must first free up some space in his squad, with the tactician hoping the departure of Brazilian defender Gilberto will open up the necessary space for the arrival of Xhaka.

Basel will reportedly accept an offer of around €5 million for a player that can perform in a number of positions including centre-back, full-back and at the base of midfield in a defensive role, with his adaptability something Sousa is keen to add to his playing staff ahead of a busy schedule, involving both Serie A and the Europa League.

Mario Suarez is another candidate for the exit door as the 28-year-old midfielder has struggled to earn regular first team football under Sousa since his move from Atletico Madrid during the summer.

R

oma face the onslaught of Real Madrid for Miralem Pjanic, while Los Angeles Galaxy claim that Ashley Cole is nearly theirs.

The Giallorossi would raise no objections to the English player leaving the capital, as he’s been frozen out of the squad this season.

LA Galaxy Bruce Arena admitted that rumours about Cole’s transfer were “fairly accurate” in Monday’s Press conference.

But Tuttomercatoweb reports that sources close to the player

speak of other options as well.

Another player being sought after is Pjanic, whom the Lupi would be much more reluctant to let go.

Spanish newspaper Marca affirms that Real representatives have met with the player’s father with a view to setting up a transfer this January.

President Florentino Perez is willing to pay the purchase clause of €45m, but Roma are unlikely to sell the player at least until the summer.

Pjanic

‘My best half season at Bayern so far’

R

Lewandowski

obert Lewandowski goes into the Christmas break with an impressive return of 23 goals in 26 competitive games. By comparison, the Poland international netted 25 goals in the full season in his first campaign with FC Bayern. “It’s definitely been my best half season at Bayern to date,” said the striker in an in-depth interview with FCB.tv at the Munich Bowling Centre.

Lewandowski also reveals the origins of his outstanding athleticism and what he likes to do away from football.

Robert Lewandowski on... ...the first half season: “It’s definitely been my best half season at Bayern to date. I’ve scored lots

of goals in the Bundesliga and the Champions League. In the past few years I’ve usually done better after the winter break than before. I don’t mind if that happens again this time (laughs).

I’ll definitely do everything I can because the most important games are coming up. We’ve all got to show what we can do.” ...his outstanding athleticism: “I think it’s very important for a footballer. My dad was my sports teacher when I was a boy.

He wanted me to do other types of sport: gymnastics, volleyball, handball, basketball and judo.

I was happy to do it but I only really wanted to play football. He said: ‘No, do something else!’ At the time, I didn’t realise he was right. It was a good idea and I’m benefiting from it now.”

eigning Serie A champions Juventus are set to step up their pursuit of Pescara midfielder Rolando Mandragora.

The 18-year-old midfielder, who is on loan at the Serie B side from Genoa, has been attracting a lot of interest from around Italy and Europe this season, with Premier League sides Liverpool and Manchester City interested in his services.

According to La Stampa, Juve could use the upcoming January transfer window to make their move for the Italian underage international.

As well as the aforementioned clubs, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain, Inter and AC Milan are also believed to be keeping tabs on the youngster.

During his loan spell at the Delfini, Mandragora has featured 15 times in Serie B as well as making one Coppa Italia appearance, contributing with one assist in the process.

...his five-goal fest against Wolfsburg: “It was an incredible night for me and everyone at FC Bayern. A night for the record books. Even as a boy I never dreamed of scoring five goals in a game. And then I did it in just nine minutes. I didn’t think about it during the game as I just concentrated on doing my job right. The fifth goal was my best this year.” ...the mask he had to wear in April after a facial injury: “It felt really funny and was uncomfortable. I couldn’t breathe properly because it pressed down on my nose. And I couldn’t see very well either. That’s bad for a striker, especially when you’re in the box and you have to make a snap decision. I had to learn how to play with it on.”

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tHuRSdaY, dEcEmBER 31, 2015

VOL. 2. NO.12

Price: n150

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g 28

More

Platini

s e l b u tro r o f m loo

B

i n i t Pla

anned Uefa president Michel Platini could face further investigation from Fifa’s Ethics Committee after attending an awards ceremony and conference in Dubai despite being barred from “all football activity”.

Platini, the head of European soccer body Uefa, was handed an eight year ban from the game by Fifa’s Ethics Committee on December 21, along with banned Fifa president Sepp Blatter. He is appealing the decision and insists he has done no wrong.

The ban relates to a payment of two million Swiss francs made by Blatter’s Fifa to Platini in 2011, nine years after he finished working as a consultant to Blatter.

On December 27, Platini attended the Globe Soccer Awards organised by the Dubai Sports Council in Dubai, along with soccer stars such as Argentine Lionel Messi and Italian Andrea Pirlo.

Frenchman Platini was photographed at the event and also made comments regarding his ban to the Italian media while in Dubai.

A spokesman for Fifa’s Ethics Committee declined to comment on the specific case but said: “In general terms: The Investigatory Chamber of the Ethics Committee of Fifa investigates any alleged breach of the Ethics Code of Fifa.”

A spokesman for Platini did not immediately respond to a request for

comment.

The December 21 ruling from Fifa Ethics Committee chair Hans-Joachim Eckert stated that Blatter and Platini were banned “for eight years from all football-related activities (administrative, sports or any other) on a national and international level.

The bans come into force immediately.”

Platini has said he will fight the ban through the appeals process, which is likely to end up with the Court of Arbitration for Sport in Lausanne, Switzerland, and has also been fiercely critical of the decision and the Ethics Committee itself. Blatter has also said he will appeal.

Fifa has been thrown into crisis by investigations from the FBI and

Department of Justice in the United States and Swiss authorities.

The Swiss Attorney General has opened a criminal investigation into Blatter regarding the payment to Platini. The Frenchman is viewed as “somewhere between a witness and an accused person” according to the Attorney General Michael Lauber.

In the United States, prosecutors have indicted 27 current or former soccer officials, including eight ex-Fifa Executive Committee members and the current heads of both the North and South American federations, over allegations they ran bribery schemes connected to the sale of TV rights for football competitions.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

Global growth will Page B2 be disappointing in 2016, says Lagarde

MoneyGram to boost Nigerian remittance with direct deposit

Agriculture stands better path to recovery of Nigeria’s economy – Erikume Page B8

Page B3

Airports certification achievable

Marketers urge FG on total deregulation of petrol

Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has said that the task to actually certify the major airports in Lagos and Abuja was achievable.

General Manager Public Affairs NCAA who confirmed the 28 day timeline could be done stating that the regulatory body had been on it for a while and that CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Opeoluwani Akintayo

L-R: Government Services & Alcohol in Society Manager, Guinness Nigeria, Mrs. Nkiru Ogburuche; Representative of the Abia State Governor, Mr. Micheal Nwosu, Sector Commander, FRSC, RS9.3, Abia State Command, Mrs. Stella Uchegbu and Representative of the Commissioner of Police, Abia State, Oliver Inoma-Abbey at the flag-off of Guinness Nigeria’s Operation Sanity, during the Ember months campaign held in Umuahia, Abia State... on Wednesday.

High production costs OPEC $500b in 2015 – Investment strategists Opeoluwani Akintayo Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, (OPEC) has been faulted by investment strategists who claimed that the organisation’s doggedness in maintaining production levels, has cost it around $500 billion this year.

Robert Rapier, a Chief Energy

Investment Strategist at a Huwaii-based Investing Daily, told CNBC during a live interview, that OPEC’s action of flooding the market a year ago, cost the organization $500 billion and if the strategy was not withdrawn, its members would still lose another $500 billion in 2016.

Rapier who has been featured on numerous media out-

lets, including the Wall Street Journal,Washington Post, Christian Science Monitor, The Economist, and Forbes, however said sale might pay off if U.S shale oil producers were forced to shut.

He mentioned Nigeria as one of the poorest OPEC member, wondering how the country would cope if the financial crisis deepens.

“OPEC made a monumental mistake a year ago when they decided to pump in too much oil into the market. With Nigeria being one of its poorest members, I don’t know how long they are going to hang in there. I was expecting them to make a decision at the meeting. The market didn’t like it,” he said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Nigeria’s gas export revenue increases by 9.5 % ÏAs average fuel price hits over N115 in November Opeluwani Akintayo Nigeria’s revenue from the export of Liquefied Natural Gas, LNG, Liquefied Petroleum Gas, LPG, also known as cooking gas and other gaseous materials between July and September 2015, increased by 9.5 per cent.

Thursday, December 31, 2015

According to data obtained from the National Bureau of Statistics, NBS, the 9.5 increase, amounts to a total of N412.983 billion revenue within the above mentioned period.

The NBS in its Foreign Trade Statistics Report for the Third Quarter of 2015, revealed that this represented an increase of 9.5 per cent or N35.813 billion when compared to N377.17 billion earned by the country from the export of those commodities in

the second quarter of 2015.

A breakdown shows that the country’s LNG’s export stood at N262.202 billion; liquefied propane export was valued at N106.803 billion, while the export of other petroleum gases, among others, in gaseous state was valued at N22.762 billion.

In addition, the country earned N10.101 billion from the export of LNG and other gaseous hydrocarbons, while it also earned N8.115 CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Petrol pump

Following the announcement of reduction in pump price of premium motor spirit (PMS) otherwise called petrol effective from January 1, 2015, marketers and other stakeholders have urged the Federal Government on full deregulation of the downstream sector.

According to them, it will pave way for needed investment in the sector.

Reacting to the pump price reduction, the National Operation Controller, Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN), Mr. Mike Osatuyi, called on the Federal Government to enforce full deregulation of the downstream.

According to him, “the pricing template is very marginal, it is still not bad provided that the product allocation is available. We hope that the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) would not ration product distribution to marketers because they have not open up the market.

“Now that government is holding on to the larger percentage of petroleum product importation, let’s see what happens.”

On his part, the Chairman, CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

Nigeria’s gas export revenue increases by 9.5 per cent

Marketers urge FG on total deregulation of petrol

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

billion from the export of liquefied butanes.

In comparison, second quarter of 2015, Nigeria earned N260.7 billion from the export of LNG; N66.441 billion from the export of LPG and other gaseous hydrocarbons; N43.88 billion from liquefied propane, while liquefied butane raked in N5.15 billion.

On the other hand, due to the fuel scarcity, an average of N115.35 per pump price was reportedly paid for PMS otherwise

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

IPMAN Western zone, Alhaji Ahmed Dabo, said that the pump price reduction was a welcome development.

According to him, “government still have large control over the depot, while marketers would adjust to whatever price they instituted. We at IPMAN believed that total deregulation remains the best option in addressing the downstream sector. What we are interested in is availability of the product. Government should ensure adequate importation of products across the country.”

The Managing Director, Integrated Oil and Gas Ltd., Captain Emmanuel Iheanacho, said that deregulation remains a great solution to lot of problems and not just a solution to energy distribution problems.

He argued that deregulation is also a solution to the economic problems confronting the nation, adding that a lot of resources are tight up in the subsidy and the subsidy benefits are not directly benefitting the poor people.

He claimed that subsidy has been with those who can pay the full price of the petroleum product, “I really do not see the rational for continuing to deny government of the resources that are needed to develop the country.

Subsidy is not meant for poor, because it does not get to the poor.

If government can recover over N1billion from subsidy payment, it will help government in driving the economy.”

Oil rig

Airports certification achievable

Lagarde

Global growth will be disappointing in 2016, says Lagarde Global economic growth will be disappointing next year and the outlook for the medium-term has also deteriorated, the head of the International Monetary Fund (IMF) said yesterday.

IMF Managing Director Christine Lagarde said in Berlin the prospect of rising interest rates in the U.S. and an economic slowdown in China were contributing to higher risk of economic vulnerability worldwide, adding that, growth in global trade has slowed considerably and a decline in raw material prices is posing problems for economies based on these.

Besides, she said the financial sector in many countries still had weaknesses and financial risks were rising in emerging markets.

“All of that means global growth will be disappointing and uneven in 2016,” Lagarde said.

She noted that mid-term prospects had also weakened as low productivity, ageing populations and the effects of the global financial crisis dampened growth.

In October, the IMF forecast that the world economy would grow by 3.6 per cent in 2016.

Lagarde said the start of a normalisation of U.S. monetary policy and China’s shift toward

consumption-led growth were “necessary and healthy” changes but needed to be carried out as efficiently and smoothly as possible.

The U.S. Federal Reserve hiked interest rates for the first time in nearly a decade this month and made clear that was a tentative beginning to a “gradual” tightening cycle.

There are “potential spillover effects”, with the prospect of increasing interest rates there already having contributed to higher financing costs for some borrowers, including in emerging and developing markets, Lagarde said.

While countries other than highly developed economies were generally better prepared for higher interest rates than previously, she was concerned about their ability to absorb shocks.

Emerging market companies with debt in dollars and revenue in sinking local currencies could struggle as the Fed begins what is expected to be a series of interest rate increases.

Lagarde warned that rising U.S. interest rates and a stronger dollar could lead to companies defaulting on their payments and that this could “infect” banks and states.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

site things to be in place. These they have been tackling.”

“Some will involve some levels of training for some level of staff, especially security personnel and also, funds which I believe the Federal Government will assist them.”

“Don’t forget a comprehensive audit by ICAO is in March next year. We have done it before and

the only thing that the NCAA had done is to put a timeline.

“To lay your fears to rest, the task is achievable. We have been on it for a while. What has been done now is to put a timeline.

NCAA had preparatory to this time issued the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) with the checklist of the requi-

known as fuel in November 2015 across the 36 States, FCT inclusive, according to NBS statistics.

States like Abia came top on the list, as it coughed out and average of 146.59, Abuja N102.75, Anambra paid N131.13, while Benue paid N138.57 averagely.

Other states such as Edo had N106.78 , Imo had N126.30, Kaduna N112.36, Lagos N103.84, Ogun was about the list with N91.33, Oyo N106.68, Sokoto with N104.29, Rivers N139.57, and others.

‘High production costs OPEC $500b in 2015’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

Oil prices continues to fall since mid-2014 when some of OPEC’s members decided to over supply the market.

Oil fell more than three percent on Monday, with global benchmark Brent back near 11-year lows as last week’s short-covering dried up and players worried that crude prices had more room to faint in the New Year.

Brent settled down $1.27 at $36.62 a barrel, after falling to a session low of $36.52. It hit $35.98 on Tuesday, its lowest since 2004.

Following Iran’s decision to stay deviant to a revised supply system planned out by the Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC), as recently, Bijan Zanganeh, Iran’s oil minister, said the country would not negotiate with OPEC before it in-

creases it supply of crude oil. “We will not negotiate with OPEC to increase our production. We will only notify them when we adapt,” he said while addressing reporters in Tehran.

Saudi Arabia and other OPEC members have refused to cut supply despite falling crude prices, following the exploration of United States shale oil.

There has been an obvious oversupply in the market, with Nigeria and Angola increasing production by close to 300,000 barrels in the past six months.

Iran, which produced as much as four million barrels of oil per day, now produces 2.8m barrels per day, with plans to increase that by 500,000 barrels immediately western sanctions are lifted, regardless of its tendency to further drive oil prices down.

Kachikwu

with all hands on deck, we will succeed.”

This is not the first time a deadline has been set for the certification of the airports in the country, immediate past Minister of Aviation Osita Chidoka in December 2014, had promised that government would ensure that two of Nigeria’s airports in Lagos and Abuja are improved

so that they could be this year (2015) but that is yet to be seen.

No Nigerian airport has been certified since 2006 when the law that gave it autonomy to certify airports in line with international regulations was promulgated and major items on the checklist for said certification has a lot to do with security and safety.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

Stories by Motolani Oseni MoneyGram has announced its decision as the first money transfer company to offer customers in France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Spain a platform to send money to most personal Nigerian Naira bank accounts within minutes at competitive exchange rates.

MoneyGram, a global provider of money transfer and payment services, disclosed that Customers in key European countries can now send money in minutes directly to most bank accounts in Nigeria.

In a statement obtained yesterday by our correspondent, MoneyGram’s regional vice president for Africa, Mr. Herve Chomel stated: “This is a significant milestone for us. With the addition of Nigeria, MoneyGram now offers bank account deposits through our network into five of the world’s largest remittance receive markets — Nigeria, China, India, Mexico and the Philippines.”

According to the payment services provider, account deposit is a fast and secure way to send and receive funds between loved ones and we are proud to offer the ser-

vice for our customers in Europe and Nigeria.”

Chomel explained that with the new development, customers can now send money to most of the personal accounts held at banks that are members of the Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System network including First Bank, UBA, Ecobank, Fidelity, and Zenith Bank from MoneyGram agent locations in France, Germany, Ireland, Italy and Spain.

He said: “This marks an important innovation for the remittance industry in Nigeria. By integrating into the Nigerian Inter-Bank Payment System, MoneyGram customers are able to send money into most bank accounts in Nigeria, almost in real time.”

MoneyGram Africa boss further explained that the payment receivers do not have to undertake any action as the funds are automatically deposited into their account and can be accessed via ATM’s or online, without the constraint of a physical over-thecounter visit.

However, timing of funds availability depends on destination country and is subject to banking hours and compliance with regulatory requirements.

B3 Money Market

MoneyGram to boost Nigerian remittance with direct deposit

L-R: Minister of Science and Technology,Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu; Acting Director-General, Projects Development Institute (Proda), Dr. Edwin Oriaku; Senior Engineer, Proda, Rev. Promise Amarah and Pencil Development Programmer, Proda, Mr. Godfrey Ihezie during an inspection tour of Proda In Enugu... on Wednesday.

Yuletide: MFBs bemoan heavy turnout for withdrawal Following the Christmas and New Year celebrations, Microfinance Banks (MfBs) across the country bemoaned the large turnout of customers for withdrawal transactions The operators, who spoke to Daily Times said, they are having more withdrawals than savings, even though, they expects things to change for better in the coming weeks, especially, as those who travelled for Yuletide start returning to the cities.

NIBOR as @ Dec. 29, 2015 Tenor

Rate (%)

Change (%)

O/N

1

-0.01 ?

1M

9.3932

0.30 ?

3M

10.7667

-0.03 ?

6M

12.8177

-0.13 ?

Speaking exclusively to Daily Times in a telephone chat yesterday, National Chairman, South-West Zone of National Association of Microfinance Bank (NAMB) and Managing Director/CEO, Iwade Microfinance Bank Limited, Mr. Olusegun Awosoga, noted that they are currently witnessing low turnout of customers for deposit transactions.

His words: Nobody seems to save this festive period, forgotten that January is a whole long month and will need to fall back at their savings at a time like this. We are experiencing heavy withdrawal and it is a big concern for the banking sector.”

Similarly, Managing Director, Berachah Microfinance Bank,

Mr. Ologun Olumide, said the current scenario is expected, as most savers must have spent most of their savings for festive needs, and would take about one month or more to have enough to save.

Already, microfinance banks have tactically postponed granting of loans till later in the year, while a few banks that are still extending loan facilities to their customers, have reduced the amount they grant as loans.

Reacting to this development, Olumide, said MfBs are very cautious this time around not to grant loans that will not perform, taking into consider-

ation, lending scenario during this period in the past.

In the past, he said, majority of loan beneficiaries had used it to meet their festive demands, hence, finding it difficult to repay the loans, a scenario the banks are trying to avoid.

“Some people might collect loans and use it to meet festive obligations which will not allow banks to recoup their loans. Everybody (MfBs) is trying to be cautious and careful,” he said.

Though, he said some customers sought for loans to buy goods to sell during festival pe-

Inflation Rates (%)

Money Market Indicators (%) -2015

CBN Exchange Rates

riod, he explained that the best time to apply for loans to stock goods was in October.

According to him, “To our customers, December is a wrong time to stock since increase in demand does jack up the price of goods. We advise customers to collect money, may be in October and stock ahead, so that by the time you are selling in December, you might even sell twice the price of the cost of the goods, which is good for profitability that will allow you to repay the loans.”

Month

January

February

March

Inter-Bank Call Rate

10.21

23.5

12.59

Date

Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central(NGN)

Selling(NGN)

12/9/15

US DOLLAR

195.97

196.47

196.97

POUNDS STERLING

295.4444

296.1982

296.952

Minimum Rediscount Rate (MRR)

EURO

214.058

214.6042

215.1503

Monetary Policy Rate (MPR)

13

13

13

SWISS FRANC

197.6102

198.1143

198.6185

Treasury Bill Rate

11.2

10.88

10.77

YEN

1.5982

1.6023

1.6063

Savings Deposit Rate

3.48

3.47

3.76

CFA

0.3057

0.3157

0.3257

1 Month Deposit Rate

8.61

8.47

8.42

WAUA

270.5555

271.2458

271.9361

3 Months Deposit Rate

9.64

9.54

9.02

YUAN/RENMINBI

30.4813

30.5595

30.6377

6 Months Deposit Rate

9.74

9.46

9.88

RIYAL

52.2197

52.3529

52.4861

12 Months Deposit Rate

9.51

9.37

9.52

DANISH KRONA

28.6904

28.7636

28.8368

Prime Lending rate

16.86

16.77

16.9

SDR

272.026

272.72

273.4141

Maximum Lending Rate

25.97

26.33

26.61

2015

Month

January

February

March

All Items (Year on Change)

8.2

8.4

8.5

All Items (12 Months Avg. Change)

8.1

8.1

8.2

Food (Year on Change)/1

9.2

9.4

9.4

Food (12 Months Avg. Change)/1

9.5

9.5

9.5

All Items Less Farm Produce (Year on Change)/2

6.8

7

7.5

All Items Less Farm Produce (12 Months Avg. Change)/2

6.9

6.9

6.9

All Items Less Farm Produce and Energy (Year on Change)/3

7.1

7.1

7.5

All Items Less Farm Produce and Energy (12 Months Avg. Change)/3

7.1

7.1

7.1

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

Stock Market Report

Investors gain N352b Lead Indicators of Nigerian equities market segment rose by 3.79 per cent bringing the All Share Index 1,014.59 points higher to close at 27,777.83 points, while market capitalization added N351.5 billion to close at N9.6 trillion.

This surge buoyed by substantial increases in all sectoral indices except the NSE Banking Index is the second highest since the Buhari administration emerged.

The NSE Premium Index topped the sectoral indices as it appreciated by 7.2 per cent due to gains sustained by Dangote Cement which added 8.59 per cent and FBN Holdings which appreciated by 7.61 per cent. Conversely, the NSE Banking Index was the sole index loser for the day dropping 0.1 per cent as a result of losses incurred by Zenith Bank (1.06 per cent), Guaranty (0.60 per cent).

Market breadth closed positive with 33 gainers pitched against

9 losers. Top three gainers were Dangote Cement, with an increase of 8.59 per cent or N13.05 to close at N164.95 per share followed by Nigeria Breweries Plc., which added 7.83 per cent or N9.00 to close at N124 per share, while FBN Holdings Plc., gained 7.61 per cent or 36 kobo to close at N5.09 per share.

On the flip side, E-tranzact Plc topped the losers chart with a decline of 5.00 per cent or 16 kobo to close at N3.04 per share, followed

by Nigerian Aviation Handling Company Plc., which depreciated by 4.99 per cent or 18 kobo to close at N3.43 per share, while Transcorp Hotels Plc., dropped 4.92 per cent or 30 kobo to close at N5.80 per share.

At the end of the day’s transactions, investors on the Nigeria Stock Exchange had in 2,559 deals exchanged a total of N1.4 billion shares worth N1.95 billion against N1.3 billion shares worth N3.6 billion exchanged in 2,455 deals previously.

Adeluyi

Juli reduces loses by 12% Juli Plc has reduced its loss after tax by 12 percent from N7.4 million realized in Q1 2014 to N6.5 million in thefirst quarter ended March 31, 2015 same period of 2015.

Revenue for the company however declined by 4.08 per cent to N42.5 billion from N44.3 billion declared in the first quarter of 2014. Profit before tax dropped 12 per cent from N7.4 million in 2014 to N6.5 million in the same period of 2015.

A 60 per cent decrease in net assets was recorded as it fell to N29.5 million from N73.8 million.

The food and drugs wholesalers stock is listed on the Alternative Securities exchange Market and is priced at N1.75 per share.

It has 200 million shares outstanding with market capitalization of N349.8 million. Juli Plc is laden with the task of marketing of wholesale and retail of pharmaceuticals, as well as running of supermarket and laboratory services.

Juli Plc was incorporated on September 14, 1972 as a private limited liability company under the name Juli Pharmacy (Nigeria) Limited while actual business started earlier on Monday 2, 1971.

From inception, the company was established to carry on the professional business in the areas of distribution, wholesale and retail of pharmaceutical products.

By a Special Resolution of the Board, the company’s name was changed to Juli Pharmacy and Stores (Nigeria Limited) on March 14, 1997 to meet the diversification objective of the company which it embarked upon in 1976.

By 1985, the Company already had 22 branches nationwide. The company went public through an offer for subscription on February 10, 1986 and was listed on November 7, 1986 as the first indigeneously promoted company in Nigeria to be quoted on The Nigeria Stock Exchange. The company’s name was changed from Juli Pharmacy Plc to Juli Plc on

August 22, 1991 to reflect the flexibility in its marketing strategy.

The company re-approached the capital market through a hybrid offer in March 2003.

The company is reputable for providing services in retail, wholesale and importation of pharmaceutical products and pioneered the philosophy of pharmaceutical chain stores in Nigeria.

It has over the years enjoyed tremendous goodwill in the market.

In 2005, the company extended its health care delivery services by including Diagnostic Services (Laboratory and Scan Services) to complement the retail business.

In 2011, the company embarked on further diversification of its operations that culminated in the production of Juli-Life Water and the importation of its own brands of pharmaceutical products (G-Plus Caps – multivitamins and minerals and Methaderm-P Cream) all of which were introduced into the market within the first quarter of 2012.

Stanbic IBTC appoints new DMD, executives

Stories by Adesola Akindele

Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, a member of Standard Bank Group, has announced some key executive appointments and changes in its management structure.

Dr. Demola Sogunle has been named Deputy Chief Executive (Deputy Managing Director), Stanbic IBTC Bank PLC. He was until recently the Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, a position he had held since August 19, 2011.

As Deputy Chief Executive of the Bank, Sogunle is expected to strengthen the executive team as the bank consolidates its growth strategy. He was formerly the

Head of Treasury and Financial Services for the Bank, a position he held for over seven years. Prior to his appointment as Chief Executive of the Group’s Pension business, he was Stanbic IBTC Bank’s Head of Risk as well as its Chief Compliance Officer.

Yewande Sadiku and Babatunde Macaulay have also been appointed as Executive Directors, Corporate and Transactional Banking and Personal and Business Banking for Stanbic IBTC Bank respectively, while Eric Fajemisin and Bunmi Dayo Olagunju were appointed Chief Executives for Stanbic IBTC Pensions Managers and Stanbic IBTC Asset Management respectively.

Eric Fajemisin, CE of Stanbic

IBTC Pension Managers, will in his new role, have responsibility for the overall management and strategic direction of Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers, and will lead and drive the formulation and execution of specific business strategies and monitor performance. Fajemisin has 25 years’ banking experience spanning investment banking, commercial banking, business development and business support.

His previous roles in banking include Head, Investment Banking Division in Chartered Bank; Head, Investment Management and Business Development for Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers.

Bunmi Dayo Olagunju, prior to her appointment as Chief Execu-

tive of Stanbic IBTC Asset Management, served in various capacities within the Stanbic IBTC Group, including Chief Financial Officer at Stanbic IBTC Asset Management (2008), Group Head; Budgets and Budgetary Controls at IBTC Chartered Bank PLC (now Stanbic IBTC Bank between 2006 and 2007, and as Group Financial Controller of Investment Banking & Trust Company Ltd (2003 to 2005). She also previously served on the Board of Stanbic IBTC Asset Management between January and June 2008 and was Head, Benefits Administration at Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers until her appointment as an Executive Director of Stanbic IBTC Asset Management Limited. As

Chief Executive, Dayo Olagunju is responsible for strategy, execution and service excellence.

Yewande Sadiku, who previously held the position of Chief Executive of Stanbic IBTC Capital, another subsidiary of Stanbic IBTC Holdings PLC, in her new role as Executive Director, Corporate and Transactional Banking Division, will ensure, among other responsibilities that Stanbic IBTC continues to provide topnotch services in corporate finance advisory across key sectors of the economy, including Oil and Gas, Power, Telecommunications, Manufacturing, and Construction as well as in collections and payments, and consummation of big ticket deals.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

B5 Capital Market

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY ( EQUITIES) 30-12-2015

Brands & Marketing B6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

L-R: Etisalat Customer, Raphael Osamon; Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Francesco Angelone; another Etisalat Customer, Chizoba Okpala-Atsu and Director, Customers Care, Etisalat Nigeria, Plato Syrimis at the Etisalat Customer Forum held in Lagos... recently.

KIA appoints Kojo Services dealer Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo In a bid to continuously bring its brand closer to customers, Kia Motors Nigeria has strengthened its dealership network with the appointment of Kojo Services International Limited in Surulere, Lagos.

Following its appointment, Kojo Services will offer the entire range of top-of-the-segment Kia vehicles through the facility located at Rasaq Balogun Street, Surulere. The franchise has a 3S facility to provide better ser-

vices for the increasing number of Kia customers in the Lagos Mainland and its nearby areas.

The appointment comes on the heels of the expansion drive of Kia’s dealership network and further reaffirms its commitment to providing quality and comprehensive services to its loyal customers, while cementing its position as one of the best performing brands in Nigeria.

The new 3S centre boasts full fledged facilities that consist of sales, service, spare parts providing ease and utmost convenience to Kia’s discerning clientele.

Sanjay Tatpati, Vice President, Kia Motors Nigeria stated that “at Kia Motors Nigeria, we take great pride in providing the best Kia experience at every customers’ touch points in their purchase life cycle, from the point of purchase, after sales service right through their next repurchase.

And with the continued expansion of our 3S network nationwide, we hope to bring our outlet closer to our customers”.

“The appointment of Kojo Motors with long-standing dedication to strong customer service

is aimed at expanding our network in the light of our increasing sales volume and our commitment to providing the best customer satisfaction. Given Kojo’s success and track record, we are confident that our customers will be offered top-notch services that exceed their expectations,” Sanjay, added.

“We are beyond pleased to join the Kia family and we will contribute our valuable experience in the auto industry to deliver best in class retail experience to the teeming customers” said

Chinedu Oguegbu, Executive Director, Kojo Services.

Further added by Ikenna John Oguegbu, Managing Director, Kojo Services, “Kia Motors Nigeria’s unprecedented growth in Nigeria’s automotive industry will be a strong asset to the continued success and growth of our company and we are committed to providing Kia customers the ultimate premium services and classdefining ownership experience that is at par with the brand’s customer-focused ingrained ethos.”

Etisalat holds 2015 customer forum in Lagos Godwin Anyebe Nigeria’s most innovative and customer-centric telecommunications operator, Etisalat, once again demonstrated its leadership as a customer-focused company when it hosted the Lagos edition of the company’s regional customer forum. The event recently held at Four Points

by Sheraton Hotel, Victoria Island is an interactive feedback session aimed at engaging customers in order to serve them better.

Speaking on the essence of the forum, the Chief Marketing Officer, Etisalat Nigeria, Francesco Angelone, said it was in recognition of the valuable contributory roles the company’s customers play in the development of ser-

vices and products that offer richer experience on the network.

“Any contact with the customer is a pillar for the company because our main objective is to improve customer experience, and this means everything to us.

We want them to be able to buy and recharge their lines and use products and services in the easiest ways possible. We have heard from them and, as it is a tradition with us, we will go back with a view of addressing their challenges and this will lead to the introduction of more innovative products and services to meet their communication needs,” he assures.

Also speaking, Etisalat Nigeria’s Director for Customer Care, Plato Syrimis, said the Forum of-

fers the company a bespoke platform to engage its customers in a valuable and productive way just as he expressed satisfaction over the quality of insights offered by the customers Some of the customers showered encomiums on the company for its customer-focused business model as well as the various friendly services and products.

Oladele Adeboye-Ojo, a staff of Shell Nigeria, commended the operator for creating a common ground to interact with its customers, noting that insights from such contacts would serve as leverage for developing better ways to enhance experience on the network .“They are more customer-focused than some other operators who do not care about their customers. I am re-

ally happy to be here and to have met with some of their management team, he said.”

Another customer and a professional make-up artiste, Omontese Akhetuamen, expressed satisfaction with the close bond the operator shares with its customers. “The management team that met with us was very honest with us,” they have been very close and I feel it is my only network even though I am on two others which somehow do not seem to care if I exist. Etisalat is like someone behind my back. I am really excited and pleased to be on the network. I also preach the gospel of Etisalat especially the EasyFlex.”

Notable team members who attended the Forum include Director, Digital Business, Adia Sow-

ho, Vice President, Consumer Sales and Services, Ken Ogujiofor, Head, Regional Retail Sales Lagos and South West Region, Eno Umoh and Manager, Data Analytics and Channel Support, Taofeek Babalola amongst others.

Customers who attended the forum smiled home with a variety of gifts including mobile phones, recharge cards, power banks, MiFi devices, USB drives and other branded items.

Etisalat began the customer forum in 2010 with the objective of receiving feedback from customers on the quality of service delivery. Since inception, the forum has hosted customers in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Calabar, Enugu, Benin, Ibadan, Kaduna, Warri, Onitsha and Akure.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

B7 Motoring

Race for World car of the year award hots up Stories by Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo German and Japanese make dominate the nominations list for the prestigious 2016 World Car Awards The World Car Awards (WCA) organisation used the Frankfurt Motor Show as a platform to reveal the nominations of the 2016 WCA programme. 72 International motoring journalists will now have until February

to evaluate as many of the vehicles as possible, before voting to determine the Top 10 in each of the World Car of The Year, World Luxury Car of the Year and World Performance Car of the Year categories. Experts will also nominate the top five in each of the World Green and World Design categories.

The top three finalists in the major categories will then be revealed at the Geneva Motor Show in March 2016 before the

winners will be announced in New York International Auto Show in April.

The battle for the prestigious overall title is dominated by German and Japanese brands.

Mazda and Subaru have both secured two entries Among the cars are - Audi A4/A4 Avant, - BMW X1, Cadillac CT6, Chevrolet Malibu, Ford Edge, Honda HR-V. Others include - Hyundai Tucson/ix35, - Jaguar XE, Kia

Optima, Land Rover Discovery Sport, Mazda CX-3, Mazda MX5, Mercedes-Benz GLC, Nissan Maxima.

The Performance car category is a predominantly V8 affair, with the Audi RS3 Sportback and Honda Civic Type R bringing some hot hatchback relief.

World Luxury Car SUVs also deliver a strong showing in the World Luxury Car category, showing that the traditional sedan bodyshape is

under fire even in a segment it used to exclusively own. A surprise entry is the new compact Infiniti, the Q30.

World Design Pickings appear to be somewhat slim in the Design category.

World Green The World Green car will be selected from a varied group of nominations that includes the hydrogen fuel-cell Toyota Mirai as well as the new Prius.

PAN unveils new Peugeot 508 with major facelift

Producer of October 1 movie and MD of Golden Effects, Kunle Afolayan; Managing Director, PAN Nigeria, Ibrahim Boyi and representative of Comptroller General of Customs, Mr. Tajudeen Olarewaju, when PAN Nigeria signed an agreement with Afolayan for the featuring of the new Peugeot 508 in an upcoming movie, ‘The CEO’.

It was a double celebration for PAN Nigeria Limited, assemblers of Peugeot Automobile in Nigeria, as it unveiled a new remodelled Peugeot 508 with major face lift for the driving pleasure of its teaming customers and also signed agreement with the foremost movie producer, and the Chief Executive of Golden Effects Services Limited, Kunle Afolayan.

Unveiling the new car at NAF Conference Centre in Abuja, PAN Nigeria said the new 1.6-litre turbo-petrol engine Peugeot 508 which was wholly assembled at its Kaduna Plant boasts key value propositions and meets the Euro 5 emission standard, making it a very environment friendly car.

Speaking at the occasion, the Managing Director and Chief

Executive of PAN Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Ibrahim Boyi said in addition to the outstanding qualities, the new 508 comes with enhanced fuel economy, automatic LED lightening system for better night vision, auto brake system, and touch screen control panel, making it a full multi-media car.

According to him, “I travelled to and fro Kaduna to Abuja two times on a full tank of petrol with this car. And as you are sitting at the back, you can shut down your AC and the other people will not be complaining, this is the beauty of this car, it has facilities for tea, coffee and all your drinks, it has so many options and the car is very roomy for executives. When you sit at the back you have so much room.” he said.

Agric B8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

Agriculture stands better path to recovery of Nigeria’s economy – Erikume Since Nigeria’s crude lost its sweetness in the international market, the effect on the economy has been quite overwhelming. To recover, the government must fall back on agriculture with a viable policy thrust and capital for short, middle and long term goals. Kenneth Erikume gives expert guide in this interview with Isaac Agber.

Excerpts: Considering the dwindling oil fortunes, agriculture appears to be the next option to salvage the crashing economy. How best can the government invest in agriculture vis-à-vis the proposed budget?

Because of innovation and industry of the average Nigerian, it is unlikely that the economy will crash. However, it is clear to everybody that the economy is currently challenged and an economic recovery plan is desperately needed to inject life into the system. Clearly, there are two sectors that can change the fortunes of Nigeria very quickly – agriculture and solid minerals sector.

Between the two sectors, there is one where you are sure that if you invest the money, it will provide the required returns in the short term with long term potential, and that is agriculture. The mining sector still has challenges in terms of proper exploratory activities (which requires time and investment) to identify viable deposits for production activity.

This is not quite the same challenge of breeding livestock and planting of seeds. Even though agriculture has its own peculiar challenges, it would not require the same capital outlay and does not pose the same uncertainty for investors. Agriculture therefore stands as a clearer path to recovery in the short to medium term.

You will agree that the state and local government will have a key role in making this happen.

It is such a specific issue that the Federal Government may not be able to get an appropriate handle to coordinate the various efforts. I would want to assume that states have to be innovative in drawing up the agricultural programs that are specific to their regions and drive the projects with the necessary support that can be obtained from the Federal Government.

Due to the impact of the price of crude on our balance of trade, and the significant pressure it has had on our currency, I would expect that the focus of the investments in the next few years would prioritise areas where we can

make some relatively quick wins in reducing imports and maximizing export. Based on official data, we still have approximately 20% of imports as agricultural products; this excludes the illegal import of agricultural products.

In the list of the top 15 imports in Q3 of 2015, wheat, fish and meat, sugar cane, and rice were all registered. These are all items that should be targeted for investment as they can yield results within a 12 month period (due to the period required to grow them). My expectation is that all these items will be prioritised to plug the gap in domestic supply in the short to medium term as we should not be having shortages on items such as poultry.

On the export side, we have to target areas where we already show signs of being able to produce competitively for the export market. Recurring exports in the top 15 list are tobacco and cigarettes, cocoa, sesame seeds, leather, shrimps and prawns, nuts.

Some of these exporters benefited from the export expansion grant which is no longer effective.

The government therefore needs to sit down with some of these exporters like British American Tobacco to see how best they can be supported to increase capacity for exports and engage more local farmers. Some of what these exporters need may not require any financial investment from the government but government must get more involved in understanding and supporting these businesses that are integrated with (or support) the farms. Cocoa and sesame are also obvious areas where there is a clear export market and where we can increase our market share. Ivory Coast does upwards of $2.5 billion on Cocoa and there is no reason for Nigeria not to be able to match that sort of revenue as demand for chocolate and cocoa beverages continues to increase globally.

Unlike the 2015 budget that voted over N39.1 billion for the agricultural sector, the 2016 budget indicates no specific figures yet the president said

Kenneth Erikume, Associate Director, PwC Tax and Regulatory Services

he would drive revenue in the direction of agriculture in his agenda to diversify the economy. How realistic is this?

In the budget speech, there were essentially 2 comments on agriculture and solid minerals – (i) subsidisation of funding of the sectors (ii) capital expenditure on infrastructure and security to support various industries including agriculture and solid minerals. Investment in agriculture cannot be kept at this broad level, there has to be a clear program of planned investment specific to the sector if the government is to achieve any quick wins. Once the programs are not clear, then they cannot realistically be achieved.

At the Federal level, investment must be made in inter-state rail infrastructure for the easy movement of farm produce to the various places where they are required across the country (including the port for exports) thereby reducing the cost relating to the transportation margins and also wastage.

On subsidization, there has to be a figure attached to it and what it will be channeled to. There are already some subsidies in place which needs to be revisited for effectiveness such as the fertilizer subsidy (where there are challenges of the Federal Government owing suppliers and some of the states are unable to meet their 25% counterpart funding), tax free agricultural loans, VAT exemption on tractors, ploughs and agricultural implements purchased for agricultural purposes etc. The government needs to consider whether agricultural

companies can be granted an indefinite income tax exemption under specific conditions such as pre-validation of the farms or a certain level of the produce being exported, and no other activity within the same entity to avoid abuse. Perhaps these are some of the issues being considered but they need to be clearly outlines in the government policy framework.

Based on specific information on the budget as presented, and the 2016 Appropriation Bill there is a proposal for N30 billion allocated to recurrent expenditure at the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and N47 billion proposed for capital expenditure.

Being aware of the fact that the agricultural sector has suffered neglect in the past 40 years irrespective of consistent budgetary allocations, what key indicators have you observed in the Buhari’s administration that the sector will be given due attention from 2016 and beyond?

Indicators by their nature are usually subjective and therefore will be based on my mere perception and may be wrong.

Apart from the specific mention of agriculture in the budget as a priority sector, there are 2 other indicators that come to mind. One of them is the appointment of Chief Audu Ogbeh as the Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development. In terms of his background, he has a lot of experience and understanding of the structures of government and how it works and secondly he is a successful farmer with firsthand

experience of the challenges in the sector. This firsthand experience is very important to focus on the key areas that require immediate attention rather than a mere administrator. Another indicator was the immediate announcement, after the budget speech, of a new substantive Managing Director for the Nigeria IncentiveBased Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL Plc) and a new Executive Director (Technical). Both positions have been filled by people with tremendous experience both locally and internationally working at various levels of funding the agricultural value chain. At least, this sends a clear message that the channeling and disbursement of funds (if any) may be more deliberate and structured.

Between oil and agriculture, which can be more viable in job creation for the teeming Nigerian unemployed youths, giving statistical comparison with other African nations?

We cannot ignore the importance of oil and gas as so many people depend on this sector for employment and contracts in the urban areas and to a limited extent in the rural areas. I do not anticipate that agriculture will generate as much revenue for government as the oil and gas sector in a very long time. However, if we look at employment in the rural areas, which for me is more important, and overall contribution to GDP agriculture would be far ahead in terms of impact.

On comparisons, I would usually prefer a comparison with Kenya and South Africa as I consider Sub-Sahara Africa to be dominated by 3 key markets – Nigeria in West Africa, Kenya in East Africa and South Africa in Southern Africa.

I worked in PwC’s Africa desk in South Africa for a while, so I will be able to give you some insights on practical experience from that market. It was a bit interesting that most of my colleagues actually had affiliations to farms or had someone in their families that was into farming.

There was a rich culture of maize farming, cattle farming and several vineyards. You can imagine the economic impact (particularly in the rural areas) when the middle class of a country is actively involved in investing or owning farms either for subsistence, recreation or for commercial purposes. South Africa is not only self-sufficient in all major agricultural products, but is also a net food exporter. It is estimated that 8.5 million people are directly or indirectly dependent on agriculture for their employment and income in South Africa.

Agro-processing is also huge.

Life&

TIMES Thursday, December 31, 2015

Miss Nigeria,

others storm LoudNproudLive New Year eve gig L P

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Dayo Amusa: From screen play to music

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Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

I cannot crucify people for their opinion towards me

— Dayo Amusa

You stormed the music industry by surprise and you have been the rave of the moment; how do you feel?

It’s been encouraging I wouldn’t lie about that, it’s been wonderful and encouraging and that actually keeps me going.

Life&

T E A M

You know the way typical Nigerians would think; they are always saying when someone does something, such a person is doing so because others are doing it. They say many actresses are going into music and they think you are copying them. What do you have to say to thoughts like that?

Anybody that knows Dayo Amusa knows that she does her things

her own way. I don’t copy, I don’t compete, am a lady of my own word, I do my thing my own way, it’s my life.

So why the choice of Oritsefemi on the remix?

Because that is the best I could work with at that particular moment; that is the best person I can actually work with and considering the fact that some of my colleague on IG, twitter, Facebook, when I was like I want to have the remix of the song and who am I going to do it with, then I had different of people saying this and that but Oritsefemi, I had a whole lot of people going for Oritsefemi, so I chose to make my fans happy.

You are very vibrant on social media, and social media is so

Movie & Music Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

hard to hit you hard and I hear a lot of critics, when they hit you with it; how did that make you feel?

Well, as far as I am concerned, everybody has to do what he has to do and am doing what I have to do and they are doing what they have to do. I can’t criticize anybody for their opinion. They have the right to their opinion and the fact that someone comes up and say, Ok Dayo, you are black, while I’m yellow. It is their opinion, I don’t care.

Thinking of opinions, some people are just like you are too yellow, are you bleaching?

As far as am concerned, it’s my life, my choice. I live it the way I want

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

it. Everybody has their life.

Which do you prefer, music or acting?

Both.

Why did you choose music despite the fact that you are an actress?

I didn’t choose music. I’m an entertainer and as an entertainer, I think I can diversify into anything that can entertain you.

You re-mixed Adele song and you got a backlash on twitter, how did you feel when people said you added Yoruba rap into Adele’s song?

Like I said earlier, I cannot crucify people for their opinion towards me.

That is their own opinion. As long as I wake up in the morning and I want to

Graphics Sunday O. Emmanuel

do something and I’m pleased with my intention, I do so.

What inspired your love for ‘Hello Adele’ version in Yoruba, what inspired you to do it?

I’m an entertainer, I’m a musician and I love the song and I chose to do it my own way not the way it was done originally.

You came out with ‘Unforgivable’ and you won several awards, what next?

I did ‘Pathetic’ after ‘Unforgiveable’, and very soon I’m going to go to location for another movie. Of course, ‘Unforgiveable’ bagged a lot of awards and whatever is worth doing at all is what doing well. I’m actually taking my time to come out with the best.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

Mutiat Alli

Miss Nigeria, Lessi Peter Vigboro, Frank Oshodi, others for LoudNproudLive New Year eve gig tonight Organisers of the monthly LoudNproudLive series, NMO Management & PR, have revealed that the last edition of the monthly series gig tagged ‘Luxury Edition Special’ where fashion meets live music will hold today at the Maison Fahrenheit, Victoria Island.

According to the Managing Director/ CEO NMO Management, Ngozi Omambala, the luxury edition is expected to be attended

by Legendary Iconic Nigerian

L3 Mixed grill Aramide drops Odun Titun Afro-Soul sensation, Aramide, wraps up 2015 with the video to her previously released single, Odun Tuntun.

Odun Tuntun is a Yoruba phrase for New Year. This song further showcases her vocal strength and versatility. She sings about her wishes and prayers for the New Year. This video was shot in Lagos, Nigeria by Tosin Igho for Remote Pictures.

Designer, Lessi Peter-Vigboro, Award winning international Designer, D avid Tlale, newly crowned Miss Nigeria 2015, Lessi Peter-Vigboro and international supermodel runway queen, Millen Magese.

As part of the eve celebration, LoudNproudLive ‘One sound’ band with surprise guest artistes will be performing live. The event is in proud partnership with DailyTimes Newspaper.

Cynthia Morgan

Zack Orji, Onwenu makes cameo in Banky –W’s new shoot

Kiss Daniel

Cynthia Morgan

Headies 2015: Who wins the next rated award tomorrow?

As the stage is set for the prestigious 10th edition of Nigeria’s biggest musical awards, The Headies, billed to hold tomorrow at the Landmark Event Centre, Oniru, Lagos, tongue has continued to wag as regards the artiste that will walk home with the coveted next rated awards with a price tag of a brand new Hyundai car.

For the first time in the history of the award, two acts from

same record label will battle for the awards that includes Mavin records superstar, Korede Bello and Reakado Banks alongside Kiss Daniel, YBNL Lil Kesh and German Juice crooner, Cynthia Morgan.

The Headies is hosted by Kaffy and Bovi, with performances from 2Face, Vector, Falz, Iyanya, Seyi Shay, Adekunle Gold, Olamide, Simi, Victoria Kimani, Eva Alordiah and more.

Shortly after concluding his filmmaking course at the New York Film Academy, Banky-W has shot a couple of music videos that bear semblances to short films. He was also called upon, earlier in 2015, to direct a DStv Compact ad which featured actress, Ivie Okujaiye.

Even as the year wraps off today, Mr. Capable as he is known has shot the music video for his latest song “All I Want Is You” featuring MTN Project Fame winner, Chidinma. The video however had cameo appearances by veteran singer an actress, Onyeka Onwenu as well as Nollywood veteran, Zack Orji.

Zack, Chidimna, Onwenu and Banky

L4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

L5

BMW 6 SERIES

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

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Event L6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

Mutiat Alli

OLIC2!!! Indeed Olamide unleashed the beast in him About the walk way

Tunnel

Even in the disparities in the ticket prices, every guest was considered important as they all got a treatment from the well -built walk-way tunnel sparkling in the jungle artistically concept. Wait a minute, at some point, I considered making a turn-back home with ooze of the Lion crow sounds depicting that we are truly in the forest to unleash the beast in Mega super talented Olamide.

About the other performances

Obafemi Martins

About Olamide’s stage presence Olamide’s stage appearance was expected to be massive. No other Nigerian artiste has come close to releasing the number of hits Baddosneh has released in the past 12 months alone. The crowd at #OLIC2 could not wait for him to step out so that they could dance along to “Bobo”, “Lagos Boys” and “Melo Melo”.

When he did step out onstage at the event organised by Right Ent, Achievas Ent & YBNL, he brought with him one of the most epic stage sets ever witnessed in the history of Nigerian pop music. Even the most stratospheric expectations were exceeded as he pulled out all the stops with a live band, a marching brass band, a mini-documentary and OAP Do2dtun as his stage hype man.

He came back three more times throughout the night and got the

Phyno

Excited fans

Roll Call

Olamide Baddo same raucous reception from the crowd each time. Simply put, it was Nigerian music’s live performance of the year.

Adekunle Gold

And it was indeed a Sade!

Orente! Pick-up mood Coming from a viral cover of One Direction’s “Story of My Life” to the centre of attention at a sold out Eko Convention Centre in the space of just over 12 months, Adekunle Gold has had the sort of year most upcoming musicians can only dream of.

The YBNL artiste brought his

He sure connects (Phyno) with the fans who were in a Karashika (Falz the badguy) mood and attesting to the fact that they are not local rappers (Reminisce) but the Jagaban (Ycee) of their territory. It is highly illegal (Pepenazi) to scream werey re oo (Base one) when you discover everyone is in a Reggae blue mood (Harrysong) and want to shiga (Vector) but in all is because I love you (Lil Kesh).

A game to the stage, performing his three recognised singles “Sade”, “Orente” and “Pick Up” with a live band to the obvious delight of the audience. More impressive was the fact that he maintained his impeccable vocal delivery throughout wavering once.

It was indeed one of the most attended event in 2015 with top notch attendance by his Royal Majesty, Oba Saheed Elegushi, Mr. Tunde Fowler, Eniola Badmus, Fathia Balogun, Iyabo Ojo, Sikiratu Sindodo, AY, Seyi Law, Freeze, Toke Makinwa, Chidinma Ekile, Yaw, Sexy Steel, and a host of others.

Niniola, Koker, Ketchup, Bash, Seyi Law, others showed the way The night was opened up with performances by Chocolate city act, Koker alongside Ketchup, Niniola, Tjan giving us an insight to what the night will look like.

Comic acts that includes Whale Mouth, Bash, Seyi Law, and Still Ringing amongst others threw guests off balance as they dished out ribs cracking jokes.

Lil Kesh

Yoruba rap is on a roll Five years after the death of Dagrin, the Yoruba rap music genre seems to be going through its strongest phase ever with no less than three bona fide superstar mainstream artistes coming from the genre.

If the audience at #OLIC2 organised by Right Ent, Achievas

Ent & YBNL knew all about Olamide, Lil Kesh and Reminisce already, they certainly found out more about Chinko Ekun and Base One on Sunday night as the latter two produced superb performances that left the live audience and those watching on TV impressed by their lyrics and delivery.

Olamide again!! Plus boys scout honours Clad in uniforms, we thought they had taken over, with match past and strict adherence to instruction, the king of the street himself, Olamide Adedeji (Baddo) was honoured by the Boys Scout crew for his agility, steadfastness in the industry.

Olamide recevies Boy Scout Honour

It is important to note that Olamide performed all the songs from his recently released “Eyan Mayweather” album and also switched things further with performances of songs from his previous albums.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

L7 Mixed Grill

Mutiat Alli

MAYA awards:

Wizkid, Sarkodie others battle Africa Music Act spot

Wizkid

Organisers of the MOREKLUE ALL YOUTHS’ AWARDS (#MAYA Awards) have released the list of nominees for the 2015 edition of the awards scheduled to hold on January 31, 2016 at the Bamboo Event centre, Omole, Ikeja, Lagos.

According to the organisers, the award is expected to play host to top entertainers, socialites to mention but few.

In its 3rd edition, the award will also parade top acts that includes Cassper Nyovest, AKA, Olamide, Sarkodie, Wizkid amongst others who will battle in the African Music Act category while Eku Edewor, Iyabo Ojo, Mercy Aigbe-

Gentry, and Toke Makinwa will battle in the 2015 Woman of Style category.

In a press statement, the Awards’ project director, Ademola Ajibola, said: “Since we kick-started the awards process for the 3rd edition in September 2015, it has been very encouraging. From the nominees’ unveil to the website launch, the support has been awesome. That we could get almost 5,000 votes on the first day of voting goes a long way to say how appreciated the awards’ brand is and we thank all the nominees and supporters who felt it worthy to make adequate noise about the project”.

Omoni Oboli, Midred Okwo announced as facilitators for Broadway Movie Academy Top Nollywood filmmakers that includes Mildred Okwo, Omoni Oboli, Uche Jumbo, Blessing Egbe, Chineze Anyanze, Moses Babatope amongst others established industry stakeholders have been announced as part of the facilitators for Broadway Movie Academy maiden class which kicks off in February 2016 at Ikeja, Lagos.

According to a statement, more people with proven track records are set to be announced in the next few days.

“Often time, the dilemma of those who want to go into movie industry is the knowledge gap that needs to be bridged. They want to start acting but don’t know how to start, where to go for opportunities, how to improve skills and how to market themselves, how not to fall into hands of fraudulent individuals and

their skills. Same goes for directing, movie production, scripting writing and other marketable skills in the industry.

It is to this end that Broadway Movie Academy is putting together a 35-class session where industry professionals will be on ground to teach prospective industry players and existing industry players (who want to deepen knowledge) on acting, scriptwriting, directing, production, cinematography, business side of the business (cinema runs and outside cinema business), becoming entertainment brand, how to promote yourself and your movie, marketing, how to be a via entertainment brand and other industry-related subjects,” the statement read.

‘Broadway Movie Academy’ is aimed at helping people kickstart a career in acting, directing,

living in Ireland. The Nigeria born Irish has been plying his trade for many years now, leading to singles release both in Ireland and the United Kingdom. His first major break in Europe was his single titled Payday featuring the wife of the current South African cricket captain, Morgan Deane.

Shortly after releasing his video visual, Weirdz has since returned into the studio for more production.

Doris Simeon for

beach

walk

Omoni Oboli editing, production, scriptwriting and cinematography with insight of where to get necessary help.

WEIRDZ out with ‘Somebody’ visual BNL Entertainment act, Weirdz, has released the visuals of much anticipated single ’Somebody’ as directed

by Wilserhun. The Ireland based musical act revealed in a telephone chat with Life & Times that the video is of his yet to be released album titled ‘ Safe Heaven’ which is billed to be released in 2016.

WEIRDZ is a singer, songwriter and a filmmaker is currently

IK Ogbonna,

Organisers of the yearly walking workout initiatives has hinted that this year’s edition of fitness exercise will witness participation from top entertainers and socialites that includes actor IK Ogbonna, Jide Obanikoro, Ireti Osayemi, Doris Simeon, Mercy Aigbe, Liz Da Silver at the event billed to hold on January 9, 2016 at the Elegushi private beach.

The theme for this edition is ‘Lose the Fat in the Sand’ and 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.

According to facilitator, Tinuke Lawal, the workout is geared towards creating an awareness in the community about the dangers and health risks of sedentary living, benefit of walking as a form of exercise.

She said “the exercise will run for about 2 hours covering a distance of about 4 kilometers with not less than six dance intervals which lead to energy burn off up to 700 calories”.

2015 Songs of the Year ◆ ◆ ◆ ◆

Lagos boy - Olamide Orente - Adekunle Gold Raba - Dj Shabsy Ft Kiss Daniel Oritsefemi - Igbeyamo

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, December 31, 2015

L8 Television Showing on

Showing on

125 FOX Channel

107 M-Net Movie Romance

02:10

02:15

Thur, 31 Dec | 13SL

Thur, 31 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

08:10 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol

09:30 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

22:10 Michael McIntyre’s Comedy Roadshow

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