Dtn 4 11 15

NNPC cancels offshore crude refining deals Friday Atufe & Augustine Okezie, Abuja with agency report

ÎÎÎThe Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has announced the can-

cellations of Offshore Processing Arrangement (OPA), as part of measures aimed at ensuring transparency and eliminate the activities of middlemen in the crude oil exchange for product matrix.

This is even as some Independent Petroleum Marketers in Lagos on Tuesday said that fuel scarcity would resurface in the Continued on page 6

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Countdown to 39th Miss Nigeria pageant:

Meet the 36 final contenders gL4,L5

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https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.223

GAINERS

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 3rd November 2015.

GUINNESS

123.75

129.93

6.18%

DANGCEM

162

163

1%

TOTAL

OKOMUOIL

29.02

30.2

1.18%

OANDO

5.99

6.51

0.52%

UNILEVER 36.75

150.01

N150

143

-7.01%

GLAXOSMITH

38.2

37.06

-1.14%

34.92

-1.83%

CADBURY

20.15

19.15

-1%

House committees chairmanship:

Gbajabiamila, Dogara in fresh feud Henry Omunu, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe frosty relationship that ex-

ists between Speaker of the House of Represenattives, Yakubu Dogara and the House Majority Leader,

Femi Gbajabiamila, blew open on Tuesday as the House Leader in a letter to the speaker, denied any

knowledge of the composition and subsequent announcement of the chairmen and deputy chairmen of

the 97 standing committees of the Continued on page 6

44 g17 companies sue FIRS over N1.1bn excess stamp duties

UK has g8 no right to deport Nigerians

– Alexia Thomas

Court g12 permits Dasuki to travel abroad for treatment

Emmy Collins President Muhammadu Buhari (right) in handshake with Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki during the presentation of list of ministerial nominees confirmed by the Senate at the presidential villa, Abuja… on Tuesday. With them is Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Dr. Ita Enang.

Pushing the boundaries of fashion gL1

2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial Alarming upsurge of kidney disease

I

t is a fact that kidney disease (renal failure) has become a huge problem affecting millions of people all over the world. Incidentally, the burden of the disease is increasing among Nigerians with its physical, social and financial complications. In recent times, the spate of kidney failure has been a real source of worry in Nigeria.

The burdens associated with the disease often impoverish both the sufferers and their families alike, even as stories of Nigerians affected continue to grab media headline everyday.

What is kidney or renal failure?

It is when the kidneys are no longer working well enough for a person to live without dialysis or a kidney transplant. Medical experts have attributed the causes of kidney failure to include diabetes mellitus and long-term uncontrolled hypertension, chronic inflammation of the kidney, junks and fatty foods, Human Immunodeficiency Virus (HIV) disease, indiscriminate consumption of herbal medicines and alcoholic beverages.

Others are untreated microbial infection, diarrhoea, malaria, potassium bromate poisoning, abuse of painkillers particularly paracetamol.

Statistics by the Nigeria Association of Nephrology shows that about 37 million Nigerians of the country’s 170 million citizens are suffering from various forms of kidney diseases.

In addition, records reveal that the disease affects an estimated 16,000 new patients every year. Increasingly, children are the worst hit with a prevalence rate of 22.3 admissions per 1000 child admissions per annum. Unfortunately, managing kidney related diseases is expensive even for the rich.

Estimates put the cost of caring for kidney patients at N120 billion annually of which a larger percentage is spent on foreign medical tourism.

Managing kidney-related diseases is complicated, even as its prevalence is a problem in our environment.

Estimates suggest that one out of every seven Nigerians has one stage of chronic kidney disease. Unfortunately, out of 50,000 patients, who should ideally be on dialysis, less than 1,000 are receiving one as at today.

The good news is that some causes of kidney failure are treatable and the kidney function may return to normal. Unfortunately, kidney failure may be progressive in other situations and may be irreversible. Even at that, there is a lack of government funding for treatment in Nigeria unlike some African countries like Rwanda and South Africa. This leaves the entire burden to individuals who most often cannot bear the cost for too long.

It is painful to note that only a handful of hospitals presently have dialysis machines, which ideally should be spread across the country to tackle issues of kidney failure. We are therefore calling for the subsidisation of kidney treatments in the country, as most patients are unable to afford the treatments. In all, combating kidney failure among Nigerians implies mounting relentless public awareness campaigns on the risk factors behind it.

To accomplish this, the government should take a holistic approach to chronic diseases prevention, early identification and intervention, even as we recommend that social, behavioural and biological determinants of health be addressed within the framework of an overarching national chronic diseases’ strategy.

Fundamentally, however, the government and health policy makers need to have scientific projections on the trend, with a view to putting in place a framework for investing and funding renal treatment centres nationwide.

Can someone call Gov. el-Rufai to order?

Sam Nzeh

ÎÎΓIf you are not happy

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

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

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

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

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

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

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

Words On Marble :

commit suicide.

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

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

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

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

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

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

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

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

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Ibrahim Lamorde

Ayo Adebanjo

Abdulaziz Yari

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

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

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

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

4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Peterside refutes Wike’s election campaign claim Ogunyemi Esther

ÏÏÏDr.

Dakuku Peterside, governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State in the April election has described the allegation by Governor Nyesom Wike, of his launching his campaign ahead of the re-run election as wicked, malicious and the vituperation of a drowning man.

Peterside who spoke in Port Harcourt, the state capital said Wike and the Peoples Democratic Party in Rivers State needed sympathy because finally, they had come to their wits end. According to the APC chieftain, PDP’s desperation and proclivity for lies and outright misinformation

is born out of nervousness and fear of the impending governorship election rerun.

“I am aware that Wike and his associates who perpetrated the worst impunity and electoral fraud during the last general election are in panic. One would have expected a sober and repentant PDP after that landmark judgement but honestly, they are incapable of introspection.

“Rather than tow the path of honour, they have chosen not only to pour invectives on the judges but also misinform the general public on issues around the judgement, particularly with regard to the card reader.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I wish to state that

the fraudulent Rivers State election of March 11 was not cancelled only on noncompliance and usage of the card reader. The judges cited other irregularities and breaches. For instance, the APC provided evidence that Dr. Chituru Orluwene who was INEC’s collation officer for Degema Local Government Area is a known PDP member and was also a member of the PDP Campaign Organisation. APC also established that known members of the PDP worked as INEC’s ad hoc staff for the election.

“Our party proved beyond doubt that in all the LGA’s, total accreditation for the Governorship Elections was at variance with that of the House of Assem-

bly. We provided evidence with Omuma LGA where they alleged that election did not hold for governorship but held for the House of Assembly. The same cheap and criminal manipulation took place in Wards 12, 13, 14, 15 and 16 in Obio/Akpo LGA. “The documents filed

by PDP and Wike which showed photographs of the former governor, Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi casting his vote at Ubima Ward 8, Unit 14 also failed integrity test because INEC could not provide results from the former governor’s unit. We also proved to the tribunal that results were clearly written while some were snatched.

L-R: Commander, 2 Brigade, Nigerian Army, Brig.-Gen. Stevenson Olabanji; Assistant InspectorGeneral of Police in Charge Zone 6, Mr. Baba Adisa Bolanta and Rivers State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Musa Kimo at a news conference on security, in Port Harcourt… on Monday

Timothy Elebo

ÏÏÏThe Independent Na-

tional Electoral Commission said it would commence the distribution of Permanent Voter Cards to eligible voters in Kogi and Bayelsa States on Friday.

Deputy Director of Publicity in the commission, Mr. Nick Dazang, made this known to the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Abuja.

Dazang said the exercise would commence in Kogi on Friday and end on November 11, and run from November 13 to November 19 in Bayelsa State.

He said the distribution would take place at ward level and would be for only registered voters, running

ÏÏÏThe Assistant Inspec-

tor-General of Police in charge of Zone 3, Mohammed Jinjiri Abubakar, has ordered the three Commands under him to immediately begin patrol routes anticipated to be flash points for clashes between farmers and Fulani herdsmen.

The AIGP whose command include Adamawa, Gombe and Taraba, gave the order, on Wednesday in Gombe during a tour of the Gombe State Police Command, where he said the patrol was expected to last till around March next year when harvesting must have been concluded.

The AIGP, who regretted that most of the herdsmen were foreigners, said they had caused untold hardship and destroyed millions of naira worth of foodstuff.

He cited that his own farm was also invaded by the herdsmen four days ago living immeasurable level of destruction.

In a parley with members of the Gombe State Police Community Relations Committee, the AIGP urged traditional rulers to watch their communities and work closely with the Police in the fight against crime.

He said the zone had suffered untold devastation

of life and property in the hands of insurgents especially in the last three years but assured that with the intensified onslaught on the insurgents, their activities were gradually waning away.

He urged the general public to intensify furnishing of information to security agents and also thoroughly investigate strangers in their midst as such persons were always the ones who foment trouble or turn out to be terrorists.

Earlier in the Palace of the Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, Abubakar appreciated the interest and effort

of the Emir in ensuring peace in Gombe. He said even with the activities if the insurgents, the Police still kept faith by discharging their duties diligently.

The Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu Abubakar III, commended the Police and said that the Emirate enjoyed support from the Force especially during this period of insurgency.

Buhari

INEC to distribute PVCs in Kogi, Bayelsa Nov 6 from 8am to 4pm daily.

“The distribution of PVCs is for voters whose biometric was captured during the just-concluded Continuous Voter Registration by INEC in the two states.

“It is also opened to those who registered before but are yet to collect their PVCs,’’ Dazang said.

He therefore urged registered voters in both states, who were yet to collect their PVCs, to use the opportunity to do so before the election date.

We’ll surpass N944b 2015 revenue target – Customs CG Monday Agu, Jnr

were challenges in the area of raising revenue, adding that with the strategies so far put in place in blocking revenue leakages, the agency would be able to meet its target.

The CG, who did not provide details of how much had so far been raised, however, added that the agency was currently behind its revenue target.

“We are hopeful that November will bring some good tidings and also by December we should be able to round up to meet our target, which is N944bn.”

Oyetubo Olabimpe

Kogi pays N7bn pensions, gratuity

The Comptroller-General of Customs, Col Hameed Ali, on Tuesday expressed optimism that the steps being taken by the new leadership of the Nigerian Customs Service would enable it surpass its 2015 revenue target of N944bn.

He also vowed that any officer caught engaging in corrupt practices would be severely sanctioned.

Ali stated these while speaking during a courtesy visit to some key stakeholders of the service.

He admitted that there

ÏÏÏThe

Fulani, farmers clash: Police boss orders constant patrol

5 News

Kogi State Government has disclosed that it had paid the sum of N7billion as outstanding gratuity and pension arrears of workers inherited since 1991 to 2007.

Governor Captain Idris Wada made this known at the presentation of cash to some indigenes of Mopa, under the Somidire Poverty Eradication Programme in Mopa.

Wada who was represented by his deputy, Yomi Awoniyi, described the delay in the release of the bailout funds due to the state as reason for council workers and teachers yet to get their outstanding salaries, assured that the funds could be delayed but that the workers legitimate entitlement cannot be denied them.

He commended Godwin Abayomi of GODAB Engineering Company, an indigene of Egbe for grading Egbe to Ayetoro road, and said the time for individuals to partner with government due to the present economic realities facing the country was now.

Awoniyi assured workers of the local government councils employed in 2010, but now disengaged to be patient as efforts was being made to revisit their matter.

The Governor commended the initiator of the Somidire Poverty Eradication for his compassion and efforts to put smiles on the faces of people, especially women of the area.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Gbajabiamila, Dogara in fresh feud Continued from page 1 House.

But in a swift reaction, the Speaker accused Gbajabiamila of being economically with the truth, insisting that the House Leader was not only invited to meetings of the Principal Officers of the Lower Chamber to decide on the composition of the Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of committees but also participated actively.

While Gbajabiamila had in his letter to Dogara dat-

ed October 20, complained about being alienated from the composition of the standing committees and had appealed to the speaker to carry all principal officers along in the selection of committee heads, the speaker had on October 22,during plenary announced the names of the committee chairmen and their deputies.

Since the announcement however, there has been an unease in the House with aggrieved members of the All Progressives Congress

(APC) who are in the majority in the House grumbling about the lopsided nature of the appointments in favour of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and known supporters of Dogara.

The Daily Times recalls that while the APC has 48 chairmanship positions, the PDP has 45 chairmanship positions.

In the same vein, in the committees, the APC has 55 deputy chairmanship positions as against the PDP’s 55. Already, the Chairman of the House Committee

on Solid Minerals Development, Rep. Garba Datti Mohammed from Kaduna State is said to have rejected his appointment, just the South West caucus of the House has also threatened to resign their appointments as chairmen and deputy chairmen of committees.

House Leader, Rep. Gbajabiamila, had in his letter said he had on several occasions met with the speaker at his official residence and the office to get an understanding and appreciation of happenings relating to

the composition and appointment of chairmen and deputy chairmen of House committees.

Furthermore, he said: “l did this because of the incessant rumour that some had been composed. On such occasions, you assured me that nothing had been done. From all indications however, it appears that an announcement of chairmen and deputy chairmen is imminent and such may be done this week.

“Hon. Speaker, l acknowledge your right and prerogative to determine the leadership of the House committees and l intend to work with you after such determination has been made.

I intend and have stated on many occasions privately and publicly to work with

you for the progress of the House.

“However, l am constrained at this point to ask that due consideration is given to the provisions of our House Rules, Order 7, Rule 7, paragraph (a) of the House rules which states that the speaker shall in consultation with principal officers appoint the chairmen and deputy chairmen from among the members on the committee”.

The House Leader further drew the attention of the speaker to the role of the House Leader by quoting Order 7, Rule 27(2) c of the House Rules which states that: “The Leader of the House shall liaise with committee chairmen and other Continued on page 12

36 contestants to compete for 39th Miss Nigeria crown Mutiat Alli

ÎÎÎThe race is now on to

A cross section of the 2014/2015 beneficiaries of the Shell Petroleum Development Company of Nigeria Limited JV Internship programme at their graduation held in Lagos… recently.

NNPC cancels offshore crude refining deals Ï 0ƑƆƋ ƅ ƏƅƈƐƕ Ƌ ƌ ƌ ƏƊƆƐƆƏ ƈ ƈ Ɛ MǀƠƠƄ ƗƆƄƐ ƍ ƕƌƆ Ɛ Continued from page 1 country if Federal Government failed to pay their outstanding subsidy of N500 billion.

In a press released made available to newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, which was signed by the Group General Manager Public Affairs, Mr. Ohi Alegebe, the management of the NNPC said the cancellation of the offshore processing arrangement was in preference for the more efficient Direct Sale-Direct Purchase (DSDP) alternative which allows for the direct sale of crude oil by NNPC as well as direct purchase of petroleum products from credible

international refineries.

He explained that the Corporation came to this informed position after the earlier evaluation exercise of pre-qualified bidders which revealed that most of the 44 companies that were shortlisted for the next stage of the tender process only had affiliations to refineries abroad a situation which introduces toll on the value chain. The Corporation therefore argued that if the situation is allowed to subsist, the development would constitute a significant value loss to the Federation by way of accruals.

“In this regard, only bona fide owners of Refineries identified in the ongoing

OPA Tender Evaluation process will be further engaged. The identified Refineries will be subjected to due diligence and analysis

by NNPC appointed consultants to confirm suitability in line with International best practice,’’ the Corporation said.

In a related development, the NNPC has also announced the withdrawal of the call for commercial bids issued to the 44 shortlisted bidders made up of 34 international firms and 10 indigenous companies.

Meanwhile, some Independent Petroleum Marketers in Lagos have said that fuel scarcity would resurface in the country if Feder-

al Government failed to pay their outstanding subsidy of N500 billion.

The marketers who preferred anonymity told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday that government had not paid any marketer’s subsidy claim since August 2014 to date.

“We met with the VicePresident and the Group Managing Director of NNPC on this matter and they promised to be pay us between October and November but we have yet to receive any payment from government. We will be happy if the government could pay the outstanding because Continued on page 12

find that rare combination of beauty and brains in one lucky contestant who will be crowned Miss Nigeria at the 39th edition of the pageant taking place at the Oriental Hotel in Lagos on November 7, 2015.

The pageant, which was founded in 1957, received over 1800 applications from girls who entered the competition from all over the country, vying to hold the title of Miss Nigeria, being the country’s oldest and most prestigious pageant.

Having gone through a rigorous selection process, 36 finalists have been chosen to participate in the final leg of the competition. The contestants have moved to Lagos where they are being filmed for a week as they go to book camp to engage in activities from entrepreneurial training, mentoring from business leaders and female leaders, as well as take time to prepare for the contest by learning choreography and being treated to health and beauty treatments in time for the grand finale.

The week’s activities will be broadcast on television and segments shown during the pageant at Oriental

Hotel.

It seems just like yesterday when the light shined on Ezinne Akudo in 2013, the current title holder, who will bow out after one of the most successful reigns as a beauty queen.

Along with the coveted prize of the Miss Nigeria title, she won a cash prize of N3 million, a brand new car and a one year stay at luxury apartment, with an all-expenses paid trip to California.

Ezinne during her reign represented our country so well, graduating from Law School immediately after completing her law degree and also finding time to launch her Non-Governmental Organisation, NGO, The Eight Foundation, dedicated to supporting female victims of sexual violence.

Miss Nigeria is a pageant which showcases the positive attributes of the Nigerian woman. The pageant promotes a wholesome girlnext-door image combining beauty with intelligence, compassion and elegance.

It awards university scholarships and has a mandate to further the causes of poverty alleviation, youth empowerment, domestic violence, affordable healthcare and education for all through the pageant.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Henry Omunu Abuja

ÏÏÏA coalition of

25 All Progressives Congress (APC) Youth Associations in the South-South region have tasked Nigerians of different political inclination to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari in bringing the nation out of the woods.

National Publicity Secretary of the APC youth group, Sam Oburu, speaking to journalists in Abuja, said that Nigerians should support the Buhari administration and other APC leaders in the task of restoring the nation’s lost glory.

He said that the anger and bitterness of Nigerians over the failure of past

S’South APC group drums support for Buhari government to meet their expectations have grown so deep that the citizenry cannot afford to support the current administration to succeed.

According to him, “the youth, especially those from the South-South geopolitical region have not been comfortable with the prevailing deficit in the nation's body polity because of the ineptitude of the previous government, therefore, the time has come for Nigerians especially the youth to entrench good governance’’.

FERMA assures of speedy rehabilitation of Lagos-Ibadan, other highways Oyetubo Olabimpe

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA), on Tuesday appealed to motorists plying the ever-busy Lagos - Ibadan expressway to bear with it as speedy rehabilitation of the road would soon commence.

Head of the agency in Ogun State, Engineer Alex Mazoya, who spoke with our correspondent in Abeokuta, the state capital on phone, said that FERMA is not unaware of the hardship which motorists along the axis pass through on

daily basis due to the poor condition of the road.

With particular emphasis on the gridlock daily experienced at the longbridge axis of the expressway, Mazoya explained that FERMA could do little towards fixing the potholes since the road is currently under contract awarded by the Federal Ministry of Works (FMW) to contractors.

The Ogun FERMA boss also said he was on an assessment tour of the Ijebu - Ode/Itoikin/Ikorodu federal highway for possible rehabilitation.

Kidnapping: Ondo govt donates gadgets to Police ‘Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÏÏÏAs part of strategy to

curb the incessant activities of kidnapping in Ondo State, the government has donated Information and Communications Technology (ICT) gadgets to the Anti-kidnapping Squad of the State Police Command, in Akure, the state capital.

The Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Aderotimi Adelola, who made the donation in Akure, said the equipment would help to enhance the operations of the police at stemming the tide of kidnappers in the state.

7 News

He noted that the state government under Governor Olusegun Mimiko would not relent in the provision of necessary support to all security agencies in the state for effective discharge of their duties.

The SSG revealed that the gadgets would also boost the morale of the police officers at ensuring the safety of lives and property of the residents.

“This will enhance their morale and productivity, promote peace, by making their tasks simpler while the present administration will continue to prioritise the safety and security of the people”, he said.

Amb. Tokunbo Dosunmu (left) and Pastor Tunde Bakare during a condolence visit to the residence of late H.I.D Awolowo at Ikenne, Ogun State… on Tuesday. Photo: DAVID IDOWU

FG considering floating new national carrier Olufemi Samuel Abuja

ÏÏÏAttempt to float a new

national career for Nigeria has reached an advanced stage as the Ministry of Aviation disclosed on Tuesday that the report of a committee it commissioned on that is being considered

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Aviation, Hajia Binta Bello disclosed this during a meeting held by the officials of the ministry with the Senate Committee on Aviation, headed

by Senator Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso.

The Senate Committee had summoned the officials of the Ministry for a meet-

ing to discuss the means of sourcing funds, specifically to improve the state of airports in Nigeria.

She said the report on National Career for Nigeria prepared by a Committee it had set up is now on the table of President Buhari, awaiting consideration.

The Permanent Secretary, however, painted a pathetic conditions of the Nigerian airports which she said had been operating with obsolete equipment over the years.

She said the poor conditions of the airports have made the attempts towards privatising them a difficult task. According to her, Nigeria has 22 airports, while only three of them run on

profits, while others are not, the reason while she said the idea of privatising them may not work.

She said not even a good budget provision can solve the problems of the aviation sector in Nigeria, adding that the sector has always been running on deficit.

Hajiya Bello told the Senate Committee on Aviation that the possible way out for now is the consideration of alternative sources of funding, which according to her could come from development levy to be imposed on international passengers.

She said such an option could generate huge funding for the sector to boost the infrastructures at the

nation’s airports.

The Permanent Secretary also said that even the most viable of the Nigerian airports lack modern equipment to operate with.

She said the facilities at the country’s airports have been overstretched, alluding to the power generating set at the Murtala Mohammed Airport (MMA), which he said was purchased over 30 years ago.

She recalled a time the generator broke down and the manufacturers were called to fix it, adding that the manufacturers expressed shock that Nigeria was still operating such a generator, which he declared very obsolete.

Abia tribunal affirms Ikpeazu's victory

Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏThe

Governorship Election Tribunal sitting in Umuahia, on Tuesday, affirmed the victory of Governor Victor Okezie Ikpeazu as the winner of Abia governorship election, held in April this year.

Delivering the judgement, the tribunal judge, Usman Buala said the petition filed by Dr. Alex Otti of the All Progressive Grand Aalliance (APGA) claiming criminal allegation and over-voting could not be proved.

Uman said Otti contradicted himself by asking the tribunal to cancel the election and at the same time declare him the winner.

The tribunal also pointed out that some of the witnesses presented by APGA contradicted themselves in the course of their evidence, while pointing out that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) electoral officers, who cancelled the three local government electoral results of Osisioma, Isiala Ngwa South and Obingwa, as not competent to do so and therefore dismissed the petition as being unable to be proved by the petitioner.

Reacting, Governor Okezie Ikpeazu said the victory was expected and has been given further impetus to continue with the development of the state.

He used the opportunity to call on all aggrieved par-

ties to show some sense of patriotism and join hands with him in the service of the people, stating "for me, there is no victor, there is no vanquish. Victory today is victory for Abians, victory for services and victory for development of the downtrodden amongst us."

Also speaking, the state Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) chairman, Sen. Emma Nwaka described the day as a happy one for PDP, stating that any declaration contrary to that would have been a disappointment to Abians as they voted for the party.

He thanked God that APGA did not win as the party would have enthroned lies as state policy.

According to the Secretary to the State Govern-

ment (SSG), Dr. Eme Okoro, who was bereft of words said Gov Ikpeazu has the clout, exposure and unprecedented charisma that made people to vote massively for him, while an adviser to the governor and former commissioner in the state, Engr. Emma Nwabuko said Dr. Otti wanted something to hold hand upon as excuse, and urged him to wait for his own turn, stating that Ikpeazu had already started working for the state.

Ikpeazu

8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Politics

Æs

Fear grips PDP as two former govs in APC poised to take Kogi, Bayelsa Akinjide Akintola and Adedeji Sulaimon As the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) made public all the governorship candidates and their running mates for the forthcoming Kogi and Bayelsa elections, fears have gripped the Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) over possibilities of losing the two states.

Party leaders from across the country are said to be afraid that despite the party being in control of the two states at the moment, their opponents in the All Progressives Congress (APC) are former governors who appear to CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Idris Wada

Abubakar Audu

Dickson

Sylva

Mahmoud Yakubu

UK has no right to deport Nigerians – Alexia Thomas For the very first time since Nigeria attained independence in 1960, the Nigerian Government came out in clear terms to express its displeasure to the xenophobic agenda designed by the British authorities at purging non-natives out of United Kingdom just after their last British election. In this revealing encounter, Professor Alexia Thomas, a fiery British civil right activist, who doubles as President Independent Diplomat Commission, (IDC) and Chairman, The Commonwealth Liberation Party (TCLP), explained reasons why Nigeria adopted her human Rights Bill, how other Commonwealth nations are doing same and why Britain has no right to deport 29,000 Nigerians in its latest hate-crime against non-natives. Excerpts: Take us through this latest diplomatic victory that emboldens Nigeria to tell the British Government it has no right to deport 29,000 Nigerians?

To start with, we earlier launched the International Bill of Patriot Mandate here in United Kingdom, UK, where 51 countries that are members of Commonwealth were officially informed, confirmed that they would not, they should not and must not act and cannot participate in the deportation agenda exhibited by the UK Immigration under any guise.

And we gave them mandate ultimatum that they should refuse to issue deportation certificates to UK Immigration, they should disengage from hatecrime, deeds and laws, they should refuse to accept deported migrants from the UK. We gave them an ultimatum to September 28, 2015 for compliance. We told them that if they delay in adhering to the tenets of the legislative mandate and equality deeds, they will be tagged as ‘traitors’ to their citizens.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Thomas

Buhari

Cameron

Osinbajo

Buhari should be President of Nigeria, not of section – Nkole Hon. Uko Nkole, is member representing Arochukwu Federal Constituency, in the House of Representatives. In this interview in Umuahia with SUNDAY NWAKANMA, he bared his mind on his plan for his constituency, positing also that President Muhammadu Buhari should exercise the principles of federal character. Excerpts: As a first timer in the House of Representatives?

Well I thank God we are there.

We are adapting to the business

and its a terrain we know very well; the Green chamber as it is known, is a good thing, we are faring on well.

What are the challenges?

Well, I will not say yes, and I will not say no, but definitely, there must be challenges. So whatever thing that comes up, you take it as it is, but so far,

none has come and I don’t see one overwhelming us by God’s grace.

How have you been workCONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

9 Politics

Alexia Thomas: Buhari should walk the talk CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

At the Commonwealth nations of government, we informed them never to be involved in issuing deportation certificates to any member of Commonwealth, but if they fail, then they will be involved in criminal offence. If they fail to disengage from coercion of hate-crime in the diaspora, they should be ready to face the squad of their citizens’ uprising.

So, the five-page mandate (document) was sent to Nigeria High Commissioner in UK. Since it is called Commonwealth Government Compliance with the International Bill of Patriot Mandate, (IBOPM), they finally had to comply, and we are very proud of them. For the very first time, this morning, I call them (President Mohammadu Buhari’s team) men, they are speaking the language they ought to have spoken some 52 years ago.

They said in their comments: ‘all Nigerians will be protected wherever they are’. They also said that they have been involved with the UK government

Nkole

PDP will bounce back in 2019 – Hon. Nkole CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Buhari in terms of trade where lots of profit is to be made. If both governments and parties are involved in trade, then it will be a total abuse of process for the citizens of the country in which UK government is ben-

they are going to work out the mandate. I am presently working on a bond titled ‘Government Anti-deportation Immunity Bond’, which is going to

ing in synergy with other House members who are from the state for the welfare of the state?

Yes, the synergy is there. The eight of us are working very well and hard to make sure things go well to the much we can do to complement what his Excellency, Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu is doing. We are doing that but do not forget that we have not yet had any budget to make that

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Osinbajo efiting lots of profits from to be hated, deported or made to pass through Visa procedure.

I am aware that between now and the next three weeks, they are still having their ‘cobra meetings’, still sitting on how

Kogi, Bayelsa polls: Fear grips PDP over possible loss CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

be poised to stage a comeback at all costs.

The two former governors who are now members of the APC are Abubakar Audu for Kogi who intends on sending out incumbent Idris Wada of PDP, while in Bayelsa State, there is Timipre Sylva who was governor of the state on the ticket of the PDP before things went awry.

The party recently raised two high profile campaign teams for the two states ahead of the polls but the National Publicity Secretary of the party Olisa Metuh has cried out that the APC is bent on snatching the two states from it through the use of Federal might.

He alleged that from all indications, all arrangements had been concluded by the ruling

Idris Wada

Mahmoud Yakubu

Dickson

party to win the two states at all costs in order to weaken the PDP. But the APC had described the allegation as the figment of the imagination of the PDP saying the party was already afraid of its imminent defeat in the forth-

coming elections and merely looking for excuses.

INEC on Monday declared that 22 candidates would be contesting in Kogi State while 20 have been confirmed for Bayelsa State on the platform of their different

registered political parties The Kogi State election is slated for 21 November while Bayelsa election is scheduled for 5 December, 2015.

Some of the top contenders in the Kogi governorship race in-

clude the incumbent and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Captain Idris Wada, who will be in a tough race with a former Governor and the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abubakar Audu.

Philips Salawu, a former Deputy Governor to the immediate past Governor of the state, Ibrahim Idris, is the candidate of the Labour Party.

In Bayelsa State, the incumbent Governor, Seriake Dickson, will fly the PDP flag, while a former Governor, Timipre Sylva, is the APC flag bearer and Moses Siasia of the PDM are top contenders in the race.

While INEC said all arrangements have been concluded for a hitch free polls, the police and other security agents had equally promised that they would ensure level playing ground for all candidates.

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Nkole: APC still behaving like opposition CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

input. So by the special grace of the almighty God, the synergy is tight and we are pretty sure things will go well for the state.

Are House members from Abia State worried about the way the federal government did the recent appointments and nomination of ministers that did not favour the state?

Well for us, don’t forget we have special powers. At the horizontal level, we have the Executive, the legislative and the judicial arm of the government.

So whichever way the executive prefers to do their appointment, it is left for them, but the only worry and concern is where you talk about competence and you said we don’t have competent people in the south eastern region. That is our worry, but how the man chooses who works with him is his own problem but I know he should reflect the principles of federal character and I call on the President to be the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and not the President of a sectional interest.

You seem to be the only cock from the south east crowing in the House about condition of federal roads in the state especially in your federal constituency, Arochukwu/Ohafia. Is this not a gesture that others should follow?

I am not the cock that crows,

Nkole but every constituency has its own peculiarities. But for us, I know the greatest challenge and part of my campaign promise is to see and highlight the problems as they are concerning my constituency which is no more a road. So I think I am speaking based on the immediate need of my people. Definitely, other representatives as well have their

Buhari own peculiar problem they are tackling, but for me this is something that needs to be done in my federal constituency.

This is an era of a new Abia. How do you see the government of the day?

It is a very good thing that Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu is a young man and dynamic and someone that has interest in the state

and been around. Having been around, he is an old broom and knows the challenges that we have in Abia. So for me, it is a good thing that we support him.

For us in the National Assembly, we have our own beat to support him and that is why he has representation at every level. For us, he cannot lead alone, and we on our own part will ensure

we bring those things from the federal level to complement whatever effort he is putting in the state. I am very happy about what is happening in Aba today as the commercial nerve centre of the entire south-east and south-south where you have the largest market. So, revamping and reviving Aba after several years of decays of infrastructure is a thing that is worth it.

Is PDP as a party prepared to recapture its prestige at the federal level come next general election in 2019?

That is about party and PDP is a national party that has appeal. It carries everybody along whether you voted for them or not. The party respects geopolitical zones, it respects individuals. So across board, it is a party that is well positioned to come up again considering what has been happening in the other opposing side because they are still playing politics even when they are in the majority. They have not realised that there is no more opposition party, but they are still playing opposition politics. So it is something the public will look at and check the two sides and balance the sides of the coin.

What is your priority in your constituency apart from the issue of federal roads?

I have many priorities. Our zone is already an ecologically ravaged and disaster area. In CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

British investors ready to storm Nigeria – Prof. Thomas CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

be a piece of mandate that will assist them in putting an end to deportation of Nigerian citizens anywhere in UK. For instance, if UK Immigration brings a letter saying they want to deport Nigerians or any Commonwealth nationals, we will issue those Nigerians or Commonwealth citizens affected ‘Government Anti-deportation Immunity Bond’. They will take the piece of mandate to their High Commission here in UK, that will be signed by their Ambassadors and be sent to the airport. We will send a copy of the same letter to the British Immigration and the airline.

Then, the airline will definitely have to cancel the removal because if the airline insist on carrying the migrants on de-

portation, they will be sued for 500,000pounds.

We have to constructively assist the Nigeria High Commission and other Commonwealth nations in preparing this piece of document, which will bring an end to this oppressive-injustice. Sad thing is: I am blaming nobody for the insanity, since these men (British Immigration officers) genuinely don’t know what they are doing.

The UK Immigration officers lack political mythology, ability, since they don’t know what they are doing. Now that the knowledge has come to everybody, the oppressed should know their rights, the oppressor should also know his limitation. By the time I send you a copy of IBOPM, so you can see the contents of the 5-page documents and insights that led to

the awakening reality and consciousness account.

We hear lots of Nigerians in UK are presently celebrating this new victory over ‘Nomore UK Deportation’ Even though Nigerians in UK are truly celebrating this historic, diplomatic feat, Nigerian government is still expected to call us for proper advise consultancy, rather than meeting all those experts with advise that are not workable. We will continue to give them formulas to see that results are achieved, by educating, teaching them the lack-knowledge, that was never in educational syllabus. Since this divine knowledge is not in educational syllabus-that led to reasons why Commonwealth nations failed its citizens woefully.

Having helped to give Ni-

gerians and other Commonwealth citizens a unique voice in UK, how do you feel as a custodian of knowledge being applauded few days ago in London by Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo regarding your initiative?

I can tell you that I know I am going to die a death of peace because in my living, the healing has started. And in my death, the healing will continue. I am happy for humanity, even though I am no more existing, the teachings and doctrines will live in a new phase of generation in a revelation that will ensure humanity suffer no more. I can see that biblical ‘Garden of Eden’ come to life, such that the teachings are real.

These Nigerian political office holders I call men from today are genuinely ready to serve the

people and nation. I am happy I quoted for them a workable formula that is already generating global positive impact here in UK and among Commonwealth nations. In my living, even in their death I am very proud of them. It equally gave us much satisfaction hearing that Nigeria’s Vice President applauded our heroic role on political mythology towards Equality Bill & Enforcement Rule for Nigerians here in UK. We want Nigerian political office holders to now move from being men to ‘fullstar generals’ where they walk the talk, so Nigerians can be safe, secured anywhere in UK through our Protectorate Police Commission, where civil rights enforcement and protection of Commonwealth citizens are enCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

11 Politics

‘UK has no right to deport Nigerians’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

forceable and sacrosanct.

Don’t forget this is the first time Nigeria and other Commonwealth nations are attaining this feat. I am aware that acting Nigeria High Commissioner to UK, Ambassador Olukunle Bamgbose gave British Foreign and Commonwealth office four listed conditions that must be met by British Immigration before any issue of deportation regarding Nigerians should be discussed. He stated the mission’s opposition to the ruthless, xenophobic deportation of 29,000 Nigerians from UK., while he received Nigeria’s Vice President, he said: “I think about 29,000 Nigerians have been designated to be deported.

We are insisting that due process must be followed before Nigerians are removed from UK to Nigeria.

First, we must ensure that they are really Nigerians, then that they are medically fit to travel, all the legal processes must have been completed and that they have role to play in Nigeria. You do not expect someone who has not been to Nigeria for 30 years to 40 years and does not have any family there to be deported as he will constitute social problems to us in Nigeria.

In 2012 trade volume between the two countries was about £4bn which has doubled and with what we now have, British investors are ready to move into Nigeria in a massive way.

I expect that in the next two to three years the trade volume will triple and go to about £12bn or even more.

The willingness of the British businessmen to even want to come to Nigeria is very important because, hitherto, the way we were running the government they did not have con-

Nkole: APC still behaving like the opposition

fidence in us. Now with the new administration and the fidelity it has brought to governance, I think they are very confident that they can go into Nigeria and invest.”

Going by this noble initiative you have put in place to stop the deportation of Nigerians and other Commonwealth citizens in UK, what is your advice to Nigerian and Commonwealth Heads of Governments in ensuring this new found breakthrough is not reverted by British authorities?

First of all everyone is being taught. The political leaders are in my orthodox school of learning. The citizens are also permitted to learn from my orthodox school of clinic. The British Secretary of State last week who had earlier showed attitude of not liking the black people came on air to say the British police force has no black people and that the police force should start employing black people as part of the British police force.

Also on October 18, 2015, same British Secretary of State openly announced that all the Commonwealth nurses can now be coming to UK to work. About a month ago the British Secretary of State accepted our teachings, and I can assure you that within three to 21 days I have seen massive changes in British attitude and speech, very unlike before. It is the orthodox teaching where you cannot adapt the conventional teaching without implementing the mythology (the root).

My teaching is what you can easily call ‘The Holy Communion’. For the first time Christians and Muslims have got so much problems in the world. If the Christians are not killing Muslims, the Muslims will be killing the Christians. Religion has made politics to wear the

Nkole

Thomas

Buhari

Cameron

Osinbajo

garb of a sham. Like I always say, for the first time we are teaching the orthodox-the way of common sense, even when sense is not common. Without Holy Books referrals, one should be able to differentiate between what is good and what is bad.

How do you want other African leaders under the auspices of African Union, AU, to be part of this progressive initiative so that Africans are

no longer deported from UK? African Union Government should know that TCLP has a name, integrity, reputation as a treaty alliance commission for them in UK. We are setting up the Protectorate Police Commission, and we have the Protectorate Police officers that would be starting operation very soon to ensuring that home and persons of Commonwealth memberships are protected.

We are so happy that so many

ex-police officers are buying into the ideology. We have resumes of various highly decorated retired police officers that are ready to start working immediately, committed to protecting the Commonwealth citizens in UK. These are all top police officers that have worked for the British government, as government officials, even some of them are still in active service.

They have seen opportunities in our commission and they said they are fully ready to serve in the Protectorate Police Commission as security officers by ensuring illegal activities and covert operations are not going on. The only difference is: the British government can no longer cater for their welfare, which we are able to take good care of.

We want the African Union and Commonwealth Governments to be involved in making sure that funds are reserved to sponsor the Protectorate Police officers who would be genuinely working to protect the Commonwealth citizens.

At the moment, we need zonal operational center in UK for our Protectorate Police officers because we want them to be in the city.

And we realised that a property in the city will be costing the sum of six million pounds.

Aside that we are taking good care of the welfare of our employees, still producing instrument of law by the side. It they (African Union and Commonwealth Governments) don’t use their initiative to come to us in next two months and be kind donors to support the operation, then we will have to set up a scheme that will enable us to summon them and compel them to release funds. Truth is, without the Protectorate Police Commission, the Commonwealth citizens injustice will continue.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

view that through appropriate legislative framework, could address the issues of our challenges of lack of primary healthcare centres, education as well. I was happy when the governor unveiled that policy of adopting poorest schools approach. We have the worst set of anything you can look at in terms of federal presence, including in education. So there are things that I feel that should be corrected and this is the time to correct them now. So those three items are good. I’ve not forgotten about the

women and the youths in terms of job creation, empowerment.

Our’s is an agrarian society. So access to government finances through the banks’ loans and I look forward to see how we can partner to make sure we make things available to them so that their products can be improved upon as well as accessibility to the markets. These are the key areas I look forward so much to achieve. I also intend to run an open and transparent scholarship scheme for the indigent in my constituency.

terms of erosion, our places, our soil is such that is subject to a lot of environmental abuse, whether it is rainy or dry season. Each particular season leaves its own problem on the environment. So I expect that the requisite and needful things should be done so that we can be salvaged from the ravaging arms of gully erosion. Again the primary health centres have witnessed absolute collapse of federal presence in my constituency, so I am of the

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Court permits Dasuki to travel abroad for treatment Ï 01 ƇƈƋƆ ƇƏƆ ƅ Ə Ɔ ƈ Ɛ RƏ ƕƆè ƇƈƒƆ Ɛ ƆƏ Andrew Orolua, ƄƑƉ

ÎÎÎThe Federal High Court

sitting in Abuja on Tuesday granted the request of former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Mohammed Dasuki (rtd) to travel abroad for treatment of prostate cancer.

Justice Adeniyi Ademola gave the embattled Dasuki three weeks to travel abroad for the treatment. The accused is facing criminal charges for being in posses-

sion of fire- arms without authorisation and money laundering.

The court order followed an application filed by Dasuki’s lawyer, Mr. Joseph Daudu, SAN, who sought the release of his International Passport.

Delivering ruling on the application, Justice Adeniyi Ademola, who had earlier granted bail to Dasuki on self recognition varied the bail condition which now included a surety who will write an

undertaking to produce the accused person on the next adjourned date.

Justice Ademola also said that the surety should be ready to take the place of the accused in case the former NSA refuses to return to the country to answer charges proffered against him by the Federal Government.

In the alternative, Justice Ademola ordered that any of the senior counsel to the accused person can sign an undertaking to take his place

before the international passport of the accused is released.

In the ruling which lasted over an hour, the judge dismissed the objection of the Federal Government to the request of Dasuki, adding that it was the right of every citizen of Nigeria to choose where to seek medical attention.

He disagreed with the prosecution that the disease can be treated in Nigeria, adding that a letter from the

Chief Medical Director of the National Hospital is of no probate value because the letter did not say categorically that the disease can be treated at the hospital.

Justice Ademola dismissed the claims of the prosecution that the three weeks period if granted the accused will delay the trial, adding that from the record of the court, the delay in the trial had always been at the instance of the prosecution.

On the claim that the former NSA is being investigated for money laundering charges, Justice Ademola recalled the affidavit filed before the court by the prosecution confirmed that investigations have been concluded

and that they are ready for trial.

On the whole, Justice Adeniyi Ademola ordered the court registrar to release the travel documents of the former National Security Adviser upon the perfection of the terms attached to the order.

He ordered Dasuki to return his travel documents to the custody of the court within seventy-two hours of arrival from his trip.

Trial has been adjourned to the 26 and 27 of November 2015.

In a related development, the Federal Government on Tuesday filed 11 additional criminal counts charge Continued on page 16

NNPC cancels offshore crude refining deals Continued from page 6

Smoke billowing up into the sky as Prince Ebeano Supermarket in Lekki Phase 1, Lagos burnt… on Tuesday.

Gbajabiamila, Dogara in fresh feud Continued from page 6 functionaries of the House”, adding that in the light of the foregoing provisions of the House Rules and in line with global parliamentary tradition, “ undermining the office of the Leader or any other principal officer wouldn’t strengthen the legislature or our democracy”.

Gbajabiamila warned that the situation where any principal officer whether from the majority or minority party only knows of the appointment of committee chairmen upon the announcement on the floor of the House will not augur well for the progress of the House.

He concluded by informing the speaker that he decided to write him officially for record purposes and in

the hope that all principal officer will be accorded his or her due as enshrined in the House Rules.

However, speaking to the Daily Times, Special Adviser to the Speaker of House of Representatives, Mr. Turaki Hassan, debunked Gbajabiamila’s accusation of being side-lined in the selection of the Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the House committees.

Hassan, who emailed the letters inviting Principal Officers of the House, to a Consultative meeting of the appointment of Chairmen and Deputy Chairmen of the House Committees, said the meeting was held on October 22, at the Speaker’s office with Gbajabiamila in attendance.

The meeting, he said, was attended by all the principal

officers including the House Leader, and that the selection of the chairmen and deputies of the committees was arrived at without dissenting voice.

The Special Adviser to the Speaker said on the day the names of the Committee chairmen and deputies were announced by the Speaker at a plenary, the House Leader was present and never raised any objection.

He wondered why Gbajabiamila is now raising issues with the composition of the House committees when in actual fact as a member of the Selection Committee, he (Gbajabiamila) participated in their selection.

He said: ‘’It is curious that Hon. Gbajabiamila iis now raising issues with the composition of the House committees when indeed he

attended the meeting called by the speaker on the matter.

He participated in the meeting where the selection was made and he did not raise any objection. Even on the day when the Speaker read out the names during a plenary, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila was in the chamber.

He never raised any objection. ‘’It is surprising that out of the 10 principal officer of the House, it is only Gbajabiamila that is now raising issues on the composition of the House Committees.

Even those in his camp who are members of the Selection Committee do not have issue with the composition of the House Committees, so why is it that only Gbajabiamila that is saying that he was kept in the dark over the matter.’’

we are worried over the lingering fuel scarcity that will resurface in the country. Most of those who are selling petrol currently are few major marketers who received allocation directly on credit from Pipelines Products Marketing Company (PPMC).None of the independent marketers, depot owners and some majors are selling the products,’’ they claimed.

The marketers claimed that about 1, 700 oil workers were laid-off due to inability to meet up with their salaries.

They said that the nonpayment of the subsidy claims and inability to get products allocations from government also contributed to the mass retrenchment.

Of late fuel queues have begun to re-appear in some parts of Lagos as some stations have not been able to get new stocks.

A correspondent of News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) observed that the situation was already taking a negative toll in the petroleum business supply chain because from Egbeda to LagosAbeokuta Expressway, fuel stations were not dispensing products as at yesterday.

Motorists were seen queuing in anticipation that they

would resume sales.

The situation was chaotic at a filling station close to the local airport: long queues of vehicles compounded the traffic situation, extending to Ikeja under the bridge.

At Epe, none of the petrol stations there opened for sales, while those engaging in black market operations returned to the road to make brisk business out of the situation.

One of the station managers, who pleaded not to be named, told NAN that the situation might take a turn for the worse in few days.

He said that for now, only the NNPC was importing because major marketers had been forced to down tools as a result of the huge subsidy debt.

“At my depot, we only got about 10,000 metric tons last week and that is just about 400 trucks.

“That cannot last for this week, the same with other depots that got last week.

Unless government fulfilled its obligations to marketers, the situation will not get better,’’ he said.

The Executive Secretary of Major Oil Marketers Association of Nigeria (MOMAN), Mr. Obafemi Olawore, had in June raised alarm over the inability of Federal Government to offset over N300 billion subsidy claims.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

13 International

Egypt's el-Sissi dismisses ISIS claim it downed

People react, at an entrance of Pulkovo airport during a day of national mourning for the victims of the plane crash, outside St. Petersburg, Russia, Nov. 3, 2015.

ÏÏÏEgyptian

President AbdelFattah el-Sissi on Tuesday dismissed as "propaganda" claims

by Islamic State insurgents they brought down a Russian jetliner that crashed in the Sinai Peninsula, killing all 224 people aboard.

"When there is propaganda that it crashed because of ISIS, this is

one way to damage the stability and security of Egypt and the image of Egypt," Sissi told the BBC, using an acronym for the Islamic State group.

"Believe me, the situation in Sinai, especially in this limited area, is under our full control," he said.

Meanwhile, investigators in

Egypt began their examination of the flight recorders recovered from the wreckage of the Metrojet A-321 and Russian families began the sad process of identifying 140 bodies that were transported home to St. Petersburg.

A Russian emergency official said 10 of the crash victims had

been identified. In addition, more than 100 parts of bodies, personal belongings and documents have been recovered the desert crash site.

The plane went down Saturday over the Sinai about 20 minutes after takeoff from the airport at the Egyptian resort town of Sharm el-Sheikh on a flight to St. Petersburg. Three Ukrainians and a Belarussian were among the fatalities.

Russian transportation officials say the cockpit voice and flight data recorders recovered from the jetliner sustained only "minor" damage.

Cairo said Egyptian and Russian investigators are examining the so-called black boxes.

German and French specialists from Airbus, the plane's manufacturer, and from Ireland, where the plane was registered, are also looking at the flight recorders for clues to the cause of the accident.

One investigator said the initial analysis showed the plane was not struck from the outside and the pilot did not make a distress call before the plane disappeared from flight controllers' radar. Cairo and Moscow have played down claims from Egypt's Islamic State branch that it downed the plane.

UN: 200,000 migrants crossed mediterranean in October

ÏÏÏThe

United Nations says more than 218,000 migrants crossed the Mediterranean Sea during the month of October, more than the total amount of migrants that crossed in all of last year.

The U.N. refugee agency says 210,265 people crossed the sea from Turkey to Greece last month and another 8,129 travelled from North Africa to Italy. The UNHCR estimates that in 2014 about 216,000 people crossed the Mediterranean with another 3,000 crossing Turkey's land border. Most of the recent arrivals have been in Greece, where the daily rate peaked at 10,006 people on October 20.

"We are in a period of record numbers of forced displacements globally," said UNHCR Spokesman Adrian Edwards. "It is a new phenomenon that we will have to deal with. This is a phenomenon that isn't going away quickly."

On Monday, Eurogroup chairman Jeroen Dijsselbloem said fallout from the migrant crisis could affect the budget of some countries, like debt-ridden Greece.

Africa supports homegrown strike force

14 kidnapped aid British lawmakers reject extension of Syria war ÏÏÏBacked by tanks, armored and plenty of EU cash, workers released ÏÏÏA key committee in Britain's the civil war that has persisted in In Iraq, Britain and the U.S. have vehicles thousands of African soldiers took parliament issued a report Tues- Syria since March 2011. been joined by Australia, Belgium, on an imaginary enemy in the arid in Congo On the legality of operating in Canada, Denmark, France, Jordan heart of South Africa last week, day saying lawmakers will not ÏÏÏFourteen

aid workers kidnapped two days ago by unidentified assailants in the eastern Rutshuru region of Democratic Republic of Congo have been released, the United Nations said on Tuesday.

Dozens of people have been kidnapped in Rutshuru this year by armed militias and criminal gangs. The area is still plagued by rebel groups following a 1998 to 2003 war that killed millions, mostly from hunger and disease.

The group of 14 kidnapped on Sunday were employees of a Congolese non-governmental organization.

"We are very happy to learn that the 14 aid workers kidnapped on Sunday have been released," the U.N. Office for the Coordination of Humanitarian Affairs (OCHA) in Congo said on its Twitter feed.

Local government officials could not be reached for comment.

A spokesman for OCHA did not immediately have further details on the circumstances of the release, nor could he confirm their nationality.

support expanding airstrikes into Syria unless Prime Minister David Cameron's government answers a number of questions about the legal, political and military risks.

Britain has been a part of the U.S.-led coalition conducting airstrikes against Islamic State militants in Iraq, but Cameron has failed to gain enough support to send forces to Syria on the same mission.

The Commons Foreign Affairs Committee highlighted the need to focus on finding a political solution to Syria's crisis and said British airstrikes could both hurt that effort and the country's standing in possible negotiations.

"We consider that the focus on the extension of airstrikes against ISIL (Islamic State) in Syria is a distraction from the much bigger and more important task of finding a resolution to the conflict in Syria and thereby removing one of the main facilitator's of ISIL's rise," the committee said.

The report also stressed the need for "a coherent international strategy that has a realistic chance" of defeating the militants and ending

Syria, the committee noted that while Iraq invited coalition airstrikes to back its beleaguered forces, Syria has only explicitly allowed Russia to fly in its airspace.

Russia began its Syrian operations in late September, something the report said has only further complicated a conflict with no shortage of players and "appeared to limit the options available to others."

In 2013, British lawmakers rejected the government's proposal to launch airstrikes in Syria, and Tuesday's report recommends it not try again without answering a total of seven questions. Those include identifying what ground troops would seize and hold any territory captured from Islamic State militants.

Cameron said during a July interview with NBC's Meet The Press that Britain was committed to defeating the militants in both Iraq and Syria, but would not expand into Syria without the backing of parliament.

"I want Britain to do more," he said. "I'll always have to take my parliament with me."

and the Netherlands in conducting more than 5,000 airstrikes since August 2014. In Syria, the operation began a month later and has included about 2,700 airstrikes from the U.S., Australia, Bahrain, Canada, France, Jordan, Saudi Arabia, Turkey and the United Arab Emirates.

The result has been limited progress in both countries, with government forces, pro-government fighters and Kurdish forces taking back some territory from the Islamic State group, but with the militants still controlling major cities and other areas in Iraq and Syria.

Cameron

the last joint exercises before a homegrown continental strike force goes live.

Standing on far-away hilltops, commanders peered through night vision goggles and issued orders through helmet-mounted radios to the 5,400 troops simulating a dawn assault on rebels in the fictitious city of Kalasi marked out in the bush. The orderly maneuvers and high-tech kit elicited purrs of approval from military chiefs who tout the rapid-reaction battalion - a key part of a long-awaited African Standby Force (ASF) - as the antidote to insurrections spiraling into civil war or even genocide.

"This is an important milestone in our endeavour to create a tool that will be at our disposal should we require to intervene to quell violence," South African Defense Minister Nosiviwe Mapisa-Nqakula said at an opening parade.

But analysts say the ASF, which attains "full operational capability" in December, still faces two major challenges: funding, and forging the political agreement among 54 countries to send in troops - if need be without being invited.

News14

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Ihedioha denies plans to dump PDP

Egena Egena

Oyetubo Olabimpe

du Buhari has called President Alassane Ouattara of Cote d’Ivoire to congratulate him on his election victory.

In the telephone conversation, according to a statement by the Senior Special Assistnat to the President on Media and Publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, Buhari described the election as “a major victory for democracy.”

The statement added: “The President also praised Ivorians for the peaceful conduct of the election, noting that it

ÏÏÏFormer Deputy Speak-

er, House of Representatives and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship candidate in Imo State, Mr. Emeka Ihedioha has described as false, a statement credited to Governor Rochas Okorocha that he had asked him to join the All Progressives Congress (APC) and become Senate President.

Okorocha, while giving account of his stewardship for past four years, on Monday, stated that the Ihedioha would still have been relevant in politics today if he had accepted his plea for him to contest the senatorial seat of Owerri zone, in order to become the Senate President.

Reacting in a statement by his Ihedioha’s Media Assistant, Chibuike Onyeukwu, described Okorocha’s

statement as diversionary and false in its entirety and something that could only come from a feeble mind.

Ihedioha stated that Okorocha did not visit him before the elections to plead with him to jettison his ambition.

“The only time Governor Okorocha visited me was in 2013 in company of Senator Osita Izunaso to condole with me on the death of my younger sister,” adding that there was no way they could have discussed politics on such solemn occasion.

The statement further added: “Even if he did, Chief Ihedioha wouldn’t have yielded to his ill-informed advice because the entire Imo citizens yearned, and still yearn for the former Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives to address the untold hardship that has ravaged the

state based on his sterling qualities and track record of achievements.

“It is unfortunate that the courts couldn’t consider our petition against the declaration of Governor Okorocha by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) as the winner of the polls, which would have exposed the fraud and massive rigging that skewed the election in favour of the APC.” He said that he had no intention to leave his party for any other party including the APC, adding that he would remain a committed and consistent member of the party, since, according to him, “the PDP remains the only national party that has the spread and capacity to deepen our democracy, sustain the unity and development of our dear country, Nigeria.”

Ihedioha stated that rather than fruitlessly engage in diversionary antics, “Governor Okorocha should concentrate on how to address the mounting issues of hunger; over nine months of workers’ salary and 20 months pension arrears, industrial actions, collapsed economy and comatose state of infrastructure under his watch.”

Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident Muhamma-

NSCDC lost two staff to Boko Haram insurgency Tom Garba Yola Ihedioha

Director, Corporate Communications & CSR, Airtel Nigeria, Emeka Oparah (left) and Governor of Sokoto State, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal during the presentation of Association of Telecoms Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) Merit Award for Airtel Nigeria to mark ATCON 21st Anniversary dinner in Lagos… recently

ÏÏÏThe Nigeria Security

and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) through its Public Relation Officer, Abdullahi Mairali, has said that the agency had lost two personnel to Boko Haram insurgency in Adamawa State.

He said that an affiliate of the United Nations had trained officers of NSCDC in Adamawa State on effective management of internally displaced persons.

Mairali told journalists, on Tuesday, that 30 officers had

ÏÏÏLagos State Governor,

’Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÏÏÏThere

are indication that a new helmsman might likely emerged for the Pan-Yoruba socio-political group, Afenifere, after the resignation of its Chairman, Pa Reuben Fasoranti, on Sunday, last week, in Akure, the Ondo state capital.

It was gathered that leaders of the group had started deliberating on the person that would succeed Pa Fasoranti who cited age as one of the reasons for his exit

from the foremost organisation.

Daily Times gathered that leaders of the group had already billed a meeting at the home of Pa Rueben Fasoranti for today (Wednesday), where a new course would be charted on the way forward.

The purported internal crisis rocking the organisation would also be discussed at the meeting.

Sources told the Daily Times that those who might likely attend today’s meeting would be core leaders of

the group.

One of the sources said the outcome of the meeting would later be communicated to the members of the group through a joint communiqué. The group’s Secretary General, Sehinde Arogbofa, had told some journalists that top on the agenda of today’s meeting would be how to address the claims of disunity among its members as stated in Fasoranti’s resignation later.

Arogbofa added that the meeting would be strictly for its members.

Children and aides of Pa Reuben Fasoranti have been barring journalists who had mounted surveillance around his compound from gaining access to him.

The mobile line of the elder statesman also remained switched off since Sunday evening while text messages sent to it were undelivered.

But a member of the group told journalists that Fasoranti was “actually indisposed and on medication”, which was the reason he had remained incommunicado.

was a clear indication that the people of the West African country are prepared to live with one another in peace and harmony.

“President Buhari told President Ouattara that his re-election for a second five-year term was an opportunity to continue leading Cote d’Ivoire along the path to greatness, in peace and tranquillity. He wished him a successful second term in office.” benefited from the training.

Mairali said the training would enhance the capacity of the officers and inspire quality service delivery in managing displaced persons.

"I was a participant. I’ve learnt a lot. The resource person was from Armenia, who knew much about disaster and humanitarian situation in Nigeria and Africa", he stated.

He noted that NSCDC had a mandate to carry out dual role of providing security as well as humanitarian services at the IDPs camps.

He appreciated the synergy among the officers and their counterparts from the military, police and other security agencies in the fight against insurgency.

Lagos moves to intensify security surveillance across metropolis

Ogunyem Esther

Afenifere: New chair may emerge today

Buhari calls Ouattara over election victory

Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday, presided over the State Security Council meeting with an assurance to the people of the state that the government would increase security surveillance across the metropolis and continuously raid identified hideouts of criminals.

Commissioner of Police, Mr. Fatai Owoseni, who spoke to Government House Correspondents shortly after the meeting which lasted for over three hours, said the Council deliberated on the security challenges and trends confronting the state and the strategies to address them, especially as the festive period approached.

He added that the Council also reviewed the security architecture of the state and resolved to improve upon the strategies and tech-

niques to wage war against all forms of criminal activities, especially traffic-jam robberies.

“We looked again at the margin of security challenges and trends that we are facing in Lagos and the need to rededicate ourselves.

“The Council also said that there was a need for us to re-commit our personnel to addressing these challenges with a view to ensuring that as we approached the Christmas period, we would be able to at least reduce the crimes and criminalities in the state to the bearest minimum and to reassure our people in Lagos that the government was committed to their safety,” he said.

Owoseni said the Council also appraised the activities of the security agencies and came to a conclusion that within the past few days, there had been a reduction in some of these incidents.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

15 Opinion

BIAFRA: Dealing with causes of discontent

T Sunday Onyemaechi Eze

here is a time in the life of a nation when the bitter truth of her nationhood is told.

Any nation that takes freedom, equality, equity, justice and fairness for granted must brace up for the winter of discontent at any moment. We live in an ostentatious society where we are required to erroneously believe that all is well among the ethnic nationalities. There is no love lost between Nigerians and the ethnic tripods upon which the country stands. The bogus sense of love and unity bandied around is discernable even to the uninformed. The reality happens to be that of a sick nation in dire need of “truth” as a life support.

Nigeria needs a balm: the type made in Gilead to be able to heal her festering wounds and infirmities. As an entity, we have pretended for too long. The height of our hypocrisy has become diminutive and an outlandish way of solving gnawing national problems.

Early in the life of Nigeria, there was mutual suspicion of political and economic dominance of some ethnic nationalities against each other. At independence, an established huge crack on the wall of national cohesion was already visible and threatening. Owing to the sublime desire for self-gover-

nance, the nation brushed aside very serious contentious national issues such as ethnic and national diversity, and agreed form of government, revenue sharing formula etc. The country forgot or refused to resolve them after clinching the coveted independence trophy. Many years after, the country is beginning to be haunted by these simmering challenges.

The discordant tunes by leaders of the three major ethnic groups and the political developments before and after independence were good indicators that our union of expediency. Their views on the unity of Nigeria were contradictory. First, “Nigeria is not a nation. It is a geographical expression. The word Nigeria is merely a distinctive appellation to distinguish those who live within the boundaries of Nigeria from those who do not.” – Obafemi Awolowo. Second, “It is better we disintegrate in peace and not in pieces.” - Nnamdi Azikiwe. Third, “Let us understand our differences. I am a Muslim and a northerner. You are a Christian, an Easterner and by understanding our differences, we can build unity in our country.” - Ahmadu Bello.

The effect of this disharmony, lack of trust and cohesion shoved the nation into the ill-fated wild, wild West crisis of 1962 and the attempted break away in 1966 of the South-East resulting in

a civil war.

Now, old and emerging trends of discontents across the land ably represented by Boko Haram and their ruthless trademark of massacre of more than 10, 000 people in the North-East; the agitation for resource control in the Niger-Delta and the new mantra for self-determination by MASSOB and the Indigenous People of Biafra(IPOB), have menacingly emerged. The reincarnation of the vanquished and forgotten “secessionist ideology” has really found a new lease of life in Nnamdi Kanu.

Before his arrest Nnamdi was a thorn in the flesh of government and one man- energetic- squad pushing for the realisation of Biafra through his radio station and other activities. His mass medium is a vociferous channel for chastising the Nigerian government, which he labeled a “Zoo.” The approach to views expressed by these groups might have defied rational reasoning and the best standards of civilised articulation of opinions but they are all by-products of the pre and post-independence era blunders that should be urgently addressed. This piece aligns with avid proponents of a united and indivisible Nigeria, but these clear snags should no longer hold the nation hostage.

Clear conscience fears no accusa-

tion. How come previous and present Nigerian governments fret at the sight, perception or hearing of any agitation aimed at bringing to light the level of inequality and injustice permeating the land? The world over, agitation either for self- determination or any attempts by groups to draw the attention of government to their plight is never a crime. At no time did England hound Alex Salmond for championing the independence of Scotland from Britain. Salman Rushdie once enthused that; “two things form the bedrock of any society - freedom of expression and rule of law. If you don’t have those things; you don’t have a free country.”

Many will definitely disagree with views of some “dissidents” on certain issue but their harmless positions are inalienable in a democratic dispensation. A man considered a terrorist in Israel is a hero in Gaza or Palestine.

No amount of pressure or application of raw force will stifle agitations for fairness and inclusiveness in governance. It will rather strengthen it, attracts for them sympathy from international community or worse still aggravates the entire issue.

Consequently, a lot more of national dialogue designed to untie recurring knotty national issue should be embraced by President Buhari.

Buhari and immunity proposal by National Assembly

I

Kolawole Olaniyan

magine that members of the 8th National Assembly had announced during the recent general election campaigns exactly how they were going to tear up section 308 of the 1999 Constitution (which protects the president, vice president, governors and their deputies against civil and criminal proceedings while they are in office) to grant their leaders immunity from prosecution for corruption and money laundering.

Had they done this, it is certain that they would not have been elected (or re-elected) in a free and fair election. But a few months after becoming members’ of the 8th National Assembly they announced through the Minority Leader of the House of Representatives, Mr. Leo Ogor that they would begin the process of constitution amendment to grant the Senate President, his deputy, Speaker of the House of Representatives and deputy immunity from prosecution for corruption and money laundering.

According to reports, extending constitutional immunity to these officials is the only way to counter what they see as ‘the constant external influence and manipulations in the choice of presiding officers of the National Assembly.’

This immunity initiative is coming

on the heels of the trial of the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki on 13 counts of false assets declaration before the Code of Conduct Tribunal.

The immunity initiative looks like a revenge job, and one for selfaggrandisement.

Yet, the success of President Muhammadu Buhari’s proclaimed fight against corruption hinges on his not only ‘integrity record’ or members of his cabinet but also the collective involvement of all branches of government, especially the National Assembly and the judiciary.

What the National Assembly is doing is at odds with the ‘anticorruption agenda’ of Buhari and the ‘political change’ that Nigerians voted for. This is like taking Nigeria back to the Middle Ages. In addition, it clearly undermines the rule of law as it portrays the lawmakers as being above the law.

It is double standard to make laws to regulate others while tearing up the constitution to be free of regulation.

The 1999 Constitution (as amended) recognises the role of the National Assembly to “make laws for the peace, order and good governance of the Federation.” This suggests that when it comes to issue of corruption, members of the eighth National Assembly should worry less about their own interest and more about

the citizens who are the real victims of corruption.

As a law-making body, its purpose ought to be to rid the country of impunity for those who will commit high-level corruption, with a philosophy that does not recognise immunity or give leeway to the most powerful or influential.

Extending rather than limiting immunity from prosecution for corruption involving parliamentarians is a licence to impunity and lawbreaking.

Parliamentarians promoting and granting immunity to themselves can only serve to launder the rule of the powerful rather than the rule of law.

In addition, it is inconsistent with the United Nations Convention against Corruption to which Nigeria is a signatory. The convention requires Nigeria to achieve “appropriate balance between any immunities” and to “ensure effective investigation, prosecution and adjudication of corruption offences.”

Part of making laws for good governance of Nigeria is to serve the desire of victims of corruption for accountability, for justice, for dignity, and the members of the 8th National Assembly will be fulfilling their constitutional role by, for example, addressing as a central priority the situation of victims of corruption including by clearing the way through

public hearings and progressive legislation that can provide legal standing and access to effective remedies for victims of corruption.

It is not by clinging to whatever will shield them from their perceived political foes that members of the eighth National Assembly will better perform their law-making role.

After all, there is always the judiciary and due process of law to take care of any perceived abuse of anticorruption laws by the authorities.

If only members of the eighth National Assembly can grasp the thinnest slice, of what victims of corruption experience they will re-think their proposal.

In his seminal work “The Anatomy of Courage” Lord Moran observed what seems so obvious to us now, that “Courage is a moral quality; it is not a chance gift of nature like an aptitude for games. It is a cold choice between two alternatives…Courage is will power.” It is to be hoped that members of the 8th National Assembly will have the courage to drop this out-of-fashion-immunity-proposal for the ‘love of the country’ and its impoverished citizens.

In addition, President Buhari should be aware that the immunity initiative poses serious risks to his anticorruption agenda, and the likelihood of it being compromised is very high.

News 16

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Not all ministers will get portfolio, Buhari insists

...As Saraki submits names of ministers designate Egena Egena, Abuja

ÎÎÎPresident Muhammadu

Buhari on Tuesday insisted that some ministers in his cabinet would only be attending cabinet meetings as representatives of their states as stipulated by the constitution.

He said his decision was based on the current economic realities, noting that while the constitution made it mandatory to appoint ministers from the 36 states, it did not say there must be 36 ministries.

Buhari spoke in his office

when he received the list of ministers designate from the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, following the conclusion of screening of the ministerial nominees by the upper legislative chamber.

He said: “I thank you, the President of the Senate, for the work of the Senate leadership in our strive to follow the constitutional provision that the President should submit the names of those he wants to form the cabinet.

“If I can remember, there must be a member from each of the 36 states. That was why I limited the number of

my nominees to that number, 36.

“The Senate worked extremely hard and they have passed all the nominees. I think there is some enthusiasm in some parts of the Presidency today that portfolios are to be given to the 36.

“The constitution certainly said there must be one member of the cabinet from all the states but the constitution did not say I must have 36 ministries.

“I will explain that details.

Because of the economic imperative, to have a lot of ministers, substantive min-

isters, let me put it that way, whatever somebody speculated in some of today’s (Tuesday’s) newspapers, I think that the economy as I have seen it now since my sitting here for the last four months, that we are so much battered.

“Mr. Senate President, I thank you very much for leading the Senate to do this hard work technically within record time. ‘’I assure you that we will follow the constitution and all the 36 will be sitting in the cabinet as the constitution stipulates.”

From Left: President, Lagos Court of Arbitration, Mr Olasupo Shasore; Guest Speaker, Mrs. Olufunke Adekoya (SAN); Majority Leader, House of Representatives, Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila; Executive Secretary, Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission, Mrs. Uju Hassan Baba and former Majority Leader of the Senate, Sen. Victor Ndoma-Egba, during the 2015 Annual Conference of the Chartered Institute of Arbitrators, in Abuja...on Tuesday

The President also insisted that his point blank remarks on the state of the nation’s economy did not amount to ‘demarketing the country as alleged by the opposition.

According to him, any investor seeking to invest in Nigeria already knew more than enough about the real strength of the nation’s economy.

His remarks to that effect published in some media last weekend had come under poignant criticisms by the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) which alleged that he was ‘demarketing’ the country by his negative utterances on the nation’s economy.

“Although some people are saying I am giving bad publicity and scaring away investors. ‘’Any investor who is interested in investing in Nigeria will seem to know more about the economy more than ourselves. So when I come and tell the truth about the position of the economy of the country, I am going out looking for investors.

“But I am confirming to them that we are truthful, that we need them to come and help us by getting involved in industries, manufacturing and services.

“They know our needs.

The economy of human resources, I believe will make them eventually come and help us,” according to President Buhari.

In a brief remarks before

handing the names of the ministers designate to Buhari, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, said though the screening exercise was concluded last Thursday, Senate Rules demanded that the votes and proceedings had to be approved on the next legislative day before the list could be transmitted back to the executive.

“Mr. President, we have finished the screening of the last batch of the ministers on Thursday and we waited for our votes and proceedings today which we finished this morning.

“I want to formally present the list of the 18 ministers who have now been cleared to you and that makes a total of all your 36 nominees that have been cleared by the Senate, the Senate President stated.

Saraki arrived the Presidential Villa about 2:56pm for the meeting that was scheduled for 3pm.

He was accompanied by his Chief of Staff, Isa Galaudu and the two Senior Special Assistants to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang (Senate) and Hon. Suleiman Kawu (House of Representatives).

Fielding questions from journalists after the closed door meeting that followed the submission of the ministerial list, Saraki said the job of screening was made easy for the Senate because most of the nominees were elegantly qualified for the job.

Court permits Dasuki to travel abroad for treatment Continued from page 12 against former Head of Service of the Federation, Steve Oronsaye, and five others before a Federal High Court sitting in Abuja for alleged procurement fraud involving the sum of N161,472,000 million biometric enrolment contract in 2010.

The Federal Government through the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) had earlier filed 24-count charge against the Oronsaye and two other defendants over alleged fraud and money laundering offences involving N1.2bn.

But at the resumption of hearing on Tuesday, the pros-

ecution counsel, Mr. Adebisi Adeniyi, informed the trial judge, Justice Gabriel Kolawole, that he had filed an amended charge, and sought for an adjournment to serve the charge on three new codefendants who have been included in the fresh charge.

With the filing of the amended charge, the initial 24-counts charge has jumped to 35-counts, while the number of defendants increased from three to six.

The amended charge dated November 2, 2015 has the following defendants: Stephen Oronsaye (1st), Osarenkhoe Afe (2nd), Global Services Limited (3rd), Cluster Logistics Limited (4th), Kangolo

Dynamic Cleaning Limited (5th) and Drew Investment and Construction Company Limited.

Objecting the process of filing the amended charge, Oronsaye’s lawyer, Mr. Adebayo Okeaya-Inneh (SAN), said that the prosecution “cannot file an amended charge without a prior formal application to so.”

Ruling on the application, Justice Kolawole said the prosecution could bring an amended charge at the stage of the proceedings without any formal application for leave of court to do so.

He, however, criticised the prosecution’s sudden realisation that it needed to file an

amended charge when it was less than 24 hours to the date that had been fixed for the commencement of trial.

Consequently, Justice Kolawole adjourned the matter till November 25, 2015, to enable the prosecution to serve the fresh charges on the new co-defendants for them to take their pleas.

It would be recalled that the Oronsaye and the two other accused persons had all pleaded not guilty to the 24 counts preferred against them when they appeared before Justice Kolawole in July, 2015.

Shortly after their arraignment, Justice Kolawole released them to go home,

pending the hearing of their bail application scheduled for July 21.

But the judge ordered that their release would be effective upon filing of a written undertaking by the defence counsel within 48 hours and an assurance to produce the accused persons in court at the next hearing date.

The accused persons were alleged to have collaborated in defrauding the Federal Government to the tune of N118,992,201.6 under the guise of paying the money in tranches for the contract of biometric data capture project between March 2010 and December 2011.

The fraud was allegedly

perpetrated through the award and payment for fake contracts to nine companies including, Innovative Solutions, Fredrick Hamilton Global Services, Xangee Technologies Limited, Fatideck Ventures, Obalando Nigeria Enterprises, Moshfad Enterprises and Fesbee Global Resources Limited.

Other companies through which the accused persons allegedly siphoned the money from the Federal Government included Jolance Integrated Concept Limited and M.OF Investment Limited.

One other person, who was allegedly involved in the fraud, Abdulrasheed Maina, was said to be on the run.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Business Times Æ s Friday Atufe with agency report Forty four insurance companies have dragged the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) to the Tax Appeal Tribunal to seek for refund of N1.1 billion excess stamp duties.

The companies alleged that they were made to pay the excess stamp duties on their respective statements of increase in their share capitals.

They urged the tribunal to direct FIRS to pay them the excess stamp duties and compounded interest at the rate of 20 per cent per annum from January 2003 until date of judgment.

The plaintiffs also urged the tribunal to order FIRS to pay compounded interest of 10 per cent from the date of judgment until all excess were refunded.

Meanwhile, the FIRS has said that its action is lawful and in accordance with Section 21, CAP 8 of the Stamp Duties Act. The FIRS said that the allegations by the companies

44 companies sue FIRS over N1.1 bn excess stamp duties were incorrect, adding that the plaintiffs suit was time barred because it had exceeded the 21 days prescribed by law for them to appeal.

It, therefore, urged the tribunal to strike out the appeal for lack of merit.

We learnt that when the matter came up for hearing, Counsel to the insurance companies, Prof. Taiwo Osipitan (SAN), closed his case.

Also, Counsel to FIRS, Bolanle Oniyangi, applied for a date to enable her field the defence witnesses.

The Acting Chairman of the tribunal, Nnamdi Ibegbu (SAN), adjourned the appeal till Nov. 30, for further

TUC kicks against jumbo pay for retiring NERC board members Joy Ekeke

Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC) has kicked against a resolution by the board of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to pay the sum of N2.7bn to just seven of its members whose five-year tenure will expire on December 2, 2015.

The Congress said it considered the report as one of the most expensive jokes in recent times, reminiscent only of the best offerings of the most talented stand-up comedians.

It said, “the sum of N400 million is said to be projected for the Chairman of the Commission and N380 million for other members of the board,” remarking that this is happening at a time when both the federal and state governments are crying themselves hoarse over their financial challenges.

It noted that this could best be described as the peak of insensitivity and cruelty. “How and why on earth should seven government employees expect to be paid salaries upfront for two years after leaving office during which they would not be eligible to work in the power sector?

17

Worse still is the fact that the colossal sum of money, curiously termed ‘severance and gratuity,’ includes the cost of their ‘official’ cars, phone calls, electricity, rebate allowances, etc. for those port-service years,” TUC said.

“To start with, how much does an average retiring civil servant who has served the country for good 35 years get as severance benefits and gratuity? How justifiable is it for board members of a commission that tactfully mid-wived the ripping-off of Nigerians be paid such bogus and mind boggling sum of money for mere five-year ‘service’ to their fatherland? Why must the people at the lower rung of the ladder always be made to subsidize the greedy and insatiable appetites of the privileged few?”

“We hear that the NERC board members premised their claim to their proposed self-aggrandisement on the argument that their predecessors also received such largesse. If that is true, why so? Why should people in authority in these climes prefer such obnoxious conduct instead of emulating laudable, commendable, goodly and godly virtues?’’

L-R Biyi Mabadeje, Former Commissioner of Science and Technology, Lagos State; Lola Masha, Country Manager, OLX, Jameelah Ayedun, MD/CEO, CR Services and CSP Charles Okafor during the OLXMomo press conference held recently in Lagos.

Crude oil prices appreciate amidst glut

Funmi Coker

Prices of crude oil appreciated yesterday against the backdrop of glut in supply and worries about a fragile demand outlook.

Despite this negative outlook, price of Brent crude futures were up 33 cents at 49.12 dollars while U.S. crude futures were up 39 cents 46.53 dollars per barrel.

It was learnt that gulf oil producers were delaying some field maintenance until next year to keep production high and reduce costs as they forecast ongoing low oil prices in 2016.

Goldman Sachs said in a note yesterday that an expected low U.S. oil production as a result of low prices was unlikely to significantly dent a glut.

“Our framework suggests that (U.S.) production would drop by 35,000 barrels per day in 2016 at the current rig count under our well deferral scenario. This is more than the 20,000 barrels per day year-on-year decline estimated a week ago,” Goldman Sachs said.

It noted that even in the United

States there are indications that production could rise.

“A rapid draw-down of the observed backlog of uncompleted wells could lead to higher production later this year and in 2016,” it said.

U.S. crude oil stockpiles likely rose by 2.7 million barrels last week, growing for a sixth consecutive week as supply outstrips demand, a media poll showed.

The American Petroleum Institute (API) was expected to issue its preliminary inventory data on yesterday before official numbers today from the U.S. government.

Olivier Jakob at Swiss-based research group Petromatrix said that the expectation of some inventory draws at the Cushing oil hub might support the oil price.

In a related development, about 19 million barrels of Nigerian crude oil for November loading are struggling to find buyers as Asian and European refiners have either started looking further ahead or turned to closer and increasingly cheaper crude oil grades.

Traders said the surplus cargoes of Nigerian crude oil were

slow to clear but Angolan crudes fared better because of patronage

by Chinese buyers.

“The outlook for Nigeria is not fantastic,” one trader told Reuters. “Demand has slowed down massively.”

The United States, which had been a keen buyer in recent weeks, is now turning cold on West African grades.

“September and October were the peak arbitrage months,” one trader said of the Africa to United States flow. “There’s been a drop off in the (crude) we’re seeing go to the U.S.” Chinese buying, along with other Asian tenders, had absorbed more of the December Angolan programme, traders said.

Despite the current setback Nigeria is expected to see some stability and predictability in her crude oil sales in January when lifting contract for the 2015/2016 programme comes to force.

The assurance of an end to the era of overhang comes as the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) recently opened bid for potential crude term contracts winners.

Aviation 18

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

SAHCOL boss laments high tariff on handling equipment Stories by Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

The managing director of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Limited SAHCOL Dr. Olu Owolabi labi has decried the high cost of tariff in purchasing ground handling equipment.

Speaking exclusively in his office at the cargo complex in Lagos, Dr. Owolabi said the high tariffs on imports has remained the greatest challenge in cargo handling.

According to the SAHCOL boss, the company recently acquired some state of the art equipment for the handling of the South African Airways that was making a debut in to Abuja airport, got the handling equipment at a very high tariff cost While condemning the high

Owolabi

FAAN, ACI sign MoU The Managing Director/ Chief Executive, Engr. Dunoma Saleh, at the just concluded 24th Airports Council International (ACI) Africa Annual Assembly, Regional Conference and Exhibition in Hammamet, Tunisia signed a Memorandum of Understanding with Airports Council International (ACI) on behalf of Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria, for the training of Staff of the Authority by ACI. This capacity building exercise is in line with the Authority’s resolve to further equip and widen the intellectual capacity of staff with new trends in the aviation industry.

According to Engr. Dunoma, training of operational staff had become inevitable because, globally, safety had become a major concern that needed to be addressed urgently, through the re-awakening of staff consciousness in ensuring safety and security at our airports.

This is aside from the fact that the ACI training is in compliance with the recommended practise of International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO).

He commended the Airports Council International for the initiative on Airports Excellence in Safety (APEX) programme.

sssss

A total of 18 air traffic engineers in the Nigerian Airspace Management Agency (NAMA) are to be decorated with the Air Traffic Safety Electronics Personnel (ATSEP) Licence by the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA).

This is just as the air traffic engineers drawn from various airports across the country successfully passed their practical and written examinations conducted recently by the regulatory authority. Prior to this examination, they had also successfully undergone a threemonth ATSEP License Preparatory Course between July and October, 2015, at the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology (NCAT), Zaria.

The ATSEP course which came in Seven Modules treated topics in Meteorology, Avionics,

18 NAMA engineers gets ATSEP licence Aircraft Systems, Air Traffic Control Operations, Aeronautical Communications, Navaids, Surveillance and Electromechanical systems.

In a statement, the Managing Director of NAMA Engr. Ibrahim Abdulsalam, congratulated the engineers for “displaying extreme commitment to the goal of improved air safety in Nigeria by taking their studies seriously’’. Engr. Abdulsalam noted “with major milestones so far recorded by the agency in digitalizing Air Traffic Management in the country as evident in the deployment of ADS-C/ CPDLC and Safe Towers in the nation’s airspace, management has no option than to adequately build technical and operational capacity to man these new technologies in line with world best practices.’’

tariff cost, Owolabi called on government to address the situation urgently to save the handling companies from collapse especially with the high rate of foreign exchange that has affected imports and exports.

Dr. Owolabi who noted that there has been increase in export in recent time urged, the Standard Organizations of Nigeria (SON) to be proactive by embarking on enlightenment programme for farmers at the grass root on the type of farm produce to be cultivated for export and packaging.

According to him, the days of exporting rotten products were over in the country and appealed to all agents at the airports not to frustrate exporters by introducing bottle neck with the introduction of different forms of levies.

Dr. Owolabi regretted that packaging companies in the country has not been able to live up to expectation in packaging farm produce and urged them to double up.

While calling on government to stop paying lip services to cargo business but to create a common warehouse for farmers to evacuate their farm produce, Owolabi urged FAAN to build locations for cargo pickups for onward movement to farmers.

The SAHCOL boss noted that foreign airlines have been landing in the country with heavy tonnages while they go back empty and challenged exporters to take the advantage to negotiate with these carriers as low as fifty percent to convey their goods abroad as against the airlines going back empty.

Aviation cooperative gets 600 new members ÏƆ Ə Əƍ ƎƄ Ƒƍ Ɗ Additional 600 members have joined the Federal Ministry of Transport/aviation, FAAN, NCAA, NAMA, AIB & Allied organisations multipurpose cooperative society in Lagos in the past one year bringing the total membership to 2,600.

The president of the cooperatives, Prince Joel Adeyemi who disclosed this to aviation correspondents shortly after inaugurating its cooperatives showroom at the airport urged, members to be more committed and judicious in the use of loans acquired from the cooperatives.

According to Prince Adeyemi, six percent interest rate was charged by the cooperatives on any loans obtained while N100m was given out on monthly basis to members as loans to improve on their status.

He noted that determination, team playing, hard work and dedication has kept the cooperatives growing, saying, that it’s management has put in place a mechanism to check loan payment defaults.

On the newly commissioned storey building showroom, Prince Adeyemi noted that the project which has rooms and other facilities was started halls, rooms and offices, took five

months to be constructed to address the welfare and needs of its members with easy access to secure home appliances, food items and other materials to be sourced directly from manufactures will attract reasonable prices.

He attributed the growth of the cooperatives to what he called systematic failure in the system and economy of the country.

Prince Adeyemi said no kobo was borrowed from the bank for its construction.

Adeyemi, President Aviation Cooperatives.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

19 Interview

Ntel will focus on 4G market over next 5 years— Abbas ‘‘Our role is to help achieve the national broadband plan, and they talked about having a high penetration of 3G and 4 G coverage by certain date and we are expecting that we can even be higher than the standard set in the national broadband plan.’’ substantially new investment in relation to the telecom equipment itself, so radios, micro waves, fibre cables all have to be renewed.

Abbas

Kamar Abbas is the Chief Executive of Ntel, driving the organisation’s vision and overseeing the daily operations of the business. He spoke to Tony Nwakaegho in an exclusive interview during the launch of Ntel in Lagos on the prospect of the company and the benefit it will offer to its customers.

Excerpts: What informed this gathering?

We are today excited in launching the SAT3.SAT3 is SAT Atlantic 3. It is an international submarine cable that travels from Salisbury in Portugal all the way in the North Atlantic through to West Africa and it lands in 17 different cities across 15 countries including Lagos, South Africa and then goes on to the Far East.

It is the longest cable that has come to Africa and it gives significant incremental bandwidth to Nigeria.

Looking at the background of where Ntel is coming from, how has the journey been so far?

It’s been a journey of three years. I started working on this project when I was the MD of Ericsson, which was in October 2012 and so it’s been already a considerable journey and it is a

Tambuwal solicits assistance to develop ICT sector in Sokoto

real delight to see the things we have thought about, wrote about and researched about two to three years ago and even now coming to fruition. It’s a delightful experience and we look forward to having many and many successful moments on it.

Some of NITEL infrastructure and assets that your company acquired are obsolete, how is the company handling this?

As far as our business plan is concerned we are relying not very much on the technology asset that Nitel owned because it is true those are obsolete, but there is opportunity to reuse licences and spectrum, to reuse towers and to reuse a large session of fibre ducts. The fibre itself will have to be replaced but certainly the ducts are still good for use. So there is other thing to be reused for now, but there is a plan called

Tony Nwakaegho Governor Aminu Tambuwal of Sokoto State has solicited for assistance from Association of Telecommunications Companies of Nigeria (ATCON) and other stakeholders in the telecoms industry in Nigeria to come and support the state to

Some telecom companies have carved niches for themselves, are you not envisaging stiff competition from them?

There are so far many operators focused on 2G, and as we have said 2G is not a growing market any longer and we are not focusing on 2G.There are others focusing on 3G and equally we see 3G as an interim technology and we don’t focus on that, so we are focusing on 4G. And today there is a tiny number of consumers in the 4G domain, there is a small number of sites and there is enormous opportunity and it is all the consumers who are today buying 3G servicing 3 million very quarter can’t do better, can’t get better experiences and better value on 4G and that’s the market we are addressing. We see that market being very significant market over the next five year, not 2G. Before you came on board we already had in place a national broadband development policy, how will Ntel fit into this plan?

Our role is to help achieve the national broadband plan, and they talked about having a high penetration of 3G and 4 G coverage by certain date and we are expecting that we can even be higher than the standard set in

develop a frame work for its ICT sector.

Governor Tambuwal who was the special Guest of Honour of ATCON during the 21st anniversary held in Lagos commended the efforts of the committee members of the telecom industry, the players and the executive arm of government

the national broadband plan. We are basically looking to a world to which there is 2G and 4G and everyone on 3G moves over to 4G and those on 2G who want a good data experience also move to 4G. Ours is an attempt to effectively accelerate the broadband plan.

SAT 3 has undersea cables as Glo, WACS, MainOne, what will be SAT3 unique selling point?

Well, we saw an opportunity for additional bandwidth which we brought to Nigeria and the opportunity for redundancy in the alternative people have, but the thing I will also say is this as 3G and 4G grow and are due to grow to be the dominant technology in mobile devices over the next five years there will be are an enormous growth in the demand for international bandwidth, and that is what SAT3 will provide, a very useful addition to the capacity that is here today.

When are you rolling out the mobile network?

SAT 3 has been launched already from the first of October and people can buy the bandwidth services on SAT3 and we already have a number of customers plus a lot of interest from others. As far as the mobile network is concerned it is a little too early to say but very soon.

when he piloted the affairs of the lower chamber as Speaker, adding that all their labour was not in vain as they had paid off now.

He affirmed that the telecom industry was not only maturing, but has got to the stage that every Nigerian is proud of.

“We all commended your

What will SMEs that rely on bandwidth do to benefit from Nitel?

SAT3 will offer all businesses and personal customers the opportunity to access international bandwidth at better value and greater degree of security from the increase choice that our mobile business will also offer very high speed access to the internet than is being experience today in businesses in terms of their ability to be productive and earn more money.

What gives you the optimism that Ntel will succeed after NITEL failed?

We have a lot of experience. I have the experience. We have a team 75 people, strong today and they have enormous amount of experience in Nigeria and we are addressing ourselves to an opportunity that we have been studying for the last three years. We have the time and the ability to think through all the challenges and arrive at a proposition that we think will be successful. And we look forward to making it so.

Where do we expect Ntel to be in the next five years?

I think you will see Ntel a successful company, fixed in the psychic of Nigerians as a great telecom provider and more importantly our own home grown telecom provider.

contributions in that direction.

What we are doing in Sokoto State at the moment is get the frame work right. The time I came in as Governor, we did not have any form of engagement with the telecom sector. I believe that we have a lot to do with the telecom sector which is a crucial sector of the economy.

ICT 20

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

MainOne, Microsoft advocate data centre co-location MainOne and Microsoft have advocated for the adoption of data center colocation and enterprise cloud solutions due to the benefits that includes cost savings and high availability in the light of the present economic challenges facing businesses in emerging markets.

Speaking during a presentation at the MainOne/Microsoft Enterprise Seminar on “Innovative Business Models: Achieving Improved Efficiency with Data Center Services”, Funke Opeke, chief executive officer of MainOne, advised Chief Information Officers (CIOs) and other IT decision-makers to take advantage of MDX-i’s services, leveraging the Cloud expertise of Microsoft on the Azure platform and the high availability of the MainOne’s MDX-i data center.

According to her, Tier III rated MDX-i is the only data center colocation facility in Nigeria that has received the PCI DSS and ISO 9001 and 27001 certifications, which are critical to ensuring data security for customers.

Commenting further, Ms. Opeke said “Our Cloud Infrastructure as a Service ensures quick provi-

sioning of ICT solutions for businesses, thus improving their time to deploy new applications and services. This affords our customers lower deployment costs and streamlined expenses to enable them focus more on their core business”.

Contributing to the talk, Oluyomi Alarape, business group director (Cloud & Enterprise) Microsoft Nigeria said “MainOne is a member of an elite list of Cloud OS Network partners who deliver Microsoft-validated solutions and geographic specialisation. Together, Microsoft and MainOne have partnered to implement an Enterprise ready infrastructure platform in Nigeria that includes Azure-enabled scenarios. You gain the peace of mind knowing that solutions deployed with MainOne are supported by Microsoft, thus minimizing risk and simplifying your move to the cloud with data domiciliation in Nigeria. As trusted advisors, the partners are also available locally to lend their technology expertise to you while providing other services such as connectivity that improve the quality of your solution.”

Yudala, Access Bank, Airtel to host gyming with stars Yudala, Nigeria’s first true composite online and offline retail chain in partnership with Access Bank and Airtel is set to host another edition of ‘Gyming with the Stars’ which will feature celebrities such as renowned comedian Akpororo, superstar artistes Naeto C, Iyanya, Ms. Uru Ekeh, among others at the Police College Field, Ikeja on Saturday November 7th from 7am.

It will be recalled that Yudala had launched the debut edition of Gyming with the Stars, Iyanya, Naeto C and ace comedian Ali Baba at the National Stadium, Surulere on October 17th featuring talks on healthy living and wealth creation.

Mr. Dave Ibelegbu, chief executive officer, Yudala Nigeria, affirmed that the event is a classic combination of Fitness, Wellness and Entrepreneurship accompanied with great entertainment to improve the quality of life of Nigerians.

He also disclosed that through the YUBOSS scheme which will be launched officially this month, Yudala plans to create millions of jobs for Nigerians at no cost to them.

“Through this event, we are promoting a positive lifestyle that keeps diseases away by offering Nigerians from all walks of life a chance to work out with some of their favourite celebrities. The message to Nigerians is – Live Healthier, Live Longer and Buy from Yudala. Most importantly, Yudala is passionate about supporting the Federal Government’s effort in generating creative employment for our youth through YUBOSS. Participants at the venue can sign up to join YUBOSS which offers a zero investment platform to create wealth,” Ibelegbu said.

YUBOSS is an entrepreneurship scheme set up by Yudala and supported by Access Bank and Airtel to build a league of emerging entrepreneurs and generate creative employment for millions of Nigerians.

Members are entitled to attractive commissions and a wide range of benefits including business mentorship sessions, with exceptional performers progressing through the multi-levels to ultimately become part-owners of a Yudala franchise store.

L - R: Acting President and Chairman of Council, Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers (CIS), Mr Oluwaseyi Abe, Second Vice President, CIS Mr Dapo Adekoje and Registrar and Chief Executive, Mr Adedeji Ajadi at 19th Annual Stockbrokers’ Conference in Lagos recently.

NCC renews MTN’s operating licence, spectrum bands Stories by Tony Nwakaegho

Coming on the heels of the recent $5.2bn fine slammed on MTN Nigeria by Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), the regulator said it has approved the renewal, and consequent extension of the tenure of MTN’s operating spectrum in the 900MHz and 1800MHz frequency bands.

With this renewal and extension, MTN’s operating spectrum which was issued along with the Digital Mobile License (DML) in 2001 (with an original expiry date of February 2016), has now been extended to 31 August 2021.

The license extension notification was contained in a letter dated 2 November 2015. The sum of US$94,225,152.75 (ninety four million, two hundred and twenty five thousand, one hundred and fifty two dollars, seventy five cents) is payable as a spectrum fee for the 5-year extension period by no later than 31 December 2015 and conditional upon MTN fulfilling all its regulatory obligations.

In February 2001, the NCC issued DML’s to three mobile operators. The licenses were bundled with spectrum in the 900MHz and 1800MHz frequency bands.

Amongst other authorisations, MTN also holds a Unified Access License and a 3G Spectrum License through which it provides a full bouquet of digital services to its customers throughout Nigeria.

It will be recalled that shareholders in the telecom industry in Nigeria had expressed diver-

gence view on the recent fine slammed on MTN Nigeria.

While telecom operators are angry with the fines, a cross section of Nigerians commended the apex regulator for fining and enforcing the sanctions against some recalcitrant service providers which have refused to improve their service provisioning or failed to register SIM cards on their network in the MTN. Analyst said that the matter came to a head when MTN, in light of former Nigerian finance minister Olu Falae having been allegedly kidnapped by a group of herdsmen were said to have used unregistered MTN SIM cards.

However, Barrister Chuks Arubaleze said that NCC as the regulator has the right to impose whatever sanction to any operator which refuse to abide by the rules of the game.

“Look at the bigger picture, the fine against MTN is good because they seem to working at cross purposes with Nigeria’s determination to tackle crime. By refusing to pre-registered SIM cards in their systems, they make it impossible to verify the personal details of subscribers by utilizing their biometric attributes, thereby comprising national security,” he added.

Mr Kester Balogun, a business in Bariga, Lagos stated that MTN’s actions are overbearing because it is the network that has worst quality of service, drop calls and charges that are not solicited for through ringers’ tunes, among others without being sanctioned.

Industry Watchers also revealed that the MTN’s $5.2billion fine in Nigeria is not the first time the operator has found itself in trouble in countries where it operates, but this is just the latest controversy for MTN in Africa and the Middle East.

On November 2 the Johannesburg Stock Exchange briefly suspended trade in MTN. Johannesburg - Ratings agency Standard & Poor’s (S&P) also downgraded MTN’s credit rating and lowering its ratings on MTN from ‘BBB’ and ‘zaAA+’ to ‘BBB-’ ‘zaAA-’ thereby putting the mobile network on a watch negative amid a $5.2billion fine in Nigeria.

- In 2012, rival Turkcell accused MTN of bribing officials in Iran and promising the country weapons to win a mobile licence in that country.

- In Uganda in 2011, MTN staffers were alleged to have manipulated the Mobile Money platform to steal 16 billion shillings ($160m).

- In 2012, MTN in Zambia came under fire for an IT specialist that had allegedly manipulated the company’s Let’s Go BEEG promotion to allow his girlfriend to win the $500m prize. The Competition and Consumer Protection Commission in the country advised that competitions should more transparent.

- Closer to home, in 2013, MTN’s chief corporate services officer, Robert Madzonga, was at the centre of a storm where he was accused of diverting sponsorship money for an ICT indaba.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

SCHOOL OF SCIENCE ILE-IFE PIONEER SET ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

21 Public Notice

INCLUSIVE WOMEN GLOBAL ORGANIZATION

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

The general public is hereby notified that the above named ORGANIZATION has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act NO1 of 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Odeniran Olajide 2. Akande Oluseye Ayotunde 3. Olayiwola Ayodele Adebola 4. Johnson Oluseyi Abosede 5. Adenrele Adeniran Adediji 6. Ajibike Bamidele james 7. Dr Adeleke micheal

The trustees are: 1. Mrs. Isiorho-Palmer Patience-President.

3. Mr. Ajibade-Eleto Jarmeh Olarewaju.

5. Mr. Otutu Oduru Olatunbosun.

ENYIMBA PROFESSIONALS FORUM The general public is hereby notified that the above named forum have applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission For registration under Part C of the Company and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. Ernest Uchechukwu Okolie 3. Morrison Ikechukwu Jaja 5. Valentine Chijioke Kenechukwu 7. Evaristus Okafor.

2. Mrs. Adeyemi Ronke Funke- Secretary.

4. Mrs. Averehi Maria Ozavize.

6. Olagunju Afolake Abosede.

2. Patrick Ikechukwu Okolie 4. Reginald Sunday Onyebuchi 6. Leonard Onyekachi Okafor

Aim and Objective: 1. To create good relationship among members and to a help the development of the school.

Aims and objectives: 1. To provide support for women, young people and their families experiencing domestic abuse related issues.

2. To provide support, assistance and explore opportunities for the creation of a beneficial forum whereby issues of concerns, such as domestic abuse, harassment, bullying and other related issues on women, young people, men and their families could be discussed without prejudice.

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

Signed: Trustees

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

Signed: Josephine Odikpo. (Legal practitioner).

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to The Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Wuse Zone 5, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: ERNEST U. OKOLIE

AIMS & OBJECTIVES To facilitate the development of education, infrastructure & security in Enyimba community.

ZION KING’S CLUB OF NIGERIA

SKY BROTHERS CLUB OF NIGERIA

PROGRESSIVE IGBO YOUTH ASSOCIATION LAGOS BRANCH

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Club has applied to the Corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part “C” of the companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Club has applied to the Corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part “C” of the companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part “C” of the companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

TRUSTEES 1. King Godwin Oluwawa Egbowon 2. King Emmanuel Akinnagbe Omofojoye 3. King Olanayo Elijah Ajibowu 4. King Simeon Omoniyi Ifawomisan

TRUSTEES 1. Peter Anigbogu 2. Nnamdi Ofiaeli 3. Ifeanyi Okoroji 4. Azubuike Odunukwe 5. Kevin Merem

THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) Udeonwe Alexander Izuchukwu (2) Azubuike Emmanuel Mbah (3) Opene John Ogbue (4) Agbasianya Okwuchukwu

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To maintain a common ground among Zion Kings 2. To be our brothers keeper 3. To assist widows, orphans and victim of natural disasters

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To create unity among members 2. To provide recreational and developmental activities for her members.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28 Days from the date of this Publication.

Signed: Secretary

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28 Days from the date of this Publication.

Signed: Chairman

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:(1) To promote the welfare, happiness and security among members (2) To foster unity and harmony among members.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28 Days from the date of this Publication.

Signed by: Polycarp Ndukwu Esq. 07037086383

ADEREMI DABIRI FOUNDATION

RETIRED CUSTOMS OFFICERS ASSOCIATION

JESUS WARRIORS PRAYING MINISTRY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part “C” of the companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part “C” of the companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

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

TRUSTEES 1. Iguoba Afelokhe Aleseogbe 2. Bello Imokhai Egwiekhor 3. Mohammed Bello

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Eze Godswill Friday 2. Eze Joy Ndidiamaka 3. Eze Ijeoma Mercy

Aims and objectives 1. To cater for the welfare of members and their families 2. To provide humanitarian services to the needy 3. To assist the service and the federal government to improve on service delivery.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To embark on evangelical mission and programmers throughout the world, to win souls for the lord Jesus Christ and prepare the saints for the second coming of our lord Jesus Christ 2. To organize prayer meetings, establish prayer camps and conduct prayer sessions on any matter at any place and at any adequate period.

3. To propagate the world of god and to preach the gospel of Jesus Christ

THE TRUSTEES ARE:(1) Aderemi Dabiri (President) (3) Dabiri Motunrayo Mulikat (Treasurer) (5) Dabiri Solomon Enitan

(2) Dabiri Adesumbo Ibijoke (Sec.) (4) Dabiri Gbolahan Damilola

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:(1) To award scholarship for the less privilege, who may need assistance to further education (2) To assist the disables in the society (3) To assist motherless home Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28 Days from the date of this Publication.

SIGNED BY: Aderemi Dabiri (President)

FIRST ETERNAL SALVATION WORLDWIDE MINISTRY

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs commission, plot 420, Tigris crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama Abuja within 28 Days from the date of this Publication.

Signed: AKHIGBE JAMES (ESQ) J.A.K. AKHIGBE & CO. 103, OLATUNJI STREET, OJOTA LAGOS

TAYO SOYODE FOUNDATION

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

SIGNED: EZE GODSWILL FRIDAY

x

IMOTA AYAYO DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Michael Chukwuka 2. Pastor/Mrs Michael Bukola Blessing 3. Deacon Okologo Chukwuka Clinton 4. Pastor/Mrs Okafor Chioma Eunice.

THE TRUSTEE ARE: 1. Chief Tayo Soyode 3. Barr. Dapo Eti 5. Hon .Yewande Amusan 7.Mrs.Adeola Olatubosun-Adedayo 9. Eng.Ehis Kayode

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To preach the gospel of Christ

Aims and Objectives 1. To promote education 2. To promote moral education.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To promote unity, spirit of brotherhood, mutual understanding love and cooperation among Imota citizens and its environs.

2. To encourage serious minded men & women to show very keen interest in the affairs of Imota and its environs without any personal financial reward.

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

SIGNED: Secretary

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

Signed: Secretary

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

Signed: SECRETARY

THE DIVINE LOVER OF SOULS GOSPEL AND PRAYER MINISTRY This is to inform the general public that the above named ministry has applied for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Akinsanmi James Olusola 2. Mrs Akinsanmi Mary Ronke 3. Pastor Ekoh Temidayo Obafemi

4. Mr. Akinsanmi Christopher Kolawole

5. Mr. Adetuyi Adewale Joseph

6. Mr. Sule Boluwaduro Anthony

7. Miss. Akinsanmi Temiwunmi Sunrise.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES

2. Chief Lukman Jinadu 4. Chief Oladipo Soyode 6. Hon.Azeem Owe 8. Chief Mrs.lyabo Omisore 10. Sir .Olusegun Obafemi George

GOD IS ABLE WORLD WIDE HARVEST DELIVERANCE OUTREACH This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEEES ARE: 1. Prophetess Mary Okiche - General Overseer.

2. Bernard Okiche 3. Pastor Kenneth Unogu 4. Pastor Chukwudi Ibeabuchi 5. Chinemelum. B. Okiche AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. 1.To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. To minister deliverance to the captive through Jesus Christ..

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

Signed: Secretary

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

Signed by: IKE IGWE Esq. Legal Adviser.

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

THE TRUSTEE ARE: 1. Mr Adeleke Jibodu- chairman 2.Mr Ayotola BABASANYA- chairman planning committee 3.Mr. Ogunjimi Biliaminu- secretary 4.Mr Taiwo Oshilokun- second vice chairman 5.Mr Sunday Akinsanya- financial secretary 6. Chief Goriola Akinbowale- treasurer

EXCEL ESTATE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION APO The General Public is hereby notified that the above name Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Change of its Trustees and change of its Name under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Act, 1990.

OLD TRUSTEES A. Mrs. Promise Joe-Ibekwe -Retained C. Mr. Pauly Favour Ivote -Removed

B. Mr. Okey Umeano - Retained

NEW TRUSTEES: A. Jaja Jonathan. - Appointed C. Obaji Anthony Chibuzo. - Appointed E. Iyabo Adeleke-Adedeji. -Appointed G. Mr. Ademola Yakubu - appointed

B. Nnabuihe Chinedu.

- Appointed D. Igundunasse Catherine Terdoo. -Appointed F. Nkiru Onyia. - Appointed

OLD NAME: EXCEL ESTATE RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION APO NEW NAME: EXCEL RESIDENTS AND LANDLORDS ASSOCIATION, ABUJA The reason for change of Trustees is as result of the removal of MR. PAULY FAVOUR IVOTE who have ceased to be a member of the Association.

The reason for the change of name is to accommodate both the residents and the landlords of the Estate.

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

CHAIRMAN. SECRETARY

News 22

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Oyetubo Olabimpe

Again, Senate blocks PDP’s move to stop letter confirming Amaechi, others Olufemi Samuel

Abuja ÏÏÏA move by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senators to stop the transmission of a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari by the Senate, on confirmation of Rotimi Amaechi and 17 others as ministers-designates, ran into on a hitch, on Tuesday, as the Senate President scuttled it by the power of the gavel.

The Ministers were confirmed after screening last Wednesday, whereas the Senate was to forward a memo to Buhari, notifying him of the confirmation.

The PDP demonstrated discontentment with the manner the Ministers-designate were screened when one of its members, Peter Nwaoboshi, refused to second a motion for adopting the vote of proceedings of last Wednesday meant to officially ratify and record the confirmation of the ministers- to-be.

Nwaoboshi when called upon by the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, to second the motion earlier moved by Senator Isiaka

Adeleke, said he would not do so because he was not in the plenary when Amaechi and others were confirmed for ministerial appointments.

He was referring to a walk out staged by all PDP Senators last Thursday in protest against the move by the Senate to confirm Amaechi and other nominees who had petitions pending against them, and which precluded the PDP senators from voting during the confirmation period.

The drama on votes of proceedings started shortly after the Senate resumed for plenary, Bukola called for a motion to adopt the documented proceedings of the Senate’s last sitting.

Adeleke had moved the motion when called upon, while the PDP senator who should second it declined to do so.

Saraki, in the alternative, settled for an All Progressives Congress (APC) senator, Hon. Ibrahim Gobir, to do so.

However, in the course of general voting for the approval of the votes of

ÏÏÏA United Nations Peace skills acquisition schemes Ambassador, Mr Olaniyi

proceedings, the PDP senators were unanimous in the shout of ‘nay’, in apparent desperation to drawn the ‘ayees’ by the APC senators.

Although it appeared that the nay was louder on the side of the opposition, the Senate President, however hit the gavel to give the day to the ‘ayes’, a development which finally signified that Amaechi and others would be sworn in any moment by Buhari.

With the latest development, the Senate is expected to transmit a letter to President Muhammadu Buhari on confirmation of ministers-designate as the communication is expected to hasten the process of swearing in of ministers for the Cabinet of President Buhari.

Today at 9:11 PM

Amaechi

Corps members urged to embrace

Sogo, has advised National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) members to develop themselves in some skills to become employers of labour after their service year.

Sogo gave the advice on Tuesday in Lagos while speaking at a one-day Skills Acquisition and Entrepreneurship Development programme for 2015/2016 Batch ‘B’ corps members at NYSC Orientation Camp, Iyana-

Ipaja.

He asked them to set for themselves, achievable and useable targets.

He said research had shown that many youths had resorted to acquiring certificates after their first degree out of frustration and desperation.

Sogo, an entrepreneur, said that a lot of youths were confused about what to do after NYSC, because

they failed to acquire a skill during the one year service period.

“The period of NYSC is to prepare you outside all that you have learnt in school; it is a time to rediscover your passion, talent and skill.

“Do not dwell on your certificate because in the present Nigeria, certificate will not put food on your table but your skills and talents will open doors for you.

Fire wreaks havoc in across Lagos Oyetubo Olabimpe

ÏÏÏIn what many have de-

scribed as a black Tuesday, raging inferno wreaked havoc in about three places in Lagos on Wednesday.

First to be razed down on Tuesday morning were two buildings on No. 171 Orodu Street and No 1 Freedom Street, in the popular ghetto city, Ajegunle, in Ajeromi/ Ifelodun Local Government Area.

Eye witness accounts said the inferno was caused by black-market fuel dealer.

It was said that the fuel dealer, a woman in her middle-age had contracted the services of one Mr. Israel, a welder, to expand her mini fuel store-house, where she stored her products.

While welding, Israel reportedly forgot to remove a 50 litre filled with fuel inside the mini-store-room, causing a spark from the welding electrode to come in contact with fuel, thus leading to a deafening explosion.

Before men of the Lagos State Fire Service could ar-

rive at the scene, property worth millions of naira had already been razed, even as several people sustained varying degrees of burns, and rushed to nearby hospitals.

Eyewitnesses said that Prince Ebeano Supermarket, a shopping outlet which offered a wide variety of items such as shawarma, clothes, foodstuff and even hair weave, along Admiralty Way, Lekki Phase 1, Lagos, was engulfed in a raging inferno which lasted several hours.

MRS. ESTHER AMARACHI CHIGOZIE

MRS CASTRO TOLULOPE RUTH

ANYA IFEANYI STANLEY

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss. Esther Amarachi Ezerie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Esther Amarachi Chigozie, all former documents remain valid. First City Monument Bank (FCMB) and the general public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed

I, formerly known and addressed as Ifeanyi Anya Stanley now wish to be known and addressed as Anya Ifeanyi Stanley. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

as Miss

Olowojebutu Tolulope

Ruth now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Castro Tolulope Ruth.

All

remain

former

valid.

documents

General

public

should please take note.

OKEDAYO KABBA DIASPORA PEOPLE’S ASSEMBLY KOGI STATE

ASSOCIATION OF TRANS-BORDER AGRO AND ALLIED PRODUCTS DEALERS,ABA

The above-named assembly has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

The above-named assembly has applied for registration with the Corporate Affairs Commission under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part

The Trustees are: 1. Adamu Ismaila 2. Mohammed Dahiru 3. Sani Ibrahim 4. Muntaka Abubakar 5. Faruk Adamu Usman

1. Mr Ade Fagbemi. - Facilitator 3. Mr Mathias Ojo Oka. -Secretary

2. Mr Adeyemi James Ibinola. -Mobilizer 4. Mr Matthew Kolade Otitonaiye - Treasurer

5. Mrs Toyin Olumorin - Finacial Sec.

6. Mr Justin Bello. - Ex Offico

The Aims and Objectives are: To assist family members

MADAKIN DOKO USMAN FOUNDATION

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

Signed: SECRETARY

YENIDEN INTERNATIONAL FOUNDATION

“C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

The Trustees are:

3. Moses Nnamani. -P.R.O. 4. Bernard Obini Francis,

The Aims and Objectives are: 1. To promote socio cultural development of Okedayo

5. Basil Nwafor.

2. To promote the economic development of Okedayo

Aim andobjective To foster peace, love and Unity among our members in our business activities

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

Signed:MR MATHIAS OJO OKA- Secretary

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

Signed: Secretary

CLOBEK CROWN ESTATE HOUSE OWNERS & RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named foundation has applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the company and allied matters act 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Bernard Ekwe. - Chairman 2. Clara Otekpe Ekwe 3. David Agbo

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate affairs commission plot 420 Tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street, Maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

1. Obini Samuel Chukwu. -Chairman.

2. John Cletus Nwakanma. - Vice Chairman.

7. Mrs Titilayo Bello. - Ex Offico

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To support , promote and engage in programmers and at improving the welfare of indigent women, widows , orphans, indigent children Youths and the less privileged

TRUSTEES

“C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

1. Bernard. Ekwe- Chairman 3. Ibrahim Ayuba

2. Bayo Adegoke 4. Daivd Agbo

5. Ibiso Iyalla 7. Vincent. Kolawole

6. Kamilu Omokide

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Rev.Peter Chimara.

2. Mrs.Peace Chimara.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To promote harmonious relationship among house owners and resident and contribute meaningfully to the efficient management of the estate.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, and Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: Secretary

-Gen.Overseer / Chairman.

-Secretary.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To preach the word of God Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, and Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: Secretary

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Dep Speaker seeks harmony among African lawmakers Henry Omunu Abuja

ÏÏÏ The Deputy Speaker of

the House of Representatives, Yussuff Sulaimon Lasun, has called for a harmonious relationship among African parliamentarians.

He stated that a good working relationship among lawmakers in Africa would go a long way in enhancing their work and lead to rapid growth in the continent.

Lasun, who led the Nigerian delegation to the on-going 15th Commonwealth Speakers and Presiding Officers Conference, African region,

in Accra, Ghana, explained that there were a lot of similarities among African legislatures, therefore, imbibing good ethical conduct would help a great deal.

Lasun, who doubles as the Deputy Chairperson of the conference explained that the conference offered African parliamentarians an opportunity to share experiences and, where necessary, copy from one another.

According to him, “We compared notes. For example, in Cameroon, they said you have immunity, while you are still a parliamentar-

ian for the period you are in office. But, in the Nigerian experience, what you have immunity on is what you said on the floor of the parliament. Of course, you cannot be prosecuted for that and you cannot be arrested within the precincts of the National Assembly. I think that is good enough. In other climes too, they don’t have immunity as such. For us to be able to present ourselves to the public as orderly and disciplined people, the Speaker must take charge and be respected because he is the one who is going to interpret

the rules, he added.

Lasun added that, “one thing that I have discovered is that all over Africa, parliaments are being treated the same way. Our functions are specific: representation, doing oversight and making laws.” He said he realised at the conference that all over Africa, “people still ask parliamentarians to come and build roads and bridges; so it is the same experience. I’m taking this one home, and I’m no longer going to be angry with anybody who is asking me that, since I know that it is similar all over Africa.

L-R: Member, Governing Council, Committee Encouraging Corporate Philanthropy (CECPNigeria), Sir. Remi Omotoso; member, Mrs. Tutu Adeleke; Anchor, Dr. Christopher Kolade; member, Mrs. Kemi Nelson and Co-Chairman, Local Oganising Committee, Mr. Audu Maikori at the press conference on the forth-coming Giving Tuesday Nigeria held at Eko Hotel, Lagos... on Teusday.

Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

Lagos Assembly tackles NASS on SON Act Alade Tasma

ÏÏÏLagos

State House of Assembly in a unanimous decision at a plenary, on Tuesday, called on the National Assembly to amend some sections of Standards Organisation of Nigeria Act N0 18, 1990, with a view to recommending stiffer penalties for contraventions.

The decision of the House was sequel to a motion titled, “Need to ensure quality control of manufactured and imported products in Nigeria,” moved by Hon. Lanre Oshun.

He had drawn the attention of his colleagues to some sections which in hıs opinion needed to be amended. The sections according to the lawmaker were, Sections 15, offences relating to standards, Section 16, pow-

ers of the ministers to establish standard as binding and Section 19 offences.

He disclosed that the high volume of substandard products either manufactured or imported into the country, have continued to have deadly implications on the health of Nigerians and in some cases resulted in loss of life and property.

In a related development, the House has also called on Governor Akinwunmi Ambode to direct the Ministry of Information and other relevant agencies to embark on enlightenment campaign on the negatıve implication of strange foreign practices on the youth and encourage the practice of the Nigerian culture.

The House also called on the State Films and Video Censor Board to ensure ad-

equate content control of films, videos and musical lyrics in the state.

Moving the motion on the floor of the House, Hon. Adefunmilayo Tejuosho representing Mushın Constıtuency 01, said she was aware of a series programme planned to be aired by the True Life Chapter (TLC) channel on the Digital Satellite Television (DSTV) platform “I’m Jazz, a story of transgender teenager”, with a view to basically promote gender immorality in the society.

Tejuosho noted that she was concerned about the perceived silence of the Federal Government Authorities about the spate of uninhibited display of obscenities and uncensored programme on the Nigerian airwaves as evident in musi-

cal videos, films and other airings on national and state television networks.

She further stressed that “If the planned trans- gender programme to be aired on the Digital Satellite Television (DSTV) platform was not statutorily checked before it went public, it would not only corrupt the Nigerian youth, but also lure them into sexual vices, contrary to the relevant sections of the Nigerian laws which forbids homosexuality and sexual pervasion.

Ambode

23 News

FMBN blames high interest rates for housing crisis

Olatorera Dickson-Amusa

Abuja ÏÏÏThe Managing Director of The Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Gimba Ya’u Kumo, has blamed the high and unaffordable interest rate systems used by many mortgage institutions as a major cause of housing crisis in Nigeria, saying that most Nigerians could not afford to tap into the current interest rate regime. He further listed the lack of long-term finance for housing development and mortgages as one of the major problems facing the country, saying that these problems were the motivation behind exorbitant housing prices.

Kumo bemoaned the colossal number of Nigerians left homeless, saying that a majority of those who actually had homes are living in less than favourable conditions,

as a large majority of such houses stood in a great need of renovations. He called for an intervention in the housing sector through affordable interest, provision of longterm finance for construction and mortgage, so as to curbing the housing crisis.

“The housing gap is very wide, with deficits of 17 to 20 million units needed to address the housing needs of Nigerians. For this to be achieved, there must be a serious intervention in the housing sector by way of affordable interest, providing long-term finance for both construction and mortgage, and thirdly, government introducing special taxes like tax holiday, amongst others.

Since this government is a listening government, I'm sure they will begin to implement some of these policies”, he stated.

FCT health officials go tough on fake operators Idu Jude

Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Capital Territory Administration has again reiterated the need for the residents of the Federal Capital Territory to be aware of the imminent danger in patronising whack operators.

The call was made on Wednesday in an exclusive

interview with Dr. Ozy, the head of inspection, private Health Establishment, Registration and monitoring Committee (PHERMC) of the FCTA health secretariat.

According to Dr. Ozy, his committee, has registered some cases in the course of its drastic routine check of illegally operated hospitals and other health facilities in the FCT.

Osun Assembly, stakeholders move to increase IGR Sodiq Adekunle

Osogbo ÏÏÏStakeholders on land matters in Osun State have appealed to citizenry to cooperate with the state government in the payment of tenement rate and land use charge in a bid to increase internally generated revenue.

They made the remarks on Tuesday at a public hearing on Land Use Charge Bill organised by the State House of Assembly in Osogbo.

The bill is seeking for a law to make provision for the consolidation of all property and land-based rates and charges payable under the Land Rate Law, the Neighbourhood Improvement Charge Law and Tenement rates Law in the

state.

It is also seeking to incorporate the proposed law into a new land-based charge, to be called Property Land Use charge to make provision for the levying and collection of the charge and for connected purposes.

The bill has passed through the second reading before the parliament.

The Speaker, Honourable Najeem Salaam, said the bill if passed would improve the revenue of the state, ensure proper layout of towns and villages and ensure tidiness of the environment in the state. He said now that the revenue accruable to the state could no longer sustain the desired development, there was a need to look inward to be able to generate more revenue.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4 2015

Ebonyi Assembly may seek arrest on commissioners Jacob Ogodo Abakaliki

ÏÏÏEbonyi State House of

Assembly has threatened to issue warrant of arrest on three commissioners if they fail to appear before the House in the next plenary.

The House, who warned the commissioners not to take them for granted, frowned at the governor’s order restraining the lawmakers from further summoning of the three commissioners to answer questions bordering on the enforcement of the reviewed taxation in the state.

Umahi had in a media chat at the weekend frowned at the invitation, which he claimed was done without proper letter to him, adding that the action of the lawmakers was improper.

The affected commission-

ers include Mrs. Elizabeth Ogbaga (Commerce and Industry); Chief Moses Nomeh (Environment) and Mr. Denis Ekuma Nkama (Finance).

The governor said the state House of Assembly has no right to summon any members of the state executive council or interfering with the functions of the executive without following the right channel, adding that “if the lawmakers want to become executive, they should resign and join the executive”.

But during its sitting on Tuesday, the member representing Ezza South Constituency, Hon. Chris Usulor reminded the House that the commissioners were not present in the House as ordered, which prompted the Speaker, Hon. Francis Nwifuru to order the Ser-

geant –at-arms to check if the commissioners were outside, but he answered that nobody was outside.

Consequently, the Speaker insisted that if the commissioners did not honour their invitation in the next sitting of the House, he would have no other option than to issue warrant of arrest on them.

Harping on the matter, the aggrieved Deputy Speaker, Odefa Obasi Odefa stressed that the House should not be taken for granted because the teeth which the dog uses to play with the master can also be used to bite if necessary.

However, sources close to the House revealed that the crisis was connected to the refusal of the state government to provide official vehicles and release of constituency project fund to the

lawmakers, which was also part of the grievances of the fourth assembly that led to the impeachment of the former Speaker, Ikechukwu Nwankwo, on December 21, 2011.

The source said that, the crisis started when the Majority Leader, Joseph Nwaobasi read the letter from the governor urging the House to approved the remunerations of some of his appointees in the state executive council.

Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏThe

management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan, has described the appointment of the Ooni-elect of IleIfe, Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, as a pride to the foremost polytechnic.

Also, the Minister-Designate from Oyo State, Barr.

Adebayo Shittu has sent message of felicitation to the Ooni-elect, who is currently undergoing the pre-coronation traditional rites in the ancient town of Ile-Ife, Osun State. The management, in a separate statement signed by the Registrar, Mr. Hezekiah Ayo-

Kwara gov swears in 14 new Perm Secs Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

ÏÏÏKwara State governor, Gov. Umahi

Bayelsa State Governor, Hon. Seriake Dickson (middle) waving to jubilant children during Dickson’s campaign tour of Yenagoa community, in Yenagoa ahead of the governorship election in the state… on Tuesday

Dr Abdulfatah Ahmed has sworn in 14 new Permanent Secretaries in the state, while charging them as the Chief Accounting Officers of their ministries, to drive with vigour his administration’s prudent and judicious use of public resources and enhanced internally generated revenue.

The governor, while stressing that such prudence had become expedient in the face of declining revenue to the state from the federation account, said “today, the realities of the economic challenges are upon us. In the last 18 months,

Ministerdesignate, Ibadan Poly hail Ooni-elect dele, said that the choice of Ogunwusi was based on his pedigree, antecedents and unparalleled achievements in many spheres of life.

The statement reads, "The Management of The Polytechnic, Ibadan has congratulated Prince Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, an Alumnus of the institution on his appointment as the Ooni-elect. His appointment is a pride to The Polytechnic, Ibadan.

federation allocation to the state had dwindled consistently.

“Specifically, our monthly allocation has dropped by about forty-five percent and is currently incapable of meeting our recurrent expenditure such as payment of salaries. And for now, there is no indication that the situation will improve any time soon. Therefore, this is the time for the government to implement belttightening measures.”

According to the governor "the economic survival and sustenance of our state is a task that must be achieved with the participation of all citizens. In this new dispensation, therefore, it is incumbent on you to sufficiently drive your Ministries, Departments and Agencies to generate to the government.”

Kogi to ensure full compliance with environmental standard

Medview Air commences Gatwick flights Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏA leading Nigerian car-

rier, Medview Airline is to commence direct flights into Gatwick International Airport from the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos, November 20.

Announcing the commencement of the flight at a media briefing in Lagos on Tuesday, the Managing Director of Medview Airlines, Alhaji Munner Bankole said the airline has deployed a Boeing 767 - 300 ER on the route.

According to Bankole, the

airline will fly four times weekly; Monday's , Wednesday's , Friday's and Sunday's from Lagos to Gatwick, and had already been granted permit by the United Kingdom Civil Aviation Authority.

He revealed that the airline has opened offices at the Gatwick International Airport and also signed on vendors to handle its business in the UK. The Medview boss noted that the Lagos - London route has remained one of the busiest routes in the world but most expensive, which led to

the airlines entering as a Nigerian flag carrier to supply the missing link including capacity, reasonable fares to customer, and excellent inflight entertainment on the Gatwick route.

Bankole also disclosed that the airline which now has its own planes and no longer wet lease, has also been given other routes like, Libreville, Dakar and Mali.

While describing its Hajj operations in the past nine years as successful, said the airline has airlifted 280,000 pilgrims.

Bankole said the airline which started domestic airline three years ago, has continued to maintain the lead on domestic routes.

He attributed the success of the airline to the good management team in place, adding that the airline will continue to provide the best for customers.

He announced that two more aircraft will be added to its fleet in the first quarter of 2016, adding that the airline was in partnership with Ethiopian Airlines and Boeing aircraft manufacturer.

ÏÏÏKogi State government

has been urged to ensure full compliance with the legislation, regulations and prescribed standards set by the National Environmental Standards and Regulation Enforcement Agency (NESREA) and other regulatory bodies.

An Environmentalist and former lecturer with Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, Dr Hamza Ibn Suleiman, made the call at a Round Table meeting on “Compliance with Kogi State Environmental Laws”, in Lokoja.

The round table meeting was organised by FGN/ UNDP and Kogi State Envi-

ronmental Protection Board, in collaboration with Development and Female Gender Initiative (DEGENDER).

Suleiman, who made the call in his overview of NESREA Act as panacea for enforcement of environmental laws in Nigeria, said the state was being faced with serious environmental issues that required strict enforcement of the laws The environmentalist called on Kogi State Environmental Protection Board (KOSEPB) to prepare long-term plans for mining sites, industrial areas, and restricted areas and develop rational investment strategies to protect the citizens.

News 25

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu (middle) flanked by his deputy, Rt. Hon. Ude Oko Chukwu (left) and state PDP Chairman, Sen. Emma Nwaka while celebrating with the governor after the tribunal affirmed his victory in Umuahia… on Tuesday

FG owes contractors N300bn for road projects, says Rep Henry Omunu

Abuja ÏÏÏThe Chairman, House Committee on Works, Hon. Toby Okechukwu Toby has revealed that the federal government is owing contractors handling various roads projects in the country N300 billion, saying that the huge debt profile is responsible for why majority of the contractors have abandoned their project sites.

The lawmaker, who represents Amiri/Agwu/Oji River Federal Constituency of Enugu state in the House of Representatives, said the Buhari administration must address the issue of funding the road projects embarked upon by the previous government throughout the country if the deplorable

conditions of federal roads is to improve.

Speaking to journalists in Abuja on Tuesday, Hon. Toby advised the federal government to restructure its engagement in its avowed pledge to improve the road infrastructure in Nigeria.

According to him, the government must review the laws guiding road infrastructure in the country by looking into the area of establishing a road authority that will allow the sector to operate maximally and encourage Public Private Partnership (PPP), as well as the independence to attract adequate funding to the sector.

He said Public Private Partnership (PPP) initiative hasn't worked in the country because of undue

bureaucratic bottlenecks and interference, adding that "we need to define roads that can be operated solely by government and those that are commercially viable and can be commercialised.

"The piece meal government funding for road projects in my opinion is not always helpful and has resulted in lots of abandoned projects", Toby said.

He added that delay in forwarding the 2016 Medium Term Policy Framework to the National Assembly for consideration and passage is regretful, as this will lead to the late passage of the 2016 Appropriation Act, and invariably affect infrastructural projects that depend on favourable climatic conditions for their execution.

Customs boss seeks partnership with FRSC ÏÏÏThe

Comptroller-General of the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS), Col. Hameed Ibrahim Ali (rtd) has called for greater partnership with the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

Ibrahim said that the two agencies were strategic to the success of the campaign for ridding the nation of smuggled motor vehicles and other crimes in the country. Statement by the Head, Media Relations and Strategy, FRSC, Mr. Bisi Kazeem stated that Ali stated this during his courtesy visit to the Corps Marshal of the FRSC,

Adamawa Assembly summons Finance commissioner over bailout Tom Garba Yola

ÏÏÏThe

Adamawa State House of Assembly, on Tuesday, passed a resolution directing the state Commissioner for Finance to appear before it on Wednesday (today) to brief it on the utilisation of the state N7.2 billion bailout fund.

The resolution came under "Matter of Urgent Public Importance", raised by Alhaji Abubakar Abdulrahman (APC-Mubi South).

Abdulrahman, who is the House Committee Chairman on Appropriation, Budget and Finance, observed that in spite of an earlier resolution passed last week by the House directing the Ministry of Finance to furnish it with the detailed framework use in disbursing the bailout money received

Yakubu Salisu Kano

APC faults PDP over Borno bye-election ÏÏÏThe All Progressives Congress

(APC) has described as outlandish and irrational the claim by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) that it was robbed of victory in last Saturday's Borno Central Senatorial election with the use of ''compromised electoral officials and security forces''.

In a statement, issued in Lagos on Tuesday by its National Publicity Secretary, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, the party said it amounts to dishonesty on the part of the PDP to expect victory in Borno State, where it had a dismal outing during the last general elections in March and April, and where the opposition party has remained sharply divided. ''For the umpteenth time, we will like to say that for any opposition to be credible and relevant, it must avoid engaging in bare-faced distortion of facts and making ridiculous

claims that cannot be supported by available evidence. What the PDP has done by giving the impression that it could have won the Borno Central Senatorial election but for the alleged use of compromised electoral officials and security forces is ludicrous. ''We have therefore decided to present the facts to Nigerians so they can be the judge. In the 2015 presidential election, our party, the APC, got 473,543 votes compared to a paltry 25,640 received by the PDP. In the 2015 governorship election in Borno, APC scored 649,913 votes to the measly 34,771 by the PDP. ''The National Assembly election was not different. The APC won all three seats in the Senate and 10 in the House of Representatives, leaving nothing for the pitiful PDP. The APC also won 28 seats in the State House of Assembly in which the

pathetic PDP got zero seat. ''Put these figures side by side with the fact that the people of Borno have long distanced themselves from the PDP, which presided over the worst moment in the history of the state that saw thousands of deaths, displacements, as well as destruction of schools, farms, markets, etc, by Boko Haram, and one can clearly realise that the PDP was simply lying to itself and the nation by suggesting that it had any chance in last Saturday's election. ''It is also clear that while nothing has changed in Borno to make the good people of the state to vote for the PDP, a lot has happened to bring even more people into the fold of the APC. The obvious successes scored by the military under a purposeful APC Federal Government has eased the pains and sufferings of the people of the state.

Mr. Boboye Oyeyemi at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja.

The statement emphasised that Ali called for the strengthening and sustainability of the existing relationship between the two agencies, stressing that this would further boost the nation’s economic and security systems.

He observed that FRSC was one of the agencies whose operations cut cross that of the Customs.

He added, “I have decided to come here to familiarise myself with your operations and to assure you that with the briefs that I have received on the existing relationship between the two organisations, we would work to strengthen and sustain it in the best interest of the nation’s economy and security.”

ÏÏÏKano

State government has called on the judiciary to keep to the expectation of the people in the cases before them on cattle rustlers.

The state governor, Dr. Abdulahi Umar Ganduje, made this known during his visit to Falgore forest where 441 were recovered from some cattle rustler.

Governor Ganduje said that the state is committed in the fight against cattle rustling noting that the state government is disturbed and will not relent its effort until the forest is cleared of any criminal activities within the forest and the state in general.

The governor noted that the committee which was shouldered with the responsibility has so far received about 1,687 cows and almost 245 cows had been returned to their owners.

In his remark, the Emir of Kano, Malam Muhammad Saunsi II, who spoke through the district head of

from Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), the ministry was yet to response.

"The governor should direct the commissioner to come and explain the disbursement to the House within 24 hours", Abdulrahman said.

Other members who contributed in the plenary including, Mallam Abubakar Atiku (APC-Uba/ Gaya) and Mallam Aminu Aliyu (APC-Song), declare support on the need to summon the commissioner to brief the house.

Speaking after the motion was passed unanimously in a voice vote, the Speaker, Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa, directed the Clerk of the House to communicate to the commissioner to appear before the house on Wednesday.

Ganduje calls for prosecution of cattle rustlers Doguwa and also Makaman Gado da Masun Kano, Alhaji Aliyu Harazimi, commended all security agencies and also called on the judiciary to make the judicial process fairly, and those found guilty should be jailed.

Ganduje

26

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Education Times Æ s College of Physicians inducts new members, fellows

Tom Okpe Abuja

L-R: Akwa Ibom State Governor Mr. Udom Emmanuel, SA to the President on National Assembly Matters Senator Ita Enang and Wife Rosemary, Executive Secretary National Universities Commission Prof. Julis Okojie at the 21st Convocation Ceremony of the University of Uyo, Uyo - Akwa Ibom State.

The West African College of Physicians (WACP) has inducted new members and fellows at its 38th/39th annual general and scientific meeting held in Abuja on Monday.

Speaking at this year’s meeting held at Sheraton Hotel and Towers, Abuja, the principal of the college, Dr. Kalifa Bojang, said the theme of this year meeting, “Physicians, Politics and policies of Healthcare in the West Africa sub region: The inextricable web,” was chosen to address the health challenges of the sub region.

He stressed that when Ebola virus disease broke out in the sub region in 2014, many people including care givers lost their lives.

The College, he said, responded to the outbreak by setting up an expert committee on Ebola to advise her and the national governments of the sub region on steps to be taken to curtail the disease.

He commended the govern-

ments of the sub region, their partners, international organisations and agencies for the efforts and commitment towards curtailing the epidemic.

In his welcome address, the Vice President of the college (Nigeria), Dr. Ayodele B.O. Omotoso (FWACP), regretted the inability of the meeting which should have held in November, 2014, but was postponed due to the outbreak of Ebola, pointing that the conference is unique as it is a combination of 2014 and 2015, with Nigeria hosting after seven years.

In his earlier address, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Health, Mr. L.N Awute, felicitated with all the fellows, members and guests of the college, saying, “Health Care Services is no longer regulated by National Governments alone, but by global and regional organisations with their regulations, conventions and declaration most of which we are also signatories to, and so duty bound to observe and comply.”

Okojie tasks varsities on Quality assurance Stories by Augustine Okezie Abuja The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), has charged Nigerian Universities on the task of cultivating quality assurance culture in their academic activities, insisting that quality assurance which embraces credible academic curriculum guarantees unparalleled national growth and development.

Prof. Okojie, who was delivering a keynote address during a training workshop on quality assurance for participants drawn from several African universities, jointly organised by the National Universities Commission and the German Embassy in Abuja, on Tuesday, also noted that quality assurance is not only limited to tertiary institutions but extends to basic and secondary schools since, according to him, the problem posed by the drive for increased access in

Academy tasks teachers on ICT

Assistant trainer helping during ICT class

enrolment requires that school administrators ensures requisite quality in the number of teachers and facilities available.

According to the NUC boss, ensuring quality curriculum and the availability of relevant staff will fairly guarantee meeting local and national requirements.

He said: ’’Quality assurance is an issue with more challenges and questions regarding what happens in the next generation and on how to cope with current technology applications in

teaching and learning. We must change our styles and the basics, speak the language the students understand, while varsities should take ownership of quality assurance as obtainable in Medieval Europe.

Okojie further argued that promoting a veritable quality assurance culture that will in turn produce strong national institutions, requires addressing critical areas of capacity building, promoting good training environment provision of needed

infrastructure.

Earlier in a welcome address at the occasion, the Head of Press, Culture and Education Department of the German Embassy, Abuja, Mrs. Biteck Zennar, urged the participants to ensure that their quality assurance standards enhances their status when they return home and that they ensure the implementation of their experiences from the training for practical realisation of whatever ideas they have received.

The Nigerian Academy of Education has urged teachers in the country to embrace Information and Communication Technology (ICT) to remain relevant in the digital age.

The President of the Academy, Prof. U Uvonmi, who spoke at the academy’s 30th annual congress held in Kaduna on Tuesday, said the world had become digital driven.

He said that teachers in the country must join the train or lose out. ``Teachers who are yet to adopt ICT in the teaching profession are on the brink of becom-

ing irrelevant in the current digital age that has taken over every sphere of life.

“We are in the new digital age of learners, but unfortunately, significant numbers of Nigerian teachers belong basically to the analogue age.

“For relevance in the digital age, teachers must do a lot in the area of ICT knowledge and application, if the teaching profession must transform to global level of relevance and competitiveness,” he said.

Uvonmi said that the theme of the conference, “Transforming Education in Nigeria to Global

Levels of Relevance and Competitiveness,” cannot be achieved without teachers systematically keying into the digital age.

In his keynote address, the Secretary to Kogi State Government, Prof. Olubgemiro Jegede, said that the slow adoption of ICT by teachers in the country posed a serious challenge to the nation’s education system.

Jegede described ICT as a crucial tool for delivering quality education in the country and urged Nigerian teachers to key in, to remain relevant and compete favourably on the global stage.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

27 Education Times

Niger Gov. tasks state, federal varsities on quality products Pita Chikwem Minna Governor of Niger State, Alhaji Abubakar sani Bello, on Tuesday, called for synergy between private, state and federal universities for quality products and services to improve lives of people on the continent.

Bello, who made the call at the opening ceremony of the 10th Federation of African Societies

of Bio-chemistry and Molecular Biology in Minna, charged African researchers to explore new initiatives towards advancing ways of converting results and findings to solving problems.

He said: “I challenge you to explore new initiatives towards advancing ways of converting research results and findings to solving problems in new ways, such that we can guarantee improvement of lives of our people on the continent.

“We need to encourage synergy between our private, states and Federal universities in terms of focus, quality of the products and services. We could adopt the strategic development of universities along areas of specialisation, such that each institution can be identified with specific expertise while strengthening leakages with similar institutions either locally or internationally.”

Gov. Bello, who was represent-

ed by his Deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Ketso, however disclosed that government is aware of scare resources as research capacity is pricey.

He said: “The resources for scientific research are becoming extremely scarce, personnel training and equipment for institutional research capacity building is pricey. However, we will be able to properly deploy resources in establishing the best institutions that will serve

specific needs of industry, so as to reduce the production of unemployable graduates”.

The Chairman of the event and pioneer Vice Chancellor of the Federal University of Technology, (FUT), Minna, Ambassador Professor Jonathan Ndagi, charged participants to ensure that their researches are published.

President of the Nigerian Society of Bio-chemistry and Molecular Biology (NSBMB), Prof.

Obi Njoku, in his address, said the theme of the conference “Bio-chemistry and Molecular Biology: Challenges and Prospects for Africa’s Sustainable Development in the 21st Century, “ is apt and coming at a time where different professions in Africa are making impact on sustainable development.

Crawford University unveils new vice-chancellor Lara Adejoro

L-R: Guest lecturer, Prof. Fola Lasisi; Rector, Yaba college of technology, Mrs. Kudirat Ladipo and Deputy Rector, academics, Mr. Innocent Akumoka at the 29th convocation lecture of Yaba college of technology in Lagos... recently

NUC boss seeks regular impact assessment visits to tertiary health institutions Augustine Okezie Abuja

The Executive Secretary of the National Universities Commission (NUC), Professor Julius Okojie, has called for regular impact assessment visits to teaching hospitals and health facilities to ensure their functionality and efficiency.

He also called Prof. Okojie, who made the call on Monday in Abuja while declaring open a three day workshop on the review of Academic Benchmarks for Medicine organised for Provosts of Colleges of Medicines of universities and allied tertiary institutions

in the country, also called on government to overhaul the health sector and ensure that it is private sector driven and adequately funded to enable it address the nation’s health challenges and stem the tide of medical tourism.

He said: ’’Universities should be provided with minimum academic standards and with constant improvements we can bring in new ideas into the system, we will work every reasonable stakeholder to ensure the system work. Impact assessment visits to health facilities is key. Similarly, teaching hospitals should share in the NgREN technology and access.’’

Earlier in an address at the oc-

casion, the keynote speaker, Professor Eugene Okpere, said the workshop was designed to bring together health academics and practitioners to rub minds on how to improve the teaching and learning of medicine in Nigeria.

Prof. Okpere further called for the review of Medical Education in the country so as to ensure competence, expertise and availability of adequate learning facilities and laboratory. He further identified five key areas that the workshop should look into, including addressing the areas of competence based teaching, issue of course system and ensuring the linkage of teaching with practical clinical laboratory system.

The Governing Council, in conjunction with the Board of Trustees (BoT) of Crawford University, Faith City, Igbesa, Ogun State, has announced the appointment of Professor Isaac Rotimi Ajayi, as the new Vice Chancellor of the institution.

Ajayi, a Professor of Radiation and Health Physics, is a thoroughbred academic, an erudite scholar and a consummate university administrator. Born 50 years ago in Akure, Ondo State, Prof. Ajayi bagged a BSc degree with Second Class (Honours) Upper Division in Physics/Electronics from the University of Ibadan, in 1987. He later obtained an MSc and a PhD in Radiation and Health Physics in 1990 and 1994 respectively from the same university.

For over 25 years, the new Vice Chancellor has been actively involved in teaching and research in his field of specialization in various universities at home and abroad. Within that period, he authored over 70 publications in academic journals and books, and attended over 40 local and international conferences. He had at various times been a Visiting Research Scientist at the UNESCO affiliated International Centre for Theoretical Physics in Trieste, It-

aly and a Visiting Research Associate at the University of Bremen in Germany.

Prof. Ajayi participated in the Leadership Development Course of the Association of African Universities (AAU) in Kenya. He equally took the 2014 University Management Training Course in Johannesburg, South Africa. He is a graduate of the Management of Higher Education Institution Training of the Galilee International Management Institute (GIMI), Israel, as well as the Harvard University Extension School on Higher Education.

The new Vice Chancellor is a professional member of the Nigerian Institute of Physics and the Health Physics Society of the USA, among other learned societies. An ordained Chaplain, he also holds a Diploma in Chaplaincy & Pastoral Education.

Until his appointment, the new helmsman was a sabbatical Professor in the Department of Physics at the Federal University, OyeEkiti (FUOYE), Ekiti State.

Prof. Ajayi is happily married to amiable Dr. (Mrs.) Adeyinka Ajayi, an Economic Historian, and the union is blessed with two children.

He succeeds Professor Samson ‘Denola Ayanlaja whose tenure elapsed on October 4, 2015.

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Inside Campus Æ s NASoW holds 31st AGM in Awka Musliudeen Adebayo Ibadan

The 31st Annual National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigeria Association of Social Workers (NASoW), has been slated to hold in Awka, the Anambra State capital, between Tuesday 17th and Friday 20th November.

The conference, according to a statement issued and signed

by NASoW National President and Secretary, Olawale Kolawole

Nathaniel and Jamilu Musa respectively, will have the theme as “Promoting the Dignity and Worth of People”.

The conference will have “Evidence-Based Practice: Contemporary Issue in Social Work practice” “Peace & Conflict Resolution in Social Work” as its sub-themes.

The conference will hold in at the Women Development Centre, Awka by 9: 00 a.m.

The statement added that the delegates and other stakeholders in the conference will brain-

storm on how to liaise with the National Assembly and other stakeholders for the passage of the long overdue Social Work bill.

Trained Social Workers with Diploma, Higher National Diploma, Bachelor of Science, Post Graduate Diploma, Master, Doctorate certificates in Social Work, Social Development and Social Work and Administration who are alumnus of UNIJOS, UI, UNIBEN, UNICAL, LASU, KADPOLY, PLAPOLY, JIGAWA POLY, and other insti-

tutions where Social Work is offered and other workers of Social agencies both home and in the Diaspora are expected at the conference.

It added that the passage of the Social Work bill would enhance the practice of Social Work profession and ensure that it is professionalised to meet the global standards.

The statement added that lead paper will be presented by Christy Obikeguna of the Department of Social Work, University of Nigeria (UNN).

Women are important, says Dr. Arese Carrington Ezekiel Efeobhokhan UNIBEN “Women need to be given the opportunity to advance in science and technology. A lot of women are gifted in Mathematics and Science but some can’t harness this potential to the fullest. Some are easily discouraged and don’t pursue their aspiration. A young lady once told me she thought about studying Maths in a top university but on the first day of lectures, she found herself as the only female in the class. She was made to feel uncomfortable by the males who asked if she was majoring in Maths to learn the ratio of ingredients needed for cooking”.

These were the words of Dr. Arese Carrington, Vice President, Africana Consultants, USA, during the First Eminent lecture series held in University of Benin penultimate Thursday.

She delivered a lecture on the topic, “The Female Imperative in the New Africa”.

Arese is the wife of former American Ambassador to Nigeria, Ambassador Walter Carrington, who was also among the speakers of the lecture series.

Introducing the guests, the Public Relations Officer of the university, Mr. Michael Osasuyi, stated that the lecture was held to address topical issues that concerns the growth and rela-

Walter Carrington and wife

tive development of the country.

During her lecture, Dr. Arese encouraged the women to stand up and get involve in leadership activities so they don’t get relegated to the background. She also admonished men to respect women and acknowledge their academic prowess.

Speaking on the topic, “Nigeria and Future of the Black World”, Ambassador Walter Carrington, gave an expose on why Nigeria still remains where it is despite its possession of

crude oil.

He decried the poor state of leadership and gave reasons why the international community could not trust in the country enough to integrate them into some key developmental processes. He, however, made some recommendations.

He said: “The country must do what so many OPEC members are doing - diversify its economy to lessen the dependence on petroleum which provides an outsized portion of

the National budget”.

Commenting on the event, Osasuyi said the idea of the lecture is for distinguished individuals to come around to share ideas and address certain issues that concerns development.

“The Vice chancellor Professor Faraday Orumwense has seen it fit to begin the university’s first lecture series so he could bring highly placed individuals to come and share ideas to address certain issues”.

Increase Budget allocation to Education, NANS tells Govt ‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure The National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS) has admonished the government to upgrade its budgetary allocation to the educational sector of the country.

It gave the advice in a communique issued at the end of its National Students Leadership Conference tagged “National Policies- The Roles of Nigeria Students” held at the Federal University of Akure (FUTA), Ondo State capital.

The communique jointly signed by its outgoing Vice President (National Affairs), Timileyin Ayenuro, the Chairman, Drafting Communiqué Committee, Salami Ismail and its Secretary, Umar Dahiru, commended governments at all levels for their contribution and sustenance of the educational system in the country.

NANS expressed disgust at the alarming increment of tuition fees in tertiary institutions in the country, noting that the nation’s education sector should not be converted into ‘taxing’ burden on students. ”We appreciate and commend the government at all levels who have contributed to the sustenance of the educational system in this country.

“We challenge the government at all levels to increase the budgetary allocation for education in order to uplift the sustained educational sector. ”The astronomical increment of education cost is alarming.

We demand that the National Universities Commission (NUC) fix and regulate the cost and price of education for all academic institutions, from Primary to Tertiary level, in the country. ”Knowing quite well that Education is the sum total of an individual life experiences which includes knowledge, skills, attitude and values generally.

Government and the organized Private sector should partner towards developing the Nigerian educational system in the country”, it said.

Features Æ s

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

29

Golden Chance sub-agents smile home with tricycles, fridges, TVs and cash prizes

High point of the reward event

Ïj ƈ ƈ ƉƑ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ beginning — MD One of the top pioneer lotto game companies in Nigeria, the Golden Chance Ventures Limited, aka Golden Chance Lotto last week splashed N16 million on their sub-agents operating in seven branches spread across two Southwestern States in Nigeria. GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR witnessed the live presentation and reports.

The occasion was the 3rd Quarterly bumper prize awards for sub-agents of Golden Chance

Ventures Limited, aka Golden Chance Lotto on Afariogun Street, Ikeja, Lagos.

The grand event paraded entertainment and movie thespians, including the hilarious pair of natural bald-headed James Kayode (Pa James) and the darling of home soap, Papa Ajasco Biodun Ayoyinka (Papa Ajasco) as well as Ghanaian born actor, McKenze who announced he was celebrating his birthday same day.

Ten winners emerged in each of the three categories in the bash that cost the company N16 million.

Managing Director of the company, Ghanaian born Arthur Charles chaired the high table supported by the company’s Group General Manager, Gbenga

Now you have won a tricycle, you will employ somebody to operate it; mechanic will be busy maintaining the tricycle and will from there maintain his family members: all that is coming from Golden Chance lotto — Charles Arthur Ademuyo, Victor Okikiola (GM), S.K. Adeyemi and Josiah (Head of Admin).

In his keynote address, Charles Arthur commented that some skeptics, including their competitors who hear of Golden Chance Lotto rewards to their sub-agents

say it is not real.

“They say it is not true, but what you’re seeing here today is real, live and true. Why are we doing this? I say it all the time that without the sub-agents, there is no lotto business.”

The lotto boss gave reasons for

the quarterly rewards to their faithful agents.

“We have good reasons to appreciate them because every day, in the rain and in the sun, in the day and at nights, they are at work; everywhere you go you see the sub-agents at work, so why should we not reward them? This is our way of appreciate their work.”

Arthur reiterated that other companies mock them believing they will get tired and stop rewarding sub-agents, but to this he said, “We have not even started; this is just the beginning.

We are working towards bigger prizes. The next time, you will be surprised at what we would be giving out to our sub-agents.”

To the sub-agents he re-echoed their Chairman’s motto that, ‘The reward for hard work is more work’, “So, don’t relax because you’ve won tricycles, fridges and television sets today.

If you work harder, what would be coming your way next quarter would be bigger than these.

“In doing this every quarter we are also generating more employment in the society. How are we doing this? Besides our growing population of sub-agents, we’re also making our sub-agents to become employers of labour.

“Now you have won a tricycle, you will employ somebody to operate it; mechanic will be busy maintaining the tricycle and will from there maintain his family members: all that is coming from Golden Chance lotto.”

Besides the quarterly rewards, Daily Times gathered that all agents have their daily sales commission accrued to them each CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Beef roll lovers cry out over dwindling quality For Gala, Chi SuperBite and other ranks of beef roll in Nigeria, it is no longer at ease.

Gone were the days when snack was a quick fix to hunger as dwindling quality has contrived to rob it of its appeal.

BABAJIDE OKEOWO in this report takes a look at the factors shaping the future of a once dominant brand.

Fasoki

On a journey from Sango to Os-

hodi with traffic moving at a snail pace, out of boredom or from hunger pangs, Stuck in a gridlock between Bolade and Oshodi, Biola Kareem, a secretary with an Indian firm at Ilupeju hollered at a young hawker selling Beef Rolls in the traffic; she bought a roll of Gala sausage, unwrapped and took a bite from it.

What followed was a barrage of complaint.

“This has lost its quality, the beef filling is getting smaller with every passing day,” she complained to no one in particular.

Visibly agitated, she went further, “sometimes in the process of eating this thing you crunch bones, in fact I will not buy Gala again,” she promised herself.

That was the story of Gala, a popular beef sausage roll from the stables of UAC Foods Plc. Gala was once the toast of Beef roll

lovers; so popular was it that the brand name ‘Gala’ became synonymous with all beef rolls in the country. Hoping to tap from the success the brand enjoyed, other brands emerged at a frightening pace, Chi Superbite, Beefy, Bigi, Meaty, Hotty to mention but a few. With the deluge of different brands flooding the market place, it was only a matter of time before quality is sacrificed on the altar CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

Features 30

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

I expect to win more than this next time – Nneka

Boy Alinco, Pappy Luwe, McKenze, Papa Ajasci and Pa James with another guest at the occasion CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

month, so it is a win win business all year round for sub-agents.

“Some sub-agents have won tricycles before and they are still winning,” Arthur said and promised more incentives: “I promise you, if we all continue in this way, you will see wonders through Golden Chance Lotto. Even if you don’t win anything here, you are always gaining something at the end of each sales day, week and month: “Which company is doing

anything like that? Only Golden Chance Lotto pioneered it and is doing it.”

The Ghanaian elder concluded his speech with a native proverb which says, if you pass water in one place, your urine will bring out foam.

“Some sub-agents sell for our competitors and are not steady in one place. Like a rolling stone, if you sell for everyone, do you think you can win these prizes?

So I advise you to sell for Golden Chance Lotto - and your life will never remain the same.”

High point of the reward event

Lady Nneka Okwako (Abeokuta Branch) and nine others from Sango, Surulere, Sagamu, Okokomaiko, Epe and host branch, Ikeja, won a 40” LED TV with a cash price of N12,000).

Movie comic and GLO ambassador, Mr. Sunday Omobolanle (Pappy Luwe) was on hand to present ten double-door deep freezers and cash prize of N20,000 to undergraduate, Benson Dolapo of Surulere Branch along with nine other winners from Epe, Okokomaiko, Abeokuta, Sagamu, Sango and host

Arthur Charles at the live draw

branch, Ikeja. Two winners in two branches (Ikeja and Sango) also won in this category.

The ‘big boys’ category – winners of brand new tricycles with a cash prize of N30,000 went to sub-agents drawn from seven branches, with host branch (Ikeja), Sango and Sagamu producing two winners each.

In a chat with Daily Times, the sprite business lady from Idum Ojugboko, Aniocha Local Government Area of Delta State said she has been in the business for a very long time,

You must insist on your rights at all times - CPC

Sausage CONTINUED FROM PAGE 29

of profit-making.

One of the ‘greatest sins’ allegedly committed by UAC Foods is the dwindling quality of the brand, according to Biola Kareem and she was not alone in the complaint about the sharp and gradual drop in the quality of Gala.

Olusola Awe, a 400 Level student of Mathematics from Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNNAB) also shared his experience with Daily Times.

According to him, he has been eating Gala for as long as he can remember, until a sordid experience made him reconsider his stance.

“On this day, I was seriously hungry and I wasn’t done with lectures for the day so, as usual, I dashed off to the vendors stand and bought a roll of Gala and a cold bottle of drink.

“As soon as I took the first bite of the beef roll, in the process of munching it, I gnashed my teeth into a hard substance; I cried out in pain and quickly spat it out, I found out that what I munched was a fragment of bone, it was a very painful experience for me,” he said. As a result of that experience, Sola decided never to eat Gala again.

A question for Standards Organisation of Nigeria The Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) is the body saddled

with the responsibility of ensuring the quality of products in the country. According to a statement on the organisation’s website, ‘We ensure that locally manufactured products in Nigeria give the required degree of satisfaction to consumers through compliance with Government policies on standardisation and conformity assessment.’

Besides ensuring that the level and maintenance of quality of products does not decline; the body is also capable of prosecut-

ing defaulters.

The law on Consumer Satisfaction Consumer Protection Council (CPC) is a Parastatal of the Federal Government of Nigeria, supervised by the Federal Ministry of Trade and Investment. Though it was established by Act No. 66 of 1992, it commenced operations only in 1999, when its institutional framework was put in place.

The mandate of the organisation requires it to, among others responsibilities, eliminate haz-

“But I stopped when I travelled out of the country but later I joined them again. Actually, we started it in the beginning, from Royal Feathers to Golden Chance. I still have my offices in those places.”

What does the future hold for her in the lotto business?

“I will work harder and aim higher. I expect to win more than this next time,” Nneka said with confidence.

The event was anchored by thespian Mr. Bayo Bankole, alias Boy Alinco.

ardous products from the market, provide speedy redress to consumers complaints, undertake campaigns as will lead to increased consumer awareness, ensure that consumers interest receives due consideration at the appropriate forum, and encourage trade, industry and professional associations to develop and enforce in their various fields quality standards designed to safeguard the interest of consumers. According to Mrs. Dupe Fatoki, the Director General of Consumer Protection Council, as a consumer, you are entitled to some rights which you must insist on at all times.

L-R: Chairman, Copyright Society Of Nigeria (COSON), Chief Tony Okoroji; Representative of the Vice President, Mr Afam Ezekude, and former Dean, School of Law and Security Studies, Babcock University, Prof. Bankole Sodipo at the annual COSON lecture held in Lagos ... recently

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

31 Opinion

With a little help from ...

- In two days sir.

- My son’s suffering from exam fever. My wife and I will drive you back to the campus. And you’ll take us to him.

Have you ever tried to write a book? Did you breathe a word of it to friends, relatives and

ÏÏÏHe

was in his fifth year of a 3-year Law course. By this time those students with whom he started would’ve been called to the bar and been practicing as lawyers. But he was just sitting for the finals, this after five years.

- I hope this time around, they’ll just give me ‘Let thy people go’ pass.

- Screw up your courage now.

- Ol’ boy, once I put this pen down, I don’t think I want to face any exam anymore.

- Struggling man!

Brace up.

He was discussing with his roommate a week before their final exams.

Two days to the examination day, the same roommate had to rush to his friend’s parents to tell them their son was on a sick bed at the Health Centre.

- Yé, mo gbé o, the mother screamed holding her head.

- Woman, let’s hear word o, the father snapped at the mother.

He then turned to the harbinger of bad news:

- What’s wrong with him?

- All of a sudden, he said he felt cold from inside.

- Malaria ni yen now.

- No sir. It isn’t malaria. The nurse at the Health Centre He said he didn’t show any malaria symptoms.

By this time, the mother was pacing up and down the sitting room. She was murmuring and waving her hand in the air.

- You this woman, o dé o.

- Bi ti bawo. They don’t want my child to be a lawyer.

The father shook his head in disbelief.

The visitor looked from one parent to another and concluded that his friend’s parents were not on the same wavelength.

- My child, give me five minutes to dress up.

I’ll go to my son.

While she went out of the room, the father turned to the visitor and said, - Have the exams started yet?

- No sir.

- When are they starting?

What is it about the modern mothers that they don’t take the pains to perform their duties as a parent talk less as a mother?

When one thinks of what a woman goes through from conception to child-birth, especially those labour pains, one would understand the meaning of the Yoruba name, Omolere. But some mothers easily forget or they allow other events (happy or not) to distract them

W E A T H E R ABUJA

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acquaintances? I bet you deeply regretted this ever after when you bumped into them and after salutations you were confronted with a barrage of questions some of which would be, - How far have you gone with that book of yours? When will it be published?

The sarcasm in these questions makes you doubt the genuineness of their concern.

A news item caught my eye recently. Medical students dumped their colleague’s corpse at the office of their Vice Chancellor. This happened in one of our universities.

The deceased was feared to have taken his life after he was alleged to have received a request from the university authorities to withdraw after spending 10 years in medical college.

He was another struggling man. Sadly in his case, he was let down by those who should’ve supported him - the university and/or family and friends.

Was he taunted and teased about the long time it was taking him to get that medical degree?

Were friends, family and acquaintances bombarding him with sarcastic questions and remarks - like in the case of the writer above? Children are known to tease and taunt each other. They still continue this well

into adolescence. But when adults stoop so low, isn’t this the I-beta-pass-my-neighbour mentality disturbing most of us when we believe we have arrived?

Ota mi ma y mi Don’t gloat over my misfortunes you my enemy. There’s a faint line between enmity and friendship. For the bosom friend of today often turns to an enemy in the future. It has been observed that these ‘devils in disguise’ don’t even show their true colour and they hit out when you least expect it.

Each of us will recognise a time like this depicted in the following lines of ‘Betrayal’ written in 2009: I was walking with them When suddenly I fell down They stopped and turned They looked at me And then looked at each other Nobody stretched out a hand To pull me up I looked up at them I stretched out a hand I looked from one face to the other I stretched out my hand They looked at each other And suddenly broke out In a laughter that was loud My hand still stretched My lips quivering I looked at them

None picked my hand Still laughing they turned And left me where I fell So ‘What would you think if I sang out of tune? Would you stand up and walk out on me?’

Mothers Beware!

What is it about the modern mothers that they don’t take the pains to perform their duties as a parent talk less as a mother? When one thinks of what a woman goes through from conception to child-birth, especially those labour pains, one would understand the meaning of the Yoruba name, Omolere.

But some mothers easily forget or they allow other events (happy or not) to distract them.

Many of these mothers shirk their responsibilities. They just devolve these duties to either their mother or their siblings or in most cases the nanny. Some even leave these duties to the driver or the houseboy.

Not a day passes these days without news of child assault or molestation from the people close to the child. Those who are meant to protect the child have become those abusing and destroying the child and the child’s early days.

Mothers please protect your child against these predators. Don’t leave the girl-child in the care of houseboy or male relative.

May we be protected from ‘devils in disguise’.

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WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 4, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.223

Price: N150

GERMANY 2006:

POLICE RAID GERMAN FA OVER TAX EVASION CLAIMS

P

olice have raided the headquarters of the German Football Association (DFB) over allegations of tax evasion linked to the awarding of the 2006 World Cup. The homes of DFB president Wolfgang Niersbach and former president Theo Zwanziger were also searched as part of an operation involving 50 officers.

It follows a report in the German

media last month that said the DFB made a secret payment of 6.7m euro (£4.6m) to FIFA in 2005. An internal audit has failed to find any trace of the 6.7m euros in the DFB’s tax documents.

In a statement, German prosecutors said: “Prosecutors in Frankfurt have opened investigations on suspicion of serious tax evasion linked to the awarding of the football championship

in 2006 and the transfer of 6.7m euros of the organising committee for the German Football Association (DFB) to the FIFA football association.”

The raids follow similar police action at FIFA’s headquarters earlier this year.

The DFB released a statement saying it would co-operate with the investigation and that the organisation was not itself under suspicion.

CARLOS

tips Neymar to surpass Messi, Ronaldo – X7

The statement said: “The German football association (DFB) fully supports the investigation conducted by the Frankfurt prosecutor’s office on suspicion of serious tax evasion in connection with the awarding of the 2006 FIFA World Cup and the transfer of 6.7m euros from the World Cup organising committee to FIFA. “On Tuesday morning officials from

the prosecutor’s office and the tax police visited the association’s headquarters in Frankfurt am Main, and among other things secured documents.”

Frank Beckenbauer, who lives in Austria, was president of the 2006 World Cup bid and last week admitted the DFB had made a “mistake” in paying the 6.7m euros, but denied that the money was used to buy votes.

Chile 2015: Arteaga vows to cage Osimhen–X2 against Mexico

Life&

TIMES Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Emmy

Collins

Pushing the boundaries of fashion L2

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

I am not easily impressed by petty things

– Emmy Collins

Mutiat Alli He is different things to different people; eclectic, avant garde, highly opinionated, overly confident - call him what you may, but the contributions of London trained designer, Emmy Collins to the fashion and style industry through his creativity and his defunct controversial self named blog cannot be over-emphasised. He speaks about his passion for fashion and why he thinks the industry is in dire need of a revolution.

Life &

T E A M

How did your love for fashion evolve?

It began from high School when my best friend and I used to travel from Government College Umuahia to Aba just to purchase unique pieces that couldn`t be seen anywhere in Umuahia town. Most students who loved fashion back then used to buy their pieces from a store in Umuahia but we decided we were too cool to be seen wearing what everyone else was wearing hence we went to Aba. And I haven’t looked back since then. The last time my mother bought clothes for me must have been in my second year in high school because by the time I was 12, I had already talked her into letting me buy fabrics and then taking them to a local tailor who would make garments for me. Of course I initiated the designs to be made by the tailor and my mother loved the designs and never complained. The trend to cloth myself in pieces designed by myself continued up until I decided to set up my label during a chance meeting with popular American artist, Prince in the year 2000 in New York. At this meeting he complimented a piece I wore and encouraged me to set up my own line when I told him that I designed the piece myself.

How exactly would you describe your kind of designs?

They have been described by some as being avant garde and daring with a predilection for retro, but I say that the Emmy Collins London pieces are timeless pieces that you can wear for a certain time and retire them for

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli

months or even a year. However, when you decide to wear them again, they will still not look out of vogue hence our slogan, ‘Never in vogue, never out of vogue’. They might be expensive but in the end, it works out cheap because they serve you for a very long time.

They are not in any way trendy.

Who are your designs made for specifically?

For the Nigerian individual who appreciates quality but doesn’t want to be in your face.

He loves to have details incorporated into his pieces but subtly. Over the years, I have studied an average Nigerian fashion aficionado and how he would love his pieces made. This sort of client in Nigeria doesn’t mind the cost but you must offer great fit, quality tailoring and fabrics and all these are what I am famed for.

And your muse?

Like all designers, I do have a few muses in Nigeria some of who are; Tony Elumelu, Eyimofe Atake, Musa Danjuma. They are the sort of individuals I am inspired to design for because despite being in the business world, they love to push the envelope when it comes to fashion and I quite appreciate that.

I don`t believe there is any Nigerian designer catering for that niche crowd so my aim is to bridge that gap. I am not all about male clothing. I have in fact made a few feminine pieces in the past and designed and brought many more female pieces to Nigeria than most people realize.

Where do you get your inspirations from?

I am a dreamer and my imagination can actually run wild. So I get inspiration for most my designs through dreams and imaginations.

Serenity is very motivating for me in my line of work, hence I don’t even try to initiate designs while in Nigeria because serenity is such a luxury out here.

What prompted you to relocate to the UK in the first place?

I have been living in the United Kingdom for about 15yrs now. The well established fashion industry in the UK was very attractive to me and necessitated my relocation from Amsterdam where I was living before and where I am also a citizen.

You are now more visible in Nigeria. Any particular reason for this?

Well because apart from doing a lot more fashion wise, here, there are a few other things that keeps me staying longer in Nigeria. However, I haven’t relocated from my base in England yet.

What is your take on the Nigerian fashion industry as it is today?

I am very passionate about our fashion industry. This is one land that is awash with a lot of talents but we are unfortunately not maximizing the full potentials of the talents that abound here. I noticed these short comings awhile ago but now I am happy to say that I am doing whatever is within my power to help nurture these talents. We need more people, government, corporate entities to invest in upcoming designers whom I refer to as the future of the Nigerian Fashion industry. My project, ‘The Nigeria Fashion Workshop’ which is my own way of

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Luke Utomi

contributing to the growth of the industry has been ongoing for about two years now and I have borne all the stress and expenses to ensure that the attendees will at least be acquainted with most of the basics in fashion. However, I have realized that it is not sustainable to offer these courses free of charge unless we receive help from somewhere. The focus of these courses is mainly about fashion business and the quality of tailoring as I believe that most of these upcoming designers regard fashion as a hobby rather than as a business. Also, while the designs of their garment might be superb, the quality of the tailoring lets them down.

So in that regard, I want to facilitate bringing down what is obtainable in international standards in order to convince Nigerians who constantly shop abroad to shop here. But before they do that, we (the designers) must offer them the quality they are used to as they would not be inclined to shop locally based only on sentiments. Finally, I must say we have potentials to rule the world but mindsets need to be drastically altered for us to get to where we need to be.

Your blog, diarybyemmycollins.com, before it was shut down, was noted for its ‘vicious’ attack, so to speak, on celebrities both home and abroad, regarding their style and choice of clothing. What did you hope to achieve with the blog?

The blog was simply an avenue to voice out my opinion on anything but mostly about fashion and offer alternative views. It wasn’t set up to correct anomalies or to personally attack individuals like most people think. Of course I am aware that Nigerians are not used to someone voicing out their opinion, so we will always misconstrue opposing views for personal attacks or what the politicians call ‘political attacks’. That is the oldest trick in the book and I am well experienced enough to recognize that and I must categorically state that I am not fazed by that all.

How would you describe your personal style?

My style has evolved over the years but presently, I am at the phase where what inspires my personal style are fit, quality of fabric and quality of tailoring. I am not as quirky as I used to be. I used to be this afro haired guy who even had long white scarf tied and knotted around my afro hair. I guess age calms you down a few notches. Presently, I am most comfortable in suits when in United Kingdom but in Nigeria, I am good in my short sleeves shirts due to the humid weather.

What is your fashion fetish?

I don’t really have one. I hate being overly attached to material stuff. But I am a lover of vintage cars. I am an old school sort of dude so the new cars don’t quite appeal to me.

My ultimate dream car would be a Bentley or Rolls Royce 50 or 60’s model.

How do you let off steam?

I unwind by observing people. I know it sounds weird, but it is actually inspiring to me. The strangest people have actually inspired my pieces in the past. But my dream destination to unwind after a long period of work is Brazil. The reason is quite obvious.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday,November 4, 2015

L3 Global fashion and beauty news

Omobolaji Afolabi

Araina Grande becomes new face of mac cosmetics

Nigerian damsel

Miss Nigeria Ghana emerges

Uche Igboeli, a final year student at Central University College, Ghana has been crowned Miss Nigeria Ghana Queen.

The beautiful young lady, a student studying Pharmacy, emerged the winner of the beauty contest at a colourful ceremony held at the National Theater, Accra, Ghana penultimate Saturday.

Uche has also contested for the Miss Imo State beauty pageant, making it to the top 5 where she won the ‘Best Behaved Contestant’ award and became an ambassador of Renny’s Restaurant in Imo state. Uche was crowned as the 3rd Miss Nigeria Ghana Queen.

Sarah Jessica

Sarah Jessica marks 10th

Araina Grande The 22 years American singer and actress Araina Grande has been reveal through social media as mac new ambassador for their new collection. The pop and R&B singer who recently launched her fragrance line also created her own range of special edition lipstick and lip-gloss.

The nickelodeon princess rocked plum lipstick and soft sensational smoking eyes serving a sultry pose in front of her painted face In the campaign the Araina scores a crop top over short skirt with sheer details over black thigh high boots with her signature ponytail the collection will be set to hit the stores by January 2016.

Harrysong shares make

upface on Instagram

anniversary of 1st fragrance

The American actress, producer, and designer recently announced the launch of a special edition bottle for the fragrance ‘Lovely’ revealing the perfume is already a decade old as it was rolled out in 2005.

The mother of 3 recently shared images from a campaign for the special edition was ageless in an oversized blue sweater with ‘Lovely’ carved on it in gold wearing her blonde tresses and a perfect smokey eye makeup look.

The face of Jordache jeans launched the fragrance; ‘Lovely’ in 2005 which recorded huge sales, two years later she released her second fragrance ‘Covet’ which did well and she’s added a continuous series for the fragrance with ‘Covet Pure Bloom’ ‘Dawn’, ‘Endless and ‘Twilight’ also made continuous scents from the ‘Lovely’ series.

Edie Campbell unveiled in

Uche Igboeli

Seyi shay acts as

corrupt eve in picture story

Kiss & Love’ campaign

YSL Beauty unveils Holiday 2015 ‘Beauty, with Edie Campbell as the face. The YSL Beauty Holiday 2015 collection features packaging done in a bold red lip prints with a new lipstick range titled ‘Kiss & Love’. The range features, sculpting pen , lipstick with matte and satin finishes and lipstick palette presented in luxurious gold detailed packages Beauty brands are on a roll with different ‘Holiday’ collections from MAC Cosmetics to NARS Cosmetics X Zac Posen X Steven Klein.

Seyi shay

Harrysong The Nigerian Singer and producer Harrysong share a picture of himself wearing make-up.

The 5 Star Music act recently up loaded a picture of himself wearing makeup via instagram the picture reveals that his brows were not caved but it was obvious he was wearing some foundation and little powder his lips was painted with a pink lip stick beta pikin singer further explains how the makeup got to his face .“And this is what they did to me unto jokes

Edie Campbell

The Corruption of Eve reconstructs the story of the fall of man in a more modern light with Seyi Shay staring as the first woman “Eve This photo editorial was directed by fast aspiring photographer, Remi Adetiba the pictures were shot at the Lekki conservation Centre, Lagos.

This photo editorial was recently showcased at the 2015 edition of the Lagos Photo Festival among select iconic photographs that are of symbolic stature in Nigerian music.

To display the dramatic emergence of the serpent, the striking male model in a full snakeskin suit, seducing Eve and tempting her with the forbidden fruit.

L4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

MISS NIGERIA: FINALISTS’ PHOTOGRAPHS

Name: Agatha Age: 23 Representing: Nassarawa

Name: Ahize Age: 22 Representing: Imo

Name: Anita Age: 24 Representing: Ondo

Name : Anthonia Age: 21 Representing: Kano

Name : Chinelo Age: 23 Representing: Enugu

Name: Confidence Age: 19 Representing: Delta

Name: Cynthia Age: Representing: Gombe

Name: Daisy Age: 21 Representing: Edo

Name: Feyi Age: 23 Representing: Kwara

Name : Florence Age:22 Representing: Kebbi

Name: Goodness Age: 23 Representing: Ebonyi

Name: Halima Age: 21 Representing: Kogi

Name: Helen Age: 23 Representing: Kaduna

Name : Hope Age: 23 Representing: Katsina

Name : Itunu Age: 23 Representing: Jigawa

Name: Lorine Age: 24 State: Lagos

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

L5

Name: Mary-Jane Age: 19 Representing: Cross River

Name: Mary Age: 21 Representing: Oyo

Name: Maureen Age: 20 Representing: Niger

Name : Ndidi Age: 23 Representing: Bayelsa

Name: Nkem Age: 23 Representing: Anambra

Name: Olive Age: 21 Representing: Sokoto

Name: Onukagha Age: 25 Representing: Taraba

Name: Onyinyechi Age: 23 Representing: Ekiti

Name: Pamela Age: 22 Representing: Plateau

Name: Paula Age: 23 Representing: Benue

Name: Peace Age: 22 Representing: Akwa Ibom

Name : Lolly Age: 23 Representing: Ogun

Name: Princess Age: 23 Representing: Yobe

Name: Triona Age: 22 Representing: Borno

Name: Rhoda Age: 21 Representing: Adamawa

Name: Utibe Age: 21 Representing: Abia

Name: Sandra Age: 22 Representing: Imo

Name: Wunmi Age: 23 Representing: Kwara

Name: Temi Age: Representing: Osun

Name: Xena Age: 23 Representing: Rivers

Global fashion and beauty news L6 Guide to make up tools Agboola Oluwarantimi & Abdullahi Zaheenab

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Brushes

Remember using those tiny sponge applicators with play makeup when you were a kid?

It’s also time to ditch those makeup brushes and wands that come packaged with compacts and eye shadow palettes. They may have worked for you but to get the most out of your makeup collection and take your makeup application to the next level, you really need the right tools for the job.

To create a work of art, whether on canvas or your eye crease, artists will often reach for a brush. Specialized makeup brushes exist to help us apply and blend colors to create different makeup looks. Buy as many different brushes as you can comfortably afford. You’ll use your brushes every day, and you won’t regret having a variety from which to

Foundation brush: Used to apply foundation to the face. They are typically made from synthetic fibers. Most foundation brushes have a small, rounded brush head shaped like a tiny spatula.

Concealer brush: Concealer brushes look like mini foundation brushes. Being smaller than foundation brushes makes them better suited for covering blemishes or for applying liquid concealers in hard to reach places like the corners of the eyes.

choose. Makeup brush design varies across brands and according to function. Brush heads may be made from natural fibers like squirrel, goat, sable, or horse hair, while others are made from synthetic fibers. Don’t be afraid to experiment with a variety of brushes made from different fibers, that is the only ideal way to find your ideal brush. Try to use just

Eyebrow brush: Eyebrow brushes have firm, angled brush heads like the tip of a marker. Use them to apply powders, creams or waxes to brows.

Eye shadow brush: Not as stiff as an eyebrow brush, eye shadow brushes have square heads used to evenly apply both powder and cream shadows to eyelids. Expect to use these a lot.

Blush brush: They resemble smallish powder brushes with either a sloped or rounded tip. Great for applying blush or bronzer to cheeks.

a single new brush or beauty product at a time, and limit its use initially. That way, if your skin does react, you’ll know which product to blame. The different kind of brushes you will acquire are used to apply foundation, concealer, powders, lipstick, blush.

Here’s a rundown: Choosing the right brush Brushes range from budget-friendly to super-expensive.

But it is best to save for them and buy the expensive ones because they’ll get plenty of use. Buy the best brushes you can afford. MAC Cosmetics brushes have a good reputation, but do shop around.

How to clean your brushes Regularly cleaning makeup brushes extends their useful life. Some makeup lines sell liquid brush cleaning solutions, but baby shampoo and water also works well.

Antibacterial wipes provide a quick way to clean brush heads in the car or wherever water would make a mess.

After cleaning your brushes, reshape the brush heads with your fingers and line them up on the edge of a shelf or sink to dry.

Short or long-handled brushes?

Brush handles come in different lengths and weights, and which one you choose depends on your personal preference.

People with small hands might prefer short brush handles.

How to store your brushes?

For cheap, easy brush storage at home, stand them up in a glass, brush heads up. When you’re on the road, use a brush roll, which is a folding bag with slots for each brush. It rolls up like a sleeping bag.

Other make up tools There are a few other tools you might consider adding to your makeup arsenal.

Eyelash curler:

Powder brush: With a large, fluffy brush head and soft bristles, powder brushes are ideal for applying loose powder to the face.

These are hand held crimpers used to curl the upper eyelashes. The best eyelash curlers won’t pinch as they curl your lashes.

Always curl your lashes when they’re dry and clean.

Curling lashes with mascara on them may leave you with broken lashes.

Crease brush: Fluffy and soft, crease brush heads come in several different shapes, from thin and tapered to round and fluffy. The shape you choose will depend more on personal preference than anything else. Look for a brush head that feels soft against your eyelid and fits into the hollow of your eye.

Round and wedge sponge:

Blending brush: Like the name implies, blending brushes are used to blend different colored products and to wipe out harsh lines. They come in a variety of shapes and sizes. Not as firm as eye shadow brush heads, the heads of blending brushes are usually tapered.

This will be your second staple brush after your eye shadow brush..

Lip brushes: At one time or another, most of us have applied lipstick straight from the tube. Even though applying lipstick straight from the tube is much easier than reaching for a lip brush, especially when you just don’t have the time, a lip brush is however, the only way to go. It provides more control and precise lipstick application than a tube.

Like concealer brushes, lip brushes have a firm, thin tip. For on-the-go lipstick application, look for a covered lip brush, which comes with a cover to protect the brush head while you’re traveling.

Round and wedge sponges are handy for blending and smoothing out makeup lines on the face and around the eyes.

Q-tips: Use Q-tips to remove excess makeup around the eyes or lips or, in pinch, to apply eye shadow.

Brow comb: Used to style eyebrows or to brush out excess eyebrow powder.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Omobolaji Afolabi Bow tie gives you confident, style fashion and attitude it is one fashion outfit that goes for both sex, bow tie is a must have for any white tie or black tie event. It usually worn with a suit, blazer or just a dress shirt Bow tie is most times preferred than long tie or slim tie because it is usually smart and simple but unfortunately people feel it meant for only steward or chef that is a wrong impression bow tie can looks awesome if you try it with this simple rules.

Simple rules to consider when wearing Bow tie • Make a wise decision in choosing the kind of tie you want to go for whether self-tie, readytie, or clip-on bow tie • fashion comes when you are comfortable pick between a fixedsize or adjustable bow tie • Pick your choice of bow tie either the Butterfly style , Big Butterfly style , Bat Wing style , Diamond Point style or the Rounded Club style • Make sure your bow matches the occasion • Creativity matters in fashion to get a stylish look with bow tie, always keep the outfit simple but creative

Agboola oluwarantimi fashion in men combines both strength and style When it comes to men s outfit, they usually think of everything from their head to the toe you might have seen some young guys wearing long socks it is called hose this fashion outfit goes more with short trousers or jean normally because it brings out the fashion style in the sock.

Socks are interesting piece of clothing, we pay so little attention to them and yet they gives our feet good structures and avoid our shoes from stinking in bad odor socks protect our feet from abrasion, wink away our perspiration and keep our dew beaters snug in our shoes. They are also a small detail that can either pull your outfit together or serve as a welcome distraction.

L7 Global fashion and beauty news

Bow tie

The combination of fashion and simplicity

Buhari

Dayo

Banky W

Sean Tizzle

Sanusi

Drive in attention with a hose

HINTS ON HOW TO WEAR HORSE

• The pant should match your socks and not your shoes • Your socks should match one another • Avoid wearing socks that have holes and visible stains, so as to make your outfit look nice.

• long socks shouldn’t be worn on traditional attires • Choose socks that, blends with the colour of your skin.

• long socks should mostly be worn under shorts • your socks must go with the whole outfit and the occasion

Burnaboy

Patoranking

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 4, 2015

L8 Television Showing on

Showing on

108 M-Net Movie Showcase

117 Universal Channel

22:25

01:10

Wed, 04 Nov | 16V

Wed, 04 Nov | PG

It’s non-stop tension as Brad Pitt battles a zombie apocalypse in this action horror about a deadly virus infecting humans. A thought-provoking film that brings your worst fears to life. Mireille Enos, Fana Mokoena, Brad Pitt. (2013) Marc Foster.

‘S6/E13 - Miracles’. Harm must defend a marine who says he was led to his wife’s body by the ghost of his Vietnam War unit’s chaplain, who is up for sainthood. Catherine Bell, David James Elliott, Patrick Labyorteaux. (2000) Mark Horowitz

101 M-Net West

118 Telemundo

120 BBC Entertainment

128 SONY MAX

00:04 Devil’s Knot 01:55 The Expendables 3 04:00 Britain’s Got Talent 04:41 Behind The Scenes: Lorde 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:00 The Goldbergs 06:30 Revenge 07:30 Madam Secretary 08:30 Monkey In The Middle 10:30 Mike & Molly 11:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 Britain’s Got Talent 13:00 Battle Creek 14:00 State Of Affairs 15:00 Chicago PD 16:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:00 The McCarthys 17:30 Britain’s Got Talent 18:30 The Big Bang Theory 19:00 The Big Bang Theory 19:30 The Good Wife 20:30 Secrets & Lies 21:30 Battle Creek 22:30 Mr. Robot 22:30 American Crime

00:30 The Del Monte Dynasty 01:20 Cruel Love 02:10 For Love And Justice 03:00 Part Of Me 03:50 Queen Of Hearts 05:20 The Del Monte Dynasty 06:10 Husband For Hire 07:00 Part Of Me 07:50 Queen Of Hearts 08:40 For Love And Justice 09:30 Cruel Love 10:20 Husband For Hire 11:10 Part Of Me 12:00 Queen Of Hearts 12:50 For Love And Justice 13:40 Cruel Love 14:30 Husband For Hire 15:20 Part Of Me 16:10 Queen Of Hearts 17:00 For Love And Justice 17:50 Cruel Love 18:40 Husband For Hire 19:30 Part Of Me 20:20 Queen Of Hearts 21:10 For Love And Justice 22:00 Cruel Love 22:50 Husband For Hire

00:54 Luther

11:35 Hell’s Kitchen USA

01:46 Come Dine With Me

12:20 Top Gear

02:36 QI

13:45 QI

03:09 EastEnders

14:20 Hell’s Kitchen USA

03:39 Top Gear

15:05 The Weakest Link

05:00 Only Fools And Horses

16:00 EastEnders

05:30 QI

16:30 Deal Or No Deal

06:05 My Family

17:10 Pointless

06:35 EastEnders

18:00 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

03:45 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol

07:10 Antiques Roadshow

19:00 Top Gear

04:35 Extreme Reality Clips

08:00 The Weakest Link

20:10 Top Gear

05:00 World’s Wildest Police Videos

08:45 Pointless

21:15 Hell’s Kitchen USA

05:50 World’s Wildest Police Videos

09:35 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

22:00 Hell’s Kitchen USA

06:40 Video Zonkers

10:20 Deal Or No Deal

22:55 QI

07:05 Whaddyado

11:00 My Family

00:00 Tinsel 00:30 Star Gist 01:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 02:00 Good Morning Africa 03:00 Good Morning Africa 03:35 Filler: Entertainment 04:00 Music Block 05:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 Star Gist 07:25 Time Knocks 08:45 Coco Bill 09:00 Katemba Mu Kkooti 09:30 Kumwesu

01:20 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 01:50 Online Dating Rituals...

02:50 Bad Ink 03:20 Guy Code

07:30 Caught On Camera

155 AfricaMagic World

08:30 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 09:30 Extreme Reality Clips 10:00 World’s Wildest Police Videos 11:00 World’s Wildest Police Videos

154 Africa Magic Family 10:00 Good Morning Africa 11:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 12:00 Music Block 13:00 Tinsel 13:30 Star Gist 14:00 Jara 14:30 Rolling With Faith History 15:00 Lies That Bind 15:30 Lies That Bind 16:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 17:00 Kumwesu 17:25 Mashariki Mix 18:00 Katemba Mu Kkooti 18:30 Kakibe Ki 19:00 Tinsel 19:30 Star Gist 20:00 Karma 20:30 Rolling With Faith History 21:00 53 Extra 21:30 Time Knocks

00:20 Caught On Camera

12:00 Video Zonkers 12:30 Whaddyado 13:00 Caught On Camera 14:00 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 15:00 Extreme Reality Clips 15:30 World’s Wildest Police Videos 00:25 Jara 01:00 Good Morning Africa 02:00 Music Block 03:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 04:00 Jacob’s Cross 05:00 Good Morning Africa 06:00 Golden Moon 09:00 Good Morning Africa 10:00 So Wrong So Wright 10:30 Prem 11:00 Jacob’s Cross 12:00 Jacob’s Cross

13:00 Music Block 14:00 Music Block 15:00 Star Gist 15:30 Star Gist 16:00 Star Gist 16:30 Star Gist 17:00 Jacob’s Cross 18:00 Jacob’s Cross 19:00 So Wrong So Wright 19:25 Secret Adventure 22:05 Music Block

16:30 Video Zonkers 17:00 Caught On Camera 18:00 Whaddyado 18:30 Extreme Reality Clips 19:00 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 20:00 Bad Ink 20:30 Guy Code 21:00 Online Dating Rituals...

22:00 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 22:30 World’s Wildest Police Videos

DANJUMA S X3 TARGETg NWPL TITLE WITH NASARAWA

Poster!

ANTHONY UJAH g X4,5

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

Arsenal train ahead of Bayern trip g X6

FABREGAS

G N I D A E L S E I DEN MOURINHO REBELLION g X6

AGU

backs matchrusty Ikeme g

Pistorius

X2

faces murder verdict g X8

X2

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

EXTRATIME

AGU

backs matchrusty Ikeme

S

uper Eagles coach Alloy Agu has dismissed fears over the inactivity of goalkeeper Carl Ikeme at his English Championship club Wolverhampton Wanderers.

Ikeme has been installed as Nigeria No 1 following the retirement of Lille goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama from international football, but he last featured for his club Wolves on August 29 at home against Charlton Athletic.

The Wolves goalkeeper has played only three games this season compared to featuring in 33 games the previous campaign.

Nigeria will again be relying on the 29-year shot stopper for a 2018 World Cup eliminator against Swaziland and Agu has dispelled fears his lack of action at Wolves could affect him with the Super Eagles.

Golden Eaglets striker, Victor Osimhen, battles Brazilian duo at the quarter-finals of the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.

Chile 2015: Arteaga vows to cage Osimhen against Mexico M

Ikeme

exico U-17 team coach Mario Arteaga has revealed they will stop the rampaging Nigeria attack led by Victor Osimhen when both teams clash on Friday in the semifinals of FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.

Kick-off for this World Cup showdown in Concepcion will be Friday 12 a.m Nigerian time.

Osimhen has been the most lethal striker at Chile 2015 with eight of the 14 goals by the Golden Eaglets as they romped to their seventh U-17 World Cup semis.

“Nigeria are a very good team and we will prepare ourselves better to face their excellent attack,” said coach Arteaga after his team set up a mouth-watering rematch

with the four-time world champions.

Mexico beat Germany and Chile on their way to the last-four.

The North Americans were worthy 2-0 winners over Ecuador on Monday night to advance to the semi-finals.

Arteaga said his team acquitted themselves very well against the South Americans.

“The match went as we expected, very tight between two teams with the same level. But my team have managed to stay very calm and very well composed this game with impeccable behaviour,” he praised.

“My players were good tactically, physically and mentally.”

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

EXTRATIME

Chile 2015: Ahmed charges Eaglets to fly over Mexico

ANDREW EKEJIUBA SPORT EDITOR

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has applauded the Golden Eaglets’ consistency in performance and overall discipline at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup Chile 2015.

The Emmanuel Amuneke-led side on Sunday sealed a ticket to the semi-final following a 3-0 defeat of Brazil in Vina del Mar. But speaking at their first training session upon arrival at Concepción on Monday, NFF Deputy General Secretary, Dr. Emmanuel Ikpeme, said the NFF was impressed with the positive attitude and ambience within the rank and file of the team.

He commended Coach Amuneke for his exemplary leadership, even in the face of daunting challenges, advising the team to remain focussed in order to end the tournament on a high note.

“The truth of the matter is that you guys have been consistent in performance and your attitude at this tournament has been excellent.

On behalf of the NFF Executive Committee led by Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, I want to commend you for a job well done so far,” he stated.

“We appreciate the Head Coach for being able to weather the storm and lead the rest of you by example both on and off the field.

“Having said that, I want you also to know that it is not over yet and your next match against Mexico is

Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

NFF LAUDS EAGLETS’ DISCIPLINE, CONSISTENCY

Golden Eaglets coach, Emmanuel Amuneke on duty at the ongoing FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile.

of high importance and it must be approached with all seriousness,” said the trained psychologist.

Reacting shortly after Mexico booked a semi-final ticket against Nigeria, following the Baby El Tri’s 2-0 spanking of Ecuador in Monday’s quarter-final in Coquimbo, Amuneke said: “We welcome the challenge of meeting Mexico again because we are more or less old foes, following double victories claimed by the Golden Eaglets Class of 2013 over Mexico in the group

Danjuma

phase (6-1) and Final Match (3-0) in the United Arab Emirates.

“I think it is going to be an interesting game because the Mexicans have shown in this tournament that they are a very solid side, but we will continue to work towards this important semifinal game.”

The mandatory official training at Estadio Municipal Ester Roa will come up today before the match at the same venue by 12am Friday morning.

the colour of the outcome of the encounter.

“Rivers Angels got just a chance in the encounter and they made it count positively to earn the whole three points at stake.

“I believe the girls played quite well to the applause of the fans and to my own satisfaction, too.

“Of course, to win the NWPL Super Six competition is the sole reason we are in the competition in the first instant.

“It’s still achievable despite match day 1 clash loss to Rivers Angels with a match to play in the group.

“The outcome of match day 2 tie between Rivers Angels and Sunshine Queens will largely shape up things in the group.

“A win for Rivers Angels will

G

overnor Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara State on Tuesday urged the Golden Eaglets currently in Chile defending the title they won two years ago not to be carried away by their 3-0 victory over their Brazilian counterparts at the quarter-final stage of the competition, but psyche themselves up for the successful defence of the trophy.

Ahmed in a statement issued in Ilorin by his Chief Press Secretary, Abdulwahab Oba, said as youths, the U-17 side might be having an erroneous belief that having edged out the Brazilians the much coveted diadem was already theirs.

The Governor advised the team especially their technical crew headed by ex-international Emmanuel Amuneke to fight like trojans till the very end of the tournament adding, “There is no praise for those who will not win the ultimate prize.”

According to him, “you have done well so far in the tournament, but remember that some of your predecessors had done more than

you did at present. You should equal their records before you can equate yourselves with them. All you need to do is to fine tune strategies that will enable you subdue the remaining two opponents standing between you and the ultimate prize.

“Brazilians were good before you bundled them out in a dramatic fashion. But having ‘slain’ the giants from South America, we should not forget that the remaining teams could be bigger ‘giants’ if we handle them with lackadaisical approaches.”

Ahmed

Agbaji

okays tenth spot for Lobi

targets NWPL title with Nasarawa

Nasarawa Amazons coach, Chris Danjuma, has said his side are capable of emerging winners of the ongoing 2015 Nigeria Women Premier League (NWPL) Super Six competition in Umuahia, Abia State.

The 2013 Federation Cup runners-up were piped 0-1 in match day 1 clash on Monday by title holders, Rivers Angels.

Danjuma said inexperience of his wards largely contributed to the loss to the more endowed Port Harcourt outfit.

“We lost the match day 1 clash to inexperience not that the winners, Rivers Angels were the better side on match day.

“We lost several glaring chances at goal which if converted would have changed

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L

Danjuma

foreclose any other person’s dream but a loss to Sunshine Queens will open up the group so we are eyeing that rare opening once again,” said the Super Falcons interim coach.

The Lafia side are to confront Sunshine Queens for the group’s last match today.

obi Stars captain and central defender, Anthony Agbaji has said a tenth finish for the side will not be a poor performance in the ongoing league season.

The ‘Pride of Benue’ are 13th on the 20-team top flight on 46 points with two matches on the season’s calendar.

Agbaji said the match day 37 clash against Enugu Rangers will afford the side the rare opportunity to firm up the chance of finishing the season’s campaign on high.

“It has been a wonderful mood for everyone connected with Lobi Stars since the hard fought win at Sunshine Stars in Akure on Sunday.

“The three points was a good result, a fortune changer that has shore up our position on the league log as well as remove us from the drop list.

“Beating Enugu Rangers on Sunday will be the ice on the cake that will see us consolidate on our prime position right now.

“The last match at Akwa United will offer us another chance to claim a point or the whole three points and

if we are able to achieve the feat the tenth placement will be just for the asking.

“Already we won’t go down on relegation, so a tenth finish on the last day will be satisfactory as far as the NPFL 2014/15 season is concerned.”

Lobi Stars will welcome Enugu Rangers to their abode, Aper Aku Stadium in Makurdi for match day 37 clash on Sunday while the last league match at Akwa United in Uyo is more or less a dress rehearsal for the 2015 Federation Cup final involving both sides later in the year.

Agbaji

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Wednesday, November 4, 2015

EXTRATIME

PERSONAL INFORMATION Full name: Anthony Ujah Date of birth: October 14, 1990 (age 25) Place of birth: Ugbokolo, Nigeria Height: 1.83 m (6 ft 0 in) Playing position: Striker Current team: Werder Bremen Number: 21 Senior career 2005–2007: Abuja FC 2008–2009: Warri Wolves 2010–2011: Lillestrøm 2011–2013: FSV Mainz 05 2012–2013: FC Köln (loan) 2013–2015: FC Köln 2015–Till date: Werder Bremen National team 2013–Till date: Nigeria

About ANTHONY UJAH Anthony Ujah (born October 14, 1990) is a Nigerian footballer who plays as a striker for the German side Werder Bremen and the Nigeria national team.

Ujah grew up in the little town of Ugbokolo in Nigeria’s Benue State and began his football career with Abuja F.C. In 2008, he was signed by Warri Wolves and in January 2010 he signed for Lillestrøm of Norway.

He made his debut on March 14, 2010 against Aalesunds FK. In January 2011, Ujah was linked with a move to England with Football League One clubs Swindon Town F.C. and Southampton F.C. reportedly interested.

On transfer deadline day, Ujah travelled to Spanish La Liga side Real Mallorca to discuss a move after Lillestrøm accepted a bid for the striker, but no deal was signed, and Ujah started the 2011 campaign still in the Norway with Lillestrøm.

In the first game of the season on March 3, 2011, Ujah scored four goals in Lillestrøm’s convincing 7–0 victory away against Stabæk.

Following his strong performance, it was reported that Dutch powerhouse PSV Eindhoven were keeping tabs on Ujah, using Rabiu Ibrahim to convince him to join.

Ujah added to his tally by scoring a brace in his side’s 5–0 thumping of FK Haugesund on April 25.

In May 2011, following his return of eight goals from the first six league matches for Lillestrøm, Ujah was linked to a host of bigger clubs from strong continental leagues including the Bundesliga, Ligue 1 and Eredivisie.

After just 15 months in Norway, he built up a tremendous rapport with the club’s supporters and arguably attained an almost legend-like status unheard of for a 20-yearold. He ended up scoring 32 goals in 42 matches for Lillestrøm.

In June 2011, Ujah signed for FSV Mainz 05, and scored his first two goals for his new club in a 3–1 victory over VfB Stuttgart on November 4, ending his side’s winless run that stretched back to mid-August. The victory moved them three points clear of the relegation zone.

On the last day of the summer 2012 transfer window, Ujah signed a season-loan to FC Köln.

On May 5, 2015, SV Werder Bremen announced that they had signed Ujah on a four-year contract, starting from the 2015–16 season and on October 24, Ujah scored a brace against his former club Mainz as Werder earned a 3–1 away win following five successive defeats. Four days later, he netted again, helping Werder to a 1–0 victory over his former club FC Köln in the second round of the DFB-Pokal.

Meanwhile, at the end of May 2011, Ujah was called up to the U-23 Nigerian National Team that faced Tanzania on June 5, 2011 and was selected for Nigeria’s squad at the 2013 FIFA Confederations Cup.

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

X5

Anthony Ujah

EXTRATIME

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Wednesday, November 4, 2015

EXTRATIME

Arsenal train ahead of Bayern trip A

Fabregas

FABREGAS

DENIES LEADING MOURINHO REBELLION C

esc Fabregas has denied claims that he is at the centre of a player rebellion designed to destabilise Jose Mourinho’s reign at Chelsea.

Media reports on Sunday alleged that a Chelsea player was so upset with his manager that he would prefer to lose matches than win them.

Fabregas - left out of the team against Liverpool on Saturday as the champions lost their sixth Premier League game of the season - issued a statement on Tuesday morning refuting the allegations and said he was confident the club would turn their season around.

He said: “I would like to clarify that contrary to a few reports from some websites, I am extremely happy at Chelsea and have an excellent relationship with the

manager.

“There may be certain individuals from the outside trying to destabilise this club but I strongly believe that we will bounce back and come good again.”

Saturday’s defeat continued Chelsea’s worst start to a Premier League season and left them 15th in the table, 14 points behind leaders Manchester City.

They play Dynamo Kiev in Champions League Group G at Stamford Bridge today before travelling to Stoke City on Saturday evening.

Mourinho will serve a one-match stadium ban at the Britannia Stadium unless an appeal is submitted against the sanction imposed on Monday following his half-time dismissal at West Ham on October 24.

TERRY

hits out at Savage criticism

J

ohn Terry is happy to be criticised over his Chelsea performances, as long as it doesn’t come from Robbie Savage.

Jose Mourinho’s side have failed to win any of their previous four games in all competitions and sit 15th in the Premier League table following six defeats in 11 fixtures so far.

The Chelsea captain has been criticised for his displays, with television pundit Savage tweeting “it could be the

beginning of the end for Terry” following his half-time substitution in the defeat to Manchester City earlier this season.

The 34-year-old admitted he is happy to be questioned by decorated former players such as Rio Ferdinand, Jamie Carragher and Gary Neville, but blasted Savage, suggesting he was not successful enough to castigate him.

“It’s a case of, for me, we are where we are as a group. I’ve come under criticism, individually, from certain

Terry

players who I’ve looked up to,” Terry said.

“When players who haven’t had a career come for people who’ve achieved what I achieved – Robbie Savage being one. He’s dug me out a couple of times.

“You take it as a footballer, as an individual. I’ll take it from people like Rio, Carragher and Neville. From others? No.” Chelsea host Dynamo Kiev in the Champions League today, requiring a win to move into the top two.

rsenal’s injury-hit squad has been training at London Colney before flying out for today’s game at Bayern Munich.

Arsene Wenger is without eight players, but there are no new concerns ahead of their Champions League game against the German champions.

Arsenal go to Bavaria as the bottom-placed side in Group F, although last month’s 2-0 home win over Bayern revived their chances of qualifying after successive defeats.

Wenger said at the weekend he would “sign up for a point now”, and Arsenal have a good recent record at the Allianz Arena having won and drawn there in recent seasons.

But even a defeat would not

Wenger

mean elimination for the Londoners, who have games against Dinamo Zagreb and Olympiakos still to come.

Wenger held his press conference on Tuesday ahead of the cracker.

Gerrard

GERRARD

HINTS AT RETIREMENT PLANS

F

ormer England and Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard has admitted he may retire from football next year.

Gerrard joined LA Galaxy in the summer halfway through the MLS season after playing over 700 games and scoring 185 goals for the Reds in a 17-year spell The 35-year-old marked his MLS debut with a goal but his campaign ended in disappointment after the Galaxy were knocked out of the playoffs by Seattle Sounders last week.

“It could be my last season as a footballer. I certainly don’t want to feel like I’m feeling right now come next year,” Gerrard said.

“I’d love to go out on a high. It’s a long season and I only came here for the last four months, but I’ll certainly be better for the experience next year.”

Gerrard, who is due back in England next week before returning to Los Angeles for pre-season training in January, admitted the experience of playing in the US was a learning curve.

“Going on the road, playing on turf, playing at altitude, playing in humidity, those are the hurdles that I’ve had to face over the last three months that I wasn’t aware of.

“Every away game has a different challenge. At home, we’ve got no problems because we’re very strong and we play well. We’ll always win more than we lose.”

Wednesday, November 4, 2015

EXTRATIME

BRIEFS

R

oberto Carlos has tipped Barcelona and Brazil superstar Neymar to be the world’s best player in the next two to three years.

Neymar’s Barca team-mate Lionel Messi and Real Madrid star Cristiano Ronaldo are widely considered to have been the two best talent on the planet, with no other playing winning the Ballon d’Or award during the last seven years.

But former Brazil star Carlos, who represented Barca’s rivals Madrid for 11 years between 1996 and 2007 during a distinguished career, believes his compatriot has the talent to break that mould in the coming seasons.

“To say that I prefer Neymar is to change those ideas that only Messi or Cristiano can be the best soccer player in the world,” Carlos said.

“Neymar is a great player and a friend who I have seen grow.

I hope the people of Madrid do not get angry at me. Within two to three years Neymar will be number one in the world.”

Since hanging up his boots,

X7

No Barca move for Pogba, Raiola insists

Neymar

Carlos tips Neymar to surpass Messi, Ronaldo Carlos has turned his hand to coaching and has had spells in charge of Anzhi Makhachkala, Sivasspor and Akhisar

Belediyespor, on an interim basis at the former club. He is now head coach of Delhi Dynamos in the Indian Super League.

But the 42-year-old has loftier ambitions and is dreaming of one day returning to Estadio Santiago Bernabeu.

‘BUSQUETS among world’s best’ S

ergio Busquets’ all-round game is underestimated and the Barcelona player should be regarded as one of the best midfielders in the world, believes Terry Gibson.

With long-standing midfield general Xavi departed and Andres Iniesta now 31, Busquets has been a mainstay of the Barca engine room.

The club’s transfer embargo means that new signings such as Arda Turan cannot be fielded until the New Year, and with a host of youngsters alongside him, Busquets has won praise from his manager for his all-action displays - a sentiment Gibson shared on the player’s form.

“Luis Enrique has said that Sergio Busquets is the best midfielder in the world,” Gibson said. “I have been banging his drum since 2010.

“We have pigeon-holed him as a defensive midfield player, and we overlook his other

attributes.

“The skill level he shows when trying to get out of a tight situation; he has a great first touch, good passing range, excellent awareness, he’s been a very intelligent footballer from a very young age.

“Graham Hunter has always said he is a street fighter, and he can get down and dirty, which he does, as he is a big, strapping lad.

“When looking around for best midfielders in the world, the usual suspects come up, but with what he has won, he is right up there.

“When you are in that trio of Xavi and Iniesta of course he was overlooked, but his longevity shows just how important he is for club and country.”

Gibson also insisted Lionel Messi’s return will only improve Barca, despite the fine form of Luis Suarez and Neymar.

Messi

Athletics

would cost Real much, says Ranieri

L

Messi

uis Enrique says Lionel Messi’s recovery is proceeding as expected but offered no update on when the forward is expected to return to action.

It was hoped the Argentina captain, who has been sidelined with a knee injury since the end of September, will be fit to face Real Madrid on November 21.

Reports in Spain over the weekend suggested Messi has suffered a setback in his recovery and would miss the Clasico against Real Madrid, but Luis Enrique appears to be unconcerned over the progress of his star’s rehabilitation.

Paul Pogba’s agent, Mino Raiola, has ruled out a move to Barcelona for the French international and hinted he could remain at Juventus. Luis Enrique’s side were heavily linked with a move for the France international last summer and have been tipped to snap him up when their FIFA-imposed transfer ban comes to an end in January.

De Rossi back for Roma, Leverkusen clash

Rudi Garcia is set to welcome fit-again Daniele De Rossi back into Roma’s XI for the Champions League clash against Bayer Leverkusen today, the midfielder having recovered from a thigh strain. Italy international De Rossi was absent as Roma slipped to a 1-0 defeat at fellow high-flyers Inter in Serie A on Saturday.

However, with Seydou Keita still unavailable due to a thigh injury of his own, De Rossi is set to play in the crucial Group E match at Stadio Olimpico.

KLAASSEN extends Ajax contract

A

Busquets

“I have no news. He’s recovering quite normally for a player with that kind of inury,” the head coach said on Tuesday.

“Every player has a different recovery process to go through but as far as I’m aware he is progressing well, as any player would.”

Enrique was then asked whether he felt Neymar had embraced his role as a leader of the team in Messi’s absence, to which he responded: “This is a question I’ve not been asked yet!

“When we have Messi we have certain resources we like to exploit, but I always ask the players to do what they can without relying on others.”

jax attacking midfielder Davy Klaassen revealed he did not feel ready to leave the Eredivisie club after signing a contract extension until 2019.

The Dutchman – who won the first of his four international caps for Netherlands in 2014 – joined the club’s youth academy in 2004 and was handed the captain’s armband at the start of the campaign.

Klaassen, 22, has made 108 appearances for the club and was keen to extend his stay at the Amsterdam Arena despite having three years to run on his current deal.

“It is a good moment to extend my contract. I am really happy with it,” he said “I didn’t have any doubts when I signed it.”

He added: “Ajax is really my club.

I have been here for so long and I don’t want to leave quite yet.”

Klaassen

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Wednesday, November 4 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

More troubles for

Football

Athletics

PISTORIUS,

faces murder verdict

S

outh African judges have heard an appeal on whether athlete Oscar Pistorius should be convicted of murder instead of culpable homicide.

The Paralympian was transferred to house arrest last month after serving one year of his five-year term for killing his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp.

Pistorius, 28, shot her through a locked toilet door in 2013 but insists he thought she was an intruder.

No date was set for the judgement that could see Pistorius return to prison.

Pistorius and his family did not attend the hearing at South Africa’s Supreme Court of Appeal in Bloemfontein.

Ms Steenkamp’s mother, June, was present, as well as some women activists of the governing African National Congress who said they came to show solidarity with her.

State prosecutor Gerrie Nel outlined the state’s case for the verdict to be changed to murder from culpable homicide, or manslaughter.

The five appeal court judges did not consider the facts but the application of the law, in a highly technical case.

What is on everybody’s lips is what Pistorius’ lawyer Barry Roux was overheard saying at the end of the hearing.

“I’m going to lose”, he is reported to have

Pistorius

said in a conversation with Mr Nel while their microphones were still open.

Roux had a tougher time in court, and there are many who felt that the scales of justice tilted in favour of a murder conviction.

In South African law, murder charge

applies if the accused knew they might kill someone but still went ahead with their course of action. The prosecution argued that Pistorius should have foreseen that by firing four shots through a locked door into a toilet cubicle, the person behind the door would have been killed.

UCL: RESILIENT ASTANA HOLD ATLETICO IN KAZAKHSTAN Football

A

tletico Madrid were held to a surprise 0-0 draw by a spirited Astana side in Tuesday’s Champions League clash at the Astana Arena.

Diego Simeone’s side held top spot heading into Group C’s early kick-off and could have pulled three points ahead of Benfica with victory in Kazakhstan.

Koke struck the woodwork once in each half but Atletico toiled too often in possession against a well-disciplined home side.

Fernando Torres - chasing his 100th Atletico goal - also spurned a good chance and Antoine Griezmann came close in the second half, but Astana held on for a famous point which keeps alive their hopes of at least battling for a Europa League spot by finishing

third.

Astana, in their maiden Champions League campaign, now have two points from their four matches following a 2-2 home draw with Galatasary on matchday two.

Tiago came close early on for Atletico with a blocked effort inside the area but Astana, roared on by a vociferous home

RWC: Armitage blasts England Rugby players’ views S teffon Armitage says it was “pretty insulting” to hear England players say he would have been a distraction had he been called into the World Cup squad.

Toulon flanker Armitage, 30, and Clermont Auvergne full-back Nick Abendanon were both overlooked because they play in France.

Abendanon called the players who backed that stance “pathetic”.

Asked if he agreed, Armitage said: “Definitely. To hear them say we’d be a distraction was pretty insulting.”

Armitage was the 2014 European Player of the Year and was succeeded in 2015 by Abendanon.

Speaking to reporters, Armitage added: “At the end of the day all we wanted to do was make the team better and I just think it was wrong for players to say what they did.

“We could have learnt from each other and created more rivalry for

places.”

The Rugby Football Union has a policy of not picking overseas players unless there are “exceptional circumstances”, a position backed ahead of the World Cup by England forwards Tom Wood and Tom Youngs, who said selecting foreignbased players could have affected morale in the squad.

Armitage’s omission came under further scrutiny following England’s difficulties at the breakdown during the tournament, as they become the first sole hosts to ever go out of the World Cup at the group stage.

England boss Stuart Lancaster’s men were undone against Australia

by David Pocock’s ability to win turnovers, a skill Armitage has become known for during Toulon’s three consecutive European-title winning seasons.

Armitage, who won the last of his

Armitage

five Test caps more than five years ago, would be a contender for the open-side flanker position currently filled by England captain Chris Robshaw,

crowd, and denied them any real rhythm in the opening 25 minutes.

Junior Kabananga’s scuffed volley from 20 yards forced Jan Oblak into a save but chances were few and far between in the opening half-hour, until Torres stole in behind Evgeny Postnikov following Juanfran’s long ball and prodded wide across goal.

ZOLA: I want to be Chelsea manager!

Zola

C

helsea legend Gianfranco Zola has revealed that he dreams of taking charge of the reigning Premier League champions at some stage in the future.

The Italian enjoyed a successful spell with Chelsea between 1996 and 2003 before retiring at Cagliari and has since managed West Ham, Watford, Cagliari and Al-Arabi, his current employers.

Nevertheless, he hopes to eventually make a return to take the top job at Stamford Bridge.

“My dream, let us say my ambition, is to be Chelsea manager some day in the future,” Zola said.

“However, I realise that I need to improve as a manager if I want to get there.

And I am working hard to achieve my goal.

Qatar is helping me a lot in this regard.

GRAVENEY: Ex-England cricketer dies at 88

Graveney

F

ormer England cricketer Tom Graveney has died at the age of 88.

An elegant batsman, Graveney played 79 Tests for England, scoring 11 centuries at an average of 44.38.

He scored more than 47,793 firstclass runs - including 122 hundreds - in a career that stretched from 1948 to 1972 and included spells at Gloucestershire, Worcestershire and Queensland.

After retiring, he became a cricket commentator and served as the 200th president of the MCC in 2005.

He was the first former professional cricketer to be appointed to the post.

Graveney captained England once at the age of 41, deputising for Colin Cowdrey against Australia at

Cricket

Headingley in 1968.

His older brother Ken died recently at the age of 90. Both were former Gloucestershire captains.

Graveney was Worcestershire president from 1994-98 and remained a regular visitor to New Road.

In a statement, the club said he had had Parkinson’s disease for some time.

Worcestershire chief executive David Leatherdale said: “He was one of the stalwarts of our first two championship triumphs and will be hugely missed by everyone at Worcestershire CCC and by cricket as a whole.”