Dtn 4 2 16

Supreme Court affirms election of Govs Udom, Ikpeazu Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÎÎÎJust as it happened last

week,the Supreme Court on Wednesday night upheld

the appeals filed by Governor Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia State and Gov Udom Gabriel Emmanuel of Akwa -Ibom as dully elected governors of their states for the

elections held on 11,April 2015.

The apex court set aside the decisions of the Court of Appeal, Owerri Division delivered on December

31, 2015 and the judgment of the Court of Appeal, Abuja Division in respect of Akwa- Ibom State governorship election both of which nullified the election

of Udom and Ikpeazu both of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Governor Ikpeazu had

Continued on page 12

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THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016 VOL. 2. NO. 38

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 3 February 2016.

SEPLAT

214.15

236.09

21.94%

GUINNESS

111.2

116.76

5.56%

NB

99.5

95.25

-4.25%

DANGCEM

7UP

117

186.95

9.95%

FLOURMILL

18.05

19.88

1.83%

UNILEVER

33.48

31.81

-1.67%

GUARANTY 16.38

128.01

127

-1.01%

15.54

-0.84%

Libya, ‘time bomb’ for Africa, Europe –Buhari Ï Says lawless southern Libya creating flow of arms into Nigeria, other countries Ï Assures EU of Nigeria’s protection of human rights ÎÎÎ Ï Calls for mutually-beneficial economic relations with Europe Egena Egena

President Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday Continued on page 6

‘Capital market in 2016: New or supplementary issues not B1 likely’

I made no allusion to OBJ in my remarks on Nigeria’s 7 woes –Saraki

‘Ibori released 6 from London jail, rearrested’ Lancelot Imaseun A realist L1 director par excellence

Buhari addressing the European Parliament in Strasbourg, France... on Wednesday

ÏCourt orders arrest of ex-Ekiti PDP scribe for perjury

12

2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

Politics Page Three

3

s

Editorial Time to end gas flaring

R

ecently, the Director of Health of the Mother Earth Foundation, Mr. Nnimmo Bassey, expressed misgivings on the Federal Government’s reported commitment to ending gas flaring by 2020. According to him, successive governments have been shifting the deadline for this all-important milestone from year to year. It is disheartening that debates on the Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB), which has been going on for more than a decade, has said nothing on when gas flaring would end.

We are also alarmed at the development, with the attendant health hazards. Figure shows that Nigeria exceeds over 40 percent of the gas flared annually across Africa, which amounts to about $7 billion in waste.

Aside the economic waste, flared gas is also known to contain toxic substances which cause respiratory diseases and air pollution, leading to depletion of the ozone layer, ultimately having an adverse effect on weather and climate. In addition, the release of oxides of Nitrogen and Sulfur into the atmosphere is responsible for the formation of acid rain, which destroys vegetation and damages structures and buildings while reducing visibility.

Whilst many countries have been re-injecting gas into the fields and converting same into liquefied natural gas, domestic cooking gas, plastic production and other uses, the problem of gas flaring has remained unresolved in Nigeria many decades after.

We recall that the first regulatory framework at stopping gas flaring was the Associated Gas Reinjection Act, 1979. It required every oil and gas producing company to submit to the minister for petroleum, detailed

programmes in relation to the reinjection of produced associated gas.

It is doubtful whether the Federal Government is enforcing this policy.

It is a fact that the government’s main interest is to maximise its monetary profits from oil production.

Therefore, the oil companies find it more economically expedient to flare the natural gas and pay the insignificant fine than to re-inject the gas back into the oil wells. Moreover, since there is an insufficient energy market especially in rural areas, these companies do not see an economic incentive to collect the gas.

Therefore, the environment and human health consideration is seen as secondary for oil companies and the Nigerian government. We believe the Federal Government can impress upon the oil companies to stop gas flaring if there is the political will.

First, there should be firm commitment from the government to encourage gas utilisation and flaring reduction with petroleum companies through introduction of fiscal incentives.

The World Bank proposal urging oil and gas producers to stop gas flaring by 2030 is achievable and to achieve this, there should be a wellco-ordinated alliance between the government and various energy subsectors to ensure compliance with protocols on gas flaring.

It bears repeating that gas flaring should be brought to an end because of the monumental waste of resources especially in a country like Nigeria where energy demand surpasses supply and where over 70 percent of the population still live in abject poverty. In addition, the extent of environmental degradation that gas-flaring causes is enormous and therefore stopping the practice will reduce the environmental and health effects.

What manner of whistle blowing is this?

Sam Nzeh

ÏÏÏWhy do some Nigeri-

ans wait until they fall out of favour with their benefactors before coming out to ‘blow the whistle’?

Answer to this question has become pertinent in view the confession of a former Secretary of the Ekiti State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party, Dr. Temitope Aluko, as well as EFCC witnesses in the ongoing trial of individuals accused of corruption.

Aluko, for instance, on Sunday in Abuja while speaking with reporters, alleged that former President Goodluck Jonathan gave Governor Ayo Fayose N4.7 billion cash to prosecute the June 21, 2014 governorship election in the state.

He also revealed how the

PDP rigged the governorship election.

Also, a prosecution witness in the ongoing trial of former Director-General of Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency, NIMASA, Patrick Akpobolokemi, Uche Obilor, on Tuesday, admitted before a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos that his three companies were paid N905.8million by NIMASA under Akpobolokemi for a contract he did not execute.

Recall that EFCC witnesses had earlier confessed the roles they played in the N400 million allegedly collected from the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Col. Sambo Dasuki (rtd) by the National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Chief Olisa Metuh.

Clearly, Aluko and the EFCC witnesses do not qualify as whistle blowers.

Aluko, for instance, resorted to the confession because

Words On Marble :

he had fallen out of favour with Gov. Fayose. The antigraft witnesses on the other hand were compelled to confess the roles they played in the ongoing trials of individuals accused of graft and they did so as a means to get soft-landing. These confessions are purely an afterthought. So, Aluko, the EFCC witnesses should not expect sympathy of Nigerians. Rather, they should bury their heads in shame for knowingly doing what is wrong and hiding it only to come out to spill the beans when the going had gone sour.

Nigerians should realise that for the country to move forward, we must all resolve to blow the whistle whenever the law is being compromised. We must not wait until we fall out of favour with our benefactors before blowing the whistle. Anything short of this is not whistle blowing in its true sense.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Managing Editor Yinka Olujimi Daily/ Online Editor Biodun Durojaiye Deputy Editor/Southern Bureau Chief Sam Nzeh Deputy Editor/Northern Bureau Chief Lateef Ibrahim

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Obafemi Awolowo

Nnamdi Azikiwe

Barack Obama

“Violence never settles anything right: apart from injuring your own soul, it injures the best cause.”

“It is better we disintegrate in peace and not in pieces.”

“Change will not come if we wait for some other person or some other time. We are the ones we’ve been waiting for. We are the change that we seek.”

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UPN to Obasanjo: Stop writing letters on corrupt politicians Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta

ÎÎÎ

The National Chairman of the Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), Professor Bankole Okuwa, on Wednesday, urged former President Olusegun Obasanjo to desist from writing letters about corrupt politicians in the country.

It would be recalled that former president Obasanjo had written a letter recently to the National Assembly, accusing its members of corruption, but Okuwa however challenged the former military president saying “if he has any information about anyone, he should turn them to Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) for investigation.

Okowa spoke at Iwe-IroyVice President Yemi Osinbajo (centre) commissioning the Sagamu fly-over bridge while Governor Ibikunle Amosun (right) and his Deputy, Chief (Mrs) Yetunde Onanuga look on.

Photo: DAVID IDOWU

PDP constitution c’ttee submits report Lateef ibrahim, Abuja

We won’t renege on our electoral promises — Osinbajo Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta

ÎÎÎ The Vice President,

Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, on Wednesday, said that the present government will not make any citizen suffer.

Osinbajo said that as soon as the National Assembly passed the 2016 budget, full implementation of the poverty alleviation programme of Buhari -led administration will commence.

He disclosed this while commissioning some legacy projects constructed by

Governor Ibikunle Amosun-led administration in Ogun state.

According to him, “Let me say this, all what we promised to do at the federal government level will be fulfilled. Our administration priority is job employment for our teeming youths, especially, the graduates.

“What we promised as little incentive for our youths will be done but not as a free gift. We will recruit 500,000 youths and train them as volunteer teachers.

“Also, we have programmes for the women and our market people, even the down trodden.

No one will suffer in this government, all what we promised, by God’s grace, we will fulfill them”, Osinbajo said.

Addressing the people of Ota, Governor Ibikunle Amosun thanked the people of the local government for their unalloyed support for his government in the last five and half years.

Amosun also expressed happiness with the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo,

for, despite his tight schedule, honoured the state invitation.

He appealed to the people to remain calm and resilient, promising that, all uncompleted projects will be completed and more will still be done.

“What we are doing today is a celebration, our own, the Vice President is from Ogun West, his mother side. It is true that we cannot finish everything at once, government will fix all the road one by one and we will do them”, Amosun promised.

in Press Centre in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, while responding to questions from journalists on activities heralding the 40 years anniversary of Ogun state.

He noted that the celebration was sabotaged to portray the achievements of Governor Ibikunle Amosu’s administration, while the legacies of the founding fathers were neglected.

Said he, “40th anniversary of Ogun State shouldn’t be commissioning of his administration’s projects, but the achievements of the state since creation.

“All those who contested the last election for governorship, are great citizens of the state, what is their role? This things is not for government alone.

ÎÎÎ

The draft document of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) review constitution will soon be presented to the delegates to the National Convention of the party for adoption.

The review committee, which was inaugurated on January 12, on Wednesday, submitted the draft copy to the Acting National Chairman, Prince Uche Secondus.

Secondus, while receiving the document, explained that part of reforms going on in the party was to allow the youths and women members have more influence in the affairs of the party.

According to him, “this is to demonstrate that PDP is the only political party that is open to all irrespective of age, religion or ethnicity. Indeed, this party is the only one that represent the interest of Nigerians “.

The report, Secondus assured, would be circulated to various states and organs of the party with a view to adopting the aspect of the recommendations that will help to reposition the party.

He said that from all indications, it’s becoming clearer that PDP remained the party of the people, adding that it is the only party in the country that after the elections has subjected its constitution and operational modes to suit the yearnings of the Nigerian people.

Secondus

Power transmission attains new peaks of 5074.7MW, 109,372MWH ÎÎÎ

The System Operator, Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), on Wednesday, announced the attainment of a new record peak generation of 5074.7MW, and highest maximum daily energy wheeled nationwide of 109,372MWH on Tuesday.

In a statement signed

by the Assistant General Manager, Public Affairs, Clement Ezeolisah, the new peak generation of 5074.7MW was attained at 9.30pm on Tuesday, 2nd February, 2016, while the previous peak generation was 4883.9MW, achieved on Monday, 23rdNovember, 2015. The previous high-

est maximum daily energy wheeled nationwide was 107,142.32MWH recorded on Tuesday, 26th January, 2016.

The Managing Director, System Operation/Market Operation (TCN), Dipak Sarma attributed the twin peak achievements to the enhanced cooperation

among all the power sector stakeholders and concerted efforts by system operators at the National Control Centre, and other stations to ensure that all generated power is wheeled to the distribution companies and without stranded power.

Meanwhile, the Minister of Power, Works and Hous-

ing, Babatunde Raji Fashola, has said power generation would increase with additional 2000MW by the last quarter of 2016.

According to a statement

by Assistant Director of Press, Etore E. Thomas, the minister expressed optimism that the feat would be achieved given the various

plans undertaken by the present administration in the sector.

He stated this at the ministry’s budget defence before the Senate Committee on Power and Mines, while adding that a lot had changed in the management of power in the country in recent times.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

Libya a ‘time bomb’ for Africa, Europe –Buhari Continued from page 1 in Strasbourg, France, urged the international community to help end the turmoil in Libya, warning that it was creating a “strategic time bomb” for Africa and Europe.

Addressing a special

session of the European Parliament, President Buhari also assured that his administration was doing its utmost best to protect the fundamental human rights of persons in the theatre of operations against Boko Haram.

Buhari said the situation in lawless southern

Libya was particularly alarming as it was creating a flow of arms affecting Nigeria and other countries.

Libya has been gripped by chaos since the 2011 revolution that toppled dictator Moamer Kadhafi, with two rival administrations currently hold-

ing sway and the Islamic State group on the rise.

“I must express our serious concern about the alarming situation in southern Libya which is becoming a strategic time bomb for Africa and indeed Europe,” Buhari told MEPs in the French city of Strasbourg.

L-R: Global Head of Policy and Public, Diageo, Richard Burn; Global Corporate Relations Director, Diageo, Charlotte Lambkin; Chairman Medical Advisory Committee, LUTH, Prof. Ben Fasanmade; Acting Head, Guinness Eye Clinic, LUTH, Prof. Adeola Onakoya and Corporate Relations Director, Guinness Nigeria Plc, Mr. Sesan Sobowale, during Diageo’s courtesy visit to the Guinness Eye Centre in LUTH, Lagos… on Wednesday.

Ex-Delta gov, Ibori released from jail, rearrested in London

ÎÎÎFormer

Delta State Governor, Chief James Ibori, has been rearrested in the United Kingdom after initially regaining freedom from a London prison.

The ex-governor, who reportedly completed his

prison terms in the UK was sentenced to a 13-year jail term in April 2012 by a Southwark Crown court in London and was released by prison authorities on January 22.

He finished his prison term at Her Majesty’s Prison in Bedford, outside of

London, after initially being held at the Long Lartin Prison in Worcestershire.

According to a report, a prison source at Bedford confirmed on Tuesday night that, “He is out of here” but his new destination is yet to be confirmed.

Ibori was reportedly rearrested to face another charge which borders on the confiscation of his illgotten assets, estimated to be about 250 million pounds as sources confirmed that the case initially billed for May, will now come up in June.

Insecurity: Senate meets with service chiefs ÎÎÎThe Senate on Wednes-

day held a closed-door meeting with Service Chiefs in view of the prevailing security issues in the country, especially in the North East.

The two-hour meeting, chaired by the President of the Senate Bukola Saraki, was attended by other principal officers of the Senate and chairmen of security related committees.

Although newsmen were shut out of the meeting, the

Leader of the Senate Ali Ndume later told newsmen that the issues discussed could not be revealed to the public.

He said that they bordered on national security and as such was for the sole consumption of those who were in attendance.

Ndume, however, expressed the satisfaction of the Senate as this was the first time the upper legislative chamber was being fully briefed on matters of

security. ``We have been briefed properly but these are security issues we cannot really disclose any of it. ``Unlike before, the Senate was not abreast or updated on the efforts they are making; now we have very full, honest, open and transparent discussion on the activities. ``This is a security meeting that we just had; it will be wrong for me to disclose the details.

``We are satisfied because we have never had this kind of briefing before; we are part of it now; we know what is the problem; we know what are the challenges,” he said.

The service chiefs present were Chief of Defence Staff, Maj.-Gen. Abayomi Olonishakin; Chief of Army Staff, Maj.-Gen. Tukur Buratai; Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Adm. Ibok-Ete Ibas and Chief of Air Staff, AVM Sadique Abubakar.

“The ungoverned south of southern Libya has become a (...) arms bazaar which threatens the security of the Sahel region as well as the North Africa region and beyond.

“We must therefore intensify our efforts to find a lasting solution to the Libyan crisis.”

The EU and UN have been backing efforts to form a national unity government in Libya but this has been beset by problems.

Since 2014 Libya has had two governments and parliaments, with the recognised authorities based in the eastern city of Tobruk and a militia-backed authority in Tripoli.

In mid-December, only a minority of lawmakers from both sides signed a UN-backed deal to unify the government in the oil-rich North African nation.

President Buhari further said that his government shared the European Union’s commitment to peace and security, respect for human rights, democracy and good governance, equality and tolerance, as ways of developing prosperous and strong societies.

“For our part, we have updated our rules of engagement in fighting terrorism and pay very close attention during operations to the treatment of captured terrorists, civilians caught up in the conflict and in general, safeguarding property.

“Our aim is to use minimum force necessary in our fight against terrorists,” President Buhari assured members of the parliament and the European Union Commission.

Buhari also spoke of Nigeria’s concerns about the Economic Partnership Agreement between the European Union, African, Caribbean and Pacific Group of States (ACP), collectively endorsed by the Economic Community of West African States.

According to the statement, the President said that Nigeria was yet to sign the agreement because pertinent technical issues raised by the

Federal Government had not been satisfactorily addressed.

“Giving due consideration to the mismatch of the two regions (EuropeECOWAS) in terms of technology and manufacturing experience, the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria and Associated Trade Unions raised concerns over the negative impact of the agreement on Nigeria’s industrialisation programme.

“Nigeria is working towards addressing her own side of the issues and I therefore urge our European Union partners to also address our own concerns to allow for an Economic Partnership Agreement that is mutually beneficial and can contribute to the prosperity of our people, in the context of our shared values and interest at promoting cordial bilateral trade relations,” President Buhari was quoted to have said.

The President also sought greater support from the European Union for Nigeria’s efforts to curb the theft of its crude oil and corruption in its oil and gas sector.

“Nigeria is facing the challenges of oil-theft and illegal bunkering in the Niger Delta as well as recovery of illicit funds.

“In this regard, Nigeria solicits the cooperation of the European Parliament to support the efforts aimed at stemming these vices.

“Our attempt to restore security, curb corruption and fight crime will result not only in improving social stability in Nigeria but will re-open the doors for full economic relations with Europe and the rest of the world.

“Those who wish to invest in our country have immense opportunities and we intend to guarantee the security of people and investments brought to Nigeria,” President Buhari said.

He assured the parliament that Nigeria would collaborate with the European Union to address illegal migration to Europe.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

Ambode begins work on AjasaCommand, Abesan roads

ÏÏÏBarely two weeks after La-

gos state governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode inspected the state of Ajasa-Command and Abesan roads, work has commenced on the rehabilitation of the stretch of road linking Church Road to Abesan.

A visit to the area on Wednesday confirmed the commencement of work on the roads by the state government.

Work has also commenced in the Command axis of the road.

During the inspection tour, Governor Ambode had expressed displeasure on the state of Ajasa-Command and Abesan roads, and assured residents of the area that work would commence on the rehabilitation of the roads within the next two weeks.

When our correspondent visited the areas, it was noticed that contractors have already moved to Church Road leading to Abesan through Giwa Street, while many shop owners on the road from Agbelekale Junction are already removing them from the road.

I made no allusion to Obasanjo in my remark-Saraki Olufemi Samuel Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Senate President, Abubakar Bukola Saraki has described news reports credited to him as replying former President Olusegun Obasanjo on issues of corruption as mere mischief, misrepresentation and undue sensationalism.

Saraki, in a statement by his Special Adviser on Media and Publicity, Yusuph Olaniyonu, said he was misquoted on the remarks he made while inaugurating the Senate Press corps last Tuesday.

He said he was only asked two questions during the event, both of which he said centered on the 2016 budget.

The first question, he said centered on how realistic the budget proposal under consideration is, in view of dwindling oil price and the other on whether the details of the budget will be made open, particularly in view of the letter by President Obasanjo.

“The Senate President’s answer on the first question was that the success of the 2016 budget will depend less on oil price but more on the non-oil and independent revenue and that, that is

why the Senate will lay emphasis on the scrutiny of these areas as well as ensure that leakages are blocked so that the budget can be realized without any hitch.

“On the second question, he reiterated his earlier position that the Senate budget will no longer be a one-line item. He said details of the budget of the National Assembly would be provided for all to see” Olaniyonu said.

According to Olaniyonu, the Senate President wanted “Nigerians to realise that mistakes had been made by all stakeholders in the past and that we should all

move forward by ensuring those mistakes are not repeated.

“In fact, his position that mistakes had been made by all of us in the past was a reference to all stakeholders like political office holders, the media, civil society, professional and business groups, among others.

“Dr. Saraki will like to maintain his earlier position that he will only write a formal letter to President Obasanjo to explain all the efforts the Eight Senate had been making to address some of the issues the former President raised in his letter to him.

Ugwuanyi signs 2016 budget into law Moses Oyediran Enugu

ÏÏÏGovernor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi

Fake Gombe Gov docked for N.2m fraud

ÏÏÏThe

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), has arraigned one Sabo Sani Labaran before Justice Abubakar Jauro of the Gombe state High Court, sitting in Gombe, on a 2-count charge bordering on impersonation and obtaining money by false pretense to the tune of N242, 000.00.

The offence is contrary to Section 1 sub-section 1(a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Fraud Related Offences Act 2006 and punishable under Section 1 sub-section 3 of the same Act. The accused person, who is a member of an Internet syndicate, had, sometime in October 2015, allegedly obtained the sum of N242, 000.00 from one Alhaji Hussaini Mai- Magani, promising that he would award him a contract for the supply of some hospital equipment.

However, the suspect, whose Facebook profile bears the picture of the Gombe state governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo, allegedly diverted the money for personal use.

The accused person pleaded not guilty to the charges when they were read to him.

In view of his plea, prosecution counsel, Ahmad Y. Muntaqa, asked the court for a trial date.

7 News

L-R: Chief Sales Officer, Godfrey Efeurhobo; Regional Operations Director, North Region, Wole Abu; General Manager, Government Relations, Kehinde Sanusi and Regional Head, Retail Showroom and Franchise, Ms. Edero Daro-Idollo, all of Airtel Nigeria, during the inauguration of Airtel service outlet in Abuja… on Wednesday.

FG explains electricity tariff increase

Olufemi Samuel Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Government on Wednesday, stressed the importance of increase in electricity tariff nationwide, starting from the month of February, adding that the new imposed tariff would raise quality and quantity of electricity supply in Nigeria.

It said increase in the tariff will address the problems of crazy electricity bills, unrealistic fix charges, short supply of meters and market short falls within a short period of time.

The Acting Chief Executive Officer of National Electricity Regulatory Commission (NEREC), Dr. Anthony Ankah, disclosed this during a meet-

ing with the Senate Committee on Power on the impact of increased electricity tariff on the larger economy.

He said the government took into consideration the common complaints by electricity consumers in Nigeria through the Consumer Protection Council to arrive at the decision to increase the tariff for efficiency in power supply in Nigeria.

He disclosed that already, the country has started generating 5000 megawatts of electricity, whereas, the tariff increase would enable the government sufficient opportunity to plan well and manage the process of power generation more effectively.

He said the problems in the power sector in Nigeria had escalated over the years owing to

non-investment in the sector by the government over the past 20 years.

He said with efficiency attained in power generation and supply, the tariff would begin to drop at the appropriate time to the benefit of consumers.

Ankah promised that the government would ensure value for money on investments on the power sector, just as he called for the cooperation of the National Assembly in ensuring proper regulatory framework for catalysing the growth in the power sector.

He said with the tariff increase, it would be easy for the government to ensure adequate supply of gas, indicating also that the process would enable the government to clear the backlog of debt on gas supply

of Enugu State has signed the state 2016 budget into law.

In a speech after accenting to the budget, the governor noted that the instrument in the appropriation law is enormous to serve the people of the state.

“It will enable us by His Grace to serve the people of Enugu state selflessly and to the glory of God and service to humanity”, he said.

Governor Ugwuanyi thanked the Speaker, his deputy and other principal officers of the House for the easy passage of the budget, describing them as the true heroes of democracy.

“On behalf of the government and people of Enugu state, I commend you and promise you that we will continue to partner to the service of our people”, he said.

In a brief remark before the presentation of the budget for signing, the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Edward Ubosi informed the governor that the budget had gone through rigorous process of readings and other stages before being passed

Gov. Ugwuanyi

8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

Politics

s

Buhari’s anti-graft war bearing fruits – BMSG Stories by Akinjide Akintola and Femi Fasipe

The Buhari Media Support Group (BMSG) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari on the ongoing anti-corruption campaign embarked upon by his administration saying it has already started to bear fruits.

In a statement in Abuja by Muhammad Labbo, Chairman, and Cassidy Madueke, Secretary, the group expressed joy that the campaign is

already bearing fruits and gradually changing the image of the country as one where corrupt acts are no longer welcome.

According to the BMSG, the anticorruption war of the president, despite cynicism from partakers in the ruinous looting of the country, “is having the desired impact, nationally and internationally and has unmasked the true colour of many prominent persons and wealthy individuals who have been in and outside

of government”.

The group noted that in the latest ranking of corrupt countries of the world over by Transparency International, the anti-corruption watchdog, the name of Nigeria is conspicuously missing because of the impact the crusade against corruption by President Buhari is having locally and outside Nigeria.

It declared that the changing perception about Nigeria is due to the “Buhari phenomenon”, his body language

and the unmasking of the corrupt in our midst.

Besides, the group drew attention to the fact that other reputable international organisations and personalities have positively taken note of the anticorruption war and have pledged their support. According to it, the organisations include the European Union, the International Monetary Fund (IMF) and the US government through Secretary of State, John Kerry and Commerce Secretary, Penny Pritzker.

Buhari

Kogi: Despite change of baton, assembly leadership crisis deepens Despite the change of baton in the state, the leadership crisis rocking the Kogi State House of Assembly is far from over as it appears to be deepening.

The crisis which had started during the dying days of Governor Idris Wada of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) led to the impeachment of the former speaker, Alhaji Momoh-Jimoh Lawal (PDP Okene) and the election of Mr. Godwin Osiyi (PDP-OgoriMagongo) as new speaker. But the impeached speaker had declared his removal as illegal as he had stayed put. The impasse created by this was not resolved until the last governorship election which saw Governor Wada losing his exalted seat to the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

The crisis then was linked to infighting between the ruling PDP with the allegation that the impeached speaker was planning with some others to impeach the governor from office. Accusing fingers were also pointed at the

Kanu

Bello

APC as being involved in the crisis.

But with the ouster of Gover-

Anozie

Wada

nor Wada from office and emergence of new Governor Yahaya Bello last month, it was believed

Eze Ndigbo: Only justice can make Nigeria remain one

Momoh

that the crisis would be laid to rest, but it appears that the contrary is the case as there are now

allegations the new governor is being linked with the crisis barely a week after assuming office. He was said to have at a meeting with them provided financial inducements to some groups in the crisis thus fueling it.

But the governor has debunked rumours alleging interference by the executive arm in the leadership affairs of the State Assembly.

“The tenets of separation of power, as Executive Governor does not include managing the internal affairs of the House of Assembly”,the Governor said.

The Governor who issued the statement through his Chief Press Secretary Kingsley Fanwo said he did not give any financial inducement to anyone with an intent to influencing the decisions of House members on the choice of leadership or any other matter whatsoever.

Bello added that his readiness is to collaborate effectively with the CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Dr. Alex Anozie is the Ezendigbo in Ibadan and Oyo State, also the Vice President Council of Ezendigbo in Diaspora (Southern Nigeria). In this interview, he spoke on the state of the nation and alleged injustice to Ndigbo. Excerpts: What’s your opinion on this Biafra protest issue, how do you see it?

Well, I have always said it, I believe seriously in one indivisible Nigeria, but with con-

ditions. What are the conditions? The conditions are: you know we have now agreed and accepted the six geo political arrangement in the country.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

9 Politics

Atiku lauds Bindow over ‘giant strides’ in Adamawa Former Vice President and founder of American University of Nigeria Yola, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has commended the good leadership qualities of Governor Muhammadu Jibrila Bindow of Adamawa State for changing the face of the state within his few months in office.

Atiku’s words of praise seek to position Bindow as the best governor in the country having constructed many roads in the

state’s capital and many major roads in virtually all the LGAs in the state.

The former Vice President disclosed this during the formal launching of Technology Enhance Learning for all (TELA) in AUN, Yola which is geared towards funding the Education of over 20,000 outof-school children in the state.

The project which attracted the American Government to donate $801,000 dollars US-

AID agency in collaboration with American University of Nigeria, Yola, is to ensure that every child is educated in the entire North East through modern technology like Radio, Mobile phone, Tablets and a face-to face learning session with 750 community facilitators in the state.

The Turakin Adamawa added that with the kind of Bindow as Governor of the state, there is going to be another new beautiful state in the country.

Bindow

Atiku

Kogi: Despite Eze Ndigbo: Only justice can change of baton, make Nigeria remain one assembly leadership crisis deepens CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

House of Assembly to achieve good governance in an atmosphere devoid of usurpation of authority.

“I wish to place this on record that the meeting we had with some members of the House of Assembly was aimed at familiarizing with the leadership of the House, and not an attempt at controlling the House as the Assembly has internal operational mechanism”, he said.

The governor who also assured the people of his promises to manage the commonwealth of the State in a responsible, responsive and transparent manner urged Kogites to discountenance rumour mongers who are out to distract him from delivering democracy dividends to the people.

Meanwhile, Osiyi, factional Speaker of the Assembly, on Monday reaffirmed the position of 17 members that the embattled speaker, Alhaji Lawal remains impeached. Addressing newsmen in Lokoja, Osiyi said that the impeachment, carried out on Dec. 10 during plenary, through the resolution of the 17-member-signatories still stood.

He said that contrary to insinuations from different quarters, the impeachment of Lawal (PDPOkene II) was not influenced by anyone. According to him, the impeachment is premised on six grounds arising from general feeling of discontentment among members. “This includes gross incompetence and lack of capacity and confidence to preside over the proceedings of the 6th Assembly.

Lawal’s sins, Osiji added, also include insensitivity to members’ interest and plight and misrepresentation between the Assembly and the Executive for his personal interests and aggrandizement.

Others, he said, were mismanagement of Assembly funds and other valuable resources and betrayal of trust members reposed on him.

He also listed Lawal’s offence to include high-handedness in the administration of the Assembly “as he operates like a sole administrator.” In his defence, Lawal said that though he was not opposed to the impeachment, it ought to have followed due process. He declared that the manner in which it was conducted contravened the House rules and procedures for impeachment.

Lawal alleged that legislators plotting his removal forged the signature of Umar Ahmed Imam (APC) the member representing Lokoja 1 constituency, as one of the 17 members that signed the impeachment notice.

Bello

Ojukwu CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

We have the South East, South West, South South, North East, North West and North Central, I hope I’m correct. I want to see a Nigeria where all these mentioned geo zones are happy in the country; in other words, that there should be justice, security, fairness, equity, sense of belonging to everyone, every Nigerian.

Let me assure you and everyone that if this is done, nobody wants to leave Nigeria for any other country. Ndigbo wants to live in a country where they are secured in every part of the country, get their fair share of both the good and bad of the country just like other geo zones should. Ndigbo wants to live in a country rid of corruption. Let me tell you, Igbos are ready to join hands with good

Anozie

Nigerians who are sincerely thinking well for Nigeria; to work for the greatness of Nigeria, and they are already doing that. But disappointedly you see the same Igbo shortchanged for the worst instead of the best in the country they have put their best more than any group in Nigeria in terms of development of every part of the country. There is nowhere an Igbo man lives and he or she is not investing there.

And in every part of the country you go, you see the Igbos, they are the second largest in population only after the indigenes of that particular zone; these are clear signs that Ndigbo believes in one Nigeria. But maybe they are feeling disappointed and thereby getting fed up with the whole thing, hence the agitation and pro-

Kanu

tests. I may be right or wrong anyway.

Like what do you think should be done for Ndigbo to be happy in Nigeria?

They are very simple; In addition to what I have earlier mentioned in this interview, the Igbo man wants to be assured that he is safe and secured with his family and property in any part of the country he finds himself. And when this is done; the Igbo man will industrialise this country Nigeria with the ideas in his brain box. And when this is done, these industries will create jobs for our teeming youths; and when our youths are gainfully employed, the rate of crime and other social vices will disappear; and CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

‘Only justice can stabilise Nigeria ’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

when the rate of crime drops; you and I will go to bed and sleep with our two eyes closed, because as I’m talking now, no Nigerian is sleeping with his or her two eyes closed. We better not deceive ourselves!

And when we begin to sleep with our two eyes closed; our health conditions improve fast. Let me inform you that most adults are hypertensive now, go and check. So when our health improves, our life span in the country will also increase.

Secondly, the Igbo see no justification whatsoever on why an Igbo man or woman, from the South East has not been opportune to become the president of this great country, Nigeria, taking into consideration all the contributions of the Igbo to Nigeria’s independence, development of the country and so on. Let everyone forget the Civil War that was fought, all Nigerians in one way or the other contributed to the cause of that Civil War which was most unfortunate anyway. We want to see the Yoruba man happy, the

Igbo man happy, the Hausa Fulani man happy, the other ethnic groups happy, then, Nigeria can carry go! If the people of the South East, are assured now concretely that after Buhari, the next president of Nigeria will come from the South East, I’m sure that will go a long way in persuading Ndigbo and thereby the agitations might stop. The second Niger bridge seems to be in progress, work on Enugu-Onitsha federal road has also been in progress and others.

Now, how do you see the fight against corruption of this admistration, some people are of the opinion that it is one sided, thereby looking witch-hunting in nature?

Well, it depends on how anyone would like to look at it, lets not forget that the battle has just started, so I feel we should wait and see the end , only then we can now determine if its one sided or witchhunting. But at least we have started from somewhere, and don’t forget that the EFCC will work only when they are fed with information.

What punishment do you suggest should be meted out

Ojukwu

to these people after recovering the stolen money?

My opinion is that we should recover the looted money first, and put it to use to bring the country back to life. Let them surrender the money back to the country, and we should let sleeping dogs lie. But we can also do one thing, all their names should be published in the newspaper and the amounts they returned. And it shall be written that none of them should again serve the government and the people of Nigeria in any capacity

Kanu

all their life. That, I think is enough punishment, but they should not be jailed or killed, No. Don’t forget that some people were or are still insisting that fight against corruption should be backdated and start from Pre-Jonathan Administration, while some are even suggesting it should start from the day Nigeria had her Independence in 1960 for it not to look as if any particular persons or group are targeted.

They may be wrong or right.

So you now discover that the whole thing is becoming very

dicey and delicate. So, I am of the opinion that we should be ready to make some sacrifices by having our stolen monies back and closing that old demonic and satanic chapter, then open a new one entirely.

You know why I am saying this? I am saying this because if we decide to jail them, then you have to build enough prison yards to accommodate if not all, majority Nigerians, everyone. But we can now come out with a very new constitution that will clearly state out what severe punishment should be given out to anyone who in the new phase of things in Nigeria decides to be corrupt again in future. I think this should be ok, in my opinion.

Now, let’s talk on insecurity.

How do you feel about the various crises cropping up from many parts of the country? We have the Boko Haram issue, we have suddenly ran into the Shiites issues of very recent, apart from that of Biafra agitation and protests. How do you feel?

Frankly speaking, I’m not very comfortable with those CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Supreme Court Judgment: Ajimobi offers olive branch to Ladoja The Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, has said that his victory at the Supreme Court affirming him as the winner of the April 23, 2015 governorship election has finally freed the state from what he called ill-advised distractions represented by the petition of the Accord Party.

The governor dedicated the chain of victory in the courts to God and the people of the state in a statement by his Special Adviser on Communication and Strategy, Mr. Yomi Layinka, on Wednesday where he also offered an olive branch to the opposition Accord Party..

Ajimobi said that he was able to trounce the candidate of Accord, Senator Rashidi Ladoja, a former governor of the state, on three different occasions from the tribunal to the Court of Appeal, and finally at the Supreme Court because his petition, which challenged his victory

Ajimobi

Ladoja

had no substance.

He said, “Although all men and women of goodwill pleaded with the Ladoja camp to accept defeat and cooperate with the winner in the onerous task of rebuilding the legacies of our heroes past, they bluntly refused.

“Although contestants from

other parties quickly conceded defeat and indeed proceeded to congratulate the winner having seen the trend of the results, Senator Ladoja and his party refused to play the gallant losers, preferring instead to fight to the finish.

“But we were never for once bothered knowing full well that

the people had spoken so clearly and unmistakably on that historic April day by returning a vote of confidence in the candidate in whom they were well pleased.

“Now that their fight is exhausted and their wind vanes broken, we hope Senator Rashidi Ladoja and his band will henceforth turn their energies to better and more productive ends in the interest of our dear state and its development”, he said.

The governor said that the victory had afforded him another opportunity to thank God for standing by him, just as he expressed profound gratitude to the people of the state for their steadfastness to the collective vision of a renewed and sustainable state.

Ajimobi similarly appreciated members of the country’s judiciary for what he said was their sustained efforts at offering hope to all citizens and

justice to all, without let or hindrance.

His words: “Now that the distractions are out of the way, the good works will continue in earnest. I thank the people of the state for their support and resilience over the years and I promise to redouble my efforts at taking the state to greater height.

“I’m using this opportunity to call on my brother, Senator Rashidi Ladoja and others still in the opposition to join hands with us to take our state to another level that will be different from a village. I thank the people of Oyo State for their steadfastness. It’s victory for all of us.

“Thank God Senator Ladoja is moving closer to the Olubadan throne now. Let them make him Olubadan so that he will stop all these political fights. God has destined me to spend eight years as the governor of Oyo State by the popular mandate of the people”, he added.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

developments any way. I want to join all those calling for prayers for the country, we really need prayers. I don’t know if I should say that the government should put her acts together and see if these unexpected developments are coming from those who have earlier predicted the collapse of Nigeria after 2015. Maybe they are working to see the actualisation of their prediction in order to take credit for a successful prediction or whatever, I don’t know. Or maybe the gods are not happy with the country. But I believe with prayers and the present government putting their acts together and very sincere in all they are doing, the country will succeed and even come out stronger. When I read in the papers about the Shiites problem with our Army, I felt bad and worried, because I know how soldiers react when even a junior rank has a clash with any civilian, what more anybody or group having a clash with a senior officer in the position of Chief of Army Staff. One could imagine how soldiers will react. But like I said, with God we shall get over all this. Let Nigerians continue to support the

11 Politics

Eze Ndigbo: Only justice can make Nigeria remain one

Kanu

Anozie

government very sincerely and backed up with prayers.

I congratulate our soldiers for the gallantry they are putting up in recent time, you can see that the Boko Haram noise is reducing drastically, while Biafra agitation is scaling down through the legal intervention. That is why I have always called on Nigerians to always make good use of the rule of law in handling most misunderstandings, as it

is always more better and peaceful than when we take laws into our hands. Let everyone obey the court order, including the government. Nobody must be above the law in the country, unless we want anarchy.

Let’s talk on the use of Ezeigbo title in the Diaspora, it’s like some forces are working for its abolition?

I think it is too late for anyone to begin to work for its

abolition now as I look at it as very unnecessary. Moreover the Association which brings us Ndieze in Diaspora together with the title Ezendigbo is registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja. Not only that, none of us bearing the title of any Oba, Emir or Seriki of any area we are residing.

So, we are not challenging anybody or competing with any Igwe or Eze in Igbo land.

Somebody was recently suggesting that we should be referred to the Igbo title of Igbo Community Leaders. Igbo Community Leader is not an Igbo Language, or are we now to be denied of our right to use our Igbo Language outside Igboland? The interpretation of Igbo Community Leader in Igbo language is Ezendigbo, or Onyenduigbo or Onyeisindigbo or Ochiigbo, and we as an Association chose to use Ezendigbo and have applied all due process and got it registered with CAC, so, what’s anybody’s

problem? We have not flouted any law of the country, and should be left alone.

As a matter of fact, it is even seriously against our guidelines or constitution that any of us should go and challenge his host community Oba or Emir or Seriki, or any of us in the East to challenge any Igwe or Eze of any community. Any of our member found doing that, and that reports gets to us, we sanction that person seriously. More importantly, we must all remember that we are not in any Republic either Oduduwa or Arewa or Ndigbo or Ohanaeze or whatever, but we are all in the Federal Republic of Nigeria which has her constitution that guides every Nigerian, no matter wherever you reside.

It is very important that we take good note of this.

Finally, we want all sundry to appreciate and encourage us Ndiezeiegbo in Diaspora for the wonderful job in our respective areas of jurisdiction.

Why I decamped to SDP, Agunloye, guber aspirant ‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure Dr. Olu Agunloye, a former chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State has officially defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) to pursue his governorship ambition in the forthcoming gubernatorial contest in the state.

Agunloye, a former close ally of Governor Olusegun Mimiko, was joined by thousands of supporters who thronged the decamping ceremony at the SDP’s secretariat, in Akure, the state capital, amidst resounding welcome from the party’s faithful and leaders.

Speaking shortly after his defection, the former Minister of Power and Steel, claimed he decided to part-ways with his best friend, Governor Mimiko, whom he had been with for several years, due to his unfulfilled promises.

He explained that in spite of the income of over N800 billion that accrued to the state under Mimiko, there was nothing to showcase for such huge fund in the present administration, and for the people of the state.

The governorship aspirant who was a former Chief Executive of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) averred that for what Mimiko may term as “Mega Income” in the state, there are still bad roads, infrastructural deficit, and moribund industry begging for government attention which could provide additional employment opportunities for the teeming youths in the state.

“In spite of what you may term as mega income, we still have roads and fancy government projects that were to be ready in “six to 10 months” not yet completed in seven years; we have an industry which was nearly completed in two years by a previous administration but still not made functional by two administrations 13 years after.

“In spite of the mega income, our state has no industries, it has not created wealth or produced food or employed its youths. In fact, it has unpaid bursaries, unpaid salaries, unpaid pension, unpaid contracts, “unpaid promises” and huge indebtedness to banks and money lenders. In spite of our mega income and a

Agunloye

few mega schools we still have the preponderance of our schools wallowing in squalor.

“In Akure here, the seat of government, the situation is even more pitiable and sad. Once you factor out the government house, government offices, single and dual carriage roads erected by current and past administrations, we literarily run aground in a city with no vehicle-worthy roads, no electricity, no water, no sewage and no drainage”, he la-

mented.

He added that his perpetual desire for youth employment and women emancipation, all of which have been established over a long period would be a beacon of hope in SDP. His words: “I stand here before men and God representing a multitude of followers and wellmeaning citizens who are looking beyond the current change in political landscape in Nigeria, but asking for change of mind, some form of repentance leading to change of attitude”.

He disclosed that if given chance to govern the state, he was ready to provide job opportunities for the unemployed youths through the revitalisation of the moribund and epileptic industries in the state as well as create wealth and give qualitative education.

“Together, we are seeking to shift our society from Omoalaibikita values to Omoluabi values; we need the shift from surface dressing to infrastructural dressing, we need to change consumption to from wealth wealth creation, from embed-

ded corruption to zero tolerance for corruption, from mimicry to integrity and from deceit and scheming as a policy to trustworthy and reliable service delivery as a practice”, Agunloye added.

Welcoming the defectors, Chief Olu Falae, National Chairman of SDP, said members of the party are already working tirelessly and ensuring to win the forthcoming gubernatorial election and take over the mantle of leadership in the state.

Falae, a former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) added that the party has also opened its doors for more members to join mostly from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) which he noted would soon collapse and crumble as a result of mismanagement and uncommitted attitude of their party’s members and leaders.

Earlier in his address, Chief Korede Duyile, SDP Chairman in the state, received the defectors into the party and handed them the party’s constitution explaining that the SDP was ready to take over the reigns of power in the state.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

Court orders arrest of ex-Ekiti PDP scribe for perjury Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÎÎÎA Magistrate Court sit-

ting in Ado-Ekiti, the Ekiti Stae capital, on Wednesday, granted a motion exparte order to the Commissioner of Police, Ekiti State command, to arrest and prosecute the former Peoples Democratic party (PDP) secretary in the state, Dr. Tope Aluko, for the offence of perjury.

Following Aluko’s startling revelation of how the 2014 Governorship election in Ekiti State was allegedly rigged in favour of the incumbent Governor of the state, Ayo Fayose, the Governor had in a swift reaction ordered his (Aluko)’s immediate arrest, saying he should be arrested and prosecuted for perjury, having earlier defended him at the tribunal.

Consequently, the State counsel, represented by the Director of Public Prosecution, Mr. Gbenga Adaramola, filed and moved the motion exparte seeking an order of the court to issue warrant of arrest against Aluko.

In a motion number

Ï Aluko: It’s

Fayose’s strategy to cover the truth

MAD/10CM/2016, the state sought for any order as the court may deem fit to make in the circumstance.

The motion application was brought on four grounds which stated that the state was desirous of performing a charge against Aluko for the offence of perjury, saying Aluko cannot be arrested without warrant.

Others included whether the order of the court was necessary for the issuance of the warrant of arrest and that the court has power to grant the order brought before it.

Moving the application, Adaramola informed the court that the motion contained nine paragraphs affidavit deposed to by Lere Olayinka, the Media Aide to Gov. Fayose.

Among the exhibits attached with the motion which were written statements of Tope Aluko on oath which he tendered before Ekiti State governorship election tribunal in 2014.

Adaramola relied on all the paragraphs of the af-

Supreme Court affirms election of Govs Udom, Ikpeazu Continued from page 1

his election nullified by the Court of Appeal following an appeal filed by Alex Otti of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) who was declared winner

by Court of Appeal.

In case of Akwa-Ibom State, the Court of Appeal had ordered a fresh rerun of the governorship election following its decision which nullified the governortship election in the state.

Dissatisfied with the judgments Governor Ikpeazu and Governor Udom Emmanuel had appealed to the Supreme court. There were also seven other appeals lodged at the Supreme Court in respect of the two state governorship election by aggrieved parties.

All the appeals were heard yesterday by a panel of seven justices of the apex court presided by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Mahmud Mohammed.

Delivering the lead judgment on the appeal filed by Governor Emmanuel, Justice Cletus Nweze said that he found merit in the ap-

peal and vacated the order of Court of Appeal.

He also allowed four other appeals filed by the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He said that the appeals succeeded and judgment of the lower court succumbed to the error of reasoning even as he reserved detail reasons for the judgment till 15, February.

Other Justices on the panel – Justice Mahmud Mohammed, Justice Tanko Muhammad, Justice Suleiman Galadima, Justice Bode Rhodes-Vivour, Justice Kumai Bayang Akaahs, Justice M.O. Kekere - Ekun agreed with the judgment.

Justice Suleiman Galadima who read the lead judgment on Abia governorship election appeals also reserved his reason for the decision till 15,February.

Other justices on the panel agreed with his decision and consequential orders including the setting aside of Court of Appeal Owerri Division Judgment that declared Otti of the APGA the winner of the April 11 and April 25 supplementary elections in the state.

fidavits attached thereto, adding that granting the motion would enhance the integrity of the judiciary.

The DPP therefore urged the court to exercise its discretion in favour of the state because Aluko had given evidence under cross examination that the election which brought Fayose into power was free, fair and credible devoid of the military harassment.

The Chief Magistrate,

Adesoji Adegboye, who granted the order and immediately issued warrant of arrest Aluko, said the warrant of arrest was granted as a means for the offender to attend the court for defence.

Reacting to the development, Aluko described it as Fayose’s strategy to divert attention and cover the truth as a way for him (Fayose) to escape justice.

The former University

don who spoke in a telephone interview with the Daily Times in Ado Ekiti said he has become like a bone tied round the neck of the dog now, which the dog must not eat.

Aluko, who accused Fayose of making many attempts to silence him, including attempt on his life, said: “I am aware of his several attempts to silence me and I have escaped from being killed about three times after I made the revelation of how he rigged the gover-

norship election in Ekiti.

“This latest move is another way by which he feels he could keep my mouth shut, and I cannot run away because of Fayose. I am in my house in Ado Ekiti. If they bring the warrant, I will know what to do. But I can assure you that he has failed again.

If Fayose thinks he could silence me, he has failed, and he will continue to fail in many other ways he might be planning” Aluko added.

Enugu State Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (middle), signing the state’s 2016 budget while the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon. Edward Ubosi(right), and Clerk of the House, Mr. Christopher Chukwurah looks on in Government House, Enugu… on Wednesday.

11 persons survive helicopter crash in Lagos Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÎÎÎEleven persons aboard

a chartered Bristow helicopter which crashed Wednesday while flying from Port Harcourt to Lagos survived the accident, the Accident Investigations Bureau (AIB) said.

The crash is coming barely six months after the airline’s Sikorsky S-76C with registration number 5N – BDG – 760540 crashed at Oworoshoki area of Lagos Lagoon.

Spokesman of the AIB, Tunji Oketunbi, confirmed the incident to newsmen, adding that all occupants of the craft survived the accident.

“They all survived, they all survived,” the AIB spokesperson said.

Public Relations Officer, South-West of National Emergency Management Agency, Ibrahim Farinloye, had earlier confirmed

the incident.

An official of Bristow Helicopter had earlier confirmed the incident in a press statement.

“Bristow Helicopters (Nigeria) Limited, confirmed today that one of its helicopters, was involved in a water landing near Lagos at about 10.25 a.m. local time on return from an offshore platform”.

“The aircraft, a Sikorsky S-76C++, had departed on a routine crew transfer flight offshore with nine passengers and a crew of two.

“All persons on board are accounted for and in the process of being transferred to a nearby installation. The company is in the process of collecting pertinent information and will release more details as soon as it is available,” the statement added.

Giving details of the rescue operation, Commander of the Lagos State

Rapid Response Squad (RRS), Olatunji Disu, said immediately the command was alerted of the crash on Wednesday morning, the three helicopters donated to the outfit were immediately deployed to commence a search for its possible location.

“We knew they just took off at the airport. Everybody thought the helicopter crashed in their air field. But we immediately deployed the three RRS helicopters into the air and started the search.

“After some time the crashed helicopter was located 68 nautical miles out of Lagos on the ocean and we were able to communicate with the company”.

He said Shell, Agip and Mobil oil companies provided speed boats, while the RRS Marine Boat was also deployed to join the search and rescue operations.

“LASEMA, Airport Police and others and the Fire Service were at the airport waiting, because they had thought that the crash occurred at the airport, but the RRS helicopters acting on information hovered around the air until the location of the crash was identified in the ocean”, Disu said.

He said all the 11 persons on board the crashed helicopter; nine passengers and the two crew members were rescued alive, attributing it to the adherence of safety measures by the passengers and the timely intervention of rescue operations.

“The joint effort of the rescue team spearheaded by the RRS in collaboration with Shell, Agip and Mobil oil companies went a long way to save the lives of those on board. Only the pilot sustained injuries”, he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

13 International

South Sudan rebel leader to meet with Egypt’s El-Sissi ÏÏÏSouth

Sudan rebel leader Riek Machar visits Egypt Wednesday to urge Egyptian leader AbdelFattah el-Sissi to support the implementation of the peace agreement signed last August to end the South Sudan conflict.

Last week, leaders at the African Union summit in the Ethiopian capital, Addis Ababa, expressed dis-

appointment with the rebels and the South Sudan government for the lack of progress in implementing the agreement, particularly the formation of a government of national unity.

The peace agreement has been stalled due to the opposition’s rejection of President Salva Kiir’s decision to create 28 states.

Kiir said one purpose

of the new states is to decentralize power, placing resources closer to the rural population while at the same time reducing the size of the national government.

Rebel leaders have said the division of South Sudan into 28 states will bring about more community unrest because it takes away land from one

tribal group and gives it to another.

Ezekiel Lol Gatkuoth, secretary for foreign affairs of the Sudan People’s Liberation Movement-inOpposition, said Egypt has had historic relations with South Sudan and Machar will urge Sissi to use those relations to help the peace process.

“Egypt was a former co-

lonial power together with the United Kingdom and now South Sudan as an independent country, many of our leaders were educated in Egypt. So, the role of Egypt is being appreciated by all of us across the aisle. So, they can also influence us to make sure that this agreement is respected by all parties,” Gatkuoth said.

Congolese warlord, Katanga on trial again ÏÏÏNotorious

Congolese warlord Germain Katanga was back in the dock on Wednesday for crimes against humanity, after completing a first 12-year sentence handed down by the International Criminal Court (ICC).

Smiling and relaxed, the former general nicknamed Simba the lion due to his alleged ferocity, entered the military court and warmly greeted senior officers before the trial started.

Katanga’s first sentence for complicity in war crimes and crimes against humanity was reduced in

November by the ICC for good behaviour and after he voiced regret.

He was brought back from The Hague to Kinshasa late last year to complete his term and had been scheduled to walk free on January 18 when Democratic Republic of Congo authorities decided to keep him behind bars to prosecute for “other cases”.

The 37-year-old was convicted by the ICC over a 2003 attack on the village of Bogoro that saw 200 people shot and hacked to death. He was acquitted of sexual slavery and using child soldiers.

Germany wants to stem migrants ÏÏÏBerlin

on Wednesday approved a package of measures aimed at making Germany less attractive to economic migrants, including reducing benefits.

The package, which is expected to see smooth passage through parliament, includes classifying Morocco, Tunisia and Algeria as “safe” origin countries - a category which means their citizens would not usually gain asylum.

Asylum applicants of “safe” origin countries, along with those whose first applications have been rejected, would be required to stay in an official accommodation.

Migrants who have lost their identity documents, as well as those deemed to

pose a “danger to security and public order”, would be subject to the same condition.

The aim of centralising the residence of such migrants is to facilitate their likely expulsion from Germany.

The asylum application process, as well as that of appeals, is to be shortened to within three weeks.

Other measures include reducing social handouts to asylum seekers, and restricting medical grounds preventing any expulsion of rejected asylum seekers to serious and terminal illnesses.

Chancellor Angela Merkel is battling to reduce the number of newcomers after 1.1 million asylum seekers arrived in Germany last year.

South Sudan’s rebel leader Riek Machar, left, speaks to the media about the situation in South Sudan following last week’s peace agreement with the government, in Addis Ababa, Ethiopia,Aug. 31, 2015.

Pakistan arrests suspect in deadly varsity raid ÏÏÏAuthorities

in Pakistan have arrested the suspected main facilitator of last month’s attack on a university that killed at least 21 people, mostly students.

Intelligence sources confirmed to VOA on Wednesday that security operatives detained the suspect from an area not far from the northwestern town of Charsadda, where four heavily armed militants stormed the Bacha Khan University on January 20 and carried out the massacre. All of the assailants were killed in a four-hour gun battle with security forces inside the university.

The English-language DAWN newspaper has identified the suspect as Waheed Ali, alias Arshad, saying his arrest took place last week in Nowshera, a city near Charsadda, while he was attempting to flee to Afghanistan.

“He had shaved his beard and packed up. His [hired] taxi was intercepted and he was picked up after positive identification,” the paper reported, adding that Arshad is in his 30s and has confessed to his crime.

South Korea, Japan warn against North Korea missile launch ÏÏÏJapan

and South Korea joined the United States Wednesday in demanding that North Korea cancel plans to send a long-range rocket into space, saying the launch would violate United Nations resolutions banning ballistic-missile and nuclear weapon development in the country.

North Korea notified U.N. agencies late Tuesday its plans to launch what it calls an “Earth observation satellite” sometime between February 8-25.

Pyongyang maintains

it has a sovereign right to pursue a space program by launching rockets, but Japanese Prime Minister Shinzo Abe and other U.S. allies have denounced the program as a hostile pretense intended to circumvent international restrictions.

“This has been a meaning actually for a ballistic-missile test. In addition to the nuclear tests, North Korea testing these ballistic missiles is an obvious violation of Security Council decisions.

In terms of important se-

curity decisions for our country, it’s a provocation,” Abe said.

His government Wednesday ordered the military to shoot down any North Korean rocket that threatens Japan.

Pyongyang conducted its fourth nuclear test January 6.

North Korea last launched a long-range rocket in December 2012 shortly before conducting its third nuclear test.

South Korea cautioned the North will face serious consequences if it pro-

ceeds with the launch.

“We strongly warn that the North will pay a severe price if it goes ahead with the long-range missile launch plan, which is a grave threat to peace not only in the Korean peninsula but also this region and around the world,” said Cho Tae-yong, senior security official at the South Korean presidential office.

China Wednesday said it was extremely concerned by the reports of an impending North Korean missile launch.

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

Rivers APC leaders meet Oyegun, to seek audience with Buhari Tom Okpe Abuja

ÏÏÏ

L-R: Director, Public Affairs Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Mr. Tony Ojobo; Director, GSMA Africa, Mr. Mortimer Hope; Executive Vice Chairman, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta; Senior Manager, GSMA UK, Gala Penteriani and Chief of Staff to EVC,Mr. Usman Malah, during GSMA courtesy visit to NCC in Abuja… on Wednesday.

Kashamu raises the alarm over plans to abduct, repatriate him to US Olufemi Samuel, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

A member of the Senate, Senator Buruji Kashamu, has raised the alarm over alleged plans by the National Drugs Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) to kidnap and repatriate him to the United States of America foeon alleged drugs offences.

His lawyer, Ajibola Oluyede, disclosed this in a petition he filed before the Senate Ethics, Privileges and Public Petition Committee, disclosed that his client got wind of the plan through appropriate quarters.

Oluyede said the plan had reached an advanced stage, for which he had sought the attention of the Senate.

On the strength of the petition, the Senate has ordered the NDLEA to stop any further harassment of Kashamu for alleged drug-related offence committed in the United States of America.

According to Oluyede, the plan,

coded ‘rendition plot’, is always used by the American government against fugitives or terrorists, stressing that Kashamu was never a fugitive or a terrorist.

He said the person behind the plot was the immediate past Chairman of the NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, who, according to him, having failed in achieving such illegal action against Kashamu, through court pronouncements, now wanted to achieve it as Special Assistant on Narcotics to the Attorney- General of the Federation (AGF), Ibrahim Malami.

He said, “We have it on good authority that the former Chairman of NDLEA, Ahmadu Giade, who is now a special assistant on narcotics to the Attorney-General of the Federation, is hell bent in achieving what he failed to illegally achieve against our client, Buruji Kashamu.

“Specifically, whistle blowers within the agency, had informed us that abduction plan against our client is being perfected, the rea-

son why we are here before you to call the agency to order, since competent court of jurisdiction had ruled against such harassment and plots in May last year.

“The NDLEA, under Giade, on the 23rd of May, last year, invaded the Lagos residence of Senator Buruji Kashamu on the same phantom allegation but was asked to vacate the place by the Federal High Court in Lagos on the 27th of the same month, with a ruling that ‘Nigeria had no business operating with foreign government against Kashamu on matters that had been adjudicated upon years back in favour of the senator’”, he explained.

The Deputy Chairman of the Committee, Senator Bala Ibn Na’Allah, described the said whistle blowers within NDLEA, as internal conspirators, stressing that it was wrong for the agency to be carrying out any of its operations without regard for the rule of law, since such alleged plots had been ruled against in the court of law.

Court adjourns suit against BOI MD Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏ

Two former employees of Bank of Industry (BOI) Limited, Rakiya Zubairu and Sonny Ekedayen, have approached the National Industrial Court, Lagos, challenging the unlawful termination of their appointments by the bank’s Managing Director,

Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa.

However, the court has adjourned the matter till March 1, 2016, for the hearing of a motion filed by the defendant’s counsel, which is seeking a stay of proceedings until the determination of the appeal over the order made

by Justice K. I. Amadi, directing parties to maintain the status

quo ante, which was allegedly flouted by the defendants.

When the matter came up, on Wednesday, the defendant’s counsel, T. A. B. Oladipo, told the court that he had filed and entered an appeal at the appeal court against the industrial court order to maintain the status quo ante.

The leaders of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Rivers State, on Wednesday, requested a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari to address the party’s state of affairs and its fortunes.

A delegation led by its governorship candidate, Dr. Dakuku Peterside, made the request during a meeting with the APC National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun at the party’s National Secretariat, in Abuja, on Wednesday.

The Chairman expressed shock over the Supreme Court’s decision on the Rivers State governorship election, assuring that the party national leadership would give necessary support to ensure successes in subsequent elections in the state.

“The APC national leadership has not neglected party leaders and supporters in Rivers State.

The state has always been in the front burner of discussion and decision in the party. There is obviously something fundamen-

tally wrong in Rivers State which needs to be investigated and addressed.

“As of today, there are attempts being made by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to bar us from elections in Anambra and other states. We must address these issues. I still find the judgment on the Rivers State governorship election totally astonishing. There is something fundamentally wrong in the Judiciary. We have lost very important resource-rich states to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). No matter how crude oil prices have fallen, it is still the most important revenue earner for the country.

I will take up your request to facilitate a meeting with the President. We will do that as soon as possible and also make it clear that there are problems which, as a party, we must address”, Oyegun said.

Speaking on behalf of the delegation, Dr. Dakuku Peterside said: “It will interest you to know that many of our members, supporters and sympathisers are still at a loss to see us work as orphans.

UNIJOS strike: ASUU Chair slams varsity authority Chijioke Kingsley, Jos

ÏÏÏ

The Chairman of the Academic Staff Union of University (ASUU), University of Jos branch, Dr. Chris Piwuna, has said that the authorities of the institution did not hearken to the entreaties of those who intervened in the dispute between it and the university. Those who intervened included the Catholic Archbishop of Jos, the Anglican Church, the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), parents, the state governor and few others.

He said that, “the Minister

for Youth and Sports was actually the last intervener whom the Unijos authority could not ignore. We have been engaging with the university administration, students, the Committee of past Chancellors of the University led by Professor Onazi, but we never got the desired response until the Minister of Sports, Solomon Dalong, stepped in”, he said.

“The public was on our neck; they wanted their children/ wards to come back to school, the commercial business people, motorists, and restaurants in the university, petty traders, among others, were also concerned.

Okowa’s aides chase journalists out of Govt House

Monday Osayande, Asaba

ÏÏÏ

There was pandemonium, on Wednesday, at the Delta State Government House, Asaba, as Governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s security aides chased some unfriendly media operatives from covering

the governor’s maiden press chat.

The journalists, who arrived the entrance of Government House, along Anwai Road at about 9:00 a.m. for the media chat, which was scheduled for 10: 00 a.m., were subjected to a thorough screening by the security personnel, to identity those known and regarded to be friendly.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

15 Opinion

Buhari’s battle against Grex Venalium

T

Rev Chris Okotie

hese certainly are not the best of times for the grex venalium (the venal crowd) popularly known as treasury looters.

The ongoing battle by President Muhammadu Buhari against this corrupt cabal who have held this nation hostage for years leaves no one in doubt that it is no longer business as usual.

It is a mistake to assume, that this is President Buhari’s private battle to clean the Augean stable. Rather, it should be seen as a determined effort to right the wrongs of the bad leadership that has been the bane of Nigeria’s development.

Previous attempts to fight corruption were somehow symptomatic but the present government has adopted a strong, pathological approach, which is why every Nigerian should give total support. What is being done now, if carried to the logical conclusion, would free the country from the labyrinth of a deeply entrenched tribe of Machiavellian politicians.

When former President Goodluck Jonathan emerged on the scene, he came across as a power – shy, harmless politician on whose shoulders providence placed leadership at a critical period in our

political evolution. His moving story of grass to grace, caught the attention of the electorate who gave him the mandate in 2011.

Once on the Presidential seat at Aso Rock, we saw a different Jonathan. Never has a President in this country come to power with such level of goodwill and blow it just as fast as he did.

Perhaps, overwhelmed by the demands of office, the first president from a southern minority exhibited poor governing capacity and inherent weakness.

He had to be goaded to act with firmness when occasion demanded, which was why he virtually lost control of his presidency to cronies. His appointees and associates went about looting the public treasury with impunity; not even the intermittent public outrage moved Jonathan to sanction them. And when he did, it was either too little or too late. Corrupt ministers were relieved of their posts with slaps on the wrist. With the current anti-corruption saga, we can now understand why Jonathan and the PDP spared no expenses to buy themselves back to power. This time however, the fairy tale run of goodluck failed them. The hapless President lost.

That era of impunity ended suddenly, but we cannot just sweep what happened under the carpet. Regardless of who is involved, justice must be done

to send a clear message that leaders must be accountable. I perceive that this is what Buhari is trying to prove.

The charge of selective prosecution and the ethnic or religious card to discredit this Anti-corruption war is a mischievous charade. Those arrested for suspected corrupt practices cut across the party, ethnic and religious divide. Those opposed to the fight are trying to discredit it.

One is however, constrained to raise this point because of a public statement credited to Anthony Cardinal Okogie in which the Catholic prelate expressed reservations about the government’s philosophy in prosecuting the Anti-corruption war vis-a-vis the Rule of Law and his perceived thinking that other governance issues are not being addressed.

Okogie is entitled to his opinion, but there is no factual evidence to support this claim.

The venerable Cardinal is unappreciative of the dialectics of change within the Nigerian context. The Nigerian scenario is indicative of an aberration embedded in our political genes. Whereas politics and economics are sociological kinsmen, yet politics maintains an ascendancy over economics in practical realities.

The hoi polloi determines the political leadership but economic superintendence is the prerogative of the elite. Nigeria’s existential bane is not lack of professors in mantled aca-

demia, nor is it a paucity of economic knowledge in the geo-political arena.

Rather, it is leadership.

Leadership is the terra firma upon which the citadel of progress can be erected. If the foundation be destroyed by corruption what can the righteous do? It is my founded expectation that the respected cardinal would urge the government to probe the leadership of CAN, PFN and other pseudo religious organizations.

If Attahiru Bafarawa was the accredited agent of the Muslim prayers welfare package, who then collected on behalf of the multitudes of Christians? Who is that Judas? What about Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor’s one-plane airline becoming the surreptitious instrumentality for some covert military operations involving over nine million dollars in South Africa?

Government must ascertain the scope of pecuniary inducement that informed their political alignments in the 2015 elections. What an irony, that those who should scrupulously guide the people are themselves poisoning the water from which the flock will drink.

We must understand that even if the law is an ass, corrupt folks must not be allowed to ride it out of the dragnet of the law when apprehended.

Rev. Chris Okotie, a former Presidential candidate of FRESH Democratic Party wrote from Lagos

Anenih and the limits of politicking

C

hief Tony Anenih is not an individual who likes speaking to the press. That way, he probably assumes he could avoid getting in

Ernest Omoarelojie

harm’s way.

Shortly after the party he led as Board of Trustees Chairman lost at the 2015 General elections Anenih went on political hibernation. He has however been in the news in the last few weeks, for the wrong reasons as one of those fingered by the former National Security Adviser, Col Sambo Dasuki, who partook in the sharing of the $2.1 billion arms fund. Now Anenih is busy, alongside his spin-doctors, making frantic infantile efforts at creating the impression that he is clean.

Last week, the Uromi-born high chief created a comic relief when he alleged that he spent about N180 million of his hard earned money, to campaign for former President Jonathan. The money, he noted, is outside the N260m reportedly lodged in his account by Dasuki.

Therefore, rather than be slanted and vilified, he should be commended.

As if that was not enough, handlers of the former BoT chairman openly demanded for commenda-

tion on his behalf. In an opinion piece in the Vanguard newspapers of Sunday, January 17, 2016, one Francis Ehigiator, advised that every Nigeria, particularly those of Edo state origin, should endeavour to be fair when discussing matters concerning Anenih. However, he did not expatiate on why they should be charitable to a man majority of his compatriots remember in moments of anger.

More than demand for respect for Anenih, Ehigiator went on to accuse Comrade Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, Edo state governor, of heresy. The governor’s sin, according to him, is that like every other concerned patriot, he demanded that instead of proffering incongruent arguments, it would serve a better purpose for the former BoT chairman to honourably return his loot, if it is true.

No one is in any doubt that corruption is holding Nigeria by the jugular. Good enough, a number of some highly placed individuals and groups are currently being alleged to be major partakers in corruption scams. More than that, some of the modus operandi they employed to virtually run the country aground are also being unravelled. Most unfortunately, Chief Anenih, Ehigiator’s principal, is alleged to be one of the major players in the heist.

Sadly, a number of those under the anti corruption periscope are grandstanding and indulging in self pontificating.

That is the more reason Anenih doctors should do the needful and explain why he felt justified collecting campaign monies from Dasuki.

Condemning patriots calling for accountability, is simply a futile attempt to divert attention. Anenih should know that a thief cannot excuse his crime by pointing accusing fingers at just about any other individual in sight.

As both an elected governor and concerned patriot, Oshiomhole has a right to demand that if the allegations against Anenih are true, he should honourably return his share.

Curiously, Anenih seems to have conveniently forgotten that his past is not entirely endearing to Nigerians. No one but him should know that they will not be surprise that his name cropped up once more in another very odious scheme.

Instead, he is holding the view that Oshiomhole is bitter with him on the supposition that the money is the “usual political largesse that presidents and governors are wont to dish out from security votes.

In his rather narrow prism, the governor is angry for not being considered worthy enough of being

a beneficiary of the largesse.

Luckily, Anenih admitted that he received the said N260 million except that he futilely attempted to be infantile with excuses for collecting.

As he puts it, the money was meant for sorting out campaign issues arising from Jonathan’s re-election bid.

Convenient as the explanation appears, disputing it is akin to arguing with a man about the authenticity of his dream. The challenge is that even if one were to sleep on the same bed as the dreamer, it is never possible to experience his experience. Thus, even if it is possible that Anenih knew that the money came from Dasuki, he can turn the truth on its head. This conclusion is hardly implausible for an unelected and perhaps unelectable public figure with loads of unsolved cases.

Rather than attempt to find an escape route by picking on Oshiomhole, it will truly be more honourable returning the N260 million.

The truth is that it is from misappropriated funds. At old age, Chief Tony Anenih should know when to draw the line between politicking and matters that touch the very fibreof the nation’s fabrics.

Ernest Omoarelojie, a social commentator writes from Benin City

News 16

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

Saraki to NLNG: End gas flaring

Olufemi Samuel Abuja

ÎÎÎSenate

President, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, on Wednesday, challenged the management of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Limited to put an end to gas flaring in the country.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Senate President, Sanni Onogu, in Abuja, Saraki, who stated this when the management of the NLNG, led by its Managing Director, Babs Omotowa visited him in Abuja, said it was high time the gas being flared is converted to something more productive as well as to ensure the use of cleaner energy in the country.

He also called on the NLNG to invest in gas infrastructure to facilitate the distribution of cooking gas across the country and to eliminate the use of kerosene as cooking energy.

Saraki said: “Up till today, the area of concern is still the issue of gas flaring. What can we do by way of laws to try and see how we can completely eliminate gas flaring and provide more opportunities for more investors in that sector so that they can convert gas into something more productive?

“That also talks about the issue of cooking gas, and I believe you can still do more there. I believe you are doing your best within the confines of your responsibilities. I

think you all know that this is an important area for all of us as a country - the infrastructure, which I know is not your direct responsibility.

“I believe that you can think out of the box and come up with some ideas where you can use your deeper pockets to come up with some infrastructure solutions, so as to take the lead. Government would find ways of providing the incentives because without the infrastructure we will not be able to push more of the cooking gas.

“And nobody is in a better position than yourself to really drive that area of cleaner energy for us and help us reduce the use of kerosene. So, I am going to challenge you

on that area that you come up with something and the National Assembly will be ready to support whatever you come up with.”

The Senate President also noted that the NLNG represents a success story of the collaboration between the private sector and government and how it can work, given the right law to provide the enabling environment and also given the right management and structure.

He said: “It gives us great pride to see that NLNG is now largely run by Nigerians and it has continued to sustain the foundation laid previously by more expert management but now with Nigerians and you still continue to sustain that, I

think that is good to hear.”

The Managing Director of the NLNG, Babs Omotowa, said the uncertainties in the nation’s business environment has made it difficult to attract and sustain investments in the gas sector.

Saraki

Okowa’s security aides chase journalists out of Govt House Monday Osayande Asaba

ÎÎÎThere

L-R: Ondo State Chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP), Chief Korede Duyile; SDP, National Chairman, Chief Olu Falae and Dr. Olu Agunloye officially welcoming Agunloye to SDP at its secretariat in Akure… on Wednesday.

Ondo: Court adjourns suit on non-payment of ex-PHCN staff severance allowance ‘Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÎÎÎA suit filed by some dis-

engaged staff of the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) at an industrial court in Akure, the Ondo state capital, over unpaid severance and allowance has been adjourned to 9th of March this year.

At the resumed hearing of the case, on Wednesday, the sacked workers were seen, armed with placards bearing various inscriptions and chanting anti-government songs in solidarity tones.

They told journalists that are dying of hunger as a re-

sult of Federal Government’s insensitivity to their grievances and plights.

Many of them also said it was unfortunate that after three years of privatising the power company, they were yet to be paid their severance allowance.

Hundreds of the aggrieved erstwhile workers had dragged the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN), now Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) to the court following their alleged laid off ‘verbally’ without any official letter and payment of their severance packages.

Aside, the non-payment of their severance and allowance, the protesting former PHCN workers are claiming they were wrongly disengaged three years ago from the company without the leadership following due process.

The Daily Times gathered that some of the ex-workers were mainly on contract as at when sacked from the service of the electricity company, immediately a private body took over its leadership.

Our correspondent gathered that joined in suit initiated at the industrial court were; the Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN),

Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE), and National Electricity Liability Management Company (NELMCO).

At the court, Ifedayo Olanipekun, the counsel to the sacked workers, told journalists that other people joined in the case are now ready to be part of the suit, hence the call for adjournment.

Olanipekun bemoaned that the sacked PHCN workers who had served the nation meritoriously were not paid their allowances.

Justice A. Ubaka, the presiding judge adjourned the case till 9th of March this year for further hearing in the case.

was a pandemonium on Wednesday at Delta State government house, Asaba, as governor Ifeanyi Okowa’s security aides buffeted and chased some unfriendly media practitioners in the state from covering the governor’ maiden press chat.

The journalists, who arrived the entrance of the government house, along Anwai road at about 9:00 am for the media chat with the governor, scheduled for 10: 00 am, were subjected to thorough screening by the security personnel, to identity those known and regarded to be Okowa’s media friendly.

The list with security contain about 50 names of over 200 journalists covering the state, and those whose names were not on the list were rudely shown the way out.

But some of them who dare to question the rationale behind this unruly behaviour were however, dragged out of their vehicles and pushed out of the premises.

They said there was order from the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Mr. Charles Ehiedu Aniagwu, to prevent “anyone whose name was not found in the list to cast into the lake of fire”.

As the event unfolds, the Zonal Vice President, Mr. Eddy Ogude came for the rescue of the journalists from the iron hands of the security personnel who bent on carrying out the order to the fullest

Unity of Igbo paramount, says Ohanaeze Youth Council Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÎÎÎOhanaeze

Ndigbo Youth Council (ONYC) has said that the unity of Ndigbo is paramount to the council.

Towards achieving this therefore, it said it has embarked on peace project across the country in particular, and the world at large, wherever Igbos are found to achieve that unity.

Speaking in Olokoro, country home of the President of Igbo World Union (IWU), Mishak Nnanta in Umuahia South Local Government Area while conferring an award of Ambassador on him by ONYC President, Okey Isiguzoro, said the major project of ONYC for 2016 is to embark in peace mission across Nigeria and the world.

He said the award on him was occasioned by his numerous contributions to the development Igboland, Nigeria and the world, as well as having brought peace and unity among Ndigbo throughout the world.

Adamawa state records decline on HIV/AIDS prevalence –Atiku Tom Garba Yola

ÎÎÎAdamawa

state Commissioner for Health, Dr. Fatima Atiku Abubakar, said that the state has recorded a significant decline of HIV prevalence as revealed by National survey in 2012.

According to her, the prevalence rate was at the peak of 3.8% in 2010 and dropped to 1.9% in 2012, while ascribing the success to World Bank as the funding partners and FHI 360 as one of the lead HIV implementation partners in the state.

Atiku stated this during a flag off campaign to distribute 3,200 tons of drugs for preventing the transmission of HIV by pregnant women to their unborn babies and the distribution of 3 CD4 count machines that are crucial for monitoring and management of persons living with HIV/AIDs in Adamawa state.

17

Features

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

s

Joy as Okowa empowers 322 STEPpreneurs 22nd day of January, 2016 was a memorable day in the Delta State capital as Governor Ifeanyi Okowa empowered 322 artisans under the aegis, STEPpreneurs from the 25 local government areas of the state.

Represented by the state’s job creation officer, Prof. Eric Eboh, Cenotaph, venue of the event came alive as the professor announced their rewards. The beneficiaries, on hearing their names, jumped up, dancing for hours around the arena, for receiving starter packs from the state government. Their joy knew no bound.

Overwhelmed at the reaction of the trainees, Gov Okowa pledged that the state’s SMART Agenda would benefit the youths more, and assured of improving their standard of living through the skills acquisition training.

He further explained that the essence of the starter packs they received was to enable them establish their small scale businesses in their localities.

“For today, we have a total of six categories of enterprises for which we are handing starter packs and one of them is barbing. We also have interlocking, POP, decoration, hair dressing and tiling.

“STEPpreneurs, as we call them, are youths aged 18 to 35 years who have undergone a series of training under the skills training and entrepreneurship programme of the job creation scheme.”

“The training that they have undergone has been in three phases: the first one is life-skills training and mind-set change whereby they are given orientation on how to improve themselves as a person.

“The second leg of the training is the vocational skills training where they would go to various skill acquisition centres and life enterprises to acquire specialised skills to enable them establish their own enterprises, while the third leg is business management and entrepreneurship training whereby they are taughtt how to start business, do business, finance business, market their business and how to keep basic business accounts,” the Governor declared.

Okowa took time to explain to the excited trainees that they were being rewarded based on the advice from experts, and through them jobs would be created for other people in the society since they are going to train other people with the

Continued on page 18

In a wintry but sunny atmosphere in Asaba, Delta State, Governor Ifeanyi Okowa honoured 322 youths trained in different trades.

MONDAY OSAYANDE reports from Asaba.

Some of the starters packs on display at the event.

Sadness and tears as popular Jakande plank market goes up in flames It was tears and lamentation at the popular Jakande Plank market in Ikosi-Ketu area of Lagos towards the weekend as residents of the area battled in vain to put out a wild fire that engulfed the entire market area before dawn.

Daily Times gathered that although officials of the Lagos State Fire Service and men of the Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) arrived the scene in good time, not much could be done to save woodworks and machineries.

Properties worth millions of Naira were destroyed in a mid-night fire that engulfed Jakande market in Ikosi-Ketu, Lagos State last week Thursday. EDOKPOLOR OSAYANDE reports.

According to a trader who spoke to our correspondent in confidence, the fire was caused by an upsurge from an electric pole at the edge of the market.

He said the incident recorded no casualty as the situation was brought under control by LASEMA and Fire Service men who stopped the fire from spreading and causing more

havoc. He noted that some of the cars parked in the market premises were saved from the fire.

Our correspondent who toured the scene of the inferno reports that properties severely burnt include two vehicles, equipments and plank products at the sawmill section, gen-

Continued on page 18

Features 18

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

PLANK MARKET FIRE: I

don’t know where to start from — Emmanuel Continued from page 17 erators as well as building materials amongst other.

One of the victims of the inferno, Mr. Emmanuel from Auchi, in Edo state lost his welding machine, tools and other materials that represent his work and livelihood. “I don’t know where to start from, I think I am finished,” he lamented.

Mr. Kabiru, a motor tyres dealer told Daily Times that over N300,000 worth of his goods were consumed by the conflagration.

“I was called at about 3 o’clock in the morning that my shop was on fire; before I got to the market, the 1,000 tyres I just took delivery of were up in thick black smoke.

Each of those tyres cost me N3,000 at cost price; not even one was saved by the firemen.

I pray that government assist us,” he said in great faith.

Our correspondent also spoke with one Kuburat, a ply wood dealer who suffered some losses in the fire outbreak. “I

Fire at dawn: Scenes from the plank market fire

had over 200 pieces of plywood in my shop,” she lamented, “I could not save even one piece.

Each of them cost from N1,500

to N7,500. I don’t know where to turn to now,” Kuburat lamented.

Besides the goods and equip-

ments lost to the inferno, traders at the Jakande plank market showed serious concern over the three public toilets

which was burnt down by the fire and appealed for help from various organisations as well as government of Lagos State.

EMPOWERMENT: From now I can start from somewhere -Emojevwe Continued from page 17 skills and knowledge already acquired for the development of human potentials.

According to the governor, the starter packs given to each recipient include capital goods for barbing, 2.9 capacity generator, swivel chair, sterilizer, clipper as well as a spare clipper to promote the best practice.

The gifts, as it were, will afford them to learn to adopt hygienic practices in their various enterprises so that when they grow up, they will grow with those practices.

The governor did not end there. As he speaks to the celebrating youths, he quickly informed them that they stand to gain from other components of the starter packs, which are in cash varying from enterprise to enterprise depending on the needs of that enterprise.

The cash include start-up allowance or what you call working capital as well as some items that have been monetised for individual enterprise categories.

“Also included in the cash,

is the shop rent; in addition to this, every STEPpreneur will be paid monthly stipend for a given number of months and we call it buffer stipend to support the STEPpreneur for take-off so that the STEPpreneur will manage the business as a business entity different from his own person.

“So, the monthly stipend will run for some time according to the enterprise and it is supposed to support the living expenses of the STEPpreneur.

This is a programme that will change the economic landscape and the socio-economy of Delta State,” Dr. Okowa said to the admiration of all.

Provision was made by the Governor in case of contingency or a variation from the laid out plan.

He hinted that a number of measures has been put in place to ensure the success of the programme, with close monitoring, enforcing discipline and total compliance to the rules.

But for Karhina Godwin, a UNIBEN graduate of PhilosoThe starter packs and other categories of empowerment equipment distributed by Gov. Okowa

Continued on page 19

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

19 Features

Touching story of Rahama, 19-year-old I will expand girl who spends her life in a bucket EMPOWERMENT:

and grow from here

—Beneficiary Continued from page 18 phy, “whether I am being monitored or not, what I benefitted from government is enough to stand my business, so I am happy I am one of the beneficiaries.” He added that the package they received is commendable, “it is one of those things we need, starter pack is a bold beginning; now I have a job and I will expand on it.”

Speaking further, the Warri boy commended the governor for the empowerment, saying “it is not easy”.

But he was furious when asked whether he was going to sell off the government’s gift.

His reaction however was encouraging as he said, “It does not make any sense to sell them, no matter how little it is, as far as you use them, it will fetch you something and you can grow from there. I started very small and I know where I am now, so don’t sell. It is not advisable to sell, if you sell you are putting yourself into more poverty.

“Paper degree is good but things are very difficult these days and those that have hand work are better positioned to get what they want all the time. Paper degree is good but it will not get you what you need these days.”

Another beneficiary, Dortie Emojevwe, from Ethiop West, said “after I graduated from school I had nothing doing; I studied Medical record and hospital statistics. We went for this training for three months and it is a thing of joy for God to bring this Delta State Governor to wipe away tears from the eyes of the youths in Delta State.

“I also thank Dr. Okowa for this vision that he has; when you look around, there is no job. I thank God for this great opportunity that I have today; from now I can start from somewhere.”

Yakubu Salisu, Kano Life they say is beautiful.

While those who are physically fit enjoy the beauty and pleasure life could offer.

They move around freely, carrying out different day-to-day activities demanding little or no support at all from other persons to achieve their goals in life. However, one wonders if the same phrase could be used for physically challenged persons. This is a touching story of a 19-year-old girl who spends her life in a bucket as a result of her disability.

Rahama Haruna Husaini was born to Mr. and Mrs. Haruna 19 years ago like every normal child. Haruna and his wife were thrilled with the joy of the new baby. But their joy turned into anguish as the little girl developed a serious medical problem which prevented her legs and arms from functioning. Instead, it began to shrink six months after her birth even before she could start crawling. At the moment, one could hardly see the affected part of her limbs. All efforts to get her medical assistance were in vain as it appeared nothing could be done for the poor little girl considering the fact that the parents are both village normads striving to survive. The hope for getting Rahama any relief diminishes as the years passes by.

For Rahama, she has since accepted her present condition as her fate. And she has learnt to be strong as it appeared nothing can be done to help her situation. Rahama spends her entire time in a bucket and carried around by her younger brother begging for alms. It was in this process someone got to see her, snapped her photo and posted it online.

And behold, kind individuals within and outside the state who saw her condition as pathetic started trooping in to Makole town to give her their assistance and encouraged her. In this process, someone bought her a wheel chair despite that she still has to sit inside the bucket. But this means that the little brother doesn’t need to carry her on his head any more.

Though physically disabled,

Rahama, in a world of her own

she remained focused and determined to become somebody in life as her dream is to be a business woman who owns a shop where she could sell provisions. When asked as to what spurred her to aspire to become a business woman, she replied that she has always thought of a better and respectable means of raising money rather than the everyday begging. According to her, one day, she sent her brother to get her indomie noodles which she was told sells for N40. She immediately thought that she could raise money from this business considering the fact that noodles are widely eaten by both children and adults but had no means of starting anything like that.

Unlike some able bodied persons or those whose forms of deformity did not prevent them from being useful to themselves and the entire society but resort to begging, this poor girl did not see her condition as something that could prevent her from achieving her heart desire. All she hoped and prayed for was that good Samaritan would lend her a helping hand.

Touched by the condition of the girl, Kano State Commissioner for women affairs and social development, Bar. Zubaida Damaka led a team from her ministry to Lahadin

Kano State Commissioner for women affairs and social development, Bar. Zubaida Damaka, (left) presenting a gift to Rahama’s mother, (right)

Makole to see Rahama and show her some love. The Commissioner presented to her, 10 cartons of indomie, 10 cartons of biscuits two cartons of sweets, two bags of detergents, a bag of rice, soya bean, two gallons of cooking oil, 25 liters each and her mother also received a sum of N20,000 to assist her in her own business.

Bar. Zainab, filled with emotions stated that the governor of the state and his entire officials shares in the girl’s plight promising that the state government would do all it could to make sure that Rahama doesn’t feel forsaken. Stressing that the younger brother should be enrolled back in school immediately as begging days were over for Rahama who could now sit at home and do her business.

She called on individuals to give a meaning to Rahama’s life.

Filled with joy, Rahama blessed the Commissioner, the governor and every person who has assisted her in one way or the other. She said that this kind gesture from the government would go a long way in assisting her and her entire family.

Lahadin Makole village and the villagers have seen quite a number of prominent visitors in recent time coming in to see the poor girl and render her some help.

It is hoped that the government would keep to its promises and this is also calling on individuals, groups, NGOs and the Federal Government to come to the help of this limbless lady and make her feel that life is worth living.

20

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

Crime

s

Police nab four notorious cult members Habeeb

Cult clash leaves one dead in Lagos

, Mamuzo onday Jerimiah ay Micheal, M From left, Sund lami- all robbery suspects. i Sa Edwin and Mur

From left: Three of the suspects, Monday Jerimiah, Mamuzo Edwin and Muri Salami

Stories by JOY ANYIM Police officers attached to the Area K Police Command, Badagry, have arrested four suspected members of the notorious one million boys gang who have been terrorising residents of Badagry and its environment for months now.

The suspects whose names were given as Sunday Micheal (22), Monday Jeremiah (18), Mamuzo Edwin (21) and Muri Salami whose age could not be ascertained were arrested at about 2 am on Wednesday morning. Police report said the foursome and some of their gang members who are still at large, tried to rob residents of School bus-stop at Ilogbo, in Ajangbadi area of Lagos.

Daily Times gathered that the gang had stormed the area at

about 1 am, but luck ran out on them when residents of the community who had suspected their attack raised alarm and alerted the policemen on patrol. The police gave the suspects a hot chase and was able to arrest four while the others fled.

Monday who is from Ondo State and the youngest of the four claimed it was his second time of accompanying the gang to rob. “It was my friend Aliya who introduced me into robbery.

Our first operation was at Shibiri area. This is my second robbery attempt. Our initial plan was to rob at Shibiri; we had stormed the area with our bikes. But unfortunately they were having Oro festival there, so we had to change our plan and move to Ilogbo in Ajangbadi to rob there.” he said.

Sunday who claimed he is from

Kwara State told Daily Times that it was is first attempt. His words: “I am a tiller and I live at Ijora- Badiya. It was Aliya that lured me into robbery. Although I have a gun I have never robbed with it. I had only snatched a phone that night before they raised alarm and we were caught.”

Muri and Mamuzu claimed they were caught by security men and residents of the area. The suspects however denied belonging to the dreaded ‘one million boys’ gang and pleaded to be pardoned.

Although, residents of the area are happy with the development, they have also called on the police to beef up security in the area to avoid the possibility of a reprisal attack.

The police on the other hand said investigation is ongoing to arrest the other gang members who are at large.

It was indeed a black Friday for residents of Ebute-Olowo street in the Ijede area of Ikorodu in Lagos, when on 26th January 2016 a cult clash between the notorious Eiye and Aiye confraternity led to the death of a 22-year-old Habeeb Salami who had come to visit his friend in the area.

Daily Times gathered that the deceased had been invited by his friend also known as Habeeb all the way from Ibadan to Lagos, to spend some time with him.

Habeeb however met his untimely death when one of the cult groups spotted him outside his friend’s house at about 9 pm, gave him a hot case and shot him twice from behind.

Although there are speculations that the deceased and his friend may also be cultists, the police are however digging deep to fish out those who killed him. In the meantime, Habeeb Rabiu has been arrested as a suspect and is currently been questioned by the police.

When Daily Times sought comments from the suspect, he claimed he is a vulcanizer and had never been involved in any cult activity.

“I know nothing about the whole trouble that led to the death of Habeeb. I am not a cultist and will never even think of joining them.

Although on one occasion, they have harassed and threatened me to join them but I ran away and refused to do so.

“I got to know Habeeb through Segun who is also a close friend.

Because we happen to bear the same name, we became very close too.

“Segun invited Habeeb from Ibadan to come spend some time with us in Lagos and on the 26th

January 2016, Habeeb arrived Lagos. But because Segun’s job does not give him all the time, Habeeb chose to stay at my place since I live alone. On the day of the incident, there was a clash between the Eiye confraternity and the Aiye confraternity groups.

“They fought all day but the whole street was calm later that evening. So at about 9 pm when Habeeb and I had just finished eating the food my mother had given to us for dinner, Habeeb excused himself to go and urinate.

“Something just moved me to go and check on him so I went out too.

In the process of stepping out of the room since it was a face-me- Iface–you apartment, I saw Habeeb running back into the compound.

“I was shocked and looked closely to see what was chasing him; then I discovered it was some notorious cult guys in my area. Immediately I called out to Habeeb to follow me. He did follow me from behind, we ran away through the back door.

“We were actually running to see if we could find a place of safety; the guys were shouting and also running after us. While we were running through a bend in one of the streets, I heard Habeeb shout ‘Aaah…’ I knew a bullet had hit him but I could not turn back.

As I kept running a bullet also hit me on my leg but I did not stop. I did notice Habeeb was no longer behind me.

“I ran to where I saw some people outside; they asked what was wrong with me and I narrated the whole story. They then advised me to quickly rush to the closest Police division to report my case and I did”, he narrated.

DailyTimes TimesNigeria Nigeria Daily Tuesday, August 18, 2015 Thursday, February 4, 2016

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22 Public Notice

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

Obasanjo, 18 Heads of Govt expected at Commonwealth Africa summit Akor Ejumene, Abuja

ÏÏÏAs the military strategises daily to ensure that Nigeria overcome Boko Haram threat, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has called for more vigilance on

the part of citizens and increased proactive actions by security agencies in preventing attacks, rather than occupying scenes of the attacks just after the monstrous criminality has been committed.

The congress condemned

the attack on peaceful residents of Dalori village on the outskirts of Maiduguri, the capital of Borno State, on Saturday night, during which about 100 residents were reported dead, almost the same day when suicide bombers killed several

L-R: Wife of the Governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Bolanle Ambode, receiving a canvass picture frame of #12KLLP Human Ribbon formation from Mrs. Omojole Adetoro, board member of Sebeccly Cancer Care and Mrs. Ometu Tina, Senior Programme Officer of Sebeccly, during the organisation’s courtesy visit to Mrs. Ambode, at Alausa, Ikeja, as part of activities to mark 2016 World Cancer Day, in Lagos... on Wednesday.

people in Chibok, as well as Madagali in Adamawa State. The NLC also called for a review of the on-going battle against the terror group, Boko Haram.

The labour body said that it was disturbed that while the Nigerian military had succeeded in weakening the group’s strength and capabilities, fragments of the group seemed to have developed new tactics that looked more dangerous and deadlier, as they took on victims through surprise attacks mostly at night, moving in fewer convoys to beat security.

According to the congress in a statement signed by its president, Comrade

Ayuba Wabba, the development called for more vigilance on the part of citizens and increased proactive actions by security agencies.

It applauded the military for the successes that had been achieved in the last few months, believing that with increased citizens’ alertness and pre-emptive actions by security agencies, the terror group would be wiped, completely, out.

It maintained that the isolated attacks on soft targets, which they now carry out is an obvious indication of their feebleness, but warned that such cannot and must not be taken for granted by the military and other security agen-

cies, who must create more effective synergy with residents in intelligence gathering, as it is now unmistakably obvious that the terror group had been severely dislocated, while many of them seem to have mixed up with unsuspecting residents. This the NLC said made nowhere in the country safe, since they now disguise as beggars, lunatics to attack crowded places, especially markets through suicide bombing.

The congress commiserated with the families of the victims of the attacks and appealed to government at all levels to compensate and resettle the families of the victims.

IBEZIMAKO

OYERINDE YEMISI OYEFUNKE

MRS. OLABISI COMFORT AKINTUDE

I, formerly known and addressed as UKACHUKWU, AMAKA EUNICE, now wishes to be known and addressed as IBEZIMAKO, AMAKA EUNICE (MRS.). All my former documents remain valid.

Central Bank of Nigeria and the general public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OGUNDELE YEMISI OYEFUNKE now wish to be known and addressed as OYERINDE YEMISI OYEFUNKE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MRS. OLABISI ZURAKAT now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLABISI COMFORT AKINTUDE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

BEATRICE UCHE NWALIE

IDOWU MARIAM YENUKUNME

EZEH CHINENYE CELESTINA IJEOMA

NWANYIEZE FAVOUR NWABUGWU

ARINZE MESHACK OBIAGWU

MRS ADEOSUN FUNMILAYO GBEMISOLA

I formerly known, called and addressed as MISS MARY YENUKUNME AWHANSE. Now wish to be known, called and addressed as IDOWU MARIAM YENUKUNME. All documents bearing my former name remain valid, General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as Mmuotoh Chinenye Celestina now wish to be known and addressed as Ezeh Chinenye Celestina Ijeoma.

All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I formerly known as NWANYIEZE EZIAHA NWANKPA now wish to be known and addressed as NWANYIEZE FAVOUR NWABUGWU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please note.

I formerly known and addressed as ARINZE CHUKWUMA now wish to be known and addressed as ARINZE MESHACK OBIAGWU. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

I formerly known as MISS ADEWOLE FUNMILAYO GBEMISOLA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADEOSUN FUNMILAYO GBEMISOLA. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please note.

I formerly known and addressed as BEATRICE UCHE EZENWALIE now wish to be known and addressed as BEATRICE UCHE NWALIE. All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

GIDEON JOSHUA

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as SOLOMON MAIGAMU now wish to be known and addressed as GIDEON JOSHUA .All former documents remain valid. The general public should please take note.

This is to notify that RUTH OLUYINKA OLAOPA is the same person as RUTH OLUYINKA ADEBISI. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

INTERNATIONAL YOUTH EMPOWERMENT AND REHABILITATION CENTRE This is to inform the general public that the above named Organization has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No 1 of 2004.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REV. FR. JOHN DAMIAN ADIZIE -Chairman 2. ENGR. CHIMA COLLINS ONUOHA -Secretary 3. REV. PAUL MAIRIGA CHORI -Member 4. REV. EMMANUEL EDET OKON -Member 5. EZINNE CHARITY ONUOHA -Member 6. REV. SR. RITA UDEZUE - Member 7. VICTOR OSAZUA EHICHIOYA -Member 8. INNOCENT NNAEMEKA ONWE -Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Liberation and empowerment of the youths in Nigeria and other parts of the world through Agriculture and other rural developmental projects.

2. Rehabilitation and empower of ex-prisoners.

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

Signed: BENNETT CHUKWU Eclat Chambers, Suite 305B, NCWS Building, Area 11, Garki, Abuja.

08033159623

PUBLIC NOTICE

I MR IWU MADUWUBA whose Account Number is 0115088314 will no longer be using this name again in my account details with Guaranty Trust Bank. Henceforth MR NWACHUKWU JEROME MADUWUBA and the account number 0176920927 will be used on my account. The general public and Guaranty Trust Bank please take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

42-42-1560 Felix Olubisi Ogunleye 2, Olayinka Street by Williams Street Araromi Sawmill Bariga Lagos State.

All effort made to trace the missing document proved abortive.

If found,please contact the above address.

Signed: Announcer MISSION TO POWER AND HELP

HAPPINESS UDO ISUA

EGWUENU, RITA IJEOMA

I formerly known and addressed as CLEMENT UDO ISUA now wish to be known and addressed as HAPPINESS UDO ISUA. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should please take note.

I FORMALLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS UNEGBU, RITA IJEOMA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EGWUENU, RITA IJEOMA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE

MACDEB INTERNATIONAL HUMANITARIAN INITIATIVE

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

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Initiative has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) OGHOGHO JOSHUA ESEOSA. (2) OGHOGHO TEMITOPE ADERONKE. (3) AKINSANYA OLADIMEJI ADESEGUN.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OWOSENI JOHNSON ADEKUNLE 2. REV. SEGUN ADEYANJU 3. OGUNDIRAN AYINDE IBRAHIM 4. OWOSENI ADEWALE SUNDAY 5. AJAYI ADEDAYO SYLVESTER

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES (1) To help entrench the process of skill acquisition in people.

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

Signed by; TRUSTEES

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO RENDER HUMANITARIAN SERVICES TO THE SOCIETY 2. TO GIVE ASSISTANCE TO THE NEEDY, LESS PRIVILEGED AND THE ABANDONED 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 28 days of this publication Signed: Secretary

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

Niger Assembly directs Gov. Bello to pay workers’ salary Saka Bolajib, Minna

ÎÎÎThe Niger State House

of Assembly, on Wednesday, directed the state government to pay the January salary of workers in the state immediately.

The member representing Paikoro Constituency, Abdulmalik Kabir, who placed the non-payment of salaries under matters of urgent public importance observed that in the past, the state workers received their salaries before the 25th of every

month.

He decried the fact that no persuasive explanation or apology had been given to the state civil servants, and stated that the explanation given by the state Head of Service was not acceptable.

The Head of Service, Alhaji Mohammed Maude Lapai, had earlier announced on the local media that the delay in the payment of civil servants salary was due to the on-going verification exercise.

However, contrary to

his declaration, the leader of the consultancy firm in charge of the exercise, Sa’adatu Bakrin-Ottun Sally, stated that there was no basis for not paying civil servants’ their salary because of the verification.

Abdulmalik, in his motion, lamented that there was no sign being shown by the government towards the payment of workers’ salary, and called on the House to look into the plight of the people and ensure that January salary was paid immedi-

ately.

After deliberation, the Deputy Speaker, Honorable Husseni Ibrahim directed the state government to pay the salary of civil servants, and asked the Clerk of the House to relay the law-makers’decision to the executive.

The House also directed the Chairman, House Committee on Finance and Appropriation, Honorable Mohammed Bashir Lokogoma, to ensure the implementation of the directive.

23 News

DPO, two others sued over assault on lawyer, businessman

IGP Arase

Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÎÎÎA police officer, Oluse-

gun Atanda, and two others have been dragged before the Federal High Court, Ado-Ekiti for alleged unlawful arrest, detention, harassment, intimidation and assault meted out against a businessman – Mayowa Oluwanisomo – in December 18, 2015.

Oluwanisomo who filed the application for the enforcement of his fundamental human rights is seeking an order of the

court for the award of N10 million as general and exemplary damages.

The 1st Respondent, Atanda, who was the Divisional Police Office, (DPO) for Okeila Police Station, in Ado-Ekiti and, presently, the DPO Ido Ekiti Police Station, was sued alongside another officer identified as Mr. Agbabiaka (2nd) and Commissioner of Police (3rd).

In the affidavit in support of the Motion on Notice FH/AD/CS/2/2016, Oluwanisomo, who is also a student of the Nigerian Law School, revealed that he went to see his mechanic on the day of the incident at Okeila area and his car was parked in a way that did not hinder the right of way of others.

He averred that the1st respondent, who was in mufti, emerged from nowhere and deflated the tyres of his car after which he (Atanda) beat him.

Court remands two for drug trafficking Peter Fowoyo

ÎÎÎA Federal High Court,

Oyo State Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi addressing All Progressives Congress (APC) members aftermath of the Supreme Court judgment that validated his electoral victory, at the Governor’s Office, Ibadan… on Wednesday.

Oil price fall: Monarch advises FG on revenue drive Oluwaseyi Fadoro

ÎÎÎ

As part of efforts to mitigate the harsh effects of the fall in oil price, the Federal Government has been urged to repackage university education by making it more attractive to people, and use it to generate more revenue to its coffers.

By investing in education and bringing it to the door steps of every interested Nigerian, Oluwo of Iwo, Oba Abdulrasheed Adewale Akanbi, Telu 1, said more revenue would be earned by government.

Speaking to newsmen, in Iwo, shortly after inspecting the site of state study centre of National Open University of Nigeria, NOUN, in

the town, Oba Adewale said that apart from the opportunity to earn more revenue, government would also be fulfilling one of its main role of providing sound and affordable education for the citizens.

The monarch said that he was taking full responsibility of providing basic infrastructures for the centre to enable it take off properly later in the month, because of his believe that elite citizenry would fast-track his developmental plans for Iwo town.

“Even if I have to borrow to put this centre in proper shape, I won’t mind. I was told we were offered this centre about three years ago, but because an appropriate

site could not be found for it, it could not take off.

“When the centre was brought again, I have to roll up my sleeves and ensure that we get a suitable place for them. First round of inspection has been done and we are awaiting its take off by end of February”, Oba Akanbi explained.

Speaking on the plans for the final round of inspection of the centre, the chairman of its Implementation Committee, Prof. Wasiu Gbolagade, said the centre had been given 1, 000 students by the management of NOUN. While expressing hope that many residents of Iwo and neighbouring communities would make use of the opportunity the presence

of the study centre in the town presented and improve upon their education, Gbolagade added that the influx of students to Iwo, through the centre, would aid its economic growth.

sitting in Ado-Ekiti, has remanded two men, namely Babalola Sola Alawe and Abiodun Ogedengbe, for being in possessing of 17kg of cannabis sativa – a drug similar to cocaine.

Justice Taiwo O. Taiwo remanded the duo after they pleaded not guilty to a two- count charge preferred against them by National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA).

The prosecuting counsel, Mr. C.O. Ogwuja, told the court that Babamola Sola Alawe, committed the offence on about December 2,

2015, along Ilemeso Oke-Isan, Ekiti State, within the jurisdiction of this court without lawful authority dealt in and possessed 6.8kg of cannabis sativa similar to cocaine and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 11(c) of the NDLEA Act CAP N30 Laws of Federation 2004.

In the same vein, the prosecutor told the court that Abiodun Ogedemgbe, male, adult, committed this offence on the 29th of November 2015 at Ise-Ekiti, Ekiti State dealt and possessed 10.2kg of canabis sativa a narcotic drug similar to cocaine, heroin and LSD thereby committed an offence under the same Act.

INEC set for Suleja Assembly bye-election Saka Bolajib, Minna

ÎÎÎ

The Niger State Residence Electoral Commissioner Alhaji Naseer Olariwaju Ayilara has said that the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) had concluded plans to conduct a bye-election for the Suleja House of Assembly, which was cancelled by the tribunal and an appeal court, respectively.

He said this, on Wednesday, in an interview, after stakeholders’ meeting, in Minna, and added that already the bye-election had been scheduled for February, 2016, since an appeal court had disqualified the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of the election – Hon. Murtala Badaru – based on false information filled in his personal data form.

He further disclosed that the court had earlier fined him N500, 000, and his party a sum of N1 million.

Ayilara also said that Section 140 of Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) did not stop any political party from participating in the bye – election, and gave an assurance that would abide by the court’s judgement, by conducting the said election within the stipulated period.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

Niger Delta/N’East: Minister tasks RTEAN on sustainable peace Idu Jude Abuja

ÎÎÎThe Minister of

Niger Delta Affairs, Pastor Usani Uguru Usani, has called on the leadership of Road Transport Employers Association of Nigeria (RTEAN) to support efforts aimed at ensuring and sustaining peace in the area and the north-east region of the country.

He said this, on Tuesday, when RTEAN paid him a visit in office. He commended the association on the

role it plays in ensuring the safety of life on the nation’s roads, as well as the contribution it makes to the economy by creating employment opportunities.

He also expressed delight in the association’s resolve to help the country flush out touts at the various motor parks across the country, and reiterated that government was interested in interfacing with the body in ensuring peace at the grassroots.

“When touting is encouraged, people suffer damages, so your offer to rid our public motor parks of touting is commendable”, he stressed.

On the fight against corruption, the Minister said: “All of us are victims of corruption, so the posture of this administration is not targeted at anybody. We should all join the campaign against it.”

Uguru urged RTEAN to continue to support government’s efforts at ensuring

peace and security of Nigerians by supplying the right information to the appropriate authorities. He also assured them of government’s support.

In his speech, the National President of RTEAN, High Chief (Alh.) Musa Shehu Isiwele, said that, in an effort to enhance servicedelivery and ensuring safety and security of Nigerians in the transport sub-sector of the economy, his association would embark on the

construction of modern motor parks, which would be equipped with modern facilities.

He stated further that RTEAN was working in partnership with the Federal Government to service and maintain the vehicles in its fleet.

He expressed the total support of members to the change mantra of the present administration and commitment to the fight against corruption in the country.

Niger commissioner blames past leaders for underdevelopment Pita Chikwem, Minna

ÎÎÎ

The Niger State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Comrade Jonathan Vatsa, on Wednesday, said that after 40 years of its creation, the state still found itself among the least developed in the country.

Vatsa, who spoke in Minna as part of activities to mark 40th anniversary of the creation of the state, insisted that the state’s past leaders were responsible for its current woes, stressing that greed and personal aggrandisement were the hallmark of the past administrations.

While admitting that Niger State could not compare itself with states that were created at the same time, Vatsa said leaders in other states always struggled to surpass each other’s achievements, unlike the ones in Niger State.

Vatsa who described the past 16 years of democracy in the state as a waste in terms of development, however singled out the military as the best leaders that had governed the state, saying that their legacies were everywhere, even though their civilian counterparts had succeeded in destroying some of them.

L-R: Managing Director, Mr. Paul Farrer; Chairperson of the Company, Mrs. Yemisi Ayeni; Executive Director, Commercial, Halima Dangote and a Director, Dr. Chris Ogbeche during the courtesy visit to the Company’s factories in Lagos and Ogun states… on Wednesday.

EFCC docks two over N17m fraud

ÎÎÎ

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), arraigned the duo of Festus Ozemoya and Isaac Ozemoya before Justice G.B. Briki-Okolisi of the State High Court, sitting in Effurun, Delta State, on a four-count charge bordering on conspiracy, issuance of dud cheque and obtaining by false pretence to the tune of N17million.

The petitioner, Jane Alabi alleged that, Festus Ozemoya (the 1st accused person) approached her sometime in April, 2014, to solicit funds to finance a project he allegedly secured with Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), a subsidiary of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) for installation of pumps at Oziegbe Flow Station, in Koko,

Delta State.

According to Alabi, the accused was advanced the sum of N12 million with an agreement that the said sum would be refunded within seven months.

The petitioner further allege, on Tuesday, February 2, 2016, that the 1st accused person introduced Isaac Ozemoya (the 2nd accused person) to her as his business partner, who also secured a contract with NPDC. Using the same modus operandi, the accused person again swindled the complainant to the tune N12 million.

The victim consequently petitioned the EFCC after efforts to get her money refunded were unsuccessful.

One of the counts reads: “That you, Festus Ozemoya on or about February

and April, 2014 at Effurun Judicial Division of the High Court of Delta State with intent to defraud did obtain the sum of Eleven Million Naira (N11,000,000.00) from one Mrs Jane Alabi under a false pretence that the payment was to finance a contract you secured with Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) for installation of pumps at Oziegbe Flow Station in Koko, Delta State which pretext you knew to be false and thereby committed an offence of obtaining by false pretence contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) of the Advance Fee Fraud and Other Related Offences Act, 2006 and punishable under Section 1 (3) of the same Act.” Another count read: “That you, Isaac Ozemoya trading under the name of Es-

hiemokhai & Sons Company sometime in January, 2015 at Effurun Judicial Division of the High Court of Delta State did fraudulently issue a Guaranty Trust Bank Plc cheque no 36836456 of Eshiemokhai & Sons Company, dated 31st day of January, 2015, in the sum of N3,000,000.00 (Three Million, Naira) in favour of Mrs. Jane Alabi, which was to settle your financial obligation with said Mrs. Jane Alabi and when the said cheque was presented for payment, it was dishonored due to insufficient funds standing to your credit and thereby committed an offence contrary to Section 1 (1) (a) and (b) (i) & (ii) of the Dishonored Cheques (Offences) Act Cap D11 of the Revised Edition (Laws of the Federation of Nigeria) 2007.”

Buhari

Group commends Buhari on anti-graft war Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÎÎÎ

The Buhari Media Support Group (BMSG) has commended President Muhammadu Buhari on the ongoing anti-corruption campaign embarked upon by his administration, and indicated that in the latest ranking of corrupt countries the world over by Transparency International, the anti-corruption watchdog, Nigeria’s name was missing.

In a press statement signed by its national co-ordinator, Muhammad Labbo and the Secretary Cassidy Madueke, on Wednesday, in Abuja, said that the campaign was bearing fruit and gradually changing the image of the country as one where corrupt acts were no longer welcomed.

Fire guts Ebonyi INEC office Jacob Ogodo, Abakaliki

ÎÎÎ

Another fire outbreak has burnt down the office of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Izzi Local Government Area of Ebonyi State.

The fire disaster was caused by a bush fire..

Confirming the incident, the Caretaker Committee Chairman of Izzi LGA, Hon. Richard Idike, explained that the fire incident caused a lots of damage.

“The fire came into the premises and burnt down the entire building because there was no security man or staff around to put out the fire.

“My report has been submitted to all the appropriate quarters – including the state government. The fire burnt a large hectare before it got to the INEC office and raised it down completely. We have put measures in place to forestall further occurrence,” Idike said.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

25 Opinion

Nigeria Vision 20-2020 Mirage? (5)

ÏÏÏ

In part 4 we continued our study of Alexander Chiejina’s report on the potential of agribusiness in Nigeria - “Unlocking Nigeria’s Agribusiness Potential”.

Chiejina proceeded to cite Leah Gatts, an analyst with Consultancy Africa Intelligence, who pointed out that the Nigerian market is not easy to penetrate because the political and investment environment is a challenge to potential entrepreneurs.

While land tenure creates another obstacle, Gatts noted that in some states, land rights are tightly regulated and can be difficult to obtain for non-indigenes: “Land tenure reform is indeed one of the key areas that government should focus on as a way to attract more investment and encourage great confidence in a sector like agriculture. Export incentives for the manufacturing sector, which include the prohibition of certain imports as a way of encouraging local production, are also in place”. Gatts also argues that insurance geared directly at agriculture can help to dilute the risky nature of the sector (weather and pests) and defend against uncertain political environments (expropriation). Coverage in case of expropriation and termination of contract is an especially useful development that can help inspire investor confidence.

Chiejina argues that for agribusiness to make its desired impact there is need for agro-processing activities to move away from primary, farm-based processing activities to a stage of secondary and tertiary levels of processing. This will require that agricultural growth must first be stimulated to provide ready raw materials sufficient for sustainable operations of processing firms which will operate during and out of season of the agricultural cycle. The 2012 UNIDO report noted that local, regional and international markets can only grow if the products of agro-processing are competitive and possess qualities demanded by the discriminating markets in and outside Nigeria: “Public investment in infrastructure and promotional activities are essential.

Nigeria’s upgrading and modernising agro-industry should be based on the following cardinal points and processes: modernisation, intensification and development of appropriate production systems and farm organisations; support for and assurance of producers that public policies will be consistent, durable and progressive; deliberate promotion of commodity chains and agribusiness development; and institutional development.” The

Ogbeh

UNIDO report further stated that for agro-industrial development, cluster development policy, involving agro-processing enterprises being located in specified areas and supported with shared infrastructure and facilities, is necessary: “Cluster strategy could be promoted entirely by the private sector through private-public partnerships (PPP) for processing and manufacturing of commodities predominant in an area, and focusing in clusters on producing for the export markets is recommended.

Cluster development may take four main forms: industrial parks, industrial clusters, enterprise zones, and incubators... [Presently,] these agribusinesses are distributed between the modern and informal sectors of the economy with

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the latter accounting for more than two thirds of the total agribusiness firms in Nigeria. The concentration of agribusiness firms is in three industrial clusters, namely the Lagos-OttaIbadan axis, the OnitshaAba-Nnewi-Port Harcourt axis, and the Kano-KadunaJos axis. Outlier clusters are Calabar-Uyo, BornoYola, Abuja-Nassarawa, Ilorin-Ogbomoso-Offa, and Sokoto-Gusau-Kebbi. In all, Lagos accounts for nearly 45 percent of all registered agribusiness firms, and the bulk of annual total output comes from there,” it stated.

The report maintained that de-concentration policies have to be planned and then to emerge at local level by giving specific incentives: “There are two principal actors involved in evolving a sustainable agro-industrial

development in Nigeria – the government and the private sector – while the consumers are also important in creating effective demand. The capability of agriculture to grow at an anticipated annual rate of 10-15 percent has been laid at the foot of agro-industrial enterprises through value chain growth and expansion. Government is conscious of the enormous responsibility it has to shoulder in order to create an appropriate environment for increased agricultural output,” the UNIDO report added. As stakeholders believe that since government has decided to promote an increased production of selected commodities, those in high demand by agroprocessing industries, the real challenge is to sustain the output levels in the longrun and ensure a continuous flow of raw materials to agro-processing plants, particularly the SMEs. Strategic initiatives they request should be in place include expansion of farmland through facilitation of land acquisition and title holdings for agricultural production as well as the need for a review of the Land Use Act 1978 in order to promote commercial agriculture and to encourage new farmers to enter the production space. An example of this is the PPP initiative being observed on Zimbabwe farmers’ fields in Kwara State to promote modern production practices. Chiejina also cited Chinedum Nwajiuba, professor of Agricultural Economics, to wit, that with the current policy designed for the commercial agribusiness sector to quickly produce surpluses for domestic consumption and reduce import dependency and foreign exchange expenditure,

there is still a huge rural population that will require agricultural policy support with a development focus: “In designing this policy, consideration should be given to the twin challenges of rising population in both rural and urban Nigeria and climate change. There is need for further policy reform on inputs supply, technology improvements, credits and subsidies. The recently launched transformation programme seeks to support improved seeds and seedlings in particular. This support must not be diverted from agricultural use into non-farm uses”.

All said and done, it is apparent that given the right policy direction, Nigeria can, in a short period of one to six years regain its 1960s dominance in agribusiness.

Most importantly, agribusiness can be leveraged to wipe out unemployment in the short run while the country restructures its entire educational sector to prepare its youths for the new world that is run on technology particularly information and communication technology (ICT). All that is required is a focused and aggressively driven government policy at federal, state and local government levels, albeit coordinated for maximum impact especially to ensure it benefits from economy of scale and comparative advantage as well as sensitivity to global relevance.

This brings us to the end of our focus on agribusiness, under which we have grouped all agriculture related activities in Nigeria.

Next week we shall continue our analysis of the economic potential of Nigeria by looking at another sector of the economy, automobiles.

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26

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

Health

s

Women in South West victims of domestic violence, says NGO

Lara Adejoro

No fewer than 37 per cent of women in Southwest Nigeria are victims of domestic violence, a non-governmental organisation, New Initiative for Social Development (NISD) has said.

The Executive Director of the NGO, Mr Oyeleye Abiodun made the disclosure at a training for journalists in the Southwest states recently with the support of the British High Commission.

The training tagged: ‘Reduction of Discrimination and Violence against Women in Southwest, Nigeria,’ with the aim of creating awareness for the Violence against Persons Prohibition Act 2015 was held in Ado Ekiti.

Violence against women is understood as a violation of human rights and a form of discrimination against women and shall mean all acts of gender-based violence that result in, or are likely to result in physical, sexual, psychological or economic harm or suffering to women, including threats of such acts, coersion or arbitrary deprivation of liberty, whether occurring in public or in private life.

In her opening remarks, the Acting South West Regional Coordinator, Department for International Development (DFID), Margaret Fagboyo said, the high prevalence and intensity of the violence most times arose as result of local customs, traditional beliefs and value system.

“Unfortunately, the legal and judicial system do not offer much protection against the violence

and abuse. The ugly trend is further accentuated by our culture of silence. It has been realised that in these instances, silence is never golden.”

Fagboyo further said, “It is disturbing to acknowledge that violence is not a rare, isolated occurrence. It affects individuals from all over the globe-individuals who live in developing countries and those who live in the developed world. However, the situation is more complicated in our environment. Whilst for instance, rape carries a punishment of life imprisonment in Nigeria, the arduous process of proving rape, the pain and shame of reliving the experience coupled with societal pressure to keep silent, victim blaming, and stigma, often discourage women from reporting sexual violence.

“Until the passage of the VAPP bill, there are handful of states in Nigeria with specific laws targeting domestic violence and abuse but there was no federal law specifically addressing the myriads of cases. However, the content of the new law is tailored towards our environment, reflecting the realities of domestic violence and discrimination in Nigeria today. In addition, the law incorporates relevant provisions of international human rights laws and principles.”

She said, given the devastating effect violence has on women and the vulnerable groups, the best way to end violence against women, girls and other groups is to prevent it from happening in the first place by addressing its root

37% of women in Southwest Nigeria experience domestic violence

and structural causes.

Recall that, after 13 years in the National Assembly, the Violence Against Persons’ Prohibition (VAPP) Bill was passed by the Senate on 5th May, 2015 and signed into law on 24th May, 2015 by former President Goodluck Jonathan.

This now gives legal teeth to a law that is billed to eliminate, or reduce to minimum, cases of sexual, and all other forms of discrimination and gender-based violence in the country.

Also speaking, Communication Manager and Political Adviser, British Deputy High Commission, Lagos; Mr Wale Adebajo said, women are more than 50 per cent of the world’s population

and perform two-thirds of the world’s work but earn only 1/10 of the world’s income.

Adebajo said, women constitute 70 per cent of 1 billion world’s poorest. 49 per cent of Nigerians are women and Nigeria ranks 118 out of 134 countries in Gender Equality Index.

“In Nigeria, nearly three in 10 have experienced physical violence since age 15 while 7 per cent have experienced sexual violence.

One in four married women have experienced physical sexual or emotional violence.

“In Nigeria, especially the southwest states, there is sexual violence in times of peace, how much more in times of insecurity or conflict. Sexual violence

Ondo govt restates commitment to combat measles

infected.

According to him, measles vaccination, which was introduced in 1960s, has helped in no small measure to reduce the scope of the disease on a global level.

He posited that in a developing country like Nigeria, malnutrition aggravates measles infection which made the present government in the state to be proactive in taking adequate measures to take care of the malnourished children in the communities through the instrumentation of food demonstration in health facilities level and the sale of Ondo State branded complimentary foods for these group of children.

Tosin Ajuwon, Akure As part efforts to achieve reduction in the incidence of measles, the Ondo state government has reiterated its commitment to the continued implementation of campaigns against measles, which is one of the leading causes of childhood morbidity and mortality in the world.

Governor Olusegun Mimiko, who spoke at the declaration and flag-off of the 2016 Measles Cam-

paign Immunization in the state held at the State Specialist Hospital, Akure, said his administration has impacted positively on routine immunization services since inception.

Mimiko, represented by his Deputy, Abdulazeez Oluboyo, assured parents that all necessary machineries have been put in place to ensure that all eligible children are reached with measles vaccines.

He said the state government would not relent in its efforts towards ensuring qualitative

health care to all and sundry in the state.

The governor also noted that the implementation of the past measles campaigns had led to a significant reduction in the incidence of measles cases in the state.

He described measles as a viral disease caused by measles virus, which is a major cause of childhood illness in the developing world, adding that, it is contagious as up to 90 percent of nonimmunised persons who come in contact with any case will be

largely goes unreported because of the burden of proof necessary for conviction as well as social stigma associated with it,” Adebajo said.

The challenges of the law is that it is not yet known to the people. “The citizens have no access to the law including the justice sector stakeholders which makes it very difficult to enforce,” he noted.

Speaking on the statistical dimension of violence against women in Southwest states, (Nigeria Demographic and Health Survey 2013), the NISD boss said, in the Southwest, 37.1 per cent of women have experienced physical violence while 4.6 per cent of

Continued on page 27

Mimiko

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

27 Health Zika virus: What you must know

Review the paltry allocation of N221.7b to Health Ministry, NMA tells FG Lara Adejoro The Nigerian Medical Association (NMA) has called on the Federal Government and the National Assembly to urgently review and revise ‘the paltry allocation of N221.7 Billion to Health Ministry in the 2016 Appropriation Bill.’

In a statement signed by the president of the association, Dr Kayode Obembe and the Secretary General, Dr. Adewunmi Alayaki, it views with great dismay the sharp departure from the prescribed 15 per cent of the national budget for health made in 2001 in a meeting of African Heads of States an Government which Nigeria hosted in Abuja.

The association observes that this deviation has posed a huge moral burden for the country in going against her own avowed commitment despite the emerging challenges and resultant burgeoning demands from the sector.

“Though not ignorant of the current realities of dwindling oil revenue and contracting fiscal space - a situation which the country has most unfortunately found herself, NMA is of the view that the markedly diminished allocation of 3.65 per cent in the 2016 Budget would never encourage the advancement of universal health coverage which is the only panacea towards improving availability, access quality and efficiency of the Health services to reduce the disparaging health indices which continue to malign the image of our country in the community of nations.

“We are also shocked as the N60 billion (equivalent of at least 1 per cent of the Consolidate Revenue Fund) envisaged to accrue as the Basic Health Provision fund as enshrined in the National Health Act 2014 was conspicuously absent from the budget proposal as presented.”

Available evidence show that whereas 33 per cent of countries have allocated at least 10 per cent of their national budget to health with only Tanzania, Rwanda, Swaziland, Ethiopia, Malawi and Central African Republic attaining 15 per cent, Nigeria has been revolving between 3 per cent and 6 per cent.

The association is also dismayed that contrary to the recommendation of the World Health Organisation (WHO) that national budgets allocated should be

Adeshewa Akanni-Shellex Zika virus has become an emergency issue all over the world, due to the ongoing outbreak of the virus, which 36 people including four pregnant women have been diagnosed with the virus.

Zika virus is a mosquito-borne virus, which belongs to flavivirus where yellow fever and dengue fever also belongs.

The virus was first identified in 1947 among Rhesus monkey in Uganda, and was later identified in human Zika virus is transmitted to people through the bite of an infected mosquito of Aedes genus, and it has been described as a daytime mosquito because it bites during morning and evening hours.

The virus is also said to transmitted through sexual contact, but only one case has been reported.

Zika virus causes harm linked with cases of Gillian-Barre syndrome, a rare paralysis syndrome that may occur after some viral or bacterial infection, an also causes microcephaly-A child born with an abnormal small head.

The virus has been widely spread in American countries and territories, and mostly in brazil countries.

There is no treatment or vaccine available for Zika virus infection, but companies and scientist are still making effort to create vaccine for the virus.

The virus can be contained locally by spraying insecticide, and clearing stagnant water where mosquito breed.

‘There are more rape cases in Oyo state than armed robbery’ Continued from page 26

Dr Kayode Obembe, NMA President

equivalent of N6,908.00 Per Head (General Government Health Expenditures (GGHE) per Capital), reports form the World Bank reveal that the 2016 federal budget only Provided for N1448.00 ($7.55 at $1=N197) representing a retrogression from N1546.00 in 2015 and N1653.00 in 2014.

“This presents a precarious situation as all other contributions from state and local governments; donor agencies and other sources cannot bridge the deficit of N5460.00 in this regard. It is on this premise that we call on the National Assembly as the only organ that could mitigate this looming disaster in the Healthcare delivery sector in 2016 at this juncture, to look dispassionately without any partisan sentiments at what should be done, to substantially increase the allocation to the health ministry in order to deliver better healthcare to the Nigerian people,’ the statement read.

It also called on state and local governments to allocate substantial resources to the healthcare delivery sector and encourage donors and philanthropists, as it restates its unalloyed loyalty, commitment and readiness to partner with government to deliver prompt and efficient health care to Nigerians.

“NMA promises to assist government in playing her role in budget tracking to ensure that budgeted and released funds are used for the purposes that were appropriated.”

The association said the only road to economic recovery is for the government to guarantee basic minimum package of healthcare to every citizen through Universal Health Coverage (UHC).

“The panacea for the UHC is Community Based Health Insurance.

This is achievable by increased budgetary allocation to healthcare and operationalization of National Health Act.

women have experienced sexual violence.

Using the 2006 female population census, he said, “25.8 per cent of women in Ekiti; 43.9 per cent in Lagos; 22.8 per cent in Ogun; 43.7 per cent in Ondo; 12.8 per cent in Osun and 48.0 per cent in Oyo States have experienced physical violence respectively.

“6.6 per cent women in Ekiti; 5.8 per cent in Lagos; 4.3 per cent in Ogun; 5.2 per cent in Ondo; 2.2 per cent in Osun and 3.9 per cent women in Oyo States have experienced sexual violence respectively.”

On Female Genital Mutilation across the six states in south west Nigeria, Abiodun said, “Osun has the highest with 76.6 per cent followed by Ekiti with 72.3 per cent.

While Oyo has 65.5 per cent; Ondo has 45 per cent followed by Lagos with 34.8 per cent and Ogun has 11.2 per cent respectively.”

He added that, there are more rape cases in Oyo state than armed robbery.

A senior lecturer at the College of Law, Afe Babalola University, Ado Ekiti, Ikechukwu Okafor said the Violence against Persons Prohibition Act 2015 is a landmark achievement, which is comprehensive and needs to be

implemented nationwide.

Okafor said, “As a comprehensive and progressive legislation, the Act has provided a template for uniform legislation on violence against persons in Nigeria.

“Understanding the provisions of the Act will help other judges and Magistrates to follow the current legislative thinking on such criminal matters s contained in the Criminal Code, the Panel Code and other legislation relating to violence.”

According to the Medical Director/Counsultant Psychiatrist and Psychotherapist at the Pinnacle Medical Services, Lagos; Dr Maymunah Kadiri domestic violence can lead to other common emotional traumas such as depression, anxiety, panic attacks, substance abuse and posttraumatic stress disorder.

“Abuse can trigger suicide attempts, psychotic episodes, homelessness and slow recovery from mental illness.”

Kadiri said, many domestic violence survivors do not need mental health treatment, and many symptoms resolve once they and their children are safe and have support. “For others, treatment is in their plan for safety and recovery.”

Federer out for month after surgery

W Federer

orld number three Roger Federer will be out of action for a month after having arthroscopic knee surgery.

The 34-year-old 17-times Grand Slam champion had the surgery in his native Switzerland to repair a torn meniscus.

He was injured the day after his four-set Australian Open semi-final defeat by Novak

Djokovic last week.

Federer, who won his most recent Grand Slam at Wimbledon in 2012, has pulled out of the World Tennis Tournament in Rotterdam and the Dubai Championships.

He is the reigning champion in Dubai, having secured his seventh title there last March, and has won twice in Rotterdam.

31

Cech

predicts title race twists

Page 28

Ex-international

Ndong named Gambia coach

F

ormer international Sang Ndong has been named as the coach of The Gambia again, his last stint ended in 2003.

He has stepped down as coach of local side Hawks to sign a twoyear deal with the Scorpions.

Ndong’s first competitive games will be home and away 2017 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers against Mauritania in March.

“Our objective now is to rebuild.

We’re not saying there’s nothing on the ground - there is,” he said.

“But we want to take it from where it is, to another level and to change, not the brand the national team is using, but the face of the national team, how we see our national team.”

Ndong has spent time as technical director with The Gambia Football Federation and has stepped in as interim coach of the Scorpions on several occasions in the past.

“Coaching the national team is the easiest job one can do here, but looking into the problems of the national team is where experience and knowledge, support, motivation matters,” he added.

“I accepted this position for the simple reason that I am a Gambian, I am a coach.

“I want to help set the standard for Gambian coaches, for us to be recognised - to be respected to be given the opportunities and to be supported.”

He replaces Swiss coach Raoul Savoy who left in December, when his contract was ended by mutual consent.

The Gambia are currently third in their Nations Cup qualifying group with one point from a 0-0 in South Africa, they then lost at home to Cameroun 1-0.

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Lagos s t c i r t s re ent

movem s y a w h g i h n o n o h t a r a m r ove Andrew Ekejiuba

T

he Lagos State Government on Wednesday announced restriction of movement in some of the major highways to be used for the February 6, 2016 International Marathon scheduled to start by 7am at National Stadium Surulere and terminate at Eko Atlantic City.

The Lagos International Marathon, which was last held in 1983, is billed to be attended by over 20,000 athletes, including over 20 world class marathoners.; Speaking during a press conference at the Bagauda Kaltho Press Centre in Alausa, Special Adviser to the Lagos State Governor on Transportation, Prince Olanrewaju Elegushi disclosed that the Marathon will start from the National Stadium and move to Anthony, and

thereafter to Gbagada Road, Third Mainland Bridge through Alfred Rewane to Lekki Ikoyi Bridge and terminate at Eko Atlantic City.

Elegushi, who explained that the Marathon will commence at 7am, said the restriction of traffic will however start from 6:30am and end at 1pm, adding that adequate arrangements have been put in place to ensure that security operatives and officials of the Lagos State Traffic Management Authority (LASTMA) barricade access to the dual carriage way to be affected by the event.

According to him, all traffic flow and access from Alaka and Alhaji Masha to National Stadium towards Ojuelegba and along Western Avenue terminating at Anthony Bus stop would be

Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State. blocked, while the whole stretch of the Anthony Oke to Gbagada unto Third Mainland Bridge along with accesses at New Garage, Adeniji Adele interchange; Sura/Simpson and Obalende would equally be blocked.

He added that all access from Dolphin Estate towards Osborne terminating at Falomo Road About would be blocked for the event, while access to Falomo Roundabout from Alfred Rewane (Kingsway Road), Awolowo Road and traffic from Victoria Island would also be affected.

CHAN 2016: DR Congo book final ticket, eliminate Guinea on penalties

D

DR Congo players celebrate their victory over the Guineans on Wednesday.

ebutants Guinea were on Wednesday handed a 5-4 defeat via penalties by DR Congo after a pulsating 1-1 draw at regulation time.

Guinea were looking forward to making history at the tourney, but they were dwelt a cruel blow by an ambitious DR Congo side in the first CHAN 2016 semifinal tie played at Amahoro Stadium in Kigali.

The Sylis, who have defied the odds to make it to the last four, eliminated continental giants Nigeria from the tournament before overcoming Zambia in the quarterfinals to make a surprise appearance in the semifinals.

Prior to the cracker, Guinea coach Mohamed Kanfory Bangoura said he has improved the mentality of his players and that has played a key role in helping them to make it to the semifinals.

“After the first two games, we had to improve the players’ mentality and correct every mistake we made then. Playing against DR Congo is not easy because they are a very strong team and are favourites. We respect them but today, we will have tactics to stop them,” explained Bangoura.

“We will have a defensive block and we shall improve and also rely on individual brilliance and open up when we have the ball. We are ready for the match.”

Thursday, February 4, 2016

EXTRATIME

29

CHAN 2016…CHAN 2016…CHAN 2016…CHAN 2016…CHAN 2016

Etebo not Warri Wolves player –LMC

T

he League Management Company (LMC) have declared Europe-bound Nigeria U23 star Oghenekaro Etebo does not have a contract with Warri Wolves and he is therefore a free player.

“Etebo’s contract with Wolves ended on January 10 and so he is a free player,” disclosed a top official of the LMC. This is a sharp departure by the Wolves officialdom, which has maintained the player still has a contract with them and any transfer negotiations have to be routed through them.

It was based on this position that they slammed a $2 million on the player.

Attacking midfielder Etebo joined hometown club Wolves in the 2013 season from Lord Honour FC. The 20-year-old star, whose idol is Manchester United striker Wayne Rooney, inspired Nigeria to win the U-23 AFCON in Senegal in December, when he scored twice in the final against Algeria.

His exploits at the tournament will go on to fetch him the CAF Most Promising Player for the past year.

Etebo

Russia, Fergie

back Infantino for FIFA presidency

G

ianni Infantino has won the backing of Russia for the election for the FIFA presidency.

Infantino is one of five candidates standing to succeed Sepp Blatter and the endorsement of Russia, which is hosting the 2018 World Cup and has considerable influence in Eastern Europe, is significant.

The 45-year-old UEFA general secretary entered the race when UEFA president Michel Platini was forced to withdraw.

Infantino has been in his current position at the governing body since 2009 and has managed to assemble an impressive list of supporters.

The Russia football federation announced its backing for Infantino, saying in a statement: “He will be able to unite the football family.”

Infantino has been picking up support from around the game, including CONMEBOL, the

Djobo eyes CHAN 2016 glory

C Infantino

seven Central American federations, France and Germany.

Also, former Manchester United manager Sir Alex Ferguson would also like to see Infantino win the election, following in the footsteps of Jose Mourinho and the Scot’s former Old Trafford colleague David Gill, who is now the FA’s vicechairman.

Ferguson said: “In my role as ambassador to UEFA over the last few years I’ve got to know Gianni very well. I think he’s got good professionalism, discipline, organisational ability and knowledge of the game and I wish him every success in his quest to be a FIFA president.”

Asian football leader Sheikh Salman Bin Ibrahim Al Khalifa, Prince Ali Bin Hussein of Jordan, Frenchman Jerome Champagne and South Africa’s Tokyo Sexwale are also running for president.

The election will take place on Feb. 26.

ôte d’Ivoire winger Atcho Djobo is confident they can go all the way at the 2016 African Nations Championship (CHAN).

For their third appearance at the continental tournament, the Elephants finished second in their Group A behind hosts Rwanda before thrashing Cameroun 3-0 in the quarterfinals.

And while they vow not to underestimate next opponents Mali, they are determined to win their lastfour battles with the Eagles in Kigali today.

“Côte d’Ivoire are mentally strong, and there is a lot of solidarity within the team,” Atcho Djobo told reporters.

“It is going to be a very tough game as Mali have a great team. Many of their players come from the Jean-Marc Guillou Academy and are from Ivoirian origin.

“But we have our qualities and we will do everything to get past them. We respect our opponents, but we remain confident.

“In all competitions, we are eyeing the trophy. So we will go all the way, and I think we will make it with the good atmosphere around the squad.”

Côte d’Ivoire and Mali will face each other for a final berth at Nyamirambo Stadium in Kigali today.

30

Thursday, February 4, 2016

EXTRATIME

s u a h t t a Napoli M ted BRIEFS

will welcome gay footballer

–Sarri

N

apoli coach Maurizio Sarri said there would be “no problems” if a gay footballer was to play for the Serie A outfit.

Sarri was accused of making homophobic comments towards Inter coach Roberto Mancini a fortnight ago, of which he was found guilty and given a two-game suspension.

Mancini alleged Sarri had used Italian homophobic slurs “frocio” and “finocchio” towards him during the Coppa Italia semifinal between the two sides.

However, Sarri has explained that he was referring to the way Mancini was doing a “show off” with the way he was dressed.

“I wanted to use the term ‘Fighetto’ – show-off – not something to do with sexual preference. The truth is, I am a proper Tuscan and I tend to swear a lot. I was wrong, I admit it,” he told reporters.

disappoin s ’ a l o i d r a u G with EPL move L othar Matthaus has criticised Pep Guardiola for deciding to leave Bayern Munich - even though he does not like his methods.

The former Barcelona coach will leave Bayern to take over at Manchester City this summer, bringing to end his three-year stay in the Bundesliga.

Matthaus, who played more than 300 games for Bayern over two spells, believes Guardiola is one of the “best coaches

worried

R

uud van Nistelrooy has left his role as assistant coach of Netherlands national team to take up a role working with PSV’s youth set-up. The former Manchester United and Real Madrid striker will not renew terms at the end his current deal with the Royal Dutch Football Association (KNVB), meaning he will step aside in July and not be a part of his country’s 2018 World Cup qualifying campaign. Under Coach Daley Blind, Netherlands will be looking to rebuild after their shock failure to reach Euro 2016.

F

lorian Thauvin has apologised to teammates after his Marseille comeback lasted just 10 minutes thanks to a red card against Montpellier. The 23-year-old returned to Ligue 1 on loan from Newcastle United on Monday after failing to make his mark in the Premier League following a transfer back in August. Thauvin came on at half-time against Montpellier but was sent off by referee Tony Chapron after flying into a challenge on Vitorino Hilton.

Martinez delighted with Guangzhou move

J

ackson Martinez says his transfer to Guangzhou Evergrande Taobao was the best for all concerned after his disappointing spell with Atletico Madrid.

The Chinese Super League club secured a deal for the Colombia international on Tuesday for a fee of €42million. Martinez arrived at the Vicente Calderon for €35m in July last year but failed to replicate his form for Porto in La Liga, scoring just three times for Diego Simeone’s side in 23 appearances.

on the planet. With the amount of money in circulation, I can understand Pep. “I am one of his critics, but I would have loved to see him in Munich for a longer time.

He was always interesting and entertaining for the journalists. He improved the team in many areas, but on the other hand he caused confusion, what many people didn’t understand,” added Matthaus, who was capped a record 150 times by Germany.

And Matthaus has warned Guardiola’s style of play and continual desire to play players out of position will not endear him to everyone at the Etihad.

Maradona

Nistelrooy quits Netherlands’ job for PSV role

Thauvin apologises after bagging red card

on the planet” but is no fan of Guardiola’s management style and thinks he should have shown more loyalty to the Bundesliga champions.

“Perhaps he wanted a new challenge,” Matthaus said. “Of course I can understand Pep - his salary must be insane. And he wants to experience something new despite the fact that he already had the best team in Europe.

“Bayern fulfilled every wish, no matter what Guardiola wanted: the players, the coaches and even the doctors.

“He caused much disturbance off the field. But he is one of the best coaches

Guardiola

by declining Juve form

Maradona

D

iego Maradona is confident Napoli can end their long wait for the Serie A title this season, though he admits the form of Juventus is a concern.

Maurizio Sarri’s side lead the standings by two points after 22 matches and are on course to claim their first Scudetto since Maradona inspired them to success in the 1989-90 season.

Juve started the campaign in disappointing fashion but have won 12 matches in a row.

And Maradona, who issued an apology to Sarri earlier this season after initially criticising his appointment as Rafael Benitez’s successor, concedes it will be tough to stop the champions if their run continues.

“This can be the year that Napoli wins the title,” Maradona said at the Dubai Tour cycling event in the United Arab Emirates.

“They are playing very well and can count on the goals of Gonzalo Higuain.

“Of course it’s not all just about him as there are players like Lorenzo Insigne, Dries Mertens and Kalidou Koulibaly who are also impressing. The whole of the Napoli team are doing well.

“But the problem for Napoli is Juventus.

They are winning every match at the moment. If they continue like this then it will be very tough for Napoli.”

Enrique hails Neville’s impact B arcelona manager Luis Enrique believes Gary Neville has made some telling changes on the pitch since taking over at

Valencia.

Valencia continue to struggle for consistency in La Liga, with a 1-0 home defeat by Sporting Gijon leaving the club eight league games without a victory and with only a five-point cushion above the relegation places.

However, Enrique has been impressed by the way Neville has approached his first managerial

role - the former Manchester United defender and England assistant having been appointed in early December 2015.

“You can already see what Neville has done with Valencia,” Enrique said. “They are great at getting the ball into the area, and they have some quality players to move the ball up the field. The manager has made changes and we’ll have to deal with them.

“Valencia will create difficulties. They are a team that dares to generate pressure and they have some fine individuals.”

Neville

Thursday, February 4, 2016

EXTRATIME

n a m e o K confronts Adebayor

I’m settled at Palace, says Adebayor

C

rystal Palace striker Emmanuel Adebayor insists he is already feeling settled at Selhurst Park and has nothing to prove.

The 31-year-old joined Palace as a free agent last week and made his debut as a substitute in Tuesday evening’s 2-1 home Premier League defeat by Bournemouth.

He missed a fine chance to equalise in stoppage time when snatching at a close-range chance, but the former Tottenham striker says there are no problems with his match fitness and is well aware what his new boss Alan Pardew expects.

“Pardew said I have to be a leader,” Adebayor said. “Which means I have to set an example! Which means I have to come on time in training do my job professionally and that is what I am doing.

“There is a bad reputation about Adebayor. But if you ask every single manager that I work under, maybe only one or two would say I am a bad apple in the dressing room. I am always smiling with everyone.

“The players have made it easy for me. The lads have made life easy for me.

“It is a good squad with good players and I can guarantee that the squad in the dressing room is one of the best. It makes life easier for me.”

to beat goalkeeper Fraser Forster, who was in superb form for the Saints.

The Arsenal boss is reported to have shouted at Mason: “It’s always the same with you.”

Koeman, who had earlier shaken hands with Wenger, saw his opposite number confront the referee and said to him: “No, it’s always the same with you.”

Koeman added: “You had 10 chances to score and didn’t take any of them, instead you take it out on the officials.”

Neither manager will face any further disciplinary action for the incident.

The draw leaves Arsenal five points off Premier League leaders Arsenal manager Arsene Wenger (left) and Southampton Leicester with 14 games left to boss Ronald Koeman were involved confrontation after their sides’ 0-0 in a tunnel play in the league this season draw. and Wenger admitted his side’s rsene Wenger and Southampton. poor finishing was to Ronald Koeman Wenger spoke to referee Lee blame for their were involved in a Mason after the final whistle failure to see off post-match confrontation went in a game in which the Southampton. after Arsenal’s 0-0 draw with Gunners dominated but failed

Wenger

A

A

rsenal goalkeeper Petr Cech believes there will be a number of twists and turns before the winner of this season’s Premier League is known.

Southampton, inspired by an impressive display by goalkeeper Fraser Forster, left the Emirates Stadium with a point on Tuesday after a goalless draw which leaves Arsenal fourth in the table and five points adrift of leaders Leicester.

The result also means Arsene Wenger’s side have won just one league game in 2016 as they continue to struggle for form, with just three points accrued from their last four league outings.

The Frenchman was again left frustrated, with he and Saints boss Ronald Koeman

h c e C predicts title race twists were involved in an angry exchange of words at full-time following their third draw in four games.

That poor form has seen the Gunners drop from league leaders at the start of the year to fourth place but Cech, who won four league titles during his highly successful spell at Chelsea, insists there will be more drama between now and the end of the season.

“There is a long way to go and there is always a twist in the tale,” he said.

Klopp pays tribute to at e f e d ’ s d e R r e t f a y d r a V

J

urgen Klopp admitted he nearly clapped Jamie Vardy after the Leicester striker scored twice against Liverpool to keep the Foxes top of the Premier League.

Vardy’s double earned Claudio Ranieri’s side a 2-0 win at the King Power Stadium on Tuesday night, taking his goal tally in the league to 18.

The defeat leaves Liverpool 11 points behind fourth-place Arsenal, while Leicester remain three points clear at the top, and Klopp paid tribute to the Foxes and their inform striker after the match.

“Things like this happen when you are in such a good moment like Jamie Vardy and Leicester are,” Klopp said. “Obviously you need a little bit of luck but it was really good. First of all you need to be

brave enough to do it.

“It’s the perfect season for Leicester and the perfect season for Jamie Vardy. They deserve every point they get and Jamie has deserved every goal he’s scored until now. I was close to clapping my hands to be honest but I just felt too bad at that moment.”

31

BRIEFS

Forster ´robbed´ Arsenal, laments Cech

F

raser Forster “robbed” Arsenal of victory, Petr Cech has said, after watching the Southampton goalkeeper deliver a manof-the-match performance at the Emirates Stadium on Tuesday. The Saints left London with a hard-earned 0-0 draw, with England goalkeeper Forster called into action routinely as Arsenal fired 11 shots on target during the game.

Rodgers reveals discussion with Klopp

F

ormer Liverpool manager Brendan Rodgers has revealed he invited successor Jurgen Klopp for talks at his house following the German’s appointment. Rodgers was replaced by the ex-Borussia Dortmund boss in October after spending three years in charge at Anfield.

Police arrest teenager over racism allegations

P

olice have arrested a 15-year-old male in connection with the alleged racist abuse suffered by Everton players during the FA Cup meeting with Carlisle United. Arouna Kone and Steven Pienaar appeared upset by shouts from the crowd as they celebrated the opening goal in Sunday’s 3-0 win at Brunton Park. Referee Lee Mason instructed the stadium announcer to warn supporters over their conduct after consulting with managers Roberto Martinez and Keith Curle, while Cumbria police appealed for witnesses as Carlisle began their own internal investigation.

Cech

Published by Folio commUNicATioNS lTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com.ng; email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948.

GROUP EDITOR: BioDUN DURoJAiYE News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotlines: 08086296714

THURSDAY, FEBRUARY 4, 2016

VOL. 2. NO.38

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eyes CHAN 2016 glory 29

Price: N150

Maradona

Matthaus

worried by

disappointed with Guardiola’s EPL move 30

declining Juve form

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B

Neymar

More

troubles!

r a m y Ne

WEDNESDAY ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP RESULTS

Everton Watford

arcelona and Brazil forward Neymar is facing accusations of tax evasion and forgery in his homeland.

Neymar, the player’s father Neymar Sr, current Barcelona president Josep Maria Bartomeu and his predecessor Sandro Rosell are all accused of evading taxes and misrepresentation in order to “abolish taxes owed to the IRS of Brazil”.

Brazilian state Sao Paulo’s public prosecution office (MPF) confirmed that they had recommended the four men be charged by the federal court. A judge must now decide whether to take the case forward.

The prosecution’s case centres around alleged fraudulent use of Neymar’s image rights from as early as 2006, as well as irregularities in the Brazil captain’s transfer from Santos to Barcelona in 2013.

An MPF statement claims that Neymar ought to have paid 27.5 per cent in income tax for any money received as a result of promotional work. However, as the funds were apparently redirected through companies owned by Neymar Sr, it is claimed that the rate paid was only 12.53 per cent.

A €40million payment made in installments by Barca to Neymar Sr’s N & N Consulting company is at the centre of the Brazilian investigation into Neymar’s money-spinning transfer to Camp Nou. It is alleged that the sum, €10m of which was paid two years before the striker moved to Spain, was fraudulently listed as payment for management of image rights and scouting in South America.

Brazilian authorities froze an estimated €43.4m of Neymar and his family’s assets in September last year in an attempt to reclaim money owed.

Neymar appeared in Spanish court on Tuesday to give testimony in a separate case concerning allegations of fraud brought by Brazilian investment fund DIS in relation to his transfer to Spain three years ago.

No formal charges have been brought in the Spanish investigation.

Neymar Sr and Barcelona have all denied any wrongdoing in both cases, while Neymar conceded last week that he was finding it tough to perform on the pitch in the face of “lies” aimed at him and his family.

3 - 0 Newscastle 0 - 0 Chelsea

accused of tax evasion, forger y in Brazil

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

Dwindling revenue: Page B4 Experts advice government to block leakages, strengthen tax compliance

Investors eye Nigeria’s $25b Infrastructural Fund Page B6

BHM launches Nigeria’s annual PR industry Page B5 report

FG to revive Ajaokuta Steel to reduce steel imports

LCCI urges government to expand revenue base

Joy Ekeke Federal Government has disclosed its intentions to revive the moribund Ajaokuta Steel Industry and reduce Nigeria’s dependence on imported steel costing trillions of naira.

Minister for Solid Minerals Development, Dr. Kayode Fayemi in a statement on Tuesday said that the legal issues surrounding the National Steel Industry would pre-occupy his ministry this year.

He said that the government would need to clear the legal hurCONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Friday Atufe The primary end of the capital market is not likely to see many new or supplementary issues in 2016 as companies continue to see the recovery from 2015 shocks.

Capital Bancorp Plc, a member of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) stated this in its overview of 2015 and outlook for 2016, remarking that, “In other words, the success of the Nigerian stock market is hinged on many factors.”

Amongst them are: “Effective implementation and communication of government economic policies; government focus on the real sectors of the economy to stimulate the economy; improved financial education among the citizenry by both

Babajide Okeowo Chairman, House of Representative Committee on Marine, Ports and Harbours, Pat Asadu has said that if the sector was well positioned, it has the potential to boost the economy of the country in the face of a dwindling economy.

Asadu stated this during a familiarization tour of the Nigerian Ports Authority and a visit to the Nigerian Shippers Council.

According to him, from what we saw during the familiarization tour of the port, it is obvious that this country can only move for-

Thursday, February 4, 2016

Joy Ekeke

From left: Founder, Diasfunds Africa Limited , Mr. Obinali presenting a document to the Director-General of National Commission for Museums and Monuments, Malam Yusuf Abdallah after signing an MoU in respect of the African Cultural Heritage Digital Musuem in Abuja... on Tuesday.

Capital market in 2016:

‘New or supplementary issues not likely’ regulators and operators and improved market participation by local investors and domestic institutional investors.”

Others are continuous robust regulatory oversight of the listed companies; improvement in the provision of physical infrastructure in the key sectors like road, rail, and power will lower costs and impact companies’ earnings and disposable

income; passage of Petroleum Industry Bill, unbundling of Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation and listing of the resultant companies; listing of already privatised companies like the Gencos and Discos and effective use of monetary policies.

Besides this, Capital Bancorp also noted some downside risks to the growth of the stock mar-

ket in 2016. They include continuous drop in the crude oil prices, relatively attractive yields on fixed income securities, the depreciating naira as disincentive to foreign portfolio investment According to the outlook since the stock market is a barometer of a nation’s economy, it suffices to say that the stock market will ideally move in the direction the economy goes.

Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has called on the Federal Government to be proactive in the expansion of its revenue base by making further inroads into the non-oil sector as the economy can no longer be supported mainly by crude oil proceeds.

President of the Chamber, Chief Nike Akande told journalists on Tuesday after a meeting with Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at the Presidential Villa, Abuja that, “We are quite aware and conscious of the sharp decline in the oil price. The economy should be diversified. We should look at agriculture, industrialisation and solid minerals.

“These are areas that have not been fully exploited. We discussed this with the Vice President. He even mentioned the issue of rice.

“Instead of importing rice from Taiwan, rice can be produced in the country and a lot of investment can be made from this.”

She said that the government can also derive a lot of revenue from taxation, noting that the government can emulate states who are already benefiting from it.

CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Maritime sector, solution to dwindling economy – Reps ward. We may have our challenges but we have enough on ground in terms of manpower and resources to push this country to where Singapore is operating.

Reiterating the need to diversify the economy in the face of falling price of crude, he said if capacities are built Nigeria has the potential to earn more from the maritime sector than what is earned from oil.

“Because of cheap oil money, we abandoned our maritime sector. Fortunately, we have institu-

tions that have started developing capacity like Shippers’ Council and the concessioning of the port.

So with little that this committee, the Senate and the present government is going to put in, we can get Nigeria to earn as much; if not more than what we are earning from oil,” he said.

He acknowledged that the port reform exercise has brought a lot of efficiency in port operations despite identified challenges which he said would be looked into at a stakeholders meeting

that will be held at a later date.

“Before the port concessioning in 2006, the sector was more or less an all comers game. Now we have gotten the terminal operators and the concession agreement in place. A few things has not been done the way it should be but as a committee, we are looking at a stakeholders meeting which we all will be part of where the identified lapses both on the side of the government and the operators would be addressed,” he said.

He said the purpose of the visit was to see what the council did with the money appropriated to it last year and what will be appropriated for it this year.

Earlier, Executive Secretary of the NSC, Hassan Bello said there is no better time than now to position the sector as an alternative to the country’s source of revenue.

He identified inconsistent government policies and inadequate support from government as some of the challenges faced by the council.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

NIMASA proposes revision of Nigeria’s trade policy

LCCI urges government to expand revenue base

Joy Ekeke

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

She said: “It is not just about increasing the VAT. We are not asking for that but generally, most people don’t pay tax. Let people pay tax and we can get revenue from there.”

On textile industry, she said: “I was managing the textile industry many years ago. After that, I became the Minister of Industry. Industrialisation is the key to economic development, employment generation and poverty alleviation.

“What I noticed when I was managing the industry, I tried to see how we can help the textile industry in those days. It is not easy.

According to her, the private sector needed encouragement in terms of infrastructural development in the country.

“The issue of power is being addressed fully and it will soon be completed. We are sure that once we have power, half of the problem is solved,” she said.

“The private sector should be the engine of growth, while the government should provide the enabling environment.

“The Vice President was very receptive to all the points that we mentioned and there is hope that the nation’s economy will improve and we are going to be partners in progress.

“The LCCI is the number one chamber in the country. We are over 127 years old and we are always the first to react on areas of economy as it affects not only the private sector but also the public sector,” she noted.

Akande

FG to revive Ajaokuta Steel to reduce steel imports

Olaoluwa

BoI, NBTE launches youth vocational skills acquisition scheme Charles Okonji Bank of Industry in partnership with the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) have launched a vocational skills competition to support and promote skills acquisition among youths in the country.

The bank stated this in a statement, adding that its targeted participants are top graduating students of NBTE-accredited vocational enterprise institutions.

“They will showcase their final-year projects and demonstrate the skills involved in their execution. Winners will benefit from prizes aimed at further developing and enhancing their skills and career paths. The eligible vocational courses for the competition include automotive mechatronics/mechanic, carpentry and joinery, fashion design, electrical and electronics, painting and tiling, plumbing and fittings, as well as welding

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

dles surrounding the Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited for it to begin to function. Fayemi added that it would not be in the national interest to leave the complex the way it is given that President Buhari is determined to see it working in the shortest possible time.

The minister who stated this while defending the 2016 Budget

Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) has proposed a revision of Nigeria’s trade policy such that the current free-on-board (FOB) practice would be substituted with cost, insurance and freight (CIF).

Acting Director-General of the Agency, Mr. Haruna Jauro made the proposition as part of the agency’s recommendations to the federal government during a presentation to the visiting Senate Committee on Marine Transport on Tuesday.

CIF is a trade term requiring the seller to arrange for the carriage of goods by sea to a port of destination, and provide the buyer with the documents necessary to obtain the goods from the carrier.

Stakeholders in the sector have severally posited that the country needed to change to CIF in order to create jobs and earn more from the country’s vast maritime resource and crude oil.

Jauro also told the senators led by the chairman of the committee, Senator Ahmed Sani that the agency has fully complied with the Treasury Single Account (TSA), citing that it generated N70.8 billion last year.

He said, the agency also made

and fabrication.

“Regional competitions will take place in Kaduna and Lagos on February 13th, 2016 and February 19th, 2016 respectively, while the grand finale will be held in Abuja on 19th March, 2016.

“A panel of judges made up of seasoned professionals has been selected to evaluate the nominated candidates and select the winners in each vocational field. Prizes to be won include modern vocational work tools, access to small business loans and placement/internship with BoI customers,” the bank stated.

The bank explained that as Nigeria seeks to become a more diversified economy, vocational skills development must receive greater attention across various fields, adding that the competition is one of the initiatives of the Bank of Industry towards supporting and promoting the nation’s industrial sector through the development of vocational skills.

Jauro

proposal before the Senate Committee on Power and Steel on Monday said it would not be in the national interest to leave the complex the way it is given President Mohammadu Buhari’s determination to see it up and working in the shortest possible time.

He decried the trillions of Naira which is being spent annually on the importation of steel into

the country and assured that the resolution of the legal issues surrounding the National Steel Industry would preoccupy the Ministry in the year ahead.

The Chairman, Senate Committee on Power and Steel, Senator James Manager, observed that the development of any nation is tied to a vibrant Steel Sector. He urged the Ministry to tell Nige-

N42.2 billion remittance to government for special projects.

According to Jauro, NIMASA has collected N207 million as tariff from NLNG since 2013 when it was first able to make the company pay for its gas sales.

“We are also working hard at promoting shipping policies and encouraging investment and regulating labour issues as required by the maritime labour convention.

“We have been thinking on the national carrier shipping line through PPP which is meant to bridge existing gap in indigenous participation in affreightment, but we have 1,975 ships registered in Nigeria, which are largely small vessels,” Jauro said.

He noted that due to change in management of the agency, budget performance for 2015 will not be as high as for previous years.

The NIMASA boss hinted the senate committee that certificate forgery by ships, falsifying of documents to evade payment of dues and non-compliance to regulations by shipping companies remained top of the agency’s challenges.

In his response, the chairman of the committee, Ahmed Sanni said the federal government is trying to change the people’s attitude and manner of work and service delivery.

rians more about Ajaokuta and use publicity to attract interest towards the company.

The Senators stressed the need to have the revenue profile of the agencies under the Ministry, tackle the legal encumbrances around the steel industry, and explore the Public Private Partnership option in getting the sector to be up and running.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

B3 Business News

Elumelu applauds US Congress for the passage of the ‘Electrify Africa Act’ Leading investor and Chairman, Heirs Holdings, UBA Plc and founder of the Tony Elumelu Foundation, Tony O. Elumelu has applauded the U.S. House of Representatives for the passage of the “Electrify Africa Act,” which took nearly three years trying to get the measure through both chambers of Congress.

The Electrify Africa Act creates a framework for a major public-private partnership between the United States and sub-Saharan African countries to help millions of people gain access to affordable and reliable electricity. It also codifies access to electricity in Africa as a U.S foreign policy priority, thereby preserving President Barack Obama’s Power Africa Initiative for years to come.

Launched in 2013, Power Africa is an innovative partnership to double access to electricity in sub-Saharan Africa where more than 600 million people currently lack access.

Mr. Elumelu through his in-

Elumelu

Suspended NITDA DG misappropriated N630m- Report Tony Nwakaegho with agency report Peter Olu Jack, suspended director general, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), allegedly spent N630million in two months “without due process,” according to an audit committee report.

Jack was suspended by the federal government two weeks ago over “misconduct.”

The audit committee set up to investigate him wrote in a report leaked to the media yesterday that the NITDA boss “gave approval for the disbursement of N630 million within two months without due process under questionable and suspicious circumstances.”

The committee also said the embattled former chief executive was found wanting in handling the “finances and procurement processes of the agency,

including irregularities in staff recruitment.”

The committee “observed that several approvals for payment totalling N301.6 million were made through the agency’s staff private accounts under the guise of cash advance disbursements.”

The auditors said the payments, ranging between N1.1 million and N49.7 million, were disbursed to 18 staff between November 12 and December 31, last year among others.

Within the same months of November and December, last year, Mr. Jack allegedly disbursed N153 million to 26 staff of the agency “as claims for embarking on official trips without evidence of embarking on the journey.”

The former chief executive allegedly paid himself over N52 million for spurious official trips to India, United States, Portugal and Canada within two months.

vestment company, Heirs Holdings has been in the forefront of promoting Africa’s power initiatives. In 2013, Heirs Holdings, made a commitment of $2.5 billion investment in the power sector to generate 2,000 megawatts of power, about 20% of the initial Power Africa target.

Through Transcorp Power, the company currently generates 19% of the power consumer in Nigeria.

According to Mr. Elumelu, Africa must win the energy challenge if it seeks to become an industrial power in the 21st century. “Power outages on the continent must spark power outrage. The kind of outrage that ignites the activist in us” he noted. Channeling their power outrage into global advocacy, in a letter and op-ed supporting passage of the bull last week, Tony Elumelu and Aliko Dangote, both cofounders of the African Energy Leaders Group (AELG), urged U.S. legislators to pass this critical legislation.

Mr. Elumelu also gave a keynote

address at the “Powering Africa Summit” in Washington D.C. last week, where he mobilized investors and technocrats in the power sector to join him in lobbying their Representatives in the U.S. to pass the bill.

Elumelu said that ”Power is a cross-cutting issue that impacts job creation, education, healthcare delivery, food security, communications and virtually every other sector of commercial activity.” He described the passage of the bill which now goes to President Barack Obama for his signature as “A landmark decision which will help to transform the lives of millions of Africans who cannot wait for power’. I’d like to thank Representatives Ed Royce and Eliot Engel; Senators Bob Corker, Ben Cardin, Jeff Flake Chris Coons and Ed Markey for their friendship towards Africa and for their bipartisan leadership to move this important legislation, my hope is that President Obama will sign it into law as soon as possible.”

EKEDC tasks Nigerians on energy-conserving lifestyle Opeoluwani Akintayo EKO Electricity Distribution Company (EKEDC) has tasked Nigerians especially its customers, to cultivate the habit of switching off all electrical appliances whenever they are not in use to conserve energy.

The appeal was made at a town hall meeting held in Festac Town yesterday.

The meeting which was convened by the executives of the company, to have a heart to heart talk with residents of the estate on how the five years metering goal will be reached, had in attendance stakeholders and representatives of Amuwo Odofin, excos of EKEDC Amuwo Odofin, including those from the headquarters, Marina and members of the press.

EKEDC’s Vice President and Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Sam Nwaire, pleaded with the residents on behalf of the company, to manage the little energy available at their disposals. This he said would save electricity for use on days of scarcity.

Speaking further, he appealed to them, to pay their electricity

Power plant

bills regularly, and that the company was doing all it could to meter every house in the community.

He said that metering every house is a huge budget and that although the company has taken delivery of $15 million worth of smart meters however, needs about N52 billion more to cover every house under its jurisdiction.

Meanwhile, during a chat with Business Times, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the company, Mr. Oladele Amoda, said that the company loses 25 percent megawatts monthly to

power thieves and to customers who refuse to pay their bills.

According to him, the 25 percent culminates to a total loss of N1 billion monthly.

He stated that EKEDC gets a total of 11 percent of electricity generation monthly which it transmits to its 410,000 customers.

“We are going to remove the analogue and prepaid meters to replace them with smart meters however, we appeal to our customers to be patient with us. We will cover every house before the five years target,” he said.

Money Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

Dwindling revenue: Experts advice government to block leakages, strengthen tax compliance

L-R: Chairman Senate Committee on Gas, Senator Akpan Bassey; Managing Director Nigeria Liquefied Natural Gas, (NLNG), Mr. Babs Omotowa; Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and Senate Leader, Sen. Ali Ndume during a courtesy visit by the management of the NLNG to the Senate President in Abuja… on Wednesday.

Stories by Motolani Oseni Financial experts have advised the Federal Government to strengthen tax compliance and block all the leakage in the system, in order to achieve the targeted 20 percent increase in tax collections in 2016.

Speaking to our correspondent on the telephone in Lagos recently, the immediate past President/Chairman, Char-

tered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria (CITN), Chief Mark Dike, disclosed that government has to sit up and develop zero tolerance for the huge number of people who are not paying taxes in the country.

Dike explained that a lot of people who did not pay tax are at the corridor of power or close to the corridors of power, but government must ensure that those who usually corner government

pay the actual amount of tax, adding that government must be serious about tax compliance because there are lots of leakages in the system.

He noted that whoever that claimed to have paid must show evidence of payment that would commiserates with what they supposed to pay and must confirmed that such prove are not fake tax clearance.

According to him, another

area government needs to look into is the Ministries Departments and Agencies (MDAs), because they use to collects tax and would not remits. But I think the introduction of Treasury Single Account (TSA) is good and would enhance proper remittance of deducted taxes on all transaction that are subject to tax , and Value Added Tax (VAT) will be also remitted into the covers of the Federal Inland Revenue (FIRS).

“Many of the MDAs are not remitting tax and that is why I said government should desecrate tax functions in finance and accounting department of MDAS to ensure people know which transactions are supposed to subject to tax. Because some contract they are given, they claimed it is off the counter contract they don’t pat tax,” he said.

He added that if government could focus on blocking all the leakages within the government circle by ensuring appropriate tax remittances and high level of compliance, most especially within the MDAs not talk about the business environment that is companies, I think government can actually achieve the 20 percent increase in tax collec-

tion in 2016.

In this same vein, the Principal Consultant/CEO, Corporate Management Consult Ltd, Clement Akanibo, backed federal government to achieve its targeted 20 percent increase in tax collection but wants the government to look inward, so to increase tax collection and remittances in the country.

Akanibo explained that looking at the present economy situation in the country in terms of revenue collection; you discover that all of us are expected to look inward in the sense that government has to articulate other sources of revenue.

For instance, when you look at the Value Added Tax (VAT), which the government has been trying to increase in the past few years but there have been a lot of resistant, but now we have no option than to agree, that government should at least increase the VAT. The former River State CITN boss stressed that if governments can achieve this, it will boost the non-oil income revenue generation of the country.

He however noted that another source to really increase government revenue was the newly introduced stamp duty charge.

Harmonisation of monetary, fiscal policies ‘ll reduce uncertainty in domestic investment-Afrinvest Afrinvest Research Group, a Lagos based investment house, has recommended policy harmonisation between the monetary and the fiscal authorities, as well as clear communications of well thought-out policy actions to

NIBOR as @ Feb. 3, 2016 Tenor

Rate (%)

Change (%)

O/N

5.125

1.71 ?

1M

8.7306

0.64 ?

3M

10.2206

0.65 ?

6M

11.5914

0.38 ?

reduce uncertainty in the domestic investment environment.

The financial research company, revealed this recently in Lagos, during its executive summary of the Nigerian Economy and Financial Market 2015 Review & 2016 Outlook report also forecasted headline inflation to average 9.6 percent in 2016 as pressure on foreign exchange rate lingers.

In the monetary policy space, the series of policy pronouncements and reversals is said to have significantly eroded confi-

CBN Exchange Rates Date

Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central(NGN)

Selling(NGN)

2/2/16

US DOLLAR

196

196.5

197

POUNDS STERLING

282.7692

283.4906

284.2119

EURO

214.032

214.578

215.124

SWISS FRANC

191.9123

192.4018

192.8914

YEN

1.6218

1.626

1.6301

CFA

0.31

0.32

0.33

WAUA

269.3673

270.0544

270.7416

YUAN/RENMINBI

29.7863

29.8628

29.9392

RIYAL

52.2263

52.3595

52.4927

DANISH KRONA

28.6722

28.7453

28.8184

SDR

270.0488

270.7377

271.426

dence in the system.

However, on the basis of a bearish outlook for oil prices and the impact on Balance of Payments (BoP) and external reserves, it is said that a devaluation of the naira is only a matter of time.

Hence, a project at least with 25.0 percent adjustment of the naira to N265.50/US$1.00 during H1:2016.

With policy normalization in the US and increasing pressure on domestic macroeconomic variables, it also anticipated that the central bank of Nigeria (CBN) will reverse its dovish position on interest rate which should see MPR rise by 100bps to 12.0% in the course of the year.

Consequently, Nigeria’s fiscal and monetary policy responses to the weaker oil price environment have only served to exacerbate the cloud of investor uncertainty, thus, amplifying the financial market rout.

However, financial experts have noted that the performance of the global economy in 2015 was largely dragged by growth concerns in China, tumbling com-

modity prices and monetary policy normalization in the US. The cumulative effect of these factors is expected to further dampen the activities in emerging and frontier economies in 2016 as tanking commodity prices and strengthening dollar hurt output growth.

On the flipside, lower commodity prices which has propped up savings and discretionary spending, supported by easy monetary policy is anticipated to bolster output growth across advanced economies.

Meanwhile the said growth rate of Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product, GDP, would be moderately up to 3.5 per cent in 2016, from average 3.05 achieved in the first nine months of 2015 and forecast 3.0 per cent for the full year.

Both the 2015 and 2016 estimates are far lower than the 6.3 per cent recorded actual in 2014 and also significantly lower than the four-year average historical growth rate of 5.31 per cent recorded between 2011 and 2014.

But the International Monetary Fund (IMF) has projected global growth at 3.4% in 2016 from

3.1% in 2015 while highlighting slowing growth in China, lower commodity prices and policy normalization in the US as key risks to global growth.

Nevertheless, Afrinvest Research maintained that the equities market presents a huge opportunity for long term positioning at the moment despite the obvious pessimism and difficulties.

Emefiele

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

B5 Brands & Marketing

BHM launches Nigeria’s annual PR industry report Stories by Godwin Anyebe Global communications and public relations organization, BlackHouse Media (BHM), has announced the launch of its pioneering report on the Nigerian PR Industry.

The 106-page book is a compendium of quantitative and qualitative research augmented by industry-wide perspective and knowledgeable commentary concerning PR practice in Africa’s largest economy.

Nigeria PR Report was done in collaboration with the group’s research arm – BHM Research & Intelligence (BRI), digital agency ID Africa, and Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN).

Notable dignitaries from the PR, advertising and academic sectors converged recently in Lagos where the report was officially made public, to discuss and review its findings.

Founder and CEO BHM Group, Ayeni Adekunle, said, “The inaugural Nigeria PR Report is an unbiased endeavour to depict the history, current state, existing challenges and prospects of the PR industry in Nigeria. Despite increasing intervention by PR to help communities, organizations and governments resolve problems they considered insurmountable, there is little data, if any, on the role of in-house PR teams and external consultancies in aiding local and international brands make sense of Nigeria’s

chaotic business environment.

This is the latest focus of BHM Research and Intelligence.”

Ayeni disclosed that BHM Research & Intelligence (BRI) is the group’s independent intelligence team working from Nigeria, Germany and England, to gather and analyze data for brands and organizations in public relations, advertising, ICT and Media.

“In particular, achieving the maiden edition of the Nigeria PR Report took almost a year of research, data collation, and analysis. We aim to make this an annual publication and shore up available information about Nigeria’s formal PR industry,” he added.

BRI’s report covers an overview of public relations in Nige-

ria, its evolution, and an analysis of BHM’s #PrisDead campaign.

For the campaign, about 200 Nigerians from three major cities (Lagos, Port-Harcourt and Abuja) were interviewed for the offline section of the research, with findings already presented in a series of videos, infographics, memes, blurbs and articles.

Ayeni explained that: “the aim is to shed more light on the workings of the PR industry in Nigeria and chronicle the public – and practitioners’ - perception of the industry, with a view to ensuring its development moves apace with global standards of practice and the changing consumer demographics and preferences Nigeria is experiencing.”

The report concludes power-

fully, with the data-rich results of BRI’s survey of PR firms, analysing various indices of the industry, including: revenue; average PR budget; clients & contracts; services offered, as well as age and staff strength of the reviewed firms.

It proffers recommendations, alongside extensive quotes from eminent experts in Nigeria’s PR Industry, including Yomi BadejoOkusanya, MD CMC Connect Burson Marstellar, Biodun Shobanjo, Chairman Troyka Holdings; Chido Nwakanma, MD, Blueflower Communications Limited and John Ehiguese, President, Public Relations Consultants Association of Nigeria (PRCAN) and CEO of Mediacraft Associates.

MTN Foundation sponsors 14 children to India for free heart surgery

L-R: World Bank representative, Mrs. Paula Rossiasco; European Union representative, Mr.. Tom Hockley; Senior Special Assistant to the President on Internally Displaced Persons (IDPS), Mrs. Maryam Masha and Executive secretary, Adamawa State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. . Haruna Furo during a Recovery and Peace Building Assesment Meeting for North-Eastern statesin Yola ...on Tuesday.

Air Peace, Yudala, Jiji, Payporte make top brands on Google in 2015 Despite the attention given to the general elections and new cabinet last year, some local brands were able to break through the mental ceiling and retain the interest of Nigerians.

Their reward was to keep trending.

Google had captured a list of the top ten trending Nigerian brands of 2015, highlighting the brands that had the highest spike in traffic over a sustained period in 2015 as compared to 2014. The list begins with a huge surprise.

Flying high on the line-up is the new kid on the runways of Nigeria’s airports, Air Peace.

Led by Allen Oyeama, the airline made its debut in 2013. Perhaps

speculation about a possible connection between Air Peace and the wife of the former President of Nigeria, Dame Patience Jonathan set the search engines revving and kept the airline on the minds of controversy-loving Nigerians.

Composite online and offline retail chain, Yudala, sits pretty in second place. Following its well-publicised launch in August, Yudala made waves in the marketplace with its promise to deliver purchases via drones.

The reports of its first successful drone-powered drop off in November last year has no doubt made it outstanding in 2015.

Free online classifieds site, jiji.com, takes the next spot,

ahead of online retail site, Payporte, online classifieds site, efritin.com and online shopping site Kaymu. Remarkably, global market leader in the online classifieds space, OLX, did not make the list of top trending brands in Nigeria.Neither did Konga.

Dubai-based mobile device start-up, Injoo made the list at number 8, riding on the success of its ‘reasonably priced’ smartphones and tablets. Injoo leads regional and International carrier Medview Airline and local telecomms operator, Smile Communications in the trend stakes.

Speaking on this development to Daily Times Newspapers, a Brand Analyst, Emmanuel Ugbu said; “this is a good development for Nigerian brands, because as emerging economy, it is always good to see local brands making statement in global the community.”

In a bid to consolidate government’s effort in providing quality healthcare for Nigerians, MTN Foundation has sponsored 14 children with various degrees of heart challenges to India for free surgery.

The 14 beneficiaries were part of the 20 who were diagnosed at Gold Cross Hospital Lagos and shortlisted for the heart surgery treatment in India under the MTN Foundation Medical intervention Scheme (MIS). Each patient will be accompanied by an adult member of their family on the trip.

In her goodwill message to the beneficiaries, MTN Nigeria Executive, Mrs. Amina Oyagbola said it was a privilege for MTN Foundation to support government in providing access to quality healthcare for Nigerians. She admonished the beneficiaries’ parents to remain optimistic and prayerful throughout the course of the operations.

One of the beneficiaries, Adenike Oshinaike who suffers from a heart disease, requiring urgent replacement or repair thanked the Foundation for the gesture.

Adenike, who came in company of her grandmother, said the kind gesture by the Foundation has rekindled her hope in life and opened up an opportunity for her to achieve her dreams without being obstructed by health challenges.

According to her, there are few persons and organizations that are willing to render this level of assistance without requesting for favours. Explaining her ordeal she said she started feeling the symptoms in 2009 and since 2014

Moolman

when it was detected it has been a painful journey filled with physical and emotional break down and trauma.

Speaking at the presentation of travel documents to the beneficiaries at the MTN head office in Lagos, the Executive Secretary, MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma remarked that the Foundation is committed to consolidating government’s efforts in making access to quality healthcare available to Nigerians. She noted that the Foundation was glad to be in a position to provide assistance to children living with various heart related illnesses.

Commenting on the impact of the Foundation’s Medical Intervention Scheme, Ugboma mentioned that the programme has produced about 50 beneficiaries in its five years of existence. “The project has been ongoing for five years, during which about 50 persons have benefited. At a point, we paused briefly to send some of our staff to inspect the hospital facilities in India and make sure they were of international standard.

Capital Market B6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

Stock Market Report

Stock index falls by 0.96% The NSE All Share Index (NSEASI) shed 228.98 points, 0.96 percent as the equities market pushed southward to close at 23,605.89 points, pegging Year-toDate return at -17.58%. Eleven equities advanced against thirty (30) decliners, resulting in a market breadth of 0.37x.

Similarly, market capitalization depreciated to NGN8.119 trillion while market turnover and traded volume grew by 20.80 percent and 319.28 percent respectively.

Yesterday’s top gainer was SEPLAT, which advanced by 10.25 per cent to NGN236.09. Other top gainers were Flour Mills, International Breweries, 7UP and Guinness with respective gains of 10.14 per cent, 6.07 per cent, 5.62 per cent and 5.00 per cent.

Conversely, the top laggards were Zenith Bank (-5.22 per cent), Guaranty (-5.13 percent), Port Paint (-5.00 percent), Unilever (-4.99 percent) and CCNN (-4.96 percent).

The NSEOILG5 index and NSEINS10 index gained 2.09 percent and 0.55 percent respectively during yesterday’s trading session, while the NSEBNK10, NSEFBT10, and NSEIND indices declined by 2.93 per cent,

0.83 per cent, and 0.47 per cent in that order.

According to analysts, market sentiments will largely determine performances in the equities space, particularly over the short term, as investors react to earnings releases trickling into the market. They advise investors to take positions in the market based on stock fundamentals.

From left: Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Agriculture and Rural development, Dr. Shehu Ahmad and Minister of Agriculture, Chief Audu Ogbeh at a national workshop on a new Agricultural Policy for Nigeria in Abuja... on Tuesday.

Investors eye Nigeria’s $25b Infrastructural Fund

Onyema

Summary of activities on The Nigerian Stock Exchange

ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP

23,605.89 4,012.00 1,315,182,177.00 2,913,138,920.78 8,118,507,235,709.09

First Bank promotes West African trade, export finance conference

Federal Government’s plan to raise $25 billion Infrastructural Fund from the global community and establish long term bankable projects is gaining traction.

In an address at a meeting with a delegation of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) in Abuja recently, the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo revealed that the country has seen considerable and favourable interest from some Sovereign Wealth Funds and other nations.

Explaining the idea of the Fund to the delegation, Professor Osinbajo said that the Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority, which manages the country’s Sovereign Wealth Fund, was

leading the project.

He stated that the Infrastructural Fund would create opportunity for commercial partners to participate in the building of the nation’s infrastructures alongside the Federal Government.

This would be done through the establishment of bankable projects that involves such commercial partners.

One of the partners, the ChinaExim Bank has agreed to finance the railway projects linking Lagos to Kano and Lagos to Calabar.

“We expect these will generate some economic activities and create jobs.”

The Vice President also reiterated the Federal Government’s determination to raise revenue internally to fund the

budget, including an expansion of VAT coverage but not an increase of the VAT rate.

“At 20% coverage the VAT coverage now, the Federal Government intends to do much better giving a boost to the country’s tax revenues.”

A statement by the Vice President spokesman, Laolu Akande, said that the delegation of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry was led by Mrs Nike Akande who declared the support of the Chamber for the Federal Government’s fight against corruption and acknowledged that in the current economic situation that the Buhari presidency was having to deal with “there are no easy choices.”

Stories y Azubike Nnadozie

cuss key market issues within agribusiness, hard commodities, risk mitigation and infrastructural development. In addition to a speaker line-up of the market’s primary decision-makers and trade finance specialists, the event also features a number of dedicated networking sessions, allowing attendees to establish new working relationships and re-acquaint themselves with old contacts, all with the prospect of developing business across West Africa.

In a statement by Ini Ebong, Group Executive, Treasury and Financial Institutions, First Bank, the Bank would continue to create and support initiatives that will create business opportunities and investments in Nigeria

and the African continent. “We will continue to grow our mileages in developing trade and commodity finance across the continent,” he said.

First Bank’s Head, Structured Trade & Commodity Finance, Mr. Ikenna Egbukole will be a panel discussant on the topic: Tracking trends within West African banking sector.

The progress First Bank had made in trade finance is further buttressed by its consistent win of the ‘Best Trade Finance Bank in Nigeria’ by Global Finance Awards for seven years including 2015. FBN Bank (UK) Limited has also been named Best Trade Finance Bank in West Africa for five consecutive years by Global Trade Review Awards.

First Bank of Nigeria Limited, a subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc, has thrown its weight behind the development of trade financing in Nigeria and beyond.

This informs the collaborative effort with FBN Bank (UK) Limited, a subsidiary of First Bank to sponsor the 7th Annual West Africa Trade & Export Finance two-day conference which kicked off yesterday at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The event which is organised

by Exporta Publishing & Events Limited brings together delegates from the market’s leading corporate, banking and financial services organisations to dis-

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

B7 Capital Market

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY ( EQUITIES) 27-01-2016

Motoring B8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, February 4, 2016

Amina Mohammed

FG okays new device to reduce vehicular emission Federal Government’s objective to reduce the level of vehicular emissions into the environment has received a boost from a Portuguese firm, Ultimate Power Saving Energy Technologies, through the manufacturing of a fuel reduction device.

The device, which was unveiled in Abuja by the Minister of Environment, Amina Mohammed, will also enable vehicle owners to reduce fuel consumption by up to 30 per cent.

Mohammed, who was represented at the event by the Director-General, National Environmental Safety and Regulatory Enforcement Agency, Dr Lawrence Anukam, said the government was prepared to support any innovation that would promote healthy environment.

He said the agency as part of measures to reduce the level of abuse in the environment had signed the United Nations agreement on climate change.

He said in line with the agreement, NESREA had commenced an emission control programme, adding that the purpose of that programme would assist in reducing the level of pollution to the environment owing to vehicular emission.

He said, “The Federal Government has signed into the climate change agreement to make sure that the issue of emission is reduced. The Federal Government through the Ministry of environment has an emission control programme that allows every car in the country to undergo emission testing.

“Anyone that fails the test will be sanctioned and a programme like this will make our environment clean and reduce the rate of accidents on our roads owing to poor visibility as a result of fumes.”

The Managing Director, Ultimate Power Cell, Mr. Victor Goncalo, stated that the firm was ready to collaborate with the Federal Government in its fuel emission control programme.

Infinity introduces three new vehicles into Nigerian market Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Stallion NMN who became Nissan brand custodian in May 2013 has already taken delivery of three Infiniti variants including the Q50 (sedan), QX70 and QX80 SUVs respectively and are all available in Stallion NMN accredited Nissan showrooms countrywide.

Stallion NMN, the Nissan brand custodian in Nigeria has also announced the inclusion of Infiniti brand amongst its product range. Infiniti is the luxury sibling of the prime Japanese automaker Nissan.

The Infiniti brand which was officially introduced in North America in 1989 is the luxury

vehicle division of Japanese automaker – Nissan with direct equivalents in the Nissan product line-up.

More than 200, 000 Infiniti vehicles was sold worldwide last year with America’s 133,500 vehicles toping the sales chart followed by China’s 40,000, Canada 11, 300 and Europe’s 7,000 including unavailable sales data in the Middle East.

Addressing the media at the product launch, Managing Director, Stallion NMN, Parvir Singh said “the introduction of Infiniti, Nissan’s luxury brand to Nigeria is a proof of our commitment to set fresh standards in the local automobile industry.”

Kia Nigeria strengthens network, appoints new dealer

He said Nissan was undoubtedly a painstakingly engineered brand with vast range of models, cutting across various applications, saying this versatility has placed Nissan well ahead of competition which is currently ranked sixth largest automaker in the world.

Stallion NMN, he added, hopes to replicate this success in Nigeria by making Nissan one of Nigeria most preferred brands.

Also adding that Nissan has transcended the challenges of yesterday and living up to its tagline ‘Innovation that Excites’, Mr. Singh said: “Our obligation is to make ownership of Nissan product range an exciting experience as we recognise the

significance of excellence both in the quality of Nissan vehicles and in after sales service.”

He said Stallion NMN has trained and is continuing to retrain all her service technicians in multiple auto repair disciplines and will continue to acquaint them extensively in Nissan’s constantly advancing and cutting edge technology.

Also in his product presentation, Stallion NMN Head of Marketing and Sales, Amit Sharma described Infiniti as an award winning brand and a meticulously engineered brand with excellent fuel efficiency and output to deliver exceptional feelings and superb driving response.

In a bid to continuously bring its brand closer to customers, Kia Motors Nigeria has strengthened its dealership network with the appointment of XYZ International Projects Limited, a corporate body located in Uyo, Akwa Ibom.

Following its appointment, XYZ International Projects Limited will offer the entire range of top-of-the-segment Kia vehicles through her facility located along Nwaniba Road, Nsukara Offot, Uyo. The franchise has a 3S facility to provide better services for the increasing number of Kia customers in Uyo and its nearby

cities.

With over a decade of offering advanced automotive technology and accentuated after sales services, Kia remains the fastest growing automobile brand in Nigeria. The strategic partnership is aimed at bringing Kia’s facility to its teeming customers in the region. The appointment comes on the heels of the expansion drive of Kia’s dealership network and further reaffirms its commitment to providing quality and comprehensive services to its loyal customers, while cementing its position as one of the best performing brands in Nigeria.

Life&

TIMES Thursday, February 4, 2016

Lancelot

Imasuen

A realist director par excellence

L2,3

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday February 4, 2016

‘I’ve never thought about

quitting

felt I had the attitude of a governor who cared greatly about his people. This happened about 15 years ago.

We learnt that the reason you decided to become a movie director is because you felt you were not handsome enough to be in front of the camera. Is that true?

I am a realist and I studied acting. I love the art of acting and it is what I studied in school.

However, before I studied acting in school, I had always known that I had a skill for interpreting roles and I was also very quick at assimilation. I started directing stage plays when I was in secondary school even when I did not have a clue of what

my job’

said that until food came I would not shoot. A lot of artistes found

came to me naturally. When I got into school, the course I was given was acting as opposed to what I really wanted which was directing. When I was done with school, I decided to go fully into directing. Also, when the home video came into Nigeria, I discovered that television had to do a lot with glamour and people where always excited when they see beautiful people on their television. I needed to be very honest with myself and I knew I would excel more as a director because it is inborn while I studied acting. Operating on the principle that you cannot give what you do not have, I decided to opt for directing.

I knew that studying the rudiments of acting I would be able to push people to their limit and by so doing bringing out the best in them. You cannot look at me and say I am handsome enough to be on television. That is why it would not be wrong to say that I have probably produced most of award winning actors we have today compared to most of my contemporaries.

How is the atmosphere and mood of the set whenever you bring A-list artistes to feature in your movie?

screamed, that is the Guvernor and that was how the name stuck. As at then, the use of

at then I had the biggest female in the industry, Liz Benson, on

the sector and that is how I got

Continued on L3

Enjoy…

You were the highest winner at the Best of Nollywood Awards 2015, how does that make you feel?

I feel so great be the highest winner even though I never expected that I will win that big.

I was amazed and like I use to say it that hard work pays because you never know when your reward will come. My movie, Invasion 1897, is an epic movie that took me years to shoot and at the BON Awards it

Life&

T E A M

You are presently contesting as president of Directors of Guild, is it something that you have thought about before now?

Yes I have always believed in leading people and serving as example for others to follow.

I am honoured and privileged to be contesting as the president of the Directors of Guild because I have a lot to give out in the industry in terms of experience.

The industry is getting there little by little but more still needs to be done. The industry presently needs a structured industry where everyone has a say and contributions are accepted.

Are you not challenged by

other contestants?

I pray and hope to win but the most important thing is that one the winner and support will be given by others. Like I always say it, may the best man win, we are all colleagues with several visions and missions.

How did you get the nickI think that name was given to me by Ezike Asiegbu mostly because of my uprightness. It happened on the set of a movie titled, Alternative, in Enugu. The producers did not get food on time for the crew and cast members and I had to shut down the movie set. Normally, most movie directors would be very apologetic about the behaviour of the producer, some would comproresolve that I would not be a par-

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Adebambo Segun

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday February 4, 2016

L3 Interview

‘I met my wife in a bus park in Benin’ Continued from L2 my set. She was my lead female character in the movie. We had the likes of Ejike Asiegbu, Idris Ekwe, Edith Jane Azu, and a lot of big stars. Before then at least 15 notable Nollywood stars in it. Those were my early stage in my career. I am privileged to be one of the pioneers of Nollywood and I recently celebrated my 20th year as a director.

A lot of the big stars are my contemporaries and we have mutual respect for each other. Whenever we gather for a movie, I am not coming as a disadvantaged person. They know I am a nononsense director and I want the best

the award for best actor in AMAA. He dedicated the award to me and said that I should not stop pushing people to their limits on set. He went further to share the prize money of one million naira to me and it made me have deep respect for the man. I would never forget that encounter. It was a depth of appreciaage all of them well. I have been on set of the movie, August Meeting, where it was a movie that featured mostly female artistes like Eucharia Anunobi, Rita Edochie, and other top actresses.

I managed them well and we did well.

It was not too tough handing them because I was coming with my wealth of experience and accomplishments and the actors knew that I had a lot to offer. I have been on set with all the big names.

Are you saying that in your 20 years and more of experience you have never had a clash with any Alist actor? was a time I had a clash with an artiste What I did when we had a clash was that I avoided talking to the person.

When she was involved in a scene, I put my game face on and I did my working without smiling with her. She is an Alist artiste. It got to a time she could not take it anymore and she began crying asking why I was treating her that way. they are adults and I treat everyone with respect. I always ask for their input about a story and if I see that we are towing the same line I am always very excited. I also believe in commending people a lot if they do their job well.

I give money to an artiste that I feel has done well. Even if it is N20 I give

signed and gave him on set had been framed a long time ago. The likes of often say that if you can earn N20 from Lancelot then you have broken the ice.

I made them know that my strictness is not borne out of hatred but to make them better actors. You earn respect things people see and they know that

you are a great director. When artistes know that you are not witch-hunting or undermining their efforts, then you would have a very wonderful relationship as a director.

What were some of the hurdles you had to scale through to become the household name you are today?

I have never thought about quitting this job. This is my world and I decided to stick by it through the good and bad times. People just want to be famous by all means and that is a wrong approach derstood from the beginning that this is my world and I stuck to my profession through thick and thin. I came into Nollywood as a director and that is what I have always been. There are some times that I would go hungry for days because jobs were not coming my way.

Before I was established to the level I am today, there were times I was a director for hire. I would go for months without a job. There were years we made only two movies and there were times we made as much as 18 movies in a year. There were times people ganged up against me because those that gave me jobs felt that I was overshadowing them.

Why do you feel people would gang up against you?

It is because some people were not comfortable with the way I am outspoken. I am very vocal and there are times some certain producers would expect me to support them to de-humanise people and I would refuse. I would not be part of that and I would walk out of the set. My attitude was a real problem to them. Because I felt it was the right thing to do and more people though they had nothing more to give me, I felt happy within me. That is what I am enjoying today. This year alone, I

When the new kids on the block are coming in with new technology, I tell not relenting myself. I keep trying to improve on myself and I read a lot. I am not leaving any stoned unturned.

It has not always been like this but I I have been to award ceremonies where I had about two nominations but right on stage when they were announcing the winner, my name disappeared. I have been greatly misunderstood by people but it hurts me because I care for everybody. Because I would not keep quiet when things are not right, it made a lot of people my enemies and some peoI have learnt that you should keep and with time people would get to understand you.

You started out at a very young age. What was your parchoice?

I remember I had a shovel I hid

so that I could always use it to open and close my window whenever I wanted to sneak out of the house to join a performance. We did not have anybody award, a lot of my kinsmen called me to congratulate me. They told them that our time, there was no one to look up to and any serious parent would oppose the decision of a child to become an actor not to talk of a movie director. The only people we looked up to were writers and how many books would I have to write before I can meet up with the like of Wole Soyinka? We just went into a wilderness without no direction but today that doggedness had brought a business and an institution. I faced a lot of opposition but I never backed out.

We learnt that you did not grow up with your biological parents, why? ents. I left my parents when I was just four years old to live with my aunty who was a very strict woman. I never had the guts to walk up to her and tell her that I wanted to be a part of a theatre troupe. All I did then was to be a part of the church drama group and that was it.

Why did you have to leave your parents at such a tender age?

I would say it was destiny. She was a wonderful woman who really liked me and she asked my parents if I could live with her. Some people felt that I was too young to leave my parents but she reminded them that she also had children. I lived with her for about 24 years and I am glad my parents acceded to her request because I was exposed when I got to her. I was very active in my church and the school I attended was dramatically in-

clined. I would say that she helped me She was a no-nonsense person and stubborn. She was not educated but she was very prosperous and she believed that what is worth doing, is worth doing well.

How did you meet your wife?

I met my wife in a bus park in Benin.

I had travelled so much that year that except it involved a lot of money. She sat by me in the bus and today she has three beautiful daughters for me. Marrying an actress would have extended the drama to my home and I did not want would pick it.

What inspired your latest movie, The year 2014 was a very important year in Nigeria, which is why a lot of unspeakable things were happening, Boko Haram being one of them. It was another year that questioned the existence of the unity of Nigewant the year to roll pass like that without giving everybody an idea of where we were coming from and where we are, because any nation that fails to understand these two

things, may be unable to forge a better future. The movie deals with the events that culminated in the invasion of the Benin Empire by the British. I wanted to tell that story from my perspective as an African, Nigerian and a Benin man.

I wanted the world to see the injustice meted out on us, how our historical pieces and records were looted and are now used as decorative items in their homes and museums. I wanted they still play out till present. Take for still obtainable these days. A governor has served his tenure yet he will not iomhole is rounding up his tenure but wants to see who will take over. There is a region that thinks the presidency is their birthright‌ all these are issues I wanted to talk about.

What are you currently doing now?

I just wrapped up the shoot of yet another which is currently in its post-production one of the kind movie that everyone will enjoy and love.

Music Gists L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday February 4, 2016

Mutiat Alli

D’ banj shoots emergency video

Brain to drop Hurricane season EP

Brian McKnight, Omawunmi, others thrill crowd at Butterscotch Evenings 2016

Baseone shoots Werey Re Remix video

…Features YBNL Olamide & Phyno

CAPITAL FEMI

releases Tumbo Video

New Music Alert

Iyanya out with Fever

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday February 4, 2016

L5 Movie Gists

Mutiat Alli

Amber Rose gets movie role

DStv heats up TV screens with two brand new series on Telemundo intrigue, suspense and drama this February as DStv premieres two new exciting series, Under the sion for Revenge, on Telemundo (channel day, February 8 and

American Super star and Ex to musician Kanye West, Amber Rose, has secured an acting spot in a yet to be released movie Starring David Otunga (who is also Jennicollege parties and Amber Rose showing

-

Under the Same

where she showed the world that women are allowed to be proud of their sexuality and Amber Rose

Belinda Effah, Yvonne Nelson play the refugees

of Carlos, an illegal immigrant widower dener to give the best he can to his youngest son, while bearing the pain of losing his

on the set of a yet to be released movie titled, Refugees tell of a forgotten and abandoned Bayou community right by the beautiful city down-

-

River, her brothers Arturo, Samuel, and Flavio believe the family of her lover Ignacio del -

through the life of three friends whose dream is of poverty that has plagued their community, with

of their world, they must learn to survive the unous stowaway journey by sea; a dangerous trip that begins in their homeland in Africa with hopes

Surulere to be premiered Feb. 12 The countdown to the premiere -

Veteran actor, Olumide Bakare needs your help to survive radio/TV presenter and voice-over artiste, has re-

The Audrey Silva Company is set

the movie follows the life of a young, timid graduate Arinze In his journey, he meets a charming go-getter Omosigho (played shoots off a series of events that pressure Arinze into a get rich

award-winning actor Tope Tedela,

appearances Ejiofor

from

the

movie

Mixed Grill L6

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday February 4, 2016

Mutiat Alli

Lyrics on the go

Le le legendury beats Legendury beats Le le legendury beats Verse 1 I get girl for my yard wey get big big baka wey dey make me feel amazing gal I get one wey dey give me things I need ah hahn hahn I get one wey dey make me feel nice, I get one wey one give me kids and leave ah hahn hahn Chorus

love All of the boys go do anything for the money Dem dey dance to my music, dem dey show me love Girls wanna touch, wanna love, they want the loving You know say I got one life, make I live am See I don try, hustle hustle for street, I no lie Now see me, I don dey chop life The girls dem like wear designer Wizzy baby kill the beat, I no dey tire

I no like wahala But Wizzy baby, Baba Nla When it drop, everybody no dey tire ey yeh

Call me the girl dem sugar No one badder, number one, no one madder

call me the girl dem dada I run everything don dada eyy Wizzy baby, Baba Nla

Wizzy baby, Baba Nla My girl wear designer Chorus I give her what she need My girl dey make me lose my mind eh Another girl I no dey see

yeh I no like wahala But Wizzy baby, Baba Nla Artiste: Wizkid Song: Baba Nla Year of release: 2016 Label: Star Boy Music

(Pics: Wizkid)

verse 2 When me drop, everybody no dey tire ey yeh All of the girls go do anything for my

Intro Legendury Beats

Wizzy baby, Baba Nla My girl wear designer

verse 3 My girl wear designer yeh I no like wahala But Wizzy baby, Baba Nla When it drop, everybody no dey tire ey yeh

yeh

Funnybone debuts Comedy Show MultiChoice holds Customer #FunnyboneUntamed forum in Port Harcourt Chibunna, aka Funnybone, is set to stage the inaugural

forum in Port Harcourt in a bid to reach out to its DStv customers.

The forum, which is a regular customer engagement initiative by MultiChoice Nigeria, provides the opportunity for subscribers and the organisation to have one-on-one dialogues, with a view to having a better understanding of customer issues and providing solutions to them.

At the forum, some DStv subscribers appealed to MultiChoice to help address the issues of signal piracy, failed broadcast signal, and alternative payment options.

Responding to the demands of the subscribers, Caroline Oghuma, Public Relations Manager, DStv, said unlicensed broadcasters sabotage the efforts of licensed pay-tv operators in the country by engaging in piracy.

She said: “We are aware of the activities of these pirates, but in collaboration with the Nigerian Copyright Commission (NCC), and other key stakeholders, we have maintained our resolve to

MUSON Centre, Onikan, Lagos.

Produced by OAP Steve “Yaw” Onu, the show is a comedy and music concert that will feature performancest contemporary comedy and music artistes including Gordons, Bovi, Buchi, Seyi Law, Shakara, Kcee, MI, Ice Prince and Itanya.

Other artistes performing are Korede Bello, Aramide, Selebobo, Tekno, Phyno, Harrysong, Oritsefemi, Reminisce, Jesse Jagz, Humblesmith, Solidstar, Chidinma, Illbliss, Bracket, Jay Martins and Mr 2kay.

Commenting on the upcoming event, Funnybone remarked:

Funnybone

Oghuma, while advising DStv subscribers to make subscription payments before their due date, also pointed out that subscribers can only enjoy uninterrupted DStv broadcast if they carry ers to provide installations and after sales maintenance services” she explained.

For DStv subscribers who have challenges with making payment, Oghuma stated that MultiChoice has gone into partnership with a variety of service platforms that enable subscribers make payment at their convenience. These options include; KongaPay, banks, internet banking, mobile money, Quickteller, Paga and via ATMs.

Basketmouth seals deal with Swedish company Nigerian comedian, Basketmouth, has just signed a new deal to become the face and brand ambassador of Sweden-based call app brand, Rebtel, with coverage across Europe, UK and the United States. following his deal with Malta Guinness two weeks ago.

He shared the news of his new deal on Instagram diaspora, no more excuse! 1$, 1 App download and you can reach your loved ones in Asia, South America, Africa and more. #Rebtel #SpeakFreely #BrandAm-

John Ugbe

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday February 4, 2016

L7 Reviews

Mutiat Alli

Ivaju Sheriff-deen

Kofo de first lady:

Humble Smith ft Davido ‘ Osinachi:

Raising the potentials of the physically challenged as Anjorin plays the imbecile

Remix needlessly stretched

The video has a good concept of using the Igbo traditional way/culture in the song which was released on January 31, 2016. With about 51,204 views on YouTube, the song lasted for 4 minutes 59 seconds. video was the obvious Davido baby mama interlude where he said: “My humble father Osinachi, my loving daughter Osinachi, my baby mama Osinachi, dele Momodu Osinachi, no be by After Davido released an Instagram clip where he allegedly threw shade at his issues with the Momodu family, the internet was set abuzz with anticipation for the release of the audio and The video, however, gave a failure on the plot. The premise of the coronation of two princes ing to see the coronation of the princes but to our surprise failed to see the princes get crowned, neither did the video connect the shots of a local king watching TV with any dots, considering the festive spirit in his town. The original video was shot in the church and the remix having a Igbo cultural dancers in the background and the video has a general lack of direction. It plays The video lacked good picture quality and contracting the lyrics, it is meant for God and not for the gods. I think the video was a rush and the humble high life artiste should take his time and produce something the audience will be thrilled about.

When your child is physically deformed but mentally stabled, would you keep such or throw him/her out?

The story of Kofo as played by award winning star actress, Elizabeth Ibukunoluwa Anjorin is not to be easily forgotten as she explores the world of the physically challenged in the society; their pains, struggle and survival in the society at large.

Kofo de First lady is a standard Yoruba Movie with commendable production level and techniques.

From the stable of Adekaz production limited owned by Kazeem Adeoti, the 110 minutes movie divided into Part 1&2 is on the average side depicting the level of hard work put in the The elegance with which Lizzy Anjorin (Kofo) played her disabled role, one then begins to wonder if she has a couple of them as families, friends and associates as she played the role perfectly from the dangling of the head to un-balanced legs and shaky word utterance is sure a plus mark to her credit. Also, kudos to Tayo Amokade (Ijebu) for adding the rich blend of Ijebu dialect to the movie, Saidi Balogun, Dele Odule who was also were brilliant in their given roles. duction of Kofo De First lady.

The movie will also not be complete if credence is not given to Anjorin whose taste of bringing location, props expending into over 2Million naira for the shoot of a scene.

Kofo De First lady is a story of a disabled daughter of a rich politician whom with all the rich values of wealth at her disposal is deprived of her freedom as a result of her physical disability.

Shot in America, Lagos, Ijebu-ode, and Abeokuta, the movie stars Lizzy Anjorin, Iyabo Ojo, Idowu Philips, Dele Odule, Saidi Balogun, Olaide Bakare, Adekola Tijani, Olumide Bakare, Wale Akorede, Akin Lewis, Olarenwaju Omiyinka, and Tayo Amokade amongst others. cause of negligence and non-challant attitudes of her parents who will never allow her mingle with friends. Kofo got frustrated after her parents kept her indoor each time they had visitors. Not keeping to herself, Kofo decides to confront her parents to challenge why she is kept away each time as she knew she would be useful to the society one day.

At a new dawn and twist to the movie, Kofo emerge as the First lady to Dele Odule who was the governor of the state; despite her condition, Kofo pulls crowd each time they are out for campaign giving an assurance to physically challenge that they can become whatever they choose to be. In encouraging those in her league, Kofo appoints some of them as commissioner in her cabinet with the support of her husband.

Although the movie was tilted toward bringing to reality the potentials of the physically challenged who have not been recognized in the society, according to the producer, Lizzy Anjorin who noted that the movie is a mouth-piece of the disabled in the society that which will promote through her Lizzy Anjorin Foundation Scheme. It is also important to note that there was too much dialogue in some scenes which ordinarily should be short.

Kudos to the directors Sunday Ogunyemi, Rasaq Ajao and Lasun Ray for their doggedness towards the entire production, in all, this is a well-made movie and it is obvious that a lot of pro-

Initial release: 2015 Running Time: 110 minutes Screenplay: Lizzy Anjorin Producer: Lizzy Anjorin Director: Lasun Ray, Sunday Ogunyemi

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday February 4, 2016

Showing on

Showing on

Movies Comedy Channel 104

Movies ACTION Channel 110

22:28

13:00

Thu, 4 Feb|16 SL

Thu, 4 Feb| PG 13V

120 BBC Brit Entertainment

There is something for everyone this week on DStv the Cockroaches on Cartoon Network

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Zee World as -

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Join E! Entertainment this month

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155 AfricaMagic World

Vuzu Amp, catch a

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M-Net -

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TLC Entertainment – OWN, -

this week on BET

On Discovery Channel,

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L8 TV guide

Room

128 SONY MAX