Daily Times of Nigeria Newspaper - Friday, 6th of February 2015

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FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.40

Govs disagree over decision on polls date 6

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Auditors put NNPC’s missing fund at $1.48bn Bisi Abidoye, ƄƑƉ ƑƏƆ Ƒ ƈƆƇ

ÏÏÏThe PriceWaterhouseCoppers (PwC) audit of the accounts of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corpo-

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ration (NNPC) has revealed that a minimum of $1.48 bil-

Tiwa Savage

CONTINUED ON PAGE 6

Boko Haram slaughters 100 in Cameroon

turns 35

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Rita Dominic, Faze L4 romance politics

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Ola Oresanya: a journey beyond LAWMA PL2

Gospel act, Buchi turns novelist

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Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

Politics Page Three

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s

Editorial Stop dragging military into politics

T

he warning by the defence headquarters against politicians dragging the Nigerian Army into politics is very timely. This is coming against the background of the alarm raised recently by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade that some politicians are now classifying the military as belonging to a political party.

According to the army spokesman, such act is not only divisive, but also capable of eroding morale and cohesion in the country’s armed forces. Olukolade’s warning is coming on the heels of an ongoing political campaign advert in which one of the parties targeted the person and office of Chief of Defence Staff(CDS),Air Chief Marshall Alex Badeh for denigration.

We decry in all its entirety such insinuation by political parties and call on them to respect the integrity and neutrality of the armed forces in matters pertaining to partisan politics.

It is disappointing that some politicians are yet to understand the need for separating sensitive national security issues from their political activities.

Politicians should be reminded that members of the military are stewards of the profession of arms and it is important in a

democracy that they remain apolitical. It is only in this way that they can maintain trust of the citizens. There is no denying the fact that Nigerians do not want the military to become another special interest group. By remaining neutral in politics, the military will be reinforcing their fidelity to the Constitution.

Furthermore, it must be restated that they are not elected to serve,rather they elected to serve. It is imperative to warn those politicians seeking to undermine the military to desist from their actions,considering that the institution remains indispensable to government and its process under any dispensation.

We insist that it is too risky for the country if members of the military who are given the right to bear arms, are also allowed to dabble in partisan politics. The reason is, they are the nation’s assets and the mainstay of the state in maintaining sovereignty and stability. The Nigerian military by its calling is supposed to distance itself and adopt a neutral position from divisive politics.

It should rather be left to focus on its responsibility of protecting and defending the nation’s territorial integrity. Politicians will only be heeding this advice if they stop baiting the military.

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Sam Nzeh ÏÏÏWhat is the worth of

a human life, after all? This question has become pertinent in the light of the horrendous action of the Islamic State in Iraq and Syria (ISIS) on Tuesday in burning a Jordanian pilot, Mauth alKasasbeh, who since December 2014 had been in their captivity.

Since the group arrived on the global stage in 2011 and went wild in 2014, thousands have been driven out of their

ancestral homes in Iraq and Syria. The group since then has been on the rampage, killing and maiming thousands.

Many have been shot to death; many slaughtered as if they are goats; many have been beheaded and the group proudly showcases their “exploits” via the internet and other social media platforms.

This is also what groups like the Boko Haram sect have been doing in Nigeria since 2011, clearly indicating that human life is of little or no value to them. So, irrespective of how the rest of the world sees their actions, ISIS, Boko Haram and other bloodthirsty groups are clearly

Words On Marble :

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What’s the worth of human life? redefining the meaning and value of human life. And that is: Life has no value and meaning as long as people don’t agree to live by a sect’s version of religion among others. And in that case, it is no crime to maim, slaughter, behead and burn ‘infidels’.

This is a sad commentary of the 21st century and it is dangerous for people irrespective of creed, class or race to keep mum while these beasts roam the world.

We must not surrender to the warped worldview of these savages. Human life is sacred and must be treated so, irrespective of creed, class and race.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

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Publisher

Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

Managing Editor Gabriella Osamor

Editor

Yinka Olujimi

Deputy Editors Yemi Ogunsola Sam Nzeh

Abuja Bureau Chief

Head of Operations

Group News Editor

Online Editor

Bisi Abidoye Segun Adio

Innocent Nwankwo Adetayo Adelaja

Editorial Page Editor

Business Editor

Sports Editor

Head, Sales & Marketing

Okay Osuji

Andrew Ekejiuba

Emmanuel Ogbonnaya Moses Ebong

Head ICT (Shared Services) Banjo Ayorinde

Head Graphics King Ododoru

Deputy Head Graphics Afeez Odeseye

The opinions expressed in the articles published in this newspaper are solely those of the authors. Articles may be reproduced, provided that the original source is indicated.

Emeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu

Olusegun Obasanjo

Robert Mugabe

For unity to be meaningful, it has to be creative, not the unity of Jonah in the whale but the unity of holy matrimony. The first can only lead to defecation, the second to procreation.

I have spoken enough. Our

We don’t mind having sanctions banning us from Europe. We are not Europeans.

efforts start February 14. We should go and vote that day and vote right. I will talk after the election.

4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

At Acorn Petroleum, we remain committed to delivering unrivaled products and services to our customers. Acorn Petroleum Plc., your new energy

Daily Times Nigeria Friday February 6, 2015

Arepo killings: Police ask court to stay proceedings Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏThe

Police on Thursday asked a Federal High Court in Ikoyi, Lagos, to stay proceedings in the trial of 20 suspected pipeline vandals and oil thieves.

The 20 persons standing trial over the May 24, 2014 crime include Felix Yayu, Ijoufaya, Yakubu Ebiwei, Augustine Ebiwei, Tamara Dembofa, Owei Atile, Agbara Tiewei, Rufus Godwin, Tiery Koiyetin and Ebis Sobijoh.

Others are Ibori Lawrence, Eberebu Ibori, Atinuke Odewale, Fatai Ishola, Ahmed Bashorun, Odewale Waheed, Susan Viana, Tuesday Filatei, Yeiyah Yellow and Ismail Abdullahi.

They are facing trial before Justice Okon Abang.

They were also accused of killing nine police officers in an illegal oil bunkering deal that took place in the Arepo area of Ogun State on May 24, 2014.

The application for stay of proceedings brought to the court’s notice yesterday by the police, prevented Abang from delivering his ruling on the no-case application filed by the defence.

When the matter came up, Abang had announced that he would no longer be able to deliver his ruling on the ‘no-case’ submission, as he had discovered an

Abeokuta

ÎÎÎRemo

traditional Council in Ogun East Senatorial District of Ogun State, on Thursday, declared its support for the re-election bid of the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, who’s seeking second term on the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC).

The council, while receiving the Governor at Akarigbo palace in Sagamu, Sagamu Local Government Area of the state, during the wardto-ward re-election campaign in the area, unanimously agreed that the governor has performed

Briefs Disengage Owena Motel workers protest unpaid salaries Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÎÎÎHundreds

Emir of Kano, His Highness, Muhammadu Lamido Sanusi II (2nd right); Group Managing Director/CEO, UBA Plc, Mr. Phillips Oduoza (2nd left); SBG Head, Public Sector Group, UBA Plc, Mr Oliver Alawuba(left); and Executive Director, Resources, UBA Plc, Ms. Obi Ibekwe, during the official visit of UBA Executive Management to the emir at his palace in Kano… on Wednesday

application for stay of proceeding in the case file.

The judge held that it was the position of the law that all pending applications must be heard before a ruling could be delivered, adding that “having seen the fresh application, the court could not pretend not to have seen it.”

It would be recalled that fol-

lowing the foreclosure of the prosecution’s case by Abang on October 20, 2014 for want of diligent prosecution, the court had granted the defence the leave to submit a ‘no-case’ application.

The judge has adjourned till February 11, 2015 for further hearing.

They were arraigned on August 7, 2014 on a 14-count charge

Remo Traditional Council declares support for Amosun’s re-election Abiodun Taiwo

5 News

in the local government.

Speaking on behalf of the council, the Akarigbo and Paramount Ruler of Remoland, Oba Micheal Sonariwo, told the governor and his train that the council has taken a decision to throw its weight behind him for continuity.

The decision to support the governor, according to Akarigbo, was hinged on the fact that Amosun has played a responsible and responsive politics.

He explained that all projects executed in Sagamu Local Government Area were visible ones that will be there for ages adding that, like Oliver Twist, they’ll want the

governor to do more.

The monarch said, “Before you came, we have had time to consult, and like you’ve said, what you’ve done is visible, you’re a responsible and responsive governor, this is what we have all observed in your politics.

“For us, your second term ambition in Remo is a done deal because from the Vice President, Deputy Governor, Senate candidate, Reps candidate and our Assembly men, they are all from Remo.

“You’ve done wonders in Sagamu, these are projects that would be there for ages and not even one that can’t stand the test of time”.

bordering on conspiracy, pipeline vandalism, oil theft and unlawful killings.

They pleaded not guilty and have since been remanded in prison custody, the court having refused them bail on the grounds that the allegations against them were grave.

The court, however, promised accelerated hearing in their trial.

Jonathan launches 3 new National Security plans against insurgency

Jonathan

Egena Egena, Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident

Goodluck Jonathan, on Thursday, launched three new strate-

gic national security plans, in fresh efforts to tackle the menace of the Boko Haram insurgency and cyber crimes in the country.

The launch held at the Council Chamber of the Presidential Villa, Abuja, shortly before the commencement of the National Council of State meeting. Jonathan, in his remarks, advised all security agencies to adopt the principles enshrined in the documents.

The three security strategic plans are National Security Strategy, Counter Terrorism Strategy, and Cyber Security Plan and Strategy.

“Today the foremost threat facing us is clearly the terrorism perpetrated by the Boko Harram, the radical Islamic sect, in its bid to further its misguided cause.

of disengaged workers of the Owena Motel Limited in Akure, the Ondo State capital, have protested the non-payment of their salaries allegedly owned by the state government.

The protesters, both junior and senior former workers of the motel, chanted solidarity songs for many hours.

Armed with various placards bearing different inscriptions, the workers alleged that the state government owned both the senior and junior workers’ accrued salaries of 18 and 20 months.

The state government had, last August, awarded a section of the motel for the construction of a shopping mall and a car park.

PDP insists INEC, APC conniving to deny non-indigenes PVCs in Lagos, Kano Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday disclosed that more facts were at its disposal on the connivance of some officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) to deny non-indigenes in APC controlled states of their Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) for the February 14, 2015 general election.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, who said this in a statement in Abuja, described the development as a crime against the electoral process.

Metuh pointed out that the PDP has received overwhelming evidence from citizens in APC states, following its earlier alarm that non-indigenes, who form the bulk of PDP supporters in Lagos, were being denied their PVCs. The PDP National Publicity Secretary stated that apart from Lagos, the same scandalous practice is also being perpetrated in other APC controlled states, including Kano.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

Govs disagree over council decision on polls date Egena Egena, Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Governor of Ondo States, Olusegun Mimiko and his Imo State counterpart, Rochas Okorochas, openly disagreed on Thursday on the outcome of a seven-hour meeting by the National Council of State on whether the general elections should begin as scheduled next week or not.

But, if the Dr. Alex Ekwueme-led Southern Nigeria Peoples Assembly (SNPA) has its way, the chief umpire of the election, Professor Attahiru Jega, will be arrested for allegedly plotting with Northern leaders to skew the exercise in favour of the North.

The Presidential and National Assembly elections are scheduled to hold on February 14 while those of state governors and Assembly members will be held on February 28. There is a disagreement among stakeholders on whether the election should hold as scheduled in view of the heightened security challenges in some parts of the country and the failure of INEC to effectively distribute the Permanent Voters’ Cards (PVCs).

Okorocha’s party, the All Progressives Congress (APC) rejects any call for polls shift.

While Mimiko told State House correspondents that the Council of State had pushed to INEC, the final decision on whether the election should hold on the scheduled days, Okorocha promptly disagreed and said that the body specifically asked the commission to go-ahead with the polls.

Mimiko, Okorocha and Bala Ngilari (Adamawa) jointly briefed State House correspondents on the outcome of the meeting that lasted for over seven hours.

Both Mimiko and Okorocha differed on the meeting’s resolution.

The Ondo State Governor said that INEC had been advised to take into consideration the benefits of inputs and perspectives of council members as they affect fears expressed by the service chiefs on security and the poor distribution of Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs), with a view to taking a final decision on the timetable for the election.

But he was contradicted by Okorocha, who insisted that council asked INEC to go and perform its constitutional re-

sponsibility.

Okorocha said the decision of NCS was informed by the briefing to the council by INEC chairman, Prof. Attahiru Jega, who he said reported that the electoral body was fully prepared for the polls as scheduled.

Mimiko said: “Council of State was in a meeting close to seven hours. Essentially

lion is missing from the federation account.

Auditor-General of the Federation, Mr. Ukura Samuel, disclosed this yesterday in Abuja while addressing journalists on the highlights of the PwC report.

President Goodluck Jonathan had requested the firm to audit the accounts of the corporation last year following allegations by former Central Bank Governor, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi that about $49 billion was missing from the NNPC accounts.

Sanusi, now Emir of Kano, later put the sum at $20 billion. He again reviewed the sum downward to $12billion.

The Auditor-General of the Federation said the PwC

report centered on NNPC Costs; Ownership of NPDC revenues and Kerosine (DPK) subsidy.

He said: “Based on the information available to PwC, and from analysis, the firm submitted that NNPC and NPDC should refund to the Federation Accounts a minimum of $1.48 billion.”

Before presenting the PwC audit highlights to newsmen yesterday, Mr Samuel clarified that under the laws, President Jonathan could not direct him to release the highlights or complete details of any report but could only request for the release of the highlights.

He said his office is mandated to submit its report to the National Assembly and not to the Presidency.

Asked if there would be a shift in the date of the election as being clamoured by some people, Mimiko said: “Like I made it absolutely clear, I am not INEC chief.

INEC will appropriately brief you based on the meeting we just had.

“INEC is going to consult widely with stakeholders and come up with a decision that

they will brief the nation soon.

“The Council of State is essentially an advisory body, Mr. President in his wisdom has invited INEC to brief us on the state of preparedness.

Based on what INEC briefed and based on perceptions of council members and seContinued on page 8

L-R Deputy National Woman Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Chief (Mrs) Tina Adike; and Wife of Rivers State Governor, Mrs Judith Amaechi at the “Mother of All Rallies” held in support of the candidature of Gen. Muhammadu Buhari and Prof Yemi Osinbajo in Abuja… on Thursday.

Auditors put NNPC’s missing fund at $1.48bn Continued from page 1

the state of preparedness of INEC was on the table. INEC had the benefit of input from council members and security chiefs and agencies.

“Based on the very exhaustive discussion and pieces of advice, INEC is constitutionally empowered with the basis of discussions to brief the nation and then the news will be communicated to you.”

With regards to NNPC cost, from where the various double digit billion of dollars was alleged to have gone missing, the PwC report berated NNPC’s operations which it described as “an unsustainable model.”

The report said in the period under review, 46 per cent of proceeds of domestic crude oil revenues was spent on operations and subsidies, while the corporation could not sustain monthly remittances to the Federation Account Allocation Committee (FAAC).

It said the corporation could also not meet its operational costs entirely from the proceeds of domestic crude oil revenues and had to inContinued on page 8

Boko Haram kills 100 in Cameroon ÏÏÏNo fewer than 100 peo-

ple were murdered by the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents in Cameroon between Wednesday and yesterday.

In a rampage across some Cameroonian communities, the sect’s members burnt churches, mosques and houses while shooting indiscriminately.

French President, François Hollande, however, has warned that the world is not doing enough to end the wanton killings by the sect.

Cameroonian officials said more than 500 wounded people were trapped in the town of Fotokol where fighting began Wednesday and continued Thursday. They said Boko Haram fighters were using civilians as shields.

While the terrorists had previously carried out attacks in Cameroon, the latest bloodshed came after the

group had warned other nations against uniting against it and appears to be a direct result of Cameroon and Chad launching an offensive this week with aircraft and ground troops.

This was even as African Union officials met yesterday to finalise details for a multinational force to attack the insurgents, though deployment could be delayed by funding issues. African leaders last week authorised a 7,500-strong force to fight the sect with pledges for a battalion each from Nigeria and its four neighbors, Cameroon, Chad, Niger and Benin.

“We consider Boko Haram to be a cancer, and if the international community does not focus its mind on this disease it will spread not only in Central Africa but other regions, all over the continent,” Cameroon’s Informa-

tion Minister Issa Tchiroma Bakary said Thursday at the beginning of the three-day meeting in Yaounde, Cameroon’s capital. Officials from the United States, France, Russia, Britain and the European Union are attending along with senior officials from the U.N. peacekeeping department.

Earlier, Bakary told foreign reporters some 800 Boko Haram fighters are rampaging through the Cameroonian border town of Fotokol, up in the thin northern panhandle of the West African nation. They have “burned churches, mosques and villages and slaughtered youth who resisted joining them,” he said, adding that the insurgents from Nigeria also stole livestock and food.

Schools also have been razed Continued on page 8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

Buhari represents no change – Mimiko ‘Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÏÏÏThe

Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, has said that the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd), doesn’t represent the change members of his party is preaching for people of the country.

Mimiko stated this while speaking to newsmen shortly after the campaigns of the People’s

Democratic Party (PDP), in Akoko Area of the State.

Governor Mimiko said the electorates in the state should not vote for the candidates of the All Progressives Congress (APC) adding that General Buhari can’t rule the country as a result of his past alleged atrocities, committed on the people of the country.

The governor also warned the people of the state not to be deceived by the campaigns of calumny and bitterness being spread by the agents of the APC

against President Goodluck Jonathan.

He informed that the people of the state should shine their eyes and ensure they vote massively for all the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) candidates contesting in the coming elections.

The governor also noted that if the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Goodluck Jonathan is reelected, he would continue the developmental projects it started in the state and the country at large.

7 News

Lagos PDP gives free kerosine to residents Jonathan Eze

ÏÏÏThere was so much excite-

ment in Ajegunle, Ajeromi Ifelodun Area of Lagos state on Thursday as residents trooped out in their hundreds to partake in the kerosene distribution at a PDP rally.

Residents queued at some point of the rally ground carrying jerry cans, awaiting their turns as some appointed members of the Party filled the cans.

The Kerosene which was distributed directly from a tanker was strictly for women in the area. Male supporters who brought jerry cans were not allowed on the queue.

Addressing the rally, Arch Bishop Sampson Mustapha Benjamin of the Resurrection Praise Ministry, who was a spe-

cial guest of the Party at the rally and who also donated the Kerosine, urged the people to ensure they voted come Feb 14 and 28.

Benjamin, also the founder of the Foundation for World Peace (NGO), reiterated the need for voters in the area to obtain their Permanent Voters Card (PVC).

“The most important thing in this election is the PVC. Without the PVC we cannot create the change we desire in Lagos.

“We must insist on INEC giving us our cards. Our PVC is not a privilege, it is our right.

“INEC Chairman, Attahiru Jega must do everything not to de franchise any voter And if he has run out of ideas on how to handle the situation, he should honourably bow out” the arch bishop said.

2015 Polls: INEC’ll welcome cameras at collation centres Doris Nnabuenyi Awka.

ÏÏÏThe Independent National

L-R: Special Adviser to the President on Inter-Party Affairs, Sen. Ben Obi; former Governor of Anambra State, Mr. Peter Obi; Ohanaeze President, Chief Gary Enwo-Igariwey; Abia State Governor, Chief Theodore Orji and others after endorsing President Jonathan for second term in Umuahia, Abia …on Thursday

BNI plans $15bn business initiative in 2015 Kwasu Alhamdu

ÏÏÏ

The world’s largest business networking organization, an initiative of Business Networking International (BNI), has presented an opportunity for business owners, executives, professionals, networking groups, companies organizations and individuals across the globe, including Nigeria.

Business networking international focus is generating qualified business referrals for businesses and helping them grow and made profitable business networking and relationships.

The BNI that was established 30 years ago, has over 6,000 groups in over 60 countries around the world and in 2014 generated businesses worth over $8.6 billion for its mem-

bers. This year 2015 we are going to generate $15 billion businesses to our member across the globe world.

The National Director of BNI Mr Chimaobi James Agwu talking with Daily Times said all of us are in business to make profit. But if that’s the primary driving forces in business, we become mercenaries to that process.

“We in BNI believe that we can make a good living while serving a greater good. We believe that business can be honourable. It can make a difference for both individual and communities. As we all know, small business is the engine that drives many of the economies around the world.

“Unfortunately, small businesses do not have the resourc-

es of large corporations. However if small businesses network together the sum of the whole becomes greater than the individual parts. We’ll design collaboration based on an effective system and strategy can lead to small business success. Said Chimaobi Agwum

Aganga

Electoral Commission (INEC), has assured that it would conduct a model election, advising the electorate to come to the voting centers with cameras to capture any ugly event that may unfold.

The Resident Electoral Commissioner of Anambra State, Engineer Edwin Nwatarali, who made the call yesterday at a stakeholders meeting organized by the commission, said the taping of events will help

forestall sharp practices by staff of the commission.

Nwatarali made the call while reacting to a question by a stakeholder who insisted that INEC staff were fond of giving out unused ballot papers to some political parties who thumbprint them in favour of their party.

“That is a grave allegation, and no one can come here and make such spurious allegation without proof. It is very wrong to stand up and make such claims without evidence, and I will not sit down next time and watch this happen.

Nigeria recorded 18 piracy attacks in 2014 – Report Funmi Coker

ÏÏÏThe West African coastline

recorded 41 incidents of piracy, although many further attacks were unreported while pirates held 442 crew-members hostage compared to 304 in 2013, according to a report from the International Maritime Bureau (IMB) of the International Chamber of Commerce (ICC).

In and around Ghanaian waters, three vessels were hijacked between June and July — one of which was a fishing vessel intended to be used as a platform to hijack tankers off

Nigeria. Seven vessels were also boarded while anchored at Pointe-Noire, Republic of the Congo, with ship and crew properties targeted by the robbers.

Nigeria’s coastline recorded 18 attacks involving 14 tankers and vessels associated with the oil industry; most were product tankers that were hijacked to steal and transship cargo into smaller tankers. Worldwide, 21 vessels were hijacked last year; 183 were boarded, and 13 fired upon. Pirates killed four crewmembers, injured 13 and kidnapped nine from their vessels.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

B/Haram wreaks havoc in Cameroon Continued from page 6 by the insurgents whose nickname, Boko Haram, means “Western education is forbidden” in the Hausa language.

Hundreds of insurgents were killed Wednesday compared to the loss of 13 Chadian and 6 Cameroonian troops, Defense Minister Edgard Alain Mebe Ngo said.

At least 91 civilians have

been killed and most of the estimated 500 wounded cannot be immediately taken to the hospitals, he said. There was no way to immediately confirm the account independently.

The fighters are believed to have crossed into Cameroon from nearby Gamboru, a Nigerian border town that had been an extremist stronghold since November.

Gamboru was retaken earlier this week and the fight-

ers driven out amid Chadian and Nigerian air strikes supported by Chadian ground troops.

French jets also are flying over the area to provide intelligence, French defense officials in Paris said. President Francois Hollande said France also is supporting the operations with logistics, including providing fuel and sometimes munitions. Hollande stopped short of saying whether

France is participating in military action. France has a big air base at N’Djamena, the capital of Chad, which will lead the multinational force. N’Djamena lies on the eastern edge of Cameroon’s panhandle, near the conflict zone.

The French leader told a Paris news conference that France supports African forces fighting the “terrorist sect” behind “horrible massacres.”

L-R: National publicity secretary, United Progressive Party, Chief Ogbuechi Dike; National Chairman, Independent Democrat, Chief Dozie Madu; and National Director of Operation, Independent Democrat, Mr. Chidi Ike during a press conference on alleged plot to postpone of 2015 general Election in Abuja… on Thursday Photo:Temitope Balogun

Auditors ask NNPC to refund $1.48bn Continued from page 6 cur third party liabilities to bridge the funding gap.

The report stated that NNPC provided transaction documents representing additional cost of $2.81 billion related to the period, with the corporation citing the NNPC Act LFN No 33 of 1977 that allowed for such deductions.

However, the report said foreign auditors were at a loss “whether such deductions should be made by NNPC as a first line charge before remitting the net proceeds of domestic crude to the federation accounts.”

Based on this, the auditing firm recommended that “the NNPC model of operation must be urgently reviewed and restructured, as the current model which has been in operation since the creation of the NNPC cannot be sustained.”

The report stated that NPDC generated $5.11 billion (net of royalties and petroleum profit tax paid), relied on the legal opinion provided to Senate Committee by the Attorney-General on the

subject of the transfers of NNPC’s 55 per cent portion of oil leases (OMLs) involved in the Shell (SPDC) divestments which impacted crude oil revenues in the period.

The firm noted that “the Attorney-General’s opinion indicated that these transfers were within the authority of the minister of petroleum resources to make.”

It added that “NNPC’s 55 per cent portion of oil lease (OMLs) involved in the Shell divestments related to the eight OMLs were transferred to NPDC for an aggregate amount of US$1.85 billion.

“So far, only the amount of the US$100 million had been remitted. PwC also added that they had expected a transfer basis higher than the US$1.85 billion earlier mentioned.”

PwC reported that “NPDC had done a self-assessment of PPT and Royalty and had unpaid self-assessed PPT and Royalty to the tune of $0.47 billion related to the review period, adding that it did not obtain any information that suggested that NPDC has been assessed for PPT and Royalty for the review period.”

Mimiko, Okorocha disagree over council decision on polls date Continued from page 6 curity agencies, INEC was properly advised and you will hear from INEC.” The Ondo governor said further: “For any avoidance of doubt, like I said, INEC had the benefit of inputs and perspectives from council members. Issues of distribution of PVC’S, card readers, the extent of piloting to ensure that people are familiar with this, security issues, all of these were discussed.

“Issues of the fact that seven days to election, 34 per cent of Nigerians are yet to get PVCs. It was a major issue that was discussed, issue of preparedness of security to conduct elections nationwide, issue of extensive pilot, the card readers which is a new technology. All of these were discussed but ultimately, council being an advisory body asked INEC to take advantage of the different perspectives of Council mem-

bers to take decision about the election.”

But Okorocha countered, angrily, saying: “NCS advised INEC to go and performs its civic responsibility, which is to conduct elections. That is what we rose to agree, it was a very challenging moment, and INEC has reaffirmed severally that they are ready.”

Asked if there was a decision as to change of date for the polls, Okorocha said: “There is no decision as to change of date on postponement at all. But the Council has asked INEC to go and perform their responsibility.

“Jega has reassured us that they are equal to the task, in-fact, they are more prepared than they were in 2011.”

The meeting recorded an unprecedented high attendance with all the ex-heads of government except former President Olusegun Obasanjo, governors, the Senate President and Speaker of

the House of Representatives present.

Meanwhile, the SNPA has asked the Jega to resign his appointment with immediate effect.

The Assembly, which has former Vice President, Chief Alex Ekwueme as Co-ordinating chairman, Chief Edwin Clark (leader of SouthSouth) and Archbishop Ayo Ladigbolu (leader, South West)., also demanded the postponement of the next week’s general elections While addressing journalists yesterday in Abuja through Senator Femi Okurounmu, the SNPC pushed for the immediate postponement of the February 14 elections to allow for the re-constitution.

The Assembly equally called for the immediate arrest of Jega for allegedly “criminally masterminding” the procurement of PVCs for under-aged pupils in contravention of the provisions of

the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic Nigeria (as amended) and the Electoral Act, 2010.

It declared that in the event that the Federal Government failed to take decisive action on the issue, the group would mobilise Nigerians to make sure that there is no election in any part of the Southern Nigeria.

The Assembly alleged that Jega is in conspiracy with Northern Elders Forum with the sole desire of enthroning a President of Northern extraction at all cost in the February 14 Presidential election.

The Assembly said, “We authoritatively gathered with unassailable and incontrovertible evidence that the INEC Chairman, who was away in Lagos for an official engagement, through one of his National Commissioners that represented him, met with select leaders of the Northern Elders Forum led

by Prof. Ango Abdullahi on the 20th August, 2014 where strategies and modalities for enthroning a President of Northern extraction through vote rigging were discussed and agreed upon.

“The meeting was sequel to an earlier meeting of Northern Elders Forum held on 16th August, 2014 at Arewa house, Kaduna under the chairmanship of Ambassador Yusuf Maitama Sule where it was resolved that all avenues must be explored towards enthroning a President of Northern extraction in the forthcoming 2015 elections” it stated.

The Assembly alleged further that as part of the grand design, Jega agreed to create astronomical number of additional polling units in the North, over and above what is desirable, to ensure the election of a Northern Presidential candidate, that would emerge from party primaries, in the general elections.

It stressed that despite Jega’s public admission that the commission has the funds it requires to conduct the 2015 elections, “we are aware that the Northern Elders Forum obtained and distributed 150 pieces of laptops to INEC for each of the Northern states.

“In addition, Jega reportedly directed the release of PVCs in their catchment states to Emirs, District Heads and top politicians and not necessarily to the voters themselves, a situation that culminated in some voters being in possession of two to three PVCs. “This accounted for nearly 100 percent PVC collection rate especially in the North West states as compared with less then 50 per cent collection rate in the Southern states. This is the reason why Lagos state with a sophisticated population of over 5.2 million has not been distributed more 2.5 million PVCs”, the Assembly stated.

Daily Times Nigeria

Friday February 6, 2015

9 News

Polls: C’River assures non-indigenes of safety Emma Obi

Calabar

ÎÎÎThe Cross River State

government has assured the Hausa community and other non-indigenes in the state of their safety during the forth-coming elections.

The state government also urged them not tom panic before, during and after the elections, saying that adequate security have been made to protect them and their property.

Special Adviser to Governor Liyel Imoke on Religious Matters, Pastor Eyo Okpo-Ene, gave the assurance in Calabar yesterday while refuting allegations

that northerners were moving out of the state in apprehension of crisis during the elections.

Okpo-Ene said the state government has always protected all the ethnic groups in the state and that there was no need for them to fear.

Said he, “I am really not aware of the exodus of the northerners or any other tribe because they know that they have always been safe in the state. I have a good relationship with the Hausas, Igbos, Yorubas and other communities in the state and we have always protected their interest,” he told Daily Times.

Imo monarch honours philanthropist Ebere Obinagwam

ÏÏÏOne of the leading mon-

archs in Imo State, His Royal Highness, Eze Dr. Dennis Nnaji – Afor II of Amuzu Nweafor, has conferred one of the sons of the land with a chieftaincy title.

The beneficiary, Chief Basil. O. Mmereole, who is well-known business tycoon and philanthropist, would, henceforth, be known and addressed as Agbawo Dike

Izu I of Amuzu Nweafor, has expressed gratitude to the royal father and the people of Amuzu Nweafor in Aboh Mbaise Local Government Area of Imo State for the honour bestowed on him.

Mmereole said his new status was a demonstration of confidence in his ability to defend the culture and tradition of the Amuzu Kingdom, which he said he would work hard to advance.

Edo NUJ boycotts INEC’s events Titus Akhigbe

Benin

ÏÏÏEdo

State Council of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ), on Thursday, expressed doubt over the sincerity and commitment of the State Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) towards the conduct of credible elections and therefore passed a “no-confident vote” on the body.

The union also asked members to boycott the commission’s activities till further notice.

The resolution was reached after the State Resident Electoral Commission (REC) refused to show up at a one-day seminar on a “Non-Violent Elec-

tions” for journalists in the state. The seminar was organised by the Center for Peace & Environment Justice (CEPEJ), in collaboration with NUJ. The State REC, Barrister Mike Igini, was billed to make presentation on INEC’s preparedness for the 2015 general elections.

He however didn’t show up for the event nor send representative.

Edo State chairman of the NUJ, Comrade Desmond Agbama, who handed out the stringent measure against the commission said the electoral body’s attitude towards the press is “unbecoming” of a responsible organization umpire.

Oyo State Governor, Sen. Abiola Ajimobi addressing supporters at Ado Awaye community during his campaign tour of Iseyin Local Government Area of the State.

Feb 14: Daniel sure of Jonathan’s victory Abiodun Taiwo

Abeokuta

ÏÏÏFormer

Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, has said that the performance of President Goodluck Jonathan, in the area of education, agriculture, empowerment, Oil Subsidy re-investment and Economic Empowerment Programme (SURE-P) and road infrastructure, among others, will certainly ensure his victory

in the February 14 poll.

While receiving the executive members of Team Jonathan in his Asoludero Court, Sagamu, he maintained that Jonathan had a human face with the establishment of federal universities in some states of the federation to rectify some inequalities in the educational sector.

Daniel said there was a need to vote en masse for Jonathan, so that he could continue with the laudable programmes of his admin-

istration, embarked upon since the past six years, adding that he meant well for the country.

He pledged his unalloyed support for the full operation of Team Jonathan in Ogun State, urging it not to relent in the mobilisation and sensitisation of the good people of Ogun State.

The State Co-ordinator, Team Jonathan, Hon. Isaac Adegbenro Oyero, lauded Daniel for his assistance in creating conducive atmosphere for groups that

were working assiduously for the return of President Jonathan.

He explained that the benefits from the Jonathan administration was unprecedented, citing the case of SURE-P, which is serving as a source of empowerment to millions of Nigerians, irrespective of age and political affiliation.

He was of the opinion that Jonathan would win the forthcoming presidential election, because of his numerous achievements.

APC’ll win North-Central, say Al-Makura, Kwankwaso Sunday Isuwa

ÏÏÏThe

Al-Makura

All Progressives Congress (APC) will take over North- Central, especially Plateau State, Nasarawa State Governor, Umaru Tanko Al-makura and his Kano counterpart, Rabiu Musa Kwankwaso, said on Thursday, in Abuja.

Speaking at a dinner /fund raising ceremony of the APC gubernatorial candidate in Plateau State, Hon. Simon Lalong, the duo said Nigeria needed change.

“After the 2011 election, we in Nasarawa were the only orphan in CPC without brothers. But the mergers that form APC has helped us to have brothers all over.

Before the merger, we survived nine impeachment notices, because we had only four law-makers. But, today, 24 law-makers in Nasarawa State are of the APC and Plateau State must follow that path”, Al-makura said through his running mate, Simon Agara.

“Plateau, Benue, Nasarawa, Kwara, Kogi, and Niger

state will be governed by APC government. We make a mistake in Niger state before and we will not repeat such a mistake in Plateau State.

The APC in Nasarawa State will join the Plateau State APC in the campaign for victory. We must ensure that our people are well sensitised on the need for their votes to be counted,” Al-Makura added.

Kwankwaso said that after General Muhammadu Buhari’s victory in the February 14 elections, all other elections would be a walkover.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, Feburary 6, 2015

UNESCO seeks to adopt, reproduce Opon Imo

Children of the late philanthropist, Chief Molade OkoyaThomas, Yinka Taiwo (2nd left); Tosin Alobo-Bakare (2nd right); Princess Yewande Onilere (left); Senator Ita Giwa and Mrs Haba Folawiyo (right) during their visit to Thomas’s family in Lagos… on Thursday Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

Michael Bamigbola Osogbo

ÏÏÏThe United Nations Educa-

Adamawa: APC won’t be intimidated by PDP, EFCC Wale Akintude Yola

ÏÏÏThe Adamawa State Chap-

ter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has described the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), as a drowning party that wants to pull everybody down by all means.

The party said that it would not be disturbed or intimidated by the ruling PDP, which, it alleged has turned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), to its bull dog to witchhunt perceived enemies.

The party, who spoke on the background of Tuesday declaration by EFFC that ousted Governor Murtala Nyako and his son are wanted, said it would not be deterred even if Nyako’s son is arrested.

APC noted that its popularity

ahead of next week general polls, has made PDP jittery, adding that it was this reason they declared Governor Murtala Nyako’s son, Abdul Azizi Nyako, wanted while the real criminals who looted Adamawa resources were walking as a freemen in the streets of the state as card-carrying members of the PDP. The party which spoke through its State Public Relations Officer

Nyako

(PRO), Rev. Phineas Padio, said that PDP wanted to use the state apparatus to intimidate its members which he claimed will not work.

The party added that the criminal cases of embezzlement of the state resources lodged against the Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Hon Ahmadu Umaru Fintiri, while serving as acting governor of the state was treated with kid gloves by the anti-graft agency simply because he belonged to PDP family.

APC wondered why Abudul Azizi, a senatorial candidate under its platform will be declared wanted when the former Secretary to the State Ggovernment, Kobis Aris, a PDP chieftain, who spent three months in EFCC detention will be moving freely despite the fact that most of his properties were being seized by

EFCC. According to him, Abudul Azizi was not an employee or political appointee of Adamawa State Government wondering why the rationale behind the declaration.

He explained that Governor Orji and Senator Iyiola Omisore, won elections while in prisons adding that history will repeat itself in Adamawa State.

EFCC on Tuesday has declared ousted Governor Murtala Nyako and his first son, Abdul Aziz Murtala Nyako, a retired naval officer wanted.

Meanwhile, the Adamawa State Government has said that EFCC has constitutional power to carry out its legitimate duty but has no comment on Nyako’s issue. The Director of Public Affairs, Government House, Yola, P.P. Elisha, said that he would not comment about the declaration.

tional, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), has approached the Osun State Government, seeking to adopt the e-learning device created by the Rauf Aregbesola administration, Tablet of Knowledge, otherwise known as “Opon Imo”.

The UNESCO, in a letter dated 15th November, 2014, to the Osun State Commissioner for Education and signed by Prof. Hassana Alidou, Director and Representative of UNESCO Regional Office in Abuja, said the organization is impressed by the components of the Osun e-learning project.

‘499,301 PVCs

distributed in Ekiti so far’ Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏThe

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), in Ekiti State, has announced that a total of 499,301 permanent voter cards have so far been distributed as of February 2, 2015.

The commission, which gave the figure at a stakeholder’s forum in Ado Ekiti, on Thursday, also announced that it had taken delivery of all the electronic card readers it would use for the conduct of the coming general election in the entire 2,311 voting points in the state.

According to the Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), in Ekiti State, Mr. Sam Olumekun, a total of 2,653 card readers had been deployed to Ekiti State while the Commission had made ready 9,244 poll officials.

Imo CP reads riot act to politicians

PDP not collaborating with any party in Enugu- Chime

Val Okara

Moses Oyediran

ÏÏÏThe Imo State Commission-

Enugu

ÏÏÏGovernor Sullivan Chime of

Enugu State has declared that the People’s Democratic Party (PDP), in the state is not collaborating with any political party in the forthcoming general elections contrary to the claims by some candidates of the opposition political parties.

He stated that the PDP was popular, strong and formidable in

Enugu State and did not need the collaboration of another political party to win elections.

Chime revealed that the clarification became necessary in view of the attempts by some former members of the PDP now in the opposition political parties to mislead PDP supporters to vote for them and their political parties during the general elections.

The governor, who specially thanked the people of Igbo Eze North Local Government Area

for their unalloyed support to the PDP since the inception of the Party in 1998, further called on them to disregard such political gimmicks by those he described as “selfish politicians” and come out en masse on the 14th and 28th of February, 2015, to vote for all the candidates of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).

“It is about selfishness, nobody should be confused, we will not vote for them, it is PDP all the way and we want 100% votes for

the PDP, and Igbo Eze North Local Government Area has been PDP all the way since 1998”, Chime said. Also, stakeholders of PDP in the council distanced themselves from all actions taken by Senator Ayogu Eze, regarding the outcome of the December 8, 2015, governorship primaries in the state.

Senator Eze, who is from IgboEze North, has been in court seeking to be declared the authentic governorship candidate of the PDP in Enugu State.

Owerri

er of Police, Alhaji Abdul Majid Ali, on Thursday, threatened to deal with any erring political party and their candidates that contravened the electoral laws during and after elections.

Majid Ali stated this at the Command headquarters in Owerri, after the leadership meeting of all political parties and their candidates failed to honour an invitation to parley with the Commissioner of Police.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

Former Governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel (middle); Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate, Remo Federal Constituency for Ogun State, Hon. Ladi Adebutu (left); Sen. Lekan Mustapha (2nd left); and Hon. Dave Salako (right) during the campaign tour of Isara Remo, Ogun State…on Thursday

Okorocha appeals verdict on Ndi Eze chair Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏImo

State Governor, Owelle Rochas Okorocha, has filed a fresh appeal against the decision of the Court of Appeal to reinstate the sacked Chairman of Imo State Council of Traditional Rulers, Eze (Dr.) Cletus I. Ilomuanya.

He had dissolved the Imo State Council of Ndi Eze, in his maiden broadcast on June 6, 2011. It was a decision which Ilomuanya resented and for which he sued Okorocha. Not satisfied with the rule against him, he went to the Court of Appeal and obtained a favourable verdict.

Dissatisfied with the decision, the governor went to Supreme Court. When the matter came up yesterday at the Supreme Court, Abuja, the presiding Justice,

Justice John Fabiyi, struck out the suit on the ground that leave was not obtained.

In a mild drama ensued, as the Attorney-General and Commissioner for Justice ChukwumaMachukwu Ume (SAN), within minutes refiled the appeal through suit No SC9/ 2015, in which Okorocha is praying the apex court that the five years tenure of Dr. Cletus I. Ilumounya had elapsed on January 28, 2015, having been appointed on January 28, 2010, by the former governor of the state, Chief Ikedi Ohakim.

Okorocha had, also, through the Attorney-General, filed a motion for a stay of execution of the Court of Appeal judgment pending the determination of his fresh appeal.

He maintained that the tenure of Ilumounya cannot be

extended, with reference to the verdict of the Supreme Court on the Rashidi Adewolu Ladoja v Independent National Electoral Commission case.

Meanwhile, Justice Chukwuma-Machukwu Ume (SAN) had petitioned the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Suleiman Abba, over an attempt by Eze Ilumounya to mislead the public on the appeal, which is still pending.

ÏÏÏGovernor of Lagos State, Ba-

batunde Raji Fashola, has urged residents in the state to protect their votes and also shun acts capable of truncating the coming elections.

He made the appeal on Thursday, while speaking at the opening ceremony of the Annual General Conference of the Cherubim & Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, held at the headquarters of the Eternal Sacred order of C&S, at Egbe.

Fashola, who was represented on the occasion by the state’s Commissioner for Local Govern-

ment and Chieftaincy Affairs, Mr. Ademurin Kuye, appealed to the people of the state to remain lawabiding before, during and after the polls, saying that they had the right to ask questions from relevant authorities, if they suspected foul play during the elections.

Said he: “The time has come again when we are given the opportunity to choose those we believe would assuage our thirst at all tiers of government. It is our duty to ensure that our votes count and to make sure that nothing untoward is allowed to prevail before, during and after the elections.” He also urged the people of the state to collect their Perma-

‘Tosin Ajuwon Akure

ÏÏÏNo fewer than 100 members

of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) on Thursday renounced their membership of the party and joined the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ikare Akoko, Akoko North East Local Government Area of Ondo State.

At a political rally organised by the state chapter of the PDP, the defectors said that they had decided to support the transformation agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan and his realistic tendency to develop the country.

Led by Mr. Rahimin Omotoso, the defectors also promised to woo more loyalists of the APC to the PDP in the state by ensuring the candidates of the party win the coming elections.

Receiving the decampees,

nent Voter Cards (PVCs) which, he said was the only weapon they have to make a choice of who they prefer to represent them at all levels of government.

The governor, while congratulating the church, urged it to continue to pray for peace in the country.

In his remarks, the Supreme Head of the Church, Elder Solomon Alao urged the governor to ensure that those laudable projects of his administration were perfected before the end of his tenure. He also assured the governor of the prayers of the church for the state and its leaders and the country in general.

the State Chairman of the PDP, Mr. Clement Faboyede, said they would be granted waivers with all rights and privileges returned to them as members, and urged them to work for the party’s victory in the coming election.

Addressing the mammoth crowd at the rally, the Governor of Ondo state, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko, said the people of the community and the state should beware of the antics called “change” being propagated by the opposition, APC party and noted that the party had nothing to offer the country. Mimiko, who described President Goodluck Jonathan’s achievement as second to none in terms of Education, Health, Agriculture, Transportation and other infrastructural development, sought the people’s massive votes for the president second term reelection.

People behind June 12 annulment at work again, say parties Lateef Ibrahim

ÏÏÏA coalition of

Shun acts capable of truncating peaceful polls, Fashola tells Lagosians Joy Ekeke

APC supporters defect to PDP in Ondo

Abuja

Rochas

11 News

10 registered political parties, under the aegis of Coalition of Progressive Political Parties (COPP), has called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) not to be intimidated by desperate politicians pushing for the postponement of the forthcoming general election.

The coalition lamented that the same elements that scuttled the June 12, 1993, presidential election were at work again, and advised INEC to proceed with its

Umar Mohammed Gusau

ÏÏÏZamfara

State Governor Alhaji Abdul’Aziz Yari has said that the Federal authorities owed his administration the sum of N33 billion, expended in the reconstruction of some federal roads in the state.

Debunking the claims of the Minister of State for Finance, Amb. Bashir Yuguda, of not following due process, while briefing newsmen at a phone-in programme at NUJ Press Centre, Gusau, Yari maintained that his administration had follow due process before embarking on the

preparations for the polls.

While speaking on behalf of the other members of the coalition, the National Chairman of Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), Alhaji Bashir Yusuf Ibrahim, noted that this was not the first time desperate and undesirable elements come together to scuttle the nation’s democracy for their selfish ends.

COPP expressed surprise that some politicians had joined the “infamous campaign” to scuttle Nigeria’s hard-earned democracy by calling for the postponement of the general election barely a week before the election date.”

FG owes Zamfara N33b road projects fund reconstruction of federal roads in the state.

According to him, the state government had complied with all necessary procedure with the federal authorities, before embarking on the reconstruction of the Gusau-Kaura Namoda– Zurmi - Gidan Jaja, and that of Mayanchi-Anka-Daki Takwas –Gummi road.

Africa 12

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

Over 200 anti-Mubarak protesters jailed for life ÏÏÏAn

Egyptian court sentenced 230 secular activists from the 2011 revolt against long-time strongman Hosni Mubarak to life on Wednesday, including leading campaigner Ahmed Douma, an official said.

Thirty-nine others, all minors, were jailed for 10 years.

The verdict, which can be appealed, is the harshest delivered so far against non-Islamist activists amid a government crackdown on opponents overseen by President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Hundreds of Islamist supporters of Mubarak’s successor, Mohamed Morsi, have been sentenced to death after often speedy trials described by the United Nations as “unprecedented in recent history”.

At Wednesday’s hearing, all 269 defendants were convicted of taking part in clashes with security forces near Cairo’s Tahrir Square in December 2011, said the judicial official who spoke on condition of anonymity.

They were also found guilty of assaulting security forces and setting alight government buildings, including a cultural centre founded in 1798 by Napoleon Bonaparte that contained more than 200 000 books.

A life sentence in Egypt is 25

Ahmed Douma displayed confidence in the court room as he was sentenced to life in prison years. The defendants were also ordered to pay a combined fine of $2.2m. Douma, 26, rose to prominence during the 2011 uprising that drove Mubarak from power and was also a key protest leader against Morsi.

On Wednesday, dressed in a prison uniform, Douma was the sole defendant present in a metal cage inside the courtroom.

All defendants except for Douma were tried in absentia, as the authorities had released the oth-

ers earlier ordering them to be present as and when required.

As the verdict was read out, Douma clapped his hands, angering Judge Mohamed Negi Shehata.

“You are not in Tahrir Square.

Behave yourself and don’t talk too much or I’ll give you three more years,” for contempt of court, the judge said.

Douma is already serving three years for violating a law prohibiting unlicensed protests, and was

Gunmen behead, shoot 12 at Libyan oilfield ÏÏÏGunmen

killed 12 people, among them two Filipino and two Ghanaian nationals, after storming a remote, Libyan oilfield, a Libyan official said on Wednesday.

“Most were beheaded or killed by gunfire,” said Abdelhakim Maazab, commander of a security force in charge of protecting the al-Mabrook oilfield, some 170km south of the Mediterranean city of Sirte.

A French diplomatic source in Paris and another Libyan official said Islamic State militants were behind the attack, which took place on Tuesday night.

It was impossible to get more details on the incident which happened in a remote part of the turbulent desert nation.

The violence followed an assault on a hotel in Tripoli last week that killed nine people, including five foreigners, underscoring the deteriorating secu-

rity situation in Libya more than three years after the downfall of Muammar Gaddafi.

The Philippines Foreign Ministry said earlier on Wednesday that three Filipinos were among seven foreign nationals who had been kidnapped in the Mabrook assault.

But Maazab said eight Libyans, two Filipino and two Ghanaian nationals were killed during the raid, with nobody kidnapped. He added that his men were back in charge of the field.

France’s Total has a stake in the site, which is currently off-line, but it is contracted to a Libyan company. The Filipinos worked for an Italian company.

Libya is in turmoil with two rival governments controlling different areas, each with their own armies. Rival armed factions have also been fighting for almost two months for control of Libya’s

biggest oil ports, Es Sider and Ras Lanuf, on the Mediterranean coast.

Gaddafi

also given a three-year sentence at a previous hearing of the current trial for insulting the judiciary.

Defence lawyer Sameh Samir criticised Wednesday’s ruling.

“The judge has been biased against the defendants and their lawyers since the start of the trial,” Samir said.

“He referred the defence lawyers to prosecution, he barred us from attending the hearings and now he has issued an unprecedented verdict in Egypt’s history.”

18 drown in Ivorien boat mishap ÏÏÏEighteen people were killed after an overloaded boat capsized in western Ivory Coast, a local official said on Wednesday.

Twenty-five people survived the accident that took place on Monday afternoon on the Sassandra river near the town of Guessabo, Florentine Banto told AFP. The river is one of the main water routes in the country.

The small motorboat, carrying 40 people and several bags of coffee, was “just too full”, according to Elvis Achi, the police officer in charge of the area.

Ivorian daily Inter reported that the victims were mainly fish sellers from the mountainous region of Guemon. Guemon, near the border with Liberia, was one of the regions most affected by the post-election violence that rocked the country in 2010-2011 and cost more than 3 000 lives.

Fire sparks rioting at Ghana prison, 1 shot dead ÏÏÏA fire at the main prison in

the Ghanaian city of Kumasi sparked rioting and an attempted jail break, with one inmate shot dead in the chaos and four policemen hurt, prison officials said on Thursday.

The fire was caused by lightning and began in one of the cells before engulfing much of the jail, Kumasi prison spokesperson James Annan said.

“We had to open the inmates’ [cells] for their lives to be spared,” he told AFP. Once in the yard, scores of inmates tried to escape but were blocked by a large deployment of police surrounding the compound. Prisoners hurled bricks, chairs and other dangerous objects at the officers and over the prison wall, Annan said.

UN demands DR Congo replacement of 2 generals ÏÏÏThe

United Nations will suspend its support to the Congolese army in the fight against Rwandan combatants, unless two generals accused of human rights violations were removed from the ranks, a senior UN official said on Wednesday.

The official told Raymond Tshibanda, foreign minister of the Democratic Republic of Congo (DRC), last Friday that he had two weeks to remove generals Bruno Mandevu and Fall Sikabwe, who are on the UN’s “red list” for alleged human rights violations.

The DRC announced last Thursday that its military would begin operations against the armed group Democratic Forces for the Liberation of Rwanda (FDLR) that is based in the country. Originally, plans had been made between the UN and the DRC for a joint operation; however, the country opted to carry out military action on its own, with the UN providing support such as logistics, fuel and food rations for troops.

“The moment that the operation was announced, we discovered the appointment of two generals who are red generals - people who have been known to us as having been heavily involved in massive violations,” the UN official said.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

Jordan vows to step up war against ISIS

Jordanian King Abdullah II, center, escorted by Safi al-Kaseasbeh, left, father of slain Jordanian pilot, Lt. Muath al-Kaseasbeh and the pilot’s uncle Fahed al-Kaseasbeh, at a memorial tent for the pilot at their home village of Ai, near Karak, Jordan, on Thursday

ÏÏÏJordan’s king vowed to wage

a “harsh” war against the Islamic State group after the militants burned a captive Jordanian pilot in a cage and released a video of the killing.

King Abdullah II consulted with military chiefs on Wednesday, after cutting short a US trip, to formulate a response. Jordan is part of a US-led military alliance that has been bombing ISIS targets in Syria for nearly five months.

In a statement, the king said Jor-

dan is waging a war of principles against the militants. He said that Jordan’s response to the killing of the pilot “will be harsh because this terrorist organisation is not only fighting us, but also fighting Islam and its pure values”.

Jordan’s king vowed to wage a “harsh” war against the Islamic State group after the militants burned a captive Jordanian pilot in a cage and released a video of the killing.

King Abdullah II consulted with

military chiefs on Wednesday, after cutting short a US trip, to formulate a response. Jordan is part of a US-led military alliance that has been bombing ISIS targets in Syria for nearly five months.

In a statement, the king said Jordan is waging a war of principles against the militants. He said that Jordan’s response to the killing of the pilot “will be harsh because this terrorist organisation is not only fighting us, but also fighting Islam and its pure values”.

Pope to clergy: Never cover up child abuse ÏÏÏPope Francis has sent Catho-

lic clergy a powerful reminder of their duty to stamp out sexual abuse of children by priests, warning that they must never let the fear of scandal lead to cover-ups.

In a strongly-worded letter to the heads of national bishops’ conferences and religious orders, Francis demanded “close and complete” co-operation with a new child protection commission he has established at the Vatican.

The commission has been given a brief to drive reform on an issue that has severely damaged the Church’s authority and reputation in many countries around the world.

Headed by American cardinal Sean O’Mally, it includes both clerics and lay people, including

two victims of paedophile priests, Ireland’s Marie Collins and Peter Sanders from Britain.

All 16 members, nine men and seven women, will meet for the first time in Rome on Friday.

“Families need to know that the Church is making every effort to protect their children,” Francis wrote in the letter published Thursday. “They should also know that they have every right to turn to the Church with full confidence, for it is a safe and secure home.

“Consequently, priority must not be given to any other kind of concern, whatever its nature, such as the desire to avoid scandal, since there is absolutely no place in [the] ministry for those who abuse minors.” Francis’s letter follows the announcement last month that 10

Abdullah pledged to hit the militants “hard in the very centre of their strongholds”.

Jordanian officials have not presented details of their response, but said they would be working closely with their allies in the antiISIS coalition. In Washington, leading members of Congress have called for increased US military assistance to the kingdom. Currently, the United States is providing Jordan with $1bn annually in economic and military assistance.

Two killed as 40 rockets hit Damascus ÏÏÏSyrian

Pope Francis priests and two Catholic lay workers in the Spanish city of Granada have been charged with the sexual abuse of altar boys between 2004 and 2007.

It is the biggest case of its kind yet in Spain, where the Church has long been accused of exactly the kind of cover-up Francis was alluding to.

rebels unleashed a barrage of rockets on Damascus on Thursday, with terrified residents reporting at least two people killed. Civilians hurried for shelter as almost 50 rockets, by the count of the Syrian Observatory for Human Rights monitoring group, fell in government-held central districts.

Locals said security forces in four-wheel-drive vehicles and pickups mounted with machine guns raced around otherwise empty streets. The attacks came two days after the leader of the largest faction in the rebel-held eastern suburbs said the capital would be considered a “military zone”.

13 World Fresh protest in India over church attacks ÏÏÏIndian Christians have staged

a protest against recent attacks on churches in the Indian capital as they assembled outside the Sacred Heart Church in New Delhi, India on Thursday. There have been five attacks on churches since December Police in the Indian capital, Delhi, have detained dozens of people who were protesting against recent attacks on churches in the city.

There have been five attacks on churches in Delhi since December.

Christian groups accuse hardline Hindus of carrying out the attacks, but police say there is little evidence for this.

Some protesters have accused India’s Hindu nationalist BJP government of not doing enough to reassure the city’s Christian minority.

Thursday’s protest came after a church in Delhi was vandalised on Monday, and an unexplained fire gutted another in December.

Troops kill eight Mexican gang members in gun duel ÏÏÏMexican federal troops killed

eight alleged gang members on Wednesday in battles along a highway near the US border in the northern state of Tamaulipas, a region plagued by a bloody dispute between drug cartels. The gunmen were killed in separate battles after they hijacked buses and used them to block a highway between the cities of Matamoros and Reynosa, opposite the Texas border towns of Brownsville and McAllen, a federal and state police task force said.

An explosive device was also found and deactivated in front of the mayor’s office in Matamoros, the task force added.

Residents rely on reports from social media to learn about frequent gun battles, which can rage for hours. Local media, which have been repeatedly attacked by the gangs, refrain from reporting the violence. The US consulate in Matamoros issued a statement on Wednesday warning American citizens of the spike in violence, which it said had been attributed to a battle between Matamoros and Reynosa factions of the Gulf Cartel. The consulate said staff had been advised to restrict travel in the city, noting that there had been a surge in violence and an increase in reports of large convoys of armed drug gang members driving through Matamoros.

Opinion 14

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

Nigeria: Before darkness falls

T

Franklin Otorofani

his probably will be my last article on the forthcoming Nigerian general elections that will start from February 14. It is an article that is specifically crafted to serve as my final warnings before darkness falls upon the nation. Much as I would have liked to register my imprint on the outcomes of the elections either way, fate has robbed me of my civic duty. I’m not in a position to cast a ballot and I’m therefore voting with my pen in the hope that this last ditch effort might somehow persuade someone out there, who may have completely misread the political situation to reevaluate his or her political choices.

Life is full of ironies, uncertainties, imponderables, and plain absurdities on the part of both individuals and nations acting against their best interests in moments of thoughtlessness and emotional hemorrhage. And sometimes pain is the best teacher of mankind, where wise counsel fails to instruct men as to right course of actions and who then believing in their unseasoned judgements allow their emotions rather than their reason-

ing to rule over them.

Experience has demonstrated throughout history that raw emotion has never been the best friend of man when deployed in matters requiring sobriety, thoughtfulness and careful evaluations of situations.

So when the reader asks: Why the warnings? It’s because of the portents that I see in the horizon that foreshadow doomsday scenarios not just in terms of what has become the traditional violence that usually marks elections in Nigeria generally, but in terms of the type of leadership that potentially will emerge from this ill-fated democratic ritual.

I don’t know about others, but it seems clear and unmistakable to me that with tears in their eyes Nigerians could thoughtlessly and recklessly walk into a ditch in plain sight. They should be reminded, however, while there is still time, that those who ride on the back of a tiger will soon end up in its stomach, however sweet the journey might be at the beginning.

And on this history has been pretty consistent and unforgiving too even as man is forever doomed to repeating it.

When I read in the media that the

two main presidential candidates are running neck and neck in the polls I shuddered not because I fear that Jonathan might lose but because Buhari might win the presidential election. And this is without prejudice to the fact that polls have got it wrong time and time again.

With that said, there is no reason on earth why the public opinion polls of Nigerian electorate should be that close at all if Nigerians still have their memories intact and undiluted.

How could a nation have so short a memory about its recent political history? The military just got out of power barely 16 years ago and Buhari was part and parcel of those who aborted Nigeria’s democracy.

In fact, he was the first to do it after the return of power to civilians in 1979. Buhari could barely allow civilian rule for four years before he aborted Nigeria’s second attempt democratic rule after decades of military rule. How could a nation with a brain and a memory forget that so soon?

How could a people who cried their hearts out and prayed to be delivered from tyranny, which prayers were swiftly answered in a span of two short years now spit in the face of the gods and

turn around to embrace the very author of that tyranny? Upon what human logic is such reasoning founded?

It’s like a dog going back to eat its vomit. And if the dog does eat the vomit its foregone conclusion that it will, at the very least, suffer serious constipation or other serious health maladies thereafter.

To whom would the dog run for help then when a certain evil it has brought upon itself strikes later?

Even the lowly dog knows better than bring such a curse upon itself, how much more thinking humans with working brains.

It may well be that the younger generation of Nigerians did not witness the atrocities of General Muhammadu Buhari and his lack of vision for the nation back in his military rule. But the older generations cannot be forgiven least of all the Yoruba in the South/West who bore the brunt of Buhari’s tyrannical dictatorship.

Why would a man thrice rejected at the polls for these very reasons be considered at all for the presidency as if he has suddenly changed?

And most tellingly, how can Nigerians reward a presidential candidate with a track record of violence and religious fanaticism?

Why is Buhari refusing to debate?

I

Alfred Uzokwe

n politics, debates do matter. President Jonathan and General Buhari both owe Nigerians at least two presidential debates before the February elections and Nigerians must demand it. Nigerians already know the capabilities of President Jonathan because he has been on the saddle for almost six years and, during this period, they have come to know how he thinks, acts and what he does in response to crisis.

They also know the results of his policies based on where Nigeria is today socially and economically.

Based on Jonathan’s record, there are some, his supporters, who believe that he has done well and deserves to be reelected. There are others, his non-supporters, who believe that he has further damaged Nigeria after six years and does not deserve another term. The latter group is supporting General Buhari but they do not have much to judge him by. Just 20 months in the saddle as a military head of state does not provide enough information for them to accurately judge the man or tell what he will do under certain

circumstances.

This group of Nigerians started supporting Buhari because they simply want change but they are itching to hear him in unscripted moments answer to various questions. They want to hear him assure them that they are not backing the wrong horse. They want to see him stand toe to toe with President Jonathan to prove that he is not a fluke.

They simply want him to give them true reasons to continue to support him.

His supporters insist that Buhari would not participate in the presidential debates. Some say it is because the questions may have been leaked to Jonathan and his handlers. Before I proceed with this treatise, let me state in unequivocal and unflinching terms that if this is true, Nigerians must stand on roof tops and condemn it. Debates may seem inconsequential but transparent debates are one of the building blocks of a strong democracy. In strong democracies, debates have made and unmade candidates. Debates have changed the tide of elections. If the process is bastardised because people want to perpetually hang on to power, then our democ-

racy will continue to be fledgling for many years to come. For the sake of our nascent democracy, a neutral body must be set up immediately to take up this and ensure that a transparent debate is conducted before February 14.

If Buhari has solutions to the myriad economic problems and has viable solutions, should actually be itching to showcase them in any debate, whether questions are leaked or not. Totally refusing to debate, instead of calling for a neutral body to ensure that a debate is held, only means one thing and that is, he is unsure of himself, does not fully understand Nigeria’s challenges or does not have any real answers.

He should remember that as an incumbent president whose records are there for all to see, while people will listen to Jonathan during the debate, they will judge him more by what he has done in office than by what he says. So seeing the debate questions ahead of time may not necessarily give him a great advantage. If Jonathan has the questions, he can give flowery answers during the debate but people will in their mind be judging him by the mantra: “are we better off for the

past six years he has been in office” . If Buhari has what it takes, it is during the debate that he should poke holes into any and all answers that Jonathan has no matter how flowery. But Buhari cannot just say that Jonathan has failed, he should then tell Nigerians how he plans to fight corruption in a democracy where he cannot just impulsively jail everybody.

People look forward to political debates. They use it to gauge the ability of a candidate; they use debates to determine how quick a candidate can think on his feet. Debates reveal a candidate’s understanding of the issues and hence ability to proffer viable solutions because one can only solve problems one fully understands. They are used to gauge the countenance of a candidate and hence how temperate the candidate is under pressure. For example, a candidate that is quick to anger will not give people a level of comfort that will enable them support him.

As it stands, PDP has successfully hung certain issues like an albatross around his neck. Some of the issues are frivolous but others are weighty.

Nonetheless, the issues have stuck in the national psyche.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE HOUSE OF UNCOMMON BLESSING INT’L CHURCH This is to notify the general public that the above named Ministry has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Part “C” of Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Mba Alozie Bonaventure - (Senior and founding pastor) - president.

2. Pastor Alozie Ugomma Diane - Vice President.

3. Elder Mba Anthony Anagaraku - Secretary.

4. Deacones Mba Caroline Uzoma - Member.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE; 1. To preach the word of God and bring people to the saving knowledge of Christ.

2. To restore hope to those who have lost it.

3. To build worship centres for the purpose of christian activities.

4. To engage in educational activities for academic excellence and in other to instill discipline and the fear of God in our young ones.

LIFEMATE HUNTERS ASSOCIATION This is to notify the general public that the above named Ministry has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Part “C” of Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Adeniyi Michael Adepoju -President 2. Oyeyemi. Hammed Jimoh - Secretary 3. Bolaji Olufemi Mayowa -Member 4. Awoniyi Adeyinka Rahmta -Member 5. Shittu Jimoh Adekunle-Member 6. Balogun Sheu Tijani-Member 7. Shorinmade Adeyemi Samuel -Member AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : 1. To promote worldwide the good Management of wildlife 2. To maintain a sportsmanlike concept of hunting 3. To prevent illegal and unsportsmanlike practices.

4. To safeguard worldwide the interests of clients 5. To represent worldwide the interests of professional hunters, outfitters and guides.

6. To collaborate with governments on the conservation of flora and fauna.

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

Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar- General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28

Signed: Anthony Mba Anagaraku - Secretary.

Signed: Ajayi Moses 08035797477, 08094210036

days of this publication.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

15

PUBLIC NOTICE JULIANAH ASTHMA FOUNDATION This is to notify the general public that the above named Ministry has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Part “C” of Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Williams Ademola Guy 2. Adebunmi Florence Apanishile 3. Folake Mariam Omotoye 4. Kunle Adewale Fadeyi AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : 1. To create awareness to the public about the risk of asthma.

2. To assist and treat people with asthma.

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

Signed-Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

LIFE ASSURANCE APOSTOLIC MINISTRY

WIDOWS RESCUE INTERNATIONAL OUTREACH

360 ENTREPRENEUR BUSINESS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to corporate affairs commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Victoria Iyabo Aku Erhabor 2. Felicia Egbune 3. Ambro Ifeanyi Banor 4.Gregory Utomwen Ogbeifun

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.Chief Amb, Dr Larry-Goodwill Akintoba Ajiola 2.Hon. Anthony Ogosu 3.Elder Dabipi Jamabo 4.Pastor Emmanuel Omumubike

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To provide platform for the movement of widows in the society.

2. To give voice to those who do with better life expectancy.

3. To empower widows to become independent.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: To protect the interest of businessmen & women (members) towards economic growth and social development in our society.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Pastor Ogundele Olorunfemi Temitope - general Overseer 2. Pastor Babalola Mustapha- Asst General Overseer 3. Elder Afolabi Oladimeji - Treasurer 4. Mrs Olorunfemi Basirat Omolara - Secretary AIM AND OBJECTIVE : To propagate the gospel of Christ.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrarGeneral. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

Signed: Secretary

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

Signed: DON PEDRO

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

Signed: CHIEF AMB, DR LARRY-GOODWILL AKINTOBA AJIOLA

PUBLIC NOTICE

GENDER-GROW INTERNATIONAL INITIATIVE

SEEK THE LOST MISSION

TROPICAL ESTATE AGENT ASSOCIATION

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

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

This is to inform the general public that the above named Association has applied for registration to effect a change of Trustees, Appointment, Amendment of Constitution and information of loss of certificate under Companies and Allied Matters Act, LFN 2004

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Awosemusi Modupe Helen 2. Famakinwa Victoria Omowunmi 3. Yusuf Fatima Adenike 4. Ogunwale Oluwatoyin Rachael 5. Okoli Bibianah Ifeoma 6. Olawale Mary Olufunbig 7. Collins Deborah Oluyemisi -Project Coordinator AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1.To sensitise womenfolk on societal values and development issues.

2. To encourage women to mentor women.

3. To foster unity among members.

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

AIM AND OBJECTIVE : To propagate the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Signed. Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE DEITSEND EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to corporate affairs commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990 THE TRUSTEES: 1. Abass Adewumi Joy 2. Adekanola Comfort Iyabo 3. Olugbadebo Olusola Samuel 4. Subulade Oluwatosin Sogo AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To assist the less privileged Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

Signed: BARR. ADEWOYE OLUGBENGA96, FAJUYI ROAD, ADAMASINGBA, IBADAN,OYO STATE (08058485069, 07030170905)

OLD TRUSTEES 1.Adesanya Adio- Chairman (Deceased) 2.Abiola Ajayi- New Chairman (Retained) 3.Jackson Odele- Secretary (Retained) 4.Patrick Omotayo- Ceased to be member 5.Kehinde Omojoye- Legal Adviser (Retained) 6.Christopher Oyekeye- Member (Retained) 7.Johnson Adesanya- Member (Retained)

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Pastor Vitus Chidiebere Nwosu 2. Mrs Ifeoma Udem 3. Mr Peter Okoro 4. Mr Uche Onyebuneuzo

Signed: Secretary

19, Ososa street, Oworonsoki, Lagos.

PUBLIC NOTICE HALLY WELLBEING FOUNDATION This is to notify the general public that the above named Ministry has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Part “C” of Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Abebefe Abiodun Michael President 2. Onanuga Oluwatosin Member 3. Afolayan Folashade Member 4. Mtayeeb Halima Mosunmola Secretary The Aim and Objective Is:Empowering the poor in rural communities on health related matters and environment Any objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

NEW TRUSTEES 1.Bayonle Adeyemo- Vice Chairman (Elected) 2. Alhaji Taiwo Abolaji Oba- Member (Elected) 3. Alhaja Haolat Adurosakin- Member (Elected) 4. Alhajji Ashimiyu Adeyoyin - Member (Elected)

Aims and Objectives 1.To promote and protect the interest of members of Assosciation 2. To contribute to the development of sports and assist charitable organizations in the country 3. To abide by the property laws of the country Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

Signed: Jackson Odele Secretary (Board of Trustees)

PUBLIC NOTICE KINGS HUMAN AND COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION This is to notify the general public that the above named Ministry has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under the Part “C” of Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

Names of Trustees; 1. Victor Agbonkpolor 2. Mrs. Nosa Betty Agbonkpolor 3. Oni Elliot 4. Osaigbovo Edore Chris AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1. To promote entrepreneurship, leadership, growth and development of youths in the community 2. Extreme poverty Alleviation.

3. Organizing seminars, workshops and training to impact positive mental mind-set needed to turn out well balanced, matured, successful, disciplined, self reliant and innovative youth in the community.

4. To provide philanthropic support for the disadvantaged, less privileged and marginalized in the community especially the young people 5. To open resource centre for dissemination of information that will bring empowerment to the youth and community development 6.To take education to a real-life levels other than the formal technical level of teaching.

7.To inspire youth to take up leadership responsibility through initiation of community development projects, in other to impact their community positively.

8. To provide the necessary enlightenment for farmers in the use of improved seeds, mechanized farming and access loan facilities for effective farming and food sustainability 9. Plan and organize activities that will enhance learning in schools/ institutions.

10. To render aids to missionaries to ease their mission work in various Communities in Nigeria.

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

Signed: Barr Oni Elliot

News 16

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

Emir of Kano lauds UBA’s Ondo INEC takes delivery of non-sensitive materials role in banking reforms ‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

ÏÏÏThe Emir of

Kano, His Highness, Muhammadu Sanusi II, has commended the management of United Bank for Africa (UBA) Plc. for the leadership role it played in the financial industry reforms, when he was the governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN).

The emir, speaking during the visit of the executive management of UBA to his palace in Kano on Wednesday, said that because of UBA’s commitment to the reforms introduced by the apex regulatory institution, the bank’s Group Managing Director, Mr. Phillips Oduoza, chaired the committee on financial inclusion, which championed the cashless and mobile banking initia-

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as Miss Olatinwo Omotola Ibitayo now wishes to be addressed as Mrs. Adelowokan Omotola Ibitayo.

General Public take note.

tives in the country.

“The reforms introduced

by CBN towards improving Nigeria’s financial landscape were a collective decision and responsibility of everybody, but I should emphasise the contribution of UBA. UBA’s Group Managing Director chaired one of the critical committees that drove the reform,” the emir said.

Sanusi also praised UBA for offering him a job when he returned from Sudan, after bagging a degree in Islamic studies.

“I am not surprised by the role played by UBA in ensuring that we succeed. The bank defied all odds to offer me employment after my education in Islamic Studies in

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as Abass Samsideen Kolawole now wishes to be addressed as Treasure Akolawole Samsideen Abass. General Public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE THE COMFORT ASSEMBLY INTERNATIONAL This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to corporate affairs commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990

Sudan, and provided me an opportunity to advance my career in banking. The institution has been instrumental to my success as a banker, for which I am grateful. My relationship with UBA was further extended to CBN,” the emir said.

Mr. Oduoza, while responding to the commendation, praised the exemplary leadership skills shown by the emir as a staff of UBA and governor at the CBN. He said the banking industry is, today, relatively immune from the vagaries of crisis brought about by the crash in crude oil price, as a result of the detoxification of banks’ balance sheet through the setting up of AMCON by the Sanusi-led CBN.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as M i s s Ladega Damilola Blessing now wishes to be addressed as Mrs. Azurunwa Damilola Blessing. All concerned authorities and the General Public, pls take note.

t

Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) in Ondo State says it has taken delivery of non-sensitive materials to be deployed for use in next week’s general election.

The state’s Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Mr. Olusegun Agbaje, disclosed this on Thursday in an exclusive telephone interview with Daily Times correspodent in Akure, ahead of the commission’s preparations for the com-

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as Eleazu Ekenma Oluchi now wishes to be addressed as Areh Oluchi Ekenma.

General Public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:

CHUKWUNONSO ONYEABO FOUNDATION. This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied for registration to corporate affairs commission under part c of the Companies and allied matters act no. 1 Of 1990

2. Obiageli Ferreira.

4. Eromonsele Okojie.

Aim and Objective.

1. Identifying and evaluating educational and personal development opprtunities for bright young and indigent persons.

2. Developing and sponsoring schemes and apparatus aimed at the educational and person development of bright young and indigent persons.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral. Corporate Affairs Commission, 420, Tigris crescent, off Aguyi Ironsi street. PMB 198, Matiama, Abuja within 28th days from The date of publication.

Signed. Ranti fajana. ESQ. 08038225034

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CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as Miss Akaninyene Etim Idung now wishes to be addressed as Mrs. Akaninyene Matthew Iseh. All former documents remains valid. General Public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as Miss Adeolu Oluwarotimi Adelaja now wishes to be addressed as Mrs. Adeolu Oluwarotimi George. All former documents remains valid. General Public take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE

t

PHILIP DEVELOPMENT AND EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named foundation has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act no. 1 of 1990

1. Mr. Grade- One. Clark. - Chairman.

2. Mr. Bolowei William Clark. - Secretary.

3. Mr. Paul Ufuah.

4. Mr. Julius Ebitimi.

Aim and Objective.

To. Contribute to national growth and development.

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

Signed:DR. OLUYEMISI AYANFE (Secretary)

t

distributed so far in the state.

He added that 500,000 PVCs, representing 33 percent, were yet to be claimed at the commission’s various local government offices in the state.

According to him, the PVCs of the electorate who registered in August 2014 for the continuous Voters Registration (CVR) during the seven days extension in October 2014 are now ready for claim, adding that it could be collected at the commission’s offices in the various 18 LGA of the state.

Trustees.

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

Signed; Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

I, formerly known as Miss.

Iwuagwu Akudo Loveline now wishes to be addressed as Mrs. Nwoha Akudo Loveline. All former documents remains valid .

General Public take note.

THE JESUS CARES EXCEEDINGLY GREATLY FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named foundation has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act no. 1 of 1990

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. A charitable organization for the advancement of Education, Religious and social development.

2. To reach out to the less privileged, widows and orphans.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE : To preach the words of God for the People.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly known as Miss Okogun Justina Ijesoimen now wishes to be addressed as Mrs. Salami Justina Ijesoimen. General Public, pls take note.

1.Pastor (Mrs.) Funke Soetan 2.Dr. Oluyemisi Ayanfe 3.Mrs. Mariana Adepeju Daniels 4.Arch. Leke Soetan 5.Engr. Ifedayo Omolegan

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Pastor Lawrence Akinsola -Chairman 2. Bro. Stephen Ojo Aderibigbe - Secretary 3. Evang Julius Fogabi - Member 4. Sister Victoria Adegboye -Member 5. Bro. Akinyemi Ayeni - Member

Trustees.

1. Gabriel Adeoluwa Onagoruwa.

3. Ojini Onyeabo.

5. Tolulope Aderemi.

ÏÏÏThe

ing election.

Mr. Agbaje said the nonsensitive materials, which include ballot boxes, card readers, among others, would be distributed to each of the commission’s local government offices and the 203 wards in the state for the election.

He disclosed that the card readers, numbering over 4,000, would also be deployed for use in 3,009 polling units of the state.

The state REC also hinted that over 900,000 Permanent Voter Cards (PVCs) representing 66 percent of registered voters have been

PUBLIC NOTICE

Signed:Barr ( mrs ) EMILIA CHUKWUOCHA. 08035092374

t

PUBLIC NOTICE

DIGITAL SCHOLARS TORCH FOUNDATION.

LIFE ASSURANCE APOSTOLIC MINISTRY

This is to inform the general public that the above named foundation has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act no. 1 of 1990

This is to inform the general public that the above named foundation has applied for registration to Corporate Affairs Commission under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act no. 1 of 1990

Trustees.

1. Adeleye Olaitan. - Chairman.

2. Adeleye Latifat Olajumoke. - Secretary.

3. Buari Ayoola Lateef. - member.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Pastor Ogundele Olorunfemi Temitope - general Overseer 2. Pastor Babalola Mustapha- Asst General Overseer 3. Elder Afolabi Oladimeji - Treasurer 4. Mrs Olorunfemi Basirat Omolara - Secretary

Aim and Objective.

To promote digital education among youths.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE : To propagate the gospel of Christ.

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

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

Signed:ALABA ADELEYE. ESQ. .

Signed: Secretary.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

Politics Babangida

IBB: The brave General

17

s John Akpaide Brave General, it is traditional to start a letter by stating, “It is my pleasure to write you this letter.” I have followed this tradition countless times. But I must confess that never have I been more truthful in using that cliché than now. It is, indeed, a great pleasure, though you may not know me. And, unfortunately, I have neither wished nor desired being personally introduced to you.

My decision to write to you was through fortuitous circumstances. I read on the Facebook wall of Mr. Monday Ekong, an elder statesman, that you said the following: “The president came here to ask for my support, I had only 15 minutes… When he came, I told him that he made two political mistakes: first, was to lose Rotimi, the Governor of Rivers State. When the crisis was going on, Governor Rotimi was here to pay me a visit. I confronted him and he spoke to me

very honestly. Despite the problems, he was not ready to leave the PDP then. Gen. Obasanjo, myself and few others intervened in the matter as leaders of the party but the president did not foresee the current situation and didn’t take our advice seriously.

Rotimi is one young man I like so much for his honesty. He is very bold and always committed to his conviction. I told President Jonathan that the CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

I will take corruption war to Adamawa –Nuhu Ribadu You have made a name for your self while in public service as a man with zero tolerance for corruption, what do we expect in the state; are you going to embark on the crusade?

Corruption is the enemy of any good government, it stagnates meaningful development; so fighting corruption is going to be part of my system to make sure that what belongs to the people of Adamawa will not be siphoned for personal use. I will make sure that no one will temper will our treasury as far as I’m concerned.

Ribadu

Former Chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Malam Nuhu Ribadu, is the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Adamawa State for the February polls. In this interview with reporters in Yola, he declared his readiness to fight corruption to its knees if elected at the polls. While unfolding his blue print and his plan to deliver the state from the crutches of backwards, he explained reasons for his defection to PDP from APC and the level of his preparation to win the elections despite internal crisis tearing Adamawa State PDP stakeholders apart. WALE AKINTUNDE was there. Excerpts:

You were the pioneer chairman of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) that brought the agency to fame, and earned respect for the nation; will you repeat the same feat if voted into office?

I will do it the way I did it during my days in EFFC, with strong warnings for all to stop the habit for a better Adamawa and Nigeria in general. You may not understand the evil we

are talking about, corruption is purely an agenda of evil Nigerians who don’t want to see our country thriving. It is the main problem of this country and if it can be properly checked, I bet, half of Nigeria’s problem is solved. My state finances will be well managed and accounted for under my government.

Prudence and frugality savings will be well respected with high

Corruption is the enemy of any good government, it stagnates meaningful development; so fighting corruption is going to be part of my system

sense of accountability.

You are emphasising your government’s accountability and prudence, are you saying Adamawa is backward because of bad leaders that mismanagement of the state finances?

Research was recently conducted about the level of development in the 36 states and to my displeasure, our state is the last in terms of development. It calls for sober reflection, and for how long will we remain in this level? Things must change, we must work hard to liberate our people; I must go extra miles to fast tract development.

Before August 2014 nobody was talking about Nuhu in the political system of PDP in Adamawa state, the moment you defected to the party that you once opposed, the whole thing changed. How did you manage to do it considering the kind of crowds ganging up against you?

CONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Politics 18

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

IBB: The brave General?

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

second mistake he made was to call Obasanjo a motor park tout.

What an insult! That was wrong and the beginning of his problems. How many times had he seen Obasanjo insult Gowon?

I told him that supporting him would mean to endorse the insult on Gen Obasanjo. I won’t.

I advised him to go make peace with Governor Rotimi and Gen. Obasanjo.”

Brave General, I must confess that I was intrigued, particularly with this thing about “not insulting people.” I agree that - instead of saying that an elder statesman is talking like a tout, you could say that he is talking like a farmer.

But, brave General, you were the man who foisted one insolent evil General Sani Abacha on our dear nation. If you had not left him behind, Kudirat Abiola, Bagaudu Kaltho (a journalist), Ken SaroWiwa, Alfred Rewane, and a lot of others would still, probably, have been alive today. You were still living in your beautiful mansion in Minna, when General Sani Abacha arrested General Obasanjo like a common criminal, handcuffed him, tried him for a phantom coup and gave him a life sentence. Brave General, was this not an insult? Was this not a graver insult than merely calling a statesman a tout?

Yet it is not on record that you

went to Gen Abacha, your bosom friend, and told him, “How many times have you seen Obasanjo handcuffing Gowon or taking him to court? Go and make peace with Obasanjo.” Brave General, it is not on record that you told General Abacha, when he formed the five political parties that you would not support him until he made peace with Obasanjo because supporting him would mean endorsing his “insult” on Obasanjo.

Brave General, did you lose your courage?

You advised President Jona-

Brave General, I must confess that I was intrigued, particularly with this thing about “not insulting people.” I agree that - instead of saying that an elder statesman is talking like a tout, you could say that he is talking like a farmer

than to go and make peace with Governor Amaechi. Brave General, tell me the truth, have you, as a general, ever gone to make peace with a colonel? Why did you not advise Amaechi to go and make peace with the President? Brave General, I hope this was not a calculated attempt to humiliate the President? By the way, brave General, what do you know about peace? Are you not the man who was summoned to appear before the Oputa Truth and Reconciliation Committee set up by Chief Olusegun Obasanjo (then president) and you bluntly refused? The late Gani Fawhehinmi, had wanted you to appear and “make peace” over the Dele Giwa issue and let the nation know that you never had a problem with Dele Giwa.

Brave General, you did not show up! Neither did your friend, Major General Buhari showed up!

Was this not an insult on General Obasanjo?

Brave General, you had an opportunity to make peace with Mamman Vatsa, who was your best man when you married. He even begged to meet with you and settle the matter. You did not make peace with him! May his soul rest in peace. Just like your friend Amaechi, Gideon Orkar was an honest, bold young man and committed to his conviction.

You did not make peace with

Obasanjo

him. So this peace talk, where is it coming from?

Brave General, you ruled our country for eight years. Within the eight years, there were many cases of the killing of Christians in several cities in the north.

Tens of thousands of Christians were killed and a count-

less number of churches burnt.

Brave General, the perpetrators of these genocides and arsons were routinely arrested by the police and army. But do indulge me a bit and think, “Did you ever secure the conviction of any one for killing a Christian or burning a church?”

When Iman endorsed Udom for Akwa Ibom governorship

Udom Emmanuel

Jackson Udom Before the Bible said that a prophet was without honour among his own people, many factors had been put into consideration—the way Jesus Christ was treated in Nazareth and disregarded by its people had also authenticated the popular saying that familiarity breeds contempt. That saying appeared to have been cast in stones. But once a while, there are bound to be changes. One of such was when the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel, was received with pomp in Etinan Local Government.

For the people of Etinan, it was a great home-coming for their sons and leaders, as the chairman of the PDP in the

More like a triumphant entry, Governor Akpabio and Udom Emmanuel in company of other leaders, were received by the Iman people with the governor noting that the turnout at the rally made it appear like a state rally rather than a local government rally

state, Obong Paul Ekpo, who hails from the local government, led another son of Iman clan and governorship candidate, Udom, as well as the state governor, Chief Godswill Akpabio, who the people have come to love and see as one of their own because of his love for them in the last eight years to what was seen as an endorsement rally.

It was the occasion of the party’s campaign to the local government and by 4p.m, last Saturday, when the campaign train hit the local government; a tumultuous crowd had been waiting to receive the PDP leaders.

More like a triumphant entry, Governor Akpabio and Udom Emmanuel in company of other leaders, were received by the Iman people with the governor noting that the turnout at the

rally made it appear like a state rally rather than a local government rally.

The governor, who showed appreciation to the people for the turn out and for supporting him since he came into office in 2007, also lauded the state PDP chairman, Ekpo, for using his office to promote democracy as a “truthful and honest politician and a man of excellence,” while Ekpo also appreciated all party faithful for turning out in large number to show solidarity and support to the PDP. But the local government was not allowed to steal the show as the people of Nsit Ibom Local Government also demonstrated their love for the party and its governorship candidate by trooping out to receive the PDP CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

In politics, one must know how to have good consultations.

So, I consulted widely and I discovered that only in PDP can one be able to achieve people oriented results. Yes I was once in opposition party now in PDP like many Nigerian great politicians. As I said, politics is all about wide consultations and a way forward for your people.

Aside my ideology on politics and the nature of my person that hates all forms of corruption, I thought one must not be opposition at all cost.

‘How I will tackle Boko Haram’ on my track record. Only Hassan cannot speak or impose me over two million people of Adamawa State. I have a voice, my voice is my record I think my record has been speaking well for me. It’s time for change, time to work for my people and I must work for my people.....

Insha Allah, Adamawa must see and taste the aroma of good leadership this time around.

Don’t you see how bad our roads are? Insecurity has badly dealt with my people, in fact, its one of the reasons I made myself available to work for my people.

Why don’t you remain in the opposition party to contest?

My consultation has shown that PDP is the house that I will stay in to liberate my people.

There is no party that does not have its own foes and friends; all our parties in this country have their own unique attributes of either good or bad, so, the issue is not in the party, its in the personality in question.

Changing my views on which platform to stay and form a government is something that has to do with the people of Adamawa. They need me to come and rescue the state that has been under the shackles of underdevelopment as a result of poor governance. Right from the inception of democracy, Adamawa has been a PDP state, the people are PDP, so I am a PDP man going by the political history of my state.

What is your relationship with Hassan Turaki, the personal principal secretary to the President?

We are in the same party, we are from the same state and I consider him my elder brother as we came from the same state.

Many believe he is the brain behind your candidature as the flag bearer of PDP in your state?

My profiles speak for me and people say they need me based

Day Iman endorsed its own for Akwa Ibom governorship

19 Politics

Ribadu

I travelled to many countries in the world to help resolve and handle insecurity issues and by the grace of God, my experience will be used in curtailing the work of these miscreants called Boko Haram

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

leaders and to share in the vision for a greater Akwa Ibom, where the transformational leadership of Akpabio will continue after May, 29.

Governor Akpabio called on the people to support Emmanuel, assuring that if elected, he would industrialise the local government and carry the people along during his administration, adding that he would

continue with the uncommon transformation going on in the state by bringing sustainable development to Etinan.

For the people, a change of guard should not bring any worry, as Akpabio assured that Udom would be 100 per cent committed to the completion of on-going roads project in Etinan and other roads that link it with other local government areas of the state, maintaining

You look more disturbed when you raised the issue of insecurity, can you halt the menace?

Tackling security issues are some of my callings in life. Aside being a corruption fighter, I travelled to many countries in the world to help resolve and handle insecurity issues and by the grace of God, my experience will be used in curtailing the work of these miscreants called Boko Haram.

I will make sure I get to the root of the problems because my people are suffering too much and its disturbing my spirit. I will certainly give priority to the issue of insecurity because the people need urgent and fast intervention for all to go back to their communities.

My coming on board as the governor if God wills, will ensure that the internally displaced persons (IDPs) get special attention in terms of rebuilding their communities; be economically empowered and the issue of their schools will be adequately addressed while must be beefed up security in those areas.

What is your Adamawa dream if given the chance to

that development would never stop in the state if Udom is elected as governor.

Akpabio, did not leave the podium without making a pledge to the people—the electrification project of Ikot Efo and Ikot Udobia villages and the construction of the Leprosy Hospital road will be completed with a bridge in the local government, a development that drew applause from the people.

be governor?

I will form an encompassing government where all the people of the state will enjoy and see the government that is result oriented. The state will be given a new look in infrastructures, I will make sure all the LGAs are tarred from A-Z, I will liaise with the people of Cameroun to create access roads that will link up with our communities in the North and southern part of the state, which will enhance a lot of economic activities and in turn it will lead to many jobs creation.

In four years to come, Adamawa will be more than Gombe State in terms of development, because I will maximally use and explore ways of generating income both local and international. My government must be active all through, no dull moment during my administration as we have since been left behind and we must be fast to catch up with others.

Education, is my first priority.My government will be active in investing in our own tertiary institutions, where qualified hands can be given appointments to teach our youths. Research work for the benefit of the state will be given due attention; we have lots of mineral resources and with good research work, we will properly harness our mineral resources for state development.

Will you indict your predecessors if found guilty of financial mismanagement?

My government is a government of accountability, I must be accountable and my predecessors must be accountable too. The constitution is clear about that. We must begin to get things done the right way failure to do that is making evil to triumph.

Emmanuel said God has given the local government a second chance for the continuity, stressing that he would sustain the uncommon transformation of the state. He assured that the people would be carried along in his administration and noted that it is only PDP that will ensure that the glory of the dilapidated Etinan Institute returns and promised to build a flyover CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Politics 20 Benue PDP guber aspirants rally support for Tarzoor

Makurdi

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

Freddie Adamgbe

Gubernatorial aspirants in Benue State under the banner of Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) have resolved to team up with the candidacy of Rt. Hon. Terhemen Tarzoor in order to clinch the governorship seat come February 28, 2015.

Speaking through Prof David Ker at the PDP rally in Aliade and Naka, the headquarters of Gwer East and Gwer West local governments yesterday, the aspirants said they were overwhelmed by the level of acceptability and goodwill exhibited by the Benue people to the candidacy of Hon. Tarzoor saying they have no option than team

up with him until victory is achieved.

The state deputy governor, Chief Steven Lawani who was also an aspirant during the December primaries of the PDP attested to this saying though he was keen to offer services to the state at the highest level, Benue people decided otherwise by nominating Hon. Tar-

zoor adding that the views of the majority must be accorded utmost priority.

Chief Lawani called on the Benue people to come out en mass and vote all the candidates of the PDP from the National Assembly elections slated for 14 February, 2015 and the state elections holding on the 28 February, 2015 respectively.

Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi

Iraq’s Sunni minority and Shia-led government by taking control of the predominantly Sunni city of Fallujah, in the western province of Anbar. It also seized large sections of the provincial capital, Ramadi, and has a presence in a number of towns near the Turkish and Syrian borders.

The group has gained a reputation for brutal rule in the areas that it controls. However, it was its conquest of Mosul in June that sent shockwaves around the world. Iraqi security forces fled as IS advanced into the city of Mosul.

The US said the fall of Iraq’s second city posed a threat to the entire region. It may also have made ISIS the most cash-rich militant group in the world. Initially, the group relied on donations from wealthy individuals in Gulf Arab states, particularly Kuwait and Saudi Arabia, who supported its fight against President Bashar al-Assad.

The terror called Islamic State Islamic State stands with al-Qaeda as one of the most dangerous jihadist groups, after its gains in Syria and Iraq.

Under its former name Islamic State in Iraq and the Levant (Isis), it was formed in April 2013, growing out of al-Qaeda in Iraq (AQI). It has since been disavowed by al-Qaeda, but has become one of the main jihadist groups fighting government forces in Syria and Iraq.

Its precise size is unclear but it is thought to include thousands of fighters, including many foreign jihadists. The organisation is led by Abu Bakr al-Baghdadi. Little is known

about him, but it is believed he was born in Samarra, north of Baghdad, in 1971 and joined the insurgency that erupted in Iraq soon after the 2003 US-led invasion In 2010 he emerged as the leader of al-Qaeda in Iraq, one of the groups that later became Isis.

Baghdadi is regarded as a battlefield commander and tactician, which analysts say makes his group more attractive to young jihadists than alQaeda, which is led by Ayman al-Zawahiri, an Islamic theologian.

Prof Peter Neumann of King’s

College London estimates that about 80% of Western fighters in Syria have joined the group.

It claims to have fighters from the UK, France, Germany and other European countries, as well as the US, the Arab world and the Caucasus.

Unlike other rebel groups in Syria, it seems to be working towards an Islamic emirate that straddles Syria and Iraq. The group has seen considerable military success. In March 2013, it took over the Syrian city of Raqqa - the first provincial capital to fall under rebel control.

In January 2014, it capitalised on growing tension between

Iman to deliver Akwa Ibom to Jonathan CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

at Ekom Iman to link other parts of the state.

Udom, if elected, would be the third governor from the Iman clan and fourth man from the Ibibio ethnic stock to be governor, and like a true son of the soil that he is, he promised to ensure that Etinan benefits largely from his government through infrastructural and human capital development.

Senator Bob Effiong, called on all Ibibio sons and daughters to vote massively for all the PDP candidates from the presidency to the House of Assembly, noting that anyone contesting the governorship election from outside Eket Senatorial District should be treated as a leper, because Uyo Senatorial District has decided to support the zoning of the seat to Eket so that after eight years, Uyo will have it on a silver platter.

Similarly, Asuna Professionals based in Lagos and Abuja who are indigenes of the local government, such as Uko Udom, SAN; Essien Udom; Mfon Udom; Uko Albert and Ufot Ebong all mobilized for the success of the rally and declared their support for the PDP, with the Asuna Group and other artistes spicing the rally with music and traditional dance.

The people of Etinan also had a message for Governor Akpabio, Udom and the PDP entourage, and they minced no words in delivering it. In unison, they echoed their intention to elect all candidates on the party platform of the PDP. The Akpan Iman and chairman of Iman Elders’ Council, Bishop C.O. Akpan presented souvenirs to the governor and his would-be successor. The women of Etinan made their presence at the rally felt by presenting Governor Akpabio their farm produce to show appreciation for his

achievements in the state.

The campaign train moved to

Udom, if elected, would be the third governor from the Iman clan and fourth man from the Ibibio ethnic stock to be governor, and like a true son of the soil that he is, he promised to ensure that Etinan benefits largely from his government

Nsit-Ibom local Government, where there was another round of commendations for the governor and endorsements for Udom, other PDP candidates from the people of Nsit-Ibom, who dared the tempers of the weather to receive the PDP campaign train.

The governor thanked the people for supporting the PDP, and recalled that when he came into office, he was determined to change the face of the state through infrastructural development, which he did. He pointed out that when God gives an opportunity to any youth for an elective office, he should leave the office better than he meets it.

Stakeholders in the two local governments, the senatorial candidate for Akwa Ibom North-East Senatorial District, Obong Bassey Albert; ObongChris Ekpenyong, Rt. Hon. Ndueso Essien and Senator Effiong, among others, reaf-

firmed their commitment to support PDP, calling on the electorate to support President Jonathan, Udom Emmanuel and all PDP candidates in the general election.

Without a doubt, the people of Nsit-Ibom and Etinan have made their decision and to demonstrate their commitment to a progressive Akwa Ibom, where continuity and sustainability in infrastructural and human development are nonnegotiable.

For the people of these local governments, Udom Emmanuel remained the only option through which they can continue to say Akwa Ibom Ado Okay and forward is the only way Nigeria must move in terms of the presidency, as they have decided that their votes belonged to the winning party, the PDP. Udom, Special Assistant to the Governor of Akwa Ibom State on Media sent this piece from Etinan, Akwa

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

Features

s

LSG LASAA Law: When lawmakers become law breakers

FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON took a drive around town and reports that against a Lagos State law, Fashola’s City of Excellence has been awash with posters of politicians seeking elective positions, especially those of the ruling All Progressive Party (APC).

Girl who ran away from home in search of education Despite efforts by the Kano State Government at making education free for all girls in the state, some parents still prefer their children to hawk wares on the streets than sent them to school. That is a story of Nana Khadija, who decided to run away from home to get education rather than spend her life on the streets. YAKUBU SALISU reports on the travails of this 13 year-old girl.

According to Nana Khadija Ibrahim a 13-year- old teenager, she decided to run away from her parents, because of her love for education. According to her, she likes going to school, especially every time she wakes up in the morning and sees other children of her age dress up for school. For her, life starts and ends on the streets where she has been condemned to a life of hawking petty wares.

She said she tried to convince her parents but all pleas fell on deaf ears. She said her mother was not loving towards her, as she was always subjected to cruel punishments anytime she

fails to sell all the wares for the day.

As a result of frustration, she took the decision to run away from home and trek to Niger State to seek help from her mother’s relations. As she had no money, she decided to embark on the harzardous journey on foot. But suddenly, all her efforts were thwarted as the police at Tsanyawa, a town about 130 kilometres from Niger State intercepted her on the road.

After her sad story, the police handed her over to the Hisbah CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

21

Nana

It is a wonder how law makers breach the very laws they have made when their interest is at stake; even law enforcement agencies and the judiciary completely ignore the law when politics becomes a do or die affair.

Daily Times recalls that Lagos State government in 2006 enacted the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) Law, which prohibits indiscrimiCONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Features 22

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

It is common to see statues being defaced CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

nate pasting of posters or advert materials in the city.

As part of its beautification exercise, Lagos State government embarked on a massive growing of tall trees on both sides of major streets and erected artworks and clock towers in public places.

Water fountains and beautiful gardens as well as electronic billboards in strategic locations completed the beautification exercise.

Then in 2011, government established the Lagos State Parks

and Gardens Agency (LASPARK), to oversee and maintain the aesthetic designs of the state.

Prior to their coming on board, there was a high level of indiscipline in the way people advertise their products/services via posters and signposts. Before now, it was commonplace to see a huge statue in a public area that has been completely defaced with posters. And of course, the surrounding flower gardens will have been overtaken by refuse dumps.

House fences, building walls, streetlights, road medians, even

broken down vehicles, also suffered indiscriminate posters plastering. It didn’t matter how well painted or designed your wall was, they paste their posters there.

This must have informed the reason LASAA came up with the slogan, ‘You won’t deface yourself, why deface our Lagos?’

Noble as this exercise is, just like every other law, it didn’t come without a penalty. This dealt a blow on owners of churches, mosques and small businesses, CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

My mother subjects me to cruel punishment CONTINUED FROM PAGE 21

Command of the town, which after further investigations, discovered that the girl’s parents were residing at Dan Dishe, a town in Dala Local Government Area of Kano State. Under the escort of one Abubakar, she was

brought to the Dala Command.

There, her parents were invited and the girl handed over to them after they had signed an undertaking that Nana will be enrolled into a school. Furthermore, they undertook not to send her into the streets to hawk petty wares and that Nana must be brought

to the command every week for assessment of her progress.

Like Khadija, there are other girls hawking on the streets of Kano,who also want their stories and plights heard.

Aisha Abubakar who sells Awara at Janbulo, said she had no option as her parents are too

poor to send her to school, even when she loves to acquire education. For now, she is almost the family’s breadwinner. She said she hopes her own children would be lucky to go to school and who knows the situation may change for her and she would be in school like other children of

her age. She said, it has not been easy, as some of them are sexually abused by some men while hawking their wares.

Another street hawker, Sadiya Jibrin interviewed at Tal’udu junction, said she travels all the CONTINUED ON PAGE 23

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

I was not born with silver spoon

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

way from Rogo village every day to sell groundnut oil and Kuli Kuli. She has been forced into street hawking as her parents cannot afford to buy the matrimonial bed and other house hold items, whenever she will be given out for marriage. She has to hawk petty items to raise money and save towards her marriage. She admitted that being constantly under the sun is not something she wishes for any child of her age. “What choice

do I have since I was not born with silver spoon”, she said.

A woman, Malama Zainab who resides at Dorayi quarters, however said the reason why some children hawk on the streets is because of the errornous belief that a woman’s education ends up in the husband’s kitchen.

Most times when they marry, their husbands will not allow them to work. So what is the need training them in school when they can help their families raise money through hawking petty wares? She said, although pover-

23 Features

ty contributes much to the plight of these young girls, she does not attach much importance to the education of girls. This made Daily Times to contact the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the Hisbah Board Malam Muhammad Yusuf, who said it is wrong for parents to shirk their responsibilities over to their children.

He said it is the duty of parents, especially fathers to provide for the needs of the family CONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Ruling party is the greatest culprit CONTINUED FROM PAGE 22

which do not have the wherewithal to go through the process of advertising on LASAA’s designated billboards.

At the initial stage of the law, there were no penalties. People only woke up to discover that their posters had been removed and, in most cases, they went back to re-paste them.

Then LASAA decided to enforce the law full-time by descending heavily on violators. Most hit were the churches and people in the entertainment industries.

Since these posters carry contact telephone numbers and ad-

dresses, LASAA officials use these telephone numbers and addresses to pose as prospective clients to their victims to track them down.

Over time, commonsense prevailed; no one need be warned of the consequences of pasting posters indiscriminately, not even within the inner streets. Though, this wasn’t too much of a good development to the churches and the rest of them, they had no choice but to abide by the law.

While this category of people are still counting their losses, a new development came up when politicians in Lagos State, especially those aspiring to various

elective positions in 2015 started their campaign.

The posters have resumed and this time around, with impunity.

Prominent among those violating the law are the very law makers themselves: the All Progressives Congress (APC) politicians and the People’s Democratic Party (PDP). Some of their posters equal the size of a billboard.

Though LASAA officials try to remove the posters, what they leave behind is an eyesore because of the glue used to paste them. And even when the posters are, it takes only a few hours for another set to be pasted, and so the cycle goes on.

Now, while the walls and fences may be overlooked, the ones on the newly painted medians are really outrageous.

With the return of posters on every surface in the streets and highways, people are asking if LASAA poster law has been abrogated, or whether the law was made for a select few.

Now, if there is a timeframe, probably because of election allowed for the pasting of posters, then is LASAA saying that the churches, mosques, and other small poster advertisers should resume pasting of their posters, until the elections?

If the law has not been abro-

gated, some questions remain pertinent: why are the APC politicians violating the law? Are they above LASAA law? If they are not above LASAA law, what has LASAA done to call them to order? If they are not above LASAA law, what penalty measures have been meted to them, just like they did to churches and the entertainment bodies? Might it just be that LASAA is afraid of bringing them to book?

Also, since for now, it’s largely members of the ruling party in Lagos State that are vehemently violating the law, should their opCONTINUED ON PAGE 24

Features 24

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

Law against posters on streets not abrogated

A father must bear responsibility for his children

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

ponents from other parties toe the same line, will LASAA also look the other way?

Some have even argued that the persistence or repetition of those posters on the streets, highways and medians, is a clear indication that LASAA is not doing anything to call the APC politicians to order and that this remains a clear case of injustice to those who have suffered in the hands of LASAA officials as a result of pasting their posters.

In a telephone conversation with the Public Relations Officer of LASAA, Tope Akande, he indicated that the law against the plastering of posters on the streets and highways has not been abrogated.

While he consented that the pasting of the posters became more pronounced with the political engineering in the air, he said the agency recently reeled out guidelines on how and where the posters should be pasted as he said the politicians claimed they were not given a guideline previously. Hence, they never knew where and where not to paste their campaign posters.

Akande further said anybody caught pasting posters at restricted areas would be arrested and handed over to the taskforce on environmental offences, as the agency does not have the power to prosecute them.

When asked if the agency was going to apologise to the nonpoliticians who were prosecuted prior to setting the guidelines, Akande bluntly said they deserve no apologies as what the agency was doing was to make the environment decent and suitable for all.

He also pointed out that the agency is presently gathering all the poster distributors into an association so as to streamline the rules for their operations. “What we are doing is to reduce to the barest minimum and eventually eradicate the indiscriminate pasting of posters so that the environment does not look tacky.

“We are listening to them and also talking to them, so that they don’t mess up the same environment on which they operate. For the bridges and flyovers, they are

Removal of posters that deface our environment is a statutory obligation allowed to create frames on which their posters could be pasted. It is all for the good of Lagosians.”

With the new guidelines now in place, Lagosians are watching to be convinced that everybody is equal before LASAA law and that their hammer is no respecter of persons.

Also at a meeting with the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, Managing Director of LASAA, George Noah vowed that the agency would not be swayed by any threat adding that the removal of posters that deface the environment is a statutory obligation of LASAA, and it would be unlawful for the police to arrest any LASSA staff for carrying out their lawful duty.

Noah told Daily Times that the agency had published guidelines for deploying electoral materials in four national dailies, adding that a town hall meeting was also convened with all the political parties where the guidelines were presented to them.

“Let me state clearly that the removal of posters that deface our environment is a statutory obligation of LASAA,” he concluded.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 23

and not forcing their children onto the streets to hawk petty goods. He said such act amounts to child abuse. Yusuf said that poverty should not be reason for abusing the human rights of children. “Parents must remember that Allah has saddled them with the responsibility of taking care of their children both financially, religiously, socially and morally. As such, Allah will ask them on the last day what they did with the children he gave them”.

According to him whether school is free or not, the father must bear the cost of training his children. He said the board from time to time records cases of young girls who are molested while hawking and the board has always tried to educate parents on the dangers such pose to their children. What happens to a female child could also happen to a male child, there should be no exemption, “he said.

His assistant, Abukakar Mati, said he was moved with tears when the girl was brought to them. He said it is unthinkable that a mother who laboured to give birth should be maltreating the same child. He said he and his other officers will not relent in doing Allah’s work. He said his command will ensure that the parents keep to their promise, even as he advised them to look after their children as they are “Amana “given to them by Allah.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

Chronicle Today in History

25

s Cartoon from our Archives

Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola 1952 Elizabeth becomes queen On this day in 1952, after a long illness, King George VI of Great Britain and Northern Ireland died in his sleep at the royal estate at Sandringham.

Princess Elizabeth, the oldest of the king’s two daughters and next in line to succeed him, was in Kenya at the time of her father’s death; she was crowned Queen Elizabeth II on June 2, 1953, at age 27.

King George VI, the second son of King George V, ascended to the throne in 1936 after his older brother, King Edward VIII, voluntarily abdicated to marry American divorcee Wallis Simpson. During World War II, George worked to rally the spirits of the British people by touring war zones, making a series of morale-boosting radio broadcasts (for which he overcame a speech impediment) and shunning the safety of the countryside to remain with his wife in bomb-damaged Buckingham Palace. The king’s health deteriorated in 1949, but he continued to perform state duties until his death in 1952.

Queen Elizabeth, born on April 21, 1926, and known to her family as Lilibet, was groomed as a girl to succeed her father.

She married a distant cousin, Philip Mountbatten, on November 20, 1947, at London’s Westminster Abbey. The first of Elizabeth’s four children, Prince Charles, was born in 1948.

From the start of her reign, Elizabeth understood the value of public relations and allowed her 1953 coronation to be televised, despite objections from Prime Minister Winston Churchill and others who felt it would cheapen the ceremony.

Elizabeth, the 40th British monarch since William the Conqueror, has worked hard at her royal duties and become a popular figure around the world. In 2003, she celebrated 50 years on the throne, only the fifth British monarch to do so.

The queen’s reign, however, has not been without controversy. She was seen as cold and out-of-touch following the 1996 divorce of her son, Prince Charles, and Princess Diana,

and again after Diana’s 1997 death in a car crash. Additionally, the role in modern times of the monarchy, which is largely ceremonial, has come into question as British taxpayers have complained about covering the royal family’s travel expenses and palace upkeep. Still, the royals are effective world ambassadors for Britain and a huge tourism draw. Today, the queen, an avid horsewoman and Corgi dog lover, is one of the world’s wealthiest women, with extensive real-estate holdings and art and jewellery collections 1958 Man United players among victims of plane crash On this day in 1958, a British European Airways flight crashed just after takeoff from the Munich Airport. Twentythree people died in the crash, including eight players from the Manchester United soccer team, which had just qualified for the semi- finals of the European Cup. The Manchester United team was returning from Belgrade, where they had played the Red Star team. Manchester was led

by Coach Matt Busby; his young players were known as the “Busby Babes.” A 3-3 tie with Red Star meant that Manchester United

1985 The “Reagan Doctrine” is announced

1985 The “Reagan Doctrine” is announced In his State of the Union address, President Ronald Reagan defined some of the key concepts of his foreign policy, establishing what comes to be known as the “Reagan Doctrine.” The doctrine served as the foundation for the Reagan administration’s support of “freedom fighters” around the globe.

Daily Times February 6, 1961 moved on to the semi-finals of the European Cup. The team’s flight back to Manchester was delayed an hour because one of the players forgot his passport. The Airspeed Ambassador G-ALZU charter then stopped at Munich-Riem Airport to re-fuel. Munich had just had a snowstorm and condi-

Reagan began his foreign policy comments with the dramatic pronouncement that, “Freedom is not the sole prerogative of a chosen few; it is the universal right of all God’s children.” America’s “mission” was to “nourish and defend freedom and democracy.”

More specifically, Reagan declared that, “We must stand by our democratic allies. And we must not break faith with those who are risking their lives—on every continent, from Afghanistan to Nicaragua—to defy Soviet-supported aggression and secure rights which have been ours from birth.” He concluded, “Support for freedom fighters is self-defence.”

With these words, the Reagan administration laid the foundation for its program of military assistance to “freedom fighters.”

tions were not ideal for flying.

Pilot James Thain had to abort his first two attempts at takeoff because of engine trouble.

On the third attempt, just after 3 p.m., the plane was unable to get enough lift and crashed into a fence at the end of the runway.

It then ploughed into an empty house.

1998

Twenty-two of the 43 people on board died in the crash.

Seven players were among the dead and an eighth, Duncan Edwards, died from his injuries two weeks later, bringing the total death toll to 23. Coach Busby suffered severe injuries and was in critical condition for weeks.

Infamous school teacher goes back to prison

1998 Infamous school teacher goes back to prison A judge reinstated the suspended sentence of school teacher Mary Kay Letourneau and sent her back to prison for seven years after she is caught violating a no-contact order with her former student Vili Fualaau, when she is found in a vehicle with the boy. Letourneau first met Fualaau when she was a teacher at Shorewood Elementary School, in the Seattle suburb of Burien, Washington, and he was a second-grader. During the summer of 1996, Letourneau, then 34 and a married mother of four, began a sexual relationship with her former sixth-grade stu-

dent, then 12.

The relationship was eventually discovered and in February 1997, Letourneau was arrested for rape. In May of that year, the former teacher, who was born Mary Katherine Schmitz in California in 1962, gave birth to the couple’s first child, a daughter named Audrey. That August, Letourneau pled guilty to two counts of second-degree child rape. Judge Linda Lau of King County Superior Court showed Letourneau leniency by suspending her 89-month sentence and the former school teacher was ordered to serve six months in jail, attend a treatment program and have no contact with Fualaau.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

Tourism

s

Olumirin Waterfalls: neglect of a world-class tourism site

Main gate

Tayo Adelaja Arguably, one of the best in the country, Olumirin waterfalls, widely touted to be one of the unsung wonders of nature in Nigeria, at Erin-Ijesa in Osun State is, gradually, becoming a neglected site.

Located off the Ilesa-Akure expressway, the site is going through very hard times, what with the roadside signboard hardly visible, making visitors to, often, miss their way. The road is in a state of disrepair, same is the main gate to the waterfalls.

A tourist, visiting with his family of five from Lagos, Adewale Olanrewaju expressed his frustration, “It is sad that we’re encouraged to visit our sites in order to promote domestic tourism and avoid capital flight. How can we patronise our local sites when I drove around for over an hour to search for this site, with no signs to direct any visitor from the express road to the site.

Just look at the road leading to the site?”

The gateman, who collects N500 per head from every visitor, identified himself as John, but, was unwilling to disclose the name of the firm he represented, simply saying, “I’m only doing my job. We’re the consultant to the government.”

If the road to the main gate of the site was bad, visitors would not find the inside any

The weedy car park

better. The once tarred road is an eyesore! The shaky railings are rusty and could give way anytime, there is filth everywhere, the car parks are bushy; staircases, in some areas, are slippery and have no barriers

to prevent people from falling over; a glaring state of general abandonment of the waterfalls.

When Daily Times approached the head consultant on site, asking what the money being collected from visitors to the site is used for, he answered,

Experiencing the richness of Eyo festival Tunde Atobatele

One of the bad roads

In modern times, it is presented by the people of Lagos as a tourist event and, due to its history, it is, traditionally, performed on Lagos Island.

The word Eyo refers to the costumed dancers, known as the masquerades that participate during the festival. The origins of this observance are found in

the inner workings of the secret societies of Lagos. Back in the days, The festival was to escort the soul of a departed Lagos King or Chief and usher in a successor.

It is widely believed that the festival is one of the manifestations of the customary African festivities that serves as the forerunner of the modern carnival in Brazil.

On Eyo Day, the main highway in the heart of the city (from the

end of Carter Bridge to Tinubu Square) is closed to traffic, allowing for procession from Idumota to the Iga Idunganran palace.

The white-clad Eyo masquerades represent the spirits of the dead, and are referred to in Yoruba as Agogoro Eyo (literally: tall Eyo).

The Adamu Orisa (Eyo) festival is, perhaps, the most famous cul-

Continued on page 27

“I’m not to oversee repairs, but, ensure prompt payment by visitors. You can put that question to my oga”, when asked how to contact his boss, he declined.

Another tourist, Kikelomo Akinuli said, “This is my first

Continued on page 27

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

27 Tourism

Different faces of Eyo masquerades

It’s rich, it’s Yoruba...

Continued from page 26 tural festival in Lagos State. This is partly because it developed in the heart of central Lagos, which is the Island.

The festival was first staged in 1854 in honour of the late Oba Akitoye of Lagos and since then, it has remained a prominent festival, which seeks to celebrate the life and times of prominent, but, dead Lagosians. A complete paraphernalia of Eyo consists of a white flowing gown that covers the head and feet which symbolises the spirit.

The Eyo wears a head gear called Aga, with each group having separate colours for its Eyo. Eyo usually carries a long palm stick called Opambata as his staff

of office. The stick is, usually, with artistic inscriptions to express its uniqueness and beauty.

Opambata are normally used by Eyo to greet each other and elders. They also use them in beating offenders or harassing their friends.

The different natures, colours and costumes of the Aga distinguish the chiefs, their groups and Eyo. The groups include Adimu, Oniko, Okolaba, Ologede, and Agere. While there are royal Eyo like Olorogun, Aromire, Oloto, Bajulaye, Akitoye, Eletu-Odibo, Onilegbale, Onitana, Ogunmode, Onisemo, Ashogun, Oluwa, Jakande, Eti and Ashodi among others. Each Eyo is easily identified by the nature of his Aga. Preparations towards the

grand procession of the Eyo festival are rooted in long-standing tradition and no one dares alter the sequence or denigrate it.

From the chosen date to the inscriptions and demarcations on the staff, from which each family erects the Para, to who has the exclusive rights to dismantle it, from costume to public conduct when in uniform, every single detail is closely observed and strictly adhered to.

There is a week-long Opambata show, with the Agbodo dance and a rituals to be performed by Chief Eletu-Odibo, this marks the beginning of the festival.

The major music of the show is Korogun, consisting of IyaIlu, two Omele drums, Konkolo and gong. Drumming and other

musical equipment accompany the Eyo as they move around the streets of Lagos during the festival which involves thorough merry-making.

Regulations & Significance However, there are basic regulations to be adhered to by the public during the Adamu Orisa festival on sighting an Eyo. First, everybody must remove their shoes, head-ties, caps, women must not plait their hair (Suku style), umbrellas must be folded, riders must dismount from bicycles and all cigarettes and pipes should be put away.

The main cultural significance of the festival to Lagos Island is its practise in the funeral ceremonies of a king or a chief and its

importance in the crowning of a successor. No wonder, that in the past, a new Lagos Oba should, as a matter of necessity, perform rituals through the festival to appease his dead predecessor for the success of his own tenure, failure of which could be disastrous to his reign.

It is the belief of the people of Lagos that the festival wards off death, sickness and poverty while long life and prosperity would be restored to the island and environs.

Eyo festival aids social interaction among the inhabitants on the Island as people come from different places like Ijebu, Badagry, Ikorodu and others, to join them in celebrating the festival.

Olumirin Waterfalls: A treasure abandoned Continued from page 26 time here. It is quite stunning and it oozes a calming ambience which only something natural can produce. It is only a pity that the government is not doing much to promote, brand and package the site. It should be a

money-spinning venture, if well harnessed. Just today, that I came here, some students came with five luxury buses and four

of the site, I wondered what the government had been doing with all the money being collected from the site, more atten-

ing, I have never seen anything like this, before now, in my life.

The water flows with a rhythm and just watching it relaxes my

18-seater buses. Can you imagine how much money this consultant is making?

“When I saw the pitiable state

tion should be paid to this lovely site by the relevant authorities.

Check the first level of the waterfalls, so beautiful and amaz-

soul. It is so inviting I couldn’t stop myself from having a feel of it; I needed to feel the water on my skin, and not minding

my hair, I went in. imagine how it embraced my body like a lost child, it took a lot of plea to get me out of the water”, she said with a smile.

Despite the poor state of the site, the waterfalls remain a site any tourist would crave to visit any day.

28

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

Business Times

s

Heritage Bank to escalate SME, retail sector lending Ugochukwu Onyeocha

Sekibo, Heritage Bank MD

Heritage Bank’s lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the retail sector has been projected to increase in 2015, the Bank said on Thursday in Lagos.

Mr. Tony Madojemu, a Director of the bank, made this known while speaking at a forum organised by the Business

Networking International (BNI) to mark its International Networking Week. ``The retail sector is booming and some of the ‘big firms’ are beginning to dictate unnecessarily to the banks; so, attention is shifting from them to these sectors. ``Even though the banking sector outlook for 2015, according to Fitch, tells us that bank-

ing may not fair favourably this year, it could still favour some small business owners. ``So, banks are beginning to seek new opportunities to increase profitability and guard against collapse by seeking ways to deal with only wellstructured SMEs; so, I see this as good news. ``The only challenge is how small businesses can manage

their systematic and operational risks in order to keep a wellstructured business that would attract banks to lend them money. ``Knowing well that access to finance is one of the major challenges of our SMEs today, we must also point out that business owners should brace up their competence if they must access loans.

BOI targets increased SME productivity through BDSPs Charles Okonji The Bank of Industry (BOI) has raised its developmental commitment to the Small and Medium Enterprises sector by organising workshops for selected Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) in Lagos and Abuja.

The BDSPs were charged to assist well meaning, credible and genuine Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through bankable proposals to access BOI’s fund.

Managing Director, BOI, Mr. Rasheed Olaoluwa, explained that the bank will only throw its full weight behind SMEs that are credible and genuine to do business with, saying that his administration is poised to help the sector thrive in the harsh business operating environment in the country.

The BOI boss during a capac-

ity building session for BDSPs, stressed that BOI is not a platform for sharing what he called the national cake, and implored the BDSPs to adopt a painstaking effort to select SMEs that are worthy of the bank loans. ”Expectations are very high to yield a lot of result for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development. SMEs are very important, there are about 17 million SMEs in Nigeria according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) contributing over 50 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” he said.

He noted that despite the sector’s potential, it is perceived to be a very risky segment for banks to lend.

“In more cases than not, SMEs do not get support. There have been a lot of talk but little actions have been taken to address problems hindering SME development in the country. It is our expectation that at the end of the

seminar, we are going to be on the same page by brainstorming the way forward for SMEs in the country,” he said.

Furthermore, the BOI boss said: “We are ready to support genuine SMEs. This is where the BDSPs come in to help us filter and identify serious and genuine SMEs. We are ready to lend to them, but we will not throw away money.”

Also speaking at the event, Executive Director, BOI, Mr. Waheed Olagunju, said: “If many of our resources go to the SMEs, we will be able to create about 2.4 million jobs because of the multiplying effect of this sector along the value chain. However, we are bent on reversing the trend within a very short time”.

According to him, 30 per cent of the bank’s risk assets will be focused on SMEs in order to touch and impact more positively to improve the standard of living of the citizenry.

Olaoluwa, MD Bank of Industry

NIA urges NAICOM to enforce Insurance Act 2003

Sapele power plant to be inaugurated soon

Kayode Adelowokan

Tony Nwakaegho

The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) on Thursday urged the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to sustain the enforcement of the compulsory insurances listed in the Insurance Act of 2003.

The associations’ Chairman,

Mr. Godwin Wiggle, said this in Lagos at a meeting between the commission and NIA membercompanies.

Wiggle said the association was also seeking the assistance of NAICOM to ensure a further amendment of the Companies Income Tax Amendment (CITA) Act 2007.

Vice President Namadi Sambo said on Wednesday that the Federal Government would soon inaugurate the Sapele Power Plant to boost electricity supply across the country.

Sambo made this information public at the Peoples Demo-

cratic Party (PDP) Presidential Campaign Rally in Asaba, Delta. ``You all know that Mr. President is addressing the issue of power supply and I’m pleased to inform you that the new NIPP power plant in Sapele is now 100 per cent completed and it will be commissioned soon.

Sambo

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

29 Brand & Marketing

Toke, Tayo unveiled as Payporte brand ambassadors Stories by Michael Olatunji Payporte has signed TV personality, Toke Makinwa, and Big Brother Africa Season 9 runner up, Tayo Faniran, as its first ever ambassadors.

This is in its quest to reach its target audience which comprises mainly students, young urban professionals and mature adults.

The pair were introduced at an unveiling event recently held in Lagos.

Speaking at the event, , Managing Director of Payporte, Mr. Eyo Bassey, revealed that opinion of people were sampled before the company decided to pick both Toke Makinwa and Tayo Faniran, adding that people said a lot of good things about the two big celebrities during the process.

“Toke and Tayo are the right and befitting personalities to drive our brand because Toke stands for quality which our brand offers, while Tayo will generate mass appeal for our brand because he is likable, fashionable and trendy personality,” Bassey stated.

Furthermore, Bassey noted: “Our price is our unique selling point and we don’t stock what we don’t have in our store. We are coming into the market to make sure the market is properly served in Nigeria and so any other countries we serve.”

Speaking about the contact which will last for a year, Toke Makinwa, stated that it is a marriage which both parties will generate immeasurable benefit from considering high number

Gupta

380g powder milk hits market

Big Brother Africa Season 9 runner up, Tayo Faniran and media personality, Toke Makinwa, after being named Payporte brand ambassadors.

of friends she has on social media.

Tayo Faniran on his own part said people know him for originality which Payporte also stands for.

Also speaking, Payporte Head of Social Media Business Strat-

FG revokes outdoor sites approval in Lagos The Federal Government has terminated existing approvals for outdoor sites previously given to outdoor practitioners in Lagos State.

The termination order affects outdoor ad locations on Federal government roads/setbacks.

The decision is contained in a letter written by the Federal Ministry of Works to the President of the Outdoor Advertising Association of Nigeria (OAAN).

The decision may be aiming at outdoor sites in Lagos State including electronic billboards currently featuring APC adverts.

OAAN, the association representing outdoor agencies in Nige-

ria, has called for an emergency meeting of its executive members to deliberate on this latest development.

OAAN is expected to discuss amongst other issues the N350 million loss suffered by some of its members as a result of the illegal deployment of PDP adverts on street lamp poles previously paid for by Globacom and Huawei, the Chinese telecommunications company.

Early this week, LASAA, the Lagos State owned signage agency threatened to remove PDP/ Jonathan adverts illegally erected on sites already paid for by the firms.

egy, Mr. Benjamin Amu, said that their target is to use the social media to get their product across to people, adding that what they intend to do in the future is to make sure they take over in the medium.

Three Crowns milk has hit the Nigerian market with a new look 380g powder milk and new campaign.

At the unveiling of the new product and new campaign held at the Lagos office of the brand, Mrs. Ore Famurewa, Corporate Affairs Director, said ‘Healthy Mums, Happy Families’ campaign defines the role of the product as mum’s best friend in caring for the family, adding that mothers therefore choose Three Crowns out of the love they have for their families and need to take extra care of them.

Famurewa stated that “over the years, mothers have been using Three Crowns evaporated milk to provide quality affordable nutrition for their families.

Three Crowns milk is now available in powder so that mums have more ways to care for themselves and their families.”

“The new 380g powder is available Pan Nigeria in open markets, neighbourhood stores and modern retail outlets at an affordable price of N600. Three Crowns has consistently delivered good quality milk in over 25 years and is trusted by families and medical practitioners to help Nigerians stay fit and healthy. Three Crowns milk can be used in your tea, coffee, custard, cereals, fruit and all kinds of dishes that can be prepared with milk,” Famurewa added.

Also speaking at the unveiling ceremony, Tarang Gupta, Marketing Director, said the roles of Nigerian women are very demanding and they sometimes unconsciously forget to take care of themselves while caring for their families and that is why Three Crowns milk is there to support them.

Smartphone sales surges Lenovo profits Lenovo is the world’s biggest PC maker and its latest results show increased dominance in what has been a shrinking market.

The Beijing-based company said it held a record 20 per cent of the PC market during the quarter, with sales of $9.15bn.

It also saw shipments rise five per cent compared to a three per cent decline in the broader industry, due to growth in Eastern Europe.

However, it was Lenovo’s smartphone division that showed the most impressive results, with

total sales rising 109 per cent to $3.39bn in the quarter.

The US brand sold more than 10 million handsets during the quarter, giving the combined firm a 6.6 per cent market share, it said.

Lenovo’s purchase of Motorola has made it the world’s third-larg-

est smartphone maker.

Net profit was $253m (£168m) in the three months to December, compared to analyst forecasts of a $200m profit.

Revenue rose 31 per cent to $14.1bn, which was also higher than forecasts for $13.7bn in sales.

The company bought Motorola and IBM’s low-end server unit last year in a bid to diversify beyond the PC business.

Lenovo’s chairman and chief executive, Yuanqing Yang, said the firm was at the “starting line of a new race” due to the two multi-billion dollar acquisitions.

Auto 30

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

The 4.6 million kilometre 1976 240d Greek taxi cab

Reasons classic Mercedes -Benz will run forever

Niyi Omo-Okiri If someone told me to go out and buy the most reliable car I could get, I wouldn’t go for a Camry or a Civic, I’d get a classic Mercedes-Benz.

I love modern Mercedes like the technological masterpiece SClass, and confusing yet wonderful GLA45 AMG, but not nearly as much as I love cars like this W114/8. This car was built back when Mercedes produced cars entirely without gimmicks, only substance.

A car you stored away and went abroad on course and, on your return a few years later, changed the battery and fired the engine into life after three crankings.

That’s a Merc! And up till date, the German auto makers of the Mercedes-Benz brand specifically put all the values of their engineering savvy into building of their cars, especially the 200 and 230 models.

When AUTOCAR magazine of several decades ago named Mercedes-Benz as King of other cars, and when people talk about

German built quality, this is what they’re talking about. A car that never disappoints!

The car featured here is a 1972 280/8, which came equipped with the venerable M110 2.8 L inline six. It was restored to its beautiful condition, but most of the key components are original, and worked flawlessly 43 years later.

A testament to it’s fundamentally excellent design.

I don’t want to say ‘they don’t make them like they used to’ but I’ll make a rare exception in this case. These cars were designed and made to the highest standard.

Cars like these are among the most beautiful ever made. Not beautiful in the way that some

Toyota, BMW partnership could yield a new Mini

Page 30

cars like Toyota, Kia, Honda, Ford etc. but beautiful in its understated elegance. It’s not a car that shouts about itself, it just carries on being quietly perfect.

Mercedes from this era really were heirloom cars, in that you could pass one down through the generations, if the family was so inclined. It was a time when Daimler-Benz was ruled by a benevolent engineer junta that strove to make the best cars possible, regardless of cost or margins and just trusted that the money would inevitably follow if the product was good.

We’ll never see those days

Continued on page 31

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

31Auto

The Mini Rocketman concept

Toyota, BMW partnership could yield a new Mini While somewhat surprising, the unlikely partnership between Toyota and BMW has been known for quite a while: Toyota lends the Germans engine and fuel cell tech while BMW return the favor with an all-new Supra (and subsequently a Z4 roadster twin). What hasn’t been so transparent are the firms’ other future plans, though we’re beginning

to get a taste of things to come … and they’re due to arrive in small packages.

According to Automobile insider, the Germans and the Japanese are working together on an all-new entry-level hatchback intended to bolster the bottom-end of the Mini range. Its alleged name will be the ‘Minor’, a moniker plucked from early in the Morris Mini lineage.

Little is known about the purported entry-level hatchback, though the source revealed that although Toyota already markets its pint-sized Aygo in Europe, Mini was having no part in building its car on that platform. Instead, the pair will allegedly look into a new chassis for the squat three-door, which could add hy-

brid drive as well. Styling is said to pull from the acclaimed Mini Rocketman concept, pictured above.

There’s no word on whether Toyota will reap its own model from the deal, though Starlet fans are surely hopeful.

How about it, Internet? Does a $15,000 Mini Minor find a spot in your garage?

Courtesy: BOLDRIDE

‘Why classic Mercedes-Benz will run forever’ Continued from page 30 again.

Just like the Toyota Hilux and old Peugeot taxicabs, the people who live in the most rugged parts of the world depend on these old buggers.

That’s not an accident of fate, just an excellent car.

How is it that old Peugeots are unkillable everywhere in the world, except in the US? Spare parts, friend, spare parts.

And knowledge, I’m sure. When you go

to southern Europe and some parts of Africa, Nigeria inclusive, you still see 504’s and 505’s and a very few 404 happily going about their days.

For a long time, ‘good car’ lovers hoped that Mercedes sell ‘Legacy Editions’ of their cars, aimed at long-term owners and possessing simpler and more reliable componentry. Heck, go ahead and put a full 8-year warranty on them. Charge a premium for these versions with the implicit understanding that they’ll last 30 years with reasonable care.

If they could pull that off without making their regular offerings look like crap in comparison, there might be a niche.

I would love for this to happen. If any manufacturers pick this up... Toyota used to really over-engineer their stuff (do we really need to list?). Not sure if they still do. Who would come the closest nowadays to doing this?

But why not apply the same ethic to luxury? A while back, part of ‘luxury’ was longevity. A family diamond ring, classic

furniture, real estate. Like the article said, things that were reliable and long-lived.

But today ‘luxury’ is more about how many features you can cram into something and make it last 3-5 years. Screw the second owner (and our long-term brand value)!

Yep, I do love these. Take good care of them and they’ll carry you around forever.

All of the old (and new) Daimler products will run great, but they still need to be eyed by someone who knows what to look for.

28

Friday, February 6, 2015

Business Times

s Politics

Heritage Bank to escalate SME, retail sector lending Ugochukwu Onyeocha Heritage Bank’s lending to small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and the retail sector has been projected to increase in 2015, the Bank said on Thursday in Lagos.

Mr. Tony Daily Madojemu, a DiTimes Nigeria rector of the made Friday,bank, February 6, 2015 this known while speaking at a forum organised by the Business

Features

21

Features

FUNMI SALOME JOHNSON took a drive around town and reports that against a Lagos State law, Fashola’s City of Excellence has been awash with posters of politicians seeking elective positions, especially those of the ruling All Progressive Party (APC).

Girl who ran away from home FRIDAY, FEBRUARY 6, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.40 Price: N150 in search of education www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

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Charles Okonji

The Bank of Industry (BOI) has raised its developmental commitment to the Small and Medium Enterprises sector by organising workshops for selected Business Development Service Providers (BDSPs) in Lagos and

Abuja.

The BDSPs were charged to assist well meaning, credible and genuine Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) through bankable proposals to access BOI’s fund.

Managing Director, BOI, Mr. atRasheed Olaoluwa, explained

Despite efforts by the Kano State Government making education free for all girls in the state, some parents still prefer their children to hawk wares onthat the bank will only throw its the streets than sent them to school. That is a story offull weight behind SMEs that are Nana Khadija, who decided to run away from home to get education rather than spend her life on thecredible and genuine to do busistreets. YAKUBU SALISU reports on the travails of ness with, saying that his adminthis 13 year-old girl.

dailytimesng

According to Nana Khadija Ibrahim a 13-year- old teenager, she decided to run away from her parents, because of her love for education. According to her, she likes going to school, especially every time she wakes up in the morning and sees other children of her age dress up for school. For her, life starts and ends on the streets where she has been condemned to a life of hawking petty wares.

She said she tried to convince her parents but all pleas fell on deaf ears. She said her mother was not loving towards her, as she was always subjected to cruel punishments anytime she

ing may not fair favourably this their systematic and operationyear, it could still favour some al risks in order to keep a wellsmall business owners. structured business that would ``So, banks are beginning to attract banks to lend them monseek new opportunities to in- ey. crease profitability and guard ``Knowing well that access against collapse by seeking to finance is one of the major ways to deal with only well- challenges of our SMEs today, Dailyso, Times structured SMEs; I seeNigeria this we must also point out that busias good news.Friday, February 6, 2015 ness owners should brace up ``The only challenge is how their competence if they must small businesses can manage access loans.

IBB: Business News Africa 12 PoliticsThe I will take brave BOI targets Over 200 Fire sparkswar to corruption increased SME anti-Mubarak anti-Mubarak Over 200 rioting at General Babangida

s ran Girl who away from L21 increased SME BOI targets Ghana prison, Adamawa –Nuhu 28 jailed protesters jailed home in search productivity 1 shot dead protesters for life productivity through BDSPs P 18 Ribadu through BDSPs for life P12 of education ÏÏÏ Sekibo, Heritage Bank MD

LSG LASAA Law: When lawmakers become law breakers

Networking International (BNI) to mark its International Networking Week. ``The retail sector is booming and some of the ‘big firms’ are beginning to dictate unnecessarily to the banks; so, attention is shifting from them to these sectors. ``Even though the banking sector outlook for 2015, according to Fitch, tells us that bank-

It is a wonder how law makers breach the very laws they have made when their interest is at stake; even law enforcement agencies and the judiciary completely ignore the law when politics becomes a do or die affair.

Daily Times recalls that Lagos State government in 2006 enacted the Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) Law, which prohibits indiscrimiCONTINUED ON PAGE 22

ity building session for BDSPs, stressed that BOI is not a platform for sharing what he called the national cake, and implored the BDSPs to adopt a painstaking effort to select SMEs that are worthy of the bank loans. ”Expectations are very high to yield a lot of result for Small and Medium Enterprise (SME) development. SMEs are very important, there are about 17 million SMEs in Nigeria according to the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) contributing over 50 per cent to the nation’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP),” he said.

He noted that despite the sector’s potential, it is perceived to be a very risky segment for banks to lend.

“In more cases than not, SMEs do not get support. There have

istration is poised to help the sec-

been a lot of talk but little ac-

fails to sell all the wares for thetor thrive in the harsh business day. operating environment in the As a result of frustration, she took the decision tocountry. run away from home and trek The BOI boss during a capacto Niger State to seek help from her mother’s relations. As she had no money, she decided to embark on the harzardous journey on foot. But suddenly, all her efforts were thwarted as the police at Tsanyawa, a town about 130 kilometres from Niger State intercepted her on the road.

After her sad story, the police handed her over to the Hisbah

tions have been taken to address problems hindering SME development in the country. It is our expectation that at the end of the

NIA urges NAICOM to enforce Insurance Act 2003

An Egyptian court senseminar, we are going to be on tenced 230 secular activists from the same page by brainstorming the 2011 revolt against long-time the way forward for SMEs in the strongman Hosni Mubarak to life country,” he said.

Furthermore, the BOI boss on Wednesday, including leading said: “We are ready to support campaigner Ahmed Douma, an genuine SMEs. This is where the official said.

BDSPs come in to help us filter Thirty-nine others, all minors, and identify serious and genuwere jailed for 10 years. ine SMEs. We are ready to lend to The verdict, which can be apthem, but we will not throw away pealed, is the harshest delivered money.” so far against non-Islamist activists amid a government crackAlso speaking at the event, Exdown on opponents overseen by ecutive Director, BOI, Mr. Waheed President Abdel Fattah al-Sisi.

Olagunju, said: “If many of our Hundreds of Islamist supresources go to the SMEs, we will porters of Mubarak’s successor, be able to create about 2.4 million Mohamed Morsi, have been senjobs because of the multiplying tenced to death after often speedy effect of this sector along the valtrials described by the United Naue chain. However, we are bent on tions as “unprecedented in recent reversing the trend within a very short time”. history”.

Ahmed Douma displayedAccording confidence in the court room as he was sentenced to life in prison to him, 30 per cent At Wednesday’s hearing, all 269 of the bank’s risk assets will defendants were convicted of tak- years. The defendants were also ers earlier ordering them to be also given a three-year sentence at be focused on SMEs in order to ing part in clashes with security ordered to pay a combined fine of impact present and when required. a previous hearing of the current touch and moreas positively forces near Cairo’s Tahrir Square $2.2m. Douma, 26, rose to promiAs the ofverdict to improve the standard living was read out, trial for insulting the judiciary.

Olaoluwa, Bank of Industry inMD December 2011, said the judi- nence during the 2011ofuprising Douma clapped his hands, angerDefence lawyer Sameh Samir the citizenry . cial official who spoke on condi- that drove Mubarak from power ing Judge Mohamed Negi She- criticised Wednesday’s ruling. tion of anonymity. and was also a key protest leader hata.

“The judge has been biased They were also found guilty of against Morsi.

“You are not in Tahrir Square. against the defendants and their assaulting security forces and setSapele power plant to be inaugurated soon , dressed in a Behave yourself and don’t talk too lawyers since the start of the triOn Wednesday ting alight government buildings, prison uniform, Douma was the much or I’ll give you three more al,” Samir said. including a cultural centre foundcratic Party (PDP) Presidential Tony Nwakaegho sole defendant present in a metal years,” for contempt of court, the “He referred the defence lawCampaigncage Rallyinside in Asaba, Delta. ed in 1798 by Napoleon Bonaparte the courtroom. judge said. yers to prosecution, he barred us Vice President more Namadi that contained than 200``You 000 all know that Mr. PresiAll defendants except for DouDouma is already serving three from attending the hearings and Sambobooks. said on Wednesday that dent is addressing the issue of ma were tried in absentia, as the years for violating a law prohibit- now he has issued an unprecethe Federal Government would A life sentence in Egyptpower is 25supply and I’m pleased to authorities had released the oth- ing unlicensed protests, and was dented verdict in Egypt’s history.”

ÏÏÏA fire at the main prison in the Ghanaian city of Kumasi sparked rioting and an attempted jail break, with one inmate shot dead in the chaos and four policemen hurt, prison officials said on Thursday.

The fire was caused by lightning and began in one of the cells before engulfing much of the jail, Kumasi prison spokesperson James Annan said.

“We had to open the inmates’ [cells] for their lives to be spared,” he told AFP. Once in the yard, scores of inmates tried to escape but were blocked by a large deployment of police surrounding the compound. Prisoners hurled bricks, chairs and other dangerous objects at the officers and over the prison wall, Annan said.

UN demands DR Congo replacement of 2 generals

Must we wait at polling centers after casting our votes?

Kayode Adelowokan Nana

The Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) on Thursday urged the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) to sustain the enforcement of the compulsory insurances listed in the Insurance Act of 2003.

The associations’ Chairman,

CONTINUED ON PAGE 22

Mr. Godwin Wiggle, said this in Lagos at a meeting between the commission and NIA membercompanies.

Wiggle said the association was also seeking the assistance of NAICOM to ensure a further amendment of the Companies Income Tax Amendment (CITA) Act 2007.

soon inaugurate the Sapele Power Plant to boost electricity supply across the country.

Sambo made this information public at the Peoples Demo-

inform you that the new NIPP power plant in Sapele is now 100 per cent completed and it will be commissioned soon.

ÏÏÏGunmen

Adewale Kupoluyi ÎÎÎA

few days ago, a friend approached me to clarify some issues touching on the guidelines on the forthcoming elections. In the course of discussing with him, I realised that he did not know the basic things about the entire electoral process. Thereafter, I sampled the opinion of others and I was surprised that they were also ignorant of the basic provisions of the Electoral Act, as amended. For instance, politicians and political parties often say things like: ‘Do not leave the polling units until results are declared to cur-

tail any form of rigging or stealing of votes’ even with the presence of party representatives.

It should be known that every Nigerian citizen, who is 18 years and above and has a valid Permanent Voter Card (PVC), is eligible to vote. He/she is expected to check the voters’ register to ascertain that his/her names are written, correctly spelt and included on the list.

In the course of voting, they should avoid wrong thumb-printing that could lead to many invalid ballot papers and void votes.

As we prepare for the general elections on February 14 and 28, there is the need to remind ourselves of the salient sections of the Act, as follows: Provision of Election Materials by INEC 43. (4) The Commission

shall, before the commencement of voting in each election, provide all election materials for the conduct of such election at the Polling unit.

Hours of Poll 47. Voting in any particular election under this Act shall take place on the same day and time throughout the Federation.

Display of Ballot Boxes 48. (1) At the hour fixed for opening of the poll, before the commencement of voting, the Presiding Officer shall open the empty ballot box and show same to such persons as may lawfully be present at the Polling unit and shall then close and seal the box in such manner as to prevent its being opened by unauthorised person(s).

(2) The ballot box shall

Sambo

Gunmen behead, shoot 12 at Libyan oilfield

killed 12 people, among them two Filipino and two Ghanaian nationals, after storming a remote, Libyan oilfield, a Libyan official said on Wednesday.

“Most were beheaded or killed by gunfire,” said Abdelhakim Maazab, commander of a security force in charge of protecting the al-Mabrook oilfield, some 170km south of the Mediterranean city of Sirte.

A French diplomatic source in Paris and another Libyan official said Islamic State militants were behind the attack, which took place on Tuesday night.

It was impossible to get more details on the incident which happened in a remote part of the turbulent desert nation.

The violence followed an assault on a hotel in Tripoli last week that killed nine people, including five foreigners, underscoring the deteriorating secu-

then be placed in full view of all present, and be so maintained until the close of poll.

Issuance of Ballot Papers 49. (1) Any person intending to vote with his voter’s card, shall present himself to a Presiding Officer at the Polling unit in the constituency in which his name is registered with his voter’s card.

(2) The Presiding Officer shall, on being satisfied that the name of the person is on the Register of Voters, issue him a ballot paper and indicate on the Register that the person has voted.

Right to Challenge 50. A candidate or a Polling Agent may challenge the right of a person to receive a ballot paper on such grounds and in accordance with such procedures as are provided for in this Act. Separate Queues for Men and Women 51. The Presiding Officer shall separate the queue between men and

rity situation in Libya more than three years after the downfall of Muammar Gaddafi.

The Philippines Foreign Ministry said earlier on Wednesday that three Filipinos were among seven foreign nationals who had been kidnapped in the Mabrook assault.

But Maazab said eight Libyans, two Filipino and two Ghanaian nationals were killed during the raid, with nobody kidnapped. He added that his men were back in charge of the field.

France’s Total has a stake in the site, which is currently off-line, but it is contracted to a Libyan company. The Filipinos worked for an Italian company.

Libya is in turmoil with two rival governments controlling different areas, each with their own armies. Rival armed factions have also been fighting for almost two months for control of Libya’s

biggest oil ports, Es Sider and Ras Lanuf, on the Mediterranean coast.

Gaddafi

women if in that area of the country, the culture is such that it does not permit the mingling of men and women in the same queue.

Over-voting 53.(1) No voter shall vote for more than one candidate or record more than one vote in favour of any candidate at anyone election.

(2) Where the votes cast at an election in any Polling unit exceed the number of registered voters in that Polling unit, the result of the election for that Polling unit shall be declared null and void by the Commission and another election may be conducted at a date to be fixed by the Commission where the result at that Polling unit may affect the overall result in the Constituency.

Personal Attendance 57. No voter shall record his vote otherwise than by personally attending at the Polling unit and recording his vote in the manner prescribed by the Commission. No person

ÏÏÏ

The United Nations will suspend its support to the Congolese army in the fight against Rwandan combatants, unless two generals accused of human rights Ribadu violations were removed from the a senior UN official said on Former Chairmanranks, of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) Wednesday .

Malam Nuhu Ribadu, is the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Thein Adamawa official State toldfor the Raymond Democratic Party (PDP) February polls. In this interview with reporters in Yola, he declaredminister his readinessofto fight corruption Tshibanda, foreign to its knees if elected at the polls. While unfolding blue print and his plan the Democratic Republic ofhis Congo to deliver the state from the crutches of backwards, he explained reasons (DRC), last Friday that he had two for his defection to PDP from APC and the level of his preparation to win the remove Bruno elections despiteweeks internaltocrisis tearinggenerals Adamawa State PDP stakeholders ÏÏÏEighteen people were Mandevu Sikabwe, who apart.killed WALE AKINTUNDE wasand there.Fall Excerpts: after an overloaded boat capsized are on the UN’s “red list” for alin western Ivory Coast, a local of- leged human rights violations. ficial said on Wednesday.

The DRC announced last Twenty-five people survived the Thursday that its military would accident that took place on Mon- begin operations against the day afternoon on the Sassandra armed group Democratic Forces river near the town of Guessabo, for the Liberation of Rwanda Florentine Banto told AFP. (FDLR) that is based in the counThe river is one of the main wa- try. Originally, plans had been ter routes in the country. made between the UN and the The small motorboat, carrying DRC for a joint operation; howev40 people and several bags of cof- er, the country opted to carry out fee, was “just too full”, according military action on its own, with to Elvis Achi, the police officer in the UN providing support such as charge of the area. logistics, fuel and food rations for Ivorian daily Inter reported troops. that the victims were mainly fish “The moment that the operasellers from the mountainous re- tion was announced, we discovgion of Guemon. Guemon, near ered the appointment of two genthe border with Liberia, was one erals who are red generals - people of the regions most affected by who have been known to us as the post-election violence that having been heavily involved in rocked the country in 2010-2011 massive violations,” the UN offiand cost more than 3 000 lives. cial said.

18 drown in Ivorien boat mishap

shall be permitted to vote at any Polling unit other than the one to which he is allotted.

(1) If at the time a person applies for a ballot paper and before he has left the Polling unit, a Polling agent, Polling unit official or security agent informs the Presiding Officer that he has reasonable cause to believe that the person is under the age of 18 years or has committed the offence of impersonation and gives an undertaking on a prescribed form to substantiate the charge in a court of law, the Presiding Officer may order a police officer to arrest that person and the Presiding Officer’s order shall be sufficient authority for the police officer so to act.

Kupoluyi writes from Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta (FUNAAB), adewalekupoluyi@yahoo.co.uk, @AdewaleKupoluyi, www.adewalekupoluyi. blogspot.com

WEATHER FORECAST FOR FRIDAY 6-02-2015 JOS

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Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com.ng; email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. EDITOR: YINKA OLUJIMI News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotlines: 08169118913, 08075038528

s John Akpaide

Brave General, it is traditi to start a letter by stating, “ my pleasure to write you letter.” I have followed this dition countless times. B must confess that never ha been more truthful in using cliché than now. It is, indee great pleasure, though you not know me. And, unfo nately, I have neither wished desired being personally in duced to you.

I wil corr to Ad

–Nuh

You have made a n for your self while public service as a with zero tolerance for ruption, what do we ex in the state; are you goin embark on the crusade?

Corruption is the enem any good government, it nates meaningful developm so fighting corruption is ing to be part of my syste make sure that what belon the people of Adamawa wil be siphoned for personal u will make sure that no one temper will our treasury a as I’m concerned.

You were the pio chairman of Economic Financial Crimes Com sion (EFCC) that brought agency to fame, and ear respect for the nation; you repeat the same fea voted into office?

I will do it the way I d during my days in EFFC, strong warnings for all to the habit for a better Adam and Nigeria in general. may not understand the ev

Life&

TIMES Friday February 6, 2015

Tiwa Savage

turns 35

L3

P

Rita Dominic, Faze L4 romance politics

P

Ola Oresanya: a journey beyond LAWMA PL2

Gospel act, Buchi L2 turns novelist

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

How I started smoking @ age 9

‘Stand Up Nigeria’ airs on Unilag radio Mutiat Alli

Ola Oresanya M.D of Lagos State Waste Management Authority (LAWMA), Ola Oresanya, needs no introduction as he’s known as the man who changed the face of Lagos State through the LAWMA. In this mind-blowing chat with OPEOLUWANI AKINTAYO & JOY EKEKE, Oresanya opens up about growing up, school life and all other fun things.

What kind of pranks did you play?

(Laughs) You know all those pranks when you take the car keys and make a copy of them with a soap. That meant we always had our own key to the car (laughs). I started driving at the age of 15. I started smoking at the age of nine.

Did you fight with girls in primary What’s growing in Ibadan like for you? school?

I grew up just like every other young man.

No, I fought with only boys.

From an averagely big family, my father was an Accountant so we had a fairly good life. What about secondary school?

My mother was a teacher. Growing up in my I was a very tough boy too. I was the family meant being liberal. My father was a president of the Literary and Debating Muslim while my mom was a Christian.

Society and was always showing films to my colleagues. I became very enterprising, That meant you had to choose between shooting films, sponsoring debates.

Christianity and Islam?

No, not at all! My father was well You could drive at a very young age. educated and naturally, I flowed with my Who thought you? mom. So I grew up in the Methodist Church.

I was very curious any time I was asked to wash the car. So, I would move it back Where in Ibadan did you grow up? and forth and before I even started driving, I grew up in Felele Onibon Oje. it used to form part of our talks in the boys’ hostel. Before we knew it, I started Felele must have been a rowdy place to experimenting and one day, I crashed my grow up… father’s new car.

No! As at then, everywhere wasn’t as densely populated as it is today. It was That must have been devastating for peaceful in the late 60s and late 70s with a your father! What brand of car? low density area with trees all around.

It was a 404 in 1976.

What about mixing with other kids in Ibadan?

No. I didn’t grow with other children in the indigenous Ibadan area. I lived an all-round Ibadan lifestyle because we had everything we wanted there.

Since your father was an Accountant, it meant you grew up with a silver spoon…

Ah! I don’t want to believe I was a silver spoon because my mom was a disciplinarian but, I wasn’t deprived of the good things of life.

What were those rascally things you did as a boarding student?

I led a school riot. I was a bit rebellious due to youth exuberance. I always wanted to have my way. I was a prefect in school but didn’t want to be contained. So on a Saturday morning, the house master asked me to tell students to sweep. So, I told them I didn’t want to be bothered by anybody because I wanted to sleep. He reported to the principal who ordered me to come out, but I refused.

So what kind of training did your parents give you that shaped you into the kind of man you are today?

My father was a very strict man. He didn’t over-pamper us and he didn’t shy away from letting you know his aspirations on what he expected from us. But the training was more from my mother. She trained us to live almost a regimented lifestyle, there was time for breakfast, siesta, play, sleep, and so, I lived a disciplined lifestyle.

From the look of things, you probably were a stubborn child?

Sure! I played pranks.

Oresanya

Was it your urge to experiment that made you want to study Piloting at the university?

Oh yes! I wanted to be adventurous because the usual was boring. I like to do unusual things.

So you weren’t offered the course at the university?

What happened was that I later changed my mind because I wanted to go to the U.S to study Electrical Electronics then. They were all childhood fantasies. So I got an admission at the University of Virginia in the U.S, my father turned around and said he wasn’t going to allow me to go.

Why, didn’t he trust you?

I was a bad boy.

So what did you do after he refused to allow you to study in the U.S? I left the house for a year.

You just walked out?

No, no! I was still in school because I failed my A-Levels. After my school certificate examinations, I got an admission to study Electrical Electronics, but my father refused and insisted I must study in Nigeria.

According to him, if I had the opportunity to leave, I was never going to return to Nigeria.

I was a very stubborn boy then.

But in those days, it was only the neverdo-well that go abroad to study…

Oh yes. That was part of what my father

thought too. My father again didn’t believe there were other universities in Nigeria than the University of Ibadan.

Maybe he didn’t like the course you wanted to study…

No, no! He never picked anything for me but, he knew I had the tendency to study Engineering because I was very creative.

So how did you get to study Geology?

It was an accidental thing. I wanted to study Chemical Engineering at the University of Benin. When my father said I couldn’t go to the U.S so, I decided I was going to study Chemical Engineering at UNIBEN but unfortunately, they lost my form so, I got frustrated and said no more university. Then my mom begged me and one day, she just asked me to follow her to my aunt’s place.

When we got there, my aunt asked me questions about my university education and I said I wasn’t in any school. She then said I could come to U.I and I said no, although my father wanted U.I. You just wanted to leave Ibadan…

Yes. I wanted to leave Ibadan by all means. So my aunt just called U.I’s Admission Officer and told him about me.

Then they asked what course I wanted and the only name that came to my mouth was “Geology”.

Why? Because the most beautiful department in U.I then was Geology. Their building was painted pure white and that caught my attention.

You just said Geology without knowing what the course entailed?

Yes. But somehow I knew it was the study of underground materials and all that but, it was mainly because of the beautiful building the department had that attracted me.

So what happened when you got to school?

Oh, I did very well in my first and second year, although, I was also working in a bank at that time, I was into business and was Continues on page 3

Popular comic programme, Stand Up Nigeria has announced the commencement of its airing at the Unilag FM 103.1 which kicks off soon.

The five-minute programme which had already began airing on other radio stations, will commence a one-hour show on the Unilag show time at its official opening next month.

CEO, Stand Up Nigeria, Bunmi Davies, noted that the commencement of the programme would add values to the good job Afrotainment media outfit has been doing. “It’s a landmark move and we are spreading our tentacles”, she said.

Bunmi

Gospel act, Buchi writes first novel

Opeoluwani Akintayo

A quick one here from gospel act, Buchi.

As you read this, he had released his first novel entitled, ‘Cease Fire’, he disclosed this to Life & Times during a chat.

According to him, ‘Cease Fire’ is his first novel, although, he’d previously written two other books.

‘Cease Fire’ is about cultism on university campuses.

More information later.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

L3 Interview & Gist Niteshit Coliseum to host Amobode

Colleagues celebrate Tiwa @ 35 Tiwa

Mutiat Alli

Award-winning Pop Diva cum Mavin Record’s first lady, Tiwatope Savage-Balogun fondly known as Tiwa Savage by her teeming fans clocked 35 yesterday and colleagues in the industry took time to send warm messages to the songstress.

Today, at 35, Tiwa is at a place where most young women only dream of, with a flourishing music career, endorsement deals and recognisable brand. Even more important, perhaps, is the fact that

she’s married and pregnant with her first child.

Already, the birthday wishes for Tiwa are pouring in for the Mavin Records’ first lady with comedian AY being the first to wish her a happy birthday on social media just minutes after 12am yesterday.

The comedian, actor and producer, says: ‘Calm like a dove….Hot like fire…

Happy birthday to Tiwa Savage.’

Don Jazzy: “shout out to #my darling queen of #SMD# #the one that holds the key to the city# The Eminado of Mr. Billz”

Kemi Adetiba:” Stay achieving, knocking them dead and kissing the stars. Have an amazingly blessed day and an even better year.”

In the middle of all the birthday wishes, she’s also received some birthday gifts, the first of which shared on Instagram.

According to the ‘My Darling’ singer, a special, customised creation of puddle lights which reflects her name, ‘Tiwa Savage’ on a car is her first birthday gift. The gift was given to her by Khaz Customs, an Alloy Repair Specialist who specializes in Bespoke car custom designs.

Smoking @ age 9 Continued from page 2

Was it at the university you met your wife? doing so many things.

My wife and I grew up together on the same street in Ibadan. Our parents are And you were able to concentrate, with friends. your hands full?

Of course! Although, I was a radical, I was Your parents must have influenced organised. I studied every night before going your affair… out between 7pm and 9pm. But any time No! She was just as rascally as I was, from 9pm to 12pm, I would go to the girls’ although, on the cool side. So we were very halls, party and enjoy myself. I knew when good friends from primary to secondary to do what, because my parents really school, and when I was in the university, I regimented my life. So I was studying every just told her I was going to get married to day and everything stuck to my brain. her, nothing romantic about it. We are more of friends than husband and wife.

How did you get to work in a bank and doing businesses at a young age?

At what point did you stop smoking?

It happened like a vacation job but after I stopped smoking because of my wife my vacation, they retained me and because when she was my girlfriend. There was a it was closer to the school, I was able to day she told me I was smelling. So, I stopped maneuvre my way. smoking because I wanted her to marry me.

So what did you graduate with after school?

I came out with a Second Class Lower but I was a 2.1 in my first and second year. I found out that when I have so much to do, I do well. Idleness isn’t for me because I never get the best when less busy.

What made you to smoke in the first place?

Curiosity. My father was a smoker so we had enough cigarettes in the house.

And he didn’t object to your smoking?

He didn’t know I was smoking. I was always stealing cigarettes from his Were you social while in school? wardrobe and he didn’t suspect because he I was a DJ. I was a D.J on Radio Ibadan. was a smoker too and didn’t perceive it. And I was also supplying drinks to those in the then we would always spray perfume inside buttery. our rooms, whenever he was coming. I used to give cigarettes and beer to my friends and That means you were a rich young chap seniors too. and girls would be running all over you…

Your mom didn’t know too?

Nah, not really (laughs).

No she didn’t. They trusted me so much.

Ambode

Exactly a week after Mr. Jimi Agbaje, the Peoples Democratic Party, (PDP), governorship candidate in Lagos State, was hosted to a Grand House Reception by The Niteshift Coliseum, all roads will lead again to the event venue this Sunday, 8 February, as Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, the All Progressives Congress, (APC), Lagos State governorship candidate will take his turn to be hosted by the top notch club.

The strictly by invitation premium

What kind of dish do you prepare for your family on that day?

We call it ‘daddy’s delight’ and you must eat it, you dare not say it’s not delicious (laughs).

I’m looking at ending up in the university environment doing consultancy, teaching and writing more books. I document my experiences a lot because if it’s not written, it’s not done.

What about sport?

Oh yes, I was a sportsman all along. I played hockey and volleyball for U.I, and Ogun State. I still jog and play table tennis till now.

You said you were very stubborn while growing up. Have you cooled down now?

Oh yes. I’m a grandpa now (laughs).

You have the passion for feeding the hungry. Does that mean you may likely go into politics someday?

No, no. I can do all those without going into politics. Here at LAWMA, once a week, we contribute money to feed the vulnerable children. Although, it’s not a registered NGO, it’s just something we do voluntarily.

Who selects your clothes for you?

I do it myself. I love to dress simple. I wear suits on Monday because of the meetings but, from Tuesday, I dress in Tee shirts and jeans anytime I’m going to the field.

Do you still drink?

No I don’t. I stopped drinking when I lost a friend and his whole family to an accident.

In 1986, my friend was drunk and driving his family. That was how they had an accident at Western Avenue (in Lagos) and the whole family was gone.

Do you help your wife out at home?

Yes. My mom trained me well. I don’t like washing but I can iron a whole house full of clothes. But as for helping my wife out, yes, I cook once a year (laughs). I cook every December 26.

event will attract top politicians, captains of industry and patrons of the Coliseum.

During the night, Ambode, an accomplished accountant and administrator, will be treated to a reception on a red carpet, mingle with guests and later be on the hot seat where he will share his thoughts and plans for the Centre of Excellence with the distinguished members and patrons, and invited guests.

How to you cope with stench from dirt whenever you go to your dump sites?

I’m used to the stenches because what you perceive as stench, I see as money wasting away. I’ve spent 30 years working on trash!

So what next after LAWMA? Ah! I have a lot of other things to do.

LAWMA is just a passing phase for me. I still teach. I’m a lecturer with a university in Abeokuta. I teach Waste Management. I handle Toxicology once in a while at Lagos State College of Medicine. I’m rounding off my PH.D programme very soon at the Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife.

So how do you feel seeing any of your children taking after you?

I have two boys and a girl. My relationship with them is quite different. I don’t lord things over them. I give them options and allow them to do things their way too. I also let them know that they can come back whenever they fail, because failure is part of learning but don’t repeat failure. I got my boys their licence once they clocked 18, take them to driving school and allowed them to drive. Parenting is much more dynamic that you become your child’s friend. Any prank they want to play, they tell me first. I’m also very close to my daughter and she tells me about her boyfriends.

So are you a social man?

The LAWMA job has killed my social life. It’s grounded. So with this LAWMA job, you can call me a working man and I enjoy my job because I believe when I work, I get better.

Do you enjoy the youthful music of today?

Oh yes. I like Wizkid, Davido, D’banj.

Although I can’t sing their songs, I listen to them with my children. Naturally, if you ask me to play any music, it will be jazz and maybe a little of R&B. Most music of today are creative and can’t move you more than two to three years. They’re not evergreen but I just enjoy their artistic impressions.

Buzz Byte L4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

Rita Dominic, KSB, join political campaign train …as Faze jostles for national cake Opeoluwani Akintayo

o.ogunjimi@dailytimes.com.ng

make a passionate appeal to my fans and the populace and let them know that there will be life after 2015 election, we should not murder relationships and in some extreme cases, people because our candidates of choice differ...I want to let everybody know that I will be supporting and voting for President Goodluck Jonathan. I am making this decision because he has affected my immediate constituency which is Nollywood more than any president in the history of Nigeria…”

It will also interest you to know that despite KSB’s loss at the APC primaries, she had, however, vowed not to leave politics. The beautiful mother of one was sighted bonding and throwing her weight behind

members of APC including presidential candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari and his running mate, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo. She also recently released a campaign song for Ambode.

Ex Platashun crew mate, Faze is also not left out in the struggle for the national cake. Although he hasn’t publicly come out to either say he’s going into politics or pledging his vote for a political party, Life & Times sighted the Kolomental dude hanging around some APC bigwigs like Tinubu.

Although for now, we can’t pinpoint what Faze is up to, but ,we can authoritatively tell you that you are in for a surprise very soon.

We got our eyes on you, Faze.

Rita

Political campaigns are ongoing, and as the general election day, February 14, draws nearer, more entertainers are beginning to join the train of vote canvassers for candidates.

The latest on the block include Rita Dominic, Kenny Saint Best and Faze.

Dominic recently released a statement professing her admiration for President Goodluck Jonathan. ‘I have thought about the 2015 election carefully, and have decided to contribute my quota and make known my choice. ‘But before I get on with the election and who I will be supporting, I will love to

Kemi Nelson

Dumelo aims for Global Forbes

looking brighter

Mutiat Alli

Isaac Oguntoye Kemi Nelson is one of the society women that control the affairs of Lagos State, especially, those that concern women.

The politician cum businesswoman was formerly a Commissioner for Establishment, Training and Job Creation in the Centre of Excellence during the Bola Ahmed Tinubu administration. She later became the Commissioner for Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation.

For some time now, the ever-radiant woman had made more appearances on the social scene and political outings in support of the ongoing APC party campaigns.

However, the talk in town is that Kemi now looks fairer than her usual skin tone. The beautiful socialite was spotted at an All Progressive Congress campaign recently in Lagos, looking brighter which got tongues wagging that the beautiful lady might have turned to some lightening substances.

Kemi

Dumelo and widows

NewMUSI alert!

Yemi Alade out with Taking over Me Continuing in the trend of good music, Effyzzie music group artiste, Yemi Alade has released the much anticipated audio and video of her new job titled “ Taking Over Me” featuring Nigerian rapper; Phyno. Both versions are currently enjoying massive airplay on both radio and TV stations.

Aramide

drops double single!

Multi-talented musician, Aramide on Wednesday, February 4, released her first set of music since joining Baseline Music.

Entitled ‘Iwo Nikan’ and Odun Titun, the gracious AfroSoul diva, whose previous single Feeling This Feeling, dropped last year, showcased herself as a serious artiste to look out for in 2015.

She worked with fellow label mate/producer, Mr. Chidoo and talented producer, Laitan Dada to deliver in the usual captivating way.

Ghanaian actor, John Dumelo on Tuesday, February 3, celebrated his 31st birthday in a grand style with several attributes attached to it, the actor’s first point of celebration was involving himself in menial job of concrete block making.

He wrote on his social media platform; “mixing concrete and moving blocks. I’m blessed to be a year older today. God has been good to me. 31 ain’t an easy age. In the next 10 years, I don’t want my name in African Forbes but Global Forbes. I want to be closer to God and I want to let people know you can achieve whatever you want if you put your mind in it. Happy birthday to me…31 is the new 41” Also in line with his celebration, the actor spent time with widows and children at the Volta Region in Ghana.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

L5 Extra

Beyonce, Jay Z in heated argument at restaurant

Looks like there’s trouble in paradise for power couple, Beyonce and husband, Jay Z. Beyonce and her hubby, Jay Z, were spotted at dinner in LA. They did not seem happy with each other. They are clearly arguing in the pics!

The divorce rumours have finally simmered but it looks like they may spark again after Beyonce, (33) and Jay Z, (45) got into what looked like a heated public argument captured in fan photos.

Bey and Jay were eating at a sushi restaurant in LA when they were spotted arguing. In the pics Beyonce seems to be the one doing all the yelling.

We wonder what’s got her so angry — could these two be having marital issues?

Jay Z and Beyonce

Whitney Houston’s

daughter moved to another hospital Bobbi Kristina Brown, who is “fighting for her life” after being found unresponsive in a bathtub at her home in Atlanta, Georgia last Saturday, was reportedly moved from the North Fulton Hospital in Roswell to the Emory University Hospital last Monday.

CNN reports that the 21-year-old aspiring singer, who was placed in a medically-induced coma after being found with “no heartbeat,” is said to have “opened and closed” her eyes a few times on Monday, but a source close to the family said she remains on a ventilator in the intensive care unit and doctors have warned that they won’t be able to tell if she had suffered brain damage until the sedatives were reduced.

The insider told CNN that she experienced some seizures on Monday and her medical team decided to keep her in coma for the time being.

Meanwhile, Kevin Costner, who starred alongside Whitney in The Bodyguard in 1992, admits he “can’t imagine” what her family was going through.

He told PEOPLE.com: “That family’s under a lot

Beyonce of stress right now, just an enormous amount of stress. I really hope she’s okay.”

Meanwhile, fresh facts have emerged as to the truism behind Kristina and Nick Gordon’s marriage.

According to dad, Bobby Brown’s lawyer, the 21-year-old aspiring singer is not actually married to the tech investor.

“We are currently investigating the events that led to the hospitalisation of Bobbi Kristina,” Christopher Brown of Brown & Rosen LLC told Us Weekly in a statement on Tuesday, Feb. 3. “To correct earlier reports, Bobbi Kristina is not and has never been married to Nick Gordon.”

The news comes as a bit of a shock given that Brown and Gordon announced their supposed marriage themselves via Twitter in January, 2014. At the time, she posted a photo of their hands with what appeared to be wedding bands, along with the caption “@nickgordon! #HappilyMarried SO #InLove. If you didn’t get it the first time that is.”

Why Nicole Scherzinger dumped Lewis Hamilton

Nicole and Lewis

Nicole Scherzinger is reported to have called off her relationship with F1 driver, Lewis Hamilton because he refused to marry her.

The former Pussycat Doll is said to be ‘’very upset’’ after ending her seven-year relationship with the F1 star following a series of rows over the festive period, Times Live says.

While the couple were believed to be planning to wed last year, the brunette beauty had grown tired of waiting for her 30-year-old beau to put a ring on her finger.

It was said the pair had been spending less time together after Hamilton, who bagged his second F1 championship last year, revealed plans to go for a third and Scherzinger joined the West End production of Cats.

A source explained: ‘’They’d been fighting for months but things had got much worse. They spend so much time apart that things just became untenable.’’

Hamilton also confessed that he was feeling pressure from the 36-year-old singer’s family to pop the question but insisted the pair were too busy to tie the knot when he was questioned over their relationship in December.

Suge Knight taken to hospital after court appearance Former rap music mogul, Suge Knight pleaded not guilty Tuesday, February 3 to murder and attempted murder charges before complaining of chest pain and was rushed to a hospital.

No further information about his condition was immediately available, Los Angeles County sheriff’s Officer John Gardner said.

Knight wore orange jail attire at the morning court appearance where he entered not guilty pleas to four felonies, including hit-and-run charges, filed after the Death Row Records founder struck two men with his pickup truck last week.

The 49-year-old Knight could face life in prison if convicted.

Knight is accused of intentionally running down two men, including a friend, in Compton Thursday, last week.

Knight’s attorneys have said he hit the men by accident as Knight fled a vicious attack.

Knight is charged with killing Terry Carter, 55, and attempting to kill Cle “Bone” Sloan, 51, in a burger stand parking lot after an argument occurred at a separate site where the movie Straight Outta Compton, about the rise of the rap group N.W.A. was being filmed.

Kenner, said his client is remorseful about Carter’s death but that does not mean he’s guilty of the crimes.

Knight was at the centre of one of the most notorious rap conflicts of the 1990s, pitting Tupac Shakur against Biggie Smalls in an East Coast-West Coast rivalry.

Knight was sent to prison for nearly five years for badly beating a rival with Shakur at a Las Vegas hotel, just hours before Shakur was fatally shot while riding in Knight’s car in 1996.

In the current case, Knight struck two men with his pickup in a Compton parking lot. The collision killed his

Suge friend Carter, a founder and owner of Heavyweight Records who was viewed as a community father figure who tried to mentor young men, said Doug Young, a friend and hip-hop music promoter. Sloan is an actor and film consultant.

Knight is due back in court on February 9 when a judge will consider whether to set bail.

Mixed Grill L6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

e r e h W ’ ‘N hen W

Basket Mouth live @ the Apollo Centre, London Feb. 14th, 2015

Quotes

Lyrics

Change can only be possible if you have your voter’s card

Nasir El-Rufai

I’m still far from being what I want to be but with God’s help, I shall succeed

Tonto Dikeh

unmi me: Omaw Artiste Na : Magbele Song Title

Dr. SID performing live , today Friday, Feb 6, 2015 @ Bliss Washington DC

My prayers go out to Bobbi Kristina and her family as she fights for her life. God be with her and heal her in Jesus name. #millionsofpeoplepraying #ATL #prayforher #hollywood #houston

Stella Damasus

Movie premiere Double Cross, Friday, Feb.6 @ Accra Mall, Ghana When people start acting like snakes around you ... Just cut them off completely

DJ Spinall

Poem

She Walks in Beauty She walks in beauty, like the night Of cloudless climes and starry skies; And all that’s best of dark and bright Meet in her aspect and her eyes; Thus mellowed to that tender light Which heaven to gaudy day denies.

One shade the more, one ray the less, Had half impaired the nameless grace Which waves in every raven tress, Or softly lightens o’er her face; Where thoughts serenely sweet express, How pure, how dear their dwelling-place.

And on that cheek, and o’er that brow, So soft, so calm, yet eloquent, The smiles that win, the tints that glow, But tell of days in goodness spent, A mind at peace with all below, A heart whose love is innocent!

Lord Byron (George Gordon)

Verse 1: Oruko mi Omawumi Megbele Kene ku bi to ro ne eye we Aran kpokpo ju ne eye we Urun ti mo ma mo ma se me ba aran gbele me tiele me ba aran tiele megbele Kene ku bi to ro ne eye we Aran kpokpo ju ne eye we Urun ti mo ma mo ma se me ba aran gbele me tiele me ba aran tiele megbele Verse 2 As the journey unfolds I see say the music is taking me taking me higher Na since I don know say no be by no be by no be by my power I’m making a headway I’m selling my person my way Ha I’m different style I’m related to grace and glory Wo ma gin Ene ye Na to show them our way Kene ku bi to ro ne eye we Aran kpokpo ju ne eye we Urun ti mo ma mo ma se me ba aran gbele me tiele me ba aran tiele megbele Kene ku bi to ro ne eye we Aran kpokpo ju ne eye we Urun ti mo ma mo ma se me ba aran gbele me tiele me ba aran tiele megbele

Verse 3 No man wakes up and prays for enemies to dey popo dem If not for the haters how you go dey dey rise dey koko dem Uhmm When I enter I no dey look face I go dey scatter Eh I go waka go center On the spotlight go shine on dem brigther Kene ku bi to ro ne eye we Aran kpokpo ju ne eye we Urun ti mo ma mo ma se me ba aran gbele me tiele me ba aran tiele megbele Kene ku bi to ro ne eye we Aran kpokpo ju ne eye we Urun ti mo ma mo ma se me ba aran gbele me tiele me ba aran tiele megbele Ewo Oma Iwere dede Ewo Oma Nigeria dede Aran sun (hinhin) Aran sun (hinhin) Ene su o Wo ma gin Ene ye We are princes We are kings Kene ku bi to ro ne eye we Aran kpokpo ju ne eye we Urun ti mo ma mo ma se me ba aran gbele me tiele me ba aran tiele megbele Kene ku bi to ro ne eye we Aran kpokpo ju ne eye we Urun ti mo ma mo ma se me ba aran gbele me tiele me ba aran tiele megbele

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

L7 Nutrition

Nigerian dishes that burn tummy fat

Other tips to burning belly fat Eat more protein.

About 25%-30% of the calories in each gram of protein are burned in digestion, compared to only 6%-8% of the calories in carbs. Do the math: You save 41 calories every time you substitute 50 grams of protein for an equal amount of carbs.

Get off your ass.

Do every exercise standing instead of sitting. “You’ll expend up to 30% more calories,” says Joe Stankowski, C.P.T. Embrace housework.

View any type of physical activity—even those you try to avoid, such as sweeping, cutting grasses, —as a

chance to burn fat and condition your body.

Break a record.

Challenge yourself to run farther in the same amount of time—even if it’s just one-tenth of a mile -every single workout.

Sugar is your Enemy Fighting belly fat is 80% healthy diet.

Reduce calories by filling yourself up with protein, vegetables, whole grains,

and replacing bad habit snacks with good ones.

Vitamin C When you’re under extreme stress, you secret more cortisol hormone.

Vitamin C helps balance the cortisol spikes that happen to you under this stress.

Besides being a good way to counteract a cold, Vitamin C is also essential for making carnitine, a compound used by the body to turn fat into fuel, making this vitamin your fat burning friend.

All of us at one time or another, have had cause to complain of gaining body weights which in-turn impact on our stomach. Seriously, that bulgy belly can be annoying, especially, when you realise you can no longer rock those body fitted dresses of yours without your tummy embarrassingly sticking out!

Trust us, you need not bother about those foreign foods that are hard to get.

The most annoying is when you see prescriptions like eating one pack of noodles just once a day and that’s all! Or, you see advice like chicken soup alone, we call these starvation and it’s bad for your health.

When you combine the right foods and tummy trimming exercises, be sure to get good results.

Here are some delicious Nigerian foods you can easily lay your hands on and, they work well in helping you shed fat fast.

1. Plantain (Green) 2. Extract some lemon into water and drink daily 3. Red & Green Pepper 4. Water Melon (Juicy!)

5. Ginger 6. Beans 7. Soy Beans 8. Grapes 9. Nuts (Cashew, Peanuts & Walnuts) Contains Omega 3 healthy fat 10. Mushrooms 11. Sea foods (e.g. Sardine, Crabs, Cray fish, Crustaceans) 12. Olive Oil 13. Onion & Garlic 14. Wheat & Oat based foods like Wheat bread, Wheat meal and Quaker Oats 15. Bananas 16. African Mango 17. Brown or Ofada Rice which is healthier than white rice.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, February 6, 2015

Showing on

L8 Television

Showing on 105 Movies Family

114 VUZU.TV

09:00

08:00

Fri, 6 Feb | PG 13 V

Fri, 6 Feb | 18

Harry Potter and the Chamber of Secrets. The spooky darkness continues in this second screen imaging of JK Rowlings novels. Harry Potter must cover the location of a dark presence.

Emma Watson, Kenneth Branagh, Robbie Coltrane, Daniel Radcliffe.

(2002)

‘S3/E4- 3/4’. Drea asks Nicole to host her wedding in her backyard, but thanks to Tony, the ladies are all questioning Drea’s decision to get married in the first place.

118 Telemundo

00:00 The Queen Of The South 00:30 Aurora 01:20 Fearless Heart 02:10 The Queen Of The South 03:00 My Heart Beats For Lola 03:50 Broken Angel 05:20 Where Is Elisa?

06:10 Aurora 07:00 Fearless Heart 07:50 My Heart Beats For Lola 08:40 Broken Angel 09:30 Where Is Elisa?

10:20 Aurora 11:10 Fearless Heart 12:00 My Heart Beats For Lola 12:50 Broken Angel 13:40 Where Is Elisa?

14:30 Aurora 15:20 Fearless Heart 16:10 My Heart Beats For Lola 17:00 Broken Angel 17:50 Where Is Elisa?

18:40 Aurora 19:30 Fearless Heart 20:20 My Heart Beats For Lola 21:10 The Queen Of The South

124 E! Entertainment TV

120 BBC Entertainment

00:00 The Cube 00:25 Top Gear 01:15 Scott And Bailey 02:05 Come Dine With Me 02:55 My Family 03:25 The Weakest Link 04:10 Top Gear 05:00 Outnumbered 05:30 QI 06:05 Friday Night Dinner 06:30 EastEnders 07:00 Antiques Roadshow 08:00 The Weakest Link 08:50 QI 09:20 Would I Lie To You? 09:55 Hell's Kitchen USA 10:40 Deal Or No Deal 11:15 My Family 11:50 My Family 12:25 Top Gear 13:20 Come Dine With Me 14:15 The Cube 15:05 The Weakest Link 16:00 Casualty 17:00 The Chase 18:00 The Cube 19:00 Silent Witness 20:00 The Graham Norton Show

128 SONY MAX

00:00 Cheaters 00:15 Unbeatable Banzuke 00:40 Unbeatable Banzuke 01:05 Rude Tube 00:00 Fashion Police

12:30 Eric And Jessie: Game On

01:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians

13:15 Fashion Police

02:00 Giuliana & Bill

14:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians

03:00 Botched

15:00 Rich Kids Of Beverly Hills

04:00 Botched

15:30 Rich Kids Of Beverly Hills

05:00 Nick Cannon's Big Surprise

16:15 Celebrity Style Story

06:00 Blinging Up Baby

17:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians

07:15 Celebrity Style Story

18:00 E! News

08:00 Giuliana & Bill

19:00 Rich Kids Of Beverly Hills

09:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians

19:30 Rich Kids Of Beverly Hills

10:00 Fashion Bloggers

20:00 Keeping Up With The Kardashians

10:30 Fashion Bloggers

21:00 Fashion Police

11:00 E! News

22:15 Celebrity Style Story

12:00 Eric And Jessie: Game On

01:30 Poorman's Bikini Beach 02:00 Circumstances Unknown 03:35 The Smoking Gun Presents: World's...

04:30 Unbeatable Banzuke 05:00 Ninja Warrior 05:25 Ninja Warrior 05:50 Cheaters 06:45 The Smoking Gun Presents: World's...

07:40 World's Wildest Police Videos 08:35 I Bet You Will 09:00 Most Shocking 10:00 The Smoking Gun Presents: World's...

10:55 The Smoking Gun Presents: World's...

11:55 Cheaters

252 Silverbird 252 Silverbird

00:00 Health Monitor

11:30 Nowhere To Be Found

04:00 Late Night Heat

00:30 Boom Town

12:05 Music Africa

06:00 Soul Sessions

01:00 Music Africa

14:05 Tales Of Eve

07:00 Soul Sessions

02:00 Boom Town

14:30 Footprints

09:00 The Message

02:30 STV Sports Café

15:00 Excite On TV

10:00 Hell Date

03:00 Local Movie

15:30 Brights

05:00 Gospel Rhythms

16:05 Nickelodeon

12:00 Second Generation Wayans

05:30 Dig Your Well

17:00 The Benjamins

12:30 Second Generation Wayans

06:00 Symphony

17:30 Video Wheels Lifestyle

13:30 Let's Stay Together

06:30 Insights For Living

18:02 MTV Base

14:00 Second Generation Wayans

07:00 STV AM News

19:00 STV News @ 7

14:30 Second Generation Wayans

07:30 Today On Stv

19:30 Taste of Love

17:00 Second Generation Wayans

09:30 De Market Place

20:00 Pepsi Chart Show

21:30 Omotola: The Real Me

21:00 Jara

17:30 Second Generation Wayans

10:30 STV Sports Café

20:30 The Dragons

22:00 STV News @ 10

21:30 Tinsel

11:00 Triple M Show

21:00 Ay's Crib

20:30 Katemba Mu Kkooti

22:00 The Dzigbordi Show

08:00 Soul Sessions

10:30 Hell Date 11:00 The Wendy Williams Show

13:00 Let's Stay Together

00:00 Real Husbands Of Hollywood 00:30 Comic View 01:00 Nellyville 02:00 The Message 03:00 BET Now 03:30 BET Now

15:00 Hot Chocolate Nutcracker

18:00 The Wendy Williams Show 19:00 The Sheards

XT Exclusive

GERVINHO:

Ivory Coast

X3

must show class

Poster!

Novak Djokovic

X4,5 Friday, February 6, 2015

INTERVIEW

BOATENG:

z e u g i r d o R undergoes

y r e g sur X2

No big deal playing against my brother X6

BARCA

NEYMAR

glad to pair Messi X8

X2

Friday, February 6, 2015

EXTRATIME

Briefs

COUTINHO is Reds ‘New Suarez’ – Rodgers

Coutinho Philippe Coutinho has the potential to follow in Luis Suarez’s footsteps at Liverpool, according to manager Brendan Rodgers. Coutinho scored a thunderous stoppage-time winner from the edge of the box to seal a 2-1 win in Liverpool’s FA Cup fourth-round replay at Bolton Wanderers on Wednesday.

!

Y T I P Real’s

z e u g i r d o R

breaks foot …Out for two

months

R Luhukay

Hertha Berlin

sacks coach Jos Luhukay has become the fifth Bundesliga coach to lose his job this season as relegation-threatened Hertha Berlin have sacked him following Wednesday’s 1-0 Bundesliga defeat to Bayer Leverkusen. The loss marked Hertha’s 11th in the league this season and dropped the capital club to second bottom in the division with just 18 points.

eal Madrid have been rocked by the news that forward James Rodriguez is facing two months out after breaking a metatarsal during Wednesday night’s 2-1 win over Sevilla.

Madrid opened up a fourpoint gap at the top of La Liga with the win, but it came at a price as Rodriguez limped off after opening the scoring with a diving header after 12 minutes.

Madrid later confirmed the Colombian, expected to be sidelined for around eight weeks, had broken a

James Rodriguez scored with diving header against Sevilla on Wednesday before limping off with a broken metatarsal.

IZILIEN set to drag NFF to CAS over debt Ojieva Ehiosun

Liverpool signs record kit deal Meanwhile New Balance will supply Liverpool’s kit from next season after the Anfield club signed a record contract with the sportswear brand.The American sports brand - parent company of current supplier Warrior - hopes to increase its football presence, having had limited previous experience as a kit supplier in the sport.

bone in his foot.

“The player will undergo surgery in the coming hours,” the club said.

In what is a huge blow to Los Blancos boss Carlo Ancelotti, defenders Sergio Ramos and Marcelo will also miss the derby trip to Atletico Madrid this weekend.

Ramos limped off with a hamstring problem after only eight minutes of the 2-1 win over Sevilla on Wednesday evening, while left-back Marcelo collected his fifth booking of the season.

F

Izilien

ormer Super Falcons coach, Godwin Izilien has appealed to the Amaju Pinnick-led Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to revisit his case and pay him his entitlement as the Head Coach of the Super Falcons when he took the team to win the African Women Championship (AWC) in South Africa 2006 or face Court of Arbitration in Sports (CAS) summons.

Izilien stated this while narrating his experience in the hands of the immediate past NFF administrators, saying that it is unbelievable that

since 2006, after leading the female national team to victory in South Africa, the NFF is yet to pay him his full entitlement.

“As I speak to you now, they are indebted to me and two of my assistants to the tune of $28,000.

“What did I do to deserve such inhuman treatment from my country?

Or is it a crime to serve one’s fatherland?

“I think I have excised enough patient. So I want to use this medium to call on the new board led by Amaju Pinnick to look into my complaint because I do not want to do anything to

further compound the already exiting crisis in the NFF. “We have had too many crisis in the last three years in NFF and it is time the football body puts their house in order. I have been under intense pressure from friends and family members to take NFF to CAS, but I think there is still chance for a round table talk with the board,” he said.

Izilien maintained that Nigerian football needs people with ideas that can move the game forward, adding that Super Eagles missed out seriously at the ongoing AFCON championship in Equatorial Guinea.

Friday, February 6, 2015

EXTRATIME

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AFCON 2015 GERVINHO

Not yet Uhuru for Ivory Coast!

Gervinho

Ivory Coast sent DR Congo packing from the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations in Bata, Equatorial Guinea on Wednesday to coast to the final but one of the Elephants’ star, Gervinho, warns that the job is yet to be accomplished.

The Roma winger won the Man of the Match award for his outstanding performance during the meeting which included one goal in his side’s 3-1 win over the Leopards.

Dario sacked from Eq. Guinea camp Ruben Dario has been sacked from the Equatorial Guinea camp after absconding to chill out at night without authorization, according to local reports.

The 21-year-old who plays for local side Leones Vegetaria-

nos has been axed by the Football Association of Equatorial Guinea (FEGUIFUT) for breaking camp rules on the eve of their AFCON 2015 semifinal clash with Ghana in Malabo on Thursday.

Unapologetic Tunisia faces AFCON axe

T

unisia’s football federation are refusing to apologise to the Confederation of African Football (CAF) after accusing them of cheating, a member of the federation’s executive committee said.

In the wake of the violent scenes that followed Tunisia’s controversial elimination from the tournament by Equatorial Guinea last Saturday, the north Africans were fined $50 000.

They were also ordered to say sorry for “insinuations of bias and lack of ethics against CAF and its officials, or to pres-

ent irrefutable evidence to substantiate the accusations”.

African football’s governing body gave Tunisia a deadline of midnight on Thursday to write a formal letter of apology or face the possibility of being disqualified from the next edition’s qualifiers, which start in June.

Tunisia rejected this after a meeting of the federation’s executive committee in Tunis on Wednesday.

“Our investigation into the affair and the opinion of neutrals is that we suffered scandalous injustice from referees.”

Renard

RENARD UNHAPPY DESPITE VICTORY

I

vory Coast coach Herve Renard, has said that his team took many things for granted while coasting to the final of the Africa Cup of Nations by defeating DR Congo 3-1 in Bata Wednesday.

The Elephants qualified for the Cup of Nations decider Sunday after skipper Yaya Toure put them ahead courtesy of a 20th-minute belter only for DR Congo to draw level almost immediately from the

penalty spot through Dieumerci Mbokani.

Gervinho restored the Ivorians’ lead four minutes from halftime, and Wilfried Kanon wrapped up the victory in the 68th minute.

“I did not like this game. We played too easy and did not respect an opponent who fought back to beat Congo Brazzaville in the quarterfinals,” said Renard.

“We did not show enough determination – probably the

small crowd did not give us the right atmosphere to do so.

“DR Congo are always a very dangerous team. They were very fast on the counterattack with Mbokani and Yannick Bolasie.

“But the most important thing is we are now in the final and we hope to take the Cup back to Abidjan.”

The coach, who won the African title with Zambia in 2012, singled out Yaya Toure for special praise.

Elephants are classy, says IBENGE D

DR Congo 3-1 in their semifinal Ivoirian players celebrate after defeatingl Guinea on Wednesday. clash at the ongoing AFCON in Equatoria

R Congo coach Florent Ibenge has admitted that Ivory Coast were a class above his team in Wednesday’s 2015 Africa Cup of Nations semifinal loss to The Elephants.

Ivory Coast broke DR Congo’s AFCON final ambitions when they crushed The Leopards 3-1 in a penultimate fixture in Bata.

An efficient Ivory Coast took the lead in the 21st minute in style when skipper Yaya

Toure put them ahead with a thunderbolt strike.

Dieumerci Mbokani gave DR Congo some hope when he restored parity three minutes later from the penalty spot, but Gervinho deflated all that in the 41st minute to hand Ivory Coast a 2-1 halftime lead.

Defender Wilfried Kanon then put the result beyond doubt in the 68th minute to send Ivory Coast through to Sunday’s final.

“My players ran, they had some desire, but they lacked some maturity to disturb a well organised side. I also blame the fact that we conceded first,” Ibenge said.”We were not focused enough, we made an individual mistake which gave them a lucky lead into the break.”

Ibenge congratulated Ivory Coast coach Herve Renard who lived up to his surname and outfoxed him with his counterattack strategy.

Friday, February 6, 2015

EXTRATIME

QUOTES

X4

“I’m a happy man, because I am successful in what I do, of course; but what makes me most happy is I have people around me that I love and who love me back. This, for me, is the most important thing. Nobody likes to be alone.”

–Novak Djokovic “Is something unbelievable how Novak Djokovic returns balls. His return probably is one of the best in the history of tennis. That’s my opinion! I never played against a player who’s able to return like this, almost every time.” –Rafael Nadal

Djokovi NOVAK

“Even though now I’m pretty popular in my country and tennis is the No. 1 sport, and I’m very flattered that the people recognise me and come up and give me compliments, I’m more a person who likes to have privacy and peace.” –Novak Djokovic

ic

Friday, February 6, 2015

EXTRATIME

PERSONAL INFORMATION Full name: Novak Djokovic Country: Serbia Residence: Monte Carlo, Monaco Born: May 22, 1987 (age 27) Place of birth: Belgrade, SFR Yugoslavia Height: 6 ft 2 in (188 cm)[1] Turned pro: 2003 Plays: Right-handed (two-handed backhand) Coaches: Dejan Petrovic (2004–2005) Riccardo Piatti (2005–2006) Marián Vajda (2006–2007) Mark Woodforde (2007) Todd Martin (2009–2010) Boris Becker (2013–till date) Prize money: $74,990,523 (2nd all-time leader in earnings) Official website: novakdjokovic.com SINGLES Career record:

613–141 (81.3% in Grand Slam and ATP World Tour main draw matches, and in Davis Cup)

Career titles: 49 (11th in the Open Era) Highest ranking: No. 1 (4 July 2011) Current ranking: No. 1 (2 February 2015)

GRAND SLAM SINGLES RESULTS Australian Open: W (2008, 2011, 2012, 2013, 2015) French Open: F (2012, 2014) Wimbledon: W (2011, 2014) US Open: W (2011) OTHER TOURNAMENTS Tour Finals: W (2008, 2012, 2013, 2014) Olympic Games: Bronze medal (2008) DOUBLES Career record: 36–50 Career titles: 1 Highest ranking: No. 114 (November 30, 2009) Current ranking: No. 337 (February 2, 2015) GRAND SLAM DOUBLES RESULTS Australian Open: 1R (2006, 2007) French Open: 1R (2006) Wimbledon: 2R (2006) US Open: 1R (2006) TEAM COMPETITIONS Davis Cup: W (2010) Hopman Cup: F (2008, 2013)

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X6

Friday, February 6, 2015

EXTRATIME

Interview

BOATENG:

O T D E S U M ’ I PLAYING Y M T S N I A G A

Jerome Boateng Experts were divided on the wisdom of Jerome Boateng’s switch from Manchester City to Bayern Munich in the summer of 2011. The young centrehalf’s fundamental quality was not in doubt, but the man who has now reached the age of 26 was a frequent target for criticism due to numerous basic errors and lapses in concentration. But Boateng has gone on to silence the critics. The imposing defender is one of the first names on the team-sheet for both Bayern and Germany and on his day is an immovable object for even the most deadly strikers. Born and bred in Berlin, the physically powerful player made a huge contribution to Germany’s 2014 FIFA World Cup triumph in Brazil. Speaking exclusively to FIFA.com, the father of twins discussed his dramatic progress, his feelings when the final whistle blew in Rio, his targets and what it is like to face your own brother in an international match. Excerpts: Jerome, during your spell in England you found out what it’s like to play through a season without a winter break. How important is a mid-season break to you personally?

It was very important in the year after a World Cup. I think it’s good for football in general actually, as it’s time off to take a deep breath and rebuild your energy. So it was especially important this time.

There’s fierce competition for the centre-back positions at Bayern, and apart from you, there is Dante, Mehdi Benatia and now also Holger Badstuber, who’s back from a long injury lay-off. How certain are you of a regular starting berth?

I’ll try to show that I deserve to retain my place in the starting line-up in every training session. I want to make it really hard for the boss to overlook me.

You were red-carded in a Champions League match in December 2012 for a foul on the halfway line. But once you’d served out your ban you were a man transformed and your form improved dramatically.

What happened there?

Yes, I’d agree that it all took off from then on. I took a good, long look at myself and worked exceptionally hard on my game. I put in a lot of individual training sessions with assistant coach Peter Hermann and spent a lot of time talking to Jupp Heynckes. I made

BROTHER!

really good progress after that.

Where could you still improve?

In every area. You can never stop learning. You can always keep getting better in terms of positional play, heading, tackling and posing a threat in front of goal. I’m certainly not perfect.

The FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala included the unveiling of the world team of the year. Were you surprised not to be in it?

It would have been nice, but I’ve won the World Cup, and that matters a lot more to me personally than making it into a team of the year.

How often do you reflect on the triumph in Brazil?

What actually happens more often is that other people want to talk about it. I’m not the kind of guy to start meditating deeply on what happened in Brazil. I‘m still giving it time to sink in properly. At some point in the future I’ll watch the whole thing again and turn it over in my head. It’ll be much more valuable that way.

Where’s your World Cup winner’s medal now?

I’ve hung it up at home and it’s in a very nice place.

In the book ‘One Night in Rio’ you wrote that the moment immediately after the final whistle against Argentina was very special and highly personal. What actually was going through your head then?

First of all I just felt immense gratitude, for being where I was and for the opportunity to win the World Cup with my team. And then I thought about how I started in football, out by our front door with my father, kicking a ball around when I was three. Then I mentally fast-forwarded through the clubs and events in my career. It was a private moment for me alone. It was indescribable.

Is there anything about your career you would change if you could?

Nothing at all. I regret none of the steps I’ve taken, including going to Manchester where I had a year full of bad luck with two serious knee injuries. When you look back on it I think I’ve done the right things and I’m happy. You learn a huge amount from adversity. When I was in Hamburg for example, I had a really tough spell under Martin Jol. But I’ve been at Bayern since 2011,

and given everything I’ve achieved so far, I don’t think I can complain.

You went head-to-head with your brother KevinPrince of Ghana at the World Cup. What’s it like having a brother play for a different country?

On the one hand it’s a bit odd, but on the other it’s fantastic too. It’s terrific that something like that can come about in the first place and that we have two players in our family capable of performing at that level.

Have you talked to him at all about the situation being a little strange?

Yes indeed, although it’s always been more by the way of pre-match banter. Obviously we’re perfectly aware it’s a strange situation and we’re used to it. We never played in the same team when we were young and never went on to do so, apart from a spell at Hertha.

What can Bayern achieve this season?

A lot! We’re still in with a chance of three trophies and we have big, ambitious targets. We know we’ll have to keep working very hard and hit peak form at the right time. But we have the potential and if we deliver Clash of two brothers! Germany’s defender when it matters we have a good chance.

Jerome Boateng (left) challenges Ghana’s

Kevin-Prince Boateng during Brazil 2014 FIFA

As for Germany, the target is qualifying for UEFA World Cup. EURO 2016, although in the aftermath of winning the World Cup the campaign has been patchy. Can you turn it around?

Yes, we have to. It wasn’t easy after the World Cup but we should still have taken more points. A lot of players are coming back now and we’ve also had “On the one hand a decent period to train and prepare, so I’m confident we’ll get stuck into qualifying and make it through to it’s a bit odd, but on the EURO. the other it’s fantastic Why do you think Germany have had a few problems?

Everyone obviously wants to beat the world champions, and on the whole we didn’t play well either, although against Poland I reckon we were actually the better rather than the worse team. But we have to be playing better football and creating far more chances against Ireland and Scotland. Especially against Ireland in Schalke, when it simply wasn’t good enough.

too. It’s terrific that something like that can come about in the first place and that we have two players in our family capable of performing at that level.”

Friday, February 6, 2015

EXTRATIME

Federation Watch

X7

With Osaretin Emuze

Briefs

NOC boss

devastated over Okoya-Thomas’ demise

P

resident of Nigeria Olympic Committee (NOC), Engr Habu Gumel was devastated on Sunday on hearing about the death of Chief Molade Okoya-Thomas, sponsor of the longest-running table tennis championship in Nigeria, the Asoju Oba Table Tennis Championship.

He said the Olympic family would miss him dearly.

Recalling his immense contribution to the social, economic and political development of the country, Gumel said he had an unquenchable passion for sports in Nigeria. ‘’He was a philanthropist per excellence. Not only did he give to sports, he inspired and encouraged young athletes and was present to watch Nigerians do battle against other countries in-and-out of the country.

“He was a cheerful giver who turned the lives of many youths around for the better,” Gumel said.

Gumel

Refs return from UK, heap encomiums on NFF

T

he second batch of Nigerian referees to be sponsored on a capacity building programme in the United Kingdom returned to the country on Thursday, full of appreciation to the Amaju Pinnick–led Board of Nigeria Football Federation (NFF).

The referees completed an eightday training programme in the United Kingdom and departed Heathrow Airport, London for Lagos on Wednesday night aboard an ARIK Airline flight, arriving Lagos on Thursday morning.

Made up of 18 referees and the Chairman of NFF Referees Committee (Alhaji Yusuf Ahmed Fresh, who led the team), Chairman of the Nigeria Referees Association (Alhaji Ahmed Maude), Member of the NFF Executive Committee, Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau and FIFA Technical Advisor (Refereeing) and NFF Consultant on Refereeing, Mr. Linus Mba, the contingent members found their home for the duration of the training; away from any kind of distraction.

CFN g n i n i a r t organises

Nigerian cyclists taking part in continental cycling competition.

a j u b A n i camp

C

) is orycling Federation of Nigeria (CFN Abuja, in p cam ing train day ganising a 10Port of Club ing Cycl e Styl courtesy of Life Harcourt. g to the The laudable programme accordin Mohamion, erat Fed the Technical Adviser of . IboroBarr by ed port sup g med Bashiru, is bein of Life bers mem ding foun ma who is one of the Board a as well as t, cour Style Club of Port Har member of CFN.

ucted by Basiru said the camp, is being cond other two and , mer a British coach, Mr Gary Pam Italian coaches. the cyclists “The three coaches are handling ists the bacycl the h for 10days. They are to teac Director, the ing,” cycl sic rudiments of modern ssed. stre ncil Cou rts Technical, Borno State Spo of the part is ping He added that the cam Africa All ing hcom preparation for the fort ber. tem Sep Games billed for Congo in

currently in 22 male and 8 female cyclists are ramme. prog the camp at Febson Hotel Abuja for g to the rdin Some of the cyclists invited acco Nelsey Bas , member of CFN are: Edward Osim Cael, anu Emm son, Miebaka Nelson, Innocent Tom se, Odia y leb Kalizibe, Qodiri Ajibade, Glor cy Mer and cus brapha Grikpa, Rosemary Mar

Illiams. to come to The camping exercise is expected 11. an end on Wednesday, February

SWAN mourns Okoya-Thomas S

ports Writers Association of Nigeria (SWAN) has expressed shock over the demise of the ‘Father of Table Tennis in Nigeria’, Molade Okoya-Thomas who died on Sunday.

Speaking in Lagos the sports writers led by former Chairman of Lagos SWAN, Frank Ilaboya, said it was a very sad development losing the frontline sports philanthropist at a time when the nation’s sports needed sponsorships to break even.

“Okoya-Thomas name has been synonymous with table tennis in Nigeria. It is shocking

to me to hear of his demise.

“He was good man who put all he had into the development of sports, especially table tennis in Nigeria.

“I met him several times and I can simply describe him as very humble person and a real father to all table tennis stars that were discovered from his tourney,” Ilaboya said.

The Sportsville Managing Director lamented why such a good man should die.

“When we were building the SWAN Secretariat in Lagos he gave us all the support. We met again in Algiers during the All Africa Games

and he was there for all the sportsmen and women from Nigeria. We will surely miss his milk of human kindness,” IIaboya said with a tinge of regret.

He sympathized with Okoya-Thomas family and the table tennis family in Nigeria, saying he will be remembered for many years to come for his contribution to sports development in the country, especially table tennis.

Atanda Musa, Funke Oshonaike, Bose Kafo, Sule Olaleye and the current World Table Tennis Player of the Year, Aruna Quadri were his products.

Okoya-Thomas

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Friday, February 6, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

N

Barca

eymar believes a better understanding with Barcelona team-mate Lionel Messi is the primary reason for their free-scoring form so far this season.

The Brazil international joined Barca from Santos in June 2013 in a move that has been the subject of much controversy in Spain.

Barca have recently hit back at calls for the club to stand trial over er alleged tax fraud surrounding the brating aft le ce r a m transfer, however, on the pitch the y tch! ) and Ne Messi (left l during a La Liga ma move is paying dividends. oa scoring a g After scoring 15 times last season, Neymar has netted 22 goals in 26 appearances this term, with Argentina superstar Messi on target on 32 occasions.

And Neymar is delighted with the progress they have made in 2014-15.

“I feel very happy. It’s been easy to play alongside Leo and he is one of my heroes,” Neymar said at a promotional event in Qatar.

“Our understanding on the pitch just keeps getting better and better.”

NEYMAR EXCITED OVER MESSI’S PARTNERSHIP

Barca wants deal with Qatar for ‘many years’

B

Barcelona Vice President, Javier Faus.

LA LIGA TABLE Team

P

PTS

1. Real Madrid

20

51

2. Barcelona

21

50

3. Atletico Madrid

21

47

4. Sevilla

20

42

5. Valencia

21

41

6. Villarreal

21

38

7. Malaga

21

35

8. Eibar

21

27

9. Espanyol

21

26

10. Celta Vigo

21

24

11. Athletic Bilbao

21

23

12. Rayo Vallecano

21

23

13. Real Sociedad

21

22

14. Deportivo La Coruna

21

21

15. Getafe

21

20

16. Almeria

21

19

17. Cordoba

21

18

18. Granada

21

18

19. Elche

21

17

20. Levante

21

16

on vice-president, arcelona’s Wednesday, appeared to contradict the club’s boss by claiming that the Catalan giants want to retain a sponsorship deal with Qatar for “many, many more years”.

Javier Faus said the club had “zero problems” with either the shirt sponsor, Qatar Airways, or the Gulf state itself, which has come under fire for its human rights record.

He was speaking in Doha at a starspangled launch of the latest marketing campaign involving the football club and

Camp Nou set for name change

the airline, with Brazilian superstar Neymar and Spain’s 2010 World Cup and Euro 2012 winning central defender Gerard Pique in attendance.

Last week, the club’s president Josep Bartomeu created a stir when he said the club were sensitive to “social and political aspects” in Qatar.

But Faus said the five-year, estimated €165 million sponsorship deal may be extended beyond next year when the initial contract runs out.

“We are extremely satisfied with Qatar Airways,” he said.

C

amp Nou, one of the most famous stadiums in world football, could be in line for a rebrand.

Barcelona’s Camp Nou could be set for a name change as part of a sponsorship deal between the club and Qatar Airways, the airline’s chief executive officer has revealed.

Barca are in the process of renegotiating their contract with the company, which is due to expire in 2016.

And the carrier’s CEO, Akbar Al Baker, has indicated that the Qatar Airways brand may be added to the iconic stadium as part of the new agreement.

Speaking at a press conference, Al Baker said:

Barcelona’s Camp Nou

“I can assure you there are zero problems with Qatar Airways, zero with Qatar and we definitely hope that this partnership lasts many, many, more years.”

He added that a final decision on sponsorship would be made this year.

Faus said the club had chosen Qatar “of course” for financial reasons, adding that Barcelona were operating in a very competitive arena where some of their rival clubs have unlimited resources.

The deal, which has been criticised by some in Barcelona, comes to an end in 2016.

“Everything is a possibility for our company, we’re open to surprises and one of these could be connected to the name of the Camp Nou. “Qatar Airways and Barcelona have the same values. It is possible that our name is added to the Camp Nou.” Barca’s agreement with Qatar Airways is said to generate around €30million annually for the Catalan club.

Camp Nou has been Barca’s home since 1957 and is due to undergo remodelling work to bring the capacity up from 99,354 to 105,000. That project is scheduled to start in May 2017 and be completed in February 2021.