Dtn 7 12 15

Bayelsa gov poll: Uncertainty as PDP claims victory Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Sunday warned the Independent National Electoral Commis-

sion (INEC) against announcing any ‘cooke-up’ result coming from Southern Ijaw area, which does not reflect the wishes and aspiration of the people, just as it claimed to have won the

Bayelsa state governorship election.

The PDP, which gave the warning in a statement signed by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, also warned President Mu-

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hammadu Buhari to steer clear of Bayelsa governorship election and allow the will of the people to prevail, Continued on page 6

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MONDAY, DECEMBER 7, 2015 VOL. 1. NO. 246

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 4th December 2015.

NESTLE

807

825

18 %

WAPCO

90.61

92

1.39%

UNILEVER 43.98

41.82

-2.16%

NB

120

119

-1%

OKOMUOIL

26.9

29.65

2.75%

DANGCEM

160

161.05

1.05%

GUINNESS 123.8

122.02

-1.78%

CAP

37.95

37.6

-0.35%

Kogi: PDP rejects INEC’s verdict, heads for tribunal

Ï 9ôƋƋ ƏƆ ƅ ƑƐ Ɛ ƏƈƆƒƆƗ ^ ƌƆƌƄƆƏ è ƕ 1 ƒéƆƋƆƅƐ ƕ ƆƋƋ Ï dƑƍƍƋƆƌƆ Ɛ Əƕ ƆƋƆƅƐƈ ƅ ƌƍƋƆƐƆ Ɠ ƐƆ – Audu/Faleke campaign group Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja and Ibrahim Obansa, Lokoja

ship election in Kogi before the election petition tribunal.

The Publicity Secretary of the party in Kogi, Mr Bode Ogunmola, said this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in

ÎÎÎThe Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) on Sunday said it would challenge the outcome of the governor-

Lokoja.

Earlier on Sunday, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) declared Mr Yahaya Bello of the All Progressives Congress (APC) winner of Kogi gover-

norship election.

Bello scored 247,762 votes to defeat the incumbent Governor, Idris Wada of the PDP, who polled 204,877 votes.

The Returning Officer of the gov-

ernorship election, Prof. Emmanuel Kucha, declared the results in Lokoja after the conclusion of the supplementary election held in 91 polling Continued on page 6

$3.9b fine: The other dimensions Ƈ LjMô infraction gB7 As Yahaya Bello emerges Kogi Gov-elect: Matters arising

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Electoral officials and security operatives observing a minute silence in honour of the late APC governorship candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu, before the collation of final results of the election in Lokoja... on Sunday

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2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial Caring for Nigeria’s disabled persons

L

Last Thursday, December 3, the world marked the International Day of Persons with Disabilities. The annual event aims to promote an understanding of disability issues and mobilise support for the dignity, rights and well-being of persons with disabilities. It also seeks to emphasise the gains that would be derived from the integration of such persons in every aspect of political, social, economic and cultural life.

The theme for this year’s celebration is: “Inclusion matters: Access and empowerment for people of all abilities”. The theme provides a frame for considering how physically challenged persons are excluded from society by promoting the removal of all types of barriers, including those relating to the physical environment, information and communications technology (ICT), or attitudinal barriers.

It is estimated that one billion people living with disabilities worldwide face many barriers to inclusion in many key aspects of society. As a result, they do not enjoy access to society on an equal basis with others, which includes areas of transportation, employment, and education as well as social and political participation. According to statistics from the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development (FMWASD), there are more than 19 million Nigerians living with one form of disability or the other. Definitely, these Nigerians have the right to participate in public life in order to reduce inequalities in the society. It is therefore imperative for the government to empower the physically challenged in the society.

This will enhance their own capacities and enable them set their own priorities. Such empowerment

involves investing in job opportunities, health, nutrition, education, and social protection.

There is no denying the fact that when people are empowered they are better prepared to take advantage of opportunities, they become change agents and can more readily embrace their civic responsibilities. Despite being a signatory to the United Nations Convention on the Rights of Persons with Disabilities (UNCRPD), successive Nigerian governments have continued to place the least emphasis on the welfare of those with disabilities.

For example, our roads and highways do not have dedicated lanes for persons with disabilities. In addition, vehicles and high-rise buildings lack facilities for the physically challenged to access them easily. The plight of the disabled is even more pathetic when it comes to their families and communities as many are regarded as source of shame, even as they are treated as objects of charity by the larger society. Even the few vocational institutes set up for them by the various levels of government are ill-equipped and ill-maintained; so it is no surprise that many of them end up on the streets as beggars while others turn to drugs and other socially unacceptable practices for means of livelihood.

A country’s development is measured by its attitude towards the disabled population.

This is why we are calling on the Federal Government to immediately enact the ‘Persons with Disability Law’ that will not only protect the interests of this discriminated section of society, but also restore their dignity. Signing the bill into law will reaffirm their faith in themselves and most especially in their country, Nigeria.

Deputy Editor/Southern Bureau Chief Sam Nzeh Deputy Editor/Northern Bureau Chief Lateef Ibrahim

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

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

ÏÏÏ

On Wednesday last week, what some observers feared would happen if the pro-Biafra protest which had swept across several cities in the South East and South-South geo-political zones for several weeks eventually happened.

At the end of that day, no fewer than nine members of the group spearheading the protests, the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), were killed in Onitsha, the commercial nerve centre of Anambra State during a confrontation with security forces.

Though there are varying accounts of the inci-

dent, fact is that the agitators who marched on the commercial city not only blocked the Onitsha head bridge, a major gate way to the South East and South-South geo-political zones, thereby preventing traffic in and out of the city for several hours a day before the sad event but also brought business activities to a halt. In a bid to contain the agitators, members of the Military Taskforce shot some, killing at least nine.

Recall that on this column on Tuesday, November 24, 2015, we warned that there was the likelihood that the protest might turn bloody and called on the parties involved, the protesters and the security forces representing the Federal Government, to trade with

Group Executive Commercial/ Business Developement Ifeoluwa Isijiola 08086296714 Group Head Accounts & Control Samson Abiodun

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caution.

That counsel fell largely on defy ears as the Wednesday confrontation between the Joint Military Task Force and the IPOB members has proved.

Now, the onus is on all of us, the Federal Government and its security forces, the pro-Biafra agitators, the South East Governors, the apex Igbo socio-political organisation- Ohanaeze Ndigbo, all Igbo sons and daughters and indeed all Nigerians to step back and fashion ways to ensure that no more lives are lost in the protest and that people of all ethnic, political and religious groups carrying on with their lives and businesses in the theatre of the protest continue to do so without let or hindrance.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 14

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Words On Marble :

Publisher/Editor in Chief – Fidelis Anosike Editor Biodun Durojaiye

Pro-Biafra protest: Time for truce

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Lai Mohammed

Bukola Saraki

Shehu Sani

“When leaders lead by example, it will inspire those who are governed to do the right thing.”

“For us to fight corruption, we must have an enabling environment, laws that will strengthen that fight against corruption. We must strengthen the institutions”.

“The use of force against peaceful dissent only encourages a violent reaction”.

4 4

Daily Times Nigeria Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015 Friday, November 13, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

5 News

Okpella monarch to Dangote: Disregard negative report on my community ÏÏÏThe paramount ruler

of Okpella kingdom of Edo State, the Okuokpellagbe of Okpella, Alhaji Yesufu Dirisu has condemned what he called inciting activities of agents of a cement in the community warning that his palace would no longer tolerate any group using pseudo names to dent the integrity of his palace and his people.

He has also urged the Chairman of Dangote Cement Plc, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, to disregard such ugly reports and make haste to help Okpella community by investing there just as he has done in other places in Nigeria and Africa.

Alhaji Dirisu said this while receiving in audience some concerned stakeholders in his palace at the weekend spoke against the background of reports said to have been sponsored by the management of the cement company to the effect that the people of the community are spoiling for a show a down with Dangote Cement over its decision to come to the community to explore limestone for cement production purposes in the area.

Contrary to reports in a section of the media that there was tension in the community over alleged planned attacks by unnamed persons, journalistrs who visited the sleepy community of Okpella observed that the entire community was calm and no sign of any unease.

The monarch said emphatically, “It is all lies. Nobody has said that Dangote should not come to Okpella to do business and do exploration. Some people for their selfish interest have been publishing falsehood saying Okpella community does not want to Dangote.

“I am the Okuokpellagbe

Okuokpellagbe1

of Okpella kingdom, I am speaking on behalf of the chiefs, elders and youths of this community. We have no issue with Dangote Cement. I have said it times without number, we want

Dangote to come and do business here in Okpella.

When every community, state and even nations are looking for investors, why should we ask Dangote not to come to our community.

“Aren’t we even lucky that he has seen something that is bringing him here. We want development for our people and the community. Some people somewhere just sat

under a tree and conjured a report to the effect that we are calling Dangote Cement people murderer and kidnappers. Never, we never said so. That is why the Okpella Youth

Initiative has challenged the faceless forum and retract that publication.

We really mean it if they don’t within 14 days we take the next necessary action.”

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

Kogi: PDP rejects INEC’s verdict, heads for tribunal Continued from page 1 units.

He said the results were a merger of the election held on Nov. 21 and the supplementary poll conducted in 91 polling units on Dec. 5. ``The results of the supplementary election shows that the APC scored 6,885 votes, while PDP got 5,363 votes. ``Only 13,000 out of the 49,000 registered voters expected to vote in the supplementary election turned out for accreditation and voting,’’ he said.

Kucha said out of the 494,723 votes cast during the

exercise, only 21,740 were invalidated.

Mr Mumuni Okara, agent of the APC at the collation centre, described the results as satisfactory, saying that the declared results tallied what the party’s agents had obtained from the various polling units.

Capt. Joe Agada (rtd), who represented the PDP at the collation centre, however, said his party would challenge the results at the tribunal Speaking with NAN, Ogunmola said the results of the election was unacceptable to the party and cannot stand the test of time.

He said the death of the candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Abubakar Audu on Nov. 22, while collation was ongoing had made it inevitable for the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to declare PDP candidate, Idris Wada, winner of the poll.

Ogunmola said PDP had rejected the declaration of Yahaya Bello as winner of the exercise, saying that the party would challenge the results before the tribunal.

The APC candidate in the supplementary election and governor-elect, Yahaya Bello, in a short interview with

some journalists in Lokoja on Sunday, said he will reach out to aggrieved members of his party and embark on a reconciliation move, especially with the political family of the late Prince Audu.

However, the Audu/Faleke Campaign Organisation has aslo distanced itself from the declaration of Yahaya as Governor-elect by INEC. In a statement issued in Lokoja by its Director of Media, Duro Meseko, the organisation said that the final result declared by INEC, has vindicated its earlier claims that the election of November 21, 2015 was already won by the

Audu/Faleke joint ticket and should have been declared as such.

The group expressed disappointment in the handling of the election by INEC and described the supplementary election as a complete waste of tax payers money.

The organization said: “It is now crystal clear to everybody that the Kogi Governorship election of November 21 was already won and lost before the strange supplementary election was introduced.

“We therefore urge our supporters to remain calm and steadfast while the law takes its rightful course.”

The PDP at the national level also reacted on Sunday to the INEC verdict declaring Yahaya Bello as governorelect, describing it as a waste of time, scarce national resources and ridiculous shadow-chasing.

The PDP pointed out that nothing other than declaring Governor Idris Wada winner of the election fulfills the requirements of the law under the circumstance.

In a statement by its National Publicity Secretary, Chief Olisa Metuh, the party maintained that APC cannot have two candidates in one election, stressing that the bitter in-fighting within their (APC’s) fold shows the absurdity of INEC’s decision in that regard.

“Indeed, we remain shocked that INEC could elect to create such embarrassing and inciting setting just to show its ‘friendship’ with the ruling government”, it said.

The PDP said that INEC, in the bid to satisfy the President Muhammadu Buhariled APC Federal Government, succeeded only in making a mockery of itself and the entire electoral process, by trying to illegally install an individual who, apart from not being a valid candidate, scored, under his name, a paltry 6,885 votes in the so-called supplementary election as against the 204,877 votes polled by the PDP candidate, Governor Idris Wada in the overall election.

Uncertainty as PDP claims victory in Bayelsa Continued from page 1 L-R: Executive Director, Okaima Ohizua, Transcorp Hotel Plc; Benjamin Dikki; Valentine Ozigbo, MD/CEO; Olorogun O’tega Emerhor, Chairman; and Helen Iwuchukwu, Company Secretary at the Transcorp Hotels Plc completion Board Meetings and the Signing ceremony for its Series 2 Bond Issue, held at Transcorp Hotel in Abuja... on Friday

if he really desires to sustain the nation’s democracy.

Minimum wage: Be ready for head-on collision, NLC tells Govs Akor Ejumene, Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) on Sunday told state governors to be prepared for head-on collision with it should they (governors) press ahead with plans to reduce the N18, 000 national minimum wage.

This was contained in a statement issued by NLC President, Comrade Ayuba Wabba, in Abuja.

Recall that Zamfara State Governor, Abdulaziz Yari, on Thursday, insisted that many of the 36 states of the federation were not in a position to pay the N18,000 minimum wage.

Yari, who is also the Chairman of Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) also said if there was no reduction in

the national wage, the states would embark on massive retrenchment of workers.

However, the NLC said the “path the governors are headed can only lead to one outcome: a head-on collision with Nigerian workers and Nigerian people’’.

The congress noted that the minimum wage was the minimum salary a worker was envisaged to earn to sustain himself and dependents over a daily or monthly period.

The statement said: “In case Governor Yari and his colleagues, most of whom are fresh in their positions, might not be aware, the principle behind minimum wage is that it is the minimum salary a worker is envisaged to earn to sustain himself or

herself and his or her legal or legitimate dependents, over a daily or monthly period. In our context, a worker’s legitimate dependents include the worker’s spouse and four children.

“In simple arithmetic terms, N18, 000 divided by six (6) persons over 30 days amounts to N100 per day per person, or N600 for the six (6) persons per day.

This is the amount that is expected to feed six people daily. Then they have to find some amount from the same wage for accommodation, healthcare, transportation, education, and maybe, some change for clothing to cite the basic necessities of daily existence”.

Continuing, the congress said” “For us in the NLC,

governors/states are going away with N500 million, N50 million or less; from the monthly federation account sharing not on account of the fall in the price of crude oil alone, but because of the earlier choice(s) the governors made in recklessly mortgaging their states’ revenue through uneconomical borrowing from commercial banks”.

The congress maintained that the governors continue to engage in practices that are completely against the norms and standards of governance in civilised societies, especially those whose economies are under stress such as profligate lifestyles; unnecessarily bloated political aides, awarding contracts that are clearly sever-

al notches above prevailing market costs, dedication of hundreds of millions of annual budget to security votes which are unfortunately more often than not used as slush funds, while expending several millions of naira on their travels and tours that yield literally nothing in return.

The NLC further noted that apart from the mindless pensions running into several millions of naira that many former governors had, at the point of their exit from power, dishonestly awarded themselves, and which no successor governor has mustered the courage to revoke since the immoral practice began in Continued on page 12

The opposition party alleged that intelligence information reaching it shows that President Buhari was neck-deep in APC’s alleged desperation to forcefully take over Bayelsa state, for which he had allegedly directed a covert military and other security operations to assist his party to rig an election, which it claimed has already been won by the PDP. The PDP said, “At the head of this illegal military operation is one Capt. (Name withheld), who led the hijacking of elections in Southern Ijaw Local Government Area, the largest in the state.

“Military personnel have seized ballot materials including result sheets in Igbematiru, Peremabiri, ward 3, ward 6, ward 8, ward 12, ward 13 and ward 15, which they took to Ologbobiri in military gunboats, where massive thumb-printing is going on in favour of the APC. In Ward 7 Ekowe, the military hijacked and destroyed voting materials.

“During this operation, Continued on page 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

7 News

FG’ll re-integrate IDPs, says Osinbajo Chijioke Kingsley, Jos

ÎÎÎThe Vice President, Prof.

Yemi Osibanjo, last weekend in Jos, the Plateau state capital, assured the Internal Displaced persons (IDPs) of the Federal Government commitment in ensuring that they re-unite with their loved once, even as the FG will continue to extend its support while their stay in camp lasts.

The VP, stated this at the IDP Camp Anniversary and the official launch of the Coalition for Minority Rights (CMR), championed by Ste-

fanos Foundation, a faith based Human Right Advocacy organisation, based in Jos. Osibanjo, who spoke through Pastor Joseph Olusheye, the Chaplain of Aso Villa, emphasised on re integration of the IDPs to their various home land, even as the Nigeria Army has made significant progress in the war against insurgents.

The convener, Engr. Mark Lipdo, said it was commendable that although both Plateau and Nassarawa States were victims to the ongoing

violence, yet they have demonstrated benevolence that are worthy of emulation.

Lipdo said since the wake of violence in 2002, Stefanos Foundation had been working with several communities in Northern Nigeria, especially in some part of Nassarawa, Benue, Plateau, Kaduna states, that are under continuous terror attacks and recently, also those sacked by Boko Haram group in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.

He lauded the federal government through the services of the National Emer-

gency Management Agency (NEMA) for their cooperation and timely intervention in rendering services to the IDPs. Also at the occasion, the governor of Plateau state, Mr. Simon Bako Lalong, said he was delighted to be part of the commemoration of the establishment of IDPs camp by Stefanos Foundation and pledged that both the federal and state governments will re-strategise the early response mechanism operations of providing succour to the displaced in the country.

Lalong, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Information, Stephen Pam Gadong, said, “We must seek better ways of forestalling our man-made and natural disasters, instead of waiting until something happens before sending relief materials”, he emphasised.

Gov. Lalong further called on every community to embrace peace and respect each other values, culture, religion, so that ethnic and religious clashes will be a thing of the past.

1.5m Lekki residents want alternative routes ahead of mall operation ÎÎÎThe

L-R: CEO, Stanbic IBTC Bank, Yinka Sanni; Chairman, Sogenal Limited, Mr. Funso Lawal and former President, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, Chief Kola Jamodu, at the dinner/launch of Stanbic IBTC Signature CSI Initiative in Lagos,..at the weekend.

Military to integrate 620 personnel to civil life Segun Adio

ÎÎÎAfter

years of meritorious service to the nation and months of training to enable its retirees to integrate seamlessly to civilian life, the Nigerian Armed Forces Resettlement Centre (NAFRC), last weekend, said the Centre would graduate a new batch of 620 personnel.

NAFRC Commandant, Air Vice Marshal (AVM) Mike Iloenyosi, disclosed this during a press briefing with Defence Correspondents at the Centre in Oshodi, Lagos.

Drawn from the Nigerian Air Force (NAF), the Nigerian Army (NA) and the Nigerian Navy (NN), these retirees were equipped with relevant trades and

vocational skills.

While 451 retirees were drawn from the army, the air force recorded 162, while the navy had the lowest figure with just seven personnel.

Iloenyosi said, “We made progressive efforts towards re-orientation of retiring members of the Nigerian Armed Forces (NAF).

“This is aimed at positive reintegration into the society who would continue to contribute as citizens of this great country of our national goals.

“I am happy to inform you that the centre from its inception to date has graduated a large number of trainees, about 40, 000 and the present set of trainees are 620.

“The mandate of NAFRC is to equip retiring personnel of the NAF with relevant trade and vocational skills to enable them integrate into civil society and enjoy a productive and fulfilling life in retirement.

“Concerted efforts have been embarked upon to expand the scope of participation of commissioned officers, hitherto excluded from pre-retirement training.

“In this regard, NAFRC hopes to introduce managerial and entrepreneurship training for retiring officers.

“Although it is still evolving, I am glad to inform you that close to 300 officers have so far benefitted from entrepreneurship and managerial training

in the past through collaboration with EMPRETEC Nigeria Foundation.

“Similarly, the PAN African University (Lagos Business School), has also been providing managerial entrepreneurship skills to the armed forces under the NAFRC training scheme in the past.”

Air Vice Marshal Mike Iloenyosi

1.5 million residents of the 10 estates around Jakande Roundabout in Lekki, Lagos State, said RMB West Port, owners of Circle Mall, must provide them alternative routes before it opened its mall on Dec. 17.

The residents from the 10 estates from the area, with each of them having no less than 150 residential buildings, said that this would enhance effective traffic control.

They told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos that the management of the outfit should have consulted widely before citing the mall around Jakande Roundabout.

They said that this was because the traffic on the Lekki –Epe Expressway had always been chaotic before now and opening of the mall would attract more human and vehicular traffic to the area.

Mr. John Thomas, a resident of Femi Okunnu Estate near the Jakande Roundabout, said that there were more than 10 estates in the area with each estate having not less than 150 buildings. `` These estates include -- Femi Okunnu Phases 1 to 4, Victory Park, Friends’ Colony, Milverton, Egerton, Cardogan, Pinnock Arcadia Groove and Northern Foreshore, all with one access road” Thomas said.

Buhari

Focus on rural devt, Rep urges Buhari Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta

ÎÎÎA

House of Representatives member, Hon. Oladipupo Adebutu, has called on the Federal Government to concentrate on rural development saying the move will boost agricultural development.

Adebutu also said the National Assembly is not at loggerheads with President Muhammadu Buhari and the executive arm of government over the direction of moving the nation forward.

Umahi flags off work on 62.2 km roads in Ebonyi Jacob Ogodo, Abakaliki

ÎÎÎEbonyi

State governor, Mr.David Umahi, has flagged off the construction of three major roads in the three senatorial zones of the state.

They are the 23.7km Hilltop- Nwofe and the 15.5km Nkalagu/Ehamufu roads awarded to China Zunghaoi Ltd as well as the 23.5 km Amasiri/Okposi/Uburu road awarded to CONROCK Nigeria ltd.

Governor Umahi told an excited crowd at the Hilltop Field in Abakaliki that the commencement of work on the HilltopNwofe road was a dream fulfilled.

He added that the reconstruction of the road was underscored by the overwhelming support and solidarity he received from Izzi people during the governorship election in the state.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

Politics Kogi polls: Bello’s election cannot stand in court - Legal practitioner A legal practitioner, Mr Greg Anthony, has faulted the declaration of Alhaji Yahaya Bello of the All progressives Congress (APC) as the winner of the

Æs

Kogi governorship election.

Anthony told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Sunday that the process through which a party’s flag bearer should emerge was circumvented.

Anthony said that in spite of the constitutional gaps, it was not proper to give the votes belonging to James Falake to a man who didn’t work for it.

He argued that only Falake, who was running mate to the late Abubakar Audu, had claim to the votes. ``Some people voted for the APC in the exercise because Fal-

ake was in the race together with Audu. ``Why is it then a joint ticket? I want to believe the governorship election tribunal should address the anomalies ``This election cannot be upheld by any court of competent jurisdiction or even the tribunal,’’ he said.

According to the result announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) after Saturday’s supplementary poll, the APC candidate polled a total of 247,752.

It showed that APC defeated the

incumbent governor and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Idris Wada, who polled 208,877 votes.

According to the Chief Returning Officer for the poll, Prof. Emmanuel Kucha, the APC polled 6885 votes against the PDP’s 5363 in Saturday’s supplementary poll. ``Yahaya Bello, having polled the highest number of votes and satisfied the law is hereby returned elected,’’ he had declared.

The APC picked Bello as its new candidate for the supplementary poll after the death of Audu, who was its original flag bearer.

As Yahaya Bello emerges Kogi Gov-elect: Matters arising

Wada As expected, the All Progressives Congress (APC) rode to eventual victory in last Saturday’s supplementary poll for the Kogi State Governorship election held last November 21. Its new candidate, Yahaya Bello was credited with 247,752 votes while his closest challenger and candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and incumbent governor, Captain Idris Wada scored 204, 877 votes.

The party was on the crest of victory then when its candidate, Prince Abubakar Audu dropped dead following the announcement by the Independent National Electoral Commission

Faleke (INEC) which declared the election inconclusive.

Sequel to his death, INEC asked the APC to submit the name of a fresh candidate to replace Audu, a development that caused a stir as many thought that the running mate to Audu, Sunday Faleke would be asked to step into Audu’s shoes.

Faleke himself rejected the choice of Bello insisting that he remains the governor-elect following the death of his principal. When his party and INEC rejected his nomination, he went to court seeking a declaration of the court to declare him winner and governor-elect.

Yakubu Besides, Wada himself also went to court to be declared winner of the election following Audu’s death. But last Friday, the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja threw out their cases and affirmed Bello as the APC candidate, giving a go ahead to the INEC to conduct the supplementary poll.

It was unclear as at press time whether the APC had been able to resolve the issue of Faleke as running mate to Bello since his loss at the court. This is because having submitted Faleke’s name as running mate before the expiration of INEC’s deadline, his decline of the offer might ren-

der Bello’s nomination as null if the opponents approached the court.

Perhaps this was why Wada announced that he should be declared winner of the overall election having won majority of the votes in all the election.

According to Wada, while he, (Wada) scored 204,877, the late Audu scored 240,000 at the November 21 poll before his death while Bello scored 6885 votes in the supplementary poll.

He added that since Audu was dead, he remains the governorelect following the death of Audu since he scored the next CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Bello

Edo 2016: Why I want to succeed Oshiomhole – Don Pedro A Benin Prince, Don Pedro, Osaro Agbonifo Obaseki has unveiled his plans to be governor of Edo State.

In a statement of intent released at the weekend which he personally signed, Don Pedro, a Nollywood Act said he is seeking nomination as the flagbearer of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC).

Don Pedro said he was persuaded to seek the nomination after due and serial consultations with “my immediate family, associates, friends, colleagues, as well as traditional, religious and civil leaders”.

According to him, “I believe the time is nigh to make our voices emerge from the dark abyss of tainted mafia-style politics of our dear EDO. “Most importantly, I’ve sought and received, with utmost humility, the corporate blessings/ endorsements of the Elders Council of the Extended OBASEKI, OGBEIDE’OYO, BAZUAYE-EMEHI, & EZOMO Families (my paCONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Obaseki

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

9 Politics

N5,000 social security stipend can stimulate economy - Sen. La’ah The N5,000 monthly social security stipend being proposed for the poor, jobless and aged can stimulate the economy and restore hope to the hopeless, according to Sen. Danjuma La’ah (PDP, Kaduna South).

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Jos on Sunday that the Senate would support and encourage the Federal Government to fullfil the promise of paying the stipend to the poor, and cautioned against politicising the issue.

He said ``for you and I, N5,000 may be nothing. You could even see it as ridiculous, but to the very poor and hopeless, that amount can be a spring board for success in their lives. ``It can form the capital for a small-scale business like garri selling that could grow and change the fortunes of several families,’’ La’ah, a member of the Senate Committee on Poverty Alleviation said.

The senator advised that all deserving Nigerians be enrolled into the scheme, irrespective of political lineage, and promised that the senate would ensure that all deserving individuals benefitted from it whenever it

commenced.

La’ah also spoke on his efforts to improve the living standard of his constituency, saying he was working on some schemes to empower the youths to minimise indolence and promote self reliance. ``The idea is to make everyone an asset to the society and promote individual self worth; once we can make the young Nigerian to feel cared for, he will feel he has an obligation to make Nigeria great and work toward that.’’

He said he had met with President Muhammadu Buhari where he drew his attention to the fact that his constituency did not get ``even one’’ project when he (Buhari) was chairman of the Petroleum Trust Fund (PTF). ``He (Buhari) could not believe it, but I told him he could cross check. ``I then suggested to him that the only way to make up for that was to ensure that we had some projects now that he is president.’’

The senator said he had already promised to ensure that whatever was due to his people he would get it for them, and

declared that he would always remain alert to promote that.

He explained that he had already ensured that allocations for the completion of the modern library in the Kafanchan campus of the Kaduna State University were captured in the 2016 budget. ``It is a constituency project started by my predecessor; a good part of the job has been done, but key components like power generating set, book shelves, water tank and seats are still being awaited,’’ he explained.

He said that he had also begun the renovation of some selected primary schools to boost the learning enviornment, especially in the rural areas. ``So far, I have rehabilitated eight primary schools, with one from each of the constituency’s eight local governments. I hope to continue to select more with time.’’

He said that he had also repaired boreholes to assist rural dwellers, and revealed that he had paid special attention to the Godogodo in Jema’a Local Government Area ``because their situation was really bad.’’

Sheik Lemu: Killer Muslims will not make Paradise Alade Tasma

La’ah

As Yahaya Bello emerges Kogi Gov-elect: Matters arising

A renown Islamıc scholar and the Director of Development Initiative of West Africa (DIWA), Sheikh Muhammad Nurudden Lemu has said Islam prohibits killing by anybody and any Muslim who takes the life of another will not smell the fragrance of Paradise.

He therefore, urged all religious leaders to preach peace, love and unity instead of inciting comments and speeches, adding that the life of every one is sacred and must be preserved.

Delivering the 9th Annual Hijrah lecture of the Lagos Hous of Assembly Muslim Community wıth the theme: “The Universality of the Message of Muhammad, he explaıned to the large audience that the whole essence of the message of Prophet Muhammad is compassion.

According to Sheıkh Lemu, whatever anyone is engaged in form of a job should be considered as a way of showing compassion to humanity, saying any teaching that promotes hatred should be disassociated from Islam.

The Islamıc cleric admonıshed the audıence to always be ready to forgıve. “We should be ready to forgive, show love and mercy to the creatures of God. We stand for justice. Islam will never tolerate injustice, it tolerates justice and if someone stands for justice Allah will support and protect him.

If you care for the truth Allah will care for you.

“If you don’t stand for truth, Allah will not protect you. Let’s try and support our leaders whenever CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Bello CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

number of votes after Audu who is dead adding that it was wrong to credit Bello with the votes of a dead man.

A Constitutional lawyer, Pro-

Audu fessor Ben Nwabueze said in an interview that what INEC ought to have done was to conduct a fresh election as the votes scored

by Audu had died with him with his sudden death before the conclusion of the poll.

Faleke Asked why Audu’s running mate could not be asked to step into his shoes he said the role of a running mate of deputy governor was like a spare tyre without any function whatsoever unless the ones assigned to him/

her by his principal.

According to him, at that point in time, Audu’s votes had died with him as neither Faleke nor any other person could not inherit his votes which he said was an illegality in law.

Lemu

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

Sheik Lemu: Killer Muslims will not make Paradise CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

they stand for justice. If a community, society or a natıon supports justice and truth, Allah will support them even if the community or state is not an Islamic state.

Delivering a keynote address, Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa saıd that Nıgerıa natıon has become a marrıage of chaos and ınstabılıty ın the last 10 years and currently passing through psychological turbulence. He reasoned that political office holders need direction to get the country out of the quagmire.

Obasa saıd: “The theme for this year’s programme is apt as the world; Nigeria in particular, is going through emotional experi-

ence that words cannot describe.

Taking a critical look at unfolding events across the Nigerian nation in the last decade, it has been a marriage of chaos and instability.

“Without any doubt, we are witnessing a turbulent period as some individuals or groups living under the jurisdiction of any other authority resort to deviant violence. As a result, innocent people, particularly children, elderly and women lose their lives on daily basis and their properties destroyed in the north eastern part of our dear country.

“As these straits of skirmishes rage on, it then dawns on us as representatives of the people who believe in the Nigerian Project to fashion out modalities towards reviving every stratum of the nation

and this led to the decision of this year’s lecture titled “The Universality of the Message of Muhammad,” was hinged on this.

“Our goal is to bring all and sundry together because we felt if there is change within the soul and mind-set through attitudes, beliefs, creed, symbolic interaction, motivation, commitment and the desire to bring forth compatriots towards achieving the vision and mission of maintaining a balanced society will be fruitful.

“We in government are desirous of new transformation in its ability to create a new framework of policies that will tackle complex issues, stamp out corruption and make life abundant for our people in accordance with divine laws of Allah,” Obasa stated.

In hıs lecture at the event, the National Missionary, Al-Fatihu Quareeb Islamic Society of Nigeria, Shaykh Abdurrahman Adangba, dısclosed that the message of the Prophet is universal and global.

One of the messages of the prophet according to him is delivering people from afflictions and oppression.

Adangba said everyone should be good and humane towards others, saying the message of the prophet encompasses personal interactions, penal laws, worship and commercial dealing Adangba therefore, urged political leaders to have the fear of God, adding that emphasis should be placed on duties of the populace rather than rights.

Nigerian leaders need divine wisdom to overcome challenges - Dogara Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, on Sunday, said current Nigerian leaders need divine wisdom to overcome the several challenges confronting the country.

This is contained in a statement issued by the Speaker’s Special Adviser on Media and Public Affairs, Mr Turaki Hassan in Abuja.

Hassan stated that Dogara made the remark when he visited Keffi, Nasarawa State, to condole with the people, family and state government over the death of thåe Emir, Alhaji Chindo Yamusa II. According to him, the plethora of problems bedevilling the country cannot be solved with mere human wisdom.

He said ``Nigeria needs divine wisdom and intervention for the present crop of leaders to address the challenges facing the country. ``Peace is becoming a very rare commodity, particularly in the North.’’

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Yamusa died in the early hours of Friday at the age of 70 years.

The Speaker said ``we are here to condole with the people of Keffi over this huge loss of our father, the emir who was a lover of peace. ``Keffi witnessed peace throughout his reign and this is what we need, especially in the

Lemu

Edo 2016: Why I want to succeed Oshiomhole – Don Pedro CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

Dogara North.’’

Dogara then urged urged the people of Nasarawa State to emulate the life of the late monarch, stressing that ``he left a good legacy of peace because if there is no peace we cannot even practice our religion as people of faith. ``Without peace, there cannot

Buhari be any meaningful development in the society.’’

He pointed out that the change mantra canvassed by the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led government could only be actualised when people prayed for and support the government to succeed. ``Even when we have good intentions, we cannot

achieve anything without the support of the people. ``Everybody knows the situation we found ourselves especially in the North. ``There is no human wisdom that can take us out of this quagmire except divine wisdom from God Who is all-knowing. That is the only way out.’’

ternal and maternal families) and these ceremonies will be placed in the public domain in a few days, across all mass media. As a child of Tradition, these endorsements are tangential to my aspirations and ambitions.

“I beg you to join me in this arduous task. As the seeming youngest in the large field of perceived aspirants, I vision myself as the proverbial little DAVID in the clustered House of Jesse. Let’s write a brand new chapter in the chequered history of our Race. I beg you to join me to chart a new course for our Children and their Children’s Children.

“We can do this. Together, Let’s MOVE beyond the acrimonious bickering that put us back. Let’s MOVE beyond the shame of the totemic “Motor-Park” democracy that envelopes our collective heritage. Let’s put EDO first”, he stressed, adding, “in a few days, we shall launch our campaign to seek our party’s nomination, and the Mandate of our great people”, he said.

Oshiomhole

11 Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

Mixed reactions trail Ambode’s six months in office Lagos State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode recently marked six months in office as Lagos helmsman. Our correspondent who went out to get opinions of people on this landmark reports that mixed reactions have been trailing the performance after six months in the saddle. Excerpts: Adedeji Sulaimon

Olabode Johnson When we talk about governance, to judge a person in power for six month is not right because governance is a continuity as many people have said.

You ask: Where is the educational sector? Where is health sector? Where is economic sector in Lagos State? That’s what matters and where you talk about education sector in Lagos many people use WAEC, JAMB, NECO results to judge; but for me, when you are talking about education sector, you judge about the facilities, the environment, the basic things, the teachers, student environment, that’s what you judge. When you talk about health, we talk about the health facilities in health care.

However, for me, Ambode is really trying. Last week, there was a launching of lots security equipments, patrol vehicles, helicopters, power bikes etc, this is just about the work that needs to be done.

The former Governor of Lagos State now the incumbent

Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Raji Fashola tried, he did his own part but governance is a continuity and Ambode is really trying also.

On the road aspect, let me talk on Apapa because I reside in Apapa, Apapa road is under the federal government and the Minister of Transport, Rotimi Amaechi, needs to work in hand with the governor for a free moving road network. You cannot imagine closing from office at 4pm in Ikeja and going to Apapa and be in the traffic till 9pm or 11pm. It doesn’t make sense.

I have been in traffic for over hours just from Ijora Olopa to Barracks Bus Stop; so they need to do more work on it.

Olabimpe Oyetubo For the past six months that Akinwumi Ambode has been on the saddle, from my own perspective, he is trying. I will talk about the education aspect. About

Adeloye Abidemi Ambode is really trying, I can see that he is following the steps of the former governor. Like Ambode said, he may have won Lagosian’s votes but before winning the election, he made a lot of promises which he is trying to fulfil. So, I will advise the governor not to forget sports in creating more employment in this state because people are really suffering.

Ejiro Paul Ambode

two months ago, he announced a promise to all secondary pupils in Lagos State public schools, that he will give each student an iPad. He also promised to build infrastructural buildings in the schools like science laboratory, library and others like that.

Concerning the security aspect, former Governor Babatunde Raji Fashola was the one bought up the issue of KAI, LASTMA, LAWMA and others like that into limelight. With these principles he laid down, I think Ambode too should follow these footsteps.

To ask me this question is not right simply because there is nothing that concerns me with the governor of Lagos State whether he is doing his job or not. My own is to step out of my house every day and get what I need for the day but the governor should try and improve electricity supply in Lagos State because that is what we are really suffering from.

Atiku congratulates Kogi people, says Nigeria’s democracy enriched

Bello

Former Vice-President Atiku Abubakar and chieftain of the All Progressives Congress (APC), on Sunday in Abuja, congratulated the people and government of Kogi on the election of Alhaji Yahaya Bello as Governor.

It would be recalled that the state had been in a diffiucult situation since Nov. 22 when Prince Abubakar Audu, APC candidate, died and INEC declared the gubernatorial election inconclusive on the same day.

It would also be recalled that Audu’s running mate, James Faleke, had headed to court over the same issue, insisting he should be declared governorelect because Bello did not participate in the campaigns.

A statement by Atiku’s Head of Media, Mr Paul Ibe, com-

mended political and opinion leaders of the state and INEC for the successful conclusion of the supplementary election. ``The fact that the election resulted in a clear winner after all the doubts, tension, uncertainty, stresses and strains, is a testimony to the fact that the people of the state are resilient and peace- loving. ``It shows that when adhered to, the tenets of democracy tends to yield an outcome satisfying to the people. ``The outcome of the election, has to a significant extent, enriched the nation’s democracy because it has shown that Nigerians can manage complex situations and yet make something out of it to the satisfaction of all concerned.’’

The statement enjoined the governor-elect to carry every-

one along as he sets out to organise his government for the good of the party and the people of the state at large.

It advised aggrieved parties to respect the memory of late Audu ``who was coasting to victory before his sudden death, by availing themselves of the known constitutional ways of seeking redress after an election’’. ``The peaceful and conclusive manner the polls ended shows indeed that the late Prince Abubakar Audu was beloved by his people and that they are determined to keep faith with his ideals.’’

The statement commended the national leadership of the APC for its maturity and wisdom in directing affairs of the party in Kogi, saying its focused leadership yielded the victory.

Atiku

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

Uwazuruike renames MASSOB to BIM

Ï E ƋƑ ƑƏ Ɔ Ƒ Əƈ Ɛ Ɔ Ɔ 9 Ƅ ƋƆ ƗƆƏ Ɛ ƏƆ ƋƒƆ ƈ ƇƏ ƈƐ Ɛƈ Val Okara, Owerri and Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo, G

ÎÎÎFounder

of the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB), Chief Ralph Uwazuruike, on Sunday, renamed the group from MASSOB to Biafra Independent Movement (BIM) in line with the actualisation of a new republic.

Uwazuruike also blamed the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB) for the protests and violence that have rocked the South East and SouthSouth regions of the country in recent times.

This is even as former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, at the weekend called

on President Muhammadu Buhari, to engage traditional leaders and other leaders of thought from South East to mediate in discussions with those seeking self-determination for the Republic of Biafra.

The MASSOB founder at a press conference in Owerri, the Imo State capital, urged IPOB to take their protests to the nation’s seat of power at Abuja and Lagos instead of the continued harassment of the people of the South East.

Uwazuruike said: “This group has visited violence and death on Ndigbo in the course of their agitations.

Our people have been forced to shut down their businesses and sources of livelihood and sometimes have had to flee for

their lives leading to undue economic stagnation of our people. These protests should be taken to the seat of power in Abuja and Lagos where it would be felt the most if they are sincere. The continued oppression of our people in the guise of liberation will only succeed in generating ill will against the struggle. And at a time like this when we are hoping for referendum on the issue of Biafra, the same people they want to liberate may vote against the realisation of the sovereign state of Biafra due to the hardship they had suffered under IPOB’s reign of violence. ” Uwazuruike therefore apologised to the people of the South East especially the families of those who lost

their lives and property, for the hardship they have had to endure in the course of the IPOB protests.

He noted that the need to transform MASSOB to BIM became necessary following the violent activities of some dissident members of MASSOB who were expelled for resorting to violence and fraud in the pursuit of the struggle.

He accused Uchenna Madu, the former National Director of Information in MASSOB, as one of such dissidents whose activities are inconsistent with the non-violence ideology of MASSOB in the realisation of a sovereign Biafran state.

Uwazuruike distanced his group from the protests and

agitations that have crippled economic activities in the region.

Despite the controversies surrounding him, Uwazuruike called for the unconditional release of Nnamdi Kanu, the Radio Biafra Director.

He however blamed the Directorate of State Security (DSS) for giving IPOB grounds for continued agitations.

“Nnamdi Kanu was arrested and detained for a bailable offence. He was arraigned and granted bail by the court but instead of freeing Kanu, the DSS defied court orders and continued the detention of Kanu while preparing and re-filing new charges against him. This is against the tenets of the rule of law and unacceptable in any decent society. This has become the leverage IPOB, other pro-

Biafra groups, and other faceless groups need to continue to oppress the people of the South East.”

When Daily Times contacted, Uchenna Madu, the former Director of Information of MASSOB, he said: “I have noted the false accusations levelled against me by Chief Ralph Uwazuruike and I will reply him at the appropriate time.”

Meanwhile, former Abia State Governor, Dr. Orji Uzor Kalu, has called on President Muhammadu Buhari, to engage traditional leaders and other leaders of thought from South East to mediate in discussions with those seeking self-determination for the Republic of Biafra.

Kalu said such discussions have become imperative because negotiation is an essential ingredient of democracy.

n ƅƆƏƐ ƈ Ɛƕ ^#^ ƅƋ ƈƌ ƒƈƅƐ Əƕ ƈ ƕƆƋ Continued from page 6

E ƈ dƐ ƐƆ 1 ƒƆƏ ƏéƆƋƆƅƐè LƏê ƕ ƆƋƋ æƋƆƇƐç ƓƈƐ Ɛ Ɔ Ɛ ƐƆ ƈƏƌ Ƈ ƋƋ ^Ə ƏƆ ƈƒƆ ƏƆ Ĝ ^ çè Ƌ Ɖƈ 6 Ɨƈ ƌƆƐƑ è ƗƑƏƈ ƅ Ə ƐƑƋ Ɛ Əƕ ƒƈ ƈƐ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ 1 ƒƆƏ ƏéƆƋƆƅƐ ƈ G Ɗ Ɖ êêê dƑ Ɨ ƕ

the ruthless personnel manhandled NYSC members serving as adhoc electoral officers, some of whom were thrown into the water and would have drowned if not for well-meaning Nigerians who rescued them.

“The PDP therefore states that the political development in Southern Ijaw is the worst in Nigeria’s electoral history and is no different

from the military coup of December 31, 1983.

“Furthermore, we are aware that the on-going operation is intended to inflate figures in favor of the APC and cancel PDP’s obvious victory in this election. We therefore expect that INEC should not announce any cooked-up result coming from Southern Ijaw, which does not reflect the wishes and aspiration of the people”, it said.

Minimum wage: Ɔ ƏƆ Ɨƕ Ƈ Ə Ɔ Ɨé ƅ ƋƋƈ ƈ è MG ƐƆƋƋ 1 ƒ Continued from page 6 2007 or thereabout, the politicians has in many ways put aside the plight of the workers”.

According to the congress, “a political elite that cannot fund minimum wages which is clearly not one that can sustain a typical minimum wage earner and his legal dependents, has one of its members going ahead to put twenty (20) billion naira to construct a supposed cargo airport in a state capital that is less than 200kms from the

Federal Capital, and where the most viable transportation system is Okada”.

The congress alleged that since the swearing in of new governors on May 29, 2015, some governors decided to change the official cars of state commissioners from Peugeot 406 to Prado Jeeps, maintaining that the actions were not the actions elites that are conscious of the need to keep the cost of governance down as a result of lean resources due to any economic misfortune.

The congress said as long

as the political elite do not find anything wrong in a local government councillor, chairman, state legislator, state governor, and others earning uniform wages and allowances across board irrespective of the state of natural endowments of the various local governments and states, no amount of preaching or threat from any quarters will stop it from insisting on an enforceable national minimum wage.

It commended the governors of Edo, Rivers, Jigawa and Ekiti states, and other

progressive governors who have so far dissociated themselves from the insensitive and economically illogical campaign by the Chairman of the Governors’ Forum allegedly on behalf of his colleagues to discard the 2011 National Minimum Wage Act or on the alternative throw more workers into the already saturated unemployment market.

The congress called on the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) government and the opposition Peoples Democratic Party

(PDP) to call their governors to order, saying any attempt to renege on the payment of the N18, 000 National Minimum Wage or engage in mass sack of workers in the states will throw the already beleaguered country into industrial disharmony and chaos either now or as the country enters the New Year in 2016.

Stating that all governors regardless of political coloration, took the oath of office to defend the laws and constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the

congress said the Minimum wage Act of 2010 which legitimises the negotiated N18,000 is part of the laws of the Federation. It said that Nigerian workers will defend the rule of law including the Minimum Wage Law. The Congress said it is putting the state councils and the industrial union affiliates at a full state of alert and to commence mobilisation to ensure that it can respond speedily and promptly to any action of the governors to carry out their threat.

13 International

Daily Times Nigeria Monday December 7, 2015

Thailand marks National Day amid concerns for King's health ÏÏÏThailand has celebrated her

national day and the birthday of its king, Bhumipol Adulyadej, with tributes and ceremonies, but concerns over the 88-year-old monarch’s health remain.

Thai Prime Minister Prayut Chan-o-cha led national day celebrations amid thousands of people at the Sanam Luang park, paying tribute to Thailand’s revered and respected monarch.

The evening event, highlighted by candle lights and fireworks, came at the end of a day of official celebrations.

Throughout Thailand, celebrations varied from the giving of alms to Buddhist monks, to local ceremonies marked by officials and communities.

Absent this year was the king’s nationwide address, amid increasing concerns over his fragile health, as he marked his 88th year – 65 years as monarch – the world’s longest reigning monarch.

Carl Thayer, a political scientist from Australia’s University of New South Wales, said Bhumipol has played a crucial role in unifying Thailand.

"The current king has kept the monarchy respected. He’s been such a dominant figure of unity in Thailand that under the present circumstances whoever is his successor will have a major task to try to get the prestige of the king and have the monarchy can

Well-wishers hold lit candles and portraits of Thailand's King Bhumibol Adulyadej at Siriraj hospital, where a group has gathered to mark his 88th birthday, in Bangkok, Thailand, Dec. 5, 2015.

still be seen as a unifying force in Thailand," Thayer said.

But concerns over Bhumipol’s health have risen in recent weeks after he appeared frail during his most recent appearance before the general public on Sept 1.

Debate over the monarchy has been increasingly suppressed

by Thai governments – both the elected and military government that came to power last year – on the application of Thailand’s rigid Lese Majeste laws, that out-

law defaming the monarchy, with many now facing lengthy prison sentences.

In recent months, the Thai military has used the laws as part of investigations of people, including former members of the Royal House, as well as military and police officials.

Royalists this week staged protests after U.S. Ambassador Glyn Davies, speaking to foreign reporters, criticized the “unprecedented” lengthy prison sentences

imposed under the law.

In recent days the local publisher of the international edition of the New York Times refused to print articles about the Crown Property Bureau, which manages the financial affairs of the Royal Family.

Earlier, the same publisher deleted a story from the front page focused on Thailand’s weak economy and the outlook under the military. The story had briefly mentioned the royal family.

Seychelles heads for election run-off

Egypt arrests 9 police over beating to death ÏÏÏThe Seychelles will go to an unprecedented presidential elecof detainee tion runoff after all six candi-

ÏÏÏEgypt's

Interior Ministry says nine police have been detained after a man was beaten to death while in custody in the southern Luxor province last month. Police spokesperson Abu Bakr Abdel-Karim says the arrests on Friday and Saturday were based on a forensics report which found that the detainee, Talaat Shabeeb, was beaten to death. He says the policemen will be held for four days pending further investigations.

President Abdel-Fattah el-Sissi delivered a speech last week vowing to punish officers who make mistakes amid mounting criticism of the force following the death of three detainees in recent weeks. Police brutality was one of the main grievances of protesters in the 2011 uprising that toppled longtime autocrat Hosni Mubarak.

dates in the first round failed to secure a 50 percent share of the vote, the electoral commission said on Sunday.

"We will have to go into a second round," said Hendrick Gappy, chairperson of the Seychelles Electoral Commission. The next vote begins on December 16.

The Indian Ocean archipelago nation of 115 islands and 93 000 people went to the polls to pick a new president on December 3 in the three-day vote.

The incumbent President James Michel, 71, won 47.76% of the 62 004 votes that were cast, while his closest challenger, Wavel Ramkalawan, a 54-year old Anglican priest, scored 33.93%.

Michel, who touted his economic credentials during the campaign, said the result showed his Parti Lepep, or Peo-

ple's Party in Creole, was still dominant.

"We got more votes than any other party. We missed by only two percent. We are ready for the second round," he said.

The economy, which relies on tourism but also has expanding fisheries and financial services industries, is forecast to expand by more than four percent in 2015, according to the International Monetary Fund.

Ramkalawan, who ran on a Seychelles National Party ticket, thanked his voters for helping force a second round for the first time ever.

"The opposition has more supporters. Michel, we will come after you as the army of the opposition," he said.

Opposition supporters poured into the streets of the capital waving green flags, joining those of Michel who drove vehicles draped with red flags. Both sides viewed the results as favouring

them.

Voters said new entrants had drawn away support from the country's two main political blocs, resulting in the need for a runoff. "The newcomers in the presidential race took votes from the two traditional runners," said Emmanuel Guy, a voter, who waited outside the counting hall all night for the announcement of the results. He did not say who he voted for.

Michel

4, 600 migrants rescued off Libyan coast in 3 days ÏÏÏ

More than 4 600 people have been plucked to safety from unseaworthy boats off the Libyan coast, the Italian coastguard said on Sunday, as migrants took advantage of calmer waters to attempt the perilous journey across the Mediterranean.

On Saturday alone, the coastguard operations centre in Rome coordinated nine rescues, pulling 1 123 people to safety from two boats and seven inflatable dinghies.

According to the UN, the number of migrants crossing the Mediterranean to Europe fell by more than a third last month, due to bad weather and a Turkish crackdown on traffickers in the Aegean on the route to Greece.

The 4 600-plus migrants who attempted the crossing between Thursday and Saturday were encouraged by the calmer waters to set off for the nearest Italian coast.

Several Italian coastguard vessels, along with the German naval support ship Berlin - part of Operation Sophia, an military EU mission to stop migrant traffickers - took part in the rescues.

Rumour mill undermines CAR Peacekeepers ÏÏÏ

The United Nations peacekeepers stationed in Guy-Amour Bockoumou’s neighborhood are there to protect him; but, he doesn’t trust them.

The Fatima district of the Central African Republic's capital, Bangui, has been the scene of repeated clashes between Christian militias and fighters from PK5, the capital’s besieged Muslim neighborhood.

Bockoumou, however, says the Burundian peacekeepers deployed in the neighborhood as part of the United Nations’ MINUSCA peacekeeping force haven’t done enough to stop fighters from burning houses. And he’s heard rumors that the U.N. soldiers have even transported in Muslim fighters to attack Fatima — although he stresses he’s never seen that personally.

“If MINUSCA was with the population, we’d trust them; but, people are always asking: why hasn’t MINUSCA improved anything?” said Bockoumou, who works for a charity. “If we hear the same rumor again and again and it’s saying the same thing, then it must be based in truth.”

News14

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

Biafra: Igbo in North condemn Onitsha unrest Pita Chikwem Minna

ÏÏÏThe Igbo people living in the

northern part of Nigeria have condemned the civil disturbance and confrontation with security agencies, which led to the loss of life and property by some groups, in Onitsha, last week.

The Eze Igbo Dioranma of Niger State, Eze Pampas Wahiwe, said, on Sunday, while addressing journalists, in his palace, that any group, which parades itself as Ohanaeze Ndigbo, preparing to foment trouble in the north was not recognised in Niger State.

He said that “the movement

which started peacefully by way of rallies and peaceful demonstration has snowballed into civil disturbances, confrontation with security agencies and arson.”

Eze Wahiwe reinstated that the Igbo people in the north and, indeed, Niger State, had dissociated themselves from the activities of the groups.

Accordingly, he said, “they, the Movement for the Actualisation of the Sovereign State of Biafra (MASSOB) and the Independent People of Biafra (IPOB) did not consult us, and so do not represent our interest. Most of the people championing this cause do not know what civil war is.

“As far as we in Niger State are concerned, there is no Ohanaeze in Niger and other parts of the north except in Abuja.

“Those who planned to meet in Niger State are doing so illegally, because we have an organogram in Igbo, we have Igbo Delegate Assembly in the 19 northern states, including Abuja.

“If the Igbo people need to meet and take a stand, the delegates in these northern states will come together and chart a way forward.

We, therefore, denounce and condemn the activities of these miscreants. The Igbo people, all over the world, are versed in knowledge, peaceful and highly industri-

ous and have no place for violence in demanding their legitimate rights.”

Furthermore, he said, “to douse the tension in the country, we need to be committed and our people will continue to be friendly and live in peace with other tribes in the entire country”.

Eze Igbo, however, pleaded with the federal and states governments not to use force on those protesting in some parts of the country, so as to avoid worsening the situation.

A group led by the President of Igbos in the state, Chief Ezeugo Emmanuel, had met with journalists, calling on the groups to douse tension in the country.

New Ooni of Ife gets staff of office today Sodiq Adekunle

Osogbo All seems ready for the installation ceremony of new Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi today.

As at Sunday afternoon, rehabilitation work was being completed on buildings inside Ooni's palace, while Enuwa Square, the venue of today's was also being attended to.

Construction workers were seen completing rehabilitation work on roads in areas like Mayfair, Lagere, Enuwa and Ondo road, while many motorists faced mild difficulty moving round the town as result of the work.

A construction worker, who spoke to our reporter on condition of anonymity, said rehabilitation work would be completed on the roads on Sunday.

During a visit to Ife on Sunday, residents of the town set agenda for the new Ooni and expressed hope that his reign would usher in speedy development for Ile-Ife. Speaking to journalists on the preparation for the event, Chairman, media and publicity committee of the coronation, Honourable Biyi Odunlade said, the town was ready to host guests who will be coming for the event.

Said he, "all necessary arrangements have been put in place for the coronation as you know that the event would attract local and international dignitaries and we cannot afford to leave any stone unturned in ensuring and hitch free and memorable coronation".

ÏÏÏ

From Left: Traditional Ruler, Hilltop Autonomous Community of Enugu State, Ozo Sunday Orji; Guest of Honour, Ozo Gab Agu and Igwe Jerome Okolo, during the end of year celebration of the community at Enugu North Local Government Area of Enugu State ...on Sunday

Opponents of anti-frivolity Bill urged to make input ÏÏÏ

The Senate has said members of the public, including those for or against the Anti-Frivolity bill or parts of it would have the opportunity to shape its final outcome, as there was an elaborate process, which the bill must undergo, before it becomes a law.

Its spokesperson, Senator Aliyu Sabi, said on Sunday that some of the comments on the bill emanated from misconception and misunderstanding of the objective which it said was meant to protect all individuals and institutions, including journalists and social media users.

“The Senate is committed to freedom of speech and a fully inclusive and participatory democracy.

“The process of passing a bill is comprehensive and provides for inputs to be taken from all and

sundry. The first stage is merely to read the short title of the bill.

The second stage is purely to debate the general principles. The next stage is committal of the bill to appropriate committee or committees for further detailed legislative action, where the details, intendment and clause-byclause implications of the bill is dissected by the committee. This stage also involve public hearing in which members of the public, civil society, non-governmental organisations and all interested parties for or against the bill have the opportunity to shape and influence its content.

"The outcome from this committee stage is what will be finalised and then represented to the chamber for consideration and approval or disapproval by the Senate.

Thereafter, if the bill is approved,

then the clean version of the bill is forwarded to the House of Representatives for concurrence or otherwise”, he stated.

The Senate added that the differences that may emerge from the House of Representatives version would be resolved through the Conference Committee of the two chambers of the National Assembly.

He added that the bill would go through the whole hog and that there was no intention to make the process of passing this bill any different.

Senator Sabi further explained that the Eighth Senate was conscious of its responsibility to the people and would not do anything that will stifle participation and inclusion. “We will always ensure we pass laws which meet best practices across the world.

Ooni

Four students rape 16-yr-old girl to coma in Ebonyi Jacob Ogodo Abakaliki

ÏÏÏ

A sixteen year old girl from Okpoitumo Community in Ikwo Local Government Area of Ebonyi State, Gladys (surname withheld) is battling for survival after she was gang-raped by four secondary school students, who invaded her house at about 10 p.m.

The students whose name were given as Jeremiah Odah, Dick Alo, Ofobuike Alo and Obumnaeme, had broken into the girl’s house and immediately demanded sex, which she refused to oblige them leading her being beaten by the students of Galaxy Foundation Secondary School, Ndiofoke Amagu, Ikwo, in Ikwo local Government Area.

Analysis

Pro-Biafra protest: Time for truce Continued from page 3 ...On the side of the IPOB, there is need for a rethinking of the current protest strategy. Any move that will cripple livelihoods of people of the South East as well as Nigerians including needless confrontation with security forces should be avoided. The IPOB has a duty to ensure that the protests are not hijacked by persons do not have the interest of the South East at heart.

On the other hand, the Federal Government has a responsibility not to criminalise the protesters but to listen to their demands, including the release of Mr. Nnamdi Kanu, the Radio Biafra director while still going on to prosecute him for any infraction of the law.

The government should also ensure that security forces refrain from using excessive force on the protesters while carrying out their duty of keeping the peace.

On their path, state governors in the South East should ensure that the socio-economic conditions in their states are such that guarantees jobs for the teeming number of unemployed youths and others so as to stem the number of idle hands who can be easily recruited for untoward activities.

The apex Igbo socio-political organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, on her part, should quickly rein in the pro-Biafra groups and make them see reason to pursue their agitations in ways that will not put people unnecessarily to harm’s way including their livelihoods.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

15 Opinion

Africa: Investing in green growth for sustainable development

D Dr. Hippolyte Fofack

uring the United Nations Sustainable Development Summit in New York last September, world leaders adopted a set of Sustainable Development Goals (SDG). Now commonly referred to as the 2030 Agenda for Sustainable Development, these global goals aim to address the perennial challenges of climate change, a result of pervasive carbon-intensive development models, and poverty. Going forward, this Agenda will provide the new framework for monitoring progress on the sustainable development path through 2030.

For those who followed the post2015 consultations, which culminated into the landmark United Nations Sustainable Development Summit, environmental sustainability was at the heart of negotiations. For instance, to achieve SDG 2—“Zero Hunger by 2030” —, the new framework calls on governments to ensure sustainable food production systems and implement resilient agricultural practices that increase productivity, help maintain ecosystems, and strengthen the capacity for adaptation to climate change.

Furthermore, even though environmental sustainability is transversal, cutting across all global goals, there is one goal specifically dedicated to

it—SDG 13: Climate Action—, perhaps reflecting the fact that reversing the global warming trend is indeed the inter-generational challenge of our time.

In effect, if sustainable development is a time-invariant, inter-generationally generous, and environmentallyconscious concept that seeks to reconcile the constant drive to meet the short-term development needs of the current generation with the expectations and aspirations of future generations, then progress on the new SDG framework will depend on the commitment and ability of countries to accelerate the pace of green growth and investments.

However, one question facing sensible governments and policymakers on the climate change and sustainable development debate in Africa;why should the continent which has the least contributed to global warming and to the inexorable expansion of the global carbon footprint be at all concerned with green growth and environmentally-conscious investments, which a priori could be costly for cash-strapped nations and even inhibit growth- given their technological and financial requirements?

An overview of the distributional impact of global warming in the spherical space clearly shows that the negative externalities of carbon-inten-

sive development models in terms of greenhouse gas emissions are already significant in Africa.

At the same time, increased frequency of extreme weather events such as droughts and floods is exacerbating the spread of vector and waterborne diseases. In Eastern and Southern Africa, highlands that were formerly not exposed to malaria are now increasingly at risk due to rising temperatures. Hence, for Africans, global warming is not a hypothetical issue, as the opulent North would want the global majority to think.

Still, another reason—and perhaps the most compelling one—for promoting green investments in Africa is the direct economic returns, in terms of savings and employment opportunities.

The growing opportunities for green jobs that Africa is yet to tap into are indeed setting the renewable industry on a virtuous growth cycle. According to the International Renewable Energy Agency, more than 7.7 million people are now employed across the global renewable energy value chains, up 18 percent from 6.5 million in 2014.

Renewable industries have become the fastest job growth sector in the world, reflecting a rapid reduction in the cost of wind power, which have dropped by more than 30 percent in just the last five years, and increased efficiency of

solar panels, which are also becoming cheaper.

On the former, Cape Verde’s experience is highly instructive. Less than five years after releasing its green development strategic plan—“Cape Verde 50% Renewable: A roadmap to 2020”, 25% of the country is currently covered by renewable energy, with peaks of 35%.

However, while Cape Verde has emerged as one of the leading countries on the renewable energy front, the global intersection of renewable energy and employment is rather disconcerting. Most if not all renewable energy jobs created over the last few years have occurred in America, Europe and Asia, with China and Brazil leading the way, accounting for more than 56% of total green jobs.

Africa’s abysmal performance in moneymaking and job-creating renewable industries is almost tantamount to another missed opportunity. It may well miss the renewable energy revolution already underwayespecially if it does not undertake the right investments to acquire the technological and economic infrastructure needed to manufacture carbon-free products such as wind and solar panels.

Dr Hippolyte Fofack is the Chief Economist of the African ExportImport Bank and Fellow of the African Academy of Sciences.

dential interventions in the number and scope of federal ministries with each of them prefacing their intentions as a matter of public good.

Undoubtedly, these restructurings have also brought unintended consequences in job losses, misalignments and a slowdown in government activities. Buhari has just unveiled his own version. There is a Ministry of Budget and National Planning; Transportation is back (without Works) while Information has Culture re-appended to it (with nothing said about Tourism which is a major source of foreign exchange yet untapped). It is not yet clear if Police Affairs has been scrapped or if it will be subsumed in Internal Affairs. It is also not clear if Communications has returned to preJonathan era. Also, assigning a jumbo portfolio of Minister for Power, Works and Housing to the former Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babatunde Fashola, has 2 implications: he is either overseeing two ministries (given that the presidential spokesman had announced that there is a Permanent Secretary appointed for the Federal Ministry of Power and another for the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing) or the two ministries have been merged (with two Permanent Secretaries?).

Instructively, the President has said that in assigning portfolios to

the new ministers, he has put round pegs in round holes. Nevertheless, we have also had similar ‘superstars’ in previous cabinets and I have written in the past to celebrate their presence in government. But in spite of the structure (and restructuring) of federal ministries and the appointment of ‘big name’ ministers in the past, a number of Nigerians would still argue that their helicopter view of the landscape seems to them to be littered with failures in managing public services. Consequently, successive governments have at best stayed at a comfortable distance from the preceding government and, at worst, disparaged them.

We have indeed made some progress in a number of areas. I believe that as a country we would serve ourselves better if incumbent governments acknowledge the progress made by their predecessors and build on them. Many Nigerians that voted for Buhari did so supposedly based on his good character.

I fear that this might be the last best chance of his generation for us to make that great leap forward. If not, Buhari may leave many Nigerians disillusioned about government’s overall ability to achieve change and even more cynical about politicians’ motivations.

Nigeria’s last best chance We need to see a remarkable change in presidential leadership to make that great leap forward.

I NNANNA UDE

have taken my title from a book by King Abdullah II of Jordan. It came to mind as I bundled my thoughts on the 6-month presidency of Muhammadu Buhari, especially against the backdrop that the colour and texture of his government now has a bit of clarity with the eventual inauguration of the Federal Executive Council. Democracy offers societies different models of governments. In his Inaugural address, Buhari said “the newly elected government is basking in a reservoir of goodwill and high expectations.

Nigeria therefore has a window of opportunity to fulfill our longstanding potential of pulling ourselves together and realising our mission as a great nation.”

As an aside, there have been many analyses on the job placements of his administration before the appointment of ministers. On one side, it is seen as geographically lopsided. On the other, there is a decisive conclusion that they are a reflection of the change towards competence. Geographical balancing is very important to the stability of our amalgamation..

However, it is in the composition of the Federal Executive Council and the new structure of government that Buhari has shown his hand.

His cabinet of 36 people is definitely the smallest since 1999. Presidents Obasanjo, Yar’Adua and Jonathan each started with 42. Obasanjo started with 28 ministries but at the time he was leaving office (a few months to the end of his tenure), he had reduced the number to 23. He also merged Internal Affairs and Police Affairs to have Interior, Works, Transport and Aviation to have Transportation, Petroleum and Power to create Energy. He also took away Steel (from Power and Steel) and merged it with Solid Minerals to become Mines and Steel.

This was the structure that he handed over to President Yar’Adua who then added a Ministry of Niger Delta to make it 24. In a little more than one year after assuming office, President Yar’Adua jettisoned his inheritance by unbundling Transportation, Energy and Interior. His successor, President Jonathan, also tinkered with the structure of the ministries in 2011 by creating a Ministry of Communications Technology, reconfigured Commerce and Industry to become Industry, Trade and Investment. In the end, he had 28 ministries.

The foregoing presents past presi-

16

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

Features Æ ERADICATING HIV/AIDS IN NIGERIA BY 2030:

UNAIDS blows own trumpet

Every step towards early diagnosis and treatment

Ï Ɖ ƆƊ 9#déƍƄƉ ƎƄƕ ƕƄ Ǝ ƍƄ ƕ Ƒ Ǝ ƽƟ ƋƄƍ ƃƄ Ǝê The cheering news from the National Agency for the Control of AIDS (NACA) recently was that HIV and AIDS prevalence has reduced in Nigeria.

The agency noted that Nigeria achieved this as a result of government’s resolve to meet the target of 2030 set by the United Nations AIDS (UNAIDS) to ensure HIV and AIDS-free world.

While UNAIDS announced that it has achieved and exceeded its goal of providing HIV treatment to 15 million individuals across the world before the end of 2015, the agency claimed that HIV infection has also dropped to 35 per cent while AIDS-related deaths are down to 41 per cent.

The United Nations, therefore, calculates that the next

HIV testing is low in the country and unless the bottleneck is addressed, it might take longer than 2030 to end HIV and AIDS. Also, where more than 800,000 people living with HIV need Anti Retroviral Therapy and less than 50 per cent of the number does not have access to the therapy will impede the target - Abdulkadir Ibrahim five years will prove to be more crucial as the organisation aims to end AIDS epidemic by 2030.

Naomi Sharang of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported UN Secretary-General, Ban Ki-moon’s comments on the UNAIDS claim admitting that the agency has delivered on halting and reversing the AIDS epidemic.

“Now, we must commit to ending the AIDS epidemic as part of the Sustainable Development Goals’’, he said in a statement.

Director-General of NACA, Prof. John Idoko, said government agencies at all levels had embarked on programmes

aimed at fighting HIV and AIDS in a spirited effort to meet the target in Nigeria.

“HIV and AIDS have been on the decline in Nigeria and cases of new AIDS infection have reduced by 35 per cent in the past four years,” Idoko said recently and threw more light on the AIDS issue: “Nigeria’s AIDS response has gained steady momentum in the past four years. We have managed to turn the tide.

“We now need new commitment and support and we are calling on Nigerians and the country’s partners to renew CONTINUED ON PAGE 19

Ban ki-Moon

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

19 Features

‘Testing is most important step towards ending AIDS’ There were 36.9 million people living with HIV in 2014 and two million new infections while AIDSrelated illnesses caused 1.2 million deaths in the same year around the world. Nevertheless, it was important to increase funding and develop measures that would target specific local risk groups rather than blanket countrywide policies - UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibe CONTINUED FROM PAGE 18

their commitment to ending AIDS by 2030,’’ he said.

The Professor said Nigeria needed to fund the 90:90:90 strategy to eliminate the progression of AIDS, premature death and HIV transmission.

“90:90:90 strategy is a system in which a person will be tested, and if he or she tests positive, will be linked and retained in HIV care to ensure that he or she adheres to Anti Retroviral Therapy.

“Effort by government had made it possible for the number of people living with HIV who are on Anti Retroviral Therapy to increase rapidly from 359,181 in 2010 to 747,382 in 2014.

“Effective anti-retroviral treatment provides a dual effect of saving the lives of people living with HIV and adequately interrupting the transmission of HIV within the community.

“With improved domestic budgeting for HIV and AIDS and sustained external funding, there are plans to expand the coverage of anti-retroviral treatment to 1.2 million adults and children by 2017.

“This is possible by establishing 2,000 additional treatment sites across the country; we

have made significant progress but there is still more to do.

“Funding is a key issue; most of the funds we require go into commodities like drugs, condoms and others and most of the drugs are not manufactured in the country,’’ Idoko said.

Irrespective of challenges, the UN insists that stakeholders must double easy access to medicines in the next five years to meet the international goal of stopping HIV and AIDS. UNAIDS Executive Director, Michel Sidibe, in his observation said that ending HIV and AIDS by 2030 would require increased funding to 31.1 billion dollars by 2020.

“Every five years, we have more than doubled the number of people on life-saving treatment; we need to do it just one more time to break the AIDS scourge and keep it from rebounding,’’ he said.

Sidibe said the number of HIV-positive people with access to anti-retroviral drugs has jumped from 23 per cent in 2010 to 41 per cent in the past five years.

“Since 2000, infections in children dropped by nearly 60 per cent and total infections fell by more than a third, while AIDS-

The battle to stop mother-to-child transmission is paramount

related deaths had gone down by about 40 per cent since 2004.

“Also, there were 36.9 million people living with HIV in 2014 and two million new infections while AIDS-related illnesses caused 1.2 million deaths in the same year around the world.

“Nevertheless, it was important to increase funding and develop measures that would target specific local risk groups rather than blanket countrywide policies.”

Sidibe concluded that UNAIDS must take HIV services to the people who are most affected and ensure that these services are delivered in a safe, respectful environment with dignity and free from discrimination.

The National Secretary of Network of People Living with HIV/AIDS in Nigeria, Mr. Abdulkadir Ibrahim, noted that HIV testing should be the first and most important step towards ending AIDS. He said that the rate of HIV testing is low in the country and stressed that unless the testing bottleneck is addressed, it might take longer than 2030 to end HIV and AIDS. “Also, where more than 800,000 people living with HIV need Anti Retroviral Therapy and less than 50 per cent of the number does not have access to the therapy will impede the target,’’ he observed.

Ibrahim then appealed to gov-

ernment at all levels to increase the funding and budgetary provision for HIV/AIDS, Tuberculosis and Malaria which, he said, were highly responsible for high maternal and child death.

Sharing similar sentiments, the AIDS Health Care Foundation, a non-governmental organisation, pleads with stakeholders to put in place policies that will enable more people living with HIV and AIDS to gain access to anti-retroviral drugs.

Mrs. Oluwakemi Gbadamosi, the Advocacy Manager of the foundation said out of the 35 million people living with the virus globally, only about 13 million had access to anti-retro viCONTINUED ON PAGE 20

1999 Constitution in Nigerian languages:

The quest towards participatory democracy Imagine translating the 1999 Constitution to some 250 Nigerian Languages or, perhaps, just the three major languages – Ibo, Hause and Yoruba.

Not unrealistic, really if the government will encourage the effort of Mr. Ayanbode Oje, a member of the Change Movement Nigeria who singlehandedly translated the 1999 Constitution to Yoruba language recently.

Femi Ogunshola of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) informs that Oje did not stop there, he also decided to make the doc-

ument available free to empower the perceived disenfranchised, oppressed and the voiceless due to their inability to read and understand English language.

Oje believes strongly that reading and understanding in one’s language will encourage participatory democracy.

“We are calling for volunteers to help translate the 1999 Constitution to other indigenous languages in Nigeria while we work on an audio version of the constitution,’’ he said in a recent interview.

In spite of Oje’s initiative, it is

worrisome to note that most Yoruba speaking Nigerians don’t make use of the translated version of the constitution.

Need for awareness campaign For lack of proper publicity and awareness campaign on the part of the author, some of the targeted Nigerians in the translation are not even aware of Oje’s effort which and this, no doubt, undermines the purpose of the laudable effort.

For instance, Shola Adeboye, a teacher, said that although the motive behind the translation CONTINUED ON PAGE 20

Features 20

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

1999 Constitution:

Understanding in one’s language will encourage participatory democracy – Author Oje CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

was to bring the constitution closer and make it appealing to the targeted ethnic group, the response of the public to the initiative was not encouraging.

But a stakeholder, Chinedu Okechukwu said that he and other Nigerians from his ethnic group, would utilise the advantage of a translated constitution to his language (Igbo) to know more about human rights.

The National Orientation Agency (NOA) therefore, said it would soon circulate indigenous language translations of the constitution to promote

Buhari

ERADICATING HIV/AIDS IN NIGERIA BY 2030:

We have made significant progress but there is still more to do – Prof Idoko

Struggle to find a cure is geared towards ending the cry from the ravaged patients CONTINUED FROM PAGE 19

ral therapy.

“There is need to increase the number to reduce AIDS-related deaths, because the viral load of an AIDS patient would be reduced drastically when he or she is placed on anti-retroviral therapy consistently and correctly.

“With regular taking of the drugs, the chances of such patient to transmit the virus would be slim. We cannot achieve an

AIDS-free generation without addressing issues of treatment, testing, stigma and discrimination.”

Oluwakemi revealed that in their foundation, they believe that treatment is very important. “We have got to the stage globally where no one deserves to die of the virus anymore.

“Therefore there is dire need for government to intensify efforts at implementing programmes aimed at ending HIV and AIDS by the target dates,”

she concluded.

Nonetheless, optimists observed that with the commitment of the government to programmes aimed at fighting HIV and AIDS, Nigeria will meet the 2030 target to end the scourge.

According to them, the AntiDiscrimination Act 2014 is a reflection of the country’s commitment to stopping all forms of stigmatisation and discrimination against people living with HIV and AIDS which is an effort to end the scourge.

understanding of human rights among Nigerians.

Director-General of the agency, Mr. Mike Omeri noted that the translation of the constitution was to motivate Nigerians to be conscious of their rights by reading and understanding it.

He said the agency was working with National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) to promote human rights in Nigeria and added that the agency was training its staff in that regard.

Lending credence to the decision of the agency to promote more translation of the constitution to more Nigerian languages, Mr. Samuel Akanbi, a political scientist observed that the constitution ought to be in various languages in Nigeria.

Akanbi advised that no effort should be spared to produce the constitution in local languages since Nigeria has more than 250 ethnic groups.

“This will make some people that cannot read in English to have a little knowledge of knowing what the constitution of Nigeria says.

“The constitution contains many civil, political and human rights laws for the citizens and there are many things that are being done wrongly on daily basis.

“Due to lack of awareness of such fundamental human rights, many human rights are infringed upon.

“Imagine a citizen of this country not knowing he has the right to express his opinion and walk freely.

“That is the reason many policemen arrest the ignorant, torture and collect money to bail a suspect even when it is written that bail is free.’’

Akanbi further noted that many Nigerians were not aware of their political rights and that they could even recall their rep-

resentatives in various state houses of assembly or National Assembly.

“Most Nigerians exhibited gross ignorance about their civil rights; they do not even know that citizens should be treated like kings by the government because they voted the government into power.

“The governments are supposed to provide social amenities such as good road, electricity and water supply, among others, to the people.

“Translating the constitution to various Nigerian languages will liberate citizens from complete ignorance.’’

However, Executive Secretary of NHRC, Prof. Ben Angwe, noted that the commission had a target of achieving 80 per cent human rights awareness in the country by the end of 2015.

He urged NOA to speed up the translation of not only the constitution but the United Nations Declaration of Human Rights to Nigerian languages.

Angwe assured Nigerians that NOA and NHRC would spare no effort in promoting the rights of Nigerians and improving respect for their rights.

Corroborating this viewpoint, observers note that every citizen ought to understand the provisions of the constitution.

They insist that the understanding of the constitution will empower the citizenry to demanding for their rights within the ambit of the constitution.

But a legal practitioner, Mr. Innocent Lagi, said the clamour for translation of the constitution might not achieve the intended goal.

“Most Nigerians do not read and the high level of illiteracy in the country will impede the objective. NOA should rather intensify teaching of the contents of the constitution and sensitise the citizenry on their right as embedded in the constitution.

“It needs to teach the people what section of the constitution is relevant to their need and the benefit that will accrue to them in knowing such sections.

“The problem is not about the language but how to read and understand its contents and values,’’ he said.”

Lagi further stressed that the teaching of the constitution in public places such as church, mosques and schools, will enable the citizenry to understand its importance.

With this and other submissions from across the country, it is arguable that the effort of translating the 1999 Nigerian Constitution - which has been embroiled with the clamour for a review – may not be on the priority agenda for a long while yet.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

PRISONER’S CARE SUPPORT ASSOCIATION

21 Public Notice

MODERN SALTED COW SKIN SELLERS ASSOCIATION

GOD’S RIVER OF PLEASURES MINISTRY

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

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

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

TrusTees: 1. Bishop (Dr) Mrs Grace Chioma Dauji 2. DR Harry T. Oladapo 3. Evangelist Eric Adebayo Taylor

The TrusTees Are: 1. MRS. ESTHER GILBERT - President 2. MRS. OMOTAYO ODUNTAN - Vice president 3. MR. SULAIMAN ADEKUNLE TAOFIK - Secretary 4. MR.LEONARD GBENGA AYANDELE - Treasurer 5. HON. JAMES AKIN ALADEMEHIN - PRO 6. MR. OKECHUKWU RAPHEL - Financial Secretary

The TrusTees Are: 1. CYRIL NKEM ISRAEL. 2. RITA NKECHI ISRAEL. 3. JANE CHISA IHEME. 4. PAUL UDO ISINGUZO. 5. ANGUS OKEREAFOR

AIMs 1. To provide and cater for the welfare of Prison-in mates in prisons in Nigeria 2. To provide vocational facilities and training for the rehabilitation of prisons in-mates in Nigeria.

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

SIGNED SECRETARY

AIM AND OBJeCTIVe: 1. To foster unity among the members.

AIMs AND OBJeCTIVes: 1. To train and ordain men and women for ministry.

2. To bring men out of darkness into the kingdom of light and life and to bring peace to the world.

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

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

sIgNeD: TrusTees

sIgNeD: seCreTAry.

BAQI LEADERSHIP ADVOCACY & DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

THE PROMISING WONDERFUL GLORY OF CHRIST FAITH MINISTRY

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

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

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

The TrusTees Are: (1) Alhaji (Prince) Aminu Ado Bayero.

(2) Sheikh AbdurRahman Ahmad.

(3) Mrs. Vivian Chinwe Abii.

(4) Hon. (Mrs.) Adefunmilayo Tejuoso.

(5) Hon. Abdoulbaq Oladimeji Balogun.

The TrusTees Are: 1, Aladesuyi olayinka 2, Aladesuyi Adefunke 3. Aladesuyi kayode 4, Aladesuyi Adekunle.

AIMs AND OBJeCTIVes: 1. Leadership Advocacy & Capacity Building; 2. Good Governance & Civic Engagement; 3. Educational Advancement + Technology Access & Training; 4. Entrepreneurship Empowerment; 5. Environmental Resources & Agricultural Development

AIMs & OBJeCTIVe: 1, To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

TrusTee Are (1) Pastor Ashaolu Gabriel Kayode (2) Pastor Adesida Oluwadunsin Evans (3) Pastor Oluyi Isaiah Alaba (4) Pastor Jolayemi Oluwatuyi Someone (5) Pastor Adeorike Kehinde Olatoke.

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

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

TrusTees Are :1) OSOMO OLUSEGUN 2) OMOTAYO SOGO ABIODUN 3) SOGUNLE KAYODE AYODEJI 4) LAWAL RASAQ OLUWASEGUN 5) AKINTAN AKINTUNDE OLUBODE 6) SOETAN OLUKAYODE ATANDA 7) ADEWUYA EMMANUEL KOLAWOLE AIMs AND OBJ 1 To enhance and engender unity amongst Royal encomium club resident in Lagos.

2 To give moral and material supports to any member in difficulty, who qualifies for such by the provision in the constitution .

3 To promote peace in Royal encomium club in general .

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

FrOM BArr. gODsON seCreTAry

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

UNITED CHRISTIANS PRAYER NETWORK.

AIM. To preach the words of God and organize prayer network nationwide.

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

sIgNeD TrusTees.

sIgNeD TrusTees

HALEEMAH ADEBISI FOUNDATION

SHALOM GOD’S TERBANACLE

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

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

The TrusTees:1-Sulaimon-Adebisi Shareefah Adetokunbo, 2-Adebisi Olanrewaju Saheed 3-Balogun-Oluwa Olumuyiwa Oludare 4-Adedeji Adijat Bolatito 5-Murtala Taofik Olatunji 6-Murtala Shakirah.

The TrusTees Are : 1. Dr. Joseph Idowu Areola - President 2. Abigeal Oluwatoyin Areola-Vice President 3. Pastor Peter Oluwagbemiga Areola 4. Evangelist Samuel Ayokanmi Osineye 5. Simon Olufemi Akani -Secretary 6. Felica Funke Abdulahi - Treasurer 7.Francis Adeleke Osineye

AIM AND OBJeCTIVe : To Provide educational and Social Support for the Orphans,Widows and the Less Privilege.

AIM AND OBJeCTIVe : To promote the gospel of God

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

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

sIgNeD: seCreTAry

sIgNeD: seCreTAry

SEEDS NATIONAL SPELLING BEE INITIATIVE

GLOBAL INITIATIVE FOR ENTREPRENEURIAL AND CAPACITY DEVELOPMENT

This is to inform the general public that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part c of the Companies and Allied Matters ct No. 1 of 1990.

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

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

The TrusTees Are: 1. Prince Ezeme N. Chijioke 2. Ozoigbokwe N. Remigus 3. Egbo Christiana Nneka 4. Mbanude Chioma 5. Ude Nnaemka Alexandra

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Dr Ruth Abiola Adimula 2. Dr Catherine Atinuke Adegoke 3. Demola Okeowo 4. Ayodeji Adimula 5. Tolulope Afolabi

TrusTees: PROF. OLAJUMOKE ATINUKE FAMILONI PASTOR OYENIRAN ABIDEMI AKINWUMI MR. ENIADE FAMILONI MR. ADEGBOYEGA COKER MR. ADEWALE ADEOSUN

EMENE MARKET TRADERS ASSOCIATION

AIMs AND OBJeCTIVes OF The AssOCIATION 1. To see the smooth running of our individual business 2. To co-operate with the communities and other markets around us 3. To help government’s efforts toward nation building.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar – General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of This publication sIgNeD: PrINCe eZeMe NIChOLAs ChIJIOKe-ChAIrMAN

AFFIDAVIT OF REMOVAL Affidavit of removal of six Trustees from the NGO; AFRICAN WOMEN CULTURAL EMANCIPATION INITIATIVE. I; Barrister Nneamaka Moudline Chikezie, the President of the above named NGO wish to state that these six names below are no longer the Trustees of the NGO:1. Dr. Mary Madami 3. Chief Ernest Elochukwu 5. Mr. Daniel Chikezie

2. Dr. Abimbola Ajayi- Ojora 4. Rev. Okey-Praise Chima 6. Bar. Okechukwu Mojekwu

Henceforth, the authentic names of the Trustees of the above named NGO are:1. Bar. Nneamaka Moudline Chikezie 2. Obianuju Grace Mojekwu 3. Ada- Agina Ude Bernice 4. Chinwe Egbuchunam 5. Bar. Chinasa Nwabufo Juliet sIgNeD:BAr. NNeAMAKA MOuDLINe ChIKeZIe

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To encourage school children in English Language through inculcation of the culture of spelling of words by organizing competition to this effects all over the nation.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja within 28 days of this registration.

SIGNED: DADA JOHN MAYOKUN (ESQ)

AIMs AND OBJeCTIVes 1. TO DEVELOP AND TRAIN ENTREPRENEURS IN THE SOCIETY THROUGH AN EFFECTIVE CAREER MENTORSHIP PROGRAMME 2. TO PROMOTE AND SUPPORT THE DEVELOPMENT OF ENTREPRENEURS LOCALLY AND INTERNATIONALLY Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar – General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of This publication sIgNeD: BArr. FOLAshADe FAsONu

NURUDEEN AISHA ABIODUN

SODIPE OLUSESI EBENEZER

FRANCIS GRACE KOME

OBAJINA JACOB MIKE

I, formerly known and addressed as BADMUS AISHA ABIODUN, now wish to be addressed as NURUDEEN AISHA ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid.

The general public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as SODIPE OLUSESI ALAO now wish to be known and addressed as SODIPE OLUSESI EBENEZER. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formally known as EFI GRACE KOME now wish to be known as FRANCIS GRACE KOME. All former documents remain valid. All government organizations, banks and general public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OBAJINA STEPHEN, now wish to be known and addressed as OBAJINA JACOB MIKE. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. General public take note.

ONYIWU PATRICK CHIJIOKE

AKEEM LASISI

MRS ADELAKUN ABIBAT ADENIKE

ATILOLA BUKKY

I, formerly known and addressed as ROBERT VICTOR CHIJIOKE, now wish to be addressed as ONYIWU PATRICK CHIJIOKE. All former documents remain valid.

The general public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AKEEM ODUTAYO now wish to be known and addressed as AKEEM LASISI ABIBAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS MUSTAPHA ADENIKE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADELAKUN ABIBAT ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AKINOLA JELIDAT, now wish to be known and addressed as ATILOLA BUKKY. All documents bearing my former name remain valid.

General public take note.

News 22 Atiku greets Ooni of Ife Lateef Ibrahim Abuja

ÏÏÏFormer Vice President,

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has congratulated Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi on his coronation coming up today as the 51st Ooni of Ile-Ife. Atiku, who also holds the traditional title of Aare Adimula of the Source, also wishes the new king a long and eventful reign.

The former Vice-President, in a congratulatory message personally signed by him and made available to journalists on Sunday, stated that he had admired the youthfulness and resourcefulness of Oba Ogun-

Marion Evabor

ÏÏÏThe Bring Back our Girls group, an NGO that advocate for peace and justice demands the release of the Government Secondary School students that were abducted in Chibok by the Boko Haram.

The group, which gathered on Sunday in Falomo area of the metropolis, called on President Muhammadu Buhari to come to their aid in respect of what he promised during his campaign.

Daily Times correspondent who spoke to a mem-

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

wusi since he was unveiled as the choice of the kingmakers to the stool of the Ooni.

According to Atiku, “the choice of Oba Ogunwusi venerates the totemic deep wisdom, courage and resourcefulness which the throne of the Ooni is widely acknowledged for.

“It is not in doubt that Your Royal Highness made an early start in building a career and reputation in the private sector of the economy, which is a source of inspiration for many young Nigerians.

“Your footprints in the real estate sector of the economy will continue to create the pathways for generations to come that with an early start and an eye on focus, it is possible to attain greatness”” the statement added.

N’Delta: Israel ready to partner Nigeria on amnesty beneficiaries Akor Ejumene Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Israeli Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Uriel Palti has stated that Israel will be ready to partner Nigeria in the area of Agriculture, using it as a mechanism in conflict resolution in the Niger Delta.

Ambassador Palti dropped this hint in Abuja during a courtesy call on the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta and Coordinator of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, Brig Gen. Paul Boroh (rtd).

In his words: “Israel will like to partner with you especially in two areas; in agriculture, using agricul-

ture as a mechanism in conflict resolution in the Niger Delta (and) vocational training for Youths who require training.”

Israel he said, will explore the possibility of carrying out some joint projects with the Presidential Amnesty Office.

The ambassador, who said he was “really fascinated” by the achievements of Gen. Boroh in the short period he took over the Presidential Amnesty Programme, extended an official invitation for Boroh to visit Israel.

Earlier, Gen. Boroh had briefed the ambassador on the successes achieved in the on-going Reintegra-

tion Phase of the Amnesty Programme which include the empowerment of 2,500 delegates (ex-agitators) and the full employment of 400 others.

He said the Amnesty Office had on December 4, 2015, engaged 78 vendors to empower an additional 1,225 Amnesty beneficiaries by the end of the month, noting that the empowerment will lead to the exit of the beneficiaries from the Amnesty Programme which would save the government N955,500,000 annually in stipend payments.

He said those trained and empowered will create employment opportunities in the Niger Delta.

Gen. Boroh said the Amnesty Programme had in the last five weeks visited the governors of Edo, Rivers, Delta, Akwa Ibom and Cross River States, and set up Amnesty offices in those states, while telling the ambassador that the Disarmament, Demobilisation and Reintegration Programme being implemented by the Amnesty Office, is developmental in nature and that it needs partners to succeed.

He said as part of the final phase of the Programme, the Office wants to engage 3,500 of the Amnesty beneficiaries in agriculture, an area where Israel has undisputable knowledge and competence.

BBOG tasks Buhari on Chibok girls

L-R: Chairman, South-East, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria, (MAN), Alhaji Ahmed Gobir; Vice-President, North-West, Alhaji Ibrahim Usman and General Secretary, National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, Malam Issa Aremu, at the MAN Annual General Meeting in Kaduna State ... recently.

ber of the bbog group, Ms. Yemisi Ramsome Kuti, said that the President should fulfill his promise during his electioneering campaign that the girls will be released.

She also said that the parents of the girls are outraged about the lack of government response and they demanded that the girls be released now and alive.

Anger, protest in Ebonyi community over planned takeover of land

TETFUND: Olanipekun tasks Buhari on private varsities

Jacob Ogodo

Remi Oladoye

Abakaliki ÏÏÏA huge protest last weekend rocked Amuzu community in Ezza South Local Government Area of Ebonyi State following plans by the state government to takeover a vast land running into many hectares belonging to the community. Governor David Umahi-led administration is reportedly planning to use the land among many others across the state for mechanised agriculture to improve the internally generated revenue of the state following the dwindling oil price.

The angry villagers made up of youth, aged men and

women were seen in their hundreds protesting in the premises of the Community Secondary School in the area, where the caretaker chairman of the local government, Mr. Joseph Egede had invited them for a peace talk.

Our Correspondent who visited the community reported that prior to the protest, Mr. Egede had explained to the aggrieved and angry looking crowd that the plan by government to take over the management of the land was in the interest of the owners and the entire community, an explanation that was rebuffed by the crowd in unison.

Ibadan ÏÏÏA legal icon, Chief Wole Olanipekun has described the discrimination against tertiary institutions in accessing the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND) in Nigeria as a major barrier in the education sector that need to be urgently addressed by the President Buhari-led administration Olanipekun, who is the Pro-Chancellor and Chairman, Governing Council, Ajayi Crowther University (ACU) disclosed this last weekend at the 7th Convocation ceremony of ACU in Oyo. ``I am appealing to the

federal government under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene and allow private universities access the fund. ``This new administration came on board with the mantra of change and I challenge them to make the change happen,’’ he said.

Olanipekun said that the continued denial of these categories of universities the access would continue to make education non-affordable to many Nigerians.

He said that the accessibility of the fund would reduce the exorbitant tuition fees charged by private universities and make it more affordable to the people.

The legal luminary also called on the proprietor of ACU to always release fund to the institution for it to grow beyond their expectation. Olanipekun charged the graduands to go into the world, work with sincerity of purpose and the fear of God. In his address, Most Rev. Peter Akinola, the Chancellor of the institution commended the parents for their efforts at ensuring that the students graduate from the school, despite the economic downturn the nation was experiencing.

Akinola told the graduands to be fully prepared for the challenges in the labour market, saying the

real test of their worth and qualification was at the labour market.

He said that the graduands would face three challenges, namely insecurity, corruption and unemployment as they go out to work. ``The country is at the toe of imminent disaster.

About 70million Nigerians are unemployed. My warning to you is to go out there, very strong in faith, sincerity, and be closer to God,’’ he said.

Buhari

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

Saraki lobbies French parliament on B’Haram, economy, Lake Chad Segun Adio

ÏÏÏPresident of the Senate, Dr. Abubakar Bukola Saraki, at the weekend, called on the French government to be more decisive in supporting war against terrorism, particularly the Boko Haram insurgency in the north-eastern part of Nigeria and neighbouring former French-colonies in West Africa.

During a two-hour, bilateral meeting with the President of the French Senate, Mr. Gerard Larcher, at the on-going COP 21 Globe Parliamentary meeting, in

Paris, also urged France to strengthen the existing trade relations with Nigeria while also supporting the on-going efforts of the Buhari administration to rebuild the Nigerian economy and improve upon the state of infrastructure.

He also canvassed Paris’ support for the completion of the Lake Chad Project, which is aimed at battling environmental challenge in the region.

While commiserating with the French people on the recent terrorist attack in the country, Saraki urged French parliamentarians to

push for more support for the Nigerian government towards ending the Boko Haram crisis, which, he said, posed a grave danger to French strategic interests in West Africa.

He noted that France could intervene by sharing vital intelligence with Nigeria’s defence authorities and providing manpower, as well as material support, so that the insurgents would be overwhelmed and defeated in a short time.

He also solicited for the help of Paris in assisting the over-2 million inter-

nally displaced persons in the north-eastern part of Nigeria, adding that the country's leaders were already thinking of how well to resettle the people and rebuild the area after the end of the on-going military campaigns.

“If we do not start thinking about how to ensure that the people do not return to abject poverty and squalor, which has contributed to the festering of the hate campaigns by the Boko Haram members, then we will soon face another major crisis after ending the present one,” Saraki said.

From left: Convener, Coalition for Minority Rights (CMR), Mr. Mark Lipdo; representative of the Vice President, Pastor Joseph Malomo and representative of Plateau State Governor, Mr. Stephen Gadong at the commemoration of Stefanos Foundation Internally Displace Persons (IDPs) camp anniversary and launching of Coalition For CMR in Jos ...on Saturday.

NLC, TUC, JPSNC back caretaker c’ttees for Enugu LGs Moses Oyediran

Enugu ÏÏÏWorkers in Enugu State under the auspices of organised labour comprising the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC), have thrown their weight behind the move by the State Government to appoint Caretaker Committees to run the affairs of the 17 Local Government Areas in the state.

The workers made their decision known through a statement jointly signed by the Enugu State Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade

Viginues Nwobodo Chuks and Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC) / Joint Public Service Negotiating Council (JPSNC), Comrade Igbokwe Chukwuma Igbokwe.

The state chapter of the organised labour commended Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi “for the decision to appoint Caretaker Committees for the Local Government Areas in Enugu State pending the conclusion of the on-going staff audit”.

They pointed out that the Local Government system in the state had “failed abysmally in service delivery and provision of dividends of democracy to the

grassroots”, adding that the labour unions support any policy of the government aimed at cleansing the rot in the system before constituting a new Local Government Administration.

The workers urged the governor not to compromise merit in the appointment of the caretaker committee members and charged him to remain resolute in his efforts to “recover any public fund misappropriated by any public officer in the Local Government system” According to the statement, “the organised labour in Enugu State pledges to support any policy by the present administration

to clean the rot in the system and to provide good governance, sustainable development, economic growth, and healthcare delivery to the good people of the state as encapsulated in the 4-point agenda”.

It would be recalled that Enugu State Stakeholders and the State Chapter of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) – the umbrella organisation of all the political parties in the country, recently endorsed the setting up of Caretaker Committees due to the on-going local government staff audit and others reforms, and the inadequate budgetary provision for the exercise in the current budget.

23 News

Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏThe

Abia State governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu, has inaugurated the technical board of the state micro, small and medium enterprises, financial, trade and investment promotion scheme with a charge to do the right thing at all times.

Inaugurating the board at the Government House, in Umuahia, Ikpeazu said the state was making history by laying a solid foundation for sustainable growth and development of entrepreneurs and businesses to succeed and compete favourably in the global business environment.

The Governor, who spoke through his Deputy, Sir Ude Okochukwu, said that the board would consolidate the gains and establishment of Abia SMEs, special purpose vehicles and to have oversight function of the scheme.

Ikpeazu inaugurates board for SMEs, others According to him, Abia State, as the economic nerve centre of the South East and due to the strategic position of the state, has attracted Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) approval to host the CBN entrepreneurship development centre for the South East, pointing out that the benefit of Abia State participating in the scheme would provide a platform for the training of over 6, 000 beneficiaries.

Ikpeazu

Guber poll: Abatemi-Usman congratulates Kogi on APC’s victory

ÏÏÏThe former Vice-Chairman, Senate Committee on Niger Delta Affairs, Senator Nurudeen Abatemi-Usman, has congratulated the people of Kogi State on the victory of All Progressives Congress (APC), at the conclusion of the governorship election.

In a statement issued, in Abuja, by Michael Jegede, the Special Assistant on Media and Publicity to Abatemi-Usman, said the decision of the people to vote for the APC, against the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), was an indication that they want to see change.

Abatemi-Usman, who is a former member of Pan

Kwara Gov approves N3.2 billion for projects kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

ÏÏÏThe Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, has approved the release of N3.2 billion for the completion of outstanding capital projects in the education, energy, health, roads, works and justice sectors in the state.

A statement issued by Senior Special Assistant on Media and Communica-

African Parliament (PAP), urged the people to give their total support to the Governor-elect, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, to enable him bring about the needed development to Kogi State, in line with the change agenda of the APC government at the centre, led by President Muhammadu Buhari.

“Today, we are happy that our people have further shown their desire to embrace the change mantra of the Muhammadu Buhari-led administration by voting for All Progressives Congress (APC), in the just concluded governorship election in our dear state. ..." he said. tion, Dr. Muyideen Akorede, quoted Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed as saying that the funds were released after the recent verification of the state’s outstanding capital projects, and was based on authenticated and duly certified stage of completion of works on each project. Alhaji Ahmed further noted that the release of funds would ensure that timely completion of work on the various sites without delay. He said that the N3.2 billion was a part of the N10 billion facility recently approved by the State House of Assembly for existing and new infrastructural projects.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

Akor Ejumene Abuja Returning Officer for Kogi Governorship Election, Prof.

Emmanuel Kucha (right), in handshake with Collation Agents of political parties after releasing the final results of the election in Lokoja ...on Sunday

FG plans int’l aviation terminal in S’ East – Sirika Idu Jude Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Minister of State, Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika, has said that the International Terminal being built, in the South East, would be inaugurated next year.

He said this when a delegation of the South East Progressive Forum paid him a courtesy call on Friday, adding that he would look into the condition of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport in Owerri and that of Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, and effect repairs were necessary, as soon as possible.

He called on all stakeholders to back aviation in South East zone for the promotion

of trade and commerce in the area, and Nigeria in general. He said that aviation was key to the Eastern Nigeria development as the area was commercial in nature, but land-locked.

Sirika assured the delegation that the lighting equipment at the airports would be put in place as he said that “I cannot understand why airplanes cannot land at the airports because of poor visibility”.

He said that partnership with the South East Progressive Forum was important as no one can ignore the South East, if the desired change in aviation and the government, in general, were to be achieved.

The Chairman of the South East Progressive Forum, Hon. Bethel Nnaeme-

ka Amadi, congratulating Sirika on his appointment, said that the Forum was made up of politicians, technocrats, community leaders and businessmen and women with representation from all the wards in all the local government areas in South East.

Amadi said that the focus of the Forum was seeing to the development and progress of the South East region and Nigeria as a whole. He added that the Forum had keyed into the Buhari administration’s vision for a new Nigeria and had worked to promote the needed of partnership and unity in making sure that his vision for transparency and accountability in the management of the affairs of the nation came to frui-

tion.

While commending the appointment of the minister as the best President Buhari had made, Amadi said that the Forum believed that the minister’s vision for the growth of Nigeria was in line with what the Forum stood for.

Amadi said that the international status of the airports in the zone required lot more facilities, and that the runway at the International Airport in Enugu was in urgent need of repairs as it now had portholes and patchwork on it.

He also appealed to the government to make the status of the Sam Mbakwe International Cargo Airport which was only in words, a reality and look into the lightings at the airports.

Army 3 Div promotes 176 Officers Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏ

The General Officer Commanding (GOC), 3rd Armoured Division, Major General Hassan Umaru, has said a total of 176 officers in his command had been promoted this year.

He stated this during the decoration ceremony of 13 newly-promoted officers at the weekend at the Officers Mess in Jos. The officers, ranging from Brigadier-General to Major, were the most senior promoted officers this year.

They were four BrigadierGenerals, three Colonels, four Lieutenant- Colonels and two Majors.

One of the officers, who was the most senior officer

among the promoted officers, who was supposed to be the 14th, Brigadier-General Shodunke O. Adekunle, Commander 43 Div Enginer’s, now Major-General O.A. Shodunke, would be decorated by President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.

The event was witnessed by the Plateau State Government, family and members of the promoted, as well as the Commander of the Operation Safe Haven (OPSH) Major-General Tabgbo Ude. Speaking on the occasion, the GOC, tasked the Promoted officers not to betray the trust invested in them by the Nigerian Army.

He said, “This division of the Nigeria Army has been blessed with various promo-

tions this year and the promotion was gender sensitive”.

He called on citizens of the country to continue to support our troops in the North East, and stressed that they were doing well in trying to put an end to insurgency in the country”.

Umaru also commissioned a security outpost at the main gate of the Division calling on soldiers to be vigilant at all times.

The Plateau State governor, Hon. Simon Lalong, said that the state government would continue to identify with the military to ensure that lasting peace was restored to the state and the country at large.

Represented by the Permanent Secterary, Security, Cornelius Shopel, Lalong also said that “Our

ÏÏÏThe Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Ishaq Bello, has said that the Administration of Criminal Justice Act (AC) had the capacity to respond to the challenges and needs of society.

Justice Bello made the disclosure in Abuja when he chaired a workshop/ training for magistrates, prosecutors and lawyers in FCT towards the implementation of the ACJ Act. He said that he was one of those who advocated the passage of the ACJ bill, adding that most of the laGbenga Sodeinde Ado-Ekiti

ÏÏÏNigerians

have been urged to always report erring member of Nigeria medical body to the appropriate quarters for proper disciplinary actions, as a way to check the prevalence of indiscipline, criminal negligence, among doctors, causing avoidable deaths to many citizens in the country.

The medical body has also called on the government to ensure the implementation of the Consolidated Revenue Fund as provided for by the National Health Act, the 1% of taxes being collected on, tobacco, breweries and telecommunication companies operating in Nigeria for the purpose of achieving the universal health coverage At a post-National Executive Council meeting press briefing in Ado-Ekiti, on Sunday, the NMA President, Dr. Kayode Obembe, said that the NMA would work with Dental Council of Nigeria to collaborate with all relevant institutions /au-

Abuja CJ backs Criminal Judge Act cunae in the old Criminal Justice Law had been corrected by the new ACJ. For instance, he said that the new ACJ Act had the capacity to protect the rights of the defendants aside from guaranteeing speedy trial.

The former Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJW), Justice Mohammed Uwais, said that the essence of the workshop was not to point accusing finger at anybody, but to share ideas towards having a good understanding of the ACT.

Medical, Dental Council to sanction erring doctors thorities to reposition medical education in Nigeria, in line with global practices.

According to him, “Why many of our members could not be disciplined is that our people don’t know their rights. There is a Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria Tribunal where those that perpetrated professional misconducts can be tried. Negligence is culpable in law, so, the public must make use of this avenue”.

The medical body, which rued the dearth of medical personnel in the country, which ratio stands at one doctor to 6,000 patients, instead of one to 600 as recommended by the United Nations, called on the Medical and Dental Council of Nigeria to accredit more public health facilities for the training of interns.

Bode George didn't collect a dime from Dasuki, says group Lalong

nation must continue to appreciate the sacrifices of the officers and men of the Nigerian Armed Forces for their tireless efforts in keeping our nation as one and for all the peace support operations that have helped the humanitarian conditions of the many internally displaced persons (IDPs), on account of the insurgency. For us in Plateau we are proud of the success that you have achieved in the many violent conflicts we have had in the state.

Monday Agu Jnr

ÏÏÏ

A group of highly placed Lagosians, known as Lagos Collectives, headed by Professor Tejumade Akitoye – Rhodes, on Thursday, took a swipe at an on-line newspaper, Sahara Reporters, for linking a whopping N100 million to Chief Bode George from the embattled former National Security Adviser, Col. Sambo Dasuki.

The group condemned the news medium urging it to desist, henceforth, from spreading malicious lies against one

of its own. The statement read in parts: “Sahara Reporters has now gone beyond the pale of gutter journalism in its malicious story linking Chief Bode George to a phantom 100 million naira allegedly collected from Sambo Dasuki, the former National Security Adviser.

"The libelous publication is outrightly borne upon a twisted and depraved imagination, lacking substance, stripped of any iota of truth, prompted by a primitive malignity” the statement added.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

25 Opinion

Kogi inconclusive elections and the Nationality Question

Yinka Odumakin

ÏÏÏ The tragi-comedy going on in Kogi State has again exposed the underbelly of an unsettled polity called Nigeria.

The results of the November 21 elections were being collated for final announcements when the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress(APC) in the election, Prince Audu Abubakar, kicked the bucket with about 41,000 lead in the election.

The returning officer declared the election inconclusive because the registered voters in some 91 polling units where elections were cancelled outnumbered the margin between Audu and the closest rival, Idris Wada.

Conspiracy theorists have insinuated that the election was deliberate hung so that Audu’s running mate who is Faleke and also a James would not become governor by

default.

What has given credence to this suspicion is that there were only 25,000 collected PVCs in the affected areas which could not have affected the outcome of the results no matter which direction they are given.

This has been proved in that all those who voted in the supplementary election were not up to 12,000.

The swiftness with which the Attorney General of the Federation made a pronouncement that the APC should produce another candidate citing laws that were not relevant to the situation at hand and the compliance with his pronouncement betrayed the possible manouevering from highest quarters to create a constitutional crisis that would linger for several months to come.

It is an immutable law that evil will always self-destruct.If the leadership of APC were playing party politics and not region and religion, Faleke was their best to continue with the contrived supplementary polls.

But by bringing a man who did not participate in the November 21 election to inherit a dead man’s vote is a political absurdity of the highest order which cannot stand the scrutiny of a non-partisan court.

Another area where the APC has shot itself

Audu

Wada

in the foot is the clear refusal of Falake to be running mate to the man who was illegally smuggled into the governorship race at the supplementary stage.The law is clear that a governorship candidate shall not be a valid nominee without a running mate.Was there an imaginary running mate to Bello in the said election?

The tribunal will sure be busy in the days ahead over the electoral rascality that has just taken place in Kogi State.

While the lawyers are getting set in the different camps, it is apposite to draw attention to the unspoken reasons for this orchestrated

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charade: the absence of nationhood.

James Falake has just tasted what Brigadier Femi Ogundipe swallowed in 1966 when recruits in the army from a section of the country would not salute him in the midst senior officers of the army because of his region. He had a rapid dialogue with his feet before a hot lead could be pumped into his head.

It was what Obafemi Awolowo confronted in three elections and became “the best president Nigeria never had”.

Moshood Abiola was told the home truth in 1983 that the PRESIDENCY was not for sale.

He didn’t take heed and to organised to win it in 1993. He spent the four years he should have been in the presidency in prison before he was liquidated.

If there is an unwritten rule that the Yorubas in Kogi State have a ceiling glass, why don’t you allow them to belong to the linguistic group where they can dream to occupy the highest office?

These were the issues we said we should resolve once and for all which some people in Faleke’s corner said was a “diversion” and that what they needed was to take power and every other thing shall be

What has given credence to this suspicion is that there were only 25,000 collected PVCs in the affected areas which could not have affected the outcome of the results no matter which direction they are given.This has been proved in that all those who voted in the supplementary election were not up to 12,000. added unto it. Now they know that “power is not sieved a la carte” in an unsettled polity.

There is surely no short cut to the top of the palm tree. A country is not a nation and this should be an elementary lesson for power hustlers.

Power politics remains the deadliest hangman of politicians.

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26

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

Our Heritage Æ s And they danced for the Voiceless The Society for the Performing Arts recently celebrated its tenth anniversary at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos. Dance lovers who were at the event were treated to a unique dance festival, enthralled by the live performances of their favorite Nigerian artistes. AGOZINO AGOZINO who was at the event captured the mood.

For two exciting weeks, many Lagosians, literarily, forgot the political woes in the country as the city exploded in captivating performances by the Society for the Performing Arts in Nigeria ( SPAN).

The festival, tagged SPANFEST 2015, had Voice of the Voiceless as its theme and was held at the prestigious Eko Hotel and Suites and the Lagoon Restaurant on Victoria Island, Lagos. It attracted dancers, news makers, art patrons and the who-is-who in the dance sector. After 14 days of thrilling performances, it was the consensus of opinion of participants that the show was, simply, ‘fabulous’.

SPAN purpose is to build communities and change lives with memorable and breathtaking music, dance and drama events, “as our community’s voice is revealed through the voices of its dancers, musicians, actors , poets and visual artists’’, according to Sarah Boulos, founder and artistic director of SPAN. The society began in 2005, when the Lebanese founder set up the group with the main objective of nurturing young people and empowering them through the performing arts to bring their creativity to the fore; and in 10 years of existence, SPAN has, consistently, trained youths with appropriate skills and techniques to help them build careers as well as facilitate the continuity of African art.

Boulos said SPAN’s vision is to build a performing arts centre in Nigeria where it would educate, empower and present the performing artists and their art to the world. She said the society had acquired considerable expertise in the performing arts through the presentation of over 50 shows, empowering over 500 artists and 10,000 children in various communities.

The festival kicked off with ten days of intensive performing art workshops, fol-

Busayo-Entrapured the audience with her performance

Olonilua and Monique Uche Ndu-electrified the festival

Boulos

lowed by five nights of captivating dance performances, which showcased the diversity and richness of Nigeria’s cultural heritage.

Among the major beat of the festival were, a music workshop that featured renowned Jazz pianist and composer, Mark Kross and

Chesky, a recording artiste and a leader in Jazz education; while the drama workshop was facilitated by stage veteran, Ronya Man, who is head and director of arts at the International Kimama campus in Israel.

The dance workshop offered different types, including modern Jazz, facilated by

Paris-based Gaelle Gillieron, a certified modern jazz instructor. Nigerian traditional dance had the award-winning dancer, teacher and international choreographer, Victor Erebifa Phullu as the instructor. Different styles of hip-hop were also taught by SPAN dance instructors, Michael Omani, Da-Silva Ajanlekoko and Chijindu Chize.

In one of the performances, Bamidele Olonilua and Monique Uche Ndu regaled the audience with a session dance performance that culminated into a rhythm and energetic display. The two dancers reenacted memories of the European dance pattern that was remarkable. It was a spectacular display and visitors applauded as flashes popped from several cameras.

There was also a five-stage show where a violinist, poet, comedian, singer and dancer perform simultaneously while painters created masterpieces.

Another dancer Busayo, held the audience spellbound with her remarkable dance performance which dazzled the viewers. Rhytmic float of movements was created on air by Busayo as she flew like a bird in her display.

Having set the stage literarily on fire, singer Yinka Davies, who came on stage did not disappoint lovers of her music. She captivated the audience with her performance, she even had people singing alongside with her, while poet Donna, called Wordsmith, flowed effortlessly in her delivery of spoken word and poems.

Unarguably, the highlight of the event was when SPAN members took the audience on a music all ride with speechless, a musical adventure. The audience could not wish for less as they sang and danced with the SPAN members.

Other events included Olufunmi, a gospel artiste, with deep strong roots in Jazz, who led people back to the history of Jazz and how it started in America and evolved CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

Ugwuoke, Okafor, Omeje win National Art Competition Agozino Agozino Organisers of the eight National Art Competition (NAC) African Artist Foundation (AAF) and Nigerian Breweries (NB) Plc recently played host to winners of this year’s contest in a colourful occasion.

Held at the Kongi’s Harvest Gallery, Freedom Park Lagos, the event attracted a wide range of audience. The competition, an initiative of AAF, with the sponsorship of NB Plc, was held this year under the theme Future Histories.

Three winners out of the 12 finalist emerged from the juror’s selection during the grand finale.

They include, Sabastine Ugwuoke who won the grand prize of the contest with his entry No Rest, No Comfort and Confusion Everywhere. He won N2 million in cash prize. Ugwoke was followed by May Okafor’s with her entry Dear Contents” which got her N1 million, and Ngozi Omeje, for Against All Odds which came third.

This year’s edition with a theme Future Histories was organised

by the AAF, and was sponsored by the Nigerian Breweries.

Presenting the cash award to each of the winners during the colourful ceremony, the NB Plc corporate affairs adviser Mr. Kufre Ekanen reiterated his company’s commitment to the creative industry. He praised the artist especially, for their talents and noted that many of the artists who participated in the competition will come out great studio masters in the future. He added that NBL Plc is proud to identify with the project, adding that the company will not fail to partner with any such venture.

But in the words of Azubuike Nwagbogu, AAF director, the idea to continue to project the event is in line with AAF’s vision of impacting creativity into Nigerian youths According to Nwagbogu, the competition aims to promote the development of contemporary African art and raise awareness of social issues through the use of creative artistic expression. “Future Histories seeks to provoke the thought of artists on how innovation and creativity

can be utilized as a tool to shape and mould the future history of Nigeria,” Nwagbogu said He therefore thanked NBL for supporting the project since inception. Nwagbogu also urged other corporate organisations also borrow a leaf by trying to see what they can do for the creative sector, adding that when creative projects like the contest are supported, young talents emerge. “I am happy for the collaboration with NBL,’’ Nwagbogu said.

Judges in the just concluded event was led by painter and lecturer, Kolade Oshinowo. Others are Theo Lawson, Olu Amoda, Omoligho Udenta, Amaka Osakwe, Fauzi Fahm, Bob Aiwerioba and jounranlist Akeem Lasisi.

The National Art Competition is a yearly event aim at encouraging creativity. The competition had its median edition 2009, under the theme The Unbreakable Nigerian Spirit. Winners usually emerge through an open competition where they are selected by a jury based on certain criteria that included good works on specific areas.

L-R:- On-Air radio Presenter and NAC 2015 host, Arthur Ngwube; Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries, Mr. Kufre Ekanem; officials of Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture, Mr. Folarin Coker; NAC Head Judge; Mr. Kolade Oshinowo; Azu Nwabogu presenting the award to Ugwuoke.

Dance like no other CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

through the years. Jerry Ademofe got the audience moving to his music with the saxophone, playing popular Jazz tunes.

Hear Word was an exhilarating and thought-provoking performing art production directed by Ifeoma Fafunwa. The production combined artistry, social commentary and true-life stories of inequality of women in the face of domestic abuse, harassment, rape and societal pressure and the transformation. This brilliant work of art was delivered by Nigeria’s talented actresses Joke Silva, Kate Henshaw, Bimbo Akintola, Omono Obolo, Elvina Ibru, Ufuoma McDermott, Zara Udofia, Lala Akindoju, Rita Edward, Deb-

bie Ohiri and Odenike.

The grand finale of the event was also colourful. It started with the SPAN academy graduation ceremony. It served the graduating students of Jazz and contemporary music of SPAN showcased what they learnt in the academy with spectacular performances.

It closed with the Voice of the Voiceless, a final performing art production which featured 200 dancers, musicians, and actors on one stage.Tee Mac Omatshola Iseli, the Jazz master, who played amazing music with the flute and also got people dancing.

The SPAN festival was introduced in February 2005, and since then, it has not only given Nigerian dancers opportunities to display their talents but has also

given hundreds of music lovers the rare opportunities of watching their favorite artistes perform live. It was founded with the aim of creating a world standard for performing arts education and expression in Nigeria. The body offers exceptional opportunities in dance, music, theatre and visual arts to talented Nigerian youth, by inspiring, training, and empowering them, so that their creativity is unleashed.

One of SPAN’s main objectives is the empowerment of youths with various opportunities through skill development, and in 10 years of existence, it has consistently trained youths with appropriate skills and techniques that can help them build careers as well as facilitate the continuity of African art.

Our Heritage 27

Liverpool Will Challenge For Title- McClaren Claims

Echiejile’s N Monaco

ewcastle manager, Steve McClaren, knows his side is in for a tough battle against Liverpool, and he used his pre-match press conference to talk up the Reds with some glowing compliments.

“They are title contenders, in terms of the form they are in and the way they are going,” McClaren said.

He also spoke about Jürgen Klopp’s work thus far, drawing on his own experience as

Halt Winless Run g 31

a nomadic manager.

“Everyone comes into a club in different situations,” McClaren said. “I don’t think anyone would dispute what Brendan had done. He had brought in some very talented players, and you have seen that Jurgen has taken that on.”

“What Dortmund had, I can see that in the Liverpool team,” he added. “They have got good quality players who work very hard. He is doing a great job.”

Page 28

Monday, December 7, 2015

Bilic sad over

Ighalo Hart

City’s show

unacceptable

-Hart

M

anchester City goalkeeper Joe Hart admits the team’s performances have dropped below the minimum required recently but he denies they are suffering from a lack of leadership.

Manuel Pellegrini’s side were out-played in every department in the 2-0 defeat at Stoke in which Marko Arnautovic scored twice from assists from the excellent Xherdan Shaqiri and could easily have had a couple more at a windswept Britannia Stadium.

City’s defence have recorded just two clean sheets in the last 18 matches, after not conceding a goal in their opening five games of the season, and it is no coincidence the absence of captain Vincent Kompany to injury has affected their stability at the back.

But Hart, returning to the side after injury himself and captaining in the absence of Kompany, believes they have enough quality to cope without the influential Belgium international.

“We’ve got a great squad and Vinny is a massive part of it but Nico (Otamendi), Martin (Demichelis) and Manga (Eliaquim Mangala - suspended for the Stoke game) are good centrehalves,” he said.

“After a 2-0 loss it’s probably easy to say [Kompany was missed] but we’ll stick together as a squad, work for each other and get through this.”

McClaren

Moses injury

praises team work as he nets ninth goal

W

J

ude Odion Ighalo has been speaking after scoring his ninth goal of the season to help Watford to a 2-0 win over Norwich on Saturday.

The Nigerian international was instrumental as Watford defeated fellow Premier League new-boys Norwich City 2-0, winning the penalty for Troy Deeney’s opener before adding a strike of his own in stoppage time.

“The key today was that we pressed them high and we didn’t allow them to play, so they played long balls and that’s what we were waiting for,” he said.

“When we got the ball we tried to play and counter them, so the game-plan really worked and we played really good today.

“I think today was one of our best games, after the West Ham game, so we want to keep pushing and see how far we are going to go at the end of the season.”

It was a real team effort according to Ighalo, who says focus will now quickly turn to this weekend’s long trip north to Sunderland.

“The teamwork has been great, you see the way we have been pushing ourselves and the team really worked hard from the first minute until the last minute today,” said Ighalo.

“We can’t single out any player today because from Heurelho to the top everybody really worked hard and we deserved the three points.

“We are happy and we just want to forget about today now because it’s gone. We are thinking about the next game because we want to try and win games.

I Am Not An Idiot

-Bendtner Bendtner

N

icklas Bendtner has bemoaned his position as a point of footballing ridicule, adding that he is “tired of being portrayed as an idiot”.

Bendtner joined current club Wolfsburg from Arsenal in the summer of 2014 after loan spells with Sunderland and Juventus in the preceding seasons.

The Danish striker emerged at Arsenal as a hugely promising prospect, but

managed just 47 goals in 171 appearances from 2005 to 2014. Bendtner then became more a figure of ridicule, such as when he offered to refund any Arsenal fans after changing his shirt number from 26 to 52.

But the 27-year-old is aiming to shake off the perennial tag of ‘lazy joker’ which has followed him throughout the career, and is looking to break into the

Ighalo Wolfsburg first team after scoring three goals in four appearances this season.

“You can ask anyone at Wolfsburg: Is Nicklas in the gym before training?

Is Nicklas always in the gym after training? And anyone would confirm that [I am]. I have even bought an exercise bike for my flat.

That I am working hard is there for everyone to see,” he said.

est Ham United m a n a g e r , Slaven Bilic has expressed sadness over the injury picked up

by Nigerian winger, Victor Moses on Saturday.

The winger was forced off in the 37th minute of West Ham United’s Barclays English Premier League contest against Manchester United at Old Trafford following a challenge from United’s German midfielder, Bastian Schweinsteiger.

It was a sad end to Moses’ participation in the game and one in which he had been heavily involved.

He was extremely lively down the right channel and was only denied a goal by the excellent David De Gea who stopped his low effort in the 11th minute.

After the game, Bilic took the time to address Moses’ present situation, confirming that the Super Eagles man has suffered a hamstring injury.

“It’s still too early, but it doesn’t look good again. It’s a hamstring - he felt it and we had to take him off.

“It’s a big blow for us, but we have to stay positive as some of the players maybe have a chance of being back for the Stoke game.

If not Stoke, then Swansea,” the Croatian coach said.

Saturday’s sad events worryingly represents Moses’ fourth major injury setback in 2015. The 26-year-old suffered a hip/thigh injury that ruled him out of action between March 14 to April 1.

He did not play competitively between April 11 and May 31 after suffering a hamstring injury. The injury demons resurfaced from August 17 to September 9 when he suffered a knock that badly knocked the wind off his sails.

Monday, December 7, 2015

EXTRATIME

Algeria

Siasia expects

coach happy to avoid Senegal

Siasia

N Schurman

A

lgeria under-23 head coach Pierre-Andre Schurman has not hidden his joy at facing South Africa in the semifinals of the Under-23 Afcon, and not Senegal.

The Senegalese are the hosts of the ongoing Under-23 Africa Cup of Nations and apart from that, they are the only side with a 100 per cent record after defeating South Africa (3-1), Tunisia (2-0) and Zambia (1-0) to finish top of Group A. It was apparent that the 55-year-old Swiss feared that a semifinal clash with Senegal will be too much of a contest for his men after their gruelling 0-0 match-up with Nigeria.

The former FC Sion manager is pleased that his Algerian under23s are facing South Africa and is already focused on the match.

“Now we will prepare for the match against South Africa because it was important to avoid the host country in the semifinals,” he said.

He is also talked about their “match after match” approach as well as coming off a difficult game with Nigeria.

“I am glad we ended the top of the group and qualified for the semifinals of the Under-23 Afcon. Our approach is match after match. I am satisfied with our performance overall, and against a tough opponent like Nigeria,” said Schurman.

Schurman and his men face South Africa’s Amaglug-glug at the Leopold Sedar Senghor Stadium in Dakar on Wednesday.

29

igeria’s reward for finishing in second place at the ongoing U-23 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) is a semifinal date with hosts, Senegal on December 9 in Dakar.

The hosts have been in sterling form thus far winning all three of their games in the group stages of the competition.

Nigeria’s Dream Team will however not be fazed by the frenzied atmosphere expected at the Stade Léopold Sédar

tough semi with host

Senghor, Dakar.

“I did not plan for us to meet Senegal in the semifinals. It just happened.

“We would have loved to play in the final with Senegal because the atmosphere would have been wonderful.

“That scenario would have meant we are through to the Olympics in Brazil but as it is, we have to play against Senegal in the semifinals.

“We are not going to run away.

They (Senegal) are a very good side and they are playing in front of their crowd.

“It is going to be a very difficult match but the Senegalese fans will not play on the day.

“It will be down to the 11 players on the pitch on the day.

“So I just want to enjoy this moment (that we have qualified for the semifinals) and make corrections for the next game,” Siasia said shortly after his side drew 0-0 with Algeria in Dakar.

Simon rescues point for Gent

M

oses Simon scored at the death to rescue a point for KAA Gent in the 2-2 draw with Zulte-Waregem on Friday.

The Super Eagles forward netted in the fourth minute of added time to help Gent claim a point which helps them consolidate top spot in Belgium’s Jupiler Pro League.

Simon swept home a corner from eight yards after the Zulte-Waregem defence

failed to clear their lines.

The 20-year-old had not scored for Gent before Friday’s game in all competitions this season.

He scored seven league goals for the club last season.

Simon’s heroics on Friday at the GHELAMCO-Arena sees Gent remain at the summit of the league standings with 37 points from 18 matches.

30

Monday, December 7, 2015

EXTRATIME

Gabros boss, Chukwuma cancels Ubah contract C

U-23 AFCON:

Dimgba

out of Senegal cracker Stories by Mike Otanwa

N

igeria’s biggest attacking threat at the U-23 AFCON, Stanley Dimgba, has been ruled out of the competition in Senegal by a long-term ankle injury it has been scooped.

The flying Warri Wolves winger has provided three assists in Nigeria’s group games against Mali and Egypt, before he suffered the injury which team officials now say will sideline him for some weeks.

“He is out of the AFCON. It’s a big loss to the team especially after what he showed in the first two matches against Mali and Egypt,” a source close to the team disclosed.

Dimgba missed Saturday’s group game against Algeria and he will also not be available for selection for Wednesday’s

semi-final against hosts Senegal.

Bayelsa United winger Tiongoli Tonbara, who was a second half substitute against Algeria at the weekend, is most likely be a replacement for Dimgba, but he will be operating from the right after the Wolves star played on the left.

Coach Samson Siasia’s team will already be without skipper Azubuike Okechukwu for Wednesday’s clash with Senegal because he is suspended after he bagged a second booking against Algeria.

Dimgba

Chima won’t be going down with Sharks

N

igeria international, Chima Akas, has said he will not play in the Nigeria second-tier league, the Nigeria National league (NNL), following the relegation of his club Sharks.

The left back said he was disappointed the

Chima Port Harcourt team could not stay up in the top flight by the last day of the season.

“I will definitely not play in the NNL next season. There are interests from some NPFL teams, but I am keeping the names until there is a deal,” Akas said.

“Relegation of teams is part of football, though nobody wants to taste it. I feel bad that my team, Sharks got relegated, but it was beyond my power to stop it.”

hief Gabriel Chukwuma, the former first vice president of the then Nigeria Football Association (NFF) and erstwhile President of Gabros International, Nnewi, has made known his intention to retake his club which was bought/taken over by oil magnate Chief Patrick Ifeanyi Ubah.

Ubah claimed to have purchased the assets and liabilities of the club before the beginning of last season and subsequently renamed it FC IfeanyiUbah.

The club participated in the recently concluded 2014/15 Nigeria Professional Football League season and finished in 11th place.

However, Chukwumah has revealed that the celebrated sale/takeover of Gabros International had collapsed due to the inability of Chief Ubah to keep to the terms of agreement. copied to Anambra State Football Association as well as the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Chukwumah said: “I want to use this medium to apologise to the teeming fans of Gabros International around the world to forgive me regarding the shady manner with which the issue of sale/takeover of the club was handled. I had wanted something better for the club, players and fans but unfortunately I was disappointed because the arrangement couldn’t work the way I expected.

“However, I am assuring the fans that with my experience, I will re-organise the club to regain its lost glory now that I have taken back my club and the management. We shall start competing again as Gabros International,” Chief Chukwuma said.

The Nnewi high chief also released the club programme as preparation for the 2015/16 football season begins.

Izilein It was scooped that apart from entering into a lucrative joint partnership/sponsorship deal with two top European clubs which will see the clubs providing eighty percent (80%) of the cost of running the team, negotiations have also been opened with a top Argentine coach, Marios Rodriguez to tinker the team for the coming season.

Govt rejects Naira rain for victorious Eaglets

A

reward package proposed by the sports ministry for Nigeria’s team to the recent FIFA U-17 World Cup in Chile has been rejected by the country’s government as “too outrageous”, sources at the Presidency have revealed.

The government of President Muhammadu Buhari has sounded it loud and clear the country’s coffers are hugely depleted and as such it cannot afford unnecessary expenditure.

The Golden Eaglets received cash gifts as well as national honours when they clinched a record fourth World Cup two years ago in Abu Dhabi.

But the team who retained this championship in November

may not be that lucky.

“The proposal sent to the presidency on what should be given by government as reward to the Eaglets following their victory in Chile has been rejected. Government said it does not reflect the current economic realities,” a source simply informed.

It was earlier reported that the team will be feted

by President Buhari on November 29 at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, but that did not come to pass.

Eaglets

Monday, December 7, 2015

EXTRATIME

Ogbu

Bayern stars want Guardiola to stay

-Boateng

Boateng

B

ayern Munich defender Jerome Boateng has said he wants manager Pep Guardiola to stay at the club amid continuing uncertainty over his future.

Guardiola’s three-year contract expires at the end of the season, and the club have said they will announce a decision on whether he will prolong his stay before the end of the month.

The former Barcelona coach has been linked with Manchester City and Manchester United, while Catalan newspaper ARA reported last month that Real Madrid had sounded out his advisers to see whether he would be interested in taking charge at the Bernabeu.

Boateng said: “I’d like to see Pep stay at Bayern. The whole team wants to keep him, but at the end of the day it’s his decision.

“We are really happy with the style of football we’re playing at the moment under him.

“He’s very important to us.

He’s brought great influence to my game, passing and technically. He’s a really excellent coach and he’s great for all the players.”

He said Bayern, who suffered their first Bundesliga defeat of the season when Borussia Monchengladbach beat them 3-1 on Saturday, were targeting the Champions League along with a fourth straight domestic title.

“After winning the Champions League in 2013, you want to win it again,” he said.

“Bayern is the biggest team in Germany, one of the biggest teams in Europe.”

31

s ’ e l i j e i h c E aco end Mon winless r un E lderson Echiejile’s Monaco won 2-1 at Bastia to snap out of a three-game run without a win.

Monaco had lost 2-0 to Anderlecht in the UEFA Europa League at home and then drawn their last two league games against

Olympique Marseille (3-3 away) and 1-1 with Caen (at home) before they garnered all three points at Bastia.

Elderson played the entire match and towering Ivorian striker Lasina Traore scored twice in the second half to hand Monaco victory.

Monaco have now climbed to

o r t s Dee digs

fourth on the table with 28 points from 17 matches, just two points behind second-placed Angers.

However, PSG are top of the standings with a runaway 45 points.

On Sunday, Monaco will welcome Saint Etienne in continuation of Ligue 1 action.

brac i l o p a N hole in hopes

A

late Gonzalo Higuain double was not enough to help Napoli return to the top of Serie A as they suffered a 3-2 defeat to Bologna on Sunday.

Mattia Destro was the star of he show for Bologna netted two to fire his side to victory over the vsitors approached the game looking for a win

to ensure they leapfrog Inter and get back into pole-position.

Destro opened the scoring in just 14 minutes before Luca Rossettini added a second seven minutes later.

Bologna found themselves 3-0 up on the hour mark as Destro was once again on target to secure the

Echiejile

Destro win.

Gonzalo Higuain pulled one back for Napoli, and it appeared to be nothing more than a consolation goal, but his second just minutes later gave Maurizio Sarri’s men hope of earning a draw.

Bologna were able to hold on, though, and secure a vital win.

thrilled to join top-flight Swedish club

Ogbu

N

igerian forward, Moses Ogbu, has said he is delighted to join Swedish top-flight club Jonkopings Sodra.

The 24-year-old striker, who signed a two-year deal with Jonkopings, described the move as a dream come true after playing six years at lower league side Sirus, who narrowly missed promotion to the top flight at the end of the 2015 season.

“I feel good and fulfilled to join Jonkopings, it’s a dream come true for me as I always wanted to play in the top flight,” he said.

“I had many offers after the season, but Jönköping were the team who showed they really wanted me, so I signed for them on and I have been assigned jersey number 10.”

Speaking about his time at Sirus, Ogbu was emotional but added he needed to move on with his career.

“It has been great playing for Sirus. I am really sad leaving the club, but everyone at the club understood my decision,” he said.

“I have been there longer than anyone in the team now. I was at Sirus for six good years, all the way from division one to the second highest division and close to the top flight at the end of last season when we lost in the playoff.

Kayode injured in Austria Wien loss

N

Kayode

igeria striker, Olanrewaju Kayode, has suffered an ankle injury while playing for Austria Wien on Saturday in a 2-0 loss at Wolfsberger AC. However, Austria Wien remain top of the Bundesliga League table with 35 points from 19 games.

The former Maccabi Netanya hit man was a 64th minute substitute for Fabian Koch before he suffered an ankle injury after spending 10 minutes on the pitch and was stretched off the field.

His team thus finished the game with 10 men.

Kayode has scored eight goals in the league this season.

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mondaY, dEcEmBER 7, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.246

Price: n150

U23 AFCON:

Dimgba out of Senegal Cracker

Results

English Premier League Stoke City 2 – 0 Man City Arsenal 3 – 1 Sunderland Man United 0 – 0 West Ham Southampton 1 – 1 Aston Villa Swansea 0 – 3 Leicester Watford 2 – 0 Norwich West Brom 1 – 1 Tottenham Chelsea 0 – 1 Bournemouth Newcastle 2 -0 Liverpool German Bunesliga M’gladbach 3 – 1 Bayern Munich Wolfsburg 1 – 2 Dortmd FC Koln 0 – 1 Augsburg Ingolstadt 1 – 1 Hoffenheim Hamburger 1 – 3 FSV Mainz Hertha BSC 2 – 1 Leverkusen Schalke 3 – 1 Hannover Italian Serie A Inter Milan 1 – 0 Genoa Torino 1 – 1 Roma Lazio 0 – 2 Juventus Bologna 3 – 2 Napoli Spanish La Liga Real Madrid 4 – 1 Getafe Valencia 1 – 1 Barcelona Granada 0 – 2 Atletico Deportivo 1 – 1 Sevilla Real Betis 1 – 1 Celta Vigo Soceidad 2 – 1 Eibar

g 30

e r ’ e W y r g hun y r o l for g a z e u b m a -S M

emories of Claudio El Piojo (The Louse) Lopez clinching America’s tenth Mexican league title on 29 May 2005 had become a little hazy by the time Ricardo Pelaez took over as the club president six and a half years later. That Lopez-inspired championship win had put Las Águilas level with Guadalajara as the country’s most successful club, but in the years that followed America looked on powerless as title after title evaded their grasp, with Chivas pulling clear again with their 11th championship win and Toluca joining them on ten.

A member of the Mexico squad that appeared at the 1998 FIFA World

Cup France, Pelaez arrived in the job determined to restore America’s wounded pride and put them back on top. Taking up the reins just before the 2012 Clausura, he appointed another Piojo in Miguel Herrera as coach and set about overhauling the team.

One of the new faces to come into the side was the Argentinian Rubens Sambueza, who has since become club captain and an icon of an America team that has, over the last four years, reasserted itself as the pre-eminent force in Mexican football. About to lead Las Águilas out at the FIFA Club World Cup Japan 2015, the 31-year-old creative midfielder spoke exclusively to

FIFA.com.

The newly installed Herrera quickly banished memories of the instability of previous years. After steering America to the play-off semi-finals in his first two championship campaigns, he guided them to the title in his third, the 2013 Clausura. Though Herrera then moved on to coach the national team, the seeds of future success had been sown. After defeat to Leon in the following season’s final, Las Águilas eventually landed their twelfth title to move clear of the pack, the prelude to international glory and the 2014/15 CONCACAF Champions League title.

“America were major players on the

domestic scene and in becoming the Concachampions we’ve managed to achieve success abroad too. We’ll be going to Japan determined to give it our very best shot,” commented Sambueza, looking ahead to the upcoming Club World Cup, where he and his teammates will be representing the northern half of the Americas.

Contemplating that prospect, the talented left-footed midfielder, who was born in the Patagonian city of Zapala and stands 5’9 tall, said: “I’m very happy to be playing in such a prestigious tournament for the first time. The team is feeling good and we’re all determined to put in a great performance.”

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

$3.9b fine: ThePage B7 other dimensions to MTN’s infraction

Senate Committee to engage CBN on speedy sales of FOREX to marketers Page B2

Thought Page B6 Leadership

Bosak Microfinance Bank rewards customers Bosak Microfinance Bank Limited held its 2nd Beta Life Savings Promo on December 3, 2015 at the Primrose Events Place. It was an exciting event geared towards engendering a savings culture amongst the economically active poor.

The MD/CEO Mr. Kola Bello encouraged attendees to embrace savings to ensure a fall back plan during rainy days and the making of capital expenses such as school fees. He reiterated that access to individual CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Infrastructure Bank to establish assets management subsidiary

L–R. External Affairs and Sustainability Manager, Unilever, Mr. Tomiwa Asaolu; Corporate Affairs, Unilever, Mrs. Ayodele Alabi; Corporate Affairs Director, Unilever, Mrs. Soromidayo George; CEO, Wecyclers Nig. Ltd, Bilikis Adebiyi Abiola, and Sustainability Partnerships Manager, Africa, Unilever, Mr. Bukunmi Akinseye, at the kick-off of Unilever-Wecyclers Partnership at Unilever Head office in Lagos recently

OPEC president foresees higher oil demand in 2016 Augustine Okezie, Abuja Minister of State for Petroleum Resources and President of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) Conference, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu has said the demand for OPEC crude is expected to rise by 1.2 million barrels per day to average 30.8 million barrels per day for the year 2016 leading to a more balanced market.

Dr. Kachikwu who is also head of Nigeria’s delegation to the

Monday, December 7, 2015

168th Ordinary OPEC Meeting made this assertion while addressing the OPEC Ministers Conference in Austria, Vienna.

He noted that a balanced and stable market would be of crucial importance in the years ahead to ensure continued investment in the industry as it gears up to meet the world’s burgeoning energy needs.

In a press release signed by the group general manage public affairs of NNPC, Mr. Oh Alegbe said the OPEC Conference President stated that the conference is

centered on enhancing market stability which would benefit all stakeholders and contributes to global economic growth stressing that this can be achieved only through the concerted effort of all stakeholders.

“Dialogue and collaboration with consumers, non-OPEC producers, oil companies and investors are essential in reaching our common goal of a more orderly oil market. In 2015, we have seen positive examples between OPEC and Non-OPEC countries and the Asian Ministerial Energy Round-

table held in Qatar in November.

OPEC has also held bilateral dialogues with Russia and China this year, and later this month the OPEC-India Energy Dialogue would have its first meeting,” Dr. Kachikwu stated.

The President of OPEC Conference also informed that world oil demand in 2015 grew by 1.5 million barrels per day, up from 1 million barrels per day in 2014.

“Next year, we foresee growth of 1.3 million barrels per day to average 94.1 million barrels per day, CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

The Infrastructure Bank (TIB) is to create an asset management subsidiary to manage portfolios of private investors in infrastructure projects in the country.

Mr. Adekinle Oyinloye, the Managing Director of TIB, disclosed this at a press conference in Lagos at the weekend.

He said that the TIB Assets Management Company would assist potential investors to manage their investments in infrastructure more professionally.

Oyinloye said that funds available to the company would be better managed by professional fund managers or made available on the capital market as quasi or private equities.

He said that the bank’s duty in the whole arrangement would be to see that projects were well conceptualised, dissected and de-risked to make them bankable.

The bank chief executive said that the benefits of an assets management company were to give investors clarity as to the timeframe on when to go in and to exit from investments.

“Our job as infrastructure bank is to take them through that process and create bankable projects with clear exit for debt providers, investors, quasi equities and others.

Delta airline airlifts 900, 000 passengers from Nigeria Ï ^ƏƆéƐ Ɣ ƍƏ ƇƈƐ Ƈ $2.2 billion Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

Bryan

Delta Airline said it has strengthened its balance sheet by reducing adjusted net debt to $6.4 billion.

This came as the carrier earned a pre-tax profit of $2.2 billion – an increase of $547 million year over year. This allowed them to return $532 million to

their owners through $107 million of dividends and $425 million of share repurchased. The 2015 Q3 results was the 10th record quarter in a row for Delta.

Meanwhile, the American carrier since it began operations in December 2007 has airlifted over 900,000 passengers on the lucrative Atlanta-Lagos-Abuja route.

Delta is now the only airline to operate a daily year-round service between the U.S. and Lagos. On average we carry approx 10,000 passengers per

month. Delta’s Commercial Director, East and West Africa, Bobby Bryan said in a presentation today at media lunch held at Sheraton Hotel, Ikeja, Lagos.

According to him, “Two weeks ago, we announced an intention to increase our stake in Grupo Aeromexico, up to 49 per cent. This is the latest in a number of strategic investments Delta has made to grow our business in key markets.

CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

CHI launches handy can packs

Bosak Microfinance Bank rewards customers CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

accounts is hitch-free and convenient compared to the practice of saving with thrift collectors.

He further encouraged customers to take advantage of the Bank’s Health Insurance Product which gives access to medical care while premium is repaid to Bosak in small weekly repayment sum.

Mr. Oyewumi Adelakun, Head- Internal Control informed attendees of the need to ensure Loan Officers attached to them document all transactions in their respective passbooks. He further drew attention to the Bank’s Toll-free line encouraging all to make use of it for enquiries/complaints/customer service.

Following a raffle draw in which winners from three categories, those who maintained a minimum deposit of N30,000, N20,000 and N10,000 respectively were chosen. Funke Ekunsanmi won the Star prize of a brand new generator. The second prize of a table refrigerator was won by Oluwaseun Ismail Adesanya while the third prize, a rechargeable fan was won by Oseni Nurudeen Debare. Recharge cards were called out for four fastest fingers to win. The Promo concluded with closing remarks from the Product Manager, Ademipo Adeeko and customers receiving free medical consultation and blood pressure testing from the BASK Health Management Limited team.

With a MicroRate rating of excellent performance and low or well managed short- medium term risk for Financial Institutions with high long term sustainability and high creditworthiness, we urge all to keep rising with us.

Emefiele, CBN governor

Ekwunife

Senate Committee to engage CBN on speedy sales of FOREX to marketers Senator Uche Ekwunife, Chairman, Senate Committee on Downstream, yesterday said that the committee would engage the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on speedy sales of foreign exchange (forex) to fuel marketers.

Ekwunife said this during the oversight function of the committee to some fuel depots in Lagos.

She said that the essence of the oversight function of the committee was to investigate ongoing fuel scarcity in spite of the pronouncement by the NNPC that the product was available in the country.

The chairman said that most of the operators of the depots visited by the committee lamented the inability of marketers to buy foreign exchange to import petroleum products.

She said: ‘’We are concerned about the long queues at filling stations across the country caused by the sacristy of fuel which has been affecting the general public. ``We, the Senate Committee on Downstream Sector, will ensure that CBN finds a lasting solution to ways marketers of petroleum products can assess foreign exchange from banks to fast-track importation. ``If marketers are able to assess the forex on time and as at when due, this will go a long way in addressing fuel scarcity in the country,’’ she said.

Ekwunife said that the committee would also discuss with the CBN the ways differentials in foreign exchange payment by mar-

keters could be effected on time to address ongoing fuel importation challenges.

She, however, lauded the Nigerian Independent Petroleum Company (NIPCO), for its support to the national development in ensuring effective and prompt loading of petroleum products from gantry to the stations across the country.

She appealed to NIPCO to increase its loading trucks so as to cushion the effect of fuel scarcity and support government in ensuring availability of petrol to the people on time.

The chairman said that: ``We cannot continue to have scarcity in the country when depot owners have what it takes to discharge products. ``All depots should beef up their loading capacities to reflect on the common people struggling to buy the product at filling stations. ``We must ensure that product gets to the end-users and all depots should also build truck parks that will contain many trucks to avoid parking on the highways,’’ she said.

Also, Mr. Venkataraman Venkatapathy, the Managing Director, NIPCO, said that the company would remain an ally of government in ensuring the availability of petroleum products across the country. He said that the company had been doing this through its depot operations and branded stations as well independent marketers’ outlets that loaded in the terminal.

CHI Limited has launched can pack for its various juice brands such as Chivita 100%, Chivita Active and Chi Exotic.

The new Juice can pack which is targeted at hip, trendy and Onthe-Go consumers is designed in a dynamic prismatic shape with an attractive cap that is well blended into the pack. At an affordable price of N100, the 315ml can packs contains enough juice to satisfy individual consumption and offers competitive pricing as well as value for money.

Its handy size allows consumers to take it along with them wherever they go and fits into the lifestyle of young upwardly mobile consumers.

According to Deepanjan Roy, Managing Director, Chi Limited, “the new and attractive 315ml can pack has a genuine consumer appeal and the feedback from the market has been

fantastic.

At the cost of N100, we are confident that the affordability, accessibility and convenience of this trendy, handy and Onthe-Go can packs would ensure that our consumers continue to get the same refreshing taste and nourishment” “Consumers have extolled the can pack size for its elegance, convenience and shelf appeal.

They particularly appreciate its advantages over aluminum can packaging because it is easy to hold, pour from, and is far more environment friendly,” Deepanjan stated.

With its range of high quality fruit juices like Chivita 100 percent, Chivita Active and Chi Exotic in the can pack, the story can only get more interesting for a brand that truly places premium on consumer needs and satisfaction.

OPEC president foresees higher oil demand CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

with most of this growth coming from non-OECD countries,” he noted.

According to him, as far as supply is concerned, non-OPEC countries would continue to see significant reduced production growth as compared to past years. In fact, in 2016, we anticipate a contraction in non-OPEC oil supply.

He said the downward trend stems mainly from the impact of investment cutbacks and the drop in US tight oil output, which has been declining since May

2015. He added that this is clearly illustrated by the drop in the number of newly drilled wells and the reduction by half of active drilling wells.

Dr. Kachikwu further maintained that OPEC remains committed to do its part in protecting the environment and supporting sustainable development adding that OPEC and its member countries are taking part in the climate change negotiations in Paris with the goal of full, effective and sustained implementation of the United Nations Framework Convention on Climate Change.

Delta airline airlifts 900, 000 passengers CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

“As you no doubt know, the Air France, KLM and Alitalia joint venture, we have between Europe and the United States was the first partnership of this kind for Delta. Since then, we have gone on to invest in Virgin Atlantic in the UK, GOL in Brazil and also earlier this year, China Eastern”.

Bryan disclosed that the carrier has invested more than $4 billion upgrading their customer experience to include fully flat-bed seats in the Delta One cabin, with direct aisle access, stressing that the flat-bed was introduced on the Nigerian route in 2012.

His words, “Delta offers more Wi-Fi than any other carrier and Delta will bring Wi-Fi con-

nectivity to its Lagos route in 2016. Delta operates the world’s largest Wi-Fi-equipped fleet, with more than 3,500 Internet connected flights daily, including its entire fleet of 620 domestic mainline aircraft. Eighty five per cent of the international fleet will be equipped by the end of the year, with all aircraft retrofitted in 2016”, he added.

Delta operates a 208-seat Boeing 767-300ER on its flights between Lagos and Nigeria. This is one of seven aircraft that includes Lagos as part of its rotation, with other routes including the key business destinations of London Heathrow and Tokyo Haneda.

The carrier has a strong market share of Nigeria-U.S. traffic and on our Lagos route.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

FRC wins PAMA 2015 award in Ghana The Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC) has won the Pan African Leadership Summit and Merit Awards (PAMA) as Financial Regulator of the Year 2015.

In a statement by the media/ communications consultant to FRC, Mr. Mack Ogbamosa, the award was conferred on the council by PAMA at a ceremony held recently at the British Council Auditorium, Accra, Ghana.

Conferring the award on the Executive Secretary/CEO of FRC, Mr Jim Obazee, represented

by Mr. Iheanyi Anyahara, a director in the council, the Chief Executive Officer of PAMA, Prince Ikechukwu Onwuka-Smarty, described the award as a mark of recognition of the role the FRC has been playing in sanitizing the financial sector through enforcement of financial standards in Nigeria.

Commenting on the award, Obazee said the award was in recognition of the roles members of staff and board of the council have been playing in ensuring that operators in the Nigerian economy play according to the rules and regulations.

He also said the impact of the FRC enforcement of accounting, auditing, actuarial and valuation standards are already being felt in the transformation of the nation’s economy.

Established under the Financial Reporting Council Act No 6 of 2011, the FRC is charged with regulating accounting, auditing, actuarial and valuation standards as well as maintaining codes of corporate governance in Nigeria.

Other categories of awards at the PAMA 2015 include Africa’s Foremost Agent of Change won by former President of Ghana, Jerry John Rawlings, Africa’s Most Outstanding Personality in Arts and Culture won by the Director General, Centre for Black Arts & African Civilization (CBAAC), Dr. (Sir) Ferdinand I. Anikwe, and Africa’s Most Outstanding Personality in Agricultural Development Award won by Dr. Akinwunmi Adesina of Nigeria, who is the current President of African Development Bank (ADB).

Obaze, Executive FRC

B3 Money Market

FG moves to curb corruption, reduce MDAs wastages

L – R shows Pai Gamde, Head, Human Resources, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE); Oladipo James, Head, Corporate Communications, Afrinvest West Africa; Nimi Akinkugbe, Chief Executive Officer, Bestman Games and Bola Adeeko, Head, Corporate Services Division, NSE at the Investors’ Clinic for Youths at The Exchange on Friday.

Stories by Motolani Oseni In a bid to insulate the economy from the sharp drop in the crude oil revenue, the Federal Government (FG) has again moves to further curb incessant corruption and curtails wastages in Ministries, Department and Agencies (MDAs), by approving establishment of Efficiency Unit (E-UNIT) in the Federal Ministry of Finance.

The state of the Nigeria’s economy has been in a shallow of itself, following the global sharp drop in the crude oil pric-

es, which has adversely effected the nation’s oil revenue, excess crude account and contribution to sovereign wealth fund thereby increasing sovereign risk, and making it difficult for most of the states government and private sector operators to pay workers salaries However, the current administration’s under the leadership of President Muhammadu Buhari has continued to institute reform policies that will ensure effective management of the nation’s economy and reduce cost of governance, which E-UNIT is one of such policies that is to en-

sure government expenditure is necessary and represents the best possible value for money In fact, available records have confirmed that the current nation’s recurrent expenditure completely dwarfs capital expenditure by a ratio of 84/16.

This includes non-wage related overhead expenditure such as travel costs, entertainment, events, printing, IT consumables, stationeries etc. As at September 2015, the entire capital expenditure was just N194bn while overhead expenditure was N272bn. This scenario is considered unsustainable and

at variance with the current administration’s resolve to reform the economy and reduce the cost of governance.

While inaugurating the Steering Committee for the proper take-off of the Unit in Abuja, recently, Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, explained that the Unit would undertake programmed reviews of all government overhead expenditure with a view to reducing wastage, promoting efficiency and ensuring quantifiable savings for the country. Specifically, she said the Unit would work across all MDAs to identify and eliminate wasteful spending, duplication and other inefficiencies; identify best practices in procurement and financial management and share such knowledge to ensure its adoption.

“Findings of the Efficiency Unit will always be formally communicated accordingly and will be enforced through establishment of expenditure guidelines, undertaking follow-up reviews, spot checks and other measures that will ultimately checkmate wastages across all areas of federal government expenditure”.

The newly inaugurated Steering Committee, to be chaired by the Finance Minister, has members drawn from both public and private sector. The Project Leader is Ms Patience Oniha, a highly experienced Banker and Chartered Accountant, with thirty (30) years experience in financial sector. She had worked with Ecobank Nigeria, Standard Chartered Bank, KPMG and is currently a Director in the Debt Management Office (DMO).

ABCON wants CBN to collaborate with operators The Association of Bureau De Change Operators of Nigeria (ABCON) urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to collaborate with the sub sector’s operators to achieve the desired results in its foreign exchange policies.

No fewer than 1,600 BDCs operators have recently lost their right to participate in the twiceweekly sale of foreign exchange of CBN as part of the new move by the apex bank to check money laundering and the activities of speculators, which had continued to put pressure on the naira.

Speaking with our Correspondent in an exclusive telephone chat at the weekend, the acting Chairman, Association of Bureau De Change Operators, Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe disclosed that the CBN needs to build strong partnership with the BDC opera-

tors, so as to enable them contribute to the growth of the Nigeria’s economy.

While commenting on the recent ban of over 1,600 BDC operators from buying dollars and other foreign currencies, due to lack of proper remittance of returns to the apex bank, the ABCON chairman, pointed that restrictions would certainly have its own effects on the market.

The ban on the BDC operators came on the heels of a circular issued by the CBN recently warning the banks, BDCs and other forex dealers to ensure they rendered returns on dollars purchased from the apex lender’s window or face severe punishment.

Meanwhile, the Director, Corporate Communications, CBN, Mr. Ibrahim Mu’azu said only

1,200 BDC operators who were qualified bought forex from the CBN window.

“The development is part of the efforts of the CBN to introduce discipline in the sub-sector.

This action came after warnings to the BDCs. They need to give account and render returns on the utilisation of forex purchased from the CBN window,” Mu’azu said.

According to sources close to the development, majority of the 1,600 BDCs that were banned from buying forex were found wanting in the area of Bank Verification Number until they were able to render.

Although, ABCON at a press conference in Lagos recently, reaffirmed its support for the BVN policy and described it as an initiative that would tackle “the

problems associated with lack of identity data base, to confirm the identity of individuals.”

Gwadabe also stressed that “ABCON believes in the BVN project, and is in full support of its implementation. We believe among other things, it would check incidence of electronic payment fraud, serial loan default, and money laundering as well as identity theft.”

However, ABCON chief noted that the main challenge of implementing the BVN as a criterion for foreign exchange transactions at the BDC segment was ignorance on the part of customers. He argued that a lot of customers were still not aware that BDCs, as a matter of CBN policy, require their BVN before a foreign exchange transactions are carried out.

Capital Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

Weekly Report

NSE increases turnover by 13% The NSE All-Share Index and Market Capitalization appreciated by 0.05% to close the week at 27,631.05 and N9.500 trillion respectively. Similarly, six other Indices finished higher during the week, except the following Indices: NSE Main Board Index (-0.78%), NSE 30 Index (-0.10%), NSE Consumer Goods Index (-0.10%), NSE Oil and Gas Index (- 6.19%) and NSE Pension Index (-0.66%).

A turnover of 1.218 billion shares worth N14.685 billion in 13,495 deals were traded this week by investors on the floor of The Exchange in contrast to a total of 1.041 billion shares valued at N13.007 billion that exchanged hands last week in 13,407 deals.

During the week, twenty-eight (28) equities appreciated in price, higher than twenty-one (21) equities of the preceding week while fifty-one (51) equities depreciated in price, higher than forty-one equities of the previous week, with one hundred and eleven (111) equities remaining unchanged, low-

er than one hundred and twentyeight (128) equities recorded in the preceding week.

The Financial Services Industry (measured by volume) led the activity chart with 1.068 billion shares valued at N9.888 billion traded in 7,803 deals; thus contributing 87.73% and 67.33% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

The Consumer Goods Industry followed with 48.455 million shares worth N2.450 billion in 2,560 deals.

The third place was occupied by the Conglomerates Industry with a turnover of 45.914 million shares worth N364.525 million in 622 deals.

Trading in the Top Three Equities namely – Guaranty Trust Bank Plc, FBN Holdings Plc and Union Homes Savings And Loans Plc (measured by volume) accounted for 610.558 million shares worth N7.340 billion in 3,262 deals, contributing 50.13% and 49.98% to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Index Movement

L-R: Honorable Jeremy Lefroy Member of Parliament for Stafford and member of the UK Parliament International Development Committee, Oluwatoyin Sanni, Group CEO, United Capital Plc accepts British Award for African Development (BRAAD Award) for Best African Business Leader.

TRANSCORP Hotels launches second tranche of N30bn bond Transcorp Hotels Plc - the hospitality subsidiary of Transnational Corporation of Nigeria Plc (Transcorp Plc) has announced a successful naira bond market transaction, issuing a total of N9.758 billion.

This bond is the second tranche in its N30 billion medium term bond programme registered with the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC).

The proceeds of the issue will be used to finance the upgrade of the company’s flagship hotel, Transcorp Hilton Abuja, and other buildings, including construction of a 5,000 seater multipurpose banquet centre.

The transaction is a 5-year fixed-rate bond, due in 2020The subscription is in addition to a prior issue of N10 Billion, being Series 1 in a Senior 7-Year 16.00% Fixed Rate (Unsecured)

Bonds Due 2022 issued in October 2015. With this, the total amount the company has successfully raised to date is N19.758 billion.

The Series 2 Bond will carry a gross coupon of 15.50% per annum for a period of five years.

The redemption on maturity, expected to be 2020, will be at 100% of the nominal amount of the Bonds.

The bonds are available in denominations of N1,000, and will be listed on the main market of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and also the FMDQ OTC platform for enhanced tradability. FSDH Plc is the lead issuing house, while United Capital Plc and Stanbic IBTC Capital Limited are joint issuing houses.

“We are embarking on a full renovation of the historic Transcorp Hilton Abuja and its

670 rooms and on-site facilities.

This is the first major renovation of the historic Transcorp Hilton Abuja for the first time in its 30-year history, save for a minor one ten years ago. This bond issue will finance the upgrade, new hotels and the development of a 5,000-seater multi-purpose Banquet centre,” said Valentine Ozigbo, MD/CEO of Transcorp Hotels Plc. “The availability of funds enables us to enhance our financial flexibility by diversifying our sources of funding while significantly extending the maturity of the Group’s funding and ensuring optimal capital mix. We are delighted by the investor reception for Transcorp Hotels in the bond markets” said Emmanuel N. Nnorom, President and Group CEO of Transcorp Plc.

NSE educates youth on investment culture

Stories by Adesola Akindele

The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) held its fourth quarter Investors’ Clinic targeted at youths in the country.

The clinic which was themed ‘Securing Your Tomorrow, Today’, was held on December 4, 2015 at the NSE Event centre with over 100 youths in attendance.

The investors’ clinic is a free and open financial literacy and inclusion programmes to educate Nigerian youths on the culture of investment in the capital and money markets. To participate in the clinic, the youths were simply required to apply online. To further extend the invitation to other young people who may not be digitally savvy yet, the NSE

partnered with youth empowerment focused Non-Governmental organisations like Lynx Nigeria, Mind The Gap and Fifth Gear Plus to get additional participants.

According to Bola Adeeko, Head, Corporate Services Division, NSE, “we are committed to building a financially literate generation and will continue to commit resources to implement a variety of programmes that will enable young people imbue the requisite skills and knowledge that will help them navigate the future through smart investing .”

The clinic kicked off with opening remarks by Bola Adeeko and then Abimbola Babalola, Head of Market Surveillance gave an introductory lecture on the evo-

lution of the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

This was followed by insightful presentations by an array of seasoned professionals such as Chukwuka Monye, Director General, Delta State Economic Summit Group who spoke on Understanding Capital Market Basics; Nimi Akinkugbe, CEO, Bestman Games discussed, Personal Financial Management while Adetola Fasuyi, Group Head, Asset Management, Sterling Capital Limited presented on Understanding Your Investment Choices.

Mr. Oladapo James, Head, Corporate Communications, Afrinvest gave a step by step approach on using its online portal to access and monitor an investment

portfolio.

Speaking on their experience at the investors’ clinic, Miss Damilola Obafemi an applicant, said “I’ve always heard that the stock exchange is relevant to the Nigeria and the economy. Being here today is an opportunity for me to get information that will allow me to participate in the market”.

Mr. Kayode Awokoya, an applicant and a participant, also said “It is a very well organized event basically for the youths, and I think being here is an opportunity for me to take away skills and knowledge on investment opportunities available for youth in the country” while Michael Adewunmi from Portfolio Adversory Limited, a stockbroking firm, said “I got the information

about this event from the Nigerian Stock Exchange’s website. I’m here to acquire knowledge about the market and to apply and disseminate such information to people who need it”.

In closing, Pai Gamde, Head, Human Resources at The NSE reiterated that “It is imperative that this financial literacy clinic hits home. With the startling statistics that 47% of our 29.4 million youths within the ages of 18 and 25 years are financially excluded and they have no access to financial services either formally or informally. As a responsible organization, we will continue to play our part in deploying financial literacy programmes that will develop our youths to become sound leaders of tomorrow.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

B5 Capital Market

NSE DAILY ACTIVITY SUMMARY ( EQUITIES) 02-12-2015

Thought Leadership B6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

Five hints from Chief Financial Officer to Chief Information Officer on IT initiatives Joseph Tegbe (When nobody is around) In couple of decades of executing IT consulting and system implementation projects for different entities in varying economies, we have come across a particular figure (or rather a job role) that plays a crucial (and totally underappreciated) part in IT development. We are referring of course to the Chief Financial Officer (CFO).

In many organizations, the CFO is directly responsible for IT. In others, the roles are separated and CFO and CIO are at times, at the same level. But almost in all big implementation, any major IT change usually comes down to a “Go/No-Go” decision from the CFO – formally or informally.

A while ago our team was pitching a new brilliant (at least we were sure it was) IT idea to a CFO. With a well-developed business case and full support from the CIO and heads of business departments, we could barely get his approval. It was not the first time this happened, and probably not the last.

A simple question popped into our minds. Why do CFOs oppose or why are they skeptical (at the least) of our innovations when we are so knowledgeable and smart (IT guys boldness, you know) and our ideas are obviously very beneficial for the business?

We launch a small investigation discussing with couple of CFOs and CIOs in the past 3 years as well as numerous colleagues in consulting and we feel we are close to an answer. Let us share with you what is on the CFO’s mind about IT. 1. It is not about the ultimate quality of IT service (and never was) The CFO is a person who ends up paying for IT services, and in most cases, he may not be looking for the best quality you can provide. First of all, he is looking for stability and then, for a reasonable price to quality ratio. So if, for example, you are introducing a new intranet portal with 99.9% availability that costs $300,000 annually, and compare it with a current 98% available portal with $50,000 annual price tag, it is not an automatic buy, especially if the content and capabilities are more or less the same.

While you are convinced that the new platform and new technology will give you multiple options in the future for updating

Seyi Bickersteth, National Senior Partner & Chief Executive Officer

the portal and introducing amazing features, CFOs may not appreciate why he should pay a quarter of million dollars more each year. He might even be willing to risk the old portal being down a couple of days a year. However, to convince him, you may have to present the big picture: all the benefits, all the projects to be launched on an updated intranet, and of course he will ask you about the costs for this, and that is the moment where it gets tricky. Especially, if you are discussing the full scope and not just asking for money for excessive quality, you are on a right track.

Your peers from the business departments will often back you up especially when you are offering faster connection, more computing power and cool apps. They love technology almost as much as you do, but CFOs will usually get you down to earth. The CFO must be certain that any IT investment is a necessity and real value not just a whim.

If a company has a history of failure in implementing IT solu-

tions (and most companies do), you must be ready to convince the CFO that the business will run “as usual” no matter what. For example, imagine you are replacing an old style ODBC (Open Data Base Connector) integration with your clients’ database for a new cross-platform app. You must convince the CFO that you have a roll back plan, and if the bugs are to be found in this new app (rather when they will be found) you can get back to the old integration channel while you are fixing them.

Stability and predictable quality for a lowest price (if possible) will definitely be your catch for the CFO. 2. User satisfaction and quality of service must be results of efficiency not investment (sorry about that) The CFO is not inclined to directly finance projects that will result only in raised IT efficiency (or user satisfaction). It does not mean however, that he is not expecting IT to constantly improve, however projects like: spending

some money to improve users support, data storage capability etc., are not welcome. You have to introduce an improved quality of exciting services with the budget you have on-hand. You have to constantly look at how to make your IT processes more mature and how to make your users happy with what you have. That is what the CFO is expecting. It is hard but possible. To achieve this, your improvement should be a part of a holistic IT strategy.

At the same time, when you are budgeting a next big thing that the CFO is happy to pay for, like ERP module implementation, or new WEB sales channel, do not forget to include reasonable process improvement and support costs. You, most probably, will not get funding for this separately.

3. OPEX is always better then CAPEX (but beware) Very often, for reasons that any CFO can explain much better than we, OPEX is preferable to CAPEX. If you are comparing building your own Data Center, moving your business applications to a cloud, hiring twenty more developers or handing over support of the solution to a third party, remember, the CFO is usually for OPEX. It is so much easier to manage (and cut) operational costs particularly in a rapidly changing business environment.

But beware, if after a year your support organization announces 40% increase in charges (because you are now dependent on them and have nowhere to go), or business data volume rises drastically (so as the bills from the cloud provider), you will be held responsible. The CFO will push for OPEX, but it requires a lot of calculations and very careful risk management to ensure that you have a control over IT budget and there are no unpleasant surprises down the road.

4. I do not believe in your ROI calculations (and never will) Every experienced CFO has seen hundreds of unsuccessful investments, not necessarily in IT, however, he has to deal with sunk costs on a regular basis (hopefully, not that often), and most of the projects that ended badly have an established business case and ROI calculation.

We are not talking about projects that went terribly wrong. It is usually projects that just did not match the expectations. May be the cost rose unexpectedly; may be some of the benefits or business values were not achieved.

In this situation, unsatisfying in-

vestment is more or less a routine case for CFO. So do not be surprised when he looks at your ROI calculation very skeptically. He has a tendency not to trust it, especially if it is very optimistic or you forgot to include something (you probably did, didn’t you).

You have to show your business case, but do not hope that it will be a determining factor. Be ready with success stories, examples from international markets and concrete evidence of demand for your project results. Another helpful way is to show the CFO your ROI calculation methodology, modify it according to his comments and use this exact method for every IT project. After a while, you can get a CFO’s trust and commitment.

5. Save some money and re-invest them in IT (but not too much) Everyone knows that if you underspend your IT budget this year, you are not getting the same amount back, however, what if you find a nice way to save some money?

The CFO will not be very happy if you give him 20% of your budget back at the end of the year.

It means to him that there were some problems with planning.

So spend this money (as in hint 2 for example). To do this you have to clearly show the CFO that you are not just dragging money from one part of your budget to another, but you are reinvesting something you have saved. With this, the CFO can back up almost any reasonable project you have in mind.

However, do not overuse this hint, because if you end up with serious cash on your hand several years in a row, even if you reinvest it, you can make your CFO unhappy. He will assume you knew how to save right from the beginning and did not show it during the planning stage.

And we do not want to do that because, a happy CFO means an exciting and cutting edge IT organization which we are so eager to build.

Tegbe, Partner & Head; and Alex Smolensky, Senior Manager, Information Technology Advisory, KPMG in Nigeria © 2015, KPMG Professional Services, a partnership registered in Nigeria and a member firm of the KPMG network of independent member firms affiliated with KPMG International Cooperative (‘’KPMG International’’), a Swiss entity.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

B7 Analysis

$3.9b fine: The other dimensions to MTN’s infraction Tony Nwakaegho Recently, the Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) fined MTN $5.2 billion, which was reduced to $3.9 billion last week for its failure to deactivate unregistered SIMs. A deep reflection on the fine, considered huge in certain quarters, would no doubt justify this punitive measure by the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC). MTN’s refusal (not failure) to deactivate unregistered SIMs had no doubt aided the activities of terrorists, kidnappers and swindlers.

A case in point was the abduction of the former Secretary to the Federal Government, Chief Olu Falae. His kidnappers, and those of other high profile individuals who were abducted in the recent past, used unregistered simply of MTN. Falae who turned 77 recently, was abducted from his farm. The kidnapping happened on September 21 in Akure, a town 300km northeast of Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub and home to MTN’s Nigerian operations.

Eyewitness accounts from farm workers alleged that nomadic herdsmen carried out the abduction.

In recent years, dwindling grazing territories have pushed them southwards and in its wake, triggered violent clashes with locals, who complain the Fulanis’ cattle are destroying their farmlands.

The media reported that the kidnappers asked for a ransom of N100 million. Three days later, Falae was freed in Owo, 50km from Akure, amid confusion as to whether a ransom had been paid or not.

The police denied knowledge of a payment but Falae insisted his family paid a ransom.

The Nigerian Communications Commission had said then that the phone lines the kidnappers used to conduct the ransom negotiations belonged to MTN. “Falae’s kidnappers used MTN SIM cards and MTN was unable to provide any registration data

ASUS boosts ‘selfie’ trend among Nigerian phone users

for those SIMs,” the commission said in a report.

NCC said the decision on the $5.2 billion sanction was not just a purely regulatory issue but rather a matter of national security.

“The government insisted it must be sanctioned to make the right statement,” said one official familiar with the matter.

“In South Africa you can’t break their laws and get away with it. So why come to Nigeria and flout the laws?”

Even before the Falae kidnapping, the Office of the National Security Adviser (ONSA) and the Department of State Security (DSS) had weighed into the SIM card registration issue, citing concerns that the absence of registration data on them was being exploited by criminals – from kidnappers and fraudsters to Boko Haram.

On August 4, the NCC had hosted a meeting that brought together all the mobile phone companies as well as ONSA and DSS representatives. A subsequent statement by the commission gave the phone companies a seven-day ultimatum “for deactivation of all invalid/improperly registered SIM cards; these include all sim cards without, or improperly captured, facial pictures and/or finger prints.”

A week after the deadline, the commission’s head of compliance and monitoring said at a press conference that, while other networks were taking steps to deactivate defaulting lines, MTN, which accounted for 18 million of the 38 million improperly registered cards, showed “no compliance.”

At another meeting in the President’s office in September, chaired by his chief of staff including military intelligence and telecoms executives, MTN was again warned about the security implications of improperly registered cards and government’s resolve to penalise offenders.

Many Nigerians believe the “telcos” have got away with it by calling the regulator’s bluff, and paying slap-on-the-wrist fines instead of immediately comply-

Joy Ekeke The stakes and competition among renowned mobile phone brands sold in the country has been made keener following the entry of ASUS’ Zenfone lineup into the Nigerian market.

ASUS, a leading laptop brand in Europe, announced the pricing and availability of its ZenFone family including ZenFone Selfie, ZenFone Laser 5.5, ZenFone Go 5.0, and ZenFone C 4.5, all with

Ferdi Moolman newly appointed CEO of MTN Nigeria.

ing. It was speculated that MTN chose not to disconnect the lines because of revenue that would have been forgone had the more than five million lines been disconnected.

All four of Nigeria’s major phone companies had been fined more than once for their failure to deactivate unregistered lines.

The most recent came at the end of August, after a commission enforcement team came out of a compliance check dissatisfied.

The commission slammed 120 million naira in fines on the four biggest operators.

MTN, with twice as many subscribers as Globacom, Nigeria’s second-largest operator, took the biggest hit, with a fine of N102 million, Globacom, Etisalat and Airtel were fined N7.4 million , N7 million and N3.8 million , respectively.

The penalties were based on a sum of N200,000 per defaulting sim card.

While the previous fines were based on numbers emerging from random, limited-sample

monitoring exercises, this time the commission decided to penalise MTN for the total number of improperly registered cards – hence the unprecedented size of the fine.

“In terms of ratio per subscriber, the amount is very big compared with fines recently imposed on telcos,” Thecla Mbongue, a senior analyst at research and consulting firm Ovum, which focuses on IT, telecoms and media markets said.

Since the fine was imposed on MTN by NCC the questions some discerning Nigerians are asking are: By not deactivating unregistered Sims, could it be that MTN had aided BH terrorists who could have been using such?

How many deaths could possibly be attributed to this? How many people were swindled and for a total of how much as a result?

Does this amount to a deliberate breach of our national security and economic sabotage?

Is the fine enough punishment for such deliberate and weighty crime? Would it not be justifiable

if the CEO and other directors of the company are put on trial?

What gives MTN the effrontery to commit such a crime?

In a reaction to the fine, MTN a fortnight ago deactivated the SIMs of its several customers across the country, a development which led to the deluge of its customers-care centres.

In a bid to reward its loyal customers, MTN rewarded some of them with as much N5000 free credit to make calls within a week as well as gave them access to Internet services for about three months.

Despite the reduction of the fine from $5.2 billion to $3.9 billion at the weekend by NCC, the action will no doubt serve as a deterrent to others in the telecommunication industry. It is will also serve as a lesson to the Nigerians in the management cadre of MTN that it is better to stick with their country rather than foreign investors who might want to undermine the country’s security and sabotage the economy, all in pursuit of profit.

comprehensive camera solutions for users in Nigeria, in Lagos last weekend .

The event specifically organized to herald the brand’s debut for English Speaking Africa opened with ASUS Nigeria Country Product Manager, Mr. Simplice Zaongo, saying, “We are very excited to bring our latest ZenFone family to the Nigerian market. These brand-new innovations are each an empowering luxury that strikes the perfect

balance of beauty, functionality and performance, and especially offers Nigerian consumers a comprehensive camera experience via both hardware and software.”

In recent times the trend of taking selfies with mobile phone devices has been on a global rise, this, Daily Times discovered will be the strong selling point for the ZenFone Selfie the lineup’s flagship with dual 13MP PixelMaster cameras, dual-color, dual-LED

Real Tone flash both front and rear, plus laser auto-focus for ultra-fast shots with complete clarity.

The phone comes equipped with ZenMotion Touch Gesture which also allow users to open the front camera by simply drawing “S” on the ZenFone Selfie screen.

In a demo, the built-in beatification camera tool has the ability to make the skin smooth, change the skin tone, slim the chick, and enlarge the eyes on a click.

Business Interview B8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

We’re more satisfied with TSA compliance level - AGF ‘‘The compliance on TSA is high and we are getting more and more satisfied with the level of compliance. Today we have 792 MDAs that have enrolled for the TSA, and for these MDAs, we have opened at CBN 991 sub-accounts for them.’’

Idris

Office of the Accountant General of the Federation said it has done a great deal of work together with the Central bank of Nigeria (CBN) and Systemspecs - the company that is deploying the technology to move the fund electronically to enforce the implementation of the Treasury Single Account (TSA). Accountant General of the Federation Ahmed Idris in this interview with selected journalists in his office he said that the TSA policy was for the benefit of MDAs attributing the delay in accessing funds by the MDAs to the ongoing verification and reconciliation of accounts of mobbed up funds in the TSA. MATHEW DADIYA was there for Daily Times.

What is the level of compliance on the TSA as at today?

The compliance on TSA is high and we are getting more and more satisfied with the level of compliance. Today we have 792 MDAs that have enrolled for the TSA, and for these MDAs, we have opened at CBN 991 subaccounts for them. The subaccounts are really accounts of MDAs and possibly their project accounts so that each MDA can have its own account and subaccount for project.

We have also realised the sum of N1.534 Trillion in the TSA, however, the figure is changing because we’ve created subaccounts for these MDAs. So for these figures may appear a bid lower tomorrow because when you create sub-account, you take a particular amount for a particular project for a particular MDA and put it in an account.

However, there is linkage but what we have is about n1.534 trillion. So this is the level of perfor-

mance.

Some agencies, Universities, polytechnics and other institution of higher learning have been insisting on exemption from the IPPIS, GIFMIS platform, why are they resisting enrolling?

Eventually, IPPIS being one of the reform initiatives; have to be applied on all institutions of government and as far as policy of government is concern, particularly the IPPIS, all institution will have to come on board.

Of course, universities and polytechnics, colleges of education and other tertiary institutions are not on board but we will get them enrolled; they have to be on board. Reason for their resistance, I really don’t know why they want to remain solo for a policy that is laudable, that will ensure and engenders efficiency in the payment of salary. Eventually it is a policy of government and we are interacting and explaining to them that this is the policy, they have to comply, and they have to come on board.

They have to comply, no going back.

But the higher institutions of learning have this fear that a lot of their lecturers do go on sabbatical which they said their allowances may not be capture by the IPPIS…?

No, no, no! It’s not for anybody to say you will not be captured; they should make themselves available and be captured. It is when we capture them and they don’t see such payment been made that they can complain. You don’t just perceive or imagine a problem; it has to be real and practical. In any case, they are government’s institutions and this is government’s

policy. Besides, government cannot bring about policies to kill its own institutions or disallow them from working. Dou you think government will come up with policy to make the universities not to embark on teaching and research? No, there must be a way…. So I don’t know why they are backing out. In any case, they have already agreed to come on board and it’s a matter of time they will be on board.

What is the relationship between IPSAS, IPPIS, GIFMIS and the TSA? All these you have mentioned, IPPIS, IPSAS, GIFMIS (Government Integrated Financial Management Information Systems), TSA amongst others are all part of the economic reform programme of government that is being undertaking through this office. We are the component of the reform project that government is enrolling. They are simply meant to make us in tandem with the global best practice and to make us comply with standards in terms of financial management, in terms of financial reporting, management of the economy and even pattern and management of government expenditure, fiscal issues; financial and monetary issues are all cover in this reform initiative.

We are not living in the island, we are members of the international community and we have to comply with the world’s standards best practices and these are the components that will make us get to that level and government is gradually evolving and bringing out these reform programmes.

As the chief treasurer of the Nigerian economy, what measures are put in place to safeguard against corruption in the civil service?

When we are talking of good governance, it is a whole package and not just about how ministries are ran in terms of leadership and so on; but also, how economy and how finance of the ministries are managed. This reform will bring about transparency, fiscal discipline, and they will bring about decorum in

the pattern and management of government resources and the way and manner expenditure is made.

They will also block leakages; ensure good management of lean resources particularly now that our resources are dwindling in terms of our earning from oil as our major source of revenue.

All these put together are some of the benefits that we are going to derive in pursuing this reform policy.

What is the federal government doing to address the issue of delay in accessing funds by MDAs due to the Treasury Single Account, TSA implementation?

I must admit that, like any other policy that is new, you always get one issue or the other at the point of introduction and implementation; TSA is not an exception. However, this office has done a great deal of work together with our partners and other stakeholders namely; the CBN, the company that is deploying the technology to move the fund electronically and so far we are getting over some of these problems of accessing money.

We’ve been able to like I told you earlier, opened with CBN on behalf of MDAs 191 sub accounts and most of these sub accounts can be accessed.

However, in view of the fact that some of these large sums of money which we have mobbed up following the directive of CBN, were lodged into an account, we need to carefully reconcile and segregate each component, each amount and then make sure that whatever we are crediting into a sub account of an MDA, is the correct amount. Because we are talking of money, you can’t just do it haphazardly, it has to be with care and caution and we need to verify statement and evidence that this is the amount mobbed up before we credit a sub account on behalf of MDAs. This is causing the delay but I believe at the end of the day it is for the benefit of the MDAs, so that no money of MDA ‘A’ will go to MDA ’B’ out of just a rush to put money into sub-accounts.

MDAs which came when we

made the first call, actually have been able to access their money. Some of these organisations have been accessing their money freely without any hitch.

But those who dragged their feet, who refused to come on board initially were the ones affected because their money were mobbed up and it is now a matter of sorting it out, reconciling the amount and then crediting them into their sub accounts with the correct amount. That is exactly what we are doing and we are overcoming the problems.

There have been much talk about IPSAS, now is TSA, what does the government want to achieve differently with the implementation of this IPSAS? The implementation of IPSAS like I said is one of the components of the reform initiatives being undertaking on behalf of government by this office. In other word, we are the driving institution. From 2012 we started the cash phases of accounting of IPSAS which essentially from what hitherto we use to do. With effect from January next year (2016), that is, having run the cash basis for two years, we are going to commence the accrual basis of accounting and that essentially means that we will bring up our accounting process to almost the same level to that of the private sector. You can easily accrue a liability and recognise a liability in your book, you can see an asset in other word you can’t buy an asset and write it off; in a year you depreciate it over the year of utilization. In any case, accrual basis is the last leg of implementation of IPSAS and we will commence it from January 2016 and it will make our financial reporting system better and more acceptable to our development partners. The way and manner we will present our accounts, financial statements will be more acceptable, more receptive and more respected by those development partners and we will now be in line with global best practice, in line with what other players in the international community do in terms of reporting financial record keeping.

Life&

TIMES Monday, December 7, 2015

Waje:

Exceptional vocal songstress

L2

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

‘I’m considering body enhancement’ — Waje

With her rich melodies, unique and powerful voice, Aituaje Iruobe popularly known as Waje hit the entertainment industry like a wave shortly after featuring on P-Square’s 2008 hit track, Do Me. Ever since, Waje has registered her name in the minds of millions of fans dropping tunes on other artistes’ songs that include Banky W’s ‘Thief my Kele’, M.I’s ‘One Naira’.

Waje has a social work degree from the University of Nigeria and has several laurels to her name. Cornered recently at an event, the soul-tendering songstress spoke to MUTIAT ALLI about her life, her work and her inspiration. Excerpts:

Life&

T E A M

Do you think being a star and as successful as you are today has put you in some kind of pressure?

It did definitely.

How? It definitely does, but I try to remove myself from that. Really, there are times when you just need to be going along but then, you have people in your life and I guess this people bring me back to reality. And am old enough, am no longer a kid, am old enough to understand that there are certain pressures that i don’t want to put on myself. At the end of the day, why put that pressure on yourself when life is just about living and making sure that you lived well. I enjoy my job and I leave the job where it is supposed to be.

You have been singing for a long time. How did you train your voice to become as powerful as it is now?

The only place I trained my voice was at the choir. In Nigeria, we don’t have that kind of structure where you have vocal coaches and all of that.

Now I want a vocal coach. But you have to be very careful so that the person doesn’t change the texture of your voice.

At what point in your life did you decide you wanted to sing

professionally?

I always knew I would be an artiste. The only thing is: I didn’t know what kind of artiste I wanted to be. I was about to write my JAMB exams and I was in the choir. One time I went to sing and Uncle Chris Madubuko, he’s sort of my mentor, called me and asked: “this voice of yours, what do you want to do with it?” And from then, we decided that I should take music professionally.

How is your new song, Let for good doing, you went out of your usual box?

The song is quite well and fans have been sending commendations as they get to feel me from another angle and style of music. I must confess that Patoranking really killed the song and I enjoyed every bit of the video shoot, down to when it was released. Other works are in the pipeline and I intend bringing them out soon.

Away from music what do you do to keep yourself in shape?

We are still working on it but the thing is more than anything, I think am just living a healthy life style now, and I’m fortunate to have met people that don’t really tell their age and you will make a decision to either eat right or stay away from certain things

Movie & Music Correspondent Mutiat Alli

like greasy drinks. So, am more like I want a sustainable healthy life style within my environment.

Let’s talk about your recent weight loss, how about it?

To tell you the truth, it wasn’t for people to say: “Wow, Waje has lost weight”. My health is also important.

Secondly, I may not come off as one, but I am actually a role model to a lot of young people and they might feel: “Waje is big, then we are big”.

But better if Waje is losing weight, their reaction would be: “What did you do? Let’s do it together”. So, there are so many reasons why all that has been going on.

How easy was the weight loss process? Did you work with a trainer and how many sizes did you drop?

It’s not easy to tell you the truth.

Our food in Nigeria does not help either. I have a private trainer that I always work at it. I have a sweet tooth that is terrible. I love chocolates and ice cream but these days, I’ve started saying no to a lot of things. So working out is therapeutic for me because it keeps me calm. I dropped one size.

To even think that you have a grown up daughter, soon she can start dating, if she gets

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

pregnant early, are you ready to be a grandmother?

I think that’s a personal discussion, it’s not something that I would like to discuss with someone, I don’t want to say anything about that. Like people know me, I keep my family away from my music as that is a private life of my own.

So how are you parenting, and the area of dating as she is already a grown up?

You will see values but you just hope those values are used when the need arises. You understand that is what it is because you have the strict side and the friendly side and more than anything, I am a mother to my daughter, the job that God is giving me is to make sure that I instil values into her. Eventually as she grows, there are certain things which will come her way, she will be able to pick the bag of values and know how to apply them, that’s the prayer that every parent prays.

Has she taken to singing from you?

No, that’s not her life; she is more like a dancer type of person. She is more into fashion, she likes dressing up and I have never really seen her sing. No that’s not her life.

So how will you describe your

Graphics Sunday O. Emmanuel

style?

Simple, am more about being simple and vibrant at the same time, but I dress according to my mood, there are times when I feel like a Tom boy and you tell from the way I dress and there are times I want to be a lady; you tell from the way I dress.

Like the way you are dressed now?

Its press conference, so i just dress like press conference girl.

As a matter of fact will you consider Body enhancement?

If the money is there maybe I will go and remove some things and add some things (laughs).

Your charity foundation is doing quite well, what inspired the creation?

Thank God is all I can say because my passion for children made me own a foundation. Many do not understand that there are so many children out there who are helpless and not necessarily need money, but the care and affection. The foundation is aimed at educating children especially in the Makoko region of Lagos where they have no access to education to become shining stars. With time, we will definitely get there.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

Adedeji Suliamon

Almost all women are passionate about shoes: have all colours, all models and all forms of heels. But passion makes quite large holes in their pockets. Introducing the world’s most expensive shoes. You can decide if it’s worth the price!

These are the 10 most expensive shoes in the world.

And if you ever get to be near one (let alone wear them), then consider yourself among the luckiest women in the world.

L3 Luxury

Enter the world of

shoes

luxurious

10. Nike shoes, custom made diamond These Nike sports shoes are decorated with chocolate-coloured diamonds 11 carats. Not only perfect for, but also make your legs extremely beautiful! If you like them, it worth $50,000.

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9. Nizam Sikandar Jah Slippers Slippers belonged to Nizam Sikandar Jah and were a symbol of royalty in the 18th century. They are adorned with rubies and diamonds. In 2006 they were stolen from the Bata Shoes Museum in Toronto, Canada. The price is $ 160,000.

9 8. Stuart Weitzman shoes, “Diamond Dream” Stuart Weitzman is a famous designer of shoes. Along with jeweller, Kwiat he has realized his dream of creating shoes with diamonds. And not a few, but 1,400 diamonds, set in platinum.

Anika Noni wore them apart at the 2007 Academy Awards. The price is $ 500,000.

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6. Stuart Weitzman shoes, “Retro Rose” A famous designer, his famous shoes … and their incredibly enormous scumpi.

Preţul made with 1,800 Kwiat diamonds of 100 carats.

Diablo Cody was lucky that he had a chance to wear at the Oscars in 2008. The price is $ 1,000,000.

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5.

Stuart Weitzman, “Platinum Guild” 464 Kwiat diamonds and pearshaped round make these shoes almost perfect. Said almost perfect because their price is their major flaw – $1.090.000. Laura Harring was the first person in the world to wear the shoes at the Oscars in 2002. It is worth $1.09 million.

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4 4. Stuart Weitzman, “Ruby Slippers “ Designer beat record after record show prices. “Ruby Slippers” are made of platinum and rubies. They are definitely a treasure and should be worn as such. Not any woman can get to wear such pair of shoes, even if just once in a lifetime. To get this slippers, you will have $1.6 million.

7. Red shoes “Wizard of Oz” The shoes from the story are full of sequins and stones “precious” false and red glass and silver jewelry. These are definitely a must for any fan of the Wizard of Oz. the price is $666.000.

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3. Stuart Weitzman shoes with Tanzania 28-carat diamond and tanzanite 185 carats makes these shoes a dream unachievable for most women in the world. The heels are encrusted with 595 carats of Kwiat diamonds. They are worth a lot and you must be a true VIP in order to hope wearing these shoes. Or, you must have inherited quite a fortune. The price is $2,000,000.

2. Rita Hayworth shoes The designer is, of course, Stuart Weitzman.

These shoes present themselves very delicate, are full of sapphires, rubies and diamonds and shine regardless of occasion.

They cost a lot but 60% of the women would say they are worth it if you have the money to spend. The price is $3,000,000.

2

1. Red Shoes at the House of Harry Winston Along with Rita Hayworth shoes are the most expensive in the world. That’s because they are made of rubies 4,600 1,350 carats.

They were put first by Judy Garland. Being an exclusive pair of shoe, do not expect to find another exemplary of them. The price is 3,000,000 USD.

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

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Wellness L6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

Ann Izedunor

Cashews

Tea

Good bye to stress!

Coco Stress is a reaction to a stimulus that disturbs our physical and mental state. Many people do not act positively to reduce the stress in their lives until physical symptoms force them to consider how their lifestyle is affecting their well-being. Stress is a response to challenges in life, and a life without challenges is too boring to contemplate.

Stress is what you feel when you have to handle more than you are used to.

When you are stressed, your body responds as though you are in danger. It makes hormones that speed up your heart, make you breathe faster, and give you a burst of energy. This is called the fight-orflight stress response. Stress is a normal physical response to events that make you feel threatened or upset your balance in some way; when you sense danger, whether it’s real or imagined, the body’s defenses kick into high gear in a rapid rate. Stress is

Hello to healthy living

your body’s way of responding to any kind of demand or threat. When you feel threatened, your nervous system responds by releasing a flood of stress hormones, and including adrenaline and cortisol, which rouse the body for emergency action. Your heart pounds faster, muscles tighten, blood pressure rises, breath quickens, and your senses become sharper.

These physical changes increase your strength and stamina, speed your reaction time, and enhance your focus. Too much of stress weakens the body and not only that, it slows down your sense of reasoning. Stress can come in emotionally, physically; social etc. stress comes in different ways. There are many causes of stress in life, like: ◆ Death: death of spouse, family, or friend; ◆ Health: injury, illness, pregnancy; ◆ Crime: sexual molestation, mugging,

burglary, pick pocketed; ◆ Self abuse: drug abuse, alcoholism, self harm; ◆ Physical changes: lack of sleep, new work hours; ◆ Money: lack of money, desperation to get money. ◆ Family change: separation, divorce, marriage, or having a new baby.

When we allow stress to take over us, so many things happen. Blood pressure rises, breathing becomes more rapid, digestive system slows down, the heart rate rises, the immune system goes down, the muscles becomes tense, lack of sleep and so many others. And as a matter of fact, stress kills!

Because it results to thinking, loss of appetite, headache. Leaving a free stress life is actually the best. It may not be possible to remove the stress from your life; however, managing your stress may help you to get

things done. Here are some tips by which stress can be controlled and dealt with: Ò Take a time out: you can practice yoga or play any game of your choice, listen to music, meditate, get a massage, or you can even learn relaxation techniques. Ò Take some deep breath, inhale and exhale slowly Ò Talking to someone you trust, or your closest pal, letting them know you are feeling overwhelmed, and let him\her know how they can be of help to you. You can even talk to a physician or a therapist for professional help. Ò Creating a stress diary, note down when you feel stressed and why. Ò Having a health check with a doctor. Ò Eating a healthy balanced diet, do not skip any meals, do keep healthful energy boosting snacks or food at hand. Ò Try and avoid smoking, alcohol, and caffeine, these will aggravate anxiety and trigger panic attacks. Ò Make time for things you enjoy. Ò Having an exercise regularly. Ò Welcome humor, a good laugh goes a long way. Ò Doing your best, instead of aiming for perfection, which isn’t possible, be proud of however close you get.

With these you will be able to bounce back and become more resilient to stress. So when you’re stressed and your diet is suffering for it, my advice is to prioritize small portions of whole foods with varied visual and textural characteristics and flavor profiles.

You can combine them into a meal or just nibble on combinations of them as a snack.

The goal is to keep things from getting boring or hyper-focusing on one type of food.

A well-balanced diet provides our brains with the right fuel to operate at peak performance. But when stress puts a wrench in the works–either by eating too much of one thing or not enough of anything–the entire balance can be tipped. It’s a hard cycle to break after it’s started. If you have a small appetite, you won’t have to eat much; but, the small amount you consume will boost your brain and body’s ability to cope with stress. If you’re a stress-eater, a variety of foods tricks your brain into feeling satiated quicker, so you’ll eat less overall. Plus, the foods you’ve eaten will have covered a wider range of nutrients, meaning you’re on your way to breaking the cycle that got you there in the first place. Here are some foods that fight stress: CASHEWS: Cashews helps you in chilling and cooling the mind. They also pack a healthy dose of your daily zinc needs, mineral that can help boost your immune system in times of stress.

AVOCADO PEAR: Avocado pear assists so much in relieving the body from stress, it calms the mind and body and it boosts up strength. It is highly recommended as a stress relieving fruit.

DARK CHOCOLATE: Dark chocolate, in particular, is known to lower blood pressure, adding to a feeling of calm. It contains more polyphenols and flavonols- two important types of antioxidants— than some fruit juices. You can safely allow yourself dark chocolate as a snack once a week, or as a conscious indulgence, and still stay on track with your weight loss results.

GREEN TEA: Green tea is a brain booster, it also fights against cancer. It also enhances mental performance. Green tea helps in the maintenance of the body, thereby keeping it free from stress and other things that causes pains and breakdown in the body.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

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Images of the WEEKEND

L-R: Wife of Lagos State Governor, Mrs Bolanle Ambode; wife of Minister of Solid Minerals, Erelu Bisi Fayemi; wife of the Vice President of Nigeria, Mrs Dolapo Osinbajo; Governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; and his wife, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, during the 4th National Women Summit OYSOWA at Mauve 21 Event Centre, Ring Road, Ibadan, Oyo state recently.

Wife of the Governor of Lagos State Mrs Bolanle Ambode; CEO. Emzor Pharmaceutical Industries Limited; Dr. (Mrs) Stella C. Okoli, OON; former deputy governor of Lagos State, Mrs. Adejoke Adefulire and Senator Oluremi Tinubu during Emzor 2015 Annual Thanksgiving Dinner tagged; “A Night of Praise, Worship, Music and Dance, at City Hall, Lagos...at the weekend

From left: President, Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce, Kaduna State Chapter, Alhaji Sheriff Balogun; Deputy Economic Counselor, Embassy of the United State of America, Mr. Joel Kopp and the representative of governor of Kaduna State, Alhaji Shehu Balarabe Musa, at the Nigerian-American Chamber of Commerce annual president’s Banquet Awards Nite in Kaduna on Saturday night.

Representative of the Director-General, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Mr Musa Zakari (m), receiving Rotary Award for service to Humanity on behalf of NEMA DG, Muhammad Sidi, from the president Rotary Club of Kakuri, Mr Oludare Odele in Kaduna on Saturday night. With them is the past president of the Ccub, Mr Matthew Enohuean

Out-Going President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Alhaji Remi Bello (l), decorating the incoming President of the Chamber, Dr Nike Akande in Lagos on Sunday. With them are: Her Husband Chief Adebayo Akande (2nd right) and former President of LCCI,Chief John Odeyemi.

Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko and his wife, Mrs. Olukemi Mimiko, Chief Mrs Nike Popoola, Erelu Mojisola Adams and the Chief Promoter of Olokun Festival and National Coordinator of Oodua Peoples Congress (OPC), Otunba Gani Adams during the Gala Night Of Ondo City Proclamation and Ekimogun day Brochure in Ondo State recently Vice Chancellor Michael Okpara University, Umudike, Abia State; Prof.

Hilary Edeoga presenting an award to Hon. Barr. Olusegun Akande, member Lagos State House of Assembly, Ojo Constituency 1 receiving Integrity Award from Integrity Magazine during a lecture and award ceremony in Republic of Togo recently.

PHOTOS: QUADRI OLOWOLAGBA

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, December 7, 2015

Tinsel

Showing on

13:30 Mon, 7 Dec | PG13

Showing on 150 Africa Magic Showcase ‘S8/E1536 - 8/1536’. Tsav takes a huge risk to deliver a personal message to Amaka. The girls adjusts their travel plans as the Baale and Prince Ojo pay a very special visit. Bimpe confronts Nina and causes trouble for Soji.

101 M-Net

L8 Television 166 Channel

Married Again

08:00 Mon, 7 Dec | PG

‘S1/E94 - 1/94’. Yash’s father is accused of having another child outside his marriage. He agrees to take a DNA test to prove he is not the father. Aarti breaks into Radha’s house in search of ammunition and is shocked at her findings.

120 BBC Entertainment

118 Telemundo

128 SONY MAX

00:20 Would I Lie To You? 00:50 The Cube 01:40 Call The Midwife: Christmas...

03:00 EastEnders 03:30 EastEnders 11:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 12:00 The Voice 13:00 Royal Pains 14:00 Arrow 15:00 Resurrection 16:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 17:00 The Goldbergs 17:30 The Voice 18:30 Grey’s Anatomy 19:30 Mysteries Of Laura 20:30 Elementary 21:30 Carte Blanche 22:30 Hello Ladies: The Movie

154 AfricaMagic Family

00:55 Out Of The Ghetto 02:30 Jane And Abel 03:00 Good Morning Africa 04:00 Scarlet 05:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 Star Gist 07:25 Redial 08:30 Living With Trisha 09:25 Mashariki Mix 10:00 Good Morning Africa 11:00 Tinsel 11:30 Star Gist 12:00 Music Block 13:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 14:00 Goge Africa 14:30 Nowhere To Be Found

04:00 EastEnders 04:30 EastEnders

03:50 The Impostor 05:20 The Del Monte Dynasty 06:10 Labour Of Love 07:00 Part Of Me 07:50 Queen Of Hearts 08:40 The Impostor 09:30 Forbidden Passions 10:20 Labour Of Love 11:10 Part Of Me 12:00 Queen Of Hearts 12:50 The Impostor 13:40 Forbidden Passions 14:30 Labour Of Love 15:20 Part Of Me 16:10 Queen Of Hearts 17:00 The Impostor 17:50 Forbidden Passions 18:40 Labour Of Love 19:30 Part Of Me 20:20 Queen Of Hearts 21:10 The Impostor 22:00 Forbidden Passions 22:50 Labour Of Love

15:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 16:00 Prem 16:30 Tenant 17:30 Mary Slessor 18:00 Jane And Abel 18:30 Jane And Abel 19:00 Tinsel 19:30 Star Gist 19:55 Paul’s Puzzle 21:00 Nowhere To Be Found 21:30 Goge Africa 22:05 Living With Trisha

05:00 Mr. Bean: The Animated Series

14:10 Total Wipeout UK

05:25 QI

16:00 EastEnders

06:00 The Thin Blue Line

16:30 Deal Or No Deal

06:30 EastEnders

00:30 Killer Karaoke

17:10 The Cube

07:00 Antiques Roadshow

01:30 Tattoo Nightmares

07:55 The Weakest Link

18:05 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

02:00 Most Shocking

08:45 The Chase

19:00 Celebrity MasterChef

09:30 Total Wipeout UK

20:00 Hell’s Kitchen USA

10:30 The Cube

21:00 Hell’s Kitchen USA

11:20 New Tricks

21:50 The Graham Norton Show

12:20 Top Gear

22:40 Would I Lie To You?

13:15 Come Dine With Me

22:30 Would I Lie To You?

15:05 The Weakest Link

155 AfricaMagic World

03:00 Most Shocking 04:00 Exposed 04:30 Exposed 05:00 Criss Angel Mindfreak 05:25 Exposed 05:50 Exposed 06:15 Video Zonkers 06:40 Video Zonkers 07:05 World’s Wildest Police Videos 08:05 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 09:05 South Beach Tow 09:35 Most Shocking 10:35 Most Shocking 11:35 Video Zonkers 12:05 Video Zonkers 12:35 World’s Wildest Police Videos 13:35 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol 14:35 South Beach Tow

00:05 Music Block 01:10 Good Morning Africa 02:10 Deal Or No Deal SA 03:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 04:00 The Dzigbordi Show 05:00 Good Morning Africa 06:00 The Heart Of A Shepherd 07:50 Star Gist 08:25 Star Gist 09:00 Good Morning Africa 10:00 The Dzigbordi Show 11:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 12:00 Deal Or No Deal SA

13:00 Music Block 14:00 Star Gist 14:30 Star Gist 15:00 Star Gist 15:30 Lies That Bind 16:00 The Dzigbordi Show 17:00 So Wrong So Wright 17:30 So Wrong So Wright 18:00 The Dzigbordi Show 19:00 Kumwesu 19:30 Kumwesu 20:00 Revelation 21:20 Jara 21:55 Music Block

15:05 Most Shocking 16:05 1000 Ways To Die 16:30 Video Zonkers 17:00 Video Zonkers 17:30 Caught On Camera 18:30 What Went Down 19:00 South Beach Tow 19:30 Hardcore Pawn: Chicago 20:00 Enemy Territory 21:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach 22:00 Sexy Car Wash 22:30 Most Shocking