Dtn 7 7 16

THE

DAILY

TIMES

Strike: Ngige, Kachikwu to meet with PENGASSAN ÏÏÏMinister of

Labour and Employment, Sen. Chris Ngige, is to meet with representatives of the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) on Thursday, a statement issued on Wednesday in Abuja said.

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I’m not desperate to be Abia governor, says Ogah

YEARS OF JOURNALISM

ÏÏÏDr. Uche Ogah, a Peoples Demo-

cratic Party (PDP) candidate in the 2014 governorship primaries of the party, who the Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on June 27, 2016 ordered to be sworn-in as governor of Abia State, on Wednesday, said his demand to be sworn-in as governor

Continued on page 6

Continued on page 6

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016 VOL. 2. NO. 147

N150

Give Nigeria a chance, Buhari tells militants 6

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Muslim faithful during Eid-el-Fitr prayer at Ile-Zik praying ground, Ikeja, Lagos… on Wednesday.

6 FG, VCs, stakeholders agree on N2,500 as post-UTME screening fee

FG yet to invite Labour for talks on minimum wage review 12 – NLC

NSE QUICK BITE

GAINERS AS AT 4th July, 2016 OANDO

7.37

0.68

10.16%

VANLEER

9.69

0.46

4.98%

LOSERS SKYEBANK

0.95

-0.10

-9.52%

HONYFLOUR

1.51

-0.10

-6.21%

Veteran actress, Bukky Ajayi dies at 82 as Umaru Shinkafi passes on

L5 & 22

2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

Page Three

s

3

PHOTO TIMES

Editorial Pneumonia and Nigeria’s children

R

ecently, the Executive Chairman of Bauchi State Primary Healthcare Agency (BSPHA), Adamu Ibrahim Gamawa, disclosed that more than 177,000 Nigeria children under five years die from pneumonia and other diseases every year.

Speaking at a stakeholders meeting in Bauchi, Gamawa said investigation shows that Nigeria is among 10 countries whose children not more than five years old are at a great risk of dying from Pneumonococcal diseases.

Buttressing this scary statistics is the fact that Nigeria has the second highest burden of childhood mortality from pneumonia, after India.

It is estimated that pneumonia causes 17 per cent (127,000) of child deaths annually in Nigeria. From the year 2000 to 2013, the number of under-five children dying annually from pneumonia has remained practically unchanged. In contrast, child deaths from malaria and measles declined by 34 per cent and 97 per cent respectively.

Severe pneumonia in childhood is associated with increased long-term respiratory morbidity and disease burden and is more fatal than non-severe disease. Furthermore, it is estimated that 56 million episodes of lung infections occur among Nigerian children every year.

According to health experts, pneumonia is the inflammation of lung parenchyma due to pathogenic microorganisms such as bacteria, viruses and fungi. It is also a condition typically associated with fever and other respiratory symptoms. There is no denying the fact that pneumonia is an economic burden for families and communities, contributing to the cycle of poverty.

Incidentally, many pneumoniacausing pathogens, particularly those found in hospital settings, are resistant to all but the strongest forms of antibiotics. Understanding the epidemiology of pneumonia has been identified as a pressing priority for public health research. However, medical

authorities insist that immunisation with Pneumococcal conjugate vaccine (PCV) remains a safe and effective means of protecting children against pneumonia diseases.

In Nigeria, the fight against the disease has met with varying degrees of success. For example, the Federal Government in 2012 launched the Saving One Million Lives Initiative (SOML), aimed at increasing access to proven interventions across six maternal newborn and child health programme areas. The core strategy is to employ performance management to drive accountability and action to reach specific targets on coverage of interventions and number of lives saved.

While we applaud the continuing initiatives by both the Federal and state governments at combating this child killer disease, it is imperative that they come up with effective case management strategies to ensure that children receive the right treatment for pneumonia quickly. Moreover, there should be concerted sensitisation of Nigerians, especially the low-income groups on the need to adopt improved hygienic lifestyles and increase vaccine intake for their children.

In addition, women must be encouraged and supported to feed their children only breast milk for the first six months of life and give appropriate complementary feeding when they are older. The good news is that that pneumonia is preventable. A crucial part of the solution is to recognise the danger and take adequate preventive measures. By focusing on children in the poorest households, many more lives can be saved.

It is also important to increase family awareness of the dangers of pneumonia and the critical importance of seeking care quickly and exploring new models of service delivery that better integrate pneumonia diagnosis treatment with the delivery of vaccines. Until this happens, pneumonia will remain Nigeria’s biggest and most silent killer of infants and little children.

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Remains of the late veteran Nollywood actress, Alhaja Bukky Ajayi, who died earlier in the day at the age of 82 years, being carried by Muslim clerics during her burial at Atan Cemetery, Yaba, Lagos... on Wednesday.

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President Muhammadu Buhari; Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (back row), and some children during sallah homage to Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja… on Wednesday.

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Muhammad Ali

Kanayo O Kanayo

Nelson Mandela

“It isn’t the mountains ahead to climb that wear you out; it’s the pebble in your shoe.”

“You don’t have to be great to start but you have to start to be great.”

“The brave man is not he who does not feel afraid, but he who conquers that fear.”

4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

5 News

FG to extend maternity leave to 18 weeks Joy Ekeke

ÏÏÏThe

Federal Government has set in motion a process to extend the maternity leave period of nursing mothers from 16 to 18 weeks.

The decision was part of the government’s efforts towards promoting exclusive breastfeeding for nursing mothers.

The Minister of Labour and Empowerment, Dr. Chris Ngige, who stated this on Tuesday, during the Lancet breast-feeding series and policy dialogue titled: “Promoting Breast-feeding for National Development”, said that the move was in line with the conventions of the International Labour Organisation.

Ngige also noted that his ministry would direct government, as well as private institutions, to have recreational centres to enable nursing mothers to breastfeed their babies.

He said, “If you go to the informal sector, some people don’t even make provision for maternity leave.

“So, women there have to beg to go on maternity leave. They could get like four weeks, and cover like additional two weeks

for sick leave.

“These are the issues militating against exclusive breastfeeding, and even continuous breast-feeding. Exclusive breast-feeding is not practicable in this type of condition. So, what we’ve done is to get all the establishments to review their conditions of service so that this maternity leave can be entrenched for women who are in those facilities.”

The Minister of Health, Prof.

Isaac Adewole, said the noncompliance to exclusive and continuous breast-feeding was responsible for malnutrition in the country.

According to him, breast milk saves about $302bn spent on buying complimentary baby food globally.

The co-author at the Department of Maternal, Newborn and Child and Adolescent Health, World Health Organisation, Dr. Nigel Rollins, said it was the responsibility of the men to improve upon the environment to support breast-feeding.

According to him, breast-feeding reduces a woman’s risk of developing breast and ovarian cancers.

Africa needs infrastructure to tap 200billion pound factoring growth — Seminar told ÏÏÏ With Africa’s factoring vol-

ume expected to reach 200 billion euros in 2020, the continent must put in place facilitating legal and regulatory infrastructure to enable it take advantage of the many opportunities associated with factoring, Kanayo Awani, Managing Director of the IntraAfrican Trade Initiative at the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), told guests at a seminar in Abuja, on Wednesday.

Ms. Awani, Chairperson of the Africa Chapter of the International Factors Group, which recently signed an agreement with Factors Chain International, was speaking during the sensitisation seminar organised by Afreximbank to promote the Model Law on Factoring that was drafted to guide African countries in preparing national factoring laws.

Noting that Africa’s factoring volumes, which stood at 24 billion euros in 2012, would grow to 90 billion euros in 2017 and 200 billion Euros by 2020, Ms. Awani, said that there must be improved regulatory reforms and creation of awareness for the continent to reap the full benefits of that

growth.

There must also be an expansion of credit insurance, attraction of international factors into Africa, training, and support from governments, she added.

Because of the very limited knowledge of factoring in Africa, there had been little effort by governments and global factoring groups to promote it, continued Ms. Awani. Moreover, Africa, outside of South Africa and the North of Africa, was seen as presenting unacceptable country risks, while members of global factoring groups viewed the African economy as not being globally significant.

She announced that since 2011, Afreximbank had approved $83 million for factors in Africa and that it was currently assessing factoring lines totaling $90 million.

In addition to provision of lines of credit to factors, Afreximbank had also been engaged in raising awareness about factoring through educational activities and in fostering the creation of facilitative infrastructure across Africa, added Ms. Awani.

Gunmen abduct Ondo monarch

’Tosin Ajuwon, Akure

ÏÏÏ

Unknown gunmen have abducted the Laragunsin of Iyasan, Oba Abiodun Oyewumi, a renowned monarch in Irele Local Government Area of Ondo State.

Sources told journalists on Wednesday that the armed men stormed the community at the dead of the night and went after their target after operating for several hours without police intervention.

Daily Times gathered that the

hoodlums came into the community through the Owena River, a close boundary between Ondo and Edo state.

The Chairman of Irele Local Government, Sanmi Elumaro, who further confirmed the incident, said gunmen were numbering about ten and invaded the palace with arms.

“The kidnappers were armed to the teeth and no residents could challenge them until they finished their operations and took the monarch away”, he said.

According to him, no one could say if the kidnapped case

was related to the chieftaincy dispute that had been rocking the community for some months with several legal cases.

Many residents revealed that the kidnapped monarch was an easy-going king who was properly installed.

The Ondo State Police Command spokesman, Femi Joseph, said that a probe was on into the kidnapped case after confirming the incident to journalists.

He added that a joint effort of the officers of the Nigeria Navy and the police had been strengthened to rescue the abducted king.

PDP rallies support for Buhari, harps on unity, peace Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, on Wednesday, declared that it is only in oneness that Nigeria could surmount its differences and move on to greater height.

This is even as the party called on Nigerians to join hands with the President Muhammadu Buhari-led Federal Government to deliver on his campaign promises by giving the people the desired dividends of democracy, as promised.

The PDP said these in its Eid El-Fitr message to Muslims.

The party therefore advised the ruling class to desist from actions and inactions that tended to divide the nation and threaten its unity.

The opposition PDP, in the statement signed by spokesperson of its National Caretaker Committee, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, insisted that it was in unity and oneness that the nation would be able to surmount its differences and move on to greater height.

The party urged Muslims to use the occasion of the holy Eid El-Fitr festival to reflect on various sermons received during the Ramadan to pray for peace and unity.

According to the statement, “As a party, we wish all our Muslim brothers and sisters happy Eid El-Fitr and urged them to use this period to reflect on the virtue of faith, service and total submission to the will of the Almighty God as exemplified by the Holy Prophet Mohammed”.

The PDP called for prayers for the leaders of the nation to be divinely guided in piloting the affairs of the country, especially at these trying times.

Buhari

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

Strike: Ngige, Kachikwu to meet with PENGASSAN Continued from page 1

Muslim faithful distributing food to the less privilege at the open ground of National Stadium, Surulere, Lagos... on Wednesday.

Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

Give Nigeria a chance, Buhari tells militants Egena Egena Abuja

ÏÏÏPresident

Muhammadu Buhari on Wednesday pleaded with Niger Delta militants to “give Nigeria a chance”, vowing to keep the country intact despite widespread ethnic and religious divisions that threaten unity.

Buhari gave the advice when members of the Federal Executive Council, Service Chiefs, the acting Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris, traditional rulers, religious leaders and other residents of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) paid him Sallah visit at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

He called on well-meaning Nigerians to persuade the militants to give peace a chance, saying that his administration would continue to ensure justice and fairness in the country.

The President vowed that his

administration would ensure that Nigeria continued to exist as a geopolitical entity despite the activities of the militants. ``On security, we have made a lot of improvement in checking the activities of Boko Haram. ``We are now concentrating on the militants to know how many of them (there are) in terms of groupings, leadership and to plead with them to try and give Nigeria a chance. ``I assure them of keeping to the saying by Gen. Gowon that to keep Nigeria one is a task that must be done. ``In those days we never thought of oil, all we were concerned of was one Nigeria. ``So, please pass this message to the militants, that `one Nigeria’ is not negotiable and they had better accept it. ``The Nigerian constitution is clear as to what they should get and

I assure them there will be justice,’’ he said.

Buhari also appealed to those in possession of Nigeria’s stolen funds to return them peacefully and negotiate with the government.

According to him, Nigeria is seriously in need of the stolen funds to uplift the quality of life of its citizens. ``And please tell those with plenty of money, which does not belong to them to try and negotiate and return it in peace so that both they and us will be in peace. ``Otherwise, we will continue to look for it,’’ he said.

Speaking earlier, Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo, noted that the past one year had been tough for the government and Nigerians because the Buhari-led administration had been busy clearing up the mess it met on ground.

He, however, stressed the administration’s commitment to placing

the country on a sound footing, saying: ``things are already looking up.’’

He prayed that the President would continue to get the wisdom and strength to overcome all challenges facing the country.

The Minister of FCT, Alhaji Muhammed Bello and the leadership of the Presidential Villa Chapel presented Sallah greeting cards to the President.

Buhari had earlier performed the 2-Raka’at Eid-el-Fitr prayer at the Mogadishu Mosque in Abuja.

The prayer was led by the Chief Imam of the Mosque, Major Hamisu Mustapha, whose sermon centred on the need for Muslim faithful to continue to exhibit the virtues of the Ramadan fast.

Meanwhile, the militant group, Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) has blown up a Nigeria National PetroContinued on page 12

FG, VCs, stakeholders agree on N2,500 as post-UTME screening fee ÏÏÏThe Federal Ministry of

Education and other stakeholders in the tertiary education sub-sector have agreed on N2,500 as the fee for post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (UTME) screening.

This is contained in a statement issued by Prof. Michael Faborode, the Secretary-General, Association of Vice-Chancellors of Nigerian Universities (AVCNU) on Wednesday in Abuja.

Faborode said the agreement

was reached after a deliberation of officials of the ministry, federal universities, polytechnics and colleges of education.

The secretary-general said while it was agreed that the post-UTME screening should be sustained following the scrapping of the Computer Based Test (CBT). ``From the statement made by the Permanent Secretary, Dr Folashade Yemi-Esan at the meeting, there is no objection to screening by universities as long as it is not

another CBT. ``She agreed that universities should advertise and the maximum fee that should be charged for the screening should be N2,500 - bank charges inclusive.’’

According to the statement, the association will formally convey its stance to the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu.

NAN reports that Adamu’s recent announcement of the ban on post-UTME had raised a lot anxiety among stakeholders.

Faborode

The statement, signed by Mr. Samuel Olowookere, the Deputy Director (Press) in the ministry, said that the “crucial meeting’’ was being convened to find a lasting solution to the lingering problems in the oil and gas sector.

It said that the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu, would also participate in in the dialogue scheduled for 10 a.m. in Abuja.

Recall that PENGASSAN has threatened to embark on a nationwide strike beginning from Thursday (today) over some issues, including the alleged mass sack of its members by various oil and gas companies.

Meanwhile, members of PENGASSAN in Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), has signified their plans to also join the strike.

In a press statement signed by the National Public Relation Officer, PENGASSAN, Comrade Emmanuel Ojugbana, members on Continued on page 12

I’m not desperate to be Abia governor, says Ogah Continued from page 1 was not borne out of desperation.

He said contrary to impression being created, his case against Governor Okezie Ikpeazu was far from being an ambush.

According to him, his victory at the court is valid and not “a hurriedly executed legal ambush for the acquisition of political power as being insinuated by some persons.”

“My case is strongly anchored on facts, and the refusal of Ikpeazu to respond to the core issues and his resort to propaganda speaks volumes,” Ogah said.

At a briefing in Lagos through his counsel, Mr. Monday Ubani, Ogah said his case predated Ikpeazu’s swearing in as governor and had reached the Supreme Court before returning to the lower court.

Ogah said his claim was that Ikpeazu was not eligible to participate in the primaries on the basis that he failed to pay his taxes as and when due as required by the 1999 Constitution, PDP’s Guidelines, and the Electoral Act of 2010.

He said on the face of it, Ikpeazu’s tax clearance was questionable.

Continued on page 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

7 News

Christian leadership under serious attacks –CAN ÎÎÎChristian Association of

Nigeria’s Youth Wing (YOWICAN), on Wednesday, cried out that the leadership of Christians in Nigeria is under serious attacks as abductions and killings of the men of God is continuing unabated.

National president of YOWICAN, Engr. Daniel Kadzai,

stated during a chat with journalists in Lafia, the Nasarawa state capital, adding that some Christian leaders were abducted in Kaduna state and later released after 10 days, even as some were abducted in Benue state but later, one of them got killed by the kidnappers.

He also lamented at the brutal murder of Rev. Joseph Za-

kariah Kura, the CAN chairman of Obi Local Government Area, by people suspected to be Fulani militants while he was in the bush gathering timber to roof his Obi ECWA church.

Kadzai, therefore, called on government to find a solution to this problem because as according to him, “to us, it is not

just a kind of co-incident, but a calculated act which government at all levels in the country should employ serious strategy to avert the dangerous trend.”

He said the position of YOWICAN on either grazing or ranch policy as championed by the Federal Government was that everybody should

return to his state or local council area and domesticate grazing reserve or ranch as the case may be.

According to him, “Nigerian are angry with the policy of either grazing or ranching as championed by the government due to the persistent attacks meted on the natives by the Fulani militants who are

Kumiyi in Ebonyi, prays for economic boom

Edo guber: APC to pick running mate from Edo Central

Jacob Ogodo Abakaliki

Titus Akhigbe

ÎÎÎA

renowned preacher and the General Superintendent of Deeper Life Christian Church, Pastor William Kumuyi, has declared that the wealth hidden in the land of Ebonyi State would henceforth flow out for the economic well-being of the people.

Kumuyi, who was in Abakaliki for a one-day Bible Study/ prayer programme organised by the church, on Monday, described Ebonyi as a state bestowed with abundant natural resources.

He admonished the people of the state to refrain from sin in order to overcome their economic challenges as it is only through this way that the blessings of God will be made manifest to them.

The cleric, according to a statement by Umahi’s Chief Press Secretary, Emma Anya, offered special prayers for the governor and his family, the state Executive Council members and the entire state.

Earlier, Governor Umahi had described Kumuyi’s visit as a huge blessing to the people of the state.

He said: “By your coming here sir, our suffering has ended. I thank God Almighty who brought you at a time we needed you most.

“We don’t have much to say but we want you to know that we are very expectant. We have faith in our Lord Jesus Christ.

Kumuyi

even said not to be from Nigeria.”

Consequently, Kadzai advised that for government to be a tool for advertising the establishment of grazing or ranches in the country in its stead, he advised them to pay attention on Fulani attacks, Niger Delta Avengers, kidnapping and Boko Haram activities.

Benin City

ÎÎÎThe ruling All Progres-

A container fell on a bus with passengers at the Alakija bus stop along Badagry Expressway…on Wednesday.

OPRA unveils new secretariat in Omole Phase 1 Joy Ekeke

ÎÎÎThe

Omole Phase1 Resident Association (OPRA), on Wednesday, commissioned a new secretariat building at Ademola Ajasa Omole, Ikeja, in Lagos.

Speaking with Daily Times, the Chairman of the OPRA, Arch Biodun Rufai stated that the secretariat will serve as the administrative headquarters of the association, where all payments and administrative work will take place in line with OPRA policies.

He stressed that the association remains committed to delivering services that will enhance the maintenance of peace

and security and the overall advancement of the welfare and interest of all residents in the estate.

“The main challenge of this association and Omole as a whole is the lack of government support. When it comes to enforcement of physical planning development they are not forthcoming early enough, because a lot of people are converting their residential buildings into commercial centres and we have raised notice to government to correct this unwholesome trend”, he said.

He also lamented that the estate was surrounded on some sides by gorges which pose security threats as well.

“We implore the government to assist us in that area and also we don’t have any land for a recreational facility, all our plots have been built up and there is no place that people can recreate and this particular place where we built this secretariat was very difficult for us to get,” Rufai said.

Mr. Adeyemi Bilesanmi, financial secretary of OPRA, commended the chairman for his resilience and leadership qualities, noting that by the actualisation of the secretariat building, affairs of the association will henceforth be conducted in a fixed and appropriate facility.

“The office is no more

mobile, it is fixed now, initially it used to be mobile, either you meet at the chairman’s house, Foursquare Gospel Church, or go to Mind Builder Schools but now we have it fixed, that is the most important thing” he said.

Pastor Adesanmi Popoola, immediate past chairman of OPRA, expressed his satisfaction with the way the affairs of the organisation has been run for the past four years especially the handling of its finances.

“This has resulted in the development within the estates, as you can see physical structures and infrastructure that has been put in place during the four years” he said.

sives Congress (APC) in Edo State is set to pick its gubernatorial running mate from Edo Central (Esanland) as part of efforts to bring the senatorial district into the mainstream of political structure in the state If the party which is speculated to be considering a running mate from Edo North where the present governor hails from, it will be following the precedent set by the opposition PDP which picked its running mate from Edo Central on Monday.

In this direction, however, party leaders from the district who say there is no controversy about the zone producing the running mate, are believed to have also settled for a candidate from Agbazilo axis of the senatorial district.

Chief Francis Inegbeneki, a party chieftain while speaking to reporters in Benin City on the development said that, “before the party primaries, I led leaders from Esanland to meet with the governor...and it was agreed that after the primaries the party will meet to decide the issue of a deputy governor.

“We also discussed that the Edo Central or Esan must be given priority.

“In the choice of who gets the deputy governorship, there is no controversy about where the gubernatorial running mate is coming from.

Gov. Oshiomhole

8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

Politics

NYESON WIKE

Wike: We will trounce PDP again in rerun polls

s Ahead of the July 30 date fixed by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for the rerun polls in Rivers State, Governor Nyeson Wike has boasted that his party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will trounce the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state.

The governor who expressed the confidence while speaking with the leadership of the party who paid him a solidarity visit at the Government House, PortHarcourt stressed that no amount

of militarisation will prevent the party from winning the election.

He described the state as traditional PDP, boasting: “If they like, let them bring the American Marines or the American Navy Seals, the PDP will win in Rivers State.”

He urged the electoral empire, INEC to maintain its neutrality and further deepen democracy in the state, saying: “The people must be allowed to choose who they will give their mandate.”

Governor Wike slammed al-

leged moves by some gladiators in the state who are in Abuja to manipulate, insisting that “All we want is free and fair elections,” which he warned must not be to serve the ego of an individual, because “you don’t allocate mandate.”

He noted that his administration is willing to support INEC and all security agencies, adding that “The APC leaders who claimed that there were no elections are today asking the tribuCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Security threat in Lagos: No cause for alarm - Lagos Speaker Stories by Akinjide Akintola The Speaker of the Lagos State House of Assembly, Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa has urged residents of the state not to panic over the warning by the United States Embassy in Nigeria of likelihood of militancy attack, saying the State government has taken pro-active measures to forestall any kind of attack.

Obasa gave this assurance while speaking with newsmen shortly after observing Eid elFitr prayers at Oyewole Primary School, Papa Ashafa, Agege on Wednesday.

The US Embassy had warned foreign nationals and expatriates to be wary of their stay in Lagos during the Eid el-Fitr celebration, saying there might be attacks from insurgents.

But the Speaker said: “Even though there is no confirmation of that, I want to assure our people that there will be protection of lives and property for them;

WOLE SOYINKA

“The greatest threat to freedom is the absence of criticism.”

OBASA “There is no discrimination among ethnic groups in Agege, we all live together as brothers and sisters.

When you go to Papa Ashafa or Isale-Oja, the Yorubas and Hausas have intermarriages, we are all one.”

however, residents should be cautious of their safety within their surroundings.

“People should not panic, but they should understand that the

BEN OKRI

“Politics is the art of the possible; creativity is the art of the impossible.”

government is working. I am sure you can all attest to this.

The police should continue to gather intelligence; we have given them the equipments to work

BINYAVANGA WAINAINA

There is no country in the world with the diversity, confidence and talent and black pride like Nigeria.

with. Our people should not be jittery”, he stressed.

While responding to a question on the necessity of having harmonious relationship be-

OBAFEMI AWOLOWO

“Life itself is, from the cradle to the grave, a series of unbroken risks. Those who know me intimately will testify that I have never, at any time, shrunk from taking my full share of the risks of life.

tween the Yorubas and Hausas in Agege, the Speaker said that there was no cause for alarm as people live in unison.

His words: “There is no discrimination among ethnic groups in Agege, we all live together as brothers and sisters.

When you go to Papa Ashafa or Isale-Oja, the Yorubas and Hausas have inter-marriages, we are all one.”

Obasa commended Muslims for their self restraint and the self-denial displayed during the Ramadan period, adding: “my message is that we should continue to imbibe the lessons of Ramadan; we should continue to be kind to our neighbours and be good enough to share what we have with the less privileged.”

Earlier in his sermon, the Chief Imam of Papa Ashafa Central Mosque, Sheik Alli Sheriffdeen urged Muslim faithful and Nigerian politicians to do good for the peace and prosperity of Nigeria.

LAMIDO OF ADAMAWA

If Nigeria breaks, some people in the country would have no where to run to, but for me and my people in Adamawa Kingdom, we will pack our luggage and join our kith and kin in Cameroun.’’

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

9 Politics

Abia crisis: Judiciary on trial as elders root for Ikpeazu

Ikpeazu

As the constitutional crisis in Abia State remains unresolved, observers believe that the Nigerian judiciary is once again on trial.

This is coming as traditional rulers and leaders of thought in the state are backing the state governor, Okezie Ikpeazu

Ogah

against Uche Ogah who was given certificate of return last week by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) as winner of last year’s governorship election in the state following the indictment of Ikpeazu for tax issues.

Abia State elders and tradi-

tional rulers described the issuance of Certificate of Return to Ogah by INEC on the orders of Justice Okon Abang of the Federal High Court Abuja, as perverse and reckless.

A statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the governor, Enyinnaya Appolos, in Abuja said,

the elders who declared their full support for Ikpeazu, appealed to Abians and every interest group in the tussle for leadership of the state, to remain calm, for the good of the state.

Addressing journalists after a meeting in Abuja, Chief Onyema Ugochukwu, who read the communique of a meeting they held at Asokoro home of Prince Vincent Ogbulafor in Abuja, commended Attorney of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN), for his quick and timely intervention which the elders said, has helped to reduce tension in the state.

“We, the concerned elders of Abia State, worried by the developments in the last five days which threatened to plunge our state into anarchy, violence and bloodshed, met today in Abuja to review the situation” The elders, he said, “reviewed the judgment of Justice Okon Abang, which is the beginning of the unfortunate crisis and INEC’s decision to issue a certificate of return to our son Dr. Uchechukwu Ogah, which decision exacerbated the crisis.

“We came to the conclusion, unanimously, that Justice Abang’s order to issue a certificate of return to someone who never contested the governorship election against the Electoral Act and well known decisions

Insinuations of lopsided federal appointments untrue — Sen. Enang Sen. Eta Enang, Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), has said that the claim by some Nigerians of lopsided federal appointments in the country was untrue.

Enang made the remark on Wednesday in Abuja at a reception organised by Akwa-Cross Association in the Public Service.

He said that President Muhammadu Buhari followed strictly the principles of Federal Character in all federal appointments.

He said: ``He (Buhari) has given us the Chief of Naval Staff, a very high ranking officer in the Federal Security Council. ``He has given us the minister of Budget and then, my humble self as the Senior Special Assistant on National Assembly Matters. He has also given us the minister of Niger Delta Affairs. ``In the entire South-South

region, he gave us Minister of Transportation in charge of about three ministries merged together. He also gave us the Minister of Petroleum. ``When I see people trying to incite others against the president over matters of appointment, I conclude that they are being unfair. ``That is why we gathered here today to appraise the appointments and to appreciate the president,’’ he said.

Enang said that despite the president’s tight schedule, he had visited some states in the SouthSouth to commission projects.

He added that President Buhari had visited Cross River State to inaugurate construction of the international super highway from Cross River to Cameroon and other countries in West and Central Africa. ``President Buhari also provid-

ENANG

Senior Special Assistant (SSA) to the President on National Assembly Matters

of superior courts was perverse and reckless and we condemn it in its entirety.”

“We have also noted the unseeming haste of INEC to issue the certificate just a few hours after the Justice Abang order, and in spite of the fact that INEC had been duly served with a notice of appeal of the said order and the motion for a stay of execution.

“We are worried by the impression created of a conspiracy involving INEC to throw Abia into confusion and anarchy.

“We condemn in very strong terms the attempt to set Abia on fire and create a situation which can only compound the problems which our country is currently having to bring an end to violence in the North East and Niger Delta.

“We have also noted with appreciation the intervention of the Attorney General of the Federation, Malami, who has urged all parties to follow the rule of law and wait the conclusion of proceedings in the appellate courts. We join in this appeal for peace and urge all parties involved in this matter to calm down and await the conclusion of matters at the courts.”

“We also commend our people, the people of Abia who have remained peaceful in the face of recent provocations. We urge them to remain calm and maintain the peace as we wait the courts to conclude their processes”, they said.

The elders, made up of who is who in Abia politics, stated that they have “faith in the Nigerian judiciary and believe that in the end Justice will be done.”

ed N6 billion to dualise the road from Calabar to Itu, enroute Ikot Ekpene, to Aba in Abia State. ``Also, contracts for CalabarLagos rail project which will take off from Calabar enroute Aba, has been signed,’’ he said.

On alleged lopsidedness in the ambassadorial list recently submitted to the Senate for confirmation, Enang said the issue was being addressed.

Also speaking, the Head of Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, said that insinuations that the president unduly favoured a section of the country in appointments were wrong.

She said that the appointments so far made by the president were based on merit and competence. ``President Buhari allows competence and merit to be brought to the fore in his appointments and we are very happy about that. ``A door way has been opened for appointments based on merit.

If it could happen to me, it could CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Politics 10 Unity of Nigeria cannot be compromised, says APC Scribe Alhaji Maimala Buni, National Secretary, All Progressives Congress (APC), on Wednesday pledged his party’s commitment to preserving the unity of Nigeria.

He told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Damaturu on Wednesday that ensuring the indivisibility of the country was a task that could not be compromised under the APC government.

“For too long, Nigerians had been manipulated through primordial sentiments by poor and weak leadership at the expense of unity, development and improved welfare for the citizenry.

“This administration, under President Buhari, will always promote national unity and ensure the protection of lives and property of every citizen in every part of the country.

“President Buhari is honestly and courageously fighting corruption in Nigeria, no matter who is involved, and this has paid off both at home and at the international scene.

“The APC administration is determined to change the gross maladministration and weak commitment suffered by the nation in the past,” he assured.

Buni said the fight against corruption would be pursued vigorously to promote accountability, transparency and confidence in governance.

He described the removal of subsidy on petrol as plausible decision, saying it had ensured availability of the product, removed long queues from filling stations and enhanced competition among marketers.

He called on Nigerians to always embrace dialogue in resolving areas of disagreement with government, instead of resorting to industrial actions and violence.

Buni

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

National crisis: Peace Institute urges tolerance Prof. Oshita Oshita, Director-General, Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR), has called for tolerance among Nigerians in efforts to find lasting solutions to the challenges confronting the country.

Oshita, who made the remark in Owerri on Tuesday at a workshop organised for South-East traditional rulers, urged the monarchs to promote peaceful co-existence and nonviolence in the domain.

The director-general commended the roles traditional rulers played in the resolution of several disputes that would have escalated to violent conflicts.

Represented by Mr Emmanuel Mamman, IPCR Deputy Director of Research, Oshita, said that traditional rulers played specific roles and functions in providing safety and security to their communities.

According to him, the roles of the monarchs are enormous and they must be encouraged.

“It is also important to enhance their skills to cope with emerging conflicts.

“A lot of disputes over land, boundary, herdsmen violence and the growing spate of protests over alleged marginalisa-

OSINBAJO Vice President tion and discrimination need the attention of traditional rulers.

“Traditional rulers require requisite knowledge and skills to

adequately respond and prevent conflicts from being violent.

“They should be able to build social cohesion, unity and peace in their communities; the inabil-

ity of communities to manage disputes contributes to underdevelopment and poverty.

“Premium must be placed on having an effective conflict resolution and peace building mechanism in our communities,” he said.

Also speaking, Gov. Rochas Okorocha of Imo commended Oshita for his leadership at the institute towards the promoting peace in the state and Nigeria at large.

Okorocha, represented by Commandant-General, Imo Peace Advocate Corps, Mr Peter Ohagwa, said the activities carried out by the institute were laying structures for peacebuilding and conflict resolution in the country.

He said Imo, with the support of IPCR, had successfully inaugurated its Peace Advocate Corps with about 1,000 personnel carrying out peace and nonviolence advocacy in the state.

According to him, meetings between herdsmen and other ethnic groups are consistently being organised towards the prevention of violent conflicts in the state.

The workshop was attended by traditional rulers from the five states from the geo-political zone – Abia, Anambra, Ebonyi, Enugu and Imo states.

The workshop has as theme: “Conflict Prevention, Peaceful Co-existence, Tolerance and Alternative Dispute Resolution in the South East for traditional rulers and civil society organisations.” (NAN)

Akwa Ibom LG committees get economic lifeline Akwa Ibom State Governor, Mr Udom Emmanuel says plans are on to inject economic lifeline in the local government system to enable the third tier of government break even in its programmes.

Governor Emmanuel stated this during the inauguration of Transition Committee chairmen for the Local Government Councils at the Banquet Hall, Government House, Uyo. He said that in view of the prevalent economic situation, the state would inject economic stimuli to reduce the hardship in the system and directed the Ministry of Finance to commence disbursement of Small and Medium Enterprise loans to the people to boost their businesses.

He charged the newly sworn in council chairmen to deliver quality services in their respective areas and prove their mettle by exhibiting high level probity in the administration of the councils.

“You have been given a chance of a lifetime, run with it, let your talents and skills show; show the people that the choice we had in you was not misplaced. Consider this moment as a platform that can lead you to other possibilities”, he said.

Speaking further, the governor noted “The office you are sworn in today should not be seen as a clutch for immediate gratification, or one where you would engage in conspicuous excesses, let it remain true to its foundational principle which is predicated on service to the people. If you provide selfless service you will be rewarded and such satisfaction can never be quantified. Let this be your guiding principle”.

He observed that true leaders emerge during hard times and urged them to key into the state’s economic blue print for the well being of the citizens stressing that the appointment is a lifetime opportunity for the Committee

Emmanuel

members to showcase their leadership potentials and congratulated them on the appointment.

Governor Emmanuel expressed satisfaction with the calibre of persons selected to pilot affairs of the third tier of government and called on the people

to lend their support to the transition administration pointing out that some of the retained members had performed exceptionally in the just concluded administration and that a job well done gives opportunity for more responsibilities.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

Wike: We will trounce PDP again in rerun polls CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

nals to declare them winners of the election.”

The governor also said the PDP would emerge stronger from the crisis rocking the party at the national level, pointing that it emboldens true democracy in the party.

Speaking earlier, the Rivers State Chairman of PDP, Mr. Felix Obuah, said the people of the state are happy with the performance of the governor since his inauguration despite economic straits, which justified the mandate give to him last year.

He assured of the readiness of the party to ensure it emerged victorious in the rerun poll, maintaining the position of the governor that Rivers State is PDP.

Insinuations of lopsided federal appointments untrue — Sen. Enang CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

equally happen to anyone else. `As civil servants, go ahead, do the best you can. When you continue to put in your best; you excel on your jobs and duties. You may not know who is taking note of you. ``At a point in time in the future, somebody would single you out and you would wonder who recommended you. ``So, let us continue to excel and practice the fear of God,’’ she said. The Minister of Niger Delta Affairs, Mr Usani Uguru, said that appointments were not made on the basis of region as believed by some Nigerians but based on number of states in the country. ``The North has 19 states and federal character has provisions for states and not regions. ``Therefore, until we carry out that analysis, there would be no authentication to claims that the North is being favoured in terms of appointments than the South. ``Nigeria is not configured on the basis of North and South; it is configured on the basis of states as entrenched in the constitution.’’

Uguru also debunked claims that attacks on oil facilities carried out by the Niger Delta Avengers were as a result of lopsided appointments.

11 Politics

Mimiko’s aide leads hundreds out of PDP to APC It was a sort of drama in Ondo State at the weekend as a female leader of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a close aide of the state governor led hundreds of party faithful into the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) amidst dancing and singing.

The Special Assistant to Ondo State Governor, Dr. Olusegun Mimiko on Political Mobilisation, Hon. Mosunmola Awotula, led the PDP members into the APC, in Irele local government area of the state.

Speaking on behalf of the decampees, Awotula, popularly called iron lady, described the PDP as a party of broken promises which has inflicted pains on the people of the state, stressing that Governor Mimiko has played his last card and can no longer deceive and cajole the people of the state into voting for the PDP. According to her, “We are the strong leaders of the PDP in Irele, I have been a woman leader in ward 2, after that I became organising secretary before Mimiko came to PDP. “When Mimiko defect to PDP, he rendered us, the executive members useless and refused to carry us along in the scheme of things, that shows that Mimiko is a selfish leader”, she said.

Mimiko

Also explaining why they left PDP, one of the leaders and a community Chief, Hon. Ikuemelo described the PDP as a dilapidated building, saying they left the party before it will collapse on them.

Noting that the PDP in the state will soon become a dead party with no strength within the sunshine state, he said there is no PDP in Irele local Government anymore with their exit.

Ikuemelo assured that the

Oyegun

APC will become Victorious in the coming November 26 governorship election in the state.

Receiving the defectors, the deputy chairman of the APC in the state, Engineer Ade Adetimehin assured the defectors of equal treatment, saying there was no founder, no joiner.

He charged them to preach the gospel of APC and mobilise others into the party, asserting that the defector must work together with leaders of the party

in the area to ensure that party win the community in the coming election.

Among the decampees were Ayaki of Irele land, Chief Olorunda Ikuemelo, PDP Vice Chairman in ward Four, Dayo Olajide, Comrade Ademuwagun Fakomogbo, Comrade Soji Olowotimehin and Madam Aderotoye Abike.

Others included Akinbamiro Ojuetimi, Olayinka Moyo and Comrade Adebayo Adegoroye.

My administration completed 46 road projects in one year — Gov. Bindow

Bindow

Adamawa state government completed 46 road projects within one year in office, the state governor Jibrilla Bindow, has said.

Bindow made the disclosure on Wednesday in Yola during the celebration of Eid-el-fitr in Government House. ``The state government will embark on massive road construction projects outside the state capital while the Kiri-Shelleng road construction will be flagged off after the Sallah celebration. ``Adamawa people should support the government with prayers and words of encouragement to enable this administration achieve its mandate. ``Within one year in office, we have been able to complete 46 road projects. ``The challenge is enormous

due to economic crisis but we thank God for giving us the wisdom to achieve this feat,’’ he said.

Bindow said that the e-payment system of paying salaries to local government workers was sacrosanct.

According to him, the system will help to curb corrupt practices perpetrated in local government administration in the past.

Earlier, Alhaji Kabiru Mijinyawa, Speaker, Adamawa State House of Assembly, commended the governor for his transparency and probity.

He also lauded the governor for the giant developmental stride he made within one year in office.

He reiterated the commitment of the legislature to work in harmony with the executive to achieve the vision of the administration.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

FG yet to invite Labour for talks on minimum wage review – NLC Joy Ekeke

ÏÏÏThe

agitation for an upward review of the national minimum wage by workers from N18, 000 to N56, 000 may never see the light of day as the Federal Government is yet to initiate a dialogue with members of the organised labour.

Speaking with the Daily Times, Secretary General of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Dr. Peter Ozo-Eson, said the Federal Government is yet to formally ask concerned labour partners to send their representatives to the tripartite committee which will appoint a chairman.

He, however, noted that noth-

ing can be done until the Federal Government invites the organized Labour to discuss further on the proposed minimum wage.

It would be recalled that the Comrade Ayuba Wabba-led faction of the NLC and Trade Union Congress (TUC) have jointly proposed a review of the minimum wage to N56,000.

The minimum wage is due for review every five years and the last review of the national minimum wage was done in 2011 which raised the current national minimum wage to N18, 000.

Wabba said both the NLC and the TUC made the formal demand on the proposed national minimum

wage to the Federal Government.

“I can say now authoritatively that we made a formal proposal to the Federal Government of N56, 000 to be the new minimum wage.

“The demand has been submitted officially to government and we hope that the tripartite system to look at the review will actually be put set up to look at it.

“Our argument is that, yes, it is true that the economy is not doing well, but the law stated that wages for workers must be reviewed after every five years.

“So, the issue must be looked into by the Federal Government and workers should not be seen as sleeping on their rights,” he said.

He said it was imperative that the government should set up the tripartite committee for the review of the new minimum wage.

Wabba said this was the only way the representatives of unions and government would fashion out the negotiation process at a roundtable.

According to him, the logic behind the new minimum wage is to ensure that no worker earns below what can sustain him or her for a period of 30 days.

“So, it also about the law of the review of the wage, the law envisaged that within a circle of five years, there must be a review,” Wabba said.

Strike: Ngige, Kachikwu to meet with PENGASSAN Continued from page 6 Tuesday, met in all the zones to finetune the strategies and modalities for the strike.

He said: “In the meeting, the gradual method of shutdown was critical examined and adopted by the members.

“The action, which will cripple all activities and operations in the oil and gas sector, will affect all the sub sectors as our members in the Department of Petroleum Resources (DPR), Petroleum Products Pricing Regulatory Agency (PPPRA), Petroleum Equalisation Fund (Monitoring Board) PEF (MB), Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC), National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS), oil majors, labour and contract services companies, and petroleum products marketing companies will join in the action”.

He appealed for understanding of all Nigerians and operators that will be impacted by the action, saying that the industrial action is critical to the survival of the oil and gas industry, which according to him, currently is the mainstay of the nation’s economy.

I’m not desperate to be Abia governor, says Ogah Continued from page 6

L-R: Former Minister of State for Defence, Demola Seriki; Chief Imam, Maroofdeen Akintola; Chairman, Eleganza Group, Chief Rasak Okoya and Alhaji Tajudeen Okoya during the Eid-el- Fitr prayer hosted by Okoya in Lagos… on Wednesday.

Photo: QUADRI OLOWOLAGBA

Give Nigeria a chance, Buhari tells militants Continued from page 6 leum Corporation (NNPC) pipeline at Eleme, leading to the Nigeria Liquefied National Gas, NLNG, in Rivers State.

The militant group claimed responsibility for the attack via its Facebook page NDavengers on Wednesday, just as it took a swipe at the Senior Special Assistant to President Muhammadu Buhari on Media and Publicity, Garba Shehu, over his comments that the group kill and kidnap for no clear reasons.

It said, “By 3.00 am, yesterday, strike team 2, carried out a major strike, bombing NNPC pipeline at Eleme leading to NLNG. You won’t stop us.”

This is coming barely 72 hours

after it blew up oil installations belonging to Chevron Nigeria Limited and Nigerian Petroleum Development Company, NPDC, in Batan Community, Warri South West Council Area of Delta State on Monday night.

In a statement issued by the spokesperson of the group, Mudoch Agbinibo, and posted on the group’s website, while denying the allegations by Garba Shehu, asked the presidential aide to get his facts right.

Shehu’s statement on Tuesday had claimed that the militant group which has wreaked havoc on the nation’s oil production in recent times, ply their trade in killing and kidnapping and asking oil companies in the region to stop operating.

However, the militants said, “We

want Garba Shehu (Senior Special Assistant to the president on Media and Publicity) to go and get his record straight. Niger Delta Avengers have not killed and kidnapped oil workers, we are not into sea piracy, and we have never killed Policemen.

“The Buhari led Government knows the people attacking soldiers and killing policemen. It’s their sleeper’s agents that are doing it, so they should stop tagging Niger Delta Avengers to killing, kidnapping, ransacking of policemen, soldiers and individuals in the region.”

It also dismissed reports that the group had entered into dialogue with the federal government during the recent ceasefire before resuming fresh hostilities.

“We the Niger Delta Avengers

have not negotiated with anyone.

So we don’t know where Mr Garba shehu and General Babagana Munguno, the National Security Adviser, are getting their information from.

“If they have been negotiating with anybody it clearly shows they had been negotiating with fraudsters and their (national security agency) created militant group,” the statement added.

In another post on its Facebook page on Wednesday night, the NDA wrote “Our fight is legit, we are at war already, but it’s so unfortunate most of us don’t know by now. The heart of the nation is being neglected. They call us 5 percent, but we have been the people to always bear the burden of this amalgamated nation. Not anymore.”

The Tax Clearance form (Code PD002/G), dated November 4, 2014, and sworn to at the High Court Registry, Aba, shows that Ikpeazu’s tax receipt number for December 2011 is 0012849; that of December 2012 is 0012846 and that of December 2013 is 0012847 and 0012848.

“Did he use one booklet to pay tax for three years? Is he the only one paying tax? How come the tax number which ends in 49 came first rather than last?” Ubani asked.

He said Ogah went to court soon after the primaries because the PDP’s appeal panel failed to respond to his complaints about Ikpeazu’s alleged non-qualification.

Ogah

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

13

Opinion 14

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

Ambode and the Street traders of Lagos

I Reuben Abati

am writing this piece after holding a series of conversations with Lagos street traders and hawkers who seem not be aware of or are just indifferent to, or maybe they are intrigued by, the fact that the State Governor, Akinwunmi Ambode has declared on television that the state government is prepared to enforce an existing law banning street hawking. The relevant law, the Lagos State Street Trading and Illegal Market Prohibition Law, 2003 prescribes a punishment of N90, 000 or a six-month jail term, for both the buyer and the seller of any goods or services on the streets. So I asked this vendor, who kept pushing copies of the day’s newspapers in my face, so close, you wouldn’t even be able to read the headline free of charge.

“My friend, are you aware that what you are doing is illegal? You never hear say Governor Ambode don ban street trading?”

“That one no concern vendor oh.

Na these other people wey dey sell chewing gum and water dem dey talk about”.

“No. Street trading is street trading. You are hawking your newspapers, why don’t you get a shop or a stand?”

“Make I open shop to sell newspaper? Na for inside traffic people dey buy newspaper, oga?’”

“I just hope they won’t arrest you.

The fine is N90, 000 or six months in jail.”

“Oga, you wan buy paper? Which one you wan buy, I beg. See, the thing be say, for this Nigeria, anytime wey anybody reach power, dem go just dey do wetin dey like. Dey no dey pity we poor people at all.”

I laughed and drove off.

“Water! Water!”, I yelled at a young man carrying a small basket of drinks. He ran to the car from the other side of the road, side-stepping a Keke Marwa and almost colliding with a motorcycle.

“How much?”

“N100” “Can I buy because I hear the Governor says they should arrest anybody that is hawking anything in Lagos. And this is Agidingbi oh, too close to Alausa. Please.”

“Oga buy wetin you wan buy.

If we no sell water for traffic, you know how many people go don die for inside go-slow. When traffic start now, even Ambode go buy water for inside traffic drink.”

“Oya, bring it quickly. Don’t let those LASTMA people see you.”

“Which LASTMA people? Oga, relax. Na we-we. As we dey this street so, nobody fit remove us.“ As I listened to his attempt to share his knowledge of the streets, I heard the clanging of a bell. A bicy-

clist was approaching, a mini-cooler, hanging conspicuously in his front.

Fan Ice! Fan Milk! A young girl passed, carrying a tray of groundnuts. The early morning traffic was beginning to build up, 24 hours after Governor Ambode huffed and puffed on television about street hawking.

I immediately remembered Olajumoke Orisaguna, the Nigerian Cinderella, who made it from street hawking to the runway. It occurred to me to ask one of the hawkers.

“Do you know Olajumoke?”

“Olajumoke, oni bread. Oga you sef, e ti jasi. Don Jazzy, Baba. If Olajumoke no sell bread for street, how dem for discover say him get talent.

Oga, as you me so, I be student oh for Polytechnic. The money I make from the street, that ‘s what I use to maintain myself and one day, if I become Governor in this country, I‘ll remember and I will not ban street hawking.”

That was some sobering thought.

The sociology of street trading is worth understanding. It is mostly a source of employment for many persons with low income and low education, and in its more structured format, a large part of the informal sector in many parts of the world. For the buyer who has been demonized along with the seller in the Lagos state law, street trading actually provides easy access to a lot of goods and services, and when you are trapped in the ubiquitous traffic hold-ups across the city, running into hours oftentimes, it helps to just look out the window and buy any food item ranging from fish, to fried

meat and shrimps, loaves of bread, biscuits, gala, meat pie, water, beer and any other drink. If it is a rainy day and you need to step out of the vehicle, you can buy an umbrella while in the traffic. You can also get served hot milk, tea or coffee, or have a shoe-shiner give your shoes a new, clean, gleaming look.

On a sunny and humid day, and you are thirsty, you can have very cold fan milk, or any other drink to cool down your system. Popcorn, roasted maize, walnuts, name it, everything is available by the roadside, as the traffic crawls. If you have issues with your phone, or your wrist-watch, or even your clothes, you can buy new ones on the streets. Books, musical CDs, electronics, even sex toys, and aphrodisiacs. There is a special connection between traffic and street trading.

But there are also challenges for all parties involved: for the buyer, you could get sold fake or risky stuff, and your money could be stolen – always collect the goods and your change before you hand over any amount.

The sellers always have to contend with physical risk and sexual abuses, run-ins with extortionist law enforcement officials, nerve-wracking exposure to the elements, and competition for space. People sell on the streets because they cannot afford to rent shops or erect structures, and in any case, government is often part of this problem. Markets are taken over by the authorities with the intention to modernize them, but when the shops and stalls are built, the original traders can no lon-

ger afford them because they would have been taken over by the rich and prized beyond the reach of the poor who are then forced onto the streets, thus deepening the agony of the displaced and the marginalized. This is the story of Tejuoso market in Lagos, as is the story of others across the country. If street traders had a choice, they would also acquire permanent structures where they can display their wares in safety. If they could help it, they will also sit in the comfort of air-conditioned vehicles. Traffic and street trading further define an existential part of the urban social order, and in Lagos as elsewhere, the character, pulse and soul of the city.

The convenient tendency for government officials is to dismiss the street as the haunt of miscreants, criminals and the dubious and street trading as a nuisance to the social order. This is what Governor Ambode of Lagos has done. The trigger for his televised sanctimony is the recent clash in Lagos at Maryland and Ojota, involving the law, traffic and street traders with tragic consequences. We are told that Kick Against Indiscipline (KAI) officials had given a hawker the chase, that fateful day. As the young man ran across the busy expressway, he found himself in front of an on-coming state-government owned BRT bus, which crushed him instantly – his intestines gouged out.

This resulted in mob action.

In the process, 49 BRT vehicles, belonging to the state government were torched, and according to the Governor, it will cost the state government “almost N139 million to put those buses back on the road.” The Governor sounds as if the loss of these buses is more painful than the death of Nnamdi, the street hawker who was chased to his death. Haba, Governor, se oro ni yen! The Governor needs to be reminded of the over-zealousness of KAI-LASTMA officials and the recklessness, also, of BRT bus drivers, and the fact that N139 million may replace buses, but it will not replace a life that has been lost. It is also hard to believe that the Governor’s position is based on the outcome of investigations, which try to distance the state officials from the accident, and even if this is so, the decision to exhume a law that is to all practical purposes, a dead law, only enforced opportunistically, does not fully address the issue. A law is dead as an instrument of social justice when it is openly defied, disregarded, resisted and attempts to enforce it are openly ridiculed, and the state itself finds its application difficult in the face of the people’s preferences and choices.

The test and impact of any true law is in its application.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

15 Opinion

Looming clash between the executive and legislature

I

Mazi Sam Ohuabunwa

have refrained from commenting on Senator Olusola Saraki’s travails since he became the Senate President.

In the first place, I support every genuine effort to hold our political leaders to account. Secondly, though I believe the current anti-corruption campaign has been one-sided, I have resolved this by saying that only the guilty should be punished. Those who have been wrongly accused or embarrassed could always approach the courts to seek compensation. Thirdly, I have been unhappy with politicians who decamp from one party to the other.

My position is that politicians elected on one political platform cannot change their party without returning to their constituents to seek re-election. Seeing Saraki being harassed and charged to court by his new party looked like Nemesis.

However, when last week he was charged in Abuja alongside Senator Ike Ekweremadu for allegedly forging the Senate standing rules, I could no longer hold myself back. Something in me revolted. How come the Senate President, the leader of the legislature is being harangued as a common criminal? Is this all about fighting corruption? Many people believe that his case at the Code of Conduct Tribunal is politically motivated, for refusing to allow the anointed party candidate to

emerge as senate President. He committed Harakiri by conniving with the PDP to allow Ekweremadu to emerge as the Deputy President. These are charges preferred against him by the APC, which he helped to fund to win the 2015 presidential elections. So far, none of the other turncoat PDP members who joined the APC has been treated this way.

To be fair, his party has a right to be angry that their preferred candidate was not elected as senate President according to the doctrine of party supremacy. However, should the party not manage its anger especially considering the intervention of fate?

Rather than be at the Senate Floor for the inauguration,most APC senators were at another meeting when the election of principal officers was taking place. That was not the fault of Saraki. Had they all been present, may be the result could have been different. As some commentators pointed out, if PDP wanted the position of the Senate President, they probably would have got it!

Since then, APC and it leadership had done everything to disgrace Saraki and hound him out of office.

Luckily, his colleagues in the Senate have resisted all the attempts. To his credit,Saraki has discharged his office well, despite the long battles and distraction. Hitherto, as Saraki is being pummeled at the code of conduct

tribunal, a concurrent effort was being made to nail Ike Ekweremadu on a charge of criminal forgery of the Senate standing rules. At some point, it looked like the matter had been rested. Only to be resurrected last week by the AGF who escalated the matter.

This new onslaught has miffed the Senate and indeed the entire National Assembly. Both chambers issued statements decrying this apparent determination of the executive to disgrace and remove the top senate leadership. The PDP caucus in the Senate announced that they were withdrawing cooperation with the APC government. Over the weekend, there were reports that the Senate was strategising to begin impeachment proceedings against Buhari.

Destabilising the legislature will have negative consequences on the stability of the polity. Creating a divided Senate may hinder the quick passage of critical bills and approval of Executive requests. We all know of the paralysis in the American Senate and its inability to pass bills or agree

on anything because of the deep division between the Republican and Democrats. Now with the economic distress still biting hard, despite recent economic policy rethink, the increasing security challenge all over Nigeria, to add a clash between the legislature and the executive and the distraction of an impeachment move, may just be too much. We cannot successfully fight too many battles at the same time without causing too much collateral damage.

I therefore advice that the Executive stop any action that seems to suggest it is determined to undermine or subjugate the legislature. It must allow the legislature choose its leadership and handle its affairs. This term will soon run out before we know it. The current determination to get Saraki and Ekweremadu out of office willy- nilly may backfire and cause more damage to good governance and national security. A lot of wisdom and tact is required to avoid this looming clash which may hurt the economy further and cause unacceptable setback at this critical moment.

No ‘Change’ unless we change

T

Celestine Okonkwo

wo songs have taken over Nigeria’s political air. The first was the CHANGE, which resonated throughout the APC campaign. These days, the new song is “where is the CHANGE you promised.” The two songs have dominated the airwaves but neither the composers nor the singers, perhaps, never thought of the consequences or tried to answer some pertinent questions.

The questions arose because the two songs were composed with the wrong premise. The first was by the APC not knowing that, according to Shehu Sani, the car it was inheriting has knocked engine and requires a complete overhaul. The second song is with political vengeance, sentiment, callousness and even wickedness for how does one expect change within a year.

However, many questions haunt such Nigerians. How can there be change when those to make it happen do not even understand its concept.

How do Nigerians expect change but stick to old beliefs and sentiments in

every facet of life?

How do Nigerians vote for change and expect change but refuse to do something for the change? How do Nigerians want change when all we do is wait for the government to bring about change? Nigerians sit in one place and expect GOD to bring about change. They even pray for change in churches and mosques without lifting a finger to make it happen.

For these Nigerians, change is automatic, simple and does not imply or require a period of planning and execution. Different. For most Nigerians, civilians or politicians, especially those in the APC, change is simply replacing something with another thing.

Yet, for others, change has become a mere slogan, that means nothing.

Most Nigerians think that change is only expected of the executive but not of the citizens. In order words, Nigerians want to stand hands akimbo while Buhari and his administration bring about the change since they promised to do so.

That is probably the impression of Edetean Ojo when he says that

President Buhari must appreciate that he has raised the hopes of Nigerians and that he stands on the cusp of a new era. For Ojo, therefore, and many Nigerians, it is for Buhari alone to bring about change.

Still, how can there be a change when our political leadership recruitment system is wrong and lacklustre? What is the pedigree of those in the National Assembly and other political leadership positions?

How many of them including governors and local government chairmen and counselors were elected based on their records of accomplishment, leadership qualities or achievements? No wonder the Senate has become a retirement asylum for governors who achieved nothing.

How does one expect heated and intelligent debates on issues in the National Assembly and State Houses of Assemblies when those ‘elected’ into the chambers are people without conscience? Yet, one expects these set of human beings to bring about change. That explains why we have a harvest of circus shows in Houses of Assembly.

Yet, Nigerians fail to point this

out as an impediment to change as nobody looks or challenges that insanity. They are simply waiting for Becket’s Godot. Nigerians are there when the Senate opted to buy SUVs at ridiculous amounts in a country where people are unable to feed three times a day. Yet, they blame all on Buhari and the party because they promised ‘change’ and change they must bring. The governors are squandering the funds meant for their states and are not paying salaries of workers. They do not seem prepared to change their negative attitude to governance and money spending now that it is very critical. Nevertheless, Nigerians fail to call the governors to order, yet, they clamour for change. The electorate sit idle shouting invectives at those occupying political positions for doing nothing to bring about change, yet, they are not ready to change their attitudes to the voting process.

Either some collected stipends to ‘vote’ for the wrong persons because of ethnic, religious or other mundane reasons and today, they expect those wrongly chosen to bring about the change they crave.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

Features

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

s

17

Socio-economic constraints are bane of women in agriculture From our features desk with agency report Women worldwide have been revealed as the backbone of the development of rural and national economies comprising 43 per cent of the world’s agricultural labour force.

This was declared by no better informed authority than the World Farmers’ Organisation which acknowledged that 80 per cent of agricultural production in Africa comes from small farmers who are mostly rural women. ``Women comprise the largest percentage of the workforce in the agricultural sector, but do not have access and control over land and productive resources,’’ the organisation observed.

But people in the know said that in spite of these important roles women play, rural women in Africa suffer from illiteracy and are the most visible face of poverty.

“There should be more gender policies and services designed towards encouraging women farmers to boost their productivity, especially in agriculture,” said an integrated farmer in the SouthSouth.

In a close discourse on the matter, Head, Department of Agronomy, University of Ilorin, Dr Oluyemisi Fawole, said that developing such policies would enhance agricultural productivity and profitability that would

Rice

guarantee food security and reduce poverty.

She observed that in spite of the roles of women and their contributions to the agricultural sector, they were confronted with socio-economic constraints that limit their productivity. ``These constraints include limited access to the essential elements of farming, resources and credit, information and technology, education and training, among others.

``Existing evidence from small-scale studies across Africa documents the numerous disadvantages that women face in accessing the same resources, training, markets and opportunities,’’ she said.

Fawole, however, solicited the application of education and gender responsive research to tackle `the barriers’ that hold back the productivity of women farmers to enhance gender equality and usher in a broader economic

growth. ``Education will make women more equipped, skilled and able to compete with men to take advantage of the better incomeearning opportunities. ``To increase the productivity of female farmers, gender responsive research that goes beyond the farming system and examines the entire food value chain is required,’’ Fawole insisted.

Similarly, Prof. AbdulGaniyu Ambali, the Vice-Chancellor,

University of Ilorin, said that the African agricultural sector must increase its responsiveness to the needs and contributions of women for effectiveness and sustainability.

He explained that cultivation of high potential African women scientists would help in addressing urgent needs of small holder farmers.

In consensus on the issue, Mr Kolawole Omotosho, an agriculCONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Ministry of Women Affairs and protection of children’s rights God’s Covenant Snr with agency report

Aisha Alhassan

“Sex abuse of children in schools is the most serious crime that requires strict punishment,” Mr Chidi Odinkalu, Chairman, Governing Council National Human Rights Commission said at a recent workshop on protection of children’s rights.

Calling for the review of sexual offence laws and policies to ensure the protection of children

from violence, Odinkalu said “This climate of impunity for sexual violence against children generally and in schools in particular is not a fate ordained by an unaccountable deity.

“It is a policy choice, we can change it and this will require concerted action by the government at multiple levels.

“Age of sexual consent is what is not clear under the law and many states willfully resist the implementation of the CRA.

“We need to re-examine our Victorian laws of sexual offences, foremost among which is the crime of rape; the distinction between rape and defilement must be eliminated,’’ he said.

Odinkalu said that the Violence against Persons Prohibition Act which is currently operational in the FCT required to be spread across the country.

Rights Activists and NGOs have declared that abuse, abCONTINUED ON PAGE 18

Features 18

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

SEEDAN will engage 10,000 women in Rice Seed Up-Scaling Project - SEEDAN

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

Palm oil plantation

turalist, lent his support for women to participate in farming.

“Exportation, loan facilities and value chain have to be improved to favour women and youth participation in the profession,” he said and added that government must endeavour to sensitise farmers by strengthening the faulty of agricultural structures on ground. ``This, in turn, has the ability to encourage the youth to get

more involved in agriculture, the government also has to look into the area of reducing interest rate to five per cent on agriculture loans. ``And if the Bank of Agriculture should come out with what we have concluded on the five per cent interest rate, this is another area that would encourage the youth,’’ Omotosho concluded.

In its bid to encourage women participation in agriculture,

Seed Entrepreneurs Association of Nigeria (SEEDAN) says it will engage 10,000 women Rice Seed Up-Scaling Project.

Mr Richard Olafare, President of the association said that 8,000 youths would also be engaged in the scaling project.

“The number of women and youths represents 50 per cent and 40 per cent of the farmers that will participate in the project. The project is an initiative of

the West Africa Seed Programme with the support of the ECOWAS Rice Offensive Programme inaugurated in 2014.”

Olafare further explained that other objectives of the programme included targeting the production of 60,000 metric tonnes of paddy rice for Nigeria

by December 2017, using 1,200 certified seeds.

He explained further that the project would be implemented between March and December in Kano, Niger, Kebbi, Zamfara, Benue, Ekiti and Ebonyi as pilot states. ``The project will put about 20,000 hectares of farmland to improved seed production in the seven states that have been selected. ``More than 20,000 farmers, 50 per cent of whom are women and 40 per cent youths, will receive access to quality seeds under the two-year programme,’’ he said.

Apart from this programme, Chairman of the Goats Distribution Committee in Jigawa, Dr

Ahmed Zubairu, said that the state government had empowered 220 women with 660 goats in Dutse Local Government Area of the state.

Zubairu also hinted that “the goats were distributed to beneficiaries in the 11 wards of the local government under the Goat Rearing and Breeding Loan Scheme introduced to empower women in the state.

“The the women were given two she-goats and one he-goat to rear and beneficiaries would pay back the revolving loan in 18 months. ``Government decided to give the women goats because of its economic values. This is because both the goats’ meat and skin are useful,’’ he said.

In addition to such initiatives, stakeholders call for the adoption of more pragmatic measures that will facilitate friendly environment expected to encourage women to engage in agriculture for the purpose of fighting hunger and poverty.

Distinction between rape and defilement must be eliminated — Odinkalu CONTINUED FROM PAGE 17

duction, molestation and other vices against the child unarguably are prevailing infractions to children’s fundamental human rights, especially in developing countries.

Sociologists also worry that vulnerable children face significant barriers to their rights and there should be methods of checking the trend.

They express concern that such children are often denied access to basic services such as health and education while they are exposed to discrimination, sexual, physical and psychological violence.

Worried by this, the Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development recently stated that the Nigerian society ‘is currently battling with high incidence of violence against children.’

Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Aisha Alhassan pointed out that efforts to end violence should start with the protection of young ones.

``Governments at all levels are making spirited efforts to ensure that this ugly phenomenon is brought to an end. ``There is urgent need to consolidate on the present momentum and redouble efforts to guarantee children’s rights to freedom from violence everywhere and at all times,’’ she said.

The minister lauded state governments that had made efforts in domesticating and articulating the Child Rights Act (CRA) in ensuring that children’s rights are protected.

She also said that the Federal Government, through the Ministry of Education, has inaugurated an intra-ministerial committee on preventing violence against children.

Similarly, Mrs Binta Bello, the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, said that there was the need for stakeholders to evaluate policies targeted at child development in the country. ``This is critical in view of the alarming cases of violence against children in recent times.

``We must pause and ask: does it mean that our policy responses are not well designed or structured? Are we not putting enough resources into the security sector? ``Are the key interventions not well implemented, are the planning, strategies not well targeted, is the awareness, sensitisation programme not directed at the right people?’’, she asked.

Commenting on the Violence against Persons Prohibition Act which is currently operational in the FCT, Odinkaly stressed the urgency in spreading it across the country.

“The National Assembly can do better with the bill on Sexual Harassment in Tertiary institutions currently under consideration before it.

“Government need to strictly prioritise accountability for sexual violence against children as a policing and law enforcement measure. ``There are few policing assets available for sexual violence and violence against children is gen-

Binta Bello

erally viewed as a domestic issue and not a matter for rigorous application of laws. ``All that is required is the will and very limited skill to put the perpetrators away and make them face the consequences of their conduct,’’ the chairman concluded.

In the same vein, a senior lecturer with the University of Nigeria Nsukka, Mr Uchechukwu Ozughalu, said that poverty had deprived not less 70 per cent of children in the country of their fundamental human rights. ``Children are highly deprived of their rights in the areas of

health, proper nutrition, education, water and sanitation,’’ he said.

He solicited more child-friendly process among other interventions required by the government to alleviate the plight of children.

Meanwhile, an independent researcher, Mr Jan Vandemoortele, said that the implementation and consolidation of the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs) would ensure poverty reduction.

He observed that countries within West and Central Africa lacked the sustainability of child-friendly policies.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

19 Crime

Nigeria Customs wins lawsuit against six suspects

Dahiru

Stories by Joy Anyim The Nigeria Customs service Board, FOU zone ‘A’

has secured conviction for six suspects who were charged to court in 2013 for conspiracy, forgery and counterfeiting.

The accused persons whose names were given as Abiodun Ojo, Uche Nwamaka Mike, Charles Ali, Abutu Emmanuel, Sunday Nwaeze and Ngozi Ibeh were arraigned on a five count charge before Honourable Justice Musa, H. Kurya of the Federal High Court, Ikoyi.

It was gathered that the suspects had allegedly counterfeited the Nigeria Customs Service Allocation paper ref. NCS/ ADM/MGT/012/S.1/C VOL. IV, dated 4th June 2013 with serial number 0002095 for a 1x20ft container No. GESU 2339750.

They were also alleged to be in possession of counterfeited official seal of the Comptroller-General of Customs, counterfeited seal of the officer-incharge of valuation, Nigeria Customs Service, Idiroko, Ogun State Command and the official seal of valuation seat, Apapa port in Apapa Command.

The Daily Times learnt that the actions of the six run contrary to the provisions of section 162 (a) and (d) as well as section 166 of Nigeria Customs and Excise Management Act Cap C45 Laws of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 2004.

The case which was first

heard in court on 11th September 2013, but had severally been adjourned finally came to an end when on 29th June, 2016, judgment was passed on the accused persons as guilty.

In his judgment, Honourable Justice Musa found the six accused persons/defendants guilty of the five count charges.

Consequently each accused person was sentenced to two years imprisonment on each of the five counts, which is 10 years imprisonment each. The sentences are to run concurrently.

Speaking to The Daily Times on the legal victory, the Controller, Federal Operations Unit Zone A Ikeja, Comptroller Umar Mohammed Dahiru expressed Joy and satisfaction with the judgment. He also commended the judiciary for its forthrightness in the delivery of judgment as he stated that it will serve as deterrence to others.

The Controller also used the opportunity to call on the media to be actively involved in the legal process of other suspects apprehended in connection with other offences which is also ongoing at the Federal High Court.

Police burst cars-snatching syndicate, recover eight vehicles Operatives of Rapid Response Squad (RRS) of Lagos State Police Command has recovered eight allegedly stolen vehicles from one alleged member of a syndicate specialising in stealing vehicles in Lagos and moving them to Ogun and neighbouring countries to sell.

The operatives who were working on a reported case of a Toyota Corolla stolen from where it was parked in Ikeja Business District, Lagos, on Thursday night, tracked the vehicle to a compound belonging to a car dealer in Kobape, Abeokuta, the Ogun state capital.

According to the report, the Toyota Corolla, grey, 2004 model with registration number, KRD 759, belonging to one Mrs. Olaitan Lawal, was removed from the car park during a church programme at Ikeja about 6:00 pm on Thursday before it was found around 1:00 a.m. on Friday.

According to the owner of the car, “I drove my car to church

and parked at the space designated for parking. After the church service, I went back to pick my car, but I couldn’t find it.

“I called Lagos emergency line on 112 and reported to the representative. I also lodged the case at Area F in Ikeja where the DPO connected me to the Commander of RRS, ACP Olatunji Disu.

“The DPO also gave me the Commander’s phone number, and, when I called him, he assured me that my car would be found. By this time, it was around 9:00 p.m. At home, I found it difficult to sleep; after midnight, the Commander call requesting that I describe my car. I gave him, and he told me that he had found my car somewhere in Abeokuta. I couldn’t believe my ears: in about six hours interval, my car was found!”

The Daily Times gathered that the RRS surveillance team had moved to Abeokuta that same night which led to the arrest of two prime suspects. The police said the men have confessed

From left, Samuel Adebesin and Adeyemi Kamoru

their connections with the recovered Corolla and seven other allegedly stolen cars presently at the RRS headquarters.

The suspects, Samuel Adebeshin, 56, the receiver of the stolen vehicles, who lives at 13 Kobape Road, Abeokuta, and an accomplice, Adeyemi Kamoru, 50, allegedly maintained that the

eight vehicles were all stolen at different locations in Lagos.

The Lagos State Police Spokesperson, Superintendent of Police, SP Dolapo Badmus, said the suspects are helping the Police with investigations. She added that efforts are ongoing to arrest other fleeing members of the syndicate.

Nwankwo with his first loot

Imposition of Baale, land grabbers trouble Ibeju Lekki ÏResidents petition Lagos

Assembly

Babajide Okeowo Trouble is brewing in the Ibeju-Lekki area of Lagos state, following the allegations of land grabbing and imposition of a Baale (local chief) on a community levelled against the Onibeju of Ibeju Lekki, Oba Olusegun Salami.

This has led members of the community to stage a peaceful protest to the Lagos State House of Assembly.

Crying out to the Lagos state government, the residents displayed placards bearing messages like “Oba Salami, the Onibeju of Ibeju uses soldiers and Ajagungbale to illegally occupy our land, please, help”, “Baale’s installation at midnight by Onibeju, Oba Salami confirms the illegality of all his actions. Governor Ambode, please help,” and “Oba Salami has become the lion grabbing all our family land. Government of Lagos State, please take note.”

In an interview with The Daily Times, Prince Alade Ogunlana, who led the protesters to the Lagos State House of Assembly traced the genesis of the problem, alleging that some few years back, one Mufutau Olamiji, went about Oke-ogun Odofin, and Oke-ogun School communities in the area, proclaiming and laying claim to the title of Baale of an alleged Okeogun-Ladeseso Community.

“We gathered that the Onibeju of Ibeju-Lekki, Oba Olusegun Salami had submitted his name before the Governor of Lagos State and other relevant Chieftaincy bodies in Lagos State for approval and absorption as the Baale of the alleged Okeogun-Ladeseso Community,” he said.

News 20

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

Ogah loyalists slam Wabara -led Aba Concerned Elders Enugu Police in manhunt for herbalist treating wounded robbery suspects ÏÏÏThe police in Enugu State

Police bomb expert ensuring high security surveillance at the Eid-El- Fitir ground in Damaturu… on Wednesday.

Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏA joint meeting of

elders, traditional Prime Ministers, titled chiefs, community leaders and village heads of all autonomous communities in Abia loyal to Dr. Uche Ogah has the former Senate President, Adolph Wabara and his Abia Concerned Elders as those who contributed to the collapse and stunted growth of Abia.

This forum stated this after an emergency meeting the held in Umuahia in reaction to a communiqué issued by the Wabara-led elders about the political situation in the state, pointing out that they view the “attitude and reaction of the Adolph Wabara-led Abia Concerned Elders as a people who are yet to queue into the Buhari Change mantra” They also urged Abians ato dis-

regard the Wabara group which they said “contributed in no small measure to the collapse and stunted growth” of the state, describing the effect of the Wabara-led information on Abians as “falsehood, distortion of facts and misleading”.

The forum condemned the Wabara-led elders’ meeting held in Abuja over the true position of the case between Ogah and Ikpeazu which Ogah won at the Abuja High Court, stating that Abians are happy that the court of law has finally restored the mandate of Dr. Ogah as the people’s choice.

They urged the Wabara-led elders to advise “the former Governor of Abia State to honourable quit and respect the rule of law”, while declaring their support for Ogah.

Reacting, a representative of Abia North, Mr. Slow Nnochiri

urged Ikperazu to vacate Government House, stating “on Dr. Uche Oga we stand”, while the representative of Abia central, Chief Laz Onwuneme, who traced the formation of the Peoples Democratic Party in the state said the state is “above being in the pocket of one family. We should be called to liberate ourselves and not waiting to be liberated”.

The state , he said has suffered mismanagement for years, and is therefore asking the court to go and decide the case, stating, “we are not campaigning for sentiment. We are saying; swear in Ogah as we have no governor in Abia”.

Speaking for Abia South, Chief Jerry Onyegbulam from Obingwa said the all the zone wanted was Dr. Uche Ogah as the court has ruled and not people who would come in to enrich themselves.

on Wednesday intensified its manhunt for a herbalist said to be treating wounded robbery suspects in his clinic at Orba community in Udenu Local Government Area of the state The command’s spokesman, Mr Ebere Amaraizu, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Enugu that the police had earlier warned health facilities not to treat anyone with bullet wounds except with permission.

Amaraizu noted that the herbalist had abandoned his herbal clinic over the fear of being arrested by the police. ``The herbalist had allegedly taken custody of an armed robbery suspect from Ohodo community in Igboetiti LGA and was giving him treatment until police operatives struck at his clinic and arrested the suspect with bullet injuries. ``It was further gathered that the suspect alongside others blocked the Enugu-Markurdi expressway at Ohodo Community with heavy logs of wood and were holding motorists hostage at about 2. a.m. ``Acting on a tip off, a combined team of Special Anti-Robbery Squad and military men engaged the robbers in a gun duel while some of the wounded hoodlums escaped into the bush,’’ he said.

Biafra: Military govt won’t stop agitation for independence -MASSOB, BIM Dilionye Dilibe Onitsha

ÏÏÏ

Members of Movement for Actualization of Sovereign state of Biafra, MASSOB, and Biafra independence movement, BIM, yesterday reacted to the coup rumour in Nigeria, threatening that the group would continue with its nonviolent struggle to actualise Biafra if the army takes over the government tomorrow morning.

In a press statement issued yesterday to newsmen in Onitsha after the inspection of

MASSOB, BIM’s information office at Umuaka, in Njaba LGA of Imo state, Mazi Chris Mocha disclosed that the founder of MASSOB and Biafran leader, Uwazuruike, had actually wanted to start the current agitations in 1997 during the Abacha military regime.

Explaining that the group met the requirements of UN to carry out its separatist agitation when in 1999 Uwazuruike notified the UN by applying for an observer status and also accompanied this request with the Biafra Bill of Rights, Mocha expressed confidence that MASSOB- BIM and others have

convinced the UN through its actions that there would be no peace in Nigeria unless independence is granted to them.

Urging MASSOB, BIM to increase its non-violent activities in south east and south south, Mocha explained that self-determination is permitted by the United Nations, (UN) even as military regime is illegal and therefore not recognized by the world body to stop us.

He observed that, although UN will not sponsor any rebellious act in any nation including Nigeria that is a member of the UN, the organisation permitted that any section of its

member states or nation that wants independence is free to pursue the course holistically.

Mocha expressed optimism that the UN will normally intervene in Nigeria when the further existence of the member state becomes questionable and ungovernable, he lamented that before now, that the world body had played double standard in tackling the conflicts or crises affecting the African continent.

Mocha accused Britain and other western nations that it had always waited until such problems degenerated into civil wars or genocide before it intervened.

Actors Guild, PMAN mourn Bukky Ajayi ÏÏÏ The Actors Guild of Nige-

ria (AGN) and the Performing Musicians Association of Nigeria (PMAN) have described the death of veteran Nollywood actress Bukky Ajayi, as the loss of an entertainment icon.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Ajayi died on Wednesday morning at 82.

Reacting to the sad news, AGN and PMAN described her demise as a big loss to the entertainment industry.

Mr Agility Onwura, the Chairman, Federal Capital Territory (FCT) chapter of the AGN, told NAN Ajayi died at a time when the young generation of actors were still drawing from her wealth of experience.

Onwura said: “The news of her death came to us as a surprise.

“She died when her wealth of experience and guidance were most needed by the younger generation of movie stars.

“Though at 82 one can say she was quite old, but we in the entertainment industry were still learning from her,” he said.

Also, Mr Pretty Okafor, the National President of PMAN, mourned the late actress, extolling her contributions to the growth of Nollywood and the entertainment industry in Nigeria.

“She was an enviable professional, who inspired us with her outstanding roles in many home movies.

“Her exit will leave an indelible footprint on the entertainment industry generally,” he said.

Okafor, however, added that solace should be drawn from the fact that the late actress lived a fulfilled life as a professional and role model to many.

“Her life and achievements should be celebrated, because 82 years is quite a feat to celebrate.”

Bukky Ajayi

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

21

News 22

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

We’re made to drink our own urine, teenage girls tell court

Appoint acting VC, OAU academics tell FG

Titilope Joseph and Racheal Akomolafe

ÎÎÎSome

teenage girls, on Wednesday, accused a nursing mother, identified as Mrs. Nonye, of maltreating them while living with her.

Mrs. Nonye, who is standing trial before a Lagos State High Court sitting in Ikeja, presided over by Justice Kudirat Jose, was charged with a six count charge of harbouring persons under 12 years of age for the purpose of forced labour ; an offence which was preferred against her by the National Agency for the Prohibition of Trafficking in Persons (NAPTIP), an offense contrary to Section 22(a) 23(i) and 25(a) of the trafficking in persons (Prohibition) Enforcement and Administration Act 2015.

The 13-year-old victim who appeared in court as prosecuting witnesses both gave the testimony of how they were cruelly maltreated by the defendant while staying with her.

Mrs. Nonye stopped both of them from going to school. In a statement by the first witness, she was stopped from going to school because she attempted to run away from school to her uncle’s place on a particular day and she was caught.

When asked by the prosecuting counsel the reason for her action, she said “I wanted to run to my Uncle’s place because she was maltreating me” The second victim, who was also withdrawn from school said “she stopped me from going to school because her children reported to her that I use to beg for food in the school”.

She went further to say that she had no choice but to beg because the defendant hardly gives them food.

“She used to give us food once in a day or even once in a week” The victims further told the court their ordeals after becoming dropouts.

According to them, the defendant usually beat them when they complain of hunger and she looks the first victim up at the balcony, fully chained, while the second victim, also chained, is locked up in the bathroom.

The court was however shocked when the second witness revealed in her statement, how the first witness was forced to drink her own urine as a punishment for what a prophet had earlier told her, that the girl was a witch.

The defendant, whose arrest was made possible by the landlord, who rescued the first victim in

CORRECTION OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME.

ÎÎÎTwo

an attempt to escape from the balcony where she was kept.

According to the victim, “she locked me up at the balcony as she used to do but did not chain my hand, then she covered me with bedsheet so that no one will see me”. “When I see that she has gone out, I quickly use a rope to come down and shouted for help...then our landlord carry ladder to help me down” she further explained.

When asked if they wanted to go back to the defendant’s house, the girls said they preferred

to remain at shelter but pleaded with the court to help them get back to school.

“I want the court to put me back to school”, they said.

Justice Jose however told the prosecuting counsel to ensure that the girls are back in school as they are still very young, and that after their secondary education, they can then decide to either continue with education or learn a trade.

The matter was however adjourned till 24th and 25th October for continuation of trial.

Umaru Shinkafi dies after prolonged illness ÎÎÎA former presidential

aspirant, Umaru Shinkafi, has died in London on Wednesday after a prolonged illness.

The former minister of internal affairs died at Harefield Hospital, Middlesex, UK, around 4pm after battling multiple diseases that affected his internal organs.

He was initially treated in Lagos but was flown abroad six months ago when his health did not improve.

The Marafan Sokoto was the vice-presidential candidate of Olu Falae in the APP/AD alliance in 1999, ADDITION OF FIRST NAME

although they lost to the Olusegun Obasanjo/Atiku Abubakar PDP ticket.

He was also the directorgeneral of the secret police, the Nigeria Security Organisation (NSO), the forerunner of the Department of State Services (DSS), from 1979 to 1983.

He was running neckand-neck with Adamu Ciroma in the race for the presidential ticket of the National Republican Convention (NRC) in 1992 before the military government cancelled the primary.

He will be buried on Friday.

CONFIRMATION OF NAMES.

Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

academic staff at Obafemi Awolowo University have asked the Federal Government to appoint an acting Vice- Chancellor for the university pending court resolution on new VC’s appointment process.

The staff spoke at a press conference held at Osogbo, capital of Osun State on Monday.

They opined that the school properties instructed to be in care of the Registrar cannot be managed without an acting VC. As a means to express their displeasure, OAU branches of Non-Academic Staff Union of Universities and Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities have ealier approached a Federal High Court in Osun faulting the appointment process of Prof. Ayobami Salami as the new VC od OAU. Subsequently, the Federal Government had last Thursday dissolved the Governing Councils of the University of Port Harcourt and OAU, Ile-Ife respectively following continuous protest by workers of the OAU.

The dissolution noticed, which was signed by the Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, ordered that the Governing Councils of the two universities be dissolved with immediate effect.

The notice read in part, “The process of appointing a substantive VC in OAU be suspended pending the determination of the subsiting court case.

“The Chairman and members of these two governing council shall hand over any property belonging to the University to the registrars of the respective institutions.”

After the dissolution notice, workers and students of the University rejoiced and commended the Federal Government.

Backing the dissolution of the Governing Council, the concerned academic staff explained that it was a justification that the VC’s appointment was questionable.

One of them, Peter Adegbola called for a fair and independent investigation should commence on the appointment process.

This, he said, would allow for an end-result that would be acceptable to all stakeholders in the university community.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

That I am the same person bearing kuye opeyemi samson and kuye opeyemi seun all Former documents remain valid general public should take note

That I am the same person bearing abraham ,segbuyota degema , ohwoyovbe segbuyota , abraham segbuyota and ohwoyovbe segbuyota degema all Former documents remain valid general public should take note

USENI KAZEEM

JACOB MORUFU ADEBAYO

I Formerly known and addressed as HUSSAINI ALKASIM .a. now wish to be known and addressed as USENI KAZEEM all Former documents remain valid general public should take note

I formerly known and addressed as jacob morufu and JACOB ADEBAYO now wish to be known and addresses as JACOB MORUFU ADEBAYO all Former document remain valid general public should take note.

That my name was wrongly writing as siloi vina that my correct name is sildi vina all Former documents remain valid general public should take note,

That my name was wrongly writing as abubakar riduwan and habu mallum my correct name is abubakar ridwan all Former documents remain valid general public should take note

EYAKENO UDOMA

ETIM GODWIN EFFIONG

EJIM NNENNA RITA

OLONILUA FUNMILAYO GRACE

I, formerly known and addressed as, ETIM EYAKENO SUNDAY, now wish to be known and addressed as, EYAKENO UDOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I Formerly known and addressed as PETER NYONG OKON now wish to be known and addressed as ETIM GODWIN EFFIONG all Former documents remain valid general public should take note

LOSS OF ORIGINAL TITLE DOCUMENTS

I Formerly known and addresses as ANEKE NNENNA RITA now wish to be known and addressed as EJIM NNENNA RITA all Former documents remain valid general public should take note.

I Formerly known and addressed as CHIEKE FUNMILAYO GRACE now wish to be known and addresses as OLONILUA FUNMILAYO GRACE all Former documents remain valid general public should take note.

OF 24 BERKLEY STREET, LAGOS ISLAND, LAGOS BELONGING TO THE NATHANIEL CHRISTOPHER COKER FAMILY.

MRS AKANNI AMINAT OYIZA

LAWRENCE ANTHONY NDUBUSI

MRS CHINYERE HAPPINESS NWALI

MRS. ONAH EUGINIA OLUCHI

I formerly known and addressed as MISS SALAMI AMINAT OYIZA now wish to be addressed as MRS AKANNI AMINAT OYIZA all Former documents remain valid general public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ADUCHIEM ANTHONY NDUBUISI now wish to be known and addressed as LAWRENCE ANTHONY NDUBUSI all Former document remain valid general public should take note.

I Formerly known and addressed as awode olusola I want to add another name sulaiman now wish to be known and addressed as awode sulaiman olusola all Former documents remain valid general public should take note

I Formerly known and addressed as CHIYERE CONSTANCE NJOKU now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHINYERE HAPPINESS NWALI all Former documents remain valid general public should take note.

That this is to confirm that my name is CHIEF KARIBI MORGAN TOM IKIRIKO MACDONALD AND KARIBI MORGAN TOM IKIRIKO REFERS TO ONE AND SAME PERSON.All documents bearing these names remain valid.general public should please take note

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Omeje Euginia Oluchi wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Onah Euginia Oluchi. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

This is to notify the general public, all Banking institutions, Business and Financial institutions and Any Concerned Body about the loss of the Original Title Documents of 24 Berkley street, Lagos Island, Lagos which was lost on the 5th October 2015 and a report was made at the Nigerian Police station at TBS on 27th May 2O16.

The Title document cited belongs to the family of Nathaniel Christopher Coker and is registered at the Lagos State Land Registry dated 11th of November 1892 and registered at No 3 on page 7 in Volume 21 of the Register of Deed.

Please beware of any person issuing you with the original as it has been declared lost and /or stolen.

Whoever is in possession of the Original Title Document should note that, the Original title document has been declared null and void by the Family.

Signed: Dapo Coker, Oluwatoyin Coker, Omololu Coker For themselves and on behalf of the Family.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

23 News

EID-EL-FITR SPECIAL

Eid el-Fitr: Sultan urges Nigerians to embrace farming ÎÎÎThe

Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Sa’ad Abubakar III, on Wednesday, advised Nigerians to embrace farming to produce adequate food for local consumption and export.

He gave the advice in Sokoto, while delivering his Eid el-Fitr message to the Muslim Ummah to mark the end of the holy month of Ramadan.

He said: “Nigerians are really facing difficult times, occasioned by the global finan-

cial crunch, due to the falling price of oil.

“But happily, God, in His infinite mercy, has endowed Nigeria with vast fertile land, with each region having its own peculiar comparative advantage.

“We should, therefore, collectively go back to the farms, and engage in both rain-fed and dry season farming.

“With this, we can produce adequate food to be locally self-

sufficient and even export the surplus”.

Abubakar, who said Nigeria had no business importing food, appealed to Nigerians to be patient and to continue to pray fervently for the country’s unity and progress.

The Sultan also appealed to Muslims to sustain the virtues of Ramadan, namely: patience, piety, and assisting the needy.

He condemned the recent

blast in the Holy Mosque of Prophet Muhammad (SAW) in Medinah.

“Islam is a religion of peace and it preaches peace and unity. Violence breeds only breeds violence and underdevelopment.

“It is only the bad eggs among the Muslims, who are perpetrating such heinous acts, and the Muslims are not fundamentalists”.

The Sultan praised the state

governor, Aminu Tambuwal, for spending more than N250 million on the Ramadan Feeding Programme.

He also lauded him for his efforts at revamping the state’s education sector.

Abubakar called on parents to enroll their children in school to enable them to acquire both Western and religious education.

“Education is the only key to success and no nation can

Ajimobi, others preach peace, tolerance ÎÎÎGovernor Abiola Ajimo-

bi of Oyo State, on Wednesday, urged residents of the state to imbibe the culture of accommodation, truthfulness, tolerance and peaceful co-existence.

The governor, who spoke on the occasion of activities marking the end of the Ramadan, also urged Muslims to live by the virtues of the month-long fasting season.

Ajimobi further pleaded with labour unions, artisans, teachers, students and miscreants to promote peace in the state through dialogue.

“Our people should eschew the habit of rumourmongering and violence. We should always seek information and embrace dialogue at all times,” he said.

He said that democracy was about dialogue, adding that his administration was open to dialogue with the labour unions to move the state forward.

Governor of Ebonyi State, David Umahi; his wife, Rachel and United Nations Population Agency Country Representative, Ratidzai Ndhlovu at the kick-off of the campaign against Female Genital Mutilation by the Family Succour and Upliftment Foundation in Abakaliki… on Tuesday.

Emir of Ilorin enjoins Muslims to exemplify prophet Muhammed Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

ÎÎÎThe Emir of Ilorin and

Gov. Ajimobi

Chairman, Kwara State Traditional Council, Alhaji Ibrahim Sulu-Gambari, has enjoined Muslims to continue to exemplify the worthy life of Prophet Muhammad and extend such to adherents of the different religions.

He stated this on Wednesday today in his Sallah message delivered

at the Ilorin Central Yidi praying ground shortly after prayers.

He also admonished religious leaders to discharge their obligations in line with the dictates of Allah and his Prophet, in order to inject the message of unity, peace and harmony into society.

While felicitating with the entire Muslim Ummah for the successful completion of the spiritual exercise passed during the outcome month of Rama-

dan, Alhaji Sulu-Gambari urged residents to continue to live in peace and always shun violence even as he warned miscreants to have re-think for the sake of the Spirit brotherhood binding everyone together.

In his sermon, the Chief Imam of Ilorin, Alhaji Muhammad Bashir Soliu, implored Muslims to remember to complete the Ramadan fasting and the discharge of responsibility of giving out Zakatul Fitri to the down-trodden.

Aregbesola calls for tolerance, understanding to move Nigeria forward ÎÎÎOsun

State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola, on Wednesday called for tolerance and understanding by Nigerians to move the country forward.

He made the call after the

Eid-El-Fitri prayers at OkeBaale in Osogbo.

“We thank Almighty Allah for permitting us to survive the fasting.

“We want to tell our people that if we can endure the 30

days Ramadan, we can endure anything.

“Let us use the experience of the Ramadan to re-fashion our lives, be tolerant, persevering and live a life that will add value to our community, state

and nation.

“Nigeria needs peace for development and Nigerians must strive for peace as we learn to tolerate and understand one another for harmonious relationships.

fully develop without according it the priority attention it deserves,” he said.

In Zaria, Kaduna State, the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris, described religious tolerance as a critical element necessary for national integration.

Idris, who is also the Chairman, Kaduna State Council of Emirs and Chiefs, expressed the thought after the Eid elFitr prayers held at his palace in Zaria.

He said: “No nation has ever witnessed development in an atmosphere of rancour, disunity, and war. ``We, therefore, call on our subjects in particular, and Nigerians in general, to shun all forms of rumour peddling as it will certainly breach the prevailing peace”.

Idris appealed to Nigerians to pray fervently for Nigeria’s leaders to enable them to lead the people with the fear of God

Abubakar III

Islamic society calls for support for Buhari, Ugwuanyi Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÎÎÎThe

Nigeria Supreme Council of Islamic Affairs has called for support for President Muhammadu Buhari and Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State in their plans to move the country forward.

The Vice-President of the society, Shriek Adam Idoko, stated this in a message marking the Eid-el Fitri celebration at the University of Nigeria, Nsukka Central Mosque, on Wednesday, adding that all leaders were approved by God. “We should support and encourage them at all times in their programmes, in order to move the country forward. We should also be submissive to them because it’s God that put them there.

“Every leadership comes from God and the Holy Koran says, we should obey those in authority”, he said.

He described as unfair the rate at which Nigerians condemn government policies and programmes.

“We should try to encourage our leaders and support their programmes in order to move the country forward.

“Leaders in their own part should be compassionate by treating their subjects fairly as well as not diverting money meant for development of the country into their personal pockets.

Buhari

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

Jungle justice, lack of trust in law enforcement agencies- NOIPolls ÏÏÏA

poll conducted by NOIPolls which sought the views of Nigerians on Jungle Justice/mob attack revealed that majority of Nigerians (51 percent) attributed the prevalence of jungle justice in the country to “lack of trust in the law enforcement agencies”.

This was identified as the primary factor, with about 44 percent to 61 percent of respondents across all geopolitical zones citing citizens’ distrust of law enforcement institutions and its officials as the number one factor responsible for the prevalence

of jungle justice/mob attacks.

This was followed by 43 percent who blamed its prevalence on “illiteracy/lack of awareness of laws”.

In addition, the majority of Nigerians (94 percent) affirmed that there was a high prevalence of jungle justice/mob attack in Nigeria, describing it as “a wicked and barbaric act” (60 percent). More findings revealed that almost half (an alarming 43 percent) of the Nigerian population confirmed to have personally witnessed acts of jungle justice/mob attacks in their localities, while only 16

percent claimed to have had prior knowledge of a member of their community who fell victim to jungle justice/mob attack.

Respondents to the poll were asked six specific questions.

The first question sought the opinion of Nigerians regarding the occurrence of jungle justice or mob attacks. Respondents were asked: In your opinion, to what extent are acts of jungle justice or mob attacks prevalent in Nigeria?

The overall majority (94 percent: 65 percent +29 percent) reported that acts of jungle justice or mob attack was

Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Hon. Mudashiru Obasa (right), and other Muslim faithful led by Alhaji Ali Sheriff during the Eid-el-Fitir prayer at Agege, Lagos…on Wednesday. Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

Dabiri-Erewa condemns killing of Nigerian teenager in London Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Hon. Abike Dabiri-Erewa has condemned the gruesome stabbing to death of another Nigerian teenager, Fola Orebiyi, in London.

Dabiri-Erewa, in a statement on Wednesday in Abuja by her Special Assistant on Media, Abdur-Rahman Balogun, said the killing of 17-year -old Fola Orebiyi was unacceptable to the government and people of Nigeria.

The presidential aide said the killing of Orebiyi and other extra judicial killing of Nigeria citizens in UK was becoming worrisome.

She, therefore, called for full

investigation of the incident and urged the UK government to make sure that justice prevails.

While condoling the family of the deceased boy on the ugly incident, Dabiri-Erewa prayed unto God to give the bereaved family the fortitude to bear the painful loss.

She said that while Nigeria will not condone crime and criminal tendencies, it takes exception to the harassment, killing and execution of her nationals abroad unjustifiably.

Dabiri-Erewa urged Nigerians to support President Muhammadu Buhari administration in making Nigeria a better place, urging them to support the administration war against corruption.

A Nigerian student, Fola

Orebiyi, was reportedly stabbed to death in a street clash on Sunday July 3, in Notting Hill, London, by a gang of youths.

He was reportedly involved in a fight on a nearby estate with a gang of youths, who chased him into the busy road where he was stabbed in the neck in front of shocked passersby and tourists.

Dabiri-Erewa

prevalent in Nigeria, while only 6% of the respondents indicated that it is “not prevalent at all”.

Analysis according to geopolitical zones revealed that all respondents from the NorthEast zone (100 percent) were of the opinion that acts of jungle justice/mob attacks were prevalent in the country.

This was followed by the South-West zone with 94 percent while the North-West and the South-South zones recorded 93% each.

In addition, the South-East zone had the highest (10 percent) proportion of respondents that said that it is “not prevalent at all.

Subsequently, in order to ascertain the disposition of Nigerians towards acts of jungle justice, respondents were asked: In your own words, how would you describe the acts of jungle justice or mob attack?

Findings revealed varied responses.

However, the majority (60 percent) described jungle justice or mob attacks as “a wicked and barbaric act”, while 19 percent described it as “people taking the law into their hands”.

Furthermore, 5 percent said it is a “wrong act of punishment” and another 5 percent said “it is unjust and unlawful”. Also, 4 percent said it is dehumanizing.

On the contrary, a meager 4 percent had the view that “it is good sometimes in order to deter others” from criminal acts.

‘Extension of Eid-el-Fitr loss of revenue, man power’ Chijioke Kingsley, Jos

ÏÏÏA

legal practitioner, Barister Lawrence Anyia has said that the extension of Eidel-Fitr holiday to Thursday proclaimed by the Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Dambazau (retd), will cost the country loss of huge revenue and man-power.

Anyia stated this in a telephone conversation with our correspondent, saying that it will increase hardship, owing to the current economic effects.

He said the increase in hardship is occasioned because the extension was not planned for.

Also the private business owners who spoke to Daily Times said that the extension was an economic blow since the turnout is expected to be low and financial transactions would be frustrated owing to the closure of the banking services within the period.

However, another legal practitioner who does not want his name in print said that the extension was a clear recognition of the Islamic religion and practices by the Federal Government led by the APC and President Muhammadu Buhari.

He argued that the holidays in the country are already documented in the country’s administrative calendar, so, “an alteration must take a process not the autocratic way the extension was simply proclaimed by the FG.

JAMB lacks power to set guidelines for varsity admission-ASUU Remi Oladoye Ibadan

ÏÏÏ

The Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) has lashed out at the Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB) for acting beyond its powers by releasing admission guidelines for Nigerian Universities.

The Union stated that it is the mandate of the Senate of Nigerian universities through the autonomy to regulate admission modalities and determine what best suits the vision of each institution.

ASUU Chairman, University of Ibadan, Dr. Deji Omole stated this while reacting to the 2016 admission guidelines recently released by JAMB. He noted that both the Minister

and JAMB Registrar seemed confused and inconsistent by first going against collection of administrative charges under Post-UTME by universities, but now preaching payment of screening fees in “its illegal guidelines which is designed to favour the children of the rich against the poor.”

JAMB Registrar, Professor Dibu Ojerinde and Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, according to Omole, seemed unaware about happenings in Nigeria universities, saying that the newly released point - based scoring system is not new as it was innovated and used at the University of Ibadan for five years and abandoned, adding that University of Ibadan has moved beyond such model of admitting students.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

US govt investigates Alton Sterling shooting ÏÏÏThe

US Department of Justice has launched a civil rights investigation into a police shooting of a black man in Louisiana.

Video footage appeared to show two white police officers holding down and fatally shooting Alton Sterling, 37, in Baton Rouge.

Louisiana Governor John Bel Edwards said the US attorney’s office, the FBI and state police will also be involved.

“The video is disturbing to say the least,” he said.

Baton Rouge Police Chief Carl Dabadie Jr. said Mr. Sterling was armed at the time of the confrontation, but questions still remain about the circumstances surrounding his death.

“Like you, there is a lot that we do not understand. And at this point, like you, I am demanding answers,” the chief said.

The shooting on Tuesday

Alton Sterling

sparked protests from about 200 people who gathered at the scene where Mr. Sterling was shot, blocking roads and chanting: “Black lives matter”.

The governor called for unity and urged protesters to remain calm as authorities conduct an investigation into the shooting.

“I have full confidence that this matter will be investigated thoroughly, impartially and professionally, and I will demand that’s the way it’s conducted.”

Governor Bel Edwards said Blane Salamoni, a four-year veteran on the force, and Howie Lake II, a three-year veteran, were placed on administrative leave over the death, officials said.

The incident comes amid mounting tension in the US over the deaths of black men at the hands of police.

There are more than 1,000 deadly shootings by police in the US each year, and disproportionate numbers of those killed are black Americans.

Police spokesman Cpl L’Jean McKneely said the officers had been called in after reports that a man selling CDs outside a convenience store had threatened someone with a gun.

Zimbabweans protest against economic hardship ÏÏÏ

Zimbabweans stayed at home on Wednesday while foreign banks and most businesses in the capital shut down operations, in one of the biggest and peaceful stay-away actions in nearly a decade.

The national stay-away day, fronted by social media movement, followed violent clashes between taxi drivers and police on Monday that led to the arrest of 95 people. It also coincides with a strike by doctors, teachers and nurses over delayed salaries.

The southern African nation has been gripped by a devastating drought, adding to the problems of high unemployment and an acute shortage of cash that has angered its citizens.

The protest started in April by 39-year-old Zimbabwean pastor Evan Mawarire to protest against the government “for allowing corruption, injustice and poverty.”

The campaign has attracted thousands of followers, who have been speaking out against government excesses. Tuesday’s stay-away was organised via

Twitter, Facebook and WhatsApp. “We have got to a point now where everyone is saying enough is enough. The response has been outstanding...this is what we all needed, something that we can all do together,” Mawarire told journalists when asked about the success of the stay-away.

State telecoms regulator POTRAZ said in a statement it would arrest people sending “subversive” messages that cause unrest.

In the volatile township of Mufakose, to the west of Harare, hundreds of youths barricaded roads to stop people from going to work, Reuters witnesses said.

The police arrested a dozen people.

Local units of Barclays and Standard Chartered shut their branches in central Harare while clothing retailers Edgars Stores and Truworths also closed stores.

Siyaso, one of the biggest and oldest informal markets in Mbare township near central Harare was also shut down and there were few vehicles on Harare’s roads.

Government departments were open while supermarkets like Pick’n’Pay, Ok Zimbabwe and Choppies reported low business.

“As you can see there are very few customers here. It is not usual for a Wednesday to have these small volumes,” a supervisor at an OK Zimbabwe store in the central business district said.

Local private media said Zimbabweans in other major cities had also stayed at home, with most businesses closed. Zimbabwe last witnessed a stay-away in April 2007.

Mugabe

25 Foreign

Kenyans burn down police ‘detention cell’ ÏÏÏAbout

a hundred angry protesters have torched down a police container on Wednesday in the south of the Kenyan capital Nairobi believed to be where the killed human rights lawyer and two others were kept before they were murdered.

The container situated at the police camp where the four police officers suspected of being involved in the killing work was burned down by mostly motorcycle taxi drivers despite its cordoning off as a crime scene.

One of the protesters, Andrew Musyoki, told Agence France Presse (AFP) that they burned the container to “serve as a memorial for the murdered people”.

There is no reason for the people to destroy a police station. In fact, they are trying to destroy evidence. We will treat them as criminals.

Local Kenyan media report that the police looked on while the angry protesters burned down the crime scene.

The police commissioner for the area condemned the action of the protesters saying those involved would be arrested.

“There is no reason for the people to destroy a police station.

In fact, they are trying to destroy evidence. We will treat them as criminals,” Geoffrey Omoding, the deputy police commissioner of the Athi River county said.

Chadian magistrates down tools over wages, security ÏÏÏChadian

magistrates have embarked on a two-week strike to demand the payment of their bonuses and better safety conditions.

The Union of Chadian Magistrates (SMT) said that the government had failed to honour its promise to pay their 2015 annual performance bonus of about $330, 000.

“We are on strike for two weeks, that is to say until 15 July.

Our claims relate to particular financial and security issues,” said Djonga Arafi, union president.

The union also said that in March an army officer assaulted a magistrate in Baga Sola (in western Chad) for reasons unknown.

“We demanded the arrest of

an army officer who publicly assaulted a magistrate in Baga Sola in March. The officer was arrested and imprisoned in the prison N’Djamena. It is a response to one of our concerns, but we will have a general meeting to evaluate (the satisfaction of other claims) on July 15,” said Arafi.

SMT has over the years called on the government to take action against the increasing lack of security.

Public servants’ strikes over wage payment delays have increased in the West African country in recent months.

On Tuesday several formed queues at banks in N’Djamena, hoping to receive their June salaries before the start of Eid celebrations scheduled for Wednesday began.

Inquiry flays Britain’s involvement in Iraq War this day.” He referenced the ÏÏÏThe invasion of Iraq 13 to recent suicide bombings in the years ago by an Americanand British-led coalition was “unnecessary” and Iraqi dictator Saddam Hussein represented “no imminent threat” to Britain or the Western powers, according to a long-awaited official report into Britain’s involvement in the Iraq War. The inquiry led by John Chilcot, a former top British civil servant, heaped blame on politicians, intelligence officials, diplomats and generals for their role in the invasion and for the conduct of the years-long military operations by Britain’s forces, mainly in the south of Iraq.

In a scathing appraisal, Chilcot told a packed news conference in London that the planning and conduct of the military intervention was seriously flawed and “went badly wrong, with consequences

Iraqi capital, Baghdad, that left more than 250 people dead.

“We have concluded that the U.K. chose to join the invasion of Iraq before the peaceful options for disarmament had been exhausted,” Chilcot said.

“Military action at that time was not a last resort.”

As the inquiry’s chairman explained the broad aspects of the monumental report, journalists continued to pick through the evidence and findings contained in 13 volumes.

Much of the Chilcot report focused on the legal basis and intelligence justification for the invasion. The report excoriates then-British prime minister Tony Blair, his ministers and the intelligence services, saying their justifications for the invasion were “far from satisfactory.”

26

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

Health

s

Foundation urges govt, Nigerians to prioritise sickle cell issues Lara Adejoro

DR. ANNETTE AKINSETE

The Chief Executive Officer and National Director, Sickle Cell Foundation Nigeria (SCFN), Dr Annette Akinsete has urged the government and Nigerians to prioritise issues bordering on sickle cell disorder.

She said this recently at the cocktail party held at the Wheat

Baker Hotel, Lagos in commemoration of the 2016 World Sickle Cell Day. According to her, Nigeria has the highestnumber of people with sickle cell in the world, yet attention is not given to the disorder. “This is unlike the United States of America where much attention is given to SCD. The few things we know now has

come from America where they don’t have as mush sickle cell as we do. WSCD was established by the US because it was seen as a public health problem and if it’s that, it needs to be addressed in a structured concerted manner.

“People don’t want to take up SCD as a course, even the government. Which is why NGO should be able to fill the gap because the

government can’t do so much. We should prioritise issues bothering on the disorder. Sickle cell is our thing, Nigeria has the highest burder of the disorder in the world and should be prioritised.”

Reeling out the figure, Akinsete said, 150,000 babies are born every year with sickle cell disorder, only a small fraction live

Continued on page 27

Nigeria has highest incident of FGM in the world – Dr. Olaniyi Dr. Morenikeji Olaniyi is in the department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, (LASUTH) Ikeja, Lagos, explains the effects of Female Genital Mutilation (FGM) in this interview with Adeshewa Akanni-Shelle.

What is your own definition of female genital mutilation?

My own definition of FGM is any procedure that involves the excision, or removal of all the external genitalia of a female for non-medical reasons, but basically more for cultural reasons.

What are reasons people do female genital mutilation?

It’s a traditional thing or more of a cultural thing and both Christians and Muslims are involved.

People believe it helps to preserve a woman for marriage, in terms of keeping her as a virgin, prevention of promiscuity, and social activities, they also believe it is part of culture. FGM starts with the removal of the clitoris before they remove other parts of the genitalia. They practice it on a female child only not a male child, just to prevent her from sexual activities, before she gets married, it’s just a way of preserving virginity.

If the clitoris, which is the major sexual organ of a woman is removed. How will the person cope after getting married?

That is the problem they don’t realize. They don’t think about the long term consequences.

Some women who have this issue have problems with their marriage when it comes to having sexual activities with their husbands. Not only that, they have a lot of complications during child delivery, they could have prolonged labour, they have a lot of bleeding, they could end up with caesarean section, because the whole of that place is tight, so it

makes it difficult for the baby to come out, that is why they have issues with sexual relationship with their husband. And the woman feels the trauma, she lives with the post-traumatic distress, especially when it’s done for her at the older age, some go through the pain throughout their lives, some of them don’t get through it psychologically till they die.

Those who do it for the women don’t consider all those problems before they do it for them, all they just think of is that she’s getting married as a virgin.

With what you have said, it is not advisable to do FGM? Even World Health Organisation (WHO) is trying to eliminate it. Nigeria has the highest incident of FGM all over the world. One quarter of the number of women living with FGM all over the world are Nigerians, we have the highest in the world, not just Africa.

It is believed that we have about 130 million women living with FGM, and Nigeria has a quarter of that number. It is commoner in the South-South, followed by the South-East, then the South-West, it is not really common among the Northerners. WHO, and so many organizations like UNICEF, UN are all trying to eliminate FGM by 2030, because the consequences are worse than what they are trying to prevent. Now, we found that women living with FGM are older women, because it is gradually going out, we find it less in younger women, compared to then when there was no campaign against

Continued on page 27

DR. MORENIKEJI OLANIYI

Department of Obstetrics and Gynaecology at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital, (LASUTH)

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

27 Health

HPV vaccine prevents abnormalities tied to cervical cancer Canadian researchers have said the human papillomavirus (HPV) vaccine appears to prevent abnormalities that can lead to cervical cancer, a new study shows.

The study was published online recently 4 in the journal CMAJ. The researchers found that young women who received the vaccine through a school-based programme were less likely to have such abnormalities when screened for cervical cancer than those who did not receive the vaccine. The young women were screened less than 10 years after they received their first HPV vaccine.

The findings are from the province of Alberta. In 2008, Alberta introduced HPV vaccination for grade 5 girls (aged 10-11) and a three-year catch-up program for grade 9 girls (aged 14-15). The programme provided three doses of the vaccine that protects against two strains of HPV. Those two strains of HPV account for 70 percent of all cases of cervical cancer, the researchers said.

The study evaluated Pap test results for more than 10,000 women, taken between 2012 and 2015. During a Pap test, cells are collected from the cervix to check for cervical cancer. The women were between 18 and 21 years old.

Among those women, 56 per cent had not received HPV vaccination. The remaining 44 per cent had received one or more doses of the HPV vaccine through the school programme.

About 84 per cent of those given the vaccine were considered fully vaccinated. That means they had three or more doses of the vaccine, the researchers noted.

More than 16 per cent of unvaccinated women had cervical abnormalities on a Pap test. Among women who had been fully vaccinated, the rate

HPV vaccine can prevent cervical cancer

of cervical abnormalities was 12 percent, the study showed.

“Eight years after a schoolbased HPV vaccination programme was initiated in Alberta, three-dose HPV vaccination has demonstrated early benefits, particularly against high-grade cervical abnormalities, which are more likely to progress to cervical cancer,” study author Dr. Huiming Yang and co-authors wrote. Yang is the medical officer of health, and medical director of screening programs, for Alberta Health Services.

The researchers said they hope these findings and future research leads to improved prevention efforts. They also suggested that HPV vaccination programmes could be integrated with cervical cancer screening programmes.

Expert calls for more research on sickle cell disorders Continued from page 26 to celebrate their 5th birthdays.

100,000 children die yearly from SCD in Nigeria and over 40 million Nigerians are healthy carriers of the sickle cell gene..

“As a mother if your child is a sickle cell patient and the child has fever, don’t wait till the next day, take the child to the hospital,” she urged.

She however called for more research on sickle cell disorders.

“In programme planning, research is always like an after thought in Nigeria but the earlier we make up to this, the better for us.”

Akinsete

‘FGM is violation of human rights’

Continued from page 26

it. FGM is a violation of the fundamental human right of a girl, and it is also an issue of gender inequality. Circumcision is done for a male child just to remove the extra skin on their genitalia, it’s different from a female that her external genitalia is well formed.

We have four types of FGM, the first one is the seamless, but even that pain alone is not compared to what a male goes through during circumcision, because it changes the outer appearance of their genitalia, if you go as far to the

last type, which is the removal of everything, now tell me what the woman will feel like when she is looking at herself, that’s why I said some of them have psychological effects, some have depression, some feel shameful, some even wonder if a man can ever look at them, when they see them like that. So it leaves a lot of bad impact on them.

What kind of medications do you give to victims?

We have different medications we give based on the kind of complications they have, some end

up with severe bleeding during the procedure, some get infected because they use unsterilized blades, some have problems with urinating immediately after because of pains, and subsequently long term, and some of them eventually end up with pain during their menstrual period, pain during sexual intercourse with their husbands, they have problems during child birth, usually prolonged with a lot of tear, because the place is tight, some of them even end up with CS because the baby cannot come out,

and then also psychologically a lot of them end up with psychological problems, so what we are treating is based on what individual comes with. Somebody that has issues with sex with her husband, eventually they may end up with family breakdown, so we need a lot of psychotherapy to give to them, some even their virginal get closed, we have to open it up, and try to create a virginal, so what we do for them is based on the complications of what individual persons comes with.

How can the government in-

tervene?

Our government need to make policies that there should be no FGM and make girl-child eduction compulsory. When there is girl-child education, when the girl becomes a mother, she is informed. Then more importantly, we need health education for our community leaders, and head of families, because it is usually a cultural thing, we need to educate them, and let them know that it is a No to FGM, because they don’t even understand the long term effects on that woman.

W

arri Wolves goalkeeper Dele Ajiboye has revealed that he was stunned not to be listed by the NPFL All-Stars bound for a series of friendlies in Spain next month.

However, former Shooting Stars and Nasarawa United star Ajiboye, who has been outstanding in goal for Warri Wolves this season, wished

Ajiboye stunned by NPFL All-Stars snub

the invited players well.

“I am surprised that I wasn’t on the squad of the NPFL stars for the friendly matches in Spain.

With all my performances and effort in the league this season,

I believe I should be on the list,” the experienced shot stopper said.

“But all the same, I wish the invited players all the best in the game.”

The goalkeepers on the NPFL squad are Emeka Nwabulu (Wikki Tourists), Theophilus Afelokhai (Enyimba), Ikechukwu Ezenwa (FC IfeanyiUbah) and Okiemute Odah (Lobi Stars).

Page 28

Ajiboye

Thursday, JULY 7, 2016

Oscar Pistorius says goodbye to his sister Aimee Pistorius before being taken down to the cells.

S

outh African Olympic athlete Oscar Pistorius has been sentenced to six years in prison for the murder of his girlfriend Reeva Steenkamp in 2013.

He was initially given a five-year term for manslaughter, but was found guilty of murder on appeal last December.

He was taken immediately to jail. Both the prosecution and defence can appeal, but his lawyers’ say they will not.

Pistorius, 29, shot Reeva Steenkamp four times through a locked toilet door in February 2013.

He admitted shooting her, but said he had mistaken Ms Steenkamp for an intruder and acted out of fear.

Judge Thokozile Masipa said mitigating circumstances, such as rehabilitation and remorse, outweighed aggravating factors, such as his failure to fire a warning shot, for deviating from the prescribed 15-year sentence.

Many have expressed shock at Pistorius’s sentence, which is much less than the prescribed minimum for murder. South Africans have taken to social media to express their unhappiness, with some describing the prison term as an insult.

Dressed in a dark suit, Pistorius sat and listened to the hour-long session mostly with his head down.

Pistorius jailed for Steenkamp murder Italian

MurraybeatsTsongaat

Wimbledon,reaches semis A

ndy Murray withstood a dramatic fightback from French 12th seed JoWilfried Tsonga to win in five sets and reach his seventh Wimbledon semi-final.

The Briton, seeded second, let slip a twoset lead before coming through a tense contest 7-6 (12-10) 6-1 3-6 4-6 6-1 on Centre Court.

Murray will play Czech 10th seed Tomas Berdych in the last four on Friday.

Seven-time champion Roger Federer takes on Canadian sixth seed Milos Raonic in the other semi-final.

Third seed Federer came back from two sets down to beat Croatia’s Marin Cilic in the opening match on Centre Court, while Raonic saw off American Sam Querrey - conqueror of Novak Djokovic - in four sets on Court One. Berdych, the 2010 runner-up, beat

France’s Lucas Pouille 7-6 (7-4) 6-3 6-2 to set up a 15th meeting with Murray - the Czech trails 8-6.

Meanwhile, five-time winner, Venus Williams on Wednesday became the oldest Wimbledon semi-finalist for 22 years after defeating Kazakhstan’s Yaroslava Shvedova, winning three sets 5-2, 7-6, 6-3 to qualify to the semi-final.

Venus had joined younger sister Serena in the last four in a comeback victory at the ongoing Wimbledon Tennis Championships. She was forced to recover from 5-2 down in a first set tie break against the world number 96 before roaring back to win.

The 36-year-old, who last made it this far at Wimbledon in 2009, would now play Germany’s Angelique Kerber for a place in the final.

Murray

sports agent held in Kenya for questioning I talian sports agent Federico Rosa is being questioned by Kenyan police over the alleged use of performance-enhancing drugs by athletes his company managed, court documents showed on Wednesday.

Kenya, renowned for its distance runners, has faced frequent allegations of doping, with some 40 cases reported in the past four years.

The International Olympic Committee (IOC) said last month that competitors from Russia and Kenya, given the recent history of doping in both countries, would have to be screened individually before being allowed to participate in the Rio Games next month.

Rosa, who runs Italy-based

Rosa & Associati, “conspired to cause injury by doping, to the reputation and profession of athletes,’’ according to a police request submitted to court to extend Rosa’s detention for questioning.

The affidavit, signed by Police Chief Inspector, Joseph Indeke, and presented to the Nairobi Chief Magistrate’s Court, also accused Rosa of “preventing some of them from their lawful exercise of their profession’’ due to doping.

“The respondent in furtherance of unlawful purpose, resulted in the ban of some athletes from participating in internåational competitions and others even becoming incapacitated,” the affidavit said.

Thursday, July 7, 2016

EXTRATIME

29

Jacquet tips France

to prevail over Germany A

ime Jacquet believes France’s “new generation” will prevail over a Germany side he says are in decline.

The Euro 2016 hosts meet the world champions in the semi-finals today and Jacquet, who led France to 1998 World Cup glory on home soil, is anticipating a tight match.

Jacquet regards the clash in Marseille as a meeting of two great rivals, but feels his compatriots have the edge.

Deschamps

F

rance coach Didier Deschamps has urged his players to make history by ending a 58-year wait to beat Germany and in doing so book their spot in the Euro 2016 final.

Les Bleus face Joachim Low’s side in Marseille today seeking a first win at a major tournament over Germany since the 1958 World Cup in Sweden, when they won 6-3.

The victors will then take on the winners of the other semi-final between Portugal and Wales in Sunday’s final at the Stade de France.

“We can’t change past history, but we’ve got our own page to write,” said Deschamps.

“It’s the players who have to write this page because for the moment

“They are our eternal rivals. They are a fearsome adversary, but not unbeatable.

“They have a generation coming to the end of its cycle and I hope that, with our new generation, we will be able to come through this test.

It will be very difficult.

“I saw Germany against Italy and it was a tight and tactical contest,” said the 74-yearold.

Jacquet had Didier Deschamps in his side

for his crowning glory 18 years ago and spoke of his admiration for the France boss.

“He knows how to handle things,” added Jacquet. “He has all his experience as an exceptional player and a coach at the highest level and a wonderful personal journey with the France team.

“He’s been in this situation as a captain with me and I can assure you he’s controlling everything perfectly behind closed doors.”

Deschamps keen to end German run

it’s blank.

“We’re facing the best team in the world, but the lads have to believe and we want the fans to believe in us too.”

World Cup holders Germany, who have beaten France three times since 1958 in World Cup matches, booked their place in the Euro 2016 last four in a dramatic, 18-kick penalty shootout with Italy after their game finished 1-1 after extra time.

Leonardo Bonucci’s penalty for Italy was the first time Germany goalkeeper Manuel Neuer has conceded a goal during the tournament and Deschamps believes they must work hard to break down Germany if they are to advance.

Meanwhile, France expect midfield

star Paul Pogba to be on top of his game when Les Bleus take on Germany for a Euro 2016 final place, Coach Didier Deschamps said on Wednesday.

Juventus star Pogba started the European Championship finals amid high expectations but has not yet produced the top form counted on.

The 23-year-old did not hit his stride until France’s convincing 5-2 win over Iceland, when he rose to meet Antoine Griezmann’s corner in the 20th minute to double France’s lead.

The hopes of an expectant nation will now rise again ahead of the blockbuster clash against world champions Germany in Marseille today.

Nawalka

Poland boss, Nawalka handed

new deal

Barthez critical of Hart’s style F

Jacquet

ormer Manchester United goalkeeper Fabien Barthez believes England stopper Joe Hart needs to work on flaws in his game.

But the World Cup winner reckons that Hart’s are indicative of a deeper problem with English ‘keepers.

The 29-year-old made two major mistakes at Euro 2016, allowing a Gareth Bale free-kick from 35 yards to slip over the line and then conceded a soft effort from Kolbeinn Sigthorsson in Iceland’s 2-1 victory over England in the second round of the competition.

Hart’s errors have put the keeper’s starting position for both Manchester City and England in doubt, and Barthez believes he is some way behind the likes of Belgium’s Thibaut Courtois, Hugo Lloris of France and Germany ‘keeper Manuel Neuer.

“His diving technique isn’t good. It’s too horizontal and not aggressive enough,” Barthez said.

“He isn’t flexible and doesn’t come out.

When he runs, it’s just ‘thud, thud, thud.’

“He messes up because he doesn’t attack the ball’s path, meaning his hands are then pushed back by the impact with the ball. Hart is two levels below Neuer, Courtois and Lloris.

“It’s heavy. I don’t understand the English culture around the position. They need huge guys, but they’re just walls that don’t come out.

A

Hart

dam Nawalka has signed a new contract to keep him in charge of Poland until the end of their World Cup 2018 campaign.

Nawalka guided Poland to the quarter-finals of Euro 2016, earning seven points in the group stage before defeating Switzerland on penalties in the first knockout round.

Poland, captained by Robert Lewandowski, then lost out in heart-breaking fashion in another shootout against Portugal in the last eight.

The new deal ties Nawalka down until the end of World Cup 2018 qualification and will be automatically extended to cover the tournament itself should his side make it to Russia.

The 58-year-old took charge of Poland in October 2013 and will now attempt to negotiate a World Cup qualifying group that also contains Romania, Denmark, Montenegro, Armenia and Kazakhstan.

30

Thursday, July 7, 2016

EXTRATIME

TRANSFERS…TRANSFERS…TRANSFERS… TRANSFERS…TRANSFERS…TRANSFERS…

Kroos rejects talk of Bayern return

Sampdoria keen to sign Balotelli Balotelli

S

ampdoria are keen to bring “confused” Liverpool striker Mario Balotelli to the club to revive his career.

Balotelli struggled on loan at AC Milan last season, scoring just three goals in 23 appearances in all

competitions.

The 25-year-old is back at Liverpool for pre-season, but the Premier League side are reportedly willing to listen to offers.

Sampdoria president Massimo Ferrero would be open to signing Balotelli, who

impressed in the Serie A earlier in his career.

“Balotelli is Balotelli’s worst enemy,” he told reporters.

“Like Antonio Cassano is Cassano’s worst enemy. He’s a great player whose been stuck back in the 1960s.

“He could relaunch his career

at a passionate club like ours, but he’s still a bit confused. I’ve tried to tell him to come to Samp because he’s a great talent.”

Since leaving Milan in mid2014, Balotelli has struggled, unable to have an impact at Liverpool before his poor loan stint.

United confirm

Mkhitaryan swoop M

anchester United have signed forward Henrikh Mkhitaryan from Borussia Dortmund on a four-year deal with the option of an additional 12 months.

The Bundesliga club

announced on Saturday that the Armenia international had completed his move to Old Trafford, with reports suggesting the Red Devils have paid £26.3million for his services.

And United confirmed

the addition of Mkhitaryan on Wednesday to continue the makeover of the squad under new manager Jose Mourinho.

Mkhitaryan said in a United statement: “I am very proud to join Manchester

United, this move is a dream come true for me.

“I am excited to play for a club with such an illustrious history and hope to be part of it for a long time. I thank the trust the club and Jose Mourinho have put in me.

Morata

lvaro Morata has left Juventus and returned to Real Madrid, the Italian club has confirmed.

It was reported back in April that Madrid would trigger a backback clause inserted into the Spain striker’s contract when he signed for Juve from Real in 2014.

Morata, who was a graduate of Real’s youth academy, joined Juve for £16m and scored 25 goals for the

Serie A champions, and it has cost Real just £24m to bring him back to the Bernabeu.

However, it is not known yet whether Real’s intention is to sell Morata on again to another club, with the forward reportedly of interest to top clubs across Europe, including Arsenal.

Juventus confirmed in a statement: “We can today confirm that Alvaro

Swansea secureVan der Hoorn

Mike van der Hoorn has completed his move to Swansea City from Ajax, the Premier League club have confirmed. The 23-year-old defender joins for an undisclosed fee, after agreeing terms on a three-year contract. Van der Hoorn is the second Dutch arrival at the Liberty Stadium in as many days after Leroy Fer signed - making his move from QPR permanent following a loan spell at the end of last season.

Juve chase Cuadrado, Matic Juventus and Chelsea are in talks over the potential transfer of Juan Cuadrado back to Juventus Stadium, according to reports. The 28-year-old forward spent last season on loan at Juve, having failed to make an impact since his £26m move from Fiorentina in February 2015. Cuadrado wants to stay at Juventus and the club want to buy him, and it is understood they have offered £1.7m for another year-long loan deal.

Mkhitaryan

Morata returns to Real Madrid A

Toni Kroos has rejected talk of a return to Bayern Munich but is not willing to dismiss the possibility of leaving Real Madrid. Kroos’ future in the Spanish capital has been the subject of speculation in recent weeks after his starring role for Germany at Euro 2016. A switch back to Bayern to link up with his former Madrid coach Carlo Ancelotti had been touted, but the midfielder is adamant a return to the Bundesliga is unlikely.

Morata will return to Real Madrid after two seasons in Turin following the Spanish outfit’s decision to activate the forward’s buy-back clause.

“All associated with Juventus would like to wish Alvaro the very best of luck wherever his future may take him and thank him for two truly excellent years of service to the team.”

West Brom complete Phillips signing West Brom have announced the signing of forward Matt Phillips from QPR for an undisclosed fee. The 25-year-old has agreed a four-year contract with Tony Pulis’ side after an offer reported to be worth £5.5million was accepted by the Championship outfit.

Phillips, who joined QPR in 2013, scored eight times in the Championship last season.

Thursday, July 7, 2016

EXTRATIME

31

SPECIAL FEATURE Caleb Akinboro and Victor Thompson

I

t is quite amazing seeing Nigerian teenagers achieving a lot with their God-given talents in sports. This is evident to the great feat achieved by an 18-year-old Ruth Usoro, who is believed to be following the footsteps of Africa’s fastest woman, Blessing Okagbare, in both track and field events.

Usoro recently emerged with a gold medal in the long jump event as she represented Nigeria at the 2016, U-23 All Economic Community of West African (ECOWAS) Games in Gambia.

Speaking to Extra Time, Usoro, a 2015 secondary school leaver of National College Gbagada, Lagos State, narrated her career rise in athletics. ”Sincerely, I didn’t expect to participate or even win at the ECOWAS Games. When they broke the news to me that I made the team I was excited because it was my first time of representing my country.

“I recall that I was actually meant to represent the country in other competitions in Africa earlier, but I was denied of it and didn’t go. My name was actually in the list, but I was replaced by someone. So I was excited and when I heard they were removing some names again and I became so scared because I was eager to represent my country and felt I could do well, but God made it happen,” she enthused.

According to the head coach of Esteem Athletics Club, Coach Uruemu Adu, he described Usoro as a very good athlete that has a great future before her.

“Usoro Ruth is an elegant athlete, an allrounder, a sprinter and a jumper and I’ve been training her for nine years now. I was excited and happy when she was selected for the U-23 ECOWAS Games because we’ve longed expected it and that was supposed to be her first international outing.

“Although, we are hoping that by now, she should have gone for more competitions, but I think the ECOWAS Games was good for her.

“So far so good, Usoro has the best of the coaches, but I think for now we are looking for more support. You will be surprised she’s jumping with an oversize spikes shoe and it doesn’t tell well on her. However, I think what she needs now is support,” said Coach Adu. Similarly, her field event coach, Coach Oluyomi Oladimeji Sule, who specializes in training long jumpers stated that Usoro is a unique and intelligent athlete who is a blessing to Nigeria.

“Ruth is a very unique athlete; I will tell you she has good attributes some athletes don’t really have. She’s a special girl, blessed by God with talents and she’s using it the right way.

“It’s been a long time that I’ve seen a girl who is level-headed, talented and very intelligent; you tell her to do one thing and she does it with all her heart and mind.

“Coach Adu brought Usoro from the scratch, then she was on general training until 2014 and I mentor her on the technical part of her field events which is long jump.

Her trainings generally and preparations for major competitions are being done by Coach Adu. “When it’s time for training techniques, she comes to me and we’ve been doing that for two years now; everything has been working well.

“Usoro has been due for the selection to

Usoro: My life, my athletics! represent Nigeria for the World Youth Championship, but there was an error of omission. She was supposed to represent Nigeria before now, but she was too young,” he confessed.

Usoro, a native of Akwa-Ibom was born on October 8, 1997, and started her athletics career at the age of nine and I’ve been on the track for nine unbroken years which is from 2009 till date.

She speaks further on her career rise: “It all started when we were watching an Olympic Games event at home in the sitting room and I loved the way the athletes ran; the way they held their flags and running round the track and everything and I really loved the excitement I saw on their faces!

“So I decided to go into it and told my dad I will love to represent my country, Nigeria. At first, he thought I was joking and said do I think athletics is rice and beans? That was the word he used! But I kept on recalling my dad’s words and with time he knew I was very serious about it.

“My dad later took me to the National Stadium, Lagos and I met the stadium manager, but he said no other coach could handle me there that I should come the next day. I went there the next day and I met Coach Adu who I have been with for nine good years,” she said.

Looking at her records, Usoro has hit a personal best of 12.10s and 24.9s in the 100m and 200m respectively. She also has leaped a 6.11m in the long jump; and of course in the recent ECOWAS Games, she leaped to victory with a 5.77m, while her lowest in the long jump was a 5.6m at the Sapele Golden League.

Usoro revealed her lovely experience with

“My role model in athletics is Blessing Okagbare, though I will love to be better than her and for my long jump is Ese Brume whom I want to be better than also.”

Usoro

doing

some

Usoro

her other team mates at Gambia during the ECOWAS Games, but didn’t like the fact that they arrived few hours to the competition.

“True, it was my first trip outside the country. I felt great, I felt that I’ve changed environment even though it’s still in Africa. The most exciting part is the people I got to meet at the national camp; most of our world junior hopefuls like Aniekeme Alphonsus, Mercy Ntiagbong, Dama Adudu, so many of them were good to me,” she said.

Howbeit, no matter how great someone is, there will always be challenges whatsoever. Usoro said that she has had challenges with her coach, friends who always look down on her and believe she can’t do a certain thing because of her stature and affirmed that she has learnt never to think of her challenges.

“I tend to be challenged when I’m not

things right on track, and my coach tasks me to work on my weakness to improve,” she said.

“I believe I will achieve more by God’s grace because I was the best athlete in Ibile Games where I won the gold in 100m, 200m and long jump and that was after George Magdalene (previous winner) finished school.

“Also, in 2014 SouthWest DAWN GAMES, I was the most outstanding female athlete and I won a trophy.

“I was also given an award by Teen’s Favorite Magazine where I was awarded as the best sport personality and I feel these are great achievements”.

Usoro further told Extra Time that her family, coaches and team mates has been her motivation since she started her athletics career and looks on to her senior athletes in the track and field events to courage her to greatness.

“My role model in athletics is Blessing Okagbare, though I will love to be better than her and for my long jump is Ese Brume whom I want to be better than also.

“Internationally for track, there is a lady they say I look like, Allyson Felix, who is the 200 meters world record holder and will love to be better than her. For my long jump, my idol is Bartoleta, she’s also from the US and the world record holder for the event now and I hope to surpass her record someday,” she concluded.

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. email: info@dailytimes.ng Tel: 018447948.

DAILY EDITOR: BIODUN DUROJAIYE

THURSDAY, JULY 7, 2016

VOL. 2. NO.150

Price: N150

Pistorius jailed for Steenkamp murder P 28

News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotline: 08086296714

C

oach of Nigeria Olympic team Samson Siasia has raised alarm over the team’s shoddy preparations for the Rio Olympics, saying “we cannot be going for Gold and we are begging for money.”

The country’s team to the Rio Olympics in August are training in Atlanta, United States of America, ahead of the summer games, but the outspoken Siasia has been far from impressed with his team’s build-up.

“It is not a good image to go to the Olympics while trying to beg for money around, actually begging people for money to take care of the Nigerian Olympic team. How are we going to win gold, if we keep begging for money to take care of our athletes?” lamented Siasia.

“We don’t have money. We are in the (United States of) America now without any money. So, it is a big problem.

“We are without any money in our pocket. There are no funds coming from anywhere. That is not a good thing.

“When you have players who are not motivated and encouraged, but you want them to come and do a miracle. Everybody needs to be encouraged at one time or the other.”

He added: “We just want to appeal to President Muhammadu Buhari to come to the rescue of sports in the country as our father and sports-loving President.

“The sports sector is dying and it is adversely affecting the Olympic teams that have qualified to represent Nigeria at the Rio Olympics Games, not just football, but the other (seven) sports that Nigeria will campaign in in Rio. “The reason is well known which is that the sports ministry needs to be funded adequately. This has adversely affected the Nigeria Football Federation too.

Everybody is borrowing.”

Dream Team VI

Shame!

Dream TeamVI turn beggars in US — Siasia Balague L shocked over Messi’s jail sentence

ionel Messi’s 21-month jail sentence for tax fraud is “a surprise”, says Spanish football expert, Guillem Balague.

Messi and his father, Jorge, have received the same sentence but under Spanish law a prison sentence under two years might be served on probation, meaning they are unlikely to serve any time.

A Barcelona court found both men guilty of three counts of tax fraud. The sentence can be appealed through the Spanish Supreme Court, a statement said.

The court ordered Messi to pay a fine of around £1.7m and his father to pay £1.27m.

But after the general attorney had

indicated that a sentence for Messi’s father alone would be suffice, Balague admitted he was surprised Messi was not absolved.

“It is a bit surprising because the general attorney had asked for the absolution of Messi because they considered his intervention was ‘purely formal’, and that he was just following what his father was telling him to do.

“The general attorney wanted 18 months in prison for his father.

“His father said in front of the judge that he was responsible for all of the tax decisions of his son, and literally Lionel Messi said: ‘I trust my Dad, I don’t know what I sign.’

Messi

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

Africa needs Page B2 infrastructure to tap €200b factoring growth – Seminar Sustained decline results in fiscal, economic challenges – LCCI

Charles Okonji The Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI) has stated that the sustained decline in global oil prices since 2014 has put the nation in a difficult position and consequently led to various fiscal and economic challenges such as the drop in foreign earnings, decline in foreign reserves, financial bailout for many state governments and unstable business environment.

Dr. (Mrs) Nike Akande, President, LCCI disclosed this recently, in Lagos during the Business Clinic organised by the LCCI Petroleum Downstream Group, with the theme: “Nigerian Petroleum Products Pricing and Forex Liberalisation: Implications and Sustainability.”

She said, “As we all know, the sustained decline in global oil prices since 2014 has put the nation in a difficult position and consequently led to various fiscal and economic challenges such as the drop in foreign earnings, decline in foreign reserves, financial bailout for many state governments and unstable business environment.

“Over the years, the nation’s petroleum industry has witnessed several setbacks such as: shutdown of domestic refineries, vandalisation of pipelines and recurring scarcity of products. There have been several discussions about reforms in this sector. The good news is CONTINUED ON PAGE B3

NANTA decries bad govt policies in Nigeria’s Page B3 aviation sector

Thursday, July 7, 2016

Cross River Governor wins West African Tourism Man of the Year Page B5

FG lauds China’s support to digital switch over project Tony Nwakaegho Alhaji Lai Mohammed, minister of Information and Culture, has lauded China’s decision to support Nigeria in its pursuit to actualise the transition from Analogue to Digital broadcasting.

The Minister gave the commendation when Ms. Zhao Yueqin, vice-president of StarTimes

Group of China led a delegation of the company on a courtesy visit to the Minister in his office in Abuja.

He said Nigeria is irrevocably committed to meeting the June 2017 Digital Switch Over deadline in order to protect broadcast signals from interference and also to unlock the creative potentials of Nigerians in technology and content development.

UNION

“The process of digitalization is unstoppable and irreversible; it’s not a matter of choice. If we do not follow the world to digitalise and meet the June 2017 target, it means that our telephones, televisions and radios will not be free from interference. As a matter of fact, planet earth today does not know the extent of the dividends of digitalization and how far it will go.

“Digitalization is going to affect the way we perceive and understand broadcasting. It will act as a catalyst to unleash the creative potentials of our youths. It will also provide the panacea to piracy.

It will create so much possibility that will enable Africa leapfrog and join the next generation of technology,” Alhaji Mohammed CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

L-R: Head of Communication and Media, Union Bank, Omotola Oyebanjo; Principal Consultant, L & D Consulting, Mr. Uche Onyemobi; CEO Fusion Lifestyle Ltd., Dr. Samiah Oyekan-Ahmed, and Transformation Director, Union Bank, Joe Mbuluat at the maiden edition of Union Bank’s innovative leadership and networking series, in Abuja… recently.

TUC gives Oyo governor 15 days to pay workers six months’ salary Joy Ekeke Governor Abiola Ajimobi of Oyo state has been handed a 15-day ultimatum by the State Chapter of the Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), to pay the backlog of six months salaries owed state workers by the government.

Led by Comrade Emelieze Andrew, the union at a press briefing held in Ibadan, also called

on President Muhammadu Buhari to urgently declare a state of emergency on the nation’s economy, as states and federal workers, as well as residents of the state, were suffering beyond expectation.

In case Governor Ajimobi is not able to pay the six months salary which has brought the state to its almost a month of industrial action, the union said that “he should in the alterna-

tive resign from office on the ground of incompetence or face mass action from the TUC and the suffering masses.”

According to Emelieze: “The labour centre has patiently watched the nonchalant attitude of the state government on the issue of salary payment in Oyo State which has made the salary arrears pile up to six months due to government’s unrepentant disposition in this

regard.

“The labour centre is very sad with the financial embarrassment the situation has caused civil servants in the state, coupled with the harsh and unfriendly economic policies of the national government in Nigeria, a situation that has turned high percentage of civil servants in the state to be financially impotent”.

He noted that the union had

employed several diplomatic measures to make the state government responsive to its statutory task of paying salaries, “but that the government had employed deceitful measures of claiming before the general public that it has set up a committee with the labour centres in the state to look at its accounts and propose alternative way of solving the humiliating financial state of toiling state workers.”

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

Brief

FG lauds China’s support to digital switch over project

Study: Small retailers transact $19 trillion in cash annually

CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

said.

He disclosed that his ministry will also borrow a leaf from China, particularly in the area of national re-orientation, having realized that Chinese economic boom and development were underpinned by the discipline of its citizens, their patriotism and dedication.

“This ministry is going to start a campaign very soon to promote national rebirth and value reorientation, because unless we change our ways and we are able to bring back discipline, integrity and values, the change we are talking about will not take place,” the Minister said.

He expressed delight that the strategic partnership between Nigeria and China is waxing stronger in various sectors, adding that the trade volume between the two countries had jumped from $6.9 billion in 2009 to over $14 billion in 2015.

Sustained decline results in fiscal, economic challenges – LCCI CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

that remarkable progress has been made with the recent pricing reforms. The state of the sector has a significant bearing on the economy because we need energy to power this economy. It could also be a major driver of economic diversification efforts.

“I have no doubt that this forum would provide a platform for all stakeholders in the downstream petroleum sector to deliberate on critical issues affecting investments and operators in the oil and gas industry and stimulate ideas for sustainable growth. This has become necessary in the light of recent policy developments and the emerging context for business operations.”

CBN

Director General, Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr. Suleiman Barau (left), and recipient of the CBN cashless CardExpo Africa 2016 award for Heritage Bank, Mr. Mike Onwu, at the Dinner and Awards of the CBN cashless CardExpo Africa 2016 organised by Intermarc and held in, Victoria Island, Lagos…recently.

Africa needs infrastructure to tap €200b factoring growth – Seminar With Africa’s factoring volume expected to reach 200 billion Euros in 2020, the continent must put in place facilitating legal and regulatory infrastructure to enable it take advantage of the many opportunities associated with factoring, Kanayo Awani, Managing Director of the Intra-African Trade Initiative at the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank), told guests at a seminar in Abuja yesterday.

Ms. Awani, Chairperson of the Africa Chapter of the International Factors Group, which recently signed an agreement with Factors Chain International forming a single organization, was speaking during the sensitization seminar organized

by Afreximbank to promote the Model Law on Factoring that was drafted to guide African countries in preparing national factoring laws.

Noting that Africa’s factoring

volumes, which stood at 24 billion Euros in 2012 would grow to 90 billion Euros in 2017 and 200 billion Euros by 2020, Ms. Awani, said that there must be improved regulatory reforms and creation of awareness for the continent to reap the full benefits of that growth.

There must also be an expansion of credit insurance, attraction of international factors into Africa, training, and support from governments, she added.

Because of the very limited knowledge of factoring in Africa, there had been little effort by governments and global factoring groups to promote it, continued Ms. Awani. Moreover, Africa, outside of South Africa and the North of Africa, was seen as presenting unacceptable country risks while members of global factoring groups viewed the African economy as not being globally significance.

She announced that, since 2011, Afreximbank had approved $83 million for factors in Africa and that it was currently assessing factoring lines totaling $90 million.

In addition to provision of lines of credit to factors, Afreximbank had also been engaged in raising awareness about factoring through educational activities and in fostering the creation of facilitative infrastructure across Africa, added Ms. Awani.

A new study from the World Bank Group and the World Economic Forum has given an estimate of the global value of micro, small and medium retailers’ transactions. The total value of these transactions is estimated at $34 trillion, of which $19 trillion is paper-based transactions. Global estimates were extrapolated based on key markets including Colombia ($145 billion), France ($950 billion), Kenya ($63 million), Lithuania ($8 billion), Morocco ($96 billion), Pakistan ($183 billion) and Turkey ($410 billion).

Findings from the study is expected to help companies, governments and nonprofits understand the barriers and incentives for people to pay electronically. Acceptance of electronic payments by micro, small and medium retailers is essential to expanding financial access.

A basic transaction account for payments and deposits is an entry point to the formal financial system and acts as a gateway for people to use other relevant financial services they need to smooth their consumption and manage income shocks. The case for payment services becomes increasingly compelling as individuals gradually move to a cashless economy, where electronic payments are widely accepted for regular and frequent purchases.

According to Gloria Grandolini, Senior Director, Finance & Markets, World Bank Group: “While many foundations and drivers exist for achieving financial access and inclusion, the potential impact of extending the use of digital financial services through a more widespread acceptance of electronic payments among small retailers is substantial.”

World Economic Forum’s Head of Banking and Capital Markets Matthew Blake was of the view that: “Moving away from cash toward electronic payments can have substantial socioeconomic benefits.

Lack of trust in law enforcement agencies cause of jungle justice Recent spate of jungle justice and mob attacks leading to the loss of lives and properties in parts of the country, such as the recent brutalization of a Federal Road Safety Official and the destruction of several government owned transport buses (Bus Rapid Transit - BRT) in Lagos

state have presented a cause for reflection on the issue of jungle justice in Nigeria, its causes, and possible measure which authorities and stakeholders can explore to curb the incidence of mob attacks and unlawful execution of punishment on alleged wrong doers or offenders of crime in the

country.

A poll conducted by NOIPolls in 2014, which sought the views of Nigerians on Jungle Justice / mob attack revealed that majority of Nigerians (51 percent) attributed the prevalence of jungle justice in the country to “lack of trust in the law enforcement agencies”.

This was identified as the primary factor, with about 44 percent to 61 percent of respondents across all geo-political zones siting citizens’ distrust of law enforcement institutions and its official as the number one factor responsible for the prevalence of jungle justice / mob attacks. This was followed by

43 percent who blamed its prevalence on “illiteracy/lack of awareness of laws”.

In addition, the majority of Nigerians (94 percent) affirmed that there was a high prevalence of jungle justice/mob attack in Nigeria, describing it as “a wicked and barbaric act” (60 percent).

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

NANTA:

Bankole emphasised that poor government policies are killing the country’s aviation business

B3 Business News

From Left: Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun; Vice Minister of Commerce, People Republic of China, Mr. Qian Keming and Interpreter, Ms. Guo Guiying, during the visit of the Chinese Vice Minister of Commerce to the Ministry in Abuja on Monday

NANTA decries bad govt policies in Nigeria’s aviation sector Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

Bankole

Opeoluwani Akintayo Two men, believed to be members of a twelve-man syndicate who specialised in vandalism and theft of public electricity materials have been apprehended by security agents in Apapa.

According to a statement by the Head, Corporate Communications of Eko Electricity Distribution Company, Mr. Godwin Idemudia in Lagos on Monday, luck ran out on the men when they were trying to load about 12meters of stolen underground armoured cable into their vehicle.

The vandalized HV underground armoured cable was from vanilla 11kv feeder radiating from Apapa injection sub-

The president of the National Association of Nigerian Travel Agencies, NANTA, Mr. Bernard Bankole has decried the bad government policies in the aviation industry.

Bankole emphasised that poor government policies are killing the country’s aviation business.

Speaking during a breakfast meeting/ press conference at the NANTA secretariat in Lagos, Mr Bankole observed that some of the airlines are leaving as a result of these bad government policies.

He stated some of these bad policies, like the government foreign exchange policy among others are

affecting the airlines and forcing them to leave the country.

“Bad government policies are frustrating our business. Even the new policies on foreign exchange came late when a lot of damages have been done. Even the new policies are not even clear. The airlines have now stopped selling cheaper fares to Nigerians and are now selling higher fares and is our people who is suffering the consequences,” he said.

He lamented that the most painful aspect of it is that the federal government is still collecting their taxes in dollars instead of collecting it in naira.

He observed that this is one of such bad policies that is killing

the industry.

Bankole stressed the need for NANTA to engage the government more and also to understand the government and their policies better and the need to also educate the masses on government policies concerning the aviation industry.

“Looking at the classification of air travel as luxury by the federal government, this is wrong because air travel is not luxury but just a safe means of travelling to save time. Most Nigerians who travel, travel for business and not for leisure.

Instead, those that should be classified as luxury are those who owns private jets. They are the

category that should be classified as luxury,” he explained.

NANTA boss maintained that even the domestic airlines that supposed to take advantage of the prevailing situation in the country are not stepping up their games to grow their businesses by playing the roles of the international carriers.

He said the government cannot not afford to neglect the aviation industry because it contributes significantly to the growth of the country’s GDP. The NANTA president advocated for flag carriers in the country and not necessarily national carrier which has been in the pipeline for a long time now.

Two nabbed over Nigeria short of officers’ cadre of seafarers, says expert The Chairman, National ers were far below 2,000.

Folarin explained that this cable theft in Seafarers Welfare Board, He said that the officers could could be complemented with Chief Kunle Folarin, has said be engaged to serve in the pro- intervention programmes like Apapa that Nigeria is confronted with posed national maritime carrier the proposed national maritime station.

The statement stated that the suspected vandals were apprehended at about three o’clock in the morning by security men attached to A-Z petroleum company, Apapa.

The two suspected cable thieves were said to have immediately taken to their heels on sighting the security men but the swift response of the security men who gave them a hot chase thwarted their effort at escaping.

the problem of dearth of seafarers, especially in the officers’ cadre.

Folarin, the Chairman, Nigerian Port Consultative Council (NPCC) made the disclosure on Wednesday in a chat with newsmen in Lagos.

According to him, the officers’ cadre needed should be in the range of 2,000 to 3,000 to service the domestic, coastal and foreign trades.

The maritime economist, however, said that the population of Officers cadre of seafar-

fleet, depending on how the proposed company would be structured to grow..

Folarin said that the shortfall, if viewed from the Nigerian demand’s perspective, will be much more in the officers’ cadre and less in the Ratings cadre.

According to him, this is the pattern globally.

The maritime economist said, ``Government’s action should firstly be to address the issue of ship acqusition and trading

by Nigerian shipping entrepreneurs.’’

carrier project. ``This will create employment for the trained manpower and immense benefits for private investors,” he stated.

Folarin also commended the move by the federal government to establish a Transport University.

He said that it was laudable that the university would offer courses in Maritime Studies, Transport Logistics, Aviation, which were professional courses that would be relevant to all transport modes.

Money Market B4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

FX: BDCs merger, acquisitions imminent as CBN makes U-turn Stories by Motolani Oseni In a bid to meet the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) flexible foreign exchange policy, the President of Association of Bureau de Change operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, has disclosed that Bureau De Change operators merger and acquisitions is now imminent.

The ABCON boss, urged CBN to introduce a portal whereby the operators can operate on an automated monitoring system for transparency in the new window market.

He said: “Mergers and acquisitions will depend on the CBN reintroducing the huge N35 million caution deposit which proved to be counterproductive and ineffective in BDCs monitoring and efficiency.

“The best thing to do is the automation of our documentation requirements and operational process for all online real-time monitoring.

“We have submitted our comprehensive reform Agenda to CBN on positioning the BDCs sub sector and only waiting for the approval of the CBN to hit the ground running “, he explained.

While explaining the benefits of the recent mind -rubbing session with the apex bank, he said , “The take home point for

stakeholders is the granting of the BDCs request by the CBN to admit them into the newly introduced single forex market.

He said that BDCs play a vital role in ensuring that there is stability in the exchange rate in the economy.

It would be recalled that during the last interface between BDC operators and the CBN held recently in Lagos, the representative of the CBN Governor, Godwin Emefiele, who is the Deputy Director, Financial Policy and Regulation, Anthony Ikem, told the BDC operators to be hopeful in their inclusion in the new forex regime.

Ikem noted, “I am here on behalf of the management of CBN to encourage you and let you know that all hopes are not lost. CBN is not un-mindful of the possible effects of the new policy on BDCs. According to him, as we speak, the management is working hard to see how it can accommodate and carry every stakeholder along so that there will be joy in the land. All that CBN is asking of you is to be patient and cooperate with it to see what can come out of it.

“This is a new policy but with an ongoing effort to see how BDCs will be carried along, because CBN recognises the importance of your operations to the economy of this country,” he stated.

GWADABE

President of Association of Bureau de Change operators of Nigeria (ABCON), Alhaji Aminu Gwadabe, has disclosed that Bureau De Change operators merger and acquisitions is now imminent

Stanbic IBTC harps on importance of estate planning To minimise disputes arising from the failure to plan for certainties in life, especially death, Stanbic IBTC Trustees Ltd, a member of the Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc., has appealed to Nigerians to see estate planning as imperative to peaceful and orderly transfer of assets.

Though people generally shy away from the issue of death, this certainty is a fundamental part of life that should be recognized and planned for, the company has said.

Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Trustees Limited, Binta MaxGbinije, speaking during a media interactive session in Lagos, noted that estate planning is not targeted at only wealthy people, but something that everyone needs, regardless of their financial clout or how simple or complex their familial

affairs may be.

“We are all familiar with the issues that often arise upon death, with members of the family pitched against one another. This is often resolved by the courts, sometimes after a prolonged litigation that would have been a drain on the time, energy and resources of everyone involved. This can be avoided with an estate plan which lets the individual decide how his or her assets are handled or distributed after their demise,” she stated.

Max-Gbinije identified options available to make provisions for loved ones to include writing a Will, instituting a Living Trust, and Gifting of assets (inter vivos), all of which facilitate orderly acquisition and transfer of assets.

According to her, Stanbic IBTC

Trustees Limited has been organizing and will continue to organize awareness forums through which the public and stakeholders will gain valuable insight on trusteeship services and how they can harness such services to their benefit. The company, she said, has shareholders’ funds in excess of the statutory N300 million, and was incorporated six years ago to provide institutional trust and estate planning/administration services to facilitate inter-generational wealth transfer and protect the interest of parties/investors in a transaction.

The company has launched a number of products in furtherance of its mission to provide world-class trusteeship services in Nigeria. Among them is the Stanbic IBTC Educational Trust (SET),

an educational trust product that assists parents and guardians to

provide sound education for their children and wards.

DTN EXCHANGE RATES

5/7/16

USD

GBP

EUR

INTERBANK

282

376

314

LAGOS

345

469

386

ABUJA

348

480

382

PH

348

488

382

CLOSING FX & MONEY MARKET RATES

4/7/2016

Rate

Change (%)

282.02

0.00?

O/N:

5

0.00?

OBB:

4.58

0.08?

FX Spot($/?): MM

Travel Times B5

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

Cross River Governor wins West African Tourism Man of the Year The Executive Governor of Cross River State, Prof Ben Ayade, has won the Tourism Man of the Year Award for Nigeria and West Africa.

It was a 4 man race between him, the Minister of Tourism for Ghana, The Minister of Tourism for the Gambia and Obinna Ekezie the MD of Wakanow. This was based on the results released on Tuesday by the award committee.

The Balafon Award committee made up of travel professionals and journalists from Nigeria and Ghana approved the results for the best performers in Travel and Tourism West Africa. The committee had earlier met and shortlisted nominees for the different award categories.

The shortlisted nominees were then exposed to public votes on Atqnews website and Facebook page. The online voting was done using Survey monkey software. Atqnews Facebook page has 23000 followers and the newsletter has a weekly global audience of over a hundred thousand people. After a robust debate while analysing the results the award committee approved the results. Winners will be presented with Award

Certificates at Accra Weizo event in Ghana on the 15th of July.

An analysis of the voting pattern shows that most of the voters were from Nigeria and Ghana, with few other voters from other parts of Africa.

The Governor in his first year in Office not only sustained the tradition of Carnival Calabar but raised the bar for the event.

His tourism achievements within 12 months in Office include the opening of the first monorail in sub-Sahara Africa, hosting the biggest ever street carnival in Africa last year, setting up Callywood the new movie genre that is arguably rated to be bigger and better than Nollywood.

He is also creating new cities in the state. Cross River State prides itself as having created the first authentic international carnival in Africa with participation from Africa and other parts of the world. He introduced the first bikers parade, the first green carnival and delivered the largest crowd ever seen since the carnival began in 2014.

These achievements helped Ayade clinch the double award in his first Year.

AYADE

It was a 4 man race between him, the Minister of Tourism for Ghana, The Minister of Tourism for the Gambia and Obinna Ekezie the MD of Wakanow.

ARIK, ASKY, AERO, others to discuss aviation in West Africa at Accra Weizo The Chief Executive Officers of the three leading Airlines in West Africa ASKY ,ARIK and AERO have confirmed participation at the Accra Weizo event scheduled for the 15th of July in Accra Ghana. They will be discussing the increasing challenges faced by Airlines in West Africa.

West Africa has a population of over 300 Million from 15 Countries and over 40 Airports.

Despite having the largest Economy in Africa West Africa is very poor in Aviation matters compared to East ,South and North Africa. It can not boast of a major Aviation hub not to talk of a super Airline. Every Airline comes to West Africa to fill up their balance sheet yet the Airlines in West Africa struggle to maintain profitability. Taxes and policy hurdles cripple profitable operations in West Africa.

These issues will be thrashed out at the Aviation session of the event expected to be Chaired by the DG NCAA supported by his Ghanaian compatriot GCAA,who have all been invited to the event.

Accra Weizo is an event put together by the organizers of Akwaaba African Travel Market with the support of Ghana Ministry of Tourism Culture and Creative Arts. It debuted last year.

Tarzan cries out over threat to tourism investments

Tarzan

These are not the best of times for Mr. Tarzan Ganiyu Balogun, Chief Executive Officer of Tarzan Marine Enterprises as his investment of over three decades is being threatened by officials of the Lagos State Waterways Authority (LASWA).

Balogun who has been at the forefront of promoting water transportation and tourism business in Lagos is also the national president of Association of Tourist Boat Operators and Water Transporters of Nigeria (ATBOWATON). He’s currently appealing to the Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, and other top government officials to help save his business from being rudely snatched from him. He said the passionate appeal became urgent, following a notice served on him by the LASWA, ordering him to vacate his jetties in the state with immediate effect. But the state au-

thorities early in the week evicted Tarzan Boats and repossessed the jetties in Ijede, Badore, OkeIra Nla and Ibeshe. In solidarity with Tarzan Boats, other operators pulled their boats from the waters, leaving thousands of commuters stranded.

Investigation revealed that Balogun’s rent remains valid till 2031. But the state government insists he must have connived with some past government officials to manipulate the payment receipts to suit his business. In a letter dated May 16, 2016, signed

by LASWA’s Managing Director, Anisola Kamson, the agency directed him to vacate the premises immediately. The letter read in part: “The eviction letter is to notify you of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos’ directives that the purported 25 years lease granted to your company on Lagos-owned jetties (Badore East, Ijede, Oke-Ira Nla and Ibeshe) remains invalidated

and no new lease agreement has been signed.

“In this regard, you are hereby informed to immediately vacate the fore-mentioned jetties and desist from any and all claims of ownership or concession to these jetties. “In addition, any utilisation of these jetties is subject to approval and the payment of all applicable jetty landing fees to LASWA,” the letter read.

Balogun said in Lagos that he openly and duly secured the said jetties from the former Governor Ahmed Tinubu’s administration and had paid all his taxes till date. He said the letter of eviction came to him as a surprise, coming from a government that is currently preaching public-private partnership initiative. He described the latest government’s action as an act of victimisation and intimidation.

According to Balogun, he took it upon himself to invest huge sums of money in those jetties

when nobody, including the state government, was willing to do so. Said he: “I was in my office in 2004 when the former governor of the state, Bola Ahmed Tinubu, through the then Commissioner of Transport, Muiz Banire, sent a letter to all boat operators for a meeting at the Government House, Ikeja. At the meeting, he told us that government was interested in making the waterways an avenue to decongest heavy traffic on the road. “He appealed to us to assist the government in the area by providing more boats and other logistics to make life better for those that needed the service. Before then, I was already operating on the Island and providing free ride to students to and fro school. That was my corporate responsibility to the community. And the government pleaded with us to expand to other areas of the state.

They promised to provide us with the needed infrastructure.

Capital Market B6

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

Facts behind Oando’s downstream divestment Afolabi Adesola Earlier this week, Oando Plc announced that it had entered into a strategic partnership with Helios Investment Partners and Vitol group to divest 60 percent economic rights of Oando Downstream sector.

However, Oando did not expressly state that this partial divestment will reduce the group’s earnings before interest tax depreciation and ammortisation (EBITDA) to N16.6 Billion.

Earnings before interest, tax, depreciation and amortization (EBITDA) is a measure of a company’s operating performance.

Essentially, it’s a way to evaluate a company’s performance without having to factor in financing decisions, accounting decisions or tax environments.

Meanwhile, the deal is set to reduce Oando Plc’s finance cost

by N12.2 billion, move profit after tax to N8.9 billion and Increase Net current Assets to N55.6 billion, as projected in the company’s 2016 strategic objectives presented to the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Oando explained that partial divestment and recapitalisation of the downstream division of which net proceeds of approximately N44billion will be used entirely to pay down debt, while deconsolidation of the downstream division will remove the downstream debt from the Group’s

statement of financial position.

CEO of Oando Plc., Mr. Wale Tinubu, during his presentation further explained that the group’s gross Margin decreased

by N11.2 billion in first quater of 2016, 55 percent below what was achieved in 2015 due to: Lower margin driven by lower revenue from the downstream sector (N3.7 billion) and higher production expenses leading to reduced margin of N8.6bn in Q1 2016.

He aslo added that the downstream trade receiveables amounting to N5.1 billion contributed significantly to the group’s overall impairment loss on receivables valued at N20.6 billion.

According to Mr. Tinubu, Oando’s proactive approach to establish a strategic partnership will leverage Oando’s sector dominance, and with considerable local knowledge and expertise; together with HVI’s international, and technical capabilities, the partnership will reinvigorate Nigeria’s downstream sector and create one of Africa’s largest downstream operations.

“We are extremely confident in the success and potential returns this alliance will deliver.The new company will be renamed OVH Energy (“OVH”) to reflect its ownership structure and the commitment of its new shareholders. OVH will be led by a local management team, tasked with building the business, safely and

efficiently. Under the new business structure, the initial Board will consist of Mr. Wale Tinubu, Group Chief Executive of Oando Plc., as the Chairman, Mr. Christian Chammas, CEO of Vivo Energy, operating 1600 service stations across 16 African countries and other Vitol and Helios representatives. The current CEO, Mr. Yomi Awobokun, will continue in his role. The service stations will retain the Oando brand.” he said.

With this new partnership, OVH’s assets will comprise over 350 service stations in Nigeria with supportinginfrastructure, including 84,000 tonnes of storage and a newly built inbound logistics jetty; as well as complementary businesses, chiefly LPG filling and distribution, lubricants and an interest in a supply and bulk distribution company in Ghana. The new business will be the second largest downstream fuels company in Nigeria, with a market share of 12 per cent.

Other strategies highlighted for the downstream sector by the company in the current fiscal year (2016) include Completion of construction & commencement of operations of he Apapa Jetty and subsea pipelines in the Lagos Port; commission 3rd party commercial & technical feasibility for the Eastern 4KT LPG Tank farm construction; and Commencement of first phase for the Apapa Terminal upgrade.

TINUBU

Oando’s proactive approach to establish a strategic partnership will leverage Oando’s sector dominance

GSK sells drinks business to Suntory following shareholder approval Shareholders of GlaxoSmithKline Consumer Nigeria Plc have approved the proposed divestment of its drinks business to Suntory Beverage and Food Nigeria Limited. The decision was one of the major highlight of the company’s Annual General Meeting (AGM) and Extra Ordinary General Meeting (EGM) held in Lagos earlier this

week.

While notwithstanding the decline in profitability in 2015 financial year, GSK Nigeria will be paying shareholders that their names appears on the registrars of the company on June 1, 2016, a total dividend of N358.7 million, representing 30 kobo per share, subject to appropriate withholding tax deduction.

However, following the approval, shareholders are to also get a special dividend of N716 million, which represents 60 kobo per share and subject to appropriate withholding tax deductions once the transaction has been sealed.

According to GSK Nigeria board, they estimate that the transaction presents an opportunity for them to focus on growing the GSK Consumer businesses.

The transaction which will fetch GSK Nigeria a headline price of 79.2 million dollars, started on January 25, 2016 when they received a non-binding offer from Suntory for the acquisition of the company drinks business and following intense negotiations, on May 31, 2016 GSK Nigeria agreed on the terms of the proposed sale of the drinks business.

Areas where the proceeds will be deployed include, payments of

taxes, cost of transaction, debts which involves intercompany / trading arrangements, dividends, and investment to grow the retained business. Other detail of the transaction includes the disposal of a portion of the factory, the distribution infrastructure, warehouses and distributors.

As part of the deal, employees who are involved in the drinks business will be offered employment by Suntory on terms and conditions, no less favourable to their current terms. The disposal of Agbara manufacturing facility for the drinks business and the associated 6.45 hectares of the Agbara land will enable GSK Nigeria to invest in the future in purpose built facilities to support the retained GSK consumer business.

GSK Nigeria will also retain

the production equipment used in its consumer business and will lease from Suntory those areas of Agbara facility, which are used in the production of products for its consumer business for a minimum period of five years after completion of the transaction until production is relocated.

This is in addition to the 3.45 hectares of land reserved for GSK Nigeria out of the total 9.9 hectares available. Parts of the transaction agreement is that GSK Nigeria will provide information technology and certain other transitional services to Suntory at a cost, for a short period up to one year or as otherwise extended following completion of the transaction. This will enable the separation of the drinks business including the manufacturing facility and to allow for smooth transition to Suntory.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

B7 Brands & Marketing

Briefs

NIMR set celebrate six years of excellence The Nigerian Institute of Medical Research is set to celebrate six years of excellence.

The event is meant to mark the sixth anniversary of the appointment of Professor Innocent Ujah as the Director General of the institute and how he has restructured and positioned the Institute to response to the health need of Nigerians.

Speaking to newsmen on Tuesday in Lagos to herald this development, the Director General of the Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Professor Innocent Ujah disclosed that; “looking back, we have to thank God for all he has done for us in Nigerian Institute of Medical Research, Research is not an easy thing anywhere in the world, must especially in the developing countries of the world. However, here in the institute, we have enjoyed some significant achievement over the

years.”

According to him, “the event which is slated for 12th of July, 2016 in Lagos at the Institute’s Auditorium is a symposium on ‘post MDGs: Maternal and Child Health in Nigeria, and will have Professor Oladele Shittu, a Professor of Gynaechology from the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria as the guest speaker.

The Director General pointed out that it is our responsibility to continue to eradicate the cases of death during child birth in Nigeria. No woman should die during child birth he continued, but the case is not like that in Nigeria simply because of poverty, illiteracy and health system. Therefore, at the Institute, we have taken it upon ourselves to continue to organise symposium on how to better our health system which at the end will have a lasting effect on the lives of our people.”

Access to finance, manufacturing hubs will unlock textile industry’s potential Improved access to finance, capacity building and creation of a network of manufacturing hubs, as well as constant electricity supply among others have been identified as enablers that would unlock the growth potential of Nigeria’s ailing Cotton, Textile and Garment (CTG) sector.

This was the view expressed by speakers at the inaugural edition of the Africa Fashion Week Textile and Garment manufacturing conference on Friday, 1 July 2016 in Lagos. The theme of the conference which had in attendance policy makers, development finance institutions,

bilateral trade institutions, fashion entrepreneurs and manufacturers was “Making Nigeria the Fashion Hub of Africa.”

In his welcome address, Chairman of the conference and President, Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce (NBBC), Mr. Dapo Adelegan, disclosed that the textile industry is the 2nd largest industry in any nation. Proclaiming that the future of the industry in Nigeria is bright, he urged that the conference should be used as a platform to encourage investment in the CTG sector which will ultimately, boost the GDP of the country.

LASAA

“Regulators like to promise their state governments of the ability to generate huge amount of revenues and the only industry you attack with bogus fees, are the Out of Home advertising industry

LASAA indulges in executive recklessness – Odenigbo Stories by Godwin Anyebe The activities of the Lagos State Signage & Advertisement Agency (LASAA) is nothing but executive recklessness, Barrister Charles Odenigbo has said.

Speaking during a recent event organised by OAAN to celebrate its 10th Poster Awards ceremony with the theme: ‘strengthening partnership’ on Thursday in Lagos, Odenigbo, a leading light in media law said; “regulators like to promise their state governments of the ability to generate huge amount of revenues and the only industry you attack with bogus fees, are the Out of Home advertising industry.

“You demolish billboards that clients have paid for and you

don’t compensate the people. You charge for vacant sites. And you tell me the government is doing something right, I think that is called ‘executive recklessness’. We need to fight Lasaa to the Supreme Court to get the final judgement.

This is a legal issue. We are dealing with several issues around the law.

“Lasaa has become a hydraheaded monster in this country and we need to take them to court and fight up to the Supreme Court level. Lasaa has given birth to terrible children across different states in the country. Merger is key in this industry. Most of the things killing Out of Home Advertising emanates from the law. Lasaa is doing what the local government should be doing under the forth schedule, item 1 paragraph 1

of the constitution. We need to involve the attorney general of the federation on this issue,” he noted.

Responding to this issue, the pioneering Managing Director of Lasaa, Mr. Alabi Makanjuola said; “I believe with Lasaa, the Out of Home Advertising sector today has better value for their boards than it were. Let’s have in mind that regulation is key in any country and that’s what keeps the sanity in such professions. What has helped Out of Home Advertising today is that the entry level is not such that anyone can just apply and erect a board. It’s because Lasaa is in place, that’s why there’s sanity in Lagos. Instead of saying cut-down the rates, I would rather say cut-down the number of practitioners in the Out of Home Advertising industry.”

Experts link beer drinking to social, cultural cohesion Scholars and culture experts have highlighted the role of beer in the sustenance of the socio-cultural cohesion of people across ages. They made the submission at the 3rd Nigerian Beer Symposium in Lagos on Thursday.

Professor Bartholomew Okolo, a Professor of Applied Microbiology and a former Vice Chancellor of the University of Nigeria, Nsukka in his paper on the Social and Cultural Roles of Beer in Society, explained that in all societies, beer plays an important role not only in major life-cycle events,

such as birth and death, but also in minor everyday transitions.

According to him, in studies conducted in various parts of the world, beer drinking venues have been identified as the most important venues for promoting interactions and friendships between people from diverse backgrounds.

“The Nigerian beer parlour is an example of such an institution where you could find a lawyer having a beer next to a plumber or a doctor having a beer next to a tailor. You could also find a professor having a beer next to a banker.

In such circumstances, people can

offer all sorts of support and even professional advice at no cost. It is possible to explore such settings for other benefits including security and commerce, for example in the creation of cooperatives societies,” he said.

“In the present day African tradition, beer is a regular feature on the list of items that must be presented at various stages of the marriage process. It must also be present during such other ceremonies as funeral rites, coronations, peace missions, special invitations, among others.

In another development, Mr.

Donald Duke, former governor of Cross River State, who chaired the occasion, noted that research shows that beer contains xanthohumol that inhibit cancer-causing enzymes. “I have always wondered about the French. You see, their diet consist of rich, highly fatty foods, wine and those cigarettes. Yet, their rate of heart disease is significantly less than the rest of the world. This has been credited to red wine and the antioxidants it contains, which helps prevent heart attacks. Interestingly, beer has just as many antioxidants as red wine,” he said.

Motoring B8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, July 7, 2016

Paris bans cars built before 1997 Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo The City of (hazy) Light has launched its latest drive to reduce air pollution by introducing a ban on vehicles built before 1997.

The rule, which is expected

to affect around 10 percent of cars in the city, is set to be enforced against any car registered before 1 January 1997 within the city’s streets from Monday to Friday, 8am to 8pm. Classic cars, built more than 30 years ago, will be

exempt.

Cars more than 20 years old have been banned from driving in the city of Paris.

Restrictions will become tighter over the decade until 2020, when the only private vehicles allowed to drive in

central Paris will be cars registered after 2011 and motorcycles registered after July 2015.

Drivers who ignore the ban will face fines of 35 (R575), with the fine set to rise significantly from the end of 2016.

Isuzu introduces KB250 special edition Special edition bakkies are usually based on the topend models that not many can afford, but Isuzu has taken a more budget-friendly approach with its new X-Rider.

The new edition is based on the KB250 turbodiesel Hi-Rider 4x2 and you can have one in

Double Cab or Extended Cab form. Both X-Rider derivatives come with numerous extras (inside and out) to stand apart from the regular KB crowd.

On the outside, the edition is distinguished by 18-inch black ‘diamond-cut’ alloy wheels as well as a sports bar and tubular

side steps, both in black, LED daytime running lights, an uprated towbar (with a braked towing capacity of 2.1 tons) and the obligatory X-Rider body decals.

Inside it has leather seats (yes, embroidered with X-Rider logos) as well as a leather-covered

multi-function steering wheel, both featuring red stitching, and piano black inlays can be found on the doors and in various places on the dashboard.

Both models are fitted with the ‘High Output’ (as in 100 kW/320Nm) version of Isuzu’s 2.5-litre turbodiesel engine.

Volkswagen may face bleak future over emissions Volkswagen chief executive Matthias Mueller warned about drastic consequences for the car manufacturer if penalties on the company in the US over its emissions scandal are also enforced in Germany, the Sunday issue of German daily Die Welt said.

“You don’t need to be a mathematician to recognize that a damages payment of any amount would overwhelm Volkswagen,” Mueller told the paper, amid renewed calls

from German consumer watchdogs for a US-style repayment to VW customers in Germany.

The company has agreed to pay as much as $14.7 billion (R213bn) for buybacks, damages and penalties in the US resulting from the carmaker’s emissions scandal.

The German carmaker said it would buy back or retrofit about 480 000 2-litre diesel vehicles in the US affected by the scandal, and offer consumers cash payments on top for their troubles.

VOLKSWAGEN

Mueller said that Volkswagen has set aside 16.2 billion euros (R261bn) to deal with the crisis, and remained financially secure.

However, the VW chief said the situation in Germany could not

be compared with the US, where authorities expect most customers of VW diesel cars affected by the emissions scandal to upgrade their vehicles to meet emissions standards

Briefs

Toyota recalls over 3m cars worldwide over emissions, airbags Toyota has recalled 3.37 million cars worldwide over possible defects involving airbags and emissions control units.

The company said it was recalling 2.87 million cars over a possible fault in emissions control units. That followed an announcement that 1.43 million cars needed repairs over a separate issue involving airbag inflators.

Prius hybrids from 2010-2012 are affected by both recalls.

Some Prius hybrids were included under both recalls, taking the total number of vehicles affected to 3.37 million.

Toyota said evaporative fuel emissions control units in models produced from 2006 to 2015, including the Prius, Auris hatchback and Corolla models were prone to cracks, which could expand over time and cause fuel leaks.

It recalled Prius and Lexus CT200h models made from 2010 to 2012 over air bag inflators that could have a small crack in a weld, which could lead to the separation of the inflator chambers.

... SA Toyota/Lexus hybrids affected by recall Toyota South Africa has confirmed that its customers will also be affected by the global recall of some of its vehicles.

Following the Toyota’s announcement that it was recalling 2.87 million cars globally over a possible fault in emissions control units.

Previous generation Lexus CT200h is one of the models affected by the global Toyota recall, including 261 units in South Africa. Picture: Lexus Until now Toyota SA could not confirm whether it would also be recalling some of its vehicles.

“A recall campaign on the Lexus CT 200h and Toyota Prius models has been implemented,” it said. “This is a worldwide campaign involving the fitment of retention brackets on the curtain shield airbag inflators.”

The company said 261 Lexus vehicles produced between 2010 and 2012 as well as 270 Prius vehicles produced between 2008 and 2012 were affected.

Life&

Veteran actress Bukky Ajayi dies at 82 PL5

Times Thursday, July 7, 2016

Tankolowiska

dances with wealth in “Bolaji” L6

P

Brymo

Replica of Afrobeat maestro, Fela Anikulapo L2, L3

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday July 7, 2016

When it comes to power lyrics and melodious RNB songs with distinctive theme, the brand, Olawale Ashimi, better known as Brymo, comes to the mind. With several struggles in the entertainment industry, Brymo still pulls through, making him one of the most relevant musicians in the country to reckon with. Brymo is a singer, studio albums namely Brymstone, The son of a Kapenta, Merchants, Dealers & Slaves (MD&S), Tabula Rasa and Klitoris which got people talking.

Signed with Tate Music group, an international distribution company, Brymo in this chat with MUTIAT ALLI, spoke about the most

Doing live music has helped set me apart from others

-Brymo

album title among others.

Enjoy‌

businesses. I encourage them to smile while they do that.

I thought it was more necessary for people to see all of that. the story in the video more than if I was performing; I will just be going, you know, so sometimes the concept is what sets the video apart and I thought it was more important for people to see other people smiling, other people in good mood even though things are tomatoes is scarce and the politicians are still lying and robbing us blind but people can still be happy, you can still aspire, you can still dream. So, I thought that the theme for the video was for once I wanted to ignore all of the things that are not working in the country and to pay attention to the things that are working and everyday people who go about their

Yes, it was deliberate for two reasons because I was in a while so I just felt like; but more importantly, I just felt the concept was better without me being there.

I said I wanted to name my album “the key� at one point in time but while I was doing my research, I now also found out something else that now became sort of related to that title. The ancient Greek people believe that the

be able to call my album what I want to call it but of course being creative with it and more importantly I know it was going to be controversial, they will be like why will you do but the difference is you have to constantly balance as you live life. Most of the things that we do to have fun government place a ban on it or religion say no to it, but

opportunity for me do something different.

Since the release of the album, I think that I have got

of everybody who is into Nigerian music. They are now

Life&

T E A M

Continued on L3

Entertainment Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Abimbola Obatayo

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Daniel Ekiye

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday July 7, 2016

L3

‘Music business is very individualistic’ Continued from L2 heart and why?

There are few of your songs where you try to talk about the polity in the country; do you see yourself as the voice of the people in the frame of the new Fela?

How have you been able to maintain the quality of your voice?

No vocal exercise?

What has fatherhood changed about you?

For an artiste like you who does more of live music, do you think live music is still very much relevant in the industry or dead?

So if it was during the military regimes, would you have done more than this?

Social media is the new thing now; will you bring your family matters to social media?

natural thing or a deliberate thing?

You sound more of a professional public speaker, will you consider doing that?

With where you are now in the industry, will you say you have gotten to the peak of your career?

What will you have done if you

Music Gist L4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday July 7, 2016

Mutiat Alli

Olamide, Gordon, others for Fast N Funny show

Olamide

Seyi Law

Top entertainers that includes YBNL Boss, Olamide,

Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

In a chat with Life & Times, Seyi disclosed that all hands are currently on deck towards the successful output of the show in

guests to come prepared to have fun.

apartment.

Artistes billed to perform includes I Go Dye, Gordons,

Tjan, Adekunle Gold, Solid Star, Vector, Reekado Banks,

Lisa Walsh

‘I Never dated Timaya’ – Lisa Walsh Two years ago, news of an alleged love affair between Nigerian dancehall star, Timaya and fashion entrepreneur, Lisa Walsh made rounds. At that time, Timaya declined to comment on the issue while Lisa simply went MIA. A few days ago, our reporters ran into Lisa Walsh at an event in Lagos and quickly cornered her for a brief chat.

We gather that Lisa Walsh has been out of the country for a couple of years and had just returned to promote her

new projects.

family friend. I feel people are just trying

for a while. I had to take time off to re-invent, re-strategies and re-launch some of my projects which includes a new website, a series of fashion shows

am up for that right now because I am back to Nigeria for good to do what I know how to do best, helping people

When asked about her alleged affair with Timaya, she responded saying,

It would be recalled that in August 2015, Timaya was in the news for allegedly raping a US based Nigerian woman called Shella – B who called him out on social media.

My dream is to have Jay-Z on my track

Ortisefemi and Manager end rift

Sotunde, better known as BaseOne, has hinted

notable rappers he has looked up on as mentor for his versatile style of rap delivery.

On having a collaboration with the top star, track by chance will be a dream come through in

Ortisefemi and Danku After several months of throwing the industry into chaos, Musical Taliban, Oritsefemi has manager, Danku.

It would be recalled that few weeks ago at Unbroken show, Ortisefemi allegedly caused the Lagos Island police unit to arrest Danku at the public function. In what came faster than

things that have been mentioned about me and my manager throughout the scenario are all promotional strategies a.ka publicity stunts.

We apologise for the inconveniences we might have caused the fans. We are back for real business. My friends in the media, I thank you parley. May God bless you”.

When asked about the police arrest and

the Troy Lounge, Victoria Island, Lagos settled all rift and are back as brothers. sorry for whatever we may have caused our friends and fans but now me and my homeboy rifts have been in the news for the wrong reasons and lots of allegations we indicted on ourselves have cost lots of damage to our career. All the

Danku is now part of my management team

for a whole album, just a track on any of my songs will do”.

The Aquila record act is currently working on

BaseOne

as his new jam, Skon Skon is currently enjoying massive airplay across radio and television stations.

New Act Alert: Lolo out with Dara she is an all-round entertainer as she ventured into music with the release of on true life story.

world what we are planning and have been working on”.

and is currently enjoying massive airplay.

Lolo

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday July 7, 2016

L5 Movie Gist

Mutiat Alli

Veteran actress Bukky Ajayi dies at 82 Barely a month the movie industry was shocked by the sudden demise of Henrietta Kosoko, another shocking death on Wednesday hit the make believe industry as the cold hand of death snatched veteran actress, Bukky Ajayi, away. She was aged 82.

Kunle Fawole, popularly known as Abounce (actor and rapper), who is passing away to Nollywood, saying “Mumsy passed away God knows best”.

The eloquent actress touched many hearts this year at the AMVCA after she got a standing ovation for her Industry Merit Award.

She said: “I wish I could stand up. But if I stand up I will fall down. Are you all standing for me? Thank you. I am very very grateful to you.”

Mama Bukky Ajayi, as she is fondly referred to, studied drama at the Institute of Drama, London. She later worked a while in London before

coming to Nigeria where she started a broadcasting career as an announcer, presenter and newscaster at Nigerian Television Authority. Ajayi was a part of the now rested TV series, Village Headmaster. She was seen by many industry.

The late actress was on Wednesday evening buried in line with Muslim rites at the Atan cemetery in Yaba, Lagos.

93 Days movie out with thriller

Late Bukky Ajayi

Actress, Bukola Iqmat Animashaun feeds the poor during Ramadan Keeping to one of the tenets of Ramadan that preaches that those who have should give to the needy, Nollywood actress, Bukola Iqmat Animashaun recently gave out food items to some needy people in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital

93 Days, the highly anticipated movie on the outbreak of Ebola Virus Disease

from the consequences of the outbreak of the highly dreaded Virus.

fasting. Food items which include cooked food, sachet water and fruits were freely given to the people.

Speaking about the inspiration behind her action, the actress who is a dedicated Muslim said: “We need to be compassionate to the needy and those around

the virus in Nigeria to immediate measures put in place to stop the spread. team at the First Consultant Hospital, former Lagos State Governor, Babatunde Lagos State Commissioner of Health in saving the country from a major epidemic which was eradicated 93 days after the disease was imported into the country.

Hollywood actor, Danny Glover, Bimbo Akintola, Tim Reid, Somkele Iyamah Charles Okafor, Gideon Okeke, and other talented actors all-star in the movie.

Directed by Steve Gukas, 93 Days is a must-watch as the movie tells the story of a major landmark in the history of Nigeria.

Mohammed preaches. We

but exercise it daily and not necessarily during the holy month of Ramadan”. myself to continue doing moved by the level of poverty using this opportunity to call on my other colleagues and everyone to do the little they can for the poor and needy amongst us. May the almighty Allah give us all the strength to give to our fellow humans”, she concluded.

Bukola Animashaun, who is also a producer, will be remembered for her sterling roles in movies such as Awon Eta Oko, Omoge Animashaun, Enu Mi, and Osoju Mi Koro among others.

Ooni of Ife, RMD, Spike Lee, The CEO: Afolayan gears up

others for NAFCA honours for grand Lagos premiere His Imperial Majesty, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja II, Ooni of Ife, Governor Benedict Ayade, actor, Richard Mofe Damijo, Spike Lee, Dionne Warwick, Dr. Alexander

Cummings, and Floyd Mayweather Jr., are among personalities to be honoured by The (NAFCA) Founder and the CEO of NAFCA, Victor

Diaspora.

Dry, Boxing Day, Tribe, Mud, Return of the Don and Oxford Garden run away with this Saturday, September 17, at the Legendary Orpheum Theater, Los Angeles, California USA. “We also have some dignitaries who will be honoured at NAFCA 2016. His Imperial Majesty, Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi, Ojaja Governor Benedict Ayade of Cross River State.

Nollywood will also be represented and so far

Ooni of Ife

have requested invitations and hundreds from Hollywood,” he said.

kind, premiering his latest effort on-board towards the grand screening of the much this Sunday, July 10, 2016 at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

The impressive cast include Grammy Award-winning singer, songwriter, entertainer and activist from Republic of Benin, Angélique Kidjo; Haitan actor and model, Jimmy Jean-Louis, best known for his role as The Haitan on the NBC television series, Heroes; consummate actor and founder of the New Nigeria Cinema Movement, Wale Ojo; FrenchIvorian actress and model, Aurelie Eliam; South African actor and presenter, Nicolaos Lala Akindoju;

Moroccan

star,

Fatim

Nigerian actress, and Hilda Dokubo among others.

Kunle Afolayan Communications, a global phone network an expatriate, had retired hence the Global amongst his most senior level staff across Africa on a Leadership course in order to determine which one to appoint as the new CEO of Nigeria.

Mixed Grill L6 Mutiat Alli

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday July 7, 2016

Adeniyi Johnson clears air on baby mama saga, others With several allegations levelled against him ever since his union with actress Toyin Aimakhu crashed, talented Nollywood actor, Adeniyi Johnson having kept mute for a while has several allegations against him especially the most recent which has it that he neglected his baby mama, an attempt to poison his ex-wife and the pregnancy tale of actress Shai.

Adeniyi speaking through his disclosed that he is not in any relationship with actress Oluwaseyi Edun better known

Tankolowiska

as Shai and neither are they expecting a child together.

On whether he actually attempted poising his ex-wife, Adeniyi noted that “this report is rather shocking and very untrue, but for those making this allegation, I would like you to come forth with your medical report or police report that ever mentioned she was poisoned while we were together. I have not been with her for the past one year, where would I have tried to poison her?

With a lady on Facebook, Folashade Omobolanle Oladipo, who claimed the actor has fathered a daughter with her after a pic-story pictures surfaced some months again, in responding to the baby mama scandal, the actor said it

is the most interesting part of the scandal.

He said: “Do people have children and disclaim them? If yes, I am sorry to disappoint you, I am a very responsible man.

Sometimes in 2012, a lady known as Sade posted a merged picture of herself, me and a baby girl, which I quickly dismissed because I do not know her. In November 2015, the blackmailer sent messages to Sade which we have the chat as evidence. Rumours have it that she has been parading these pictures around locations and showing it to colleagues and friends, even when she knows it is not true. It is visibly clear that I do not have a baby mama or daughter anywhere.

Tankolowiska dances with wealth in “Bolaji”

And for those still hiding under false pretense, Adeniyi had this to say: “Anybody that counters the above should come out in the open and not hide under

Adeniyi Johnson

Okafor’s Law: Gabriel Afolayan, Yvonne Jegede star in new flick

Afro –pop sensation, Tankolowiska humility. party jam is the third single from his stables since his debut in 2011.

Tankolowiska samples rhyming lyrics with sweet melodies that are instantly memorable in this track.

Omoni Oboli is back on set with yet another movie and this

wants to wake up with wealth. The song basically passes a message about treating people with respect without

B-Red to release first EP none of these songs will be on the EP. track-list for his soon to be released EP All The Way Up, which has been scheduled to drop on July 11, 2016.

The EP consists of eight main tracks

to guys. The law states that once a lover, always a lover.

If you have been involved in a relationship with a girl for over a period of time and you did a great job, in and out of the bedroom (mostly in), the belief is that you can always go to the girl at any given time and sleep with the girl no matter what situation arises (break ups, different lovers etc) - Urban dictionary.

and the fact that it will be released under HKN Music has doused the rumours that he has been dropped from the label

by Davido.

Davido, Akon and Phyno. in February 2013, and has gone on to B-Red

D-Truce takes “Better days” music video to the ghetto Feel good music rapper, D-Truce has released the music video of his debut

Directed by Tolu Itogboje, the video scenes of children playing in a crowded street. The crowded buildings, beggars and traders hustling depict the perfect ghetto look.

A gentle D-Truce sits on a car and front of the car. There are also scenes of the rapper rapping from a balcony and walking down a dark staircase, Better days

around him.

The setting perfectly blends with the message of the song which offers hope for a better day. Released last year, the soul hip-hop hit enjoyed massive airplay for its inspiring message of hope.

those hustling for a better tomorrow. I believe if we do things properly, we will

x3m music label in 2014. His unique style combines rap with other genres of music.

Cross section of cast and crew of Okafor’s Law

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday July 7, 2016

L7 Opinion

Femi Isaac

Social Media celebrity and new culture of fame

.Five Nigerian Celebs that came through

Foremost American Historian, Daniel J. Boorstin while describing fame and the celebrity, once said: “The Celebrity is a person who is known for his well-knownness. In his days, he politicians, talented singers and comedians were the typical representation of fame and fortune.

Today, it could be said that the rules are changing rapidly. Celebrity is diversifying as social media and the rise of smart phone culture is altering the emergence of stars and the overall concept and perception of celebrity. There is no

Frank Donga

doubt that the historic shift to a digitally connected world is building a staggering online community where there are new rules on how people gain the vast platform of fame.

The amazing experiences of the likes of Justin Bieber and others who rose to unimaginable fame and fortune simply by posting videos and pictures of themselves and their unique skills prove that anyone can become famous in the new order of things. The truth is that instead of maintaining role models on television and magazines, Generations Y and Z now look to

Emmanuela

Frank Donga is a typical example of how celebrities can establish themselves breaking away from the norm and old order of fame ascension. His comic role with the Ndani Tv Skits “the

rity climb. Her “this is not my real face” debut video captured many hearts and immediately left people with eager anticipation of more skits from her.

front as he is perhaps the only person that combines all the skills necessary for survival in acting, singing and comedy with his exceptional versatility.

Son of renowned Nigerian Lawyer, Femi Falana, Falz coined his stage name from his surname Falana with the addition of (Bahd) guy an abbreviation for brilliant and highly distinct and he brought his brilliance and rare distinction to the fore

support of her uncle, Mark Angel, has consistently served Nigerians rib cracking videos to the delight of many families both home and abroad. She has even gone ahead to deliver breathtaking stand-up performances at top comedy shows in the country.

Challenge which quickly attracted massive likes. Falz may have been around in the industry for a while, but there is no denying the fact that

Emmanuela

Chigurl

Kenny Black Singing comedian, Kenny Black is certainly enjoying much love and attention at the moment and many think he will last long. Emerg-

voice quality and ability to blend into the music and lyrics of artistes both local and international are factors that are keeping the star a force to reckon with.

Kenny has built on the success of his shared videos and has translated that level of brilliance and creativity on the big stages in Nigeria.

Falz the Bahd guy I do not know of any other celebrity in Nigeria that is as multi-talented and multifaceted as Falz the Bahd Guy. The dude certainly needs no introduction on

people happily shared different series amongst themselves.

The Character Frank Donga is one of the most hilarious faces in the industry. Apart from John Okafor (Mr. Ibu), Frank Donga is perhaps the only other person that can make you laugh hard even without a word. Following his sudden fame status, Donga has continued to excite his numerous fans by posting funny memes and messages on both his Facebook and twitter accounts.

Frank Donga

Instagram, Facebook and Twitter in search of their idols.

The Nigerian entertainment industry like the rest of the world is equally catching the fever of this new culture of fame in virtually all its dimensions, music, comedy, modelling, movie and others. Celebrities are rising to become recognised names simply by attracting huge followings on their social media accounts and are now setting agenda for public discourse and

Kennyblack

From a voice note that went viral on BlackBerry, Chioma Omeruah has found fame in the least expected manner. Her “Chigul” accent especially has placed her in a world of her own in the Nigerian comedy league.

Her ability to play multiple characters on stage is perhaps the greatest asset for the Nigerian comedienne; she is another product of the new order of fame and is presently enjoying the joy that comes from it.

There are many other examples of others breaking from the norm and carving a niche for themselves to become respected celebrities. It is our hope that several others will leverage on the new media and harness its huge potential, especially since it has come to stay.

Chigurl

leveraging the new media has contributed in no small measure to spreading his fame beyond expectation.

His stories that touch album is gaining massive listenership and his award as best actor in a comedy series Choice Award amongst other endorsements are undisputable examples of derived from the new culture of fame.

Falz

Daily Times Nigeria

Thursday July 7, 2016

Showing on

Showing on

Movies Comedy Channel 104

Movies ACTION Channel 110

22:28

13:00

Thu, 7 July16 SL

Thu, 7 July | PG 13V

101 M-Net

118 Telemundo

120 BBC Brit Entertainment

155 AfricaMagic World

152 AfricaMagic Epic

Room

Room

L8 TV guide

128 SONY MAX