Daily Times Newspaper For Thursday 8th October, 2015

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Lateef Ibrahim, Bureau Chief Abuja

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100 fleeing members gerian troops while repelling atof the Boko Haram terrorists’ tack from the invading terrorists in group were, in the early hours Goniri, Yobe State.

This is even as the death toll in of Wednesday, killed by the Ni-

the twin suicide bomb attacks in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, on Wednesday, rose to 18 and injured at least 8 persons, according

to the state governor, Ibrahim Giadam.

This killing of the over 100 Boko Haram insurgents was confirmed

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in a statement signed by the acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel Sani Usman, which Continued on page 6 www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

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THURSDAY, OCTOBER 8, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.205

GAINERS

N150

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 5th OCTOBER, 2015.

MOBIL

148.5

3.50

2.36%

ZENITHBANK

16.7

0.24

1.44%

DANGCEM

168.01

-2.99

-1.78%

UACN

30.5

-1.20

-3.93%

UNILEVER

46.07

0.94

2.04%

NAHCO

4.67

0.22

4.71%

GUINNESS

150.75

-1.25

-0.83%

ETI

18.55

-0.55

-2.96%

Senate in rowdy session over Amaechi

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ÎÎÎThe Senate broke out into a rowdy

session on Wednesday after a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) senator from Rivers East, Senator George Sekibo, presented a petition against former gover-

nor of the state, Chibuike Amaechi.

As Sekibo rose to present the petition which had the support of other senators from Rivers State, some senators of the

All Progressives Congress (APC) shouted him down, chorusing “no, no, no”, “dead on arrival.”

Continued on page 6

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Ministerial nominees: g6 Buhari meets Saraki, other NASS leaders

Rihannat Olasunkanmi

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

3

Politics Page Three Æ s Editorial The Mo Ibrahim African governance Index

L

ike a recurring curse, governance has steadily been deteriorating across the African continent since 2011. The decline has manifested more in the lack of economic opportunities and security of lives, which are fast overshadowing any gains on the human rights fron, especially in resource-rich nations.

This verdict is the outcome of a recent survey by the Mo Ibrahim Index of African Governance (IIAG) that rates 54 African nations against criteria such as security, human rights, economic stability, just laws, free elections, corruption, infrastructure, poverty, health and education. According to the survey, Mauritius has maintained the lead among countries that have performed these indices followed by Cape Verde, Botswana, South Africa and Namibia.

Overall, the indices have improved by only 0.2 basis points in the past four and half years, even as half of the top ten ranked countries have declined.

We are alarmed at the outcome of this survey, especially given that Nigeria is not among countries that rank positively on the index ladder. This is compounded by the fact that Nigeria was ranked alongside those lacking sustainable economic opportunity and an appealing environment for investment. In the words of the Director of IIAG, Elizabeth McGrath, the deterioration was caused by a worsening in the business environment. We whole-heartedly share this sentiment and even disappointment in the face of declining governance index across the continent. Our disappointment becomes more pronounced by the fact that among the laggards are countries that depend solely on extractive commodities, such as Nigeria, Angola, Zambia and Guinea. Surprisingly, Ivory Coast - Africa’s largest cocoa producer - tops the list of the ten biggest improvers over the past four years, even after a decade of political turmoil and civil war. Others are Zimbabwe, Senegal, Kenya, Togo, Morocco, Ethio-

pia, Rwanda, Madagascar and Tunisia.

In fact, Ivory Coast now ranks 35th on the infrastructure front, well above Nigeria, which stands 39th on the list, below Burundi, Cameroon and Djibouti. Sadly, this year’s ranking puts Nigeria two places below that of 2014 when she placed 37 on the overall list.

This deterioration in placement is to say the least humiliating.

We recall that the IIAG is an annual statistical assessment of the quality of governance aimed at improving the level of governance of African countries, as the Index provides a framework for citizens to hold their governments accountable, while helping governments to focus attention on creating prosperous nations by ensuring better delivery of goods and services and favourable policy outcomes, across every country on the continent.

Definitely, the verdict on Nigeria is not only damning, it exposes the lack of vision of the leadership in tackling the myriad of challenges militating against the political and economic development of the country since independence in 1960. Nowhere does this lack of vision reflect most profoundly than in the lack of accountability by the country’s leaders.

In the light of the prevalence of governance failure in both the public and private sectors, it is not surprising that Nigeria has continued to record low scores in the global Human Development Index (HDI) rankings. For instance, in 2013, it was ranked 152nd out of the 187 countries covered by the survey. Even though it is the 26th largest economy in the world according to the recent GDP rebasing, Nigeria still ranks as the 121st country on the HDI. This paradox of a rich country but poor citizens remains one of the mindboggling puzzles in the world.

Even though some laudable achievements and progress have been made in recent times, evidence shows that Nigeria is far from having good governance, which is a necessary condition for sustainable development.

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Group Managing Director

Fidelis Anosike

Noel Anosike

Group Managing Editor

GM Operations

Molara Wood

Omoyele Sowore, publisher of Sahara Reporters and Daily Times’ publisher Fidelis Anosike at the New York office of Sahara Reporters... on Monday PHOTO: Leslie Vaughan.

Unnecessary wait for ministerial nominees Sam Nzeh

ÎÎÎWhen

on Wednesday last week President Muhammadu Buhari eventually sent the list of the first batch of would-be ministers to the Senate, it turned out that the more than four months that Nigerians waited for the list was unnecessary after all.

This is because as it turned out, the nominees were no strangers to many Nigerians and they were not saints. They were persons who at one time or the other had been in and out of public office at the federal and state levels.

Just sample a few: Chris Ngige; Kayode Fayemi;

Rotimi Amaechi; Babatunde Fashola; Abdurrahman Dambazau; Ogbonaya Onu; Udoma Udo-Udoma; Audu Ogbeh; Ahmed Isa Ibeto among others.

Fact is that some of the nominees cannot claim to be clean particularly with allegations of corruption hanging on their necks. In fact, long before the names of the nominees were made public on Tuesday, there were protests and petitions against their nominations.

Some of the nominees, according to the petitioners, soiled their hands at their last duty post, a reason they ought not to be nominated in view of President Buhari’s determination to fight corruption.

But before submission of the list of the nominees,

Words On Marble :

President Buhari was said to be searching for ‘clean persons’ to nominate as ministers and Nigerians hoped that this time, there will be a clean break with the past. As a result, not a few Nigerians gave him the benefit of the doubt, and waited patiently to see the the nominees.

But when eventually the list of the nominees was made public, it turned out that there was nothing really special. There were no surprises; no clean break from the past. They were the same ‘old faces’ that had been touted all along.

So, why the long wait for the list of the nominees?

Clearly, governance would have by now been on full steam if the list of the nominees had been submitted

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‘’Building a nation as diverse as ours is, is a tough job and requires patience’’.

‘’Men are not supposed to be made for law, but rather, laws are supposed to be made for men’’.

‘’In advanced countries, when you are living above your means, people query you. That’s not so in Nigeria’’.

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

5

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria j ƑƏ Ɨ ƕè RƅƐ ƄƆƏ Ƥè ƾƠơǀ

Charles Okah not dead – NPS

Monday Agu Jr. Abuja

ÎÎÎThe

Nigerian Prison Service (NPS) on Wednesday, denied the rumoured death in prison of suspected mastermind of the October 1st Independence Day celebration bombing, Charles Okah.

A statement issued by the Service spokesman, DCP Enobore Francis, on Wednesday in Abuja, said Okah was alive and hale and hearty in the prison.

“I wish to react to the numerous calls from media correspondents seeking

clarifications into the rumoured death of Mr. Charles Okah in prison custody and state that the information is not true.

“Okah is hale and hearty and going about his normal daily routine in safe custody.

The rumour has no iota of truth and therefore should be disregarded,” the statement added.

Recall that security operatives attached to Justice Gabriel Kolawole at the Federal High Court, Abuja, on Tuesday, prevented Charles Okah, from committing suicide in court.

Ministerial nominees: Buhari meets Saraki, Dogara, other NASS leaders Egena Egena Abuja

ÎÎÎPresident Muhammadu

Buhari met on Wednesday night with the leadership of both the Senate and the House of Representatives at the Presidential Villa behind closed door.

The Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, and Speaker of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, led the lawmakers to the meeting scheduled.

Also present at the meeting which took place at the First Lady Conference room were Senate Leader, Ali Ndume; Deputy Majority leader, Bala Ibn N'Allah; Senate Minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio and Senate Minority Whip, Phillip Aduda.

Aside Dogara, other members of the House of Representatives at the meeting included his Deputy, Yusuf Lasun and House Majority Leader, Femi Gbajabiamila.

Saraki arrived the Villa with other lawmakers at about 8:45 p.m.

However, journalists were not allowed to cover the event which was said to be a private meeting.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo and Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Bubachir David Lawan, also attended the meeting.

Although the agenda of the meeting was unknown at the time of filing this re-

port, a source said it was in connection with the ministerial nominees submitted

by Buhari and the ongoing trial of Saraki at the Code of Conduct Tribunal among other issues.

Screening for the ministerial nominees begins next Tuesday but there are fears that some of the nominees may not have it easy with the senators.

Recall that few hours after the list of ministerial nominees was made public on Tuesday, President Buhari began lobbying Senators of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for soft landing for some of the nominees.

The President’s action was predicated on the fear that some of the nominees may not scale through screening going by the opposition trailing their nomination.

President Buhari, who was said to be highly disturbed that without personal intervention, some of the nominees would be frustrated during the screening exercise, on Tuesday evening asked his Senior Special Assistant to the National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, to immediately reach out to the PDP senators.

President Buhari’s emissary, Senator Enang reached the PDP senators through their Minority Leader, Godswill Akpabio.

Both Akpabio and Enang hail from Akwa Ibom State.

Senate in rowdy session over Amaechi Continued from page 1 A shouting match then ensued between PDP and APC senators at the chamber and it took the intervention of Chief Whip, Olusola Adeyeye, to quell the melee.

The petition was filed by a group which named itself Integrity Group and submitted to the Senate by Sekibo.

It sought to disqualify Amaechi as a nominee on account of alleged pillaging of resources of Rivers State during his tenure as governor.

The petition signed by Livingstone Wechie on behalf of the group alleged that at one time or the other, Amaechi used different agents to siphon several billions of Rivers

State funds, using phony projects as decoy.

The petitioner said appointing Amaechi into the cabinet of President Muhammadu Buhari would amount to a dent on the anti-corruption posturing of his administration, as the former governor of Rivers State will constitute a moral burden on the government.

Livingstone in his petition alleged that Amaechi was involved in a secret sale of Rivers State owned power plant (gas turbine) project to the tune of N60 billion, an allegation he said is being investigated currently by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

He also alleged that the former governor unlawfully paid the sum of N4

billion for construction of a Specialist Hospital and Leisure, using a company, Clinoriv with which the Rivers State Government entered into a counterpart funding with.

He said while the government of Rivers State paid the full sum of N4 billion for the project, Clinoriv defaulted to make its equity contribution to the project, even after receiving the sum of N4, 633, 440, 000. 000.

He said the huge sum voted notwithstanding, the Hotel project never saw the light of day, stressing, “Today Clinoriv has disappeared with the connivance of the former governor.

The petitioner also alleged that the former governor of Rivers State ap-

pointed an agent, Messrs Collect Nigeria Limited for internal revenue collection totalling N1.9 billion, stressing that the said company was used as a conduit pipe to siphon the commonwealth of the state unjustifiably.

He said on the strength of the allegations, “It follows that if Chibuike Rotimi Amaech is appointed as minister in the government of President Buhari, it will not only question the credibility and integrity of the government on its anti-corruption drive, it will also cast serious doubt on the administration before Nigerians and the international community’’.

He said an appointment Continued on page 12

R-L: Senior Banking Advisor, Access Bank Plc, Nirdesh Malik; Executive Director, Personal Banking, Access Bank Plc, Victor Etuokwu and Managing Director, Peugeot Automobile Nigeria (PAN), Ibrahim Boyi, at the formal launch of the Access Bank Plc/Peugeot Vehicle Acquisition Finance Scheme (PVAFS) in Lagos… on Wednesday

Troops kill over 100 fleeing terrorists in Yobe ÏG Ɔ ƣ ƋƗƈƆƏ ê #Ɔ Ɛ Ɛ ƋƋ ƈ ƐƓƈ Ƅ ƌƄ ƄƋ Ɛ Əƈ Ɔ Ɛ ơƤ

Continued from page 1 disclosed that over 100 terrorists’ bodies were brought down.

The Boko Haram members, according to Usman, suffered the devastating blow in the hands of troops of 120 Task Force Battalion located at Goniri, Yobe State.

The fleeing Boko Haram fighters, according to the statement, made a futile attempt to confront the military in an encounter that saw the Nigerian gallant

troops successfully repelled the attacked and killed over 100 of the invading terrorists.

The statement however revealed that seven of the soldiers, unfortunately, paid the supreme price while defending their fatherland just as one officer and eight soldiers were wounded in action.

The statement by Usman reads: “During the encounter, the troops recovered a sizeable arms, ammunitions and other equipment from the terrorists. These include

1 General Purpose Machine Gun, 2 Rocket Propelled Grenades, 9 AK-47 rifles and belted rounds of 7.62 (NATO) ammunitions.

“Others were various wires used for Improvised Explosive Devices (IEDs), 7 Primed IEDs, different types of Spanners and a Torch Light.

“The troops have consolidated on the encounter and more determined to defend their location and continued to serve as blocking force to any fleeing terrorists from

the Nigerian Air Force aerial bombardments and other troops’ artillery fire.

Similarly, troops of the 21 Brigade on fighting patrol from Bama to Ngurosoye, destroyed Boko Haram terrorists’ camps along that axis. ‘’The troops during a patrol also came across some of the terrorists’ hideouts that also served as fabricating area for IEDs and training area for the terrorists. ‘’This is just as another Continued on page 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

Insecurity: We can’t leave solution to our leaders alone – Gen. Abdulsalami SAKA BOLAJI MINNA

ÏÏÏ Kwara State Governor, Dr

Ogun State Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun (right); presenting the state’s plaque to the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2, Bala Hassan during a courtesy visit to the governor at his Oke-Mosan office, Abeokuta, Ogun State… on Wednesday.

illed with all types of insecurity, from kidnapping to Boko Haram and all sorts of terrorism. This is an issue that should involve every Nigerian. We all must assist the government and security agencies to find solution and the way forward on how to curb this menace.

“That is why we have come together to brainstorm and come up with lasting solutions. We have invited retired and serving military personnel, the traditional rulers, who are the one at the grassroots and people from

north-east, who are at the receiving end of terrorism, to share their experiences to help us look at the issue and come up with lasting solutions.”

He expressed optimism that the nation would soon surmount the security challenges but stressed that all hands must be on deck.

He also emphasised the need to galvanise the people to give intelligence to the security agencies, so that the war against insurgence would be won on time.

Aside from serving security officers, the meeting had in at-

DHQ inaugurates Armed Forces reform panel Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Chief of Defence Staff (CDS), General Gabriel Olonisakin, has inaugurated a 10-member committee to review the doctrines and procedures of the military and recommend feasible plans to give the Armed Forces Nigeria a new bite.

Besides, the committee which has until November 16 to submit its reports is expected to identify real and urgent measures needed to reinvigorate the Nigerian Armed Forces.

It is also expected to proffer solutions to attain professionalism and recommend short, medium and long term reforms needed to lift the armed force up.

The committee’s suggestions, according to a statement issued

by Group Captain WAP Maigida,

Perform or be dropped, Kwara gov tells new appointees Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

ÏÏÏ The immediate past mili-

tary head of state, General Abdulsalami Abubaka, on Wednesday, challenged Nigerians to join hands with the federal government in finding solution to the insecurity challenges facing the country.

He said, “We can’t leave solution to insecurity to the government or our leaders alone.”

The former military leader made the appeal at Maizube Farms, Minna, Niger State, shortly after declaring open a Strategic Stakeholders Security meeting organised by Abdulsalami Abubakar Institute for Peace and Sustainable Development Studies (AAIPSDS) and Pan-African Strategic and Policy Group (PANAFSTRAG) to find solution to the various security challenges in the country.

Abubakar said that the country had never been so bedevilled with all sorts security challenges and that solution should not be left to the government alone.

He said the need to contribute to the way forward informed the gathering of retired and serving military leaders, traditional rulers, members of the academia and legal practitioners to brainstorm and proffer lasting solution to the various security challenges.

“Our country today is bedev-

7 News

would be used to enhance Nigerian military’s performance in the current security challenges in the country, especially, in the north-east.

Other term of reference include: to re-appraise previous AFN’s transformation activities and suggest options for realistic reforms, to determine ways of improving on operational efficiency in the services, to examine ways of fostering missionoriented training in the armed forces; To evaluate the foreign courses that are currently attended

by AFN personnel and suggest ways of ensuring that such courses tally with desired milestones, consider measures for improving on troops adherence to Laws of Armed Conflicts in Internal Security and Peace Support Operations; Identify impediments to effec-

tendance, ministerial designate, Gen. Abdulraham Danbazzau and Gen. Ishola Williams (rtd).

The traditional institution was represented by Emir of Minna, Dr. Faruk Bahago and his counterpart from Bornu State, the Shehu of Bama, Alhaji Kyari Umar El-Kanemi.

The academia had Prof. Nana Tanko, the Vice-Chancellor of Niger State-owned Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida University, Prof. Nosiru Mohammed Maiturari and Prof. Mohammed Kuta Yahaya of University of Ibadan.

Delta Speaker hails tribunal members ÏÏÏ Speaker of

Olonisakin

tive logistics support and recommend the way forward, identify current constabulary engagements of the Armed Forces Nigeria that could be relinquished to the Nigeria Police and other paramilitary organisations; Examine ways of fostering value orientation of service personnel through nationalism and the promotion of services’ core values, and suggest ways of improving on career planning in the Armed Forces of Nigeria.

the Delta State House of Assembly, Mr. Ovwigho Igbuya, on Wednesday, commended the Chairman and members of the State and National Assemblies Election Tribunal for satisfying the electorate and the society at large by dismissing the petition of the All Progressives Congress (APC) House of Assembly candidate, Chief Felix Anirah.

Speaking in Asaba, Igbuya lauded the judiciary for not yielding to calculated lies about elections in Sapele.

He described the election of April 11, 2015 as the most transparent ever seen in the history of the area.

“Elections are not won on the pages of newspapers or through noise making.

Abdulfatah Ahmed, has charged newly-appointed political office holders to add value to governance or to be dropped. He gave the charge at the Government House, Ilorin, during the swearing in of the Secretary to the Kwara State Government, Alhaji Isiaka Gold, Head of Service, Hajia Zahra Oma, Chief of Staff, Alhaji Yusuf Abdulwahab and Special Advisers.

According to the governor, the appointments were made in an atmosphere of economic challenge with great and increasing expectations of citizens from the government good governance and economic well-being.

He stressed that the people had high expectations from the government and emphasised that citizens needed to be empowered and elevated within the shortest possible time.

Abia: Mother, daughter in police net for child trafficking Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏThe

Intelligence Department of Abia state Police Command has arrested a mother and her 19-years-old daughter for suspected child trafficking offence.

Their arrest followed intelligence report received by operatives of the department that one Chinasa Chidi, 19 years old female gave birth to a baby sometime in January 2015.

The mother, Eziaku Chidi had with the collusion of one Martha Ajuzieogu, female, who claimed to be a mid-wife working with Lawato Hospital at Osisioma and one Amarachi (who is on the run), sold the child for N150,000.00.

According to the mother whose child was sold, she was given #10,000.00 to take care of her immediate needs while part of the money was used to pay for her apprenticeship.

Ajuzieogu, who operates an illegal maternity home in her residence conspired with one Ngozi, a welfare officer, one Amarachi (both at large), Chinasa and Eziaku to sell the baby shortly after delivery to a yet to be disclosed buyer.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

Politics I have laid solid foundation for survival of Kogi -Wada

Æs Ibrahim Obansa,

Idris Wada

Lokoja The governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party,(PDP), and Governor of Kogi State, Capt. Idris Wada has said that his administration in the last three and half years has been able to lay a solid foundation in Agriculture, human capital development, industrial and infrastructure development among others.

The governor also assured the people of the state that he will consolidate on his achievements of over three years if given anoth-

er mandate to govern the state.

Addressing a PDP gathering at Anyigba, Dekina Local Government Area of the state during the flag off of the campaign rally of the PDP, ahead of the November 21 governorship election in the state, he said if given the mandate to serve in the next four years as the governor of the state, he would work harder to transform the state for the benefit of the entire people of the state.

While commending the people for giving him the desired total CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Ibrahim Idris

Rage against ministerial nominees

Fayemi

Stories by Akinjide Akintola Reactions, swift and mostly negative have greeted the unveiling of the Ministerial nominees submitted last week by President Muhammadu B uhari to the Senate.

Most of the commentators raged against a lot of the 21 nominees and also carpeted President Buhari for wasting so much time to announce such common-placed names many of whom they said do not deserved such appointments.

Besides, some groups and organisations leveled many allegations against some of the nominees, giving reasons why they should not be appointed as ministers.

The list curiously has on it many names that various allegations have been leveled

Ngige

Buhari

Amaechi

Fashola

against making people to wonder whether actually they have been screened by security agents as the country has been led to believe.

Expectedly, the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was one of the earliest critics of the list as it reacted with scorn to the list immediately it was un-

veiled by the Senate on Tuesday.

According to the party: “by a mere look at the list, one can tell that there is nothing to be excited about, especially considering the length of time it took the President to come up with it”.

The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Olisa Metuh, in a statement said: “looking at the

list, it is hard to put a finger on why it should take any seriousminded and focused government, six months after its election to assemble such a regular team.”

The party said the list and the length of time it took have further confirmed the fact that the APC-led administration is driv-

en by propaganda and deceit, a development that raises doubts on the sincerity of its anti-corruption crusade.

Speaking in the same vein, former Governor of old Kaduna State, Alhaji Balarabe Musa, also voiced his disappointment CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

December 5 polls: Fireworks in Bayelsa Chijioke Kingsley Jos

Sylva

Few weeks to the governorship election in Bayelsa State, candidates of the two major political parties in the state are al-

ready on each other’s throat, threatening hail and brimstones.

They are incumbent governor Seriake Dickson of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) who is anCONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Dickson

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

9 Politics

Winds against Buhari’s nominees CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

at President Buhari’s ministerial list arguing that that there is nothing spectacular about the names.

His words: “why did it take the President four months to come up with these names? I believe this is the question that many informed Nigerians should ask.

“These are the same old names, ordinary Nigerians who the President knows and he must have even met them several times. So, what is particular about them that he wasted so much time in appointing them ministers?

“But there are about two or three who I can say are distinguished among them like, Audu Ogbeh who I have known for a very long time.

“We were together during the Second Republic. He was a minister while I was governor then.

Audu Ogbeh has an outstanding public record that everybody knows.”

Indeed, spokesman of Afenifere, Yinka Odumakin, took the nominees to the cleaners describing some of the ministerial nominees as ‘poster boys of corruption’.

“Nearly everybody on that list has been involved one way of the other, at one level or the other since 1999. Quite a few of them have serious allegations against them.

“In fact, some of them are poster boys of corruption. We hope that those who would do the screening will do a thorough screening. If we are fighting corruption on one hand, then those who have been portrayed to be corrupt should not be promoted to higher responsibility.

“There are some who have governed at the state level and have been alleged to be corrupt.

Ogbonaya Onu

Audu Ogbeh

Kemi Adeosun

So, to jump that and move to become ministerial leaders, rubbishes the whole concept of our fight against corruption,” he argued.

Also, the Coalition Against Corrupt Leaders (CACOL), has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to rethink his nomination of Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, the former Ogun State Commissioner of Finance, as a minister in his government.

sembly for screening and confirmation, it can not and must not pretend to be comfortable with some names prominent among which is that of Mrs. Adeosun.

fice has been inundated with petitions from various quarters, apparently out of patriotic zeal and inclination for a positive change in our national life and polity, as consistently being canvassed by you and your party, the APC and certainly NOT out of personal grudge or bitterness.

“It is against this background, therefore, that we now urge your office to diligently peruse and investigate every of the weighty allegations, as contained in the attached documents, leveled against the nominee, with a view to establishing its credibility and authenticity, and of course, its potential implications on the esteem profile of your administration.

“While assuring your Excellency of our unalloyed loyalty to the democratic sovereignty

CACOL, in a petition signed by its head, Debo Adeniran, said Mrs. Adeosun was currently enveloped in various controversies including financial impropriety as commissioner, as well as citizenship status.

According to the group, having gone tbrough the list forwarded to the National As-

“Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, we dare say, is one individual that cannot add any value or gain to your administration which you have consistently been promising would be focused, proactive, selfless and above all, corruptfree, given her antecedent that has been found to be filled with so many scandalous activities.

Report even has it that Mrs. Kemi Adeosun has been parading a dual citizenship (British/ Nigerian); a status that constitutionally disqualifies her from holding such office.

“Your Excellency, as you can see from the attached, our of-

of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and your administration’s seemingly unshaken resolve to confront headlong corruption and clean up the polity of every sort of sleaze and rot, we shall not tire out from lending our support in every legitimate way possible, to ensure a resounding success in the quest”, the group stressed.

Also in Oyo State, the state’s Chapter of the All Progressives Congress has called on President Buhari to revisit the nomination of Mr. Adebayo Shittu from the state as a minister claiming that the ministerialnominee is not a team player in the APC. The state Governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi had allegedly opposed Shittu’s choice but Secretary of the party in the state, Mojeed Olaoya, had hinted that the issue was between the nominee and the APC and not the governor.

Contending that he contributed immensely to the success of the party in the state, Shittu denied any friction between him and Ajimobi.

Olaoya said, “This is the party talking and not the governor. It was the party that wrote a letter to the governor asking him to convey our message on Shittu’s nomination to the President. We have published paid advertisement in the newspapers stating our position on Shittu’s matter.”

The party stated that despite the state’s contribution to Buhari’s victory at the poll, it was not being adequately compensated.

It stated in the advertorial that Shittu’s nomination had further compounded the political challenges being faced by the party CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

We will make Dickson history – Sylva CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Sylva

gling for a second term and Timipre Sylva of the All Progressives Congress, also a former governor of the state.

Sylva, who just went through a tumultuous party primary to snatch the ticket, a development that threatened to factionalise the party stressed that his party would make Dickson history after the December 5, 2015 elections.

In a statement by Doifie Buokoribo for Timipre Sylva Campaign Organisation, Yenagoa, the group said: “We know the PDP game plan was to prevent the emergence of a strong and popular APC governorship candidate so that they can easily repeat their trademark shenanigan of aborting democratic competition and stealing victory without a contest.

“With that deception, they stole the mandate of the people in 2011,

when both Chief Timipre Sylva and Mr. Ndutimi Alaibe were dubiously excluded just to give Hon. Henry Dickson victory without a real electoral contest”, he said.

According tohim, all the frenzied disparagement of Sylva now by PDP is an understandable manifestation of fear and frustration over their impending, indubitable defeat at the December 5 election. That CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Dickson

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

Rage against ministerial nominees THE LIST

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

because of the nominee’s “unacceptability among the people”.

The advertorial by the party accused Shittu of failing to take part in its campaigns, among other allegations.

APC added, “He is not known to be a team player. Despite the fact that he and his cohorts were fully accommodated in the APC, he exhibited an uncooperative attitude in his relationship with the party and its leadership. It is curious to note that Shittu refused bluntly to participate in all party activities, including campaigns, except the Presidential rally in Ibadan.

“He has taken the party to court on three occasions in respect of party congresses and primaries despite all entreaties and reconciliatory efforts. We hereby urge you (Buhari) to reconsider his nomination in the overall interest of the party.”

Shittu, a leader of the defunct Congress for Progressive Change (CPC), one of the parties that fused to form the APC was a governorship aspirant of the APC in the last election. He said his accusers did not deliver as much votes as he did during the presidential election that brought in Buhari.

“I was the Chief Collation Officer of our party in my local government and it is on record that our party did not only win in the council, but, posted one of the highest results. As a man of‎ God, though, I’m not a professional cleric, I’m religious enough to appreciate that when God elevates, nobody can demote and that’s why I’m not moved,” he said.

Besides, a group, Oyo Solidarity Group, Ibadan, Oyo State, has lauded the choice of Shittu, adding that it was a shift from tradition, and would address the underdevelopment in the marginalised areas of the state.

In a statement signed by its President, Teju Olateju, it said Shittu’s choice had resolved the problem of marginalisation of Oke-Ogun area of the state in past appointments adding that some political office holders, who claimed that Shittu’s choice was inappropriate, were undermining the influence of the OkeOgun area in Oyo politics.

His words: “Adebayo’s choice is seen as President Muhammadu Buhari’s display of fairness in appointments, and a well deserved slot for Oke-Ogun, the second largest zone in Oyo State

Dr. Chris Ngige (Anambra); Kayode Fayemi (Ekiti); Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers); Babatunde Fashola (Lagos); Abdurrahman Dambazau (rtd) (Kano); Aisha AlHassan (Taraba); Ogbonaya Onu (Abia); Kemi Adeosun (Ogun); Abubakar Malami SAN (Kebbi); Adebayo Shittu

Dambazzau

Senator Sirika Hadi (Katsina); Barrister Adebayo Shittu (Oyo) and Sulaiman Adamu (Jigawa).

Others are Solomon Dalong (Plateau); Ibe Kachikwu (Delta); Osagie Ehanire (Edo); Udoma Udo-Udoma (Akwa Ibom); Ahmed Isa Ibeto (Niger); Ibrahim Jibril ; Audu Ogbeh (Benue) and Amina Mohammed (Kaduna)

Udo Udoma after Ibadan. We hope that the National Assembly will uphold the merit of the nomination.

The time taken by the President before the selection made him to discover the high level of marginalisation and underdevelopment in the Oke Ogun area.

“Shittu as the Oyo State ministerial nominee from Oke-Ogun zone of the state, has been a practising lawyer for over three decades in the country. He served in the state House of Assembly, a two-term commissioner in the state, and a governorship aspirant during the 2011 elections.

He has not been quizzed for any

Ibe Kachukwu fraudulent act and has no record of insanity.

“The plot of some persons is to continually manipulate OkeOgun to the advantage of the zones from where they are from in Oyo State, and to keep the area in perpetual bondage of underdevelopment.

“The statement flying in some quarters that Shittu is uncooperative, and not a team player, is not only uncomplimentary but malicious from oppressors.

The attempt to discredit a laudable decision taken by a more organised and forthright leader of Buhari’s personality is unac-

ceptable”, he stressed.

Also in Rivers State, an anticorruption group known as Integrity Group has petitioned the President and the Senate to protest the nomination of a former governor of the state, Rotimi Amaechi, as a ministerial nominee.

The group accused Amaechi of alleged fraudulent practices during his tenure as governor.

The group urged Amaechi to first clear his name over “allegations of fraud concerning the sale of state power plants and conversion of proceeds of CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Your emergence an insult on the people - Dickson CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

frenzy is understandable. We will make Dickson history”, he stressed.

However, in what appeared as aswift response, the Mangrove Boys of Bayelsa, a group of young elements in the creeks of Niger Delta canvassing for improved economic benefits for the Ijaw nation, has concluded plans to stage a 10,000-man march to protest the emergence of Sylva, as candidate of the APC for the December 5 governorship election in the state.‎ A statement by the spokesman of the organisation, Bennard Legite in Yenagoa, indicated that this was due to Sylva’s alleged poor human rights record and lack of performance when he was governor for five years in the state.

The group which said Sylva’s emergence was an insult to its collective membership wondered why it was so difficult for the APC to get a better candidate other than Sylva and has vowed to resist his second coming even as a candidate.

Legite faulted the APC’s decision to pick the former governor as its candidate and wondered if the party was serious about the quest for change or actually interested in winning the election.

According to him, Sylva’s record as governor was so appalling and anti-people as it said the period was marked by alleged violence and killings as well as massive corruption and wastes in government.

The statement reads: “We the collective members of the Mangrove Boys of Bayelsa are saddened by the emergence of former governor Timipre Sylva as the APC candidate for the December 5 governor election in Bayelsa State. Even if we have had any sympathy for the APC, its decision to pick Sylva as candidate has totally changed our focus. It runs counter to any logic and decency.

“For a person who for five years can only be remembered for his brutal violence against his people, killing and maiming, rendering many women widows and many children fatherless and with such a record of corruption, then we do not think Sylva’s second coming is good for any purpose in Bayelsa State.

“To demonstrate our resolve to stop Sylva, we are set to mobilise our members and teeming youths CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

11 Politics

Winds against Buhari’s nominees CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

$302m, unlawful payment of over N4bn to Clinoriv Specialist Hospital and unlawful enrichment of a firm, Messrs Collect Nigeria Ltd. with public funds amounting to over N1.5bn.”

Addressing newsmen in Abuja on Tuesday, the Publicity Director of the group, Mr. Livingstone Wechie, alleged that Amaechi was currently being investigated by anti-corruption agencies for unlawful enrichment and conversion of over N70bn state resources.

He added that the former governor had resisted efforts to make him to explain the circumstances regarding the money to the people of Rivers and that he failed to appear before the Justice Omereji-led Judicial Commission of Enquiry set up by Amaechi’s successor, Governor Nyesom Wike.

But the state’s chapter of the APC received with joy, the news of the nomination describing it as a fitting independence anniversary gift by the Nigerian leader to Rivers State and her people.

A statement signed by the state chairman, Dr. Davies Ibiamu Ikanya, and issued Tuesday in Port Harcourt said: with the nomination despite all the manipulations, witch-hunting and other evil plots, “once more, good has prevailed over evil,

God over devil, Amaechi over wicked Wike, light over darkness, patriotism over nepotism.

“By this singular act, President Muhammadu Buhari has not only given us the best 55th independence anniversary gift but has also liberated Rivers State from the shackles of a despotic and demonic clique that thought that by propaganda that they could rewrite the history of Rivers State and run down a man whose love for the development and emancipation of Rivers State and Nigeria is infectious.

“President Buhari has proven that he is not only a man of honour, integrity and principle but also a man who cherishes and promotes friendship and patriotism. We are proud that Buhari did not allow the propaganda

by Wike and his cohorts to sway him from the fact that Amaechi is a man that he can trust any day and anytime”, he stressed.

Senator Jeremiah Useni, in an interview, said having only three women on the ministerial list was not good enough.

“I wish to see more women on the list. I believe that the President will be more gender sensitive in the next batch since he said the 21 names he sent is a partial list,” he said.

He also ruled out the possibility of giving special considerations to either serving or past members of the National As-

Aisha Alhassan

Abubakar Malami

sembly whose names are on the list, saying “there is no rule on the issue of take a bow. The fact that the seventh Senate adopted a convention does not mean that the Eight Senate will adopt same.”

But the Senator representing Delta North, Peter Nwaboshi, expressed disappointment that the list contained names of older men and women who had served as ministers about 36 years ago.

He said, “I think the youths of Nigeria should ask questions.

How can people who served as ministers during the former

President Shehu Shagari’s administration in 1979 be presented as ministers? I was a small boy when the particular nominee was minister about 36 years ago. You are bringing the person to be minister now.

“One would have expected that the younger generation would have been injected into the list. I wonder where we are going to in this country. When will the youths be given opportunity?

“We already know all the people in the list. They are governors who just finished their tenure after eight years. Is that

Your emergence an insult on the people- Dickson CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

of Bayelsa for a 10,000-man march to protest Timipre Sylva’s emergence and his candidacy. It is simply unacceptable for the interest of all our people. It is absolutely inconceivable that APC will field a man currently on trial for corruption by the EFCC. Now, what message is the APC sending out about President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti-corruption war? These are the moral issues for APC to think about.

“Our protest is to draw the important attention to this malady that Sylva’s emergence will spell doom as a sad reminder of a return to the dark days of killings, cultism, militancy and general insecurity in Bayelsa. Bayelsans have not forgotten the deadly blows they suffered under Sylva’s inhuman

regime as governor. We all remember the countless deaths, many wives turned widows and fatherless children.

“We also remember the routine diversion of funds meant for civil servant salaries and a legacy of crippling debt profile. With this ugly past, then our question is: what is Sylva coming to do again?

To inflict further punishment on our people or does he think we are so gullible to so accept him? Now, is this the kind of change the APC want us to accept? We think otherwise.

“In the absence of any better candidate from the APC, then we believe it is better for the current governor to continue in office.

After all, he has done some good job even when we are asking for more. We are using this statement to call on all our members and the

Dickson entire youths in the state to be prepared for this important 10,000-man

march. This time will be different”, the group stressed.

I have laid solid foundation for survival of Kogi -Wada

Wada CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

support, the governor maintained that accountability and prudent management of resources would be his watchdog to ensure that the agenda of his administration is pursued to a logical conclusion.

Speaking at the rally, the immediate former governor of the state, Alhaji Ibrahim Idris lambasted those alleging that he is planning to defect to the All Progressive Party (APC), describing the claim as “falsehood of the century”.

His words: “how can I abandon a house I participated in building for a house that is not rooted in the state. I was the first governor on the platform of PDP in the state, no matter what has happened, I can not abandon the party for APC because APC has no place in the state”.

While appealing to PDP supporters and loyalists to be patient with the incumbent governor in the area of transformation of the state, the former governor said it is not easy for a leader to build castles on the sky, assuring that with adequate planning and available resources, Captain Wada would do more for the betterment of the state.

Also in his address, the state Chairman of PDP, Engineer Sam Ohuotu said that the people of the three senatorial districts in the state have resolved to support and return Captain Wada for his transparency, accountability and prudent management of the state’s resources.

He promised that the people of the state would never regret if they cast their votes for Wada at the November 21, 2015 governorship election.

,

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

FG promises review of forex policy for manufacturers Charles Okonji

ÎÎÎThe

Federal Government on Wednesday promised the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), a favourable review of the foreign exchange policy, which was described as catalyst to the rapid revitalisation of the industrial sector when the necessary raw materials are removed from the list of 41.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari, made this promise at the Annual General Meeting (AGM) of MAN, which was held in Lagos on Wednesday.

He stated that there would be a second review of the forex policy to make room for the imported raw materials used by MAN members to be eliminated from the list of 41, adding that exchange restriction was a relationship from the oil revenue which crashed from over $145 per barrel to below $50 per barrel.

He noted that the stability achieved so far in the Nigerian forex market was as a result of some level of control exercised by the CBN monetary policy, explaining that a careful review would place the manufacturers in a better position.

He said: “We would negotiate to see how forex would be favourable to manufacturers, especially, in the medium to long term. There is no way of improving the manufacturing sector without restriction of import. There is no way we can improve in palm oil production without stopping the import.”

Osinbajo lamented that all the trade treaties signed by African leaders have always been disad-

vantageous to the continent, stressing that it weakened the economies of the African countries for long.

Thabo Mbeki, former president of the Republic of South, who was the guest speaker, stated that it is necessary to promote an enabling environment for industrial development, growth and prosperity of the society at large, calling on MAN to help play their full part in creating wealth on which national economic prosperity and social progress depend.

He said: “Sustainable economic growth and social development constitute the primary goals of economic policy in Africa. It is expected that solid advances towards these goals will not only result in raising living standards across the continent but will also lead to full employment of resources as well as reduced income inequality and poverty.”

“At this point, and within the context of these shared African socio-economic objectives, I would like to draw attention to an important reality – the reality that Nigeria has an obligation it cannot escape, the obligation to play an historic role in terms of helping to lead our Continent to realise its dream, the dream of achieving its renaissance.”

“When we speak of an African renaissance, we mean the birth of an Africa that would have overcome a centurieslong negative legacy we have inherited from the extended period covering the years of the violent export of Africans as slaves, the years of colonialism and neo-colonialism.”

L-R: Centre Director/Clinical Research Coordinator, Lakeshore Cancer Centre (LCC), Bindiya Chugani; Vice President, Business Development and Outreach, Roswell Park Cancer Institute, Mr. Armen Gallucci; Chief of Strategy, Business Development and Outreach/Co-Chair, Ambulatory Services Execution Committee, Mr. Thomas Schwaah; Chief Executive Officer/Medical Director, LCC, Prof. Chukwumere Nwogu and Chairman of Board, LCC, Paul Onwuanibe during the collaborative programme held in Lagos…on Wednesday. Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

Army kills 100 terrorists in Yobe Continued from page 6 patrol by troops along BamaKawuri axis discovered and exhumed IEDs and wires for detonation’’.

The acting Army spokesman however assured that the Nigerian Army, with the support of the Nigerian Air Force and other security agencies, would not relent in its determined effort at defeating the Boko Haram terrorists.

Meanwhile, the twin bomb explosions which occurred in Damaturu, the Yobe State capital, on Wednesday, killed 18 people, and at injured at least eight persons.

The attacks took place around Ministry of Housing quarters and Buhari Housing Estate in Damaturu.

The first happened at a small food store in the estate while another took place near a mosque.

The Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency, Musa Idi, had earlier confirmed the blasts.

Speaking, the state governor, Alhaji Ibrahim Gaidam, condemned the suicide attacks which also injured eight others as “barbaric and cowardly”.

He made the condemnation in a statement issued in Damaturu by Abdullahi

Bego, his Special Assistant on Media.

The statement expressed confidence that “despite the barbaric and unjustified suicide attacks by Boko Haram, insurgency will soon come to an end”.

The statement said the government would not relent in its efforts to ensure the safety of the people; and that the Federal Government was taking necessary measures to put an end to the insurgency.

It commended security agencies for their efforts in the general security improvement in the state and urged them to step up surveillance to prevent insur-

gents and criminals from further attacks.

It condoled with the families of the deceased and ordered immediate and free medical treatment for those who sustained injuries in the attacks.

“Already three out of the injured victims have been referred to the National Orthopedic Hospital, Dala, Kano, for further medical care at government expense,” the statement said.

It urged Yobe residents not to relent in their exemplary support and cooperation with security agents and continue to pray for the full restoration of peace and security in the area.

Senators clash over Amaechi

Continued from page 6

for Amaechi will be likened in “similitude to giving cover to a most wanted criminal hiding under your wings as Legislators with impunity”.

He said further: “We strongly protest that the nomination of Chibiuke Amaechi on the ground of various allegations of patent fraud and corrup-

tion perpetrated by him as governor of Rivers State without facts, documentary evidence to absolve himself, should never have been.

“Whilst we welcome the appointment of a Rivers son to the position of Minister based on the Federal Character principle of our constitution, we insist that Rivers State should be represented not by a

corrupt person like Rotimi Amaechi, but a more notable and deserving son from the state with the interest of the state at heart.

“We will stop at nothing to support the Nigerian Senate and the National Assembly in your fight against corruption particularly in ensuring that anyone no matter how highly placed is brought to justice because we be-

lieve you are indeed out to bring perpetrators to justice”.

The Senate had said earlier that it will entertain and consider the petitions filed against any of the nominees during the process of screening, indicating that any nominee found wanting on allegation levelled against him or her may not be confirmed.

Jonathan lacked will to fight corruption – Edwin Clark Monday Agu Jr. Abuja

ÎÎÎIjaw leader and former

Federal Commissioner for Information, Chief Edwin Clark, on Wednesday, said former President Goodluck Jonathan lacked

the political will to fight corruption.

Clark also said he was no longer a member of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and would not join the All Progressives Congress (APC) but would function as an elder statesman.

The Ijaw leader also declared support for President Muhammadu Buhari’s war on corruption and terror.

Clark made the declaration while receiving members of the Think Nigeria First Initiative (TNFI) in Abuja.

“Jonathan didn’t have the political will to fight corruption. He’s too much of a gentleman. Drivers of yesterday were living in palatial buildings now under his government. In advanced countries, when you are living above your means,

people query you. That’s not so in Nigeria. Former governors and lawmakers are now asking for immunity,” he said.

“Jonathan meant well for this country, but the will power to fight corruption was not there.

“In an ideal society, when a man who earns 20,000 as his monthly salary and all of a sudden he acquire something that is worth N100,000, he should be questioned, but here in Nigeria, immunity has covered those that should be questioned.

13 Africa

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

DRC rape trial failed to secure justice – rights group ÎÎÎHuman

Rights Watch said the recent conviction of just two Democratic Republic of Congo soldiers out of a total 39 tried for a mass rape in 2012 points to deeper failings in the justice system. The rights group said despite enormous amounts of international funding, the system is failing to deliver justice both to victims and those accused of war crimes in the DRC. It’s been widely reported that at least 76 women and girls were raped at Minova, in the eastern DRC, after a

chaotic army retreat in November 2012.

In May 2014, a military court convicted two rankand-file soldiers of rape and 25 of looting. They were sentenced to jail terms of up to 20 years with no right of appeal. But all the officers on trial were acquitted and no high level commander was charged.

In a report released last week on the case, Human Rights Watch said the only evidence against most of the accused men was that they had been absent from roll calls. The report’s

author is Geraldine Mattioli Zeltner. “Of the 25 who were eventually convicted, only two were identified by victims during the trial,” she stated.

Mattioli Zeltner said the women had been attacked at night, making identification more difficult. More effort should have been made to hold commanders responsible, she said.

Human Rights Watch said the case was rushed to trial, largely due to international pressure, and defendants had weak legal representation.

The military court ordered the state to pay reparations to victims but they have not been paid, nor have reparations in about 30 other war crime cases in the DRC, according to Human Rights Watch.

The government declined to comment.

The international community has poured what Mattioli Zeltner called enormous amounts of money into the DRC justice sector in the past 10 years. There have been improvements, she said, but too much money goes on repetitive train-

ing, while certain attitudes remain unchanged.

“I think you could continue international assistance like it’s been going now for another 10 years,” she added. “And you’d probably have the same kind of trials in 10 years’ [time].”

A report by the Open Society Initiative in 2013 found donors had spent about $150 million on Congolese justice over a period of several years, while the government was officially budgeting in the low tens of millions for the sector each year, most of it not spent.

Burundi expels Rwandan diplomat ÎÎÎBurundi has expelled a

Rwandan diplomat, whom it accuses of destabilising the country, a Burundian official has told the BBC. Desire Nyaruhirira had been a top adviser at the Rwandan embassy in Burundi for many years.

The expulsion comes amid worsening relations between the east African neighbours.

Last week, Burundi accused Rwanda of training rebels seeking to destabilise the country, allegations it denies.

The Burundian official, who told the BBC Great Lakes service why Mr Nyaruhirira had been expelled, requested not to be named.

Rwanda has not commented on the expulsion.

The move by the Burundian government is a sign that the time for restraint is over, says the BBC’s Prime Ndikumagenge from the capital, Bujumbura.

Nyaruhirira

Congolese soldiers follow proceedings during the mass trial of 39 soldiers inside a military court in Goma in eastern Democratic Republic of Congo, May 5, 2014.

Guinea-Bissau leader rejects proposed govt ÎÎÎGuinea-Bissau

President Jose Mario Vaz rejected on Tuesday a cabinet proposed by his new prime minister, dealing a blow to efforts aimed at turning the page on a crisis that has threatened to destabilise the coupplagued West African nation.Carlos Correia was appointed premier on September 8 following weeks of political turmoil triggered by Vaz’s dismissal of Prime Minister Domingos Simoes Pereira and his government over a row between the two rivals within the ruling

PAIGC party.

After more than a month of political haggling, Correia submitted a list of ministers to the president on October 2.

However Vaz said the cabinet was too large.

“The presidency asks Carlos Correia to reformulate his 34-member government because the state budget will not be able to cover the cost,” said a statement released

by Vaz’s office.

Vaz also complained that the prime minister’s cabinet was largely composed of ministers from

Pereira’s dismissed government, some of whom are facing court cases over alleged corruption.

Pereira was himself named on Correia’s list as minister to the presidency in charge of cabinet meetings and government spokesman.

The former Portuguese colony has become a major transit point for cocaine smuggled from South America to Europe amid chronic political instability that has seen the country rocked by nine coups or attempted coups since 1980.

Mario Vaz

Al-Shabaab militants kill Somali president’s nephew ÎÎÎIslamist

al-Shabaab gunmen ambushed and killed the nephew of Somalia’s president Hassan Sheikh Mohamoud in the capital Mogadishu on Wednesday, police and the rebels said.

Militants from the alQaeda-linked group attacked a car carrying Liban Osman, and a lawyer named Abdikadir Mohamed, through the city and shot them both, police Major Mohamed Nur told Reuters.

Osman had just returned from abroad and was about to start working as the director of a Mogadishu hospital, Nur added.

Al-Shabaab’s military operation spokesperson, Sheikh Abdiasis Abu Musab, said the group targeted Osman because he was “a very important official at the presidential palace”.

Burkina Faso coup leader, Gen. Diendere charged ÎÎÎThe

leader of last month’s short-lived coup in Burkina Faso has been charged with crimes including threatening state security and murder.

Gen Gilbert Diendere is expected to face trial before a military tribunal.

Interim President Michel Kafando was reinstated two weeks ago after intervention from the army and West African leaders.

The presidential guards’ unit that carried out the coup is to be disbanded.

BBC West Africa correspondent Thomas Fessy says Gen Diendere has been formally charged with 11 crimes including threatening state security, murder, collusion with foreign forces, voluntary assault and wilful destruction of property.

Foriegn 14

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

Merkel in Islamic dress sparks debate

ÎÎÎA German news pro-

gramme depicting chancellor Angela Merkel in black Islamic head covering before a Berlin skyline dotted with minarets, divided viewers this week.

The Bericht aus Berlin (Report from Berlin) broadcast on Sunday evening looked at how Germany would cope with growing numbers of asylum seekers.

By Tuesday broadcaster ARD had received 87 phone calls and hundreds U.S. Secretary of Defense Ashton Carter, center, and Spain’s Defense Minister Pedro Morenes, right, walk together during their visit at Moron Airbase, near Seville, Spain, Oct. 6, 2015.

Ankara-Moscow relations at risk, says Erdogan ÎÎÎTurkey’s president on

Tuesday questioned the future of relations between Ankara and Moscow after multiple reports of airspace violations by Russian military planes along the Turkish border with Syria.

“Some steps that we do not desire are being taken.

It is not suitable for Turkey to accept them,” Recep Tayyip Erdogan said during a news conference with Belgium’s prime minister in Brussels, Turkey’s Hurriyet Daily News reported.

Turkey summoned Russia’s ambassador for a second time Monday after what the foreign ministry said was another instance of a Russian aircraft breaching Turkish air-

space.

An image grab made from a video released Oct. 5, 2015, by the Russian Defense Ministry reportedly shows a Russian aircraft dropping bombs during an airstrike against Islamic State group’s positions at an undisclosed location in Syria.

An image grab made from a video released Oct. 5, 2015, by the Russian Defense Ministry reportedly shows a Russian aircraft dropping bombs during an airstrike against Islamic State group’s positions at an undisclosed location in Syria.

Turkish Prime Minister Ahmet Davutoglu has warned Moscow that under Turkey’s rules of engagement, its fighters are allowed to shoot down

any warplane operating in Syria that violates Turkish airspace.

NATO Secretary-General Jens Stoltenberg told reporters Tuesday that the violations do not look like an accident.

“I will not speculate on the motives, I would just reiterate or restate that this is a serious violation of Turkish airspace, it should not happen again, and NATO has expressed strong solidarity with Turkey,” Stoltenberg said.

He added that Russia’s increased military presence in Syria raises also raises concerns because attacks have been directed not only at Islamic State fighters, but also at opposition groups, and “many civilians have lost their lives.”

targets that he said were destroyed. He said there were no civilian casualties.

“The results of the strike confirmed the high effectiveness of the missles at great distances – nearly 1,500 kilometers,” Shoigu told Putin.

Word of the Russian naval strikes in Syria come as Syrian government

forces launched a major ground offensive against rebels.

The Britain-based Syrian Observatory for Human Rights, which monitors violence in Syria, said Russian airstrikes Wednesday hit Hama and neighboring Idlib provinces, with Syrian troops using surface-to-surface missiles in the area.

Marcin Zaborowski, executive vice president of the Center for European Policy Analysis, told VOA’s Persian service that Russia is trying to test NATO’s limits by violating Tirkish airspace. “It does seem so, that Russia is taking such steps, while Turkey is trying to stay away from the Russia-West tensions,” he said.

Later on Tuesday, Russian Defense Ministry spokesman Major General Igor Konashenkov said Turkey’s Defense Ministry had proposed establishing a joint working group “to coordinate activities and prevent possible incidents” related to Russian airstrikes aimed at “the destruction of the Islamic State group on the territory of Syria.”

of comments and likes on social media site Facebook.

Addressing people’s fears of migration, presenter Rainald Becker had asked: “What will happen to our values? How do we react, if refugees have issues with equal opportunities, with women’s rights or with freedom of opinion and freedom of the press?”

Most viewers reactions were positive, commending the broadcaster for tackling the issue.

Brazil court to probe Dilma Rousseff’s election campaign ÎÎÎBrazil’s

top electoral authority said on Tuesday that it would re-open an investigation into alleged misuse of funds during President Dilma Rousseff ’s re-election campaign.

The Supreme Electoral Court will try to determine if Ms Rousseff ’s and Vice-President Michel Temer’s campaign drew on donations from illegal sources.

The probe was requested by the opposition PSDB party.

It comes at a time when Ms Rousseff ’s approval rating is at a record low.

If it were to uncover irregularities, the court could invalidate Ms Rousseff ’s and Mr Temer’s election and trigger fresh polls.

Demonstrators accuse Ms Rousseff and members of the Workers’ Party of corruption But experts say in order

Rousseff for that to happen the irregularities would have to be so serious that the judges deem them to have endangered the legitimacy of the election.

Moreover, the inquiry is likely to take many months, if not years, and a fresh election is therefore an unlikely scenario, electoral law experts said.

The case was shelved in February when a judge ruled there was not enough evidence to proceed, but the PSDB appealed against the decision.

Yemen rebels, allies agree Russian warships hit ISIS targets in Syria to UN peace plan ÎÎÎRussia,

which has been carrying out airstrikes in Syria, said Wednesday it has used four warships in the Caspian Sea to launch rockets at Islamic State targets in the war-torn country.

Defense Minister Sergei Shoigu told President Vladimir Putin that the vessels fired 26 cruise missiles at 11 Islamic State

ÎÎÎYemen’s

Iran-backed Houthi rebels and their allies signalled acceptance of a UN peace plan Wednesday aimed at ending a months-long conflict in the impoverished country.

UN envoy on Yemen Ismail Ould Cheikh Ahmed said that the Houthis had agreed to implement a UN Putin

resolution which demands that the rebels withdraw from areas under their control in Yemen and hand over their weapons to state institutions.

“The Houthis have agreed in writing to implement the UN resolution 2216,” the Mauritanian diplomat said on his Facebook page without giving details.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

15 Opinion

Why Buhari should not be Petroleum Minister

T

he President shall not, during his tenure of office, hold any other executive office or paid employment in any capacity

Kolawole Kayode

whatsoever.”

– Section 138, Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

Pursuant to the above quoted Section, the President is expressly, definitively and unambiguously disallowed from holding any other executive position throughout the duration of his presidency.

As has become a customary, albeit most offensive, feature of his presidency, Muhammadu Buhari chose to formally inform his fellow citizens of his ill-advised intention to retain the coveted Petroleum Resources ministerial portfolio while on foreign soil, precisely during his recent visit to New York, in the United States of America.

Media sources have quoted the President’s spokesperson, Malam Garba Shehu, as citing the deisre to personally superintend the restructuring of the corruption-infested pertoleum industry, as the rationale for Buhari’s controversial decision.

The unstated precedence that may have encouraged Buhari to do likewise, is the fact that his predecessor, former President Olusegun Obasanjo, also held the office of Petroleum Resources Minister throughout the

latter’s tenure, from 1999 to 2007, in violation of Section 138 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

As we await the processing of President Buhari’s ministerial nominees by the Senate, pursuant to Section 147 (2) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999, it is pertinent to raise a clear alarm not only about an imminent infraction, but indeed to shed light on an ongoing illegality.

Since his assumption of office on May 29th 2015, President Buhari has been exercising the substantive power and authority of the Minister of Petroleum Resources; and is likely to continue to do so till the very hour of the publication of this piece.

Perhaps he may even continue to do so thereafter if he is not advised to the contrary.

Based on the foregoing, it is indisputable that Buhari is in ongoing violation of Section 138 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999.

It is possible that former President Obasanjo and incumbent President Buhari may have relied, or may be relying, on the seemingly broad power of the office of the President, pursuant to Section 5 (1) (a) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 which states: “Subject to the provisions of this Constitution, the executive

powers of the Federation shall be vested in the President and may subject as aforesaid and to the provisions of any law made by the National Assembly, be exercised by him either directly or through the Vice-President and Ministers of the Government of the Federation or officers in the public service of the Federation.”

However, I believe it is settled in law that where certain provisions of any grundnorm are ambiguous on a particular subject matter, the existence of any prohibitive provision effectively circumscribes and supercedes every other section which may suggest otherwise.

This means that the express prohibition provision as stated in Section 138 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 effectively precludes President Buhari from appointing himself Nigeria’s Minister of Petroleum Resources and, therefore, also disallows him from exercising the substantive power and authority of the referred executive office.

Accordingly, the widely reported speculation that the President is likely to nominate Dr. Emmanuel Ibe Kachikwu, the Group Managing Director (GMD) of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) as the Minister of State, Petroleum Resources, should also be reviewed.

Going ahead with this plan

is most likely to violate certain provisions of the Nigerian Petroleum Act, 1969 which clearly states the functions of the Minister of Petroleum Resources, the Board of NNPC, the GMD of NNPC, etc.

Furthermore, may I humbly suggest that the President reconsider this plan and allow the eminently qualified Dr. Kachikwu focus on the already onerous task of reconstructing the NNPC? Since President Buhari has an established reputation as a dogged advocate for the rule of law, I hereby invite other more learned persons and constitutional authorities to weigh in on this very important subject matter, in order to prevent the President from perpetrating a constitutional breach which, as of today, is ongoing.

Nobody can convince me that in a country (i.e. Nigeria) that boasts of many leading authorities in Petroleum Resources engineering and administration, President Buhari is unable to find any competent and credible person to champion the much anticipated reforms in the petroleum industry.

Like millions of Nigerians and many well-meaning persons all over Africa and the world at large, I continue to pray that God grants President Buhari the grace and wisdom to enable him steer this nation aright.

He needs our continued prayers, patience and understanding.

As Remi Oyo continues to live in our hearts

C

Peter Dada

owards die many times before their death, but the valiant never taste ofdeath but once, of all the wonders I yet have heard, it seems to me most strange that man should fear, since death a necessary end will come when it will come.’’

-Williams Shakespeare.

How time flies that a year has lapsed precisely October 1, 2014, when Auntie Oluremi Felicia Oyo bid this sinful world farewell.

Friends, close associates, well wishers and those who had had onething or the other to do with Remi were dazed, shocked and surprised when they heard of her passing on.

That actually put paid to what some people had alleged to have emanated from the rumour mills and behold, the Oyos’ residencebecame a Mecca-of-a-sort for distinguished Nigerians that came to sympathise with the immediate family members.

Thank God for his continued protection on the immediate family in the past oneyear after Auntie Remi had joined the church triumphant.

Since the early 1970s when providence had brought Uncle Vincent and Auntie Remi together as co-

producers of a news programme on the then Radio Nigeria, Ikoyi, till when they got married, both had remained inseparable until death did them part.

She was indeed good example, in conduct, love, spirit, faith and purity. Remi demonstrated these qualities as a benefactress to several people, an icon, defender of her faith and a bridge builder to people of diverse background Auntie, your untimely death created a deep vacuum that would take ages to fill. We take solace in the good legacy you left behind as a loving and dutiful wife, caring mother and succour to those you used your good offices to put bread on their tables.

Indeed, your life was an example of ‘how well and not how long, considering the transformations you brought into all the places where God used you to touch the lives of mankind.

You were always guided by your humble backgrounds as inculcated intoyou and your other siblings by your parents; Papa Gabriel Omosofe Okeand Mama Julianah Omotola Oke, of blessed memory.

As an up-and-coming young reporter covering Dodan Barracks as your beat for

Radio Nigeria, during the administration of General Yakubu Gowon, yourdevotion to duty and penchant for details made the then first lady, Victoria Gowon , to develop a special interest in the dark you.

As an Ekiti born indigene, she was bold and daring and no wonders she exhibited that quality at a press conference in 1993, following the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.

Remi in life time handled every ordinary assignment placed on her shoulders in an extraordinary manner, zeal and candour thusyielding uncommon, invaluable and priceless results.

You were indeed an assiduous manager of human and material resources withthe fecundity to identify each of your staff members’ latent potential and tapped into it for the good of all.

The Catholic Church through Pope Benedict XVI,recognising your worth as someone putting smiles on the faces of others, devotion to duty and being a staunch defender of the faith honoured you with the Knight of Saint Gregory the Great. ``VoxDei, Vox Populi’’.

You remained until your death the only woman from Ekiti Stateand from the Diocese to be so

honoured with that exalted position by the Catholic Church.

This feat and others were not accidental butprovidential. It would be recalled that the first Eucharistic celebration (Holy Mass) to be held by the Catholic Church in the old Ondo Province was held at Usi Ekiti,on March 19, 1913 by the late Rev Fr Freiss, SMA. Oluremi’s moral and financial contributions to the new St.Joseph’s Catholic Church building project at her home town parishcontributed towards its completion and its subsequent dedication in 2013.

The parish, believing in the concept of `` To whom much is given, much is expected’’ organised a commendation service on October 13, 2014 inher honour and pray God to grant her and otherfaithful departed eternal rest.

Auntie, you had done your best, leaving the rest for the maker to judge as angels do no more.

We part to meet, and meet to part.

It is now left for us to continue from where you stopped for the good of humanity.But I have that implicit belief that we shall meet on the day ofresurrection when we will never experience death, sorrow, anguish, andthe gnashing of teeth again.

Sleep on in the bosom of your creator.

16

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

Business Times Æ s

17

Expert outlines fresh foreign exchange strategies Adesola Akindele

The Chief Executive Officer, Lead Capital Plc, Prince Abimbola Olashore, has advised Nigeria to work towards getting out of the present mono product trap by developing other potential sources of forex, having observed that due to imperfections and distortions within the Nigeria economy, demand for forex in relative terms appears to be more than in other countries.

Noting this at a round table discussion recently held in Lagos, he x-rayed that the exchange rate management of Nigeria is similar to the policies of some countries such as South Africa, Brazil, India, amongst others, but that the policy changes are more frequent in Nigeria than in those countries, which is amplified by the narrow source of Nigeria’s foreign exchange (crude oil sales proceeds), and faster developing manufacturing sector due to the ability to manufacture for exports.

His presentation which centered on ‘Foreign Exchange Challenge in the Economy, highlighted issues in the Nigerian Economy to include the present structure of the forex market which is shaped by the historical source of government revenue other than taxes and the constitutional requirement for a federation account, and that the large chunk of government revenue is earned in dollars and not allocated monthly in the same currency especially given the high forex component of States and MDA’s expenditure. He also pointed out that the dollar balances that are been held in Nigeria have been rising, thus dollarizing the economy.

Olashore

L – R: Oloruntimilehin George, Head, Banks Financial Institutions, Standard Chartered Bank; Olatunde Akande, Special Assistant to CBN Governor on Development Finance; and Edwin Nzelu, Acting Managing Director, Nigeria Incentive-based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL) Plc at a workshop in Lagos … Monday

NERC, MAN form committee to improve industrial power supply Augustine Okezie, Abuja The Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission, (NERC) and the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), on Monday in Abuja set up a nine-man committee to ensure improved power supply to industries.

The Chairman of NERC, Dr Sam Amadi who spoke in company of the President of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), said the major concern now is on how to make electricity available to the real sectors.

Speaking at the inauguration, Amadi said that the idea to im-

GTBank emerges bank of the year

prove power supply to the manufacturing sector came up last year. ‘’We have a written policy on how to support industrialization by increasing electricity supply quantitatively. The whole idea is on having dedicated power to the industries’’.

According to him, ‘’ the next stage is thinking about microgrid; NERC will like to be the champion for this innovation and we are happy to have MAN as our partner’’ he enthused.

MAN’s President, Dr. Frank Jacob, who read the terms of reference to the committee, noted that electricity challenge to industries can be surmounted if a legal framework can be provided to help the association reduce cost

of production. He urged the committee to complete its assignment within a week so as to fast track further processing of engagement with the Federal Government.

The terms of reference for the committee include appreciating the embedded power generation and micro-grid for industrial clusters ; the development of policy and regulatory framework models for viable and feasible micro-grid, development of business models for prioritizing the financial viability of micro-grid technologies within existing framework and identifying relevant stakeholders and key interest groups and describe what they will likely contribute to the micro-grid industrial cluster initiative.

Other terms of reference includes development of a framework for grid interface, evacuation agreement, purchase obligation as well as encouragement of renewable energy sources based projects. This is in addition to identifying eligible existing incentives and to design special concession for innovative micro-grid projects that converts waste to energy.

Members of the Committee are Engineer Reginald Odiah, Engineer Ibrahim Usman, Nkoli Anyam, Ijeama Ezeasor, Engineer Chinedum Ukabiala, Engineer Abdul Bello Mohammed, Dr Abdulsalam Yusuf as well as representatives from Trade and Industry Ministries.

Adesola Akindele

only pan-African Awards designed to recognize Africa’s best performing stock exchanges, listed companies, investment banks, research teams, regulators, socially responsible companies and sovereign wealth and pension fund investors. The investment and business leadership awards aim to reward exceptional business practices, economic achievements and investments across Africa, whilst recognizing the institutions and individuals improving the continent’s investment climate.

According to Hubert Danso,

CEO of Africa investor: “Africa’s capital markets remain some of the most attractive propositions for institutional investors globally. We are therefore delighted to showcase the institutions and CEOs at the forefront of delivering world class returns. GTBank stands out as the Bank of the Year for its ability to continuously deliver notable success and significant progress across its businesses, despite increasing regulatory headwinds and an extremely challenging environment.”

Foremost African financial institution; Guaranty Trust Bank plc has been named Bank of the Year by leading international investment and communications group, Africa Investor (Ai), at the prestigious Ai Institutional Investment and Capital Market Awards 2015, which took place on the sidelines of the UN General Assembly in New York.

Launched in 2007, the Ai Institutional Investment and Capital Market Awards is the

Brands and Marketing 18

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

Power Oil gets consumers to exercise for health Stories by Godwin Anyebe In line with its commitment to promoting healthy living as a means to maintaining a healthy heart, Power Oil, Nigeria’s most heart friendly Oil brand, over the weekend organised a consumer activation tagged ‘Pay with Calories 2.0’ at the Ikeja City Mall, Lagos. The activation was done to celebrate this year’s World Heart Day. The activation involved participants’ engaging in series of workouts on treadmills and cyclers.

Participants were then rewarded with various gift items depending on the amount of calories they are able to burn within a specific time. Consumers also had the opportunity to have free medical check-ups at the event.

Speaking on the rationale behind the event, Brand manager, Power Oil, Disha Argawal reiterated the brand’s commitment to promoting healthy living amongst consumers. She said, “Rather than focus solely on sales, Power Oil, is dedicated to promoting healthy living amongst its consumers. We try to encourage people to live healthy lives and not to use low-quality or substandard cooking oil which in most cases puts consumers at risk of heart related diseases and other health hazards”.

She also stated that, the ra-

L-R: The Brand Manager, Power Oil, Disha Argawal; Franklin Onyenze, Halimat Adebayo, both winners at the “Power Oil Pay Per Calories” event, and Marketing Assistant, Power Oil, Fagbemi Oyeyemi at the Power Oil Pay Per Calories event held at Ikeja City Mall, Lagos.

tionale behind the activation is to promote healthy living by encouraging people to exercise daily and be cautious about what they eat in order to maintain a healthy heart.

“This activity is also in line with world heart day which was on the 29th of September.

This is an activity we do every

year where we try to pass on the message of healthy living to consumers. A couple of months ago, we did it in Abuja now we are doing it in Lagos. In a few months we hope to do it in the Eastern part of Nigeria”. She added.

While commending Power Oil for this bold initiative, Timothy

guests at the event. Some artistes that will perform at the Kaduna show are: Bishop Talk, Pheroshuz, SkinnyBoi, Emmyli, Dan Hausawa, Stayo Stevens, Penny and Nino Brown, while Disc Jockeys (DJs) like Kelly, Abdul, Menthol, White, Uzzy, Bizzy and others will spice up the occasion.

The Kaduna show will feature a red carpet session, and guests are expected to wear a touch of Nigeria’s colour, green and white.

Airtel customers and telecoms consumers at the two concerts will have the opportunity to win fantastic prizes as there will be exciting draws, trivia and other engaging activities.

Speaking on the event, Airtel’s Chief Sales Officer, Godfrey Efeurhobo, noted that the telco organised the Independence concerts to commemorate the nation’s 55th Independence anniversary and to also connect with its teeming customers especially the

leading cause of deaths worldwide. Majority of Nigerians are unaware of the risk associated with heart related diseases. To this end, the activation became necessary to sensitize Nigerians on the need to maintain a healthy heart as well as encourage them to engage in physical exercises regularly.

3rd UK postgraduate exhibition billed for Abuja

Airtel celebrates Oct 1 with musical concerts To commemorate Nigeria’s 55th Independence Anniversary, one of Nigeria’s leading telecommunications services provider, Airtel Nigeria, has thrown its full weight behind select star-studded musical concerts that will excite telecoms consumers across the country The shows scheduled to hold simultaneously in Warri and Kaduna will feature top Nigerian artistes, comedians as well as upand-coming entertainers.

The Warri concert tagged ‘Warri Again Music & Comedy’ event, a first-rate musical concert in Nigeria will feature leading artistes and comedians. According to the organizers of the show, artistes confirmed for the concert include Basket mouth, Bovi, AY, Buchi, Gordons alongside music stars like Korede Bello Olamide and Iyanya lined up.

Other popular acts such as Dr Sid, K cee, Cynthia Morgan, Harrysong, Lil Kesh will also thrill

Okoh, one of the participants who burned 211 calories in 10 minutes said this is an inspiring initiative by Pwer Oil in encouraging people to exercise and also be rewarded for doing so.

It is estimated that over 60% of Nigerians are at risk of heart related diseases which is the

Efeurhobo

youth.

He said: “The nation’s independence anniversary remains a significant moments in the history of Nigeria. And Airtel Nigeria recognises this important day and also realises that the nation can further be built through empowering youths and creating opportunities for them to achieve their dreams.

“The independence concert also underscores Airtel’s commitment to supporting the Nigerian entertainment industry.”

The British Council has announced its 3rd annual Education UK Postgraduate Exhibition 2015 taking place in Abuja on the 4th of November 2015 and in Lagos on 6th & 7th of November 2015.

The exhibition is designed for prospective students interested in an international education at the postgraduate level. It provides a platform for the students to meet one on one with representatives of 30 UK institutions and get direct advice on the opportunities available to them for study in the UK. Each year, students from Nigeria study in the UK, joining close to two million local students from England, Northern Ireland, Scotland and Wales, plus around 500,000 other international students from 200 countries.

Sephora Imomoh, Project Manager at the British Council explains why the UK is such a popular destination for international students. “The UK’s

excellent reputation for education leads to internationally recognised qualifications, with the result that students can look forward to good career prospects when they return home”.

Imomoh further states “With a strong reputation for research, innovation and creativity, UK universities and colleges attract some of the world’s leading academics and industry professionals. Students are encouraged to express their ideas and think for themselves”.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

Diageo, IARD partner against harmful drinking

Menezes

Stories by Godwin Anyebe As part of its effort to create a positive role for alcohol in the society through partnerships and programmes, Diageo Plc, a global leader in beverage alcohol, has joined International Alliance for Responsible Drinking (IARD) to commemorate the second year of the Beer, Wine and Spirits Producers’ Commitments to reduce harmful drinking.

The Beer, Wine and Spirits Producers’ Commitments to reduce harmful drinking is an

19 Brands and Marketing

ambitious programme of actions aimed at reducing harmful drinking over a five-year period which started in 2013 and will end in 2017. The IARD is a notfor-profit organization dedicated to addressing the global public health issue of harmful drinking and to promoting responsible drinking.

The programme, coordinated by IARD, is in line with the World Health Organisation’s (WHO) global strategy to reduce the harmful use of alcohol. It also conforms to the target set for governments around the

world by WHO to achieve a 10 per cent reduction in harmful drinking by 2025.

Mr. Ivan Menezes, Chief Executive Officer, Diageo, said “We are two years into the most ambitious initiative the industry has ever collectively undertaken to address harmful drinking and, while we have made good progress, there is still more work to be done. And we will do more.

“The second year of collaboration has encouraged us that through partnerships even more can be achieved and we will continue to work in communities

across the world to reduce harmful drinking,” Menezes said.

Presenting the programme’s 2014 Progress Report, Ann Keeling, President/Chief Executive Officer, IARD, said; “We believe that addressing harmful drinking must involve all sectors of society—governments, civil society, and the private sector— and are therefore pleased that the CEOs of the major alcoholproducing companies have agreed to a set of five commitments to address harmful drinking in a five-year programme of work.”

MTN Foundation plans 200 projects across 200 LGAs As part of efforts to reach out to more Nigerians, the MTN Foundation (MTNF) has launched new initiative tagged “#WhatCanWeDoTogether? on its 10th anniversary celebration.

With the #WhatCanWeDoTogether? intitiave the Foundation will implement 200 projects in 200 communities across 200 LGAs in Nigeria.

Speaking at the launch of the initiative, The Executive Secretary, Nonny Ubgoma, said, “You can change your community for good with your phone – simply dial *123*14# or visit http:// foundation.mtnonline.com/dotogether. By partnering with the MTN Foundation, a community of your choice could be a beneficiary of any of 200 projects to be implemented in 200 communities across 200 LGAs in the country. These projects could be any of the following: provision of school furniture, boreholes, transformers or household items for orphanages”. Speaking further, Nonny said that this is a demonstration of the Foundation’s commitment to continue

to compliment government’s efforts in ways that can improve project development in various communities across the country.

On his part the Corporate Services Executive of MTN Nigeria, Akinwale Goodluck, said that relationship is a core value at MTN as a business. “MTN and the MTN Foundation uphold the company’s core value of building and sustaining relationships.

Looking at what the Foundation has achieved in a decade, relationship plays an integral part in the success story of impact on millions of Nigerians in the areas of Education, Health and Economic Empowerment.”

It is this value and the successes we have achieved so far that inspired us to say: let’s partner with Nigerians by asking them to nominate any of these four projects: school furniture, boreholes, transformers or household items for orphanages, for their communities.

“Through this nomination a community of your choice could benefit from one of these projects and we are going to imple-

ment this in 200 communities.”

He said.

Entries for this initiative will end on October 9, 2015. Nigerians are expected to register the community name and their preferred project, guided by the prompts

Ubgoma

that follow after dialling the specified code.

MTNF has spent over N13 billion over the last decade on 344 project sites across the 36 states of the federation including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

Bhattacharya

Consumers applaud Chivita 100% Juiceball campaign Nigerian consumers have applauded the Chivita 100% juiceball Television commercial. The campaign which is been deployed through Television, Radio, Digital, Out of Home, Consumer Activation and Point of Sales initiatives demonstrates the brand’s commitment to quality and excellence.

Speaking on the campaign, Head of Marketing, Chi Limited, Mr. Probal Bhattacharya said; “The Chivita 100% ‘Juice Ball’ television commercial is an interesting way of highlighting the essence of our brand and the goodness it promises.

We are confident that with our commitment to ensuring that consumers get only the best, Chivita 100% would continue to remain the number one fruit juice brand of choice for millions of consumers and football lovers across Nigeria” The Television commercial which had already started running on major Television channels in Nigeria features top rated football stars like Marouane Fellaini, Antonio Valencia, Robin Van Persie, Angel Di Maria and Radamel Falcao. He added.

Reacting on this development, Kehinde Gbadamosi a soccer fan noted that, he is amazed at the creative approach employed

by Chivita 100% to convey the premium quality of the brand using some of the most influential soccer stars in the world.

His words; “I just left a match viewing centre after watching the Manchester United game.

Insurance 20

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

Power, energy sectors raise stakes for insurers

Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, the Director General of PenCom and Dr. Gerard Lyons, chief economist and global economic adviser at the 2nd Edition of the WorldPensionSummit ‘Africa Special holding in Abuja, Nigeria.

Infrastructure development tops WPS ‘Africa Special’ agenda Isaac Agber Africa is least on the global development scale with just little above 5 per cent since the turn of the Century. Analysts have attributed the ebbing situation of Africa’s economic gains to the meltdown of market prices in the first quarter of the century, which has left many African countries struggling for survival. To salvage this worrisome situation, stakeholders in the pension industry are advised to set economic parameters that prioritize infrastructure development and poverty eradication.

Delivering her welcome address at the ongoing World Pension Summit in Abuja, the Nigeria’s Director General of National Pension Commission, Chinelo Anohu-Amazu, enjoined all participants to focus on the most appropriate strategies for leveraging pension funds in the Continent to expedite the execution of critical infrastructure projects.

According to her, “infrastructure development, undoubtedly, remains a key enabler of sustainable development in Africa and the current rapid increase in the size of pension funds available in the Continent provides a rare opportunity for

multi-sector collaboration in bridging Africa’s infrastructure deficit.”

Anohu-Amazu said stakeholders in the pension industry should engender long-term sustainability of pension systems in Africa by initiating economic pre-conditions needed for longterm growth and fostering poverty eradication.

She said the WPS provided a good platform for stakeholders to find out why Africa had to go through such a prolonged period of economic decline during its lost quarter century. And what derivable lessons from the decline that will help for policy formulation and necessary leapfrog measures needed for accelerating and sustaining Africa’s economic renaissance.

The PENCOM DG noted that political unrest and institutional failures in the continent were factors bedeviling growth and development, giving example with the Nigerian situation. According to her, “it is obvious that where states have failed or are at war there is little that economics has to offer as solutions.”

Learning further from the Nigerian situation, Anohu-Amazu urged all participants to borrow a leaf from the Nigerian Pension Reform, which triggered the new Contributory Pension

Scheme against the former Defined Benefits System after the lost quarter, to rebase their economic gains.

She said: “From operating the old Defined Benefits System that had well over 2 Trillion Naira ( circa USD 10 Billion) in deficit at the dusk of the last century, the new Contributory Pension Scheme (CPS) that was kick started in 2004, now has over 5 Trillion (circa USD 27 Billion) in just over 10 years of operation.”

She explained that a key feature of the CPS is the institutionalization of risk-based regulation as a means of engendering the long-term sustainability of the Pension Industry. “This encapsulates the troika of social, environmental, and economic dimensions of development,” adding that regulatory strategies would thus encompass a painstaking consideration of risks as well as the rewards that lie behind endogenous opportunities. The impact of poor corporate governance practices on shareholder value, exacerbated by the recent global financial crisis, for instance, has raised issues such as transparency, risk management and business ethics, amongst others, to the front burner of the regulatory agenda.

Ongoing investments in the power and energy sectors have resulted to increased economic drive as many private players are enlisting their stakes to better their lot in the near future. Insurance companies have also noticed how auspicious the industry is fast becoming a good source of income, an opportunity they won’t let go.

Some pundits in the underwriting industry have said that the sector does not only offers opportunities in the area of power generation but also in distribution and maintenance.

Tola Adegbayi, Executive Director of Leadway Assurance, recently said that: “When government divested, those government entities now came into the field and with that we are not talking about power from distribution point of view alone, we are talking about power from the generation point of view, which is where you have the engineering and gas side. And if there is disruption as result of gas shortage, there is loss of income to them. And that is why there is disruption insurance.”

She noted that the power sector has had a lot of seminars from investors, capitalists, regulators and developmental strate-

gists without any real discourse about risk management through insurance.

With the emerging trend of risk management across all economic strata, Adegbayi insisted that it has become necessary for economy drivers to build some knowledge and capacity, not only with the underwriters but to the brokers and clients.

“Some of the challenges we are having with our clients are, basically, when we request for underwriting information, they don’t appreciate why we are asking for such information and they fell we are being difficult.”

So, building capacity amongst brokers and clients will help in information gathering for effective risks management of the emerging risks in this sector.

The brokers relate more directly with the clients and so equipping them with the knowledge will enhance relationship with clients. They also will use it to their own advantage so that it becomes easier to manage clients.

Sunday Thomas, Director General, Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA) said acquiring relevant skills to manage the emerging risks in our economy is timely.

Insurance companies showed resilience in the first half of 2015 Statistics have shown that Nigeria’s underwriting companies do not need to fret, considering the growing fear of losses in the capital market arising from internal and external factors—diminishing naira to foreign currencies and economic policy defaults hitting hard on investors.

The average cumulative combined ratios (CR) of 15 quoted insurance firms stood at 89.37 percent in the first six months of the year despite macroeconomic headwinds. Premium income in the review period also hit N67.01 billion.

Combined ratio is the combination of an insurance company’s claims ratio and expense ratio.

Many analysts across a broad spectrum believe that the CR ratios are the best way to measure the success of a company because it does not include investment income and only includes profit that is earned through efficient management.

Companies like Wapic Insurance Plc., Mutual Benefits Assur-

ance Plc., NEM Insurance Plc., Consolidated Hallmark Insurance Plc. and Staco Insurance Plc. recorded a CR of 62.09 percent, 66.41 percent, 66.81 percent, 60.0 percent and 41.90 percent respectively, according to statistics.

“The combined ratio of 89.37 percent shows that there companies are still making a profit albeit a small profit,” said an actuary with one of the big insurance firms, who preferred be anonymous, because of the sensitivity of the matter.

The improved ratios presupposes that these companies have improved underwriting results across their reporting segments, solid capitalization with strong growth in shareholders’ equity and continued improvement in leverage and interest coverage metrics. For instance, Consolidated Hallmark deployed shareholder’s resources in generating higher profits as return on equity (ROE) stood at (26 percent), Mutual Benefits had ROE of (27 percent) and NEM (20 percent).

Daily Times Nigeria Daily Times Nigeria Tuesday, August 18, 2015 Thursday, October 8, 2015

21 21

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OPERATIONAL HEADQUARTERS DTN COMPLEX LATEEF JAKANDE ROAD, AGINDIGBI, IKEJA, LAGOS CORPORATE HEADQUARTERS 44 ADETOKNBO ADEMOLA CRESCENT WUSE 2, ABUJA

News 22 Abia CP partners stakeholders on security Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏThe

police in Abia State have called on all stakeholders on security in the state to partner with the police in its resolve to give the state and, indeed, Nigeria the needed security.

The Commissioner of Police, Abia State Police Command, Mr. Joshak Habila, made this call while addressing traditional rulers at the palace of HRM, Eze S. A. Okorie at Ohafia during his tour of police formations in the state.

The CP said the role of traditional rulers and community leaders as the chief custodian of security, peace and good neighbourliness, in providing security for their subjects and the society as a whole cannot be ignored as both good and deviant citizens cohabit in the community.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

Ooni stool: EFFC officials storm Obalufe’s residence Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÏÏÏTongues

are wagging among the people of Ile-Ile following the visit by the officials of Economic and Financial Crime Commission (EFCC) to the head of the kingmakers and the Obalufe of Iremo quarter, Ile-Ife, Oba Solomon Omisakin.

Some of the residents alleged that the visit was connected to the ongoing investigation on one of the contenders for the Ooni stool, Mr. Adeyeye Ogunwusi.

It would be recalled that the EFCC had allegedly begun in-

vestigation into allegations of forgery, fraudulent conversion and obtaining the sum of N400 million by false pretence against Ogunwusi and his firm, Metropole Interproject Limited.

This was following a petition written by the chambers of Rotimi Jacobs & Co. dated September 7, 2015, on behalf of Messrs Sijuwade Holdings Limited.

In it the company stated that, in 1993, it purchased a parcel of land measuring 30,000 square metres from the Ojomu Chieftaincy Family at the Lekki Peninsula, Lagos, and entered into an agreement with Metropole

Interproject Limited for the latter to sand-fill the entire parcel of land.

According to the petition, upon the completion of the sand filling, Metropole would be given 7,500 square metres from the land “to serve as the company’s fees.”

The company, in the petition, also alleged that it gathered that Mr. Ogunwusi/Metropole had forged the title documents by superimposing the name of Metropole Interproject Limited as a co-owner of the parcel of land.

Apart from the forgery, it was also alleged that Mr. Ogunwusi/ Metropole had also sold the

eight duplex units that ought to have accrued to our client and he converted the proceeds, running into N400 million, to his personal use.

However, Ogunwusi reportedly denied the allegations made against him and Metropole Interproject Limited, saying it was a malicious attempt to deny him the opportunity of becoming the next Ooni.

The residents, however, surmised that the EFCC had come to notify the Obalufe of the ongoing investigation.

When our correspondent visited the domain of Obalufe, on Tuesday, he was told that the king-maker was not around.

Youths, NSCDC collaborate on crime Yakubu Salisu

ÏÏÏThe

Nigerian Youth Organisation under the leadership of Dr. Ahmad Abdulaziz, has solicited for the support of the Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in combating crime among the youths who were believed to be vital to those who wanted to cause one form of evil or the other in the society.

Speaking at the NSCDC’s headquarters, in Kano, Abdulaziz stated that the organisation was out to reorient, educate and equip the youths with various skills with which they could become self- dependant and useful to themselves and the society at large.

Cleric lauds Buhari’s anti-graft war Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado-Ekiti

ÏÏÏThe

General Overseer of Hour of Mercy Prayer Ministry Worldwide, Prophet Moses Muyideen Kasali, has lauded President Muhammadu Buhari for his anticorruption fight and his moves to restore the country’s dignity and economy. Kasali urged the Federal Government to handle the ongoing trial of the Senate President, Senator Bukola Saraki, with caution to avoid grave consequences, saying far-reaching results could be achieved without vengeance, divisive tendencies and selective judgment.

Member, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF) Executive Working Group (EWG), Prof. Lemchi Jones; Head of Government Affairs, West Africa Area, (BATN), Odiri Erewa-Meggison; Head, Legal and External Affairs, BATN, Freddy Messanvi; Executive Director, BATN, Mrs Seyi Ashade and member BATNF EWG, Prof. Femi Ajibola, at the BATNF Dialogue Session on Smallholder Farmers and Sustainable Agriculture held in Lagos… on Tuesday

Kogi govt ejects illegal occupants from flood-prone areas Ibrahim Obansa, Lokoja

ÏÏÏThe

Kogi State Government, on Wednesday, ejected people it described as illegal occupants of the post-flood estate in Lokoja, while it also seal off the premises.

The Deputy Governor, Mr. Yomi Awoniyi, said the decision was taken to forestall all illegal occupants of the estate who are denying the original allottees the opportunity of occupying their houses.

Awoniyi urged those who have genuine allocation to re-present their allocation paper to the Ministry of Lands and

Housing, in order to re-validate their position and collect the key to occupy the flood estate built and given out as “Owners Occupier” to 2012 flood victims.

According to him, “We heard that illegal people who have already occupied the housing estate were demonstrating over their eviction. We want to make it clear that our government is one who will do the rights thing at all time.

“On September 12, 2015, government placed advertorial for flood victims to come and bid for the housing estate. The process was free, but out of the 1,740 unit of dwellings affected by the flood in 2012, only 241persons signified interest in the flood estate.

PLACE YOUR ADVERT HERE

MATHEW AYOBAMI ADEDOKUN I, formerly known and addressed as Mr. Kowiyu Amusat Adedokun now wish to be known and addressed as Mr. Mathew Ayobami Adedokun. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

JONAH SYLUIA KOSISOCH

ESTHER CHIAMAKA OKECHUKWU

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Alaneme Syluia Kosisoch now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Jonah Syluia Kosisoch. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Esther Chiamaka Ude-Ene now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Esther Chiamaka Okechukwu. All former documents bearing my name remain valid.

Akanu-ibiam Federal Polytechnic Uwana Affikpo, Ebonyi State and the general public take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public that OKPOWU ANTHONY .I. lost original private lease documents Registered as 72/72/407 at Land Registry Enugu, with Plot No. 5 at Block 113 Achara Layout Enugu. If found contact the Ministry of Lands and Urban Development Enugu.

This is to inform the general public that the Director of Cupo Authomobile Ltd lost Building Certificate of Occupancy (B.C of O) Registered as 93/93/1112 at Lands Enugu, the property situate at Abakpa Nike. If found contact the ministry of Lands and Urban Development Enugu.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

23 News

Ebonyi displaced persons receive relief materials from NEMA Jacob Mbam Ogodo Abakaliki

ÏÏÏOver

L-R: Acting Chief Executive, Stanbic IBTC Capital, Mr. Funso Akere; Head, Financial Advisory, Stanbic IBTC Capital, Sola Carrena; and Group Editor, Instinct Business, Mrs. Kehinde Olesin at the prize presentation of the maiden edition of the Nigeria CFO Awards to Stanbic IBTC Capital held in Lagos… on Wednesday

Councillors drag Enugu LG boss before Gov, ICPC over funds Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏCouncillors in Nsukka Lo-

cal Government Area of Enugu State have dragged its Chairman Mr. Charles Ugwu, before Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC), and Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, over alleged misappropriation of funds.

In a petition signed by ten of the twenty councilors, and made available to the Daily Times they alleged that the chairman had embezzled five months arrears of workers’ salary.

The Councillors who signed the petition were Honourables Juliana Ugwu, representing Ibeagwa-Ani/Agu Ward, Paschal Ogbonna representing Ihe Ward, Chijioke Aguonah representing Akpa/Ozi Ward, Nna Aleke representing Obukpa Ward, HonBetram Ezema Idi/Igbozzalla Ward, Raymond Agbo,

representing Ibeku Ward Festus Ugwu representing Eha-Ndiagu, Ward, Marcel Ugwuoke Okpuje/ Okutu Ward, Paul Omeje representing Alor-Uno Ward and Ogechukwu Onyishi representing Ede-Ukwu Ward.

“Figures of monthly allocation as contained in the petition are eloquent testimony that what Nsukka council have been receiving is enough for the council boss to pay workers, councilors and execute development projects.

“We want you to use your good office to save councilors and workers of Nsukka LGA from further hardship,” they said.

The petitioners also accused the Leader of the Legislative Council, Mr. Celestine Ogbu, of complicity with the chairman in siphoning the council funds.

“The leader will not say the truth on this issue, because the LG chairman has been settling

NCAA fines Mexican Airline N7m Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏThe

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has announced the release of a Mexican plane grounded for violating the Nigeria airspace.

The Bombardier 700-100 aircraft, with registration number G-RBEN, Global Express S/N 9083, illegally flew into the

country without flight plan.

This led to the grounding of the aircraft by the NCAA. The agency’s General Manager Public Relations, Mr. Sam Adurogboye, said, the airline was fined N7 million paid to NCAA and $20, 000 to Nigerian Airspace Management Authority (NAMA) for violation.

him with some amount of money; he has refused to call for sitting, for some time now, because he knows some of us are not happy with him.

The aggrieved councillors also alleged that the council boss borrowed N100 million from UBA without the approval of councilors.

“The Chairman borrowed N100 million last year without our consent; there is no projects on ground to show that this was what he did with the N100 million.

“It’s unfortunate that Ogbu is conniving with Ugwu in carrying out these illegalities and misappropriation of Nsukka LG funds,” the Councillors said.

Reacting to the petition, Ogbu described the allegations by his colleagues against the Chairman as untrue and unfounded, noting that all the Councillors approved the borrowing of N100 million from UBA last year.

2,892 displaced persons from five villages in Ndiagu-Amagu community in Ikwo Local Government Area (LGA) of Ebonyi State have received relief materials from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), as victims of a boundary dispute involving them and the people of Adadama in Abi LGA of Cross River State During the distribution of relief materials to the victims of the communal violence at Ochienym Amagu, Ikwo LGA, the Deputy-Governor of the state, Dr. Kelechi Igwe, represented by Commissioner for Border, Peace and Conflict Resolution, Deacon Obinna Nwachukwu, thanked NEMA for responding to the needs of the displaced persons.

Nwachukwu said that plans were on to ensure complete resolutions of all boundary problems affecting Ebonyi and other neighbouring states within the zone.

The Zonal Co-ordinator of NEMA, Major James Eze, called on stakeholders in the area to

Wada seeks level-playing field in Kogi guber poll Egena Egena, Abuja

ÏÏÏKogi

State Governor, Idris Wada, on Wednesday, urged President Muhammadu Buhari to ensure a level playing field in the forthcoming gubernatorial election in the state.

The governor who is the standard bearer of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the November election is being challenged by former Governor Abubakar Audu, of the All Progressives Congress (APC).

Speaking with State House correspondents after a meeting with Buhari at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, Wada expressed optimism on the likely outcome of the election, declaring that his performance in office, in the last three

Police foil cult clash in Abia Poly, arrest four Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏ The

police in Abia State have foiled what would have otherwise been a bloody clash between Vikings and Ayez confraternity in the state polytechnic, Aba. The clash was averted follow-

ensure that the relief materials were transparently distributed.

Also, the Chairman of the governing Council of the State Emergency Management Agency, SEMA, Evangelist Ephraim Ononye, called on the royal fathers of the area to ensure that the materials were not diverted, but judiciously distributed to those they were meant for.

The list of the affected villages and those displaced were given as: Akahufu 418; Ebushike 568, Obegu 203, Ochieyim 1, 503 and Obelebe 200.

The crisis which has lasted for a long period of time has led to the loss of lives and destruction of property worth millions of naira in the area.

The items distributed were 7.5 tons of rice, 10 tons of beans, five of garri, 2.5 tons of sugar, 1.25 tons of salt, 1,600 litres of vegetable oil, 1,600 litres of palm oil, 0.56 tons of Indomie, 1 ton of Omo detergents, 0.36 tons of bath soap, 100 mosquito nets, 38.50 tons of blankets, 15 tons of cements, 6, 000 corrugated iron sheets, 5 tons of nails, 400 pieces of wax prints, 370 pieces of foam mattresses, 500 pieces of plastic cups and 500 pieces of plastic spoons.

ing the arrest of four suspected cultists and recovery of a locally made pistol with a round of live cartridge.

Acting on a tip-off, that Vikings and Ayez secret cults were warming up for a clash on 30th September 2015, operatives of the police moved in and in collaboration with the schoo’sl security outfit, arrested one Umahi Emeka Ti-

and a half years, would speak for him.He said he was working to ensure adequate security and transparent poll, which he believed Buhari would also support.

He said: “In terms of preparation, we are working hard. I am also working with security agencies to ensure that there is a secure and safe environment for our people in the course of the campaign and during the election. I will tell the people of the state to keep faith, because we have a transparent President.

“Provided a level playing field is created and security is tightened, I believe that on the basis of performance I have laid down over the last three and a half years, our people will provide an overwhelming support for my candidacy,” he stated.

tus, male, 21years old and a student of statistics from whom was recovered a locally-made pistol with a live round of cartridge.

Others included Obiyor Darlington Chinoso, male, 25 years old Higher National Diploma (HND) I Accounting student and Molongwa Jesus Agustin, male, age 28 years and an, HND I Computer Science student suspected to be members of Vikings secret cult.

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

Adamawa tribunal: My case knocked out on technical grounds –Maigari Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏ

A two term member of the Adamawa State House of Assembly, Hon. Mustapha Maigari, on Wednesday, told newsmen in Yola that his case at the Adamawa State House of Assembly Petition Tribunal, sitting

in Abuja, was struck out on technical ground.

It would be recalled that Mustapha had dragged Hon. Mohammed Hayatu Atiku, member representing Uba/Gaya state constituency, in Hong Local Government Area to the tribunal over his illegibility to contest the 2015 State House of

Assembly election.

He also joined the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and the All Progressives Congress (APC) in his petition.

He claimed that Mr. Hayyatu Mohammed Atiku, who was declared winner under the platform of APC

is proudly warming his seat at the House after purchasing B.Sc Mathematics 2008 degree of Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria.

He prayed the tribunal to disqualify Atiku and bar APC from fielding candidate in a subsequent rerun election.

Justice Anthony Onovo-

Army partners Korea in capacity building

Christmas.

Maigari, while reacting to the judgment, told newsmen that although, the case was heard on its merit, but was stuck out on technical ground.

He said that the tribunal had subpoenaed the ABU to appear for it as part of witnesses that testified before the tribunal.

Lagos NIS sends forth Ajisafe Afolabi Omobolaji

ÏÏÏ

Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The chief of Army Staff, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, on Wednesday, said Nigerian Army will continue to collaborate with the Republic of Korean Army in building capacity of its military for efficient performance.

General Buratai stated this while playing host to the South Korean Defence Attaché (DA) to Nigeria, Navy Captain Shin Jae Sung in his office at the Army Headquarters. General Buratai noted with satisfaction the training exchange programme between the two armies which have spanned for decades and promised to maintain the excellent relationship existing between them.

Earlier, Navy Captain Sung had told the Chief of Army Staff that his visit was aimed at seeking for an improved military collaboration as regards training and capacity building.

He said the present security challenges in Nigeria are not peculiar to the country, adding that several other countries are faced with various challenges.

He said the situation in Nigeria is similar to Korea’s and as such, there is need to enhance combat strategies between the two nations.

led tribunal, earlier struck out the case on grounds of not including the issue of nullification and conducting a fresh election.

He said that the petitioner did not sought for a fresh election in his prayer before the tribunal and that the tribunal will not act as a Father

Ondo State Governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko (middle), cutting the tape to inaugurate the new St Francis Mega Primary School, in Owo Local Government Area, on Wednesday.

Again, Fulani herdsmen destroy Falae’s farm ÏÏÏ A group of

Fulani herdsmen has again invaded and destroyed the farm of former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Chief Oluyemisi Falae, at Ilado in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State.

The incident occurred barely two weeks after the former Minister of Finance was kidnapped and later released.

The farm manager, Bruno Akhigbodemen, said over one kilometre plantation of maize was destroyed by a large number of cows belonging to the herdsmen.

Akhigbodemen, who conducted journalists round the farmland on Wednesday, disclosed that

the herdsmen invaded the farm at about 2am.

According to him, the herdsmen threatened workers at the farm, frustrating their efforts to prevent the havoc wrecked by the cows.

The farm manager said some detectives from the Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), were deployed to the farm following Falae’s report to the state police command.

The detectives were said to have combed the neighbouring villages for the suspects but they were unable to make any arrest.

Akhigbodemen described the destruction of the farm as devastating, appealing to government and security operatives to address the menace of the herdsmen.

Falae, who is the National Chairman of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), has been having issues with the Fulani herdsmen, whose cows have on several occasions destroyed his farmland.

Police Public Relations Officer, (PPRO), Olufemi Joseph, said he had not been briefed about the incident when contacted on phone.

Falae

The Nigerian Immigration Service (NIS), on Wednesday, performed a send forth celebration for the pioneer of the Alausa passport office, Mr. Joshua Olusola Ajisafe (DCI), at the passport office in Ikeja.

The celebration, which was graced by high ranked officers, such as the Assistant Comptroller General and Zonal Coordinator, Zone A Ikeja, Mr. Musa Maza Adamu , Comptroller of Immigration, Lagos State Command, Mrs. Justina Ahmadu, the present passport control officer, Mustapha B. Maikaba , representative of Ikoyi

passport office, Oluwole Oluyomi, and all other officers at the Alausa passport office.

Mr Ajisafe, who was described as mobiliser because he built the office from the grass root level to what it is now, started the Alausa passport office with 13 officers in 2013. The celebrant in his speech said ‘’I have followed the American adage that says, don’t say what will America would do for me, say what will I do for America, that is what I have done to the passport office, Alausa.

It has not been easy but I thank God for everything that has happened to Alausa passport office.’’

Closure of Daily Independent: Lagos NUJ calls for sack of MD ÏÏÏ The Nigeria Union

of Journalists (NUJ), Lagos State Council, has condemned the use of armed policemen to harass and intimidate members of staff as well as sealing-off of the premises of Daily Independent Newspapers in Ogba, Ikeja, Lagos by its Managing Director, Mr. Ted iwere.

To this end, Lagos NUJ is calling for the immediate sack of Daily Independent M.D, Mr. Ted Iwere In a statement, signed by its chairman, Deji Elumoye and Secretary, Bimbo Oyetunde, the Union viewed the use of police personnel to lock out the workers as an affront and insensitivity to the plight of workers.

According to the state-

ment, “despite owing workers of the media outfit 23 months arrears of salaries, frustration and demotion of staff, management holding on to over N24million contribution of members to staff cooperative fund and nonremittance of pension funds, among others, the Union had explored all avenues to dialogue with the management to resolve the issues but to no avail.

Now, all the management feels it can do is to lock out the workers and use the police to intimidate them.

“In view of the above therefore, Lagos NUJ is calling on for the sack of Ted Iwere, with immediate effect for gross incompetence, misconduct and unprofessional attitude displayed so far.”

Daily Times Nigeria Thursdsay , October 8, 2015

25 News Ekiti jails 574 for breaching environmental laws

L-R: Business Development Manager, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Olumide Ojo; Director, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Emmanoui Revematas; Marketing Manager, Information Technology and Mobile, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Ms. Olajumoke Okikiolu; Founder, Nike Art Gallery, Chief (Mrs.) Nike Okundaye and Managing Director, Samsung Electronics West Africa, Mr. Brovo Kim during the launch of Galaxy Note 5 held in Lagos… on Wednesday.

Photo: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI

Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏNo fewer than 574 persons

have been convicted by Governor Ayo Fayose-led government in Ekiti State mobile court for contravening the State Environmental Health and Sanitation Law since 2014 to date.

Speaking through the Commissioner for Environment, Hon. Bisi Kolawole, on Wednesday, during a ministerial press briefing, Governor Fayose, who pointed out that the offenders were jailed in accordance with the Ekiti State Environmental Law number 4 of 2004, said a total number of 354 offenders were convicted for flouting the monthly environmental sanitation exercise.

Aregbesola diverted Osun bailout fund, groups insist Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo.

ÏÏÏCivil

Societies Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State (CSCEO) has insisted that the State governor, Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, allegedly diverted N34.988 billion bailout fund released to the State by the Federal Government.

The group lamented that instead of paying the backlogs of salaries and pension due to all the categories of workers and retirees alike for period of seven to eight months, Aregbesola’s government paid between two, three and four months’ salary arrears respectively to the affected workers and retirees.

While addressing a press conference in Osogbo on Wednesday, the group Chairman, Comrade Adeniyi Alimi Sulaiman

claimed that the months paid was a result of grumbling within the State workforce and retirees.

He described the non-payment of full salaries as anti-people, ungodly, unconstitutional and undemocratic, while calling for the declaration of state of emergency.

With the state of emergency, he explained that the federal government would take over the payment of backlogs of salaries and pension due of workers and retirees respectively in the State.

He said, “The CSCEO believes that government should be people–oriented and development programmes should be directed at improving people’s welfare and well-being, but the reverse is the case for Osun people in the hand of Mr. Rauf Aregbesola, who since taking over as gover-

nor of the state, has embarked on programmes and policies that have diminished the value and dignity of our people, impoverished them, and sent many of them to early graves.

“While seeing the Civil servants as essential key to national development and nation-building, we are worried over the misapplication of the Federal Government / Central Bank of Nigeria (FG/CBN) bailout loan recently released to Osun State to pay the backlogs of salaries and pension due to workers and retirees by Mr. Rauf Aregbesola.

“We have every authority to say that Mr. Aregbesola has only used the state and local government share of monthly allocations from the federation account to pay the two (2), three (3) and four (4) months’ salary and pension arrears recently paid to

some workers in the state and local government. It is on record that the state and local government share of the federal allocation has been released to Mr. Aregbesola up to date.

“We cannot hide our disposition to query the rationale behind Aregbesola’s administration’s failure to use the bailout fund to pay the total arrears of salaries and pension, particularly that of the workers in the state owned tertiary institutions, that have been on strike for many months now despite the importance of the education sector to the future development of our state and her citizens. This insensitivity of Aregbesola to workers plight in the state, has done serious damage to the people, most especially the students who are now idle and at the mercy of unscrupulous politicians.”

Australia, NGO construct library in FCT

Akor Ejumene Abuja

ÏÏÏIn

an effort to boost the reading culture among school pupils, especially at the rural areas, the Australian High Commission, in partnership with a Non-Governmental-Organisation (NGO)- African Rural Community Development Initiative (ARCDI), has constructed and furnished a block of library for pupils of LEA Primary School, Paikon Kore, in Gwagwalada Area Council of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT).

The school which has over 1,130 pupils, had suffered infrastructural development and which also led to a drop in the general performance of the pupils.

Ex-militant leader denies feud with Sylva Mathew Dadiya Abuja

ÏÏÏEx-militant leader, Gener-

al Africa, on Wednesday, denied reports about a quarrel between him and the State Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) and the party’s governorship candidate, Chief Timipre Sylva, describing it as mere fabrication.

Africa accused the rival Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its candidate for the December 5 governorship election

in the state, Governor Seriake Dickson, of sponsoring the “fictitious and malicious story”.

He said the story was a futile attempt by the PDP to score cheap points ahead of the poll.

The former militant leader, in a statement issued in Abuja, stated: “My attention has been drawn to a story being circulated in the media by the Peoples Democratic Party to the effect that I was involved in an altercation or fracas with my party leader and All Progressives Congress governorship candidate,

Chief Timipre Sylva.

“The story is fictitious and malicious. At no time did such an incident happen between the APC leader and myself or between him any other member of APC. Chief Sylva is the APC leader and my leader, and he has the complete loyalty and support of the entire APC family in Bayelsa State.

“I have no reason to disrespect him or doubt his leadership of our great party. Neither does our chairman, Chief Tiwe Oruminigbe, whose name was

also used in the lie circulated by PDP in their desperation to ridicule APC and try to score cheap political points.

“The attempt to sponsor negative rumours about our governorship candidate, Chief Sylva, is, to all intents and purposes, the only campaign message and strategy of PDP and its jittery candidate, Hon. Seriake Dickson. But it is a huge joke that cannot save the drowning governor and his party from a crushing defeat on December 5” Africa added.

Sylva

26

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

Features Æ s TRANS-BOUNDARY CLIMATE PROBLEMS:

Now is time for climate change action

Flooding in Zamfara State

Recent global impacts of climate change have hit the African Continent worst more than ever before.

COSMOS NIKE NWEDU reports that massive flooding in Guinea, Ghana, Sierra Leone, Nigeria and many other parts of Africa sends a very strong signal of dangers ahead if concerted action is not taken speedily.

The global impacts of climate change that have hit the African Continent in the past decade portend a wake-up call for nations to strategise for the climate change option. The flooding in Ghana, Sierra Leone, Guinea

‘‘In fact, flooding has left many parts of Africa damaged and most families homeless. On 16th September 2015, a devastating flooding hit Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone, which has prompted government of the country to call on the residents to remain at home for the time being.’’ and Nigeria among many other parts of Africa is an indictment that nations in the African Continent have been sleeping on a smoking volcano.

This is a strong reminder for the urgent need from all quar-

ters to scramble for a strong alignment from African governments with other countries of the world to tackle the escalating trans-boundary climate problems.

According to report on weekly

humanitarian situation in West and Central African regions, the United Nations Office for the Coordination of Human Affairs (OCHA) said that “Since 30th of August 2015, over 302,000 people in 10 local government areas of Adamawa State of Nigeria were affected by flood.”

Further report from the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) of Nigeria, shows that in the last few days, 30 people have died in Nigeria because of flood and that landslides and flooding in the West African country of Guinea after many days of torrential rainfall caused the death of 7 persons.

The media in Nigeria also reported that the flood of September 6 to 7 in Nigeria, which

Hope rises for 103 slum children in Ajegunle In a bid to support less privileged children, a community based organisation, Dreams from the Slum Initiative (DSI), in collaboration with One Africa Child foundation, last weekend organised a special timeout with 103 under privileged children living in Araromi Community of Ajegunle in Lagos. JOY EKEKE reports

The population explosion of five year olds in Araromi Community of Ajegunle never had it so good. A humanitarian organisation, Dreams from the Slum

Initiative, in collaboration with One Africa Child foundation, last weekend organised a special timeout for 103 of the under privileged children of Ajegunle in

Lagos.

Tagged ‘Children Education & Patriotism’, DSI founder, Omoyele Isaac Success, shared Kiddies ROR book, teaching them reasons not to engage in fights, stealing and bad activities.

According to him, “We are training up the children in the way that they should grow, so that when they are older they will become great citizens of this great nation. It is my believe CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

It was fun and learning with the children

struck in the wee hours, had left 2000 residents homeless and 4000 homes ravaged in Zamfara State.

Yet, the National Emergency Management Agency of Nigeria (NEMA) has frantically warned that another flood would still hit the country in the following year. The Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) has reinforced NEMA’s warning having predicted that disastrous flood would be experienced in Nigeria subsequently.

And as though this was not enough, the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency has also alerted inhabitants of some communities on the coastlines straddling River Benue and RivCONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

27 Features

These children have the passion for education and parents in this shanty slum need orientation and sensitisation on the importance of education. We want their children to be greater than them - Isaac Success

Ajegunle: ‘If you build children, you’re building generations’ Continued from page 26

Flooding in Zamfara State

CLIMATE CHANGE:

‘Flooding has left many parts of Africa devastated’ Continued from page 26 er Niger, of imminent danger of the coming flood.

In fact, flooding has left many parts of Africa damaged and most families homeless. On 16th September 2015, a devastating flooding hit Freetown, the capital city of Sierra Leone, which has prompted government of the country to call on the residents to remain at home for the time being.

Sierra Leonean journalist, Umaru Fofana, described the flood which besieged Kroo Bay, the largest slum city of the country as the most terrible experienced in the country.

In the same vein, the BBC this year reported that flooding in Shinyanga of Tanzania killed at least 38 people. The Tanzania flood took place on 4th March 2015 in the suburb of Shinyanga of the country. It was not only just the death of 38 people, the figure rose to more than 82 people over the following week. The flood touched some 3,500 people and many houses were smashed by strong winds.

The foregoing, including uncounted economic losses are clear implications of climate change that should prompt African governments to take immediate action necessary to save the Continent from implod-

‘‘The December Paris talks under the auspices of the 21st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) will serve a great purpose to help countries of the world especially those that are very vulnerable to effects of changing climate like Africa.’’ ing climate. To do this, urgent short-term action is required.

This will help the Continent on one hand, attend to the current problems the people of Africa are already experiencing under flooding - especially with regard to adaptation and, on the other hand, will help mitigate further imminent floods within the Continent.

While different African countries that are under the siege of current flooding are taking appropriate national measures and policies to tackle the problem, the opportunity to consolidate this would be in Paris 2015.

The December Paris talks under the auspices of the 21st Conference of the Parties to the UN Framework Convention on Climate Change (COP21) will serve a great purpose to help coun-

tries of the world especially those that are very vulnerable to effects of changing climate like Africa, small island nations and least developed countries to take the lead in pressing for an immediate short term goal to address issues relating to climate problems around the world.

Climate change is real. We are feeling it everywhere just as the African Continent is being ravaged by flood. The Fifth Assessment Report of the Intergovernmental Panel on Climate Change (IPCC) makes it clear that global climate change is ‘unequivocally real’ and that the need to address it is more urgent than ever; otherwise, we would live in an insecurely dangerous world.

For this reason, there is need CONTINUED ON PAGE 28

that if you build children, you’re building generations,” he added.

The children population explosion below the age of five years in the slum has reached an alarming stage, saying that these children lack writing materials, school books and uniforms, and pair of shoes.

“These children have the passion for education,” Success further said. “Parents in this shanty need orientation and sensitisation on the importance of education, and we want their children to be greater than them,” Isaac concluded.

On how the project has come to stay in the slum of Araromi community, Isaac said the project has been running for over a year, adding that their next plan is to set up a mini library in the shanty. This, he hopes, would make the children in the community to concentrate and develop the reading culture.

As part of activities to mark

the event also, moral stories were narrated to the children

by Isaac Success. Bola Bisiriyu taught them on values and how to become patriotic children of Nigeria.

After the event, the team decided to commemorate the event by visiting the elder sister of the community’s Ba’ale, Chief Abdul Gafar Adekanbi, who was full of prayer and gratitude for the humanitarian gesture of DMI in the shanty. The team commemorated the United Nations Day for Aged People by putting genuine smiles on the aged grandmother’s face by supporting her with some items.

Tobi Bamuyiwa, Director, One Africa Child, Lagos State chapter, said “One of our objectives is to give access to quality education for children, at least, in every community.”

Daily Times gathered that DMI hopes to make this an annual event in the future.

Features 28

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

CLIMATE CHANGE:

Warming below 2 degrees could advance incurably Continued from page 27 for a global coalition for reduction of the drivers of climate variance. This reminds us how important it is for a global action rather than basing our efforts on national approach for conditionally wilful actions.

This approach is not ideal and can never meet the global target of limiting emissions to 2 degrees mark, required to save the world.

Analysts from Climate Analytics observed 15 distinct national plans to cut emissions by 2030. These include inter alia: the US, the EU and China, which together account for 51% of global emissions. They found that a recent inclination of countries to submit their intended nationally determined contributions (INDICs) as targets for 2030 could inadvertently lead us down to a more dangerous path.

To this end, they have warned that unless the UN climate discussions agree to make shriller short-term goals, we may jeopardise rising over the 2-degrees target. The longing to meet this objective has been underscored

by Kikwete Junker which, according to him, “should be very clear to our international partners that the AU EU will not sign just any deal at the UN cli-

Another face of flooding in Africa. Source: TYPE-SL

mate talks in December.”

He further wrapped up his message by making it clear that the imminent Paris deal would be necessary to include a strong global emissions reduction target of at least 60% by 2050.

According to Bill Hare of Cli-

mate Analytics, “It is clear that if the Paris meeting tresses the present climate commitments for 2030, holding warming below 2 degrees could fundamentally advance incurably and 1.5°C beyond reach”. They argued that this could lock in uncontrollably higher emissions

until 2030, and that the UN urgently needs to step in and enforce a 2025 target that would admit countries to adjust their emissions cutback plans.

As Professor Kornelis Blok of Ecofys has noted, “the current policies is insufficient to limit emission by 2025, and it

JUST HUMAN

8.45am. Ikeja Along Bridge, Ikeja, Lagos. Photo God’s Covenant Snr/084

is pertinent to augment superior policy action for the Paris Agreement”. If improvement is not taken seriously as necessary, the highest failure of global efforts to tackle changing climate will be seen and the world will face the nastiest brunt of its impacts.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

Health Æ s

29

Nigeria not yet polio-free — NNPPC Chair Dr Margaret Chan of WHO.

list of polio endemic countries.

We celebrated one year without polio on the 24th of July, 2015 but it doesn’t become official until WHO was satisfied that all samples of stool still pending in the lab have turned out negative. We are happy to leave the list of polio-endemic countries, remaining Pakistan and Afghanistan.

WHO/UNAIDS unveil new standards

to improve adolescent care

The World Health Organization (WHO) and UNAIDS have launched new global standards to help countries improve the quality of adolescent health care.

In a statement made available to Daily Times, Dr Anthony Costello, Director of Maternal, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health at WHO said, “These standards provide simple yet powerful steps that countries – both rich and poor – can immediately take to improve the health and wellbeing of their adolescents, reflecting the stronger focus on adolescents in the new Global Strategy for Women’s, Children’s and Adolescents’ Health that was launched in New York in September.”

WHO and UNAIDS Global Standards for quality health-care services for adolescents recommend making services more “adolescent friendly”, providing free or low-cost consultations, and making medically accurate ageappropriate health information available. “If we want to keep adolescents healthy, we have to treat them with respect,” says Dr Costello. “Adolescents are particularly vulnerable to certain health issues. The top three causes of death among adolescents are road traffic injuries, AIDS-related illnesses and suicide.

“AIDS is the leading cause of death among adolescents in Africa and the second primary cause of death among adolescents globally,” says Dr Mariângela Simão, Director of Rights, Gender, Prevention and Community Mobilization at UNAIDS. “All adolescents, including key populations, have a right to the information and services that will empower them to protect themselves from HIV.” The global standards from WHO and UNAIDS are built on research from these countries, as well as feedback from health providers and more than 1000 adolescents worldwide.

What are the statistics of polio before this great feat?

Last up till 24th of July last year, we had 6 cases; we had 56 cases in 2013 mostly in places we call aris states in the North, as you know, Borno State was challenged by security issues, so we couldn’t reach a lot of children and Kano state has always been a difficult terrain but I can tell you now that, the state is one of the best states as far as efforts to eradicate polio is concerned.

Right from the Governor to the deputy, Emir, the Emirate council and Head of public affairs, they literally go out to ensure they participate physically in immunisation day activities.

Funsho, NNPPC Chair

In this interview with LARA ADEJORO, Chairman, Nigeria National PolioPlus Committee (NNPPC), Dr Tunji Funsho explains how Rotary’s efforts, with the help of UNICEF, WHO, etc paid off in Polio eradication in Nigeria. Ex-

cerpts What’s the latest update on polio eradication in Nigeria apart from what we all know?

The latest update beyond what we know is that World Health Organisation (WHO) has formerly removed Nigeria from the

Are we totally free from polio outbreak in Nigeria, knowing that Pakistan and Afghanistan are still endemic?

That’s the caution we are putting out there, as long as there’s polio in any part of the world, no child is safe. Nigeria itself is not yet polio-free. Nigeria will not be declared polio-free by WHO

until we go for another two years and two months without the case of polio. We are just removed from the list of polio endemic countries. In other words, active transmission of the virus has stopped. The next phase is to ensure that children do not get exposed and one of the ways we want to ensure that is to increase the level of immunisation among children such that, by the time they are five years, all of them would have at least, four Oral Polio Vaccines (OPVs) or Injectable Polio Vaccines (IPVs) and that helps to increase the number of children who are immuned to polio virus. Then we will ensure that by the time we stop our door-to-door immunisation, 80-90 per cent of our children would have been immunised against polio, even if it comes into this environment, they can’t be infected.

What are the economic benefits of this in Nigeria?

One of the things we tend to overlook with all much more of our money is that any citizen who is incapacitated cannot contribute to the economy and the only way we can have able-bodied citizens is to prevent them from succumbing to the diseases that are preventable. One of the major effects is that, those young people we see crawling on the wheelchairs or tricycles can now use their potentials to contribute to the economy. It is CONTINUED ON PAGE 30

NGO tasks govt on provision of facilities for children with CP A non-governmental organisation, Cerebral Palsy Center, Lagos, has called on the government to provide management centres for children with cerebral Palsy (CP).

Speaking at an organised event by the NGO to commemorate the World CP day, the founder of the Center, Nonye Nweke said, children with CP need treatment centres where they can be taken, to have the appropriate therapy they should have.

“The government know these

children are here and they count, so they need provide facilities for them. Most of them are not able to go to schools because there are no schools for them. They say there is a school for them in Lagos but the environment is not conducive.”

She said the theme of the event, ‘Living with my child with CP in my society,’ was chosen to sensitise the general public on the condition.

Cerebral palsy (CP) is a group of permanent movement disorders that appear in early child-

hood. Signs and symptoms vary between people. Often, symptoms include poor coordination, stiff muscles, weak muscles, and tremors. There may be problems with sensation, vision, hearing, swallowing and speaking.

Often babies with cerebral palsy do not roll over, sit, crawl, or walk as early as other children their age. Difficulty with the ability to think or reason and seizures each occurs in about one third of people with CP.

Nonye Nweke

Health 30

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

Stigma, discrimination violate mental health dignity— Expert Lara Adejoro

One in four adults in Nigeria will experience mental health difficulties in his life time, said Consultant Neuro-Psychiatrist & Psychotherapist at the Pinnacle Medical Services, Dr. Maymunah Kadiri.

Speaking with our correspondent on this year’s World Mental Health Day to be commemorated on Saturday, 10th of October, themed: ‘Dignity in mental health’, Dr Kadiri said, stigma and discrimination have the potential to violate mental health dignity through their effects on individuals as well as on society as a whole.

According to her, stigma and discrimination are significant barriers to obtaining good mental health care and to accessing the everyday social activities that keep each of us mentally

Kadiri

Beware! energy drinks are not what they are, food technologist cautions A food technologist with the Federal University of Agriculture, Abeokuta, Dr Adewale Obadina has warned that energy drinks are not what people think they are as they also contain alcohol.

Speaking in Lagos recently, Obadina called for the regulation of the sales and consumption of energy drinks to stem the rising cases of cardiac arrest associated with too much consumption of caffeine in the energy drinks.

The caffeine content in these energy drinks may be different depending on the manufacturer’s taste but who regulates them, most especially when the caffeine content is much higher than in regular coffee.

“These drinks need strict regulation like what we have in the advanced world. We should not say because people have a right to consume anything they like then, we stop educating them.”

He said the sale and consumption of energy drinks was alarming as most youths now preferred taking stimulants for their daily

well.

“Stigma interferes with people’s full participation in society and deprives them of their dignity. To make dignity in mental health a reality requires every member of society to work together and make mental health visible, not something to be ashamed of.”

Continuing, she said, “There is no health without mental health but there is no single, universally recognised symbol to represent mental health. Every human interaction holds the potential to be a dignity encounter, an interaction in which dignity comes to fore and may be positive or negative.”

The expert identified threats to dignity in mental health care as stigma and discrimination, acute inpatient care and human rights violations.

Adding, she said, “effectively

supporting people experiencing mental health problems is on target to become one of the greatest public health challenges of our time. Stigmatising and discriminatory treatment can be particularly distressing when a person is experiencing a health crisis.

“We all have mental health and by failing to treat people with mental health problems with dignity, we make it more difficult to ensure that everyone takes steps to safeguard their wellbeing and to seek help. This can lead to self-stigma, low confidence, low self-esteem, withdrawal and social isolation and sometimes suicide.”

World Mental Health Day is observed on 10th October every year, with the overall objective of raising awareness of mental health issues around the world and mobilizing efforts in support of mental health.

‘Nigeria will not be declared polio-free until 2017’ Continued from page 29

Energy drinks

schedule.

Obadina decried the use of energy drinks as official drinks at different occasions in spite of the fact that it contains variety of ingredients considered harmful to the body.

“Even, energy drinks are banned in some sporting events because it contains stimulants considered to be dangerous to human health and the same energy drinks are being served freely at parties. The most dangerous ingredients found in energy drinks is caffeine with other stimulants such as guarana, ginkgo, ginseng, taurine, also plenty of sugar and vitamins,” he said.

Obadina said that medical research had long revealed the dangers of heart diseases and even cardiac arrest in connection with excessive caffeine consumption.

“There is a grave danger of caffeine intoxication which is sharply on the rise, especially among the young ones in the country. The articulated lorry drivers and night shift workers now operate under the influence

of power drinks; unfortunately, energy drinks are not what they think it is as they also contain alcohol.

“Mixing stimulants with depressants can be a dangerous combination, and it’s not a healthy lifestyle though they make one feel alert and energised,” he said.

Obadina called on the government to instruct the manufacturers of energy drinks to as a matter of regulation ensure that active ingredients in energy drinks were contained on its leaflets.

“Clinical studies had in time past warned on the potential dangers in energy drinks; likewise, they recommended that the drink should specify in the label the dangers of addiction to the drink. Manufacturers should list the amount of caffeine along with other ingredients in their products. Doing this will significantly impact on the behaviour of the consumers, at least, nobody can say he has not received a fair warning,” Obadina said.

estimated that by the year 2055, if we eradicate polio today, we will be saving US$50 billion in the world. Now take 10 per cent of that for Nigeria and put in our healthcare, you can imagine what US$5 billion can do. There are also social benefits.

With this feat, are we to rest on our oars or it’s a call for more work?

Like they say, it’s difficult to get to the top and even more difficult to stay on the top. So, our work is a little bit harder now when there’s a tendency for complacency. I’m glad that the President has shown leadership as far as polio is concerned.

Within the few weeks of coming to office, he publicly immunised his grand-daughter and within two months, polio senior advocacy groups, which involves the leadership of the partners such as United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF), WHO, the U.S. Centers for Disease Control, the Bill and Melinda Gates Foundation, other groups, through Rotary and the government represented by the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), we are granted audience by the President to brief him on the

state of polio eradication. He also gave us the opportunity to address the Governors of the eleven aris states. We are glad that the government is fully on board both morally and has promised to ensure that no child succumbs to polio. We must make sure that we continue our regular campaigns and the 36 plans for next year; we still have two for this year to go. We have one on the 17th of this month. Next year, we are going to have one national doorto-door but the key in the long term is to ensure that every child born have a starting facility where the mother can take the child to have polio immunisation. We have to continue this minimally for another two years until polio is eradicated.

Advice to Nigerians and the government We appeal to every parent to make sure their children are available for polio immunisation. After that, they should also campaign in their communities to make their children available for immunisation.

Nigeria government has been committed to this effort both morally and financially. We will just like to see more funds into the way of polio eradication so we can depend less on foreign aid.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

31 Opinion

Which Way Nigeria at 55? (2)

ÎÎÎLast week, we exam-

ined the challenges to socio-economic growth in Nigeria. We saw that law change, notably the appropriation of mineral oil to the federation account, fuels underdevelopment including its ‘Nigerian’ symptom, corruption.

We pointed out the need to return the country to the union constitution of 1960, which guaranteed equity and all round development through interregional healthy rivalry.

When leadership (specifically in 1969 via the Petroleum Decree, Section 1 thereto) broke the union covenant of 1960, they destroyed the foundation of the country and the possibility of her further sustainable development.

It can only and must now be rebuilt by the restoration of the 1960 union covenant, the 1960 Constitution (specifically Sections 30 and 134 thereto).

Late President Yar’adua’s 2009 approach of 10% oil-explorationequity (offered to Niger Delta communities) in exchange for peace was a step in the right direction. This is because it indirectly recognizes the minority peoples’ ownership of their natural

resources. It is a progressive move towards the restoration of the fiscal federalism enshrined in the independence union and republican constitutions of 1960 and 1963. But the Yar’adua policy has its own drawback from a legal interpretation perspective. The policy, not having been made a constitutional provision, does not have sufficient legal guarantees to sustain it.

More importantly, the ultimate approach to peace and national development is to directly recognize the Niger Delta peoples as owners of their oil and gas, the same way other peoples’ minerals must be given back to them. The limestone of Kogi State does not belong to the federation of Nigeria or to Rivers State. It belongs to the specific Kogi State peoples who have made the land in which the metal is located their home long before the State of Nigeria was born. There is therefore an urgent need to review the problematic Sections 44 (3) and 162 of the Nigerian 1999 Constitution and the entire 1978 Land Use Decree.

Specifically, it would require the replacement of sections 44 and 162 of the 1999 Constitution with

sections 30 and 134 of the 1960 Constitution, which was adopted in the 1963 Constitution, and which provision facilitated the unrivalled nationwide industrial growth of the early 1960s to the 1980s.

While section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution took mineral oil from the Niger Delta Peoples, section 134 of the 1960/63 Constitution recognizes their ownership of it, including the mineral oil found on their continental shelves. This recognition, which also affected other minerals, ensured the development of Nigeria in the past by gingering amongst regions (states) a positive economic competition that birthed great institutions.

I had argued in 2008 that we needed to act fast before the Niger Delta violence was imported to other parts of the country.

It took little intelligence to see the war going that way. Unfortunately, the country is yet to follow this alternative of holistic peace. The result, I would argue, was the rise of the Jamā’atu Ahlis Sunnah Lādda’awatih wal-Jihad (‘Boko Haram’) Islamist terrorism mostly in Northern, particularly North Eastern Nigeria.

In essence, I find strongly persuasive Abdulkarim Mohammed, a researcher on Boko Haram, who has argued that violent uprisings in Nigeria are ultimately due to “the fallout of frustration with corruption and the attendant social malaise of poverty and unemployment.”. I however emphasize that the true and more funda-

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mental corruption is not in or by compromised individuals but in the nation itself. By committing legal theft against its minority regions through the colonial-style seizure of their oil and gas resources, the nation of Nigeria institutionalized corruption, especially when governance at local, state and federal levels became and is now, especially since 1999, strictly a regime of sharing oil monies distributed monthly in Abuja.

This underdevelopment, manifesting as corruption, unemployment and ultimately conflict, sometimes violent, is directly traceable to the legal theft of Niger Delta oil and gas.

We must exchange oil for holistic national peace and economic growth. We must return Niger Delta oil to the region to assure Nigeria’s economic development and socio-political stability. But the question many Non-Niger Delta elites may ask is: how would we survive without our Niger Delta legal loot, without continuing to depend on Niger Delta oil and gas? If we look at Nigeria of say two decades back, it might look suicidal to let go of our Niger Delta colony. We would not want to treat that region with the same respect we treat majority regions. But looking only at Nigeria of twenty to thirty years back to judge the economic viability of the country is myopic. The simple and plain truth is that Nigeria at one point did not rely whole scale on oil and gas. In fact, thousands of years before oil

was discovered in Nigeria, the country’s various peoples lived relatively peacefully and thrived economically on agriculture. And it is certain that when oil and gas run out, Nigeria will live on, peacefully and economically.

Last month in this column, I showed how Kogi State, which would probably be tagged poor by many, is sitting on thousands of trillions of naira that it does not and cannot exploit. Kogi is handicapped because of constraints of bad laws especially those contained in the Constitution of Nigeria 1979 reenacted in 1999, notably section 40(3) 1979 Constitution and section 44(3) of the 1999 Constitution. The sections simply take ownership of mineral and mineral oils from their natural owners, people on the land, the locality, and placed it in the federal government.

The 1999 Constitution goes on to decree, in its Section 162, that the revenue from the minerals and mineral oils should go to the federation account and shared to all governments – federal, state and local.

Note that the 1960 Constitution did not say other regions/states could not share in the wealth of sister regions/states blessed with natural resources.

What the wiser arrangement in the 1960 Constitution did was to provide a token 30% of the income from those natural resources as distributable income for the various regions. Out of that 30%, roughly 50% went to the

North, 30% to the East and 20% to the West. It meant only 20% was left at the centre for the Federal Government. Remember that 50% was to be retained by the regions/ states producing the natural resources. That 1960 brilliant arrangement, which can be found clearly spelt out in Section 134 of that union constitution, ensured that development must take place because every region/ state, conscious that its survival depended on its efforts and not on a token contribution from a lean federation account, each of them, regions/states, grew themselves to great heights. Sadly, all their efforts, epitomized by hundreds of industries, North and South, have now gone to waste, especially since sharing of money rather than productivity had become the hallmark of governance as sadly enshrined in Section 162 of the 1999 Constitution.

Kogi State and other states can be self sufficient IF there is federal law reform to give back to various localities and states ownership in their minerals and mineral oils.

Suffice to say for now that Nigerians, wherever they come from, don’t have to be poor: we are a rich nation and rich peoples, with or without petroleum oil.

Next week, we shall resume our examination of the financial spines of Nigeria’s various constituent federating states, beginning with a three-part series titled, Why Can’t Delta Pay Salary?

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IFA President Sepp Blatter has been provisionally suspended for 90 days.

Members of FIFA’s ethics com mittee met this week after the Swi ss attorney general opened criminal proceedings against Blatter, 79, last month .

He is accused of signing a contract “unfavourable” to football’s governing body and making a “disloyal payment” to UEFA President Michel Platini, 60.

Swiss Blatter, who has run FIFA since 1998, and Platini, who wants to succeed him, deny any wrongdoing.

A final decision will be made on Friday by Hans Joachim Eckhert, the hea d of FIFA’s ethics adjudicatory chamber, acco rding to a close friend of Blatter.

The investigation is cen tred on allegations believed to be around a 2005 TV rights deal between FIFA and Jack Warner, the former President of CON CACAF, the governing body of football in North and Central America and the Caribbe an.

Meanwhile, FIFA presidential candidate Chung Mong-joon has bra nded Sepp Blatter “a hypocrite and a liar” and vowed to sue the Swiss for embezzlem ent.

Former FIFA vice-president Chung underlined his disdain for the state of the organisation while speaking at the Leaders Sport Business Summit in Lon don.

The South Korean billionaire claimed the corruption allegations ma de against a number of FIFA executives this year has left a stain on the governing body, and alleged that Blatter has acce pted salary payments without the approva l of FIFA’s executive committee in the pas t.

“FIFA has become a badge of shame. To call it a mafia is almost insulting to mafia, so blatant and arrogant is its corruption,” he said.

“At FIFA, money and power hav e blinded Blatter to the virtues of spo rtsmanship.

They are under the illusion at FIFA that they are above human values.

Life & Times Thursday, October 8, 2015

Rihannat

Olasunkanmi Deriving joy through music

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Fast rising hip-hop singing sensation, Olasunkanmi Rihannat Alonge is a Nigerian recording artiste, writer and performer whose love for music kickedoff at a very tender age. She hit the commercial scene with her debut single, Fabulous in 2013 and ever since, the curvy singer has upped her act, dishing out back-to-back, sensational works that include Cassanova, Tenumo, Singale and the most recent, For Body, featuring YBNL Boss, Olamide. In this interview, the Geo-physics graduate from Olabisi Onabanjo University led us into her world of music, how she met the YBNL Boss and other issues.

Excerpts:

I didn’t choose music, music actually chose me

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

Olasunkanmi:

You did a study a good course, why the sudden love for music?

You are right, been a graduate of Geophysics is nice and I’m very proud of myself getting through school days and coming out in flying colours. But my love for music is immeasurable; doing it, I find it more rewarding and I usually feel happy and fulfilled each time I sing whether to myself or to people.

How would you describe the journey since you started?

It has not been very much easy I must say, but considering the fact I am a very focused person and I know where I am heading towards, so, I find it doing the normal nursery rhyme . I sing as if I was born to do music but the fact is that I did not choose music but rather music did in return. I was not born into the Christian background, so I won’t be saying I started from choir but rather I just detected that I can sing and that I am doing now and well.

With your Muslim background, what was your parent’s reaction to doing secular music?

They totally disagreed at first because they never presume I could sing not to talk of taking it as career. We fought day and night owing to the fact that I was still in school then. So, my father made his point clear that I must get a degree and as such when I opted to study Geo-Physics, my father was proud encouraging me knowing when I graduate I can easily work in top oil companies. However for the fact that I was able to graduate with good grades from school, wining their heart to me was much easier. Presently, my parents are my number one fans, although they criticise some of my works, adding one or two corrections but we are good.

What is that memorable moment you cherish a lot about your childhood?

That will definitely be when my dad took me to a professor explaining to him that I am bright but cannot stand blood that he should do everything to make me strong enough and the professor told him ‘you can’t not force a child to do what she doesn’t want to do’. He then asked me about the courses I liked in school and told him I love anything that has to do with calculation.

Life&

T E A M

Continued on

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Luke Utomi

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Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

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Music Gists L4

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

Mutiat Alli

L-R Ace broadcaster and founder of BISCON Television Network; Bisi Olatilo, Award Recipient; Ms Tonia Odilli and Country representative of the African Child Foundation; Comrade Donald Onosa

Oritsefemi, Tonia Odili others honoured Online Publicist and blogger, Tonia Odili, was on Thursday October 1st, 2015 honoured for her role in Social Media Advocacy at the Nigerian Role Model Awards held at Oriental Hotel, Lagos.

The event kicked off with a welcome address by the Country Representative of the African Child Foundation, Comrade Donald Onosakponome, who advised all recipients of the award to continue to be role models in their various fields of endeavors.

He added that the awardees are ‘’notable persons and organisations with extraordinary achievements derived from their determination, tenacity, doggedness, patriotism and passion for excellence in a morally decayed society where youths choose alternatives to hard work as a means

of wealth acquisition.

The high point of the event was the award presentation by ace broadcaster and founder of BISCON Television Network, Bisi Olatilo; who admonished Ms Odili to continue to be an active voice on social media platforms and congratulated her on her achievement so far.

In her gratitude, Ms Odili, thanked God Almighty and her followers on social media for the honour bestowed upon her. According to her,’’ it’s a dream come true for me, having started my career at the age of 17 as the Editor of Glissy Magazine which later emerged as Tonia Odili’s Blog and Youtube channel which has attracted millions of views across the globe, I therefore dedicate this award to all those that have supported me by sharing my content online’’.

Minjin out with Like Philo Former Kennis Music record label artiste, Lawanson Adewale known as Minjin is set for a comeback in the musical industry as he recently released another body of work titled ‘Like Philo’ as directed by Genesis Lanre Lawanson which has recorded huge numbers of downloads on several musical site since its official release.

Not many will know that the coupe decale master is a good RNB artiste as he professes his lyrical skills on “jungle’, a love song shot around the beautiful city of Osun State and directed

by Ace director, Micheal Williams.

According to Minjin, the visual of ‘Like Philo’ is expected to drop before the end of the week alongside Jungle materials.

Both body of works were mixed and mastered by Indomix.

Minjin

Timaya teams up with Mavin’s Don Jazzy

Working for the very first time, Dem Mama Records lead act, Timaya has contacted Mavin Boss, Don Jazzy on a new single ‘I Concur’ which is produced by Killertunes.

The single is set to drop on Thursday, October 15, 2015 and the announcement by Timaya on Instagram has thrown his fans into a furious mood in anticipation.

It will be recalled that Timaya was recently spotted alongside American singer Rihanna and ever since fans have been yearning to hear the outcome of their meeting. Time will tell.

Strong Girl Remix: Male and Female Artists lend voice on Women’s Empowerment

Sammie Okposo

Sammie Okposo gears up for Audacity of Praise

Timaya

Gospel singer, Sammy Okposo will be leading other acts to another edition of the Audacity of praise (AOP) event billed to hold at the Shepherd Hill Field, Obanikoro, Lagos Friday October 16, 2015.

With this year’s theme tagged: ‘A foretaste of God’s Shekinah Glory’, the chairman of the event, Apostle Charles Omonzane disclosed that the event is an avenue to reconnect back to the creator, God almighty for keeping life from the beginning of the 2015 to the last few months remaining.

Apostle Charles however urged the general public to be part of the programme that will witness testimonies and God’s miracle.

On the eve of new Global Goals that will set the development agenda for a generation, the cream of Africa’s musical stars are proud to announce the release of a brand new remix of Strong Girl, the contagious anthem for women’s empowerment that first got the world dancing in May this year.

The mix of 14 male and female stars, in partnership with ONE, recorded the new version to show that women’s empowerment is a song that everyone – men, boys, girls and women – must sing together to amplify Strong Girl’s powerful message that poverty is sexist.

The artists are calling on all governments — meeting this weekend at the United Nations General Assembly – to place women and girls at the centre of global and national development commitments in 2015.

There have already been some signs of progress, with the African Union (AU) Heads of State Declaration committing to address the fact that Poverty is Sexist earlier this year. Now this remix has the 14 stars singing in chorus to ask world leaders to do the same – and pledge to tackle the poverty of sexism which affects the entire planet – as they meet at the UN. Strong Girl was originally written and recorded by Arielle T, Blessing, Gabriela, Judith Sephuma, Selmor Mtukudzi, Vanessa Mdee, Victoria Kimani, Waje and Yemi Alade in April, and released on May 13th.

The remix features D’Banj, Diamond, Banky W and was produced by Cobhams Asuquo, and keeps many elements of the original song. Bono, lead singer of U2 and co-founder of ONE, also appears on the track as backing vocals.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

L5 Movie Gists

Mutiat Alli

AFRIFF 2015: Organisers Unveil festival programme The organisers of the annual Africa International Film Festival (AFRIFF) have unveiled an impressive line-up of festival programme which holds in Lagos, Nigeria from November 8 to 15, 2015.

The programme, as announced by the festival’s Artistic Director, Keith Shiri reveals a series of industry sessions, master classes and movie screenings totaling 180 films, out of which 155 are in competition.

This year, AFRIFF returns for its 5th year of cinematic celebration. During the weeklong event, Lagos Island will be illuminated by the wonder and diversity of global cinema, with screenings at the Silverbird Galleria, Victoria Island, Genesis Deluxe Cinema, Lekki, and City Mall Cinema, Onikan.

Shiri who spoke to journalists from London said AFRIFF 2015 would once again celebrate the best of African and Diaspora films the festival is known for.

According to Shiri: “The selection in this edition is not only celebrating African cinema but demonstrates once more that the cinematic storytelling industry in Africa has become more compelling and visible.”

He said the official competition for Best Film which recognises, distinctive and inspiring filmmaking will feature a diverse range of films, among them; Red Leaves,

Muyiwa Ademola, others battle Jackie Chan

Chioma Ude a riveting feature debut by Israel-based Ethiopian filmmaker Bazzi Gete.

“The feature film line-up also includes; Jonas’ Carpignano’s Mediterranea, Akin Omotoso’s Tell Me Something Sweet, Genevieve Nnaji’s Road To Yesterday, Yared Zeleke’s Lamb, as well as Desmond Elliot’s Reflections. The incisive Sembene, by Samba Gadjigo is a film about the late Ousmane Sembene, a pioneer and colossus figure of African cinema that features in the documentary competition together with Ireti Bakare’s Buhari and the Burden of Expectations and Toni Ayamode’s Unbroken. While Mpumelelo Mcata offers his first experimental in Black President, an engaging conversation between the debutant director and his friend the artist, about the impact on the young creatives working in today’s African metropolis.

Ahead of the 12th edition of the Abuja Film Festival scheduled to hold October 30, at the Silverbird Cinema Abuja; Nigerian actors including Muyiwa Ademola, Seun Akindele and IK Ogbonna will battle each other in the outstanding male actor of the year category alongside China star, Jackie Chan While Hilda Dokubo, Ini Edo, Chidiebere Aneke, Mercy Aigbe, Kiki Omeli will engage themselves in the outstanding female actress category Abuja International Film Festival is aimed at enhancing cultural diversity, by bringing Nigerian independent movie productions to audiences.

Tunde Kelani and Tom Fiofiri

Light Camera Africa ends in grand style The Lights Camera Africa Film Festival came to a grand conclusion last week with the screening of the multi-award winning ‘Timbuktu’ by Sissako.

It was indeed a successful festival as African Film Makers were not only recognised for their ingenious works but the festival also symbolised the future of African story telling.

Every moment the lights went out and the screen lit, silence fell on the full screening room, which was filled to capacity on all five days. The minute the lights came on, everyone in the room had an opinion about the movie they had seen.

From films like ‘Eighteam’, ‘Finding Fela’, ‘Henna’, ‘Soko Sanko’, Gone too Far, Faaji Agba to Nollywood; from moments of reflection to moments where the crowd burst into laughter till their bellies ached; the Film Festival created a bond, mild arguments as well arousal for knowledge and creativity among the audience.

Mercy Aigbe throws open challenge to fans

Nse Nkpe stars in South African movie Actress Nse Ikpe-Etim is currently in Cape Town, filming her first South African movie, SHUSSH, based on the novel WHIPLASH by Tracey Farren.

WHIPLASH, the book on which SHUSSH is based, was short-listed for the Sunday Times Fiction Prize in 2009, and honored by a White Ribbon Award by Women Demand Dignity. The film is produced by Paul Egan and Kim Williams at Boondogle Films, with a femaledominated crew.

In the new movie, Ikpe-Etim plays Madeleine, a refugee who comes to South Africa after suffering horrific war-time in the Congo. She forms a close bond with Tess, a young sex worker whose life is in turmoil – based by South Africa actress Christia Visser.

The film is directed by Meg Rickards, who co-directed the award-winning documentary 1994: The Bloody Miracle.

Mercy Aigbe–Gentry

Nse Ikpe-Etim

Kunle Adegbite set for Star boy premiere

Kunle Adegbite

Nollywood actor, Kunle Adegbite has revealed plan towards the premiering of his latest movie,’Star boy’ at the popular celebrity hangout, Time-Square Events Centre come October 18, 2015.

Insiders revealed that the event is expected to play host to top musicians including King Saheed Osupa, Alao Malaika, Weird MC and Next world act, Jaywon.

Opeyemi Ayeola, Biodun Okeowo-Sofuyi, Madam Saje, Baba Suwe, and Mide MartinsAbiodun are few of the notable stars that were featured in the movie.

Muyiwa Ademola

Ahead of the official premiere of her latest movie titled ‘Victims’, light skinned actress, Mercy Aigbe-Gentry has thrown an open challenged to her numerous fans to stand a chance to Dine &Wine with her prior to the release of the movie to cinemas across Nigeria.

According to the Omoge Benin star, the challenge was as a result of the need to engage teaming fans, testing their abilities on how well they know her. In her words: ‘Although so many colleagues of mine might have one challenge or the other, but what connects mine is the fact that my new movie, ‘victims’ preaches against so many social vices ranging from child abuse to societal pressure, and the challenge was bent on each contestants lending their voice on a particular societal vices they want to stop’.

‘Victims’ is expected to have a private screening on November 1, 2015 while the movie opens to cinemas from November 8, 2015.

Wedding Alert Delectable actress, Lilian Esoro who will be walking down the aisle November 1, 2015 with her fiancé, Ubi Franklin who doubles as the CEO of Made Men Music housing stars like Iyanya, Teckno, Selebobo, Emma Nyra amongst others. The duo recently released prewedding pictures that got so much buzz online.

Music & Movie Gists L6 Obiageli Ozofor Wins Most Beautiful Igbo Girl In Plateau 2015

Seyi Shay to release debut album

Chijioke Kingsley, Jos

The debut edition of the most beautiful Igbo Girl in Plateau took place in Jos the Plateau State capital at the prestigious Hill Station Hotel with Obiageli Ozofor 19-years-old representing Enugu State, crowned winner.

The event which attracted prominent Igbo sons and daughters in Plateau and neighbouring northern states was graced with activities as cheers emanated from the crowed as they watch the beauty pageants cat-walk the stage competing to be crown queen.

Different artists took the stage with beautiful renditions that gave the crowed value for their time.

The most notable of them all is Ruff Coin Nwaba Who rent the air with his debut album.

The event was organised by Joe B. Entertainment, a famous entertainment company in Plateau State.

According to MC Malangwa, a co-partner to Joe B entertainment,”the event was organise with the main purpose of having an Igbo queen that will pilot the affairs of young Igbo ladies sensitizing them on the dangers of illicit life style and empowering them with skills acquisition for some of them who do not have formal university education.

The new crown queen is a currently waiting to be admitted into Madona University where she is going to study Mass communication. In an interaction with dailytimes, she said she will use her current status as beauty queen to fight Child Trafficking.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

Obiageli Ozofor

Interview

Singer Seyi Shay is set to release her debut album. The sultry singer has announced her debut album will be released in few weeks.

Speaking in a recent interview, she said the LP entitled ‘Seyi or Shay’ will be released on Friday, November 13, 2015.

“I’m working on my album titled: ‘Seyi or Shay’, and there is a story behind that.”

The singer said.

Seyi Shay To mark the release of the album, Seyi Shay has plans to put together an album listening session in Lagos, at the Eko Hotels & Suites.

She shot into prominence with her smash single, ‘Irawo’released in July 2012. Her recent single, ‘Right Now’ has received wide acclaim from music lovers and is currently leading music charts across the country.

I wish to be like Whizkid, Beyonce, but I’m not competing –Olasunkanmi Continued from

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At what point did you know you were ready for music?

Well that will be after my NYSC programme. I was looking for a job because I was not retained at my former place of primary assignment because they could not afford to pay a Geo-Physics graduate and the general Nigerian condition.

So at that point, I started looking for work but the fact I was not a regular wake-up early person and come back at evening so I was not really prepared to get a job knowing-full well that I have got love for music. For me I like to wake up at my own time and do my things accordingly and that paid off at the end of the day for me. After trying my hand on several businesses like venturing into boutique and all that, I eventually took solace in music and a colleague of mine who also sings encouraged me and took me to her studio where I did a free-style recording, like a demo and took it to several DJ that I know.

What was people’s reaction when your song was played on radio for the first time?

So many other people called

in to encourage me. They were like: Sunkami wow! I heard your song on radio because I informed all my friends to tune in to listen to my demo on radio. They were like: you just dropped a banger and I made a hit already; and they were like: ‘Sunkami you can do it, and all that’. So, with the help of God and my family and friends, I was able to take music up as a career.

Of course, I didn’t initially believe in myself and I don’t have the primary knowledge of music.

With several female artistes in the music scene, how do you intend to make a difference?

My plan is to be real and be myself; when you hear the Sunkanmi music sound brand; it is different from any other female sound because I don’t want to sound like any other person. My plan is just to be a better me.

Because the only competition I have really is myself and my sound because I am not in a competition with anybody.

How do you feel doing collaboration with Olamide knowing that is one of the biggest artists right now?

That was a wow experience! I

was not expecting it but there was this single, I released Singale that gave me a stay in the industry that everybody really liked. Fortunately for me, I was able to meet Olamide through a friend of mine, and when we got to Olamide’s studio and my friend was trying to introduce me, Olamide was like: I know her now, she just dropped a jam and I really loved the song. The moment he said that I was like wow, okay a remix must be made.

But I thought it wise to make a new song with him and that was what brought about ‘for body’.

What much of your song do you have on air now?

I still have Fabulous, Cassanova, Tenumo, Singale and the most recent, For Body featuring Olamide which is currently enjoying massive airplay at the moment.

What have been your challenges in the music industry?

It has not been easy I must say but in all, all the experiences have turned out to be blessing in return.

Although I have had a rough time regarding management and the

likes but as soon as I met Young John, my story changed entirely shortly after the release of Singale because there is no club you will go that the song don’t get played.

Presently I want to release another single which is going to be bigger, and would be my major hit that is the point where I am right now.

Where do you see yourself in years to come?

Human being proposes while God disposes every wish, but we only hope for the better. I pray, I would be at the top of my game like, I wish to be where Whizkid is right now. I wish to break brand borders, I wish to be known as much as they know wiz in fact, even Beyoncé I pray for the best.

Who do you look up to in the music industry?

I don’t necessary want to mention names but, I look up to everybody on their games and I wish to be like them.

Who and who have you been working with in terms of production?

I have worked with ID Cabasa, TY Mix, Indomix, Young John and a host of other bigger producers.

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

Bringing back the memories of Late Dagrin: The CEO Mutiat Alli After teasing us with his scene stealing verses from E Fi Mi Le by YQ, ‘Nla’ by Lala and his hood anthem Pon Pon Pon, the late rapper known as Dagrin released his much anticipated sophomore album- Chief Executive Omoita (CEO). Shaving off the three bonus tracks, C.E.O is a dope and neatly constructed 10 tracker albums.

On the album, Late Dagrin effectively weaved rags to riches; from underdog to top dog stories that can only be well written by someone who has lived such a life. If you are searching through the street side bookshops located under the Ikeja Bridge for Dagrin’s biography, forget about it.

Your best bet is to listen to these three tracks of the album; Ghetto Dreams ft Sossick, Everyday ft Ejay, and Thank God ft Omowunmi. These three tracks apart from being metaphorical and highly lyrical are autobiographical in every sense of the word. The MC unabashedly recalls his days of poverty, hardships, crime and struggles through emotionally laden tracks. However, don’t just think that because Dagrin is now basking in limelight, he has forgotten where he is coming from. The dude still has a hood state of mind-just listen to his hood banger: Pon Pon Pon, and Igboro ft Isolate (the dude who sounds a lot like 9ice or according to rumours, the guy who 9ice stole from) and you will discover that ‘Grin could be that guy lurking in that dark corner in your neighbourhood where your mamma has always warned you never to go. For those who are street-wary, Dagrin caters for them.

This lyrical MC also happens to be current with a lot of trends happening in Hip-Hop. Swag (File) ft.

Cartiair (of the owo ati swaga fame) sees the two rappers well, outs wagging their haters on a Krump beat, while Make Doe ft Dark Poet and Sossick is his snap record. Even though the beat is quite generic, Grin’s flows make the track listenable.

The album isn’t strictly a Red Eye-Red Eye or an Oju Uche affair as Dagrin comes off lighthearted on the Bollywood inspired cut Hola Hola ft. Tfrizzle.

Now what’s a rap album with the standard raunchy track? Kondo happens to be C.E.O’s raw and uncut sex track that is sure to be banned by NBC when a radio deejay plays it on air. Its vulgar nature however, is sure to make it a night club staple, dormitory favourite and the soundtrack of choice for many sexual encounters that will undoubtedly lead

to many unwanted pregnancies. While listening to this CD, the skip button is virtually non-existent until you hit track number 8- What They Want. With its beat being an interpolation of 50cent’s Wankster, the track should have not made the final album cut. It sounds more like an okay mixtape joint, but when placed in a good album it fails to move the album forward. Despite this bump on the road, C.E.O is a smooth and easy ride. After listening to the album, your gut tells you that you have just listened to something game changing. True, ‘Grin has a nasty Yoruba flow but that is not the ish here.

Lord of Ajasa and AY started it way back. The ish is that none of them have ever rapped in Yoruba the way Dagrin does. His metaphors, similes are just absolutely bunkers. By the time you listen to Dagrin, you quickly make up your mind that he is not a good Yoruba rapper, but a very good rapper period. He can hang with the best of them. His use of Yoruba is so alluring that those who don’t speak the language are at least seduced by his flow and rhyme cadence. Kudos should be given to Dagrin for keeping up to his promise of featuring unknown acts. Except for Omowunmi, the rest of the supporting cast is relatively new to the game.

He could have just gone the Terry G or Timaya route like most rappers are quick to do today, but he chose to stick with the new guns who undoubtedly give this opus a fresh vibe. Even though the tracks on the album are conceptually different, there is a cohesive thread that runs through them. By working mostly with Sossick (Gino’s in-house producer), the album doesn’t run all over the place. It is well constructed and well delivered. I don’t truly believe that you can call an album classic, until after 6-8 months of release. Some of the greatest rap albums of all time such as Reasonable Doubt didn’t make the once coveted 5 mic rating, but today even The Source will tell you Jigga’s debut LP is timeless. Years from now, I would love to see whether C.E.O stood the test of time.

The late Dagrin’s usage of the Yoruba language to lucidly illustrate his pain, sorrow and eventual victory in the game is as revolutionary as Rev. Samuel Ajayi Crowther translating the Good Book into Yoruba. So far this is best the best damn rap album this year has got to offer.

The CEO is seriously missed in the industry; even in death; he is still celebrated.

Making a movie: Fighting till my last blood.

Hussenat Ohize A dance musical film tells the story of Osas (Ivie Okujaye). After the death of her father, Osas and her younger sister, Eseosa (Helga Sosthenes) are thrown into an abusive living situation with their mother’s new man Tunde (Wale Adebayo).

Without any support from their mother, (Tina Mba), she resorts to violent methods of self-defence, finding solace in work, dance and sweet romance.

Osas finds comfort in dancing and uses it as a means to get away from her many problems including her home, which is falling apart. Her stepfather made her life not easy for her because of the mark he kept in her life. Osas joined a dance group where she found love and fell in love with Chuma (Eno Ekpenyong).

Osas finally found what she was looking for, she now has all what she wanted, she went for a dance competition, with her group members (Beverly Naya), (Victor Godfery), which they won. She passed her exams and her mother finally realised that she was wrong. Her step father was later exposed and was dealt with by (Majid Micheal). The 2-hour 44 minutes movie cast acts included Ivie Okujaye, Tina Mba, Beverly Naya and Wale Adebayo and was directed by an accountable director, Niyi Akinmolayan.

A very good movie, it movie would have been perfect if the producer featured more cast. The producer should feature more cast on his next movie. The background of the movie is very much okay, everyone would like to see the movie very often. A wonderful movie, deserves 9/10.

L7 Buzz Bytes

Daily Times Nigeria Thursday, October 8, 2015

L8 Television Showing on

Showing on

141 Eva Channel

150 Africa Magic Showcase

23:00

23:31

Thu, Oct 8 | PG13

Thu, Oct 8 | PG13

‘S1/E58 - 1/58’. Alejandra threatens to kill Edmundo. An obsessed Fernando looks for clues amongst Alejandra’s things to help find her.

Meanwhile, Javier gets valuable information regarding Manriquez’s multiple estates.

‘S9/E9 - 9/9’. Michelle Attoh chats with Ameyaw Kissi Debrah, known professionally as Ameyaw Debrah, a Ghanaian celebrity blogger, freelance journalist and reporter.

101 M-Net

00:00 Sniper: Legacy 02:00 Veronica Mars 04:00 The Voice 05:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 06:00 The Middle 06:30 NCIS: New Orleans 07:30 Chicago PD 08:30 Dawn Of The Planet Of The Apes 10:35 The Goldbergs 11:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 12:00 The Voice 13:00 Carte Blanche 14:00 The Blacklist 15:00 Modern Family 15:30 Entertainment Now! 16:00 Ellen’s Design Challenge 17:00 Mike & Molly 17:30 The Voice 18:30 The Fixer 19:30 Hawaii Five-0 20:30 NCIS: New Orleans 21:30 CSI: Cyber 22:30 Last Week Tonight With John Oliver

118 Telemundo

00:30 The Del Monte Dynasty 01:20 The Impostor 02:10 Labour Of Love 03:00 Part Of Me 03:50 Queen Of Hearts 05:20 The Del Monte Dynasty 06:10 Labour Of Love 07:00 Part Of Me 07:50 Queen Of Hearts 08:40 The Impostor 09:30 Forbidden Passions 10:20 Labour Of Love 11:10 Part Of Me 12:00 Queen Of Hearts 12:50 The Impostor 13:40 Forbidden Passions 14:30 Labour Of Love 15:20 Part Of Me 16:10 Queen Of Hearts 17:00 The Impostor 17:50 Forbidden Passions 18:40 Labour Of Love 19:30 Part Of Me 20:20 Queen Of Hearts 21:10 The Impostor 22:00 Forbidden Passions 22:50 Labour Of Love

120 BBC Entertainment

128 SONY MAX

00:45 The Weakest Link

11:00 My Family

00:25 Most Shocking

01:30 Silent Witness

11:30 Hell’s Kitchen USA

01:20 Sexy Car Wash

02:20 Come Dine With Me

12:20 Top Gear

01:50 Rude Tube

03:10 EastEnders

13:15 Come Dine With Me

02:20 Poorman’s Bikini Beach

03:40 QI

14:10 Dragons’ Den

02:45 Jerks With Cameras

04:10 Top Gear

15:10 The Weakest Link

03:10 Impractical Jokers

05:00 Mr. Bean: The Animated Series

16:00 EastEnders

03:35 Most Shocking

05:25 QI

16:30 Deal Or No Deal

04:30 South Beach Tow

05:55 The Thin Blue Line

17:15 QI

05:00 Criss Angel Mindfreak

06:30 EastEnders

17:50 Would I Lie To You?

05:25 Exposed

07:00 Antiques Roadshow

18:25 Hell’s Kitchen USA

05:50 Exposed

07:55 The Weakest Link

19:15 Downton Abbey

06:15 Video Zonkers

08:45 The Cube

21:00 Mrs Brown’s Boys

06:40 Video Zonkers

09:30 Who Wants To Be A Millionaire?

21:35 Miranda

07:05 World’s Wildest Police Videos

10:20 Deal Or No Deal

22:10 Live At The Apollo

08:05 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol

155 AfricaMagic World

09:05 South Beach Tow 09:35 Most Shocking 10:35 Most Shocking 11:35 Video Zonkers

154 AfricaMagic Family

12:05 Video Zonkers

11:30 Star Gist

12:35 World’s Wildest Police Videos

12:00 Music Block

13:35 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol

13:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh

14:35 South Beach Tow

14:00 53 Extra

15:05 Most Shocking

14:30 Family Ties

00:00 Music Block

14:00 Star Gist

16:05 1000 Ways To Die

14:30 Star Gist

02:00 Music Block

15:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas

01:00 Good Morning Africa

16:30 Video Zonkers

02:05 Deal Or No Deal SA

15:00 Star Gist

03:00 Good Morning Africa

17:00 Video Zonkers

16:00 Prem

03:00 Music Block

15:30 Lies That Bind

04:00 Music Block

17:30 World’s Wildest Police Videos

16:30 Living With Trisha

04:00 The Dzigbordi Show

16:00 The Dzigbordi Show

05:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh

18:30 South Beach Tow

17:30 Mary Slessor

05:00 Good Morning Africa

17:00 So Wrong So Wright

06:00 Good Morning Africa

18:00 Jane And Abel

06:00 Angels In Hell

17:30 So Wrong So Wright

19:00 Disorderly Conduct: Video On Patrol

07:00 Star Gist

18:30 Jane And Abel

08:05 Last Angel In Hell

18:00 The Dzigbordi Show

20:00 The Boondocks

07:25 The Peace Mission

19:00 Tinsel

09:00 Good Morning Africa

19:00 Kumwesu

20:30 Rude Tube

08:35 Living With Trisha

19:30 Star Gist

10:00 The Dzigbordi Show

19:30 Kumwesu

21:00 Rude Tube

09:25 Mashariki Mix

20:00 Star Football Superfans

11:00 Deal Or No Deal SA

20:00 The Heart Of A Shepherd

21:30 Poorman’s Bikini Beach

10:00 Good Morning Africa

20:35 Separate Lives

12:00 Deal Or No Deal SA

21:45 Jara

22:00 Sexy Car Wash

11:00 Tinsel

22:05 Living With Trisha

13:00 Music Block

22:15 Music Block

22:30 Most Shocking

IZAMOJE, CANVASSES SUPPORT FOR NIGERIAN CLUBS, LEAGUES g X2

Poster!

ESTHER OYEMA g X4,5

Thursday, October 8, 2015

NEYMAR

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will break my record, says Kaka g X8

D E T N A W R E V E IN E R U J N I TO

, I S MES

s a g i B

S E S S E F N CO g X6

ENYEAMA, NDIDI TRAIN gX3 WITH EAGLES

X2

Thursday, October 8, 2015

EXTRATIME

GLO TO FALCONETS: BEAT CONGO AND MOVE AHEAD!

Andrew Ekejiuba

M

ajor sponsor of Nigeria’s national football teams, Globacom, has asked the junior national women team, Falconets, to complete the job they started in Congo a fortnight ago as they lock horns with their Congolese counterparts this weekend in Abuja.

Two quick goals from Chinaza Uchendu and Chinwendu Ihezuo saw the Falconets defeat the Congolese 2-1 in a Chile 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifying match in Kinshasa a fortnight ago.

In a Press statement in Lagos on Tuesday, Globacom said: “It is expected that the Congolese will come out fighting, but the Falconets must show their class by beating them comprehensively in Abuja.”

“We also share in Coach Peter Dedevbo’s belief that his girls would beat Congo DR again but we want the Falconets to remain focused so that they would secure outright victory and progress to the final stage,” the statement added.

The next generation telecommunication network urged the Falconets’ handlers not to rest on their oars to guard against any surprise that the visitors may offer in the encounter.

Globacom also urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) not to spare any effort at motivating the Falconets well for the encounter.

The winners of both fixtures will lock horns with aggregate winners of the clash between South Africa and Zambia for a spot at the 2016 Women World Cup holding in Chile.

NFF plays down Enyeama, Oliseh rift

T

he Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has labelled a reported rift in the national team camp as just a “misunderstanding”.

Reports suggested there was a confrontation between Nigeria coach Sunday Oliseh and Lille goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama as the side prepare for their African Nations Championship qualifiers against Burkina Faso, as well

as a friendly against Cameroun.

It was alleged that Enyeama was expelled from the camp in Belgium, but the NFF revealed on Twitter that the situation had been resolved.

“It’s true that there was a little misunderstanding in the camp of @ NGSuperEagles, but the matter has been resolved. Enyeama remains in camp,” the tweet read.

IZAMOJE,

L-R: Administrator, Footie Aficionados, Niyi Aladesulu; Founder/CEO, Brilla FM, Dr. Larry Izamoje; sister and brother to late Femi Ajayi, Keji and Wale Ajayi with Co-Administrator, Footie Aficionados, Charles Onwude at the 3rd Femi Ajayi Memorial lecture in Lagos.

CANVASSES SUPPORT FOR NIGERIAN CLUBS, LEAGUES ANDREW EKEJIUBA

F

ounder/CEO, foremost sports radio station in Nigeria, Brilla FM, Dr. Larry Izamoje, has called for support to local football clubs and leagues in Nigeria in order to bring development to football.

He made the call in Lagos recently at the 3rd Femi Ajayi Memorial Lecture put together by Footie Aficionados, a group of football enthusiasts in Nigeria.

The veteran football analyst who delivered a paper titled, ‘The Local Football Leagues & the Future,’ at the event, said football clubs in the Nigerian Premier

League (NPL) need to be given huge support in order raise their standard and generate massive followership.

Although he noted that there has been a significant improvement in the NPL under the current supervision by the League Management Company (LMC), but a lot more issues have to be addressed to raise the game.

Izamoje said: “Poor funding, inadequate information, insecurity, management/ ownership control, poor infrastructure, and unaccountability among others challenges hinder the development of Nigerian leagues.”

He noted that the huge followership enjoyed by European clubs and league

across the world today was realised through deliberate and concerted efforts of wellmeaning investors/sponsors, stakeholders and the media.

Speaking further, Izamoje identified ways local football clubs can generate revenue.

He said revenue could come to clubs through gate tickets, souvenirs, jerseys sales, sponsorship among other streams of revenue.

After tracing the histories of the English Premier League and South African League, Izamoje urged that the NPL should emulate successful models in other countries like England and Spain. He also urged clubs to utilise the media in order to promote their games.

Thursday, `October 8, 2015

EXTRATIME

Tornadoes retain 21, drop 16 players

X3

Ex-Nigerian international, Garba Lawal (left) with Airtel’s Rajat Jain (right) presenting an award to Christopher Evo of Team Port Harcourt who emerged the Highest Goal Scorer at ARS Season

Pita Chikwem Minna

N

iger Tornadoes of Minna have retained the services of 21 players in the club, while dropping 16 players as surplus to the club’s requirement.

Media officer of the club, George Daniya, on Wednesday said that this was part of the report the coaching crew submitted to the club’s management which it studied, deliberated and adopted it.

Among those retained include the club’s goalkeeper Mustapha Salihu, Bolaji Adeyemo, Kayode Agboola, George James, among others.

Daniya said that the club believes on the coaching crew decision to declare the 16 players surplus to the club requirement and were not in the position to alter their decisions.

He said that the chairman of the club, Hon. Adamu Aliyu Mohammed has instructed the coaching crew to go for the best players and should go about it without any sort of sentiments.

TOP SCORER EVO THUMBS UP ARS

ANDREW EKEJIUBA

W

ith a total of three goals scored in the Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) Season 5, striker for Port Harcourt male team, Christopher Evo, emerged the Highest Goal Scorer in the tournament. The 16-year-old player described the ARS 5 football competition as a huge opportunity for the boys and girls to experience another level of football competition.

“After qualifying for the finals, my team members felt so happy and motivated.

The encouragement we got from the exinternationals, the spectators and Airtel

DEDEVBO assures, as Falconets battle DR Congo

H

ead Coach of the U-20 Women National Team, Peter Dedevbo, has assured soccer fans on Wednesday that his Falconets will not under –rate their counterparts from the Democratic Republic of Congo in Saturday’s 2016 FIFA U-20 Women’s World Cup qualifier in Abuja.

The Falconets, who have played at every edition of the FIFA tournament since it was launched in Canada in 2002, won the first leg played in Kinshasa 2-1 and looks destined for the final round of the African series.

The Nigeria U-20 is also the reigning world vice champion.

Yet, Dedevbo will not allow his girls to think the fixture is over and that all they need do to reach the final round (where either of South Africa and Zambia awaits) is turn up at the National Stadium, Abuja on

Saturday.

“I have a philosophy, which is to respect every team and not to fear any, and also that it is never over until it is over. We have won the first leg 2-1; there is still a second leg to play to determine the winner on aggregate.

“We have 90 precious minutes to go in this fixture. There will be no heaving of any sigh of relief until after the final whistle on Saturday. We will approach the match as if we lost the first leg.”

Early goals by Chinaza Uchendu and Chinwendu Ihezuo gave the Falconets a 2-1 win in Kinshasa, and the Congolese believe there is still much to play for at the National Stadium on Saturday.

The DR Congo delegation will fly into Abuja aboard an Ethiopian Airline flight this afternoon and will be accommodated at the Chida Hotel.

Nigeria showed that they believe in us that is why they gave us such opportunity to display our talent. The ARS soccer clinic that followed it also allowed us to see our areas of weakness and how we can improve.

Some of us used to play with right or left, but at the clinic the coaches gave us reason why we must be skilful using both legs. The clinic helped us to further develop our skills.

They coaches also encouraged us to ask questions,” Evo began.

The skilful player recalled that he started playing football at a very young age: “Right from age six, I knew I wanted football as a career. I played street soccer, but I had not

played a big competition like this. My Mum really supports me and Dad was more particular about my studies than football. My mum could not eat for some time due to excitement when I told her that I emerged the Highest Goal Scorer in the competition. She was so happy for me.”

Evo noted that the tournament, apart from improving his skills, gave him opportunity to make new friends and to know more places in Nigeria. As a group, after training at the ARS football clinic we visited several places and we relaxed.

Evo said he dreams of playing for

the Super Eagles and for big clubs such as Barcelona or Arsenal.

“I really appreciate what Airtel has done for us. This is a big motivation for us because we are made to believe that we can achieve our dreams. From the qualifying matches to the finals, Airtel really supported the boys and girls, kitted us, fed us and gave us confidence to pursue of dreams,” he added.

The boys and girls from Port Harcourt emerged champions of the fifth edition of Airtel Rising Stars (ARS) Season 5 U-17 football tournament which held recently at the Sports Complex of Yaba College of Technology.

Nigeria Professional Football League action between Kwara United and Dolphins.

KWARA UTD PLAYERS BEGIN STRIKE OVER UNPAID WAGES

P

layers of Kwara United have to unpaid entitlements,” one of the players resorted to a pay strike to press who wants to remain anonymous said. for the payment of their unpaid “We met with the permanent secretary wages. of the sports ministry and she promised A source in the team revealed the pain of something will be done, up till now nothing. going without cash has become unbearable We are hungry and can’t take care of our for the players, who do not have any other families again. choice than to stay away from training.

“We are being owed four months’ salary “We are on strike from Wednesday due (June, July, August and September), six

match bonuses, 100% sign on fee for this season and 30% sign on fee from last season.

“We know other workers in the state are being paid, why is our own different?

“We are begging the Governor to do something. The lack of motivation is the main reason why the club is in the position we are now.”

ENYEAMA, NDIDI TRAIN WITH EAGLES

V Enyeama

incent Enyeama, who has been stripped of the Eagles captaincy, trained with the rest of the Eagles squad in Belgium on Wednesday, same as late invitee Wilfred Ndidi.

Contrary to some media reports, Enyeama did not quit the Eagles camp in Belgium after his major fall-out with coach Sunday Oliseh on Tuesday night.

NFF president Amaju Pinnick had also reassured that Enyeama will train with the rest of the squad notwithstanding the row of the previous day.

Genk defender Ndidi, on the other hand, was a late call-up after six players from the domestic league were yet to be issued visas to Belgium.

Another late call-up Dele Alampasu had called

from the airport in Lisbon, Portugal, on Wednesday evening he was on his way.

Today’s match against DR Congo will kick off at 7pm inside the VISE Stadium, and will be the first between both countries’ senior teams in five-andhalf-years.

About Esther Oyema Esther Oyema (born April 20, 1982) is a Nigerian powerlifter.

She competed in the women’s 61 kg event at the 2014 Commonwealth Games where she won a gold medal and set a new world record by lifting 122.4 kg in the heavyweight category.

Commonwealth Games Record Gold: 2010 Delhi (Women’s Open bench press) Gold: 2014 Glasgow (Women’s 61 kg)

Full name: Esther Oyema Nationality: Nigerian Born: April 20, 1982 (33 years) Weight: 48 kg (106 lb) Sport: Women’s Powerlifting Paralympic Games Record Gold: 2012 London (Women’s 48kg)

PERSONAL INFORMATION

X4 Thursday, October 8, 2015

EXTRATIME

Thursday, October 8, 2015

X5

Esther

Oyema

EXTRATIME

X6

Thursday, October 8, 2015

EXTRATIME

I NEVER WANTED TO INJURE MESSI, NOLITO BIGAS CONFESSES Barca L Bigas

as Palmas defender Pedro Bigas has insisted that he never had any intention of injuring Barcelona star Lionel Messi.

The Argentina captain picked up a knee injury after he had a shot blocked by Bigas in the Catalans’ 2-1 La Liga win at Camp Nou back on September 26.

Messi was consequently ruled out for seven to eight weeks, but Bigas hopes the 28-year-old will soon be back on the pitch.

“I didn’t do it deliberately. I got the ball and he hurt himself

because of the way he took the shot. He’s a top player and I wish him a speedy recovery,” Bigas said.

“I planned to speak to Messi at the end of the match, but that never happened because he’d already gone to the hospital to have some tests.

“I did not realise Messi got injured at the time, but I noticed it afterwards when there was a break in play. He had bad luck.

“There was impact between the ball, him and me, and he got injured.

“Messi is one of the best players in the world and I hope he recovers quickly.”

Ronaldo will retire at Real— Ancelotti

C

arlo Ancelotti believes Cristiano Ronaldo is destined to stay at Real Madrid until the end of his career.

Ronaldo has a contract with Madrid until June 2018, but has recently been linked with his former club Manchester United and Paris Saint-Germain.

Nevertheless, ex-Madrid boss Ancelotti would be surprised if his former pupil were to leave the Santiago Bernabeu.

“He etched his name into the record books at Real Madrid the other day

when he equaled Raul’s goalscoring record,” Ancelotti said.

“I cannot imagine him leaving Real Madrid.

“I think he will stay at Madrid until the end of his career. Everybody at the club loves him.”

Ronaldo netted twice in Madrid’s 2-0 Champions League win over Malmo earlier this month to equal Raul’s tally of 323 goals and seems set to become Madrid’s sole all-time top goalscorer after the international break.

Ronaldo

Ancelotti also had his say on Angel Di Maria, another player he coached at Madrid and who joined Paris Saint-Germain this year after an unsuccessful season at Manchester

Kovacic

United.

“Di Maria will help PSG progress, because he is a team player more than anything else. He is not a selfish player at all,” the Italian added.

M

ateo Kovacic is happy with life at Real Madrid and said he does not miss the “boring” Inter training sessions.

Kovacic, 21, moved to Real Madrid in the close-season after Inter sold the youngster due to financial fair play restrictions.

The Croatian midfielder has made nine appearances under Rafael Benitez and is content with life in Madrid.

“It was an honour and very nice to

play for Inter, but Real is a dream, higher level, no doubt,” Kovacic enthused.

“In Spain each team wants to play, to score, teams are technically better than Italian ones, and that suits me because I have more space. I am happy with my performances for Real so far, but of course I can do better.

He added: “Training in Real is great, we do everything with a ball, and it is never boring. They are shorter than in Inter, but with higher intensity.

“In Italy it was more boring because we had some training sessions just practicing formations, with no ball play.”

Kovacic had compatriot Luka Modric to help him settle into life in the Spanish capital and said, despite the stars in the team, they are just simple people.

“Cristiano Ronaldo first approached me in the locker room and started to make jokes in Italian,” he said.

“And after that he explained to me what kind of pressure Real players face.

He is very funny, likes to joke, and of course he enjoys special status, he is the best player in the world.”

C

elta Vigo star Nolito insists persistent rumours linking him with a return to Barcelona will not change him as a person or a player.

The 28-year-old former Benfica star was linked with a close-season move back to his former club at Camp Nou, but ultimately stayed put and recently helped Celta to a famous 4-1 win over Barca as speculation over his long-term future continues.

The forward has scored five times in seven La Liga games to kick off the season and has been rewarded with a call-up to the Spain squad for their Euro 2016 qualification matches against Luxembourg and Ukraine.

Despite the continued suggestions that a move to Barcelona could be imminent, Nolito is attempting not to lose focus on Celta nor become distracted ahead of an important week in his international career.

“I try to be calm and disconnected from everything that is said about me,” he said at the national team’s press conference. “I try to be the same as I always am and stay happy.

EURO QUALIFIER: MARTIN RELISHING LEWANDOWSKI BATTLE

carpets ‘boring’ Inter training S

Kovacic

rumours won’t change me!

cotland defender Russell Martin has promised his side will be ‘hard but fair’ when they face Poland in their European Qualifier today.

The Norwich star was responding to calls from Poland striker Robert Lewandowski for the referee at Hampden to be ‘more diligent’ than the man in charge when the sides played out a 2-2 draw in Warsaw last October.

The Bayern Munich striker claimed a tackle from Scotland’s Gordon Greer broke his shin pad and he was lucky his leg never suffered the same fate.

But Norwich defender Martin, who is in line for his 22nd cap, insists it was a fantastic tackle and Lewandowski and his fellow team-mates can expect more of the same at Hampden.

“It was a great tackle. As a defender

it’s harder to make tackles early in the game these days.

“People always talk about getting in an early tackle and letting them know you are there, but you run the risk of getting booked or sent off the way the game is going in terms of physicality.

“But that was a fantastic tackle. It wasn’t even a free kick so if we get the chance to do that again on Thursday then I’m sure someone will take it.

“Lewandowski is one of the best I’ve played against. His goal record speaks for itself with the form he is in at the minute.

“Players like him, Thomas Muller and Mario Gotze of Germany, who are in our group, are all among the top five or six in Europe at the moment so it’s up to us to go and stop him,” he said.

Thursday, October 8, 2015

EXTRATIME

BRIEFS

Klopp can be Liverpool ‘immortal’ —Hamann

Jurgen Klopp can become an “immortal” at Liverpool if he is appointed manager, according to the club’s former midfielder Didi Hamann. Former Borussia Dortmund coach Klopp is expected to be named Brendan Rodgers’ successor on a three-year deal. Hamann, a Champions League winner at Liverpool, backed his German countryman to be a success.

Luongo stunned over Ballon d’Or nod QPR and Australia midfielder Massimo Luongo has admitted he thought it was a joke when he was named on the leaked list of nominees for the Ballon d’Or. The 59-man longlist appeared in the European press last week and contained several surprises, with on-loan AFC Bournemouth winger Christian Atsu, Arsenal’s David Ospina and Luongo all included.

Cabaye unsurprised by Martial talent Crystal Palace midfielder Yohan Cabaye is unsurprised by the incredible start France team-mate Anthony Martial has made at Manchester United. Martial, 19, arrived at Old Trafford as a shock £36million signing from Monaco in September, but has taken little time to settle in.

OZIL:

GUNNERS DO NOT FEAR BAYERN!

M

esut Ozil has insisted that Arsenal do not fear Bayern Munich and is confident they have what it takes to beat the Bavarians in the Champions League.

Arsene Wenger’s men desperately need two good results against Bayern in order to keep their Champions League ambitions alive after losing their opening two fixtures, yet Ozil remains optimistic about their chances.

“It is true that there is a lot of pressure on us in the Champions League. We can beat Bayern, though, if we play at the same level as against Manchester United,” Ozil told reporters.

“I was a bit surprised to see Bayern beat Dortmund 5-1. Bayern’s results show that they are in great form.

“We have a lot of respect for Bayern, but we are not afraid of them.

We are playing at home and we know how to score goals and be successful against Bayern.

“Of course, it will not be easy, but we have the potential to beat any team.”

Arsenal showed what they are capable of at the weekend as they beat Manchester United 3-0 to climb to second place in the Premier League table and Ozil believes they can go all the way in the English top flight this campaign.

“We have a great team with a lot of world-class players,” he added.

“Our goal is to win the Premier League title. I think we can achieve it this season if we do not get any major injuries.

“But the season is still long.”

Ozil

X7

J

amie Redknapp believes Jurgen Klopp can get Liverpool performing at their peak again and bring the club’s fans back on side if he is named the club’s next manager as expected.

The Merseysiders are in advanced talks with the former Borussia Dortmund coach and hope to make an appointment before the weekend.

Redknapp is impressed with the German’s track record and thinks he can make the kind of impact that gets the side firing once more.

They have won just once in their last nine outings and that led to Brendan Rodgers’ sacking after Sunday’s 1-1 draw with city rivals Everton.

Redknapp - a Liverpool player from 1991 to 2002 - said: “I think he’s the ideal person. He’s worked a lot with young players at Dortmund and he has an enthusiasm in him.

“He seems the sort of guy who can get players working extremely hard and I think that’s exactly what Liverpool need.

“They haven’t played badly at times, they’ve just had a couple of

REDKNAPP backs

Klopp

to lift misfiring Reds

uncomfortable results. When you play at home, especially in a big stadium, you need the fans behind you.

“I’ve felt a couple of times at Anfield this season that the fans seemed a bit restless. Hopefully

Klopp coming in will address that and I think the players will look forward to working with him too.”

Klopp was hugely popular with Dortmund fans as he led them to two Bundesliga titles in seven years at the Westfalenstadion.

Rooney will rediscover form

— BECKHAM D

avid Beckham is confident Wayne Rooney will overcome his recent struggles and feels the Manchester United and England captain still has plenty to offer.

Rooney has netted just once in seven Premier League outings so far this campaign and has received his fair share of criticism in recent weeks.

But Beckham is adamant that his former England team-mate

remains a key figure for United, and believes he could be employed in a deeper role in the future.

“I don’t think you can ever write off a player that’s scored the number of goals he has for England and Manchester United,” ex-United and Real Madrid star Beckham said.

“Being the player he is and has been over the years, you can never write off someone like that. Players like that can always make you eat your words.

“When you get older, you have to adapt your play. Ryan Giggs was a prime example. He got to a certain age and then he dropped into midfield and played that central role. I think Wayne will do the same.

“He’s an out-and-out goalscorer, but I think at the end of the day with Wayne, he’s proved he can step into the midfield and play. If you’re comfortable on the ball, as players such as Wayne and Giggsy are you can do that.”

I had my best season under Benitez, says Mata

S

panish midfielder Juan Mata claims his best season in England came when he was under the guidance of Rafael Benitez.

Benitez spent over half a season at Chelsea following the sacking of Roberto Di Matteo in November 2012.

Mata, 27, says the 2012-13 season when he was at Chelsea was the best of his five years in England so far.

“I had a great experience with him,” Mata said of Benitez. “It was my best year in England, in which I had the best statistics.

“He gave me enormous confidence to play and made me feel important in the team.”

Benitez has come under pressure in Spain following Real Madrid’s difficult start to the season.

Mata defended the 55-year-old following Real’s 1-1 draw against rivals Atletico Madrid.

“He is a strategic coach, but not defensive,” Mata said. “He prepares his tactics a lot and we as players need to know how to use that.

“He’s a coach that when the game needs an attacking edge, he uses all the attacking power he has. And when you have to defend he knows how to do that as well.

“He understands very well what could determine a game in each moment, no matter what went well or not in the last few games.”

Mata

X8

Thursday, October 8, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

NADAL

Athletics

Tennis

REACHES LAST EIGHT OF CHINA OPEN

T

hird seed Rafael Nadal gave a much-improved performance as he beat Canada’s Vasek Pospisil in round two of the China Open in Beijing.

The Spaniard, 29, won 7-6 (7-3) 6-4 to set up a quarterfinal against American Jack Sock on Friday.

Second seed Tomas Berdych lost 6-4 6-4 to Pablo Cuevas, while top seed Novak Djokovic plays Ze Zhang today.

“Obviously I improved from Tuesday,” said Nadal, who lost serve four times against China’s Wu Di in round one.

“Every victory gives me opportunities to keep practising the things that I need to practise.

“Practising outside of the competition is very important, but at the end you have to compete well. Every match is an opportunity for me.”

In the women’s draw, fourth seed Agnieszka Radwanska

2014: Banned drugs found in 3,800 samples, says WADA

B

Nadal

progressed but eighth seed Caroline Wozniacki lost.

The Dane went down 6-2 6-3 to German 10th seed Angelique Kerber. Poland’s Radwanska led Madison Keys 6-3 when the American retired with a thigh injury.

Spain’s Garbine Muguruza, who retired from last week’s Wuhan final against Venus Williams with an ankle problem, beat Irina Falconi 6-2 6-1 to move within one win of sealing a place at the WTA Finals later this month.

“I knew obviously if I did a great tournament here, I would qualify for the WTA Finals, but I didn’t know which round it was,” said Muguruza.

“I think for sure that’s a very good motivation now.”

NEYMAR will break my record, says Kaka

K

aka is on the verge of becoming Brazil’s alltime leading goalscorer in World Cup qualifying, but believes Neymar will just break the record sooner rather than

Neymar

later anyway.

The Orlando City midfielder has been called up for Brazil’s upcoming qualifiers due to the injury sustained by Liverpool’s Philippe Coutinho.

Kaka currently has 10 goals in World Cup qualifiers and just needs two more to overtake current holders Romario and Zico, who have 11 each.

“It will mean a lot to me,” Kaka said. “If I score two goals now and become the all-time scorer of the qualifiers, in a team with so many great players at a high level, it will mean a lot to me.

“I have been aware of this feat since the 2010 qualifiers but didn’t know how many I needed.

“Now I know I need two, but then Neymar will come and run away with it anyway.”

Despite scoring 46 goals for the national team since his debut in 2010, Neymar has never played in a World Cup qualifier due to Brazil’s automatic qualification for hosting the 2014 tournament.

Even if Kaka breaks the record in the games against Chile and Venezuela, Neymar will still have a long way to go before reaching the feat.

anned substances were found in more than 3,800 samples out of 283,304 tests carried out worldwide last year, World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) figures reveal.

However, that represented a fall, across all sports, of more than 10%, despite an increase in the number of tests carried out.

Athletics has been the subject of allegations of widespread doping.

And WADA has further revealed that more than 10% of elite athletes could be using performanceenhancing drugs.

August’s athletics World Championships in Beijing included 66 competitors who had previously been subject to doping sanctions.

Athletics’ governing body, the International Association of Athletics Federations (IAAF), carried out more than 1,400 tests on an estimated 600-700 athletes - only a third of

the total number of competitors in China. Just two - Kenyan runners Joyce Zakary and Koki Manunga failed them, although the IAAF said samples would be frozen and stored for future reanalysis as science and technology progressed.

As well as the reduction in samples containing banned substances - or ‘adverse analytical findings’ - in 2014, the number of tests requiring further investigation also fell. In contrast, the number of adverse findings had increased by more than 10% between 2012 and 2013.

WADA says the fall in these ‘atypical findings’ is partly due to the introduction of the athlete biological passport.

WADA’s results report the number of tests carried out by sport governing bodies and national antidoping organisations submitted to its 32 accredited laboratories worldwide.

POULTER

seeks first win in three years Golf

Poulter

I

an Poulter hopes to win his first title in three years when the British Masters returns to the European Tour this week after a seven-year hiatus.

Poulter, the official ‘host’ at his home club of Woburn, will tee off along with the likes of Lee Westwood and Luke Donald today.

Seve Ballesteros, Greg Norman and Nick Faldo are among past Masters winners.

“The names on the trophy are all

of the great players that I’ve followed through the years,” said Poulter.

“You can name one after another after another. It’s good that we’ve got a good field and we can put another great name on that trophy.”

Poulter, 39, has had four top-10 finishes this season but has not won a tournament since November 2012.

“It’s hurt a lot,” said the Englishman.

“I’m not getting any younger and the guys are getting younger and better.

“It’s been difficult and that’s hard to take as someone that has pride in himself, in winning a lot of consecutive years in a row.

“But the only way of dealing with that properly is going out there and winning. I need to do that. I expect myself to do that and I would expect myself to do that pretty soon.”

Poulter will begin on the 10th tee with Miguel Angel Jimenez and last week’s Alfred Dunhill Links Championship winner Thorbjorn Olesen.

Westwood, Jamie Donaldson and Byeong Hun An will tee off on the first, ahead of Danny Willett, Thomas Pieters and Shane Lowry.

England’s Danny Willett can replace Rory McIlroy as leader of the Race to Dubai with a top-two finish.