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A’Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Lagos get highest FAAC allocation in QI

ÏÏÏ As FG, states, LGAs share N1.4trn in QI Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ A

report from the Federal Account Allocation Committee (FAAC) has shown that five states

out of the 36 states of the federation and the FCT received the highest amount out of N1.4 trillion allocated in the first quarter of 2017. Continued on page 6

Exxon, PENGASSAN negotiations fail

MONDAY, MAY 22, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 369

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GAINERS AS AT May 19, 2017

N150

LOSERS AS AT May 19, 2017

Anxiety mounts as Lawal, Oke’s fate hang WAPCO

48.00

48.50 1.01%

ACCESS

7.28

7.35

0.95%

UACN

Ï Presidency calls for patience, says Babachir, Oke remain suspended Ï ’Report to wait, 2017 budget most important now’ Ï Cabal in Aso Rock working to frustrate implementation of report -Source Ï Osinbajo empowered to act on report, say Ozekhome, Ali, Falana, others

15.15

14.90

UCAP

-1.65%

Tony Amokeodo, Chris Emetoh, Abuja

ÏÏÏ Palpable anxiety and expectations are now trailing the inability of the

3.05

3.00

-1.64%

Acting President Yemi Osibanjo (SAN) to take key decisions on certain government activities especially the outcome of the Continued on page 6

Presidency: How Buhari govt 6 will drive new executive orders NCAA orders Ethiopian airlines to stop illegal 20 deportation charges We invested over $7bn in Nigeria in 15 years - Dangote 12

L - R: Mr. Tijjani Borodo, Company Secretary, FBN Holdings Plc; Mr. UK Eke, MFR, GMD, FBN Holdings Plc; Otunba (Mrs.) Debola Osibogun, Director, FBN Holdings Plc; Dr. Oba Otudeko CFR, Group Chairman, FBN Holdings Plc; Mrs. Ibukun Awosika, Chairman, First Bank of Nigeria Limited; and Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, MD/CEO, First Bank of Nigeria Limited and Subsidiaries at the Fifth Annual General Meeting of FBN Holdings Plc... on Friday.

MPC: Analysts project no changes in economic indices

Motolani Oseni

ÏÏÏ As Monetary Policy Commit-

tee (MPC) of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) meet in Abuja today (Monday) and tomorrow for the third time this year, financial experts have projected retention of all economic indices. The 256th bi-monthly meeting would be concluded tomorrow, Tuesday, May 23, 2017 and finance professionals hope the MPC mem-

bers would keep benchmark lending rate unchanged at 14 per cent; retain Cash Reserve Ratio (CRR) at 22.5 per cent as well as Liquidity Ratio (LR) at 30 per cent. Although, if the monetary indices are left unchanged, it would be the fifth consecutive time the MPC would be sustaining the status quo. The Daily Times, however, observes that the committee at it last meeting held Monetary Policy

Rate (MPR) at 14 percent, with the asymmetric corridor at +200 basis points and -700 basis points, CRR and LR at 22.50 percent and 30 percent respectively for the fourth time at its March meeting. Commenting, Director General of the Lagos Chamber of Commerce, Dr. Muda Yusuf, said he strongly believes that the committee would maintain the status Continued on page 12

Nigeria faces fragile economic recovery prospects in 2017 - World Bank 7

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

Ambode’s projects will lead to increased productivity- Mamora Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏ. A chieftain of the All Progres-

sives Congress (APC), and former Senator representing Lagos East at the Senate, Olorunnimbe Mamora, has commended Lagos State Governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, for his sterling performance in office within two years, saying that the infrastructure put in place by the governor have greatly contributed to reduction of stress for the people and increased productivity. Speaking during the commissioning of eight roads newly upgraded in Kosofe Local Government by the State Government, Mamora said the springing up of critical infrastructure in all sectors and sections of the State, apart from its positive implication for trade and commerce, would

Endorses governor for second term

equally save the people from stress and hypertension, as well as lead to increase in productivity. The newly inaugurated roads are Omotayo Banwo, Kola Iyaomolere, Omotayo Close, Adetunji Adegbite Street, Ogun Street, Goodluck Street and Prince Oyewunmi Street. “People may not really appreciate what it entails but apart from opening up this area for communication, trade, commerce and so on, it goes beyond that. How about the stress factor that has been reduced because if you are coming from the Express now from Third Mainland Bridge, once you just turn at Ogudu, it leads you straight to Alapere and from there to Ikorodu. “Now, when you reduce stress on the people, of course, you also

reduce their tendency to develop hypertension. Again, when you reduce what you call man-hour loss, you increase productivity. So, this thing has multiplier effect and the total transformation of this area is commendable,” he said. Mamora, who is also a former Speaker of Lagos State House of Assembly, recalled how former Lagos State Governor and now National Leader of APC, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu opened up the area in 2002 with the upgrade of Kola Iya Omolere Road, while his successor, Babatunde Fashola built on the developmental template laid by the former by upgrading Agboyi Road. “Now, Governor Ambode, who has been described as the God Given

Governor (GGG), coming on board, has transformed the entire place in totality.” While endorsing the Governor for a second term in office, Mamora said: “By God’s grace and by the grace of the people who the Governor has been serving very well, I pray that Governor Ambode will complete his eight years in office.” Also speaking during the inauguration of network of roads newly completed in Epe by the Ambode administration, the Oloja of Epe, Oba Kamorudeen Ishola Animasahun, said he was proud of the achievements of the Governor in office in all sections of the State. He said in the history of Epe and Lagos State, the achievements of Governor Ambode would never be forgotten, as the trajectory of the State was being changed for good.

5 News 8th Gateway Trade Fair opens in Abeokuta Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta

ÏÏÏ

The 8th Gateway Trade Fair was at the weekend declared open by Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun with the state president of the Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture, (Ogunncima), Mrs Adesola Adebutu appealing to Ogun State Government to permanently release the MKO Abiola International Trade Fair Complex to the chambers. The President of the Chambers, Mrs Adesola Adebutu made the appeal at the weekend while speaking at the 8th Gateway Trade Fair held in Abeokuta, Ogun State. Adebutu assured that, the chamber will adequately manage the complex if released by the government as it has been working round the clock to give the shopping complex a face-Iift as well as providing constant electricity and water. Speaking on the Trade fair, she opined that the trade fair will bring together small, medium and large scale entrepreneurs which will have a positive impact on the state economy. However, the governor, Ibikunle Amosun in his response promised to table the request of the chambers before the state executive council.

Cross River Assembly recommends closure of illegal schools Edem Edem, Calabar

ÏÏÏ

L-R: Catholic Bishop of Umuahia, Bishop Lucius Ugoji; Abia State Governor, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu; his deputy, Sir Ude Okochukwu and Methodist Bishop of Umuahia, Bishop Chibuzor Opoko, during a meeting organised by the Governor with Church leaders in the state at Mater Dei Cathedral, Umuahia… on Sunday.

Kogi NMA suspends strike for 2 weeks Idris Ahmed, Lokoja

ÏÏÏ

Following due consultations and appeals from prominent stakeholders, the Kogi State chapter of the Nigeria Medical association (NMA) has suspended it’s strike for two weeks It would be recalled that the NMA directed its members to embark on an indefinite strike over non payment of doctors’ salaries and arrears, underpayment of salaries to some of its members, increased taxation, and failure to elevate doctors who are due for promotions. In a statement signed by its Chairman Dr Godwin Tijani, the suspension of the industrial action became imperative as a mark of honour to major key stakeholders in the state

such as, the Attah of Igala HRM Micheal Ameh Oboni 11 , Hon Dr Friday Alih Chairman Kogi State house committee on health, the NMA National President Prof Mike Ogirima and the medical elders who pleaded with the association to call off their strike to enable them intervene in the current problems between Kogi State government and NMA. According to Dr Tijani, NMA has agreed to suspend its strike for 2 weeks to enable the personalities and stakeholders to mediate with the government on the way forward. “This decision to suspend the strike was unanimously taken at the Ordinary General Meeting (OGM) of the association held at NUJ press centre, Lokoja

“We are going back to work for the sake of our patients despite some of our members not being paid salary for 5-15months, underpayment of salary of some of our members who have not been paid, as well as lack of commitment from government on the Revised CONMESS and relativity and promotion of our members.” The Chairman explained that of the members were being sent out of their accommodation because they can’t pay rent and children sent out of schools, just as they can no longer feed their “Since our Royal Father the Attah of Igala, NMA National President and our honourable members in the state house of assembly have requested the association to suspend and

give them time to intervene, we have no choice than to honour them.”Dr Tijani stated. He how ever assured that the striking doctors will reconvene in 2 weeks time to decide on the way forward if no positive progress are made and their demand not met. “Nobody is afraid of sack or no work no pay policy. We are suspending the strike to honour those whom honour is due”. The statement reads in parts. Dr Tijani however appealed to the general public and well meaning individuals to prevail on Kogi State government to do the needful and address the doctors grievances to avoid plunging the health sector in to another round of industrial action in the next 2 weeks if nothing positive is achieved.

The Chairman, Cross River State House of Assembly Special Investigation Committee on private schools, Hon Hillary Bisong, in collaboration with the National Association of Proprietors of Private Schools (NAPPS) has recommended the closure of some Primary and Secondary schools in the state. The affected schools are Little Saints Nursery/Primary School, Injamah Street, Ogoja, Lighthouse Secondary School, Bright Future Schools, Yala and Christ Ambassadors Nursery/ Primary Schools still in Yala local government area. Most of the schools are owned by individuals and churches. The schools according to sources lacked all the requirements for a standard school, with a graveyard found in the school premises. The committees however, commended some of the schools visited. “Schools such as La. Kate Model Academy owned by Mr. Ikiri Christian, Vathhando International School at Yala; Victory Secondary School, owned by Rev Dr. Nick O Ezeh, Excel Nursery/Primary School Yala; Glado Computer College owned by Mrs. Philomena; and Bedon schools; were of exceptional value”

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

Anxiety mounts as Lawal, Oke’s fate hang Continued from page 1 probe panel over the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr. David Babachir Lawal and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) Ambassador Ayodele Oke, in the absence of President Muhammadu Buhari. The development is creating room for speculations while the fates of Lawal and Oke are now hanging in the balance. The Daily Times recalls that Buhari had suspended Lawal over his alleged involvement in the violations of law and due process in the award of contracts to companies linked to him under the Presidential Initiative on the North-

East (PINE) which he headed for the clearing of ‘invasive plant species’ (weeds) in Yobe State. The President also suspended Oke over his claim that the humongous N13 billion cash recovered by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) from a residential apartment at Osborne Towers, Ikoyi, Lagos belonged to the NIA. Buhari later directed Osinbajo to head the probe panel on Lawal and Oke. The panel submitted its report within two weeks. But the sudden departure of Buhari to London for a medical followup two weeks ago has had significant impact on the implementation of the Presidential Committee report on Lawal and Oke, which was

believed to have been supposedly submitted to the President on the eve of his departure. However, a presidential aide, who spoke to The Daily Times on condition of anonymity on Sunday night, disclosed that the issues arising from the 2017 Budget has overshadowed other government activities. He said: “The outcome of the report against Lawal and Oke will have to wait because the budget is the most important issue at the Villa. “Right now, Acting President Osinbajo and other technocrats are scrutinising the documents for necessary action. You will agree with me that the whole country and Nigerians are waiting for the documents.

“So other issues will have to wait. But the acting president will deal with the outcome of the report at the appropriate time. He has discussed the matter with President Buhari before he travelled to London.” Osibanjo, who headed the special investigation panel which sat for two weeks, told Nigerians that the report was ready and was scheduled to be submitted to Buhari the Monday before he travelled. Buhari could not stay till Monday to officially receive the report as scheduled as he had to travel to United Kingdom for medical treatment after meeting with the released 82 Chibok Girls at the Presidential Villa on Sunday night. But Osinbajo-led panel report

which might have made far reaching recommendations against suspended SGF and the NIA DG has kept Nigerians asking questions as to the sincerity of the presidency in carrying out justice especially on key cabinet members of Buhari’s administration, mostly with weighty and glaring allegations against them in the eyes of the public. Although it is generally believed that Buhari before his departure to London, may have directed Osinbajo to determine the fates of Lawal and Oke over their alleged fraudulent activities, undue pressures from cabals in the presidency, according to a Continued on page 12

A’Ibom, Rivers, Bayelsa, Delta, Lagos get highest FAAC allocation in QI Continued from page 1

L-R: 2016 Etisalat Prize for Literature Runner-up, Jacqui L’Ange; Winner, Jowhor Ile and another Runner-up, Julie Iromuanya, during the 2016 Etisalat Prize for Literature Grand Finale/Award Ceremony in Lagos… at the weekend.

Presidency: How Buhari govt will drive new executive orders

ÏÏÏ

The Muhammadu Buhari administration will drive the new executive orders signed by acting President Yemi Osinbajo last week vigorously in its determination to significantly transform the business environment and how government business is done in the country. Spokesperson of the Ag. President, Mr. Laolu Akande, disclosed this in response to media inquiries and while giving an update to the press on the new orders signed last Thursday. He said as part of measures to drive the reforms intended in the executive orders, an interactive event would hold in Abuja on Wednesday where the Ag. President would be discussing in particular, the executive orders on business environment and promoting “Made in Nigeria” products with a cross-section of middle level and senior public and civil servants. “These are the people who will be directly responsible for the at-

tainment of the objectives of the executive orders, so the Ag. President wants an opportunity to talk with them directly and also hear from them in person.” While noting that the interactive forum would be opened for live coverage by a number of TV stations, and live streaming, Akande added that ensuring the effective implementation of the orders are critical for the overall prosperity of Nigerians and Nigeria. Besides, as part of activities commemorating the Second year of the Buhari administration, Akande said next week on May 29, a presidential level Report Card event on the Social Investment Programmes of the Buhari presidency would be held at Aso Rock. “Here at this national event, we shall be updating Nigerians on the progress so far attained, how we are addressing some challenges and how President Buhari’s Social Investment Programmes would be significantly expanded

going forward,” Akande noted. The SIPs are the N-Power, which selected and engaged 200,000 unemployed Nigerians graduates for a volunteer job programmers, the Conditional Cash Transfer being implemented now in 9 states, General Economic & Empowerment Programme, GEEP-a micro credit scheme that has given out almost 60,000 loans out already, and the National Homegrown School Feeding Programme, where 25 million meals have been served and over 1 million primary school pupils in at least seven states are being fed and over 11,000 cooks hired. Regarding media inquiries on the progress of the report of the Presidential Investigative Panel, Akande urged for patience explaining that when time comes, the outcome of the panel would be made manifestly public “and Nigerians would be satisfied.” He said the two suspended officials remain suspended.

According to the report, the five states that received the highest allocation are Akwa Ibom - N34.88 billion, Rivers - N26.8 billion, Bayelsa - N22.97bn, Delta - N21.54 billion and Lagos - N19.03 billion. The report showed that before distribution, state liabilities were deducted. The liabilities paid by the states in the first quarter included an external debt of N8.73 billion, contractual obligations of N30.15 billion and other deductions amounting to N50.23 billion. However, the breakdown followed what each of the 36 states got in the first quarter after all deductions were made. Abia - N8.42 billion, AdamawaN7.8 billion, Anambra - N8.7 billion, Bauchi - N7.9 billion, Benue N8.16 billion, Borno - N9.74 billion and Cross River - N4.28 billion. The states that received the second highest allocation include Kano - N14.02 billion, Kaduna N10. 56 billion, Ondo - N10.22 billion, Katsina - N10.05 billion and Jigawa - N9.66 billion. Others are Sokoto - N9.07 billion, Niger - N9 billion, Oyo - N8.9 billion, Kebbi - N8.37 billion, Kogi - N8.28 billion and Yobe - N8.33 billion. Similarly, Imo - N7.92 billion, Ebonyi - N7.56 billion, Edo - N6.5 billion, Ekiti - N4.97 billion, Enugu - N7.86 billion, Gombe - N6.35 billion, Kwara - N6.9 billion, Nasarawa - N7.41 billion. Ogun State got N4.98 as allocation for first quarter of 2017, Osun - N1.76 billion, Plateau - N5.7 billion, Taraba - N6.9 billion, and Zamfara - N5.91 billion. The N1.4 trillion shared were revenues from the federation account generated in the first quarter of 2017. The major revenue generating agencies that remit funds into the federation account are the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), the Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS) and the Nigerian Customs Service (NCS).

The total revenue shared in January between the federal, states and local government was N430.16 billion, meaning that federal took N168 billion, states, N114.28 billion and local governments, N85.4 billion. The federation grossed in N514 billion in February and Federal Government’s share was N200.6 billion, states, N128.4 billion and local governments, N96.52 billion. However, in March, revenue generation dipped lower, grossing N466.9 billion, and from it, the Federal Government got N180.5 billion, state governments, N116.5 billion and local governments, N87.5 billion. The allocation was made using the revenue sharing formula of Federal Government, 52.68 per cent; states, 26.72 per cent and local governments - 20.60 per cent. The other deductions cover National Water Rehabilitation Projects, National Agricultural Technology Support, Payment for Fertiliser, State Water Supply Project, State Agriculture Project and National Fadama Project. The FAAC committee is made up of commissioners for Finance and Accountant-Generals from the 36 states of the federation. The Minister of Finance is the chairman of the committee, while the Accountant-General of the Federation, is next with representatives from the NNPC. Other members are representatives from the Federal Inland Revenue Service; the Nigerian Customs Service, Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission as well as the Central Bank of Nigeria. The federation account is currently being managed on a legal framework that allows funds to be shared to the three tiers of government under three major components. These components are the statutory allocation, Value Added Tax distribution; and allocation made under the derivation principle.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

7 News

Nigeria faces fragile economic recovery prospects in 2017 - World Bank Mathew Daiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ Nigeria can build on

the oil-driven economic recovery anticipated for it in 2017 by strengthening its macroeconomic policy framework and implementing the structural reforms needed to diversify the economy and break out of a boom and bust cycle, according to the World Bank’s newly-released Bi-

annual Economic Update. In 2016, Nigeria experienced its first full-year of recession in 25 years. Global oil prices reached a 13-year low and oil production was crushed by vandalism and militant attacks in the Niger Delta, resulting in the severe contraction of oil GDP. Although the oil sector represented only 8.4 percent of GDP in 2016, lower foreign exchange earnings from oil exports had spill-

over effects on non-oil sectors (industry and services) dependent on imports of inputs and raw materials, and overall real GDP contracted by 1.5 percent. Growth is forecast to return into positive territory in 2017, largely on the back of recovery in the oil sector as the government intensifies efforts to restore peace and stability in the Niger Delta, improve its Joint Venture (JV) relationships

Governor of Edo State, Mr. Godwin Obaseki (m); his wife, Betsy (3rd r); with the Curators and Exhibiting Artists at the commissioning of the first Nigerian pavilion at the Venice Art Biennale… recently.

Exxon, PENGASSAN negotiations fail

ÏÏÏMƆ ƄƍƆ ô ƆƉ Ƌƍ ƕƏƃƎƆ Ǝ ƍƄ ƎƄ Ƅƕ OpeOluwani Akintayo

ÏÏÏ

Fresh information reaching The Daily Times has it that negotiations between Exxon officials in Nigeria and the Petroleum and Natural Gas Senior Staff Association of Nigeria (PENGASSAN) has failed. The Daily Times learnt that both parties could not come to a mutual understanding to the crisis on ground. “The meeting broke down, and as of this morning our action has been escalated,” Gbenga Ekundayo of PENGASSAN, said in a statement to The Daily Times over the weekend. “Our people in the field have started withdrawing their services, which will automatically translate to production loss. We are pulling out completely, “he added. Two weeks ago, PENGASSAN shut down activities at the ExxonMobil headquarters in Lagos. The Daily Times gath-

ered that the strike action was over irreconcilable differences between the management of the oil company and the union. The striving oil workers led by PENGASSAN National President, Olabode Johnson, as early as 7 am, prevented workers including visitors from entering the company premises. The workers were said to be angered over failure of ExxonMobil’s management to honour the agreement reached with the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Ibe Kachikwu and the labour union last year to reinstate 10 out of the 83 sacked workers as well as review the status of the remaining 73 workers. The workers also complained about the current conditions of employment in the oil company where most jobs meant for Nigerians are now being given to foreigners. The union then threatened that the picketing of the oil company would continue if ExxonMobil’s management fails to call for

negotiation. PENGASSAN said its strike action would cascade its operations nationwide which include withdrawing its members from all exploration and production activities. The protests which began thirteen days ago, and their escalating nature prompted the formation of an arbitration panel to resolve the dispute regarding the wrongful termination of 83 unionised workers in December. Previous protests have had little effect on Nigerian oil production, but Cheta Nwanze at Lagos’ SBM Intelligence, said the union had “now reached a breaking point” and that the demonstrations would begin having an impact on production “in the coming days.” Earlier last week, it appeared both parties had made progress with resolving their differences, but The Daily Times gathered that negotiations broke down at the point of drafting an agreement.

with international oil companies, while strong growth in the agricultural sector continues. However, given the risks associated with the oil sector, recovery is fraught with a high degree of fragility and risks; notably from future shocks to the oil price or further unrest in the Niger Delta, which is not yet fully stabilised, as well as from the incomplete implementation of new JV cash call arrangements. On the upside, as the update highlights, the Nigerian government has recently launched an Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) for 2017–2020 that contains critical reforms aimed at diversifying the economy to set it on a path toward sustained and inclusive growth over the medium- to long-term. “The ERGP, if implemented successfully, would lead to expanded transpor-

tation infrastructure, the increased reliability of supply of power by restoring financial viability to the power sector, an improved business environment, improved educational attainment, strengthened public institutions, and improved transparency and anticorruption,” said Rachid Benmessaoud, Country Director for Nigeria. The economic update also contains a special chapter which summarises the findings of a forthcoming World Bank Report, Toward Sustainable Growth in Nigeria: Empirical Analysis and Policy Options. This chapter highlights the fact that, over the last four decades, Nigeria’s GDP growth rate has failed to keep pace with those of more developed economies, an experience common among commodity exporters. Oil has continued to dominate its growth

pattern but the volatility of oil-dependent growth imposes welfare costs, which impede progress in social and economic development, as was very clear over the last year. A cross-country analysis of the determinants of growth carried out for the report underscores the importance of sound macroeconomic management and stability for growth, while confirming that inflation, government consumption, and currency misalignment (overvaluation) are negatively correlated with growth. Oil and other natural resource rents can have a positive impact on growth when public institutions and governance are strong. Investment in education is also found to be a determinant, one particularly important in Nigeria to increase factor mobility from less productive to more productive sectors.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

Politics Patrick Okohue The factional chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State, Mr Segun Adewale (Aeroland) has reiterated his commitment to wrest power from the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in the state at the upcoming local government election, alleging that Chief Bode George and the Ahmed Markafi faction were out to thwart that by their alleged recent cross to the new party Advanced Peoples Democratic Alliance (APDA). Adewale during a parley with teeming party faithful at the PDP secretariat in Lagos stressed that there are plans by the Chief Bode George/Markafi faction to convert the state secretariat of the PDP to that of APDA’s, also alleging that the Police were also stationed to help that take effect. Members of the party who were wielding placards at the gathering, expressed their detest for the development in the party. Some of the inscriptions in the placards includes; “PDP Lagos is United, Aeroland is our Chairman”, “Bode George leave PDP alone”, “PDP Lagos Aeroland ‘D’ Authentic Chairman”, “PDP Lagos is United under the leadership of Aeroland”, “PDP is not divided, PDP is one under O-Otunba,S-Segun, AAdewale Aeroland”. According to Adewale, “Chief Bode George led some people to APDA and also called on the Police to take over PDP secretariat, claiming he is the one that pays the rent here, then we insist that if at all they want us out of here at least they must give us six months quit notice and we would leave. “We are not ready to cross into APDA and you can’t come and convert our sec-

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May22, 2017

Poll: Lagos PDP intact, resolved to deliver – Adewale

retariat and that is why we mobilise ourselves here to say that we can’t leave our secretariat to APDA we are PDP members. “It is on record that majority of the people moving to APDA are the ones that misled Jonathan in 2015 elections, they advised him to step down for a Northern candidate to come around, but the same people forced him to contest. Now we want to remain in PDP but they want to forcefully convert our office to APDA’s. “We are calling on the President to intervene and call the Police to order, why should Police meddle in our affair? We are not fighting ourselves as you can see, so what is Police doing here? “You can see they are here to take over this secretariat for Chief Bode George and we said no, he has been running our affairs since 2003.This is the only secretariat in Nigeria that has not won a governorship election, almost 16 years now and before it becomes 20 years, we say give us the chance to lead as we have won elections before. “If you fail to win a polling booth for the past 16 years what signs have you to show that 2019 you will deliver, so we are here from the Sheriff faction and by law via the Appeal Court that declared him winner. He was the one who conducted the congress that brought me out as chairman, they should honour and respect that office,” he said. Adewale reiterates his reconciliatory efforts targeted at reinvigorating the party politically in Lagos, but accused

Adewale

the Markafi’s faction of refusal to cooperate for the good of the party. “I gave them the opportunity that prior to the much awaited Supreme Court’s verdict, to work together with us and we left the offices they locked here while we manage the ones opened until the judgement, but they are saying no, it is not

fair. “There is no crisis in PDP now, what we have is APDA and we are not aligning with that because we have only one chairman, Makarfi accepted the fact that for now Sheriff is still the chairman until otherwise pronounced by the Supreme Court, that’s all. “Chief Bode George has never won anything before, not even a polling booth, we call on the faction now in APDA to join us and win, by our coming together we will wrestle power from APC. “We only have about two months to prepare, we fought seriously with LASIEC because they prefer to recognise Makarfi faction and we ask them why because they have no letter from Makarfi to that effect. “We got a letter from Sheriff that Segun Adewale should act on his behalf in Lagos, it was on the strength of that that they now recognised us.” Commenting on the preparedness of the PDP for the council poll, Adewale maintained that, “Our plan is that the moment we are able to get ourselves together, because the people giving us problem are the ones in APDA, the Bode George and Makarfi loyalist have left to APDA. “I had earlier extended an olive branch to the Makarfi faction with respect to the coming council poll that I will be the Deputy chairman while he remain the Chairman, more like a 50/50 arrangement they refused and moved to APDA,” he allege.

Niger Delta leaders salute Amaechi at 52

Amaechi

Niger Delta leaders at the weekend congratulated the Minister of Transportation, Rt. Hon. Rotimi Amaechi on the occasion of his 52nd birthday. In a press release by the Director of Communication of the Niger Delta People’s Movement, Mrs. Ibifuro Thompson Tatua, the leaders described Amaechi as an epitome of selfless service to Nigeria, particularly the Niger Delta region. They praised the minister for his immense contributions to the development of Nigeria, “Rotimi Amaechi instilled financial discipline in the Ministry of Transport and its agencies and provided safety measures at the nation’s airports.” Specifically the leaders commended Amaechi for the rehabilitation of the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport’s runway, the completion of the international terminal at the Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu and the Controller Pilot Data Link Communication (CPDLC) at Kano and Lagos. They also praised Amaechi for displaying an uncommon zeal and passion about growing the transport industry. “Amaechi completed the Abuja-Kaduna railway line, worked on the standard gauge

on the following routes: Calabar-Lagos line, Lagos Seaports; and the Lagos-Kano: Lagos-Ibadan-Ilorin-Minna-Kaduna-Kano and signed an MOU with Chinese Company, China Railways Construction Corporation (CRCC) for Investment for the completion of the Itakpe – Ajaokuta – Warri (Aladja Jetty) Railway Line and from Aladja to Warri town Port, Refinery and from Itakpe to Abuja. “Amaechi is making efforts to complete all outstanding rail projects in due time. Work has commenced on the Lagos-Ibadan rail line,” the leaders said. They commended the minister for opening up the transportation sector completely to the private sector, saving N53 billion from the ship building fund and through the rebranding of NIMASA. “There is on-going rehabilitation of infrastructure at the seaports. He inaugurated the Bakassi Deep Sea Port steering and delivery committee while plans for the construction of Deep Sea Ports in Lekki and Badagry as well as completion of the Lokoja port have begun.” The leaders praised Amaechi for putting Nigeria on the path of sustainable growth and development.

“Interestingly, Rotimi Amaechi has sustained the confidence of maritime stakeholders and investors. He has maintained unprecedented commitment to forming a better maritime and shipping policy direction. He overhauled NIMASA by reversing policy of the past administration where national infrastructural assets were given to militia leaders to protect as against established bodies like the Nigerian Navy. “Rotimi Amaechi remains an outstanding leader in Nigeria,” the leaders said, advising him to disregard the criticism against him by Governor Nyesom Wike. “Governor Nyesom Wike is the wrong person to raise issues of development and corruption against anybody.” They also enjoined Nigerians to join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari to build a united, virile and progressive nation “President Muhammadu Buhari is committed to the growth and development of Nigeria” the leaders said. The leaders while wishing Amaechi good health and happiness thanked him for providing purposeful leadership in Nigeria and promoting the interest of the Niger Delta region.

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22. 2017

Democracy must be built through open societies that share information -Oke Dr. Akintola BensonOke is the Commissioner for Establishments, Training and Pensions in Lagos State. In this discourse, he speaks on what his ministry has been able to achieve in the last one year, and by extension, since the commencement of the administration of Governor Akinwunmi Ambode on May 29, 2015. BENJAMIN OMOIKE captures it. Two Years already sir, how would you rate your ministry’s performance so far? So far so good. First and foremost, let me appreciate our excellent, dynamic, hardworking and performing governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode. He has demonstrated commitment and transparency in all facets of governance. He has also created a platform for us to leverage on. Atifete Jahjaga, the former President of Kosovo, was right when she observed that, “Democracy must be built through open societies that share information. When there is information, there is enlightenment. When there is debate, there are solutions. When there is no sharing of power, no rule of law, no accountability, there is indignation”. The Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions’ (MET&P’s) core values are hard work, team spirit, integrity, loyalty and dedication, with a vision “To be an Agency for the development of a result oriented Public Service in Lagos State with efficient and effective Pension Administration” and on a Mission “To develop a virile workforce with satisfying post service life through the sustenance of ethical values and effective career and pensions management”. The Ministry has embraced the Service Charter Policy of the government by renewing and emphasising its commitments towards excellent service delivery, through a systematic approach to governance, development of effective, efficient and proactive management skills, sustenance of harmonious labour/industrial relations, with well trained staff committed towards providing customers with needed and relevant information and maximising customer satisfaction through all professional channels available. Can you shed light on your activities, especially regarding capacity building? One of the notable services we embarked on this year relates to extensive capacity building and manpower training. We secured His Excellency’s authorisation to pursue and implement a set of ‘outside-thebox’ initiatives that will exponentially expand the execution of the mandates of the Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions (MET&P) in the areas of manpow-

of Establishments and Training (OE&T); secondly, Civil Service Pensions Office (CSPO); thirdly, Public Service Staff Development Centre (PSSDC) and the Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC). The Offices have Permanent Secretaries as Administrative Heads, while the Parastatals are headed by Directors General. As such, we are able to achieve what we’ve been able to.

Benson-Oke er training while preserving scarce government resources. In addition to the initiatives already approved for the Ministry in 2017, these proposed initiatives will herald a novel set of manpower initiatives that will make the target officers of the civil service better suited to meet the modern, evolving and digital-era dynamic expectations of citizens from the government. The initiatives are: public engagement trainings, public interests engagement forums, sector-specific specialised trainings, life skills acquisition programmes and exchange programmes. Regarding Public Engagement Trainings, this programme will seek private sector funding to train publicfacing officers on the modern, person-toperson and digital-age public engagement skills. On Pubic Interests Engagement Forums, as the second set of the initiatives, was conceived as a private sector-funded industry engagement of government agencies operating in symposia and round table interactions. On the Sector-Specific Specialized Trainings, this third set of the initiatives will be private institutions-branded collaborations that will train selected officers

in industry-specific programmes- which officers will find useful for understanding the sectors they regulate. The fourth set of the initiatives is the Life Skills Acquisition Programmes, targeted at officers close to retirement. This will seek to persuade private sector entities to fund corporate social responsibility projects that train targeted civil servants to acquire life and entrepreneurial skills in preparation for post-service life. The fifth set of the initiatives is the Exchange Programmes, which consists of collaboration with the Federal Government, other states and International institutions to enable officers interact and learn evolving methods of administration, problem solving, work ethics and leadership styles that have direct and demonstrable benefits for the citizens. Looking at the structure, you seem to have your hands full with a three-in-one ministry. How challenging could it be being at the helm? Well, being in any public office is challenging. The Ministry of Establishments, Training and Pensions comprises two offices and two parastatals, namely: Office

He has demonstrated commitment and transparency in all facets of governance. He has also created a platform for us to leverage on. Atifete Jahjaga, the former President of Kosovo, was right when she observed that, “Democracy must be built through open societies that share information. When there is information, there is enlightenment. When there is debate, there are solutions. When there is no sharing of power, no rule of law, no accountability, there is indignation”

Can you let us into some of the projects you’ve been able to accomplish in the last two years? During the period under review, we were able to pay three years arrears of 142 per cent pension increase, this was paid in November 2015, to pensioners who retired on or before April 2000. Also, the increases of six percent and 15 percent on monthly pensions were also paid in January 2015 to those who retired on or before 1st October, 2003 and 1st January 2007, respectively. Over N3 billion was paid as pensions which varied monthly. In November 2015, the Civil Service Pensions Office facilitated and completed the payment of severance, pensions and gratuity to 73 disengaged staff of the defunct “Eko Today” which amounted to over N37 million. The office has also achieved the development of a working synergy with Lagos State Residents Registration Agency (LASRRA) for the Verification Exercise (“I’m Alive”) to ascertain those who are still alive and are entitle to receive payments under the scheme. The office distributed welfare packages to pensioners that were 70 years and above. I can tell you that the office has ensured that Lagos Pensioners with Federal Shares get their share of pensions from Federal as and when due by maintaining link with the Federal Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD) in Abuja and the Office of the Head of Service of the Federation. Not forgetting that the office organised a Pre-Retirement Workshop for Public Servants due for retirement. Tell us about the Public Service Staff Development Centre? The Public Service Staff Development Centre, the specialised capacity building institution of the state government, was established in 1994. The vision of the institution is to be the leading public service capacity building institution in Africa with a world-class reputation. While its mission is to provide human capacity solutions through learning and development initiatives to public service stakeholders using technology-driven resources. Since establishment, PSSDC has been providing learning and development interventions in various aspects of government business. It has also been involved in the provision of consultancy/advisory services in organisational development and in the conduct of career enhancing performance evaluation (promotion) examinations for Civil Servants and staff of other government agencies. In ensuring effective returns on investment, the Centre also conducts impact assessment of its learning and development programmes. In order to strengthen the capacity of the Centre to continuously deliver the capacity building aspirations of government, the Edict No. 9 of 1994 was repealed in 2013 and a new Law No.5 of 2013 was proCONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22 , 2017

Lagos Council polls: 73 candidates emerge at NCP primary

The National Conscience Party (NCP) at the weekend conducted its primary election which saw 73 candidates emerging for the July 22 council polls. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the candidates emerged through consensus, after party members present endorsed their candidature by voice votes. The primary, which produced candidates who would be contesting in 20 Local Government Areas and 10 Local Development Areas, was monitored by an official of the Lagos State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC), Mr Kola Shittu. Some of the chairmanship candidates are Lookman Mustapha (Agege), Biodun Oyeyemi (Orile Agege), Bosah Emeka (Ajeromi Ifelodun), Monday Samuel (Alimosho) and Fatai Ibuowo, who is state chairman of the party, (Oshodi/Isolo). The councillorship candidates that emerged include Fasugba Lukman (Orile Agege), Ishola Musbau (Lagos Mainland), and Olapade George (Oshodi /Isolo). Speaking at the primary, Ibuowo commended the party members for the peaceful manner the election was conducted. He congratulated the candidates on their victory and urged them to quickly reach out to the electorate to ensure a good outing for the party. The chairman said the party had the ultimate agenda to control the state government and urged candidates to use the council polls as a launch pad to realise the agenda. Ibuowo said the party initially intended to contest in all the 20 LGAs and 37 LCDAs, but the administrative fees charged by LASEIC discouraged some party members in some areas. “However, thank God that we are still able to have candidates for 30 council areas despite the illegal fees to sideline us.

11 Politics

After 18 years of democracy, Dogara laments low awareness of legislature’s role In spite of the country’s 18 unbroken years of democracy, the Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara, said at the weekend in Kabba, Kogi State, that many Nigerians were still ignorant of the role of the legislature as a vital arm of government. Dogara said the glaring ignorance on the part of many Nigerians had continued to put the legislature under “tremendous pressure and challenge”. “Constituents inundate legislators with requests and demands that are clearly outside the functions of the parliament,” said Dogara, who was in Kabba to inaugurate some projects initiated by Rep. Tajudeen Yusuf. He urged Nigerians to be abreast of the constitutional duties of the parliament, saying its role is purely lawmaking, oversight and representation. Dogara said the 8th Assembly would continue to intervene in critical areas of Dogara infrastructure across the country. “It is in realisation of this national call some incentives and projects that are exto service that many legislators through pected to drive the economic activities in the Zonal Intervention Initiative provide our various constituencies.

“As a parliament, we are fully committed to making laws that will improve the well-being of Nigerians, ensure meaningful growth and development as well as promoting peace, unity, fairness, equity and justice,” the Speaker said. Dogara lauded Yusuf for initiating the projects which, he noted, would impact on the lives of the people at the grassroots and urged residents of the communities where the project are located to make the best use of them. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Dogara inaugurated three skill acquisition centres and information communication centres. Yusuf, who represents Kabba/Ijumu Federal Constituency in the House, said the facilities and the empowerment tools were provided in fulfillment of his electoral promises to the people. “I have always had a pro-people approach to issues. For me, my passion and commitment to the general well-being of the people is non-negotiable. I have kept faith with this principle.” ( NAN)

Katsina bye election records high voter turnout Thousands of voters came out on Saturday to cast their votes in the bye-election in Mashi/Dutsi Federal Constituency of Katsina State News Agency of Nigeria ( NAN ) correspondent reports that voting begun as early as 8:00 am in presence of political party agents and security personnel. An official of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), who pleaded anonymity, told NAN that both sensitive and the non sensitive materials were supplied to polling units in good time. He said the electoral officers had been adequately trained on the conduct of the election.

Malam Sani Mashi, an agent of the Peoples Democratic party (PDP) attached to the Mashi Arewa polling unit, said he was satisfied with the conduct of the exercise. He said agents of all the political parties had agreed not to allow anybody to mar the conduct of the election. Hajiya Rabi Yakubu, a female voter, at Dutsi Central polling unit commended the massive turnout of women. She called on women to continue to participate in elections not only as voters but also as contestants. NAN reports that the bye-election is to fill the vacant seat following the death of Sani Bello the member representing the constituency in the House of Representatives.

Democracy must be built through open societies that share information -Oke CONTINUED FROM PAGE10

mulgated. The Law empowers the Centre to partner with all relevant Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government within the state in the design and implementation of qualitative, well defined and structured training programmes, provide mandatory training schemes for staff on Grade Levels 02 to 12, develop courses and seminars for other officers on other Grade Levels, among others. On activities and achievements in 2016? We cannot fail to mention the Learning and development Centre. The core responsibility of the Centre is capacity building. The Centre, in the years leading to 2016 and in line with state government’s resolve to transform the process of staff performance management in such a way that it reflects observable actual progress in job performance by staff, developed the framework of a robust Structured Training Plan (STP). The proposed STP is designed to streamline capacity building programmes into two categories: firstly, Cross Cutting- which is the development of Service-wide knowledge of Public Service ethos, values, leadership, management and soft skills, and secondly, Job Specific- a specialised, technical, professional mandatory courses. The categorisation of programmes is expected to form the basis for equipping

Public Service staff with requisite skills and competences with a view to enhancing career progression in the State Public Service. The Centre’s Learning and Development function is anchored by two Directorates namely Directorate of Programmes (front end, client-facing) and Directorate of Technical Services (back end, quality control). Between them, they design and implement the core function of the Centre, which is the provision of learning and development training courses and activities to Public Service staff. The Learning and Development Directorate has recently been further restructured to better meet the needs of its programmes. 10 programme areas have been established, each led by a Programme Lead and existing and new training courses are now located within a dedicated programme area. In the year 2016, a total of 24 courses were implemented for 768 participants. What about the Management Consultancy Services? The Management Consultancy Services (MDCS) Directorate is the reach-out arm of the Centre and is responsible for the delivery of the second and third Strategic Institutional Objectives. First is consultancy services. As part of the Centre’s role in promoting organisational effectiveness, service delivery and enthronement of merit in the Service, the Centre continued to successfully assist a number of agencies of the state to conduct Performance

Evaluation (promotion) examinations for various categories of staff in 2016. A total of 24,189 candidates wrote the various examinations. Would you say LASPEC has fared well in the period under review? The Lagos State Pension Commission (LASPEC), has achieved some milestones in the last one year. There was the continued significant reduction in outstanding backlog of terminal entitlements of retired employees, state wide. The backlog of terminal entitlements of retirees has been reduced within a ninemonth period, between May 2016 and May, 2017. The Lagos State Government through LASPEC had paid over N11 billion into the RSA of 2,886 retirees. 1,291 of the retirees were from the local government and SUBEB, 697 from TEPO, 887 from the Mainstream service and 11 from Parastatals. From August 2015 to March, 2017, the state government through LASPEC had paid over N25 billion into the RSA of 5,956 retirees. Further, this administration has not relented in the bailout of the Local Government & State Universal Basic Education Board (SUBEB) retirees. The governor magnanimously gave instructions for state government funds to be utilised to pay retirees from the local governments.

Since the commencement of the Retirement Benefit Bond Certificate Presentation in 2010, over 13,365 retirees, deceased, withdrawn staff; the State Government has paid accrued pension rights of about N59 billion. Furthermore, there have been regular deductions of 7.5 percent from the salaries of staff and corresponding 7.5 percent by the state government into the Retirement Savings Accounts maintained by them with their appointed PFAs. As at March, 2017, these deductions have cumulatively risen to N78 billion approximately since the inception of the scheme in 2007. In essence, Lagos State government’s funding of employees’ pension rights under the Contributory Pension Scheme in a period of 10 years is approximately N138 billion. There has also been consistency in payment of pension. This administration commenced and has been able to maintain the trend of paying terminal entitlements of retired employees monthly since it started in August, 2015. Payment of Death Benefit is another area the state government through the Commission, has also scored high. We paid to named beneficiaries of deceased employees, Insurance benefit worth the sum of N170 million. The insured death is by Law to be paid to named beneficiaries to alleviate the immediate needs of the family members of a deceased person.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

MPC: Analysts project no changes in economic indices Continued from page 1 quo on the key monetary rates, because of its determination to curtail high inflation rate. “The inflation rate and foreign exchange rate have shown signs of improvement in the last few weeks, a change in monetary policy might be too soon. “We believe more time is required before a monetary policy change can be effective under the current situation,” he explained. Also, Managing Director, Afrinvest West Africa Limited, Ike Chioke, said analysis of the various interesting developments within the economy over the last two months suggests that the May MPC meeting of today and tomorrow is to “mark attendance” as we are of the view that the Committee would be likely satisfied with the recent traction the economy garnered.

“Whilst the MPC will likely be comfortable with rate convergence between the parallel market and official rates, the Committee would reason the need to charge the CBN to revert to the recommendation on flexible foreign exchange framework which was approved since the May 2016 Meeting,” Chioke said. He said the impact of the improvement in liquidity and management of foreign exchange has been evident in the performance of the equities market – which surged to a 10-month high of 28,873.44 points – as foreign investors have started returning to the market while domestic participation has also improved. “Whilst the recent downtrend in Headline inflation, especially the satisfactory moderation in core inflation from 18.1 per cent in December 2016 to 14.8 per cent in April-2017, could justify a rate cut, we are of the view that the

MPC will resist this temptation as this may be premature. Also, reducing MPR at this time will not necessarily reduce the risk perception of the country more so that a higher rate environment would further dampen bank’s appetite towards real sector lending,” he said in an emailed report. Chioke said reducing Cash Reserves Ratio (CRR) defies monetary policy logic given the frequency of weekly Open Market Operation mop-ups at a significantly high cost. “The latest data show that as at March 2017, Commercial Banks’ Reserves with the CBN settled at N3.3 trillion with CRR at 22.5 per cent. If CRR is reduced by 2.5 per cent to 20 per cent for example, a total injection of N366 billion would be pumped into the system immediately. It will be therefore counter intuitive to reduce CRR that is at no cost to the CBN only

to mop-up with OMO at expensive rate. On the flip side, our analysis completely rules out the possibility of a hike in CRR,” he said. In a similar reaction, Research Analyst, Edc Securities, Mr. Abayomi Ajayi, noted that the need to stimulate growth would spur the MPC to sustain rates at the current level. “We are gradually recovering from the economic recession, so they won’t want to change any of the rates,” he explained. Nigeria’s Gross Domestic Product (GDP) growth rate slowed to -1.3 percent in Q1 2017 from -2.24 percent at the end of 2016. Latest data from National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) showed that the country’s inflation rate declined to 17.24 percent in April compared to 17.26 percent in the previous month. However, other analysts are of the view that the argument for

maintaining status quo and consolidating on recent positives in the economy will be overriding at this May Meeting. “We believe the operations of the Forex market especially on the recent gains in forex administration will dominate the discourse. However, we do not think there would be a major shift in the current management of the forex market given the massive success and acceptance of the CBN’s policies. “We expect the CBN to continue to consolidate on these gains while sustaining its current momentum at the forex market; hence, we expect rates to remain stable this week,” they said. Consequently, the foreign exchange volatility in the country has eased since the apex started its aggressive intervention in the forex market in February, injecting almost $5 billion into the market in the last three months.

Anxiety mounts as Lawal, Oke’s fate hang Continued from page 6 presidential source, has militated against Osibanjo’s resolve to act on the reports his committee submitted to the President. Most Nigerians are still of the view that considering the fact that Osibanjo headed the probe panel, it is possible that he must have discussed the outcome of the report with Buhari before he travelled out of the country to London for medical follow-up or that a cabal was against him acting on the report, sensing that the outcome could be detrimental to the culprits. But Osinbajo is under huge pressure from lobbyists pleading with his committee to find a soft

landing for Oke and Lawal. The Daily Times further gathered that the probe of the two officials has divided members of the ‘kitchen cabinet’ of the President. However, the Presidency on Sunday called for patience from Nigerians on the report of the Presidential Panel which investigated the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation, SGF, Babachir Lawal and the Director-General of the National Intelligence Agency, NIA, Ayo Oke. Senior Special Assistant to the Acting President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Laolu Akande, made the call in a statement on Sunday, adding that the suspended SGF and NIA boss remained suspended from their offices.

Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi (m); Deputy Inspector-General Manager, Research and Planning, Force Headquarters, Abuja, Valentintine Ntomchukwu (l) and Ebonyi State Commissioner of Police, Titus Lamorde, during a courtesy visit on the governor in Abakaliki … recently.

We invested over $7bn in Nigeria in 15 years - Dangote Myke Uzendu, Abuja

ÏÏÏ Nigeria’s

biggest investor and Chairman, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote, has disclosed that the Dangote Group has invested over $7 billion in Nigeria in the last 15 years with about $20 billion worth of ongoing investment projects in other sectors across the country. He also expressed his confidence in the Nigerian economy with its large market size despite the current recession the country is passing through, stating that his group has transformed Nigeria from being highly dependent on cement imports to becoming a net exporter to seven other West African

countries. He went on to state that significant investments are required to grow Nigeria’s economy and diversify income sources. He advised that there was a need to harness local investment opportunities and attract inflow from Nigerian savings in foreign banks and the diaspora. Dangote made this disclosure during his official visit to the Nigerian Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) at their headquarters in Abuja. In his address to the Commission titled: “Stimulating Local Direct Investment to grow Nigeria’s economy”, Alhaji Dangote shared his investment experience in Cement, Flour, Sugar and Salt refinery, Noodles, Pack-

aging, and Construction. He stated that the Dangote Group has invested over $7 billion in Nigeria in the last 15 years and further disclosed that there was $20 billion worth of ongoing investment projects in other sectors. He advised the Commission to strengthen its data collection capability and enhance services to investors in the real sector, noting that the focus should be on serious investors who are in for the long haul. What drives foreign direct investment is the success of domestic investments, he said. While receiving his guest, Executive Secretary/CEO of NIPC, Ms. Yewande Sadiku, cited the Dangote Group as a success

story with high degree of patriotism in business, saying that it was only after he conquered Nigeria that Dangote ventured outside. Recall that Dangote was a onetime member of NIPC’s Governing council. His visit to NIPC is one of the efforts of the Commission towards a successful “Direct Investors’ Summit, Nigeria 2017” coming up in October, this year. Similar engagements by NPIC were held with Commercial Attaches of seven focus countries, State Investment Promotion Agencies, and other stakeholders. Engagements with lawyers, consultants, investment bankers, institutional investors and other professionals are due to

follow. The summit is being organised in partnership with the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) and would provide a platform for investors to obtain comprehensive information on available investment incentives, data-driven research on investment opportunities and showcase investment-ready projects across priority sectors of the Nigerian economy. The NIPC is the foremost agency of the Federal Government charged with the responsibility of collecting, collating, analysing and disseminating information about investments in the country. While the NBS are the custodians of Nigeria’s official statistics.

Page Thirteen

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

PHOTO TIMES

Editorial

IMAGES OF DTN 91ST ANNIV ERSARY/AWARDS

Time for salary and pension harmonization

ne of the remarkable differences between governance in the advanced economies and the underdeveloped countries of Africa is that while the former pays strict attention to laws, the latter brazenly violates them. Specifically, laws are to ensure equity, fairness and justice, which are the hallmark of human civilization. It is, therefore, heartwarming to note that while receiving executives of the Association of Contributory Pensioners of Nigeria in his office, the Minister of Labour and productivity, Senator Chris Ngige, expressed readiness of the federal government to abide by the country’s laws, especially as they affect the wellbeing of workers and pensioners. He said: “The Constitution is clear in Section 173[3] on how pension should be administered. It is to be reviewed every five years or upon an increment in salary. A review was done in 2011 on minimum wage and once that is touched, it should automatically affect the pension”. It is pertinent to recall that as a former governor of Anambra State, Ngige not only paid pensioners alongside the state workers, but went on to harmonize the disparity between their incomes. Conversely, when the current minimum wage became effective in 2011, his successors never showed any passionate commitment to welfare of pensioners as this reflected in their indifference to harmonization of pension in spite of several verification exercises. In Anambra, permanent secretaries who retired before May 2011 when the current minimum wage came into force are still paid only N30, 000.00, while those that retired later receive N450, 000.00. Similarly, Directors receive less than N80, 00.00, while their counterparts are paid N120, 000.00. This huge disparity has affected the welfare of many pensioners, as they are

Publisher/Editor in Chief

unable to purchase the necessary drugs and medications for their ailments. Fact is that the Federal Government has little influence to compel recalcitrant state governors to implement the envisaged new Minimum Wage and harmonization of pensions. Recall that in his inaugural speech, President Muhammadu Buhari expressed revulsion at those governors who hijack the monthly statutory allocations to local government councils. The importance of harmonizing pension cannot be over-emphasised. The liberalisation of the down-stream sector of petroleum industry led to rise in prices of petrol and kerosene respectively. Consequently, the inflation caused by the increase is affecting consumers concerning supply and demand. Observers are of the view that the government’s policy on energy was inevitable in order to shore up the country’s dwindling foreign reserves. Though the organised labour called for strike to protest the new price regime, it was not lost on the federal government as it expressed readiness for negotiation to inject palliative measures to cushion the severe impact of the phenomenal rise in the prices of petroleum products. It is in this regard that it constituted and inaugurated a ‘Joint Committee’ with organised labour to come up with a new minimum wage. The expectation from public servants in the three tiers of government is to be paid a reasonable new wage, even as pensioners are expecting income harmonization. It is, therefore, imperative that the long -awaited recommendation of the Joint Committee be implemented in order to save millions of workers and pensioners from increasing poverty and destitution. We believe and hope that in spite of the recession, the Federal Government would at the end of the day give Nigerians reason to smile.

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Publisher Daily Times Newspaper, (DTN), Mr. Fidelis Anosike (m), with students of Abuja based secondary school

Representative of Anambra State Governor (awardee)/Deputy Governor, Anambra State, Dr Nkem Okeke (2nd l); another awardee and veteran actor, Pete Edochie (2nd r) and others.

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– Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

Deputy General Manager Northern Operations Tony Ailemen 08036073601

Former Minister of Information, Chief Tony Momoh, with Hon. Ado Doguwa at the awards night.

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STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Mathew Kukah

Ibrahim Babangida

Wole Soyinka

“The world can provide for the need of everybody but cannot provide for the greed of everybody.”

“The work of Nigeria is not complete for as long as there is any one Nigerian who goes to bed on empty stomach.”

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

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22 2017

Tambuwal appoints JNI, CAN, others in c’ttee to tackle polio

ÏÏÏGovernor Aminu Waziri Tam-

Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara(m); Commissioning Empowerment Materials provided by Hon. Yusuf Tajudeen in Kabba,Kogi State at the weekend. With him are: PDP Chairman, Kogi State, Engr.Sam Uhotu (l); Hon. Yusuf Tajudeen (2nd r) and Hon. Toby Okechukwu (r).

Environmental agency boss warns Imo people against flooding

Val Okara, Owerri

ÏÏÏ

The Imo State Environmental Protection Agency (ENTRACO) has warned residents of the zones of the state ,Orlu, Okigwe and Owerri against throwing solid waste into the water channels. The General Manger of ENTRACO ,Mr. Jeff Nwoha who gave the warning in an interview with newsmen on Saturday in Owerri, said the state might record severe flooding if residents fail to adopt positive environmental attitude. ``Most traders in major markets in Owerri, Orlu and Okigwe usually stuff the gutters with solid waste generated from the shops daily and now that fresh maize is around, people selling and roasting maize have equally joined in stuffing waste into the water channel. He expressed worry saying,``Our concerned as the agency saddled with the responsibility of ensuring a healthy

environment is that this negative practice rather than reduce is increasing by the day.``And we are worried that with the volume of road expansion work that are ongoing in these city centres following the urban renewal initiative of Governor Rochas Okorocha, those residents might record serious flooding if they fail to listen to early warning’’. According to him, it is the duty of government to construct the water channels, the residents must assist in ensuring that the waterways are regularly clean so as to avoid stagnation of water and flooding during the rains’’. He further advised the residents of the existing law on the disposal of waste in the three urban centres, saying ``it is prohibited for residents to throw away domestic waste from the hours of 6am to 7pm.’’ The ENTRACO boss equally called on those who constructed shops or houses on waterways and those using the green belt

areas for business to vacate such places. ``It is a serious offence for one to either construct houses, shops on waterways, nor for owners of business outlets to convert the green verge constructed by government at the centre of the roads for car parks. ``Officials of Imo Environmental agency have been saddled move round the city and check these negative act because such acts usually have obvious environmental consequences’’. Nwoha also warned street traders especially those operating along Douglas Road, Wethdral Road, School Road, among others in Owerri to desist from the practice. He said that street trading is a serious offence which government had persistently advised the perpetrators against, adding that no further warning was required to clampdown on those still involved in the act.

Cleric urges Nigerians to shun acts capable of truncating democracy ÏÏÏNigerians have been urged

to shun any act capable of truncating the nation’s democracy, and that any attempt to topple the Government of President Muhammadu Bubari would not be tolerated under any guise. The call was made in Lagos by Supreme Head of the Cherubim & Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, His Most Eminence Solomon Alao, in a release made available to newsmen.

Alao was apparently reacting to alleged attempt by some sections in the Nigerian Army to truncate the current democratic experience ostensibly on account t of the ill-health of the President who is currently on medical follow-up in London. Rather, Alao advised religious leaders and all Nigerians to continue to pray for quick recovery of the president and also pray for Acting President Yemi Osinbajo

to be guided the wisdom of God while he stirs the affairs of the state in the absence of his boss. “The rumoured attempt by some soldiers to do the unthinkable in this day and time in Nigeria will not be tolerated, but will be massively resisted. Nigerians cannot be taken for a ride any longer. We urged the Army authorities to remain committed to the ideals of democracy and shun any act capable of dragging the nation backwards.”

buwal of Sokoto State has flagged off immunization plus days with a call on stakeholders not to relent until the country is free from the dreaded polio virus. Speaking at the event which held at the District Head’s residence in Bodinga LGA of the state, the Governor announced the formation of an expanded high powered task force, made up of leadership of Jamaatu Nasir Islam (JNI) and the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), that will ensure massive mobilization of all persons resident in the state towards the success of the immunization exercise. He said his administration is committed in ensuring that the successes recorded in the fight against polio and other killer-diseases are not reversed. Tambuwal said the Sokoto State Government has committed huge sums of money for the renovation of hospitals, construction of staff houses as well as provision of basic medical equipment to Primary Healthcare Centres to enable them provide qualitative primary and secondary health care services to the people. “We will also continue to renovate our health facilities and construct some additional primary health centers for equitable distribution of

facilities in all areas where there are none,” he added. Governor Tambuwal directed all the 23 local government areas to provide all needed support towards the success of the exercise. He equally inaugurated the task force on polio immunization and implementation in all the 23 LGAs with each council chairman serving as head. In his remarks, Sultan Muhammad Sa’ad, represented by Magajin Rafin Sokoto, Rilwan Bello, called on all district heads to be fully involved in the immunization drive. In their separate remarks, representatives of the World Health Organisation (WHO), UNICEF, Rotary International and national primary Healthcare Development Agency reiterated their determination to ensure that Nigeria is free from the wild polio virus (WPV). On his part, the state commissioner of health Dr. Balarabe Kakale, called on all communities to take precautionary measures on the impending risk of Gastro entritis especially as the raining season is about to set in. He also appealed to people to maintain personal and environmental hygiene, adding that the ministry will continue to discharge its duties effectively.

Boko Haram threat: Security agencies, vow to keep FCT safe FCTA to reopen Nyanya Motor Park

Idu Jude, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

Four years since the menace of Boko Haram in the FCT that sent hundreds to their early graves and scores maimed, the Security agencies in the Federal Capital Territory have declared their readiness to combat all forms of threat to lives and property in the Territory by intensifying intelligence efforts, surveillance and raiding black spots within and around Abuja. The decision to this effect was taken over the weekend at an emergency meeting of the FCT Security Committee called to review the current security situation in the nation’s capital. Recall that rumours of another Boko Haram attack to the FCT ruled the airwaves in the past two weeks which of cause reminded FCT residents of several attack in 2014. The meeting which was Chaired by the FCT Minister Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, was attended by the FCT Permanent Secretary, Dr. Babatope Ajakaiye, FCT police Commissioner, FCT Director of DSS, the Nigerian Army (Guards Brigade & Garrison Command), Nigeria Air Force, Nigerian Navy, Customs, Immigration, NSCDC, Prisons, FRSC, NDLEA, all the FCT Area Council Chairmen, Chairman, FCT Council of Chiefs, representatives FCT CAN and Abuja National Mosque, Acting Coordinator, Abuja Metropolitan Management Council as well as all Acting Secretaries of FCT Mandate Secretariats. The security chiefs noted with concern the recent threat by the

Boko Haram sect to attack the FCT but warned that the threat is not being taken lightly as everything would be done to prevent attack on any part of the Territory. The meeting resolved that the security agencies in collaboration with the FCT Administration would continue with efforts being made to ensure compliance with the various regulations on street hawker, Commercial Motorcycles (Okada), Tricycles (Keke Napep), unpainted taxis and commercial sex workers in the Territory. The meeting noted that the activities of these categories of people has given rise to illegal Motor parks and other dark spots around the city which could easily be used by hoodlums to perpetrate their nefarious activities and therefore resolved to increase surveillance of the various security flashpoints such as illegal motor parks, uncompleted buildings, Mosques, Churches and market places. It warned all owners of uncompleted buildings to evict all those illegally occupying the buildings as raids would be carried out to apprehend such people except the security men guarding the buildings. Meanwhile, after reviewing the measures taken to secure the Nyanya motor park which was a target of bomb attack in 2014, the meeting expressed satisfaction with the facilities put in place to secure the lives of commuters who would be using the park and therefore agreed that the park should be immediately re-opened to the public.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

Former NARICT DG dares Presidency, refuses to handover to successor Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏ

Two Directors General of Nigeria Chemical and Research Institute, Zaria are presently at daggers drawn over the Nigeria Chemical and Research Institute, NARICT, Zaria. The directors general are the outgoing director-general of NARICT, Prof. Mohammed Kabir Yakubu and his successor, Prof. Jef T. Barminas. It was learnt that Mohammed refused to hand over to Barminas, who was appointed to take over as director-general of the Institute.

Sources said that a mild drama played out when the newly appointed DG went to the Zaria headquarters of NARICT to take over from Prof. Mohammed Kabir Yakubu, who has been heading the Institute since February 2013 but met the shock of his life as the outgoing DG refused to hand over. While some sources said Mohammed’s refusal to hand over to the new DG was based on his claims that the Presidency has no powers to sack him from office since his tenure has not expired, other sources claimed that the outgoing DG may be afraid of handing over to Jef,

who is reported to have a reputation for due process. Threats were said to have been made to Prof Jeff ’s life if he insisted on his job too. Barminas was appointed as the new DG by President Muhammadu Buhari in a letter signed by the Secretary to the Federal Government (SGF). Prof Jef was expected to resume duty on 10th April, 2017. Meanwhile Adamawa Youth awareness Forum has called on the Director General of State Service (DSS) to wade into the power tussle between the outgoing DG and his successor. The Forum made the appeal

during a press briefing in Yola. The chairman of the Forum, Yakubu Jibrilla was quoted to have said “same measure applied to the former DG of Pencom by the DSS when she refused to handover to the incoming Director should also apply here, President Buhari should not be seen as anti-Christian as speculated in some quarters. The Youth frowned at the impunity being carried out by Mohammed Kabir, saying that he Mohammed is acting on a script. “We are also calling on the Acting President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo to wade into the mat-

L-R: Director, Legal and Regulatory Affairs/ Company Secretary, Airtel Nigeria, Shola Adeyemi; Executive Commissioner, Stakeholder Management, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Sunday Dare and Chief of Staff to the Executive Vice Chairman, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Usman Malah, during the Nigerian Telecom Consumer ceremony in Ikeja, Lagos… recently.

Marian Centenary celebration: Onaiyekan sue for peace Tom Okpe, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, His Eminence John Cardinal Onaiyekan has charged religious leaders in the country to preach and pray for peace in accordance with the message given by the Blessed Virgin Mary to the three little children in Fatima, Portugal 100 years ago. He also said our Muslim brothers will not be left out in this national task as the peace the nation needed will begin from these two religions so, should unite as one body. The Blessed virgin Mary first visited three children Lucia, Jacinta and Francisco as they were leading their flock out of Aljustrel in Fatima Portugal on the morning of 13th May 1917 in the days that the whole world was in turmoil asking them to pray for peace both for their country and the world. Cardinal Onaiyekan, speaking on Saturday at Eagle square Abuja venue of the 3rd Abuja

village of Fatima in Portugal 100 years ago, the entire world was in the midst of war. Our mother Mary told the children to pray for peace, they prayed and there was peace”. Fatima according to history was the daughter of Prophet Mohammed (peace is upon him) who was married to a famous king and decided to name the town after his daughter in-law after he willed that city and everything there to his son and wife. “As you can see, the crowd here is much, we have prayed not only for ourselves but for our Nation, our Muslim brothers and the whole world. Everybody knows that we Catholics have strong devotion to mother Mary because we believe she is the mother of Jesus Christ who is God therefore we have strong confidence in our prayers for the Nation. As you noticed at the end of this ceremony, we conse-

Masari inspects road, school projects in Katsina

Segun Olaniyan, Katsina

ÏÏÏ

Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State has inspected works on the ongoing renovation, rehabilitation and upgrading of Mashi - KasankiBirnin Kuka Road project. The Governor was accompanied by his Deputy, Alhaji Mannir Yakubu, the Secretary to the State Government, Dr Mustapha Muhammad Inuwa and the Special Adviser for Science and Technology, Alhaji Rabe Nasir, among others. Similarly, the Governor entourage also inspected works on a new road from Randa- Doguru- Gallu which terminated at Yar-Doddo a 29.5 kilometres road. In the same vein, Alhaji Aminu Masari also inspected the site for the construction of a new Government Day secondary school at kasanki, where the contractor had already mobilized to site with needed building materials. In all the places visited, the governor took time to address residents of the villages, reminding them that all the projects were among the ones he pledged to execute during his electioneering campaign. He assured that the APC administration would continue to work towards fulfilling the promises made to the electorates. The governor expressed hope that the people would reciprocate by being law abiding and supportive to government policies and programmes.

Ganduje, Danbatta, others to grace DBI’s maiden matriculation Tony Nwakaegho

ÏÏÏThe Kano State Governor, Dr.

…Says Muslims, Christians should unite Archdiocesan Marian congress and Centenary Celebration of the apparition of our Lady of Fatima by the Archdiocese of Abuja said: “The catholic Bishops of Nigeria declared this year’s Marian Year a special one because of the chosen theme, “Do whatever he tells you”. “Today marks the 100 years that our Mother Mary appears to three little children, Lucia, Jacintha and Francisco in Fatima, Portugal; like the mustard seed, it sprang up to what we have today. There were other big cities and towns in that country including influential personalities but our mother decided to go to that small town of Fatima which has inclination with our Muslim brothers; and these little children of II, 9 and 7 years. “Our lady of Fatima is a providential occasion; to ask God for his blessings and peace. If you go back to the history of apparition of our mother Mary in the

News 15

crated our nation to her in other words; we put our nation under her. These are positive ways of bringing out religion that is for peace, for intercession for everybody not just for us Catholics but for every Nigerian and indeed for the whole world”, he said. Cardinal Onaiyekan who said

he was at Fatima on the 13th May, 2017 leading the Nigerian delegation for the celebration with the pontiff of the Catholic Church, His Holiness, Pope Francis and other dignitaries from all over the world said it was not without our Muslim brothers. “As Archbishop of Abuja, I feel very happy because our people have come in large numbers to pray and to rejoice at this very occasion”, he added.

Abdullahi Umar Ganduje, Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II and the Executive Vice Chairman of the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC), Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta among others are billed to witness the first matriculation ceremony of the Digital Bridge Institute (DBI) on Wednesday, May 24, 2017. The Federal Ministry of Education and National Board for Technical Education (NBTE) had last year, given the DBI the green light to operate as an Innovation Enterprise Institution. A statement signed by Dr. Okechukwu Adinde, the Administrator of the institute, said the license enables the DBI to run twoyear programmes in the specialised areas of software engineering, computer hardware engineering, networking and systems security, telecommunications technology and multimedia technology. “The first set of students were admitted into the programme for the Kano and Lagos Learning Centers in the current 2016/2017 academic session. On completion, graduands will be awarded a National Innovation Diploma (NID) equivalent to Ordinary National Diploma (OND) with which they can pursue higher studies in related fields in the university via Direct Entry admission,” the statement noted.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

TIMES AGAINST CORRUPTION Treat corruption as serious national challenge - NBA

The Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Sokoto State branch, says corruption should be treated as a serious national challenge. The association in a communiqué issued on Friday in Sokoto, after its 2017 Law Week, stressed that corruption is a clog to national development. The communiqué was read by Mr. Lema Wali, Chairman of the association. ” Corruption is largely recognised as the bane of Nigeria’s development. It therefore needs to be treated as a serious national challenge. ” There is the urgent need for constitutional amendments in the area that affects the office of Attorney -General of the Federation and the position of the Minister of Justice.’’ The association also said that there was need for institutional reforms in Sokoto State in order to meet the realities of the changing times and to meet current global trends. ” The continued cooperation of the bar and the bench is necessary so that blood, flesh and life can be given to our laws,” the association added.

EFCC holds walk against corruption …Secures conviction of 2 ex-staff of National Orthopaedic Hospital, Kano The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, EFCC will tomorrow (Tuesday) stage anti-corruption walk intended to further galvanise the Nigerian populace to embrace the fight against corruption. Acting Chairman of the Commission, Ibrahim Magu, who is expected to lead the walk in Abuja, said the exercise is planned to coincide with the second anniversary of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration. A statement by the EFCC’s Head of Media & Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren, quoted Magu as saying that the government’s focus on anti-corruption has galvanised the anti-corruption establishment and delivered hope that corruption can indeed be fought with the right political will. The EFCC walk against corruption is expected to feature stakeholders from divers sectors including the organised labour, youth organisations, women groups, civil society organisations, and lots more. The exercise is expected to hold simultaneously in all the cities where the EFCC currently has offices. These include Abuja, Lagos, Port Harcourt, Enugu, Gombe, Ibadan, Benin, Maiduguri, Kano and Kaduna. In Abuja, the walk is expected to take off from the EFCC head office in Wuse 2, with brief stop at the Unity Fountain where invited groups are to join the procession. Meanwhile, the anti-graft agency on Thursday secured

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, says effective record keeping, is vital in promoting the rule of law and fight against corruption. Mohammed stated this in his address at the 2017 convention of Nigerian Society of Archivists (SNA) on Thursday in Abuja. The theme for the convention was “The role of Records and Archives in Good Government”. Mohammed said that the theme for the convention was not only germane to the organisers as information managers but relevant to the country, in its quest for good governance. “Good governance plays an important role in the development process and requires the highest standards of integrity, accountability and transparency. “These are qualities that we need as a nation and this is what President Muhammadu Buhari has been trying to enthrone since he came to power. “But corruption has been a key hindrance in the attainment of these lofty goals. “Corruption has many facets such

L-R: Representative of Chief Judge FCT, Justice Usman Musale; former Justice of the Supreme Court and Board Member, Partners West Africa Nigeria (PWAN), Justice Olufunlola Adekeye and Programme Manager, PWAN, Barbara Maigari, during the presentation of findings of court observations and court user’s satisfaction survey in Abuja… recently. Photo: TEMITOPE BALOGUN.

the conviction of two former employees of the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Kano, for misappropriating N3 million medical bills. This is contained in a statement signed by the EFCC spokesman, Mr. Wilson Uwujearen and made available to newsmen in Abuja on Thursday. According to the statement, the convicts, Umar Yusuf and Ibrahim Bebeji, were Chief Clerical Officers in the Account and Internal Audit Departments respectively of the hospital.

It said the duo perpetrated the fraud by manipulating receipts of medical bills paid by patients of the hospital. They had pleaded not guilty upon their arraignment on July, 2015, according to the anti-graft agency. During the trial, the prosecution through its counsel, Musa Isah, reportedly called a total of four witnesses and tendered several exhibits. The defendants, through their counsel, were said to have pleaded for mercy before the trial judge, Justice Aboki, passed

the sentence. She sentenced Yusuf to a total of 20 months imprisonment with an option of N300, 000 fine on three counts. The first convict was also ordered to restitute the sum of N639, 428 to the National Orthopaedic Hospital, Kano. On his part, Bebeji was sentenced to six months imprisonment with an option of N100, 000 fine one count only. . According to the statement, all the sentences are to run concurrently.

Record keeping vital to rule of law, fight against corruption–Minister

as money laundering, bribery, embezzlement and unexecuted contracts; in our context here, corruption is the destruction or falsification of records, ” he said. The minister explained that Buhari’s administration, in its fight against corruption, relied on the instrumentality of the law to bring offenders to justice. He added that the law in turn relied largely on evidence which is based on good record keeping. “These records consist of any medium, including paper, film, photographs, sound recordings and increasingly electronic records. “Thus records and the evidence they contained are the instruments by which government can promote a climate of trust and demonstrates an overall commitment of good governance,” he said. NAN reports that the minister was represented at the event by Mr. Olufela

Oshunbiyi, Director of Public Communications and National Orientation at the ministry. Speaking earlier, the Director of National Archives of Nigeria, Malam Abdulyekin Umar said the last convention of the SNA was held in Jos many Years ago. According to him, with time, meetings and events of the society were no longer as active as they ought to be. “Some of us felt that this was something unusual and that steps needed to be taken to reverse it. “As a follow up, we held meetings, set up committee and sub-committees to ensure we bring back to life active years of the society. “The various committees worked on various strategies to ensure that this happens and it has happened today,” Umar said.

The directors expressed gratitude to some members of the society that passed away in the course of the struggle to resuscitate the society. He added that it was his wished and prayers for SNA to take its rightful position in the West African Regional Branch of International Council on Archives (WARBICA) and International Council on Archives (ICA) Prof Gabriel Alegbeleye, the President of SNA and lecturer at the Babcock University, Ilisha, Remo, Ogun State in his own remark said the SNA was established in 1983 and waxed stronger for few years. “Years later, the society experienced some setbacks as a result of lack of commitment from members; thus, there was the need to expand membership base to accommodate people from outside the archives.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

TIMES AGAINST CORRUPTION

Politics, leadership and accountability: The role of the people (1) Certain national issues including the 2017 Budget, recoveries of cash in private homes, President Muhammadu Buhari’s medical treatment in the United Kingdom, alleged plans of certain politicians asking soldiers to take over power and others national questions have continued to dominate the legal circles and the polity. FEMI FALANA writes:

Femi Falana

By virtue of section 14 of the Constitution, sovereignty is said to belong to the people from whom the government shall derive its authority and legitimacy. The welfare of the people shall be the primary purpose of the government while the participation by the people in their government shall be ensured in accordance with the provisions of this Constitution. Section 16 thereof stipulates that the national economy shall be managed in such a manner that the happiness and prosperity of the people will be guaranteed. But popular participation in politics has been hijacked by a few god fathers and money bags. Candidates are imposed on political parties while elections are manipulated by the ruling political parties. To ensure internal democracy in the political parties the Electoral Act, 2010 as amended has provided for the election of candidates through direct and transparent party primaries which shall be monitored by officials of the Independent National Electoral Commission. But the provisions of the Constitution, Electoral Act and Guidelines as well as the rules of political parties are breached with impunity by party leaders because politics has been left in the hands of a few professional politicians. It is high time the situation was changed

in the overall interest of the society. The task of changing the course of history has to be taken up by the labour movement and other progressive organizations in the country. But the required mobilization must include the struggle for popular control and management of the national economy. The political economy of underdevelopment In April 2014, the Federal Government celebrated the rebasing of the Nigerian economy as the largest in Africa. As the rebasing was largely artificial the economic status of Nigeria has since been reduced due to the fall in the price of crude oil in the international market and the devaluation of the national currency. Although the Federal government was forced to admit that Nigeria was in economic recession last year the masses have always been in recession since the Structural Adjustment Programme was imposed on the nation about three decades ago. While the government has predicted that the economic recession would end this year the United Nations has confirmed that 20 million people in 4 countries namely Nigeria, Somalia, Sudan and Yemen are at the risk of starving to death. Nigeria is also far behind many

poor nations in several areas of the human development index. In the midst of excruciating poverty confronting the people the government has no concrete empowerment programme that will lead to self reliance for the masses of our people. The paradox of poverty in the midst of plenty requires and understanding of the root cause of our crisis of underdevelopment. The Nigerian economy is controlled by market forces in line with the dictates of the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank. It is an economic programme which has destroyed the middle class and reduced the quality of the life of the masses. Since the Nigerian people are opposed to the devaluation of the national currency the dangerous policy has been carried out through the dubious dollarization of the economy. The dollar which exchanged for 60 kobo before the introduction of SAP in 1986 was recently sold for over N500. In spite of the forex scarcity the government has continued to promote capital flight through the importation of goods which can be produced locally. With the fall in the price of crude oil the government has engaged in wasting the nation’s reserves on the consumption of foreign goods by the parasitic and corrupt ruling class. As the poor are asked to tighten their belts the system has continued to bail out the rich. The over reliance on the private sector for the development of the country has ruined the economy. Indeed, the private sector is pampered by the system with loans and intervention funds, duty waivers and tax incentives running to hundreds of billions of Naira. When the huge loans taken from the commercial banks threatened to collapse the economy the federal government set up the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to buy them. The AMCON has found it difficult to recover loans of about N5.4 trillion owed by 50 companies in the private sector. Meanwhile, the Peoples’ Bank set up by the federal government in 1989 to provide loans without collaterals to indigent citizens was scrapped in 1992. The judgment of the Federal High Court that the Bank be restored has been ignored by the Federal Government . The APCled government has promised to give N5,000 monthly stipend to 25 million poorest citizens. It has also embarked on a feeding programme for primary school pupils. No doubt, the school feeding programme will increase school enrolment and improve the nutrition of school kids. If it is properly implemented these tokenistic measures will go a long way to alleviate poverty among the masses. It is however my submission that widows, youths and other vulnerable segments of the society cannot be self

sufficient during economic recession because of the crisis of capitalism. The crisis is manifested in unemployment, poverty, infrastructural decay and insecurity of life and property. The control of the economy has been left in the invisible hands of market forces. With respect, the control of the economy by market forces is illegal as it violates section 16 of the Constitution which has imposed a duty on the government to plan the economy and take control of the commanding height of the economy. As a matter of fact the management of the economy by market forces is fraudulent. How can the State preach the gospel of free market and then turn round to consolidate banks? Does free market allow the State to set up AMCON to take over private companies and manage them due to the failure to pay loans? Does free market authorize the Central Bank to sell dollars to Banks and Bureau De Change operators on a weekly basis? Is it part of free market policy to sell public assets to private investors and then provide them with intervention funds to run them? Or does free market support the granting of duty waivers to the private sector? The grand mismanagement of the economy under the pretext of promoting free market should stop. On his arrival from his medical vacation in the United Kingdom during the first week of March this year, President Buhari confirmed that he received the best medical treatment and therefore urged Nigerians to invest in education. The federal government has to lead the way by voting substantial fund to infrastructural development as well as improved funding of health and education with emphasis on science and technology. However, the education of our children should incorporate the teaching of core values of industry, national morality and integrity in line with the provisions of section 19 of the Constitution. In view of the overbearing influence of religion on the masses the leaders of all faith based institutions should stop the practice of celebrating criminality in any manner whatsoever. Recovery of looted wealth The ongoing recovery of the nation’s looted wealth should be supported by the masses on the condition that the proceeds of the crime committed against the people by the ruling class will be channeled toward job creation and infrastructural development. However, I am not unaware that sections 20 and 21 of the EFCC Act provide that funds realized from the sale of properties of persons convicted abroad shall be paid to the coffers of the federal government and section 30 of thereof which provides that other recovered loot be paid into the federation account.

To be continued

News 20

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

Police honour Umahi, call him best police-friendly governor ÏÏÏThe

Nigeria Police Force has described the Governor of Ebonyi State, Engr. David Umahi, as the best police-friendly governor in Nigeria. And in recognition of this, the Force, through its Deputy Inspector-General, Valentine Ntomchukwu, presented Umahi with a special plaque at the state Executive Council Chambers, Government House in Abakaliki on Thursday. Ntomchukwu said,“The Inspector-General,Ibrahim Idris, has asked me to tell you that you are the most police friendly governor in Nigeria and I am not saying it because I am in Ebonyi State. It is because of what I have seen which you have done for the state police command. “Honestly, on arrival to the police command, I saw streetlight

and other things I have never seen in other police command and when I asked they said the governor did those things for the command. I can see houses for policemen of rank and file and I can see a storey building also built by the governor for the command. “I am going to relay what I have seen to the IGP and maybe he will come one day and see for himself the wonders you are doing in terms of infrastructural development.” Ntomchukwu also lauded Umahi for the communication equipment he “provided for the command and the ongoing renovation of the perimeter fencing and security post of the command heaquarters which have lifted the status of the command.” He thereafter went ahead to,

on behalf of the IGP, present a special plaque to the governor. “Sir, find anywhere in your office and place this plaque so that any time you turn around, you will look at it as a mark of honour and appreciation of your support to the police,” the DIG admonished Umahi. The DIG told the governor that prior to the outcome of the findings in respect of the communal clashes between Ebonyi and Cross River states, a new police squadron would be established as a buffer to forestall further loss of lives and property in the area. He said, “We have been able to identify some peculiar security challenges you are having in the area of communal clash between some borderline communities between Ebonyi and Cross River.

“We have noted some of the reasons why historically it happened. There are practical steps we can take to curtail loss of lives and property. We are already thinking of establishing buffer police station in that area in form of a new mobile squadron.” Responding, Governor Umahi announced that plans were underway to empower police officers wives as well as the wives of other security personnel in the state to motivate their husbands to work more efficiently. While he requested that policemen posted to state should be allowed to stay for much more than two years, the governor appealed for the deployment of 10 mobile policemen to man the exit points of the state day and night with the aid of CCTV.

NCPC calls on Northern states to join Christian pilgrimage

ÏE Ǝ ƈƄ ƉƄ ƕ Idu Jude, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Executive Secretary of

the Nigeria Christian Pilgrim Commission, Rev. Tor Uja has called on the states in the North without an established Christian Pilgrim Welfare Board to set up one. He made this disclosure at the Mallam Aminu Kano International Airport, Kano during the Maiden flag off of intending Christian Pilgrims to Israel from the Kano International Airport. He stressed that having the Christian Pilgrim Welfare Boards in the states in the North would stimulate development and speed up effective coordination of Christian Pilgrimage activities in the states. He informed that the Commission recently created eightMetropolitan offices across the country to stimulate pilgrimage activities in the metropolitan areas with a view to bringing pilgrimage nearer to the people. According to him, “NCPC has created eight metropolitan offices; four in the North and four in the South. The states are Kano, Sokoto, Gombe, FCT, Awka, Lagos, Asaba and Port Harcourt.

Rev. Uja commended Governor kashim Shettima of Borno state for his pilgrimage support to the Christians in Borno state, especially for sponsoring about 130 Borno Christian Pilgrims

to the Holy Land of Israel. He described the Borno Pilgrims as veterans who have come out from the battle of insurgency in the state. His words; “I want you to know that you are victorious.” The NCPC boss stressed that the defeat of insurgency in the North East is a new dawn

for all the Northern states in Nigeria. He admonished all Christians who have suffered persecutions in this country not to hold it against anybody.Rev. Uja stressed that the two faith in Nigeria- Christianity and Islam must work together.

L-R: Deputy Governor, Ipalibo Harry Banigo; Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike; his wife, Justice Eberechi Suzzette Nyesom-Wike; Former Rivers State Governor, Sir Celestine Omehia; State Chief Judge, Justice Adama Iyaye-Laminkara; Senator George Sekibo and International Director of the Greater Evangelism World Crusade, Pastor Isaac Olori. during the dedication and thanksgiving service to mark the second year anniversary of the Wike administration in Port Harcourt... on Sunday.

State of education: Adamawa gov renews commitment

Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏRecall that earlier this year the

Governor of Adamawa State, Senator Muhammadu Umaru Jibrilla Bindow in an effort to revive the ailing state of the state’s education sector has declared state of emergency in the sector at all levels.

Last weekend during a working visit in Government Secondary School Dumne, Governor Jibrilla reemphasised his no going back agenda of turning back to his earlier submission of resuscitating the entire education system. His commitments were renewed when the entire community of Yunkur in Dumne District of Song LGA

stormed out in their great numbers and gave him a rousing welcome. “As I always said, my administration is a people oriented and focused, my policies are geared towards changing the entire state in all angles, I’m assuring you no sleeping,no laxity I must work to see that Adamawa state is better for all of us. “I gone to GSS Dumne, i see the di-

lapidated nature of the school and is certainly going to be among the first ones that will be renovated. “The entire education system of the state has been placed in a state of emergency, as you can notice the massive construction of roads in the entire state so is the education sector will be given attention to reawaken it from total collapse.” Bindow said.

NCAA orders Ethiopian airlines to stop illegal deportation charges Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

ÏÏÏThe

Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) has ordered Ethiopian Airlines (ET) to stop the collection of what the airline called “refundable deportation fee”, saying such fees are unauthorised by the agency. According to NCAA, these unauthorised charges referred to as “Refundedable Deportation Fee” are put at between $75 and $150 per passenger. In an official statement issued on Sunday signed by the agency’s General Manager, Public Relations, Sam Adurogboye, NCAA disclosed that all South Africa bound passengers on Ethiopian Airlines are compelled to pay this amount before boarding. It further stated that the Authority has been inundated with several complaints from many passengers that have suffered this fate. “According to investigation by NCAA, all outbound passengers to South Africa from Murtala Mohammed International Airport, (MMIA), Lagos and Akanu Ibiam International Airport, Enugu, transiting through Addis Ababa, are liable to pay $75 dollars. However, if you’re transiting time is 24 hours or beyond, the passenger will pay $150 dollars. “While passengers are not given prior notice concerning these charges before arriving at the airports, some were made to sign undertaken to be responsible for all expenses incurred if deported”, NCAA stated. Consequent upon this, the Ethiopian Airlines’ Country management were summoned by NCAA, where they claimed the fees were always refunded when a passenger was not deported. Despite the excuses, NCAA said they found such charges unacceptable and viewed it as a violation of the Authority’s extant Regulations, adding that the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (NCARs) Part 18.4.1(iii) stipulates that “all air carriers should obtain approval from the Authority to introduce or increase add-on charges or surcharges ………. prior to implementation.” NCAA noted that till date, the agency has not received any request for fare increase, tariff or add-ons from the airline. On this strength, NCAA made it clear that Ethiopian Airlines has been ordered to stop with immediate effect these illegal charges. The aviation agency, however, stated that Ethiopian Airline could take advantage of the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations (Nig.CAR) and obtain necessary approvals from the Authority if it has genuine grounds to increase fares or obtain tariffs.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

21 Public Notice

OLAJIDE VICTORIA IFEOLUWA

IDOWU ADETUTU SELIMOT

NWALA OBIANUJU HENRIETTA

PAM ELLAH NTUL

NNEDINMA QUEEN AKANNO

I, formerly known and addressed as Oduyele Victoria Ifeoluwa now wish to be known and addressed as Olajide Victoria Ifeoluwa. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ADETUTU SELIMOT JONES now wish to be known and addressed as IDOWU ADETUTU SELIMOT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Obianuju Henrietta now wish to be known and addressed as Nwala Obianuju Henrietta. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as PAMELA OLOHI AKHIGBE now wish to be known and addressed as PAM ELLAH NTUL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Nnedima Queen Iwoh now wish to be known and addressed as Nnedinma Queen Akanno. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MRS AROMOLARAN FUNMILOLA ADEBUNMI

MRS OGUNRINDE OLABISI OMOTAYO

MRS MABAYOJE OYEBOLA ADERONKE

DIKE MARTHA EBUNOLUWA

AISHA NENROD OGUNGBE

DAVID TOMIWA DADA

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Formerly known and addressed as DAVIES THOMPSON GBENGA, now wish to be known and addressed as DAVID TOMIWA DADA All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

SUNDAY EKONG HELEN

CORRECTION OF NAME

AYODELE ADEPEJU ISIMOTU

NNEDU JENNIFER ONYEKACHI

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Formerly known and addressed as OBOT MENDIE OKON and EKONG HELEN now wish to be known and addressed as SUNDAY EKONG HELEN All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to state that my name was wrongly written on some of my documents as ADAMS YOMI instead of ADAMS ABAYOMI AMINU.. That my correct name is ADAMS ABAYOMI AMINU. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

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MEDEKONG OKPO AFIAKUDUE

MRS. UKEGBU CHIOMA FELICIA

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MRS. IWUALA JUDITH IFUNANYA

MRS. OKOSUN CONFIDENCE CHIBUIHE

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GODSLIGHT INNOCENTIA CHIENYE

MMA COSMAS CHIDOZIEM

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Formerly known and addressed as OGUNTADE OLUYIME ELIZABETH, now wish to be known and addressed as OKI OLUYIME ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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MRS GARBA NOFISAT KIKELOMO

ANYANWU MARRIAM ASUQUO

INEOMOH BIMPE OLUWATOSIN

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YUSUF BASIRAT ADEPEJU

MRS EZE CHIOMA JANET

MAKANJUOLA SULAIMON ADIGUN

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ONWUKEBE CHUKWU NDUBUISI OKEREKE

IBRAHIM ADAYE VICTOR

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POPOOLA QUDUS AYOBAMI

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CORRECTION OF NAME

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My name was wrongly arranged as ROUFAYI ZAKARI KPELAFIA instead of ZAKARI KPELAFIA RUFAI. Was also wrongly spelt as ROUFAYI instead of RUFAI. My correct name is ZAKARI KPELAFIA RUFAI. All documents remain valid. General public take note.

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DECLARATION OF MARRIAGE

FOLUSHO ADEOLU SAGAY.

UMOH ANIBIET GRACE

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I, formerly known and addressed as FOLUSHO ADEOLU LAWAL, Now wish to be known and addressed as FOLUSHO ADEOLU SAGAY. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

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PETERS IFEANYI DARLINGTON

CHINWE NWACHUKWU

Formerly known and addressed as CHINWE EGWUONWU, now wish to be known as CHINWE NWACHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. CONFIRMATION OF NAME

This is to confirm and certify that JOHN ROSELINE EBERECHI and NWAFOR ROSEMARY EBERECHI is one and same person. All documents relating to either of the names remain valid. General public take note. UMUNNA CATHERINE OMOTE

Formerly known and addressed as PIUS OMOTE CATHERINE, now wish to be known and addressed as UMUNNA CATHERINE OMOTE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MRS OLUSOLA OLUWATOBI OLASILE

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I formerly known and addressed as NNEDU JUDE ONYEKACHI now wish to be known and addressed as NNEDU JENNIFER ONYEKACHI. All former documents remain valid. The general public takes note. MRS. MARK LOVELINE CHIOMA

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Formerly known and addressed as MAIKUDI ENOL ACHUKU, now wish to be known as AVERSSON ENOL SUNDAY. That my correct date of birth is 12 February 1991. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. MONDAY DANIEL

Formerly known and addressed as MONDAY ONUA, now wish to be known and addressed as MONDAY DANIEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. ABIOLA DORCAS OYELOLA

Formerly known and addressed as SUNDAY DORCAS OYELOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as ABIOLA DORCAS OYELOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OLASUNKANMI DAMILOLA DOTUN

MRS IKOKWU PATIENCE NKEMDILIM

Formerly known and addressed as NDUBUISI CHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as ONWUKEBE CHUKWU NDUBUISI OKEREKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as SULAIMON SALIU OLAWALE, now wish to be known and addressed as OLASUNKANMI DAMILOLA DOTUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogbu Patience Nkemdilim, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS Ikokwu Patience Nkemdilim. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

KILLIAN PETER EMESHIE

AKUJOBI AUGUSTINE IZUCH

MRS BEST OSARUMWENSE MAJOR

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I formerly known as Miss Best Osarumwense Agbonlahor now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Best Osarumwense Major. All documents bearing my former name remain valid, general public take note.

MRS FOLASHADE ADEKUOROYE

MRS ANIUKWU IFEOMA HELEN

I, formerly known and addressed as EMESHIE IHEANYICHUKWU PETER, now wish to be known and addressed as KILLIAN PETER EMESHIE. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note. MRS. ANYANWU JOY CHINEMEREM

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I, formerly known and addressed as formerly:MISS IKPO IFEANYI HELEN, Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS ANIUKWU IFEOMA HELEN. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

Public Notice 22 ANITE UCHENNA LAWRENCE I formerly known called addressed as OSAHOR LAWRENCE. Now wish to be known called and addressed as ANITE UCHENNA LAWRENCE. Former documents remain valid . general public please take note.

OPARA JOHNKENNEDY IHEANYICHUKWU I, formerly known and addressed as IWUJI JOHNKENNEDY IHEANYICHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as OPARA JOHNKENNEDY IHEANYICHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. the general public should please take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

MRS AGAZIE JACINTA

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS IGWEBUIKE JACINTA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS AGAZIE JACINTA. All former documents remain valid. Federal Medical Centre, Owerri and the general public should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAMES This is to confirm that the names UZOKA FLORENCE NGOZI and UZOKA FLORENCE CHIMEZIE refers to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as UZOKA FLORENCE NGOZI. All former documents remain valid, Banks and the general public should please take note.

MRS. CHINAZO DESTINY EWURU

FAJORE DEBORAH FOLUSO

This is to confirm that the names MISS NWAGU CHINAZO GERAQUEEN, MISS NWAGU CHINAZO .G. and MISS NWAGU CHINAZO refers to one and the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. CHINAZO DESTINY EWURU. All former documents remain valid, the general public should please take note.

I, formerly known as ONI DEBORAH FOLUSO now wish to be known and addressed as FAJORE DEBORAH FOLUSO. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note

ABOSEDE MARYJANE.

FATAI SALAU ANIMASHAUN

MRS TOLEEB DAMILOLA SAMIAT

NWUGWU MONDAY

OLANREWAJU SHERIFF OLOLADE

I, formerly known as Bamgbose Abosede Maryjane now wish to be known and addressed as Shittu Abosede Maryjane. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note .

I formerly known and addressed as SEREBE OLAWALE, now wish to be known and addressed as FATAI SALAU ANIMASHAUN. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I Formerly known and addressed as MISS OLUSHESI DAMILOLA SAMIAT now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS TOLEEB DAMILOLA SAMIAT All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid Banks,

I, formerly known and addressed as IDENYI MONDAY, now wish to be known, called and addressed as NWUGWU MONDAY henceforth. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

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TOM NGOZI STELLA

AJEKIIGBE ADEFUNMIKE AYOBAMI MONSURAT

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ADDITION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as ABOCHI TOM, but wish to add ‘FRANK’ to my existing names. That I now wish to be known, called and addressed as FRANK ABOCHI TOM. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

MR VICTOR TEMITOPE FRANCIS

MRS. ADEJUMOKE TEMITAYO ODIHIRI

AYENI OLUBUKOLA ARINOLA

OLA OIZA OLUFUNMILAYO

I, formerly known and addressed as ADEBOLU ADEFUNMIKE AYOBAMI MONSURAT, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AJEKIIGBE ADEFUNMIKE AYOBAMI MONSURAT. All former documents remain valid.

I, formerly known and addressed as MR VICTOR TEMITOPE ODIHIRI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MR VICTOR TEMITOPE FRANCIS. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take

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I, formerly known and addressed as OLAYIWOLA OLUBUKOLA ARINOLA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AYENI OLUBUKOLA ARINOLA. All former documents remain valid. UACR, UNICO, General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EDE-OSHEMI OIZA OLUFUNMILAYO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLA OIZA OLUFUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

ESTHER OLUFUNMILAYO OGUNBIYI

KUFORIJI MATHEW AYOOLA

MOSES ABEL

CORRECTION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAMES

I, formerly known and addressed as OGUNBIYI ESTHER OKUTADE, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ESTHER OLUFUNMILAYO OGUNBIYI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as KUFORIJI MATHEW AYOOLA ADISA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as KUFORIJI MATHEW AYOOLA consequent upon my long names as often complained by bank officials. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known called and addressed as LATEEF MUMUNI IDOWU, now wish to be known and addressed as MOSES ABEL. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

That on my Bank Document, my name was wrongly written as OKE MORIS MOMOH instead of OKE MAURICE MOMOH. That my correct name is OKE MAURICE MOMOH. General public and Authority concerned should take note.

My name appears as ORIBOLAWA AISHAT FARAYOLA in my First Bank account, it appears as ORIBOLAWA AISHAT in my Zenith Bank while it also appears as ORIBOLAWA AISHAT AJIBOLA on my other documents. This is to confirm that I am the same person bearing the above mentioned names. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned take note.

On some of my documents my name appears as FRIDAY JULIET AYOGO, while on my other documents, it appears as FRIDAY JULIET. That FRIDAY JULIET and FRIDAY JULIET AYOGO refers to one and the same person. That all former documents bearing both names are mine and remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

OLUWAKEMI SARAH TELE

CHANGE OF NAME/AGE DECLARATION

OGBUANU SAMUEL IFEANYI

MUSTAPHA ASHIATA ABIODUN

CONFIRMATION / CHANGE OF NAME:

I, formerly known and addressed as OLUWAKEMI SARAH ADEKOLA, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLUWAKEMI SARAH TELE. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAMES/DATE OF BIRTH

I, formerly known and addressed as OLALOMI NUREENI OLAYEMI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLALOMI MUHMEEN OLAMIDE. That I was born on the 22ND March, 1994. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

This is to confirm that ABUBAKAR SAHEED is one and the same person as ABUBAKAR SAHEED AYOOLA. That I am the one bearing both names mentioned above. That all documents bearing both names are mine and remain valid. That my date of birthday is 22/ 04/1982. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as DIAMOND SAMUEL IFEANYI, now wish to be known, called and addressed as OGBUANU SAMUEL IFEANYI. All former documents remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as DISU ABIODUN OLAIDE, now wish to be known and addressed as MUSTAPHA ASHIATA ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

This is to confirm that I, ILUYOMBO MICHAEL AYANILOWO OLUWAGBENGA is the same person answering ILUYOMBO MICHAEL AYANILOWO, now wish to be known and addressed as ILUYOMBO MICHAEL AYANILOWO OLUWAGBENGA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAMES:

ADEYANJU-BAKARE OMOTAYO OLOLADE

CONFIRMATION OF NAMES:

OJELADE OLUMIDE DAVID

AJAKPOLO ODAFE EMMANUEL

This is to confirm that AMUZAT TAOFEEQ ABIODUN and HAMSAT TAOFEEQ OLALEKAN is the same person, now wish to be known and addressed as HAMSAT TAOFEEQ OLALEKAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as BAKARE OMOTAYO OLOLADE, now wish to be known and addressed as ADEYANJU-BAKARE OMOTAYO OLOLADE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to confirm that DEWUMOH MARIA MEDESE is the same person answering WOMOH MEDESE MARIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OKORIE MARY OKORONKWO/DATE OF BIRTH

I formerly known and addressed as AKPOKE MARY SUNDAY now wish to be known and addressed as OKORIE MARY OKORONKWO. My date of birth is 26/06/1987. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as DAVID OLUMIDE TUNDE now wish to be known and addressed as OJELADE OLUMIDE DAVID. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ODAFE EMMANUEL THOMPSON now wish to be known and addressed as AJAKPOLO ODAFE EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

RASAQ FELIX BABATUNDETT

MRS MARTHA EJIKE

SHOETAN OLUMIDE ISIKEAL

ODINAKA ANN OGOCHUKWU

OYEFUNKE FOLASADE ENIOLA

OKEJI AZE DUPE

I formerly known and addressed as OYEWALE FELIX BABATUNDE now wish to be known and addressed as RASAQ FELIX BABATUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS MARTHA OKOYE now wish to be known and addressed as MRS MARTHA EJIKE. This is due to my marriage with MR. PATRICK EJIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OLUMIDE ESCHAYER SOWETAN now wish to be known and addressed as SHOETAN OLUMIDE ISIKEAL. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as OYEFUNKE FOLASADE OLUGBEMIGA-OJO now wish to be known and addressed as OYEFUNKE FOLASADE ENIOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as BELLO PATRICIA DUPE now wish to be known and addressed as OKEJI AZE DUPE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

OJEDIJI BILIKISU

CONFIRMATION OF NAME.

CORRECTION OF NAME

ADDITION OF NAME:

I formerly known and addressed as GOMBE USUMAN BILIKISU now wish to be known and addressed as OJEDIJI BILIKISU. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

In some of my documents my name was written as ABDULSALAMI ABDULRAHEEM OLUWASEGUN while in some other documents it was written as SALAMI ABDULRAHEEM .I am the one bearing all the names. All documents bearing the names are valid. General public to please take note.

In some of my documents my name was written as IGIDI GEORGE and IGIDI GEORGE OC while in some other documents it was written as IGIDI GEORGE OSITADINMA .I am the one bearing all the names. All documents bearing the names are valid. General public to please take note.

In some of my documents my name was written as SHAKARITUN ADEDEJI BANKALE instead of BANKALE ADEDEJI. Henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as BANKALE ADEDEJI. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as SIMON OBAIKE now wish to add ADI to my name. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as SIMON ADI OBAIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

FRANCIS AHAMEFULA NWORJI/DATE OF BIRTH

I formerly known and addressed as FRANCIS CHIMOBI NWORJI now wish to be known and addressed as FRANCIS AHAMEFULA NWORJI. My date of birth is 09/02/1980. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ADEOTI NURAT ABIODUN

MRS OKUNLOLA DEBORAH OLUBUKOLA

EMMANUEL ODO KENNY

BAMIDURO OLABISI AMINAT

ADEBANJO TAWA MOSUN

OBI MOSES EBUKA

I formerly known and addressed as EMMANUEL ODO KEHINDE now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL ODO KENNY. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as BALOGUN OLABISI AMINAT now wish to be known and addressed as BAMIDURO OLABISI AMINAT. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known as ADEBANJO TAWA SEUN wish to be known and addressed as ADEBANJO TAWA MOSUN. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known as OBI MOSES RICHARD wish to be known and addressed as OBI MOSES EBUKA. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

OLAYINKA AKEEM AGANRAN

ONYINYECHUKWU ONYEGECHA ODEYALE

I formerly known and addressed as LAWAL NURATU ABIODUN now wish to be known and addressed as ADEOTI NURAT ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS SAMUEL DEBORAH OLUBUKOLA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKUNLOLA DEBORAH OLUBUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

IHEJIRIKA CHRISTIANA

OSUNGWU BORIS OSONDU

I formerly known as BATUBO CHRISTIANA wish to be known and addressed as IHEJIRIKA CHRISTIANA. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known as WILFERD OSONDU OSUNGWU wish to be known and addressed as OSUNGWU BORIS OSONDU .All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known as OGUNJOBI AKEEM ADENIRAN wish to be known and addressed as OLAYINKA AKEEM AGANRAN. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AGBASIELE ANN OGOCHUKWU now wish to be known and addressed as ODINAKA ANN OGOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known as ONYINYECHUKWU ONYEGECHA MEKEMAM wish to be known and addressed as ONYINYECHUKWU ONYEGECHA ODEYALE . All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

IFEANYICHUKWU GOZIE

ALIKA ONYEKA ROSEMARY

I formerly known as UDEAGBALA IFEANYI GOZIE wish to be known and addressed as IFEANYICHUKWU GOZIE. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known as AGWAZE ONYEKA ROSEMARY wish to be known and addressed as ALIKA ONYEKA ROSEMARY . All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

Monday, May 22, 2017

OBINWANNEOGANIRU SOCIAL CLUB This is to inform the general public that the above named Club has Applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under part C of the companies and allied matters act of 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR. KALU KELECHI ANDREW 2. MR. IKWUEZE CHIKA FERDINAND 3. MR. NWANI UCHE PAUL 4. MR ODENIGBO BENJAMIN AIMS & OBJECTIVE: 1. To establish unity and love. 2. To protect the interest of the members. 3. To help improve our financial capacity. 4. To participate in philanthropic activities. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420 Tigri Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Sign: Trustees Ikwueze Chika, (Secretary)

PULLEN ABIFADE OSAGIE FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby informed that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) OSAGIE PULLEN ABIFADE (2) OSAGIE IKPOMWOSA CHIGOZIE (3) CHUKWUEGU UCHENNA DEDEGU (4) OSAGIE TAIWO UHUNAMURE (5) CHUKWUEGU CHISARA FAVOUR THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:(1) To engage in the promotion of quality education for indegent and less priviledged members of the society. (2) To offer educational opportunity and scholarship to indegent and less priviledged members of the society. (3) To build, operate and support orphanage, old people’s home and institution for children with special needs. Any objection(s) to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 565, Ndola Square, Wuse Zone (5) within 28 days of this publication. Signed By: JOEL OLOLO (ESQ) Legal Practitioner; 08033260101

SAINT RAPHAEL RELIGIOUS FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named Fundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied matters Act 1990. TRUSTEES: 1.MR SAMSON ITODO - CHAIRMAN 2.MR PETER EZEA - SECRETARY 3.MRS PEACE MBORJI - MEMBER 4.MR FRANCIS ODO - MEMBER 5.MR PASCHAL UDEH - MEMBER AIMS: 1.TO CREATE AVENUES TO ASSIST MEMBERS AND NIGERIAN CITIZENS: MORALLY, FINANCIALLY AND SPIRITUALLY THROUGH PRAYERS 2.TO MEET ON REGULAR BASIS TO DISCUSS AND DELIBRATE UPON PROBLEMS AND MATTERS OF COMMON INTEREST FOR ENUGU STATE INDIGENES 3.TO REACH OUT TO THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN PRAYERS AND OTHER KIND SUPPORTS 4.TO OFFER THANKSGIVING AT LEAST ONCE A YEAR IN THE CATHOLIC CHURCH 5.TO PARTICIPATE IN ENUGU STATE DEVELOPMENTAL PROGRAMMES AND PROJECTS 6.TO ORGANISE QUARTERLY RETREAT RELIGIOUS, SOCIAL, FINANCIAL, ECONOMICAL, INFORMATION TECHNOLOGY 7.TO ORGANISE CHARITY VISITS - PRISONS, MOTHERLESS HOMES, HOSPITALS, LAW ENFORCEMENT AGENCIES Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

MRS OKAFOR EBERE CYNTHIA

MRS EZIGBO PATIENCE CHINASA

23 Public Notice

HILL OF MERCY & SHALOM CHURCH

HOUSE OF JOPPA WORLDWIDE MINISTRY

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, for changes of the Trustees under ‘Part C’ of the Companies and Allied Matter Act, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE :1. FALODUN PETER 2. FELICIA FALODUN 3.OYELEYE O. SAMUEL THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To Preach The Gospel Of Christ To All Sundry Especially Those In Contact With Us For The Salvation Of Their Soul 2. To Encourage People To Assemble In regular Worship Of God Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication. SIGNED BY:-

This is to inform the General Public that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under Part C of the Companies and Allied matters Act , 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Apostle Odaba Jonathan Uchechukwu 2. Pastor Mrs Olabisi Elizabeth 3. Brother Nwankwo Darlington Onyeaghana 4. Pastor Ojuh Gideon Arome THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus christ. 2. To Win the lost soul 3. To do the work of Evangelism. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

TOMUYIWA ZACCHEAUS, ESQ

SIGNED BY :- SECRETARY

DIOBU ALLSTARS SPORTS CLUB INTERNATIONAL This is to inform the general public that the above named Club has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied matters Act 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Koko Basoene Cyril (Chairman) 2. Nsiegbe Sunny N 3. Okeleke Louis Nnamdi 4. Chikwe Cyriacus Ndubuisi AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1 To promote peace, unity and Love among members. 2. To seek ways of adding value to members and collaborate in ways of developing the Club. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. Signed: chairman

HALLEYBELLA HEALTH FOUNDATION This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under PART C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004 THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Shaibu Mohammed 2. Yinka Titiloye 3. Tayibatu Mohammed 4.. Henry Akeru 5. Yemi samuel 6. Tobechi-Ndukwe Ngozi. AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To enhance access ability to health care by providing free drugs to people with viral diseases and Hepatitis. Any objection to this publication should be forwarded to Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P. M. B. 198, Garki, Abuja within 28th days of this publication. Signed: Secretary MRS AJAH MARYROSE UKAMAKA.

MRS NKWOCHA KOSISOCHUKWU OGECHI

ANEKE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANEKE EBERE CYNTHIA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKAFOR EBERE CYNTHIA. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

ANIEKE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ANIEKE PATIENCE CHINASA, now wish to be known and addressed asMRS EZIGBO PATIENCE CHINASA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

UGWU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS UGWU MARYROSE UKAMAKA, now wish to be known and addressed asMRS AJAH MARYROSE UKAMAKA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

CHUKWUMA: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CHUKWUMA KOSISOCHUKWU OGECHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS NKWOCHA KOSISOCHUKWU OGECHI.All former documents remain valid. NYSC

MRS OKWORI AGATHA ADA

OJOJO CHRISTOPHER OMORARO

UGWU HENRIETTA NWANNEKA

OSITA CHIGBO OGBUCHI

OSSAI: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OSSAI AGATHA ADA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKWORI AGATHA ADA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC andGeneral public should please take note.

OJOJO : I, formerly known and addressed as OJOJO CHRISTOPHER OMORARO, now wish to be known and addressed as EJEH TIMOTHY TARE. All former documents remain valid. GTB Banks and General public should please take note.

UGWU: I, formerly known and addressed as UGWU HENRIETTA AZUBUIKE, now wish to be known and addressed as UGWU HENRIETTA NWANNEKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note

OSITA: I, formerly known and addressed as OSITA MICHEAL NKAH, now wish to be known and addressed as OSITA CHIGBO OGBUCHI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

MRS OKWORI AGATHA ADA

MRS UZUNMA OLUCHI BASSEY-EFFIONG NWANGWU: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS NWANGWU UZUNMA OLUCHI, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS UZUNMA OLUCHI BASSEY-EFFIONG. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OKOH OGEDI UZOAMAKA

OKORO PAUL ISU

OKEKE: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OKEKE CHIAMAKA GLADYS, now wish to be known and addressed asMRS OTTI CHIAMAKA GLADYS. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

MRS ANEZICHUKWUZO PHILOMINA IFEYINWA

MAGBO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS MAGBO PHILOMINA IFEYINWA, now wish to be known and addressed asMRS ANEZICHUKWUZO PHILOMINA IFEYINWA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as EMENI OGEDI UZOAMAKA, now wish to be known as OKOH OGEDI UZOAMAKA henceforth. All my former document remain valid, the general public should please take note.

I,formerly known and addressed as IBE RAPHAEL ELOM, now wish to be known and addressed as OKORO PAUL ISU. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ANEZI CHUKWUZO KENNETH

MRS ONONOGBO LINDA IFUNANYA

AGBALLA: I, formerly known and addressed as AGBALLA KENNETH ANEZICHUKWUZO, now wish to be known and addressed as ANEZI CHUKWUZO KENNETH. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ONONOGBO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISSONONOGBO LINDA IFUNANYA, now wish to be known aVVTTnd addressed as MRS ONONOGBO LINDA IFUNANYA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

EWUTUNTUN GRAMMAR SCHOOL 1993 ALUMNI ASSOCIATION This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Decree No. 1 of 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE. 1. CALISTUS NZEH - CHAIRMAN. 2. VICTORIA UTUETU - SECRETARY 3. SOETAN GBENGA 4. DORIS MICHAELS 5 EDINO EZEKIEL. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. 1. To promote constant contact with Ewutuntun Grammar School and advance the interest of the school. 2. To provide scholarships for students of the school Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNEDTRUSTEES

ROYAL AGES RISING STAR SOCIAL CLUB OF NIGERIA This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under PART C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004 The Trustees are: 1 Edeh Chukwudi 2 Basil Obele 3 Nkwo Felix 4 Agu Monday AIM AND OBJECTIVE: To promote peace, love and progress among members. Any objection to this publication should be forwarded to Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, P. M. B. 198, Garki, Abuja within 28th days of this publication. Signed Baron Ejike Igwe Esq Solicitor ASSOCIATION OF EX-FOOTBALLERS AND FRIENDS IMO STATE (ASEF) The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts of 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Comrade Benedict Nwosu Ajaero 2. Mr. Okere Neville Chukwuemeka 3. Mr. Alex Uzoma Ekwerike 4. Mr. Chinagorom Ethelbert Chinedu 5. Mr. Nzeh Kema Anthony AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To carter for the welfare of members who are ex-football veterans, stakeholders, football administrators and facilitators in Imo State and Nigeria. 2. To encourage, support, assist and empower members and to work for the advancement of members socially, economically and otherwise. 3. To promote and develop sports especially football at all levels in the state and beyond. Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication. SIGNED : Chinedu Kelvin Uzoma Esq.

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Public Notice 24

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

FCT Minister sacks management of AICL

Idu Jude

Abuja

ÎÎÎ

Positive reactions, have so far greeted the decisions of the Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Mallam Mohammed Bello, in sacking the entire management staff of the Abuja Investment Company Limited, AICL enmeshed with corrupt allegations. Recall that the former managing director of the Company, Dr. Musa Ahmed Musa, has had a running battle with the FCTA on counter accusation of who is to refund each other

XXXXXX

Formerly known and addressed as TAJUDEEN IDERA AGBEKE now wish to be known and addressed as TAJUDEEN NIMOTA AGBEKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

DEKIMS EMMANUEL TITUS

I, formerly known and addressed as, EMMANUEL YAHUDA TITUS, now wish to be known and addressed as, DEKIMS EMMANUEL TITUS. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

MRS OLALEYE RAIMOT OLAITAN

I formerly known and address as MISS OLALEYE RAIMOT OLAITAN , now wish to be known and address as MRS OLALEYE RAIMOT OLAITAN . All former doument remain valid. General public should please take note

some amount of money. the Abuja investment company under Dr. Musa, has earlier alleged that the FCT Administration owes the company several billions of naira, and should pay up as it mediates between the FCT and other investors in the FCT activities. The sudden sack of the entire management staff of the company, saddled with the investments in the FCT, is quit connected with the earlier suspension of its leadership. Reacting to the actions taken by the minister, Mr. Istifanus Oztko, member of the Gbagiyi youths forum,

in an interview with Daily Times said that the company which was meant to coordinate the investment affirms of the FCT, has been turn to be a conduit pipe to defraud the FCT. Mr. Istifanus, noted that the minister, has done what was expected of him before now. “You can imagine that this Musa told the FCT administration to pay outstanding debt it owe its company and when I had such things, it was like the AICL has become a private company but i thank god for the timely intervention of the minister in address-

ing the matter and sacking all of them is the right answer”. The entire management team of the Abuja Investment Company Limited, AICL, the investment arm of the FCT Administration was sacked by Minister of the FCT, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, who immediately replaced them with an interim management team and tasked them to hit the ground running. Malam Bello explained that as the owner and partner of the AICL who was concerned, it became imperative for the FCT Administration to take a firm

CORRECTION OF NAME

HILARY UMEH

SOLOMON AMOS

That I ARO ABOSEDE OLUFUNKE my name was wrongly written as ARO ABOSEDE OLUWAFUNKE wish to be known and addressed as ARO ABOSEDE OLUFUNKE. All Documents /Credentials bearing these names remain valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known as Okpala Akalaka and OKPALA AFAM CHUKWU wish to be known and addressed as HILARY UMEH. All former documents remain valid, General public please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as RANDONG SOLOMON MAPACK now wish to be known and addressed as SOLOMON AMOS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

FOLAKEMI GLORY

UMARU PETER ESTHER

My name was wrongly written as ADEWOLE BABATUNDE ARE instead of ADEWOLE BABATUNDE KAZEEM and my correct date of birth is 20th April, 1976. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as FOLAKEMI TAIBAT now wish to be known and addressed as FOLAKEMI GLORY. All former documents remains valid. General public please take note.

DANJUMA TAMBAWA OCHENI

PRINCEPAUL ABUMNKECHUKWU OLEKA

MRS. GLADYS DAN OSUJI

I, formerly known and addressed as, ILO PAUL ALLOYSIUS, now wish you to be known and addressed as, PRINCEPAUL ABUMNKECHUKWU OLEKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. GLADYS NTA ESIN, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. GLADYS DAN OSUJI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, DANJUMA TAMBAWA PRINCESS, now wish to be known and addressed as, DANJUMA TAMBAWA OCHENI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as WADADA UMARU now wish to be known and addressed as UMARU PETER ESTHER. All former documents remains valid. General public, please take note.

NNUKWUAGU SIMEON MATTIAS

ALIYU UMAR SURU

AMUZIENWA FRANCIS UDOCHUKWU

ONUGU TOCHUKWU THECLA

UZOIGWE: I, formerly known and addressed as UZOIGWE SIMEON .O., now wish to be known and addressed as NNUKWUAGU SIMEON MATTIAS. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

MUSA : I formerly known and addressed as ALIYU MUSA SARKI now wish to be known and addressed as ALIYU UMAR SURU. All former documents remain valid, Banks and General Public should please take note

AMUZIENWA :I formerly known as AMUZIENWA DARLINGTON UDOCHI now wish to be known as AMUZIENWA FRANCIS UDOCHUKWU. former documents remain valid. General public take note.

DIYOKE: I formerly known and addressed as DIYOKE TOCHUKWU THECLA now wish to be known and addressed as ONUGU TOCHUKWU THECLA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

ACHEBE OLUCHUKWU EBUBE

AGUDA ELISHA AMOS

MRS OJOBO MAUREEN CHIZOBA

NNONYELU: I, formerly known and addressed as NNONYELU OLUCHUK ROSEMARY, now wish to be known and addressed as ACHEBE OLUCHUKWU EBUBE. All former documents remain valid. First Banks, N-Power, Ministry of Education and General public should please take note.

AMOS: I, formerly known and addressed as AMOS ELISHA AGUDA, now wish to be known and addressed as AGUDA ELISHA AMOS. All former documents remain valid. Banks and General public should please take note.

OJOBO: I, formerly known and addressed as MISS OJOBO MAUREEN CHIZOBA, now wish to be known and addressed asMRS OJOBO MAUREEN CHIZOBA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public should please take note.

ANYANWU JOY CHINEMEREM

NKOLO ISAAC CHIKEREZE

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Anyaele Joy Chinemere, Now wish to be known and addressed as Anyanwu Joy Chinemerem. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

NKOLLO, I formerly known and addressed as NKOLLO ISAAC,now wish to be known and addressed as NKOLO ISAAC CHIKEREZE. All former documents remain valid. Banks and Generalpublic should please take note.

AMUZIENWA CHINOYE PHILOMENA FRANCISCA

OBODO :I formerly known as OBODO CHINONYE PHILOMENA FRANCISCA now wish to be known as AMUZIENWA CHINOYE PHILOMENA FRANCISCA. former documents remain valid. General public take note.

This is to certify that UKAMAKA ALABUIKE JULIET and UKAMAKA DIMONYE JULIET are one and the same person now wish to be known as UKAMAKA ALABUIKE JULIET. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

NWAKAEZE PRECIOUS CHIDIEBERE

MRS. VIVIAN ADAUGO JOHNSON EKPENDU

MRS. OLUWABUNMI ADETOKUNBO FOLASADE

CORRECTION OF NAME

NWAGBOLU ONYEBUCHI MADUKA

NWAGBOLU: I, formerly known and addressed as NWAGBOLU ANAYO NDUBUISI, now wish to be known and addressed as NWAGBOLU ONYEBUCHI MADUKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as AGU PRECIOUS CHIDIEBERE, Now wish to be known and addressed as NWAKAEZE PRECIOUS CHIDIEBERE. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MS VIVIAN ADAUGO EKPENDU, Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. VIVIAN ADAUGO JOHNSON EKPENDU. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MRS. FABUNMI ADETOKUNBO FOLA SADE, Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. OLUWABUNMI ADETOKUNBO FOLASADE. All former documents remain valid. FRSC and general public take note.

This is to state that my name was wrongly written on some of my documents as ALLI SUNDAY instead of APEH SUNDAY. My correct date of birth is 03/08/1985. All former documents remain valid general public take note.

action so as to protect its investment and ensure the company continued in the right direction. According to him, his Administration took the decision to suspend the AICL management team when

THUS ADVERT SPACE IS FOR SALE RECONCILIATION OF NAMES THAT I ONAH SIMON AYIDE is the same person as SIMON ONAH. I should be known henceforth as ONAH SIMON AYIDE. Letter was omitted in my surname on some of my documents. All Documents / Credentials bearing these names remain valid, general public please take note.

SAMUEL IKECHUKWU OKAFOR

it was inundated with series of corruption allegations leveled against them, as well as the bad working relationship that was already existing between them and heads of the company’s subsidiary. SHOLEYE EMMANUEL IMOLEAYO

Formerly known and addressed as AUGUSTINE EMMANUEL IMOLEAYO now wish to be known and addressed as SHOLEYE EMMANUEL IMOLEAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note. OBIOHA BENJAMIN CHUKWUEMEKA

Formerly known and addressed as OBIOHA CHISOM MATHIAS now wish to be known and addressed as OBIOHA BENJAMIN CHUKWUEMEKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ABDULWAHAB RISQIYYAH ODUNAYO

I, formerly known and addressed as, OKAFOR IKECHUKWU SAMUEL, now wish to be known and addressed as, SAMUEL IKECHUKWU OKAFOR. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and address as SHOBOWALE RISQOH ODUNAYO, now wish to be known and address as ABDULWAHAB RISQIYYAH ODUNAYO. All former doument remain valid. General public should please take note

CORRECTION OF NAME/DATE OF BIRTH

MRS. IDIONGO OSAWEMEN IFIJEN

I, MBIA LOVEDAY BABIA, wish to correct my name which was erroneously written as, LOVEDAY DOCTOR NBIA, instead of, MBIA LOVEDAY BABIA, in my BVN details. My correct date of birth is, 20th May, 1984, not 20th May, 1983. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. IDIONGO OKOKON BILLY, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. IDIONGO OSAWEMEN IFIJEN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT I, SAMUEL OJENIYI OLADIMEJI wish to inform the general public that I am the owner of the property located at No 44 Ishaga Road, Surulere, Lagos with Land Certificate titled MO 3158 .That the said Land Certificate got lost in transit and all effort to trace it proved abortive . The property has neither be sold nor mortgage. I have been instructed to apply for replacement of the Land Certificate. General public to please take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

Features

Ijaw National Academy: Panacea for militancy in Bayelsa? Charles Okogene

When Governor Henry Seriake Dickson took over as the governor of Bayelsa State in 2012, a time when the state was the hotbed of militants, the first thing he did was to declare a state of emergency on education. He did this because of the decadent state of education – especially at the primary and secondary education levels. Then, there was no single boarding secondary in the state. This was the situation Dickson found the state and decided to attack the problem frontally. And today, that decision has led to massive construction of schools equipped with what can rightly be tagged state of-the-art facilities that symbolises Governor Dickson’s restoration agenda in the education sector. One of such schools, is the Ijaw National Academy, a coeducational institution established two years ago to provide good quality education for children of Bayelsa State from all strata life. The vision and philosophy in establishing the school, according to a top aide of the Governor, is to expose teenage Bayelsans to Western form of education early in life so that when they grow into adulthood they would be insulated from influences that can lead them into militancy and all other form of vices, which the state has erroneously been ascribed with. Located in the historic town of Kaiama, the school occupies a vast expanse of virgin land that is twice bigger than what is available to most private universities in Nigeria. With a student population of 900, the school, which boasts of structures that can only be seen in first generation universities in Nigeria, has students in JSS1 to JSS111 selected from schools in and around the state. On the vast land, is six newly built three storeyed hostel buildings - three each for male and female students, two one storey block of classrooms for JSS1&11 students and a yet-tobe completed storey building whose ground floor serves as classrooms for JSS111 students-all equipped with durable plastic chairs and table painted in the green – white – green Nigerian colour; and fitted with ceiling fans to make teaching and learning enjoyable. Other eye popping struc-

Zenithbeth

tures in the school include, the administrative block that houses both the teaching and non-teaching staff, this is the first thing a visitor sees on stepping into the premises after undergoing security screening at the gate, the ICT suites, laboratories and library, which are situated very close to JSS111 classes. Also behind the administrative block are over 10 bungalows of three bedroom flats that serve as staff quarters. Though, the principal currently resides in Yenogoa, the state capital, artisans are putting finishing touches to a building that will serve as his quarter. In fact, Ijaw National Academy is an ambitious project that would transform the landscape of Bayelsa’s education sector. The ambiance is truly serene and conducive for learning; and in the words of its Principal, Mr. Charles Johnson, a British national, whose father spent a couple of years

In England, grammar schools have a long tradition of taking the brightest students and almost making sure, through competition, that you get the best out of them in Lagos as a British diplomat in the 1960s, “the vision of the government is to pick the students from the region and settle them in one boarding establishment–obliviously a co-educational-provide them with good facilities and opportunity to learn.” Johnson, who just took over as the principal of the school few months ago, said that the

school is modeled after what is obtainable in the United Kingdom, a co-educational institution that can take up to 1000 students that are exposed to good facilities and opportunity to learn. “In strict British term, this is what we call grammar school. In England, grammar schools have a long tradition of taking the brightest students and almost making sure, through competition, that you get the best out of them,” Johnson who was head hunted from a private school in Abuja said. The top notch facilities in the school is a testimony to the fact that the Dickson administration is ready to stop at nothing in making the school one of the best in Nigeria and thereby leave a legacy that will speak for itself generation after generation. And the state Commissioner for Education, Mr. Markson Fefegha, said the Ijaw National

Academy type of model school would be replicated all over the state, though in new and existing schools. “The unique thing about the schools is that they are fully funded by the government; there will be feeding. Three square meal in a day – breakfast, lunch and dinner. The government spends an average of N 25 million on this every month as feeding and running cost for Ijaw National Academy alone. Though, the others will not be as large as that. The idea is also to admit Ijaws in the Diaspora – those in other neighbouring states like Edo, Rivers, Akwa Ibom, Ondo and Delta,” Fefegha said. “Ijaw National Academy is like running a private school in a public system and the Governor’s ultimate vision by the end of his tenure is to place the state among the first three in terms of ranking at national public examinations like West African Examinations Council (WAEC) or National Examination Council (NECO) from our current seventh position. On his part the Secretary to the State Government, His Royal Highness, David SerenaDokubo Spiff, traced the motive behind the establishment of the school by Governor Dickson back to 2012 when the level of militancy was so high that every Ijaw man was seen and described as a militant. According to him, while most Nigerians erroneously dressed almost every Ijaw man in the toga of a militant, Governor Dickson thought otherwise. He blamed the militant activities, which the youths of the state were involved in, on lack of education and absence of job opportunities for those who managed to acquire one. “The first thing he did to attack this was to embark on massive construction of schools and schools in virtually all communities in the state and the result is the 13 model boarding schools, one of which is the Ijaw National Academy you just mentioned. He also embarked on scholarship for indigent students. When he came as a governor, there was no single boarding school in the state. And to bring back this good old day, he came up with the idea of Ijaw National Academy that boasts of all facilities that are conducive for learning. Ijaw National Academy is modeled after great British schools like Elton,” Dokubo Spiff said.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

News 28

Daily Tim es Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

50th anniversary: Kwara govt assures citizens of justice, fair play Kehinde Akinpelu Ilorin

ÏÏÏThe

Kwara State Government has assured that it will continue to do all within its powers to bring life more abundant to all and evoke the spirit of equity, justice and fair play for the good of all and sundry. The State Deputy Governor, Elder Peter Kisira, gave the assurance in his keynote address delivered at the Interdenominational Church Service to commemorate the Golden Jubilee Celebra-

tion of Kwara State held at the United Missionary Church of Africa Theological College, UMCATC, Ilorin. Elder Kisira thanked the people of the State for their support and prayer that have sustained the State and the Nation. He urged the people to continue to offer prayers of restoration, unity, peace, prosperity and stability for the State and the Nation. Elder Kisira emphasized the need to praise God for sparing the lives of the people to be part of the unique cel-

ebrations. The Deputy Governor thanked the brethren in the Lord for their understanding, cooperation and support. He appreciated the prayer and sacrifice of the people toward sustaining the peace in the State. Elder Kisira noted that the face of the State has been positively turned around in the last 50 years in line with the contemporary Nigeria system as the achievements are visible across sectors and in all nooks and cranny of the State.

In his message titled “the blessings of Jubilee”, Reverend Peter Awojobi called on the people to praise God at all times and honour Him for His mercy and blessings on the State and the Nation. Reverend Awojobi commended the government for committing the programmes and the State in the hands of God. The Cleric described Nigeria as a covenant Nation and onethat would rule the World spiritually, economically, politically and socially calling on the government and the

people to use the abundant land in the Country to feed the World. He thanked God for the peace in the State and called on the government to attach great priority to the issue of security to ensure the safety of the people. Reverend Awojobi urged the leaders and the people to fear the Lord and play their part effectively for the development and progress of the State and the Nation. The Cleric prayed God to restore all that the State had lost and bring new things in the land.

Rescued Chibok girls reunite with parents Tom Okpe,

Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The recently 82 rescued Chibok school girls and 24 others rescued last year by the Federal government were on Saturday reunited with their parents amidst tears and sorrow in Abuja. The girls were kidnapped from their School in Chibok three years ago during the regime of former President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan by the Boko Haram sect terrorizing the North-East and the country generally. In her message at the occasion, the Minister of Women Affairs, Hajia Jummai Alhassan, represented by the Director, Planning, Research and Statistics in the ministry, Mrs. Abidemi Aremo, said a group of experts has been put together to address the girls’ psychosocial support and medical needs. “The children are being rehabilitated and we believe that in due course they will be properly aligned with their families. Intensive medical attention is being administered and as soon as they are done, they will be enrolled into Schools of their choice”, she said. The Minister disclosed that the 24 others who were rescued last year are currently undergoing psychosocial counseling and remedial program preparatory to their enrollment in school next academic session. “For the 24 that were earlier released, I wish to inform you that their psycho-social counseling is still in progress and of course they have started remedial classes.

L-R: An Ota community leader, Chief O. A Muda: Chairman, Opontisum Group of Companies (OGC), Chief Olakunle Ajewole-Akinrogun; Managing Director/CEO, OGC, Mrs. Aderonke Shuaib; an Islamic Cleric, Alhaji A.O Milengbe and Guest speaker, Mr. Seyi Shodipo, during the Annual General Meeting of OGC, in Ogun State… recently.

Owner of Ebute Metta building responsible for collapse, says LASG ...Another body discovered

Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏThe Lagos State Gov-

ernment at the weekend said the owner of the property at Kole Street, Ebute Metta, was responsible for the collapse of his building which occurred as a result of the unlawful demolition carried out without obtaining the necessary demolition permit and without supervision from the Agency or registered Structural Engineer. According to a statement issued by the Commissioner for Physical Planning and Urban Development, Wasiu Anifowose, the building came down as a result of an illegal ongoing demolition being carried out by unscrupulous persons who did not deem it fit to involve officials of

the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) “The building in question did not just collapse, it was under unlawful demolition by the property owner who circumvented the law and took advantage of the day being a Saturday to carry out his illicit act. The owner did not obtain demolition permit from us and did not use any professional on site, that’s why the building came down. “Unfortunately for him, the heavy downpour stopped the workers half way into the act. When the rain started, the demolition was abandoned and the heavy downpour made the remaining unremoved portion of the building to come down on a fence in the next compound. “One of the victims, a woman who was injured,

was said to have rushed into her shop to remove some wares. The other was one of the workers engaged by the owner of the property to carry out the illegal demolition,” he said. Anifowose said with the timely intervention of the rescue operation team of the Lagos State government, the two casualties were rescued and taken to the Ebute Metta Health Center and the Lagos Mainland General Hospital. “Our officers from the Lagos State Building Control Agency (LASBCA) visited the site immediately to assess the situation and then sealed off the building from any further activity. We will also ensure that the owners who are at large are arrested and prosecuted,” Anifowose said. He added that the state government would not condone any form of illegality

from any property owner or developer who circumvented the building laws. He emphasized that any one caught would be prosecuted appropriately. Meanwhile, in a related development, the General Manager Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) Mr. Adesina Tiamiyu, said another body was discovered on Saturday night under the debris during the post disaster clearing of the site of the collapsed building, bringing the total number of mortality to four persons, while those rescued alive remains 19 personsall male. According to him, “the body who is yet to be identified has since been deposited by the State Environmental Health Monitoring Unit, SEHMU, at the Mainland Hospital Mortuary.”

Green House Farm: Gov Ishaku aims to boost IGR in Taraba-- Kassa Okerafor Athanatius, Jalingo

ÏÏÏ

The Taraba State Commissioner, Ministry for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. David Ishaya Kassa, has disclosed that the primary aim of Governor Darius Dickson Ishaku in establishing a Green House Farm Project in Jalingo, the state capital, was to boost the Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) and also secure employment for the teeming unemployed youths in the state. Dr. Ishaya Kassa, made the disclosure during a chat with newsmen on the programme, “Face the Press”, organized by the Senior Special Assistant to the Governor on Public Affairs, Hon. Emmanuel Bello. At the event held at the Conference Hall of the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, Jalingo, the Commissioner opined that the Green House Project is about 65 – 70% completion, stating that out of 15 Houses targeted by government to be erected, about 10 have been completed while others are under construction. Hide original message The Commissioner revealed that four major vegetables of Tomatoes, Pepper, Lettuce and Cucumber are being grown with Cucumber already started production at the Green House. “The main aim of the Green House is to boost the IGR, we intend to sell these vegetables to our markets, both national, international, even to our local markets to see that we can get as much revenue as possible that can boost our revenue, the vegetables that are produced are of high standard, the best that can be produced”, he said. He reiterated the high demand of some of these vegetables, especially pepper and tomatoes in our markets, pointing out that in 2016, (according to Research) processed tomatoes was imported up to the quantum of 70,000 metric tons, amounting to about N11bn. “If tomatoes alone can be imported and Nigerians can spend up to N11bn, we are targeting just N2 or N3bn out of this N11bn and we can be comfortable since we are not producing tomatoes alone, we are producing other vegetables”, he said.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22 2017

29 News

Aladja community accuses army of teaming up with Isaba against it AIsaac Olamikan, Warri

ÏÏÏ

L-R: Head, Investment Research and Corporate Strategy, Stanbic IBTC Pension Managers Limited, Mr. Charles Omoera; Head, Marketing and Communications, Stanbic IBTC, Mrs. Nkiru Olumide-Ojo; Manager, Events and CSR, Stanbic IBTC, Ame Okwudi; Marketing Manager, Wealth, Stanbic IBTC, Dapo Martins and pupils of Adekunle Anglican School, Makoko, Yaba, Lagos, at an event to mark the 2017 World Malaria Day and distribution of mosquito nets donated by Stanbic IBTC to school pupils… at the weekend.

Alleged kidnapping: Group seeks release of Gbaramatu chief

Isaac Olamikan, Benin

ÏÏÏ

A group based in Oporoza in Gbaramatu Kingdom of Delta State, Human Rights and AntiCorruption Crusaders (GHRAC) have demanded for the immediate release of Kingsley Odiete, the immediate past Treasurer of Benikrukru Community, and two others, Mr. Bright Agbedeyi, a timber cutter and Mr. Zafat Ebitebetu, driver of a wooden boat, who were arrested over allegations of criminality and kidnapping on the 11th of April by the Military Joint Task Force and suspected militant thugs loyal to ex-militant leader, Gen. Bibor (aka Shot-atSight) at Ajapa Community in Ondo State. In a statement signed by Comrades Festus Opuwei and Jackson Timiyan, National President and Secretary respectively of GHRAC the body con-

demned the continued detention of the Gbaramatu chief and the two others especially without committing any offence or crime. GHRAC asserted that the incarceration is a breach of their fundamental human rights as guaranteed by the constitution of the country. The group stated that Chief Kingsley Odiete has never been involved in any known criminal activities. GHRAC noted that Chief Odiete is happily married with children and resident in his personal apartment “Therefore, we request for the immediate release of Chief Kingsley Odiete, Bright Agbedeyi and Zafat Ebitebetu because no prima facie evidence has been established linking them to the commission of any crime whatsoever.”

The group stated that Chief Kingsley Odiete was illegally arrested when he travelled from Warri to Ajapa Town in Ondo State on the 11th April, 2017 to see his proposed wife, Florence John who is resident in Ajapa Community. GHRAC added that the Gbaramatu Chief was invited by his would-be Inlaws to see his proposed wife who has been having pregnancy complications to Ajapa Community. “On the arrival of Chief Odiete at Ajapa Town, he discovered the situation was quite critical and after staying with his wife for two days embarked on a journey Igbokoda where banks are located to withdraw some money to pay for the expenses incurred for the treatment of Florence John. “Chief Kingsley Odiete

was accompanied by Mr. Bright Agbedeyi who lives at Ajapa Community and volunteered to show him the way to Igbokoda and Mr. Zafat Ebitebetu who is a driver of the 9.9 wooden Engine Boat he chartered for the journey. “After he made the withdrawal of the money from his bank account with the use of ATM, he received a call from someone who claimed to know him but refused to disclose his identity informing him that General Bibor (aka Shoot-at-Sight) was planning to arrest him on the grounds that he (Chief Kingsley Odiete) came to notorious militant General Ossy Ibori’s town to conspire with him to fight against him (Shoot at Sight) and that he should make haste to leave Ajapa environ and travel back to Warri,” GHRAC stated.

FOMWAN Mushin/Odi Olowo celebrates 30th anniversary ÏÏÏ

The Mushin/Odi Olowo Local Government branch of the Lagos State chapter of the Federation of Muslim Women’s Association in Nigeria ( FOMWAN) has celebrated its 30th anniversary recently at Solomon Hall, Olateju, Mushin, Lagos with Senator Ganiyu Olanrewaju Solomon as the Chairman of the Day and Dr Abdul Lateef Abdul Hakeem, Lagos State Commissioner of Home Affairs, as the lecturer. Speaking during the ceremony,

the branch’s Amirah, Alhaja Ganiyat Ayomaya Oyeniyi, said she’s grateful to God about the milestone anniversary and that it came to be during her own tenure as the Amirah as each Amirah only serves a four-year tenure of which hers began in 2014. She added that some of her accomplishments included FOMWAN bread which they partnered bakeries to produce and which is helping many women earn income through selling same. She added that their objectives are “education, health delivery, empower-

ment and social work. So we want government to partner us, especially in education.” “When children resume from their holidays, most of them don’t have books, biros and pencils. And we give them. Even the less-privileged. We also adopted special unit children here at Ojuwoye, Mushin. So, we really want government to partner us so we can continue to empower these children educationally as we all know education is essential,”she said.

Aladja community in Udu Local Government Area of Delta State has accused Army personnel on “Stop” and “ Search” duty at Mofor Junction of allegedly colluding with the people of Isaba against their community. Comrade Ighotegwolor Bezi, Assistant Secretary of Aladja Community Council, made the allegations in a chat. He claimed that the Army personnel led by an Intelligence Officer(name withheld) allegedly delivered a tipper lorry to Isaba using three of its men. Bezi also claimed that the Army Post At Aladja headed by one Capt. Nwankwoda was not in the know of the suspicious movement when the tipper was stopped by the Aladja people. “They told the Aladja people they were going to the Army Post by Harvard School, Aladja but tricked

the Army on entry that they were on inter-movement to Isaba. “When Capt Nwakwoda got to know about the trick on his men, he ordered the arrest/detention of the tipper and army personnel when they come back. But they didn’t pass through Aladja on their way back.” Bezi claimed that the army personnel were ferried back through the Oleri Waterfront on a Speed Boat. He appealed to the Army authorities to dismiss and prosecute the Intelligence Officer at Mofor junction for dragging the name and good image of the army the mud. In his reaction, the Commander of the Nigerian Army 3 Battalion in Effurun, Major Abdukadri dismissed the claims by the Aladja people saying, “there’s nothing like that in my area. I don’t know where you got that story from.”

Ooni unveils ‘Yoruba Parapo’ cultural carnival logo Sodiq Adekunle, Osogbo

ÏÏÏ

The Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, has unveiled the Logo of Yoruba Parapo Cultural carnival (YPCC) which is an event put together to promote the oneness of Yoruba race. Ooni officially unveiled the YPCC logo and inaugurated the Central Coordinating Committee, in his Palace, on Friday, in Ile-Ife. The Chief Executive Consultant/CEO, Prince Solomon Gbenga, in his speech said that the history of Yoruba, their tribe and cultural development need to be lauded and honoured. Gbenga added that the peaceful coexistence and unity of the race worth celebration and boosted, saying the carnival will attract cultural troupes at home and internationally. According to him, it will be colourful, entertaining and added value to the political, socio-economic focus of the generality. The Chief Executive

Consultant explained further that the economic and socio-political efforts of the sons and daughters of Yoruba race globally are reckoned with and the stakeholders, Nigerians, corporate organisation are expected to give support. He called for blessing , resourceful guardians and supports of the royal father, for them to have full success of the programme and for general public to benefit immensely from the event. Gbenga appealed to Oba Ogunwusi to offer them land to construct a Mega Yoruba Cultural Dome in Ife of 25000 capacity, in which Ooni would lay the foundation stone. In his remarks, the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi, commended the organisers of the programme, especially on promoting Yoruba culture and tourism potentials. Oba Ogunwusi assured them that with their contribution in supporting his peaceful propergation, saying he would give them 100 per cent backup.

News 30

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

Adegeye promises grassroots development, says Ambode doing well As political parties jostle for votes at the forthcoming local government election in Lagos State, the chairmanship aspirant under the platform of All Progressives Congress (APC) in AmuwoOdofin, Hon. Risikat Ajoke Adegeye has promised the people of Amuwo-Odofin Local Council and environs to give much attention to grassroots development if elected as the executive chairman of Amuwo-Odofin Local Government. Hon. Adegeye stated this while speaking with Nigerian NewsDirect, he lamented the neglect of grassroots immediately politicians gain power, assuring good people of Amuwo-Odofin to prioritize her agenda by developing the local government. The local government hopeful has mapped out strategies for her development programmes and projects if elected. She also assured the citizenry of Amuwo-Odofin to strengthen the healthcare system (primary) which focus is to ensure that quality and affordable primary health care is available and generally accessible, also to renovate and complete ag-

ing structures. There will be affordable drugs. On social welfare, Hon. Adegeye promised widows and the less privileged in Amuwo-Odofin that if elected, her administration would improve their standard of living through new widows’ economic empowerment schemes, and also promised to protect their rights. According to her, “the scheme would be set up to alleviate their needs by supporting their respectful families. The Amuwo-Odofin local government hopeful also planned to create employment opportunities for physically handicapped persons who are educated and also to those who are not but ready to work.” Our administration will also arrange social welfare programmes for our youths and the aged in order to improve their standard of living. Meanwhile, Hon. Adegeye was a member of LAHA (Lagos House of Assembly between 2007 and 2011 and currently Commissioner for House of Assembly Service Commission, she has really performed very well.

NewsDirect honours Prophet Oyebanji

Few weeks ago, the Nigerian NewsDirect conferred one of the highest honours that can be possibly bestowed on individuals to Prophet (Dr) Abraham Oyebanji JP as Religious Leader-of-theyear. It is in honour of his outstanding contribution to the growth, peace and progress of the church of God and to the service of humanity. The event which drew distinguished personalities from all walks of life was simply grand. Prophet (Dr) Oyebanji JP, was honoured for his exemplary contributions to the church of God. When the prophet was in primary 3, he laid his hand on of his mother’s friend called mama Rachael having a problem of stet, the woman later conceived and delivered a baby girl and was named Rebecca, also dreadlock on his head grew miraculously within 24hours some years back. He lives a holy and righteous life and carries the presence of God. God is evidently with him and this shows forth by the presence of the power of the Holy Spirit whenever he ministers. As a minister of God and a prophet, he loves

Oyebanji

the word of God and prayers. He is truly a battle axe of the Lord, a prophet of God but by the grace of God operates in three other segments of the Holy spirit – Evangelist, (Revivalist), and teacher. Prophet Oyebanji manifests the Gift of knowledge when counseling, the gift of divine healing in diverse illnesses such as cancer e.t.c. Senior Evangelist Prophet (Dr) Abraham Oyebanji JP is a curious package of simplicity, a venerable clergyman, he cuts the image of a teacher who goes around with an air of aristocracy, but beyond this elegant disposition is a simple and cultured man of God who is not given to a cleric driven by all that tends towards financial gains as against God’s kingdom and salvation.

L-R: Governor of Osun State, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; Managing Director, Osun State Investment Company Limited, Mr. Bola Oyebanji; Chairman, Nasiru-llahi Fatir Society of Nigeria, (NASFAT) Osogbo Branch, Alhaji Abdul Rasheed Adeyemo; Former Chairman, NASFAT Osogbo Branch, Alhaji Kayode Afolabi, during a Special Prayer in commemoration of 60th birthday celebration of Governor Aregbesola, in Osogbo, Osun State … on Sun-

Implement 2014 National Confab report, CLO urges Buhari Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos A Member of the 2014 National Conference and an Executive Director, Civil Liberties Organization, Comrade Steve Aluko has urged the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration to implement recommendations made at the Confab organised by the immediate past government, to end agitation for restructuring the country. He acknowledged that the Confab was not an entirely perfect exercise, but stressed that the 600 recommendations were not entirely irrelevant to be thrown into the thrash bin. Aluko stated this while addressing youths and other stakeholders during an inter-party youth forum tagged: “Strengthening Cit-

izens Engagement in Electoral Processes” (SCEEP), organised by Community Action for Popular Participation (CAPP) in partnership with ActionAid Nigeria, and BBC Media Action with support from UKAid held in Jos. The CLO executive director maintained that implementing key recommendations made would deepen democracy and pave way for rotating Presidency in the six geopolitical zones. He said the convention of the National Conference by the Goodluck Jonathan led administration was due to cry from different sections of country, who felt betrayed and marginalized in terms of revenue sharing and distribution of political offices. Aluko who was a Member of a Committee on

Land Tenure and National Boundary at the Conference stressed that, the Confab proffered solution to militancy in the Niger Delta, kidnapping in the South-East, insurgency in the North-East and farmers/herdsmen clashes in the country. On the issue of youths in politics, he lamented that, “Youths suffer double jeopardy, age discrimination while people with disabilities suffer discrimination occasion by societal prejudice. “Women still suffer discrimination on the account of their sex. These issues were all addressed during the Confab”. Earlier in his welcome address, Acting Executive Director of CAPP, Nelson Ananze, decried margin-

alization of youths and lamented that major political parties charged prohibitive cost as prerequisites for nomination and expression of interest form. He urged Nigerian youths to key into the global trend of enthroning young and visionary leaders starting with the 2019 polls, just like other developed countries; saying, France and South Korea recently took the bull by the horn achieved same feat in their elections. According to him, the “Strengthening Citizens Engagement in Electoral Processes”, targets women, youth and Persons Living with Disabilities (PWDs) and seeks to strengthen their engagement in the electoral process in the country.

Cultural tradition solution to Nigeria’s problems – Chief Oguntolu Chief Oluwole Oguntolu, the Abore of Owu Kingdom, also known as Baba Orisa Agbaye whose job according to him is to ensure peace and tranquility through sacrifices to the ancient deities, declared to the Nigerian has declared that to solve Nigerian political and social challenges, we need to go back to cultural tradition of our fathers. The Olori Alayelala further stressed that the

peaceful atmosphere being enjoyed in the country was due to series of sacrifices carried out by the traditionalists (Onisese). He said that though other religious groups like Muslims and Christians too are praying but he believes the Iseses roles via sacrifices pays most for the relative co-existence of the country as a nation. The Baba Orisa Agbaye condemned our youths for ignoring our traditional

ways of life now preferring to pursue money at all cost. While responding to questions, Chief Oguntolu appealed to Ogun State Government to legislate on traditional holiday on August 20 annually to enable them do isese day hence their group had got places of worship just as Christians and Muslims practise on Sundays and Fridays for worship. He stressed also that he appreciated all the Ogun

Oguntolu

State Government Senator Ibikunle Amosun for all his gigantic projects in the state and prayed that God will grant him and his team more wisdom for good governance.

Monday, May 22, 2017

EXTRATIME

West Ham Gives Onyekuru Deadline E

nglish Premier League outfit West Ham have set a deadline for hot in demand Nigerian forward Henry Onyekuru to accept the terms they are proposing to him after reaching agreement with Eupen over his transfer fee. Red hot Onyekuru took his season tally to 25 in all competitions with a brace last night for Eupen against Roesaelare in what was his final game

for the modest Belgian team, where he has spent the last two years. His form this season has lead to interest in his services from all round Europe, but the 19 year old has made it clear he wants to move to England amidst interest from Crystal Palace, Everton, Southampton and West Ham. However as exclusively reported by Owngoalnigeria.com, West Ham have reached an agreement with Eupen

for a fee in the region of £7m for his transfer, but are yet to trash out terms with the forward, who has been called up to the Nigeria senior national team. West Ham have now set a deadline of two weeks to complete talks with the forward else they try out other options following the conclusion of his teams commitments in Belgium, where they were involved in the playoffs .

Onyekuru

Barcelona sign another Nigerian

Mikel

Muhammed

panish La-Liga giants have added another Nigerian to their ranks. Usman Muhammed impressed the hierarchy of Barcelona during a month long trial with the B team of the Catalan giants, where fellow Nigerian Ezekiel Bassey is presently on loan from Enyimba. However Bassey will be released in the summer, after he failed to impress during his stay with the team with injuries and fitness issues also playing a role in the decision of the club to axe him this summer. His case is however different from that of Usman who represented Nigeria at the Rio 2016 Olympics, but his signing won’t be announced until his deal with Portuguese side Uniao Madeira is officially over. 23 year old Usman will come to the end of his contract with the Portuguese team on the 30th of June, and his move to Barcelona is expected to be announced on the 1st of July.

Mikel recovering from injury

ianjin Teda marquee signing John Obi Mikel has dropped the biggest hint yet that he will be available for the Super Eagles upcoming African Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa

amid concerns about his fitness. The Super Eagles captain has posted a photo on social media where he was undergoing rehabilitation at the gym. ‘’On the road to recovery, can’t

wait to get back on the pitch with TEDA and my National Team #TianjinTeda #SuperEagles ,’’ Mikel said on Instagram. The 30-year-old Mikel has missed the last seven matches

contested by Tianjin Teda in the Chinese Super League and went under the knife in England at the end of April. He is expected to resume training at Tianjin Teda next week, all things being equal.

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Balogun Injured Ahead Corsica Clash

Balogun

igeria will be sweating on news of Mainz 05 defender Leon Balogun, who suffered a thigh injury on the final day of the Bundesliga season. The defender was replaced after just 18 minutes of Mainz’s season-ending 2-0 loss away to Koln on Saturday afternoon. Allnigeriasoccer.com reports that the initial prognosis for Balogun’s injury is a two-week period on the sidelines. This would see the player ruled out of the Super Eagles’ friendly matches against Corsica and Togo on May 26 and June 1 respectively. Nigeria coach Gernot Rohr will hope to have the player available for their 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier against South Africa on June 9.

Iheanacho Not For Spurs -Agent

Iheanacho

anchester City out of favour striker has courted interest from lots of teams in Europe with English side Tottenham Hotspur the latest to be linked with the forward. City want a straight cash deal for the forward in the region of £20m and not loan as speculated in some quarters. A fee that most teams in England can afford with West Ham and Everton also linked with the 20 year old. However while City have made it clear to the Nigerian that he can leave, they have however made it clear to him and his advisers that

a move to any of their title rivals won’t be accepted. Spurs are one of the teams City view as title rivals, and selling a prolific forward to them will be more like strengthening a rival, something coach of Man City Pep Guardiola won’t accept. ” It’s clear he won’t be sold to a direct title rival by Man City, so when I see the reported interest from Spurs, I know if it becomes official it will be dismissed outrightly, but Everton and West Ham we will have to wait and see”, his intermediary told Owngoalnigeria.com.

Ideye On Target For Tianjin Teda

xperienced Super Eagles striker Brown Ideye found the net for Tianjin Teda in their 1-1 draw with Odion Ighalo’s Changchun Yatai on Sunday. There was a scandal before the game, with the visitors from Mainland China complaining that several of their players suffered physical discomfort on Saturday as a result of food poisoning symptoms, which is due to the food they ate at Shangri-La Hotel. One minute into the second half, Ideye equalized for Tianjin Teda with a volleyed acrobatic effort in the six-yard box. It was his second goal in the colours of Tianjin Teda after firing blanks in his last three games before today’s clash at the Development Area Stadium.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

We’re not in conflict with IPOB, says Obiano’s aide AT3

APGA, Biafra Ojukwu’s legacies AT 4 to Ndigbo –Col. Achuzia ANSG to partner FG on tourism –Commissioner

ÏÏÏIn line with mission to

L-R: Thomas Achebe; Chike Ubaka Ikemefuna; NDLEA Counsellor, Mrs. Chinwe Thompson; Chukwunweike Victor Enwezor, Founder of Come Alive Initiative (CAI), and other colleagues the NDLEA counsellor, during an event in Onitsha...recently

Nov. 18 guber poll: Traders in Idemili endorse Obiano

Stories by Alphonsus Nweze Awka

ÏÏÏ Traders in Anambra State un-

der the aegis of Idemili Market Traders Association (IMATA), which comprises of traders in the three Local Government Areas, Idemili North, Idemili South and Oyi, on Wednesday, at Ogidi, Idemili North council headquarters, endorsed Governor Willie Obiano for second tenure. The traders also condemned the statement credited to some All Progressives Congress (APC) chieftains in Igbo land that APC would take over Anambra State come November 18, 2017 governorship election. The traders, who spoke through their Secretary General, Chief Chuma Eruchalu, made the endorsement when they paid a courtesy call on the chairman of the caretaker

Anambra

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The Anambra Times

committee of the council, Chief Ralph Nnabuife Asha, who they described as an achiever that won the award (car gift) as the best Local Government Chairman in the country. According to them, the statement is deceitful, uncalled for and act to distract Governor Willie Obiano who made the state the safest in the country, pays salaries of workers as and when due from all these good works in the state. Eruchalu said: “There is no vacancy at Government House Awka; Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State, former Governor Jim Nwobodo of the then Anambra State and Senator Chris Ngige who is the Minister of Labour and Employment should leave Anambra State alone and face their responsibilities”. “We will disgrace them if they come to Anambra State as APC whistle blowers because our able Gover-

Special Project Editor Sam Nzeh

Correspondents: Alphonsus Nweze Philip Balepo John Chinenye

nor Willie Obiano is doing us well. “I have not seen N20 million community project established in all the 179 communities in Anambra State before. Again, the Governor has offered N10 million market development project in each of the markets in the state and is ready to do more”. “We are going to set up a committee in each market that will be briefing each line in the market to showcase Governor Willie Obiano’s activities in the state with a view to working in concert with the council chairman, Chief Nnbuife, to ensure victory for Obiano”. Commending the council chairman, Eruchalu, who is also the President of IMATA, said: “We are here to assist you in moving the council forward. This visit is unique because you are the only one that has been here as council chairman two times, you maintained the first position in a place that is full of educated people”. Eruchalu wondered what Governor Okorocha from Imo State could offer Anambra State when he cannot pay workers, pensioners and provide basic infrastructure for his people. He said Nwobodo, a spent force

politician should go to his state, Enugu, and salvage them just as he challenged Ngige to show concrete evidence of what he has done for the people of Anambra State since he was appointed Minister of Labour and even when he was a senator. Eruchalu said they would be daydreaming if they think would come with the so-called Federal might to manipulate the Governorship election, stressing that APGA as a party has been good to them. Noting that APC is not on ground in the state, the market leader vowed that the people of the state would defend their votes with the last pint of their blood. In his response, Nnabuife commended them for endorsing the Governor for second tenure and urged them to ensure they involve themselves, friends and families in the ongoing registration of voters exercise, adding that “your voter`s card is your power, go and register now if you have not to enable you vote for the candidate of your choice. You cannot be saying you endorse Obiano when you don’t have your card.

project the state to global recognition, Anambra State government has stated its plan to partner with the Federal Government in developing tourist centers in the state. This was disclosed when the State Commissioner for Diaspora Affairs, Culture and Tourism, Barrister Stella Onuorah addressed some journalists in Awka, Anambra State recently. Onuorah noted that her ministry had finalised every arrangement to develop various tourist centers, such as Ogbunike Cave and Owerre Ezukalla Cave among others, geared towards improving the state economy and further attract development. The Commissioner restated that the mission of Governor Obiano administration was to make the state a first choice investment destination and a hub for industrialisation and commercial activities, which when fully actualised would solve unemployment rate in the state. Onuorah observed that the present security situation in the state had created enabling environment for investors to harness the untapped potentials and boost the socio-economic activities. She revealed that the ministry having being newly created had organised several activities such as cultural fiesta, Pop Stars of the 70s, South East Festival of Arts and crafts, adding that it had equally mapped out additional activities for the year to boost the internally generated revenue of the state. Other activities, according to Onuorah, include different free medical exercises carried out by various international bodies such as ASA USA, ASA Canada, ASA Japan and many more. The Commissioner commended Governor Obiano for his doggedness and commitment in reshaping the state, saying all her ministry’s agenda were in line with “Aku luo Uno” policy of the present government.

The Anambra Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

LG boss urges Ohanaeze Ndigbo to mobilise members for voters’ registration ÏÏÏThe

Former Biafra warlord, Col. Joe Achuzia (middle in white) with Senior Special Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State on Political Matters, Hon. Arinzechukwu Awogu and and his entourage during a visit to Achuzia in Asaba, the Delta State capital, at the weekend, to mark his 90th birthday

Obiano denies travelling to US with 179 people

Stories by Alphonsus Nweze Awka

ÏÏÏ

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has denied travelling to the United States of America with 179 people to be with his daughter on her Graduation Day. The Governor stated this in a statement at the weekend in reaction to a story in the social media suggesting that he recently travelled to the US with 179 people to be with his daughter on her Graduation Day. In the statement signed by James Eze, his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Gov. Obiano, said story is the worst lie ever told by a disappointingly unintelligent opposition and its propaganda machinery. The truth however, Eze said, is that Gov. Obiano travelled to his daughter’s graduation alone, adding that anyone seen around him in the US travelled on their own. The statement reads in part: “It is totally incredulous to suggest that Governor Obiano who in all his three years in office has never travelled overseas with any of his closest aides would suddenly open the

floodgates and travel with 179 people to a mere graduation in the US. It is even more ridiculous to believe that any governor of Anambra State (not a banana republic, mark you) would conceive of such an idea in the 21st Century. “When this unintelligent piece of propaganda floated onto the social media for the first time, we had decided not to put any weight on it because it came from the same stable of long discredited characters who had earlier published an immoral story claiming that the governor’s wife had died in the US. We had hoped that many people would dismiss it as one of the many futile attempts to find a chink in Governor Obiano’s armour. “It however became necessary to put a disclaimer on it when some gubernatorial aspirants who have no substance to sell of themselves began to anchor their campaign on such a preposterous gossip. It is disappointing to realise that these aspirants have no capacity to see the implausibility of the gossip they are hanging their efforts on. “Interestingly, anyone who has

observed Governor Willie Obiano since he assumed office can testify that he has always done his overseas travels alone. None of his aides has ever accompanied him on any offshore trip because he is always mindful of the usual high expenditure that goes with overseas travels. “It is therefore totally untrue, false and offensive to claim that he travelled with 179 people to mark his daughter’s graduation in the US. We challenge anyone who has a contrary evidence to produce it. Nevertheless, it would help to recall that since he assumed office, Governor Willie Obiano has chalked up an impressive record in integrity and transparency. Under his watch, Anambra State was rated the Most Transparent government in Nigeria in 2015 by the Federation Accounts Sub-Committee on International Public Sector Accounting System (IPSAS). Obiano is also a winner of the Integrity and Anti-Corruption Award from the Ethics and Corporate Compliance Institute of Nigeria in 2015. He also won the Zik Prize for Good Governance in 2015. All these endorsements mean a lot to him”.

Group raises fresh alarm over EEDC’s outrageous bill ÏÏÏThe Government of Anambra

State has been urged to intervene in the oppressive billings by the Enugu Electricity Distribution Company (EEDC) even when they do not offer services to the people. A human rights group under the aegis of Preservation of People’s Rights specifically condemned the outrageous bills brought to Obosi consumers in Idemili North Local Government of Anambra State. In a statement signed by the Coordinator of the group, Comrade Nweke Nweke and the Secretary, Comrade Larry Onwuta, with EEDC, Nigeria now has a private company that is above the State and the Federal Government. “Privatisation has killed this nation. If one can be honest, the

day the Nigerian government sold Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) to private business men, it was obvious that the entire citizenry were sold for slavery and their liberty and joy were also handed over to the modernised crafty indigenous slave masters. “Preservation of People’s Rights International’s independent investigation has revealed that the outrageous bills this company distributed for the month of April 2017 within the communities in Anambra State is capable of truncating peace and democracy in Nigeria,” the group said. “Where are the prepaid meters the EEDC promised Ndi-Anambra since last year? This platform thinks it is time for Anambra State Govern-

ment to match her words with actions. “If EEDC is allowed to continue subjecting the citizens of Anambra State to slavery, humiliation and oppression in her outrageous and malicious billing, it may be a gateway to breakdown of law and order if Government fails to do the needful, as Ndi-Anambra and Obosi people to be precise are now groaning in pains of bitterness and asking God many questions and we will in order to fight for the rights of the opposed, will be left with no other option than seeking redress in the court of law after 72 hours of this statement and nothing positive is done,” the group added.

Caretaker Committee Chairman of Idemili North Local Government Area of Anambra State, Chief Ralph Nnabuife, has asked members Ohanaeze Ndigbo to ensure that they mobilise all who have not registered in their areas to take advantage of the ongoing registration exercise by Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC). He said this has become imperative to avoid being disenfranchised during the coming governorship election in Anambra State billed for November 18 this year and beyond. The chairman made the call when the Idemili North branch of Ohanaeze Ndigbo led by its chairman, Chief Titus Akudo, paid him a courtesy call at Ogidi, headquarters of the Local Government Area. The chairman urged the Ohaneze members to support Governor Willie Obiano in his bid to return for a second so that he will accomplish the projects he has for the state. He said: “I am part and parcel of whatever Ohanaeze does. Governor Obiano has suffered for the Ndigbo, so we should support him. Obiano will come back. He brought security, night life and improved on the agricultural sector which enables us now to export vegetables to Europe for foreign exchange. Salaries are being paid to civil servants as and when due. So why can’t we vote him again. Look at the roads, we

have the best road network in south East”. Furthermore, Nnabuife recalled: “I was one of those who started Ohanaeze in Idemili. You are our parents, so we will obey you; we will support you more than we did before and on accommodation for an office, we will look into it”. Earlier in his speech on behalf of the body, the chairman said they were in the office of the council chairman to intimate him on their Igbo day cultural Festival that comes up on June with a view to assisting the body for a successful outing. “That day, we will showcase our cultural heritage, values, and norms. And we will inaugurate Idemili branch of Ohanaeze. The state executive of Ohanaeze will be here in Ogidi to perform the inauguration,” he said. Chief Akudo, who was flanked by the former chairman of the council and now State Treasurer of Ohanaeze, Obinna Ekpechi and former President General of Oraukwu Community, Udodeme Emeka, pledged to assist in ensuring that the registration exercise is successful. The group commended the council chairman for his achievements in the area which made Governor Obiano to return him again, adding that his achievements earned him the best council chairman in the country.

Ekwusigo, Ihiala youths seek grassroots mobilisation for Ezeemo Afam Aminu Chimezie Onitsha

ÏÏÏEkwusigo

and Ihiala youths under the aegis of Anambra Patriotic Youths (APY) have rejected the idea of working with the traditional elitist politicians whereby the machinery of a political party or association seems to scheme out grassroots politicians in favour of the elitist stakeholders. Speaking at a grassroots political gathering during the visit of APY state executives to Ozubulu, Ekwusigo Local Government Area at the weekend, Mr. Ferdinand Ugwunwa and Prince Okey Iwuchukwu from Ozubulu ward III and 5 spoke on rejection of “Stakeholders” approach to political matters. The Local Government coordinator of APY in the area, Mr. Eugene Nwanekezie expressed joy at the visit and expressed hope that Chief Godwin Ezeemo of the Progressive Peoples Alliance will win the November 18, 2017 governorship election in Anambra State. They hinted that real politics begins with the grassroots people and maintained that those who operate from the grassroots must be accorded adequate recognition. They, however, called for transparency among APY officials, adding that they are the mirror through which the PPA State leader, Chief Ezeemo uses to obtain relevant information among the grassroots

people. While urging members to continue to support the good intentions of Ezeemo to govern the State even as he abhors a do or die approach to politics, the state coordinator, Anambra Patriotic Youths (APY), Sir Peter Okala, maintained that he simple attributes of the PPA leader, Chief Ezeemo has continued to endear him to the citizens, adding that eligible voters were even demanding for the fast approach of November 18th to cast their votes for the youthfriendly philanthropist and industrialist. In an address, the state chairman of APY, Mr. Benard Muoneke and Secretary, Comrade Emma Ojibe, had earlier described Chief Ezeemo as a “practical example of thinkhome philosophy which some prominent Igbo leaders have continued to champion. They posited that rather than abandon his people and invest only in other lands generating employment opportunities for people of other tribes and races, the PPA leader in the spirit of Igbo unity and brotherliness decided to invest in his community, Umuchu, Aguata Local Government. The APY coordinator in the area, Chief Chika Nwanoru, lamented the neglect some politicians in the state have subjected the people of Ihiala Local Government to and called for a change of attitude.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

The Anambra Times 3

How gunmen killed cop in Idemili, made away with his AK-47 Stories by Alphonsus Nweze Awka

ÏÏÏ

The Anambra State Police Command was thrown into confusion and thoroughly embarrassed following the murder of another police man by a yet-to-be identified gunmen last week at a checkpoint in Nkpor in Ogidi Police Division of Idemili North Local Government Area of the state. The dastardly incident has continued to be a source of worry to the citizens and residents of the state as well as the Government of Governor Willie Obiano which strong point of governance was hinged on security. The victim, whose name has not been ascertained as at the time of this report, was attached to Ogidi Police Station and was not only killed by the gunmen inside a

drinking bar, where he had gone to have a rest or probably take his lunch after some routine work at the check point but his AK- 47 rifle was also said to have been taken away by the fleeing gunmen. Eyewitness account said that the gunmen operating with a motorbike stormed the place in a commando style, shot the policeman, took his riffle and escaped as people scampered for safety. They said other policemen who were unaware of what had befallen one of them immediately fled the scene in fear when they heard and saw what happened instead of pursing the gunmen to at least recover the riffle. One of the policemen was even said to have hidden inside a vacant shop where he removed his police uniform and later re-appeared in mufti, which he used to flee the

scene when the news of the killing of his colleague reached them. In the last few months, there have been incessant reports of killings of policemen and their rifles being taken away by the assailants in the same Ogidi Poilice Division. Just last month, some Policemen were killed at Nkpor by New Parts and the killers are yet to be arrested. But before then, some armed men had stormed the Ogidi Police Division where they injured the DPO and some other Policemen. These security breaches might have led to the deployment of the former DPO, Hassan Musa, to another Police Division in Nnewi, although some said instead of being punitive, the action was more of a pat on the back given the fact that Nnewi Division is juicier. Mark Ijafaru, said to be a crime

buster, has since been posted to Ogidi from Onitsha Central Police Station (CPS) to deal with rising crime in Ogidi-Nkpor axis but all to no avail as criminals seem to have been emboldened in carrying out their nefarious activities in the semi-urban area of Ogidi-Nkpor ax is. Unfortunately, this incident came at heels of a warning to criminals in the area by Ijarafu to relocate because he would fight them to a standstill. Ijarafu, who spoke immediately after meeting with the Caretaker Committee Chairman of the local government area, Asha Nnabuife, asked for cooperation from stakeholders and the general public by giving police confidential information. But now that these criminals have dared Ijafaru and the entire Police Command in the state, it is incumbent on the Police hierarchy in the state not only to redeem their image but to also restore the confi-

dence of the people of the state in them. This is because apart from this seemly isolated case in Ogidi- Nkpor axis, there has been resurgence of Okada robbers in a broad-day light in most urban cities of the state. Just last Friday, these robbers at about 1pm along Old Market Road, Onitsha shattered the screen of a packed car and carted away N2 50,000. This has become the order of the day in most urban and semi urban cities in the state and a good number of security operatives who litter the roads of the state seem to be helpless. Efforts to get the Anambra State Commissioner Police, Sam Ogbaudu, and the spokesperson for the Command failed but a source hinted the Commissioner of complaining of lack of manpower and other vital logistics to effectively combat crime in the state.

Mrs. Obiano commended for supporting the less privileged ÏÏÏ

Bishop Samuel Ezeofor of Ogbaru Anglican Diocese cutting his 50th Birthday anniversary recently. He is sorrounded by family members.

We’re not in conflict with IPOB, says Obiano’s aide ÏÏÏ The Senior Special Assistant

to Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State on Political Matters, Hon. Arinzechukwu Awogu, has stated that his boss was not in conflict with the members and leadership of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB). Awogu, who spoke at the residence at the residence of former Biafra warlord, Col. Joe Achuzia, said that Anambra State as the cradle of the Igbo race was not unmindful of the accommodation she owes to all shades of opinion in Igbo land. “We are not in conflict with our IPOB brothers. We are as a matter of principle on the same page with them in the quest for a better treatment for our people and it is our view that with some degree of understanding and a little flexibility in our approach-

es to resolving the Igbo question, we could make Ndigbo win on all sides of our struggles for a better homeland.” The aide with his entourage were at the residence of the Civil war famed Aeronautic engineer to celebrate his 90th birthday and to wish him many more years in good health as he continues to direct the affairs of the Biafrans as the most senior surviving member of the Biafran revolution. Col. Achuzia, who at 90 is still mentally alert, thanked Governor Obiano for sending Awogu to visit him as he marked his 90th birthday, saying that he bore the brunt of the civil war as he was thrown into jail for seven years after the war ended on the orders of the Federal Government under Gen. Yakubu Gowon. Achuzia lamented that those

that were in power at the end of the civil war did everything against his person because of his role in the civil war except that they didn’t harm him which he attributed to God’s doing, and for him to live to clock 90 years can only be God’s extraordinary grace. Col. Achuzia, who does not mince words on topical issues, demanded that he, as a person, should be addressed as “a Biafran” as that reflects his true identity. He went on to say that he was particularly impressed with the way Gov. Willie Obiano resolved the issue of the Boko Haram convicts that were brought to Ekwulobia in Anambra State to spite Ndigbo and created a sense of apprehension and insecurity among the people.

Citizens of Anambra State have continued to commend the wife of the state Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano, for using her family enhancement initiative, CAFÉ, to uplift the living standards of the people. In a statement in Awka, one of the beneficiaries of the programme, Miss Collins Precious Ada from Nibo, thanked Mrs. Obiano for giving her the opportunity to undergo training in confectionery, stressing that the modern Oven given to her has repositioned her business. Another beneficiary who received bead making materials, Mrs. Chidimma Okafor from Agulu, said that she learnt a lot during the one month training, stressing that she is

now self-employed. She enjoined citizens of the state to continue to support Mrs. Obiano in her efforts to improve the living standards of the people. Also contributing, Special Adviser to the Governor on Youth Empowerment and Mobilisation for Control of HIV/AIDS, Dr. Onyekachukwu Ibezim, thanked the Governor’s wife for her efforts in reducing the rate of unemployment in the state through the empowerment programme. It would be recalled that the wife of the state Governor, Chief (Mrs.) Ebelechukwu Obiano, recently empowered over two hundred and ten less privileged people from various parts of the state to enable them fend for themselves.

Police prosecute 80 cultists in Anambra ÏÏÏ

The Police Command in Anambra State said it prosecuted 80 people for cultism related crimes between January and April, 2017. CSP Christopher Bassey, Commander of the Special Anti-Cultism Squad (SPACS) told newsmen in Onitsha on Sunday that all the command has also secured 80 convictions. Bassey said that the convicted cultists terrorised Obosi, Nkpor, Ogidi, Awada and Onitsha communities, adding that many suspects were set free after being counseled. “We are able to send about 80 notorious cultists to prison by the help of the courts while scores were counseled and released. “I think parents should monitor the company their children keep

because investigations showed that those arrested were influenced by suspected criminals, who provide them with hard drugs, guns and money,” he said. Basey advised youths to shun cultism, warning that the police will not hesitate to arrest and prosecute anyone involved in the act. According to him, we will not spare anyone because the hard drugs they take influence them into constituting nuisance, and sometimes, commit violent crimes in the society. The commander, who denied that the police torture suspects, said they were rather screened for prosecution or counsel when arrested. “We advised them against engaging in crimes,” he stressed.

The Anambra Times 4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

Obiano seeks more Federal presence in Anambra ÏÏÏAnambra

Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano and Mr. Guang Zhongqi, Consul-general of the Chinese Embassy during a courtesy call on the governor at the Governor’s Lodge in Akwa... recently

Nov. 18 poll: ANSAA boss flays governorship aspirants over posters Stories by Alphonsus Nweze Awka

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Managing Director, Anambra Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA), Chief Jude Emecheta, has condemned the action of some governorship aspirants in the state which violate regulations on outdoor political advertisements. Emecheta described the unauthurised display of campaign posters by the aspirants as lawless, saying they had not obeyed the rules or paid the mandatory fees for the display of campaign posters. He said in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Saturday that it was sad that rather than go to court to contest the regulations as people seeking the number one office in

the state, the aspirants decided to violate the rules. “In fact this poster issue has shown me that some aspirants in the Nov.18 governorship election in Anambra are lawless and people who cannot be trusted with anything. “There is a law in this state to guide the signage and advertisement material and some of them have chosen to disobey it even when they are jostling to become governor of the state. “As a law abiding politician who is worthy of seeking the number one citizen of the state, I believe the easiest thing to do is to approach the law court to challenge the law or the fees. “Their posters have flooded the entire state and they claim they did not post them. What have they

done to check the activities of these so-called overzealous supporters? “The bridges, electric poles and beautification structures have all been defaced, that will tell about the people who are coming into the election, how they will expect citizen to obey when they are disobeying while out of government,” he said Emecheta said ANSAA was working with the police to arrest those defacing the streets with posters and warned politicians to call their supporters to order. He said Gov. Willie Obiano had instructed the agency to pull down his posters. He said the agency would use the law court to ensure that aspirants operated within the law. “We shall not join them in their lawless nature; we shall meet them

at the court, they have not challenged the nine million naira that we asked them to pay. “The governor has directed us to pull down any poster of his we see anywhere and I maintain that it is not compulsory to paste posters, if you cannot pay, you can print handbills which is even more effective. “The issue of billboard is between us and the outdoor companies, we are not dealing with the politicians and the assurance is that since we have the equipment, anywhere we see an unauthorised billboard, we pull it down,” he said. The issue of campaign posters has been a source of disagreement between politicians in the state and the agency, which insists that those wishing to display theirs publicly must pay.

APGA, Biafra Ojukwu’s legacies to Ndigbo –Col. Achuzia ÏÏÏ Col. Joe Achuzia, one of

the top Biafran war commanders and a trusted associate of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, popularly referred to as “Air Raid’’ has revealed the motive behind the formation of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), maintaining that the survival of the political platform should be a concern to all Ndigbo. He frowned at the notion that tended to suggest that APGA is a mere political party, insisting that “APGA is the soul of Ndigbo; that APGA is at the heart of survival of Igbo identity and a vehicle to Igbo’s quest to managing its own affairs politically. Col. Achuzia recalled that the

two legacies Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu left for Ndigbo were Biafra and the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APG A), and on these two, his soul rested. He said that Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu’s thought on Biafra was for a final abode where nobody could cross into to harass his people and the APGA as a platform to resist political oppression against Ndigbo in Nigeria. He posited that since the First Republic, Ndigbo were not only denied a shot at the presidency as no political party was willing to give them presidential ticket but were also prevented from having ideological political platform to rally round their own people. Col. Achuzia, a British trained

Aeronautic engineer and one-time Secretary General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural organisation, Ohanaeze Ndigbo, spoke inside in his house at Asaba, the Delta State capital, while receiving the Senior Special Assistant to Governor Willie Obiano of Anambra State on Political Matters, Hon. Arinzechukwu Awogu, who came to felicitate with him on his 90th birthday. He commended Gov. Willie Obiano for living up to the dreams of APGA’s founding fathers despite the challenges in human management and implored him to ensure that APGA produced presidential candidate in 2019 general election if Biafra tarries. The fiery war commander revealed that it was Dim chukwue-

meka Odumegwu Ojukwu’s desire to be on record that an Igbo ran for the presidency of Nigeria in every election year and that the Igbo come together under a political unity and nurture same to national mainstream. Responding, Awogu recalled that Col. Achuzia was the first chairman of APGA in Delta State and expressed happiness that the nonagenarian still strongly believed that the party should be sustained and assured him that Gov. Willie Obiano has worked exceptionally well to merit a second term mandate from the Anambra electorate, which according to Awogu, will in turn energise the party to continue to make inroads.

State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has called on the Federal Government to look more inwardly on the state of federal works going on in the state so as to give the state a facelift. Gov. Obiano made the call while receiving delegates from the Federal Ministry of Budget and National Planning, Abuja, who came to inspect the level of federal projects within the state. Speaking during the visit, Gov. Obiano represented by the Deputy Governor, Dr. Nkem Okeke, encouraged the delegates to visit the ongoing federal projects and to ascertain the extent of the work done so far. He noted that the Federal Government is owing the state about fifty billion naira on federal projects being done by the state Government and hoped that the money if realised, would be used for other pressing projects in the state. Dr. Okeke went further to state that the skill acquisition centere in the state should be given a boost so as to help curb unemployment among the teeming youths. Responding, leader of the delegation, Sen. Udo Ndoma and the representative of the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Mrs. Ann Nzegwu, stated that they were sent to inspect some of the ongoing federal projects in Anambra State.

Court grants bail to Awka company executive ÏÏÏ A Federal High Court sitting

in Awka, the Anambra State capital, has granted bail to the Managing Director of Golden City Investment Limited, Benjamin Nwaizu. Nwaizu, who had been in detention for faking and manufacturing of substandard products, had stood trial before the court following his prosecution by the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON). However, on Tuesday, Justice I.B Gafai granted him bail following a motion by his counsel, Mr. Chike Onyali, who had also asked the court to quash the charges against his client on the ground that a court of coordinate jurisdiction had heard the matter in the past and ruled in favour of Nwaizu. He said to try his client on the same matter would amount to double jeopardy which he said was against the provisions of constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. The Federal Government lawyers led by Mr. Joseph Olonfindare had opposed the motion for bail application as well as the motion for quashing matter. Olonfindare submitted that he had an amended charge against the defendant.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

CIBN grows revenue by 7.3% in 2016 Page B3

Rumoured ban: Medview airline operates Gatwick

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Insurance sector rewards investors with 1.27% earnings growth Page B7

Kano Emir warns on pipeline vandalism

Dangote Flour Mills Plc, Asue Ighodalo, and Managing Director, Dangote Flour Mills Plc, Thabo Mabe at the 11th Annual General Meeting (AGM) of Dangote Flour Mills PLc held in Lagos on Friday.

Simon Ugwu Emir of Kano, Mallam Muhammadu Sanusi II, has called on the people of Kano to individually assist in safeguarding the nation’s oil and gas facilities by watching out for pipeline vandals within their communities. Emir Sanusi made this call while receiving the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, Dr. Maikanti Kacalla Baru, at his Palace in Kano, last week. “I want to call on all our district heads, community leaders and the entire people of Kano State to consider safeguarding the nation’s oil and gas pipelines as a personal responsibility in their respective communities,” the Emir, who spoke in Hausa, stated. The Emir, who stated that the Kano Emirate would set machinery in motion to ensure that all community leaders watch out for pipeline vandals within their domain, also carpeted the economic saboteurs for their unwholesome activities. “Their actions have caused untold hardship on people’s lives and created huge negative impact on the environment as well as the economic prosperity of our nation,” the Emir added. He particularly commended the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Kacalla Baru for re-inaugurating the Kano Depot which had led to the restoration of loading operations in the state. He said as the Centre of Commerce, Kano would soon experience the positive impact of the resuscitation of the Kano depot. “It is my hope that this development will also solve the power issues of our industrial areas in Sharada, Bompai and Challawa,” he noted.

BUSINESS TIMES Head Business Azubike Nnadozie Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

Monday, May 22, 2017

Feel free to bypass DisCos, Fashola tells electricity consumers OpeOluwani Akintayo Minister for Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has said that electricity consumers are now free to bypass Distribution Companies (DisCos) and buy electricity directly from generation companies. The Minister made the declaration in a statement by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) over the weekend. In the statement, Fashola also described the four categories of eligible customers in the Nigerian electricity supply industry. According to him, the declaration is a major policy directive in the industry, targeted

to empower the consumers to buy electricity directly from licenced generation companies other than the power distribution companies. Fashola explained that the new directive is backed by the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005. Before his declaration, Nigerian electricity consumers got supplies from the power distribution companies (Discos). “The declaration, which permits electricity customers to buy power directly from the generation companies, is in line with the provisions of Section 27 of the Electric Power Sector Reform Act 2005, whereby eligible customers are permitted to buy power from a licencee other

than the electricity distribution companies,” the statement said. In exercising the power conferred on him by the said Act, the minister directed the commission to permit four categories of customers to buy power directly from licencees other than electricity distribution companies.” The first category of eligible customers, NERC noted, comprised of a group of consumers registered with the commission whose consumption was not less than two megawatts-hour/hour and connected to a metered 11 kV or 33 kV delivery point on the distribution network. These customers must be subject to a distribution use of system agreement for the delivery

of electrical energy. The commission noted that another category of eligible customers are those connected to a metered 132 kV or 330 kV delivery point on the transmission network under a transmission use of system agreement for connection and delivery of energy. Explaining further, NERC stated: “Other category of customers under the declaration consists of those with consumption in excess of 2 MW hr/h on monthly basis and connected directly to a metered 33 kV delivery point on the transmission network under a transmission use of system agreement. “Eligible customers in this CONTINUED ON PAGE B2

Nigerian banks not creating wealth, says Umahi Bonny Amadi

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State has challenged banks in Nigeria to create wealth instead of degenerating into only issues of depositing money in the banks. Umahi made his feeling known during an interactive meeting he had with CBN Financial inclusion strategy Implementation team at the Government House, Abakaliki on Thursday. The governor, who was visibly

unhappy over the bottlenecks and attitudes of some banks towards granting loans to farmers, called on the CBN to assist Ebonyi State attain its agricultural potential . “We will not welcome you again unless you take positive steps to help our state. This state is not wealthy in spite of the fact that we were the first to give palm and cement to the country. But now, how many Federal projects are on-going in this state? So, you have to help us,” he said in a statement on Friday by his Chief Press

Secretary, Emma Anya. He added, “Banks generally have degenerated to the issue of depositing money. Banks are not creating wealth in Nigeria. Can’t banks come out with programmes that create wealth amongst the people. Let me give you an example, a bank can say, ‘give me 13 people from Ebonyi State that we can take to China to learn how to make shoes and clothes.’ When so such people return, you can then give them N5 million each to buy equipment and start production.

Such people can start paying back with time but regrettably, banks are not doing so. They are not creating wealth in Nigeria. They are chasing deposits.” Umahi said now was the time for banks to start investing in people and help governments to tap their natural resources. “We must invest in our people. Look at solid minerals scattered everywhere in Ebonyi State. We are sitting on money and banks have to come and help us exploit our God-given resources. “

Business News B2 Host communities around the Dangote Cement Plant at Obajana in Kogi State have commended the Dangote Cement Plc for its numerous supports in the form of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). The four Kingdoms who are the host communities said the Dangote Cement has liberated them from economic and social backwardness, adding that “like Oliver Twist we are still asking for more.” The Kingdoms are: Apata, Iwaa, Obajana and Oyo respectively. His Royal Highness the Oba

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

Mining communities hail Dangote Cement’s CSR of Oyo Community Solomon Obahawu thumped up the Dangote Cement for resettling them and for providing other utilities that have made life meaningful to them. The philanthropic activities of the Dangote Cement Plc, according to him include the provision of yearly scholarship running into millions of naira, the construction of school and

hospital, as well as the construction concrete road. Other support from the Dangote Cement, he said include the provision of job opportunities for indigenes and for awarding them contracts at the factory. The Oba however urged the company to scale up job opportunities being offered their members. While commending the com-

pany for the hospital, he urged the government to support Dangote Cement by providing drugs and more professional health workers. Dangote has expended over a billion naira in CSR to the Obajana Plant communities. Speaking also, the Oba of Iwaa, Francis Oke Migbole said the Dangote Cement had started a economic empowerment pro-

gramme for women in Iwaa, adding that such effort should be sustained. While commending the company for its ongoing hospital project in his Kingdom, he said there was the need to speed up and complete the project. He thanked the President Alhaji Aliko Dangote for awarding them contracts in the factory to enable them help their people.

LBS consolidates on global rating, strengthens faculty The Lagos Business School has consolidated on its recent rating by the Financial Times of London as one of the leading global business school, by adding two seasoned experts to its faculty base: Dr. Oghenovo Obrimah and Marvel Ogah. Dr Oghenovo Obrimah joins the Accounting, Finance and Economics department. Obrimah holds a Ph.D. in Business & Management, with a concentration in Finance and sub-specialization in Economics from the RH Smith School of Business of the University of Maryland, College Park USA. He graduated with First Class Honors in Mathematics from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria in 1995. He was awarded a Pre-doctoral Fellowship in Economics at Yale University from 1999 to 2000, and has worked with PricewaterhouseCoopers LLC and First City Merchant Bank PLC. Obrimah’s research has been published in reputable journals such as the Journal of Economics and Business, the Quarterly Review of Economics and Fi-

nance, the African Development Review, and Annals of Financial Economics. His research interests span Venture Capital, IPOs, Public or Private Equity Markets, Financial Intermediation, Market Structure or Equilibrium, Fundamental Asset Pricing, and Monetary Policy. Marvel Ogah joins the Operations department. Ogah holds a bachelor’s degree in Chemistry from the University of Nigeria, Nsukka, an MBA in operations management from the Ambrose Alli University, and a PGD in Chemical Engineering from University of Lagos. Prior to his transition from the industry to academia, Ogah has held various leadership positions within multinational environments (Colodense Nigeria Plc, SC Johnson Nigeria, and Hello Products Limited). He has over 18 years’ experience of working and leading manufacturing operations teams towards capability building, operations strategy, business process improvement, process efficiency sustainability and lean enterprise.

Feel free to bypass DisCos, Fashola tells electricity consumers CONTINUED FROM PAGE B1

category must have entered into a bilateral agreement with the distribution licensee licensed to operate in the location for the construction, installation and operation of a distribution system for connection to the 33 kV delivery point.” The last category, according to the statement, are eligible customers whose minimum consumption is more than 2 MWhr/h over a period of one month and directly connected to the metering facility of a generation company, and have entered into a bilateral agreement for the construction and operation of a distribution line with the distribution licensee licensed to operate in the location.

The statement disclosed that the new policy directive would bring into play new and stranded generation capacities, which might be contracted between the generation companies and eligible customers. NERC said that the declaration provides that at least 20 percent of the generation capacity added by the existing or prospective generation licencees to supply eligible customers must be above the requirement of the eligible customers, saying that the supply shall be under a contract with a distribution or trading licensee at a price not exceeding the average wholesale price being charged electricity distribution companies by the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader Limited.

Governor David Umahi of Ebonyi State receiving a copy of the National Financial Inclusion Implementation Strategy from the CBN Branch Controller in Ebonyi State,Mrs Obiekwe Obiageli, in the Government House, Abakaliki on Thursday.

Rumoured ban: Medview airline operates Gatwick Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

The only Nigerian carrier on European route yesterday operated its schedule flight to London Gatwick Airport, thus putting paid to misleading reports that the EU restriction affected its UK operations. The Boeing 747 aircraft jet out of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport Ikeja with about 240 passengers on schedule at exactly 1.30pm. The Airline Chief Operating Officer/ Accountable Manager, Engineer Lookman Animashaun told journalists who had thronged the Airport to confirm the status of Medview Airline declared, “you have seen for yourself that our Lagos-London operation is not in any way been hampered”. Engineer Animashaun said Medview Airline has stabilized the fares on the route to the extent that other airlines that exploited Nigerians on the London route had to fall in line otherwise passengers will avoid them. He said the wet-leased B747 air-

craft with a 460 passenger capacity was introduced in December to take advantage of the heavy traffic during the peak period, saying the aircraft operated with full capacity throughout the season up to March. In the coming months, we will introduce the wet-leased B777 aircraft from an EU State into the route, and the B747 will be withdrawn to the Jeddah route for Hajj operations, the COO said.

Intending passengers had for the past three days besieged the airline offices nationwide to verify the authenticity of the misleading report about EU restriction and heaved a sigh of relief when told that the London operation was not affected. The airline had on Wednesday May, 17 2017, which was a day after the purported restriction operated its schedule flight to London, and returned on Thursday morning.

Alhaji Muneer Alade Bankole, Chief Executive Officer - Medview Airlines.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, April 3, 2017

Stories by Motolani Oseni In spite of the economic challenges encountered in 2016 by companies and associations operating across various sectors in the country, the Chartered Institute of Bankers of Nigeria (CIBN) has declared improved revenue of N936.2 million in 2016 against N872.45 million in 2015, representing an increase of 7.3 percent in the year under review. This is even as the institute’s Ethics and Professionalism Division, says it received no less than 136 petitions with claims that amounted to N27.6bn from bank customers in 2016, but were able to fully resolve 79 cases, translating into a total refund of N3billion. The institute made this disclosure at its 2017 Annual General Meeting (AGM), held over the weekend, saying the revenue generated represent a growth rate of 18 per cent in 2016 from a net

Money Market

CIBN grows revenue by 7.3% in 2016 … Resolves 79 customers’ complaints with N3b refund

worth of N1.50 billion in 2015 to 1.77 billion in 2016, data obtained from the council’s latest annual report and account has revealed. The President/Chairman of Council, Prof Segun Ajibola, said the net operating surplus of N231.8 million declared in the year under review shows a slight increase from the N225.6 million recorded in 2015. Prof. Ajibola, noted that the institute’s financial performance in the year 2016 reflects its healthy Financial position, and also affirms that the policies formulated and implemented to ensure that the CIBN’s long term financial independence is guaranteed and indeed yielding fruits. “The modest achievement

of the financial numbers stated above was the result of a relentless focus on implementing agreed measures and policies aimed at ensuring that the journey towards the full realization of the institute’s vision is not hampered or hobbled by a lack of financial capacity”, he explained. Commenting on the global and national economic trends in 2016, Prof Ajibola, pointed out that the global economic environment in 2016 according to the World Bank witnessed stagnant global trade, subdued investment and heightened policy uncertainty. He added that while growth in advanced economies was 1.6 per cent in 2016, Emerging Market and Developing Economies (EM-

DEs) grew by an estimated 3.4 per cent in the same year. The CIBN President further explained that among commodity exporters, output expanded by an estimated 0.3 per cent, as a result of some improvement in Brazil and Russia (after the impact of recession in these two countries abated) and a modest increase in commodity prices. However, for commodity importers, growth in 2015 was estimated at 5.6 per cent, reflecting resilient domestic demand and generally accommodative microeconomic policies. On the home front, Prof Ajibola, said that the federal government in May 2016 removed the subsidy on fuel thereby increas-

ing the pump price from N87 to. N147 per litre, the international price of crude oil increased to $54. But in order to address the unabated foreign exchange crisis in the country in 2016, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in June last year introduced a managed flexible exchange rate regime for the value of the currency to be market-determined. Explaining other major economic indicators in the year under review, Ajibola cited inflation rate reaching 18.55 per cent in December 2016 from 9.6 percent in January of the same year. Although, the increase in the pump price of fuel was one of the major factors attributed to the rise in inflation.

Keystone Bank empowers women entrepreneurs

Keystone Bank held the reins of the Women Empowerment segment of the recently concluded International Women’s Day with many of the women in the small scale operators in the rural areas. The lender believed that if the entrepreneurs are provided with the right kind of support, can have significant effects on the economy. Commenting on this development, the Acting Managing Director of Keystone Bank, Mr. Hafiz Bakare stated that Keystone Bank is committed to supporting initiatives that empower women and youths explaining that this is in line with the pillars of the Bank’s Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR). He added that women are the bedrock of social and moral values and as such support for programmes like this is not only significant but essential. As part of the Women Empowerment Programme sponsored by Keystone Bank, 10 indigenous women were trained and provided with start-up kits in various vocational skills. In the same in vein, the Group Head, Oil & Gas (Corporate Banking) at Keystone Bank, Mrs Nnenna Kayode-Lawal said, “Beyond being one of our CSR pillars, the focus on supporting women in the society stems from the fact that women remain the largest untapped reservoir of talent in the world.

L - R: Abba Bello, MD/ CEO, NEXIM Bank; Sarah E. Hager-Loss, Research Manager, Centre for New Structural Economics, Peking University; and Hon. Sarah Okotete, ED, Business Development, NEXIM Bank at the meeting between NEXIM Bank and the Made-inNigeria (MINE) Project team on Thursday.

Forex, poor infrastructure, bane of economic growth - AFBTE … Tasks CBN on high lending rate, FX restrictions

The Association of Food, Beverage and Tobacco Employers (AFBTE) has identified exclusion of 41 items in accessing foreign exchange, most regarded to be essential raw materials to the industrial sector, as well as poor infrastructural development, among many others as bane of Nigerian economy growth. The outgoing president of the association, Mr Paul Gbedebo, believed the Central Bank of Nigerian (CBN) could strengthen the industrial sector by removing all obstacles restraining the growth and competitiveness of the sector. Speaking at the 38th annual general meeting (AGM) of the association, last week-

end in Lagos, Gbadebo noted that such obstacles include the indiscriminate changes in the Monetary Policy Rate (MPR) which changed as many as four times between 2014 and June 2016 with its distorting effects on the economy. For instance, he said that the official forex market as well as the failure to synchronize monetary and fiscal policy actions is also a major obstacle to the development of industry. He, therefore, explained that the impact of recession in the manufacturing sector during the year was aggravated by recurring challenges of multiple taxation, inadequate power supply, high cost of gas, double

digit interest rate, unabated smuggling among others He said that the official forex market as well as the failure to synchronize monetary and fiscal policy actions is also a major obstacle to the development of industry. Gbededo therefore, mentioned that the impact of recession in the manufacturing sector during the year was aggravated by recurring challenges of multiple taxation, inadequate power supply, high cost of gas, double digit interest rate, unabated smuggling among others Noting that, this eventually resulted into loss of jobs, while those companies who didn’t retrench work-

ers, reviewed downward their staff salaries and allowances. The outgoing AFBTE president noted that if these obstacles are carefully handled that this will enable the sector to be optimally productive to play its expected role of employment generation, capital mobilization, wealth creation and technology acquisition. According to him, ‘ we expect government to reduce company income tax (CIT) for manufacturer, as a way of attracting further investment aimed at pulling the economy out of recession has been done in other countries with success” Paul Gbededo, who is also the Group managing direc-

tor, Flour Mills of Nigeria Plc. however, said that the ongoing intervention of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) is commendable and should be sustained. He advised that it would be desirable to have convergence of the various foreign exchange markets to asset investors and manufacturers in their planning a projection But mentioned that the association wants the government to adjust Value Added tax, and personal Income tax downward as the country has gone into recession with growth of the productive sector being significantly negative and consumption has whittled down as a result of inflation.

Capital Market B4 Afolabi Adesola The equities market closed lower for the week ended 19th May 2017 following profit taking, majorly in the oil & gas and consumer goods names. This reflects the Index’s first decline in four weeks, after gaining 11.6 percent in the last three weeks. The Oil and gas Index recorded the largest loss in the week under review, with a negative week to date (wtd) return of 3.26 percent. The decline was as a result of traders liquidating their holdings in Seplat which dropped 8.13 percent, Total which fell 1.45 percent and Forte Oil that declined 5.00 percent. The Consumer Goods and In-

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

Equities market records 1st decline in 4 weeks … As NSE All-Share Index dips by 0.28% dustrial Goods Indices likewise closed lower, following a decline of 1.48 percent and 0.12 percent respectively as an outcome of selloffs in Nigerian Breweries that dropped 3.38 percent, CCNN that shed 8.18 percent, Dangote Cement decline of 1.22percent and Unilever’s depreciation of 0.03 percent. Consequently, the NSE AllShare Index depreciated by 0.28percent to close the week 28,113.38 and Market Capitalization depreciated by 0.27 percent

to close the week at N9.719 trillion. The NSE Banking, Insurance, and Pension indices however advanced by 2.58 percent, 0.38 percent, and 0.97percent respectively, while the NSE ASeM Index closed flat. May & Baker led the week’s thirty price advancing equities, which were lower than fifty-seven equities of the previous week, while Newrest (Air service) topped thirty-one equities that depreciated in price, higher than

thirteen depreciating equities of the previous week. One hundred and twelve equities remained unchanged last week. This was higher than one hundred and three equities recorded in the preceding week. Total volume for the week traded by investors in 20,710 deals declined by 30.24 percent to 2.27 billion shares against 3.26 billion previous week while the value of trades increased by 28.13 percent to N32.65 billion from N28.74 billion recorded previously.

L – R: General Manager, Proudly Nigerian Campaign, Mr. Michael Abugo; Visioner/Founder, Proudly Nigeria Campaign Organization, Olorogun Elkanah Mowarin and the project consultant, Mr. Andrew Odioko, during the press briefing by Proudly Nigerian campaign project, held in Lagos.

FBNH chairman assures shareholders on bumper earnings, dividends Bonny Amadi Shareholders of FBN Holdings plc have been assured of bumper dividend in 2018, following strategies put in place to check impairments, manage cost, enhancing risk management frameworks and de-risking risk portfolios. The assurance was given at the company’s 5th annual general meeting in Lagos, during which the shareholders not only approved the 20 kobo per share dividend or N7.2 billion total dividends, but lauded the company’s board for recording profitability in 2016 believed to be Nigeria’s most challenging 2016 financial year in the past ten years. Dr. Oba Otudeko, Chairman FBNH Plc while assuring the shareholders

of better performance and returns on their investments in the present year said “we are confident that our group’s sound governance structure, resilient business model and the continued momentum reflected in our strategic business will, guarantee valuable returns in 2017 and beyond” Otudeko said that 2016 was characterized with operational and environmental challenges that cut across all sectors including the finance sector, leading to weak performances recorded in the year under consideration. According to the holding company’s chairman, in 2016, most economic indicators regressed remarkably an d for the first time in over a decade, inflation rate maintained upward momentum while economy contracted throughout the year.

He recalled that by the end of 2016 financial year, year on year headline inflation rate peaked at 18.6 per cent, against 9.1 per cent in the preceding year, developments he said impacted negatively across businesses in the country including FBNH Plc. Ire respective of the challenges, Otudeko said that contributions by the subsidiaries remained upbeat as the company is positioned to outperform its 2016 record in 2017 ,based on strategic

business strategy to guide against higher positioning as well as check cost and risk mitigation. He revealed that the company’s gross earnings as at the ed of 2016 financial year stood at N581 billion, total asset close the year at N4.7 trillion, while active customers account stood at 12.4 million, revealing that First Bank has remained the leader in electronic banking services across the country with 2,779 automated teller machines across the country.

Summary of activities on NSE ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP

28,113.38 4,100.00 305,973,950.00 5,399,321,217.49 9,718,952,811,772.29

Regulatory challenges still bane of capital market – Okezie Bonny Amadi Challenges posed by regulation in the Nigerian business environment have been identified as part of the major issues retarding progress of the Nigerian capital market. Mr. Boniface Okezie, national coordinator, progressive shareholders Association of Nigeria disclosed this to Daily Times Nigeria, recently in Lagos. He said that e-dividend currently are affected more than 48 hours after the due date, raising fresh concerns. Okezie fingered policy summersault, shallow policies and the commitment of regulators to meting out financial sanctions against setting up institutions to check abuses, as major challenges eroding confidence of investors in the capital market. Okezie told Daily Times that discontinuation of the cashless policy by the government revealed that most of the policies were not deep rotted, but shallow and therefore could not stand the test of time. The policy he said, forced many financial houses to invest heavily in order to comply with regulatory requirement, but now it has been nullified, such investments have been rubbished. The PSAN national coordinator said that such policy that has been encountering challenges in the capital is the e-dividend policy. According to Okezie, most claims by companies that their dividend is payable on the same day of approval by shareholders is usually false and could in future trigger a protracted court action.

Shareholders laud Dangote Flour Mills despite nil dividend declaration Afolabi Adesola Even though Dangote Flour Mills (DFM) Shareholders received no dividend for investing in the company last year, feedback from shareholders revealed that the financial position and return to profitability of the company is sufficient enough reward after declaring losses for the previous four years. A shareholder who spoke at the company’s 11th Annual General Meeting held in Lagos on Friday applauded the company for reviving the Kano factory, which helped to improve sales volumes as well as turnover. In the business year under review, the company’s flour business reopened its Kano plant and improved

on its sales and operations capabilities. The shareholder speaking to the Directors at the meeting, while holding and referring to pages 47 and 48 of the company’s annual report, said, “I want to commend you for this result. It clearly shows that this board is highly proactive and ready to tackle the problems of this company. You have significantly reduced the accumulated losses and reduced borrowings, I believe that under your leadership we should be able to receive dividends in the next couple of years.” In response to the comments, Chairman Dangote Flour Mills, Mr. Asue Ighodalo further elaborated on the company’s performance in the 15 month period under review.

13-Feb 16-Feb 19-Feb 22-Feb 25-Feb 28-Feb 03-Mar 06-Mar 09-Mar 12-Mar 15-Mar 18-Mar 21-Mar 24-Mar 27-Mar 30-Mar 02-Apr 05-Apr 08-Apr 11-Apr 14-Apr 17-Apr 20-Apr 23-Apr 26-Apr 29-Apr 02-May 05-May 08-May 11-May 14-May 17-May 20-May

B5 Daily Times Nigeria Monday May 22, 2017

29,500 NSE All Share Index Naira Value (m)

27,000

22,000

99,000

79,000

59,000

24,500 39,000

19,000

(1,000)

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

B6 CSR

Between CSR, corporations and community development

Stories by Godwin Anyebe

All over the world, the role of Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR) towards community development is not only important to members of communities alone but to brand owners as well. Besides a universally accepted role in philanthropic work of corporations, CSR projects are today achieving greater sustainability in their efforts resulting in growth and change in communities. This evolution has been possible due to the collaboration of corporations with the development sector, especially none governmental organisations (NGOs). Report shows that from the past five decades, the western world has been looking at several dimensions of CSR; legal, ethical as well as discretionary. But in Nigeria, It is only in recent years that dedicated CSR departments and staff have appeared in companies. These trained professionals are designing effective community oriented projects which are transforming communities albeit, in a small focused manner. While it is still contested whether corporations should have social responsibilities beyond a wealth generating function, the world is increasingly seeing corporations fulfilling broader social goals. These have been happening within business firms with initiatives like changing methods of production to reduce environmental impacts, changing employee relations both within the firm and across the firms’ supply chains. The initiatives outside the firm in-

clude making infrastructural investments in local communities or as more widely seen in philanthropic community initiatives. Checks reveal that, earlier corporations found it difficult to understand the consequences of social and economic goals. Social goals were directed towards stakeholders and economic goals towards shareholders. It soon emerged that the development of the both these groups needed to be directly proportional and this led entrepreneurs to believe that profit making need not be the only corporate goal. As a result, companies started practicing social responsibility activities on a voluntary basis to attain various results such as building strong company - stakeholder relationship, motivating employees to enhance production, influencing the community for development and reducing the threat to environment. Companies also have a history of adapting the approaches advocated in professional social work. This has resulted in good employee engagement practices besides the engagement of other stakeholders the deprived communities. Speaking to the Daily Times on this issue, a brand management consultant, Bernard Okhakume said, “Community development is based on the principles of fairness, equality, accountability, opportunity, choice, participation, mutuality, reciprocity and continuous learning with core emphasis on educating, enabling and empowering community members. True development is facilitated when

Honorable Commissioner, Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Kaduna State, Hajia Hafsat Mohammed Baba, Hajia. Amina Mohammed, Regional Sales Manager (North), Power Oil, Executive Governor of Kaduna State - Mallam Nasir El- Rufa’i(Ofr), Omotayo Azeez, Public Relations Manager, Power Oil,Opeyemi Awojobi, National Coordinator, Power Oil Health Camp during the Official Flag Off of Power Oil Health Camp & Kaduna State recently in Kaduna.

citizens from all strata of society engage together with a sense of community solidarity through combined processes, programs, strategies, and activities.” While speaking on individuals or groups that could be potential partners for community development through CSR, he said; “the external organizations which can be potential partners for Corporate Citizenship include government and non-government organizations, corporations such as small and medium enterprises (SMEs) and multinational corporations. The emphasis should be on instilling creativity and self-reliance in the community for short and long term goals taking forward Community development as an educational as well as an organization-

al process.” According to him, “CSR is in line with United Nations’ ‘Global Compact’ initiative which is the largest corporate citizenship and sustainability endeavor with 4700 corporate participants and stakeholders from 130 countries for promoting human right corporate sustainability. Through this initiative, CSR aims to build markets, combat corruption, safe-guard environment and ensure social inclusion through partnerships among business, government, civil society, labour and United Nations. This ever-increasing understanding is reflected in the growth of the community development seen in Nigeria” Speaking on participation and collaboration, he pointed out that, “CSR

has an important role in strengthening close link of collaboration, participation and co-operation between corporations and community. For example, Shell Foundation in the Flower Valley and Marks and Spencer in Africa gave aid to underprivileged communities through CSR projects. Malaysian reality show ‘Bersamamu’ of TV3 is sponsored by Syarikat Faiza Sendirian Berhad (SFSB), which is local enterprise-cum-philanthropist who responded to government’s appeal to help impoverished community to improve their livelihoods through help from the local media for publicity and audience support. This show focusses on the life of poverty and every purchase of Faiza’s Product, entitles the buyer to make a donation to Tabung

Bersamamu TV3. This is a novel endeavor which may inspire other corporations to help the nation in its effort of alleviating poverty leading to development of community. “Technology corporations can benefit community and support business objectives through their CSR laden technical expertise by facilitating data collection for public organizations. Ex. Intel and IBM in U.S. assisted under-staffed police departments by collecting and processing information of regions with high crime rate.” He added. He also stated that, “through CSR, organizations evolve a corporate sustainability framework based on a set of economic, social and environmental objectives which are progressive.

Power oil, Kaduna State collaborate on community engagement It is yet another commendable step for Raffles Oil LFTZ Enterprise, makers of cooking oil brand, Power Oil, to have entered into another partnership with the Kaduna State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development through its medical outreach project, Power Oil Health Camp Project to provide free basic medical health check-up for the indigenes. The collaboration was officially flagged off by the Executive Governor of Kaduna, Mallam Nasir El- Rufa’i(OFR) and his wife Arc. Hadiza Isma El- Rufa’i during the 2nd Kaduna Women

Economic Empowerment Summit, themed: “Enabling Access & Participation Linking Women to Resources”, held at Arewa House recently in Kaduna. Power Oil Health Camp which is already established in 13 locations across Nigeria offering free basic medical health check up to communities in the area of BMI check, Blood pressure & free medical consultation will be moving from one Local Government to another in Kaduna together with another team of medical experts being deployed by the Kaduna State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social

Development to conduct HIV & Malaria test. Commenting on the partnership, Amisha Chawla, Brand Manager, Power Oil said this collaboration with Kaduna State through the Ministry of Women Affairs & Social Development means a lot to the brand, as the long term plan is to cover the entire nation promoting a good eating habit and ultimately healthy lifestyle amongst Nigerians. The Honorable Commissioner, Kaduna State Ministry of Women Affairs and Social Development, Hajia Hafsat

Mohammed Baba stated that a healthy and empowered woman is the key to a prosperous future in the state and the society at large, that is why it is important working together towards the pursuance of the Agenda of gender and social inclusion policy to protect women and girl child in the state with the support of the Executive Governor of the Kaduna State. Honourable Commissioner expressed gratitude while commending the private institutions that have come onboard to support the effort of the Ministry and Kaduna State towards

ensuring a healthy state especially for the women. We see this as an excellent partnership with the Power Oil team and we hope that it will be sustainable enough to comb through the rural areas so they also can get properly enlightened about living a healthy lifestyle. According to Omotayo Azeez, Public Relations Manager, Power Oil, she said that the medical teams will be moving around from places to places presenting the opportunity to free BMI & blood pressure check, HIV & Malaria test, heart health talks, product give away etc.

Insurance B7

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

Insurance sector rewards investors with 1.27% earnings growth Stories by Bonny Amadi The Nigerian insurance subsector of the finance sector has sustained investor’s interest garnered in the first quarter to the second quarter, development which has elevated year to date performance to 1.27 per cent. The sector which comprised of mainly low priced stocks listed on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) outperformed the NSE All Share-Index weekly change with 0.48 per cent, while the NSE ASI weekly change stood at -0.28 per cent. The insurance stocks which cross section of analysts have predicted will become the market driver in

the NSE based on vast earning opportunities and underpriced nature of its stocks, year to date has maintained positive returns on investments. Analysis of the transactions on listed insurance stocks showed that the sector under the NSE Insurance index opened the week ended 19th May 2017 at 127.41 points and closed the week higher at 127.89 posting 0.48 per cent weekly change The positive performance which has trailed the sector since the beginning of the year capped the week to date (WTD) change at 0.38 per cent, while for a month’s transaction, the sector recorded growth by 3.23 per cent, this increased slightly on a three

months trading period at 3.29 per cent, while the year to date, NSE Insurance index has rewarded investors with 1.27 per cent growth, Eddie Efekoha, Managing Director of Consolidated HallMark Insurance Plc recently revealed that the Insurance sector has sustained dialogue with the government on ways of growing the economy which he said provided great opportunity for the industry. “You have seen that the minister recently engaged the market and has continued to engage the market to unlock its potential” he added that the government through actions and meetings with the sector has demonstrated that in its bid to get the economy

out of recession, the insurance sector can no longer be neglected and this provided greater opportunity for the players in the industry.

Mohammed Kari

Law Union & Rock, AIICO lead top five traded insurance stocks The vibrancy of the Nigerian equities market and the insurance subsector in particular was driven by key five insurance stocks that commanded huge volumes traded by investor’s during the week ended Friday 19th May 2017. The top five insurance companies led by Law Union and Rock Insurance Plc, AIICO Insurance, UNIC Diversified Holdings , Regency Alliance and Standard Alliance pulled a total turnover of 69,182 million shares, accounting for over about 90 per cent of the total turnover recorded by the sector during the week which stood at 72,843,582 million shares. The performances of the highly traded insurance stocks during the week showed that Law Union and Rock Insurance recorded the highest equity turnover in the insurance sector during the week as at a price of 0.84 per share, total volume of 33,220,234 million shares worth N26, 593,111.52 was transacted by investors in 24 deals during the week. Daily Times recalls that late April 2017, about 2.1 per cent equity in Law Union and Rock Insurance Plc was swapped at a premium in a pre-arranged transaction that was merely streamlined through the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE). The transaction report, indi-

cated that a deal was struck for the transfer of 90 million ordinary shares of 50 kobo each at above-the-market price of N1.10. The transaction represented 2.09 per cent of the total issued shares of Law Union and the price represented a premium of 50.7 per cent on the insurance company’s current market price of 73 kobo at the Exchange. The deal, according to the report, was done through the

off-market, negotiated cross deals window of the Exchange and as such was not subjected to the dynamics of price discovery for the particular period. Off-market trade implied that the deal was sealed outside the floor of the NSE. The NSE’s negotiated cross deal platform, is a special-purpose trading platform that is meant for voluminous transaction. By the cross deal, it implies that the buyer and the

seller had been prearranged and the transfer at the stock market was a mere perfection of the agreement between the two. The negotiated cross deal allows the parties to the deal to close the deal at reduced cost. However, AIICO, which held its Annual General meeting during the week under review in Lagos, followed in turnover. Trading at 52 kobo per share, AIICO commanded total transacted volume of 21,455,839 million shares, worth N11, 013,336.90, which exchanged hands in 234 deals. Wapic Insurance which traded at 0.50kobo per share, placed third in activity table with 5,847,184 million shares worth N2, 924,294.33 million exchanged by investors in 148 deals. N.E.M INSURANCE Company placed fourth on the week’s activity table, with equity price of N1.03 per share, the company transacted 5,078,029 million shares worth N4, 828,920.72 million , which exchanged hands in 92 deals, while Continental Re-Insurance closed the top five active insurance companies table last week with a turnover of 3,582,256 million shares worth N4,361,816.02 million in 95 deals. The company traded at N1.26 per share.

AXA Mansard, Continental- Re remain top priced insurance stocks THE Nigerian Insurance sector provides sound investment opportunity for investors with focus on growing their portfolios and generating financial returns. The top five price issuance stocks as at the close of trade Friday 19th May 2017 showed earning opportunities ,as cross section of analysts maintained that the top priced insurance stocks are undervalued and could generate short to medium term 100 per cent growth in equity pricing. During the week, some of the top priced insurance companies commanded high volume, while others maintained subtle turnover. The top five priced insurance stocks for the week showed that Axa Mansard which held its Annual General Meeting (AGM) last week, sustained sector price leadership at N1.58 per share. The company during the week pulled a turnover of 1,950,547 million shares worth N3,111, 077.53 million. Continental Reinsurance followed trailed behind Axa Mansard with equity price valued at N1.26 per share. The company during the week recorded a turnover of 3,582,256 million shares worth N4, 361,816.02 million in 95 deals. NEM insurance clinched the third most price insurance stock last week with equity piece of N1.03 per share. NEM, during the week emerged as top traded insurance company with 5,078,029 million shares worth N4, 828,920.72 million recorded in 92 deals. Law Union and Rock Insurance Plc. Law union during the week commanded 0.84 kobo per share. The company during the week pulled the sector’s highest turnover for the week, pulling 33,220,234 million shares worth N26, 593, 111.52, traded by investors in 24 deals. Linkage Assurance closed the top five priced insurance stock last week at 0.58kobo per share. The company during the week recorded a turnover of 619,740 shares worth N328, 911.10 transacted by investors in 14 deals.

Orimolade

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

Business Interview

PHIA: One airport where everything work operationally –Nwobu Engr. Chigbo Nwobu is the Airport Manager of Port Harcourt International Airport (PHIA). In this interview with CHUKWUEMEKE IWELUNMO, Nwobu assures that all its facilities are working operationally, adding that the airport is the third most viable in the country. Excerpts… What airlines come in and go out of Port Harcourt International Airport? I am sure you know that Port Harcourt International Airport is among the most viable airports in Nigeria. It can only be compared with Murtala Murhammed International Airport MMIA, Lagos and Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport, NAIA, Abuja. So I can authoritatively say that Port Harcourt International Airport is the third most viable airport in Nigeria. Virtually all the airlines come here. It is very viable for the Federal Government. How have you been coping with power? Do you have dedicated power lines to service the airport? Incidentally, before I came here, the biggest challenge we had was power supply. By the grace of God, when I came, I had to meet Port Harcourt Power Company here and they graciously granted us 11KVA dedicated line at no cost to the organization. From then, we have been on steady power supply. Before, you can barely have constant power supply with the generator, which is a secondary source. We have four on our line and it is a dedicated line. It is one of the greatest achievements that we have made here since inception. I am not aware of any other airport that has achieved that feat at a short period and at no cost. All of us are happy for that achievement. Airport operation is all about power, water and other basic infrastructure that you must need. What can you say about the fire tender? The fire tender is in perfect condition. Port Harcourt International Airport is one of the airports that all the tenders are working, including an old equipment vehicle that I met here, that was not working; that has been put in order. If you have a crash at the runway, that equipment can move it out and it has a generating set to back up the people fighting fire. It is equipment vehicle that goes with tender. All the tenders are working and in perfect condition. What we do here basically is preventive maintenance. When they are due for maintenance with

their maintenance schedule, we give them attention. When you do this, you don’t have them broken down. Broken down maintenance is not good because when it breaks down, before you finish, the other one is down. But if you do preventive maintenance which is what we do here, then you will always have your equipment working all the time. We don’t apply these preventive maintenance to tenders alone, we also apply it to other equipment such as the generator. Once the generator runs for about 250 hours, we give them the required attention and service them. We keep them running, all of them and there is no one that is not working. That is how you get the best out of them. But what does it involve. It involves expenditure, pre budgeting for these things because these are fixed cost carry on monthly bases to ensure that our operation is sustained. What about the issue of security? We have tried to improve security at the airport. If you go round, you will not see any porous fence. It is constantly patrolled by the security department. We are trying to install CCTV to cover those area but the job has not been realized now. By the time they finish that, you will be in a room and you see whatever happens around the environment and see where you need intervention so that you can muster force when needed. Although, they have not been installed but security has tremendously improved. The system has also recruited some staff that they posted. You may ask if they are enough; but the truth is that they can never be enough because nothing is ever enough. If you are good in what you are doing, you have to equally optimize. Optimization comes in here. You may have 5 workers; if you manage them well, they can produce more than where you have some 10 that are not properly placed. This is actually the measures we adopt here. We train the trainer. We train the good ones that know what they are doing. In what areas do you think you can generate revenue through non aeronautical ventures?

Nwobu

Before, it is part of priority to give allocations and pay salary. As a matter of fact, the current leadership of FAAN is trying to abolish the system of releases, so that you work within your budget. What we are given is monthly maintenance allocation. But what we are doing here is to ensure that it carries us till the following month because such monthly allocations are not supposed to finish in one day. So when you have your fixed cost that you know you carry every month and now you get this money and you pay your bills and get critical things that will run the operation till the next allocation comes. Nothing is enough, but if the allocation is well managed, the fund can stay till next month when the next one would be released. Prioritizing and ranking of events are critical to what we do, so as to do these things, we ought to do. It is not a matter of saying that there are no resources. There is none that will ever be enough. Even when you run out of resources and what you are doing is known, the Managing Director usually assist you to get it done. How about the construction project going on at the airport? This project was abandoned but I am happy to say that the construction workers are back to site. We can argue about the speed of work which is an area I

have been following up to ensure that some of the hurdles they have are removed so as to ensure quick competition. I can tell you and it is even wonderful that they are back to site, at least I can see them. Before I wasn’t seeing anybody because it was abandoned. This existing building that we are staying is equally uncompleted. So when you are talking about rating, it was laughable because even where we are now is still uncompleted. If you go up, you will see that they are still working. These are all challenges that really disturbed our operations and facilitations. Port Harcourt International Airport is one airport where everything is working operationally. There are lots of other things you are not seeing that make up the airport. For example, the runway is in perfect condition, the airfield lightings are in shape, the approaches, the ILS, VOR are all in perfect condition. So we shouldn’t be looking at the buildings and all those things alone. Some people would even argue what makes an airport. As much as I believe that both are important, the most important things are those operational things that make an aircraft come in safely and take off. There is also a new international terminal, apart from this one. Before the end of the year, I am sure that project will be realized. And by

next year, the two terminals will be functional. Despite our pain, our gains will start coming and passenger will all be happy. How do you cope with the passengers? The passengers know we are doing these things for them. We have equally improved in quite a number of things so much. We are making the place more comfortable, for them. When they see you making genuine efforts, they are happy; they become more patient with you than when you don’t see their own side at all. What are the major challenges? Operating in an uncompleted building is one. Power is another challenge; boreholes is also a challenge but we have tackled all of them. When you prioritize and tackle those challenges, they give way. For instance, everything we are doing here since I come have a backup system. It is cost intensive but it is worth doing. Formerly, we had one power generating set but now, we have got a second one. Because the building is not completed, we cannot get the right cooling system in form of chillers. Meanwhile, we are supporting it with fans. Do you have any support from the State Government? I wouldn’t know of any support for now. We appreciate them if it comes but there is none for now. Even allowing us to operate here is support. Support doesn’t just have to be money alone. If you make an environment conducive for airport operators, that is support. People should not see state support only when they come and build something or give manager money. They have a protocol lounge built here and we run it for them. They give us free hand to run it and that is the only way it can be run professionally. I can equally say, maybe that is the support we are getting now. What is the relationship between Civil Aviation, airspace managers and Aviation Security? The relationship is perfect. The style of management here is system approach. All these people you called, I still see them as if they are in FAAN. It is a system based management. Any sub system is important. We take aviation as a system. FAAN, NAMA, NIMET are all sub system. Remove NAMA from what I am doing, then I wouldn’t even be here. There was even a time that we were all together in one body. You find out it is important to close those gaps. Once one is not functioning well, it is going to affect the other. What message do you have for the passengers? I have been telling them to be patient with us. That we are doing all these things for them. It is all for them.

Life&

TIMES Monday, May 22, 2017

Top celebritiesâ&#x20AC;&#x2122; marriage crash that took us by storm

Opinion L2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

Celebrities and Marriage Nwaokocha Daniel

(Pics: Toke Makinwa, Tonto Dike & 9ice) When 2017 kicked off, it was a grand celebration. People made merry and smiles were masks for a lot of people. But little did we know that 2017 would be the break point of relationship; ranging from secondary breaks ups, to marriages, to most of the top most celebrities in our closest neighborhood. We all know that celebrity

also claimed that the actress has a mental illness which by him, has been affecting her for a while and according to him, he had always been there for her all through the years they to have witnessed Lanre abusing his wife. Sharing a photo Lanre beat his wife to a point she tried to separate them.

other relationship outside the entertainment industry to kickoff. Even when look at the couples who pose and post pictures of them having a swell time all love up towards each other, we aspire to be like them when it comes to making relationship decisions. On the other hand, we look at relationships that fail and we look at the reasons as to why they fail and we do everything possible to avoid the bumps, so we do not end up like they did. The reasons, as we all know are numerous and sometimes, we could say silly; Looking at some of the top Personalities in our Entertainment world, we take a look at reasons why they had to split up or end a prosperous relationship and we lay out our opinions about them.

charge of domestic violence, assault and a threat to life, Lanre pleaded not guilty to all charges. Presently, Lanre has OPINION saying goes thus; the day you raise your hand over a woman is the day you stop being a man. No matter what she does balance in your life. Beating her will be the worst mistake you which she brings also goes with her.

an affair with a port Harcourt- based woman. It hit the social media radio on-air personality soon separated from her then husband who, forcefully, had to apologize to her as he begged for privacy to deal with the affairs. However, the two were spotted in December, feminist fans who felt that she should have left Maje and moved on. OPINION When you have a good girl/woman in the house and you still decide to go out and play some other card with another woman,

glamorous celebrity wedding in 2012. Months after, reports of

the heat and soon opted out of the marriage.

what you have, and cherish and value it before it becomes too late. owing to his romantic relationship. His girlfriend, Maima, is rumored reportedly to be engaged in extra marital-affairs with is, publicly defended his lady; but when the evidence leaked out unto the media, he had to publicly break up with her in the eyes of the public severally but when everything appeared so obvious he dropped some heartbroken tweets to end the infamous relationship.

went viral. It was a strong sign that their marriage was about to go titanic as many friends, families, well-wishers and also fans of Mercy, wished and hoped that it was a publicity stunts. But then a media pages that she was domestically violated by her husband. However, Lanre indulged us that he has never beaten his wife. He Between Tonto and Olakunle, it was the same thing as Mercy

alcohol abuse, marijuana and more. The rumor goes that Tonto got pregnant six months after they met and that triggered him to take the next step by paying her bride price. He also stated that he has been into real estate since he was 22 years old and he had four on the other hand, said she always used her social media platforms had their slip early into the year, 2017. Opinion

We do wish them well in whatever they intend to do.

more controversial as it was rumored to have involved a third party, rapper Ruggedman, and a now infamous song, Once Bitten

Life&

T E A M

separation as a result of the drama, Tony Payne, who has a child, Zion, with 9ice declared her innocence of the cheating reaction, 9ice

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, May 22, 2017

Nutrition

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, May 22, 2017

The dark side of Slimming Pills