12th August 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,566

FRIDAY, 12 AUGUST, 2016

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No legislator can be charged for Wild polio virus performing his constitutional —P4 returns, 2 duty —Dogara years after •We won't punish anyone for padding —APC •Investigators to visit Dogara's farm in Nasarawa

How Nigeria suddenly became poor —Buhari —P33

•FG to borrow N110bn through bond next week

—Pp3,12

Edo poll: INEC clears Ize-Iyamu, Obaseki, 17 others —P5 FG vows to drag 700,000 companies into tax net —P11

From left, President, Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote; Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo; President, Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Dr (Mrs) Nike Akande and the Minister of Budget and National Planning, Senator Udoma Udoma, at the 2016 Presidential Policy Dialogue Session organised by the LCCI, at the Eko Hotel & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, on Thursday.

Oyo govt sets up tax enforcement —P32 team •To fine, jail tax evaders

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Friday, 12 August, 2016

How Nigeria suddenly became poor —Buhari Leon Usigbe - Abuja

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RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has observed that Nigeria is now a poor country, but that commitment to transparency and accountability is helping his administration, despite severe shortage of resources in the country.

He made the remark on Thursday, at the State House, Abuja, while receiving the United Nations Population Fund (UNFPA) Executive Director and Under Secretary General of the United Nations, Professor Babatunde Osotimehin.

He said: “It has been a very difficult year for Nigeria. Before we came to office, petroleum sold for about $100 per barrel. Then, it crashed to $37 and now oscillates between $40 and $45 per barrel.

“Suddenly, we are a poor country, but commitment to transparency and accountability is not making people know that there is severe shortage.”

Asking UNFPA to bear with Nigeria in whichever area the country could not live up to its responsibilities for now, President Buhari said exploding population and different cultural practices in the country provided fertile ground for research to organisations like UNFPA. The president thanked the UN agency for its commitment to saving lives in Nigeria, particularly women and children.

On food security, President Buhari said reports from the North-East of the country were encouraging, as people were returning to their farmlands, with the guarantee of relative security.

Professor Osotimehin, a former Minister of Health,

said UNFPA was determined to promote health care facilities across the country, noting that reduction of maternal mortality was doable, if the country paid more attention to accessing health facilities and

human resources to run them.

He also encouraged Nige-

ria to commit to providing resources for health care on a rollover basis, pledg-

THE Kaduna State government has explained that the decision to clear illegal structures erected under ‘High Tension National Grid Lines’ at Barkallahu community, in Igabi Local Government Area of the state, is to prevent a looming disaster that will result in loss of lives and property.

In a statement issued to newsmen in Kaduna and signed by the governor’s spokesman, Samuel Aruwan, the said clearing had become imperative to correct some misrepresentations.

not only in the North-East, “but even extended to the Lake Chad basin.”

Soyinka meets Buhari in Aso Rock Leon Usigbe - Abuja NOBEL laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, was at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday, to see President Muhammadu Buhari.

He was accompanied by former Managing Director of Daily Times, Dr Yemi Ogunbiyi.

Soyinka declined to speak to State House corespondents when asked about his mission, saying: “I am not here for you.”

President Muhammadu Buhari with the Nobel Laureate, Professor Wole Soyinka, when he visited the Aso Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.

Every state in Nigeria is safe, FG replies US Chris Agbambu- Abuja THE Federal Government, has certified every state in the country is safe, contrary to a recent report by the United States (US).

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, stated this in Abuja, on Thursday, when he received in audience a delegation from the Association of Tourism Practitioners of Nigeria (ATPN).

Mohammed said the advisory published by the US and reported national dailies, declaring 20 Nigerian states “unsafe and completely no-go area,’’ was not correct.

The minister admonished the media to desist from propagating negative news about the country, stressing

that it would discourage investors and be counter-productive to tourism growth.

“Recently, newspapers carried the negative story that 20 states in Nigeria are not safe, according to a US report.

“We are in Nigeria, how can we believe the claim that 20 states in Nigeria are not safe?

“That is not correct. There is no state in Nigeria that is not safe today.

“Is there any week they are not killing people in the US by either shooting in schools, driveways or people committing suicide or mass bombing.

“How many of these stories do their media celebrate?

“If they want to tell their people not to come to Nigeria, it is not for us to help them propagate it,’’ he said.

The minister urged the media and members of the association to complement efforts of government to reposition the tourism sector.

He noted that tourism was driven by perception rather than reality, adding that every Nigerian must invest in perception management for the country.

The minister also urged leaders in the public and pri-

The statement noted that the intention of the government was to first protect the lives of its people and ensure that all laws regarding acquisition and development of residential or commercial buildings in the state were adhered to.

The state government further stated that it had observed with dismay that some residents of the Barakallahu area in Rigachikun, Igabi Local Government Area had illegally built houses under high tension national grid lines, thereby exposing their lives to danger and harm.

This action, the govern-

ment noted, contravened Section 29 of the Kaduna State Urban Development Agency (KASUPDA) Law No. 12 of 2015.

The statement revealed that it was for this reason that the Kaduna State Executive Council, in its 24th meeting on Monday, July 18, directed KASUPDA to “issue eviction notices to those who had built structures within 30-metre radius from the high tension national grid line in view of the looming danger.”

Members of the general public will recall that a similar case on the 16th January, 1999 led to disaster when

vate sectors to help promote local tourism by spending their vacations and holidays at tourist sites within the country.

He said the ministry would soon embark on visitation of major tourist sites in the country to assess their potential for development.

Earlier, the national president of the association, Alhaji Kabir Malan, who led the delegation, commended

the minister for his efforts at repositioning the tourism sector.

He called for review and implementation of the Tourism National Plan, as well as the enactment of laws that would guide the operation of tourism practitioners.

Malan also urged the government to encourage investors to set up tourist camps across the country and make loans accessible to them.

Save Lake Chad, Buhari begs rich nations Leon Usigbe - Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has urged rich countries to do something urgent to save the Lake Chad from extinction, arising from the effects of climate change.

He made the plea while receiving the Director-General

Why we are clearing structures under high tension —Kaduna govt Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

ing that the UN would work with the country to provide humanitarian assistance,

a surge of electric current within two minutes led to the death of 13 people instantly, including women and children, while 53 people sustained injuries and several properties went up in flame in Farakwai village in the same local government.

The statement ended by reiterating that the action of issuing eviction notices was done “purely on humanitarian bases and in compliance with section 48(2) of the above law” and that the Kaduna State government will not fold its arms and watch its residents violate its building laws and put lives and property on the line.

of United Nations Educational, Scientific and Cultural Organisation (UNESCO), Ms Irina Bokova, at the Presidential Villa, Abuja, on Thursday.

The president warned that the failure to regenerate the Lake Chad would lead to another round of migration by the people living in the areas.

Buhari, who led seven ministers to an interactive meeting with the UNESCO chief, said Nigeria and the other countries of the Lake Chad Basin lacked the billions of dollars required to channel water from the Congo Basin into the lake, to check its rapid depletion.

He said: “Those living in the Lake Chad region have suffered untold hardship and displacement because of the violence perpetrated

by Boko Haram terrorists. ‘‘If there is no farming and fishing, they will dare the desert to migrate.

“Unless the developed countries make concerted efforts to complete the feasibility study, mobilise resources and technology to

start the water transfer from the Congo Basin, the Lake Chad will dry up. ‘‘The people will go somewhere and they will create problems for those countries,” the president told the visiting UN official.

President Buhari commended UNESCO’s support to Nigeria, particularly on the ongoing rehabilitation work in the North-East and reintegration of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs).

He said the pathetic situation of IDPs require immediate and urgent response from international organisations such as UNSECO, to provide infrastructure, health and education for the people in the area.

The UNESCO DirectorGeneral, Mrs Bokova, who commenced a week-long visit to West and Central Africa on August 6, said she was in Nigeria to strengthen the organisation’s programme in the areas of science and technology, gender and youth development, culture, water resources development, health and environment.

Friday, 12 August, 2016 4 news Budget padding: No legislator can be charged for performing his constitutional duty —Dogara

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O member of the National Assembly can be investigated or charged to court for performing their constitutional responsibility of lawmaking, including budget, Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, has said.

Dogara, who spoke in Abuja, on Thursday, at the Civil Society Dialogue Session on one year of the legislative agenda organised

by Policy and Legal Advocacy Centre (PLAC), noted that the 2016 budget had been controversial from the beginning, adding that it took dialogue, compromise and consensus to produce a workable document.

The Speaker argued that by virture of the provisions of the Legislative Houses Powers and Priviledges Act, no member of the parliament could be charged to court or investigated for exercising their powers of law making.

On the powers of the National Assembly over budget, Dogara maintained that the appropriation bill was just like any other bill which must be subjected to normal legislative processes and scrutiny.

“The constitution talks about estimates of revenue and expenditure to be prepared and laid before the National Assembly. The constitution did not mention the word budget and the reason is very simple.

Budget is a law. Going by very predestrian understanding of law which even a part one Law student can tell is that the functions of government is such that the legislature makes the law, executive implements and the judiciary interprets the law.

“The budget, being a law, therefore, means it is only the parliament that can

make it, because it is a law.

And I challenge all of us, members the media and Civil Society Organisations (CSOs) to look at our law and tell me where it is written that the president can make a budget.”

The Speaker maintained that by the provisions of the 1999 Constitution, only the National Assembly had powers to scrutinise the revenue and expenditure estimates submitted by Mr President.

“What I am saying is further reinforced by section 80(4) of the Constitution which says that no money shall be withdrawn from the consolidated revenue

fund or any other fund of the federation except in the manner prescribed by the National Assembly.

“I want this thing to sink so that we can understand it from here and perhaps, it may change the ongoing discourse.

“If you say the National Assembly doesn’t have the powers to tinker with the budget, that we just pass it. When it is prepared and laid, we turn it into a bill. If it is a bill, how does other bills make progression in the parliament in order to become law?

“If you contend that we cannot tinker with the appropriation bill, even

though it is a money bill, it, therefore, goes without saying that we cannot tinker with any executive bill.”

On zonal intervention projects, popularly known as constituency projects for members of the National Assembly, Dogara said it was the only means through which lawmakers attract federal projects to their constituents.

This, he said was necessary because the projects selection process was such that it lacked integrity, as it was always lopsided against most federal constituencies.

The Speaker emphasised on the need for more sensitisation of the public on

AS detectives intensify investigations into the alleged budget padding between former House Leader, Abdulmumuni Jibrin and the Speaker, Yakubu Dogara, detectives are set to visit Dogara’s multi-billion naira farm in Nassarawa State.

Police sources disclosed to the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja, that this was in its bid to build up its investigations properly before inviting the Speaker and the principal

set, but the House handled the controversy with maturity, employing democratic tools of dialogue, compromise and consensus by which an implementable 2016 budget was passed and assented to.”

While commending the role of civil society organisations in educating the public, he stressed that “it is our duty and responsibility to remove any clog in the wheel of progress once we have made the determination that such a situation exists.”

The Speaker explained that the Legislative Agenda was borne out of the House of Representatives’ consciousness of the fact that in order to deliver quality service to the citizenry, the content, as well as processes and procedures adopted by the House, must be right.

Shi’ite rejects JCI report submitted to Kaduna govt Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

From left, Special Adviser to Lagos State governor on Housing, Mrs Aramide Giwason; Lagos State Head of Service, Mrs Olabowale Ademola and the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation, Mrs Winifred Oyo-Ita, during Oyo-Ita’s visit to Lagos State, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN

We won’t punish anyone for padding —APC THE All Progressives Congress (APC), has said it had no plan to sanction any of its members on the alleged budget padding in the lower chamber of the National Assembly.

The party’s deputy chairman (North), Lawal Shuaibu, in an interview with newsmen in Abuja, said the

party was only concerned with its members’ conduct.

“What is padding? The party does not sanction anybody on that. What concerns us is where any member contravenes party constitution in his conduct.

“That is why I refer you to Article 7 subsection 5 of our party constitution. We are

not a law enforcement organisation; we don’t enforce law.

“We only ensure that the constitution is complied with; any member of the party is answerable to the party and answerable to its constituency. The two members that are subjected to this are elected or appointed members of the party, in-

Investigators to visit Dogara’s multi-billion naira farm Chris Agbambu- Abuja

the role of the legislature in the appropriation process, saying the misconception of this role led to attempts to discredit the 2016 budget.

He said: “Recent efforts seeking to discredit the document are a consequence of inadequate knowledge of the legal framework governing appropriation in a presidential democracy. This has, nonetheless, opened a new vista of duty for us as a legislature to enhance both internal competences of members, as well as the sensitisation of the public on the role of the legislature in a presidential democracy.

“The 2016 budget was controversial from the out-

officers of the House.

Jibrin had, in statements and documents he presented to the police, alleged that the multi-billion naira farm in Nassarawa was like a World Bank project.

According to Jibrin, investigators should ask Dogara how he came about the multi-billion naira projects standing on about 20 acres of land.

The source said “we are already building our case, it is when we finish that we will now invite all those mentioned in the petition by

Jibrin.”

The source revealed that the investigators were yet to invite all those Jibrin indicted in the petition, adding that the case was being investigated gradually, as it was not something anybody should rush, but the most important thing was to get to the truth and the bottom of the matter.

“The truth of the matter is that we have not invited Dogara or any of the principal officers, but when it is time, we will invite and confront them with the

documents and evidence we have so far collated. Nigerians should not be in a rush, because this is a very fundamental issue,” the source pointed out.

Former Appropriation Committee chairman had told his investigators that he was available at anytime he was needed to substantiate his allegations with documents against the Speaker.

The source added that investigators were now getting more facts from Jibrin’s revelation and would act when the time was ripe.

cluding those that are holding public office.

“So, you expect the party to sit down and watch? No, we have to do our work. The issue of us sweeping anything under the carpet does not arise at all, but we don’t do it in the market place; we do it in the party secretariat,” Shuaibu said.

He added that the APC was quietly working to end the crisis in the House, but not in public glare.

For weeks, Abdulmumin Jibrin, the former chairman of the House of Representatives Committee on appropriations, has accused Yakubu Dogara and others of padding the 2016 budget through unnecessary insertions.

Dogara, in response to Jibrin’s allegations, once told journalists: “For me, I studied Law and I have been in the legislature and all these period I have never heard of the word ‘padding’ being an offence under any law. If I don’t know, you are the media, research the law and let me know.”

THE Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN), otherwise known as the Shi’ite has rejected the report of the Judicial Commission of Inquiry (JCI) under the chairmanship of Justice Lawal Garba Mohammed, which was submitted to the Kaduna State government, recently.

In a press conference in Kaduna, on Thursday, the chairman of the Free Zakzaky campaign committee, Abdulrahaman Abubakar Yola, who read a 16-page document, noted that since day one, the movement had made its position known that the commission would be biased.

He said they were happy that when the Kaduna State government released the executive summary and full report of the commission on July 29, they were vindicated.

According to him, it was on record that we boycotted the sitting of the commission because we felt the state government deliberately appointed members that were antagonistic to the sect.

To the movement, these individuals were automatically disqualified and they should have disqualified themselves as they are interested parties and cannot exercise independent judgement on a matter that they have taken position.

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Ati Annang to partner A/Ibom govt on industrialisation

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socio-cultural organisation in Akwa Ibom State, Ati Annang, is to partner Akwa Ibom State government in its industrialisation drive.

In a communique issued at the end of its first in-

ternational convention in London, the foundation commended the Mr Udom Emmanuel -led administration in its efforts to industrialise the state.

The foundation, therefore, offered itself as a ready partner with the current admin-

istration in the state, especially in identifying willing investors for its industrialisation drive.

It further advised the state government to ensure equity in the location of identified industries, infrastructure and other services to

ensure even spread of development projects across the state.

Also, the foundation stressed its continuous commitment to execution of life-impacting projects for the benefit of its people and embark on several

From left, Minister of Labour and Employment, Senator Chris Ngige; Head of Public Section of the Union Bank, Mr Rabiu Fagge; Director of Insurance and Surveillance Department, Nigerian Deposit Insurance Corporation (NDIC), Mr Tijjani Yakasai and others, during the minister’s meeting with chief executive officers of banking and finance organisations in Abuja, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN

Edo poll: INEC clears Ize-Iyamu, Obaseki, 17 others Jacob Segun Olatunji Abuja THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday, finally published the list of candidates cleared from 19 political parties ahead of the September 10 governorship election in Edo State.

According to a statement by the secretary to the commission, Mrs Augusta Ogakwu, which was made available to newsmen in Abuja, the 19 political parties and their candidates have been cleared by the commission to contest the election.

In the list, the commission named Ize-Iyamu ,who emerged from the primaries conducted by the Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led national caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic (PDP), as the party’s authentic candidate for the election.

The commission did not recognise Mathew Iduoriyekemwen, the candidate from Senator Ali Modu Sheriff -led camp, whose name had earlier been submitted to it Sheriff, who on Tuesday, asked INEC to recognise Iduoriyekemwen as the authentic candidate, had earlier written to the commission not to recognise Ize-Iyamu.

The commission had earlier declared that it recognised Ize-Iyamu because it monitored the primaries

that produced him, adding that it did not monitor the primaries conducted by the Sheriff -led faction because it didn’t give the commission the 21 days notice as required by the Electoral Act. The commission also said it relied on the July 4 judgment of the Federal High Court in Port Harcourt which recognised Ahmed Makarfi-led national caretaker committee as the legitimate leadership of PDP. The commission cited Section 34 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) provides that: “The commission shall, at least, 30 days before the day of the election, publish, by displaying or causing to be displayed at the relevant office(s) of the commission

and on the commission’s website, a statement of the full names and addresses of all candidates standing nominated.”

The list of candidates and their parties released are as follows: Ishaka Paul Ofemile and his deputy, Ewemade Nancy Osagie (AA); Andrew Igewmoh and his deputy, Osagie Egharevba Andrew (ACD); Cosmos Irabor and his deputy, Fredrick Parker Odegua (ACPN); Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki and his deputy, Philip Shaibu (APC); Onaiwu Osaze Osaro and his deputy, Okpebholo Oyemen Gladys (APGA); David Ewanlen Okoror and his deputy, Ekhorotomwen Smile Uyi (CPP).

Others are: Tobi Adeniyi and his deputy, Ibolo Ju-

lius A. (ID); Thompson Osadolor and his deputy Florence Adaehomen Okundaye (KOWA); Amos Osalumese Areloegbe and his deputy Jane Osagie (LP); Oronsaye Richard and his deputy Omijie Ehinor; (MPPP); Peters Osawaru Omoragbon and his (NCP); Ukonga Frank and his deputy, Emodogo Dorcas Eweha (NNPP); Akhalamhe Amiemenoghena and his deputy Aiyanyor Efosa Osarobo (PDC); Ize-Iyamu Osagie Andrew (PDP) and his deputy John Ehibhatoman Yakubu (PDP); Thomas Amanesi Sadoh and his deputy Onaiwu V. Ogbeide (PPA); Agol Tracy Ebun and his deputy, Osayomore Clement Osazee (PPN).

projects, including but not limited to award of scholarships to deserving indigent students in tertiary institutions, the provision of Back Packs with relevant school materials for pupils in primary schools, provision of diabetes and blood pressure screening, among others.

It will be recalled that the foundation, during its last annual general meeting (AGM), awarded 100 scholarships to students from various tertiary institutions and also donated Back Packs to pupils in over 50 primary schools in the state.

The Senate minority leader, Senator Godswill Akpabio, on the occasion, called on various governments in Nigeria and, indeed, Africa, to devote more of budgetary provisions towards capital projects.

Speaking on the topic.

“Addressing Africa’s infrastructural deficit – The Akwa Ibom example,” he noted that during his tenure as governor in the state, he consistently budgeted 80 per cent or more for capital expenditure and 20 per cent or less for recurrent, while deploying global practices in project management.

Earlier, the chairman of the convention, Mr Paul Usoro, had commended Ati Annang for its life -impacting projects to the less privileged people of the state and urged the foundation to remain focus in delivering on its aims and objectives.

Also, the international president of the foundation, Sir Udo Kieran, reiterated the organisation’s resolve to continue lending itself as a platform for Annang sons and daughters both home and abroad to render selfless services to the people Kieran said that the organisation had recently identified opportunities for tertiary institutions in the state to obtain free on-line educational materials which are used by universities globally

...Registers 1,925,105 voters for election Banji Aluko - Benin City THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has shown its readiness to conduct the September 10 governorship election in Edo State with the presentation in Benin, on Thursday, of the official voter register to the representatives of political parties participating in the election.

The electoral body also released the statistics of the election at the presentation that was attended by agencies that will be in-

volved in the election such as the police, the National Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) and the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC).

The figures released showed that a total of 1,925,105 people registered for the election out of which 132,559 were registered during the Continuos Voters Registration in June, 2016.

INEC national commissioner, South South, Dr Muhammed Lecky, who spoke during the presentation, said that the number

of registered voters dropped by 136,038, suggesting that individuals, who were involved in multiple registration have been removed from INEC’s database.

Other figures as released

by INEC showed that election would be conducted in 2,627 polling units across the state out of which 561, representing 21 per cent are concentrated in Oredo Local Government Area.

The national commissioner, who later presented copies of the voter register to representatives of the political parties, however,

regretted that more than 400,000 permanent voter cards (PVCs) were yet to be collected.

Also speaking, the state Commissioner of Police, Chris Ezike, said the police would be involved in every stage of the election., starting with the distribution of voters register across 18 local government areas of the state.

He assured that INEC would sustain ongoing efforts to make the election free and fair and appealed to politicians to shun violence.

Registrar commends Amosun on education policy OGUN State governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has been commended on the state’s education policy aimed at making teaching more attractive, through the provision of adequate infrastructure and enabling environment for qualitative education.

The registrar, Federal College of Education (FCE), Abeokuta, Alhaji Abidemi Akinola, gave the commendation while speaking with newsmen at Oronna Hall, Ilaro, during the fifth anniversary of Atoto/News Flare magazine.

At the event, which was held to encourage the speaking of Yoruba language among Yorubas, Akinola, who praised the governor for his efforts at providing adequate academic infrastructure and study materials with conducive environment to improve academic standards of students and ensure good performance of teachers, said that the Amosunled administration, had done well to transform education in the state.

He lauded the governor for giving priority to education through the yearly payment of West Africa Examination Council (WAEC) fees of candidates, payment of workers’ salaries and the provision of quality infrastructure and urged parents and other stakeholders in education to contribute their quota by supporting schools and the government towards providing qualitative education.

Cleric counsels youths on marriage NIGERIAN youths have been counselled not to allow the current economic challenges in the country, scuttle their ambition to go into the institution of marriage which was ordained by God. Prophet Samuel Ajayi Adegboyega, the General Overseer of Salvation Proclaimers Anointed Church (SPAC), Sango, Ibadan, Oyo State gave the admonition recently during the marriage ceremony between formerr Miss Olubukola Atinuke Lawal and Mr Oluseye Adetoye Babalola, son of an Ibadanbased journalist and former News Editor of the defunct Sketch Press Limited, Ibadan.

The cleric stressed that marriage was a sacred institution ordained by God which must not be polluted or desecrated by either of the party, adding that each of the couple has his and her roles to play for harmonious relationship.

Prophet Adegboyega said that various parameters such as physical, spiritual and financial maturity needed to be considered by youths before going into the institution of marriage,

Friday, 12 August, 2016 6 news Harsh economic condition behind workers’ salary cut —NLNG Tola Adenubi-Lagos

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HE Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) has stated that it decided to embark on salary cut in its subsidiary, NLNG Ship Management Limited (NSML), due to prevailing harsh economic realities.

According to a statement signed by the Manager, Nigerian Content, Mr Charles Okon, who represented the General Manager, External Relations, Dr Kudo Eresia-Eke, and sent to the Nigerian Tribune, the company confirmed that reviewed manning levels and wage scale for officers on BGT Vessels would become effective on September 1, 2016.

“This action is in line with the depressed global market situation, and consistent with prevailing industry rates - and has been taken in the interest of the sustainability of the business.

“In reality, the reviewed wage scale cannot be said to be a salary reduction as claimed. The fact is that the company has simply adjusted and aligned wag-

es with internationally obtainable benchmarks.

“For example, our Nigerian officers’ Dollar denominated wages upon conversion at existing rates far exceed wages for their peers who are paid in Naira.

“This decision has been

taken in absolute good faith, in response to a more than 60 per cent reduction in company revenues and global oil price, which have dropped from $140 to about $40 per barrel.

“Several BGT vessels have already been laid up while many more areas

of reduction are being explored. This is consistent with the national oil company guideline for relevant industry operators to reduce OPEX costs by 40 per cent.

“These actions are also taken to minimise need for staff layoffs or retrench-

ment, as has been the case in several companies in the industry in response to the steep decline in revenue.

“Other conditions of service of all NSML personnel, including leave days, will remain the same.

Leave emoluments also

From left, Gombe State governor, Ibrahim Dankwambo; Acting Managing Director, Bank of Industry (BoI), Waheed Olagunju and the Country Director, United Nations Development Programme (UNDP), Lamin Beyai, during the signing of MoU between the state government and BoI, on the off-grid mini solarpowered projects in communities of Gombe State, on Thursday.

Gunmen kill varsity lecturer in Benue Johnson BabajideMakurdi

GUNMEN in the early hours of Thursday, killed a lecturer of a private university in Benue State, the University of MkarA, Dr Aondosoo Tondo.

The university is a Christian Faith institution located in Gboko Local Government Area of the state.

Nigerian Tribune reliably gathered that the gunmen stormed the deceased’s residence at staff quarters on campus around 4.00a.m and shot him in the presence of his wife and children.

The deceased was said to be having early morning prayer when the gunmen stormed his official residence and it was further gathered that as soon as the they shot him, they escaped without taking anything.

The Public Relations Officer of the institution, Mr Suemo Shagba, who confirmed this to newsmen in a telephone conversation, said, “Tondo, who resides in the University staff quarters was murdered at about 4.00 a m by four unknown gunmen.”

According to him, “the gunmen came into the lecturer’s room while he was saying his early morning prayer with his family, they did not request for anything

and just shot him.’’

The PRO said the deceased was promptly rushed to a general hospital in Gboko, where he was confirmed dead.

The late lecturer was with the Department of Political Science and hailed from Buruku Local Government Area of the state and was reported to be an aspirant

for the local government election, which had been postponed indefinitely.

Also confirming the incident, the state Police Public Relations Officer,

ASP Moses Yamu, said the lecturer was murdered in his compound in the early hours of Thursday and that investigation had commenced.

Nsukka jailbreak: We have re-arrested 6 escapees —Controller The Enugu State Controller of Nigeria Prisons Service (NPS), Mr Isaiah Amariri, said, on Thursday, that six of the inmates that escaped from Nsukka Prisons on Tuesday night, have been rearrested.

Amariri, who gave the figure to newsmen in Nsukka, however, declined to give the exact number of

inmates that escaped from the prison.

He said the prison service was liaising with security agents and community groups to apprehend the remaining escaped prisoners.

“There was a jail break in Nsukka prisons on Tuesday night, between 12.00p.m and 3.0a.m, in

which many inmates escaped, though six of them have been rearrested.

“I cannot give the exact figure for now as investigations are still on.

“We will send our findings to the Controller General of Prisons who will make public the exact number and the cause of Nsukka prisons jail break.

Functional primary healthcare our goal —FG

By Sade Oguntola

TOWARDS making healthcare delivery accessible to all and sundry in the country, the Federal Government, through the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA) and its Ministry of Health, is making efforts to ensure the availability of, at least, one functional Primary Health Care (PHC) centre in each political ward in the country.

The Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Folorunso Adewole, made this disclosure in Ibadan, on Thurs-

day, in his keynote address delivered at the opening ceremony of the 11th annual scientific conference and All Fellows’ Congress of the National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria.

In the address read on his behalf by the Chief Medical Director (CMD), University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, Professor Temitope Alonge, the minister said the initiative became imperative in view of the focus of the present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari to make the PHC the entry point into healthcare system.

He explained that “a

health system where citizens bypass the primary healthcare level and access care directly from the tertiary level cannot sustain equity and efficiency,” adding that, “based on this, it is hoped that within the next five years, the government will be able to renovate and make fully functional 10,000 PHCs in Nigeria.”

Professor Adewole stated further that the Federal Government was working with the states to develop their health systems and work closely with the Federal Ministry of Health to have a national health system that was well integrated.

“The service is liaising with security agents and community vigilante groups to know the hideout of those still on the run, in order to re-arrest them,” he said.

He assured that any official indicted in the course of the investigation would be punished.

“After investigations on the jail break, any person in the service found to have been involved or aided the Tuesday jail break will be arrested and prosecuted, no matter his or her position.

“Security has been beefed up in and around Nsukka prisons with serious surveillance on the prisons facilities, inmates and staff.

“The prisons authorities are on top of the situation and will put measures in place to avoid a repeat of what happened on Tuesday night in Nsukka, “he said.

The controller solicited the help of the general public, who might have information on the whereabouts of the fleeing inmates, to report to relevant security agencies.

earned in line with current wage scales will be unaffected.

“Management has already communicated these developments to staff and shall continue to engage them during the implementation process and appeal for the understanding and cooperation of all parties,” the company stated.

It will be recalled that seafarers of the NSML, a subsidiary of NLNG, have decried the proposed 50 per cent cut in salary.

According to the Seafarers, ‘‘the protest was in reaction to the mail signed by the Crewing Manager, on behalf of NSML management requiring Nigerian Seafarers to sign and comply with a proposed 50 per cent salary cut within seven days or risk losing their jobs. ‘‘The arbitrary salary slash is expected to take effect from September 1, 2016. Nigerian Seafarers condemn the manner of informing them without proper consultation,’’ describing it as partial, unjust and inhumane.

Nigerian youths will always excel if ... —FG Ademola Adegbite-Abuja

THE Federal Government, on Thursday, said Nigerian youths will always excel, if they could make use of abundant human and capacity building resources available in the country, saying when they are positively challenged, they will display the innate capacities they possess.

Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, made this known while playing host to a team of Law students from the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, in Osun State, who represented Nigeria at the Lacks Space Law Moot Court competition in Pretoria, South Africa, where the team emerged Africa’s champion after competing with other universities across Africa.

He stressed that Nigerians, especially youths, needed to recreate the values that made the country great in the past, and also use the available resources to recreate civilisation because space was very important to mankind.

While congratulating the five times winner of the competition at the continental level, Dr Onu noted that Nigeria should participate in all technological events, urging them to make Nigeria proud in Mexico by winning the crown.

7

Nigerian Tribune

Friday, 12 August, 2016

Lagosmetro

Edited By

Lanre Adewole

olanreade@yahoo.com

0811 695 4647

Ambode inaugurates first state-owned helipad for medical emergency in Nigeria Says 247-bed Ayinke House to be operational in 2017 Bola Badmus

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AGOS State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Thursday, inaugurated the first state-owned helipad for medical emergencies in Nigeria at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja.

The governor, while commissioning the project and inspecting medical facilities at the LASUTH complex, disclosed that the upgrading of the 247-bed and five Theatre Suits for pregnant women, popularly called Ayinke House, would be ready for use by 2017, just as he announced termination of contracts of all abandoned projects at the complex.

He also disclosed that the Bola Tinubu Health and Diagnostic Centre would soon become operational, saying this was part of efforts to transform the health sector in the state for optimal performance.

Ambode described the helipad as a lifesaving asset.

“This helipad being commissioned is a lifesaving asset and critical complement to the efficient functioning of this Unit and other emergency services being rendered by the state. It will also aid the movement of patients from remote areas where healthcare facilities

to provide the level of emergency medicine required are not readily available.

“Over the years, we have witnessed emergency situations which require timely movement of victims to appropriate medical facilities, keeping in mind that every minute matters in securing the lives of people. Helicopters have, therefore, become an efficient and reliable op-

tion which can only be made possible with the availability of helipads within the hospital environment.

He recalled that barely a month ago, a 27-bed Critical Care Unit was commissioned in LASUTH to provide life and organ support system for critically ill patients who required intensive monitoring and postoperative treatment.

He added that aside the fact that government would intensify efforts to acquire an Air Ambulance to complete the cycle, the helipad would be operated by specially trained personnel who would give 24-hour service, guarantee expert medical care during emergency transfer and safe landing at all times.

“With the support of our hardworking and dedicated

personnel in the health sector, we are confident that we will achieve our set objectives in the health sector, save lives and guarantee a healthy State,” Governor Ambode said.

Earlier, the State’s Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide Idris said by the commissioning of the helipad, LASUTH was now on the verge of being elevated as level one Trauma Centre, adding that the helipad was

the first to be certified in the country for any state government.

Also, the Chief Medical Director of LASUTH, Professor Adewale Oke, said the helipad was an eloquent confirmation that Governor Ambode was an achiever and deserved to be commended.

He also announced that Governor Ambode had directed that motorists should not be charged for parking at LASUTH.

The newly commissioned helipad at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH), Ikeja, on Thursday.

INSET: Governor Ambode (second left), Special Adviser, Primary Health Care, Dr Olufemi Onanuga; Commissioner for Health, Dr Jide idris and the Chief Medical Director, LASUTH, Professor Adewale Oke, during the governor’s inspection of the helipad.

Tenant, squatter in phone theft scandal Olalekan Olabulo A member of one of the robbery gang that operated at the popular Ojota Motor Park in Lagos State, Sunday (surname withheld), has blamed his inability to cure a three-year-old sore in his leg for his involvement in robbery.

The 20-year-old suspect said that he went into robbery to get money and find a lasting solution to the wound, which, according to him, had become an embarrassment.

The suspect told Lagos Metro that “I was injured about three years ago when I was a bus conductor. Since that time, I had been nursing the sore. I had spent all my life savings on it.

“When help was no longer

forthcoming, I deliberately went into robbery because I must cater for my well-being and continue to treat the sore.”

The suspect, confessing to the investigator, said his receiver, Samuel (surname withheld), was his benefactor and he also accommodated him when he had no place to live.

Samuel, in his defence, said the suspect only told him he saw the phones on the ground on his way home.

“I met the suspect about five years ago. He was my neighbour at Isheri-Olofin.

After I packed out of the house, we lost contact.

“All of a sudden he just showed up at my new residence at Unity Estate seeking for accommodation.

I took pity of him and accommodated him. I never knew he was stealing those phones,” Samuel explained.

The receiver of the stolen goods also said: “He only

told me he found them on the ground on his way home.

Then, I decided to help him to sell them for N8, 000.

Out of that money, he gave me just N2, 000.”

The image maker in charge of the state police command, Dolapo Badmos confirmed the arrest of the two suspects to Lagos Metro.

She also stated that the suspects had been transferred to the Lagos State Task Force on Environment and Other Related Offences, for prosecution.

“After sometimes, the police came to arrest three of us. But one of us has been released. I was told that they saw sperm on the lady’s body. I told them that I am innocent and they should take my sperm, test it to see if it is the same with the one they found on the lady.”

The other suspect, Isiaka said that he was about going for his own business when his friend called him to help him with the painting job.

He said, “I am a technician, I was about going for my business when my friend

told me about the panting job. While we were doing our job, the lady came and was saying something but I don’t even understand what she was saying. We were almost done with the job when the police came to arrest us.”

The suspects were arraigned before an Ebutte Meta court, on Thursday and were arraigned on a two- count charge.

The suspects, however, pleaded not guilty to the charge levelled against them.

Painters arrested over alleged rape Opeyemi Owoaseye TWO painters, Taiwo Azeez and Isiaka Taofeek have been arrested for alleged rape of one Kikelomo (surname withheld), a 28-yearold lady in Meiran-Ijaiye area of Lagos State.

The suspects were said to have been apprehended on June 28, while they were working within the victim’s residence.

The suspects, however, told Lagos Metro that they were not responsible for the

rape and that they had gone to the place to assist a friend who is into painting business.

Taiwo explained that, “My friend invited me to help him in painting the house. It’s a three bedroom apartment.

We decided to apportion each room to one person. I had finished painting the room apportioned to me and wanted to assist my friend in painting the other room when the lady told me that he likes the way I painted the room, and that was all.

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news

Friday, 12 August, 2016

Alleged trespass: I did not shun FCT High Court —AA Oil boss

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HAIRMAN, AA Oil, Aliyu Abubakar, has refuted reports in some sections of the media that he shunned a sitting of Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court, on Wednesday, over alleged trespass on a plot of land belonging to one Alhaji Lawal Abba.

Noting a High Court judgment that declared that the plot 105 Cadastral Zone, Aso Drive, did not belong to Alhaji Lawal Abba, Aliyu described the claim by Abba that he trespassed on the plot of land as “laughable.”

In a statement, Aliyu said he was accused of allegedly

trespassing on a plot of land that he bought legally with N500 million and covered

by Certificate of Occupancy Number FC/ ABU/ SO. 487 of December 14,1983 and brokered by a former National Security Adviser (NSA) for the family.

“I, Aliyu Abubakar, was not aware of any processes not to talk of avoiding the court on the said day. The filing of two-count charge against me was a judicial ambush which the erudite judge, Justice Anenih, refused to buy into.

“The allegation of trespass against me has been subject of a petition to the Presiden-

ExxonMobil to export crude through alternative route Sanya Adejokun-Abuja

FOLLOWING persistent destructive activities of militants, ExxonMobil has said it will try alternate pipeline to export Qua Iboe crude out of Nigeria.

This is to be accomplished via an alternate pipeline while it works to repair the damage done to the main export line sustained in July, sources told Reuters.

The crude oil grade, Nigeria’s largest export stream, has been under force ma-

jeure since mid-July, when the company said it detected a “system anomaly” on the line.

Sources said the company later found substantial damage to the subsea line that would take at least one to two months to repair.

Spokesman of the company declined to comment on the plan to use an alternative pipeline, saying: “we’re continuing to make progress, but we would not speculate on a timeline for repairs.”

cy and litigation in the past few years. The subject matter, which was re-presented to the FCT High Court as trespass on July1, 2016, is a civil dispute between Alhaji Ibrahim Gusau and Inuwa Abdulkadir on one hand and Alhaji Lawal Abba on the ownership of Plot 105 Cadastral Zone, Aso Drive.

The case is pending before the Court of Appeal with Appeal No. CA/A/197/09.

“The fact that Lawal Abba obtained a stay of execution order is no licence for him to frustrate and hound me,” the statement read.

Abia safe for investment —Ikpeazu ABIA State governor, Dr Okezie Ikpeazu, has reassured investors that the state and their investments are safe, as his administration has provided the enabling environment for businesses to thrive in the state.

Ikpeazu said the sole aim of the administration was to ensure that the required enabling environments were provided for investors to operate in the state, with the mind to create more jobs and increase revenue generation.

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Friday, 12 August, 2016

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Friday, 12 August, 2016

Venerable Bankole Olayiwola Bolodeoku laid to rest

PHOTOS: D’ TOYIN

The widow, Mrs Bolodeoku Abimbola (second left), flanked by, from left, Mr Kenny Bolodeoku, Mr Taiwo Bolodeoku and Mrs Ebun Bolodeoku, during the funeral service for Venerable Bankole Olayiwola Bolodeoku, at All Souls Anglican Church, Bodija, Ibadan, on Thursday.

Chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran, flanked by the co-chairman, Dr Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu (left) and Professor Kayode Oyediran, former Vice Chancellor, Univesity of Ibadan.

Cross section of children of the deceased and their spouses.

From left, Lord Bishop of Ibadan Diocese, The Most Reverend Dr Joseph Olatunji Akinfenwa; Bishop Gideon Olajide (retd); Bishop of Ogbomoso Diocese, Bishop Titus B. Olayinka and others.

Emeritus Professor Oladipo Akinkugbe and his wife, Professor Sade Akinkugbe.

Oba Otudeko and his wife, Bisi.

Chief Femi Oduntan (left), with Mr Andrew Smith Maxwell

Professor Johnson Ekpere and his wife.

Mr Lanre Adejumo (right) with Mr Taiwo Iluyomade.

Undertakers bearing the remains of Venerable Bolodeoku out of the church for interment.

Friday, 12 August, 2016 11 businessnews Increased revenues: FG vows to drag 700,000 companies into tax net Bola Badmus-Lagos

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EDERAL Government said on Thursday that plans have been concluded to bring in an additional 700,000 companies into the tax net to shore- up its revenues.

Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo made the disclosure in Lagos during the 2016 Presidential Policy Dialogue Session, organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, saying efforts were being made by the government to increase non-oil revenue and address the economic challenges facing the country.

Osinbanjo, who said a great effort had been made to improve non-oil revenues for the country, disclosed that areas being focused included bringing an additional 700,000 companies into the tax net as compared to the targeted 500,000 set at the beginning of the year.

“A great effort has been made to improve non-oil revenues. This includes bringing an additional 700,000 companies into the tax net as compared to the targeted 500,000 set at the beginning of the year.

“We have had three such interventions, including the latest loan of N90bn as part of a fiscal responsibility plan for states. These interventions have helped to boost household spending, which were key steps to prevent the economy from falling into deep recession,” the vice- president said.

Speaking further, VicePresident Osinbajo said as part of ways addressing the

current challenges, the government intended to keep capital spending in the budget at a minimum of 30 per cent in this fiscal year.

Other policy instruments being applied to help the economy, Osinbajo said include the Treasury Single Account, “which has brought transparency

into inflows and outflows of government monies,” adding, “Accordingly, we have already made capital releases of N332bbn, with another N100bn set to be released in the next few days,” he added.

He equally disclosed that th country’s milled rice capacity was being increased from three million tons an-

public-private dialogue.

Our immediate tasks to achieve our economic objectives are: Reduce fiscal and forex imbalances; Boost dollar liquidity; Curb inflation; Lower interest rate and ensure lending to the real sector; Increase FDIs and FPI by sustaining enabling policies,” Osinbajo assured.

Managing Director, Toyota Nigeria Limited (TNL), Mr Kunle Ade-Ojo, flanked by his management team members, customers, partners, associates and other stakeholders at TNL’s 2016 Customer Engagement Forum, held recently in Lagos.

NAICOM to collaborate with insurance brokers on tax issues Akin Adewakun-Lagos

THE National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) has announced plans to collaborate with the nation’s insurance brokers to ensure that due processes are followed in the area of tax payments and levies by the brokers.

Disclosing this on Wednesday, in Lagos, at

the Mid-Year Workshop of the Lagos Chapter of the Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB), the Commissioner for Insurance, Alhaji Mohammed Kari, stated that the collaboration had become necessary to enable the regulatory body ensure that the nation’s brokers paid their taxes regularly and were

Sterling Bank partners Audax Solutions on education, launches campaign STERLING Bank has launched a Back-to-School campaign. The campaign is aim at providing succour for all stakeholders in the sector as schools resume in September.

The primary targets for the campaign are primary and secondary schools administrators, owners and teachers while the secondary audience are all primary and secondary school students and their parents.

Areas covered under the campaign include school financing, asset finance, textbook and educational materials finance for schools; school fees finance for parent, among others.

The bank’s Group Head, Strategy & Finance, Shina Atilola, in a statement explained that the school fees financing solution was introduced to provide par-

nually to 10 million tons of paddy annually.

“FIRS has achieved 73.17 per cent of its target for the first half of the year. Similarly, milled rice capacity is being increased from 3 million tons annually to 10 million tons of paddy annually.

“The present administration is a strong believer in

ents with instant financing for school fees and allow them put their kids in school while awaiting salaries and other receivables.

He explained that under the bank’s asset finance scheme, existing and new account holders will qualify for short-term financing against receivables while “Sterling Bank can finance acquisition of buses, ICT infrastructure, interactive boards and other items the school may wish to purchase in the Back-toSchool season under the asset finance scheme”.

The bank’s chief strategist explained that schools in the books of the bank can access finance for a 90-day tenor at very competitive rates compared to the industry benchmark. “This would be an incentive to school owners as surveys have shown that

a large number of schools have challenges with payment of salaries and for renovation projects when school fees are not fully received’’, he explained.

Atilola added that “existing and prospective schools can also enjoy free deployment of our Eduportal and Payment Gateway at no cost to the school.”

not over-charged in the course of observing these civic duties.

While commending the chapter for organizing the 2016 Mid-Year Event, the Commissioner, who was represented by the Council’s Deputy Commissioner, Finance and Administration, Mr. George Onakena, noted that such platform would go a long way in enhancing insurance broking business in the country; since it provided that necessary avenue for stakeholders to cross-fertilise ideas.

Describing the nation’s economy as going through turbulence, especially with the foreign exchange challenge, Onakena argued that the time had come for insurance brokers to be professional in order to weather the economic storm.

He added that the Com-

mission would soon introduce a framework/ roadmap for risk-based supervision, with entities that carry huge risk, such as insurance business, getting the required attention.

‘The industry is a great one. That is why we must make sure that the profession is respected. We are regulators and our intention is to encourage the market to grow.”

“We knew what we inherited from those before us, and the more reason we must ensure that we pass down a thriving industry to to those coming after us.

“One of our plans is to collaborate with NCRIB in the area of tax issues. It is a way of ensuring that insurance brokers pay their taxes as at when due, and also prevent them from being over-taxed,” he stated.

4 customers win N4m in FCMB’s millionaire promo FIRST City Monument Bank (FCMB) has rewarded another set of 644 customers at the second draw of the bank’s ongoing promotion tagged, “FCMB Millionaire Promo Season 3.”

The winners emerged at the electronic selection exercise which took place across the four regions and 25 zones of the bank

nationwide on Wednesday, August 10, 2016.

While four customers of the bank were rewarded with the sum of N1million each at the regional draws in Lagos, Kano, Port Harcourt (Rivers State) and Ilorin (Kwara State), a total of 640 others smiled home with LED television sets, power generating sets, decoders, tablets, smart

phones and other consolation prizes at the zonal draws held in different parts of the country.

At the Lagos Regional draw, Franca Ehighale Hilary emerged as the lucky winner of N1million, while at the Abuja/North Regional draw held in Kano, Meller Lois Benjamin was rewarded with the same amount.

Nigerian Tribune

‘Why Toyota remains Nigeria’s best auto brand’

By Seyi Gesinde

TOYOTA Nigeria Limited (TNL) has restated its commitment to customers’ satisfaction which it said is driven by the principles of the “Toyota way,” that is, “continuous improvement and respect for people.

The Managing Director, TNL, Mr Kunle Ade-Ojo, stated this during its 2016 Customer Engagement Forum, held recently in Lagos.

According to him, Toyota is an auto company which has respect for people, with a belief that its business success is a creation of individual efforts and team work, as well as its customers, partners, associates and other stakeholders.

This philosophy, Ade-Ojo said is the reason the auto company maintains its leadership position in Nigeria’s auto sector.

He said it was its customers first principle that made Toyota mobilise its customers for free checks of their vehicles at the last recall of faulty Toyota vehicles.

“Toyota Nigeria Limited is the only company in Nigeria that has consistently informed the public about developments in the sector as far as Toyota is concerned.

“Our customers mean a lot and we go a long way to ask them to bring in their vehicles for checks, though the specs brought into the country then were manufactured in Japan and not the faulty American specs,” he said. he said“Toyota also continuously trains its staff to ensure they are up to date on the changing technology.

“In pricing we may be higher than competitors, but in terms of maintenance, we are the best. It is cheaper to maintain a Toyota than other brands,” Ade-Ojo said.

He said the hike in the dollar exchange rate had contributed to changes in Toyota prices, but promised that customers would still have value for their money.

Answering stakeholders’ questions on the rising purchasing powers of vehicles, Ade-Ojo said it was due to the unstable dollar exchange rate.

According to him: “CBN began the exchange rate at N288.5, but which later changed in a couple of weeks, now, the exchange rate is over 300, so, the instability in the economy and dollar rate tell on vehicle pricing,” Ade-Ojo said.

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FG to borrow N110bn through bond next week Sanya Adejokun-Abuja

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HE Federal Government is planning to raise N110 billion in local currency denominated bonds on August 17, the Debt Management Office (DMO) said on Thursday.

The office said it would sell N40 billion of a bond maturing in 2036, 30 billion naira of paper maturing in 2026 and 40 billion of debt maturing in 2021, using the Dutch auction system.

Results of the auction are expected to be released on the following day.

All the bonds on offer are reopenings of previous issues.

Nigeria, Africa’s largest crude exporter despite insurgent challenges issues sovereign bonds monthly to support the local bond market, create a benchmark for corporate issu-

Etisalat, YouZoo launch e-Commerce portal for SME sector

By Bode Adewumi ETISALAT Nigeria, in partnership with Singapore’s YuuZoo Corp, on wednesday, unveiled an e-commerce platform, SME Arena, to facilitate the growth of Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria.

The dedicated e-commerce portal, SME Arena, developed and managed for Etisalat Nigeria by Singapore’s YuuZoo Corporation is a social and e-Commerce platform which allows small and medium-sized enterprises to converge, network, collaborate, showcase their products and interact with customers and business partners on the digital space, thereby enhancing efficiency, productivity and profit optimization.

Through the partnership, YuuZoo gains prime access to the booming e-Commerce and social networking market in Nigeria, with a specific focus on the huge SME market.

Speaking of YuuZoo’s exciting new venture with Etisalat, YuuZoo Chief Executive Officer, James Sundram said, “YuuZoo is excited to be the first Singapore-based company to in a significant way engage in the booming Nigerian eCommerce market.

“We are deeply honoured that Etisalat, one of the world’s leading telecommunications operators, has chosen us to be their trusted technology and solution partner for their new massive social e-Commerce launch.

ance and fund its budget deficit.

Federal government

plans to borrow about N900 billion locally to finance part of the N2.2

trillion deficit in its 2016 budget.

It is also seeking advisers

and bookrunners to manage a planned $1 billion Eurobond sale.

Nigerian Tribune

50% salary cut modern day slavery —NLNG seafarers

•‘Why we are cutting salaries’ Tola Adenubi-Lagos

HOD Medical, Ebute-Metta Health Centre, Dr Sipe Oladapo; Head, Admin and HR, Aduloju Abiola; Divisional Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications, Keystone Bank Ltd, Omobolanle Osotule; Medical Director/CEO, Ebute-Metta Health Centre, Dr Olusegun Ogboye and Head, Dental Department, Dr O.J Olunuga, during the donation of sets of chairs and office equipment to the health centre in Lagos.

Globacom chairman, Adenuga, inducted into Telecoms Hall of Fame THE Chairman of Globacom, Dr Mike Adenuga, was within the week named Platinum Member of the Telecoms Hall of Fame in recognition of his contributions to the growth of Nigeria’s telecommunications industry.

The billionaire businessman was given the honour at the 2016 Nigerian Telecoms Awards.

His company, generally regarded as the “grandmasters of data and in-

novation pacesetter,” was also named the Telecoms Mobile Operator of the Year by the organisers of the event.

The awards plaques were presented to Globacom on Wednesday at its retail outlet, Gloworld, on Victoria Island, Lagos, by organisers of the award.

The company’s Executive Director, Special Projects, Mike Jituboh, received the award plaque for the Platinum Hall of Fame Award on behalf of Adenuga.

Biodun Ajiboye, Executive Chairman of Logica Communications, the award organisers, said that the Globacom Chairman was given the honour because of the exceptional role he has played in the Nigerian telecoms revolution and for being an African icon in the telecommunications business.

Speaking on behalf of Adenuga and Globacom, Jituboh said the company’s chairman would continue to make business

99.4% investors yet to do e-dividend registration —SEC Kehinde AkinseindeJayeoba-Lagos

IT has been revealed that a huge percentage of investors in the Nigerian capital market were yet to complete registration for e-dividend.

Director-General of the Securities and Exchange Commission of Nigeria (SEC), Mounir Gwarzo, revealed on Wednesday that only 6,000 e-registration has been done since the inception last year, as against projections of one million e-dividend registrations.

“We are still having issues in respect of e-dividend registration. The report we got recently was very discouraging. Only about 6,000 Nigerians have registered for the e-dividend,” he said, while observing that there were issues with Registrars and Banks as they have not come to an agreement on the modalities,” he said.

Gwarzo, while briefing the press on the key developments and deliberations made during the Second Quarter Capital Market Committee (CMC) Meeting, explained that SEC

was working closely with the banks and registrars nationwide, to boost the e-dividend registration process in the country.

To tackle the issue, the SEC DG explained that a meeting has been held with all the banks representatives and registrars where it was agreed that both party appoint e-

dividend Champions that would help drive the process effectively.

Gwarzo further explained that on their part of the Nigerian InterBank Settlement Systems (NIBSS), commitment has been made to assist both party in clarifications when required for the e-dividend registration.

investments that would positively impact the lives of Nigerians, noting, “his philosophy is that if we do not invest in our country, nobody will do it for us. He also promised that Globacom would keep faith with its vision of being the biggest and best telecommunications network.’

Globacom’s Commercial Coordinator, Business Enterprise, Folu Aderibigbe, received the plaque for the Mobile Telecoms Operator of the Year on behalf of the company.

Globacom was recognised for its pioneering role in the country’s telecommunication landscape and massive investments in the industry. The company’s social relevance, demonstrated through its several people-oriented programs, were also taken into consideration in picking Glo for the award, Ajiboye stated.

50% youth unemployment: Heritage Bank, BoI collaborate on entrepreneurship Chima Nwokoji-Lagos WITH youth unemployment in Nigeria estimated to be as high as 50 per cent of the labour force, Heritage Bank Plc and the Bank of Industry (BoI) has come together to curb unemployment among that segment of the population by promoting entrepreneurship.

Mr. Dominic Barton, Global Managing Director, McKinsey & Company, United Kingdom recently said that in Nigeria, youth unemployment is as high as 50 per cent

and that a Surveys by McKinsey show that 75 per cent of university professors believe they are adequately preparing their students for the workforce, but only 40 per cent of employers take the same view The two banks in an effort aimed at supporting the Federal Government in its pursuit of job creation and economic recovery, set up Small and Medium scale Enterprises’ supported programmes to take the country through the looming recession.

According to the Manag-

ing Director of Heritage Bank Plc, Mr. Ifie Sekibo said this is an opportunity for the young people between the ages of 18 and 35 to key into the various financing channels provided

by Heritage Bank and BoI. Speaking at the opening ceremony of ‘Live Well Bia’ Foods Outlet in Surulere, Lagos, Sekibo who was represented by Mrs. Raliat Oyetunde, consultant for the bank on Small and Medium scale Enterprises (SMEs) said that in most cases, it is in time of recession that new millionaires emerge.

THE seafarers of the NLNG Ship Management Limited (NSML), a subsidiary of the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG), have decried the proposed 50 per cent cut in salary.

The seafarers, in a statement made available to the Nigerian Tribune, said the protest was in reaction to the proposed 50 per cent salary cut, condemning the proposal as tantamount to slavery.

According to the seafarers, the protest was in reaction to the mail signed by the Crewing Manager, on behalf of NSML management requiring Nigerian Seafarers to sign and comply with a proposed 50 per cent salary cut within seven days or risk losing their jobs. The arbitrary salary slash expected to take effect from Sept. 1 2016..

The Seafarers’ saying the basis for disagreement was further steeped in the fact that Seafarers of other nationalities including Indians, Malaysians, Pakistanis, Russians, Croatians, among others are also challenging the 20 per cent wage cut levied on them by NSML management too, saying “Why should Nigerian Seafarers earn lower than their foreign colleagues?”

The protesting group argue that management’s proposal is tantamount to modern day slavery considering their years of rigorous training at Maritime Academy of Nigeria (MAN), and another three years study in the UK. However, the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) has stated that it decided to embark on salary cut in its subsidiary, NLNG Ship Management Limited (NSML) due to prevailing harsh economic realities.

According to a statement signed by Charles Okon, Manager, Nigerian Content, representing Dr Kudo Eresia-Eke, General Manager, External Relations and sent to Nigerian Tribune, the company confirmed that reviewed manning levels and wage scale for officers on BGT Vessels will become effective on 1st September 2016.

“This action is in line with the depressed global market situation, and consistent with prevailing industry rates - and has been taken in the interest of the sustainability of the business,” he said.

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Friday, 12 August, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Of DSS, lawmakers and the law

HE State Security Service (SSS), otherwise known as the Department of State Services (DSS), is Nigeria’s primary domestic intelligence agency. Set up by the then President Ibrahim Babangida in June 1986 through Decree Number 19 which replaced the previous National Security Organization (NSO) with the SSS, the National Intelligence Agency (NIA) and the Defence Intelligence Agency (DIA), the DSS has a mandate to protect and defend Nigeria against domestic threats, uphold and enforce criminal laws, and provide leadership and criminal justice services to both federal and state law enforcement organs, in addition to protecting the presidency and state governors and their deputies.

Commendably, the agency has achieved many feats over the years. These included the arrest of the Egyptian bomber Omar Rezaq in 1993 while he was trying to enter Nigeria through the Nigeria-Benin Republic border; the interception, in October 2010, of a large cache of arms and ammunition originating from Iran at the Apapa port in Lagos, and the infiltration of extremist groups in the country, including Boko Haram. Indeed, in 2013, it broke up a terrorist cell led by Iranian handlers. The terrorists had been planning attacks on American and Israeli targets in Nigeria. It has also, at various times, suffered casualties while trying to secure the nation, in addition to fighting kidnapping to a standstill.

Sadly, however, the agency sometimes exceeds its constitutional boundaries. For instance, in a move which sent shock waves across the nation in July this year, it arrested and detained the Speaker of the Zamfara State House of Assembly, Alhaji Sanusi Rikiji, his deputy, Muhammad Gumi, the Majority Leader, Isah Abdulmumini and the Chief Whip, Abdullahi Dansadau, in Abuja over an alleged plan to impeach Governor Abdulaziz Yari. Consequently, the remaining 20 members of the Assembly fled to Kaduna, where they issued a statement calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to intervene in their plight. The lawmakers had accused Governor Yari of alleged corrupt usage of local government funds for state purposes, non-remittance of pension funds to pension administrators and non-remittance of five per cent emirate councils funds, among others. The detainees have since been released, but without any apology by the DSS. The Zamfara case was a follow up to the invasion of the Ekiti State House of Assembly in March for reasons that have, till date, not been disclosed to the Nigerian public. Indeed, irked by its action in another case, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba of the Federal High Court, Abuja, had recently said in despair: “If the people at the DSS want to become judge and do their job as well, I am ready to vacate my office for them. But as long as I am still

here, I take exception to them flouting the orders of the court.”

A situation where judges are frustrated by an agency under the executive can only be a recipe for anarchy.

But apparently emboldened by its actions at the state level, the DSS took its brazen assault on the Constitution further penultimate week when it stormed the National Assembly over the ongoing budget padding drama at the House of Representatives. Reacting to that action, 27 prodemocracy including the Human Rights Writers Association of Nigeria (HURIWA), condemned the invasion, saying it was unconstitutional. Similarly, human rights lawyer, Mr. Femi Falana (SAN), said the DSS lacked both the moral and legal rights to probe the alleged budget padding by the leadership of the House of Reps. Falana added: “By virtue of the provisions of the National Security Agencies Act, the powers of the SSS are strictly limited to the preservation and detection within Nigeria of any crime against internal security.”

It is indeed curious that the DSS has carried on as if unaware of its constitutional limitations. In our view, this situation has arisen simply because the nation at large is really not ready for governance according to the democratic ethos. This explains, for instance, the violence visited on the Zamfara lawmakers by youths in the state who accused them of plotting to impeach Governor Yari. Pray, when did it become an offence for the legislature to initiate impeachment proceedings against a governor or president? How can the cause of democracy be advanced when a siege is laid on the legislature for doing the job for which it was set up in the first place?

Indeed, how can the nation complain of bad governance, then condone assault on the process constitutionally laid down for redress? We insist that it is the business of lawmakers to determine whether or not to impeach a governor or president, who is equally entitled to a defence when notified of impeachment proceedings. If the lawmakers act wrongly, the courts are there to adjudicate on the matter. Thus, a situation where the DSS, an agency under the executive, arrests and detains the leadership of a state legislature or invades the hallowed chambers of parliament should not be tolerated under any guise. In fact, it amounts to fostering a reign of terror on the land and assaulting the principle of separation of powers which, we hasten to add, is one of the pillars of democracy.

While we are not against the DSS as an institution, we believe that the time has come for it to be mindful of its constitutional mandate. It should exercise caution in the way it carries itself, otherwise it would continue to open itself up to criticisms on the basis of high handedness, impunity and partisanship.

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Friday, 12 August, 2016

LETTERS TO THE

editor

Letters to the editor should be sent to letterstribune@yahoo.com or by sms to 08054005323. It MUST be accompanied by the full name and address of the writer.

Lokoja Federal varsity falling apart

T

HE glorious past of the Federal University, Lokoja is gradually fad-

ing.

Gone are the days when the university glittered in newness and beauty, with lawns well-manicured, bathrooms and toilets properly cleaned and running with water.

During these glorious years, the lecture rooms were well-swept and mopped; the seats wellarranged and the screws were intact. The windows and doors to all offices and classes were well fitted and strong.

The electrical sockets were all working, but that

was in the past.

Today, the Federal University, Lokoja lecture rooms have become a ghost of themselves.

The electrical fittings are breaking off, the windows are falling apart, the seats are all broken and ceilings are falling off. Cobwebs now reign supreme in the lecture halls.

While no one can be blamed when infrastructures dilapidate, the lack of maintenance is the reason properties at the Federal University, Lokoja are in the state they are at the moment.

If we are to start laying the blame, the students should first be blamed for

not using these properties with the required care. It is unfortunate that in just four years, these wanton damages could be recorded. But the Works Department of the university must also have its share of the blame. With the way things are, it would be correct to say that the department is non-functional or inexistent, as its impact is not felt at all.

Finally, it is the management of the university that will take the larger portion of the blame, as it could either be accused of complete neglect of its duty, or to be considered irresponsive to its duty as the manager of all properties in the

institution. Therefore, this is a call for the management to wake up to its responsibilities and be proactive in maintenance. In Civil Engineering, maintenance is a better and preferred option to complete replacement. Some people may say the physical structures in a university do not

fies them to visit any of the designated healthcare providers in their respective local councils and access free healthcare without paying a dime.

The free health treatment covers all manners of local endemic diseases that contend with the health of pregnant women, mothers and their children. Ante natal and post natal services are assured. They will equally not have to worry about payment for diagnostic tests, as this is also covered by the scheme.

This is the first of such scheme in the history of Ogun State. Many pregnant women in Abeokuta North and Abeokuta South local government areas are

already enjoying the free health facilities, including free drugs.

This social insurance scheme, once again, highlights the welfarist policy of the Ibikunle Amosunled administration in Ogun State. As the gover-

nor often says, we are here because of these people.

I congratulate the governor for adding another feather to his cap. As it is said, a healthy nation is a wealthy nation.

•Soyombo Opeyemi Abeokuta.

Militants in disarray THE factionalisation of the Niger Delta Avengers means that the militants are in disarray, and it is a great opportunity for the Federal Government to parley one faction so as to unravel those behind the bombings of oil installations in the country.

Just last week, a group broke out of the Niger Delta Avengers, renaming itself the Reformed Niger Delta Avengers.

This new group said it was ready to partner with the Federal Government towards addressing the situation in the region. It

further revealed that it had to break away from the mainstream group because some elements were not ready for dialogue. I hope the Nigerian military can capitalise on this in order to halt further attacks on oil pipelines, while unravelling the sponsors of the militants.

Finally, the Federal Government should show commitment to the development of the Niger Delta region.

•Emma Okey, Gokana, Rivers State .

cule the institution, but to call the management’s attention to the situation on ground in the university.

I believe that this will spur the manangement on towards taking maintenance seriously at the university.

•Akerejola Abiodun, Lokoja, Kogi State.

Crime: IGP, come to our aid in Benue CRIME has assumed a terrible dimension in Benue State, and it is important for the necessary security agencies, particularly the police, to do something about it.

Today, armed robbers,

On Ogun health card IT looked like the ATM card at a distance. I drew closer to some of the pregnant women and officials of the Ogun State Ministry of Health in order to assess it. Indeed, it was like the ATM or National Identity Card. The biometrics of the beneficiaries were captured in the cards.

The poor pregnant women at its launching caressed them and offered gratitude to the Governor of Ogun State, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, for a new lease of life.

From that day, Monday, 11 July, 2016, when the Araya Scale-up, a community based health insurance scheme, was launched, the card quali-

really matter, but the truth is that the condition of the structures has meaning to people visiting the university for the first time.

Again, when the structures on campus lack maintenance, how will students study under such environment?

This letter is not to ridi-

assassins, kidnappers, among other criminals, are having a field day in the state. It has reached a situation whereby citizens now wonder whether there are security agents in the state at all.

Business people in the state are now afraid that they might be attacked anytime by these criminals. For example, in Gboko, one of the local government areas in the state, car snatching is now on the increase. Those who perpetrate the crime are young boys who stop the vehicles that catch their

fancy, point their guns at the driver, while asking him to choose between his life or the car. People can no longer sleep peacefully in their homes these days as well.

Our people in Benue are not finding it easy at all as a result of the increase in crime in the state. It is as a result of this that I am calling on the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, and other security agencies to come to our rescue in Benue.

•Iorchor Ushahemba, Makurdi, Benue State.

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opinion

Friday, 12 August, 2016

Much ado about budget padding

By Ronald Abe

T

HE Nigerian English lexicon is subject to many interpretations, and interestingly, riddled with words that are deliberately used out of context. Sadly, many Nigerians embrace these words without recourse to real or productive meaning. And so was the story of budget padding, with many Nigerians crying foul over a term even if a large percentage have no idea what such word means.

With the ongoing drama, who can blame the people, who have overtime, been left with no choice than to question persons in political positions, especially when it comes to accusations and counter-accusations.

The Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Senator Ita Enang, who reportedly made the Presidency’s position on the lingering crisis in the House of Representatives known when they appeared before the leadership of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) at the party’s headquarters, said: “We have given explanation on every issue. There is nothing, to our knowledge, like padding of the budget. The budget, as assented to by the President, is the budget passed by the National Assembly and it is being executed. For now, the party is handling it as a domestic issue; a party issue. All of us have been told not to make public comments because the matter is still under consideration. In all our years of legislative engagement, we have yet to find in the legislative lexicon the word, ‘padding.’ When the budget is presented before the legislature, the legislature is to consider the budget and pass as it deems fit. So, what the legislature passes becomes the Appropriation Act upon assent. Therefore, any word which has yet to crystallise in legislative lexicon, you cannot hear us mention it.”

The real question we should ask then is ‘what is budget padding?’ According to eHow contributor, Danielle DeLee, “Padding the budget is a practice that some people use in business when submitting a budget for approval. It artificially inflates the proposed budget in order to give the project room to expand or to cover unexpected costs.

“Padding the budget means making the budget proposal larg-

er than the actual estimates for the project. This is done either by increasing a project’s expenses or decreasing its expected revenue. The goal of budget padding is to get an approval committee to grant an artificially high level of funding to the budget maker’s proposed project. There is some contention over the exact definition of padding — some contend that inflating expenses to take expected inflation into account is responsible foresight rather than padding, while others see any increase beyond current estimates as padding.”

As such, whether inflation or ‘padding’ of budget, there doesn’t seem to be much difference. It seems only sensible to assume that in an economy that is forced to make sensible cuts, especially when it comes to budgetary allocation, ‘padding’ as the case may be, shouldn’t constitute so much of brouhaha as is the case now, especially as there has been no proof as to certify that such practice is what the 2016 budget has been subjected to.

Lagos lawyer,Wahab Shittu, in a recent article published in newspapers, addresses the criminality or otherwise of budget padding, noting especially that “padding of the budget may not be established except it is shown that the budgetary process is either broken, corrupted or compromised. This may have introduced the element of proof. What proof? First it is important to find out the motivation for such insertions, that is, whether designed to defeat the objectives of the budget as laid before the National Assembly by the President. Secondly, it must be shown that the act of insertion or mutilation was actually carried out by the National Assembly and the persons involved in the illegal insertions or mutilations of the budget. Thirdly, whether the acts complained of was successful? And the last ingredient is the benefit derived from the process by the beneficiaries. It will also be useful to determine whether the culprits carried out the exercise without the knowledge of the body of the National Assembly as a whole as such a scenario will confirm its illegality. Except it is shown that the select few acted in defiance of the majority of the National Assembly, it may be difficult for

the National Assembly to vote something and it is regarded as padding.

“It is in this context that budget padding may be likened to corrupt practices similar in nature to such offences as abuse of office, attempt to embezzle, diversion and misappropriation of public funds, conspiracy to act corruptly and illicit enrichment – all of which offences are recognized under United Nations Convention against corruption to which Nigeria is a state party. Further, a clear scrutiny of legislations such as Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Act, Economic and Financial Crimes Establishment Act (EFCC) and Fiscal Responsibility Act respectively would reveal further offences that could come within the framework of budget padding.”

From the above, the position of the House of Representatives Speaker, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, who after a meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari at the Presidential Villa, recently reportedly stated that as a lawyer, the word ‘padding’ had no meaning in his legal dictionary may not be wrong, considering that there has been no verified proof of attempts or actual embezzlement, diversion or misappropriation of public funds, as made available through budgetary allocation.

Sadly, many have deviated from the issue that has always plagued the election of lawmakers and how such status affects their various constituencies. The issue goes beyond the criminality or otherwise of the so-called budget padding, but ensuring that whatever public funds are earmarked for with regards to providing better standards of living for the people are spent as allocated.

In truth, with the state of our fluctuating economic realities, nearly everyone who has to work with a budget is guilty of inflation. From the high profile executive preparing the company’s budget, to the housewife making a list for her husband on household necessities, the secondary school student who has to make a list for when he returns to the hostel, and even the committee of pastors saddled with the responsibility of disbursing funds for purchase of materials for the church building project, ‘padding’ seems the sensible way to avoid unnecessary pitfalls as may come with expenses related to monetary endeavours.

•Abe sent in this piece from Lagos.

Nigerians and the disconnection from the motherland

By Tope Fasua WE are creating a future of totally disconnected Nigerians. Disconnected from the land, disconnected from themselves, disconnected from Africa, disconnected from reality. We are raising a generation of non-patriots on one hand, and those who will take revenge on the nation, for real and imagined ills, on the other.

It is important for us to project into the future no matter the fact that no one can predict the future accurately. What sort of children are we creating? What sort of Nigerians are we grooming? What sort of Africans? At the upper end of the ladder, the children of rich people are totally disconnected from reality.

At the lower end, they have equally been bred to despise the country. Since the majority of the children of the rich are wired to stay back abroad after their studies under the belief that ‘Nigeria is rubbish’, we are left with the children of the poor to run the affairs of Nigeria – with the few exceptions where corrupt politicians try to recycle their children to continue the corruption legacy. Those ones too are not being raised in patriotism, but to come and revenge for what the currently rich people have done to them; including using the commonwealth to raise their own children who end up as expatriates in foreign lands.

Yet my generation seems to have agreed that our time, opportunity and resolve to make profound changes, seem to have passed us by. Many in my generation say that we can no longer redeem Nigeria and we should wait for those coming behind.

But if we cannot turn Nigeria around, and our children will not, who will? The way things are going, it’s as if we intend that one day, the entire space called Nigeria will be cleared out and foreigners will come and run the place.

This is true because a disconnected generation cannot undertake the arduous task of taking a nation to greatness. You have to be involved to make impact; involved enough to the extent that when things go wrong, you stick to your guns and press on in the belief that the sacrifice is worth it.

National greatness is a long haul affair. And it is not for the chicken-hearted, the distracted, the horde whose gazes are permanently fixed abroad.

I write this article after I watched a short clip on Facebook where four children of a private school somewhere in Lagos, Nigeria, were asked “which is the best country in the world”?

Unanimously, they were of the opinion that Nigeria is the worst country on earth. One mentioned that ‘London’ was the best country on earth (probably because their middle-class parents have taken her there one time too often), the older one was vehement that the USA is the best country in the world (despite the frequent occurrences of gun crimes and virulent police brutality). Their reasons were even more ridiculous. The older child (about ten or eleven years old), said she believed Nigeria was the worst country in the world and that this country was ‘fantastically corrupt’ (her words). Apparently she has been watching television and listening to adult conversations). She said she believed that to be true because British prime minister, David Cameron, said so, and that Cameron cannot lie!

At the heart of our problem is a certain strain of inferiority complex. It is the reason why we stick our children into any school that has a foreign name in front of it.

British, American, French, even Turkish. Hope we are taking note of the ongoing Turkish imbroglio wherein their government has alleged that CIA-backed opponents of theirs are behind the Turkish this-and-thats in Nigeria. They have asked for the closure of the schools. They even alleged that the money used to fund the recent bloody coup was housed in a Nigerian bank and transferred into Turkey from here. But I digress.

Our future generation believes in the White man. Whatever

he says is true. Whereas I am equally awed by the achievements of the White man, I am also aware that they can be very cunning and have achieved some of the vaunted feats through deception. Is anyone teaching our children some cautious optimism; to be circumspect and to know that ultimately, they are their own best bet and Nigeria is their greatest opportunity? I doubt.

Our private schools are teaching them to be posh and to view Nigeria as shit. It may be shocking to many of them who will progress to study and live abroad that those glistening countries only have a good façade under which is so much rottenness. See the way the American police has been killing black people lately and no sane person will want to live in that country.

Like I wrote a few weeks ago, the best place for any Nigerian to do business is Nigeria. Matter of fact, the best place for anyone to live, is their own country.

The icing on the cake is that a country like Nigeria is full of challenges, and those challenges are the essence of life. No one will tackle the challenges of Nigeria but us. Invariably, we are bequeathing even more problems to our children, only that we are NOT building them to take advantage of those challenges.

Instead, they are released to foreign countries, to solve problems that they did not create in lands where they have no stakes. Or we are just spoiling them.

I recall a friend’s daughter telling him that she and her friends have elected to have a meeting in New Jersey, USA during one summer. My friend had to start running around for visas and tickets that he did not plan for. We sometimes say we don’t want our children to suffer like we did, forgetting that most times, it is that suffering that made us into whom we are today.

So as we send our children to the fancy schools, let us ensure we put in their hearts, the love for their country, and make them know that whatever they see that is wrong with this country, they must step up and correct it. They are better-off doing this, than being slaves in another man’s country.

Modern slaves, wearing ties at best, even sometimes making money, but never quite belonging in those countries.

•Fasua can be reached on topsyfash@yahoo.com

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Friday, 12 August, 2016

W

E are interrupting our serialisation of the beautiful book of Dr. ‘Wale Adebanwi on Mama H.I.D to write a tribute to Senator ‘Yinka Omilani on his attainment of 80 years.

Senator Omilani is a distinguished Nigerian leader to deserve such an honour.

On July 18, 2016, Senator Omilani from Ode-Omu in Osun State turned 80. The day was marked with a church service and a heavy party in Lagos. The ceremonies were very well attended.

Before the July 18 festivities, Senator Omilani had donated a library and an events centre he had built to his Ode-Omu community at a ceremony attended by a large number of people. The ceremony had taken place on Saturday 9, July, 2016. The commission of the two centres had been held under the watchful eyes of Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State. The commissioning of the events centre and the library had triggered the 80th birthday celebrations of this great Nigerian citizen.

Ode-Omu is an Oyo-speaking town in Osun State; it is about one hour of travel to Osogbo, the capital of the state.

Ode-Omu has strong traditional and cultural affinities with the Modekeke people near Ile-Ife, the ancestral town of the Yoruba people of Nigeria. It is a beautiful town that equally serves as the birthplace of Pastor Matthew Ashimolowo, a gifted and brilliant pastor in Nigeria’s pentecostal family.

Writing about Senator ‘Yinka Omilani is painless and quite interesting. Senator ‘Yinka Omilani is a politician who inspires a lot of his countrymen and women. I met him 24 years ago and I have never regretted ever meeting him since that time. We were both senatorial aspirants on the platform of the Social Democratic Party (SDP). While he came from the Osun West Senatorial District, I came from Osun East (Ife and Ijesa) Senatorial District. Dr. Olu Alabi was the Osun Central Senatorial District candidate at that time. Both Senator ‘Yinka Omilani and Senator Olu Alabi made it to the Senate of the Babangida era at that time. My own ambition to be a senator was terminated by a sudden announcement from the Babangida government that I had been disqualified from the race.

One remarkable event happened that I will never forget.

Before the senatorial elections, Senator ‘Yinka Omilani had sent donations of N100,000 to both myself and Olu Alabi as financial assistance to us (the other Senatorial aspirants of the SDP in the state). After my disqualification from the race by the General Ibrahim Babangida regime, Senator Omilani refused to collect his money (N100,000) from me. The man (Omilani) is ever so generous and kind. I have noted that gesture till this day.

When I was young, I was an avid reader of a book written

by Anwar Sadat (a former President of Egypt). The book was titled “THOSE I HAVE MET.” The book contains facts on world citizens who had made marked impressions on the life and times of the Egyptian president. President Anwar Sadat was assassinated shortly after writing the famous book. I still remember till this day that the Anwar Sadat book was bought for me the same time with a book “THE ROAD TO RAMADAN,” written by Mohamed Heikal, an Egyptian journalist and editor of the famous Arab News Agency, AL AHRAM, by my late friend, Comrade Niyi Oniororo. Comrade Oniororo had bought the books for me while in Cairo on his way back from Kim Ill Sung’s North Korea. I have concluded that were Senator Omilani to be in political movement at the time of Anwar Sadat’s book, he (Omilani) would have qualified to be mentioned in the book “THOSE I HAVE MET.” Senator Omilani, apart from his greatness as a political practitioner of note, apart from his being a patriotic and generous philanthropist, has equally been a successful businessman having made a name in the Insurance business in Nigeria. Senator ‘Yinka Omilani’s name is a popular name in the Insurance business in Nigeria and the world.

Despite, all the important life achievements of Senator Omilani, he is very humble and simple to deal with. He carries himself gracefully and takes all matters and problems with poise and equal minds. You can never catch Senator Omilani involving himself with matters that are related to pride and arrogance.

He was at one time in his life appointed the Vice-Chairman, South West Peoples Democratic Party (PDP). He had taken over the office from Chief Olabode Ibiyinka George, the Atona Ooduwa and Omilani, like Bode George did make a great success of the position.

I love and respect this man. I love him not because he is married to an Ijesa woman (from my base). I love and respect him for the very simple and highly exemplary life he leads. He has no time to nurse any animosity against anyone.

He has no time to carry grudges to a ridiculous extent. His

With

Ebenezer Babatope

0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE)

Celebrating Senator Yinka Omilani at 80

•Senator Yinka Omilani

life radiates love and justice to all mortals.

“Egbon”, (Senator ‘Yinka Omilani), you will forever remain blessed! This Baptist born Ode-Omu politician means many positive things to many people.

We are highly proud of you!!

Senator ‘Yinka Omilani is 80. May God continue to bless

him with more productive years on earth.

•EBINO TOPSY – 0805-500-1735 (SMS ONLY PLEASE) NEXT WEEK: WALE ADEBANWI ON MAMA H.I.D.- 11 (BOOK YOUR COPY IN ADVANCE)

Senator ‘Yinka Omilani, apart from his greatness as a political practitioner of note, apart from his being a patriotic and generous philanthropist, has equally been a successful businessman.

17

Friday, 12 August, 2016

eyesof islam Nigerians are world’s worst abusers of religion

What effort do you think Muslim entrepreneurs can make to counter this syndrome?

Muslim entrepreneurs have tried to establish their own media houses. A few newspapers were established in the past. Some electronic media houses too. But the West is always out to strangulate such media houses. They are identified, hunted down and ‘frustrated’ out of business. Then some media houses feign support for Muslims but they are really working against us. We know them, both locally and internationally.

The Nigerian military recently attacked a Shia procession, killing hundreds, according to Human Rights Watch, after the military claimed they planned to assassinate army chief, Tukur Buratai.

The leader of the sect, Sheikh Ibraheem Zakzaky, is still being held by the authorities. As a crusader for the rights of Muslims, where do you stand on this issue?

Our organisation, the Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), condemned the attack on the Islamic group immediately it occurred. However, facts started emerging when Muslims from Zaria complained bitterly about the excesses of the group even against their fellow Muslims and other Nigerians. Again, many Islamic organisations got in touch with MURIC to put more facts on the table. We are still watching the situation but we don’t want a scenario where MURIC will be taking on other Islamic groups. That will defeat the purpose of our existence.

—Prof. Ishaq Akintola

Director of Muslim Rights Concern (MURIC), Ishaq Akintola, a professor of Islamic Eschatology, speaks with SAHEED SALAWU on some issues affecting religion in relation to the well-being of Nigeria and the world at large.

H

OW has the academic environment been able to sustain religious tolerance in such a way that very few cases of faith-based hostility have so far been

reported?

The major reason for religious violence is ignorance.

People in academic communities are enlightened. They know the limits. They cross-fertilise ideas. No one can pull the wool over their faces on the issue of religion. They may have their differences but they iron out issues and avoid primordial sentiments. Education is all Nigerians need to get over religious fanaticism. The government should open all doors to ensure that every Nigerian is educated. In particular, every Christian child should be taught Christian religious studies and vice versa.

Bigotry has continued to be directed against Islam and Muslims in many parts of the world, especially America and Europe, because some individuals carry out dastardly acts and shout ‘Allah Akbar’ in the process. What do you think is really happening?

I condemn terrorism and all forms of violence. Yet, I believe that justice is the soul of peace. You cannot deny one and enjoy the other. Peace is tied to the umbilical cord of justice. In simple language, I am saying that if you want peace, don’t be unjust to people.

We need to take a second look at the Aristotelian theory of ‘causality’. There is no smoke without fire. Reactions and demand for justice will continue as long as there is injustice in the world. The Palestinian question and the dehumanisation of the Palestinian people are at the root of the crisis in the Middle East.

America and Britain are guilty of genocide against the people of Iraq whose land was invaded under the guise of looking for Weapons of Mass Destruction (WMD). The West later confessed it was a ruse. No WMD was found. A regime was toppled. Saddam Hussein was hanged on Salah Day like Salah ram. This is significant. Forget the fact that he was hanged by the opposition. We know better. More than 500,000 Iraqi children were killed and the West arrogantly refused to apologise. Don’t forget that Iraq was invaded without the mandate of the United Nations. The corollary is the eruption of Arab lands in crisis.

Many will label me as a terrorist for using my head to think like this. They want to gag Muslims all over the world. But it is not Muslims alone who react to injustice.

Don’t forget the Irish Republican Army (IRA) and its attacks on British targets. Remember the Red Brigades of

Saheed Salawu yinkadejavu@yahoo.com 0811 695 4643

Italy. I can go on and on. Various groups react differently to unjust treatments. But it is the violent reaction that catches greater attention.

Do you think scholars have done enough to disabuse the minds of people who believe terrorists who shout ‘Alahu Akbar’ are genuine Muslims?

The onus is not on Islamic scholars to prove anything.

Non-Muslims will not believe them no matter how much they try. Islamic scholars do not have the facilities to reach the public. The press does. It is part of the duties of the press to inform, to educate, to investigate. People may think Islamic scholars are merely looking for alibi for the excesses of Muslim extremists. But the press is generally believed to be neutral so the public is more likely to believe it (I mean the press).

We have heard of Christian elements among the Boko Haram insurgents who were captured and who confessed that they used to shout ‘Allahu Akbar’ during attacks although they were not Muslims. How well has the press used that information?

The truth is that there are extremists on both sides. The world in general and Nigeria in particular are sandwiched between two dangerous zealots, namely, Muslim extremists and Christian fanatics. But we continue to deceive ourselves that it is just a Muslim affair. The earlier the world wakes up to this reality the better.

Internationally, Muslim groups and associations affirm that the international media has been unfair to Islam in terms of reportage and analyses.

I give kudos to the Lagos State government for its decision to close down religious houses for noisemaking. The exercise should continue. I wholeheartedly support it. Close a mosque if it disturbs the neighbourhood; ditto a church. Enough of bedlam.

How, in your opinion, has religion aided or truncated the socio-economic development of Nigeria?

Religion has not performed well enough in this country.

Politicians use religion to get to power. Then they use the acquired office to steal public funds. There is massive proliferation of churches and mosques all over the place yet there is no visible sign of the impact of religion on morals.

It is so disappointing. Too much noise everywhere. Vigil and asalatu noise. It affects our health. It disturbs academic performance. Our students cannot concentrate on their studies with all the noise emanating from religious places in the night. It has been partly responsible for the poor performance of our children in examinations. I give kudos to the Lagos State government for its decision to close down religious houses for noisemaking. The exercise should continue. I wholeheartedly support it. Close a mosque if it disturbs the neighbourhood; ditto a church.

Enough of bedlam.

Of all the countries of the world, it is in Nigeria that we abuse religion most. You can’t have a quiet ride in the bus without a preacher shouting like hell is breaking loose. I must be frank with you. It is Christians who preach inside commercial buses and our press look the other way. It is shameful.

Religious leaders have equally been disappointing. We need to lead by example. We must be calm. They must teach tolerance and walk their talk. Religious leaders should speak with high sense of responsibility.

What, to you, can afford a lasting religious peace and harmony in Nigeria?

Dialogue, recourse to legal intervention when in dispute and submission to the supremacy of the rule of law will bring enduring peace. Above all, we should allow Christians to be Christians and Muslims to be Muslims while both groups should adhere to the true teachings of their scriptures.

For instance, if female Muslim students rely on Qur’an 24:30-31 as the basis for their demand of hijab on school uniform, I expect Christian leaders to demand the use of veil on school uniforms taking a cue from I Corinthians 11:4-12 which instructs Christian women to cover their heads in order to avoid curses from angels.

Do you have confidence in the ability of Saudi Arabia to conduct a hitch-free Hajj this year?

Yes, why not? Saudis are good at planning and they have the will to improve upon situations. They have learnt lessons from last year’s stampede. Saudi is not a stagnant society; they are always making improvements.

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Friday, 12 August, 2016

Med-View begins airlift of Kaduna pilgrims Be good ambassadors in Saudi, el-Rufai tells pilgrims

By Bola Badmus and Muhammad Sabiu

MED-VIEW Airline, on Wednesday, commenced the airlift of 2,500 pilgrims from Kaduna State with the first batch of 320 taking off at the Kaduna International Airport, Kaduna.

The pilgrims were airlifted in the Boeing 777300 aircraft recently acquired by the airline for Hajj operations. It would be followed by another batch of over 400 pilgrims.

Managing Director and Chief Executive of the airline, Alhaji Muneer Bankole, who spoke to journalists prior to the commencement of airlift, said two flights would be operated daily between August 10 and August 13 to airlift all the pilgrims to Madinah in Saudi Arabia.

He commended Governor Nasir El-Rufai of Kaduna State for the opportunity given to Med-View to airlift over 80 per cent of pilgrims from the state.

“We want to use this opportunity to thank the governor of Kaduna State, Mallam Nasir El-Rufai, for giving us the opportunity to come and serve the people of the state. We are here to airlift 2,500,” he said.

Bankole disclosed that the airline, apart from providing free clothing for the Ihram (a sacred state which a Muslim must enter in order to perform the Hajj pilgrimage) to the pilgrims, they would also be given free Zam Zam water.

He said anybody involved in Hajj operations should ensure comfort and convenience of the pilgrims which, according to him, is what Med-View has done continuously for the 10 years it has been involved in the exercise.

“One thing anybody doing this business should put in mind is to look at the spiritual inclination, that the souls that go for this holy pilgrimage are our mothers and fathers who, as ordained by Allah, are fulfilling their religious obligations,” Bankole added.

Governor el-Rufai had, on Tuesday, in Kaduna, at the farewell ceremony for the first batch of the

pilgrims from the state to depart for the holy land, charged them to project themselves as good ambassadors of the state and, indeed, Nigeria throughout their stay in Saudi Arabia.

The governor gave the assurance that problems associated with Hajj operations in the state would soon be over as measures were being taken by his government to improve the administration of the annual pilgrimage to Mecca.

Special Assistant to the Governor on Islamic Affairs, Imam Hussaini Sulaiman Isoho-Ikara, said the state was impressed From left, Chairman, National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Mukhtar Muhammed; governor of Zamfara State, Abdulaziz Yari; governor of Sokoto State, with the performance of Aminu Tambuwal and the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, at the flag-off ceremony for the airlifting of Hajj pilgrims in Sokoto, on Monday.

Med-View in Hajj operations so far, recalling that the airline came to the rescue of the state last year.

Med-View Airline is operating this year’s Hajj with three jumbo jets – Nigeria to support the Na- made the plea in his fare- the Etsu Nupe to lead this Boeing 747-400, Boe- Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna tional Amirul Hajj for this well address to the first year’s pilgrims to Saudi ing 777-200 and BoeHE Sultan of Soyear in Saudi Arabia, the batch of pilgrims from Arabia was arrived at afing 767-300ER – and koto, Alhaji MuEtsu Nupe, Alhaji Yahaya Zamfara State, at the Sul- ter extensive consultations airlifting pilgrims from hammadu Sa’ad Abubakar and his team to tan Abubakar III interna- with stakeholders and South-West, South-East thanked President MuAbubakar, has succeed. tional Airport, Sokoto. and South-South, as well hammadu Buhari for enimplored all pilgrims from The Amirul Mumineen He said the choice of as Kaduna State. dorsing the choice.

In a remark, the president urged the pilgrims to be of good behaviour and do away with anything that could harm the image of day to arrive in Saudi AraNigeria.

The chairman disclosed and anyone found with it

By Oluwatoyin Malik bia on Sunday morning. that information had will be arrested.

President Buhari, who He said that the remain- reached him from Saudi “Pilgrims should also was represented by the SoTHE chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims’ Wel- ing pilgrims would leave authorities that pilgrims submit their drugs to our koto State governor, Alhaji fare Board (Muslim Wing), by the middle of next week have been warned against medical doctors. They Aminu Tambuwal, asked Alhaji Taofeek Akeugba- while the chairman would coming with any book other should not take ordinary the pilgrims to respect paracetamol along with Saudi Arabia’s laws so as gold, has warned pilgrims stay behind to be sure that than the Qur’an.

The information, he said, them,” he warned. to avoid taking contraband all pilgrims had left and to to avoid unpalatable conindicated that a prayer He disclosed that those sequences. along with them on the Hajj attend to complaints.

Speaking on the challeng- book called Dalaail u’l who took sleeping drugs pilgrimage to Mecca, espeGovernor Abdulaziz Yari es encountered, Akeugba- Khayraat, a famous col- were detected when the cially kola nuts and drugs, of Zamfara State charged saying that the Saudi au- gold, who stated that each lection of prayers for the drugs reflected in the blood the pilgrims from the state thorities disapprove of such Hajj process usually had its Prophet Muhammad, is not while being tested at the to reciprocate the gesture items and will arrest any- challenges yearly, pointed accepted by the Saudi au- point of entry, resulting in of being the first state to out that this year’s was the thorities. their subjection to a lot of one found culpable. be airlifted to the holy land “According to Saudi tests to be sure that they Akeugbagold, who gave issuance of visa because of by conducting themselves Council of Ulamas, it is were ordinary sleeping tabthe warning on Thursday, its electronic process. well.

He, however, expressed overdose of As-salat for the lets. also disclosed that 480 out The governor noted that delight ICT officials of the holy Prophet. The Prophet “So, pilgrims should avoid of 1,354 pilgrims from the this was the first time the state were already in Saudi National Hajj Commission is over-praised in the book any form of sedative drugs; National Hajj Commisof Nigeria (NAHCON) were and they said that they don’t they should wait till they Arabia, in high spirits. sion of Nigeria (NAHCON) now on top of the situation. want it. Even those hold- get to Saudi Arabia where He said that the pilgrims would be picking the state On the delay in giving ing the book were arrest- there are better drugs,” the already in Saudi Arabia as the first to be airlifted. visited historical areas in Basic Travelling Allowance ed. So, any form of prayer chairman advised.

“This gesture is, indeed, On those who are on antiMadinah on Thursday and (BTA) to pilgrims, he said book should not be taken to would spend a week in those who were in Saudi Saudi. All they want to see hypertensive drugs, Alhaji welcomed by the people that city before moving to Arabia had got theirs while with pilgrims is the Qur’an,” Akeugbagold said that they and government of Zamthose who were yet to go Akeugbagold stressed. should just take the needed fara State. It is, therefore, Makkah.

He added that the author- ones before leaving Nigeria. my humble wish that you Alhaji Akeugbagold said would get theirs before ities also warned against “Our doctors will speak reciprocate the honour,” further that 90 percent leaving Nigeria.

He warned the pilgrims hanging bogus rosaries for them in Saudi if it is the governor said. of the remaining pilgrims would today depart Ibadan against violation of rules, around the neck at the found in their blood but About 503 pilgrims from they should not take the Bukkuyum and Maradun for Murtala Muhammed saying that they should point of entry.

“There is also a certain drugs along. I repeat: all local government areas of International Airport, La- avoid eating kola nut before gos, where they would be boarding because it would part of prayer called al- drugs should be kept with the state were airlifted to screened till tomorrow be- reflect in their blood at the Hatimi. Anything contain- our doctors,” he empha- the holy land by Max Air, fore departing late in the point of entry in Saudi Ara- ing such is seen as crime sised. on Monday. bia.

Sultan tells Nigerian pilgrims to support national Amirul Hajj in Mecca

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Avoid kola nuts, other contraband, Akeugbagold advises pilgrims

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Friday, 12 August, 2016

fridaytreat eek Artiste of the w

Nigerian Tribune

Rotimi Ige rotimiige@yahoo.com 0811 695 4636

Friday gist

GQ wows Ilorin with Olu Maintain, Pepenazi

All roads in Ilorin will lead to GQ lounge, Ilorin as popular Nigerian music stars, Olu Maintain and Pepenazi, will be in the city to herald the re-opening of the upscale lounge.

The club/lounge, which was closed last month for renovation, according to the CEO, Yemi Lawal, was done in order to further import luxury lifestyle into the city’s bubbling nightlife. “The people here are fun loving and classy people. We can only give them the best of everything. As you can see, everything has been given additional facelift and new furniture brought in. We have been known for quality and we will not relent”.

The club/lounge reopens tonight and the two music stars will headline the grand reopening.

My album is

high ‘standard’ —Reekado Banks

M

avin Records artiste, Reekado Banks, is set to drop his debut album soon and it is sure that his fans can’t wait. In a recent chat with HipTV, he revealed that his debut album”is going to be the best album so far this year or even in the last ten years”. He added that it will probably also be the best album we’ll hear in the next ten years. The singer’s yet-to-be-titled album has been scheduled for an August release Artiste Profile Full name: Ayoleyi Hanniel Solomon Date of birth: 6 December 1993 Reekado Banks, is a Nigerian singer, rapper and songwriter who came into limelight in 2014 after being signed to Mavin Records . He went by the stage name ‘Spicy’ prior to his record deal with the aforementioned label. He was declared the winner of Next Rated award at The Headies 2015. He has many hit songs to his name and has been featured in several collaborations.

Reekado Banks is the last child from a musical family. His father was a singer while his mother, a dancer.

Moreover, his elder brother is a producer and his elder sister, a gospel singer. He grew up in a disciplinarian setting due to both of his parents are pastors. He graduated secondary school at the age of 14, and started recording his first set of songs in 2008. His elder brother produced all of his earlier songs and tutored him on the rudiments of singing, writing and producing. He derived the stage

name ‘Reekado Banks’ by combining the meanings of the two names; the former part of his stage name translates to “strong ruler”, while the latter part loosely translates to “wealth”. In 2014, Reekado Banks graduated from the University of Lagos with a degree in History and Strategic Study. He has cited Don Jazzy, 2face Idibia, DJ Jimmy Jatt, Olamide and M.I as his key musical inspirations.

In an interview, Reekado once said that during his university days, a lecturer had told him he would never achieve his dreams after preventing him from retaking a test he missed.

His breakthrough came during a Mavin Records audition where he was chosen out of over 5,000 hopefuls.

The dreadlocked act, now popular for his ballad ‘Katapot’, ‘Corner’, ‘Standard’, among others, credited this triumph to God. In his words, “There is no amount of sacrifice that was

enough to get me something this big.”

He also stated that he had once resorted to hawking blenders in traffic and working as a manual labourer at a construction site, in a bid to earn some money to use for his recordings after he told his parents about his intention to pursue a career in music.

His record deal with Mavin Records came as a result of his brother submitting some of his songs to the label in an online talent search. Reekado Banks got signed to Mavin Records after his entries were selected from over 5000 entries.

Reekado Banks premiered the single “Turn It Up” on 21 February 2014, which happened to be the same day he got signed to Mavin Records; the song featured Tiwa Savage and was released as his first official single under Mavin Records. Reekado Banks was featured alongside label mates Don Jazzy, Korede Bello, Tiwa Savage, Di’Ja, Dr SID and D’Prince on the critical acclaim song ‘Dorobucci’, which was released on 1 May 2014. Reekado Banks has also worked with his label mates to release the collaborative singles ‘Adaobi’, ‘Arise’ and ‘Looku Looku’. On 13 February 2015, Reekado Banks released the Don Jazzy produced song ‘Katapot’. He also has many other widely accepted songs like ‘Corner’, and more recently, ‘Standard’.

A graduate of the University of Lagos, Reekado Banks won the Headies 2015 Next Rated Award ahead of colleagues like Lil Kesh, Kiss Daniel, Korede Bello and Cynthia Morgan. Since the announcement of his debut album, fans have been waiting with bated breath for Reekado’s ‘album of the decade’.

Lagelu FM brings DMW, Pizzy, Sheun Natural for Jolly Galore

Bubbles Plus hangout will be loud tonight as Lagelu FM, a sister station to Splash FM, will be hosting the duo of Davido’s latest signings, Mayorkun and Dremo, alongside HKN’s Danagog, Fabulous Pizzy and Sheun Natural to an even of fun and razzmatazz in an event tagged “Jolly Galore (August Edition)”. The event, which according to the organisers, is done to expose music artistes to a closer interaction with their fans, will be a monthly one.

“Our listeners have been asking for an event where they can interact with us and their current music raves so we came up with this spectacular event. Our aim is to bring fans and artistes under one roof to network, learn and possibly do business. Lagelu FM is a people oriented radio station and we are glad to be able to stage such an event for the people”, a spokesperson told Friday Treat.

The event will also see comedians like Afouda and Rapindaddy take turns to serenade fun seekers to rib cracking jokes.

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Friday, 12 August, 2016

Rotimi Ige rotimiige@yahoo.com 0811 695 4636 twitter: @rotifizzle twitter: @fridaytreat

fridaytreat

Why I am known to heal with comedy —Dr Frick

ROTIMI IGE caught up with fast rising comedian, Dr Frick, where he spoke about his craft and plans for the future.

M

About myself y name is Fred Otite a.k.a Dr. Frick. I am the first of four kids.

I’m half caste because my father hails from Delta State while my mother, is from Oyo State. I have a BSc. Ed BIOLOGY from Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile Ife. I’m currently studying for masters and PhD in money and impact making from the University of life. Both my parents were once lecturers and they already thought I would follow suit but I followed jacket (laughter).

Discovering my talent I can’t even remember discovering my talent. I think my talent discovered me. I have been a comic all my life considering events in it; from the days of secondary school jokes to gradually hosting shows to doing stand up gigs. My talent discovered me and then I discovered myself.

Parents support?

Parents’ support! My father understood due to his liberal nature but my mum, a yoruba educated Christian? Support comedy? Laye.

But eventually, when the Lord turned around the captivity of Zion... Even my mum started giving me materials. I do observational, topical and improve comedy. I also do a bit of musical comedy.

My stage name My stage name is from my name “FredeRICK. The doctor is because I studied medicine education. Well... I’m a doctor who uses humour as therapy. Several people have been cured of depression, sadness, idiopathy...

My mentors On the home scene, Basketmouth, Bovi, Okey Bakassi, Gordons and Owen gee.

On the global scene, Russell Peters, Aries spears, Eddie Griffin and Kevin Hart.

My content My content is influenced majorly by the fusion of who I am in Christ and events around me. So my message is always that of hope. I try to use my gift to discourage vices and encourage virtues, to create a better society.

About content copy writes When others copy my materials, my reaction depends on how they deliver it and where they use it. It hurts when comedians destroy materials belonging to others. And a material might not hurt but lifting a whole routine... That’s murder to the victim’s career.

Inspiration An open mind and sharpened wit with meditation and prayers. Materials come at will naturally at times. And there are also seasons of drought. So one liners and Spontaneity come in handy.

About my maiden show Yes, My maiden show is coming up.

FRICKING MOMENTS. and this edition is tagged #hifrickuency. It’s a comedy special. The first of its kind in Oyo State.

I will be holding my audience to 60 minutes non stop humour. And there’s going be a couple of brothers to spice it up. It’s the real standup that will make you stand up on the 14th of August, 2016 live at the Filmhouse cinemas, Heritage mall.

My message through comedy Well, making impact is inevitable and non negotiable because my passion and vision is second to none. I live a purpose driven life with comedy as tool to actualizing that purpose.

The population in the industry moves me not. I’ll focus on my strength and uniqueness. And by God’s grace, we will make an impact and change the game eventually.

Most memorable events From Laffmattaz with Gbenga Adeyinka the 1st, to Dr Smile Unusual to Peteru unleashed, 90s meet Millennium season 2 and specially, Joy unspeakable. These are platforms have brought me in collaboration with the likes of Gbenga Adeyinka 1st, lepacious Bose, Seyi Law, Bash, Omo baba #1, Olu Maintain, Daddy showkey, African China, Queen Salawa Abeni, Chief Muslim Haruna Ishola, Ycee, Small doctor, Sean Tizzle, Evans, Dr. Bola Are... I may not be able to exhaust the list.

Future aspirations In 5 years, I see myself as a great influence and force to reckon with internationally. I see myself as a trendsetter, Frontier and game changer. I see my brand as one of the best. And I see myself as the richest in my field.

What makes me unique Dr. Frick is unique because of his rare sense of humour, Spontaneity, creativity and originality, good dress sense and good command of English language, and also high moral standard. My brand is based on integrity and quality service delivery.

Last words...

That would come in some 70+ years. But for now, give God his position which is first, do his will, work and pray Because no food for lazy man, follow me on Instagram and twitter @doctorfrick, like me on Facebook /Doctor Frick. Keep supporting me and I won’t let you down. God bless you.

MUSIC BUSINESS 101

I have no role models —Oluwasam

Adekunle Samuel Oluwasegun, popularly known Oluwasam, is an up-and-coming gospel artiste, who recently dropped a single entitled Akiri’sore. In this interview with TAYO GESINDE, the Music graduate from The Polytechnic lbadan, lbadan, who is the brain behind Refined Music Academy (RMA), speaks on his desire to take gospel music to a new level. Excerpts:

Why did you decide to study music?

Music has been on my mind since I was a little boy. There is this picture of me as a two -year- old boy in my choir uniform that was taken at the choir stand that I always see at home. My dad also told me the story of how as an eight-month-old baby I used to play the church bell whenever they were singing and it would rhyme with the song. So, I would say I started gravitating towards music from that time till now.

When did you start singing professionally?

It started 12 years ago when I joined a group called “Bridgez.”

We were four in the group; myself, Oyinkan’ade of Project Fame, FILZ and KC. We had the opportunity of working with Sammy Okposo, Sheyman, Paul Play, late Nomoreloss, K Solo and others. We used to travel to different states to minister.

But everybody had to pursue a new vision and that was why I decided to go solo as an artiste three years ago.

What other things do you do aside singing?

Apart from being a performer music minister, I also love to teach music. I am running a music school called Refined Music Academy (RMA). The school is designed to help people move from zero level to pro level, especially when it comes to instrumentals. All we require is passion. At the school, we intend to teach people on how to do music right.

What were the challenges you faced as a solo artiste?

As a group, we used to make collective decision, contribute cash, wrote and arranged songs together.

But now, it is just me and the Holy Spirit all the way. To be sincere, God has been faithful to me. I am into music full time.

Why have you not dropped any album?

My album will be out next year.

However, I have dropped a single audio and video entitled Akiri’sore.

Akiri’sore is being played on air now and it is also being downloaded. My next singles will be out in November this year.

The music industry is highly competitive, how do you intend to distinguish yourself?

It is true that the music industry is competitive but I know that my uniqueness will stand me out as well as the power that is at work in me through the Holy Spirit. Apart from that, with creativity and hard work, I will surely make my mark in the

The music industry is competitive but I know that my uniqueness will stand me out as well as the power that is at work in me through the Holy Spirit.

industry.

Where do you see yourselt in five years time?

I see myself as a world class singer in music industry.

Who are your role models in the music industry?

I must acknowledge my first role model, Jesus Christ. I aim to look up to him in every aspect. Apart from Him, I do not want to mention names because I am working hard to set a pace that no one has ever set before. I am given a totally different assignment and Holy Spirit is my teacher. I respect everyone that has gone before me. But I have no role model for now.

Where do you get inspiration for your songs?

I get my inspiration from God through Holy Spirit.

Which gospel artistes would you like to work with and why?

In Nigeria; Mike Abdul, Kore, Eben, Nathaniel Bassey, Frank Edward and Tim Godfrey. On the international scene, I will like to work with Tye Tribet, James Fortune, J Moss and Israel Houghton. I respect the grace of God in their lives. They minister with so much anointing and they are musically sound.

If not music, which other profession would you have chosen?

If not music, I might be a businessman but I believe music is my calling. Seriously, God made me for this so, music is what I will do over and over again.

Goldberg lights up 2016 Osun Osogbo festival IN its continuous effort to promote and sustain cultural and traditional values and institutions, Goldberg, a brand from the stable of Nigerian Breweries Plc, has joined hands with the royal fathers and natives of Osun State to make this year’s Osun Osogbo Festival a very ‘Befitting Festival.’

The Goldberg brand team graced the Corporate Forum, put together by the organizers of the festival, to express its support for the annual event on Thursday, August 4th, 2016.

The programme was organized in Osogbo.

Tayo Adelaja, Public Affairs Manager, West and Mid-West, Nigerian Breweries Plc, said the company was committed to partnering with the organizers of the festival, an age-old festival that continues to put Nigeria on the world tourism map. His words: ‘this partnership is consummated in the cultural ethos of the Yorubas because it is one between two historical brands: Osun Osogbo, a 600 yearold festival that truly reflects the traditional culture of the Yoruba race and Goldberg, the fastest growing beer brand in the South Western region of Nigeria.’

Adelaja also stated that, as a socially responsible organization, Nigerian Breweries has been good partners with people from the region and will remain committed to Winning with Nigeria by championing causes that add value to the society such as the Osun Osogbo Festival. ‘We have made a commitment to deliver superior customer value through our products and social responsibility footprints,’ he said.

Ataoja of Osogbo, Oba Jimoh Oyetunji

Olanipekun Larooye II, commended Nigerian Breweries Plc for taking its social responsibility footprints with keen interest that add value to society. He said “Goldberg is truly a brand that identifies with the cultural values of people.”

He showered royal blessings on the Goldberg team; assuring them of a safe time in the ancient city and his support for their activation over the duration of the festival.

Funso Ayeni, Senior Brand Manager, Regional Mainstream Brands, Nigerian Breweries Plc, revealed the brand’s plans of uplifting the town with exciting communication materials that will create a memorable beer experience to excite and reward its loyal consumers in the town during the Festival.

‘We plan to activate a 15-day Goldberg Beer Village where indigenes and visitors will be exposed to an unforgettable and befitting experience with lots of music, comedy, traditional performances and rewards,’ he said. He further buttressed that the corporate partnership will not only enhance commercial activities in the town, but will increase trade transactions especially at the beer village where thousands of guests will be visiting daily, thereby impacting positively on the economy of the town and state.

The Goldberg brand also sponsors relevant community festivals that showcase and celebrate the rich traditions of the people of South West Nigeria. For the third year running, Goldberg will be part of the Osun Osogbo festival as the “OFFICIAL BEER SPONSOR” in the beer category.

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travelpulse&m.i.c.e

’Wale Olapade 08055201323 wale11g3@gmail.com Winner, Nmma Tourism Reporter Of The Year

Accra Weizo opens new frontiers for seamless travel in Africa

By Wale Olapade

T

ravelling freely within the Africa borders had never been an easy task due to different restrictions and unstable policies by governments and authorities at different ports of entry. with this scenario, the continent had also suffered different degrees of setback in terms of business development and economic integration.

Again, this clog had for decades made seamless travel difficult to achieve, which has continued to fuel Africa’s over dependence on the western world for what it s component states can jointly pull resources to develop and market Africa as a choice destination.

Even with the Africa Union and ECOWAS among others championing the unity of the continent, little or nothing significant have changed in terms of positioning one of the wealthiest continents, endowed with natural and human potentialities.

It was on this premise that the first Accra Weizo, organised by the organiser of Akwaaba African Travel Market (AfTM) was born, to break the jinx of free travel within the Africa borders.

The second edition which rallied stakeholders in the travel, tourism, aviation and allied sector at La Palms Royal Beach Hotel and Resort in Accra, Ghana featured a brain-storming session with focus on liberalised air connectivity, visa accessibility and free movement in Africa.

The stakeholders, mostly drawn from Nigeria, Ghana and other African countries observed the need to eradicate all entry barriers militating against free movement in the sub- region, to facilitate seamless travel in West Africa.

The event was set rolling with the organiser of the Accra Weizo, Mr Ikechi Uko, charging all and sundry to see attitudinal change about Africa as the first step in making Africa great again.

Uko who described Africa as a multifaceted entity said “Africa can rather grow collectively than individually because we need each other through uniform policies that permeate business development in Africa to grow, since we have the resource, manpower and ready market to promote domestic tourism.

“West Africa has a population of over 300 million from 15 countries and over 40 airports. Despite having the largest economy in Africa, West Africa is very poor in aviation matters compared to East, South and North Africa.

“Africa cannot boast of a major aviation hub, let alone of a super airline. Every airline comes to West Africa to fill up their balance sheet, yet the airlines in West Africa struggle to maintain profitability.

Taxes and policy hurdles cripple profitable operations in West Africa.”

The 2016 edition borrowed a leaf from the success stories of the East African countries (EAC) made up of Kenya, Rwanda, Uganda, Burundi and Tanzania, where their practical determination to step up their games in tourists’ arrivals within the block led to formulation of flexible travel policies and visa regime to facilitate seamless border access for member states.

Making the choice of speakers for the second edition was also paramount in

From left, Organizer Accra Weizo, Mr Ikechi Uko; Coordinator East Africa Tourism Platform, Carmen Nibigira; Chief Executive Officer, ASKY Airlines, Henok Teferra, and the Vice Chairman, Skyway Aviation Handling Company (SAHCOL Chike Ogeah, during this year’s Accra Weizo in Accra,Ghana. doing justice to the theme of the event, ‘Seamless Travel in Africa’. There was no better model than East Africa Tourism Platform (EATP) which has tremendously scaledup the game by harmonising theregion’s strengths and advantages to drive a common goal.

In her presentation, the guest speaker and Coordinator, East Africa Tourism Platform, Carmen Nibigira, spoke extensively on the East Africa Joint Tourism Visa which has improved seamless travel within the EAC. She maintaind that tourism has to be translated into economic case or sense coupled with data and figures to make the desired impact.

“The vision of East Africa Tourism Platform (EATP) is to create a vibrant and diverse single tourist destination providing exceptional experiences, promoting intra and inter-regional tourism through advocacy, marketing, skills development, research and information sharing.

“The core objective of the platform is to provide positive and result-oriented policy lobbying and advocacy.

She outlined EATP advocacy agenda to include Single EAC Tourist Visa and other immigration reforms to ease movement, liberalisation/free movement of tourism services, open skies policy and improved air and road infrastructure, sector specific tax reforms and incentives like harmonised VAT and levies, Others include harmonised standards and codes of conduct of tourism facilities and services, harmonised policy for the conservation and sustainable utilisation of wildlife and other tourism resources.

She also listed the obstacles to inter and intra- regional tourism in EAC to include, compliance with different standard policies costly, separate marketing of tourism products and destination.

She added, “lack of national and regional trademark tourism products, reluctance to fast track tourism integration, protectionism of national air spaces/ national carriers, lack of adequate road, air and ICT infrastructure, competitiveness (v alue for money and products), harmonisation of standards and slow process.

“A foreigner who wants to visit simultaneously the Republic of Kenya, Republic

of Rwanda and Republic of Uganda for tourism, the visa will be issued at any of the diplomatic representations of Kenya, Uganda and Rwanda, at the immigration offices of the respective countries or online where applicable. (Online application is available for Rwanda).

“The East Africa tourist visa is a multiple entry visa for foreigners visiting Kenya, Rwanda and Uganda simultaneously. This visa is a result of a joint initiative made by the heads of states of the respective partner countries to boost regional tourism and create opportunities for tourists to explore the diversity of East Africa.

We need W/Africa Tourism Board for regional advocacy-NANTA President Appreciating the East African practical tourism model, the National President of the Nigeria Travel Agencies (NANTA), Mr Bankole Bernard stressed the need for West Africa to learn from EATOP experience.

Bernard however called for the setting up of a West African Tourism Board to propel regional advocacy to grow travel and tourism.

Bernard said the sub-region will be engaging themselves more by taken advantage of the sub-region’s potential and population.

We need intra-Africa collaboration-Eyison The Chief Executive Officer, Pacific Tours, Kwesi Eyison who is also a member of the panel, in his remarks stressed the need for intra African collaboration in the area of travel and tourism to accelerate the pace of growth and development in the sub- region.

He also spoke on the need for West Africa to explore the packaging of hosted buyers to different destinations in the region.

West Africa is a vibrant market for South Africa- South Africa Tourism The Trade Relations Manager West Africa of South African Tourism, Mohammed Tanko Kwajaffa, who represented the Regional Manager, East and West Africa for South African Tourism, Lehlohonolo Hloni Pitso, emphasised that West Africa is a

vibrant market for South African Tourism.

On South African Tourism brand experience in West Africa,” Pitso stressed that the vibrancy of the sub-region’s market necessitated the opening of the West African office in Lagos, which was the first office outside South Africa to effectively cater for the needs of the market.

“The strategic importance the tourism body attached to the West African market is responsible for why it is always organising road shows, workshops to always update their trade partners on what is on offer in South Africa.

Communications help to network airport infrastructure- Vice Chairman, SAHCOL Speaking on Integrating Airport Operations in West Africa, the Vice Chairman of Skyway Aviation Handling Company Ltd, Mr Chike Ogeah said that airport communication helps network airport infrastructure by ensuring a safe and secure space, while allowing passengers and operators to move freely around the airport.

He listed the major challenges faced by passengers at airports to include, Long queues during check in, baggage drop off and security screening, difficulty in finding the right flight, delayed delivery of checked in baggage, lost and mishandled baggage, among others not receiving relevant information in time.

Nigeria must strengthen its tourism policies to lead W/AfricaNATOP President The Presi dent of Nigerian Tour Operators (NATOP) and Chairman of Remlord Tour and Car Hire Services, Nkereuwem Onung, called for the need to take tourism sector in Nigeria seriously by learning from South Africa with RETOSA and East Africa with EATP. Nigeria must agree to relate with different tourism authorities, domestically and internationally to move tourism forward, adding that “this is an auspicious time for Africa to chart a new course for tourism.

“There is need for Nigeria’s tourism policies to be strengthened, he said that Nigeria needs to lead the way in making travel seamless in West Africa.

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Friday, 12 August, 2016 Taiwo Adisa - 08072000046 Group Politics Editor taiadis@yahoo.com

PDP chair:

Who does the cap fit?

HAKEEM GBADAMOSI, who has been following the political intrigues trailing preparations for next Wednesday’s national convention of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), peeps into the camps of the contestants for the position of national chairman.

I

T is no surprise the battle for the soul of the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) keeps taking different shapes and forms by the day. What is astounding to many is the role of some major gladiators, who have held on tightly to each others’ throat despite interventions from leading stakeholders in the ‘largest party in Africa.’

At a stage, the two factions of the party had declared that only an intervention of members of the Board of Trustees (BoT) could guarantee a seize fire. But the warring factions have stuck to their gun after the body waded into the acrimony. Neither have the factions sheathed their swords after former President Goodluck Jonathan, presumed to be the leader of the party, received BoT members at his Abuja residence and sued for peace and reconciliation.

Even the reconciliatory move made by the Professor Jerry Gana appears to have had little or no effect with the faction under the chairmanship of Senator Ali Modu Sheriff giving stringent conditions for truce, just a week to the rescheduled PDP national convention in Port Harcourt, Rivers State.

Despite the discordant tunes surrounding the convention, contenders for key national offices have been upbeat in their campaign. Either through personal contact or by proxies, the contestants for the position of national chairman in particular have stepped up their game notwithstanding the schism in certain quarters concerning the race. The initial controversy over the zoning of the post to the South has taken many dimensions, because of the caveat included by the PDP headquarters. There are still issues after leaders of the PDP in the South resolved to cede the position to the South-West, where the zonal leaders later rezoned it to Lagos and Ogun states. Lagos so far has two leading contenders for the position: Chief Olabode George and Mr Jimi Agbaje. However, Professor Taoreed Adedoja from Oyo State and Professor Tunde Adeniran (Ekiti) have vowed to press on with their aspiration as both have obtained nomination form for the chairmanship position.

Pedigree of contestants Olabode George He has paid his dues in the politics of the country. A founding member of PDP, Chief George remains an indisputable pillar of the party in the South-West nay Nigeria.

He rose to become an elected deputy national chairman of the PDP. But his remarkable feat was leading the PDP to win four of the six states during the 2003 general election.

Since then, the party has been suffering serious setbacks in major electoral contest in the South-West. It also to his credit that most of the younger promising political figures in the zone today owe their coming to limelight to his support and influence in the political circle, as he represents the veritable bridge-builder between the North and the South.

A powerful speaker and fearless politician, George is believed to enjoy the support of most PDP leaders across the six geopolitical zones in the country in his quest to become the substantive chairman of the party. He is confident that PDP would rise to regain its lost glory of governing party, citing the experience of the Labour Party in the United Kingdom. He said, “Once an election has been

Bode George

Agbaje

Adeniran

Adedoja

won and lost, once a new leadership enters the fray, the greater good of the nation must then be the driving force of all contending ideologies. Debates will never stop. The contest of ideas, the storm and tempest of ideological differences must now be articulated in a new patriotic frame and national balance. I do not say the opposition should roll over and die. I do not say the opposition should withdraw into lethargic indifference and accommodate the new order without contemplative engagement. No.What I am suggesting is that every nation is about renewal and change. Every nation is always a perpetual work in progress. It is never about a permanent arrival. It is always in constant fluidity as political actors perpetually contest for public space and dominance.

“Take the seemingly endless travails of the Labour Party in the United Kingdom. When Baroness Margaret

Thatcher defeated Lord James Callaghan in 1979, the Labour party was flung into an unbroken 18 years in political wilderness. No doubt, the several years in the political limbo would have been full of severities and dramatic challenges for the Labour Party. But through the ebb and flow of the downward turn in the party’s fortunes, there was no insistence that without Labour that the country must be forfeited. There was no clamour that the nation must tumble into ruin and destruction unless Labour is restored! Labour was in perpetual vigilance and unceasing positioning of its ideals. Yes, the party never remains the same. It keeps evolving to attune to the confronting realities. Principled men and women remain forever at the political barricades, engaging the presiding Conservatives with the purest of motives and the noblest of patriotic vision,” he said.

The contest of ideas, the storm and tempest of ideological differences must now be articulated in a new patriotic frame and national balance.

Professor Adeniran Cool and calculated, Professor Adeniran has been in the political circle since the military era. He was among the brains behind the political re-engineering that culminated in a number of remarkable reforms in the country.

The former Minister of Education was at the helms of affair of the PDP machinery that produced former President Goodluck Jonathan ass the standard bearer of the party in 2011. The Ekiti State-born politician is said to have the backing of PDP stalwarts in the Northern and Southern parts of the country. According to a media man of Ademiran, Honourable Taiwo Akeju, part of the resume of his principal includes: Member, Political Bureau,

Continues pg 24

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Sheriff

Friday, 12 August, 2016

Makarfi

Fayose

Kashamu

Omisore

Continued from pg 23 January 1986-March 1987; Member (Presidential Representative), Nigerian Delegation to the 40th Session of the United Nations, October-December, 1985; Secretary/ Director, Directorate for Social Mobilization (MAMSER), 1987-1992; Chairman, Directorate for Social Mobilization (MAMSER) January-August, 1993;Member, Committee on Nigerian National Defence Policy for the year 2000, (1997); and Hon. Minister of Education, Federal Republic of Nigeria, June 1999-January 2001. Adeniran was chairman, Presidential Inauguration Committee of President Olusegun Obasanjo in May 1999 and Nigerian Ambassador to the Republic of Germany between 2004 – 2007.

He also served as Chairman, 2011 National Convention of PDP in 2011 that produced Dr. Goodluck Jonathan as the PDP flag bearer in 2011 Presidential Elections, as well as the deputy Director General of the Presidential Campaign organization (Jonathan Sambo) in 2015.

In one his observations on the democratic structures in the country, Adeniran once said: “We need to strengthen them. For now there are three areas I believe we need to go into serious engineering: the political parties should be revamped, restructured and reoriented. Secondly, the State Assemblies do not seem to understand or appreciate why they exist. The third issue is Local Government administration. Some see it as a colossal waste but I consider it a potentially good instrument of development that is being currently terribly abused as a tier of government.

It represents something altogether different from what it ought to be. It is sad. Our Local Government system is one of the most tragic aspects of the democratic process.”

Professor Adedoja He has been consistent in the contest for key political offices, among them, governorship, national secretary and now national chairman. The erudite scholar, who is believed to have produced more than 20 professors in the nation’s ivory tower, says he is the best man for the position of national chairman because of his non-alignment to any PDP faction. He is fluent in the Hausa language, having been born in Kano, worked for than 30 years in different parts of Northern Nigeria, as well as Edo and delta states in the South-South geopolitical zone.

Jimi Agbaje A pharmacist, Mr jimi Agbaje took the political scene like a thunderbolt. A crowd puller and compelling speaker, his personality turned around the birth and acceptance of the each of the party he has identified for many years. His quest for the governorship seat has added pep to the politics of Lagos State and the country through his well-coordinated campaigns based on issues, coupled with erudition and depth during political debates. He is a major driving force in the mainstream Yoruba organization, Afenifere.

Intrigues The apparent ambiguity in the pronouncement of PDP over the zoning of the key national offices has sustained the campaign by a media mogul, Chief Raymond Dokpesi to vie for the chairmanship. It has in a way also fired the political intrigues and horse-trading among the major political caucuses in the South-West, which is the only

Getting set for 2019 zone in the country that has never produced the national chairman of the party. The need to forge unity ahead of the convention propelled the governors of Ondo and Ekiti states: Dr Olusegun Mimiko and Mr Ayodele Fayose to summon a meeting of South-West PDP stakeholders in Akure, Ondo State last Monday. The plan was to produce a consensus Chairmanship candidate. But the meeting ended in a deadlock, thus the setting up a six-man committee to look into a way out of the seeming logjam.

Prior to the meeting, PDP in the region has been swimming in crisis with many interest and agitations by stakeholders which has polarized the party in the region while leaders continue to flex muscles and failed to reach compromise.

The mood of the two governors who convened the meeting indicated that it was no tea party for the stakeholders in trying to pick a consensus candidate among the aspirants of the party. They were only able to relocate the positions zoned to the South-West among the six states in the South-West, with the post of national chairman going to Lagos and Ogun states. The leaders stated: “We have

The key issue is the unity among our leaders and the teeming followers of the PDP, in view of very difficult situation and for us to provide quality opposition to the APC government at the centre.

zoned equally the treasurer to Ekiti and Ondo axis while Osun and Oyo will pick the National Publicity Secretary of the party. The key issue is the unity among our leaders and the teeming followers of the PDP, in view of very difficult situation and for us to provide quality opposition to the APC government at the center and to ensure that Nigerians are not scheme out.”

However, despite the decision of the leaders and stakeholders to re-zone the three positions, some of the aspirants not favoured by the arrangement openly registered their intention to contest for the chairmanship position. Both Adedoja and Adeniran equivocally declared their intention to forge ahead with aspiration, in spite of not coming from either Lagos or Ogun states. .

Some zonal executives led by Makanjuola Ogundipe, also vehemently opposed the gathering, describing the meeting as unconstitutional before he and others headed for Ibadan, Oyo State to actually counter the Akure meeting. Findings showed that the assignment of the ‘committee of six wise men’ set up in Akure by the PDP stakeholders and headed by the former national vice chairman of the Party, Alhaji Yekinni Adeojo, ran into hitches. His team was mandated to consult with all the aspirants with b the hope that one of them could be allowed to be the consensus candidate from the zone for the post of national chairman. A foremost traditional ruler in Lagos State was reportedly contacted to intervene so that Lagos could come up with a sole candidate for the position. But no compromise was reached despite the frantic efforts made

by Senator Kofo Bucknor-Akerele, a member of the Adeojo Committee, who made the contact.

With about five days to the convention, the question among many observers and PDP stakeholders across the country and beyond is, who does the cap fit in the among the contestants for the position of national chairman in the party? Can the South-West PDP stakeholders resolve their differences before then?

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APC better as opposition —Osun PDP chair Before Honourable Soji Adangunodo emerged as the Osun State chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), he was a member of the state House of Assembly. In this interview with TUNDE BUSARI, he speaks of a more vibrant PDP, set to reclaim its lost power. Excerpts:

H

OW did your party get to its present predicament?

Telling that story is not what is important again. It should no longer be anybody’s business now that we are fast departing from that past and making meaningful strides towards the future. But I must say that there is nothing we passed through that is unusual in politics. Our experience is normal in democracy and party politics. You are in politics for a purpose or for a number of purposes. You are there to better your community, local government, state, zone or your country. You may also be there to pursue your personal interest. Basically, interest is the purpose of being in politics.

So aggregation of the interests is the strength of a party.

It could be a weakness if individual interests are allowed to subsume collective interest. Such conflicts of interest naturally result in division and internal crisis.

It is not peculiar to our party. We all see what the ruling party, which has not even spent two years in office, is contending with. What does this tell you? It says in PDP, we are not passing through a strange experience. I think we also deserve a credit for our unprecedented record of ruling for 16 uninterrupted years. It never happened in our political history. I am assuring you that we are bouncing back sooner than imagined because Nigerians under just one year have seen the difference between a welfarist government and one pursuing a narrow goal.

As a former lawmaker, how can you describe the Osun State House of Assembly then and now?

We are talking of a different setting and time. In our time at Osun State House of Assembly, we worked according to the principle of democracy. We enjoyed internal democracy in the house and this helped government to remain focused and deliver the dividends of democracy to the people of the state. What we had then is a

Adagunodo contrast to what obtains now. In our time, members were not restricted in exercising their rights and performing their duties. Under such circumstance, the house is not independent and the principle of democracy is insulted.

An important tenet of democracy is separation of power among three branches of government.

Do you think your party will bounce back in 2019?

Mark my words and watch developments as they unfold.

Nothing can stop us. We have what it takes to bounce back and chase the ruling party to where it rightly belongs. The

truth which Nigerians should understand and in fact appreciate is that APC is a natural opposition party. It is very good in that role. But when it comes to governance itself, it is not so, as we are all witnessing now. Our national convention is going to be a turn around from our immediate past experience. We are coming out in a stronger form to restore the public hope in a government that cares for them. The leadership that emerges will take the party to a higher level that will be too difficult for the ruling government to ignore.

Nigerians should expect a more vibrant opposition party, a party which is not out to live only on propaganda but one interested in changing the dwindling fortune of Nigerians. If you are in doubt, I want you to point at what the ruling government has done since May 29, 2015.

What has it done except its so-called anti-corruption campaign which is taking it to nowhere? What we have is as if there is no government. Nigerians should persevere but make a better choice now.

The committee of elders of your party in Osun PDP seems to be vital to the reconciliation effort...

I am happy you recognize that fact. This committee is a blessing in the sense that it is made up of tested politicians who have a rich history. They were there during the days of Chef Obafemi Awolowo. They understand politics and its intricacies. They have weathered the storm and are a living witness to our political evolution. Their experience is also sought and used to resolve issues. Again, we are blessed in this state to have them. That is why we are achieving results. I should say that the constitution of elders’ committees of any party at all levels is key to the success of the party, especially in managing crisis to have a genuine resolution.

The ruling government is being accused by your party of fighting a selective anti-corruption war.

Is this your own position?

I am doing a forensic analysis of what is going on as regards the so-called anti-corruption war. I don’t want to make any public comment on it now until I am through.

I will definitely speak on it.

Adekunle Fajuyi and the politics of remembrance continued from yesterday

By Niyi Osundare THESE are the virtues that have seen us through the turbulent upheavals of the past; they are the sure path to our ability to survive - and thrive - in the future.We are celebrating a Yoruba man who chose to go down with his guest and Commander-in-Chief who was Igbo, a true leader who saw office as service, who regarded the entire country as his political and moral constituency. A man so proud to be Yoruba yet so proud to be something more than, something beyond, that. We remember him well when and if we keep his enlightened, ecumenical spirit in focus, this man who placed such vital premium on loyalty and integrity, this man who taught us all a new way of being human.

The Road to Lalupon (seven hearty cheers to the authors of that title and its touchinglypolysemicevocation!) is still long and snared, its palm trees pockmarked by the bullets of the mutineers of an unstable polity, the green leaves still droop with the blood of akoniogun(brave warrior); the wind is still astir with the mad music of the gun. And there are still big ques- Fajuyi tions begging for answers: is Lalupon a little comma in the sentence of our national discourse? Is it a termiwincing in his grave today. nus or astarting point; a cardinal spot or mere stop-over Yes, indeed, you know a country by the kind of people it on our maplesssearch for nationhood?Is it a theatre or remembers; you also know a country by the kind of peoa temple, a well paved path or a thorn-benighted cross- ple it chooses not to remember. Remembrance is an enroads? Whatever the answer may be, from Ado Ekiti to abling companion of Memory; and also its handmaiden.

Laluponis, no doubt, a fateful distance. From the heroic So there goes Col. AdekunleFajuyi, the soldier-leader for sacrifice of a long-gone Akikanju to the monstrous sacri- whom valour was a prime virtue, brave in battle, brave lege of contemporary moral cretins, a long insufferably beyond it; paragon and parable.First true Nigerian to atdisturbing stretch. Once there was a soldier; now we tempt that proverbial handshake across the Niger – with are saddled with cannibalistically corrupt mercenaries his own life. But so far, Nigeria has shunned that handin military uniform. The incomparable Fajuyi must be shake, forcing that generous, idealistic hand to coil back

We owe this great man a memory unencumbered by petty politics; a remembrance beyond the strictures of tongue and tribe. to its startled pocket.

Yes, were Nigeria a nation, the likes of Fajuyi would have their statues in every state capital in the country.

But Nigeria is not yet a nation, not even a country if by thatwe mean an organized, coherent entitywith mutually respecting parts bound by a set of identifiable (positive) values. Omoluabi Adekunle Fajuyi lived for that dream. It was for its sake he gave his life. His dream challenges our despair; his idealism upbraids the crass ordinariness of our leap of faith. We owe this great man a memory unencumbered bypetty politics; a remembrance beyond the strictures of tongue and tribe.

I thank the Think Tank of the Association of Yoruba Professionals (EgbeMajeobaje), EgbeMajeagbagbe) for inviting me to deliver this lecture; for making sure we do not forget. I thank you all for listening.

(Concluded) •Being Professor Osundare’s Guest Lecture at the 50 years after Fajuyi celebration, organised by the Yoruba Think-Tank, July 29, 2016; International Conference Centre, University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

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politics&policy

IGERIAN athletes to the ongoing Rio Olympics paraded in the opening ceremony in track suits. It was not supposed to be so because special outfits were designed for them for the purpose of the opening ceremony and the clothes were proudly displayed to President Muhammadu Buhari, inside the old Banquet Hall of the presidential villa, Abuja on July 19, 2016.

I recall that at that ceremony which was the official hand over of Team Nigeria to the Nigerian Olympic Committee (NOC), three United States-based athletes (two females and one male), including sprinter Ese Brume were dressed up in the attire made from national colours of greenwhite-green and brought to the stage to be shown to President Buhari, members of his government and sports stakeholders gathered in the hall. The Minister for Sports, Solomon Dalong, had praised the dress and explained voluptuously that it was meant to stand out Nigerian athletes during the opening ceremony of the global sporting fiesta. The unveiling of the outfits drew a loud applause from most people gathered in the hall even though that was not unexpected given our propensity to praise anything associated with the government of the day.

For me, I thought something was amiss with the design. The male version was quite normal - a trouser and a jacket. But the female’s own caused me to do a bit of head scratching. Was this suitable for a sporting event? It was a maxi gown with bogus flappy sleeves like the wings of an angel. Slitting from under the armpit to the wrist, it had a headgear to match. The dress was apparently designed to cover up every part of the female body anatomy.

Perhaps the athletes were not down with that. Maybe it was neither sporty nor trendy and possibly it would have made

Friday, 12 August, 2016

inside

aso rock

with Leon Usigbe

08078891838 leonusigbe@ yahoo. co.uk

What happened to our Olympic outfit? the Nigerian athletes to feel awkward and uncomfortable in the midst of other blithely attired athletes from other parts of the world unlike what Dalong had suggested.

However, it was in Nigerian colours and I guessed everyone looked forward to seeing it among the hundreds of designs that would be up for display during the Olympic opening ceremony. This did not happen. There were 86 Nigerian athletes to the Rio games. Even though there may be no law compelling all entered athletes to participate in the march past, I don’t think the number of Nigerians that took part was more than 20, all spotting track suits instead of the outfit originally planned for the ceremony.

There must be a reason they opted not to wear the dress at the games opening.

We need to know what happened to the outfit. The contingent owes the president an explanation over what now looks like a deliberate act of deceit of making him believe that a worthwhile outfit had been designed for the athletes’ use at the cer-

emony.

Whereas sportsmen and women from other African countries adorned in attires proudly displaying their African heritage were vivacious, the Nigerians cut some mournful looks not surprisingly given the troubles that had befallen them in the run up to the games. Some of the budgeted money for their preparation was only ordered released during that presidential villa presentation ceremony at which time nations desirous of outstanding performances had completely wrapped up everything concerning planning for the games.

It therefore meant that something was not right with their training. Yet, like Buhari charged, they were supposed to go for gold at the games.

Even after the order to release the funds, there were embarrassing reports of USbased Nigerian athletes utilising the online fundraising platform, GoFundMe, to raise money to transport themselves to Brazil because airfares were not forthcoming from their federation. The story of the stranded Dream Team VI, the nation’s

Under-23 Olympic football team has been well documented. Abandoned in Atlanta Georgia, USA training camp, they could only make it to the South American country by the grace and benevolence of the American-owned Delta Airline. Despite their travails, they have put the true indomitable Nigerian spirit on full show by overcoming all odds to pick up a quarter final spot in the football tournament.

Even Dalong whose initial position was that the team only had itself to blame for its woes has been forced to recant, apologise and paid off their camp allowances.

The contingent’s experience is one more demonstration of how Nigeria mismanages its fortunes. With a depth of talent, there is too often confusion about what to do and when, to properly harness our nature’s abundant gifts. These are things other less-endowed nations take for granted and their systems seem to work seamlessly. Nigeria cannot be different if only those charged with the responsibilities can be more efficient in the discharge of their duties.

‘Why zoning is a key issue in Ondo gov election’ Barrister Sola Ebiseni, the estwhile Commissioner for Environment and governorship aspirant under the platform of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, speaks with HAKEEM GBADAMOSI, on his ambition, zoning and other issues. Excerpts: WHAT is your take on the clamour to zone the party’s ticket to a particular senatorial district?

Honestly, that is an issue I would ordinarily not want to discuss because I am involved. Certain ingredients are becoming noticeable in our political culture which any political party may ignore at its own peril. Such ingredients like zoning as a guarrantee of equitable access to power by stakeholders in the polity are rooted in the people’s political consciousness in both our traditional and democratic political practices. Thus, in our traditional government in this part of the world, the monarchy operates through ruling houses and it is not permissible that any ruling house succeeds itself back to back.

As a lawyer, I have seen and been involved in protracted chieftaincy litigations against monopolistic tendencies. In my area, I know a chieftaincy that has been vacant since 1989, with the ruling family in court on the issue of zoning. In our modern politics, particularly in this state, there are unwritten conventions engraved in the minds of the people of every local government rotating their chairmanship, same for their parliamentary positions. In all states, except where a group is dominant and takes such advantage like Ibadan in Oyo State, Igala or Kogi East in Kogi State, or Tiv in Benue, there is understanding among stakeholders for equitable access to the governance of their respective states.

Even in a seemingly monolithic and urban state like Lagos, after the tenures of Bola Tinubu and Babatunde Fasola who

Ebiseni are Muslims, there was subtle agitation for both a Christian successor and for a Lagos East consideration. In spite of his known grip on Lagos politics, Asiwaju kowtowed to the sentiments of the people culminating in Ambode’s governorship from Epe. At a time, Tinubu had to jettison his ambition for the Senate in favour of Ganiyu Solomon to put an end to the disquiet in his party.

The greater consideration for support for Jonathan’s second term presidency by all groups in the South South was what made particularly the Ijaw and other riverine people of Rivers State to tolerate the succession of Rotimi Amechi by Nyesom Wike, his Ikwerre compatriot. Jonah Jang was not that lucky in the polyglot Plateau State when he went for a successor from his senatorial Dis-

trict after his own eight years. The people showed their resentment by voting PDP in other elections except the governorship.

That was similar to what happened to our party, SDP, in Lagos in 1992 when Dapo Sarumi was given the governorship ticket instead of Femi Agbalajobi who was favoured by party members. The same people who overwhelmingly voted SDP in all other elections gave the minority NRC the governorship through political conspiracy or gerrymandering. Ondo State, more than any other state, has shown determination against dictatorship and the present governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, in his political career has been a veritable source of inspiration to those averse to lack of internal democracy. That’s what you get when politicians especially winning parties abuse the grace of God in our beliefs that we are wiser than the people.

The people of the South are clamouring for the governorship slot, do you see the party giving the ticket to the area?

Every such agitation is legitimate. The party members and ultimately the electorate will decide the tenability of such agitation based on the political history of our state and other criteria. In addition to verifiable issues in our political history, as it is in warfare or even in soccer, it behoves every political party to consolidate its stronghold.

If you fail to win the party’s primary, would you opt out of the party or support the candidate of the party?

Interesting! Primary or delegate election is a technical one that is almost predictable.

All other things being equal, particularly ensuring free and fair process, there is no way we won’t win.

What makes you better than the other aspirants of the party?

It is not a matter of comparison. In terms of goodness—I am sure you do not expect me to bear witness of myself for as our Lord Jesus said, if I alone bear witness of myself, my witness is not true. Seeking public office will expose everything about all. I have served this state and its people all my adult life knowing them, adding value to their lives. I am full in accomplishment and in humility present a tabula rasa in terms of integrity. Let the people be the judge of us all.

What will you do differently from the present administration?

I am proud of our achievements under Dr Mimiko, my leader, elder brother and friend. I come not to abolish the law but to bring it to greater fulfilment under a fresh anointing combining the experiences garnered under previous administrations. Every administration has its own priorities defined sometimes by its peculiar challenges.

While issues of access to quality education and health services are given, I intend not to pay lip service to the diversification of the state economy in this critical times. My experiences being in charge of the Ministry of Environment and Mineral Resources which spread across the state stands me in a better stead.

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Monica Taiwo monicataiwo@yahoo.com 08055001724 (sms only) @taiwomonica

heartcopy

Could his repentance be genuine?

I Dear Taiwo, am unhappy and heartbroken; I need your help and those of your teeming readers. I am passing through a situation I cannot discuss with anyone.

I tried discussing with one of my friends sometime ago, but her counsel and comments were not what I expected of her.

She couldn’t find anything wrong with my situation; she even advised that I should glorify God. A lot of factors are militating against the decision I would have taken. The major and most terrifying is the fact that I am a product of a broken home and marriage.

My mother suffered a great deal in my father’s house, which eventually led to her leaving with my younger brother and I, she toiled day and night to make sure we went through school and to give us the best she could because ever since we left daddy’s house he abandoned us and never had anything to do with us. I used to pity my mother, at a level she became aged and she had no life of her own, all what she thought about was how my brother and I would make it. To the glory of God, her efforts were not in vain as we made it.

But now that she should six back and enjoy the fruits of her hard labour, mummy is either sick with this or that; I pray, however that she would live longer in good health to enjoy more.

I am being very careful to avoid all that my mother went through and also the fact that, I won’t end up becoming a single mother like my mother.

I had a phobia for men, probably because of what I witnessed with my parents, especially the way daddy treated my mother, the bitterness, hate and cruelty, I almost became a man hater. Not that I didn’t have admirers or men who wanted me, but I avoided this gender like leprosy, until my mother and some of her family members started raising hell about my single status.

In essence, I married late. I married at 38.

I dated my husband for about 11years if I would add our university years with our courtship. He was the only man I agreed to date and a lot of people, even Sesan, my husband himself found it hard to believe that I remained a virgin until we got married.

Sesan was two years older than me and by the time we got married both of us were well established in our careers. Sesan had a job with one of the then fast growing new generation banks and by stroke of luck and posterity, I did my youth service at the NNPC and I was retained for employment.

So this made both of us comfortable at the time we got married.

We were blessed with our first child in no time; because of my age, my second child followed exactly 18 months after my first. That was the way we both wanted it, since all we planned having was just two children. As the saying goes, man proposes, I became pregnant again when our second child was two years, I was delivered of a set of twins, but unfortunately, we lost one of them at birth.

Everything was okay, until Sesan lost his job during what I referred to as the apoca-

lypse of the new generation banks. After which he couldn’t retain another banking job for long. After few trials, he decided to go into business, but unfortunately, he was unable to sustain a business for long too. He tried his hands on so many things which did not work. In the process, he lost a lot of money; his own money; savings and a lot of mine too.

I really cannot say when Sesan started patronising juju men, as a result of which he was told that I am the reason for his predicaments. The first time he accused me verbally, I was shocked to my bone marrow, although he had been acting it. He started keeping late nights, sometimes he would not come home for nights and when I asked or inquire where he had been, he would quarrel with me.

On two occasions, he beat me black and blue that I landed in the hospital; those were the really bad ones. He would hit me at little or no provocation. My children, as small as they are, were not spared too. So the day he voiced this issue, I was shocked, I then realised why he had been behaving funny. God knows, I never wished him bad and wouldn’t do such a thing but he didn’t believe me. As if that was not enough, his mother and family joined too.

I came home from the office one evening and found that he had moved all his things out of our home; he probably would have sent my children and I packing if not for the fact that the house belonged to me.

We had to move into my own house when the bank took over his own house that he used as collateral to secure a loan.

He moved out even the furniture which

belonged to him. The most shocking aspect was the fact that he moved into one of the flats in his mother’s house. I was chased away like a leper when I in the company of some of my family members went to his mother’s house to see him.

I made several attempts to correct things; I went to the extent of involving our pastors in the church but he and his family members insisted that I and my children should leave Sesan alone.

Eventually, I kept my distance, though painful, especially with my fears at the back of my mind. Few months after Sesan moved out, I learnt that he married his mother’s friend’s daughter, a young lady who just graduated from the university and I learnt that they were planning to relocate to US. I really didn’t know what happened but he did not travel with his new wife again, I learnt the lady travelled alone. All the while, he didn’t ask about his children talk less of being responsible for their up keep.

It is important to let you know that even when he married his new wife, we were still very much married. Some of my friends advised that I should press charges of bigamy against him, but my mother advised against it. Despite all my attempts at peace, Sesan and his people refused and rejected me and my children. They did not stop there, they also employed blackmail against my mother and I. When it came to this, I kept my peace and decided to move on with life.

Late last year, I learnt that Sesan’s mother was sick and that she’s been sick for some months. She eventually died in November.

My children and I were not invited for the burial. In fact, I found out all these after

she had been buried.

I was however surprised when my pastor paid me a visit two weekends ago. His mission was to make peace between Sesan and I. I was surprised, because this was the last thing I was expecting. I had to ask my pastor if it was his idea or Sesan’s. He explained that Sesan paid him a visit and asked that he should plead with me so that we can continue our live’s together as husband and wife. I told my pastor to give me some time, as this wasn’t a type of decision one makes in a hurry.

I told my mother and brother, but both of them were against my having anything to do with Sesan again. I was trying to plead his case when I later learnt that he is having problems with his step siblings in his mother’s house where he is living.

I also learnt that his supposed Americana wife married another man as soon as she got to the US. I could plead his issue with my mother, my concern is; is Sesan actually after sincere reconciliation or he wants to come back to me because he has no choice. Is he a changed man as he claimed or would he continue where he stopped? I suffered a great deal in his hands. I have peace now that I am alone with my children. I am a witness to what incessant physical and psychological abuse did to my mother, yet I don’t want to live the life of a single, bitter and miserable mother she lived. How would I know if Sesan is genuinely repentant or he only needs my children and I because he has no choice.

Please, Taiwo, what should I do Omotunde.

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occassions

Friday, 12 August, 2016

Friends, family serenade the Jegedes at retirement

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HE families of Jegede of AgoIwoye and Oyesanwo of Ilisan Remo, Ogun State, were in joyful mood on Friday, July 29, 2016, when Mr and Mrs Bola and Ajoke Jegede were meritoursly retired from the civil service.

This event was well attended, going by the caliber of guests and other well wishers who thronged the venue for the Jegedes.

Both celebrants, who are affectionately called Kabiyesi and Mama G.O by all and sundry, spared no effort in ensuring that the day was, indeed, a never to be forgotten one by those who were in attendance.

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The roll call of those present included Mrs Oduwole (Sweet Taste Kitchen Chairperson), Asst Venrable Snr Evangelist S.B Falade, Special Evangelist Sopelola and members of the C.C.C Ajegunle Cathedral, who supplied the music.

In a brief speech before cutting the retirement cake, Mr Jegede expressed deep gratitude to Almighty God for his protection thus far, while pledging to continue to render selfless service to the people.

4 1. Mr and Mrs Bola and Ajoke Jegede, cutting their retirement cake 2. From left, Mr Wole Edun, Mrs Jegede, Engr Adedeji Esan of Lafarge Holcim, Mr Jegede and EngrPeter Iwendi, also of Lafarge Holcim 3. From left, Mrs Adebajo, Mrs Solarin, Mr and Mrs Jegede, Mr Shonowo and other well wisher 4. Princess Ola Oyesanwo, Mrs F.O. Sonuga, the celebrant, Mrs Jegede and Mrs Agboola

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Oyo Federal lawmaker donates ICT centre, classrooms to constituency MEMBER representing Iseyin/Itesiwaju/Kajola/Iwajowa, in the House of Representatives, Honourable Abiodun Olasupo, on Wednesday, inspected intervention projects and Federal Government projects in his constituency.

Some of the projects which he inspected were the newly-built ICT centre at St John's Catholic School, Isalu

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intervention fund.

In what he described as giving back to his people, Olasupo, who is the Chairman, House Committee on Legislative Compliance, noted that he had also facilitated employment for 17 youths, sponsored skill acquisition programmes, distributed 100 laptops and empowered women across his constituency.

Iseyin; a block of three classrooms and an office at Nawar-Deen Primary School, Oluwole, Iseyin, boreholes and road rehabilitation through zonal

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2 1. Head Mistress, Nawar-Ul-Deen Primary School, Oluwole Iseyin, Mrs Habibat Adeoti, appreciating the gesture of Honourable Olasupo Abiodun when he inspected the newly-built ICT Center donated to the school.

2. The ICT Center donated by Honourable Olasupo to St. John's Catholic School, Isalu, Iseyin 3. A block of three classrooms and an office was also built by Hon. Olasupo Abiodun for Nawar-Ul-Deen Primary School, Oluwole Iseyin 4. Honourable Olasupo inspecting the Iseyin-Okeho road. With him is the Chairman, Kajola Local Government, Honourable Moses Babalola and the State Commissioner for Works and Transport, Alhaji Wasiu Dauda

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features

Friday, 12 August, 2016

Participants at the event

Tomorrow’s News: Reuters pushes initiative to promote digital journalism in Africa Nigerian Tribune was privileged to be the only news organization from Nigeria selected to be part in a Thomson Reuters Foundation programme built to advance the push by newsrooms in developing countries to take full advantage of digital journalism. PAUL OMOROGBE who was in South Africa for the programme, shares key takeaways from the event.

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S time goes on, technology has evolved creating new methods of doing things. Certain technologies are termed disruptive, because of the way they quickly displace what was known to be the conventional way of doing things.

The internet, social media and smartphones are certainly in this class of disruptive technologies. Each of them has changed drastically the manner we communicate, do business and relate with the rest of the world.

One of the things that have also changed as a result of the interplay of the above technologies is news reporting, and traditional media houses involved in print and broadcast have had to adapt.

However, this adaptation comes with its challenges, as these technologies are constantly changing, providing opportunities for news organisations to rise to greater prominence.

For this transition to be successful and for it to continue to be, Thomson Reuters Foundation, the charitable arm of global news and information provider, Thomson Reuters, put together a programme called Tomorrows News. In the words of the organisers, “Tomorrow’s News is a programme for media outlets in developing countries or countries in political transition that are committed to high quality journalism, and that want to produce strong digital content that increases their reach and impact - but which are uncertain what kind of content will work best, and how to produce it on a tight budget.”

The programme promised to “draw on the latest knowledge on media trends

from the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism, together with media skills from Thomson Reuters and media innovations from across the world, to offer guidance on finding out what audiences want and building a strategy around this; producing appropriate digital content using a range of technologies, including smart phones; packaging and distributing content as effectively as possible.” And this was exactly what it delivered, and even more.

Eight participants were selected from across Africa, including South Africa, Kenya, Ethiopia, Nigeria, Uganda and Botswana from several journalists across the continent. Nigerian Tribune was the only news organisation selected from Nigeria.

A select group of eight journalists from across Africa (one from Nigeria, two from South Africa, two from Kenya, and one each from Ethiopia, Botswana and Uganda) representing different newsrooms were trained on techniques that can be applied to create a strong online presence that actively and maximally engages the respective organisation’s target audience and meets desired goals.

The programme took place in Johannesburg, South Africa from July 20 to 22, 2016, at the Institute for the Advancement of Journalism (IAJ). The trainer was Matt Walsh, a media consultant from the United Kingdom, who has worked for international media and prominent individuals including the immediate past British Prime Minister, David Cameron.

On day one of the programme, Mr. Walsh shared latest trends and developments in industry done by the Reuters Institute for the Study of Journalism as contained in the institute’s digital news report. The Institute is a University of Oxford, England - based research centre and think tank on issues affecting news media globally. The report according to the institute “is the world’s largest comparative international survey of news consumption habits.”

Some of the findings in the 2016 report reveals the continued rise of social news, explosive growth of video inventory on websites and the use of live video feeds.

The report also stated that mobile internet dominated due to the burgeoning use of smartphones worldwide.

Global sources of news from 2012 to 2016, according to the report, shows that by 2016, 50 per cent of the sampled population sourced news from social media, online 75 per cent and print 25 per cent.

However, television remains popular across countries; likewise radio, which remains consistent and “somewhat indestructible” according to Mr Walsh.

Speed and variety were noted to be the key drivers for sourcing news on social media.

From there, the implications for media houses were talked about which included the need to develop a responsive design for mobile websites.

With the increase in the use of social media platforms for distributing news, the question arose of what the implications would be if these platforms, such as Facebook, decided to become news publishers, since they have far more subscribers than most news organisations do.

When taking advantage of social media for news sharing, the right choice of a platform must be made based who and where the audience of the news organisation is, and how the news content will serve that audience.

News organisations will then need to build an accurate content strategy that delivers what their audience desires, while balancing the strategy with limited resources.

Speaking of the nature of content, participants were informed that videos were trending, however, a lot of users still preferred text. Other issues concerning right content in the right format, analysis of audience’s response to types of content were tabled.

It is not just enough to publish a story. We need to create distribution methods that will engage an audience and keep them returning

At the end of the day’s activities, participants were asked to develop two strategies on how they would handle the reporting of an event - one for the typical response and another based on the understanding of the findings of the report and what might work specifically for their respective organisations.

Participants took a dive into mobile journalism. In the day’s session, techniques that make for skillful coverage of events using a smartphone constituted activities for the day. This included getting acquainted with apps, filming techniques and mobile gear to produce professional quality videos using smartphones suitable for broadcast. Peculiarities of video formatted for social media was discussed.

Investigative journalism, data journalism, key aspects of journalism today face the challenge of presenting facts and data in a format that is easily comprehensible. Infographics are an easy way of doing this, and thus formed part of the day’s agenda. Participants got familiar with online tools that make it easy to create infographics.

“It is not just enough to publish a story.

We need to create distribution methods that will engage an audience and keep them returning,” Mr Walsh noted in his presentation on third day of the programme.

Subsequently, two case studies were presented before the participants to study.

Both involved African news organisations: Eyewitness News that distributes news via Whatsapp and Frontpage Liberia that targets Liberians in the Diaspora through its editorial content.

Various methods of distribution, which included emailing, push notifications via mobile apps and the dos and don’ts involved formed further deliberations of the day.

“Content,” they say, “is king.” Therefore creating valuable content through viable content partnerships was looked into. Other topics of the day included how collaborations between and within newsrooms can work, content marketing and tackling organizational hindrances and negative attitudes among traditional journalists towards online distribution.

In conclusion, participants each developed a comprehensive strategy that addresses challenges their newsrooms faced, making use of all the knowledge acquired thorough out the period of the training.

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Friday, 12 August, 2016

arewa

Dead persons still collect salaries in Chikun LG Muhammad Sabiu-Kaduna

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EAD persons are said to be collecting salary in Chikun Local Government Council of Kaduna State years after their demise.

Findings by Arewa revealed that hundreds of workers, who had neither retired from service or got transferred to other local government areas several years ago were still featuring in the payroll of the local government.

The situation had forced the local government to delay the payment of salaries because of the number of workers on its payroll Commenting on the development, the Interim chairperson of the local government, Hajiya Hadiza Ladi Yahuza, said “it is true we have got many dead persons whose names are still featuring on our payroll”.

However, she was quick to add, that the local government was working hard to remove ghost workers from its payroll.

According to her, “on the payroll we have got some interesting issues. Some staff that have died are still featuring on our payroll, even some staff that are retired are still featuring, some staff that have left long ago to other local governments are still featuring on the payroll.

She added “we have about 60 of the workers not verified by us still featuring on the payroll. So we hope that by next month, we will have a clean payroll in the

local government.”

She said the most challenging issue before the local government chairmen

in the state was the payment of workers’ salaries because of the ghost workers syndrome.

Senator donates complex to NOUN Muhammad Sabiu-Kaduna

Gov el-Rufai

FMC Bida to install computerised thermography scan machine Adelowo Oladipo-Minna THE Federal Medical Centre (FMC), Bida, has said it had concluded plans for the installation of a Computerised Thermography (CT) scan machine to ease procedures for operations of patients and other related illnesses.

The Medical Director of the centre, Dr Mohammad Aminu Usman, who stated this while addressing journalists in Bida, said that three consultants on radiology were already on ground for the operation of the machine.

Usman said that the CT Scan machine, along with its installation and training of workers as well as configuration of the room, would gulp N152.5 millions.

The medical director stated further that all the facilities and systems in the centre were in good working condition, highlighting that there was no high rate of neonatal and infants mortality in the hospital.

He, however, debunked a social media report purportedly written by one of its doctors which stated that the system in the Federal Medical Centre had worsened in the past two weeks leading to high rate of death cases.

Usman described the article by the unknown doctor as malicious and meant to damage the image of the hospital.

He stressed that though there might have been a drop in power supply in Bida, the medical centre ran its activities on alternate power supply using its generator sets contrary to the claims by the doctor that doctors brought along small generators to light up certain parts

‘We are doing all we can to make sure that we have a clean pay roll in the system to be able to pay the staff what is due to them.”

of the hospital.

“The management of Federal Medical Centre Bida is up and doing and the facilities are working perfectly well. We produce our own water, we have an oxygen plant and the centre has never lacked oxygen. Despite the problem of power supply, we have gone the extra mile to give our clientele the best services,” he maintained.

Usman stated that claims that the hospital should be renamed a ‘mortuary’ because of the high rate of death cases was malicious

and false, adding that in the past few weeks, the hospital had conducted 15 successful surgeries despite its constraints.

The Head of Neonatal Unit said that the unit recorded four deaths out of 30 admitted patients in June, adding that the deaths were not due to lack of oxygen, light or negligence.

She said that newly born babies, who weighed less than one kilogramme, were not handled well and that they were brought in very critical conditions.

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Senator representing Kaduna South Senatorial Zone, Senator Danjuma La’ah, has donated a new complex to the National Open University of Nigeria, (NOUN) Centre, for prospective students in the zone.

Speaking during the donation, the lawmaker said the complex, which is located at Kaura Local Government Area, gulped a sum of N145 million.

He added that it was his contribution to making the people in his constituency to assess degree programmes.

“Education is what Southern Kaduna is known for. It has become our major source of livelyhood and the hunger for it is getting more each year. Most of progress is attached to the education we acquire”.

“In other to meet this gap, I have decided to consult NOUN, who gave me permission to build this edifice. I actually started it sometimes back, even before I became a Senator.

The physical structure alone is over N100 million. I have so far invested N45 million in just the furnishing. When fully operational, it will have state-of-the art computers and gadgets specifically configured for long distance teaching.

“The centre will also run programmes with Harvard University and some few renowned International Institutes, using latest 3D video Technology.

“This NOUN campus will also be a Joint Admission and Matriculation Board, JAMB, centre because it has a 450-seater capacity amphitheatre, complete computers and other accessories. But the centre is primarily for courses coordinated and run

by NOUN”, he said.

Gbagyi/Fulani clash: Culprits will be prosecuted —Gov Sani Bello Adelowo Oladipo-Minna NIGER State governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello, has vowed to bring masterminds and accomplices of last weekend’s violent clashes between Gbagyis and Fulanis in Lamba, Paikoro Local Government and also in Bara-kuta, Bosso Local Government to book.

He made this declaration on Sunday night at Bosso Primary School, Bosso, when he visited some displaced women and children from Bara-Kuta fracas after he had visited the scenes of the clashes in the two communities.

No fewer than seven persons were killed in the skirmishes at Lamba just as additional seven lives were lost in Bara-Kuta between Friday and Sunday morning, while several others were

injured.

Irked by the dastardly acts and the wanton destruction of property and farm lands, the governor said lawlessness would not be condoned in the state stressing that nobody was above the law.

“Nobody has the power or right to take the life of others.

These senseless and unwarranted killings cannot and will not be condoned.

You cannot just take machete and kill somebody because of disagreement.

There are laws and nobody can claim to be above the law. Whatever maybe the grievances, people cannot take laws into their hands.

“I have instructed the chairmen of the affected councils, Commissioner of Police and my Special Adviser, Security, to fish out the masterminds of the two clashes as well as their accomplices. I

have also directed for comprehensive investigations into the incidents with a view to prosecuting and bringing to book the culprits.

“We are determined to bring an end to this barbaric act. The police and other security agencies should ensure that we get to the root of these sad events, prosecute and punish those found culpable”.

At the temporary camp for the internally displaced persons from Bara-Kuta, the governor directed the State Emergency Management Agency (NSEMA) to ensure the comfort of the people and the police to provide adequate protection for the IDPs. The governor then assured residents of the affected communities to go after their lawful duties as government would provide adequate security for the people and their property.

south-westnews Oyo govt sets up tax enforcement team 32

Friday, 12 August, 2016

To fine, jail tax evaders

By Wale Akinselure

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YO State government has set up a joint task enforcement team involving the local governments.

Just as the state Internal Revenue Service (OYIRS) has vowed to, from August 17, prosecute tax evaders and offenders in the state with statutory fines and imprisonment.

Special Adviser, Board for Oyo State Internal Revenue Services, Mr Biyi Oloko, accompanied by Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Toye Arulogun, made this

disclosure on Thursday.

He said the state government would go all out to prosecute tax defaulters.

The renewed revenue drive, according to him, covered Pay As You Earn (PAYE), direct taxation, withholding taxes for individuals, Capital Gains Tax for individuals, Stamp duties on instruments executed by individuals, road tax, business premises registration, development level for individuals, right of occupancy fees on

lands owned by state government, land use charges.

To ensure full compliance and harmonised approach to the payment of taxes, Oloko said the state and local governments had set up a joint enforcement team.

He further disclosed that the state government had adopted electronic collection of revenues (POS) at all revenue points in the state aimed at curbing fraud.

He, therefore, urged taxpayers not to make any

cash payment to individuals, rather they should pay directly into the designated revenue accounts in any of the collecting banks.

“The Oyo State Internal Revenue Service has now put in place a data bank on tax defaulters and is now embarking on an enforcement and prosecution drive that will take full advantage of the provisions of the tax laws to apprehend and prosecute tax defaulters,” Oloko sounded.

Oloko explained that the

OYIRS had over the past months embarked on various advocacy and enlightenment programmes, for various stakeholder groups to emphasise the importance of payment of taxes as at when due.

Urging residents of the state to comply with the tax laws, he said such Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) would enable the state government attend to infrastructural development, security, education and healthcare.

Oke Ogun extols qualities of Ojerinde, ex-JAMB’s boss As Oyo community holds civic reception for him

By Moses Alao OKE Ogun Development Council (ODC) has congratulated Professor Dibu Ojerinde, the immediate past Registrar/Chief Executive Officer, Joint Admission and Matriculation Board (JAMB), for being a good ambassador of OkeOgun during the period of his serving the nation.

In a press release by the organisation, the ODC disclosed that Ojerinde gave a good account of himself when he served as chief executive officer of three national educational bodies in the country. They are National Board for Educational Measurement (NBEM), National Educational Council (NECO) and JAMB. Meanwhile, the people of Igboho, headquarters of Oorelope Local Government Area of Oyo State, will hold a civic reception for the immediate past Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of JAMB, Professor Dibu Ojerinde, on Saturday.

The event, which is being organised by the Ifelodun Omo Igboho, the umbrella pro-development body in the community, in conjunction with the Igboho Connect Group (ICG), a group of young indigenes of the historic town, is “meant to honour an outstanding Igboho son who has served Nigeria in different capacities and distinguished himself.”

From left, Mr Abiodun Olumide, Mr Julius Olumide, Mr Ola Olumide, Mr Gbenga Olumide, Mrs Christiana Olumide, Mr Wole Olumide, Mrs Mojisola Ayodele, Madam Sarah Falade, Madam Eunice Famoroti and the grandchildren of late Pa James Adebiyi Olumide, during a thanksgiving and outing service, at the Holy Apostolic Christian Evangelical Church of God, Orin-Odo, Ikole-Ekiti, Ekiti State, on Saturday. PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU.

Ogun to demolish illegal structures on Lagos/Ibadan Expressway Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta IN a bid to make its environment clean and attractive, the Ogun State government will soon commence the demolition of illegal structures and shanties on the corridor of the ever-busy Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

This disclosure was made known at a stakeholders’ forum on a programme tagged “Project Go: Green Ogun”, by the Commissioner for Forestry, Mr Kolawole Lawal, on Thursday, in Abeokuta.

Lawal said that the exercise would equally ease traffic congestion on the

highway.

The commissioner said that market places, petrol stations, firms and shanties would paved way for the beautification of the highway, saying the 70 metres setback would now be most beneficial to road users.

He said further that the owners of the affected

Why I want to govern Ondo —Jegede PEOPLES Democratic Party (PDP) governorship aspirant in Ondo State, Eyitayo Jegede, said that he wants to be the next governor of the state because the current challenging times in the country require people with extraordinary ideas.

Jegede, who is the immediate past Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice in the state, stated this in Lagos, on Wednesday, during an interaction with journalists.

“I came into the Mimikoled government from the inception in 2009 up till

when I resigned in July.

With all sense of decency, I was actively involved in the achievements of the government. As a result, I am in a better position to continue with our attainments in the health sector, education, agriculture, social services and many more, and even raise the bar if I’m eventually elected the governor of the sunshine state,” he stated.

“My priority, if elected, will be the economy. Dr Mimiko has done so well in the areas of healthcare delivery, urban renewal and education. So, I will sustain

that momentum and at the same time concentrate on revamping the economy of the state, without necessarily overburdening the people,” he added.

While dismissing insinuations that he is Mimiko’s stooge, the aspirant said “such is the handiwork of opponents” who are already scared of his acceptability across the state.

Reacting to claims that his ambition will disrupt the zoning arrangement, he said zoning had never been a consideration for electing governors in the state.

structures had been duly notified some months back.

Lawal said “Green Ogun project team was set up by Governor Ibikunle Amosun to deliberate and formulate plans that will help to solve problems of illegal parking and high traffic congestion being experienced along Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.”

He added that the team, comprising of 18 members committee, was saddled with the responsibility of curbing activities that are detrimental to a healthy environment.

“The committee, which I chair, is also expected to beautify the road through activities like landscaping and tree planting.

“It will create access lanes and also construct barriers and ditches to prevent indiscriminate parking and illegal structure on the roadside.

“Other facilities for road users such as lay-bys or rest stops will also be provided on the highway,” he said.

Nigerian Tribune

Ondo APC chairmen, group reject imposition of aspirant Hakeem Gbadamos - Akure AHEAD of the primaries of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Ondo State, chairmen of the party across the 18 local government areas in the state have warned party leaders against imposition of any of the aspirants on the party.

The chairmen, who stated this during a press conference in Akure, the state capital, said any attempt to impose a candidate on the party would spell doom for it in the November 26 governorship election.

Speaking on behalf of the chairmen, the Dean of Chairmen, Mr Rasheed Badmos, stated that only free, fair and credible primaries can make the party win the November 26 poll.

Badmus said: “We know that if this information is true, it is not only worrisome, rather, it will spell electoral doom for our great party in Ondo State.”

He noted that “the people of the state are watching” and would reject imposition.

Similarly, Ondo Progressive Coalition has warned the national leader of the party not to impose any candidate.

The group gave this warning in a statement signed by its chairman, Mr Adewetan Vincent.

Power of Resurrection Christian Church celebrates eighth anniversary THE eighth anniversary of Power of Resurrection Christian Church holds on Monday, August 15 to Tuesday, August 16, 2016 between 5:00p.m and 7:00p.m at the church auditorium, at No. 71/73 Olaleye Ogunsola Villa, off Agbamu Road, Power City, Sanyo, Ibadan.

The theme of the anniversary is “Who is like our God?” Praise night will take place on August 17, at 10:00p.m till dawn while the grand finale comes up on August 21, 2016, at 8:00a.m.

Ministering at the event are Pastor and Prophetess D.O. Adebowale and other anointed men of God, with songs inspiration, deliverance and breakthrough.

Pastor and Prophetess D.O. Adebowale

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Friday, 12 August, 2016

Wild polio virus returns, 2 years after

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HE Federal Ministry of Health has confirmed two fresh cases of wild polio virus.

It will be recalled that the country celebrated two years without a single case few weeks ago.

World Health Organisation (WHO), confirmed the cases, with the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac Adewole, saying “this is a big setback

for the nation on health issues.”

Adewole, while confirming the development to journalists in Abuja, on Thursday, said everything would be done to halt the spread of the virus.

“It is unfortunate that we have the development. It has set us back. But I can assure the nation that we will do everything possible to be

on top of the situation,” he assured.

According to him, an emergency plan had been drawn out, adding that in the next 48 hours a team would be dispatched to the Borno State, where the incident was reported, in order to start immunisation.

“We will do three rounds of special immunisation campaigns to make sure that

we contain the situation,” he said.

He added that “one of the cases is from Gwoza, which is actually close to the border, while the other is Jere.

“We suspect that both of them are linked to the insurgents eclipse,” he said.

“Mr President himself, when we had a meeting last week, observed that as we liberate more areas, we

should expect challenges.

But we did not expect that there would be polio. We were expecting nutrition and other problems.

“As a nation, we will rise up to the challenge. We are assured by our international partners and we will launch a robust response. We have enough funding for immunisation in the 2016 budget,” he said.

New Oyo CP declares zero tolerance for corruption

By Oluwatoyin Malik

THE new Commissioner of Police in Oyo State, Mr Sam Adegbuyi ,has declared zero tolerance for corruption, charging officers of the command on the need to do their policing job with the fear of God. The commissioner said this during a meeting with the Divisional Police Officers(DPOs), Officers in Charge of departments and units in the commands as well as other officers at the command headquarters , Eleiyele, Ibadan.

In attendance were the Commissioner of Police in charge of Police Medical Services, Zone X1, Dr Efunsola Sowemimo; Deputy Commissioner of Police, Operations, Sanusi Buba; Area Commanders and other Assistant Commissioners of Police in charge of Operations, Administration and Police Training School.

Adegbuyi enjoined the officers to always make themselves available so that members of the public would be able to reach them easily.

He also warned against extra- judicial killing, adding that due process of the law must be followed in every case.

From left, Assistant Corps Marshal, Zonal Commanding Officer, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Nseobong Akpabio; Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi; Head, Media Relations and Strategy, Bisi Kazeem and the Assistant Corps Marshal, National Vehicle and Identification Scheme, Hyginus Fuomsuk, at the inspection of rehabilitation on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway, Lagos, on Thursday.

Experts charge Oyo women on benefits of family planning As NURHI targets one million women

By Tunde Ogunesan

HEALTH experts in Ibadan, the Oyo State capital, have urged women in the state to embrace family planning in view of the benefits attached.

They gave this admonition on Thursday at the inauguration of the visibility study on family planning, at Lagelu Local Government Area of the state, initiated by the Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI).

The visibility study, which covers child spacing methods, benefits and counselling, according to NURHI Team leader in the state, Mrs Stella Akinso, was to sensitive women on the need to embrace various available family planning methods.

Akinso declared that the initiative would cover one million women in the state in the next three years.

She said the phase one of the campaigns had been carried out in five council areas of Ibadan metropolis.

The phase two, which started on Wednesday at Akinyele Local Government Area of the state, she said, would cover more 10 council areas.

Akinso maintained that the idea of family planning was not to discourage child bearing but to sensitise women on the family planning methods.

The Primary Healthcare Coordinator in Lagelu Local Government Area, Mrs Toyosi Salam, while speaking on the benefits women and their families

stand to gain from family planning, said “There are a lot of benefits if women embrace family planning.

It allows the mother to take care of the family, while it also reduces hypertension for the father.”

In her own contribution, the Family Planning Coordinator in the local council, Mrs Oluwayemisi Esan, said “family planning is not an avenue to discourage child bearing but a way to help women plan their life better.”

17 political parties to participate Ogun, UNICEF partner on exclusive breast in Ogun LG polls feeding campaign SEVENTEEN political parties are expected to participate in the forthcoming local government elections in Ogun State, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) has reported.

Mr Mutiu Agboke, a commissioner in the state Independent Electoral Commission (OGSIEC), disclosed this at the screening exercise for councillorship aspirants of various political parties, at the commission’s headquarters in Abeokuta on Thursday.

The commissioner, who also heads the screening

committee, said the exercise was aimed at ascertaining the eligibility of the candidates to contest in the election.

He assured the people of the state of the commission’s readiness to conduct free, fair and credible local government polls.

Commenting on the exercise, one of the aspirants, Temitope Babatunde, told NAN that the screening was thorough.

Babatunde said the exercise probed into their antecedents, credentials and programmes for the people at the grassroots.

OGUN State government has assured the United Nations International Children Education Fund (UNICEF), of support in the campaign for exclusive breast feeding by nursing mothers.

The state Commissioner for Information and Strategy, Chief Adedayo Adeneye, who received the South West UNICEF nutrition specialist, Mrs Ada Ezeogu and the state nutrition officer, Mr Olugbenga Idowu, in his office in Abeokuta, the state capital, on Thursday, said this is necessary because the campaign requires the support of all relevant stakeholders .

Adeneye said his ministry would not only make use of the state-owned media stations to spread the awareness but also involve relevant stakeholders geared towards enlightening nursing mothers on the need to breastfeed their babies exclusively “Exclusive breastfeeding really has great impact on the child, because a healthy child would definitely be a productive child, hence, the need for us to support the campaign. Apart from the emotional attachment, the child develops with the mother just as the health benefit is also important to

the children,” he said.

The commissioner further advised fathers to be willing partners for the campaign by encouraging their wives.

Earlier, Ezeogu had commended the state government for providing a veritable media platform that would fast track dissemination of information , adding that the World Exclusive Breast Feeding Day, was meant to create awareness on exclusive breast feeding of a child for the first six months after birth, adding that this process is the most beneficial and preventive measure against infant mortality.

Nigerian Tribune

Ekiti lawmakers accelerate passage of Health Insurance law LAWMAKERS in the Ekiti State House of Assembly have expressed their support for a speedy passage of the Ekiti State Health Insurance Scheme Bill, 2016.

The executive bill, at the second reading before the lawmakers, seeks to ensure that every resident of Ekiti State has good access to healthcare services.

It also aims at ensuring that the basic minimum package for the poor and vulnerable is delivered, subject to the availability of fund stipulated by the National Health Act. According to a statement by the chairman of the House Committee on Information, Chief Olugboyega Aribisogan, while introducing the Bill to other members at plenary in Ado-Ekiti on Thursday, Honourable Alagbada Adenran called on his colleagues to expedite action on its passage, due to its expected advantages to the people.

He also pointed out that the bill would improve and harness private sector participation in the provision of healthcare services in Ekiti State.

Other members of the House, including the Deputy Speaker, Honourable Olusegun Adewumi; Honourable Akinleye Ekundayo and Fajana Ojo-Ade, called for a special consideration of the bill, due to its expected impact on healthcare delivery system in the state.

In his contribution, Speaker of the Assembly, Honourable Kola Oluwawole, said the bill deserved special attention and consideration, hence, the need to allow all members to make input.

Timi of Ede urges youths on dedication THE Timi of Edeland, Oba (Dr) Munirudeen Adesola Lawal, has enjoined Nigerian youths to be more proactive and dedicated to their studies.

The monarch stated this during the conferment on him Doctor of Public Administration and Leadership (D.Sc) Honoris Causa by the Adeleke University Ede, at the school’s second convocation ceremony, recently.

He said “there is a very bright future waiting for every serious-minded youth in the country.”

The monarch, who is also the President of Ede Traditional Council, used the occasion to pray for the founder and everyone attached to the university, for God’s guidance and protection to be able to continue with their landmark achievement in Ede land.

34 THIS BOX IS FOR SALE CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, formerly Adesina Susanah Bosede now ADESINA ABOSEDE APINKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

Friday, 12 August, 2016 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adetuga Oluyemisi Elizabeth now MRS OGUNSOLA OLUYEMISI ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid.

Ogun State Local Government Service Commission and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mustapha Jeleelat Moromoke now LAWAL JELEELAT MOROMOKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Ayinde Titilayo Monsurat now MRS AJANI TITILAYO MONSURAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adewale Michael now OJO ADEBOWALE FUNSHO. All former documents remain valid.

Stanbic IBTC Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Sola Adedeji now MRS ADEBIMPE IYABO ADEBAYO. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc, Wema Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adeniran Serifat Toyin now ADESINA SERIFAT TOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Omolara Ayodele now AKINDELE OMOLARA MARIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Muidideen Silifat Olabisi now MUIBI SILIFAT OLABISI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ogunwale Elijah Monjolaoluwa Oluwaferanmi now OLORUNWALE ELIJAH MONJOLAOLUWA OLUWAFERANMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ogunwale Favour Toluwanimi Phoebe now OLORUNWALE FAVOUR TOLUWANIMI PHOEBE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ogunwale Ebenezer Mosinmiloluwa Oluwaseun now OLORUNWALE EBENEZER M O S I N M I L O L U WA OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME I, Akindoyin Ezekiel Bankole, my name was mistakenly written as Akindoyin Ezekiel Joseph instead of AKINDOYIN EZEKIEL BANKOLE. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

EcoBank Plc, Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Famoriyo Babatunde Ezekiel now WILLIAMS BABATUNDE EZEKIEL. All former documents remain valid.

UBA Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Olaosebikan Tejumade Aworemi now OLAOSEBIKAN TEJUMADE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Sabitu Monsurat Oluwabukola now MRS AKINLADE MONSURAT OLUWABUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. Osun West Education District Office and general public take note.

I, formerly Mr Bashiru Mufutau Adekunle now MR OBADARA MUFUTAU ADEKUNLE. All former documents remain valid. INEC and general public take note.

I, formerly Kareem Bilikisu Abeni now OYEDEJI BILIKIS ABENI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Esther Adaobi Maduakor now MRS ESTHER ADAOBI ASUZU. All former documents remain valid.

Nigeria Medical Association (NMA) and general public take note.

I, formerly Achi Patrick Nnaemeka now ACHI CHINONSO NWABUEZE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Amsat Yusuff Olatunji now HAMZAT YUSUFF OLATUNJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Iwundu Nnabugo Frankline now IWUNDU FRANKLINE EMEKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Ajibola Ayobami Olaitan am the same person bearing Ajibola Ayobami. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as AJIBOLA AYOBAMI OLAITAN. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Akindoyogbe Feyikemi Margret now MRS AWE MARGRET OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid.

Diamond Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adesina Adeola Omobolanle now MRS ADU ADEOLA OMOBOLANLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Adio Bayonle Taoreed now ADEDIGBA TAOREED ADIO. My correct date of birth is 02-05-1984 and not 02-06-1984. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Mrs Adegbite Olaitan Shalewa now MRS ADELAKUN OLAITAN SHALEWA. All former documents remain valid. UCH Ibadan, NHIS and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Elizabeth Toyosi Adeleke now MRS. ELIZABETH TOYOSI OLADOKUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, formerly Umar Dalansu Dalansu now ALI MUHAMMED. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olagoke Julianah Bola now MRS OJELEKE JULIANAH BOLA. All former documents remain valid. Oyo SUBEB and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Orisunmibare Wale Kazeem now OLALERE KAZEEM ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ashimiyu Ibrahim Saefullahi now IBROHEEM HASHIM BUSOERI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olabisi Adenike Dorcas now MRS BABATUNDE ADENIKE DORCAS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Mustapha Naimot Oluwafemi now MRS IBRAHEEM NAIMOT OLUWAFEMI. All former documents remain valid.

University College Hospital, Ibadan and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ogunsanya Afolake Beatrice now MRS OTENIORO AFOLAKE BEATRICE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME AND DATE OF BIRTH

I, Opatola Gbadegesin Omotanbaje my name was mistakenly written as Opatola Gbade Omotanbaje.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OPATOLA GBADEGESIN OMOTANBAJE and my correct date of birth is 15/2/1949.

All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ogunwale Enoch Moyinoluwa Oluwasegunfunmi. now OLORUNWALE ENOCH MOYINOLUWA OLUWASEGUNFUNMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Anaele Charity now MRS SULE CHARITY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Bende Ifeyinwa Eunice now MRS AKINADE IFEYINWA EUNICE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Beulau Akeem now BELLAU AKEEM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ayoni Taibat now ADEBAYO TAIBAT. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Olajire Kabiru Akinwale am the same person bearing Olajire Kabiru.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OLAJIRE KABIRU AKINWALE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

I, formerly Nkechi Ajisafe now NKECHI FELIX. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State Hospitals’ Management Board and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Adebayo Ismaheel Ololade am the same person bearing Adebayo Ismaila Kolawole and Adebayo Ismail Kolawole. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ADEBAYO ISMAHEEL OLOLADE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Oyo State and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Olamijulo Felicia Tosin now MRS DARE FELICIA OLUWATOSIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Akinola Shakirat Omolara now MRS ADEDIRAN SHAKIRAT OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Fadayomi Caroline Sola now MRS OLOYEDE CAROLINE SOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adeyemi Opeyemi Halidat now MRS FANIYI OPEYEMI HALIDAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Obute Comfort O. now MRS ADEOJO COMFORT ONYAWOLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Oladepo Kafayat Faramade now MRS AMOO KAFAYAT FARAMADE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Oni Eunice Omowumi now MRS OLALERE EUNICE OMOWUMI ALABA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olabisi Abosede now MRS. OSHIN OLABISI ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Afolabi, Bukola Toyin now MRS. APOLOLA, BUKOLA TOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ogunwale Solomon Oluwaremilekun now OLORUNWALE SOLOMON OLUWAREMILEKUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Sunmade Abiola Mashood am the same person bearing Abiola Moshod Sunmade. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as SUNMADE ABIOLA MASHOOD. All documents bearing these names remain valid. OSPOLY, Iree, WAEC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Tijani Ajibike M. now TIJANI MULIKATU AJIBIKE. All former documents remain valid.

GTBank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ejigbo Layi Hope now EDIBO LAYI HOPE. All former documents remain valid.

First Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Omorovbiye Aghahowa now EVELYN IGBINOSA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Oluwole Afolabi Ige wish to confirm that am same person bearing Adetunji Ige. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OLUWOLE AFOLABI IGE. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Badmus Taiwo Adekanmi now GBADAMOSI TAIWO ADEKANMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Mrs Ogunwale Florence Titilayomi (nee Adetutu) now MRS OLORUNWALE FLORENCE TITILAYO (nee Adetutu). All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Oyediji Sunday now OYEDIJI ADEOLUWA ISRAEL. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Egunjobi Fatai Ariyo now SUNDAY FATAI ARIYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mrs Adepeju Lola Eddit now MRS SOLAGBADE DAMILOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Abdulfatai Olore now ABUDULLAHI ABDUFATAI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Okanlawon Idowu Akande am the same and one person as OKANLAWON LIADI IDOWU. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Skye Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Olusesi Temitope Omolara now MRS OLUSESI ESTHER OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Bello Ajoke Tawakalitu now MRS ADIGUN AJOKE TAWAKALITU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Banjo Omobola Opeyemi now MRS IDOWU OMOBOLA OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid.

Ogun State Ministry of Education, Science and Technology, Odogbolu Local Government and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Folasade Ayopo Oladeji now MRS OGUNKUNLE FOLASADE AYOPO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

THIS BOX IS FOR SALE

35 CHANGE OF NAME

Friday, 12 August, 2016 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ruth Minateye Damisah now RUTH MINATEYE AFESO-PAUL. All former documents remain valid.

Authority concerned, First Bank Plc., EcoBank Plc., Access Bank Plc., Skye Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adekanmi Adewumi Caroline now MRS OLORUNYOMI ADEWUMI CAROLINE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Oludare Olusina Abiodun now OLUDARE OLUSHINA ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, Isaac Adebisi Osagie am the same person bearing OJO OSAGIE ADEBISI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. EcoBank Plc., General public take note.

I hereby declare that my full name are Yusuf Suleiman and not Yusuf Suleiman Sabiseko. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as YUSUF SULEIMAN. All former documents remain valid.

First Bank of Nigerian Plc, and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Aminat Julianah Oluwatoyin Alaka also known as Mrs. Juliana Oluwatoyin Gunsanu Adeleke.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MRS. JULIANA OLUWATOYI GUSANU. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Skye Bank Plc., UBA Plc., Oyo State Sports Council and general public take note.

I Adeoye Maria Moriselola, my name was mistakenly written as Adeoye Maria. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ADEOYE MARIA MORISELOLA and my correct date of birth is 22/12/1960.

All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Eze Ejike Maxwell am the same person bearing Eze Ejikeme Maxwell.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as EZE EJIKEME MAXWELL. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Standard Chartered, Access Bank Plc., Zenith Bank Plc., and general public take note.

RECONCILIATION OF NAME I, CADMUS MICHAEL IFEANYICHUKWU am the same person as CADMUS MICHAEL. All documents bearing these names remain valid. UBA Plc and general public take note CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Adeagbo Sikirat Romoke now ADEAGBO SIKIRAT IYABODE. All former documents remain valid. INEC, Wema Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

I, Okegbile Jimoh Asamu am the same person bearing Okegbile Jimoh and Okegbile Asamu. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OKEGBILE JIMOH ASAMU. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Boko Esther Bolatito now ASIYANBI ESTHER BOLATITO and my correct date of birth is 22/5/1981. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ademole Samuel now ASIMIYU OLAWALE ABDULLAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I, Mrs Toyin Olorunsogo, my name was wrongly written as Mrs Ajoke Olorunsogo. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MRS TOYIN OLORUNSOGO. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Okepossou Modupe Justina now MRS ELEMO MODUPE JUSTINA. All former documents remain valid. Alayande College of Education, Oyo and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Olaniyan Olaseni Opeyemi now OLASENI OLAITAN MARY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Charles Yangai Danladi now CHARLES MATHIAS YANGAI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr Busari Adetunji Adesina now MR ALARAPE ADETUNJI ADESINA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Rabi Abila Bangole am the same person bearing Habila Esther Rabi. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as RABI ABILA BANGOLE. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

I, Abdullahi Azeez Ojasope am the same person bearing Musibaudeen Abdulazeez.

Now, I wish to be known and addressed as MUSIBAUDEEN ABDULAZEEZ. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Akinleye Oluwatobi Omotolani now OYEGOKE OLAYEMI AFFEZ. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Banke Olajumoke Okulaja now MRS BANKE OLAJUMOKE ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Udoudo Maria now MRS GEORGE EDET MARIA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Lamidi Musibau Adekola now OLUKOSO MUSIBAU ADEKOLA. All former documents remain valid. State Government of Osun Bureau of Local Government Staff Pension, Leadway Pensure PFA Ltd. and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Lasisi Omolara am the same person bearing Miss Afolabi Omolara Adenike now I want to be known and addressed as MRS OYEWO OMOLARA ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Asaolu Olamide Matthew now ASAOLU OLAMIDE AYOTUNDE MATTHEW. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Bukola Ogunmola now TEMITOPE AKANDE .

All former documents remain valid. Fidelity Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Apata Oladunni Abosede now OPAYINKA OLADUNNI ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Abiodun Tosin Olubukola now TAIWO OLUBUKOLA OLUWATOSIN. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Abiola Tayo Sunday am the same person as Abiola Tayo.

Henceforth, I wish to be known as ABIOLA TAYO SUNDAY. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Abiola Richardson Abimbola now ALAMAL YEKEEN ABDULAKEEM ABIMBOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Florence Funmilayo Daramola now MRS FLORENCE FUNMILAYO ADEWOYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mr Yinka David Noah now MR SEGUN DAVID NOAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Obafemi Jimoh Kenny now COKER KEHINDE OSENI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adeyemi Olubunmi now ADEYEMI OLUBUNMI OMOTOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Imaobong James now MRS IMAOBONG BLESSING CHIGBU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Ranti Oluwafemi Taiwo am the same person bearing Oluwaranti Oluwafemi Taiwo. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as OLUWARANTI OLUWAFEMI TAIWO. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Skye Bank Plc, GTBank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Odejobi Modupeola Oladoja now MRS ADEJUMO MODUPEOLA OLADOJA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ogungbemi Bilikisu now RAMONI BILIKISU TUNRAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mrs Adeyemo Folasade Olumuyiwa now OLADEJI FOLASADE OLUMUYIWA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Adefioye Olusegun Ebenezer now ADEFIOYE OLUSEGUN OLUTUNJI. All former documents remain valid.

Teaching Service Commission and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Akorede Sulaimon Titilope am the same person as Akorede Sulaimon. Henceforth, I wish to be known as AKOREDE SULAIMON TITILOPE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Salawu Abidemi Adebayo now SALAWU AKEEM ADEBAYO. All former documents remain valid. GTBank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Elizabeth Eke now ELIZABETH COUSON. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adeshina Habeeb Olaitan now ADESHINA HABEEB KAYODE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Olajide Temitope Oluwatosin now MRS ADELOLA TEMITOPE OLUWATOSIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Akanni Adijat Omosalewa now MRS AZEEZ ADIJAT OMOSALEWA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Odunjo Oluyinka Olusola now MRS UWAHEREN OLUYINKA OLUSOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME OLUDELE: I, formerly Mr Oludele Jemiriye Jonathan now MR ABIONA TUNDE ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ogunbukola Adesola now my correct name is ADEWOYIN ADESOLA ALANI and my correct date of birth is 24/08/1976. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Oluwatosin Adefikayo now ISHOLA OLUWATOSIN ADEFIKAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Kilokilo Abdulrahaman Folorunsho am the same person as Kilokilo Mustapha Rahaman and Mustapha Ramoni Kilokilo. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as KILOKILO ABDULRAHAMAN FOLORUNSHO. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Baliks Malik now BALIKIS BAMIDELE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Olaniyan Adenike Simbiat am the same person bearing Tiamiyu Nike Simbiat. Henceforth, I wish to be known as TIAMIYU NIKE SIMBIAT. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Wema Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc, First Bank Plc and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Mary Ebunoluwa George now MRS MARY EBUNOLUWA AJAYI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Osakwe Martha Nneka now MRS UGALIEGBULEM MARTHA NNEKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Okafor Lawrreta Chibuzo now OKAFOR LAWRRETA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Adeoye Bosede Simisola now OGUNSUSI BOSEDE SIMISOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oluwaseyi Hannah Oyebode now MRS OLUWASEYI HANNAH OWOEYE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Okoye Arinzechukwu Favour am the same person bearing Okoye Arinzechukwu.

Henceforth, I wish to be known as OKOYE ARINZECHUKWU FAVOUR. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Hameed Omobolaji Opeyemi now HAMEED AFEEZ BOLAJI REPETE. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc, Oyo State Government and general public take note.

I, formerly Anthony Chizaram Chigbo now ANTHONY ABA SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Abubakre Barakat Lamide now MRS MUILI BARAKAT LAMIDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ibidun Alice Adepitan now MRS IBIDUN ALICE BALOGUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Mojisola Adeyemi now VICTORIA AWORENI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Mrs Obi Kofoworola Oluseyi now MRS ADEDEJIAKINLEYE KOFOWOROLA OLUSEYI. All former documents remain valid.

TESCOM, Oyo State and general public take note.

I, formerly Mrs Oyewale Olaitan now MRS OGUNDEJI AYODELE MARY. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Umaru Faruk Muhammed now IBRAHIM FARUQ ZANNA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adeshina Adeola Adunola now MRS AJIMAJASHON ADEOLA ADUNOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Funke Duro Akinremi now MRS FUNKE DURO GBADAMOSI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adekanye Bukola Elizabeth now MRS MAKINDE BUKOLA ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Yusuf Nimotallai Kikelomo now MRS ODERINDE NIMOTALLAI KIKELOMO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Bosede Ojo now MRS SONIBARE BOSEDE. All former documents remain valid. The Nigerian Police and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Williams Tom Akinlawon now ADESANYA DANIEL OLUSOLA ADEFARATI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Fawibe Iyabo Omolara also addressed as Olopade Iyabo Adekemi. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as OLOPADE IYABO OMOLARA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc, African Prudential Registrar Limited and general public take note.

I, formerly Mrs Oyewumi Folatunde Emily now MRS AKINBAMI FOLATUNDE EMILY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Dada Olayinka Success now MRS DADA OLAYINKA TOLANI. All former documents remain valid. GTBank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Akinrinde Kafayat Adenike now OYETUNJI KAFAYAT ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Adeyemo Adebunmi Oluwaseun am the same person bearing Tijani Aishat Adebunmi. Henceforth, I wish to be known as TIJANI AISHAT ADEBUNMI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc, FCMB, Plc and general public take note.

I, Abdulah Lawal am the same person bearing Lawal Abdulahi Abidemi. Now, I wish to be known as LAWAL ABDULAHI ABIDEMI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Arojojoye Omotola now MRS OPARA THEODORE OMOTOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Alade Zacheaous Tunde am the same person as Alade Zacheaus.

Henceforth, I wish to be known as ALADE ZACHEAOUS TUNDE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mustapha Zainab now MRS MONSURAT LUKMAN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Olajide Quadir Abidemi now BABAJIDE QUADIR ABIDEMI. My correct date of birth is 6th June, 1992 and not 6th June, 1991. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

36

communitynews

Friday, 12 August, 2016

Ajaji faults Delta govt on land acquisition alphonsus agborh-asaba

AJAJI community in Illah, Oshimili North Local Government Area of Delta State has alleged that the state government flouted the necessary processes involved in community land acquisition in taking over its land measuring 202.83 hectares for development purposes.

But the state govern-

Ekiti to introduce mobile court to tackle street trading EKITI State government will soon introduce mobile court to curb the menace of street trading in the state.

This followed a meeting the state governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, held with market women and their leaders in Ado-Ekiti, on Tuesday.

According to a statement by the Chief Press Secretary to the Governor, Mr Idowu Adelusi, the governor also gave those involved in street trading up to August 29 to move to government-designated markets in Ado-Ekiti.

The markets the traders could make their choice of moving to are Awedele and Agric Olope markets.

The governor said while he empathised with the traders who experience poor patronage as a result of economic downturn in the country, the state government could not continue to watch as major streets had been turned to trading zones which are always littered with refuse.

“We believe in persuasion and the issue of mobile court is sort of using carrot and stick approach.

Our hope is that the affected traders would heed our persuasive approach and relocate appropriately.

Turning major streets to trading zones is not acceptable. People are endangering their lives and the refuse they leave behind could cause epidemic.

“We have provided alternatives for you. We have markets you can relocate to while we are building the new Ojaba Market. I am concerned about your welfare but money is a hindrance. I am constrained to ask you to leave the place you are, but we have to do it. I appeal to you so that our society will not be filthy and we would not have epidemic on our hands.

“Street trading is uncalled for. It is not right. Wheel barrow pushers are making the environment dirty with the way they dump refuse on the road,” he said.

ment, which signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with an indigenous company for the building of 10,000 housing units along Asaba-Illah Road in February, claimed it acquired the land legitimately for the overriding interest of the state.

In a letter of protest made available to Community News in Asaba, the community stated that unknown persons disguised as representatives of the community to dupe the government.

The letter signed by the Diokpa of the community, Ogbuenyi Emmanuel Emelifeonwu, claimed that there was no official notification of intention to the community and that representatives of the community never met with government officials on the demarcation of the land and subsequent payment of compensation.

According to him, six deities of the community are located on different spots on the land, adding that with government forceful acquisition, residents of the agrarian community

had been denied of their means of livelihood.

He, therefore, called on Governor Ifeanyi Okowa

to prevail on the Ministry of Lands to re-examine all the documents on the said land deal.

Emelifeonwu further urged the governor to order the Ministry of Lands and the Asaba Capital De-

velopment Authority to initiate “a fresh process that will follow due process” on land acquisition.

The Elegosi of Egosi, Oba Daniel Dada (in white cap); his wife, Olori Comfort and others, during the handing over of a 4-unit water system toilet facility donated by the Egosi Women of Substance to Egosi community .

Land dispute: Kasumu community protests

By Paul Omorogbe

O

N Wednesday, some residents of Kasumu community in Oluyole Local Government Area of Oyo, State staged a protest over land dispute in their community.

The protesters, who visited Tribune House in Ibadan, in a statement signed by Mr Adebayo Odesola and Mr Abiodun Oduekun, leaders of the community, alleged that their action was “sequel to the visit to the community by the Special Adviser Projects, Tolulope Sadipe, on Thursday, August 4, 2016 claiming to be acting on the instructions of Governor Abiola Ajimobi.”

But in her reaction, Mrs Sadipe stated that “it is a personal matter. It has nothing whatsoever to do with Oyo State govern-

ment. I just happen to work for the state government. I am the daughter of Chief A.M.O Akande. He is the owner of many lands in Kasumu that have been encroached upon. There is currently a case in court regarding this matter.”

She said on that fateful Thursday, her surveyor went to the land that had not been encroached upon with his staff and her driver to place signage on the land to prevent further trespassing, adding that: “They were ambushed by the people . I was not there. They phoned to tell me they were about to be lynched and I called the police who waded into the matter.”

Mrs Sadipe said that she went to the police station and explained that she was the daughter of the late chief and a trustee of his estate and provided documents showing ownership

of the land, and that the police had pressed charges against members of the community involved in the “near-lynching incident.”

“When they were about to be lynched, my driver showed my card to say ‘this is the person that sent us here.’ That is how the fact that I work with the Oyo State government was revealed,” she told Community News.

She said “it saddens me that it is the same people who stole our lands that have the audacity to do what they are doing now.”

Meanwhile, Oyo State government has distanced itself from the land dispute between one of its appointees and some individuals

at Kasumu village.

The government noted that personal issues of appointees were not government business and consequently warned individuals linking the state government to the issue to desist, saying that detractors should stop politicizing the dispute.

According to a statement issued by the State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr. Toye Arulogun, “It is a pity that virtually everything is politicized in Oyo State.

The said dispute involved an appointee of the state government, Mrs. Tolulope Sadipe, whose late father, Chief AbdulMojeed Olale-

Aregbesola crowns first Olowena of Owena THE Olowena of Owena Ijesa in Oriade Local Government Area of Osun State, Oba Bisiriyu Oladoyinbo Ayelabola (Oladoy-

inbo 1), has received staff and instrument of office and crowned as the first Olowena of Owena Ijesa

by Governor Rauf Aregbe-

Egosi women of substance commended for donation of toilet facility biola azeez-ilorin

THE Elegosi of Egosi in Oke-Ero Local Government Area of Kwara State, Oba Daniel Adefila Dada, has commended members of Egosi Women of Substance for the donation of a toilet facility to the community.

He gave the commendation during the handing over of the facility worth one million naira in a ceremony that attracted traditional chiefs and other

distinguished members of the community.

The monarch said members of the association had, by the gesture, demonstrated their commitment to the well-being of the people of the community.

The facility is composed of two female and two male toilet units, and equipped with standard water system and overhead tanks.

The president of the association, Mrs Folake Adetona, in her remark, said

kan Akande’s (popularly known as A.M.O Akande) estate was encroached upon by some individuals.

The state government has not shown any interest in it and it so unfortunate that we are being linked with it.

“Even, some media outfits are asking for our reaction on the said issue. Well, I have told them that we are not involved and I am reiterating same with this statement. The government as well as the governor should not be dragged into the issue. We are more interested in the sustenance of the development of the state and we do not want unnecessary distractions, “he explained.

the gesture was part of the association’s corporate social responsibility towards improving the living standard of the people .

She said the facility would curb open defecation occasioned by lack of public toilets, adding that this would go a long way in checking the outbreak of diseases.

According to her, following the large turnout of people during the association’s free healthcare service in the community,

members were inspired to donate generously to complete the project.

The Chief Nursing Officer, Cottage Clinic, Iloffa, Mrs Grace Afolayan, said public toilet was a critical aspect of community development.

Also commenting, the President of Egosi Development Union (EDU), Ayinla Lawal, described the gesture as worthy of emulation by other groups and well meaning individuals.

sola.

Speaking at the event, Alhaji Lawal Wahab, a community leader and founder of Lawal Oil, felicitated with the new royal father and called on all sons and daughters of the town to come around and rally round Ayelabola it ensuring the growth and development of the town.

Alhaji Wahab also used the medium to thank the visitors that came to celebrate the historic occasion with them, praying that such a joyous occasion will never cease in their homes.

He then called on well meaning Nigerians to assist in tarring Owena township roads as well as ensuring that other social amenities were brought to the town.

37

Friday, 12 August, 2016

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

Trump calls Obama, Clinton ‘co-founders’ of Islamic State

R

EPUBLICAN Donald Trump called United States President Barack Obama and Democrat Hillary Clinton the “co-founders” of Islamic State, ratcheting up his assertion that they are responsible for the rise of the militant group and sparking renewed criticism

US president Barack Obama and Democrat presidential nominee, Hillary Clinton: PHOTO: REUTERS

of his leadership ability.

Clinton’s campaign called the statements a “false claim.”

“This is another example of Donald Trump trash-talking the United States,” senior policy adviser Jake Sullivan said in a statement.

“What’s remarkable about Trump’s comments is that

Paralysed patients walk in astonishing medical breakthrough EIGHT paraplegic people have regained some sensation and movement after a one-year training programme that was supposed to teach them to walk inside a robotic exoskeleton, researchers say.

The regime included controlling the legs of a virtual avatar via a skull cap, and learning to manipulate the exoskeleton in the same way.

Researchers believe the treatment is reawakening the brain’s control over surviving nerves in the spine.

The work appears in Scientific Reports.

The eight subjects had been

paralysed for three to 13 years before the rehabilitation programme began. Chronic cases of paralysis such as these are the most resistant to treatment.

“If you’re clinically diagnosed as having a complete lesion, if after 18 months you don’t show any improvement, the chance of regaining any motor or sensory capability below the level of the lesion goes down to zero,” said Miguel Nicolelis of Duke University in the US, who led the study at the AASDAP Neurorehabilitation Laboratory in Sâo Paulo, Brazil.

Zambia votes with high turnout in test for ruling party polling stations across the Southern African nation had opened on time at 0600 hours while the rest opened within less than an hour behind schedule.

“We are happy to see so many people coming to vote - it shows that Zambians understand the importance of elections and they value their democratic rights,” she said at Kalingalinga Middle School in eastern Lusaka.

Al Jazeera’s Tania Page, reporting from a polling station in the capital, Lusaka, said there were queues of hundreds of people waiting to cast their ballots from early on Citizens waiting to cast their vote at in polling Thursday morning.

ZAMBIANS have started voting in presidential and parliamentary elections after a campaign marred by violence between rival groups.

The European Observer Mission which fielded at least 120 monitors commended Zambians on the large and peaceful turnout on Thursday.

Chief Observer Cecile Kyenge told reporters in Lusaka that at least half of the

unit in Zambia. PHOTO: AL JAZEERA

once again, he’s echoing the talking points of (Russian President Vladimir) Putin and our adversaries to attack American leaders and American interests, while failing to offer any serious plans to confront terrorism or make this country more secure,” Sullivan said.

The White House declined to comment on Trump’s claim.

Trump, coming off a troubled week in which fellow Republicans pressed him to stop quibbling with members of his own party and refocus his campaign attacks on Clinton and Obama, took his criticism to a new

level by saying a sitting U.S. president created a militant group determined to kill Americans and other Westerners.

Trump has sought to bolster a perception of fear, delivering a campaign message that the United States is less safe, that Democrats are to blame and that he is the only one capable of restoring security.

Appearing in Miami Beach, Florida, on Thursday morning, Trump repeated his attack for the third time, saying the U.S. government “has unleashed ISIS.” “In fact, I think we’ll give Hillary Clinton ... most

valuable player,” Trump said, attacking the Democratic candidate for her time as secretary of state from 2009-2013. “ISIS will hand her the most valuable player award. Her only competition is President Barack Obama.”

Reuters revealed that Trump first made the assertion in a speech on Wednesday night in Florida, saying, “I call them co-founders” of Islamic State.

In an interview on Thursday morning, Trump defended the remarks.

“Is there something wrong with saying that?” Trump told CNBC. “Why - are peo-

ple complaining that I said he was the founder of ISIS? All I do is tell the truth, I’m a truth teller.”

Clinton spokesman Jesse Lehrich, in response to Trump’s initial remarks, pointed to U.S. advances against the militant group in Libya this week. “FYI – U.S.-backed militias retook ISIS’s stronghold in Libya today thanks to Obamaauthorised air strikes,” he said in a tweet late on Wednesday.

The Democratic National Committee lambasted Trump’s remarks as “outrageous, unhinged and patently false.”

Africa’s renaissance starts on school benches

By Irina Bokova - UNESCO DirectorGeneral ON a hill outside Dakar, Senegal, stands the African Renaisance Monument, unveiled in 2010. This massive bronze statue stands some 50 meters tall, depicting a man, woman and child, looking out to sea.

The idea of Africa’s renaissance is very much a dynamic reality.

Across the continent, I see powerful trends of renewal and leadership to overcome the challenges of poverty, exclusion, and conflict. Africa is on the move, and the motor driving this is education – education for inclusion, for empowerment, and for peace. Africa’s renewal is starting on the benches of schools.

I saw this last week at the Al Azhar Centre of Excellence in the town of Mbao, not far from the Senegalese capital. This Centre allows students leaving Arab-Islamic schools to learn skills that will open new opportunities for decent work and foster new forms of solidarity.

This is a first motor of renewal.

Living together must be taught – this is as much about values and skills for dialogue as skills for jobs. Teaching peace is key to prevent violent extremism, and a force for renewal.

Another is inclusion. In Derkle, Senegal, there is a centre that provides literacy classes for girls and women with disabilities – teaching them to read and write in Wolof, and arithmetic. These classes are another frontline of Africa’s renaissance.

Educating girls and women especially those most marginalised - is a human right that empowers all society and drives economic growth.

It lays the foundation for healthier societies, affecting maternal health and child mortality. For instance, if all girls in sub-Saharan Africa and South Asia had secondary education, child marriage would drop by 64% and early births by 59%. Our goal must be to keep girls in school for as long as possible, because this is essential to success across all the Sustainable Development Goals.

This is why I welcome the new laws

in Chad and Niger to retain girls in school at least to the age of 16 years old.

As with the Al Azhar Centre of Excellence, the Derkle centre is the work of partnership, with UNESCO supporting the National Collective for Alternative and Popular Education and the Women’s Commission of the Association of Disabled Persons of Senegal. This is another face of renewal – governments working hand-in-hand with civil society, backed by international organisations.

This is why Senegal was awarded this year’s UNESCO Confucius Prize for Literacy, in recognition of its efforts to advance literacy through new technologies and mobile phones, linking this with income-generation, especially for women.

Africa’s renaissance must also be environmental. Lake Chad embodies all current challenges – from environmental degradation due to climate change to poor management of natural resources, creating a cycle of poverty, migration and extremism that holds back the whole region.

Managing resources sustainably and inclusively is essential – this requires building capacity at every level, including with rising generations, to protect the unique treasures of Africa’s natural environment for the benefit of all, today and tomorrow.

Africa’s immense cultural wealth is another motor driving the continent’s renaissance, and this must also be taught. The cradle of humanity is today a powerhouse of cultural heritage and diversity. This is a wellspring for the continent’s rising cultural sector – we see this in Nigeria’s outstanding film industry, and the decision of Niger to launch an ambitious strategy for cultural renaissance, with a focus on youth mobilisation. Culture provides a foundation of belonging and confidence that is essential for meaningful development.

It is also a force for dialogue and reconciliation. I saw this in July 2015, when I attended the ceremony marking the rebuilding of Timbuktu’s

Irina Bokova

fabled mosques and mausoleums, with UNESCO’s backing, after their destruction by violent extremists.

In Mali, I see the power for peace that is embodied by Africa’s millennial history of exchange and dialogue around faith and knowledge. This great past must be taught in schools and universities, to remind women and men on the continent and across the world of the history they share, and as the basis for a better future for all.

In 2013, the African Union celebrated its 50th anniversary under the theme of ‘Pan-Africanism and African Renaissance.’ I was honoured to attend the summit in Addis Ababa, when the Agenda 2063 was adopted, and my message then was clear - UNESCO’s cooperation with the African Union builds on shared values, on common objectives, on a vision of the future of the continent as a dynamic global leader.

This must start with Africa’s young women and men. More than 60% of the continent’s population is under 35 – empowering them means educating them, giving them tools to reach their dreams, to protect their environment, to build peace and live together.

This is happening today. In classrooms and literacy centres, in communities across the continent, Africa’s renaissance is on the move, nurturing humanity’s most powerful force for change, through education. This is the face of Africa’s renaissance.

38

news

Friday, 12 August, 2016

PDP national convention holds as scheduled —Makarfi-led committee Jacob Segun Olatunji and Leon Usigbe

T

HE Senator Ahmed Makarfi-led national caretaker committee of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), on Thursday, dismissed rumour making the rounds that it has suspended or postponed the forthcoming national convention of the party slated for August 17, this year to allow time for more reconciliation on the leadership crisis in the party.

In a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja last night, by a member of the committee in charge of publicity, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, the committee stated that the “information is false, null and void and only exists in the imagination of the authors and originators of the rumour”, saying that the convention would hold as

scheduled.

The statement read: ”The attention of leadership of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has been drawn to spurious rumour in the online media purporting that the chairman of the national caretaker committee of our great party, Senator Ahmed Mohammed Makarfi, has suspended or postponed the forthcoming national convention slated for August 17, 2016 to allow time for more

reconciliation on the leadership crisis in the party.

“The information is false, null and void and only exists in the imagination of the authors and originators of the rumour. For the umpteenth time, we reiterate there is no change to theAugust 17, 2016 date slated for the PDP national convention holding in Port Harcourt, Rivers State, as approved by the Expanded Caucus of the party in compliance

with the decision of the national convention that reconvened itself within ninety (90) days.

“You will recall that the May 21st, 2016 national convention in Port Harcourt that constituted the PDP national caretaker committee mandated it to organise and conduct another national convention within 90 days from the date of the last convention.

Port Harcourt, Rivers State declaring that August 17, 2016 date for the national convention is sacrosanct and will hold as scheduled.

“Finally, we enjoin all members of the party nationwide to work closely with the leadership towards a successful national convention that will elect credible party leaders to fill in the vacant positions at the national level,” it stated.

“Therefore, the national caretaker committee has no power to extend the mandate given to it by the Port Harcourt national convention and will not do so.

“The national caretaker committee wishes to advise all stakeholders and the general public to ignore all rumours regarding the purported postponement of the forthcoming national convention in

•••My chairmanship will bring back OBJ, others to PDP —Dokpesi Taiwo Adisa- Abuja

AN aspirant for the chairmanship position in the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in the August 17 national convention, Chief Raymond Dokpesi, has said on Thursday, that his chairmanship would pave the way for the return of former leaders to the

party’s fold, including former President Olusegun Obasanjo.

Dokpesi, who addressed newsmen in Abuja, said his decision to contest the chairmanship position did not amount to anti-party activity, noting that his mission is to win the 2019 election.

He also insisted that his trial for alleged money laundering by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) was a mere political witch-hunt, which he said, would fail at the end of the day.

Dokpesi said nothing had changed from the strategy adopted by the Muhamma-

du Buhari-led government in the fight against corruption in 1984 and the strategy being adopted today.

“Let me say this very clearly, in 1999 it was the AD and APP that contested against the PDP and PDP won. In 2003, it was AD and APP and others, were they able to win? it was not

until some people left the PDP that they were able to win. Those other parties are barren. It is the PDP people that joined them that impregnated them and they produced the APC government.

“The truth of the matter is that as part of reconciliation and my mission is to win 2019, I will deploy all available machinery to do that and whoever is offended along the line, let me start from now by saying that I tender unreserved apology to them on behalf of the party and we are going to open the doors to allow then to come in,” he said.

Flood alert: Nigerians should relocate from river banks —NISER

By Wale Akinselure

AGAINST the backdrop of flood alerts by the Nigerian Meteorological Agency (NIMET) and the Nigeria Hydrological Services Agency (NIHSA), Mr Ademola Adeagbo of the Nigerian Institute of Social and Economic Research (NISER), Ibadan, has admonished households and communities living on the bank of the River Niger and River Benue to immediately leave or be evacuated by the relevant agencies.

Adeagbo, who was presenter at the August edition of NISER Research Seminar Series, noted that though the alert was coming quite

late, persons in affected areas should gradually prepare to leave and not wait for the impending flood to sweep them away.

He, however, decried the low level of preparedness and proaction of the concerned agencies like NIMET, NIHSA, urging the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) to embark on further enlightenment of the people on occurrence of natural disaster, adaptive capability and coping strategies.

Adeagbo also called for improved funding, staffing and equipment provision of NEMA, SEMA and LEMCs,

and encouragement of community development efforts towards tackling natural disasters, while warning households to desist from poor refuse disposal practices.

“Residents on the bank

of the river should be prepared to leave. It should be a gradual process, though, they should not wait for disaster to happen. If you have farmlands, be prepared to leave. Evacuate all you can evacuate before the disaster

SATURDAY, 13 AUGUST, 2016

entertainment

Lagelu Grammar School old students honour founding principal, Labiyi

By Tunde Ogunesan

THE founding principal of Lagelu Grammar School, Ibadan Chief Ayo Labiyi, on Thursday, received lavish encomiums from the old boys’association of the school and well-wishers, when he marked his 90th birthday at the school’s hall.

The chairman on the occasion, Ambassador Olusola Saanu said Chief Labiyi is a worthy “ambassador of Ibadan Grammar School.”

Ambassador Saanu, who was represented by Alhaji Adegboyega Arulogun, said Chief Labiyi was ‘loaned’ from Ibadan Grammar School to build Lagelu Grammar School, saying he successfully achieved the feat.

“He was ‘loaned’ to Lagelu from Ibadan Grammar.

He worked hard for educational development in

Ibadan. All Lagelites are privileged to have passed through his tutelage,” Arologun said.

In his speech, the president of Lagelu Grammar School Old Boys’ Association, Chief (Dr) Harry Taiwo Ladapo, while eulogising Dr Labiyi said: “I am proud to declare that in the course of those eventful years, my principal and father indeed, trained and equipped me, as he did thousands of other Lagelites and non-Lagelites, to get to the zenith of life.

For giving me the wings to fly in life, my life, my father, Chief Ayo Labiyi, I am eternally grateful to you sir.

“That is God’s purpose of making the world a better place by creating Ayo Labiyi as a vessel of producing world class leaders through the instrumentality of Lagelu Grammar school.”

happens. However, this alert shows low level of preparedness.”

“The concerned agencies have a vulnerability mapping document which they should have used before now.”

N150

FG won’t dare to stop constituency projects

interview

—Senator Urhoghide

Weekend Lagos

Why I am not yet married

We live in constant fear

—Ikorodu residents narrate ordeal after bloody attack

—John Dumelo

Inconclusive elections:

health&fitness

Her period comes twice a month.

What counsel has an expert for her?

The political class should look inwards —Ekiti INEC spokesman

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39

Friday, 12 August, 2016

Editor: Ganiyu Salman tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08053789060

SuperSport set for EPL live transmission

Oyo govt lauds Quadri over Rio Olympics feat

By Nurudeen Alimi THE Oyo State government has congratulated reigning African table tennis champion, Aruna Quadri on his feat as the first African to reach the quarter-final of the men’s singles event of the Olympic Games.

This was contained in a statement signed on behalf of the state government by the Commissioner for Sports, Mr Abayomi Oke, a copy of which was made available to Tribunesport on Thursday.

“We commend Aruna Quadri for his feat at the Rio 2016 Olympics, we are so proud of him moreso being an indigene of Oyo State. He has made the state, Nigeria as well as Africa proud at the Games. We also commend his humility and sense of commitment. We are indeed proud to be associated with

him,” the statement reads.

Oke stated that the structure is in place by the state government to encourage Quadri and other athletes from the state.

“Due to the new approach we are bringing into sports development, we have reached out to him (Quadri) on how to work out modalities in that regards.

“I personally spoke with him, I sent him an sms and we had a lengthy conversation to the extent that we tried to connect the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi to pray for him before his last match but that could not work out.

“As I said, we are using this opportunity to assure our state athletes that the government cares about them and we will ensure we sustain a very strong relationship with them at every point in time,” Oke said.

Quadri, it will be recalled, defeated world’s number seven, Chuang ChihYuan of Chinese Taipei 4-0 (11-6, 12-10, 11-6, 11-7) and world’s number 13th, Timo Boll of Germany in the third and fourth round respectively at Rio 2016 before he lost in the quarter-final to world’s number one, MA Long of China.

Quadri

Mayor of Cadiz to host NPFL All-Stars

•Ahead Malaga clash tonight

T

HE Mayor of the Spanish province of Cadiz, Jose Maria Gonzalez will today receive the delegation of the Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) to the Trofeo Ramon de Carranza LaLiga World Tournament.

NPFL All-Stars had on Wedenesday night lost 1-2 to

Valencia in their first game where Joseph Osadiaye hit the scoresheet in the 32nd minute, while hosts scored through Medran in the 10th minute and the winner in the 83rd minute by Rodrigo Moreno.

The NPFL schedule will see the players train at the Ciudad Deportiva Bahia de Cadiz at

7pm Spanish time and start their daily programme with a tour of the city of Jerez de la Fontera.

“The Mayor of Cadiz will receive the official delegation at the Cadiz City Council at 1.45pm Spanish time on Friday as it is the tradition to extend the city’s hospitality to every guest to the annual

tournament”, d i s closed Vicente Casado w h o will be the delegation guide t o t h e reception.

According to the official programme made available

2 Division inter brigade sports championship hots up

By Oluwatoyin Malik and Olawale Olaniyan THE Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Mr Olalekan Ali, has charged the participants in the ongoing 2 Division inter brigade sports championship held at 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Odogbo, Ibadan, to compete to the best of their abilities so as to achieve the objectives of the competition.

Speaking at the opening ceremony at the Major General John Inienger Sports Complex, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan on Tuesday, Ali, who represented the governor of Oyo State, Senator Abiola Ajimobi said with the championship, the Army would be fit to

continue to carry out their assigned roles effectively and provide the necessary aids to civil authority.

The ceremony was witnessed by heads of security agencies in Oyo State including the Nigeria Drug Law Enforcement Agency, Nigeria Police, Nigeria Immigration Service, Nigeria Prisons, Directorate of State Services, Nigeria Air Force and the Nigeria Customs Service.

The SSG stated further that the state government, in turn, would continue to lend the necessary support to 2 Division its activities and performances of duties, pointing out that the role of the Army vis-a-vis the Division in Oyo State is reckonable, as it had, through its outfit, the Operation Burst, greatly improved

security in the state and the south west region in general.”

In his address, the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Kasimu Ibrahim Abdulkarim said, the Nigerian Army had refocused on physical and health education that would guarantee the physical well-being of officers and soldiers in line with the COAS Vision for Nigeria Army which is to “have a professionally responsive Nigerian Army in the discharge of its constitutional roles.”

He said that the military physical needs of personnel require high fitness level which would ensure stamina, vigour and cardio-vascular endurance of personnel.

The GOC disclosed that the

objectives of the championship were to identify talented sportsmen and women from various army formations and to select able participants that would represent the Division in the forthcoming Nigerian Army Sports Championship.

He urged the participants to make good use of their respective formations and to be worthy ambassadors.

Some of the events to be competed for in the sevenday championship include football, volleyball, basketball, badminton, squash, lawn tennis, table tennis, handball, judo, taekwondo, boxing, swimming, chess, scrabble, marathon/cross country, track and field, golf, obstacle crossing and tug of war, among other events.

to the delegation, an official tournament lunch for representatives of all the teams and the city council will hold at the El Tamon de Roche.

The NPFL All-Star will at 8pm Nigeria time file out against Malaga FC in the second game of the Carranza tourney today. The first match is between Cadiz CF and Atletico Madrid.

THE best football leagues in the world are back and from tomorrow, the World of Champions, SuperSport, will bring football fans in Africa all the live action of the new season in HD glory on DStv. Football fans were given a preview of the upcoming season last Sunday when DStv showcased the much-anticipated Community Shield clash which saw Man United scoop their first silverware over last season’s Premier League title-holders, Leicester City.

And if the hype and hysteria of the previous season is any indication, the looming Premier League is bound to be just as captivating with all 380 matches of the new season available on DStv. At least 300 of the matches will be broadcast live, confirming SuperSport as the football destination of choice for viewers across Africa.

The sports channel’s breadth and depth of the coverage, which will include first-class Premier League TV buildups with respected analysts, will remain unrivalled on the continent.

This coming season will bring an exciting new dimension with the Premier League scheduling Friday fixtures for the very first time. These, too, will be part of SuperSport’s vast Premiership offering to football fans.

As usual, Saturdays will be firm football days with simultaneous 3pm kickoffs that will see SuperSport air up to three extra games at a time over multiple SuperSport channels SS3, SS5, SS6, SS7 and SS11.

The Secretary to the Oyo State Government, Mr Olalekan Ali (left), discussing with the General Officer Commanding, 2 Division, Nigerian Army, Major General Kasimu Ibrahim Abdulkarim, during the opening ceremony of 2 Division inter brigade sports championship held at the Major General John Inienger Sports Complex, Adekunle Fajuyi Cantonment, Ibadan.

SIDELINES

FRIDAY, 12 AUGUST, 2016

N0 16,566

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Daniel Akpeyi, beaten twice by Colombia.

Some persons affected with leprosy, on Monday, took to the streets in Asaba, Delta State, protesting against the alleged reduction in their stipends and daily meals. Why should these people face more agony? Shouldn’t there be a permanent move to stop them from begging on the road?

Nigeria improves in FIFA rankings

By Nurudeen Alimi

Rio Olympics:

Why we lost to Colombia —Siasia

As Dream Team faces Denmark in q/final

By Ganiyu Salman

N

IGERIA’S Dream Team coach, Samson Siasia, has blamed poor marksmanship for the 0-2 loss his wards suffered at the hands of Colombia in the early hours of Thursday in their last group game.

The result however, did not stop the African champions from finishing first in group B of the Rio Olympics having finished with six points, one ahead of Colombia, which also qualified for the quarter-final with five points.

Siasia while speaking during the post-match conference at the Corinthians Arena, Sao Paulo, declared that the loss was a warning signal to the Dream Team to be up and doing in subsequent matches to achieve the desired result, just as he said having a new team in every game too always go with its own challenge.

“Of course when you make too many changes, it won’t work the way you expected. Going into the knockout stage, that’s a different ball game. If you lose, you go home, so all those mistakes we have been making mostly in the backline have to be corrected.

We didn’t do a good job on the Colombian forwards. We really have to work harder on our defending,” the former international said.

The former Super Eagles coach, said his men were unable to maximise their scoring opportunities as well which cost them victory.

“In the first half, we had a couple of good chances and (Oghenekaro) Etebo had a very good

one that he should have scored.

But one good thing about him is that he always put himself in good positions. He didn’t score today; that’s football. Hopefully, in the next game, we can convert our chances and defend better.

“Colombia has always been a good team in spite of the challenges they faced before coming to the Olympics. All the teams at this tournament are good; you just have to take your chances when you have them. The Colombians took their chances

against us and are now in the quarter-finals,” said the man who coached the Dream Team to win the silver at the Beijing 2008 Olympics.

Also in his remarks, Captain John Mikel Obi, said the Dream Team did everything humanly possible to avoid defeat at the hands of the South Americans but to no avail.

“That’s football. We are professionals and could not have under–rated the Colombians. We will work harder ahead of our next game,” Mikel said.

Siasia, however, said he will wait

NIGERIA has moved up in the latest FIFA rankings released by the world football governing body.

According to the rankings released on its official website on Thursday, Nigeria is now ranked 67th in the world, three spots better than the last rankings.

The Super Eagles however, maintained their 16th spot on the continent behind Algeria, Ghana, Cote d’Ivoire, Senegal, Egypt, Tunisia, Morocco, Cameroon, Congo DR, Cape Verde, Mali, Congo, South Africa, Uganda and Guinea.

It will be recalled that in the July rankings, Nigeria dropped nine places to place 70th in the world – its poorest drop in 2016.

The Super Eagles will on Sepfor the verdict of the medical crew to know the extent of Etebo’s in- tember 3 play host to the Taifa Stars of Tanzania in a 2017 AFjury.

The reigning AFCON U-23 CON qualifier, while the team will champions will tomorrow face a month later travel to Zambia to Denmark in a quarter-final match engage the Chiopolopolo of Zamat the Fonte Nova Arena, Salvador. bia in a 2018 World Cup qualifier.

Technical Director of the Nigeria They will be at home to play host Football Federation (NFF), coach to Algeria also in a 2018 World Bitrus Bewarang has since arrived in Brazil to join the Dream Team Cup qualifier on November 7.

The rankings of the top 20 teams ahead of the clash. in the world remain unchanged Meanwhile, goals from Teofilo owing to a quiet month of interGutierrez and Dorlan Pabon gave the Los Cafeteros victory over national football, as Argentina rethe Dream Team which won the mains on top of the ladder ahead of Belgium, Colombia, Germany Atlanta ‘96 gold. and Chile.

World champion, Ding, claims Table tennis gold THE reigning world champion, Ding Ning, has become Olympic champion, after she put her nightmares from the final at London 2012 to rest, with a sensational 4-3 victory over Li Xiaoxia at Rio 2016 women’s singles final.

Li Xiaoxia was again the opponent for Ding in an all-Chinese final, but this time it was the reverse outcome as Ding stood victorious.

The bronze medal was won by DPR Korea’s Kim Song I following her birthday defeat of Japan’s Ai Fukuhara.

Li went into the final having won all four of her Rio 2016 matches in straight game whitewashes, including her semi-finals victory over Ai Fukuhara.

Ding would have shared the exact same record had it not been for Kim Song I who lost 4-1 in their last four tie, stealing a consolation game in the process.

Much to the bemusement of the two finalists, proceedings didn’t go exactly according to plan as the match ball shattered about half way through the warm up. But a replacement ball was found almost straightaway and the players swung into action.

Ding made a great start to the

Ding Ning celebrates her victory.

opening game at the Riocentro – Pavilion 3 moving 9-3 in front, however, Li managed to claw herself back into the game taking five consecutive points to close the gap. All of a sudden, Ding looked under all sorts of pressure and fault served at 10-8, but she held on to go 1-0 ahead (11-9).

Manu laments injury crisis at Eaglets camp NIGERIA’S Golden Eaglets coach, Manu Garba has lamented his team’s injury problems after they fell 1-2 to Diamond Academy in a test game on Wednesday.

“We have two, three of our players who are down with injuries and the captain is only recovering from illness,” said Manu after the loss to the Diamond Academy of Umuahia.

“But otherwise, Diamond academy gave us a very good test. They are a forceful side.”

The Eaglets face a daunting task to qualify for the next round of the U-17 Africa Cup of Nations (AFCON) when they travel to Niger for a return leg of their qualifier after they narrowly defeated the Junior Menas 1-0 in Abuja.

The reigning world champions will train in Sokoto before their departure to Niamey.

Printed and Published by the African Newspapers of Nigeria PLC, Imalefalafia Street, Oke-Ado, Ibadan. E mail: editornigeriantribune@yahoo.com Website: www.tribuneonlineng.com MANAGING DIRECTOR / EDITOR-IN-CHIEF: EDWARD DICKSON. EDITOR: DEBO ABDULAI. All Correspondence to P.O. Box 78, Ibadan. ISSN 2712. ABC Member of the Audit Bureau of Circulation. 12/8/2016.