26th October 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,619 WEDNESDAY, 26 OCTOBER, 2016 www.tribuneonlineng.com

TODAY'S SPECIAL

Want to stay healthy? Two bananas a day is the answer

IT has been said that if we eat healthy, we will make food our drugs and will not have to make drugs our food. But it is not easy to eat healthy all the time. However, there's one fruit you simply must eat every day to stay strong and fit. It is banana! Unknown to many, bananas are useful

Continues pg5

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N150

Excess crude account Arrested judges now $2.4bn —FG to be arraigned •NEC approves plan to shore up revenue through solid minerals today •Hints on bumper harvest, low food prices

Petrol remains N145 —NNPC

—P38

—P38

—P11

Buhari writes NASS for $29bn external loan •Seeks N180bn virement in 2016 budget

—P2

PDP, not APC, killed my husband

—Alamieyeseigha's widow —P2

Miyetti Allah's threat

Fayose puts Ekiti people on alert —P30

From right, President Muhammadu Buhari; Director, Shell Global/Upstream, Mr Andrew Brown; Vice President, Shell Nigeria and Gabon, Mr Peter Costello and the MD/Group Chairman, Shell, Mr Osagie Okunbo, at the State House, Abuja, on Tuesday. PHOTO: STATE HOUSE.

Senate moves to reintroduce toll gates on federal roads —P4

2 news Buhari writes NASS for $29bn external loan

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

•To boost power, railway, road projects •Seeks N180bn virement in 2016 budget Taiwo Adisa and Jacob Segun Olatunji -Abuja

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R E S I D E N T Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, asked the National Assembly to approve a twoyear external borrowing plan of $29.96 billion to cover borrowing for infrastructural projects between 2016 and 2018.

The president, in separate letters to the Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki and the Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Yakubu Dogara, is also seeking virement of projects worth N180 billion in the 2016 budget.

In the letters read in the chambers of the Senate and the House of Representatives on Tuesday, the president explained that the external borrowing plan was targeted at projects in different sectors, with special emphasis on infrastructure, agriculture, health, education, water supply, growth and employment generation, poverty reduction through social safety net programmes and governance and financial management reforms, among others.

“The total cost of the projects and programmes under the borrowing (rolling) plan is $29.96 billion made up of proposed projects and programmes loan of $11.274 billion, special national infrastructure projects, $10.686 billion, Euro bonds of $4.5 billion and Federal Government budget support of $3.5 billion.”

The president further said the loan was imperative, in view of the serious infrastructural deficit in the nation.

Specifically, the president requested for approval of the sum of $575 million World Bank loan facilities for the reconstruction and rehabilitation of the North East region of the country, considering the time it might take to conclude the consideration and approval of the external borrowing plan.

“Considering the huge infrastructure deficit currently being experienced in the country and the enormous financial resources required to fill the gap in the face of dwindling resources and the inability of our annual budgetary provisions to bridge the deficit, it has become necessary to resort to prudent external borrowing to bridge the financing gap, which will largely be

applied to key infrastructure projects namely power, railway and roads projects, among others,” the president’s letter read.

In seeking the virement request to the tune of N180 billion, the president asked the Senate and House of Representatives to move the already appropriated funds for recurrent and capital votes in the special Intervention programmes to fund critical recurrent and capital items.

He said the request became necessary due to shortfalls in provisions for personnel costs; inadequate provision ab initio for some items like the amnesty programme; continuing requirements to sustain the war against insurgency; and depreciation of the Naira.

“In the course of implementing the 2016 Appropriation Act, several MDAs have presented issues pertaining to salary shortfalls, the settlement of part of which has led to the depletion of the Public Service Wage Adjustment (PSWA).

This Vote, which had a provision of N33,597,400,000, now has a balance of N2,758,296,000.

“The Committee on Salary Shortfalls, set up by the Minister of Finance, has come up with a figure of N41,875,983,020 as the amount required to settle salary shortfalls of nonlPPlS MDAs. Similarly, most of the lPPlS MDAs have already been notified by the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation (OAGF) that they would soon be locked out of the IPPIS Platform as their personnel cost budgets would not cover salaries for the rest of the year.

“The lPPlS Department in the OAGF has forwarded a figure of N20,058,204,856 as the sum required to cover the shortfall in salaries of lPPlS MDAs. The securityrelated lines in the Service Wide Vote, specifically operations internal for the Armed Forces (N13 billion) and Operation Lafiya Dole (N8 billion) have all been totally released while the Nigerian Air Force needs about N12,708,367,476 to cover the foreign exchange differentials in the procurement of its critical capabilities.

“The contingency vote of N12 billion has a balance of only N1,827,570,443. It is considered necessary to augment this vote in the light of frequently emerging contingencies.

“Only N20,000,000,000

(already fully released) was provided in the 2016 budget for the Niger Delta Amnesty Programme. Consequently, the allowances to exmilitants have only been paid up to May 2016. This is creating a lot of restiveness and compounding the security challenge in the Niger Delta.

“The provision for NYSC in the 2016 budget is inadequate to cater for the number of corpers to be mobilised this year. In fact, an additional N8.5 billion is required to cover the

backlog of 129,469 corps members who are currently due for call-up but would otherwise be left out till next year due to funding constraints.

“Similarly, the provision for meal subsidy for the unity colleges is inadequate for the number of students in the schools.

“Also, there was no provision for feeding of cadets at the Police Academy, Wudil, Kano.

These situations are hampering the operations of the affected agencies.

The provision for statutory transfer to the Public Complaints Commission (PCC) was reduced to N2,000,000,000 in 2016 from N4,000,000,000 in 2015. Consequently, the agency is experiencing difficulty in paying salaries of its personnel as and when due.

“Due to the devaluation of the Naira, the budgetary provisions for the foreign missions are no longer sufficient to cover all their costs.

“The provision for

Presidential Initiative for the North East (N12,000,000,000) has a balance of less than N1.5 billion, and there continue to be emerging challenges with the Internally Displaced Persons (lDPs) in the zone,” the letter read.

A breakdown of the funds for virement showed that N71.8 billion is for public service wage adjustment, N35 billion for amnesty programme and N19.8 billion for mobilisation of remaining batches of youth corps members for the year.

From left, Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi; Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Honourable Abubakar Bawa Bwari; chairman on the occasion, Ambassador Joseph Auyagu and the Head of Consulting, PwC Nigeria, Mr Ceyril Azobu, during the iPAD Nigeria Mining Week, in Abuja, on Tuesday.

PDP, not APC, killed my husband —Alamieyeseigha’s widow Austin Ebipade -Yenagoa MRS Margaret Alamieyeseigha, widow of the first civilian governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha, has said the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) betrayed and eventually killed her husband.

She said her husband sacrificed everything for the PDP to remain strong and united, but was neglected, leading to his untimely death.

Peeved over unkind treatment meted to her husband, Mrs Alamieyeseigha averred that the All Progressives Congress (APC) was not responsible for his demise.

The widow spoke in an interview at the memorial of Alamieyeseigha’s death, which took place recently at Amassoma, Southern Ijaw Local Government Area of the state.

The sudden death of Alamieyeseigha on October 10, 2015 sparked

controversies between the PDP and the APC, with the parties blaming each other.

Chief Alamieyeseigha died of complications arising from high blood pressure and diabetes at the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital (UPTH), Rivers State.

Accordingly, Mrs Alamieyeseigha blamed her husband’s untimely demise on PDP’s betrayal, conspiracy and Ijaw’s sell-

out mentality.

She said the party that ruled Nigeria for 16 years masterminded the arrest of her husband while the Ijaw, whom the husband fought for, graciously handed him over to his killers.

“Today, I will say categorically that PDP killed my husband. APC didn’t kill my husband; APC didn’t arrest my husband. It was PDP that arrested my husband; it

Abati honoured our invitation —EFCC THE Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), on Tuesday, said former presidential spokesman, Dr Reuben Abati, honoured its invitation on Monday.

This was contrary to media reports that Abati was “arrested and brought” to the commission’s office.

“Former Special Adviser to ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Media and

Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati, on Monday, honoured an invitation by the EFCC at the agency’s headquarters in Abuja. “He is currently telling operatives of the commission his role in the alleged mismanagement of the nation’s resources through his office.

“We shall keep you posted,” the anti-graft agency said on its Twitter handle on Tuesday.

was PDP that locked up my husband, killed him and seized everything that belongs to him.”

She posited that if not for PDP’s humiliation and torment, her husband would have been alive.

The widow called on Ijaw people to quit all manner of betrayal so that progress would not continue to elude the zone.

Mrs Alamieyeseigha recalled that despite the betrayal, her husband’s immense contribution, steadfastness and solidarity won the last governorship election for PDP in Bayelsa State, even as she noted that she still belonged to the party but urged PDP to learn to help members.

She described her late husband as a man loved by his people, adding that though he was dead, his legacies lived on, while urging Ijaw people to immortalise him by realising the dreams and ideals that he stood for.

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Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

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Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

Name corrupt judges, Awomolo challenges senior lawyers Saliu Gbadamosi -Abuja AS controversies continue to trail the recent arrest of some judges in some parts of the country by the Department of State Security (DSS), a Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN), Chief Adegboyega Awomolo, has challenged senior members of the Bar claiming to know corrupt judges and lawyers to immediately name them.

The senior advocate threw the challenge on Tuesday, in Abuja, while speaking as the representative of the body of Senior Advocates, at the ceremony marking the opening of the 2016/2017 Legal year of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) High Court.

Awomolo noted that the allegation against the judiciary was a severe one, declaring that senior lawyers claiming to know corrupt judicial officers should name them without any further hesitation.

“Those senior advocates who claim in the media to know the bad ones to name names and shame those senior lawyers and junior lawyers and judicial officers who they knew perpetrated endemic corruption and bring Nigerian judiciary to shame.

“My Lord, if there is anybody who knows that Awomolo has collected bribe and given it to any judge, let him name me and I will defend myself,” he declared.

According him, this was the right time for such senior members of the Bar to name those who were corrupt in the judiciary.

He stated that some people did not know the consequence of the allegations they made against others, declaring that, “allegation of corruption is so severe.”

He noted that allegations of corruption against judges were not new in the country, submitting that, “we also know that allegation of corruption against judicial officers has been with us for decades,” and cited instances, including an allegation against a former Chief Judge of Nigeria (CJN), Justice Mohammed Uwais, by two senior lawyers, who could not prove their allegation.

Awomolo declared that, “We are not saying there are no corrupt judges or there are no corrupt judicial officers. This is not the time to play to

the gallery. There is no need to crucify the Bench and exonerate the Bar from the gory picture of corruption.”

The senior silk submitted that both the Bar and Bench ought to see the current travails as an avenue to cleanse themselves, saying “the Bar and the Bench should see the current media trial as a challenge to have an interface and ponder on how we got to this stage, what was responsible. The Bar and the Bench have been brought so low in the country.”

Awomolo stated that the current time was a trying moment for the judiciary in the country, declaring that it was time for members to humble themselves, confess their sins and turn to God for forgiveness.

“It is a trying moment for the entire Bar and Bench.

We all know that calamity has struck. Members of the Bar and Bench are human beings who are mere mortals with faults.

This is the time to humble ourselves, confess our sins and turn to God for forgiveness,” the senior advocate submitted.

From left, Deputy Speaker of the House of Representatives, Honourable Lasun Yussuff; Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki; Vice-Speaker of the German Bundestag, Claudia Roth and another German lawmaker, during a bilateral meeting on the sidelines of the ongoing 135th Inter-Parliamentary Union (IPU) Assembly, in Geneva, Switzerland, on Tuesday.

Senate moves to reintroduce toll gates on federal roads Taiwo Adisa -Abuja

T

HE Senate, on Tuesday, passed a motion which laid the foundation for a possible return of toll gates to the country.

The lawmakers, who passed a motion moved by

Senator Suleiman Nazif, mandated the Committee on Works to liaise with relevant bodies to review toll gate policy in the country.

The committee was also mandated to study how the country could effectively use toll gates to mobilise funds for road maintenance.

Senator Suleiman Nazif, who moved the motion seeking a return of toll gates to Federal Highways, said the ,if the new plan was to generate revenues, would aid effective and efficient maintenance of Federal Highways.

Former President

Visit Nigeria before end of your tenure, Reps tell Obama Jacob Segun Olatunji - Abuja THE House of Representatives, on Tuesday, called on the President of the United States of America (USA), Barrack Obama, to visit Nigeria before the expiration of his tenure in office.

The House also solicited collaboration between Nigeria’s National Assembly and the United States (US) Parliament for mutual benefits for both countries.

Speaking during a visit of a delegation from the House of Democracy Partnership

(HDP), United States House of Representatives to the National Assembly on Tuesday, the chairman, ad hoc committee on NigeriaUnited States of America Relations, Honourable Johnson Agbonayinma, said Nigeria, being the most populous and biggest economy in the black continent, deserved the visit of President Obama before his tenure ended.

According to him, “For the fact that Nigeria is the most populous and biggest economy in Africa, I make bold to request for the visit

of President Barrack Obama to our great nation, Nigeria, before the expiration of his tenure in office.

“As an African, he should emulate former Presidents George Bush and Bill Clinton, who, at various times, visited Nigeria to further strengthen the bilateral relations of the two great countries.”

On the forthcoming US presidential election, Honourable Agbonayinma decried the trend of campaign of hatred being promoted by the candidates of the Democrat and

Corruption is crime against humanity — Magu THE chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr Ibrahim Magu, on Tuesday, described corruption as a crime against humanity.

Magu made the remark during a courtesy visit to the National Union of Textile and Garment Workers of Nigeria Head office in Kaduna.

He said, before now, there was no hope for Nigeria, but that President Muhammadu Buhari had shown “demonstrable political will to deal with corruption.’’

According to the News Agency of Nigeria

(NAN), Magu said: “Corruption affects everybody, that is why everyone is a major stakeholder in the fight.

“That is why I have the passion, zeal and the courage to lead the fight against corruption.“ Magu said.

He said President Buhari and Vice-President Yemi Osinbajo had shown commitment to the fight against corruption and called on the union to support the campaign.

In his remark, Mr Issa Aremu, the General Secretary of the union, said EFCC should be empowered to invite anyone living above

their means to explain their source of wealth.

Aremu said if investigating agencies were not satisfied with explanations by suspects about their sources of wealth, such persons should be prosecuted.

“If found guilty the person should be made to forfeit entire proceeds from corruption,” Aremu said.

He suggested that a special account be designated as Infrastructure Development Fund from recoveries from corruption proceeds.

Aremu commended the Buhari administration for its campaign against corruption.

Republican, saying “looking at the politics that is going on in America today and what is happening in the election that is going on in America, it seems they borrowed it from Nigeria.

It is my first time to see presidential candidates castigating instead of dealing with issues.”

On his part, the leader of the delegation, Mr Scott Hublin, said HDP was committed to providing the technical assistance to the House of Representatives on budgetary issues, committee operations and constituency services.

Other areas are ethics, information services, specialised and oversight functions.

HDP was established by the United States House of Representatives with the mission to strengthen democratic institutions by collaborating with parliaments in developing democracies.

“Central to the work of HDP was peer-to-peer cooperation to build technical expertise in partner legislature that will enhance accountability, transparency, legislative independence, access to information and government oversight,’’ Hublin added.

Olusegun Obasanjo had, on December 30, 2003 disbanded toll gates across the country and demolished all structures on Highways.

He had said then that the toll policy had outlived its usefulness and that the policy was placing further financial burden on Nigerians.

Senator Nazif told his colleagues that the deplorable state of roads across the country was becoming a national shame and an embarrassment, adding that the reintroduction of toll gates would help redress the situation.

He said: “Besides revenue generation, the presence of toll gates, which are normally managed by armed security agents, provides a level of safety for road users.

The government cannot fund road construction alone.

“The poor state of roads in Nigeria has remained for many years a great source of risk for travellers and transporters. Cases of road accidents being reported daily in the new media paint terrible and pathetic pictures of this ugly development.”

The motion was well received, as all lawmakers who contributed, backed the idea. They said the reintroduction of the policy was overdue.

The Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the session, immediately referred the motion to the Committee on Works, which was mandated to do thorough job and report back to the chamber soon.

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Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

Want to stay healthy? Two bananas a day is the answer Continued from front page

in treating numerous ailments. Eating two of this fruit daily keeps a number of diseases at bay.

These are some of the benefits of daily consumption of bananas.

1. Energy - Eating a banana or two before a workout gives you enough energy to last an hour or more. The low glycemic carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals all support your body increase endurance, while potassium helps to prevent muscle cramps.

2. Depression: They can help overcome depression because they have high levels of tryptophan, which our bodies convert into serotonin. Serotonin is a brain neurotransmitter that makes people relax, feel happy, and improves mood. Thus, bananas can help people feel better

and beat depression.

3. Blood Pressure: Bananas help to lower blood pressure and protect against stroke or heart attack because they are low in sodium and high in potassium, making them a heart healthy food.

4. Constipation: If you are clogged up, eat a few bananas.

They have enough fiber in them to stimulate regular bowel movements and provide natural relief for constipation.

5. Anemia: They can help those with anemia by providing much needed dietary iron, which stimulates red blood cell and hemoglobin production and strengthens the blood supply.

6. Nerves or PMS: When you’re feeling moody and stressed, eat a banana. It helps to regulate blood sugar and is rich in B vitamins, which naturally calm the nervous system and make people relax, resulting in an overall improved

mood.

7. Ulcers: Bananas can be eaten without having to worry about whether or not they’ll cause pain. That’s because their smooth, soft, mushy texture coats the stomach lining and protects it against corrosive acids and irritation.

8. Temperature control: Eating a banana on a hot day can cool you off by lowering your body temperature. The same is true for it you have a fever.

9. Heartburn: Bananas are nature’s anti-acid and can provide relief from heartburn and acid reflux. Eating just one banana can immediately bring soothing relief and lessen your heartburn symptoms.

If you feel like you’re not in the best health and you need to start eating better, the humble banana is the right place to start.

Courtesy: www.theartikulounonews.com

Arms probe: Dasuki couldn’t have stolen $2.2bn —Jonathan •Says corruption allegation brought against his govt blown out of proportion

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ORMER president, Dr Goodluck Jonathan has said it is impossible for his former National Security Adviser (NSA), Sambo Dasuki, to have stolen $2.2 billion as being accused by

the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Responding to questions after his lecture on Youth Entrepreneurship, at the famous Oxford Union in the United Kingdom, former

President Jonathan, said: “They said the National Security Adviser (Sambo Dasuki) stole $2.2 billion.

I don’t believe somebody can just steal $2.2 billion.

We bought warships, we bought aircraft, we bought

lots of weapons for the army and so on and so forth and you are still saying $2.2 billion was stolen, so where did we get the money to buy all those things?

“Yes, there were some

issues. Yes, there are still corruption issues, but some of them were overblown.

I’d say it was exaggerated and they give a very bad impression about our nation. You cannot say the National Security Adviser

Terrorism threatening the world —CDS

Troops arrest 30 suspected saboteurs, Boko Haram collaborators Chris Agbambu –Abuja THE Chief of Defence Staff, General Abayomi Gabriel Olonisakin, has called on world military leaders to unite and pull their resources together to fight common global enemy, terrorism, which is now an albatross to the existence of humanity.

General Olonisakin made this call during meetings of Committee of World Chiefs of Defence Staff in Washington DC recently.

Director of Defence Information, Brigadier General Rabe Abubakar, in a statement in Abuja, on Tuesday, said General Olonisakin noted that terrorism did not only hinder development of nations, but was fast threatening the corporate existence of human race.

He cited the cruelty of the Boko Haram terrorists in Nigeria, which he said, killed, maimed and destroyed property in unimaginable proportion as an example.

While condemning, in very strong terms, these inhumane treatment, the CDS lamented that the activities of Boko Haram and other terrorist groups elsewhere, if not contained through the instrumentality of joint forces and information sharing, might snowball into catastrophic dimension.

General Olonisakin urged world military leaders to do everything possible to assist one another in the fight against terrorism, saying “terrorism, being an asymmetric warfare,

require wider spectrum of cooperation with other nations, since insurgency and terrorism transverses beyond borders.”

While in the Washington DC, General Olonisakin used the opportunity to seek more enhanced bilateral and multilateral defence cooperation with the Chiefs of Defence Staff of USA, Britain and France.

The Committee of World Chiefs of Defence Staff endorsed the holding of regular meetings with the aim of reappraising issues

that might require urgent attention and channelling of resources.

Meanwhile, ongoing investigation on suspected Boko Haram terrorists collaborators and saboteurs in the fight against terrorism and insurgency has led to the arrest of nine more persons over the last 24 hours.

This brings the number of Boko Haram collaborators and saboteurs so far arrested to 30. This comprises two officers, two soldiers, two policemen

and 24 civilians.

Acting Director, Army Public Relations, Colonel S.K. Usman, said many more suspects would be arrested and prosecuted based on evidences against them and the level of culpability.

In the past few months, there had been allegations that military men were aiding and abetting Boko Haram terrorists in the war against terrorists in the North-East.

Speaking to the Nigerian Tribune,

Colonel Usman said they had succeeded in defeating Boko Haram, but some unpatriotic soldiers and civilians were still aiding and abetting them so that the war would never end.

According to him, no matter how highly placed those involved in the sabotage and collaboration, they must be fished out and dealt with decisively, according to the law.

He said investigations were still on, and that more arrests would be made.

2016 Batch ‘B’ orientation: 4 states provide camps for corps members Adetola Bademosi-Abuja GOVERNORS of Bauchi, Gombe, Taraba and Zamfara states have provided additional camps in their individual states to host the 2016 Batch ‘B’ Orientation course for corps members, deployed to troubled states.

Bauchi, Gombe and Taraba states will run two camps simultaneously, one for corps members that will be deployed to them and the other for corps members that will be deployed to Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states respectively.

In Zamfara State, both the permanent orientation camp and the additional camp will host corps members deployed to the state as the number of corps members will be above the capacity of the permanent one.

While commending the gesture at the opening ceremony of the 2016 Batch ‘B’ pre-orientation workshop in Calabar, the

Director-General of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier General Sulaiman Kazaure, said the states made the sacrifice despite the paucity of funds.

Kazaure stressed the need for the three tiers of government to live up to their statutory roles in the operations of the scheme by addressing the challenges of obsolete, dilapidated and inadequate state of facilities in most orientation camps.

“We are encouraged, however, by the efforts of the Federal Government at providing funds in spite of obvious financial constraints.

“In particular, I wish to thank Mr President for making it possible for all graduates to be mobilised for service in 2016,” he said.

The Director-General said the scheme was encouraging public-private partnership to complement the efforts of federal and state governments towards

enhancing all aspects of its operations.

He said the choice of the theme of the workshop: “Strengthening the Orientation Programme for Effective Service Delivery,” was informed by the management’s resolve

to reposition the scheme to respond adequately to demands of the current times.

He added that the orientation course content was being restructured for it to align with the current needs of the youth.

stole $2.2billion. It is not just possible.”

To avoid sounding confrontational with the current government, Jonathan explained that some of the corruption cases were still in court and would rather allow the legal processes to reveal the facts of the matter.

He said: “One thing about the issue of corruption is that these matters are in court, let’s allow some of these processes to end.

Lately, some judges’ homes were also invaded. There are so many things involved and we have to follow up these matters to conclusion before we know the fact.

“I don’t want to be seen as a former president challenging what the sitting government is doing, so I have decided to keep quiet for the court to look into them.”

He said allegations of corruption were not unique to his administration or the country. He said: “You will see that it has become a major topic whenever there is a change of government … I am not saying there is no corruption in Nigeria, there is corruption. If you look at corruption, there is almost no country that is free, the degree varies, the perception varies.”

Govs Forum demands 1% consolidated revenue for PHC THE Governors Forum has demanded that no fewer than one per cent of the country’s consolidated revenue be earmarked to improve primary healthcare service.

This was part of the resolutions of the Nigeria Governors’ Forum’s meeting, held at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

The chairman of the Forum and Zamfara State governor, Abdulaziz Yari, announced this to newsmen at the end of the meeting.

According to him, the decision followed the presentation by the Minister of Health, Professor Isaac

Adewole, on the Malaria, Lassa Fever and Polio pandemic in the country.

According to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), Yari said Adewole presented the situation of Malaria, Lassa Fever and Polio in the country to enable the states and the Federal Government to determine joint intervention mechanisms.

He also said the minister had presented the plan for the establishment of rural health centres in different parts of the country.

“He is eventually looking for the setting aside of one per cent of the consolidated fund of the federation for

primary healthcare.

“On the issue of Polio, it is no longer news that we have outbreak which has set us back in Borno State.

“And all of us can understand why in Borno because of lack of access by health workers.

“All hands are on deck and I believe the Minister of Health has explained to you the actions we (the federal and the states government) are responding to,’’ Yari said.

According to the chairman, various presentations and issues were raised at the meeting, which were deliberated upon, including issues of water resources development.

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Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

Metro...

Nigerian Tribune

crime, security, court

Armed robbery: Police kill one, wound another in gun battle in Enugu Jude Ossai - Enugu POLICE detectives have shot to death a youth suspected to be an armed robber, wounding another in a gun battle at Inyi community in Igboeze North Local Government Area of Enugu State.

Sources close to the state police command said the suspects were dressed in camouflage, adding that the there was information as to the activities of the hoodlums on the expressway which led to their arrest at the border between Enugu and Benue states.

Confirming the story, the state Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Ebere Amarizu, said the police operatives of the Counter-Terrorism Unit of the command smashed the notorious armed robbery syndicate after a gun duel between the operatives and the hoodlums who dressed in camouflage.”

Amarizu stated: “Police operatives of the CounterTerrorism Unit of the command on duty on the Enugu -Markudi Road of Nsukka Axis had received a distress call that armed hoodlums had blocked Nsukka Markurdi Road by Inyi in Igboeze North Local Government Area and were wreaking havoc on their victims.

“Following the distress call, operatives swung into action promptly, which resulted in the exchange of gunshots and in the process, one of the armed hoodlums was injured and later confirmed dead by a doctor while the other armed hoodlum identified as one Godwin Okpe from Ogbadigbo Local Government Area of Benue State, dressed in camouflage, is also injured and being revived to held operatives in their investigations.”

The state police spokesman further said others believed to have been touched by the operatives’ bullet escaped with bullet wounds.

“The state command of the Nigeria Police is appealing to members of the public particularly hospital operators/owners to watch out for anyone with suspected bullet injury and report promptly to any nearby police station for necessary

action.

Some of the items recovered from the suspects, he said included heavy logs of wood used in blocking the highway, two double-barrel guns fabricated to double as AK 47 rifle, some amount of money believed to have been snatched from their victims, a pair of booth and a torchlight.

Meanwhile, the Enugu State Commissioner of Police, Emmanuel Ojukwu, has applauded the efforts of his operatives, adding that the command would continue to maintain a functional security for members of the public, as well as motorists on the road.

The suspects

Police parade man who severed corpse’s head to avert madness Celestine Ihejirika - Umuahia

A

BIA State Police Command, on Tuesday, paraded one Emmanuel (surname withheld) (20), who revealed how he had to severe the head of an old woman’s remains in order to avert being mad.

The suspect, who was among other suspects paraded by the state Commissioner of Police, Leye

Oyebade, in Umuahia, on Monday, said he met the mad woman who handed the instructions to him in Aba. The suspect, who denied killing the old woman, further disclosed: “I did not kill her. It was when I went out to buy newspaper that I saw the body of the old woman lying on Aba main Park by York Street, Aba. “The second day, I went out again and still saw the

corpse lying there, it was then that I went there in the night and cut off the head.”

On what he had intended doing with the severed head, he said: “It was a mad woman that told me that if I did not do it, I will run mad.

I met the mad woman who called me and said there was madness following me, that I should go and look for the skull of a dead person from the burial ground,

cut off the head and throw it into a river, otherwise I would go mad.”

Giving details on how the suspect was arrested, Oyebade disclosed that the police, acting on information, gathered that unknown GSM number was calling and threatening to eliminate one Ikechukwu (surname withheld), if he fails to pay N15 million cash to Emmanuel (surname withheld).

Former Delta HoS cries out over murder of sibling Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri FORMER Head of Civil Service (HoS), Delta State, Chief Sylvanus Mordi, on Monday called on relevant security agencies in the state to fish out the killers of his younger brother, Mr Monday Mordi.

Mordi, Metro gathered was murdered by yet-to-be identified assailants on October 17, on his way to the farm in Owerri Quarters, Ute-Okpu, Ika North-East Local Government Area of Delta State.

His death, Metro learnt, had since plunged the sleepy community into mourning.

Chief Mordi said that those who murdered his brother

must be made to face the full wrath of the law, with the family getting justice.

“The death of my younger brother has dealt a heavy blow on the entire family.

We are in serious pain.

“It is our desire for security agencies to go after his killers and make them to face the full wrath of the law.

They will know no peace wherever they are.

“We don’t know who was involved, but wherever they are and whoever they may be, let the security agencies smoke them out.

“Our community is now living in fear and if they are not apprehended and jailed, no one knows who may be

their next target.

“We have reported to the police and other security agencies and we demand justice for my late brother,” Chief Mordi stated.

He wondered why a harmless farmer would be waylaid and brutally murdered by yet-to-be identified assailants, who according to sources, were three in number.

The Divisional Police Officer of Owa-Oyibu Divisional Headquarters, CSP Austin Chukwuma, could not be reached for comments on the matter.

But a source within the police station confirmed the incident, noting that the vic-

tim was killed and his motorcycle carted away.

“One person has been arrested in connection with the murder of Mordi, as the police continue its search and investigation for other members of the armed group,” the police source disclosed.

In the absence of comments from the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO), Celestina Kalu, who could not be reached for comment, a source at the Delta State Police Command Headquarters in Asaba, said the arrested suspect was making useful statements that could lead to the arrest of the others now at large.

“Operatives attached to Central Police Station, Aba, swung into action and arrested Emmanuel with the GSM number used for demanding the said amount.

“The suspect confessed to the crime and also opened up to be the perpetrator of a previous incident that happened on September 29, where a headless body of an unknown woman was found at Aba main Motor Park,” the police Commissioner said.

Also paraded were three fleeing members of a car snatching syndicate, which was dislodged by the Area Command of the police in Umuahia on October 7.

Meanwhile, the police command also declared war against students of Michael Okpara University of Agriculture Umudike for their alleged involvement in rampant cases of robbery, cultism, rape and other social vices within and outside the school premises.

He decried the attitude as unacceptable in the society and vowed to deal severely with anyone or group of students found culpable, as he paraded some of the students of the institution.

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Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By Oluwatoyin Malik

08116954633, 08078891950 e-mail: tribunecrimedesk@gmail.com

Police arrest 5 for stealing pharmaceutical products worth N56m Olalekan Olabulo - Lagos

F

IVE people have been arrested for allegedly stealing pharmaceutical products valued at N56 million only.

They were arrested by the operatives of the Anti-Kidnapping Squad of the Zone 2 Police Command, Onikan.

This was contained in a statement signed by the image maker in charge of the command, Muyiwa Adejobi.

The police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) said “the police detectives attached to the Anti-Kidnapping Unit of Zone 2 command headquarters, Onikan, Lagos, have arrested five suspects for conspiracy and stealing pharmaceutical products worth almost N56 million (N55,980,000 ) in Lagos.”

Adejobi also added that “on October 10, one Isaac Ugwu, the Chief Executive Officer (CEO) of Peakins Pharmaceutical Company Limited, Plot C, Mobolaji Johnson Estate, Lekki Phase, Lagos, reported an alleged case of conspiracy and stealing of pharmaceutical products via a petition to the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 2 Command Headquarter, Onikan, Lagos and the Anti-Kidnapping Unit was directed by the AIG for investigation.”

The police also claimed that “the petitioner alleged that sometime in the month of October, he caught one of his staff, Emmanuel Okechukwu (male) with a carton of Funbact A valued at more than N400,000 stolen from his warehouse at the above mentioned address and Emmanuel was arrested for proper investigation.

“During the course of investigation, Emmanuel confessed to the crime and mentioned his accomplices.

His arrest led to the arrest of Ikechukwu Orji and Chisom Azubuke, a co- staff and Uchechukwu Ofoepeka and Goddy Ogobi, who are security men at the Estate where the industry is located,” the police also added.

The Zone 2 police also stated that “upon interrogation, all the suspects confessed to the crime and revealed that the nefarious act had been on since the month of May. It was discovered that about 102 cartons of LONART DS tablets valued at N39,780,000;

200 cartons or FUNBACT A valued at N16 million only and five cartons of P ALAXIN tablets valued at N200,000 only, all totalling N55,980,000 have been stolen from the industry so far.

The suspects, Metro learnt, have already been

arraigned on two-count charge of conspiracy and stealing, contrary to sections 409 and 285 of Criminal Laws of Lagos State of Nigeria.

However, Chief Magistrate Mrs Sola Adeoye of Chief Magistrates’ Court One, admitted the suspects

to bail to the sum of N1 million with two sureties each with landed property at Lekki and Oshodi, respectively.

The Assistant Inspector-General of Police in charge of Zone 2 command Lagos, AIG Abdulmajid Ali, has condemned such cruel

act particularly at this time when many manufacturers were struggling to sustain their businesses.

He urged industrialists, businessmen and women to carry out security check or test on prospective employees to avoid such wicked act.

The suspects

Police arrest operator of fraudulent ‘bank’ in Abuja Chris Agbambu – Abuja THE Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Police Command has arrested one Elvis (other name withheld), coordinator of an alleged fraudulent cooperative credit and thrift outfit.

The fraudulent cooperative thrift, Metro gathered had been used to defraud unsuspecting members of the public who were predominantly petty traders of their hard-earned money through a purported loan scheme.

The suspect, when arrested at Jikwoyi, was in possession of N828,000 proceed of the day’s collection.

It was learnt that Elvis confessed to the crime and had been cooperating with the police in its investigation, while efforts had been intensified to arrest his cohorts, who were at large.

Police investigation revealed that the cooperative deployed its agents at market places and other strategic spots to scout for potential customers who were encouraged to take up the juicy loan offer of the cooperative.

It was also gathered that the customers were then cajoled to register with the cooperative with the sum of N2,000, sequel to which the customer would be requested to deposit cash up to 20 per cent of the total loan with the cooperative before the loan would be approved to the customer.

Investigation further revealed that so far, victims of this fraudulent act numbering over 600 had deposited N6,498,000 with Best Plan Cooperative Credit and Thrift without securing the loan promised them by the operators.

Over 80 victims, Metro

gathered, have come out to volunteer their statement to the police on the nefarious activities of the socalled cooperative and how they were lured into parting with their hard-earned savings.

The FCT Commissioner of Police, Muhammad Mustafa, has assured members of the public that the command would carry out a discreet investigation that would see to the proper prosecution of those in-

volved in this fraudulent act.

He enjoined FCT residents to always verify and carry out thorough background check on cooperatives or organisations approaching them with loan offers to forestall being defrauded.

Fire destroys N5m worth of goods at Sabongari Market THE chairman of the Sabongari Market Association in Kaduna State, Alhaji Ibrahim Mai-Gold, said on Tuesday, that a fire outbreak had destroyed goods estimated at about N5 million at the market, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

He made the disclosure when the Interim Management Committee Chairman of the Sabongari Local Government Council, Alhaji Abubakar Usman, visited the market.

Mai-Gold disclosed that the fire, which started at

about 11.00 p. m. lasted more than two hours, destroying 10 shops.

He, however, lauded some good Samaritans and men of the state’s fire service for their intervention.

Mai-Gold identified electrical fault as the cause of the fire, appealing to traders to always switch off electrical appliances before closing business.

Usman sympathised with the affected traders, urging them to accept the incident as the will of God. He promised to make a report to the Kaduna State

Emergency Management Agency for necessary assistance.

The chairman prayed to God not to allow a repeat of such incident, pleading with the traders to devise means of safeguarding their businesses from such occurrences.

NAN reported that the fire outbreak was not the first such incidents at the market.

It will be recalled that on January 3, 2015, an inferno gutted about 300 shops at the wood section of the market.

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Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

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Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

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news

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

We have blown up Chevron’s export pipeline, Avengers claim Ebenezer Adurokiya-Warri

F

EW days to the proposed dialogue with elders and leaders from the Niger Delta over renewed militancy, dreaded Niger Delta Avengers (NDA) has announced its attack on the Escravos Offshore Export Pipeline in Warri South Local Government of Delta State, operated by Chevron Nigeria Ltd. In a statement issued on Tuesday and signed by the group’s spokesperson, Brigadier-General Mudoch Agbinibo, the group said its Strike Team 06 executed the economic sabotage at the early hours of Tuesday, because its warning that

destroyed oil and gas facilities should not be fixed was not heeded.

“Today, at about 3:45a.m., our Strike Team 06 took down Chevron Escravos export pipeline at Escravos offshore.

“This action is to further

warn all IOCs that when we warn that there should be no repairs, pending negotiation/dialogue with the people of the Niger Delta, it means there should be no repairs.

“Any attempt to use dialogue to distract us so as

to allow the free flow of our oil will halt the dialogue process,” the group warned.

Meanwhile, an officer with Nigerian Navy Ship (NNS DELTA), who spoke on condition of anonymity, confirmed the attack, but said it was minor.

“It was an economic sabotage, but it’s just a minor thing. I’m sure our men have been mobilised there.

“The incident happened early this morning around Escravos,” the officer noted, adding that no suspect has been arrested in connection with the sabotage.

Nobody can cow me, Bello dares opposition Yinka Oladoyinbo-Lokoja

THE Kogi State governor, Alhaji Yahaya Bello, on Tuesday, said nobody could cow or suppress him through media attacks over his style of administration in the state.

The governor said it was wrong for people that governed the state for over 13 years to turn around and blame him after spending just nine months in office.

The director general, media and publicity to the governor, Kingsley Fanwo, in a statement, which was apparently reacting to the outbursts of Senator Tunde Ogbeha, on the government, said the former senator lacked the moral right to criticise the governor.

According to him, the people of Kogi State know who their real enemies are.

He said, “When I first read the interview of Senator Tunde Ogbeha, a PDP leader in the state, my first reaction was that he was probably quoted out of context. Nothing suggested any iota of statesmanship in the interview.

“Sen Ogbeha is a respected statesman who is expected to place the good of Kogi State above partisan arbitrariness. If he did say those things he was quoted to have said, then we have reasons to be worried about how much he has moved away from the poles of statesmanship.

“As far as we are concerned, Governor Yahaya Bello has paid verified workers up-to-date salaries. Those who are yet to be paid are people who have issues to clear about their verification exercise.”

From left, President of the National Union of Textiles, Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN), Mr John Adaji; EFCC Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu and the General Secretary of NUTGTWN, Mr Issa Aremu, during the visit of the EFCC Chairman to the Textile House, in Kaduna, on Tuesday. PHOTO: NAN

Ambode inaugurates N500m disability trust fund

•Says fund’ll help physically challenged realise their potentials Bola Badmus-Lagos

LAGOS State governor, Mr Akinwunmi Ambode, on Tuesday, inaugurated the Governing Board of the Office for Disability Affairs to manage the N500million Disability Trust Fund, expressing optimism that it would aid people living with dis-

abilities in the state realise their dreams and live a more comfortable life.

Governor Ambode expressed this belief while inaugurating the Board headed by Dr Oki Olabodunrin Waheed, at the Lagos House, Alausa, saying it was in fulfillment of his administration’s promise to ensure that the affairs of

people living with disabilities was managed by people passionate enough to show that there was ability in disability.

Other members of the Board are Leila Omawumi Atake, Rose Ekaete Mordi, Abdulwahab Matepo, Deaconess Adedoyin Beyioku-Alase, Dr Adebayo Adebukola Shehu, Biola

EFCC to arraign Fani-Kayode Nov 10 •Says he didn’t slump in custody Jacob Segun Olatunji and Saliu Gbadamosi-Abuja

BARRING any last minute change, former Minister of Aviation, Chief Femi FaniKayode will be arraigned in court by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on November 10, 2016.

A source in the commission informed the Nigerian Tribune on Tuesday that Fani-Kayode, had been served with the charges being preferred against him by the commission in the new case.

The former minister, who acted as the Director, Media and Publicity in the President Goodluck Jonathan Campaign Organisation in the run-up to the 2015 presidential election is currently facing charges bordering on alleged fraud and money laundering preferred against him by the EFCC.

He is being tried alongside a former Minister of Finance, Mrs Esther Nenadi Usman and a company, Joint Trust Dimension Nigeria Limited, on a 17-count charge bordering on unlawful retention, unlawful use and unlawful payment of money in the tune of about N4.9 billion.

The source, however, stated that he did not know what the new charges to be preferred against FaniKayode were, saying that, “As of now, I have not seen the new charges but I am aware that he has been served with the charges.”

Meanwhile, EFCC spokesman, Wilson Uwujaren said: “There is no truth whatsoever in the dubious and attentionseeking alarm that FaniKayode slumped and was revived by EFCC medical personnel.

“There was nothing like that as the said Fani-kay-

ode and Obanikoro sat together and enjoyed their jokes at the first round of checks of inmates in EFCC custody on Monday night,” he said.

However, Media Adviser to Chief Femi Fani-Kayode, Mr Jude Ndukwe, in a statement on Tuesday, chided the rebuttal of spokesperson of Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Wilson Uwujaren on the health condition of FaniKayode as misinformation of the public.

Ndukwe maintained that Fani Kayode actually slumped on Saturday, owing to a health condition, and had continued to report to the clinic everyday for medical checks, urging members of the public to discountenance Uwujare’s statement that Fani-Kayode’s concerns were dubious and attention-seeking.

Liadi, Bada Emmanuel Oladipupo, Hakeem MuriOkunola, representing the Ministry of Youth and Social Development; and Dr Babatunde Awelenje.

Governor Ambode, while describing the development as another milestone in his commitment to run an all inclusive government, said the Board would, on behalf of the state government, manage the affairs of people living with disabilities by issuing guidelines for their education, social development and welfare.

“The Board will also manage the Disability Trust Fund. In fulfillment of the promise I made on May 29, 2016, this Fund has in its kitty today, N500million with a marching order to solicit from the public and other charitable organisations, additional support for its objectives.

“We could not have done otherwise, given the array of people with disabilities, who possess requisite qualification, experience and character.

“In addition, we believe in their ability to manage the Disability Trust Fund more judiciously because they have a more personal understanding of the needs and situation of our less privileged people. This fund will give our brothers and sisters a needed boost to make a livelihood for themselves and a chance to fulfill their potentials,” Governor Ambode said.

US UnderSecretary visits Nigeria, others MS Sarah Sewall, the United States Under-Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy and Human Rights, will be visiting Nigeria, Chad and Cameroon.

The visit began on Tuesday and would end on November 3, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) said.

The U.S. Department of State said in a statement that her visit to the three countries would focus on civilian security, fight against Boko Haram and violent extremism in the region.

The statement said that the visit would also afford the U.S. official the opportunity to discuss the dire humanitarian and stabilisation needs in the Lake Chad Basin region.

“The U.S. Under Secretary for Civilian Security, Democracy, and Human Rights, Sarah Sewall, will travel to Nigeria, Chad, and Cameroon, October 25 to November 3, 2016.

“The trip will focus on civilian security, with an emphasis on the fight against Boko Haram, violent extremism and the dire humanitarian and stabilisation needs in the Lake Chad Basin region,’’ it said.

The statement said that she would also be meeting with Nigerian government representatives, civil society and the international community on the need for political resolution of the crisis in the Niger-Delta.

According to it, Sewall will also be meeting with women and girls recently released by Boko Haram on their challenges and reintegration into society.

The statement also announced her plans to meet with inter-faith and civil society leaders on their roles in fighting corruption, management of violent ideologies and religious sentiments in Nigeria.

Damsel

THE October School of Ministry for Women class, organised by Pastor Dolapo Adelakun, comes up Thursday, October 27, 2016, at Rehoboth Cathedral, Oluyole Extension, Ibadan, between 10a.m. and 2p.m.

Pastor Adelakun

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businessnews

Nigerian Tribune

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

Petrol remains N145 —NNPC

Don’t contemplate another fuel price hike, Labour warns FG Soji-Eze Fagbemi - Abuja with Agency Reports

N

IGERIAN National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said N145 price of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol pegged at N145 per litre has not been increased.

The Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Garba Deen Muhammad, made the statement in Abuja on Wednesday at a news briefing.

At an Oil Trading and Logistics Expo in Lagos, the Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing, NNPC, Mr Mele Kyari, had said that the current price was not sustainable.

Kyari said NNPC was still subsidising the product leaving a heavy burden on the corporation, which is the sole importer of the product.

However, Muhammad said the report was simply not true and was taken out of context.

He said: “Regardless of what was said, the bottom line is that there is absolutely no plan whatsoever that government will increase pump price of petrol.

“If there is going to be anything like that, the agency for fixing pump price of petrol will definitely sensitise Nigerians and give reasons.

“For this moment, there is absolutely no plan and no need to do that because we have more than enough supply, very robust stock and long term procurement contract with our suppliers.

“We have enough supply

to last us throughout the ember months and beyond.

“So, the reported statement was made within the context of technical explanation not within the context of downstream operations.’’

On the issue of marketers’ complaint that the window given to them for foreign exchange was not enough, Muhammad said their complaints had been addressed adequately.

“A new window has been

opened for them and in fact what is happening now is that we are waiting for them to deliver.

“A new window to make forex available for their needs has been opened and they are satisfied with it and we are waiting for them to deliver.

“What we have now is a glut. We have people who have already imported and they are looking for people to buy their products.

“We have a glut in the

“It is not really magic but diligent pursuit of common sense and that is what has been responsible for the stability we have achieved and we intend to maintain the momentum.’’

On the allegation that the NNPC was still subsidising fuel, he said “no, there is no subsidy.’’

Responding to the question that some filling stations were already recording long queues, Muhammad said “that must have been

From left, Honourees, Professor Ndi Okereke-Onyiuke; Chief (Mrs) Folake Solanke, SAN; Chairman, Board of Trustees, Professional Excellence Foundation of Nigeria, Prince Julius Adelusi-Adeluyi; Founder, PEFON, Dr Dipo Bailey and Professor Grace Alele-Williams, during the induction and investiture of professional first lady-Presidents of institutes and chosen careers by PEFON in Lagos, recently.

Kachikwu wants Chinese investors to fast-track investments in Nigeria

THE Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, has assured a Chinese investment company that the agreement between China and Nigeria has been presented to President Muhammadu Buhari for action.

He said it had also been tabled before the Federal

Executive Council (FEC).

He called on the Chinese Company, NORINCO, to fast-track its investment prospects in Nigeria.

Kachikwu is referring to MOU with Nigeria at an Investors Road Show in China in June.

According to a statement in Abuja on Tuesday by

Recession: Dangote’s investments in six projects to generate $15bn annually AGAINST the background of the current paucity of forex in Nigeria, the panAfrican conglomerate, the Dangote Group has said it is currently driving six major projects which will generate foreign exchange earnings of about $15 billion annually for the nation.

The Company is investing a total of $20 billion on the six key projects, according to the President of the Group, Aliko Dangote.

The business mogul made these disclosures while addressing students of Executive MBA and Owner Manager Programme of the Lagos Business School in Lagos on the topic “The Role of Business in Driving Sustainable Development in Africa-The Story of The

market, you can testify if you go around, there is not even a hint of scarcity so what generated or necessitated the report,’’ he said.

Muhammad said the current availability of PMS was as a result of price modulation and petroleum products were available because prices were being determined by market forces.

“Right now if you go to filling stations you find that people sell at 145 and some even at 143.

Dangote Group.”

He listed the projects as Refinery and Petrochemicals, Sub-Sea Gas pipeline, Fertilizer, local Rice production, local Sugar Production and Cement capacity expansion.

Dangote explained that the refinery & petrochemical project with capacity to process 650, 000 bpd and which will gulp $11 billion will ensure fuel sufficiency for Nigeria, while the petrochemical plant will produce 1.3 million mtpa polypropylene and polyethylene.

He said: “The fertilizer project at a cost of $2 billion will contribute to national food security and sufficiency for Nigeria. It will produce 2.8 million tons of Urea per year.

“The EWOGGS pipeline project on which $3 billion

will be sunk and located near Bonny Island to Lekki Free Trade4 zone will unlock significant gas supply for industry and supply gas to generate 12,000 MW of power.

“The rice project, a fully integrated rice production and processing operation with capacity to produce 960,000 MT of milled rice per annum, will meet 16 per cent of Nigeria’s rice needs. It has two rice mills of 240,000 MT / season, two crop seasons in a year” Dangote disclosed that the rice projects estimated to gulp $1 billion will cover 150,000 Ha across Adamawa, Edo, Jigawa, Kano, Kebbi, Kogi, Kwara, Nasarawa, Niger, Sokoto, Taraba and Zamfara states.

40 per cent of paddy to be provided by Dangote Rice Outgrower Scheme.

Mr Idang Alibi, Director of Press and Public Relations to the minister, the NORINCO team was at the minister’s office as a follow-up to the road show.

“He has been given the goahead to actualise the memorandum.

“It was on this basis that the minister inaugurated a high-powered inter-ministerial implementation committee to spearhead the actualisation of the terms of the MOU. “He has requested that NORINCO makes the pro-

cess of accessing the over five billion dollars investments pledge accessible for the Nigerian government.

“The nation is anxious that this money should be available for use in the 2017 national budget,’’ according to the statement.

It further quoted the chairman of NORINCO delegation, Liu Yujiang, as saying “the visit by my team is to concretise the terms of the MOU. “Our areas of interest cover defence, oil and manufacturing among others.

associated with the reports that you people carried.

“It was interpreted outside the context it was meant but as you have seen, and from the reality on ground, there is absolutely no plan to increase fuel price, there is no shortage and there is no possibility of shortage in the nearest future.

“I’m telling Nigerians to relax, drive with care, enjoy their vehicles, enjoy their movement and travels because no plan to increase fuel price’’.

He further said there had been no report that fuel was sold above N145 outside Abuja and Lagos as was the case before.

“The refineries have been back but you know it has been on and off but they are back.”

Reacting to a reported statement credited to NNPC, Labour on Tuesday warned the Federal Government not to contemplate another increase in the price of fuel, saying that failure on the part of the government to adhere to the voice of reason will lead to serious industrial crisis.

The Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), specifically warned that any move to increase fuel price at this time would lead to revolution in the country.

In a statement signed by the President, Trade Union Congress of Nigeria (TUC), Comrade Bobboi Kaigama and the Acting Secretary General, Comrade Simeso Amachree, the congress said their warning stemmed from the statement credited to the Group General Manager, Crude Oil Marketing Department of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Mr Mele Kyari, that “the nation’s difficult business environment may make it difficult to sustain the current pump price of petrol.”

Africa’s 5th largest economy: We’ll soon set up economic team —Ambode Bola Badmus-Lagos

LAGOS State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has expressed delight at the emergence of Lagos as the 5th largest economy in Africa, saying his administration was in the process of setting up an Economic Management Team comprised of distinguished individuals from the private sector and the public sector to manage and scale up the successes recorded in that direction.

This is just as Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, who was the imme-

diate past Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), lauded the Lagos State government on the management of the economy of the state, especially in this period of recession. saying that any country that depended on a mono product commodity like Nigeria was bound to fail.

According to Sanusi, who spoke at a recent forum, Nigeria and other African countries has a lot to learn from how the economy of Lagos is being run, especially before the state gained oil producing state status, urging Lagos

to emulate Norway, where all its oil proceeds were warehoused in a sovereign wealth fund and saved for the raining day.

Ambode said this on Tuesday at the Lagos House, Ikeja when he received a delegation from the Nigerian-British Chamber of Commerce on courtesy visit, pointing out that the emergence of Lagos was very instructive and that government would explore synergy with private sector with the view to catapult the state into a true global city-state in the true sense of the word.

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Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

Auditor-General of the Federation charges auditors on •Calls for passage of audit bill quality reports Sanya Adejokun-Abuja

A

UDITOR-GENERAL of the Federation, Mrs Florence Anyanwu has charged public sector auditors to play their constitutional roles by writing audit reports that will engender efficient management of public resources and exhume corrupt practices.

She however, said the auditors were currently being hampered by lack of independence of their offices as stipulated by the 1999 Constitution.

Anyanwu spoke at the opening of the 46th Conference of Body of Federal and State Auditors General on Tuesday observed that giving independence to auditors as stipulated by Sections 85 and 125 of the Constitution, “much still has to be done in giving effect to the spirit of the Constitution.

“This can only be achieved if the Office of the Auditor-General has an Audit Act that provides for its financial and administrative independence.”

Presently, Anyanwu stated that there is a bill that has been passed by the House of Representatives and is going through concurrence at the Senate.

At the federal level, she noted that “to ensure that auditor’s independence is not compromised, each member of an audit team must complete and sign code of ethics declaration form before embarking on any audit assignment. This allows for potential threat to independence, to be identified while appropriate measure(s) are taken.”

Good governance she said entails openness and transparency in the conduct of government business, with a view to meeting the aspirations of tax payers at the minimum cost.

This she stated “connotes that public officers are, incorruptible and upright in the discharge of their responsibilities. However, attainment of Sustainable

Development will be a mirage if there is absence of good governance.”

She argued that “there must be adequate measures to block all leakages of public funds that government sources of revenue are enhanced and revenue collected are properly accounted for. If the public sector audit assurance process is compromised, the ability of future

Akin Adewakun-Lagos

According to her, “our work must conform to international best practices through the use of manuals, standards agreements of audit scope/responsibility with audited entity, timely issuance of audit reports, reports that are based on facts (sufficient audit evidence), among others.”

She challenged auditors “to stand up and be

counted, as facilitators of the attainment of the success of the fight against corruption through professional conduct of audit assignments and issuance of quality audit reports which will ultimately lead to positive action.”

Anyanwu and others lamented the poor funding the office of the AuGF has been subjected to. “All we need to do is ensure that our reports are out there to convince government on the contributions we can make towards the growth of the economy and that funding the AuGF is of great benefit to the country.”

Profit taking: NSE market capitalisation drops further

by N164bn

Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Finance, Alhaji Mahmoud Isa-Dutse with the Swedish Minister for European Union Affairs and Trade, Ms Ann Linde, when the latter led a delegation of Swedish investors to the ministry, in Abuja on Tuesday.

Unity Bank grows assets by 7.4% UNITY Bank Plc has announced a Total Assets size of N476.15 billion for the quarter ended September 30, 2016 representing an increase of 7.4% or N32.6 billion over N443.3 billion recorded as at December 31, 2015.

According to the company’s filing with the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the bank grew customer’s

deposit to N263.91 billion at the end of the quarter ended September, 2016 indicating an increase of N32.5bn or 14 per cent from N231.4 billion as at 31 December 2015; a development that analysts have interpreted as a measure of customers’ growing confidence and increased business momentum.

Furthermore, the various

UAC Foods debunks ‘poisonous’ gala sausage rolls rumour UAC Foods, manufacturers of the popular Gala Sausage Rolls, has refuted rumours making the rounds of existence of some poisonous Gala Sausage Rolls specie, which had resulted in deaths of over 200 Nigerians.

An unconfirmed report, trending on the social media, had attributed some deaths in sixteen states of the federation including those of Otukpo, Benue State and Laranto, Jos to the consumption of Gala, on Friday, October 14, this year, with the federal government being accused of complicity.

According to the social media report, “On Friday 14th October, 2016, Gala Sausage Rolls killed about 26 students in a school at Otukpo, Benue State, that

generations of this country to meet their aspirations would have been compromised as well.”

For tax payers to get value for public money spent, Anyanwu noted that “auditors can respond by carrying out performance audit of government Programmes and/or projects but they must keep pace with global development in public sector auditing.”

same day, 15 persons died at Laranto in Jos after taking Gala Sausage Roll. 205 persons have been reported dead in sixteen states and the Nigerian government is covering up.

“For now, Gala Sausage Roll remains poisonous.

No one should eat again.

Please pass on to as many to save lives,” the report said.

Describing the report as evil and ill-motivated, on Tuesday, during a tour of the company’s factory, in Lagos, the General Manager, Marketing, UAC Foods Ltd, Mrs Joan Ihekwaba stated that there was no way such deaths could have escaped the prying eyes of the nation’s media.

She stated that one of the responsibilities of the company was to ensure that its offerings were prepared un-

der a very safe and hygienic conditions, adding that the decision to throw open its gates to the media was to allow the media to have firsthand experience on how the Sausage Rolls were prepared.

cost optimization strategies and other operational overhauls which were embarked upon by the new management of the bank saw operating expense plummet by 14 per cent or N3.1 billion to N19.6 billion against N22.8 billion recorded in Q3/2015.

Overall, the Bank posted a PBT of N3.8bn for Q3/2016, despite the challenging operating environment and economic headwinds. The posted PBT for Q3/2016 was lower than the corresponding Q3/2015 of N10.3 billion.

While commenting on the result, the MD/CEO of Unity Bank Plc, Mrs Tomi Somefun noted that “economic headwinds stifled business growth during the period accompanied

by increased inflation and foreign exchange illiquidity. Nevertheless, the Bank remains firmly committed to delivering value to our stakeholders as the Bank made profit on the back of an efficient balance sheet and cost containment initiatives.”

In addition, she emphasized that the Bank has continued to maintain and sharpen its focus on executing strategic choices aimed at creating a large diversified bank with a strong retail/SME base, development of array of products and consolidating market confidence to boost its growth trajectory”.

According to analysts, with the Bank’s repositioning efforts and consistent focus to tap into the emerg-

StarTimes reiterates commitment to improved signal coverage and innovation Akin Adewakun-Lagos

STARTIMES, a digital Tv network operator, has reiterated its strategic commitment to ensuring quality nationwide signal coverage and innovative offerings both for content bouquets and decoder products.

The company’s Head of Public Relations, Israel Bolaji, in a recent chat in Lagos, said the company is particularly interested in building and providing

quality nationwide offerings that will translate to pleasurable hours of digital television viewing for subscribers.

While reiterating the company’s commitment to developing and deploying technological infrastructure, he added that the company has begun to roll out plans that will guarantee very clear digital terrestrial and satellite TV signals to Nigerian TV households.

“Since 2010 we have demonstrated this commitment by consistently upping our game in terms of growing our signal strength, quality and nationwide reach. In 2010, StarTimes signals covered only four states, today, our signals are received in 35 states, extending to over 60 cities, including recent roll outs in some remote areas of Badagry, Epe, Ikorodu and Iyana Iba in Lagos,” Bolaji stated.

ACTIVITIES on the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Tuesday remained on a downward trend with the market capitalisation shedding N164 billion due to profit taking.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the market capitalisation lost N164 billion or 1.73 per cent to close at N9.307 trillion compared with N9.471 trillion achieved on Monday.

In the same vein, the AllShare Index, which opened at 27,574.85, dropped 476.33 points or 1.73 per cent to close at 27,098.52 against 27,574.85 recorded on Monday following price depreciation by blue chips.

Market analysts attributed the development to profit taking embarked by some investors due to economic uncertainties.

They also said that end of the month activities contributed to sell pressure in the equities market.

A breakdown of the price movement showed that Dangote Cement recorded the highest loss to lead the losers’ table, shedding N8.83 to close at N174.17 per share.

Ashaka Cement came second with a loss of N1.31 to close at N12.26 and Gloxasmithkline dipped 75k to close at N15.03 per share.

Flour Mills declined by 65k to close at N19.35, while International Breweries decreased by 55k to close at N19.40 per share.

Conversely, Mobil Oil led the gainers’ table, gaining N4.46 to close at N190 per share.

Seplat followed with a gain of N3.60 to close at N390 and Presco improved by N2.05 to close at N42.30 per share.

13

editorial Marrying minors: The case of Habiba Isyaku Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

T

HE parents of a 14-year old, Habiba Isyaku, are currently agonizing over their yet unsuccessful efforts to rescue their daughter from the custody of her abductors.

Ironically, the captors are well known and they are not asking for any material ransom to secure the release of the minor.

Rather, they want the parents of their victim to accept a warped reality that their daughter has embraced a new religion and been married off to a husband who never sought their consent. And in apparent support of this dastardly act, the alleged initial reaction from the palace of the Emir of Katsina is that the forced marriage was irreversible, a most twisted line of reasoning that diminishes the authors.

Alhaji Abdulmumin Kabiru Usman, the Emir of Kastina, was initially reported to be the abductor of Habiba but later reports showed that the Emir only facilitated her ‘marriage’ to a palace aide, one Jamilu Lawal. In any case, this latest information does not by any means make the sordid action less offensive nor the respected Emir less culpable because nobody gave the Emir the authority to approve of someone else’s child and a minor for that matter. In his own account, the Emir even confessed to receiving N50,000 bride price from Lawal! It is rather unsettling that the illegal action took place under his watch and rather than dissuade the palace official from engaging in illegality, he gave his royal blessings.

Quite a few questions arise in this less than morally and even legally correct act. For instance, why would a person of a traditional ruler’s status approve of a pedophilic action?

Why would an Emir encourage the conversion of a minor from Christianity to Islam when he is aware that under the law, a 14-year-old girl-child cannot make legally valid choices whether in terms of religion, matrimony or political leadership recruitment? And if the motive were pure and altruistic, why should the conversion of a minor from one faith to another culminate in abduction and illegal marriage? Critical decisions are ordinarily made for minors because persons under 18 years cannot make legally valid choices. And the appropriate persons to assist in making those choices, if at all, are the parents, not the traditional rulers or any other meddlesome usurpers.

The alleged involvement of some Emirs in cases of abduction of minors in the country is a source of serious concern. The traditional rulers are very important leaders in the society and, as such, many of their subjects see them as role models and paragon of virtues. Consequently, when their conduct and worldview detract from this high expectation, there is a serious problem because not a few uninformed subjects will be misled.

Nigerian Tribune

Habiba’s abduction and forced marriage suggest that no lesson has been learnt from the ordeal of Ese Oruru and this is rather worrisome. Perhaps, if sanctions had been swiftly meted out to those who were complicit in Ese’s case, the perpetrators of the current scandalous act would not have been buoyed by a sense of impunity.

The point should be made, and in clear terms, that Habiba’s conversion from Christianity to Islam is offensive and constitutes a provocative affront on her parents and their religion. Nigeria is a multi-religious country where leaders at all levels—whether political, traditional or religious—are expected to exhibit reasonable sensitivity in their conduct, actions and pronouncements in the interest of harmonious and peaceful co-existence.Evangelism is good and welcome to the extent that the subject being evangelized has the capacity to make a critical choice, otherwise it becomes indoctrination or coercion. And to marry off a minor without her parents’ consent is abduction; because a crucial ingredient of customary or Islamic marriage is payment of bride price and who do you pay this to if the parents disapprove of the union? The truth is that Nigerian law forbids abduction and pedophilia but diligent enforcement has been lacking because religious cards and façade of regional and cultural practices are played by the high and mighty to obfuscate the criminality that abduction and violation of minors represent.

The shabby treatment allegedly meted to Isiyaku Tanko, Habiba’s father, who was reportedly deceived to come to the palace to pick his daughter, is highly condemnable. But that would continue to be the lot of many parents in the hands of their oppressors until the state takes firm and decisive action on the matter at issue. And the downside is not even limited to this: there is the serious health issue such as Vesico vaginal fistula (VVF) resulting from early marriage and child bearing by a girl-child. There is also the disruption of the education of a girl-child married off, a veritable social challenge that is bound to confront the family sooner or later because an educated woman is a better economic actor and arguably even a more effective and efficient home maker than an uneducated one.

We enjoin relevant state agencies, including the police, Ministry of Women affairs in Katsina State and the Federal Ministry of Women Affairs to stand up to be counted. They should take necessary steps that will not only ensure speedy and safe release of Isiyaku Habiba to her parents but also ensure that all persons involved in this dangerous, illegal and morally reprehensible act are punished.

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14 LETTERS TO THE

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

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.

Nigeria: Let’s face the real issues

L

ET’S face the real issues. Every now and then, we are eager to lose focus and direct our attention away from the real issues.

We are now rubbing our hands in glee, expectedly awaiting the next howler that will emanate from the President’s reply to his wife’s utterances. We are losing focus. We are concentrating on the side issues.

The real issue is not what President Muhammadu Buhari will say in response to his wife’s statements, the real issue is what President Buhari will do concerning the scandalous proportion of unemployed youths in Nigeria. According to figures provided by the National Bureau of Statistics, as at June, 2016, 49 per cent of Nigerian youths are either unemployed or underemployed.

This means that about half of the Nigerian youth population is either unemployed or underemployed.

The National Youth Ser-

vice Corps (NYSC) mobilises 300,000 to 350,000 Corps members yearly. By November 4, 2016, when the 2015/2016 Batch B, Stream 2, will pass out of the scheme, at least half of that number, 150,000, will join the unemployment or underemployment statistics. Our focus should be on what President Buhari and his team will do, or are doing about that.

The naira, within a space of about eight months, has crashed against the US dollar, and $1 now exchanges for above N400.

The Federal Government has told us that the Nigerian economy is in a recession, which is a euphemism for the reality that the Nigerian economy is in the doldrums. Again, statistics provided by the NBS pegs the inflation rate at about 17per cent. But you and I know that the real inflation rate which affects the masses is somewhere above 100per cent. Just look at the cost of a bag of rice as at January, 2016,

and what it costs now, and then do the math. Now, what is President Buhari doing about that? What will he do about that?

What is he not doing about that? That should be our focus. Our focus should be on the real issues.

The real issues are the Chibok girls, corruption, insecurity, unemployment, the ludicrous remuneration of the legislators, the

soaring price of kerosene, the state of our economy, the bad roads, among others. These are the real issues.

National issues are the real issues. The domestic issues are the side issues.

The real issues are on the front burner. They have been there for so long, they have cooked up so hard, and now they are burning. The side issues are

not even on the oven. The side issues should not be the priority of our focus.

The side issues are used as red herring, smokescreen and are diversionary. If we look too long at them, we will neglect the real issues already burning and we might have to deal with an inferno very soon. That certainly will get everybody’s attention.

If the government has

developed the habit of looking away from the real issues, we do not have to jump on the bandwagon that they have procured.

Let’s do what we can do by at least talking or writing about the real issues and their unwillingness or inability to deal with them.

•Barrister Ikechukwu Nnaemeka, Ibadan.

simply do not pay taxes.

The sensitisation on the need to pay taxes has been on for several years now, even before the economic downturn. At that time, government was earning huge pay from the sale of oil, and it cared less whether the people paid taxes or not. However, with the recession biting harder, the government has woken up to the fact that it can generate enough from taxing its citizens, but there is a problem here. While the going was good, successive governments didn’t do those things that will improve the lives of the people.

Nothing seems to be

working in the country; the road networks are bad, health, education, security, among others are in terrible shape. The issue of corruption is even more annoying, with public office holders mismanaging our commonwealth.

The truth is that there are no encouraging signs for the people to pay their taxes, but one good thing is that this government is serious about correcting the mistakes of the past, and when the citizens see the steps it is taking, then they will willingly pay their taxes.

•James Nugwa, Lokoja, Kogi State.

Why Nigerians dodge tax DODGING tax is a huge crime that can land offenders in prison in developed countries, but according to the saying: ‘To whom much is given, much is expected.’ This, therefore, explains why everything is working well in these developed countries. They have good road networks, uninterrupted power supply, efficient transportation system, good education and health systems, among others. In essence, we can say that the citizens

of these countries are getting back what they are paying as taxes. However, the same cannot be said about Nigeria.

Our tax system is structured in such a way that taxes are deducted from the salaries of workers, but the millions of people who work in informal sector like traders, farmers, bricklayers, mechanics, among others are expected to pay their taxes themselves to the government, but most of these people

Letter to Nigerian youths THE country’s economy is in such a mess today, and this justifies another reason for Nigerians, particularly the youth, to leave in search of greener pastures abroad.

Today, we have heard stories about migrants travelling through Sahara desert to reach North Africa before boarding boats that take them to Southern Europe. As simple as that sounds, several people have lost their lives in a bid to get to Europe at all cost.

I, therefore, begin to wonder if the risks of this journey justify it at all.

Nigerians should know that as Nigeria is experiencing its share of economic problems, so also are other countries. Many Western countries, including the United Kingdom, which is one of the top destinations of Nigerians, have tightened their immigration laws, which now

make it difficult for illegal migrants to survive.

Even, traditionally welcoming countries like Norway and Sweden have been enacting laws to keep foreigners away. So our youths should know that travelling to Europe will not end their misery, but they should stay back and fight for survival here with peace of mind.

The government, however, has a lot to do in this regard; the government can create millions of job opportunities through the agricultural value chain.

We are discussing how to revive our oil palm sector, cocoa plantations, cashew plantations, among others, and the government can help in training unemployed youths, and thereafter provide them with start-up grants.

•Foyeke Adebisi, Surulere, Lagos.

15

opinion

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

Still on the spiritual side of Aso Villa

By Sina Kawonise

S

INCE the publication of Reuben Abati’s testimonial piece on the “Spiritual side of Aso Villa” on October 14, I have taken time to follow the reactions of key personalities to Reuben’s article. Quite significantly, a former Minister of the Federal Republic and presidential spokesman, Femi Fani-Kayode, a predecessor of his in the office of the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity (Segun Adeniyi), and his successor (Femi Adesina) have taken different positions on the very crucial matter articulated by Reuben.

Besides these insiders in the Aso Villa matter, a brilliant and compelling newspape columnist, Abimbola Adelakun, also wrote a rejoinder wherein she wondered if Reuben needed help. Abimbola’s piece can be easily dealt with in that she committed the social scientific error of ranking a philosophical/theoretical paradigm above another. A confessed agnostic, Abimbola committed the error of declaring as irrational and superstitious the existential reality of the spiritual experience of the theistic Reuben. Having confessed that “some of us have struggled to reconcile our agnosticism with curious phenomena for which we could not find immediate answers in scientifically tested knowledge,” Abimbola should have retained herself in the arena of her competence. There is a whole realm beyond the reach of science and empiricism as we know them today.

The empiricist is no more rational or saner than the rationalist philosopher/theorist or vice versa. To suggest that Reuben needed help just because he narrated an experience which Abimbola’s empiricist mind could not relate with is an offense to the basic tenets of social science precepts.

Before attending to the viewpoints of the Aso Villa gurus, I need to make some clarifications just like Femi Adesina did in his rejoinder to Reuben.

I’m 54 years old. Like Reuben, I taught in the university (I put in seven years). Like Segun, Femi and Reuben, I have practiced journalism for about 30 years; three out of which I was Managing Director/Editor-in-Chief of a national newspaper. For eight years, like the two Femis, Segun and Reuben, I worked for governments and closely with two governors, within which I served as a State Commissioner. For 19 years till date, I’ve been involved in local and international businesses. And like all the Villa writers, I’m a Christian. But unlike all the aforementioned, I contested to be governor of Ogun State in the 2015 election.

Now, I stated the personal details above to underscore the viewpoint I’ll be advancing in this rejoinder that in my varied professional, political and economic endeavours, there is no where I have encountered grave evil forces and fetish practices and occurrences as in government and politics.

Because Femi Fani-Kayode wholly endorsed and even amplified Reuben’s narrative, there’ll be no need for me to touch on his own article.

While Reuben raised the alarm that “Aso Villa is in urgent

need of redemption” from forces of darkness that make many who worked therein to suffer strange ailments and commit inexplicable errors, Segun and Femi posited, while not denying that evil forces exist and may actually be in operation in the Villa, that their own experiences did not conform to Reuben’s of spiritual attacks and strange ailments.

Femi’s and Segun’s central thesis is that if evil forces operate in Aso Villa, so they do in all spheres of life and human endeavours. Very true! According to Femi, “such as is common to man…” is whatever evil occurrence that may happen to anyone in the course of their sojourn in the Villa.

Nothing in Reuben’s testimony suggests that evil happens only to those in the Villa. He spoke about ‘degree’ and ‘quantity’. But Femi must know the truism that “higher levels bring higher demons.” Like Femi and Segun, my “waist bellow” worked throughout my journey in government and politics.

And I didn’t suffer any strange ailment. For me to be insulated from the spiritual vicissitudes of government and politics here in Nigeria, I prayed and fasted “beyond measure.” Close relations and brethren in the church prayed for me without ceasing. And as much as lied in my power and the abundant grace of God, I made efforts to live a righteous live.

Besides Reuben who is a close friend, I’ve heard many former functionaries of the Federal Government relate to me the pervasiveness of rituals and fetish practices. My experiences in my tour of duties in government and politics confirm them. And Segun was right on point when he affirmed that “when people seek power in Nigeria, whether in the political or spiritual realms, not a few of them go for diabolical means.” This is truest for government and politics in Nigeria.

It would be unnecessary to begin to reel out all that I heard, saw and witnessed especially in the two years I actively campaigned to be governor of Ogun State.

And the reason why government houses across the country are so demonised is not far-fetched. The Nigerian state, like all other African states, as vividly described by the eminent political scientist, Professor Mammoud Mamdani, is a “veritable Mount Kilimanjaro surrounded by a Lilliputian environment.” The state is the repository of the scarce resources that all crave for. Government leaders are those in the institutional positions to dispense the resources. To have access, therefore, becomes what the late Professor Claude Ake described as “warfare” in which all arsenals — physical and spiritual — are deployed.

At the physical realm, why is it that Aso Villa is the most fortified spatial enclave in the country? As it is in the physical realm so should it be in the spirit realm because of the sheer quantum of evil arrows that get shot into the place. Because of the sheer power and enormous resources reposed in gov-

ernment houses, it can’t be correct that the evil forces that will be operating in them would be “as is common to man”.

Yet, I do not subscribe to Reuben’s tone of surrender to those evil forces. And he sounded a little funny saying that the current Aso Villa should be abandoned to overcome dark spiritual forces. A sound Christian, as Femi correctly says, must have dominion over them and not yield an inch to them.

Being acquainted with the Christian lives of Femi and Segun, I know for sure that they wouldn’t have been imperiled by those dark forces. But Femi should tell us his activities in the realm of prayer and fasting that afford him to “sleep so soundly” and “even snore” in his apartment in the Villa. Ditto Segun. I would be extremely surprised if Femi is not praying and fasting more now than when he was Managing Director of the Sun newspaper and President of the Nigerian Guild of Editor. It is the same way that I’d be surprised if Segun didn’t witness less spiritual tension after his exit from the Villa.

Now, I’m not suggesting that those who had ‘strange ailments’ were not right with God; neither do I say that being right with God makes one immune from those “things that are common to man.” The scriptures don’t advice me so and I have no competence to make such judgements. The scriptures actually have a few examples of good people (Job, the man born blind in John chapter 9, and our Lord Jesus Christ) who suffered bad occurrences.

Having an acute awareness of the presence and operations of dark spiritual forces, however, should never make us abandon rational and indispensable scientific means and actions that will make us overcome our development challenges.

As Apostle James said, faith without works is dead. So also is anyone walking through this world without faith in the almighty God dead even though he may be physically alive. It is for this realization that the United States of America, in spite of its great scientific and technological advances still inscribes on its currency that “In God we trust”. The superpower has the last Thursday of every November as a national Thanks Giving Holiday. It is for the same reason that the former Head of State, General Yakubu Gowon, organises prayers for this country.

Reuben did well by pointing our attention to a serious aspect of our national life: there is gross spiritual evil going on in the seat of power more than anywhere else. We do well to transcend empiricism and living in denial and cry onto God to deliver us from men and women who use evil powers to keep us down as a country. God admonishes us in the Holy Bible that we should pray especially for those in authority so that we may live a peaceful (and good) life. Why? Because they are more susceptible to dark spiritual forces.

May God deliver us and our beleaguered country from the hands of Satan, demons and their human agents in high places.

•Kawonise is a former Ogun State Commissioner for Information and Publisher, NewsScroll. (sinakawonise@yahoo.com)

New Oba, new governor: A greater Edo is here

By John Mayaki

LAST Thursday, October 20, the ancient kingdom of Benin and, indeed, the good people of Edo State made history. A new dawn beckons as the 39th Oba of Benin was crowned.

Twenty-one days from now, November 12th precisely, a new governor, elected after the fierce gubernatorial election of September 28th, will be inaugurated to steer the ship of the state for the next four years.

By all standards, the two events, with their promises of new beginning, are as historic as they are auspicious. While both Oba Eheneden Erediauwa and Godwin Obaseki come to office in the atmosphere of great expectations, the good news, of course is that both, being young in age and at heart, possess not just the vitality, but also come fully prepared for the burden of service to the good people of Edo State. It is truly a new dawn for the people of the state.

Talk of answers to prayers, the emergence of Godwin Obaseki as governor-elect, could only have come as personal testimony to the countless prayers offered by the new monarch to his ancestors – prayers for a peaceful poll and the emergence of a credible individual to pilot the affairs of the state for the next four years.

In the heat of the tension that enveloped the governorship election, we recall the Oba saying: “We all went down to our knees…We prayed harder and honestly, our ancestors and God Almighty answered all we prayed for, the gift of a peaceful election and a governor that will keep food on the table for our people and respect the traditional institution.”

Today, it is unlikely that anyone still doubts that the prayers have been answered. Hence the Oba expresses his gratitude

in his statement: “I am thankful to God and our ancestors for hearing the fervent prayers we prayed before the election and for bringing out somebody who will uplift our people and respect the tradition.”

Never one to miss the import of the mandate and the burden it carries, the Oba would not fail to admonish the governor-elect: “I will tell the governor-elect, keep to your promises, keep your words, put food on the table of our people, respect the traditional institution and ensure you build on what Oshiomhole has done.”

In this, the Oba of Benin is not alone; it was the same refrain from other traditional rulers from Edo Central and Edo North who, aside from offering their unanimous support for Godwin Obaseki, have also expressed their willingness to partner with the government to safeguard investment that will improve on the economy and well-being of their subjects.

Not that Obaseki’s loyalty to the royal family and the Benin tradition has ever been in doubt. For guidance and advice, Obaseki has stated that he would be counting on the Oba to succeed.

Just as the governor-elect has spoken of his vision for Edo State where the famous cultures and traditions will be reinvigorated as part of the economic growth strategy harnessed to the greater benefit of our people, Obaseki also states: “I see an Edo State where our people will live in peace, equanimity and where social justice, equity and fairness shall prevail at all times.”

Now, these two great men not only have reasons to celebrate each other, but together with the entire people of Edo State, they have enough reasons to be proud of the new dawn. For Obaseki in particular, it must come as something of pridem not only to witness the milestone in the great Benin kingdom, but also to be a major participant. Moreover, the import of the partnership between the palace and the incoming government can only bring greater strides in a state ordinarily hungry for development.

For the good people of Edo State, it is time to tap into Obaseki’s formidable personal and leadership skills garnered in the course of a sterling career in private and public life – a factor which has now propelled him to become the first banker to be governor in the state. Surely, the people cannot wait to see him deploy these managerial skills to build a better, prosperous and economically sustainable Edo State based on cultural cohesion and ethical values.

Once again, Edo people have shown that we can never be more hopeful about our future; indeed, we’ve never been more hopeful about the state and the progressive government and virile traditional institution as we are about to experience. And this hope, Edo people will sustain under our new Oba and our new governor.

•Mayaki is a public affairs analyst.

16

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

inside

nigerdelta

Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08158610216

FG/Niger Delta dialogue: Group asks Clark, others to negotiate better deal

Another oil-saturated river in Niger Delta region.

One of the rivers affected by oil spillage in Niger Delta.

Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri

A

HEAD the October 31st meeting with President Muhammadu Buhari, Chief Edwin Clark-led dialogue team has been urged to negotiate a better deal for the suffering masses of the Niger Delta.

National Coordinator for Centre for Peace and Environmental Justice (CEPEJ), Comrade Sheriff Mulade, who made the plea, also enjoined Chief Clark and his colleagues to resist the temptation of “stomach infrastructure” while the discussion on the region lasts.

Mulade, however, expressed confidence in the dialogue with the Federal Government, but cautioned against what he described as “stomach infrastructure.”

“We at CEPEJ have trust and confidence in the dialogue team and the Federal Government being led by Chief E.K. Clark.

We expect nothing less than honesty and sincerity from the dialogue team. Our expectations are high and they should not be

dashed at the end of the day,” he said.

He charged members of the dialogue team to bring the vexed issues of the region before the Federal Government, saying “This dialogue team should not be business as usual.

This team should meet the yearnings and aspirations of the people of the Niger Delta region.”

Comrade Mulade, who’s also the chairman of Kokodiagbene community in Gbaramatu kingdom of Warri South West, claimed that from all the previous dialogues, starting from the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo to that of late President Musa Yar’adua and that of former President Goodluck Jonathan, there has been no Memorandum Of Understanding (MOU) entered into with the Federal Government.

“But this time around, there should be an MoU at the end of the day between the Federal Government and the people. The role of the Federal Government, states, multinational oil companies, NDDC, and Minis-

try of the Niger Delta Affairs must be spelt out in the MoU. We want to see both the short and long term developmental strategies between the Federal Government and the people of the region,” he said.

According to him, “It is our charge to the Chief Clark dialogue team and the Federal Government to secure developmental

Restrict Fulani herdsmen to the North, cleric advises FG Anthony Ubong - Calabar FOLLOWING alleged killings by suspected Fulani herdsmen in some parts of the country, the Anglican Bishop of Calabar Diocese, Right Reverend Tunde Adeleye, has called on the Federal Government to restrict the activities of the herdsmen to the northern part of the country.

Reverend Adeleye, who stated this in Calabar during a press briefing to mark the 2nd Session of the 9th Synod of the diocese, said

Delta govt donates Hilux vans to police Alphonsus Agborh - Asaba DELTA State Police Command has received ten Hilux security vans from the state government The vehicles, according to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, are to enable the command tackle the identified security flash points in the state.

Governor Okowa disclosed that the security vans were to assist the new special security unit codenamed, “Eagle Net” that was created by the Police Command in tackling special security challenges in the state.

According to him, “we are donating 10 vehicles (Hilux vans) in the first instance

to enable you tackle the identified security flash points in the state.

“This is in line with our decision at the state Security Council meeting to create a special unit to attend to these security challenges and respond to the needs of our people,” he said, adding, “we will provide more as our finances improve.”

Governor Okowa reiterated that Delta State is an investors’ haven and his administration would consolidate on the gains recorded in the area of achieving peaceful co-existence in the state.

He asserted, “we are committed to ensuring the security and peace in our state; we thank God that all our security agencies are collaborating with one another

strategies for the neglected Niger Delta region from the Federal Government.

“The team must not negotiate for themselves, but must go out there and negotiate a better deal for our suffering people.

“There should be no room for stomach infrastructure,” the environmental activist warned.

to consolidate on the peace and security in the state; we will do more within our resources to ensure a more peaceful Delta State so as to allow investors to come and provide employment for our teeming youths.”

Receiving the vehicles, Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr Ibrahim, thanked Governor Okowa for the donation, stating that the gesture was an attestation to his conviction that security took precedence in Governor Okowa’s administration.”

The new unit, “Eagle Net”, is created to complement the activities of existing outfits such as Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS), Anti-Terrorism Squad (ATS), SWAT and others.

restricting the herdsmen would stop them from always having conflicts with farmers.

He, however, condemned calls in some quarters for the creation of grazing lands, describing such calls as wicked and selfish.

“Human beings are being killed so that cows may feed. Yet, the government does not seem to be keen on doing anything.

“Even now, we understand that the Fulani Cattle rearers are asking for grazing land for their cows within people’s communities. We think that the request for grazing lands in the country is wicked and selfish, to the advantage of some people and the exclusion of others.’’

The Anglican Bishop said that if a personal business had become the Federal Government’s responsibility for a particular set of people in the country, such benefits and opportunities should be extended to every part of the country for other people and their businesses.

“The fishermen and farmers should also be provided with lands for nomadic farming.

What is good for the goose is also relevant and good for the gander.

“Our submission is that herdsmen should be restricted to the North. This will stop them from always having conflicts with farmers.

Where necessary states can also enact laws to prevent them from encroaching on others people’s land such as Ekiti State.”

17 insidenigerdelta

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

Group appeals to Okowa over debt owed DESOPADEC contractors

Itsekiri chief calls for restructuring of country

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Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri

Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri

group of Deltans, under the aegis of Delta State Oil Producing Area Development Commission (DESOPADEC) Supplies and Maintenance Contractors Forum, has appealed to Governor Ifeanyi Okowa to approve the payment of over N100m owed contractors to save them from untimely and avoidable death.

DESOPADEC Supplies and Maintenance Contractors Forum made the appeal in a letter signed by Ekpagha Onoriode and Omatsali Ogharandukun, Chairman and Secretary of the forum and made available to journalists in Warri at the weekend.

They said N100m was the balance of contract and services rendered to DESOPADEC between 2007 and 2009.

According to them, the interventionist agency has failed to pay them the money in spite of outcry from members over the high rate of interest that accrued from loans taken from banks and other financial agencies to execute the contracts.

“We are pained once again to bring this issue to the press, but we have no option than

Gov Okowa to cry out to our governor for assistance before all our members will be forced to meet their ancestors.

“So many of our members have died without enjoying their labour; some are in the hospital while others have been incapacitated.

“We have made several efforts to make the management of DESOPADEC pay, all to no avail.

“However, at our last meeting with management, we were reliably informed that it is only Governor Ifeanyi Okowa, our amiable governor, that can pay us this money due to the current financial status of the commission.

“We hereby use this singular opportunity to appeal to Governor Okowa to use his good office to pay us the outstanding one hundred million naira owed us by DESOPADEC. “Our members are dying. Please Givernor save us from early grave and pay us our outstanding.

“You are our last hope as we pray God to touch your heart and give you the enablement to meet our demand,” the statement noted.

The group, since the commission was set up to serve the people of the oil producing areas of the state from the 13 per cent derivation from crude oil income to ameliorate the hardship, bring succour and development to the area and to the people, it should do everything within its powers to live up to its responsibility.

Obi Okonjo sues for peace, unity in Ogwashi-Uku Alphonsus Agborh - Asaba THE Iwaji /Ine festival of Ogwashi-uku, Delta State, came to an end with a call by the traditional ruler, Obi Professor Chukwuka Okonjo for the people to foster peace and unity in order to attract more development to the ancient town.

For eight days, it was funfare, shooting of canons, performance of rites by the king, chiefs and people of the land who used the occasion to appease their gods.

Although the monarch bemoaned the electricity power outage for over seven years in the land, he admonished the people not to despair, but to keep hope alive that the town would expectedly witness more development strides which would come faster with the cooperation of all.

The father of the former Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo Iweala, said in 1890, some usurpers took over the stool which he said had been returned to the rightful family in 2007 through the process of court of competent jurisdiction.

Speaking at the closing ceremony of the festival in his palace at the weekend, Obi Professor Okonjo, flanked by his wife, Professor Kamene Okonjo said the end marked the beginning of another calendar year for Ogwasi-uku people.

“It is not just a simple New Yam festival, it is the end of the year. By tomorrow (Sunday), a complete new year starts like the global calendar of December 31st.

During the celebration, the popular Afor market was relocated to its original place at the roundabout near the ancestral palace for one market day when the king vis-

Obi Okonjo in his vehicle while on a procession on major street during Ogwashi-Uku

ited.

According to the king, the market was relocated to its present site for the purpose of expansion and convenience for buyers and sellers.

Also speaking, the Ozoma of Ogwashiuku, Chief Lawrence Okolobi, counselled those he described as dissidents who were trying to destabilise the town to have a

change of heart and support the monarch.

The Ozoma called on the Delta State government to quickly intervene in the failed portions of Asaba Ogwashi-uku expressway especially at mobile police/prisons gates before it claimed more lives.

“Several lives have been lost along the 25km road as a result of its deplorable state”, he said.

MIFFED by the present economic crunch in the country, the Udefi Obaloye of Warri Kingdom, Chief Clement Maleghemi, has called for the re-structuring of the country for the effective management of its resources.

Chief Maleghemi made the call at the weekend in Warri, Delta State, when some prominent citizens of the state visited him to felicitate with him on his conferment as the Udefi Obaloye of Warri by the Olu of Warri, His Royal Majesty, Ogiame Ikenwoli.

He said that the presidential system of government which Nigeria currently practises was bogus, expensive and wasteful, therefore Nigeria should be restructured into zones for effective coordination and good governance.

“I am in support of restructuring. Nigeria needs to be restructured. The presidential system of government is so expensive.

“It should be restructured into six regions to save wastages of resources and encourage development of the regions,” he noted.

The business mogul, who believes in the unity of Nigeria and peaceful co-existence among all the ethnic and religious groups, said that diversification of the economy remained the only solution out of the present economic challenge.

He, therefore, appealed to Niger Delta militants to embrace peace and stop further destruction of oil facilities as the pollution occasioned by such act might hinder diversification of our environment.

“This is the very reason why we must discourage militancy and its attendant negative vices. The destruction of pipeline is polluting our environment. It should be discouraged as we embrace a more civilized approach to issues like the underdevelopment of the region.”

Chief Maleghemi threw his weight behind the fight against corruption in every facet of our society and called on the Nigeria Judicial Commission to investigate allegations against some judges in the country. He said the judiciary should be seen as the last hope for the common.

He advocated the inclusion of the role of traditional rulers in the Nigerian Constitution to enable the traditional institute play her statutory role in society. “The traditional institution has not been given constitutional role. We need it to be included in the constitution. With the present situation in the country, recession, militancy and other challenges, they need to bring them in to help government project the policies and programmes”, he said He admonished the youths to engage in meaningful ventures so as to contribute their quota to the affairs of governance, noting that present day youths were wasted generations because they lacked focus and determination.”

Delta group accuses opposition of blackmailing Ameachi Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri A group, the Niger Delta Intelligence and Transparency Group (NDITG), on Friday, said its investigation had revealed that top government officials of an opposition party were behind the ongoing conspiracy to blackmail Minister of Transport, Mr Rotimi Amaechi.

The group said the unnamed opposi-

tion party leaders and state executives, who were envious of Ameachi’s soaring reputation, were behind the separate letters written by Justice Okoro and Justice Ngwuta to the Chief Justice of Nigeria & Chairman of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

Accordingly, the group concluded that the effort was aimed to tarnish the good image of Ameachi.

“The agenda is simple, the conspirators want to do everything possible to blackmail Ameachi by linking him to arrest and investigation of corrupt Judges.

“But, we advise the governors of an opposition party to focus on providing good governance to their states and not attempt to waste time and resources on plots to blackmail Ameachi,” it averred.

The group further stated that “we have

observed that since the Justice Okoro and Justice Ngwuta letters were made public, Nigerians who cannot be deceived by mere lies have expressed their supports for Ameachi.

“We suggest that our amiable President Buhari and Ameachi should focus more on their efforts towards the repositioning of Nigeria for greatness to guarantee a better country for future Nigerians.

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Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

By Wale Ojo-Lanre 0803 349 0986 waleojolanre@gmail.com

Ghana government endorses

Destination Akosombo

By Wale-ojo Lanre who was in Ghana

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HE signs that West Africa is poised to acquire its portion in the global tourism wealth and economy were kindled last Friday 21 October 2016 at Volta Hotel, Akosombo by Ghana’s Minister for Culture Creative Arts and Tourism , Mrs Elizabeth Ofosu Adjare, formally inaugurated and endorsed Destination Akosombo 2016, a regional tourism movement powered by Ambassador Wanle Akinboboye .

Ambassador Akinboboye who has set a history of perfect finish branding of excellence in all his projects exhibited this copiously in the Destination Akosombo 2016 which impressed the government of Ghana and which cultivated commendation to him and his Atunda organisation .

In selection of the right minds for the travel package, Akinboboye employed the African cosmopolitan sense which he believes so much by reaching out to the best of Nigerians in Nollywood, fashion, music and showbiz.

Wale Ojo, a recipient of African Movie Award and the man who runs the yearly New Nigeria Cinema day at the British Film Institute in London represented the Nollywood group, Lexy Mojo Eyes, the Paris-based Nigerian world’s fashionista, who has consistently organised Nigerian fashion show in Paris since 1997 and who is also the man behind Miss World Fashion, Olo Omidan Onibata, Lady Anu Ekwe, Adigun Olohun Iyo and capping it all with Aaara, (Thunder), a lady talking drum crooner.

These cultural – tourism stars put up excellent performance on a stage which was described by John Nana as “This is a wonderful stage. Being a showbiz fellow and having attended many shows in Ghana, this stage dazzles and beats my imagination. Right from the acoustic sound system, the lightening effects, the African decor, the colour blend, all synchronised with the mood of the entertainers. This is wonderful. The best so far, so glamorous, endearing and exciting. Whoever designed this is a genius.”

The parades of seasoned and international names were not

for fun as Wale Ojo who was the Master of Ceremony gave an exciting display when he did two numbers of Bob Marley to the excitement of the, motley crowd of invited guests.

Olo Omidan bata, Anu Ekwe, Adigun Olohun Iyo, who did the African rap man and the Atunda dancers stunned the guests with spectacular dancing styles which were not only excited the guests, but endeared the group to the Ghanaians.

The act of Aaara, ( Thunder ) , a new creation of a lady from the Atunda stable who shattered the air space with a thunderous beating of the talking drum and who did not only moon walked while beating the drum, but balanced it on her head and beat it silly will remain evergreen in the memories of many guests.

Lacing this up is the spectacular cat walk which was not just walking on the dais for the fun of it, but the Atunda cat walking was not only about biceps, psyche, dress but dressed with messages about African unity, tourism and the need to look inward and develop the local resources.

The fun was punctuated intermittently by short speeches and messages which brought to the fore the essence of the night and vision of Destination Akosombo.

Ambassador Akinboboye in lucid language mutually intelligible by all described the essentials of Akosombo region as ‘A wondrous garden of tourism miracle and ecotourism wonders which are not only pristine in nature and configuration waiting to be explored for the benefit of the region.”

He pointed out that “The flora and fauna here in this region, the Volta River, which has been described as the biggest manmade lake in the world, the Akosombo Dam, the industrial fame of Akosombo as the home of refined African textiles the aura of Akosombo, the unique stunning panoramic scenery of Akosombo region which is incomparable to any in Africa and others will serve as stimulants of wealth, chords of peaceful interaction, lubricator of harmonious existence and magnets of foreigners to the town.”

Ambassador Akinboboye said “Akosombo is a spirit of unity, a pot of convergence where African cultural tourism heritage, values, tangible and intangible articles will be enhanced to con-

tribute significantly to regional integration ,empowerment and wealth creation.”

In response, the Chief Executive Officer of the Ghana Tourism Authority, Mr. Gideon Aryeequaye, who represented the Minister that night said ‘I am very impressed not only by the qualitative spectacular show put up tonight, but of more importance is the fact that an outsider did not only appreciate the inherent beauty of Akosombo, but event further to tell us how we can enhance this for regional integration and wealth creation.”

He pointed out “Africa has what the European lacks in terms of ecotourism, cultural values, national culture, pride and heritage which this kind of initiative will bring to the fore. There are many other beautiful tourism sites in Akosombo which includes a fascinating water fall and a virgin island where there is little of human activities.”

Mr Aryeequaye commended Ambassador Akinboboye for his ingenuity in putting and pushing ‘Destination Akosombo,’ making it a reality of tourism project.

He declared “It is to the public good and all purposes. To the benefits of the people of Akosombo. To the ever growing tourism economy of Ghana do I wish to inform all that the Government of Ghana today endorses and inaugurates ‘Destination Akosombo’ as a tourism project of the country.”

The packaging of Destination Akosombo by Ambassador Akinboboye has not only elicited support from the Government of Ghana, but it has received the blessing of the United States of America by the declaration of Destination Akosombo as a spectacular change agent by Mayor of US, whose declaration was read by Eva C Thorne.

Paapa Abeasi Opare, Director , Afrikiko River Front Resort , Akosombo said “Destination Akosombo will not and is not just calling the attention of the world to Akosombo alone, but a project which will catapult our business here beyond our imagination. Kudos to the government of Ghana. Kudos to Ambassador Akinboboye, the man who dreams and turn dreams to productive reality. We are happy destination Akosombo is REAL. Akwwaba to Akosombo region”

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Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

Olojo Festival: Osun Assembly advocates preservation of cultural heritages OSUN State House of Assembly under the leadership of Rt Hon.Najeem Salaam has advocated the preservation and full development of historical and cultural heritage of the Yorubas.

The assembly which described the measures as potent ways out of economic quagmire in Nigeria made the call in a statement signed by the Chairman, House Committee on Information and Strategy, Olatunbosun Oyintiloye to congratulate the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the people of Ifeland on the celebration of 2016 annual traditional Olojo Festival.

It said, there are a lot of potentials hidden in the cultural heritage of Yorubas that can be annexed and developed to drive as well as unleash economic development of the zone.

The Assembly regretted that the heavy reliance on oil has whittled down the countrys concentration on other sectors such as tourism.

“There is several hidden treasures in the cultural heritage of the people of Nigeria, especially in Yoruba land, that have been left untapped and under-developed.

“This inaction of ours has contributed to the pains of economic recession when there was fall in the price of oil that we focused on, because the country had no alternative of economic development to fall back on.

“No doubt, we are very rich in culture, tradition, heritages and festivals that can be developed to serve as a long term solution to economic quagmire in this country, but we are not paying serious attention to them.

“In Osun for example, we are blessed with cultural heritage such as Olojo Festival, Olojo has potential of evoking a pilgrimage potential especially for the black in Diaspora “Other land marks such as Oranmiyan staff and Oduduwa Shrine among others in Ile-Ife; Osun Osogbo festival and grove in Osogbo; Olumirin waterfall in Erin-Ijesa; Kiriji Memorial war site in Imesi-Ile and many more all over the state are notable and worthy of attention.”

“These potentials have the capacity to create job for youths, enhance their creativity and sell the tourism potential of the state to the world for a self-sustaining economy”, it said.

Noting that though, the government of Osun under Governor Rauf Aregbesola has done a lot to invest in the tourism sector, the parliament said there is the need for greater partnership between the state and the Federal Government towards making the tourism potentials more attractive.

Congratulating Oba Ogunwusi and the people of IleIfe for the Olojo festival celebration, the Assembly urged all stakeholders to support the monarch and the government towards making the festival more attractive.

Uniqueness of Star Rise Golden Hotel, Badagry

By Wale-ojo Lanre TOURISTS and hospitality buyers heading for the historical town of Badagry should no longer entertain any fear of where to lay their heads or buy world standard accommodation and feeding as Star Rise Golden Hotel, located in Topa farm, Badagry has structured its services for the sole satisfaction of buyers The 30-room-hotel which is located in a serene environment, clearly out of the maddening crowd is a perfect place for tired tourists who had explored the various historical and tourism sites in the region and needed a quiet place to lay their heads.

And in perfect understanding of the need of travellers and tourists, the management of the hotel has provided the necessary facilities to aid buyers in having the best of time in Badagry.

For the love of customers and the need to offer completely satisfying service, the hotel has moved ahead of other hotels in Badagry by installing solar panel machine in generating and supplying electricity in the day while two power generators do the night service all in order to bail itself out of erratic power supply and to ensure 24 hour power availability.

National arts festival promotes cultural heritage, unity —Lai Mohammed

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ATIONAL Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) has been identified as one of the major rallying points for promoting rich cultural values across different ethnic groups and veritable tool for enhancing tourism potentials of the nation towards boosting its revenue base.

The Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed stated this at the National Festival of Arts and Culture (NAFEST) with the theme ‘’Exploring the Goldmine Inherent in Nigeria’s Creative Industries’’, held in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State.

The Minister represented by the Permanent Secretary for Arts and Culture, Mrs Yetunde Adeshugba, disclosed

Alexander Von Humboldt wins Africa 2017 ITB Book Award 2017 WHETTING appetites for the coming travel season, ’Africa 2017’ from the Alexander von Humboldt (Heye) edition won the opening prize of the ITB Book Award 2017.

This large wall calendar was chosen by ITB Berlin in cooperation with the RavensBuch bookstore from Friedrichshafen.

David Ruetz, head of ITB Berlin who chaired the jury, said: “Month by month ’Africa‘, the latest calendar from Heye, explores the overwhelming beauty and diversity of southern and eastern Africa, the cradle of civilisation, with spectacularly atmospheric photos of wildlife and nature. Elephants and giraffes in Botswana, baobabs in Madagascar, mountain gorillas in Uganda, hippos, zebras and a lone cheetah in Kenya along with other unique subjects give us an image of longing for the primeval wilderness of Africa. However, the calendar communicates

According to Remi Idris “It is no longer hospitable, if guests or tourists cannot enjoy the electronic facilities and cooling service in the hotel during the day or whenever the di strikes.

The essence of going to the hotel is first of all to have access to some of the facilities which one may not ordinarily have access to in private home. Thus we have installed Solar panel machine which supplies light whenever there is break in service.”

To set the hotel apart from others in the town, Star Rise Golden Hotel is, apart from one or two hotels in Badagry, where guests have access to exceptionally fast and efficient complimentary WI fi services. “You don’t have to labour for long before the network stings your phone. For us at Star Rise Golden Hotel, we believe it is a necessity for us to provide this for our customers,” Says Idris.

He pointed out that “At Star Rise Golden Hotel, the services and attention are honed to make the guests happy, extremely satisfied, and grateful to himself for making us customers and turning each customer to our public relations and marketing managers. For US, no guest will leave here without recommending us to others. It is just a matter of having a date with us and you will be happy to tell others that there is a hotel in Badagry called Star Rise Hotel, which catrs excellently for you.”

much more than a wealth of fine images. Looking at this work and knowing that these infinitely precious and vast areas of nature are endangered and in need of protection, one feels both humility and empathy.”

Together with other prizes chosen by the jury, the Calendar Award is to be presented at the World’s Largest Travel Trade Show in March 2017 in Berlin.

Every year, at the beginning of ITB Berlin, the annual ITB Berlin Book Awards recognise the latest and most interesting publications from Germany and abroad, mainly in German, but also in translation. The aim of the awards is to focus attention beyond national borders on the broad spectrum of important intercultural travel and tourism publications. The Destination Award 2017 will focus on Botswana, a tourism destination in Africa and the Official Partner Country of ITB Berlin.

that the festival, which started in 1970, had been a veritable medium for projecting the nation’s cultural heritage.

According to him, ‘’It is a platform invented to strengthen and unite us’’, adding that with the decline in oil revenue, tourism portends another lucrative means for revitalising the nation’s economy.

Speaking at the event, the host and Governor of Akwa Ibom State, Mr Udom Emmanuel disclosed that the festival was a rallying point for talent hunt, creativity, exchange of ideas, skills and techniques for cultural integration.

The Governor who was represented by his Deputy, Mr Moses Ekpo said the nation’s ethnic diversity had elicited the cultural festivals which had enhanced national cohesion.

The Director General and Festival Director (NAFEST) 2016, Mrs. Dayo Keshi, said that the festival was poised to entrench unity amongst all ethnic groups in the country to permeate synergy between stakeholders and organisers towards increasing the revenue base of the nation.

Speaking to newsmen during the festival, the Commissioner for Culture and Tourism in Ogun State, Basorun Muyiwa Oladipo said that the festival was designed to converge 36 states in Nigeria to promote the nation’s cultural heritage, saying the nation was endowed with natural resources and tourist sites capable of enhancing its socioeconomic development.

Highlight of the event included, indigenous poet performance, wrestling for junior category, arts and crafts, drama amongst others where Ogun State won the first prizes in drama performance, Art and craft. Akwa Ibom won the prize in the indigenous poet performance while Bayelsa State went home with junior traditional wrestling prize and the Golden gun.

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Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

with Doyin Adeoye

m:08038000394 e:doyinadeoye@tribuneonlineng.com t:@kreatif_ink

Most of the damage we cause to the planet is the result of our own ignorance —Yvon Chouinard

ecoscope

Air pollution more deadly in Africa than malnutrition or dirty water, study warns

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FRICA’S air pollution is causing more premature deaths than unsafe water or childhood malnutrition, and could develop into a health and climate crisis reminiscent of those seen in China and India, a study by a global policy forum has found.

The first major attempt to calculate both the human and financial cost of the continent’s pollution suggests dirty air could be killing 712,000 people a year prematurely, compared with approximately 542,000 from unsafe water, 275,000 from malnutrition and 391,000 from unsafe sanitation.

While most major environmental hazards have been improving with development gains and industrialisation, outdoor air pollution from traffic, power generation and industries is increasing rapidly, especially in fast-developing countries such as Egypt, South Africa, Ethiopia and Nigeria.

“Annual deaths from ambient particulate matter pollution across the African continent increased by 36 per cent from 1990 to 2013, and over the same period, deaths from household air pollution also continued to increase, but only by 18 per cent,” a researcher at the Paris-based Organisation for Economic Cooperation and Development (OECD) centre said.

The OECD is funded by the world’s richest 35 countries.

For Africa as a whole, the estimated economic cost of premature air pollution deaths in 2013 was roughly $215 billion a year for outdoor air pollution, and $232 billion for household, or indoor, air pollution.

The study’s author, Rana Roy, is concerned by the pace at which outdoor air pollution

is growing in Africa, bucking the downward trend in most countries. Used cars and trucks imported from rich countries are adding to urban pollution caused by household cooking on open fires.

“This mega-trend is set to continue to unfold throughout this century. It suggests that current means of transportation and energy generation in African cities are not sustainable.

Alternative models to those imported from industrialised economies, such as dependence on the individual automobile, are necessary.

“It is striking that air pollution costs in Africa are rising in spite of slow industrialisation, and even de-industrialisation in many countries. Should this latter trend successfully

be reversed, the air pollution challenge would worsen faster, unless radically new approaches and technologies were put to use,” Roy said.

The study stresses that there is not nearly enough knowledge of the sources of air pollution and its impact in much of Africa. It quotes UK scientist, Mathew Evans, professor of atmospheric chemistry at York University, who is leading a large-scale investigation of air pollution in West Africa.

“London and Lagos have entirely different air quality problems. In cities such as London, it is mainly due to the burning of hydrocarbons for transport. African pollution isn’t like that. There is the burning of rubbish, cooking indoors with inefficient fuel stoves, millions of

Wind energy market could supply 20% of world’s electricity by 2030

steel diesel electricity generators, cars which have had the catalytic converters removed and petrochemical plants, all pushing pollutants into the air over the cities. Compounds such as sulphur dioxide, benzene and carbon monoxide, that haven’t been issues in western cities for decades, may be a significant problem in African cities. We simply don’t know.”

Henri-Bernard Solignac-Lecomte, head of the Europe, Middle East and Africa unit at the OECD centre, said the paper made a double case for action.

“Air pollution in Africa increasingly hurts people and hinders economic development.

Reducing it requires urgent action by governments to change the unsustainable course of urbanisation. Indeed, Africa urbanises at a very fast pace; today’s 472 million urban dwellers will be around a billion in 2050. Today’s investment choices will have decade-long impacts on urban infrastructure and the quality of life of urbanites.

“Bold action to improve access to electricity, using clean technologies such as solar power, can contribute to reducing the exposure of the poorer families to indoor smog from coal or dung-fired cooking stoves.

“As for outdoor pollution, African economies would be well advised to learn from the experience of industrialised countries, for example by developing mass public transportation systems like Rabat or Addis-Ababa are doing with their tramways,” Solignac-Lecomte said.

Roy warned that the human and economic costs of air pollution might “explode” without bold policy changes in Africa’s urbanisation policies.

He concluded with a call for urgent international action, adding that “If Africa’s local air pollution is contributing to climate change today, at a time when its population stands at 1.2 billion, or 16 per cent of the world’s population, it is safe to suppose that it is likely to contribute considerably more when its population increases to around 2.5 billion, or 25 per cent of the world’s population in 2050, and thence to around 4.4 billion, or 40 per cent of the world’s population in 2100.”

Source: theguardian.com

Members of the Father’s House Foundation with the wife of the Ogun State Governor, Mrs Olufunso Amosun.

Confluence mountaineering project:

Empowering people through outdoor adventure FATHER’S House Foundation, a charity organisation, has launched a movement tagged New Day Nigeria, which is aimed at empowering youth and women in the hinterlands, the rural communities and local districts, which ordinarily are not exposed to industries or public funds.

The Foundation through this project uses the immediate available resources in such areas, to

2017 budget: Kaduna govt earmarks N1.3bn for refuse evacuation

…To spend N3.9bn on geographic information service

THE Kaduna State Government has earmarked N1.3 billion for refuse evacuation in the 2017 budget proposal, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

According to the 2017 budget presented to the State House of Assembly by Governor Nasiru El-Rufai, N1.3 billion is set aside for refuse evacuation out of the total budget of N 216.9 billion.

The state government and the Ministry of Budget and Planning allocated a total of N1.5 billion for Identification and Assessment of Ecological Problems Areas in the state.

The document also indicated that N609.2 million would be spent on the construction of three dumpsites in each senatorial districts and 10 transfer stations; six in Kaduna, three in Zaria and one Africa Risk Knowledge project working in Kafanchan. group stated that the unplanned growth “Also N40 of Ibadan City had created many environ- million was mental challenges, including refuse. provided for Busari, who declared that Oyo State was purchase of already preparing a master plan for the 10,000 galvacity, stated the need for individual house- nised metal holds to start managing the problem of refuse containrefuse. ers to facilitate “The capacity of government at the state refuse evacand local government levels is overuation. N100 whelmed by the enormity of the refuse million was generated at the domestic, medical or also allocated industrial levels. So we expect their supfor desilting port,” he said. and dredging of He also cautioned people against dump- River Kaduna, ing refuse into the water ways, saying “we while N150 have seen the devastating effects of flood, million would fire incidents, road accidents and so on.”

Ibadan experiencing stronger wind gusts in last decades —Expert AN expert in climatology, Dr Ibidun Adelekan has said more buildings in Ibadan stand an increased risk of collapsing, saying that Ibadan has been experiencing stronger wind gusts in the last decades.

Dr Adelekan, who spoke at the inaugural meeting of the Urban Africa Risk Knowledge project working group in Ibadan, stated that evidence has shown increasing wind gusts far back in 2008.

According to her, studies carried out between 1989 to 2008 found that there was a significant increase in maximum wind gusts, with the latter half of the period, 1998 and2008, recording higher mean maximum wind gusts and more frequent windstorms.

Adelekan, who remarked that this

changing climate patterns had made inner-city residents of Ibadan more vulnerable to hazards, linked the change in wind pattern to changing patterns of urbanisation, land use, land cover and wind climate in the city.

“The increasing wind gust in itself is a factor for increasing cases of dilapidated building given way; old trees been uprooted, roof tops getting blown off and building damaged. Certainly, more of these things should be expected,” she said.

Adelakan, however, declared that preliminary findings of the Urban Africa Risk Knowledge project have shown that the vulnerability of different areas of Ibadan city to hazards or risks differs.

She declared, “evidence of the scale of

urban disasters in Africa indicates that small everyday events are the main cause of premature deaths and serious injury.

“Also, the direct and indirect imparts of climate change are likely to intensify a range of existing risk relating to environmental health and disaster hazards as well as creating new risks in urban Africa.”

She, however, stated that the Urban Africa Risk Knowledge project would also be providing city wide risk information, adding that it was to support targeting policies at preventing and reducing the impart of natural and environmental/ physical hazards and health risks in the city.

Alhaji Jelili Busari, the permanent Secretary, Oyo State Teaching service commission and a member of the Urban

empower them through outdoor adventure.

Tagged ‘Confluence Mountaineering Project,’ the first edition which is scheduled to hold in Kogi State in December, will feature people across the three senatorial districts of the state, aged between 18 and 45 in a mountain climbing competition.

Speaking with Ecoscope, founder, Father’s House Foundation, Maleek Shehu said “the

be spent on construction of 10 public toilets within the state.

“Also N100 million would be spent on Geophysical and Geochemical Survey of three Mineral Deposits sites, while N58 million would be spent on the purchase of Information Communication Technology (ICT) equipment.”

According to the budget proposal, provisions are also made for the construction of one weather station worth N20 million and procurement and installation of laboratory equipment at the cost of N15 million.

The state’s Commissioner for Environment, Mr Shehu Giwa, told NAN that the construction of the 10 transfer stations will be completed within 12 weeks.

The state also said it will spend N3.9 billion for design, installation and management of the State Geographic Information Service (KADGIS) in 2017.

NAN reports that this amount is contained in the 2017 budget estimate submitted to the State Assembly by the governor last week.

In the budget, a copy of which NAN obtained, the state government had proposed a N215.92 billion budget estimate for 2017, comprising capital expenditure of N130.35 billion and recurrent expenditure is N85.57 billion.

The state government said it would spend the amount to strengthen the KADGIS in the coming year and to recover all public lands encroach into by some individuals.

According to the budget, the state government will spend N131.43 million as compensation on acquired land, survey and demarcation of layouts.

participants will unite to explore the mountains and discover its treasures to grow their communities.

“Twenty-one winners will be selected across the 21 Local Government Areas in the state, and they will be empowered with various Small and Medium Sized Enterprises (SMEs) such as portable water factory, fish pond, culinary lounge, district viewing centre, integrated fashion studio, bread/cake bakery, brick and block industry, food farm, beauty salon and poultry, among other,” he said.

Shehu added that the immediate focus of the project is on Kogi Central Senatorial District which comprises of five Local Government Areas, which are Ajaokuta, Okene, Adavi, Ogori-Magongo and Okehi LGA. “The aim of the project is to absorb a large number from the fast growing population of the unemployed people, reduce antisocial behaviours, as well as increase productivity which will enhance economic justice by enabling individuals to be self sufficient and self dependent,” Shehu said.

He noted that before transferring the industries to the winners, they will undergo management skills acquisition to adequately educate them on management and ethics, adding that this process will be repeated in every state to cover the 774 Local Government Areas in Nigeria.

THE Global Wind Energy Council (GWEC) released its biennial Global Wind Energy Outlook last week, outlining scenarios where wind could supply 20 per cent of global electricity by 2030. The report looks at four scenarios exploring the future of the wind industry out to 2020, 2030 and 2050.

“Now that the Paris Agreement is coming into force, countries need to get serious about what they committed to last December. Meeting the Paris targets means a completely decarbonised electricity supply well before 2050, and wind power will play the major role in getting us there,” GWEC Secretary General, Steve Sawyer said.

By 2030 wind power could reach 2,110 GW, and supply up to 20 per cent of global electricity, creating 2.4 million new jobs and reducing CO2 emissions by more than 3.3 billion tonnes per year, and attract annual investment of about €200 billion.

With dramatic price decreases in recent years for wind, solar and other renewables, a decarbonised power sector is not only technically feasible, but is economically competitive as well. New markets are developing rapidly across Africa, Asia and Latin America, supplying clean energy to support sustainable development.

“Wind power is the most competitive option for adding new capacity to the grid in a growing number of markets, but if the Paris agreement targets are to be reached, that means closing fossil fuel fired power plants and replacing them with wind, solar, hydro, geothermal and biomass. That will be the hard part, and governments will have to get serious about it if they are to live up to the commitments to which they have now bound themselves,” Sawyer said.

“Decarbonising the global energy system includes the transport sector as a major emitter of carbon. The market for electric mobility, both in regard to electric vehicles as well as public transport, will continue to grow significantly and with this electricity demand for the transport sector.

Wood loggers appeals to Kogi govt to lift ban on logging MR Kayode Obayan, the Kogi West Chairman of Wood Loggers Association, has appealed to Governor Yahaya Bello to lift the ban placed on wood felling in the state.

Obayan, made the appeal in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lokoja recently.

The chairman said the ban was affecting the wood business, adding that the business was gradually becoming a thing of the past in the state.

He urged the government to reconsider its position on the ban placed on logging across the state, saying those in the business and Kogi residents had resorted to buying wood from neighbouring states.

Obayan said the ban had crippled wood

businesses among his members, and called on the state government to help mitigate their suffering.

He noted that wood sold to his members from other states were now too expensive when compared to the price they were selling before in the state.

Obayan said that the ban would also drastically reduce the revenue generated by the state government on wood felling and urged the government to lift the ban.

According to him, the union would still continue to cooperate with the government and support all its laws as regard wood business, while he thanked members for their patience over time.

22

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

with Tunde Dodondawa m:08029370304 e:mrdodondawa@yahoo.com

NAPE decries depleting crude oil reserves in Nigeria StoriesbyOlatundeDodondawa

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HE Nigerian Association of Petroleum Explorationists (NAPE) has decried high rate of depleting crude oil reserves and urged the Federal Government and relevant stakeholders to do something fast that will promote new drilling for crude oil.

The President of NAPE, Nosa Omorodion, while addressing journalists visa-vis the association conference which will hold in November in Lagos, stated that the country’s reserves may deplete completely if nothing is done by policy makers to promote new discoveries.

According to him, “But our concern is that our replenish rate does not match our production rate. It is like you have money in the bank and you are withdrawing it, and you don’t have income to add to it.

There will be a time you will run out of cash. If as it is today we do nothing, in next 30 to 35 years, we will completely run out of oil.

The easy way out in times like this is to open your taps and produce.”

He said the government has raised a bar and set certain goals for itself. The goals include to achieve 2.8 million barrels per day by next year, to hit 40 billion barrels reserves by years 2020.

“How do you achieve that goal, how do you get there?

You need to add average of 1billion barrels per annum, you need to add an average of 5.5 trillion standard cubic feet (tcf) per annum.

To achieve those goals, you need to go outside your current comfort zone.

“Taking it to the next level, drilling deeper, which is the focus of this year’s conference, is regarded as a new frontier as well by explorationists. It is an opportunity to try and unlock the hydrocarbon that are seated in this every deep levels.

Remember many years ago before we moved into deep

water exploration, we used to explore at shallow waters.

“We have attempted to go beyond Niger Delta by exploring in Benue Trough, to Anambra Basin, Naomey Basin, Gongola Basin.

That’s the thrust for the programmes that have been packaged for this year’s conference. All geared towards achieving one goal which the government has set to add one billion barrels per annum and add 5.5tcf of gas. To achieve that, we need to look beyond what we are currently doing. Nobody can do that but the oil finders who will find oil before you can produce. Now we have identified that the places where new discoveries can come from would be at the

deeper levels,” he said.

Speaking further, the Chairman of Conference Planning Committee who also is the President-elect of NAPE, Abiodun Adesanya, argued that “Most of our drilling campaigns we have had up to date are sub15000 feet. The deepest well in Nigeria, prior to couple of years ago has been about less than 15000 feet. Conoil blazed the trail in the last 2-3 years by drilling from angle where they got all the way to about 17000 feet. And that opens a new vista that there is still more to find. Of course it still more technologically challenging to get to that depth, but the technologies are available to do that job and that is where

we are heading.

“So, we have people talking and discussing based on that particular theme to ensure we achieve it under a reasonable budget so that we don’t have an expensive campaign. The overall objective is for reserve addition. We need to ensure that our reserve replacement ratio is positive. That means the volume you are finding exceeds the volume that your producing. That way, you will remain in business.

“Despite the difficult times we are in, despite the challenges of recession, we will still come out with a successful conference because people have indicated interest to participate. All our

booths have been sold out.”

Furthermore, he stated that Niger Delta is the country’s bread and butter undoubtedly. Within the Niger Delta, “we have still not taken that giant leap to the next stage by drilling deeper. Less than three per cent of the tire wells drilled in the country are above 15000 feet. So, most of them are below 15000 feet.”

Many have argued that there is need for new licensing rounds to be done by the federal government if the business of improving reserves should be taken seriously. But there is a lot that can be done without new licensing rounds to

Expert harps on CSR as strategy for profitable business AN oil and gas expert has recommended Corporate Social Responsibility as a strategy for building a profitable business for companies.

The Chief Operating Officer (COO), LEKOIL Nigeria Limited, Leke Adedipe, has said that businesses can derive a lot of benefits by initiating and executing developmental projects in their host communities.

Adedipe made this recommendation while speaking on the topic, “CSR as a Business Strategy:Social Initiatives as a Profitable Business Model” at the 2016 University of Liverpool Alumni Business and Career Fair in Lagos over the weekend. He

stated that firms which give back to their host communities are more likely to enjoy a good and mutually beneficial relationship with them.

According to him, such relationships could also lead to reduced cost of operations for the firm as its assets and resources would be protected by the locals.

He said socially responsible corporate organisations stand a better chance of addressing and managing risks and opportunities associated with the nature of their business. This is because strategic CSR projects create a positive image for the company and enhance the creation of shared values

for the business and its host communities. Mr. Adedipe said sustainable CSR projects could foster a peaceful business environment in which firms can innovate and grow.

On the rationale for CSR he said, “It is a good thing to do. Since business is an integral part of society, it has an obligation to society and community needs”. According to Adedipe, there is a need for organisations with foresight to start creating societal value by addressing critical social or environmental needs.

Adedipe said CSR is a critical part of LEKOIL’s business strategy. According to

him, “LEKOIL has always been committed to improving the living standards of our host communities with our annual allocation to a dedicated trust fund. We have also contributed to the development of our host communities by committing to provide 5 megawatts of free electricity and using Associated Gas (AG) utilisation projects to minimise gas flaring”.

The LEKOIL COO noted that the company is motivated to execute projects that are sustainable and that many of the company’s host communities in Rivers State will be transformed in the next few years.

open up explorations.

Exploration wells can be drilled today but due to economic reality, people may not have been doing it. If the fiscal terms are right, if the enabling environment is there, you can as well go for exploration well.

“Licensing round is one way, but you may ask the wells we have today, are they fully explored. Why are investors not exploring? Why do people have wells but are not drilling and exploring? Many blamed declining oil price. But if you go down the memory lane when exploration used to be very low, the federal government came up with some incentives, some MoUs geared towards encouraging exploration.

That period was when we recorded the most astronomic growth in terms of exploration because incentives were put in place that encouraged people to go drill exploration wells.

“The giant discovery especially in deep water averagely takes about 8-10 years to bring on stream. It takes a while to bring new discoveries to fruition. So if you are depleting and not doing anything to replenish it, that’s a big concern. If you make a discovery today, it may take like eight years before it comes on stream and with this, it means there is a huge gap,” he concluded.

The 34th Annual International Conference and Exhibition will hold between November 14 and 17, 2016 in Lagos.

Group targets refinery project in Ogun State OGUN state government and a Nigerian oil firm, Petrolex Group have entered into a consortium with Wema Bank to execute the second largest refinery in Odogbolu area of the state.

According to a statement by the oil firm in Lagos, the Chairman of the group, Mr

Segun Adebutu, said that other members of the consortium are Hyundai and Ajayi Legal Partner.

Adebutu said that the consortium would also build a petroleum product depot in the area.

He said that the depot would be the largest in sub

-Saharan Africa.

Adebutu said the two projects would generate about 2,000 jobs and boost the socio-economic condition of the host state.

Mr Henry Alakhume, Head of Corporate Banking at Wema Bank, said the bank was delighted to sup-

port the deal.

“Wema Bank is proud to support Petrolex Group in the refinery and petroleum depot projects.

“We believe this will significantly boost Nigeria’s economy and create much needed jobs,” he said.

Governor Ibikunle Amosun of Ogun state assured

Wema Bank and members of the consortium of his administration’s commitment to fully support the project.

“We have the political will and we will support the project fully. You can be rest assured that I will get involved, when necessary, in order to ensure that the project is a success,” Amosun said.

23

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Why ExxonMobil sold downstream arm to NIPCo Plc LAST week, it was announced that a leading indigenous downstream company, NIPCo Plc acquired over 60 per cent stake in Mobil Oil Nigeria (MON) Plc. While many Nigerians expressed satisfaction for the acquisition by a Nigerian firm, investigations by the Nigerian Tribune revealed the reason ExxonMobil entrusted such confidence in NIPCo Plc and sold its stake in its subsidiary to NIPCo Plc. Following the track record NIPCo Plc over the years, the company has been looking for opportunity to expand its business interest

especially in supply of Jet-A1 fuel otherwise called Aviation fuel. NIPCo Plc has also taken bold step to venture into bonding of lubricants and it recently embarked upon building a world class lubricant blending factory within its premises prior to the deal.

Sources at the indigenous firm said NIPCo Plc may have to suspend the project of lube blending business and focus on its new business interest in MON which has trusted brands in lube business.

In a chat with the Nigerian Tribune, the Managing Director, NIPCO Plc, Mr Ven-

kataraman Venkatapathy, stated that MON will continue to run as a separate, distinct and independent company from NIPCo Plc. Each with its own CEO and will report to its Board of Directors.

“In our usual way of attaching premium to staff welfare, Nipco shall respect the terms of all collective agreements with employees and the unions that represent them including PENGASSAN and NUPENG. All employees are assured of job safety as there is no plan for staff redundancies.

“In furtherance of this transition, MON will con-

tinue to maintain the Mobil brand at its retail outlets as well as blending and selling Mobil brand of lubricants under branding licensee(s) from ExxonMobil. In essence, MON will continue as usual and therefore, the change should be smooth and seamless,” he said.

In addition to giving the employees much needed assurances on their job safety, he emphasized that the company’s goal is to increase presence and efficiency by expanding MON’s retail footprint to a minimum of 300 by December 2017 and make it a vibrant one.

He urged MON personnel

to the new roadmaps for growth whilst simultaneously exploring opportunities to provide MON with additional products like LPG, which is one of the strength of NIPCo Plc. Furthermore, he assured that Nipco’s successful philosophy and track record of supporting and empowering its staff and management team will continue at MON. “Staff welfare and comfort will be paramount and receive priority as we forge ahead,” he said.

He said Nipco wishes to express its profound gratitude and appreciation to ExxonMobil for selecting it as the preferred bidder for the acquisition of MON.

“We wish to give every assurance to ExxonMobil that having entrusted us with this invaluable asset (MON), we will ensure full brand compliance with ExxonMobil’s global standards as well as rigorously sustain and follow ExxonMobil’s code of conduct/ethos and operational excellence,” he said.

“Nipco considers this acquisition as an important synergy. It is part of our strategic moves to support Nipco’s continuous growth and expansion of its Nigerian retail footprints. We are confident of adding tremendous value to MON and likewise MON will add a huge value to Nipco,” Venkatapathy said.

Eko Disco commences metering enumeration programme

An oil station

Power sector in a state of emergency —IFC THE International Finance Corporation (IFC), a member of the World Bank, has said that Nigeria’s power sector is in state of emergency and needed strategic steps to deal with identified challenges.

The Corporation observed that funding was not the only challenges of the sector but key sectorial issues should be addressed immediately.

The IFC offers investment, advisory and asset management services to encourage private sector development in developing countries.

The IFC country manager in Nigeria, Essien Lore, who identified the challenges, stated that “In

spite of the achievements recorded so far in Nigeria’s power sector over the years, there are still some sectorial issues that needed the attention of all stakeholders in the sector.

The power sector is in a state of emergency, taking it out of this state, required a sense of urgency, coalition of public and private partners with clear defined actions.”

She listed the sectorial deficits to include, inadequate gas supply, sectorial governance, transmission bottlenecks and inadequate generation as major challenges affecting the sector.

“The World Bank Group is ready to support well designed power projects

in the country, we have earmarked $2 billion to support the development of power in the country,” Lore said.

Lore noted that “as a member of World Bank group, from our perspective, the only thing that is preventing us from supporting more projects is the sector issues. However, we believe that the challenges in the sector would soon be defeated.”

“We are on the right part and we are envisaging that the power issues we face today will be a thing of the past and the sector issues need to be addressed,” she stressed.

The IFC, had last month announced its partnership with UK’s Department

for International Development (DFID) to drive the development of solar systems in both commercial and industrial sectors across Nigeria.

Through the affiliation, the IFC’s Off-Grid and Embedded Solar Market Development and Finance Programme and the DFID’s Solar Nigeria Programme will be launching a new initiative in Nigeria for solar market development and finance.

This initiative, according to Lore, is set to provide technical and financial support for owners of small and medium enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria that are interested in accessing solar power for their business operations.

EKO Electricity Distribution Plc has commenced an enumeration and area mapping programme for deployment of smart electricity meters to customers within its operational territory.

Making this disclosure at a town hall meeting with customers under the Apapa Business District of the company, the Managing Director/CEO of EKEDC Plc, Engr. Oladele Amoda, represented by the company’s Chief Operating Officer, Mr. Sam Nwaire, said the enumeration and area mapping exercise was being carried out in all the eight Business Districts of the company.

He also hinted that the purpose of the company was fully committed to its meter roll-out plan through phased deployment of smart meters to all unmetered customers throughout the company’s licence area.

According to him, though the exercise would be carried out in phases, every area would be covered in the end adding that officers of the company have already embarked on a house to house inspection in designated locations for the commencement of the exercise.

Nwaire then appealed to all customers to please co-operate with dully identified officials of the company who will be coming to their areas for the exercise.

He deplored a situation whereby officials on their lawful duties for the company were being harassed and molested in some

communities under the guise of protesting against some issues between such communities and EKEDP. While responding to questions and observations by some customers at the town hall meeting, he further reiterated the company’s commitment to promoting a very cordial relationship between it and its customers though prompt attendance to all complaints and grievances by customers; adding that every area and community is vital to the attainment of the company’s corporate goal.

Nwaire appealed to anybody having one form of complaint or the other against any aspect of the company’s operations to bring up such complaints through the appropriate channel; promising that such complaints would be treated with despatch.

He said customers should not resort to group action to lodge their complaints since each customer entered into service agreement with the company on individual basis.

He also condemned the practice by some communities that are rejecting electricity bills; saying that each customer having complaints on his bill should bring it up for it to be treated on its merit.

Many customers of the company who spoke at the occasion expressed delight at the customer engagement initiative. They advised that such interactive forum should be regularly held to provide solutions to their power supply challenges.

24 politicsnews

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

Plateau deputy speaker, member dump PDP for APC Isaac Shobayo - Jos

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HE rank and file the Peoples Democratic Party in Plateau State were shocked on Tuesday, following the defection of the deputy Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Honourable Yusuf Gardi and Honourable Daniel Nanlong from the party to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The development came about a month after a former governor of the State Joshua Dariye now a serving Senator representing Plateau Central and his followers dumped PDP for the governing APC in the state.

The defection of the two state lawmakers representing Katana and Mikang constituencies respectively has further depleted the rank and strength of PDP members in the state assembly.

With the development, PDP members have suddenly become the minority in the Assembly, as it now has seven members to APC’s 17.

Shortly after reading the letters from the two defectors on the floor of the Assembly, the Speaker, Peter Azi, welcomed them to APC, stressing that they would not be marginalised in their new party.

He also called on citizens of the state to continue to support the APC at all levels as it tries to take the country to the next level..

Speaking to newsmen, the

deputy speaker said he left PDP because most of his

THE Kaduna State Fifth Assembly has passed into law 19 of the 24 bills before it, while two bills are at the committee level.

Chairman, House Committee on Information, Honourable Nuhu Shadalafiya, gave the breakdown while speaking to Nigerian Tribune in Kaduna on Tuesday He said those bills passed by the Assembly were critical for the business of the day and capable of helping to fast-track the economic growth of the state ,as well as ensuring ,social justice and security of lives.

“The assembly is ready to support the government and take it to the next level by making Kaduna State great again,” he declared.

The lawmaker, who highlighted other achievements of the Assembly since it was inaugurated in June 2015,

consultation was carried out before the decision was

taken.

“It was a call by my sup-

From left, the national secretary of Accord Party, Dr Nureni Adisa; former governor of Oyo State and national leader of the party, Senator Rashidi Ladoja; outgone state chairman, Alhaji Bashir Lawal; Senator Olufemi Lanlehin and Chief Bayo Lawal, during the state congress of the party, at the weekend. PHOTO: DARE ADEKANMBI

porters and the people of my constituency. They voted for me and now want me to join them in APC, so I have to listen to them,” he said.

A source in the assembly told Nigerian Tribune that four of the present seven PDP members were reportedly in the process of holding consultations with their various constituencies to also defect to APC. It was learnt that the four might notify the Assembly before the week runs out or latest by next Monday.

All attempts to speak with state officials of PDP proved abortive, as the state publicity secretary, Mr John Akans, simply sent a message that he could not respond to calls because he was attending a meeting.

Accord remains the party to beat in Oyo —Lanlehin, Ilaka

By Dare Adekanmbi TWO chieftains of Accord Party, Senator Olufemi Lanlehin and Chief Bisi Ilaka, on Tuesday, said the party remained the strongest and the most prepared to form “a people-oriented government in the state in 2019.”

Lanlehin, who is the immediate past senator for Oyo South Senatorial District, and Ilaka, and Ilaka, were candidates of Accord for Oyo South and Central Senatorial Districts respectively in the last election.

In a jointly signed statement, the duo, while congratulating the Alhaji Wahab Oyelade-led state executive

Kaduna assembly passes 19 bills in one year Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

supporters were in APC, adding that a thorough

said 24 bills were presented but that only 19 were passed into law after due process.

One of the passed bills included the KADIPA law, which was aimed at providing an enabling environment for investors and also create job opportunities for youths in the state.

Others were the Tax Codification law, which gives the use of TSA, as well as the Pension Reforms bill.

committee, charged the new officers to continue where their predecessors stopped in terms of preparations for the council elections and repositioning of the party.

They stressed the need for the state electoral umpire to deem it necessary to call a stakeholders’ meeting where modalities for the announced council elections would be discussed and a consensus forged.

“We don’t know whether the state electoral body will conduct the elections into the constitutionally recognised 33 councils as well as the newly created 35 Local Council Development Areas or they only want to do so in the 33 councils.

“This is why it is very necessary that a stakeholders’ meeting is called to immediately discuss this issue and many more. Council election is the most critical for grass root development since 75 per cent of the people of the state live in the rural areas.

“If they conduct free and fair elections, we are confident that Accord will win a majority of the councils and the LCDAs. Only Accord can satisfy the aspiration of the people of the state for a propoor, pro-masses government,” they said.

Meanwhile, the state secretary of the party, Dr Nureni Adeniran, has called for the amendment of the constitution to pave way for INEC to conduct local government election in states as it did in 1998, a council poll he described as the best council so far held in the country.

“I won election as council

chairman under the Alliance for Democracy in 1998 and AD won 18 councils, PDP nine and APP six in that election. Despite AD winning the governorship election in the state, it was not a clean sweep for the ruling party because INEC conducted that election.

“I am waiting to see how

We’re fully prepared for Lagos LG poll, but...

—APGA chair Bola Badmus - Lagos LAGOS State chapter of All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) said on Tuesday that it was fully prepared for the local government poll whose date the State Independent Electoral Commission (LASIEC) was yet to fix.

It however expressed great disappointment at past exercises which it said had always been “winner takes all.”

National vice chairman (South-West) of the party, Alhaji Tayo Sowunmi, said this while speaking with the Nigerian Tribune on phone, maintaining that APGA was fully prepared for the poll whenever the state government gives a goahead.

“When government is

ready to conduct the election, we are equally ready, but our past experiences do not encourage us at all, a situation where the winner takes all. Whoever is in control takes everything.

“We are trying to prevent that, but it is not working. Everywhere you go it is the gov-

THE Ondo Youth Coalition, (OYC) in Ondo State, on Tuesday, urged President Mohammadu Buhari, National Judicial Commission (NJC), Attorney General of the Federation and the Legal Practitioners Disciplinary Committee to “critically look

into the allegations of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) contained in its petition against a judge and two other person in PDP’s case over the November 26, 2016 gubernatorial election.

The group in a statement signed by its president, secretary and public relations officer, Adekambi

Oluwatuyi, Michael Oluwole and Obanoyen Abiola respectively and issued in Akure, claimed that it was “criminal and unfair on the youths of this nation if Nigerian leaders bequeath a disabled judiciary to us as a result of their inability to curb the excesses of judicial practitioners.”

ernment in power that dictates whoever wins, and even if you win, they would snatch victory away from you.

“Here in Lagos, we have won one or two House of assembly seats in the past, yet they took them from us, but let’s see how it goes,” the politician said.

Why I wrote book on Tinubu —Kaduna Corps member Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna A member of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) serving in Kaduna State, Olayinka Olusuyi, has written a book on the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC), Senator Bola Ahmed Ti-

Ondo 2016 : Coalition wants judge probed over PDP allegations Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

the APC-led government will conduct election and Accord will not be declared winner in Egbeda, Ona-Ara, Oluyole, Oyo East and West, Ibadan South East, Ibadan NorthEast, Lagelu, Akinyele and many others. The Labour Party will win in Oorelope, which is its stronghold,” he said.

The coalition stated that President Buhari and the judicial regulators in the country would be doing the profession more good by acting on the PDP claims in the petition.

It insisted that action should be taken on the matter, because of the future of the youth in our dear country.

nubu.

The book which he titled ‘Our Hero Democrat’, is a 248-page chronicle of the immense contributions of the former Lagos State governor to Nigeria’s democracy, especially during military dictatorship and opposition to advocacy for democratic rule.

Presenting the book to newsmen amidst his colleagues during their Community Development Service (CDS) meeting in Kaduna, Olusuyi said though he was not a politician, as it was against NYSC rules, he belonged to a NYSC CDS club which creates awareness on politics, economy, socio-cultural and religious issues.

25 politicsnews

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

Enugu APC faults judges over Amaechi, Onu’s bribery allegation Jude Ossai - Enugu

Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ike Ekweremadu (middle) and the chairman, House Democracy Partnership (HDP), U.S House of Representatives, Peter Roskam (fifth left), during the working visit of the HDP to the Nigerian Senate in Abuja. With them are other members of the American delegation and Nigerian Senators.

THE Enugu State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) has faulted Justices John Inyang Okoro and Sylvester Ngwuta of the Supreme Court for writing the Chief Justice of Nigeria (CJN), Mahmoud Mohammed that Dr Ogbonnaya Onu and former Rivers State, Rotimi Amaechi, attempted to bribe them to pervert justice.

Dr Onu, a former governor of old Abia State and now Minister for Science and Technology and Amaechi,

LG election: Don’t go to tribunal, PDP tells candidates Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta

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HE Ogun State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has told its chairmanship and councillorship candi-

dates in the October 8 local government and local council development areas elections in the state not to challenge the results of the election before the tribunal.

The party alleged that none of them would get justice, because PDP did

not have confidence in the state Election Petition Tribunal.

The state chairman of the party, Honourable Sikirullahi Ogundele, said this during a stakeholders’ meeting of the party in Abeokuta, adding that any

move by the candidates to challenge the outcome of the poll result would amount to a waste of time.

Ogundele noted that his party participated in the election to feel the pulse of the electorates about the present administration.

‘APC must unite to guarantee victory in Ondo poll’ Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure ALL stakeholders in the All Progressives Congress (APC) must work as a team to guarantee victory for the party in the November 26 governorship poll in the state, an APC stalwart, Honourable Dele Alade, has said.

In a statement issued in Akure on Tuesday, he pleaded with them to put behind them issues relating to the conduct of the governorship primary held last month in the overall interest of the APC. Reiterating his position that the party national leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and Chief Bisi Akande were critical in the coming election, he said all hands should be on deck to deliver the state to the APC on November 26.

The erstwhile governorship contestant said that the onus was on the APC standard bearer, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu (SAN) to take pragmatic steps towards having an all-inclusive team capable of swaying prospective voters in favour of the party during the campaign ahead of the election.

He restated that though the primary election might not have been perfect, especially because the leading aspirants tried to compromise delegates, the assign-

ment at hand, which is to deliver the state to APC was far more important than any other cause now.

“He who comes to equity must come with clean hands.

But, the primary election has ended and a winner has emerged in Akeredolu. So, the most honoruable thing to do now is for all and sundry to support him so that we can have a chance to win the election,” Alade stated.

He expressed optimism that Tinubu and Akande would support the APC candidate in Ondo if we the party leaders, especially Akeredolu could do more to earn their confidence and trust to pursuing the ideals and programmes of the party aimed at the rapid de-

velopment of the state.

Having followed Tinubu and Akande closely for about two decades, Alade said he could vouch for them that they meant well for Ondo people.

He enjoined his support-

ers to team up with him in working aggressively for the party’s candidate, noting that he was one of the great proponents of Yoruba agenda designed to integrate and develop Western Nigeria.”

“We are constrained to encourage you to challenge the result of the election at the Election Petition Tribunal, Justice will be delayed, denied and even subverted.”

He assured that the opposition party would bounce back to power in the 2019 general election.

The meeting was attended by a House of Representatives member, Oladipupo Adebutu, former deputy governor in the state, Alhaja Salmot Badru, and chairperson of the Apex Committee, Chief (Mrs) Iyabo Apampa.

Kwara councillors groan over unpaid 8-month salary Biola Azeez - Ilorin THE 193 councillors in Kwara State, under the aegis of Kwara State Councillors Forum, have appealed to Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, to intervene in the payment of their severance allowance and six months’ salary being owed them by the local government councils.

Speaking with Nigerian Tribune in Ilorin on Tuesday, the chairman of the forum, Hon. Opeyemi Adeojo, said the appeal became necessary because their tenure would expire on November 10, 2016.

The councillors, who said that they had been facing series of challenges since inception of office, added that the situation had made

it impossible to make meaningful impact in their wards.

“Our furniture allowance, which ought to have been paid within the first three months of our tenure is yet to be settled.

“We also appeal to the governor to help facilitate prompt payment of our severance allowance of about N1.2 million per councillor in order to offset our loans

NBA president should resign —Lawyer Banji Aluko - Benin City A Benin-based legal practitioner, Mr Afolabi Olayiwola, has called on the president of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mahmoud Abubakar (SAN), to resign from office over the latter’s call that judges under investigation by the Department of State Security (DSS) should step aside.

He also called on the Ministers of Transportation and that of Science and Technol-

who is now the Minister for Transport, were alleged by the judges in separate letters of attempting to influence the outcome of governorship election petitions in their states, an allegation they have since denied.

A statement by the Enugu State publicity secretary of the APC, Mrs Kate Ofor, said: “They should forthwith leave Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu and Rotimi Amechi alone.”

When asked about the claim made by one of the judges that he informed the CJN about the alleged attempt to influence justice when it happened, Mrs. Ofor said “the Honourable Justices, going by the powers conferred on them by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, are aware that they have the power to call on the police or even their orderly to arrest anybody who is attempting to pervert the cause of justice.

It is not enough to whisper to the Chief Justice of Nigeria, who luckily has not owned up to such frivolous allegation.”

“It is painful that corruption has penetrated the temple of justice, where justice is for sale, to the extent that humongous amount in different currencies were found in the houses of the justices like Bureau De Change dealers.

This is why President Muhammadu Buhari lamented that if Nigerians do not kill corruption, corruption will kill Nigerians.’

ogy, Mr Rotimi Amaechi and Ogbonnaya Onu, respectively to resign from their offices, even as he called on President Muhammadu Buhari to set up a high level inquiry to investigate the allegations made against the two Supreme Court Justices that allegedly attempted to bribe them.

Olayiwola, who spoke to journalists in Benin while reacting to the statement by the NBA president said, “the view that the judges should

step aside is his own. There was never a time that the NBA was called to discuss the issue.

“I am actually ashamed of that view, because as lawyers and judges, we are known for constituencies. That was not his original view before now.

Suddenly, he just changed that view.

“If he says that Judges should leave the Bench based on allegations against them of which there are no petitions before the NJC,

what about the allegations by two Supreme Court Justices against two ministers: Rotimi Amaechi and Ogbonnaya Onu? The two men should resign their appointments.

“I support the view expressed by the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Mahmud Muhammed that the affected judges will not be forced to step aside. We should not allow the Executive arm of government to rubbish the judiciary.

in the banks and some individuals we are indebted to in the course of our tenure so as to save us from pathetic embarrassment. The debt may even have adverse effects on our political pursuit and advancement,” he said.

The people also called on the governor to intervene in the matter so that the roles of their late members from Offa, Ifelodun and Isin local government, who died in active service would be recognised.

The councillors, who said they were aware of dwindling federal allocation to the state in recent years and the assistance of the governor in the payment of salary to council workers, appealed to the governor to look into their matters.

They said they had impacted in their various communities with provision of borehole, repair of borehole, provision of instructional materials in schools as part of their responsibilities to the electorate.

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Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

tribune cartoons

Adeeko Olusegun adeeko.olusegun@yahoo.com 0811 695 4638

GIANT IN THE TROPIC OF AFRICA

Agbani Darego, MFR (First Black African to win Miss World)

FUNOLOGY

• Born on December 22, 1982 in Lagos. Her full name is Ibiagbanidokibubo Asenite Darego, and she was the sixth of eight children in her family. She is an indigene of Abonnema in Rivers State of Nigeria.

She attended University of Port Harcourt where she studied Computer Science and Mathematics.

CHURCH BOY

• In 2001, Darego was crowned Most Beautiful Girl in Nigeria.

• In November that year, she became the first black African woman to claim the Miss World title.

Her victory was widely welcomed in her home country, Nigeria.

SEGELUULU

• Due to her busy work schedule, Darego left the University of Port Harcourt, but after moving to New York where she was signed to Next Model Management and Ford Models, she enrolled at New York University where she studied Psychology, graduating in May 2012.

• She currently works with Ford Models, New York.

THERE ARE 10 DIFFERENCES IN THE CARTOONS BELOW. THE DIFFERENCES SHOULD BE MARKED IN B

SPOT THE DIFFERENCE

A

B

27

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

Femi Olukunle Coordinating Editor 08158610216,

Prisons Service shops for volunteer teachers Clement Idoko-Abuja

T

HE Nigerian Prisons Service has appealed for volunteer teachers to assist in teaching inmates in various subject areas including Mathematics, English, Literature, Economics and Biology.

The volunteers would assist to prepare the inmates ahead of West African Examination Council (WAEC) November/December examination at Kuje Prison Special Centre.

Education Desk Officer, Kuje Medium Prison, Mr Adikwu Owoicho, made the call when WAEC certificates for Nov/Dec 2015 were presented to 65 inmates by a non-governmental organisation, Nuga Best, in collaboration with Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries which sponsored the candidates.

One of the awaiting trial inmates at the prison, Pastor Chinedu Eze, recorded an outstanding performance in the examination with six distinctions and three credits.

Eze, who is among the over 570 awaiting trial inmates in the prison, disclosed that he had been on

remand for over 11 years without trial.

He said, “I am here on a remand order issued by judge of a Federal High Court. The charges brought against me were criminal conspiracy and theft. I’m still awaiting trial. I have been here for 11 years and some months.

“I started at the cradle when education was

brought to this Kuje Prison. I started at the WAEC level. I sat for my first WAEC and made six credits including English and Mathematics and subsequently, I wrote another one in 2012, and made six distinctions and three credits including English and Mathematics. In fact, I had A1 in English and C4 in Mathematics,” he said.

He noted that reading in the prison environment was not easy because of the state of the mind, adding that he, however, focused on bringing out the best in him.

The inmates, who took turn to speak during the ceremony, commended Pastor Hilary Chukwuma of Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries for not only

ministering to them but sponsoring their education.

Some of the inmate-candidates who sat for the examination at the Kuje Prison WAEC Special Centre explained how their misfortune turned into fortune, admitting that they would not have had the opportunity with the distractions outside the prison.

Out of 74 candidates reg-

STAFF of Public Complaints Commission (PCC) have vowed not to end their ongoing industrial action until the management pays all the outstanding salaries owed them.

Chairman of the joint staff union of the Commission, Ogunyando Joshua, who spoke on the industrial action, demanded reduction in the number of the commissioners in the commission from 38 to seven, insisting that Duty Tour Allowances (DTA) and salaries of the commissioners were outrageous.

Noting that the commission would be saving over N500 million yearly if the number of its commissioners were pruned, he disclosed that no staff had been paid in full since January this year.

Ogunyando urged gov-

Fresh road reconstruction work by FCDA gets commendation Clemetn Idoko-Abuja

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello (middle); Assistant Inspector General of Police (AIG), Zone 7, Salisu Abdullahi Fagge (right) and the FCT Commissioner of Police, Mohammed Mustapha when the AIG and his team paid the minister a visit in Abuja.

Public complaints commission staff insist on strike Ademola Adegbite-Abuja

istered in the November/ December 2015 WAEC examination, 71 sat for the examination while three were discharged before the commencement of the exam.

65 results were released with 38 distinctions, 166 credits, 211 passes and 111 failures.

ernment to inject technocrats and administrators into the commission.

He said: “The cost of maintaining them is much more than their salaries: their meeting allowance,

their DTA and all the rest.

Imagine that in the last administration, each commissioner claimed N17 million for their meeting; that is quite alarming, this is close to N1 billion in a

year “Well, we are still watching the National Assembly. We met with them and they promised to meet with all the stakeholders: the Min-

Head, Digital Transformation and Accounting Assurance, Periscope Consulting, Jide Martins (left); Director of Treasury, Office of Auditor General for the Federation, Ismail Adekeye and immediate past president, Chartered Institute of Public Finance and Accountancy, John Mathewson during a visit to the auditor general’office in Abuja. PHOTO: SUNDAY OSUNRAYI

istry of Finance, Budget and Planning, management of the PCC and the National Assembly itself.

So, we are waiting for their resolution after the meeting.”

COMMENCEMENT of reconstruction work on roads in the Central Business District (CBD) of Abuja housing huge number of multinationals, private sector players, governmental and non-governmental entities, including the Leventis close, by Federal Capital Development Authority (FCDA), has received commendation.

Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Musa Bello, had made a firm promise to quickly activate the opening up of additional, critical internal road arteries within and contiguous to the city.

Commending the efforts of the minister, spokesperson of Royal Pacific Group, Haroun Audu, noted that management of the firm, together with its iconic brand new landmark, Fraser Suites Abuja, was extremely pleased that the promised construction work has now commenced.

He observed that the minister correctly detected that the road was essential and vital infrastructure components urgently needed in the Federal Capital city, especially within the Central Business District, as part of the overall plan to create and sustain a better business enabling environment.

According to him, that the road artery was of tremendous public service benefit was evidenced by the fact that it offered the most preferred accesscum-outlet for every commuter arriving and driving through the very busy Samuel Ademulegun Avenue axis of the Business District.

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PTDF to assist PTI enhance research learning capacity Ademola Adegbite-Abuja THE Petroleum Technology Development Fund (PTDF) said it would assist to enhance the teaching, research and learning capacity of the Petroleum Training Institute (PTI), Effurum in Warri, Delta State in order to produce the middle-level manpower requirement in the oil and gas industry in the country.

The new Executive Secretary of the agency, Dr Bello Aliyu Gusau, who led management team of the agency to the institute, however, urged the management of PTI to explore the possibility of forming academic partnership with PTDF researchers and chair holders in the universities, with the possibility of using the facilities for

sample testing of their research works.

A statement signed by the Head, Press and External Relations of PTDF, Kalu Otisi, a copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune in Abuja, quoted Gusau as having stated that the PTDF upgraded the institute’s ICT infrastructure and facilities by ensuring that the whole of the institution was brought together into a single data centre.

He also said that the laboratory block was equipped with facilities for research and training in diverse areas of onshore and offshore operations as well as in exploration, drilling and production.

Speaking, the acting registrar of the institute, Abubakar Tanimu, described the visit as a new beginning in the collaboration between

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

Minister begs industrialists, entrepreneurs to help strengthen currency Ademola Adegbite-Abuja

M

INISTER of Science and Technology, Ogbonnaya Onu, has urged industrialists and entrepreneurs to help the country strengthen her currency and reduce poverty.

He urged them to look inwards and utilise the country’s abundant raw materials in their produc-

tion processes.

The minister gave the charge in Abuja at the formal presentation of report of the committee on Development of National Strategy for Competitiveness in Raw Materials and Products Development.

Onu pledged to build on the report and ensure that available raw materials were no longer imported into the country.

He said that the low rating of the country in comparison with other lessendowed nations could no longer be justified.

Earlier, the national president of Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), Olu Jacob, represented by Alhaji Aliu Madugu, said that the report, which was an implementable strategy, would help the country reduce

over-dependence on importation of raw materials and products.

He noted that the report addressed the issue of strategic framework for reducing importation in areas of competitive advantage and proferred solutions to challenges affecting manufacturing sectors as well as research and development institutions.

Tax collection: Abuja council vows to defy stoppage order Christian Okeke - Abuja CHAIRMAN of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), Abdullahi Candido, has vowed that the council is not under any obligation to obey any Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) entered into in the past between area councils and any party where the power to collect tenement rates in Abuja was delegated to FCT Inland Revenue Service, vowing that his government cannot allow itself to be intimidated into obeying such.

He said that such agreement might have been made under outright intimidation and force by the past government which he accused of showing readiness to accent to the provisions of the Constitution.

The council boss, who reacted to the report that collection of the tenement rates by the council was suspended by the National Assembly, argued that asking the council to put a stop on the collection within its jurisdiction amounted to undermining the rule of law and subverting its constitutional mandate.

Speaking at the council’s secretariat, Candido argued that his council was legally recognised by the constitution to service the grassroots and heavily depended on collection of taxes to be able to provide amenities to the people.

“As an institution, the Na-

tional Assembly that went on air to suggest stopping of the collection, I think that there is no institution that can protect the sanctity of the constitution and defend its supremacy than that hallowed chamber,” he said.

He restated the position of the council as having legal backing and statutory function over tenements and said that it should be allowed to discharge its responsibility without any form of harassment or intimidation.

The council boss said that it wished to appeal to relevant bodies especially the National Assembly to be guided by the provisions of the constitution on the issue and to allow the rule of law prevail.

Candido disclosed that previous judgements up to appeal court had expressly recognised and validated the legality and power of AMAC as the tier of government empowered constitutionally to collect the tenement rates within the area under the coverage of the council in Abuja.

He said, “As a responsive and responsible administration, we feel it is pertinent to address the issue in order to put matters straight “The power of AMAC to collect, demand and enforce compliance in respect to the payment of tenement rate under the coverage of the council is in accordance with section 7 and the fourth schedule of the Constitution.

Dickson Akoh, National Commandant, Peace Corps of Nigeria (left); Hadiza Buhari, Daughter of the President and President of Africa Support and Empowerment Initiative (AFRISEI)(MIDDLE), and Tosan Erabhor, President, Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN) during the signing of Memoradum of Understanding on Chibok Girls Endowment Fund between Africa Support and Empowement Initiative (AFRISEI) and Peace Corps of Nigeria in Abuja recently. PHOTO: SUNDAY OSUNRAYI.

MLSCN, peace corps offer free medicals for freed Chibok girls Jacob Segun OlatunjiAbuja PEACE Corps of Nigeria and the Medical Laboratory Science Council of Nigeria (MLSCN), under the leadership of Dr Tosan Erabhor, have pledged to conduct free Hepatitis, HIV, malaria and sugar level test on the recently freed Chibok girls.

This is apart from the

N3.5 million endowment planned by the Corps for the girls.

National Commandant of the Corps, Ambassador Dickson Akoh, said a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) had already been signed with the Africa Support and Empowerment Initiative with regard to the fund.

He stated that the dona-

tion was a paltry contribution by the officers of the Corps in the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory to the welfare and rehabilitation of the girls.

Akoh noted that the organisation was convinced that the Federal Government needed support to actualise the rehabilitation and integration of the girls

FCTA wades into alleged fresh take-over of community land by army Christian Okeke - Abuja THE Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has waded into the alleged take-over of Tungan Maje community land by the army.

Indigenes of the community had staged a protest over what they described as constant intimidation, harassment and extortion by men and officers of the army who they said illegally claimed title of the community land without valid title document from constituted authority.

They alleged that the

army disobeyed court orders issued against them from taking further action on the land.

Director in FCT permanent secretary’s office, Samuel Atang, however, confirmed that a constituted committee was already working on the issue quietly.

Speaking on behalf of the minister, he told leader of the protesters, Alhaji Jibrin Mamman, “we want to have heart-to-heart discussion to articulate the issue.

The issue is being considered.”

Earlier, Mamman said that the area in dispute was known as Zuba 11, Gwagwalada Area Council and was designed and allocated to various individuals, companies and government institutions such as customary and area courts for the purpose of administration of justice within the community.

He also said that the disputed land accommodated Federal Road Safety Commission, Zuba office, Zuba police station and federal College of Education, Zuba.

into the society.

“We are therefore of the view that the release of these girls should elicit the passion and humanitarian concern of all public spirited Nigerians and charitable organisation towards the welfare of these girls,” he said.

He said: “Our organisation, in partnership with the Africa Support and Empowerment Initiative (AFRISEI, has formed a formidable synergy with a view to setting up an endowment fund which will cater for the well-being of the released girls and it is our ardent belief that this endowment fund will greatly assist in restoring hope to these girls.”

In her remark, the president of AFRISEI, Hadiza Buhari Bello, noted that considering the present economic recession the country was passing through, it was necessary for government to be assisted in ensuring that funds were raised to champion the course of rehabilitating the released Chibok girls to a concluding success.

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Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

AD will take Ondo out of economic, political wilderness —Oke

We will obey court order on candidate —INEC

Hakeem Gbadamosi-Akure

THE governorship candidate of the Alliance for Democracy (AD) in the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State, Chief Olusola Oke, on Tuesday, said only AD can take the people of the state out of economic and political bondage which it has been subjected to.

Oke, who stated this on Tuesday, at Ajagba, in Irele Local Government Area of the state, during his campaign tour said: “As things are; only AD can redeem Ondo State. AD is the only hope of the people of the state and it is showing from the massive supports we have been receiving across the state.

Oke lamented the neglect of the area by the present administration, saying, the people of the area have been sidelined, deprived, neglected and starved, which compelled the people of the state to be yearning for change.

He, however, said the positive change the people have been yearning for can only be achieved through AD platform, assuring that the party would turn around the state within its first few years in office, if elected as governor of the state in the November 26 governorship election.

Oke, who bemoaned the hardship, neglect and abandonment which people suffered under the present ruling party in the state, said the electorate had the responsibility to produce the desired “real change,” by voting for AD which represented development.

Chairman, Board of Trustees, Patriot Bible University, USA (Nigeria Extension office), Dr Oladapo Timothy (second right), presenting an award to Bishop J.A. Ajetunmobi (left); his wife, Dorcas (second left) and Dr Akinwande Praise (right), during the 2016 International Conference of Patriot Bible University, USA, (Nigeria Extension office), held at RCCG, Glory House, Covenant Sanctuary, Region 21 Headquarters, Oluyole Estate, Ibadan, on Saturday. PHOTO: YEMI FUNSO-OKE

16,723 INEC officials to participate in Ondo poll —REC Hakeem Gbadamosi-Akure

T

HE State Resident Electoral Commissioner (REC), Segun Agbaje, on Tuesday, said about 16,723 personnel will participate in the forthcoming November 26 governorship election in the state.

Agbaje, who dropped the hints, also disclosed that the commission will publish the list of nominated candidates and the number of official voters in the state.

According to him, the electoral body is working in compliance with the relevant sections of the electoral acts, quoting section 34 of the 2010 Electoral

I won’t mislead INEC to take wrong decision —Sheriff Jacob Segun OlatunjiAbuja

THE factional National Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, on Tuesday, declared that he would not take sides in any conflict over the choice of candidate by the Independence National Electoral Commission (INEC), in any state of the federation, including Ondo State where governorship election is holding on November 26.

This was contained in a statement made available to newsmen in Abuja, on Tuesday,by Mallam Inuwa Bwala, the Special Adviser, Media, to Senator Sheriff.

According to Sheriff, “This is against widespread speculations linking him with controversies sur-

rounding the emergence of Eyitayo Jegede and Jimoh Ibrahim as candidates of the PDP for the Ondo elections, to the effect that he has been arms twisting the electoral body.”

“Sheriff wishes to state that, as a law abiding leader, he is bound by whoever INEC publishes as both candidates in contention are respectable members of the PDP, and he will treat their issues based on merits and in accordance with the law”, the statement stated.

He dismisses insinuations that he was behind several petitions against the INEC, stressing that he “has done his duty by submitting a name to INEC, and expects that the commission will act in accordance with its own mandate.”

Acts (as amended).

Agbaje explained that the electoral acts provide that INEC should publish the list of all nominated candidates by political parties not less than 30 days before the day of an election.

He said section 20 of the Electoral Act, 2010 (as amended) empowered the commission to publish the

official register of voters for an election not less than 30 days before the election.

The REC gave the breakdown of the 16,723 personnel who will participate in the election to include; one Returning Officer, 18 Local Government Collation Officers, 203 Registration Area Collation Officers, 301 Supervisory Presiding Of-

ficers, 3,010 Presiding Officers and 11,103 Assistant Presiding Officers (I, II and III) Others include 1,321 Assistant Presiding Officers, 621 Reserve Assistant Presiding Officers, 19 Local Government Area Supervisors and 126 Registration Area Cluster Supervisors.

Coalition tasks INEC to defend democracy

By Yejide GbengaOgundare

AHEAD of the release of the final list of candidates for the upcoming gubernatorial election in Ondo State, a pro-democracy group, Coalition in Defense of Nigerian Democracy and Constitution (CDNDC) has urged the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to follow the path of established principles of law and decisions of the Supreme Court, adding that the commission should apply the various judgments of the Supreme Court in determining the rightful candidates of the various political parties, where there seems to be contention, especially that of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The Coalition, in a statement signed by it conveners, Messrs Ariyo-Dare Atoye, Ilemona Onaja and Ojugo Onyeluka, on Tuesday, sated that from its investigation, the Supreme Court has settled the fact that only the national executive organ of a party can validly submit to INEC the names of the party’s candidates in a general election.

The group cited the judg-

ments of the Apex court in: “Emeka vs Okadigbo & Ors (2012) 18 NWLR (pt1331) 55; Emenike vs PDP (2012) 18 NWLR (pt 1315) 556; Oguebego vs PDP, where it was held that, “To the effect that the appropriate organ of a party empowered to conduct primaries and submit names of its candidates for the purposes of general election is the National Executive Committee,” the statement clarified.

CDNDC equally referred to a subsisting judgment of Justice Adeniyi Ademola of the Federal High Court in Okonkwo vs INEC, which asserted that: “It is settled law that

the state executive committee organ of a political party lacks power to nominate candidates for an election. It is only the primary election conducted by the national executive committee of a party that is valid to be submitted to INEC for the purpose of an election and no other arm.”

The group, however, observed that there is no contention before INEC as to who is the rightful leadership of the PDP, since various judgments of the Federal High Court have upheld the legitimacy of the Ahmed Makarfi led National Caretaker Committee (NEC).

THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) says it will obey court orders in determining governorship candidates submitted by political parties for the Ondo State governorship election.

Mr Oluwole Osazie-Uzzi, INEC`s Director of Voter Education and Publicity, stated this at the “CSOs Roundtable on Emerging Issues of November 26 Ondo State Governorship Election,“ held on Tuesday, in Abuja, the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

He said while political parties had already submitted the lists of their candidates for the election; the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presented two candidates.

Osazie-Uzzi said that although the commission was currently facing the challenge of conflicting different orders from competent courts of the same jurisdiction, INEC would base its decision on available court orders.

“It doesn’t matter whether a court order was right or wrong, as the commission has no power to question any of such order but to obey.

“Just like the leadership crisis in PDP, very often we are faced with conflicting orders.

“Court order A says do this, court order B says I restrain you from doing that.

“We are at a very dangerous position where litigants are being allowed to choose between what court order to obey and which to disregard, which is a very dangerous situation,’’ Osazie-Uzzi said.

He said that it would have been easier for INEC to make its decision on which order to obey if the courts involved were of different levels in terms of their hierarchy.

Ondo PDP sure of victory over APC —Party chieftain Bola Badmus-Lagos

AHEAD of the November 26 governorship election in Ondo State, a chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Chief Amos Olayinka, has assured that the party will secure victory by defeating the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC).

Olayinka gave the assurance on Tuesday, while speaking with newsmen in Lagos, saying this

would be so because the APC had exhausted its goodwill among the electorate.

According to him, the PDP will defeat APC hands down because the people of Ondo “won’t vote for the APC because there is much hunger in the land,” adding that Nigerians were not happy with the APC. Speaking on the current crisis concerning the real candidate of the PDP, the

businessman cum politician, said, “PDP will present a candidate because Jimoh Ibrahim and Eyitayo Jegede will soon agree among themselves who will be the party’s candidate.”

“I am 100 per cent sure PDP will win Ondo State with Jegede because he has the popularity needed to win an election of such magnitude even though Jimoh Ibrahim has a lot of money,” he said.

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south-westnews

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

Miyetti Allah’s threat: Fayose puts Ekiti people on alert Sam Nwaoko - Ado Ekiti

F

OLLOWING a threat by the Miyetti Allah Cattle Breeders Association (MACBAN) in reaction to the inauguration of grazing marshals by the Ekiti State government, the state governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has put the people of the state on red alert.

Governor Fayose was reacting to a threat issued by MACBAN in a statement on Saturday, in which the group called for the stoppage of the grazing marshals

and apology from Governor Fayose for the activities of the marshals.

MACBAN had also said in the statement, signed by Baba Othman Ngelzarma, that the Federal Government should intervene “before this macabre incident develops into unquenchable inferno involving our members and Ekiti State government.”

Fayose, who addressed newsmen in Ado Ekiti, on Tuesday, claimed that the lack of response to the alleged threat by the MACBAN against the peo-

ple of the state, meant that the cattle breeders had “tacit support of the Federal Government.”

Fayose decried the threat and said it was an open declaration of war against Ekiti people and that should anything happen at the border communities in the state, the Federal Government should be held responsible.

He put the people of the state, especially those in the border communities, on red alert in the event of attacks by herdsmen.

Fayose said: “From the words and antecedents

of the Miyatti Allah Cattle Breeders Association of Nigeria, it is clear that they have assurance beyond their personal minds from the Federal Government to kill Nigerians in place of their cows. If not, by now, the man who signed that press statement, threatening the entire people of Ekiti State, ought to have been arrested and questioned.

“Therefore, in view of the above, we wish to tell Nigerians and the entire world that in the event of any invasion of Ekiti State by killer herdsmen, the Federal Gov-

ernment should be held responsible.

“The herdsmen and those urging them on should also be informed that any attack on one Ekiti person is an attack on all Ekitis and we shall not sit back and allow our people to be killed under the guise of cattle rearing.

“In the event of Federal Government’s security agencies’ refusal to secure the lives and property of Ekiti people, the people will have no option than to defend themselves. Our forefathers did same in the famous Kiriji War and we won’t mind doing the same now!

“I am therefore using this opportunity to put Ekiti people, especially residents of border towns in the state on red alert. Ekiti people must be prepared to defend their land.”

Fayose said it was lam-

Nigerian Tribune

entable that four days “after this threat was issued against the government and people of Ekiti State by the Miyetti Allah, the Federal Government is yet to act in any manner that will disabuse the minds of Ekiti people, who believed that the Federal Government is in support of the threat.”

According to him, “up till today, no one has been arrested for the massacre in Agatu in Benue State and now, Ekiti State and its people are being threatened by this same Myetti Allah, and the Federal Government has pretended as if nothing was wrong.”

Fayose maintained that “for the avoidance of doubt, the Prohibition of Cattle and other Ruminants Grazing in Ekiti State Bill, 2016 that was signed into law on August 29, 2016 remains in force.”

... commends TETFund

am not within the Akure City. Hence, I hereby state that your letter of September 9, 2016 is of no effect on me. My suspension is therefore null and void and of no effect.”

EKITI State governor, Mr Ayodele Fayose, has commended the effectiveness and positive intervention of the Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFund) towards funding infrastructural growth, research and staff training of universities in Nigeria.

Governor Fayose, who gave the commendation while receiving the Executive Secretary of TETFund, Dr Abdullahi Bichi Baffa, at his official residence, said the various efforts of TETFund towards improving academic standard in Nigeria’s tertiary institutions had gone a long way to reengineer teachings and learning.

According to the press statement issued by the Chief Press Secretary to the

claimed that they didn’t want him to run for another term and instead elected another officer. He was not satisfied with the development and ended up joining a rival union group under the Tricycle Owners Association of Nigeria, (TOAN).

“This latest disagreement he had with his colleagues stemmed from the fact that he still wanted to be using NURTW base to operate.

They told him to go elsewhere and look for his own park. He was said to have stuck to his

gun and that caused the friction between them.”

Reacting to the development, the state Police Public Relations Officer, SP Adekunle Ajisebutu, disclosed that the Commissioner of Police, Samuel Adegbuyi, on Monday summoned a peace meeting between the two warring parties.

He said both parties were warned against breakdown of law and order, adding that they were made to sign an undertaking.

From left, Dr Babafemi Oredein, Mr Babafemi Oredein and other children of late Chief Samuel Taiwo Oredein, during the 30th remembrance of late Chief Oredein, held at the Christ Anglican Church, Ogere-Remo, Ogun State, on Saturday. PHOTO: D’ TOYIN.

Deji suspends traditional ruler in Ondo Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

A major supremacy battle is brewing between the traditional ruler of Akure kingdom, Oba Aladetoyinbo Aladelusi and the traditional head of Isinigbo community in Akure North Local Government Area of Ondo State, over the suspension of the Asinigbo of Isingbo, Oba Samuel Elewuju.

The Deji of Akure, Oba Aladelusi had, in a letter dated September 9, suspended the traditional ruler of Isinigbo from office.

Oba Aladelusi accused Oba Elewuju of dishonouring invitation of the committees set up to investigate the allegations preferred against him by the Ayetoro community.

The letter read “All these your actions have brought contempt and disrespect to His Imperial Majesty, Deji and Paramount Ruler of Akure Land.

“Consequently, you are hereby suspended and you are also stopped from parading yourself as the Olu of Isinigbo forthwith.

I am to add that this suspension is with immediate effect.

“A copy of this letter shall be sent to His Royal Majesty, Oba Oluwadare Agunbiade, the Oloba of Oba-Ile, who shall direct that your stipend be stopped forthwith.

“A copy of this letter shall also be sent to the chairman, Council of Olus, Akure North Local Government Area, to declare your seat vacant for your deviant attitude to the revered institution of the Deji of Akure Land,” Oba Aladetoyinbo stated in the letter.

However, Oba Elewuju, in his reply to Deji’s letter, stated that the Deji of Akure has no authority to suspend him as the traditional ruler of the community, saying that he was not under the authority of the Akure monarch.

The community head, in his reply written by Adeleye Rotimi on his behalf, said: “As you may know Sir, I am an Oba just as you are and under the supervision of the Akure North Local Government.

“My authority as an Oba is over Isinigbo and the people therein. I also have chiefs from different quar-

ters of Isinigbo who assist me in the smooth administration of the good people of Isinigbo.

“In view of the above, please note that I am not under your authority as I

Oyo NURTW boss denies abducting member

By Tunde Ogunesan

THE Chairman, National Union of Road Transport Workers (NURTW), Oyo State branch, Alhaji Taofeek Oyerinde, popularly known as Fele, on Tuesday, denied alleged abduction of a member of the union, Musbaudeen Adeyemi, who was a former chairman of a local branch of the Tricycle Riders Association of the state.

Alhaji Oyerinde, in a telephone interview with reporters said, the report linking him to the said abduction of Musbaudeen last weekend was untrue and intended to dent his image as the union leader.

According to him, “Musbaudeen was my boy in the union and for his past activities as a vibrant officer, I made him a chairman of Tricycle branch, and he served his four-year term without any hindrance.

“But his colleagues

Governor, Mr Idowu Adelusi, Dr Baffa and a delegation from TETFund were in Ekiti State to commission TETFund sponsored projects in Ekiti State University.

The Executive Secretary of TETFund was led to the governor’s residence by the Vice-Chancellor of Ekiti State University, Professor Samuel Oye Bandele.

Fayose said that he was more concerned by what happens at the primary and secondary schools.

He noted that infrastructure and intensity of teaching and learning at the primary and secondary school levels across the nation needed urgent attention, stressing that TETFund should show interest in what happens at the secondary levels.

The Executive Secretary, TETFund, Dr Baffa said he was happy to be in Ekiti State University to commission projects which marked the first institution he will be visiting to commission TETFund sponsored projects since he assumed office.

He said Ekiti State University is rated as one of the high performing universities in the country as the institution consistently access TETFund funds and use it judiciously.

Physician week: Ogun NMA offers free healthcare services Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta

OVER 250 residents of Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Tuesday, benefitted from the free medical outreach provided by the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA).

The gesture was part of the activities marking the 2016 Physician Week,

with the theme “Healthcare in a frail economy: Challenges and way forward” held at the Kuto Motor Park.

Speaking at the ceremony, the state chairman of the association, Dr Abayomi Olajide, emphasised the need for people to know their health status.

He said NMA consid-

ered it worthy to give back to the people by providing free medical check ups on residents during the weeklong programme.

Olajide lamented the nonchalant attitude of Nigerians on issues relating to their health, saying that the free health delivery was a social contract with the people of the state.

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Nigerian Tribune

AAUA ASUU threatens strike over appointment of deans, HODs

School authorities suspend 6 lecturers Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

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ARELY a week after the resumption of academic activities at the Adekunle Ajasin University, Akungba Akoko (AAUA), Ondo State, the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) in the school has threatened to embark on another strike over an alleged illegal appointment

of deans of faculties and heads of departments by the Vice Chancellor, Professor Igbekele Ajibefun.

The ASUU threat was contained in a statement issued and signed by the Chairman of the union in the school, Dr Sola Fayose, stating that selecting deans and HODs during the strike was not in accordance with the law and lacked due process.

Fayose described the action of the vice chancellor as unacceptable, noting that the continued employment of academic staff above 70 years of age contradicted the 2009 ASUU/ Federal Government Agreement as well as Ondo State Government Official Gazette.

He said in the statement, “the revulsion Professor Ajibefun has for rules and

regulations is deep-seated and almost unhealable, as he has also continued to employ academic staff that are over 70 years in total disregard to the 2009 ASUU/FGN agreement.”

The AAUA, however, called on Ajibefun to reverse his decision on the selection of the new officers by embracing due process in running the affairs of the university to prevent

From left, Oyo State Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Toye Arulogun; Amala Fiesta Brand Ambassador, Gboyega Latunji; Chairperson, Canteen Owners Association of Nigeria, Oyo State Chapter, Mrs Amudalat Lawal and the Vice President, Tourist Care Hospitality Association of Nigeria (TCHAN), Mr Areo Philip, at the public presentation of 2016 Amala Fiesta logo and brand ambassador, in Ibadan, on Tuesday.

Oyo to host Amala fiesta December, unveils logo, ambassador

By Tunde Ogunesan

OYO State government, on Tuesday, unveiled agenda to organise a three-day food festival tagged “Amala fiesta” also known as “Ajodun Oka”, which will hold from December 15 to 17 at the Trans Amusement Park, Bodija, Ibadan, from 9:00a.m. daily.

This was disclosed yesterday by the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Mr Toye Arulogun, while addressing newsmen at the state secretariat, Agodi, Ibadan.

Arulogun disclosed that the ministry is collaborating with Tourist Care Hospitality Association of Nigeria (TCHAN), Ministry of Local Government, Association of Local Government of Nigeria (ALGON) Oyo State Chapter and Canteen Owners Association of Nigeria.

He also unveiled the fiesta logo which he described as a “summation of our food heritage and culture” and Gboyega Olatunji as Amala Ambassador.

According to Arulogun, “Amala represents the homogenous nature of our people. It represents the culture of our people, health of our people and wealth of our people. Indeed, Amala

is the number one food brand of the Yoruba race to the extent that even the politics of the South-West was named “Amala Politics.”

“Amala fiesta, also known as “Ajodun Oka”, is not just a food and cultural tourism event but a celebration of the Yoruba food

culture and Oyo State’s foremost delicacy which has become a national pride with international presence and worldwide acceptance.

Arulogun further disclosed that the highlights of the fiesta are food competition, cultural displays, musical concerts, food,

edibles and agricultural exhibitions, comedy and raffle draw.

The commissioner further informed that the state ministry is open to more collaborators and seek partnership of more brands, “especially those in the food, edibles and beverages sector.”

Chieftaincy titles strictly for men of integrity —Owa Obokun

By Kehinde Adio

THE paramount ruler of Ijesaland, Oba Gabriel Adekunle Aromoloran, has declared that chieftaincy titles in Ijesaland are strictly meant for renowned men and women of integrity at home and in the Diaspora.

He gave the declaration at the installation of the new Asiwaju and Yeye Asiwaju of Ilesha land, Yinka Fasuyi and his wife, Bisi, held at the Owa Obokun Adimula palace, Ilesa, on Saturday.

According to him, for anybody to be accorded Asiwaju or Yeye Asiwaju in Ilesa land, he or she must be found worthy in character.

His word: “The conferment of Asiwaju of Ilesa

land on Yinka Fasuyi as well as Yeye Asiwaju on his wife, Dr Bisi Fasuyi, did not come on a platter of gold. A panel was constituted to do a thorough investigation.

“The approval of the report of the panel by the chiefs and other stakehold-

ers in the exercise informed my endorsement and recommendation. So, it was a unanimous decision by everyone involved.”

In response, Asiwaju Yinka Fasuyi expressed his appreciation and determination to serve his fatherland.

unnecessary industrial disputes.

The union said “Professor Igbekele Ajibefun is on the way to precipitating another round of instability in the institution based on his brazen violation of rules and regulations.

The AAUA, however, issues a seven-day ultimatum to the university’s vice chancellor, to reverse the alleged illegal appointment of deans of faculties and Heads of Department or face another industrial crisis in the school.

“We call on well-meaning Nigerians, particularly Ondo State indigenes, to prevail on the vice chancellor to allow good reasons to subsist as members of the union are ready to resume effective teaching immediately, not minding three months of their salary and eight months of deductions still outstanding,” the statement stated.

Meanwhile, the authorities of the institution have suspended the executive members of the institution’s branch of ASUU for demanding democratisation of academic headship positions in line with the university’s regulations.

Those suspended included the Chairperson, Dr Sola Fayose; the Immediate Past Chairperson, Dr Busuyi Mekusi; the Vice Chairperson, Dr Dorcas Alese and the Assistant Secretary, Dr Sola Olorunfemi.

Others are the Investment Secretary, Dr Adedayo Afe; Welfare Secretary, Dr Bolu Oshodi and a non exco member.

All attempts to speak with the Chairperson of ASUUAAUA, Dr Fayose, to react to the suspension were unsuccessful, but a top official of the university who was not authorised to speak on the issue confirmed the suspension.

Meanwhile, the authorities of the institution have explained the rationale behind the suspension of the six lecturers.

In a statement issued by the school authority and signed by the Head, Information, Protocol and Public Relations, Mr Sola Imoru, explained reason for the suspension of the six lecturers.

Imoru said the statement became imperative to clear the air over the misrepresentation of facts being peddled around over the issue.

Ogun workers’ strike: Ex-labour leaders intervene Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta

WORRIED by the ongoing industrial action embarked on by the organised labour unions in Ogun State, former labour leaders under the aegis of Labour Elders Forum, have commenced a process of mediation, to resolve the agitations of the workers.

Nigerian Tribune recalled that the labour unions under the umbrella of Joint National Public Negotiating Council had embarked on strike, which entered the fifth day today.

The forum, in a communiqué issued at the end of its meeting on Monday expressed unhappiness at the industrial dispute and appealed to both parties to embrace collective bargaining.

The communiqué was signed by 11 former labour

leaders including JNC, Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), Nigeria Union of Teachers, (NUT) and Trade Union Congress, (TUC).

They pleaded with the state governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, to grant them audience.

The communiqué read in part, “The meeting felt unhappy with the industrial dispute and earnestly appealed to both parties to embrace collective bargaining which is the recipe to industrial harmony.

“The meeting further resolved to meet with His Excellency with a view to start the process of mediation which is the process of resolving the dispute.

“The meeting hereby pleads with His Excellency to kindly grant the Elders Forum an audience with the view to starting final resolution of the impasse.”

Unity among Yoruba obas sacrosanct —Olubadan Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta

THE Olubadan of Ibadanland, Oba Saliu Adetunji, has emphasised the need for traditional rulers in Yoruba nation to unite, so as to foster peaceful coexistence and development.

He said this on Tuesday, during his thank-you visit to the Alake and paramount

ruler of Egbaland, Oba Adedotun Gbadebo, at the Ake Palace, Abeokuta.

The monarch was in company of high chiefs of Ibadanland, including Balogun of Ibadanland, Owolabi Olakulehin; Otun Balogun, Femi Olaifa; Asipa, Eddy Oyewole; Osi Balogun, Tajudeen Ajibola; Ekerin Balogun, Latif

Gbadamosi; Aare Alasa, Oloye Lekan Alabi, among others.

The Olubadan had also visited Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu; Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and the Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi.

He noted that the support accorded him by Oba Gbadebo, during his coronation as the

41st Olubadan was tremendous, submitting that all Yoruba Obas must promote the spirit of oneness at all times.

Responding, Oba Gbadebo called for more peaceful coexistence between the Egbas and Ibadan people, saying that the relationship between the Egbas and the Ibadan people dated back 13th century.

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016 32 news Enugu gov NYSC DG decries obsolete camp facilities solicits aids Anthony Ubong-Calabar

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IRECTOR-GENERAL of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brigadier-General Sule Kazaure, has called on the three tiers of government to join forces in order to upgrade orientation camp facilities in most parts of the country, which, he said, had become obsolete, dilapidated and grossly inadequate for the ever increasing corps population.

The NYSC DG who made the call in Calabar, Cross River State, on Tuesday, during the 2016 Batch ‘B’ pre-orientation workshop.

He underscored the need for the upgrade of camp facilities in order to provide a conducive environment for corps members.

“The NYSC Scheme started with less than 2,700 corps members in 1973 and is now mobilising over 300,000 corps members annually. Presently, the facilities in most orientation camps are obsolete,

dilapidated and grossly inadequate for the ever increasing corps population.

“The panacea for this challenge is for the three tiers of government to live up to their statutory roles in the operation of the scheme,” he said.

Kazaure, however, commended the Federal Government for funding the scheme, in spite of obvious financial constraints.

He also charged stakeholders and other private organisations to complement the efforts of the federal and state governments in supporting the scheme

through Public Private Partnership (PPP), to enhance all aspects of its operations, adding that this would provide a veritable platform for corps members to be exposed to the business world.

The NYSC DG, however, commended the Cross River State government for providing the scheme with enabling environment during the orientation course, winding-up or passingout of corps members and provision of drugs for the health initiative for the rural dwellers programme.

Also speaking, gover-

nor of Cross River State, Professor Ben Ayade, said he was pleased with the new orientation and curriculum of the NYSC which places emphasis on skills development and cultural assimilation, adding that it was in line with the policy thrust of his administration.

He however, expressed the hope that with these initiatives, unemployed youths would derive both direct and indirect employments, while skills would be acquired by them.

Ayade who was represented by his deputy, Pro-

fessor Ivara Esu said, “The enthusiastic response of corps members to national duties and collaboration with organisations is proof that our youths represent a virile vanguard for socioeconomic transformation and national orientation.”

“Let me therefore charge NYSC members with whom you will soon be interacting, to accord skills acquisition, priority attention throughout their service year as skills learnt during this period could become enablers for selfemployment upon completion of one year”

Niger loses $80m annually to illegal export of shea nuts —Gov Bello Collins Nnabuife-Abuja

NIGER State governor, Abubakar Bello, has said the state is losing over $80 million to illegal exportation of Shea butter through illegal export routes without any contribution to the government.

Speaking to newsmen on its economic diversification plans, Governor Bello said the state government was setting up machinery and guiding the farmers on ways to ensure that they added value to its resources.

“I understand we are losing up to $80 million worth of shea nuts due to illegal exports, and we are working very hard to address such concern so that we could grow the state economy and contribute to Federal Government’s economic diversification” the governor said.

According to him, “Right now we are setting up a machinery to do Shea butter properly, starting from the areas where it is being picked, hence, there must be a separation process and healthy packaging style.

“We have established three shea butter villages to improve their skills in terms of picking the shea nuts and processing them.

The process is ongoing and we will engage more willing investors to ensure a proper diversification plans,” he explained

From right, keynote speaker, Professor Usman Yusuf, President, Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Professor Mike Ozovehe Ogirima; chairman of the occasion/ Past Chairman of NMA FCT, Dr Felix Orbih and the Deputy Secretary, Head of Health Service Scheme, Mrs Alice Odey-achu, during the NMA FCT Physician Week in Abuja, on Tuesday. PHOTO: SUNDAY OSUNRAYI.

Amnesty programme: Stakeholders reject bill, says it’s defective JacobSegunOlatunji-Abuja

STAKEHOLDERS, on Tuesday, rejected the bill seeking to provide a legal and institutional framework for the implementation and management of the Presidential Amnesty Programme, saying it was defective and should be re-examined.

Leading the opposition to the bill, Delta State governor, Dr Ifeanyi Okowa, in his submission before

the House of Representatives Committee on Niger Delta Affairs on the “Presidential Programme on Rehabilitation and Reintegration ( Establishment and implementation) Bill, 2016,” said there was an urgent need to restructure the programme.

Also, all the communities in the region insisted on getting two per cent of the annual budget of the international oil com-

panies operating in their communities.

They also agitated for the use of security votes to support youths “who surrendered their arms but were not captured in the amnesty programme.”

According to Okowa, “one of the things that need to be urgently looked at is the structure of the programme, which, at the moment, is solely run by the Federal Government. This

JCI Ibadan inducts executives, awards scholarships

By Paul Omorogbe

JUNIOR Chamber International (JCI), Ibadan, in 2017, “adhere strictly to the five years strategic plan that was adopted at the 2016 Annual General Meeting which encompasses growth and retention of members, ensures strong administration and finance of the organisation, delivery of quality training of members and engaging in impactful projects or programmes.”

These are the words of Adelayo Abass, during her inaugural speech as the new president of JCI Ibadan, at the organisation’s 49th Convention and Investiture of the 40th President, held at Jogor Centre, Ibadan, during the weekend.

Abass, a quantity surveyor and JCI member since 2013, will serve the organisation for the next one year.

The event featured the presentation of scholarship

to five deserving students, under the David and Mariam Agbeja Scholarship Scheme. The outgoing 2016 JCI Ibadan board members were recognised and awarded; afterwards 2017 counterparts were sworn-in.

Outgoing JCI National president, Tunji Oyeyemi, who graced the event on his farewell visit to chapters in the country, commended the Ibadan chapter for executing the highest number of projects in Nigeria in 2016.

needs to change. The state governments in the region need to be engaged as partners with the Federal Government.”

Okowa, who was represented by Pascal Adigwe, decried a situation whereby those captured in the amnesty programme were sent to study courses that had no bearing on local needs.

On its part, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) in a presentation signed by its Group Managing Director, Maikanti Baru, said it would not support collection of gifts and donations as parts of the funding for the amnesty programme, to avoid conflict of interest.

“We recommend that loans, gifts and donations from individuals and private companies should be discouraged. Gifts of land from communities for field offices should also be permissible. Other gifts and grants should only come from national, bilateral and multilateral agencies and the three tiers of government,” the NNPC noted.

for victims of herdsmen attack

Jude Ossai-Enugu

GOVERNOR Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi, of Enugu State, on Tuesday, reiterated his regime’s commitment in protecting lives and property, saying that the recent bloody attacks on two communities by hoodlums would not occur again.

Ugwuanyi, who spoke at the occasion of the Enugu State, One Day Round Table Donor Conference, held at Nike Lake Resort Hotel, Enugu, recalled that on April 25 this year, the people of Ukpabi-Nimbo in Uzo Uwani Local Government of the state were viciously attacked by unknown persons.

The governor further recounted that many lives were lost, while property worth millions of naira were destroyed during the attack on Nimbo community, adding that such attack also occurred in Attakwu, in Nkanu West Local Government Area of the state.

He, however, assured that they have taken strong measures, including the recent constitution of a State Security Committee toprevent future incidents.

Ugwuanyi, who was represented by his deputy, Cecilia Ezeilo, stressed the need to support victims of the attacks to enable the them get back to their normal life.

Burial THE final burial ceremony of the Oba Odo of Ido-Ani and Imore of Isewa Ondo State, High Chief Alexander Arubanusi Abe, comes up at the weekend.

Chief Abe was until his death, the Otun Baba Ijo of the Cathedral Church of the The Holy Trinity, IdoAni traders’ association.

A statement by Most Senior Apostle Henry Dagunduro on behalf of the family, said the Idogun traditional ceremony will hold on Friday, while thanksgiving service holds on Saturday, at the Cathedral Church of the Holy Trinity, Ido-Ani, at 12 noon.

Reception follows at the Holy Trinity Primary School field, Ido-Ani, Ondo State.

Chief Alex

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Judiciary determined to eradicate corruption in its fold —FCT Chief Judge Warns judges against stringent bail conditions Saliu Gbadamosi-Abuja

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HE Chief Judge of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Justice Ishaq Usman Bello, has declared that the judiciary in the country is determined to eradicate corruption within its fold, even as he warned judges against giving unrealistic

bail conditions, especially in high profile cases.

The Chief Judge made the declaration in Abuja, on Tuesday, on the occasion of the commencement of the 2016/2017 legal year, noting, however, that the eradication should be done within legal limits and procedure.

According to Justice Bello, these were trying times

for the judiciary in Nigeria, saying that even in the face of challenges, the judiciary in the FCT was a conglomeration of dedicated judicial minds, full of resources who could best be described as hardworking, honest and impeccable.

“These are indeed trying times for the judiciary of this country. I am bold to

say that the judiciary is determined to eradicate corruption within its fold and seeks the support of relevant agencies.

“However, this should be within legal limits and in line with laid down rules and procedure,” the chief judge stated.

He noted that the court in the Territory was ready and

Court fixes Dec 12 to hear Tompolo’s suit against FG AyomideOwonibiOdekanyinLagos

JUSTICE Mojisola Olatoregun of a Federal High Court in Lagos, on Tuesday, fixed December 12, 2016 to decide whether or not to transfer a suit filed by wanted Niger Delta ex-militant leader, Government Ekpemupolo, alias Tompolo, against the Federal Government to the Court of Appeal.

Tompolo, who is wanted by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission for an alleged N49.5 billion fraud, sued the Federal Government through his lawyer, Mr Ebun-Olu Adegboruwa.

Tompolo is seeking an order restraining the Federal Government and its agencies from further proceeding with the N45.9 billion fraud charges filed against him.

The defendants in the suit are the Federal Government of Nigeria, the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, the InspectorGeneral of Police, the Chief of Army Staff, the Chief of Naval Staff and the Chief of Air Staff.

Adegboruwa claimed that sections 221 and 306 of the Administration of Criminal Justice Act, 2015, which pro-

hibited his client from seeking a stay of proceedings in his trial before Justice Ibrahim Buba, were infringing on his constitutional rights to fair hearing.

He is urging the court to nullify sections 221 and 306 of the ACJA and restrain the Federal Government and its agencies from deploying those sections of the law against Tompolo.

But the Federal Government, through the Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami , had described Tompolo’s suit as an abuse of court processes and urged the court to dismiss it.

The AGF told Justice Olatoregun that a warrant had been issued for Tompolo’s arrest after he repeatedly spurned summons by the court to appear and answer the criminal charges filed against him.

“He failed and bluntly refused to present himself in court, thus leaving the court with no other option but to take measures at compelling him to appear,” the AGF said in an affidavit.

Malami maintained that sections 221 and 306 of the ACJA did not infringe on Tompolo’s rights to fair

Court remands Benue LG sole administrator, two others in prison JohnsonBabajide-Makurdi

LOCAL government sole administrator in Benue State, Honourable David Yiman and two others were on Tuesday, remanded in prison for an alleged murder of a university lecturer.

The Chief Magistrates’ Court 1, sitting in Makurdi, the Benue State capital, on Tuesday, remanded in prison the newly inaugurated sole administrator of Buruku Local Government Area, Honourable David Yiman, Kosuvenyi Kungwa and Emmanuel Nyajo over murder.

According to the First Information Report (FIR) obtained from the court, the suspects were arrested in connection with the murder of a 50-yearold Honourable Aondosoo Wilfred Tondo.

The deceased, Tondo, according to FIR, was a lec-

turer at the Department of Political Science, University of Mkar a faith-based private university in Gboko area of Benue State.

According to the FIR, “during police investigation, Kosuvenyi Kungwa, Emmanuel Nyajo and Honourable David Yiman all males, were arrested for conspiring with many others now at large to commit the crimes.”

At the mention of the case on Tuesday, no plea was taken for want of jurisdiction. However, the police prosecuting officer, Hyacenth Mbakwor, told the court that investigation was still ongoing and asked for another date.

In his ruling, Chief Magistrate Isaac Ajim ordered that the accused be remanded at the Federal Minimum Prison, Makurdi, and adjourned the case till January, 23, 2017 for further hearing.

hearing.

The sections, he said, were made to ensure speedy and efficient justice delivery and prevent malicious delays and stalling of criminal cases by parties employing frivolous and time-wasting tactics to impede the course of justice.

Adegboruwa, however, filed an application, urging Justice Olatoregun to send the case to the Court of Appeal for determination.

But the EFCC and the AGF had urged Justice Olatoregun not to transfer the case to the Court of Appeal but to dismiss it.

willing to provide the needed platform for dealing with competing interests when they clash, to also provide guidance on due process and fundamentally, ensuring the protection of rights and individual freedoms.

He called on judges to at all times in the handling of cases “continue as you have done to give a fair consideration to the viewpoints of all parties for this is the fulcrum of our legal system.”

Commenting on the relationship between the Bar and the Bench in the FCT, Justice Bello noted that there was a genre of relationship existing between the two, which he said, did not occur in any other professions.

Meanwhile, in a bid to decongest prisons in the Ter-

ritory, the chief judge urged judges to be liberal in granting bail, warning the judges, particularly those handling cases brought before them by anti-corruption agencies like the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practice and Other Related Offences Commission (ICPC), against giving stringent bail conditions.

He, however, called for a balance in the relationship by mutual respect for each other and dedication to duty, saying that, “the lawyer must see himself as an acolyte in the holy temple of justice, serving in the court with the judge seated as the priest. Neither can carry out his assigned role alone no matter how schooled, no matter how learned.”

Court refuses to bar journalists covering FG’s suit against Total E&P AyomideOwonibiOdekanyinLagos

A Federal High Court in Lagos, on Tuesday, ruled on an application seeking to bar journalists from covering and reporting the proceedings in a suit filed by the Federal Government against multinational oil company, Total E&P Nigeria Plc. The Federal Government had sued Total E&P Nigeria Plc, alleging that the oil company under-

declared the volume of crude oil it shipped out of the country between January 2011 and December 2014.

The Government also accused the oil company of short-changing it to the tune of $245,258,640, by allegedly shipping several barrels of crude oil out of the country without making due remittance to the government.

Counsel to Total, Mr Babatunde Fagbohunlu, had

Nominee for NERC chairmanship absent at Senate screening Taiwo Adisa -Abuja

A nominee of President Muhammadu Buhari for the chairmanship of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), Professor Akintunde Akinwande, was, on Tuesday, absent at the Senate screening.

Consequence upon this, the Senate Committee on Power, headed by Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, suspended until further notice, screening of board members.

The nominee was also said to have been absent at the screening by the Department of State Services (DSS), which attached its report to the Curriculum Vitae of the nominees.

From all indications, it appears the nominee had turned down the appointment.

Though the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang, tried to persuade the committee to screen other

nominees, his pleas were turned down by Abaribe, who insisted that since the man who turned down the appointment happened to be the chairman-designate, the screening would be put off sine die.

A source in the committee, however, confirmed that Professor Akinwande might have turned down the nomination “because he is doing a project at the United States (US)-based Massachusetts Institute of Technology (MIT), Speaking with newsmen, Abaribe said the screening could not go ahead because of the absence of the chairman-designate.

Others nominated into the NERC board alongside Professor Akinwande were Sanusi Garuba (vice chairman), Nathan R. Shatti (commissioner), Dr Moses Arigu (commissioner), Dafe C. Akpeneye (commissioner), Professor Frank Okafor (commissioner) and Musiliu O. Oseni (commissioner).

filed an application, urging the court to bar journalists from covering and reporting the proceedings.

He had argued that the media reports made it appear as if his client had already been found guilty of the allegations levelled by the Federal Government.

Fagbohunlu said the media reports were pre-judging the case.

In her ruling, Justice Mojisola Olatoregun dismissed the application,

stating that she could not bar journalists from performing their duty in court.

She reminded the counsel that the court was a public place which was open to journalists She, however, warned journalists to always report accurately.

Similarly, Justice Olatoregun also granted an application by the Federal Government to amend its pleadings in the case.

34

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

FG to commence local production of vaccines for children, exports

Ademola Adegbite- Abuja HE Federal Government, on Tuesday, said it would soon commence the production of local vaccines on various diseases crippling Nigerian toddlers as well as exporting them to other countries.

Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu, who stated this while playing host to the Nigeria Immunisation Financing Task Force Team led by Dr. Ben Anyiene, promised that the proposed local vaccines would be available by 2017.

Apparently acceding to the request of Dr Anyiene that production of local vaccines

T

would enhance Nigeria foreign earnings and save about $215 million if the Federal Government commenced the production in 2016, the minister assured that the government would put up the policy framework and business plan for the local production for the children this year.

He stressed the determination of the government to commence the local production on small pox vaccine, yellow fever and many others, saying local production of small pox vaccine began in Nigeria in 1947, followed by fellow fever before it was shutdown in 1991.

Dr Onu said the Federal Government later for-

We’ll protect Nigerian children against violence —Buhari Adetola Bademosi-Abuja AGAINST the backdrop of the increasing menace of violence against children, President Muhammadu Buhari has reiterated his administration’s commitment to ensuring that every child in the country is protected.

He gave the reassurance at the launch of the End Violence Against Children by 2030 national Sustainable Development Goals ( SDGs) campaign at the State House, in Abuja on Monday.

The President, who was represented by the Secretary General of the Federation(SGF), Mr Babachir Lawal, said with the Sustainable Development Goals’ call on every nation to end violence against children by 2030,”Nigeria has a global obligation to sustain it resolve.”

According to him, the SDGs would not be achieved without effectively ending the scourge of violence against children.

While expressing the Federal Government’s commitment to being a pathfinder country for the new global partnership to EndVAC, he called for a concrete National plan of action and strategy to achieve the goal in 2030.

He noted that the launch of Year of Action to End Violence Against Children, which started in 2015, had since gathered momentum.

To this end, he stressed that:”the initiative must be sustained because we have clear moral, legal and economic imperatives to end the suffering of children who live under the shadow of violence.

“Nigeria is also proud to be a world leader on this issue being the first country in the region and the eighth in the world to publish a national survey on Violence Against Children.”

Earlier, the Minister of Women Affairs and Social Development, Senator Aisha Alhassan commended efforts of all Ministries, Departments Agencies MDAs and development partners on their roles

in the campaign to end the menace in the country.

She urged them to ensure that “these priority actions are not empty commitments, as we cannot afford to fail our children.

World Polio Day: No case recorded in Ondo in 7 yrs —Mimiko HakeemGbadamosiandVictor Ogunyinka ONDO State governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko, on Tuesday, said no case of polio was recorded in the state in the last seven years, just as he expressed government’s determination to partner relevant agencies in order to sustain the Polio-Free status of the state.

The governor spoke at the palace of the traditional ruler of Akure Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ogunlade Aladetoyinbo, at the event marking this year’s World Polio Day, organised by the Rotary Club International.

Mimiko said everything would be done to keep polio abate in the state, noting that Ondo State had not recorded any case of polio in the last seven years.

Mimiko, who was represented by the Commissioner for Health, Dr Dayo Adeyanju, called on mothers to always take advantage of the Ondo Routine Immunisation Reaching Every Ward (ORIREWA), saying it would go a long way in making their children healthy and useful in life.

Earlier, the traditional ruler of Akure Kingdom, His Royal Majesty, Oba Ogunlade Aldetoyinbo, had lauded the present Mimiko-led government for its giant strides, particularly in the area of health.

He, however, expressed his readiness to admonish his people on the need to immunise their children when necessary.

malised its partnership with foreign countries in 2007, adding that they had never produced since then.

According to him, “Nigeria had been making headway in the production of local vaccines before, and I want to assure Nigerians that

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ilufoye Oyetayo Mercy now MRS. ASOJO OYETAYO MERCY. All former documents remain valid. Osun State University and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Mr. Shittu Rasheed Abonde now MR. SHITTU RASHEED OLATUNDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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the Ministry of Science and Technology will still lead in its production. By 2017, local vaccines will be available to every Nigeria. We believe our country will still become greater when our citizens are healthy.

“Today, we are struggling

to be self-sufficient in rice production, and very soon, we will be self-sufficient.

There was a time we exported rice and I believe we can still do that. We produced and exported vaccines in the past. We need to go back to those things that helped us.

We don’t want to continually remain a poor nation, so we should be able to give grant to other countries.

“Nigeria does not have any other option than to embark on a very serious job in production of vaccines locally,” he declared.

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CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Ige Olamide Titilayo now MRS AKANDE OLAMIDE TITILAYO. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly Miss Ariyo Esther Modupeoluwa now MRS FRANCIS ESTHER MODUPEOLUWA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC, GTBank, First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Bayo-Ajagbe Olusola Falilat now MRS FEYISITAN OLUSOLA FALILAT. All former documents remain valid.

Banks and general public take note.

I, Oguntoyinbo Mary Oluremi am the same person as Adeniran Oluremi.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OGUNTOYINBO MARY OLUREMI. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

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CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Dio Idowu Felicia now ADENIRAN IDOWU FELICIA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Oyelade Oluwatoyin now MRS WAHABBALOGUN OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid.

Emmanuel Alayande College of Education, Embassy and general public take note.

I, Mrs Ayedatiwa Motilewa Esther am the same person bearing Akinyomi Motilewa Esther. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MRS AYEDATIWA MOTILEWA ESTHER and my correct date of birth is 13/04/1973. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Abdullahi Hussiena Kehinde am the same person as Abdullahi Hussena.

Henceforth I want to be known and addressed as ABDULLAHI HUSSIENA KEHINDE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Shodeinde, Sarah Oluwapelumi Moradeyo now MRS S-AJIBADE, SARAH OLUWAPELUMI MORADEYO. All former documents remain valid. Olabisi Onabanjo University, NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Falodun Olajide Femi now FALODUN OLAJIDE OLATUNJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Owolabi Sijuwade Oyebola now MRS BUREMOH SIJUWADE OYEBOLA CHRISTIANAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adegoke Yewande Deborah now MRS OGUNDARE YEWANDE DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ajomolaye Asake Kudirat now MRS GIWA ASAKE KUDIRAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Abass Ashiata now TAOFIK ASHIATA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Salami Tawakalit Abimbola now MRS ABDULAZEEZ TAWAKALIT ABIMBOLA. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly Ogunyinka Florence Adenike now MRS OGUNYINKA FATIMOH ADENIKE. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Olayinka Seun Caroline now MRS ADEBAYO SEUN CAROLINE. All former documents remain valid.

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CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mr Lawal Moruff Ayo now MR LAWAL MORUFU KAYODE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Odunmorayo Anuoluwapo Tosin now MRS ADENIHUN ANUOLUWAPO MARIAM. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Sulaiman Nurat Oluwakemi now MRS OLORUNFUNMILOLA PRISCILLA OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid. Ogun State Teaching Service Commission, Abeokuta and general public take note.

I, formerly Ojo Olubunmi Elizabeth now AYANDOKUN OLUBUNMI ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Abass Taoheed Akorede that my name was wrongly written as Abass Taoheed Akanni. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as ABASS TAOHEED AKOREDE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Adigun Akani now ADIGUN ABIMBOLA. All former documents remain valid. Diamond bank plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Fayehun Tosin now MRS ADEBAYO TOSIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Orogun Olamide now AROKOYU OLAMIDE SEGUN. All former documents remain valid . First Bank Plc., and general public note.

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I, formerly Miss Amusan Funmilayo Cecilia now MRS. OJO FUNMILAYO CECILIA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and General public take note.

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Esomojumi Emmanuel Olukunle, am the same person as Esomojumi Emmanuel. Henceforth I want to be known and addressed as ESOMOJUMI EMMANUEL OLUKUNLE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Abdullahi Hassana Taiwo am the same person as Abdullahi Hassana.

Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as ABDULLAHI HASSANA TAIWO. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Adebiyi Titilayo Zainab now MRS. OWOLABI TITILAYO ZAINAB. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Abioye Foluso now MRS. OLADOSU FOLUSO JANET. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC, OAU Ile-Ife and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Sodiq Aminat now MRS. MURITALA AMINAT. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly Miss Ganiyu Fatima Opeyemi now MRS. ADEJUMO FATIMA OPEYEMI G. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly Miss Bolarinwa Bolaji Naimot now MRS. MUSTAPHA BOLAJI NAIMOT. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly Miss Aiyenuro Rebecca Temitope now MRS. DANIEL REBECCA TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

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I, formerly Monilola Sekinat Ajani now MONINUOLA SEKINAT ASAKEADE OLADIGBOLU. All former documents remain valid. The Nigerian Immigration Services and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adebayo Josephine Omolola now MRS AWOYEMI JOSEPHINE OMOLOLA. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly Junaid Maryam Tunrayo now RAHEEM MARYAM TUNRAYO. All former documents remain valid. Nigerian Breweries, Alalubosa and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adetomi Adekemi Deborah now MRS ELUFOWOJU ADEKEMI DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid.

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Adewusi Christanah Solomon now ADEWUSI SOLOMON. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Abdulrauf Kafayat Omolara now MRS IBRAHEEM KAFAYAT OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Bello Anazuo Halimat and Bello Abubakar Halimat belong to one and same person, now wish to be known, called and addressed as Bello Abubakar Halimat. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Omoloso Monsurat now MRS FASASI MONSURAT. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

35 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Manasseh Raymond Zephnniah now PAUL ZAPHANIAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016 CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

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I, formerly Miss Adedokun Mariam Adefunke now MRS. MARIAM ADEFUNKE ADED OKUN-HAMMED. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Olagoke Sunday Abraham am the same person bearing Olagoke Abraham Olaoluwapo. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OLAGOKE SUNDAY ABRAHAM. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Afolabi Yahaya now VICTOR AFOLABI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Salami Sakariyawu Kola now SALAMI SAKARIYAWU TOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Folarin Muslimat Olaitan now MRS. ABDULAHI-FOLARIN MUSLIMAT OLAITAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Bamgbose Aderonke Oluwafunmilayo now MRS. ADERONKE REBECCA O L U WA F U N M I L A Y O ADEBAYO. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly Monisola Oladipo now MONISOLA OGUNTOLA. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly Miss Ajani Elizabeth Oluwatosin now MRS. OLADEJI ELIZABETH OLUWATOSIN. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly Mrs Olaniyi Jumoke Sofiat now MS. YUSUFF JUMOKE SOFIAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olorunnishola Funmilayo Rebecca now MRS. KASHOMO FUNMILAYO REBECCA. All former documents remain valid.

TASUED, NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oyewo Abisola Tolulope now MRS. BENEDICT ABISOLA TOLULOPE. All former documents remain valid.

TASUED, NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adeboye Oluwatoyin Janet now MRS. AKERELE OLUWATOYIN JANET. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adeleke Adebunmi Oluwawunmi now MRS ADIOATANDA ADEBUNMI OLUWAWUNMI. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly Miss Fakayode Tawakalitu Romoke now MRS OLAYIWOLA TAWAKALITU ROMOKE. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly Miss Adams Olusayo Rosemary now MRS. OLOGUNDUDU OLUSAYO ROSEMARY. All former documents remain valid.

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I, Mr. Ojedokun Babajide am the same person as Mr. Ojedokun Lateef Babajide. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MR. OJEDOKUN LATEEF BABAJIDE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Mr. Mustapha Mukaila Kolawole now MR. ADESINA MUSTAPHA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Aolat Lamidi now MRS. SERIFAT BALIKIS OLANREWAJU. My correct date of birth is 19/05/72. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Odeyemi Olalekan Ayodeji now AWOSEJO PELUMI JOSEPH. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, GTBank and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Bello Fatimah Omolara now MRS. OJEWALE FATIMAH OMOLARA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Mr. Tofade Olayeni Samuel now MR. TOFADE EMMANUEL OLAYENI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Fadipe Omolola Felicia now MRS AKINYEMI OMOLOLA FELICIA..

All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly Adikaibe Modesta Chisom now NWOKEDI MODESTA CHISOM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Ehiagwina Omoye Queen now MRS IBRAHIM QUEEN OMOYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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I, formerly Adegoke Adeyinka now MRS OLA ADEYINKA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Tijani Olansile Waliu now TIJANI AFOLABI WALIU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Amadi Alex Onyedikachukwu now NWAMADI ALEXANDER ONYEDIKACHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Gbadamosi Solomon formerly known and addressed as Gbadamosi Saka now wish to be known as GBADAMOSI SOLOMON. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

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I, formerly Jerry Ese John now OGIRIBO MOSES. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc, general public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Ayangbade Sefiat Omolade now MRS. ADEYEMI OMOLADE SOFIAT. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly Miss Adegboye Serifat Ajoke now MRS. SERIFAT AJOKE ADEGBOYEABDULAKEEM. All former documents remain valid.

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I, Olusanya Adebiyi am the same person bearing Joseph Olusanya Adebiyi Ogunleye. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OLUSANYA ADEBIYI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

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CORRECTION OF NAME

I, formerly Mrs Adegoke Afolake Atinuke now MRS. ADEGOKE ABISOLA. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

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CORRECTION OF NAME / DATE OF BIRTH

I hereby declared that my full name are Agada Blessing Pat and not Agada Blessing Ladi. Now, I wish to be known as AGADA BLESSING PAT and my correct date of birth is 28th February, 1997. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

General public take note.

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Olayiwola Mariam Temitope now OLANREWAJU TEMITOPE MARIAM. All former documents remain valid.

GTBank Plc., and general public take note.

I, Omolara Oduola Anuoluwapo am the same person bearing Omolara Shoyombo Anuoluwapo.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OMOLARA SHOYOMBO ANUOLUWAPO. All documents bearing these names remain valid. GTBank, Skye Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Runsewe Oyindamola Omawumi now MRS. AKINTOMIDE OMAWUMI OYINDAMOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Adeagbo Modinat now OKEREOLA MODINAT AMOKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ojo Abiola Olabisi now MRS. OLAJIDE ABIOLA OLABISI. All former documents remain valid.

SUBEB, Oyo State, First Bank of Nigeria Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Mr. Kolawole Oludele James now MR. KOLAWOLE BAMIDELE JAMES. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Obadimeji Nifemi Wellington now PAMILERIN NIFEMI BABAJIDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Akande Kudirat Romoke now USMAN KUDIRAT ROMOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Gbolajoko Akeem Abidemi now OGUNDEJI BINTU ABIDEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Ishola Amidu Akanji am the same person bearing Ishola Amidu Adesola. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ISHOLA AMIDU AKANJI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Fasasi Suliat Opeyemi now OJEKUNLE SULIAT OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Aliyu Balikis Asabe now MRS MOHAMMED BALIKIS ASABE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Famoriyele Oluwafisayo Bolade now MRS. MAKINDE OLUWAFISAYO BOLADE. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Olayiwola Khasiah Dasola now BAKARE KHASIAH DASOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Oremule Adenike Adijat am the same person bearing Oremule Adenike Ana. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as OREMULE ADENIKE ANA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Julius Oluwatosin Deborah now MRS. OLADIPO OLUWATOSIN DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oparah Georgina Onyinyechi now MRS. IMAFIDON GEORGINA ONYINYECHI. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oyetola Folasade Christiana now MRS. OLUWALADE FOLASADE CHRISTIANA. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olayinka Grace Abidemi now MRS. PHILIP GRACE ABIDEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Silifa Akim and Karumo Silifat O. now AKEEM SILIFAT OYEMOOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Mrs Zainab Abisola Raheem, formerly Miss Zainab Abisola Oyelade now MRS ZAINAB ABISOLA RAHEEM. All documents bearing my former name remain valid. General public take note and to whom it may concern.

I, formerly Miss Bakre Aminat Taiwo now MRS. MUNIRU AMINAT TAIWO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Orolu Sesan Philip am the same person bearing Orolu Sesan Ransome. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OROLU SESAN PHILIP All documents bearing these names remain valid.

First Bank of Nigeria Plc., and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Aguda Oluwakemi now MRS. OYELAYO OLUWAKEMI CAROLINE. All former documents remain valid. Eco Bank Plc., and general public take note.

I, Oyegwe Isaac Oluwaseun that my name was mistakenly written as Oyegwe Isaac Patrick. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as OYEGWE ISAAC OLUWASEUN. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oladeji Olanike Eunice now MRS ALADEYELU ADENIKE EUNICE. All former documents remain valid.

Elizade University and general public take note.

I, formerly Oni Mary Abiola now AGBADAOLA MARY ABIOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, hereby declared that my correct names are Salawu Saheed Dada not Salau Shola now wish to be known as SALAWU SAHEED DADA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Ejembi Mary Susan now UJA MARY SUSAN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Onamakinde Olajumoke now MRS. SALAWU BABATUNDE OLAJUMOKE. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adebowale Olawumi Esther now MRS AKINTOLA OLAWUMI ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Akinwumi Aminat Damilola now MRS. OLAGUNJU AMINAT DAMILOLA. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oguntade Folashade Oluwatoyin now MRS. IYIOLA FOLASHADE OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Alege Bashirat Olajumoke now MRS. BASHIRAT ALEGE KASALI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ijeoma Uzobueze now MRS IJEOMA LORITTA OKOLI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Emalumhe Thompson Adamson that my name was wrongly written as Thompson Adamson. Henceforth, I want to be known and addressed as EMALUMHE THOMPSON ADAMSON. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ige Ifeoluwa Deborah now MRS. OJO IFEOLUWA DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Olawunmi Nike Ojugbele now OLAWUNMI NIKE AKANO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Taiwo Oluwakemi Mojisola now MRS ADENUBI OLUWAKEMI MOJISOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Samuel Christiana Kanyinsola now SAMUEL CHRISTIANA OLAIDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Zakariya Toyeebat Kehinde now MRS TOYEEBAT KEHINDE DHIKRULLAHI (NEE ZAKARIYA). All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Aderoju Oyebimpe Tejumola now AGORO OYEBIMPE TEJUMOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Bashir Bidemi Zainab now MRS. OLA BIDEMI ZAINAB. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Akande Aramide Ibiladun now MRS. ADEGBENRO ARAMIDE IBILADUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ifedayo Morolayo Adegboyega now MRS. IFEDAYO MOROLAYO AJAYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Isiaka Aliru Ishola now ABUBAKAR NURUDEEN OJO. All former documents remain valid.

GTBank Plc., and general public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I, Olaore Zaccheaus Ojo my name was wrongly written as Olaore Zaccheaus O. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OLAORE ZACCHEAUS OJO. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc., and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adeniran Tekiyat Abiola now MRS. ADEBISI TEKIYAT ABIOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

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I, formerly Miss Onifade Adeola Mariam now MRS YEKINI ADEOLA MARIAM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

36 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Matanmi Oluwaseun Opeyemi now MRS AWOYERA OLUWASEUN OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. OAUTHC, Ile-Ife and general public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Owa Opeyemi Olubukola now MRS ALUKO OPEYEMI OLUBUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ndeokwelu Odinakachi now ODINAKACHI CHIBUZO ONYEMARA. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank and general public take note.

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Wednesday, 26 October, 2016 CHANGE OF NAME

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I, formerly Oderinde Rebecca Oluwapelumi now NWANKWO REBECCA OLUWAPELUMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adenola Shogbade now LATEEF SHOGBADE. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly Miss Ilesanmi Adenike Olubunmi now MRS AKERELE ADENIKE DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Mr Kabir Nasirudeen Olatunji now MR LAWAL NASIRUDEEN OLATUNJI. All former documents remain valid.

UBA and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Sunday Linus Iweka Ogidi now OGIDI LINUS. All former documents remain valid.

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CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Helen Folashade Irewole now HELEN FOLASHADE OLOWO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Onyeakolam Joy Kelechi now MRS NKWOR JOY KELECHI. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly Miss Essien Tolulope Idongesit now MRS OLABIRAN TOLULOPE IDONGESIT. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly Miss Adegunleye Mercy Toyin now MRS AFOLABI MERCY TOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ilori Oluwatoyin Deborah now MRS BUSARI OLUWATOYIN DEBORAH. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Muritala Kafayat Sade now MRS BASIRU KAFAYAT SADE. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oyewole Sakirat Folasade now MRS AJAO SHAKIRAT FOLASHADE. All former documents remain valid.

LAUTECH, Ogbomoso, GTBank, NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ajewole Aderemi Itunnu now MRS ARIORI ADEREMI ITUNNU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Sanni Oluwakemi Lateefat now OLOWOYEYE OLUWAKEMI LATEEFAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Safiu Lamidi Yidiat Adefunmike now MRS OJUOLAPE DEBORAH FUNKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Waidi Asani am the same person bearing Hassan Waheed. Now, I wish to be known as HASSAN WAHEED OWOMARAYA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

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I, formerly Miss Folarin Suliat Kikelomo Princess now MRS BELLO SULIAT KIKELOMO PRINCESS. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Mrs Fasinu Temitope Esther now MISS FAYOMI TEMITOPE ESTHER. All former documents remain valid.

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Aminat Adeyemo Dasola am the same person bearing Muniru Aminat Dasola. Now, I wish to be known as MUNIRU AMINAT DASOLA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Akinsola Segun am the same person bearing Akinsola Solomon Olusegun. Now, I wish to be known as AKINSOLA SOLOMON OLUSEGUN. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Windare Florence Idowu now MRS SHITTU FLORENCE IDOWU. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly Miss Adeleke Florence Mayowa now MRS ADEPOJU FLORENCE MAYOWA. All former documents remain valid.

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Abiodun Olamide Faith am the same person as Abiodun Olamide Oreoluwa. Now, I wish to be known as ABIODUN OLAMIDE FAITH. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

Diamond Bank and general public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME I, Azeez Taiye Rasheedi am the same person bearing Azeez Rashidi Taiye, Azeez Pasheede Taiye. Henceforth, I wish to be known as AZEEZ TAIYE RASHEEDI. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

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I, formerly Yisau Kehinde Wasiri now ADELEKE KEHINDE ADEWALE. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank, Zenith Bank, Yale Food Limited and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Kehinde Salawu now MRS KEHINDE RASHEED All former documents remain valid.

Skye Bank, Wema Bank, and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olayemi Irepita Ojokolo now MRS OLAYEMI IREPITA JAMES. All former documents remain valid. Ministry of Education and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Opeyemi Olajumoke Omojola now MRS OPEYEMI OLAJUMOKE RICHARD. All former documents remain valid.

Ministry of Education and general public take note.

I, formerly Salahudeen Muhideen Alagbala and Salaudeen Muyideen Iyand now SALAUDEEN MUYIDEEN IYANDA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Yusuf Modinat Oluwakemi now MRS TEWOGBADE MODINAT OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Adeyemi Adenike Funmilayo now OLAGUNJU ADENIKE FUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Ibironke Ruth Ibukun now MRS AREWA RUTH IBUKUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adive Blessing now JOSEPH HELLEN AINA. All former documents remain valid.

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General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adewale Sekinat Adebomi now MRS AZEEZ SEKINAT ADEBOMI. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

I, Sheidu Muhammed Yaro am the same person as Sheidu Muhammed and Sheide Muhamdmed. Now, my correct full name is SHEIDU MUHAMMED YARO. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Francis Peace Bose now MRS ADETUBERU PEACE BOSE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Adeyanju Adebimpe Bolaji now MRS MAKANJUOLA ADEBIMPE BOLAJI. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly Miss Lawal Maryam Oyinkansola now MRS OLANIYAN MARYAM OYINKANSOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Folayan Febisola Olajoke now ADEBIMPE FEBISOLA OLAJOKE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Yemisi Aisha Durosimi now MRS YEMISI AISHA DUROSIMIIKOTUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Adewuyi Sadia Wumi now MRS OLAYIWOLA OLAJIDE WUMI. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly Miss Olawale Damilola Temitope now MRS OLUWOLE DAMILOLA TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid.

GTBank and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ogunrinde Kemi now OGUNRINDE KEMI APEKE. All former documents remain valid.

GTBank and General public take note.

I, formerly Tititope Cecilia Olanike now MRS ADEROGBA CECILIA OLANIKE. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State and general public take note.

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I, formerly Muritala Sherifat now BELLO SHERIFAT. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and general public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Makinde Funmilayo Gbenjo now MRS OJEWOLA GBENJO FUNMILOLA. All former documents remain valid. Oyo State SUBEB and general public take note.

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GTBank and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Atilola Seun Josephine now MRS ORODEPO SEUN JOSEPHINE. All former documents remain valid. Ekiti State University, NYSC and general public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Adeleke Abiola Cecilia now MRS TAHIRU ABIOLA CECILIA. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Abbas Lateefat Kehinde now OLADIRAN LATEEFAT KEHINDE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

GBOYEGA: I, formerly Miss Eletu, Olayinka Morenikeji now MRS GBOYEGA OLAYINKA MORENIKEJI. All other documents remain valid. Ilori International School Ede, Osun State Polytechnic, Iree, National Teacher’s Institute, Kaduna and general public take note.

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CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Sarfo David Kwabena now SARFO MANU DAVID. All former documents remain valid.

GTBank, Zenith Bank and general public take note.

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Oyo State and general public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Akinyemi Dorcas Funmilayo now MRS ALARA FUNMILAYO DORCAS. All former documents remain valid.

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CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Adekanmbi Janet Opeyemi now MRS OLAWORE JANET OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly Miss Ogundele Oluwabusayomi Opeyemi now MRS AJAKAIYE OLUWABUSAYOMI OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Idowu Ajayi now ABUBAKAR KADIJAT IDOWU. All former documents remain valid.

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I, formerly Miss Olanrewaju Iyabode Hanna now MRS OLADIMEJI IYABODE COMFORT. All former documents remain valid. First Bank and general public take note.

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I, formerly Miss Adejumo Jemila Adefiola now MRS OPEYEMI JEMILA ADEFIOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Christiana Olaide Oladapo now MRS CHRISTIANA OLAIDE AFOLABI. All former documents remain valid.

Bowen University and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Babade Odunayo Esther now MRS DAUDA ODUNAYO MARIAM. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ogunayeni Taiwo Temitope now MRS BELLO TAIWO TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Olaiya Olusope Cecilia now MRS AYENI OLUSOPE CECILIA. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Chiatta Mariam Abiodun now OLUWASANU MARIAM ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. National Youth Service Corps and general public take note.

I, formerly Akanbi Oluwatoyin Hannah Inioluwa Oluwalonimi now ISAIAH OLUWATOYIN HANNAH. All former documents remain valid. First Bank, United Bank for Africa (UBA) and general public take note.

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37

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

foreig naffairs

08116954632 withseyigesinde foreignn ewseditor@gmail.com

Attackers kill 12 in Kenyan guesthouse blast

US judge approves $14.7 billion settlement over VW diesel vehicles

A

TTACKERS blew up part of a hotel in northeastern Kenya, killing at least 12 people on Tuesday, in a raid claimed by al Shabaab militants from neighboring Somalia.

The group said it had set out to kill non-Muslims in Kenya’s Mandera area - the scene of numerous assaults by the fighters seeking to overthrow Somalia’s Western-backed government and punish Kenya for sending in soldiers to oppose it.

Rescuers pulled at least six survivors from the rubble and were searching for more, North Eastern Regional Commissioner Mohamoud Saleh said in a statement that did not name the attackers.

Twelve people died in the attack, he said. “The Government of Kenya condemns this act of terror and condoles with families and friends of the bereaved,” he added.

Al Shabaab’s spokesman for military operation, Abdiasis Abu Musab, claimed responsibility for the attack, saying the gunmen had targeted non-Muslims and killed 15 people.

“I counted nine bodies being removed from the building by colleagues, those dead could be more. Most of

A general view shows the destruction following an attack at the Bisharo lodging by Islamist militants from the Somali group, al Shabaab in Mandera, Kenya. PHOTO:REUTERS

them had what looked like gunshot wounds and for others it seems rubble from the building had collapsed on

after fighters from the group shot dead an intelligence officer in Somalia’s capital Mogadishu.

UN urges South Sudan to defuse growing tensions between ethnic groups

South Sudan President, Salva Kiir

SOUTH Sudan is suffering a rise in hate speech and incitement to violence against certain ethnic groups which could result in mass atrocities if the government does not act, the United Nations High Commissioner for Human Rights said on Tuesday.

Animosity between South Sudan’s Dinka ethnic

Battle for Mosul: Iraqi army

making advance KURDISH Peshmerga forces and the Iraqi army are making advances on different fronts as they push towards the ISIL stronghold of Mosul, but they are facing stiff resistance, and elsewhere in Iraq, ISIL has staged counterattacks.

ISIL, or the Islamic State of Iraq and the Levant group, also known as ISIS, took full control on Monday of the town of Rutba in the western Anbar province as the approaching force tried to expel its fighters from Mosul, 700km north of Rutba.

“They also attacked Kurdish Peshmerga forces in Sinjar close to the Syrian border,” said Al Jazeera’s Zeina Khodr, reporting from

them,” said a police officer at the scene, who asked not to be named.

The attack took place hours

northern Iraq.

“For two days ISIL forced Iraqi security forces to declare a state of emergency in the northern city of Kirkuk. Dozens of fighters targeted multiple locations in a sophisticated assault that some described as a message.”

Iraqi Special Forces, for their part, began shelling ISIL positions before dawn on Monday near Bartella, a historically Christian town to the east of Mosul that they retook last week.

With patriotic music blaring from loudspeakers on their Humvees, they then pushed into the village of Tob Zawa, about 9km from Mosul, amid heavy clashes.

group and the people of its southwestern Equatoria region surged earlier this month when buses on roads south of the capital Juba were attacked as they passed through Equatoria region.

The government said 21 civilians were killed in one ambush on October 8, but rumors that as many as 200 Dinka had been killed circulated on social media, followed by calls for revenge.

Letters threatening violence and “elimination” of Equatorians in the northwestern region of Aweil and an attack on an Equatorian humanitarian worker in Aweil town prompted the evacuation of nearly 100 humanitarian staff from the area, the statement from Zeid Ra’ad al Hussein said.

“Hateful ethnic rhetoric in South Sudan ... can have devastating consequences for entire communities,

quickly spiraling into a cycle of revenge attacks,” Zeid said in the statement.

He urged President Salva Kiir, himself a Dinka, to condemn the incitement to violence and to take urgent measures to defuse the tensions. He also expressed concern over a statement by Kiir on Oct. 19 that he would personally lead military operations against the armed groups responsible for the killings in the Equatoria region.

The Dinka are the biggest single ethnic group in South Sudan, but do not make up a majority of the population of 11 million people in the country which is a patchwork of dozens of tribes.

Dinkas have long dominated politics and have long been accused by other groups of monopolizing top posts. Equatoria is a region where mostly several smaller ethnic groups live.

A United States federal judge on Tuesday approved Volkswagen AG’s recordsetting $14.7 billion settlement with regulators and owners of 475,000 polluting diesel vehicles, and the German automaker said it would begin buying back the vehicles in midNovember.

The action by U.S. District Judge Charles Breyer in San Francisco marked the latest development in a scandal that has rocked VW since it admitted in September 2015 using secret software in its diesel cars to cheat exhaust emissions tests and make them appear cleaner than they really were.

Under the settlement first announced in June, Volkswagen agreed to spend up to $10.033 billion on the buybacks and owner compensation and $4.7 billion on programs to offset excess emissions and boost zero-emission vehicle infrastructure and other clean vehicle projects.

UK approves controversial third runway at Heathrow THE government has approved a third runway at Heathrow to expand UK airport capacity following a cabinet committee meeting on Tuesday.

Transport Secretary Chris Grayling said the “truly momentous” decision would support trade and create jobs.

Gatwick airport said it was disappointed with the decision, which was “not the right answer for Britain”.

The issue has split the Cabinet, with Foreign

Zimbabwe judge fines Chinese man for selling flags The Chinese man was fined in the wake of the #ThisFlag movement which calls for change in Zimbabwe. PHOTO: AFP

A judge in Zimbabwe has fined a Chinese national for selling the national flag without authorisation, the state-run Herald newspaper reports.

The businessman, named

by The Herald as 28-year-

old Weidong Li, was fined $20 (£16) and in total 314 flags were seized.

Last month Zimbabwean officials warned that anyone who “abused” the flag risked prosecution.

Anti-government protesters have been using flags and the hashtag #ThisFlag.

The protest movement, initiated by a pastor

The affected vehicles emit up to 40 times legally allowable pollution levels.

Volkswagen may also be allowed to repair vehicles if regulators approve fixes.

It represented the largest civil settlement worldwide ever reached with an automaker over allegations of misconduct and fraud toward vehicle owners.

In total, Volkswagen has agreed to date to spend up to $16.5 billion in connection with the diesel emissions scandal, including payments to dealers, states and attorneys for owners.

The scandal rattled VW’s global business, harmed its reputation and prompted the ouster of its CEO. The world’s secondlargest automaker still faces billions more in costs to address 85,000 polluting 3.0 liter vehicles and U.S. Justice Department fines for violating clean air laws. It also faces lawsuits from at least 16 U.S. states for additional claims that could hike the company’s overall costs.

Evan Mawarire, called on Zimbabweans to reown their flag and to force politicians to answer questions on their lack of accountability and corrupt ways without fear.

On passing the sentence against Mr Weidong, presiding judge Tendai Mahwe said he was showing leniency, saying the accused had saved the court time by pleading guilty.

“You bought the flags in China and you were selling them for profit,” Mr Mahwe was quoted by the Herald as saying.

Heathrow Airport

Secretary Boris Johnson saying a third runway was “undeliverable”.

The Education Secretary, Justine Greening, whose Putney constituency in southwest London is near the airport, has also been a vocal critic of Heathrow expansion.

The Department for Transport said a new runway at Heathrow would bring economic benefits to passengers and the wider economy worth up to £61bn and create as many as 77,000 additional local jobs over the next 14 years.

Heathrow said the expansion would allow it to offer more direct flights to UK destinations as well as up to 40 new cities abroad such as Wuhan, Osaka and Quito.

A public consultation will now be held on the effects of airport expansion before the government makes a final decision as part of a national policy statement on aviation.

38 news Arrested judges to be arraigned today

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

Group, rights activist move to stop arraignment From Lanre Adewole and Sunday Ejike

T

HE two justices of the Supreme Court and five other judges arrested by the Department of State Services (DSS) will be arraigned today

before a Federal High Court in Abuja, Nigerian Tribune has gathered.

The judges were arrested on October 7 and 8 by the DSS, over alleged corruption and illegal possession of arms.

Charges are said to be separately prepared against

the judges, who were arrested in a sting operation carried out by the DSS. The judges were, however, admitted to bail on self recognition and had been reporting to the office of the DSS to answer some allegations levelled against

them.

The two justices of the apex court, Sylvester Ngwuta and Inyang Okoro arrested by the DSS, had written to the National Judicial Council (NJC), claiming that their travails in the hands of the DSS were political

Excess crude account now $2.4bn —FG

•Warns NAFDAC, SON against importation of poisonous food •NEC approves plan to shore up revenue through solid minerals •Hints on bumper harvest, low food prices Clement Idoko -Abuja MINISTER of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, on Tuesday, told the National Economic Council that the balance in the Excess Crude Account (ECA) stood at $2.4 billion as of this month.

This came as the National Economic Council (NEC) warned the Standard Organisation of Nigeria (SON), National Agency for Food and Drug Administration and Control (NAFDAC) and other agencies that deal with quality of goods against importation of poisonous food items into the country.

NEC is constitutionally chaired by the vice president, with the 36 state governors, Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) Governor, as well as others co-opted as members.

Imo State governor, Rochas Okorocha, who briefed State House correspondents at the end of the meeting held at the Presidential Villa, said the council expressed concern over some of the foods imported into the country.

“We were concerned about some of the imported goods, some of the items imports into this country in the name of food and we have cautioned seriously that SON, NAFDAC and other agencies that deal with quality of goods should do their utmost best so that rubbish is not sent into this country in the name of food.

“We realised that some of the frozen chicken and fish imports into this country are being preserved with very dangerous chemicals.

So we are of the opinion that this area should be looked into,” Okorocha said.

He said the NEC had endorsed the Federal Government’s plan to increase the contribution of the solid minerals sector to the nation’s treasury.

Following a presentation to the NEC today by the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, the governors also approved the appointment of professional revenue consultants to achieve this goal.

This was in support of President Muhammadu

Buhari administration’s effort to diversify and deepen the nation’s revenue profile.

Nigerian Extractive Industries Transparency Initiatives (NEITI) had estimated a total revenue from the mining sector at N31.449 billion and N50.2 billion in 2012 and 2013 respectively, out of which only N1.9 billion and N2.01 billion respectively were realised.

The governor also disclosed that council resolved that agriculture should continue to take the centre stage in the country for the nation to be able to feed itself.

He noted that if the country was not able to develop agriculture and ensure food production, youth employment in the country would be a mere dream.

According to him, agriculture took the centre stage at the council meeting as agriculture minister, Chief Audu Ogbe, disclosed action plans and how to improve on food production in the country.

We will return Nigeria to good old days —Buhari Clement Idoko -Abuja IN spite of the current economic hardship and criticism of his administration, President Muhammadu Buhari, on Tuesday, said his administration will leave a legacy for the nation, as he pledged to restore the country to the “good old days of accountability.”

Speaking at a meeting with the Director, Global Upstream of Shell Oil Company, at the State House, Abuja, Buhari said he would leave a legacy of improved infrastructure, particularly in the power sector, and also ensure better security in the Niger Delta.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Garba Shehu, in a statement in Abuja, quoted Buhari as saying that “it is only by doing this that investors’ morale and confidence will return and the economy will be positioned on the path of growth.”

President Buhari, who

commended Shell for its faith in the economy and staying power, gave assurances on some issues of concern raised by the company.

On the protracted issue of cash calls, the president assured that the Federal Executive Council (FEC) would soon consider a proposal for the easing of unpaid arrears owed by the government.

He said the security of oil infrastructure would continue to be prioritised side-by-side with dialogue with the stakeholdercommunities in the Niger Delta.

He, however, urged oil companies to take more responsibility in the protection of oil installations, to complement the efforts of Nigerian Navy in the region.

In his remarks, the Shell Director, Mr Andrew Brown, informed the president of the resumption of oil exportation through the Forcados terminal, following its restoration.

He called for continued

protection by the Nigerian Navy in view of repeated threats of attack by militants.

Brown commended the anti-corruption posture of the Buhari-led administration as well as the efforts to streamline and stabilise the economy for long term projects, saying all the efforts would go a long way to reinforce Shell investment plans in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has advised the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government to declare “emergency” on the economy.

National publicity secretary of the party, Prince Dayo Adeyeye, in a statement in Abuja, on Tuesday, also advised the government to invite competent hands to manage and revive the economy.

He, however, said the PDP had been vindicated of its positions, following the acceptance of responsibility regarding the economic misfortune caused by the APC.

He explained that one of the major challenges now was about agriculture as a pivot in which all the wheels of economic activities must rotate to get out of the current economic recession.

“We have agreed at NEC that state governors partner with the Federal Government in this regards to ensure productivity and high yields in the agricultural sector,” he said.

Okorocha expressed optimism that the nation would experience bumper harvest this year, which would force down the prices of foodstuff.

Also speaking at the briefing, Edo State governor, Adams Oshiomhole, said that government was doing everything possible to solve the problem of housing confronting many Nigerians.

According to him, the involvement of government in the housing sector would generate real jobs in the country, adding that it was a key issue in any attempt to reflate the economy and renew the prospect of economic growth.

On the large number of unoccupied houses in Abuja, Oshiomhole said the government would not introduce forceful occupation of private houses, but would provide alternative houses that could force the rents down.

NEC also endorsed a presentation from the Minister of Power, Works and Housing Babatunde Fashola, on the strategy of the ministry to generate incremental power as a short term measure towards addressing current energy shortage in the country.

Adamawa State governor, Jubrilla Bindow, said NEC also acknowledged the integrity and commitment of Governor Oshiomhole to his people in Edo State, adding that the Council would miss him and wished him well in his future endeavours.

It was gathered that at the end of the meeting, Oshiomhole introduced the governor-elect of Edo State, Mr Godwin Obaseki, to the press corps and asked the corps to extend hands of cooperation to him.

persecution.

The prosecution, it was learnt, would put measures in place to keep the judges away from tampering with evidence being collated against them and witnesses lined up to give evidence.

Meanwhile, the Legal Defence and Assistance Project (LEDAP) has asked the Federal High Court, Abuja, to declare as unlawful, the raid and arrest of judges by the DSS, and an order of injunction stopping the planned arraignment in court.

The group claimed in the suit that the judges could not be charged and arraigned in court without the authorisation of the National Judicial Council (NJC).

In a motion on notice for interlocutory injunction filed at the court on Tuesday, LEDAP sought “an order restraining the defendants/ respondents from filing any charge in court or arraigning before any court or arresting and/or detaining, inviting for questioning or searching the office or residence of any of the judicial officers listed in the schedule hereunder or any other judicial officer in Nigeria unless with the authorisation and referral of the NJC, pending the hearing and determination of the originating summons filed in this suit.”

The group is seeking general and exemplary damages of N1 million for each of the

seven arrested judges against the DSS. The matter is yet to be fixed for hearing.

Also, a Lagos-based rights activist, Olukoya Ogungbeje, slammed N50 billion suit on President Muhammadu Buhari and five others before the Federal High Court, Abuja, over the raid of judges’ homes.

In the originating motion brought under sections 33, 34, 35, 36, 41 and 46 of the 1999 Constitution, Order 11, Rules 1 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009 and Order 11 of the Fundamental Rights (Enforcement Procedure) Rules 2009, a lawyer, is asking for a N50 billion exemplary damages against all the respondents with the exclusion of the NJC, the sixth respondent in the matter.

In suit no FHC/ABJ/ CS/309/2016, filed on October 14, 2016, the activist wanted the court to declare as wrongful, illegal, unlawful, unconstitutional, null and void, the arrest, harassment, humiliation and detention of five judges and other judicial officers of superior courts in Nigeria by the agents of the first, second, third, fourth and fifth respondents, without due process of law or lawful excuse.

The suit, supported by a 39-paragraph affidavit and deposed to by the plaintiff, was yet to be assigned to a trial judge.

Ikeja, Redemption Camp, LASU, Eleme, 12 other locations join Glo’s 4G LTE network SIXTEEN more major locations have been connected to the advanced 4G LTE network of national telecoms operator, Globacom.

The new locations include the Lagos State University and Babcock University in Ogun State.

Others are Ikeja, Oregun, Opebi and Isolo in Lagos State; Redemption Camp in Ogun State; Redeemer’s University, Ede, Osun State; as well as Rukpokwu, Rumuibekwe, Eleme Junction, Woji, Eliozu and Rumuigbo in Port Harcourt, Rivers State. Mpape and Utako in Abuja are the remaining new locations now covered by Glo 4G LTE service.

The 16 new towns joined the eight cities that were connected to the network last week and the nine that were hooked up at the formal launch of the service two weeks ago.

This confirms Glo’s 4G LTE as the fastest growing 4G nationwide network in Nigeria and gives fillip to the company’s resolve to avail millions of Nigerians the benefits of the advanced technology.

With the connection of the towns to the network, Glo subscribers in the areas can now enjoy instant and efficient mobile broadband internet services at speeds which are several times faster than the 3G network.

They will also be able to download ultra high definition videos in seconds.

Globacom had, last week, announced the rollout of 4G LTE services in Bonny, Escravos, Forcados, Abraka (Delta State University), Ekpoma (Ambrose Alli University), Okada (Igbinedion University), Agbor (College of Education) and Sapele (Western Delta University).

The nine cities the operator launched 4G LTE in two weeks ago were Lagos -Lekki, Ikoyi, Victoria Island, Ajah and Akoka (South West), Port Harcourt - Aba Road, Trans Amadi, Diobu, Old GRA and UNIPort, Warri, Eket and Benin (South South), Abuja - Maitama, Wuse, Asokoro, Garki/Central Business District and Airport Road and Jos (North Central), Yola – ABTI (North East) and ZariaABU (North West).

39

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016 Editor: Wale Emosu tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08111813054, 08055444383

Ejidike urges Eagles to consolidate Zambia feat

Super Falcons’ Asisat Oshoala (left) struggles for ball possession with a Senegalese player.

2016 AWCON: Falcons have no excuse —Omagbemi

C

oach of Nigeria’s Super Falcons, Florence Omagbemi says her team is aware of the task ahead and will be ready for next month’s Africa Women’s Cup of Nations in Cameroon.

Despite time constraint, Omagbemi insists they will work hard to excel and leave no room for excuses.

“I’m back and we’ve begun from where we stopped during the qualifier,” Omagbemi told Goal.

“We are all aware of the time bound. I’m not going to making an excuse of that and just want to work with what we have at hand. We may not have enough time but hope to work with those who are fit and get ready.

“Coming down to join the team with a few sessions we’ve heard towards our preparations, I’m happy with what my assistants have done so far. The players’ mindset is good and they are in high spirits in the camp.

“From the qualifiers

against Senegal, we know we have the team that will go and represent the country in Cameroon. The players are aware of the task ahead.

“We are still expecting our professional players though

and I’m sure they would join us soon. We will continue to work hard, we will blend well in time before the tournament.

“I’m happy with the report I’ve got. We know what is at stake. We are trying to do our

best to make Nigerians happy and we believe with hard work and commitment from the players, the technical crew and I, at the end of the day, will come out victorious in Cameroon,” the former Falcons caption said.

Nigeria’s Pillar of Sports, Chief Donatus Agu Ejidike has called on the coaches and players of Nigeria’s Super Eagles to consolidate their victory over Zambia in their subsequent matches.

The Super Eagles, it will be recalled, early this month defeated the Chipolopolo of Zambia 2-1 in a 2018 World Cup qualifier played in Ndola with goals from Alex Iwobi and Kelechi Iheanacho.

Ejidike, in a statement made available to Tribunesport, noted that the 2-1 victory in Ndola should be tonic that would make the players to stabilise and harvest points in the remaining World Cup qualifiers.

Ejidike, who is also the president of the Karate Federation of Nigeria warned that the Super Eagles should not be complacent but must also take every game seriously.

“I watched the game against Zambia and noted that individually, our players are good but there is still room for cohesion which the game is all about. In other words, the Eagles should play a compact game rather than rely on individual skills for victory. Believe me, if our players get their act together, no country in Africa would stop us from clinching the World Cup ticket,” Ejidike said.

The Anambra State-born

2 Nigerian women referees set for FIFA course

By Niyi Alebiosu

Two Nigerian female FIFA-badged referees are on their way to Cameroon for the prestigious FIFA Elite A course for women FIFA referees in Africa.

The duo, Uloma Nwogu and Mimisen Verite Iyorhe from Anambra and Benue State Referees Council respectively are also on the Premier League list of referees in Nigeria. The programme is scheduled to start today and end on Saturday.

It will be recalled that within this same period, while Felicia Okwugba, a retired FIFA-badged women referee is in Botswana to impart refereeing knowledge to upcoming match officials in the

non-FIFA referees course, seasoned referees’ coach and retired international arbiter, Calistus Chukwu-

jekwu is still to return from Switzerland where he is attending the second leg of the UEFA referees training workshop.

The first leg of the programme was held in May this year.

Sponsor of the competition, Oyekola who is also a member of the Oyo State House of Assembly representing Atiba constituency assured of a hitch-free final.

Oyekola, who is also impressed with the massive turnout of fans at all the previous matches, said he will continue to sponsor and support any programme that would help people, especially youths of his constituency to develop their potentialities.

Chairman, House Committee on Sports, Honour-

able Fatai Adesina, who is also the chairman of the day is expected to lead other lawmakers in the state to the final which would have Prince Ajibola Afonja as the father of the day.

Barrister Lowo Obisesan and Akogun Sarafadeen Alli are among dignitaries expected to grace the final.

Oyo A FC defeated Stadium Boys FC on penalties after 2-2 at regulation time, while Bisi Ilaka FC defeated Ultimate FC of Ogbomoso to reach the final.

Oyo agog for Oyekola soccer final

By Niyi Alebiosu

All is set for the final of Honourable Gbenga Oyekola football competition between Bisi Ilaka FC and Oyo A FC, billed for Sunday, October 30 at the sports ground of Alaafin High School, Oyo. The competition which has brought together teams from different parts of the town is being organised to discover soccer talents and provide a platform to showcase them in an highly competitive atmosphere.

sports administrator also urged the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) to start preparations ahead of the World Cup qualifier against Algeria billed for November 12 in Uyo, just as he urged all stakeholders to rally support for the Super Eagles to excel in their remaining matches and win the group’s sole ticket to the 2018 World Cup.

Iwobi

NFF’s general assembly holds Nov 13 in Uyo The Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), has concluded plans to now host the severally postponed Annual General Assembly on November 13 in Uyo, a day after the Nigeria World Cup qualifier against Algeria.

This was contained in the outcome of a meeting held in Abuja on Monday between some chieftains of the football house.

At that meeting, it was resolved that board members, state FA chairmen and secretaries should all converge on Uyo for the November 12 World Cup qualifier between Nigeria and Algeria and the next day, the AGA will hold at the Le Meridien Hotel, camp base of the Super Eagles.

The proponents of this idea believe this is the only way they can cut cost and maximise the little money available.

It was further revealed that the secretariat of the football house has put forward a budget of N40 million to the NFF president, Mr Amaju Pinnick, whose priority for now is sourcing for money to successfully prosecute Nigeria’s vital World Cup qualifier with Algeria in Uyo.

SIDELINES

NO 16,619

N150

WEDNESDAY, 26 OCTOBER, 2016

According to reports, the Senate, on Tuesday, moved a motion on the possible reintroduction of tollgates on the Nigerian highways. We remember that when government decided to do away with these gates then, millions of naira was spent in getting them off. If the motion scales through, millions of naira will again be spent in bringing them back. Well, we advise the government to remember that this season does not encourage spendthrift.

Mikel holds showdown talks with Conte

Mikel

‘NFF, Rohr not at war over Moses, Success’ S

By Wale Emosu and Niyi Alebiosu UPER Eagles technical adviser Gernot Rohr is not at loggerheads with the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) over the choice of players he plans to invite for the next World Cup qualifier against Algeria, Tribunesport has gathered.

It was reported in a section of the media last week that Rohr and some members of the NFF were divided on the coach’s plan to invite Victor Moses and Issac Success

for the November 12 match.

The report had said that the NFF members had insisted that both players must be left out of the team while Rohr was said to have made up his mind on inviting the England-based players.

The said NFF members were said to have based their position on how Moses and Success opted out of Nigeria’s World Cup qualifier against Zambia on October 9. The two players excused themselves from the match which the Super Eagles won 2-1 away from home citing injuries. But the NFF members were said to have doubted the players’ claim as they featured for their English Premiership sides a couple of days after.

But Tribunesport, in an at-

tempt to verify the authenticity of the report was informed that there is nothing of such.

The Secretary-General of the NFF, Dr Mohammed Sanusi, in a reply to a WhatsApp message sent to him, denied the story. “There’s nothing like that my brother” was his response to Tribunesport’s question on the story.

Also, an aide to Rohr denied any form of crisis between the Franco-German and the NFF. According to Tunde Adelakun, the NFF President’s Delegate/ Special Envoy on International Relations, the story is “mere propaganda.”

“The Federation has not conveyed any issue to the coach about the matter. It is just a ruse.

The coach is basing his choice and selection on players’ performance and attitude, rather than other matters,” Adelakun told Tribunesport in the chat.

Adelakun added: “I know people are trying to use it to cause problem between the coach and the Federation, but it won’t work. The man is strong, he will not even listen to what they are saying. Those behind the propaganda are known faces in the NFF who are in the minority and the coach will not fall for their antics.”

The list of players to prosecute the 2018 World Cup qualifier against Algeria next month will be released in the coming days and it remains to be seen if the two players will be included.

CHELSEA midfielder, John Obi Mikel, admits he’s spoken to Antonio Conte about his lack of game time so far this season.

The Nigerian is out of favour under the Italian coach and is yet to make a single appearance for the Blues this season.

The Captain of Nigeria’s U-23 team to the Rio 2016 Olympics enjoyed somewhat of a renaissance under Guus Hiddink last season but he’s been left out in the cold since Conte arrived at Stamford Bridge.

Mikel’s competing with the likes of Nemanja Matic and N’Golo Kante for a spot in defensive midfield and the Nigerian has confirmed he’s spoken to Conte about his frustrations at the club.

“I hope I will get some playing time against West Ham [in the EFL Cup], but it is down to the manager,” Mikel told Metro.

“He has been open and honest with me. I respect him for that.

He has explained the situation and I totally understand.

“When you have been at a club for a long time, these things happen where a club wants to move forward.

“I just have to be professional, work as hard as I can to try and get into the team. I work twice as hard every day and it’s because I appreciate this club.

“I have been here a long time, have a lot of trophies and memories that will never go away. If I don’t get back in the side, I will respect it.

“I always respect the football club’s decision. The club is more important than me.”

Game against Eagles, a fight for our lives —Algeria’s Bentaleb

By Dipo Ogunsola

Bentaleb

ALGERIAN midfieder, Nabil Bentaleb, says national team players have the tapes of Nigeria’s Super Eagles ahead of the November 12 Russia 2018 African Group 2 qualifier and as such have the weapon to fight for their lives.

The Fennec Foxes are second in the group with one point from a draw at home to Cameroon’s Indomitable Lions and the Schalke 04

loanee is happy with the progress made on Match day 2 against the Eagles of Nigeria.

“I am glad we have the tape,” Bentaleb told Kicker.

“Our Scouting Department got this right, unlike what happened against Cameroon when most of the team were in the dark.”

Bentaleb added that the fact that most of the Nigerian opponents play in the topflight makes the match very difficult.

“I am sorry if I am wrong to say this, the game against Nigeria is a fight for our lives. We need to win and not draw but we are mindful that Nigeria are already on full course.’’

He dismissed suggestions that the changes in the coaching crew would hurt Algeria’s chances.

“It is a qualifier, we just need somebody to give direction, we all want to go to the World Cup and play for the Algerian pride.”

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. 26/10/2016.

Nigerian Tribune

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

By DIPO OGUNSOLA ) 08116954641 ogunsolaoladipupo@yahoo.com

Barca stars shun La Liga awards

Pacquaio dumps Senate for boxing comeback

Aubameyang may join Real Madrid

League Cup

Man U will be ruthless —Iheanacho

DJ Bolt on the jukebox

2

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

Nigeria Professional Football League WITH OLAWALE OLANIYAN 08170772333

Scorer’s award excites Udoh

M

FON Udoh is delighted to wrap up the 2015/16 season with the CAF Champions League highest goal scorer’s award.

The forward scored nine goals for Enyimba despite crashing out of the group stage, and the former Akwa United forward feels the People’s Elephant’s performance in the recently concluded NPFL sea-

son was something to worry about.

“It’s mixed feelings for me anyway, the team in general did not play to expectation, we failed to do what people expected of us, but at the same time, I was able to wrap it up with the highest goal scorer in the Champions League,” Udoh told Goal.

“I didn’t do that alone but with the help of my other colleagues, which showed that we all still did something good, without teamwork, it wouldn’t have happened.

‘Bring killers of Izu Joseph to book’ RIVERS State Sports Commissioner, Boma Iyaye says the death of Shooting Stars Sports Club (3SC) defender, Izu Joseph ‘represents another dark chapter in the history of Nigerian football’.

A handful of reports suggest that the energetic defender was hit by a stray bullet while others say he was shot dead by security men on operation in his home town, Okaki, Rivers State.

Iyaye has now urged the 3SC family to show strength following the sad turn of events while urging security operatives to fish out the killers of Izu. “The death of this vibrant young man, cut short at the prime of his career, represents yet another dark chapter in the history of Nigerian football.

“I have since sent my personal condolences to 3SC and on behalf of the sports fraternity in Rivers State, I also urge the Izu family to be strong in this period

of great sadness.

“I am also using this medium to call on security operatives to embark on exhaustive investigations with a view to bringing the killers of the late Izu to book,” he said.

The late player joined 3SC in the 2013/14 season from Bayelsa United and had just completed his third season at the Oluyole Warriors.

“Though it was a bad season for us, we have accepted that and believe that in the coming season we will do better.

“Actually, I wouldn’t want to say anything concerning that at the moment, but I’m also still thinking on the next step to take, so nothing for now.

“So many things went wrong, we played so many matches away from home, playing to many competitions at the same time, and I don’t think Udoh the team also blended well too.

“We didn’t play well to be frank, we didn’t do “Everybody has his own tactics, as a coach you our utmost best and that is why we were unable to do well this have your own tactics and your own problem. Aigconcluded season, so we blame our- bogun’s tactics did not work for Enyimba this season, so I can blame that on us all.” selves for that.

Crown to appeal NFF disciplinary committee verdict

By Niyi Alebiosu

Coach Kabir Suleiman Dogo (right), celebrating with Nasarawa goalkeeper’s trainer, Aloy Agu, after their victory over Enyimba, in Ibadan.

PHOTO: OLAWALE OLANIYAN.

Federation Cup final will determine my next move —Dogo

The late Izu Joseph

AFTER seeing his side win a ticket to play in this year’s Federation Cup final, Nasarawa United FC handler, Kabir Suleiman Dogo has said the final match will determine his next destination.

Speaking after his side beat Enyimba of Aba in the second semi-final of the Federation Cup in Ibadan, Dogo said he still has a contract with Nasarawa but the outcome of the FA Cup final will determine whether to stick with the team or seek another challenge.

“I don’t know my next move until after the Federation Cup final because that is my priority for now,” he said.

The former ABS of Ilorin coach stated that his wards deserved to beat People’s Elephant just as he lauded Ibadan fans for their support.

He gave kudos to the players and the management of the team, likewise the Nasarawa State government for providing the logistics for them to get to the final of the Federation Cup. “I really thank God for the victory and I will not like to talk about any tactics because it goes beyond our imagination, but all praises go to God and I really need to thank the government of Nasarawa and my players for making the state proud.

“We have a target to play on the

continent, we couldn’t get that during the cause of the league, but this is the best chance for us to get it by beating our opponents in the FA Cup final.

“Nasarawa will be playing the final for the first time in their 20year history, we need that Cup and we are going to get it by God’s grace.”

Also, chairman of the club, Mr Issac Danladi, said “we’ve broken the jinx and we are going to get that Cup by the special grace of God. At least we’ve played on the continent before and we know how it is and we are going to repeat that by lifting the Federation Cup,” he boasted.

THE management of Crown Football Club of Ogbomoso was on Monday slammed by the Nigeria Football Federation Disciplinary Committee, having thrown out the protest of the Ajilete Warriors against FC Ifeanyi Ubah in the semi final match of the 2016 Federation Cup just as the Oyo State government condemned the decision.

Rising from its sitting on Monday, the committee ruled that the 1-2 result stands and consequently awarded the sum of N200,000 against the petitioner.

The committee equally referred the Match Commissioner and referees to the various disciplinary committees for unprofessional conduct during the match.

In a swift reaction as contained in the press statement made available to Tribunesport on Monday night and signed by its media officer, Kunle Oyeyemi, Crown management condemned the judgment and promised to explore all legal and reasonable mechanism in football to press home for justice and fairness.

Crown in the earlier protest sought that victory be given to them continue their fairy tale in the tournament or a replay among other prayers.

“We’re not going to relent until the burning flame flares up to become a rainbow. If it takes only Crown FC to stand up to injustice, decay, un-professionalism and favoritism, we shall do that, for we know posterity would someday judge each person and personality accordingly.”

midweek

sports

special

3

Wednesday 26 October, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Kuznetsova cuts the disturbing hair and smiles after win

Pacquiao: From parliament

to boxing gym

U

P until last week, Manny Pacquiao was concentrating on trying to get the death penalty restored in the Philippines.

Now he’s focusing on something not nearly as controversial - his return to the ring for a November 5 fight with Jesse Vargas.

‘Working in the Senate is not easy while you’re training,’ said Pacquiao, a freshman senator in the Philippines. ‘You manage your time and that’s what I did in training for this

fight.’

Pacquiao won’t have to juggle two jobs for at least a few weeks, with the Senate now out of session. He arrived in Los Angeles over the weekend, eager to finish final preparations for yet another fight in a pro career that has stretched 21 years.

What remains to be seen is how eager boxing fans are to see him against a relatively unknown boxer who isn’t given much of a chance to beat him.

Mid-match haircut wonder SVETLANA Kuznetsova stunned onlookers when she pulled out a pair of scissors and cut her hair on court during her opening match at the WTA Finals in Singapore.

Kuznetsova looked physically spent as she claimed a draining 7-5, 1-6, 7-5 win over defending champion Agnieszka Radwanska in nearly three hours.

In a bizarre move while trailing 1-2 and down a break in the third set, Kuznetsova cut off a portion of her braid at the back of her head during the changeover.

Kuznetsova fought back, however, saving a match point on Radwanska’s serve near the end, and eventually prevailing on a third match point to break Radwanska’s serve.

Explaining her haircut, Kuznetsova said: ‘It was bothering me a lot. I was trying to put it behind my headband but my hair is very thick and heavy.

‘When I was hitting forehands, every time I would hit a good shot it would hit my eye and I would struggle.’

Anichebe in Twitter gaffe TWITTER and footballers. A way that the latter can interact with fans directly about a matter of topics... or so you would think.

After Sunderland’s 1-0 defeat by West Ham in the Premier League last Saturday, Victor Anichebe took to the social media platform to issue a rallying cry to everyone connected with the club.

The only problem

with his tweet - he didn’t write it.

In an embarrassing gaffe, the Nigerian forward simply copied and pasted a tweet to write from his social media manager - including the introductory message from the latter telling him what to post.

Barca stars boycott La Liga awards DJ Bolt on the jukebox OLYMPIC Champion Usain Bolt appeared to dash from the tarmac to the club on his first night in Melbourne, partying into the early hours of the morning at a premier Docklands venue.

The sprinter touched down in Melbourne at 10pm on Saturday and bolted to Alumbra nightclub at Harbour Esplanade in the Docklands.

The nine-time gold medallist was unrecognised by revellers until he joined the DJ up on stage.

“That moment when you’re absolutely tearing up the decks and Usain Bolt rocks up and joins you on the decks,” DJ Horizon posted to Instagram.

Bolt took to the microphone throughout the night and danced

without hesitation.

Nigerian-born Australian singer-songwriter Timomatic partied with Bolt, as did Olympic silver medallist John Steffenson.

Timomatic posted a video to social media from the night with Bolt.

“Last night was a movie,” he said.

Bolt cheekily borrowed mobile phones of other clubbers and took selfie Snapchat videos of himself.

Bolt exclusively told the Herald Sun he’ll partake in some light training while he’s in Melbourne, ahead of his appearance at the Melbourne Cup Carnival.

Bolt is a guest of Crown Melbourne, appearing in their marquee on Oaks Day, November 3.

ATLETICO Madrid and France forward Antoine Griezmann has taken home the award for the best player in La Liga last season.

But the glitzy awards ceremony in Valencia was overshadowed with no Barcelona players attending after manager Luis Enrique was overlooked for the best

coach award.

Enrique was not even part of the nominee list despite guiding Barcelona to the title and the players reacted with a defiant protest.

The squad were given a day off but despite that Carles Rexach, an ambassador for the club, collected their gongs on their behalf.

It was a night of unprecedented

success for Atletico - their manager Diego Simeone won the best coach award while Jan Oblak and Diego Godin were named best goalkeeper and defender respectively.

Griezmann, such a vital figure for both club and country, scored 22 goals in 38 La Liga games last season, adding six assists without missing a game.

From left, Diego Simeone Kevin-Prince Boateng and his girlfriend, Luca Modric and wife at the Award. Inset is Barca’s Lionel Messi

TOP SCORERS

German Bundesliga Anthony Modeste 1. FC Köln 8 Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang Borussia Dortmund 7 Vedad Ibisevic Hertha BSC 6 Javier Hernandez Balcazar Bayer 04 Leverkusen 5 Robert Lewandowski FC Bayern München 5 Italy Serie A Edin Dzeko Roma 7 Carlos Bacca Milan 6 Ciro Immobile Lazio 6 Gonzalo Higuain Juventus 6 Jose Callejon Napoli 6 French Ligue 1 Edinson Cavani Paris Saint-Germain 9 Alexandre Lacazette Lyon 7 Bafetimbi Gomis Marseille 6 Martin Braithwaite Toulouse 6 Mevlut Erdinc Metz 6

•Manchester City hope to replace forward Sergio Aguero, 28, with Borussia Dortmund’s £58m-rated striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang, 27. (Daily Express) •Liverpool are willing to meet Athletic Bilbao forward Inaki Williams’ £45m buyout clause, but the 22-year-old wants to stay with the La Liga side.

(AS) •Napoli forward Lorenzo Insigne’s agent is hoping to secure the 25-yearold a move to Anfield. (Daily Star) •Borussia Dortmund head coach Thomas Tuchel is being monitored by Real Madrid, according to the German club’s chief executive Hans-Joachim Watzke.

(ZDF, via Squawka) •Real are also preparing a €100m (£89m) offer for Juventus forward Paulo Dybala in a deal that would bring the 22-year-old to the Spanish giants in 2018. (AS, via Football Italia) •Chelsea manager Antonio Conte is set to reward midfielder Nathaniel Chalobah, 21, with a new contract.

(Sun) •Liverpool are in talks with former midfielder Steven Gerrard over a return to the club to help him develop his coaching career.(Daily Express) •Southampton are keen to sign Espanyol midfielder Marc Roca, 19, who has also attracted interest from Liverpool. (Mirror)

Transfer rumours

Serie A Team P GD Pts 1 Juventus 9 11 21 2 Roma 9 10 19 3 Milan 9 5 19 4 Napoli 9 7 17 Bundesliga Team P GD Pts 1 FC Bayern München 8 16 20 2 RB Leipzig 8 9 18 3 Hertha BSC 8 5 17 4 TSG 1899 Hoffenheim 8 6 16 French League 1 1 Nice 10 13 26 2 Monaco 10 15 22 3 Paris Saint-Germain 10 12 20 4 Toulouse 10 7 18 La LIga 1 Sevilla 9 5 20 2 Barcelona 9 17 19 3 Real Madrid 9 14 19 4 Villarreal 9 11 19 English Premiership Team P GD Pts 1 Manchester City 9 11 20 2 Arsenal 9 10 20 3 Liverpool 9 9 20 4 Chelsea 9 10 19

Morta

REAL Madrid manager Zinedine Zidane has vowed to give Alvaro Morata more playing time after his match-winning efforts against Athletic Bilbao.

Morata’s 83rd minute strike gave the Blancos a 2-1 lead, after Karim Benzema’s opener was cancelled out by Sabin Merino.

Following the result, Zidane praised the Spaniard for his 16 minute cameo.

“Morata will get more playing time, but we have to be patient,” he said as reported by FourFourTwo. “We have to keep working together and Morata will get minutes like everyone else.

“Morata and Lucas [Vazquez] are doing very well. They always play well when they come on.

“Both will start games this season, but it is not easy.”

Zidane has predicted a tight La Liga battle this season, with Madrid’s win handing them a one point lead over second placed Sevilla.

“It will be close at the top all season,” the coach added.

“There are no easy games and we will suffer until the end.

“I am very happy that we sit atop the table, but above all I am happy with our performance.

We suffered a bit, but that is only normal and we kept fighting right until the very end.”

Real travel to Cultural Leonesa in the Copa del Rey this week, before facing Deportivo Alavés on Sunday.

Morata deserves more playing time—Zidane

FORMER Bayern Munich midfielder Lothar Matthaus says his former club made the wrong decision by selling Toni Kroos to Real Madrid in 2014.

Kroos made over 200 appearances for the Bayern first-team after he was promoted from the youth academy as a 17-year-old.

And Matthaus believes Bayern should never have allowed the German international to leave the club.

“I still can’t understand why they couldn’t reach an agreement. A big raise would have been justified given his performances on the field,” Matthaus told SportsBild.

“Kroos is a key cog in Real Madrid’s midfield.

He fit perfectly into an excellent team and has the confidence of everyone around him. Kroos was right to go abroad. It was like winning the lottery.”

“For me, Kroos is the best midfielder around at the moment.

“I don’t see anyone on his level. He’s been the boss with the national team. If I could find just one weakness I’d say it’s his lack of goals. He could shoot more often.

“With Zidane, who used to play in a similar position, as his coach he could be given a more attacking role.”

—Matthaus

Bayern shouldn’t have sold Kroos

Spainish la liga Lionel Messi Barcelona 7 Luis Suarez Barcelona 7 Antoine Griezmann Atlético de Madrid 6 Aritz Aduriz Zubeldia Athletic Club 5 Gerard Moreno Balaguero Espanyol 4

EUROPE’S TOP 4

Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

TOTTENHAM Hotspur manager Mauricio Pochettino has hinted that the most recent international break may be behind his side’s lacklustre form.

The Argentine revealed to reporters that a number of players had returned from international duty with fitness issues.

“Danny Rose was injured with the national team and then Toby [Alderweireld] had a knock on the leg, Sonny (Son Heung-min) with the national team. Yes, it is a little bit disappointing but sometimes it happens.”

Pochettino, 44, admitted that he was frustrated with these issues, though he told reporters that Tottenham were working to “manage the situation”.

“That is true because after the international break we suffered a lot of problems with our players that were involved in the internationals.

“But that is international duty and we need to accept that and try to manage the situation in a better way.”

Spurs are unbeaten in the league this season and are currently sitting one point adrift of top spot.

Despite this, they have drawn their last three matches in all competitions.

Tottenham have been forced to cope with a string of knocks to key players in recent months, and Pochettino lamented the poor fortune his side has had to endure.

Spurs hampered by international break —Pochettino

ORUSSIA Dortmund CEO HansJoachim Watzke has admitted that his club could be prone to losing star striker Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang.

The Gabon international has been linked with a move to Real Madrid, openly admitting they are his “dream club”.

And Watzke has revealed the Germans would enter into talks with Madrid if they are to show concrete interest in the 27-year-old, but said a deal is by no means an easy feat.

“If Real Madrid come knocking, we will talk, but it isn’t going to be easy,” he told Sky Germany.

“The transfer won’t be automatic.”

Dortmund have lost a host of star players in recent seasons including Robert Lewandowski and former Captain Mats Hummels to rivals Bayern Munich.

Watzke says that Aubameyang remains a key part of the Dortmund team and remains a required player.

“We want him to stay with us. Unlike other players that left us recently, Aubameyang has

B

—Dortmund CEO

MAURO Icardi will face disciplinary action after breaking Inter’s code of conduct following comments about the club’s fans in his autobiography.

In a statement released by the club, The Argentinian striker will remain the captain of Inter Milan but will be sanctioned with a fine along with a non-specified punishment.

“Following a meeting this morning between management and Mauro Icardi, F.C. Internazionale announces that the captain will be sanctioned for contravening the club’s internal regulations as signed by every player.”

Icardi, 23, was accused of telling “lies” in a lengthy statement by the Inter ultras. Coupled by this, they cheered as he missed a penalty against Cagliari and booed him off the pitch at the San Siro at the weekend.

Since then, the club has published an apology from Icardi which stated: “the last couple of days have been a sad period in my time with the Nerazzurri. Yet within a family — and I’ve always been taught that Inter is first and foremost one big family — tough times and misunderstandings happen.

“We want to win the Champions League, why shouldn’t we? Winning the world cup with Argentina, however, would be even better, I’d go out of my mind if that even happens,” he said.

JAVIER Mascherano has revealed his new deal will be the last with Spanish giants Barcelona, which is set to expire in 2019.

Despite being linked with a move to Serie A champions Juventus during the summer, Mascherano has decided to extend his stay at the Camp Nou. And the defender says he wants to make the most of the time he has remaining with the club.

“I’m really happy to continue at a place which has been my home for the last six years,” Mascherano told Barcelona TV as reported by Mundo Deportivo.

“It’s the club I’ve spent the most years [of my career] at and that makes me very happy, obviously it’s a source of pride, too.

“It’s not easy to spend so much time at such a competitive, demanding club. To make sure they continue to have confidence in me is now a challenge for the future.”

Mascherano claims he never thought he would have long career with the Catalan heavyweights.

“I never imagined I would spend so long here. I thought I’d be here for a couple of years, because I knew the demands of the club. It’s all gone so quick,” he added.

I never knew I will stay this long at Barca —Mascherano

JUVENTUS striker Paulo Dybala has revealed that his club rejected a massive offer from Barcelona for his services over the summer.

In comments to So Foot Club, he stated that he was happy to stay with the Turin club and appreciated the show of faith in keeping him around.

“Juventus rejected an offer for me [€90 million from Barcelona] and I have to thank Juventus because it means they believe in me.

It is difficult to reject these kinds of offers. I am happy to stay, I am playing at one of the best clubs in the world and if I’d ever decide to leave, it’d be for the club’s good,” he said.

Had he left, it would have been interesting to see how he would have fit in with the rest of Barcelona’s attacking talent as Luis Suarez, Neymar and Leo Messi appear to have the three attacking spots pretty well sewn up.

Dybala meanwhile is setting some fairly lofty goals for his club side this year and down the track for the national team.

Juve turned down mega Barca offer for me —Dybala

a long contract that he has extended until 2020,” he added.

“There is absolutely no pressure [to sell him]. I also don’t have the impression that he would like to go.”

Aubameyang may join Real Madrid

5

Icardi in trouble for breaching Inter code

European Football

English Premiership Diego Da Silva Costa Chelsea 7 Romelu Lukaku Everton 6 Michail Antonio West Ham United 5 Sergio Aguero Manchester City 5 Theo Walcott Arsenal 5

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Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

I’ve never actually played the position before,” Moses admits. “I kind of like it. As long as I’m helping the team, I just want to play football.

Victor Moses is smiling again

A

FTER three years as a Premier League nomad, Victor Moses is finally back where he always wanted to be.

And as he sits in a room overlooking the sun-drenched first-team training pitch at Chelsea’s Cobham training complex, there is more than a hint of indignation in his words at the fact he has been made to wait this long.

“I’m delighted to be back,” Moses told ESPN FC. “I thought I did well in my first season here, but due to circumstances -- a manager going, a manager coming in -- I wasn’t really given a chance.”

The first manager in question was Rafa Benitez, wildly unpopular with Chelsea supporters before and throughout a toxic seven-month interim spell at Stamford Bridge, but also a man under whom Moses made 32 appearances between November 2012 and May 2013 and scored seven goals -- four of which came in the Blues’ run to the Europa League final.

The second was Jose Mourinho, welcomed as a returning hero to Stamford Bridge the following summer but also a man who rapidly concluded that, despite his promising start to life at Chelsea, Moses had no part to play in his new era.

“He never spoke to me,” Moses said of Mourinho, who visits Stamford Bridge as Manchester United manager for the first time on Sunday. “I thought in my head, ‘He’s got his own players already.’

“I think we chatted a couple of times on the phone -- he asked if I was alright at Liverpool [where Moses spent the 201314 season on loan], but that was it, “ said the player who played all-90 minutes in Sunday’s 4-0 mauling of Manchester United on Mourinho’s return to Stamford Bridge.

Antonio Conte has taken a rather different approach. On arrival at Chelsea in July, the Italian asked the club hierarchy to let him have a look at Moses in preseason. After two friendly matches and a week-long training camp in Austria, he decided that he liked what he saw.

Having revived Moses’ morale, Conte then set about reinventing his game.

Chelsea’s switch to a 3-4-3 system in a 2-0 victory over Hull City at the start of the month has shifted the dynamics of the squad in many interesting ways, but no development has been quite as surprising as the Nigeria international’s

emergence as an accomplished and effective right wing-back.

“I’ve never actually played the position before,” Moses admits. “I kind of like it. As long as I’m helping the team, I just want to play football.

“I’ve got [Cesar] Azpilicueta next to me as well and he’s always talking to me, making

sure I’m in the right position. He makes it a lot easier for me because he understands the role more than I do. That’s helped me [defensively], and offensively it’s given me the chance to get the ball one vs. one and go at defenders. That’s good for the team and good for me.

“The formation we’re playing really suits the way I play, and the other players as well. We’re very intense, we want to shut down our opponents and get the ball forward on counter-attacks. We’re looking solid at the back at the moment as well, so we’re very pleased with that.”

Moses scored his third goal of the season during last Saturday’s 3-0 win over Leicester City, latching onto a brilliant flick from academy graduate Nathaniel Chalobah (“Did he mean it? I’m not sure,” Moses jokes) in a moment that seemed symbolic of the more inclusive style Conte has brought to Stamford Bridge.

“The manager who is here now is giving everyone a chance -- even the young lads,” Moses said. “I’m pleased that he’s here and I’ve just got to go out there and enjoy my football. As long as you work hard, the manager will see it and he’ll give you an opportunity.”

Over the past three years Moses has often spent summer weeks at Cobham feeling as though his qualities were being ignored, as he built up his match fitness for the benefit of other Premier League clubs.

“I’ve always had a good preseason here

and never really had a look-in,” he added.

“When the new manager came in, I just wanted to see how it went. It’s a blessing for me that he enjoys the way I play and appreciates the effort I put in. It gives you a lot of confidence when the manager believes in you.”

Moses’ loan journey at Liverpool took a hit when an emerging Raheem Sterling eventually took his spot on the right flank and he became largely a spectator as Brendan Rodgers’ men embarked on a Premier League title charge that was only derailed on the last weekend of April by Steven Gerrard’s slip and the stubbornness of Mourinho’s Chelsea.

“I had a good time at Liverpool,” Moses insisted. “They were great lads. The manager had his reasons to keep me on the bench and at the same time they were on a good run... I did watch the game. The better team won. Chelsea came with a game plan and it worked.”

He was a more regular presence at Stoke City the following season, despite a calf injury in November that sidelined him for eight weeks and a hamstring problem that curtailed his campaign in April. Chelsea, by now top of the Premier League, tried to recall him in January, only for the Potters to veto the deal.

“My agent spoke to me about it,” Moses said, with no bitterness at a missed opportunity to earn a winners’ medal at Stamford Bridge.

“At the time I was doing well at Stoke and I said to him that I would like to go back to Chelsea and compete for the title, but I left it up to both clubs. Chelsea ended up winning the league anyway, and I was happy for the lads.”

Victor Moses’ workrate and effort in training caught the eye of Conte right away.

Last season began with Moses’ only appearance under Mourinho -- an eight-minute cameo against Arsenal in the Community Shield -- before he was sent to West Ham. He was injury struck again in early December, by which time Chelsea’s Premier League title defence had crumbled into ruin and the manager was soon to depart.

Conte’s steady revival of Chelsea since the summer has been aided by an infusion of players not scarred by last season’s disaster, and Moses says the squad’s focus is on the challenges ahead rather than past problems.

“It’s just about building game by game,” he insists. “We don’t want last season to happen again, so everyone is working hard and it’s all about togetherness.

“We’ve got that this season. We’re constantly talking to each other on the pitch to make sure we don’t make mistakes, and if someone does make a mistake, it’s about encouraging them not to make the same one again.”

Having endured three years out of the Chelsea fold, this philosophy of second chances suits Moses more than most. It’s remarkable to realise that he is still only 25, with plenty of time and even more desire to make up lost ground.

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Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

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With Niyi Alebiosu adeniyi70@yahoo.com 08116954642

TGC holds welcome/send-off golf tourney

By Olawale Olaniyan

From right, Permanent Secretary, Kwara State Ministry of Education, Mariam Ayodeji-Garba and Manager, Sponsorship, Etisalat Nigeria, Orah Egwu, with the champion’s trophy during a courtesy call on the ministry by Etisalat Nigeria as part of the activities lined up for the Etisalat School Cup Season 3 regional play off in Ilorin.

Lulu hails Etisalat U15 Cup

F

ORMER president, Nigeria Football Federation and proprietor, Fosla Academy, Abuja, Alhaji Sani Lulu has commended the initiative of the telecommunications company, Etisalat, for the under 15 football cup.

Lulu, whose team qualified for the national finals of the Etisalat U15 Cup from Ilorin zone said the idea will help in getting future players for the country and also have young players that will play for national team in the nearest future.

According to him, the Etisalat U15 Cup was a true reflection of young players being given the opportunity to showcase their talents and he expressed happiness with the standard displayed in Ilorin by the states.

Meanwhile, Fosla Academy Abuja and Socrates Secondary School, Kwara have qualified for the national finals in Lagos in November.

FOSLA and Socrates proved a handful for their respective opponents in the matches decided inside the main bowl of the Ilorin Township Stadium.

FOSLA Academy defeated Alhaji Azhan International College, Kogi 3-1, while Socrates got a 1-0 victory over Cross River team courtesy of Saheed Bakare who scored in the

36th minute.

The Abuja team continued their fine form with a 5-0 hammering of their counterparts from Nasarawa State, Mbagwa Commercial Secondary School, while Niger defeated Pla-

teau 2-0.

The national champion of the 2016 edition will receive the champions trophy and a cash prize of N2 million educational award while its players will go home with N50,000

each. The runner-up will go home with N1 million with the players pocketing extra N30,000 each while the third-place will have the sum of N750,000.00 for their efforts with its players receiving N20,000.00 each.

TIGER Golf Club (TGC) will on Saturday stage a welcome/send-off golf tournament in honour of MajorGeneral K. I. Abdulkarim, the GOC 2 Division, Nigerian Army and Patron of Tiger Golf Club and the past GOC of the division, Major General L.C Ilo, alongside Brigadier-General E.A.P Undiandeye, the past vice captain of TGC. The tournament will be presided by an interclub matchplay between Tiger Golf Club and Abeokuta Golf Club on Friday, October 28.

Captain of the club, Dr John Dongo, disclosed that at Tiger Golf Club, they always give honour to gentlemen and officers who have contributed to the growth of the club as the honorees deserve commendation.

The chairman, Local Organising Committee (LOC), Mr Chris Nzekea, said the committee has put logistics in place to ensure a befitting tournament that will once more bring golfers across the country to the city of Ibadan.

He stated that the LOC which also has Mr Gabriel Eneware, the club’s Competition Secretary, Muyiwa

Laniyan and Engineer Ojo Jimoh is leaving no stone unturned to ensure that it’s going to be a great weekend of golf with the interclub matchplay with Abeokuta Golf Club heralding the welcome/send-off golf tourney.

“No fewer than 150 participants are coming for this event,” Eneware said.

Meanwhile, the tourney will tee-off at 8am while the closing ceremony is slated for 4:30pm the same day.

Major- General K. I. Abdulkarim

Team MGM seal management deal with Nigeria’s Larry Ekundayo RISING welterweight star and African Boxing Union Welterweight Champion, Larry Ekundayo, is the latest boxer to join Team MGM after signing a management deal.

Boasting an 11-0 record, Ekundayo already has an impressive list of names on his ledger and is aiming to extend that over the coming months.

The welterweight division is full of top contenders and Ekundayo feels he has joined the perfect team to help him establish himself among the very best.

“This move has come at the perfect stage of my career. I’m looking at the big fights and with Team MGM behind me I’m totally confident of getting those opportunities,” he said.

“He’s a quality boxer.

The names on his record at such an early stage of

his career speaks volumes and we look forward to this exciting new chapter” Team MGM commented.

Ekundayo is the No 1 contender for the Commonwealth title and he will be positioned for a world

title shot in the future, plans are in place to ensure his next fight will come up before the end of the year

with the London-based boxer revealing that he will like to make his next fight happen in Nigeria.

From left, Compensation and Benefit Manager, Mr. Kenneth Omoni; Marketing Manager, Peak, Dolapo Otegbeyi; Human Resource Director, Tominiyi Oni and the Head of Business Excellence, Shope Balogun, all of Friesland Campino WAMCO Plc., during the opening ceremony of the company’s 2016 annual FC WAMCO Game, held at Agege Stadium on Saturday in Lagos. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA.

midweek

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Wednesday, 26 October, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

special

8

Ogbonna declares ‘Operation stop Costa’

Ogbonna

DIEGO Costa must be outsmarted if West Ham are to get the better of Chelsea in the EFL Cup, Angelo Ogbonna says.

Slaven Bilic’s team host Chelsea today at the last-16 stage of the competition having already met in a fiery contest in August to kick off the 2016-17 season.

Chelsea won that match 2-1 at Stamford Bridge to give Antonio Conte a winning start to his reign, with Costa netting a dramatic late goal after avoiding a second yellow card for a rash challenge on West Ham goalkeeper Adrian.

Ogbonna thinks West Ham will be wiser to Costa’s style of play this time around and knows stopping him will be key to their chances of suc-

cess at London Stadium.

“We know Costa,” defender Ogbonna, who played under Conte at Juventus, told the Mirror.

“Every time we play him we have to be careful.

We have played him already. Everybody knows Costa. He has a high behaviour. On the pitch he tries to make something to change the game.

“Sometimes if we do something as defenders, it’s bigger than it is if a striker does it. A striker can do whatever he wants.

“A defender has to be careful, maybe clever.

This is the game. I think whoever is more clever can win!”

Ogbonna is also aware Chelsea have a number

of other threats but thinks his own team are no different, with Dimitri Payet one of multiple attacking stars.

He added: “Costa is an international player, a good player. They have [Eden] Hazard as well, we shouldn’t talk just about Costa. They also have Willian. [N’Golo] Kante as well.

“Maybe they are going to change it a bit because they are playing in the cup and they have a lot of games. But we have to prepare like it’s the last game of the season.

“We have good players too. The expectation is high. Everyone knows Dimi can change the match sometimes, but not just Dimi. [Winston] Reidy changed the match [against Sunderland].”

League Cup showdown

Iheanacho wary of wounded Man U

Iheanacho

By Dipo Ogunsola

K

ELECHI Iheanacho has warned his Man City mates that things would not be as rosy when they take on Manchester United tonight at the Old Trafford at the League Cup round of 16.

Last month, Iheanacho was the hero setting up teammate, Kevin De Bruyne and hitting the target himself in a 2-1 win over United in an EPLduel at Old Trafford.

Now, the Nigerian international senses that United would be smarting from the defeat from their acclaimed ‘noisy neighbours’.

“Last time we played United we put in a great performance from the whole team and won it, so we are looking forward to it again,’’ Iheanacho told Manchester Evening News.

“This one will be harder, as they are getting to know us and our players. They will fight hard so we have to get our heads straight, fight back and get the win at Old Trafford, ” he added.

United youngster Marcus Rashford could have a chance to live out a childhood dream.

‘If I am to name my dream goal it would be a home goal against City, definitely!, Rashford told Inside United magazine

Rashford made a goal-scoring cameo in the win over Northampton Town in the previous round of the EFL Cup and

Rashford

now hopes to start as United look to oust their neighbours and progress to the fifth round.

Hope Jose won’t wage war —Xavi JOSE Mourinho and Pep Guardiola will clash again in today’s EFL Cup fourth round tie at Old Traffford and Mourinho is under pressure after Sunday’s 4-0 hammering at his former club Chelsea.

Former Spanish international, Xavi told the Daily Mirror that Mourinho can

CREW: Ganiyu Salman

adopt a confrontational approach at times, which he does not think will serve him well in this instance.

“Sometimes, when things don’t go well for Mourinho, he wants war not football, like when he was at Madrid,” said Xavi.

“I hope we don’t see that again in Eng-

Xavi

Niyi Alebiosu Nurudeen Alimi

Olawale Olaniyan

land.”

“When I knew they would be rival coaches again, I knew it would be good for football,” added the 36-year-old.

“I knew it would be especially good for English football. They’re two of the best coaches in the world and their duel can be the best in football.

“Both coaches are going to want to win this game,” said Xavi. “I don’t believe this is a competition they will not take seriously.

“Pep will not be worrying, that’s not his way - but he will not have been happy with recent results - and a good win against the biggest rivals could put them on a good run again.

“Pep will also want to win his first competition with City, that will be important for him.”

Oluwabunmi Ajayi