30th September 2016

NIGERIA’S MOST INFORMATIVE NEWSPAPER NO 16,601 FRIDAY, 30 SEPTEMBER, 2016

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Nigerian Tribune

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TODAY'S SPECIAL

Your kids' backpacks may be killing them softly

By Vera Onana MOST children have to drag huge backpacks to and from school every day. Like turtles with oversized shells, they stagger under the weight of huge packs from their home to school and back, some even have to run or climb stairs with such heavy backpacks. It seems normal and the routine of every child, but how dangerous is this

FG to build ranches, grazing reserves for Fulani herdsmen —P29

Jegede on INEC list as PDP candidate for Ondo election —P2

seemingly innocuous task?

Professor Francis Uba, a consultant Paediatric Surgeon at the Jos University Teaching Hospital, has declared that carrying heavy backpacks has a number of health implications on children who are subjected to such burden.

Continues pg9

TribuneOnline

Nigerian Tribune

N150

NASS officials seal off Jibrin's office —P2

Buhari names 6 INEC, 5 NPC commissioners —P8

APC's Obaseki is Edo gov-elect —P4,5 •PDP, Ize-Iyamu reject results •APC to PDP: You are bad losers •Security beefed up as protesters besiege INEC office EDO STATE GUBERNATORIAL ELECTION RESULTS

Edo State governor-elect, Mr Godwin Obaseki, with supporters, jubilating at his residence in Benin City, after he was declared winner by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday.

1. AKOKO-EDO 2. EGOR 3. ESAN CENTRAL 4. ESAN NORTH EAST 5. ESAN SOUTH EAST 6. ESAN WEST 7. ETSAKO CENTRAL 8. ETSAKO EAST 9. ETSAKO WEST 10. IGUEBEN 11. IKPOBA-OKHA 12. OWAN EAST 13. OWAN WEST 14. OREDO 15. ORHIONMWON 16. OVIA NORTH EAST 17. OVIA SOUTH WEST 18. UHUNMWODE TOTAL

APC 24,545 26,177 9,781 9,130 9,554 13,114 10,373 18,078 29,199 7,802 33,469 21, 233 12,862 37,612 15,262 17,561 12,820 10,911 319, 483

PDP 13,027 19,514 10,180 16,220 11,466 16,311 8,827 12,552 10,843 7,560 26,096 12,889 10,132 30,492 16,446 13,141 8,810 8,667 253,173

2 politicsnews National Assembly officials seal off Jibrin’s office

Friday, 30 September, 2016

Jibrin’s allegations against Reps selfish —Islamic coalition Leon Usigbe -Abuja, with Agency Report

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FFICIALS of the National Assembly, on Thursday, sealed off the office of Abdulmumin Jibrin, the former chairman of House Committee on Appropriation.

Jibrin was suspended on Wednesday, for one year for making allegations that the 2016 budget was padded by the speaker, Yakubu Dogara, four other principal officers and other lawmakers.

He was also barred from positions of responsibility in the House until the end of the eighth assembly.

With his fate signed, sealed and delivered, officials of the legislative arm of government have now sealed his office, meaning he cannot legally enter the room again until his suspension is over.

As it were, the officials see his case as an open-andshut affair.

The Sergeant-at-Arms team and police supervised the sealing of the office, Room 1.05 located at the new building wing of the complex.

The News Agency of

Nigeria (NAN) reported that some legislative staff working with Jibrin evacuated some of their personal belongings and documents before the office was closed.

The ejection exercise was sequel to the resolution passed by the House during

Wednesday plenary session on the recommendations of the House Committee on Ethics and Privileges, chaired by Rep. Nicholas Ossai (PDP-Delta).

Briefing newsmen shortly after, the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Media and Pub-

lic Affairs, Rep. Abdulrazak Namdas (APC-Adamawa) said that the House had not received any court papers regarding the suspension.

Briefing newsmen shortly after, the Chairman House of Representatives Committee on Media and Public Affairs, Rep. Abdulrazak

Namdas (APC-Adamawa) said that the House had not received any court papers regarding the suspension.

Namdas said: “while the suspended lawmaker has a right to go to court, there is a clear separation of powers between the three arms of government’’.

“The House is empowered

Investigate Ondo APC primaries, Abraham tells EFCC Hakeem Gbadamosi -Akure

Office of the former chairman, House Committee on Appropriation, Honourable Abdulmumin Jibrin, being sealed off by Sergeant at Arms, at the National Assembly Abuja, on Thursday. PHOTO: SUNDAY OSUNRAYI.

A major contender for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket in Ondo State, Dr Olusegun Abraham, has asked the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate the alleged fraud perpetrated by some members of the party during the governorship primaries in the state.

Abraham, who made the call in Akure, the state capital, specifically called on the agency to prosecute those who might be found culpable in the alleged padding of the list of dele-

Jegede on INEC list as PDP candidate for Ondo election Hakeem Gbadamosi -Akure THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), on Thursday, released the list of candidates for the forthcoming governorship election in Ondo State, with the name of the factional candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Mr Jimoh Ibrahim, missing in the list.

The list, which include 28 names of candidates from various political parties for the election, however, have that of the former AttorneyGeneral and Commissioner for Justice, Mr Eyitayo Jegede, from the Markarfiled faction of the party, as PDP standard-bearer in the election.

Also, Mr Rotimi Akeredolu of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was recognised as the party’s candidate, while Dr Olu Agunloye also made the list for Social Democratic Party (SDP) .

Other names on the list included Pastor Oladare Amuda, Accord; Yinka Oloyede Orokoto, Action Alliance (AA); Dr Akin Olowookere, Alliance for Democracy (AD); Mrs Modupe Ogunyoku, African Democratic Congress (ADC) and Mrs Helen Folasade for African People Alliance (APA): Chief Adetuwo Ogunjumelo, Allied Congress Party; Prince Peter Fasua, Citizens Popular Party (CPP); Dr Oluwadare Bada, New Nige-

by the constitution to have its own rules.

“There is no petition from Jibrin against any member before the Ethics Committee and we cannot investigate based on newspaper publications.

“He made allegations which he could not substantiate.’’

ria Peoples Party (NNPP); Bolarinwa Aidi of Unity Party of Nigeria (UPN), among others also made the list.

Meanwhile, Advance Congress of Democrats (ACD) and United Progressive Party (UPP) were said to have refused to submit their nomination forms to the commission.

The statePDP publicity secretary, Banji Okunomo,

congratulated the party’s candidate, Jegede, while urging the aggrieved members of the party in the state to join hands with the him to ensure victory for PDP in the governorship election slated for November.

He noted that the declaration of Jegede as PDP candidate by INEC indicated that he had fulfilled all necessary process to contest in the

governorship election and put end to all doubts about his candidature.

Okunomo called on the party’s supporters to commence mobilisation and campaign across the 18 local government areas of the state, while assuring that the party would continue with the good work of the present administration in the state.

However, PDP factional

chairman in the state, Biyi Poroye, said the faction would be heading to court, saying INEC was wrong to have confirmed Jegede as the party’s candidate.

He insisted that Ibrahim remained the authentic candidate of the party for the governorship election and vowed to challenge the action of the electoral umpire in court.

Edo: Buhari, Oyegun congratulate Oshiomhole, Obaseki Leon Usigbe -Abuja PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated the government and people of Edo State on the successful conclusion of the gubernatorial election and the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) candidate, Godwin Obaseki, at the polls.

According to a statement issued in Abuja, on Thursday, by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Buhari, in a telephone call to Governor Adams Oshiomhole, commended “the well-articulated campaign programme of the APC in the state, the doggedness of the governor, governor-elect and party members in going round the state to reach the people with records of good governance over the years and a promise of continuity.”

President Buhari observed that “the outcome of the

election clearly reflected the mood of the people to sustain the pedigree of responsiveness, forthrightness and diligence that Governor Oshiomhole brought into the service of his people.”

He said the “victory is good for democracy, for Nigeria and the people of Edo State.”

President Buhari said the victory was well-deserved, as the campaign train, which he joined, worked hard to sell its people-centered manifesto.

The president also applauded the conduct of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), security agencies, corps members and electorate in ensuring a peaceful election.

Also, the national chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, on Thursday, congratulated Mr Obaseki and his running mate, Philip Shuaibu, on their election victory.

In a message issued on behalf of the APC National Working Committee (NWC), Odigie-Oyegun thanked the good people of Edo State for the massive turnout during the election.

He also congratulated political parties and their can-

didates that contested the election for the fair play and relatively peaceful conduct displayed during the election exercise.

He, therefore, called for calm and appealed to the opposition parties to accept defeat in good faith.

PDP chides el-Rufai over failure to conduct LG poll THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has berated Governor Nasir el-Rufa’i of Kaduna State for failing to conduct local council election in the state.

A statement issued in Kaduna, on Thursday, by the state publicity secretary of the party, Mr Abraham Katoh, said the action was in total violation of Nigeria’s constitution.

It said by its failure to conduct the polls, the state government had clearly displayed its contempt and

ridicule for the local government system.

The statement reminded the governor of his promise on assumption of office to conduct local council election within three months.

“It is regretable that a year and a half after his election, he has not deemed it fit to fulfill the promise,” it said.

The PDP, therefore, challenged the governor and the state House of Assembly to rise in defence of the constitution by conducting the election.

gate meant for the election.

He explained that bringing the culprits to book would further boost the current anti-corruption crusade of the federal administration and sustain the integrity of APC leadership.

He called on President Muhammadu Buhari to wade into the crisis trailing Ondo APC primaries, to ensure the party fielded a candidate that would win at the poll.

“This mandate is not just mine; it belongs to the entire people of the state.

Those behind the padded delegates list must be prosecuted. We don’t want it to be extended to other states of the federation,” he said.

The contestant said he remained a candidate to beat in the election proper in the state, because his campaign was predicated on welfare for the people.

“I did not campaign like a typical politician, but with facts and figures that were themed around wealth creation, practical ways of developing the economy with the people’s direct involvement, rebuilding a crumbled value system, and so on.

“So, it is understandable why the people keep supporting my aspiration and why they keep clamouring for the reclamation of the mandate,,” he said.

Abraham, who called for the resignation of the national chairman of the party, Chief John OdigieOyegun, described Oyegun’s action over the result of the controversial party primaries as shocking and undemocratic.

He warned of an impending doom for APC in the November 26 election if the result of the outcome of the primaries was not reversed.

“If the APC sticks to the undemocratic Akeredolu option, the party will lose, because the people are apathetic towards his candidacy,” he said.

Accordingly, Abraham urged the president to ensure that the anomaly, which happened during the primaries, was corrected to prevent the downfall of the party.

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Friday, 30 September, 2016

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politicsnews

Friday, 30 September, 2016

INEC declares Obaseki Edo gov-elect Banji Aluko-Benin City

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HE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has announced candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in the Edo State governorship election, Mr Godwin Obaseki, as winner of the September 28 poll in the state, defeating Peoples Democratic Party’s Pastor Osagie Ize-Iyamu.

Chief Returning Officer, Professor Kayode Sore-

mekun, announced the name of Obaseki as winner of the election with 319, 483 votes, as against IzeIyamu’s 253,173.

Obaseki, who is currently the head of the Edo State

Economic Team, won in 13 local government areas of the state, leaving the PDP candidate with five local government areas.

He won in all the six local government areas in Gov-

ernor Adams Oshiomhole Edo North geo-political zone, six out of the seven in the Edo South and one out of the five in the Edo Central senatorial district.

Earlier during the an-

nouncement, no one was certain of where the victory pendulum would swing after the results of the first nine local government areas looked balanced, with Obaseki winning in

Edo people have made a good choice —Tinubu FORMER Lagos State Governor and APC National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, has congratulated the party’s candidate in the Edo State governorship election, Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for his victory in the election, saying Edo people have made their choice.

He said Obaseki is a tested technocrat who is competent and experienced to take over and continue the good work done by the outgoing governor of the state, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole.

The APC leader also congratulated Oshiomhole for his achievements in Edo, which helped in retaining Edo for APC. With the election of Obaseki, Asiwaju Tinubu said Edo had taken after Lagos in the Continuity model, which has worked assiduously well for the people of Lagos State.

PdP supporters protesting over alleged snatching of ballot boxes during the governorship election, at the state INEC office in Benin City, on Thursday.

PHOTO: NAN

PDP, Ize-Iyamu reject results Banji Aluko-Benin City

CANDIDATE of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Pastor Osagie IzeIyamu, and his party have rejected of the result of Wednesday’s governorship election, declaring that the results as announced by the Independent Electoral Commission (INEC) was at variance with that collated by party agents and independent observers.

Ize-Iyamu was joined in

rejecting the results of the election by the Edo State chairman of the PDP, Dan Orbih, who pointed out that the results issued by INEC’s Presiding Officers at the polling units showed that PDP was clearly ahead of the APC with a minimum of 30,000 votes.

Providing details of alleged irregularities that took place during the poll, Ize-Iyamu, at a media briefing in Benin, claimed hat a plan was orchestrated to not only ensure that

PDP lost the election, but to deny the party of proofs to back its claims.

He said before the earlier election fixed for September 10 was postponed, serial numbers of result sheets were released to parties on September 8, adding that information was used to write fake results.

Ize-Iyamu also alleged that between N3 billion to N4 billion was spent by the state government to induce voters in the presence of security agents on the elec-

Party agents’ refusal to sign result sheet does not invalidate election —INEC THE Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) has said that the refusal of some political party agents to sign the Edo governorship election result sheet did not invalidate the poll.

INEC National Commissioner in Charge of Publicity, Prince Solomon Soyebi, also stated this in an interview with newsmen on Thursday in

Benin, explained that the validity of an election was stipulated in the Electoral Act and Election Guidelines.

He said that the concluded Edo election was in line with the Electoral Act. “The refusal of any party agents to sign the result sheet does not in any way invalidate the declared result of the election,” Soyebi said.

The agents of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and that of the Young Democratic Party (PDP) had refused to sign the result sheet of the Edo governorship election.

He commended the people of Edo for their peaceful conduct that allowed the election to be peaceful and concluded in one ballot.

“This is one of the few

Ambode congratulates Obaseki Bola Badmus-Lagos

LAGOS State governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, has congratulated Mr. Godwin Obaseki, for his victory saying that the people of the state had made the right choice.

Governor Ambode, in a congratulatory message

five with 142,424 and IzeIyamu trailing behind with 136,808 in four local government areas.

Obaseki, however, put a daylight between him and Ize-Iyamu, with the results of the remaining nine local government areas, clearing the path for his emergence as governor. ...PDP supporters in Benin A protest by hundreds of PDP supporters midway into the collation and announcement of results created an ugly scene at the venue of the exercise at the Edo State INEC headquarters.

The protesters stormed the venue, alleging manipulation of the voting and citing the case of Esan North East Local Government Area, where they alleged that some results favourable to the PDP were cancelled.

Policemen, however, used teargas canisters and fired shots into the air to disperse the protesters, while the entire Ikpoba Hill area, where the INEC state secretariat is located were condoned off at about noon, following the protest.

signed by his Chief Press Secretary (CPS), Mr. Habib Aruna on Thursday, said the development was not just a victory for democracy but the people who he said would experience continuity in terms of dividends of democracy.

The governor, who was the chairman, APC National

Campaign Committee for the election, said the people voted for continuity of people-friendly policies and programmes, and urged all the relevant stakeholders in the state to accept the verdict of the people and work with Obaseki to move Edo forward.

elections that we have conducted with minimum violence,” he said.

Soyebi said that the people had set the pace for peaceful election and mass turnout of voters in the country.

He expressed hope that such standard would be sustained as well as impact on future elections.

The INEC commissioner said high number of counseled votes and the inability to use the card readers remained one of the major changes in the election.

He, however, promised that INEC would build on the success recorded in Edo, as well as invest more in voter education to ensure the success of Ondo election scheduled for Novermber 28.

tion day.

He further alleged that the INEC, security agents and the APC have taken Nigeria democratic development backward.

“The delay in announcing the official result by INEC was clearly predetermined and designed to announce fabricated results that are completely at variance with what happened at the units.

“To show that the results were predetermined, if you look at the result, it does not even reflect the huge turnout they (APC) even attested to. Even their national chairman commended the huge turnout.

“The result was written without taking into cognizance the huge turnout.

We have told our agents to bring out their results; we don’t want to rely on the messages sent to us. In the next three or four days, we shall have the complete record of the results. I can, however, tell you that from our findings, a lot of manipulation a took place.

“At Ward 2 in George Idah Primary School when the collation was ongoing, it is on record that one Osakpamwan Eriyo forcefully entered the place and went away with INEC materials, including results collated from the wards.

“He was not declared wanted and nobody has arrested him. In Ologbo Ward 10 in Ikpoba Okha Local Government Area, a lot of

materials were carted away

by APC thugs. INEC was aware of this and we were told that the results were collated and accepted.

“Similar things happened in Orhionmwon to the extent that our agent, Lady Uwa Osunbor, was placed under house arrest, simply because she protested against what was happening. The DPO said he was holding her on the directive of the INEC. “In Etsako Central and Opoji, all the materials were seized by people wearing army and SSS uniforms. We spoke against it but the results were taken at the end of the day.

“In Etsako East, the army fired shots to drive people away so that they could take the results sheets away. So, one wonders the results that were announced. The result they got was obtained through fraud and the use of arms and cohesion and we are not party to it,” IzeIyamu alleged.

In his remark, the state PDP chairman, Dan Orbih, noted that in areas where the PDP was declared winner, the party’s votes were allegedly removed on the excuse of malfunctioned card readers, recalling that the party through its state publicity secretary, Chris Nehikhare, on Tuesday had alerted a plot conjured between the INEC and some stakeholders to rig the election.

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politicsnews

Friday, 30 September, 2016

Security beefed up at Govt House, other locations in Benin

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ECURITY has been beefed up at the Edo Government House,Benin, and other public institutions as the result of the governorship poll was being announced on Thursday.

Some people protested in front of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) office in Benin.

PDP are bad losers, says Edo APC chairman CHAIRMAN of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Edo chapter, Mr Anselm Ojezua, has described the rejection of the election results by the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as an act of a bad loser.

Ojezua told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Benin on Thursday that the entire process of the election had been nothing but peaceful.

“This is just a case of a bad loser. It is a pity that the PDP expects to win in a state which it had run down. Though the announcement of the results is still ongoing, I commend INEC , thus far.

“The process was very peaceful. INEC was efficient in delivery of materials to ensure that they got to locations on time,” he said.

The chairman advised the PDP to channel its grievances to the appropriate quarters.

The PDP had, through its chairman, rejected the results of the election, describing it as “fabricated and pre-determined.”

The state chairman of PDP, Mr Dan Orbi, said the party had rejected the result of the election because it was pre-determined and predicted.

Following the protest, more security personnel were drafted to the state INEC office and also stationed at strategic locations in Benin City.

More security personnel were seen at the govern-

ment house following the protest.

The security personnel drafted to government had barricaded major en-

try and exit points, while visitors are thoroughly screened before entering the building.

Police Armoured Per-

Banji Aluko-Benin City

THE Edo State governorelect, Godwin Obaseki, has described his victory

as a proof of the belief people in his ability to lead the state into a new a new era.

CLAIMANT to the national chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Senator Ali Modu Sheriff, has rejected the declaration of the All Pro-

APC’s victory has humbled Anenih, Igbinedion, others —Oshiomhole EDO State governor, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, on Thursday declared that the victory of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Wednesday’s governorship election has humbled Chief Tom Ikimi, Chief Gabriel Igbinedion, the Esama of

gressive Congress (APC) candidate, Mr Godwin Obaseki as the winner of the Edo State gubernatorial election conducted on Wednesday.

In an interim reaction to the outcome of the poll,

Aregbesola lauds Edo voters GOVERNOR Rauf Aregbesola of Osun State, on Thursday in Abuja, thanked Edo electorate for voting Godwin Obaseki.

He said this when he broke the news of Obaseki’s victory as Edo governor-elect to newsmen at the “National Day of Solidarity with Cuba’’.

Obaseki who descrbed the people as the levies of the election said they had shown their “preference

From left, Returning Officer for Edo 2016 governorship eletion, Professor Kayode Soremekun; Resident Electoral Commissioner, in Edo, Mr Sam Olumekun; and a national commissioner of INEC, Professor Anthoina Okoosi-Simbine, during the collation of result of election, in Benin City, on Thursday.

Photo: NAN

Banji Aluko-Benin City

The event was a roundtable discussion on strengthening International Struggle against all forms of Blockade and Isolation against Cuba.

“I am happy that my party has won in Edo. I thank the Edo people for not changing the change. This change is here to stay,’’ he said.

didate, just as other security personnel were seen patrolling the city and manning check points in strategic locations.

Edo people are the heroes of this election —Obaseki

Benin and Chief Raymond Dokpesi.

Governor Oshiomhole, who said Chief Anenih narrowly escaped defeat, however, stated that the APC was committed to dismantling the rigging machine of those he termed political godfathers in the state.

He claimed that Edo is

the only state where election had been held in recent times and no life was lost, noting that the victory has concluded his chapter in the struggle to end godfatherism.

Speaking to newsmen after the victory of the APC was announced by the Independent National Electoral Commission

Sheriff said in a statement issued in Abuja, on Thursday, that he would not accept the result.

Signed by his Special Adviser on media and publicity, Inuwa Bwala, Sheriff explained that his position was in line with the one taken by the majority of PDP members.

He said that he would not say much until he had received a full report corroborating the alleged irregularities during and after the elections.

He said he had not made a pronouncement on the Edo election because he was yet to receive official report on what transpired.

The statement said while

Sheriff awaited reports from PDP field officers on the situation in the state, he has asked PDP members to remain calm, hopeful and determined in the pursuit of their mandate, until the last was seen of the election.

Sheriff spoke against media reports suggesting that he was comfortable with the outcome of the Edo elections.

He stressed that no sensible leader would accept what had been rejected by his followers.

The factional party chairman opined that it was mischievous for anybody to insinuate that hewould accept his party’s defeat.

Sheriff rejects Edo poll result Leon Usigbe and Jacob Segun Olatunji-Abuja

sonnel Carriers were stationed at the popular Kings Square , and campaign headquarters of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship can-

(INEC), Oshiomhole, who was flanked by leaders of the APC, said the election was the final celebration of political godfathers, who have held the people hostage since 1999.

According to him, “Over the last eight years, we have tried to orientate our people not just the voters but politicians that the season of election rigging, where one or two godfathers write the results, is over and we were committed to dismantling the rigging machine.

“We had a rerun in 2012 with all the godfathers on one side and new forces of change on my side, I won in all the 18 local government areas. Our people have spoken loud and clear that they believe in democracy.

They just don’t want to be beneficiaries; they want to be the drivers of the process. This was shown by the way they conducted themselves on the Election Day. “It is outstanding and remarkable that tensed as the election was with all the predictions the APC out of 18 local governments, we won in 15 decisively.”

for the continuation and consolidation of our programmes.”

Obaseki promised to build a state anchored on a productive economy that will transform and empower Edo citizens.

He said along with his deputy governor-elect, Phillip Shuaibu, he would consolidate on the gains of the Oshiomhole administration, while opening a vista for the next level of the socioeconomic development of Edo. He said, “we promised jobs. We promised empowerment of our citizens. We promised improved social welfare services and a more secured state. We will strive to deliver on all of these promises.

“As we travelled all over our great state selling our programmes, we also took note of your concerns and problems, and I want to assure you that we will do everything in our power to address them.

“Let me, at this point, sincerely salute the courage of all those who came out to exercise their franchise in spite of the intimidating manoeuvres of merchants of violence to derail the conduct of a peaceful, free and fair election.

“You are the heroes of this election. You saw through their propaganda and lies, and you made the right decision.”

He hailed Governor Adams Oshiomhole and President Muhammadu Buhari, who he gave special thanks for gracing the grand finale of the gubernatorial rally of his campaign in Benin.

He said, “I reserve very special appreciation to our Comrade Governor, Adams Aliyu Oshiomhole, for his vision and singleminded focus on the progress and development of our state. The elections are over; it is time to bury the hatchet and close ranks for the good of our dear state. Our state is superior to all other interests and we must, as individuals, subordinate our personal ambitions to that of the collective.”

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Friday, 30 September, 2016

Metro...

Nigerian Tribune

crime, security, court I was assaulted by traditionalists, pastor who destroyed shrine in Ogun says Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta

Officials of Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) demolishing some illegal structures at Nyanya market in Abuja, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN

4 robbery suspects, 5 cultists in police net in Ondo Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure

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EN of the Ondo State Police Command, on Wednesday, arrested four men suspected to be robbers on Erinje Road, in Okitipupa Local Government Area of the state.

The command also disclosed that five members of a rival cult group were also arrested in Ifon, Ose Local Government Area of the state, during a fight of supremacy between the two rival groups.

Speaking on the arrest, the Police Public Relations Officer (PPRO) of the com-

mand, Mr Femi Joseph, said the four robbers were arrested by the command’s policemen during an operation.

Joseph listed the robbery suspects to include Akinwande, Austin, Sunday and Niyi (surnames withheld).

He said: “When we got the information that the robbers were operating, we sent our patrol team there; but immediately they saw policemen, they opened fire on them.

“They engaged our men in a shootout, but our men killed one of them, while others ran into a nearby bush.

Later, they were arrested and are presently in our custody.”

Joseph also explained that one of the policemen was injured during the shootout and was receiving treatment in a hospital in the state.

He stated that some items were recovered from the hoodlums, including a locally-made pistol, three live ammunition and two cutlasses.

South Africa.

The pastor, a father of six, was alleged to have conspired with others now at large, to unlawfully export 91 kilogrammes of Methamphetamine, a psychotropic substance and 83 kilogrammes of Ephedrine, a controlled substance.

The two narcotics, according to NDLEA, were similar to cocaine, heroine and other banned hard drugs.

The accused was arraigned before the Federal

High Court in Lagos, where he pleaded not guilty.

At the resumed trial of the pastor, the NDLEA called two witnesses and tendered several exhibits.

One of the witnesses informed the court that he conducted a forensic test on the powdery substances which proved positive to Methamphetamine and Ephedrine.

The matter has been adjourned till November 18 and 24, for continuation of trial.

A pastor, Raji Michael Ayoola, has denied dealing in 174 kilogrammes of banned hard drugs.

The 60-year-old pastor, a.k.a Kadigun Fatah Ola, was arrested by the operatives of National Drugs Laws Enforcement Agency (NDLEA) at Customs Section of National Handling Company (NAHCO), on February 10, 2015, while attempting to export the said hard drugs to

scene and arrested them.

He said they recovered three single-barrel guns, a cut-to-size pistol, an army cap, axe, a sack of Indian hemp, machetes and charms from the hoodlums.

He added that all the hoodlums would be charged to court after the command had concluded its investigation.

‘NDLEA intercepted 24,000kg of drugs in Kano in 3 months’ THE National Drug Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), on Wednesday, said it intercepted 24,000 kilogrammes of drugs in the state in the last three

Pastor in trouble over alleged exportation of hard drugs Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin - Lagos

Joseph gave the names of the five suspected cultists as Tosin, Mayowa, Friday, Samson and Ojo (surnames withheld).

According to him, the suspects, who were alleged to be members of rival cult groups were engaging in supremacy fight when the patrol team of policemen stormed the

months.

The Commander of the agency in Kano State, Alhaji Hamza Umar, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano.

Umar said the command had, in July, intercepted over 1,229 kilogrammes of drugs and arrested 59 suspects.

He added that the agency also intercepted 18,764 kilogrammes of Indian hemp, cough syrups and arrested 79 suspects in August.

The commandant disclosed that the suspects had been arraigned at the Federal High Court, Kano, adding that the command had counselled 140 drug users, rehabilitated 14 while an-

other 14 were undergoing counselilng.

The agency, according to Umar, was making efforts to collaborate with the Almajiri schools in its fight against drug abuse, adding that the effort was part of the agency’s responsibilities to educate the society on the dangers of drug abuse.

He said the agency had also begun enlightenment programmes in primary and post-primary schools, in order to reduce drug addiction among the youths, as well as arrested street beggars, including underaged children being used by drug dealers to sale Indian hemp and other substances for them, recently.

PASTOR Adewale Fagbire, who was said to have went numb after destroying a shrine in Ketu, Ayetoro area of Ogun State, said on Thursday that he was beaten with charms and other fetish objects by traditionalists, but not affected.

He said this during a news conference in Abeokuta, adding that his action was an instruction from God, that he should evacuate all the fetish items from the shrine and that while he was assaulted by the traditionalists, he decided to remain quiet.

The cleric said all the charms and other fetish objects used in beating him did not affect him spiritually or physically.

He told those in attendance at the conference that his late father, who reigned as the traditional ruler of the town, Oba Taiwo Fagbire, used to take him to the shrine while alive.

The pastor denied media reports that he regained consciousness after he had been attended to by the traditionalists upon prompt intervention of the Alaye of Ayetoro, Oba Abdulaziz Adelakun.

“I was conscious, physically and mentally sound, during and after the incident, because God was already with me. I followed the instruction of the Lord to enter the shrine and packed all the items there away. I followed God’s instruction to be quiet as instructed by God. “God told me to go there (the shrine), create a scene, step aside and watch the film (the unfolding events).

They struck me with charms and nothing happened to me. They know the truth; nobody treated me and I spoke when I got to the Oba’s palace,” he said.

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Friday, 30 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Edited By Oluwatoyin Malik

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

Man, 31, rapes 19-year-old girl, records act Olalekan Olabulo - Lagos THIRTY-ONE-YEAR-OLD Benjamin (surname withheld) has been arrested for allegedly drugging, raping and recording the molestation of a 19-year-old girl.

The suspect confessed to have had carnal knowledge of the teenager, but insisted that they were lovers.

Benjamin said “I did not drug her, but only put Tramadol in her drink before I slept with her and recorded the act.”

He also said that he took the decision when he found out that the teenage girl was having an affair with two other people in their neighbourhood.

The state Police Commissioner, Fatai Owoseni said the victim and one other person raped the teenager and blackmailed her with the recorded sex video.

The victim, Mary, told Metro that “I wanted to go and buy my drugs when

I met him and he said he could help me get it at a cheaper rate. Instead of him to take me to where I would buy the drug, he took me to his house and raped me there,” Mary said.

She added that “he even inserted a candle stick into my private part, after he had rubbed petroleum jelly on it.”

The suspect, however, said “she can say whatever she likes, but I did not drug her.

I only put Tramadol in her drink and we had sex.”

He also said that “I have been dating her for about one year and four months.

We have had sex on several occasions. I did this when I discovered that she was having an affair with two guys in my area.”

The suspect also said that “after I found out that she was having an affair with Michael and Moses, I decided to call off the relationship.”

66-year-old fake lawyer nabbed in Lagos Olalekan Olabulo – Lagos A sixty-six-year-old fake lawyer, Jones (other names withheld), has said that he could not be referred to as a fake lawyer as he had appeared in courts for more than 10 different cases, including one or two at the Court of Appeal.

The suspect was re-arrested by the police in Lagos State after he allegedly refused to turn a new leaf.

The suspect however insisted that he was not a fake lawyer having practised for more than three years, since he started in 2013.

He also said that he was qualified to be a real lawyer, since he was paying his membership dues to the Lagos State branch of the Nigeria Bar Association.

The old man also said that he got a lawyer’ s robes from some officials of the Federal High Court in Lagos, when he could not afford it.

The Lagos State police commissioner, Fatai Owoseni, who paraded the suspect before newsmen on Thursday afternoon described him as an “imperson-

ator.”

Jones told Metro that “I started as a litigation officer since 1994. I was filming litigation for Yakubu and Sambo and Associate.”

He added that “I was not using lawyer’s robes. I could not afford it. It was very expensive. Some officials of Federal High Court gave them to me.”

Kayode also claimed that “in all the cases, I was holding personal brief. The cases were my cases. I was representing myself.”

The fake lawyer, who claimed to reside at the popular Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos also insisted that he had committed no wrong.

“I believe I have not done anything wrong. The Lagos State criminal law states that that I am innocent since I have been doing it for more than three years,” the suspect said.

The suspect also said that though he had no formal training as a lawyer, he took some courses with the Chartered Institute of Management to the intermediary level and was therefore qualified to be a lawyer .

21 people in court for allegedly burning 80 houses in Benue NO fewer than 21 people from Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State were on Wednesday docked at a Makurdi Magistrates’ Court for allegedly burning 80 houses in Tarka Local Government Area of the state, News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports.

The accused included Jimeshio Kur, Ioryue Aondufa, Ugi Terseer, Iorhem Akande, Mchia Azungu, Tyowase Aba, Apar Terhember and Mzungwe Ieren.

Others are Igba Teryima, Terngu Tyolumun, Ahua Terzungwe, Adi Terkaa, Acha Mbajiga, Aondongu Damsa, Nyitar Aondona and Terhemen Terso.

Others were Sughter Kumagagh, Tarkaha Achia, Iorhen Kyah, Sev Aondoyavga, Tyongi Ibieh.

They were charged with criminal conspiracy, public disturbance and mischief by fire, punishable under sections 97, 116 and 338 of the Penal Code of Benue State, 2004.

Prosecutor, Inspector Gabriel Ebonyi, told the court that the Area Commander in Gboko, Olukayode Sunday, brought the accused persons to the State Criminal Investigation Department, Makurdi, on September 19.

Ebonyi said the ACP received information through the Divisional Police Officer of Tarka Division, CSP Vincent Ukpetu on same date that crisis broke out in Tarka and people were

burning houses.

He said the command swung into action and arrested the suspects allegedly in connection with the offences.

The prosecutor disclosed that when the case came up for mention, pleas were not taken for lack of jurisdiction by the magistrates’ court.

Wounded Ogbonna Bernard, a paramilitary

Okada riders stab task force paramilitary officers Ayomide Owonibi Odekanyin - Lagos MOTORCYCLE operators, popularly called okada riders, on Thursday stabbed two paramilitary officers attached to Lagos State Task Force BRT monitoring team at Oyingbo towards Iddo area of the state.

Leader of the Lagos State Task Force BRT enforce-

ment team, ASP Abutu Anthony, disclosed this in a statement made available by the agency’s spokesperson, Mr Adebayo Taofiq.

Anthony said the incident took place while the operatives were on enforcement operations at Yaba, Jibowu, Oyingbo and Iddo, explaining that miscreants and motorcycle operators who mobilised to illegally rescue

Avoid Minna-Bida Road, FRSC advises motorists Adelowo Oladipo - Minna THE Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) has advised motorists, especially those travelling from Lagos through Bida to Minna to avoid the Bida-Minna Road, as it is not passable.

The FRSC’s Head of Media Relations and Strategy, Mr Bisi Kazeem, said undercurrent water had cut off large portion of the ever-busy

The Magistrate, Mr Cyril Enyi, ordered that the accused persons be remanded in prison custody and adjourned the matter till October 10 for mention.

road and was therefore, dangerous for motorists, as the affected portion of the road was on the verge of collapsing, with articulated vet almost sinking.

He disclosed that the situation would necessitate road diversion from today and tomorrow (Thursday and Friday), to enable the state government carry out urgent repair of the collapsing spot.

He urged motorists travelling from Lagos to Minna to use Bida-Lapai-PaikoMinna Road, while those leaving Lagos to Abuja via the same route to divert to Bida-Lapai-Paiko-Suleja, and those travelling from Minna to Bida to go through Lapai, respectively.

Mr Kazeem said FRSC officers and men would be on ground for traffic control at the location.

impounded motorcycles attacked his men and stabbed two of them.

Anthony, who said he had since reported the matter to the chairman, Lagos State Task Force, SP Olayinka Egbeyemi, explained that while Mr Ogbonna Bernard was stabbed twice on his head and one of his eyes, Mr Ibrahim Yusuf was stabbed on his leg and stomach.

He said both Bernard and Yusuf were admitted to emergency wards at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) at Ikeja.

Meanwhile, spokesperson of the agency, Adebayo, said Egbeyemi, who immediately led another enforcement team to Oyingbo towards Iddo, ordered the arrest of 20 suspects who carried out the attacks and also impounded 45 motorcycles.

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Nigerian Tribune

Court adjourns case on PDP leadership indefinitely Sunday Ejike-Abuja

J

USTICE Okon Abang of the Federal High Court, sitting in Abuja, on Thursday, adjourned indefinitely,

the suit on the leadership tussle rocking the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The judge’s decision was to enable the Court of Appeal to hear and deliver its judgment in an appeal

filed by the Senator Ahmed Makarfi’-led faction of the party challenging Justice Abang’s ruling ,which queried the legality of his leadership status in PDP. The former governor of

Borno State and senator, Ali Modu Sheriff, had approached the court with a suit challenging the decision of the party to appoint Ahmed Makarfi, a former governor of Kaduna State and also a senator as chairman of the caretaker committee of PDP to organise the party’s convention.

Justice Abang, who presided over the matter,

had, in a previous ruling, held that the Makarfi-led caretaker committee was a product of impunity and nullified the convention that produced the caretaker committee.

The faction led by Makarfi appealed the ruling and questioned the jurisdiction of Abang’s court in the matter.

The appeal is yet to be decided by the Abuja division of the Court of

Appeal.

However, at the resumed hearing on Thursday, Justice Abang, blasted the Makarfi-led faction for going to the Court of Appeal, while its grievances had not been heard by the Federal High Court.

He further added that given the development, he will not be able to go on with the matter since the case is already on appeal.

Rotary club kicks off 3-day community service project

By Ibukun Adenuga

From left, President, Rotary Club of Ibadan, Akobo, Dr Olusegun Akanbi; Mr Adekunle Alarape and Mr Taiwo Adeniji, addressing community members, during the Rotary Family Health Week, on the premises of Providence Baptist Church, Akobo, Ibadan, on Thursday. PHOTO: ALOLADE GANIYU

DETERMINED to provide affordable health care delivery to the less privileged, the Rotary Club of Ibadan, District 9125, on Thursday, kicked off a community service project, tagged: “Rotary Family Health Day”.

The three-day programme will feature HIV test and counseling, eye test, family counseling, mosquito nets

distribution, blood pressure check, malaria screening, polio immunisation and deworming for children.

The programme will also involve the rotary clubs of Ibadan-Akobo, IbadanOritamefa, Ibadan West, Agodi, Ring Road, Iyaganku and Onireke neighborhood.

Speaking on the occasion, the Assistant Governor of the Rotary Club of Ibadan, Rotarian Abiola Ogunbanwo, said the

Kogi PDP in crisis as SEC members suspend chairman Yinka Oladoyinbo Lokoja

THE Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), in Kogi State, is enmeshed in crisis as the state chairman of the party, Sam Uhuotu, was on Thursday, suspended by some members of the State Executive Committee (SEC).

The suspension, which came after a vote of no confidence passed on the chairman, was contained in letter addressed to Uhuotu, on September 29 and signed by 30 of the SEC members.

The members , at a meeting held at the secretariat of the party in Lokoja, the state capital, accused the chairman of violating the provisions of Chapter 10, Section 58 (1a,b, c, d and h) of the constitution of the party.

Speaking on behalf of the SEC members, the state youth leader, Stephen Onoji, said the chairman had deliberately refused to call meetings of the SEC since assuming office, adding that he hardly come to the office in Lokoja, as he prefers to stay in Abuja.

The letter read in part: “The underlisted members of the state executive committee of the party wish to bring to your notice that we no longer have confidence in your ability to lead and carry the party to its desired destination due to your constant and deliberate violations of the provisions of our party constitution.

“You have deliberately refused to pass any information to members of the state executive

committee, which has led to lack of party activities in the state, local and ward levels.

The party, as it is today in the state under your leadership, has remained stagnant “You have constituted yourself into a one -man executive, where you take and implement decisions without following the laid down provisions of the party. After the loss of the party in most of the elections, you didn’t deem it fit to call for meetings to discuss the supplementary election to make the party strategise for those elections so that assistance could be rendered to our various candidates involved.”

The SEC members also lamented that the local government and ward chapters of the party had been completely cut off from

the party, leading to loss of popularity at the grassroots level.

“By your action, you have relegated the party to its lowest level which has resulted in the party losing election to a candidate it has always defeated by hundreds of thousands votes difference being defeated by the party overnight.

“You have refused to account for fund collected on behalf of the party and expenditures incurred, most especially, during the last two conventions in Port Harcourt. Your method of financial appropriation contravenes the financial provisions of our party”, the letter stated.

The SEC members, however, said following the suspension of Uhuotu, the state deputy chairman is to act

Buhari sends INEC, NPC nominees to Senate Taiwo Adisa - ABuja

PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has forwarded the names of six nominees as National Commissioners of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to the Senator for consideration.

The president, who also forwarded the names of five nominees as commissioners of the National Population Commission in separate letters to the President of the Senate, Senator Bukola Saraki, indicated that the request was in compliance with Section 154(1) of the 1999 Constitution as amended.

The six commissioner nominees for INEC are Mohammed Kudu Haruna (North-Central); AVM Ahmed Tijani Mu’azu (North-East); Abubakar Ahmed Nahuche (North-West); Professor Okechukwu Obinna Ibeanu (South-East); May Agbamuche Mbu, (SouthSouth) and Dr Adekunle Ladipo Ogunmola (SouthWest).

Those nominated as NPC commissioners are Dr Eyitayo Oyetunji (Oyo State), Patricia Iyanya (Benue), Benedict Ukpong (Akwa Ibom), Dr Haliru Bala (Kebbi) and Gloria Fateya Izonfuo (Bayelsa).

and constitute a disciplinary committee, consisting seven people to look into the allegations leveled against the chairman.

But reacting to the allegations, the embattled

chairman said he had not been officially briefed of any allegation.

He said he could only respond after being duly informed of the allegations levelled against him.

initiative was targeted at preventing diseases and promoting health care delivery in communities.

The programme, which kicked off on Thursday, saw the rotary club rendering health care delivery services to residents of Sabo, Molete, Mokola, Iyana church and Akobo communities.

“There are a lot of people who need to prevent diseases because of their health, this is one of the reasons why rotary is performing well all over the world, that is, to cater for the communities ” Also, the coordinator of the Abidiodan- Ajadi health camp site, in Akobo community, Rotarian Kunle Alarape, said that the health initiative will be of benefit to the people.

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Friday, 30 September, 2016

Your kids’ backpacks may be killing them softly Continued from front page

“Children who have to carry heavy backpacks to and from school every day may experience strains, aching backs, shoulder and neck pains, tingling arms, weakened muscles, stooped posture and scoliosis, which is the curving of the spine to one side, inducing severe pain.” Uba said.

He also added that some emotional and psychological problems could emerge as well when backpack loads interfere with the way a child walks or inflict accidental injuries on children by causing them to trip and fall in the presence of onlookers. Also, indirect backpack injuries emerge when a heavy backpack falls on another child.

According to spinal surgeons, carrying heavy backpacks increases the risk of back pain and possibly the risk of back pathology.

The prevalence of school children carrying heavy backpacks is extremely high today than it was in the past. The daily physical stresses associated with carrying backpacks cause significant forward lean of the head and trunk. “It is, therefore, assumed that daily intermittent abnormal postural adaptations could result in pain and disability in school children,” experts say.

A recent study on the weight limit recommendation in backpack use for school-aged children, which was published in the Journal of Clinical Chiropractic Pediatrics, concluded that backpack weight should not exceed 10 to 15 per cent of a child’s body weight and appropriate weight for each child should be determined individually.

Corroborating the findings of the study, Uba explained that “a child’s backpack should weigh no more than

about 10 per cent of his or her body weight. This means a student weighing 100 pounds shouldn’t wear a loaded school backpack heavier than about 10 pounds. Parents should avoid any backload for which the child complains of heavy waist.”

The consultant paediatric surgeon, in a bid to help parents determine the appropriate backpack load in relation to a child’s weight, said “a good backpack should be no larger than the child’s back. To simplify matters, one can take two measurements off of a child’s back and use those for the maximum height and width of the backpack by finding the maximum height, which could be done by measuring from the shoulder line to the waist line and adding two inches. The shoulder line is where the backpack straps will actually rest on the body, about half way between the neck and shoulder joint.

“The waist line is at the belly button. The backpack should fit two inches below the shoulders and up to four inches below the waist, so adding two inches to our measurement will give that. The width of the back can be measured between the ridges of the shoulder blades. An extra inch or two is acceptable.”

Backpack injuries may range from mild to chronic and could have some devastating long term effect on children’s health like shrinkage and long standing back pain.

According to a 2010 study in the National Centre for Biotechnology Information, which studied a small test group of children around the age of 11, “the constant weight of backpacks was actually causing spinal cords to compress and causing significant back pain.”

Uba, therefore, charged parents to load their children’s

Senate ready for 2017 budget —Ashafa Bola Badmus -Lagos SENATOR Olugbenga Ashafa has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to transmit the 2017 budget estimates to the National Assembly in good time, while assuring that the Senate is poised to expedite its passage into law without any delay.

Ashafa gave the assur-

ance on Thursday, at the fourth day of the Madein-Nigeria Summit, which took place at the Eko Atlantic City.

Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, had earlier in a report also called on the executive to transmit the 2017 budget estimates to the National Assembly in good time.

The lawmaker, while

Osinbajo to visit Zamfara today THE Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, will visit Zamfara State today to inaugurate projects executed by the state government.

Local officials said the one-day visit was part of activities to mark the 20th anniversary of the creation of the state.

Alhaji Ibrahim BirninMagaji, the Commissioner for Budget and Planning, told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Gusau, on Thursday, that Osinbajo would inaugurate three projects in Gusau, the state capital.

Birnin-Magaji, who is also the Chairman, Publicity sub-committee for the anniversary, listed the projects as Ahmadu Bello Way, rehabilitated Government Girls Arabic Secondary School, and Gusau Water project.

He urged residents to troop out en masse to welcome the vice president.

The commissioner said other projects would also be inaugurated by prominent Nigerians during the event, which would be rounded off on October 2.

NAN reported that Zam-

fara was created on October 1, 1996 by the late Nigeria’s Military Head of State, General Sani Abacha.

highlighting some of the efforts of the National Assembly to assist the economy and also encourage more local content in the Nigerian economy, said “the fundamental role of the National Assembly in the area of the economy remains provision of requisite legislative support for both the executive and indeed the Nigerian populace to thrive in their areas of business.”

“The eighth session of the National Assembly is very well aware of the task ahead in this period of economic challenge and we

are alive to this responsibility,” he said.

The senator also spoke about the passage of the Nigerian Railway BIll 2016 which was spearheaded by the Senate Committee on Land Transport of which he headed, expressing optimism on how the new law would help open up the rail sector to private sector participation.

backpacks more appropriately while ensuring that the backpack is of good quality and properly worn.

Loading a backpack He instructed that the heaviest items should be loaded closest to the child’s back, which is, the back of the pack, books and other materials should be arranged in a manner that they won’t be sliding around in the backpack and only important items should be carried every day.

Wearing a backpack He added that the weight of the backpack must be distributed evenly by using both straps. According to him, parents must discourage their children from wearing their backpacks slung over one shoulder. It causes a child to lean to one side, curving the spine and causing pain or discomfort.

Uba also said parents must also adjust the shoulder straps so that the pack is snugly on the child’s back. A pack that hangs loosely from the back can pull the child backwards and strain muscles. Wear the waist belt if the backpack has one. This helps distribute the pack’s weight more evenly. The bottom of the pack should rest in the curve of the lower back. It should never rest more than four inches below the child’s waistline.” ?

Choosing a backpack Uba again admonished parents to select a backpack with well-padded shoulder straps and to ensure that the right backpack, despite the cost, is chosen at all times. “Shoulders and necks have many blood vessels and nerves that can cause pain and tingling in the neck, arms, and hands when too much pressure is applied. School backpacks come in different sizes for different ages. Choose the right size pack for your child as well as one with enough room for necessary school items.”

Alternatives to backpacks, according to Uba, can also be employed. “If the backpack is too heavy or tightly packed, your child can hand carry a book or other item outside the pack and if the backpack is too heavy on a regular basis, you can consider buying a book bag on wheels if your child’s school allows it.”

According to children’s health, awareness should be created among health care professionals, teachers, parents to restrict backpack load by using school locker shelves.

“Improper use of backpacks is not healthy for anyone, especially for children who are more susceptible to injury because their bodies are growing and developing.”

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Friday, 30 September, 2016

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businessnews

Friday, 30 September, 2016

How Nigeria can fix broken economy —Atiku

N

IGERIA’S former vice president, Atiku Abubakar, on Wednesday gave his perspective on why the country’s economy is broken, and what the leaders must do to fix it.

Abubakar said the country may wait for long and may not be able to fix its economy, if its leaders wait for oil price or crude exports to rebound.

Abubakar blamed the current economic crisis on the country’s economic model, which he said wasn’t working.

He said the pathway to fixing the economy was “to restructure our government finances so that we politicians have a real incentive to create a more conducive business environment.”

He spoke in Lagos during the investiture ceremony of the ninth president and chairman of Council of the Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers.

He said constant complaints about oil price, oil pipeline vandals and lack of funds were distracting the nation from facing the real economic challenges.

Abubakar admitted that hostile crude oil market and corruption in government hurt the economy, but said that, “Our biggest problem is our addiction to oil revenues; the belief that we are doomed unless oil flows and oil money fills the Federation Account for our tiers of government to share.

“Another related, and flawed, belief is that the federal government alone is the only force, the knowall, be all, and do all that would direct and bankroll the diversification of our economy.

“And we have convinced ourselves, again wrongly, that the only reason that the federal government is unable to spend money to do all we expect it to do is that the money has been stolen. We must erase that mindset in order for us to begin to climb out of our current depths,” he said.

Instead of looking at oil

money as what was required to diversify the economy, the federal government must work out ways to empower the private sector to grow the economy and create jobs, he said.

“I don’t mean selecting a few companies deemed worthy of government support. No, we need radical reforms that streamline our bureaucracy and eliminate rules and regulations that stifle innovation.

“We also need robust management processes that ensure that public

money buys us better infrastructure, education outcomes and healthcare. Our most valuable resource is not our oil; it is our people.

All of our people.

“The good news is that most Nigerians have forgotten about the oil money and moved on with their lives. The bad news is that our governments and political leaders don’t seem to have noticed that shift,” he added.

He recounted how nonoil sectors contributed significantly to the country’s GDP in the past, even

IN a bid to economic fortunes of citizens, Standards Organization of Nigeria (SON) says it is enhancing the productive capacity 37 million micro, small and medium enterprises.

The minister for State, Industry, Trade and investment Aisha Abubakar disclosed this at the ongoing 7th African Accreditation Cooperation (AFRAC) in Abuja.

Abubakar noted that the surest way of a speedy economic development of the country is to avail SMEs the opportunity for competition in order to

levies – 13% (or N150 billion) less than it collected over the same period in 2015. Corporate income taxes dropped by 40% over the past two years.

“This worries me because I think one of the main reasons why we are suffering, the reason why we are so vulnerable to swings in the oil price, and one of the reasons why we can be held hostage by those willing to blow up export pipelines is that unlike our private sector, our governments have not really embraced diversification.”

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar (leftt), being received by the outgoing President of Chartered Institute of Stockbrokers, Albert Okumagba at the investiture ceremony of the 9th President of CIS and a lecture with the theme “Nigeria’s Economy: Growth The Only Imperative” at the Civic Centre, Victoria Island, Lagos on Wednesday.

RwandAir flies ‘African dream’ to Europe, Asia

By Ruth Olurounbi RWANDA’S national carrier, RwandAir, continuing its expansion programme, will by first quarter of 2017, open up new routes in Europe and Asia by 2017.

The new routes will include Mumbai, Khartoum, Harare, Guanghou, London, Paris and Frankfurt, Ibiyemi Odusi, airlines Country Manager for Nigerian operations, told the Nigerian Tribune on

Thursday in an interview.

She added that there are plans to include destinations in the United States of America by third quarter of 2017.

Among current routes are Kigali, Dubai, Johannesburg, Entebbe, Nairobi, Libreville and Brazaville, Accra, Douala and Brussels.

At a meeting with trade and corporate partners as well as select members of the press, in Ibadan on Thursday, Odusi said the

SON to boost capacity of 37 million MSMEs Tyavzua Saanyol-Abuja

though, as he put it, “the move away from oil hasn’t reached all parts of our economy.”

He said he was, however, worried that even though oil receipts have dropped from a long term average of about 70 per cent of federal government revenue to about 50 per cent in the first half of 2016, non-oil receipts were also falling fast.

“Between January and June, the federal government collected 1.2 trillion naira in VAT, corporate taxes, customs and excise duties, and various other

enhance quality given the fact that they (MSMEs) are the bedrock of the economic development of most countries.

“The establishment of a well –functioning National Accreditation Body would provide the requisite infrastructure to support the growth of the over 37 million MSMEs in the country by enhancing their productive capabilities and production processes.

“The benefits of the availability of the services of to the MSMEs cannot be over-stated since it would enhance the competitiveness of their products; thereby availing them unfettered access

to both domestic and international markets” said Aisha.

She lamented that, there are over ten thousand Laboratories but only slightly above three thousand are registered. “It is in the light of the above that the country solicits the support of members of AFRAC, to garner the necessary impetus for the institution of its National Accreditation Body (NAB)” The minister further solicited the support from the Cooperation (AFRAC) in facilitating intra African trade and the overall economic development of African nations.

aircraft would be deployed on the Nigerian – Dubai route next month after which it would operate the Lagos – Mumbai route in December.

She added that the airline would in the first quarter of next year take delivery of another aircraft to operate into Guangzhou in China for Nigerian passengers.

While telling the Nigerian Tribune that preparation for the release of the financial year 2016/17 was ongoing, she said the airline has achieved a significant success in the Nigeria market.

Banking on the first Airbus A330-200 and Airbus A330-300 jetliners, first to be purchased in the in East African region and an impressive revenue outflows and passenger traffic were the highest in terms of growth in the RwandAir network in Nigeria, Odusi said she is confident that the airline’s expansion strategy was on the right track.

The Airbus A330-200 and Airbus A330-300, she said have always been part of the airline’s long term strategy, as “East Africa still has a lot of unmet demands in terms of capacity.” The aircraft, according

to her, would “help boost RwandAir capacity to expand its wings globally.”

Odusi said she is confident that the carrier’s “unique Selling propositions as a whole – safety and reliability, on time performance, excellent customer service and in-flight entertainment – which the market has embraced with consistent repeat patronage,” would help scale the expansion drive by the airline.

It will be recalled that the national carrier signed a contract with European plane-maker Airbus for the purchase of two A330 aircraft, becoming the planemaker’s first-ever client in East Africa.

RwandAir’s A330s are equipped with Rolls-Royce Trent 772B engines and feature a three class cabin layouts. The A330-200 will have 244 seats (20 business classes, 21 premium classes and 203 economy classes) and the A330-300 will 274 seats (30 business classes, 21 premium classes and 223 economy classes).

The airline said it is confident it would take deliveries of the two aircrafts

by October and December 2016, respectively.

Nigerian Tribune

Visa joins American council on African business VISA Inc. has announced its invitation to join the U.S. President’s Advisory Council on Doing Business in Africa (PAC-DBIA).

Consequently, Andrew Torre, President for Visa in Sub-Saharan Africa, will take the seat on the council, which was established

by President Obama in 2014. PAC-DBIA seeks to strengthen commercial engagement between the United States and Africa, encouraging U.S. companies to trade with, and invest in, Africa.

Kamran Siddiqi, Group Executive for Visa Central and Eastern Europe, Middle East and Africa (CEMEA) said: “Visa’s appointment to this prestigious council gives us the opportunity to represent our African clients and partners’ interests at the highest level of the U.S. government, acting as an intermediary between the U.S. and African business interests.

“Africa is incredibly important to us and we look forward to working with other members to support real and sustainable economic growth there.”

Visa has a long history in enabling and growing electronic commerce in Africa together with its government, merchant and financial institution partners.

Between 2011 and 2016, 25 million African consumers received first-time access to a digital payment product via Visa. The company isalso working closely with partners in both the financial services and mobile industries to increase access to financial services for consumers in Africa.

Fuel crisis: Buhari told to break oil marketers ‘stranglehold’ PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has been urged to break the “stranglehold” of oil marketers in Nigeria.

Founder of One Love family, Satguru Maharaj Ji, said this in a statment he made available to journalists recently.

According to him, it was time Buhari-led government took urgent step to arrest the stranglehold of oil marketers on the nation’s jugular.

Continuing, Maharaj Ji added that this could be achieved by “monopolising twenty transparently Nigerians to flood the market with petroleum products in order to ease the hardship that Nigerians are currently experiencing.”

12

businessnews

Friday, 30 September, 2016

FG’ll implement necessary policies to boost manufacturing —Buhari Leon Usigbe-Abuja

P

RESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari has pledged his administration’s commitment to enact necessary enabling laws to assist the manufacturing sector in the country to realize its full potentials.

Delivering a keynote address at the 44th Annual General Meeting of the Manufacturing Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Abuja on Thursday, he expressed confidence that the sector could be the driver of economic growth in the country.

Speaking on the theme of the conference, titled: “Diversifying the Nigerian Economy: the Role of Government in Manufacturing,” he said: “The Manufacturing sector is well positioned to be a major driver of Nigeria’s economic growth because of our immense natural resources and the entrepreneurial spirit of Nigerians.

“Government is therefore focused on implementing necessary policies and strategies aimed at unleashing the full potentials of manufacturing in Nigeria. We will rely heavily on your ideas and inputs at all stages of formulation and implementation of new industrial policies. For our part, we will remove bottlenecks and create a more business friendly environment.”

The president expressed government’s appreciation to the president and the members of MAN for their contributions and unwavering commitment to the socio-economic development of our dear nation over the years.

Suffice it to say that our nation owes you all a debt

of gratitude for your show of commitment, demonstrated by your respective investments in Nigeria’s economy despite daunting challenges.

“The future of our nation depends on such commitment and our collective desire to build a thriving economy. This Administration remains commit-

ted to partnering with you in the task of charting a brighter future for our nation.

“Government is very appreciative of your contributions in formulating national economic policies.”

According to the President, “As you know, the dramatic fall in crude oil and other commodity pric-

sector.

“A strong manufacturing sector will create more jobs and wealth for our people.

It will usher in sustainable economic prosperity because we will produce what we consume as a nation and generate foreign exchange by exporting any surplus,” he said.

Skye Bank GMD/CEO, Tokunbo Abiru (middle), flanked by Olawale Edun, Chairman, Presidential Board Committee on Ogoni Clean Up (left) and Tonye Cole, Co-Founder, Sahara Group, at the weeklong Made-In-Nigeria (MAIN) Summit in Lagos.

Economic stimulus: FG plans lower taxes for MSMEs

By Sulaimon Olanrewaju

THE Federal Government is set to reduce the income tax rates payable by Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs) in the country to encourage more start-ups in Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises, boost the profitability of the existing ones, generate new jobs and make higher contribution to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP).

According to a statement

issued by the Ministry of Finance, the new incentives for SMMEs are part of the recommendations presented to the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, by the 12-member Committee she established, chaired by Professor Abiola Sanni, to review the current National Tax Policy (NTP) in Abuja, Thursday.

The statement, signed by Salisu Na’inna Dambatta, the Director of Information, added that the com-

Skye Bank CEO rallies support for made in Nigeria products THE Group Managing Director of Skye Bank, Tokunbo Abiru, has encouraged Nigerians to patronize made in Nigeria goods as one of the ways to reflate the economy and save the nation from the present recession with its attendant challenges.

Abiru made this statement at the inauguration while delivering a paper at the Made-in-Nigeria Summit titled “Empowering the Made in Nigeria (MAIN) Economy: Fostering Innovation and Leveraging Entrepreneurship” which is holding at Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island, Lagos from September 26 to October 1, 2016.

Abiru, stressed the need for Nigerians to patronize made in Nigeria goods and services as a way out of the

es has had a serious negative impact on world economies, especially countries like Nigeria which depended on one commodity for its export earnings.

“This administration is convinced that the key to our quest for economic diversification and therefore survival lies in Agriculture and the Manufacturing

present recession. According to the Skye Bank boss, “this will help to boost local production, create more employment thereby prevent capital flight, which will eventually lead to the export of goods made in Nigeria to other countries and earn foreign exchange.

“When we patronise locally made goods, we are invariably contributing to enhanced operations of local manufacturers and entrepreneurs, create more jobs, improve quality of products and ultimately stimulate local consumption that impact the local economy.”

Over the past five years, MSMEs’ contribution to Nigeria’s GDP has grown steadily at a compound annual growth rate of 3.51 percent to 51 percent in 2014.

The renowned rating agen-

cy, Agusto & Co estimates that MSMEs will account for around 56 percent of GDP by 2016, largely due to the growth in wholesale and retail trade MSMEs.

mittee noted that lowering the taxes payable by Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises would encourage compliance, promote the growth of SMMEs and expand the manufacturing base of the nation through their activities.

Another recommendation suggested for implementation relates to the abolition of minimum tax, which results in lossmaking companies being required to pay tax.

The Minister assured that a team would be set up by the ministry to implement the recommendations of the committee through administrative measures without delay, while those that require legislations would be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council for consideration.

“We need to deal with legislations that need to be changed. Nigeria cannot afford to be running with antiquated tax laws,” she emphasised.

The new Tax Policy has also recommended the enactment of a number of legislation amendments including the taxation of Real Estate Investment Trusts (REITs).

“In other climes a REIT is seen as transparent or flow through entity that is not different and separate from its unit holders/ investors. The income of the REIT is treated as the income of the unit holders or investors and therefore taxed at that level,” the report clarified rather than the current provisions, which amount to double taxation.

UPL boss laments increased costs of doing business

By Wale Akinselure

DIVIDEND of 5k per 50k ordinary share was on Thursday approved for shareholders of University Press Plc at its 2016 Annual General Meeting, with company’s Chairman, Dr Lekan Are lamenting a 15 percent drop in revenue brought about by economic downturn in the country.

Are, in his report to shareholders gathered at Kakanfo Inn and Conference Centre, Ibadan, re-

counted the publishing industry was gravely affected by the depreciated naira, epitomised by increased cost of production due to limited access to foreign exchange, difficulty in accessing foreign exchange by banks.

Owing to what he called increased costs of doing business in Nigeria, he said the revenue of the company dropped by 15 per cent from N1.728 billion in 2014/2015 to N1.472billion in 2015/2016, while the

net profit also decreased by 46 per cent from N136.4milllion in the last business year to N73.3 million.

The situation, according to him, was worsened by decline in revenue and statutory allocation to states, as both federal and state governments lacked the purchasing power to make purchases of books while parents who did not get salaries were also unable to pay school fees, let alone buy books.

Nigerian Tribune

Nigeria, others collaborate on coastal areas Sanya Adejokun-Abuja

NIGERIA and other African countries have agreed to collaborate in thev conservation of coastal areas.

This was part of the highlights of the recent meeting of African Organisation of Supreme Audit Institutions (AFROSAI), which held in Abuja.

The meeting expressed commitment to help preserve the Coastal Areas across Africa.

Eric Smith, Head of AFROSAI Secretariat made this known in Abuja at the 6th AFROSAI Working Group on Environmental Audit’s General Meeting.

He said AFROSAI had come up with some initiatives relating to environmental auditing among which Audit on conservation of coastal areas was a priority.

“Countries with coastline borders are invited to participate in this exciting project that would focus on the Coastal Management Plans and environmental protection of coastlines.

CRS, NCR will facilitate $20bn MSME financing in 3 years —IFC IFC, a member of the World Bank Group, has said the Credit Reporting System (CRS) and National Collateral Registry (NCR) will help facilitate over $20 billion in financing to over 40,000 Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) in Nigeria, if fully implemented in the next three years.

This information was made available during the Onitsha Interactive Forum on the National Collateral Registry and Credit Reporting System, which was held for MSMEs and financial institutions on Wednesday, September 28, 2016.

The IFC Country Manager for Nigeria, Eme Essien Lore said, “Extending credit to a small company or business will expand their services, create jobs and further the country’s economic growth, and that is why IFC has supported the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) in developing a movable asset registry and strengthening the existing Credit Reporting System in order to facilitate easier access to loans for MSMEs while promoting a responsible lending culture in Nigeria.”

13

editorial

Friday, 30 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

KSA at 70

I

T is fitting that the Nigerian entertainment industry and connoisseurs of Juju music in Nigeria and around the world have risen in unison to honour and celebrate King Sunny Ade (born Sunday Adeniyi Adegeye), who turned 70 on September 22nd. King Sunny Ade is without doubt one of the two inimitable maestros of Juju music over the past half-a-century. The other is 74-year-old Chief Commander Ebenezer Obey.

Together, whether as collaborators or competitors, but always as mutually regarding friends, both Sunny and Obey created and nurtured a genre of Yoruba dance music that aficionados agree has every right to be labeled a global music.

Although he was born into an Ondo royal family, an ambitious Sunday Adegeye did not wait for the silver-ware to be handed to him. Perhaps he realized very early that musical talent is not genetically inherited, and that in life, there is no royal road to achievement. Thus, and similar to all successful artistes across history, he had to make his way to the apex of the musical ladder through sheer guts and grind. There was a formative period of highlife apprenticeship under Moses Olaiya’s (the comedian better known as Baba Sala) Federal Rhythm Dandies, followed by the momentous decision to establish his own Green Spots band in 1967.

After an initial period of turbulence and uncertainty, he eventually found his own style, upon which recognition- popular and artisticfollowed. Aesthetically, Sunny Ade had to define himself against the prevailing highlife zeitgeist, founding a distinctive guitar-based style that managed to be rhythmic and soulful without being kitsch. Sunny Ade’s Juju music was firmly rooted in Yoruba metaphysics, and Sunny himself seems to have taken a particular liking to Ogun, the Yoruba

god of iron, to whom one of his most poetically invocative songs is dedicated.

For Sunny, local recognition was a precursor to global adulation. Throughout the 1970s and 1980s, King Sunny Ade and his band were the toast of music lovers across Europe and the United States, andin 1983, he won his first Grammy Awards nomination for the album Syncro System, a sensuous dance number in which Sunny’s mellifluous voice throbbed with earthy sexuality.

As is normally the case with every artiste who personifies and transcends a genre, Sunny Ade is today more than a musician. With his two egin beautification marks he is one of the most easily recognizable Nigerians alive. He is an inspiration to thousands of young people, both within and outside the music industry; a willing collaborator, a cheerful giver, and the very embodiment of a great Nigerian.

A recurrent theme in discussions of the music and personality of King Sunny Ade is the reason for his amazing tenacity. Arguably the most important factor is his artistic adaptability and openness to new ideas. For Sunny, no musical instrument- be it clarinet or vibraphone- was beyond incorporation into the juju percussive ensemble. The result is a musical career in which, reminiscent of the supreme trumpeter Miles Davis’, King Sunny Ade was always one step ahead of the field, and no sooner did listeners adjust to a new style than Sunny went in a completely new direction.

Creatively restless, he never settled for the tried and tested, but always sought, again like Davis, to play ‘what is not there’. Members of the younger generation have a lot to learn from King Sunny Ade’s glittering career. His aesthetic daring for one. But also his overall omoluabi.

We wish this true son of Nigeria a happy birthday and many happy returns. Igba odun, odun kan.

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14 LETTERS TO THE

Friday, 30 September, 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.

On FRSC’s speed limiting device

W

E have heard a lot from the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) on the need for vehicles to install the speed limiting devices. In fact, the road safety organisation said it would not go back on the enforcement of the new policy from October 1, stating that excessive speed is the major reason we have high road accidents in the country.

In my opinion, the terrible condition of roads is also another issue to consider, and it is important for the FRSC to work hand-

in-hand with the Federal Government towards rehabilitating our roads first.

At this period of economic pain, enforcing commercial vehicle operators to install the devices, which can cost as high as N45,000 on each vehicle, will only lead to an increase in transport fares. Agreed that nothing is too much to safeguard lives from being lost on our roads, but why is the FRSC not encouraging the Federal Government to play its part by rehabilitating our roads.

The FRSC has been around for years, and over

these years, we have seen our roads become death traps, but the only thing this organisation can think of is enforcing speed limiting devices, which will definitely cause more hardship on Nigerians.

While I am not against efforts to reduce road accidents through the installation of speed limiting devices, I think there is also the need to talk about the bad road networks in the country, and the FRSC is guilty of this by not informing government of the need to rehabilitate our roads.

However, if the FRSC will go ahead with the enforcement of the speed limiting devices, then it should make arrangements with the equipment installation companies on how the devices can be paid for instalmentally.

An arrangement can be

ties has made things worse.

The Niger Delta militants may be happy that the Nigerian government is being crippled, but the truth is that the average Nigerian is suffering as a result. Despite many state governments not paying salaries to their civil servants, the governors and other political office holders are enjoying uninterrupted pay in their salaries and allowances. The same goes to the officers at the Federal level, so what we are experiencing is being borne only by innocent citizens.

Nigeria needs functional rail system FORMER President Goodluck Jonathan really achieved a lot by reviving the rail transportation sector which had been moribund for several years.

However, a lot still needs to be done if Nigerians will embrace the rails again.

First, the rail system has the capacity to carry more goods than 100 trucks can carry at a time; this means that if we can develop the rail system, then there will be fewer trucks on the roads, thereby reducing fatal road accidents, as well as the dilapidation of our roads.

The rail system is considered to be the safest mode of transportation; when one studies the statistics of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), one will discover the huge number of

people who are losing their lives as a result of road accidents in the country. We can save the lives of many Nigerians if we can simply develop the rail system.

Again, it is only in Nigeria that the rail system is not valued; in developed economies, the rail system contributes in no small measure to the development of the economy. More goods are transported faster, while accidents are reduced significantly.

Nigeria has a lot to benefit if we develop our rail system, and I am, therefore, calling on President Muhammadu Buhari to focus on the revival of this sector.

•Nelson Ekwale, Benin, Edo State.

Apart from that, the poor farmers in Niger Delta are suffering as a result of the bombings due to the degradation of the environment.

As a result of this, I want to appeal to the militants in the Niger Delta region to allow reason to prevail.

It is easy to say that when our son was president, a

ready been burdened with the economic situation in the country.

I hope the FRSC will come up with a human face on this issue.

•Abbey Olusola, Akure, Ondo State.

Towards changing our attitude ONE thing that I discovered about Nigerians is that for our country to develop, we need to change our mentality. We have come to see corruption as

Economic crisis: Appeal to Niger Delta militants THE country is already in a terrible shape economically, and the continued bombing of oil pipelines is not helping matters. We may have our differences on how the country is politically, but we should not work towards ruining it by targeting its source of revenue.

We all know that Nigeria’s major source of forex supply is crude oil, and we are already grappling with the falling price of the resource in the global markets, but degrading the country’s oil export capaci-

made with individual’s banks on how the deductions can be made on monthly basis, and this will help ease the pain of having to procure the device at a go. However, anything short of this is like adding to the suffering of Nigerians who have al-

certain section of the country did not allow him enjoy his tenure as a result of the Boko Haram attacks, but we must look past that and work towards making Nigeria great again.

•Amadi Kingston, Asaba, Delta State.

a way of life that we don’t see any big deal when someone steals from the country. It has reached a situation whereby those who are criminals are celebrated as long as they can part with money.

We have turned money to a god which we worship; we have forgotten the values instilled in us by our forefathers. I could remember that my grandmother once told me that in the olden days, sellers did not need to stay with their wares. They just put the money value of the items by the wares, and people would buy and put

the money there, and in the evening, the seller would come and take the money. This is definitely not possible again in the country.

It is this same value that makes our judges sentence a criminal who has stolen a mobile phone to 10 years imprisonment, while a public office holder who has stolen billions is allowed to negotiate his punishment through plea bargaining. However, it is high time something was done about this negative attitude of ours.

•Esther Ajakaiye, estery2@gmail.com

opinion Of power and national security 15

Friday, 30 September, 2016

By Ikeogu Oke

A

S every bereaved family learns the morning after the funeral, it is left alone by sympathisers to nurse itself from grief to normalcy. This is the lot the Nigerian family must accept following the exit of the Manitoba “sympathisers” in its electricity bereavement.

In fact, the mission of the “sympathisers” – a team of expatriates comprising “eight full-time specialists” and “between 35 and 40 short-term experts” from Canada’s Manitoba Hydro international (MHI) – ended with the cessation of the contract the Federal Government of Nigeria awarded MHI to manage the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN). The “management contract,” worth 23 million US dollars, ran from 2012 to 2016, producing results that even the Manitoba team would admit its dissatisfactoriness based on its own projections of success.

For instance, from the evidence of extant documents, the Manitoba team had projected that, under its management, the Nigerian 330 KV transmission grid would be able to wheel 7,200 megawatts by the end of 2014, 10,000 megawatts by the end of 2015, and 12,000 megawatts by the end of 2016 (when its contract expired midyear).

None of the above projections materialised, as Nigeria’s power generation during the Manitoba era hardly exceeded 5,000 megawatts (a figure far below the 2014 projection, let alone the ones for the two subsequent years). And you cannot transmit power beyond your generation output.

Reasons have been adduced for this failure, which I am constrained to note happened on the team’s terms. Prominent among the reasons is “undue inference” with its activities from various sources. But it has to be said that the same excuses could have been given by any other team to justify its failure in similar circumstances, which renders the excuses moot.

Before signing the contract – if it meant to succeed in its execution – a team of 43 to 48 “experts” and “specialists” should have taken such “debilitating” factors into account, like a savvy entrepreneur undertakes feasibility studies of a potential business before investing in it. If the team did not, which seems to be the case with Nigeria and the TCN, where rests its claim to being comprised of “experts” and “specialists”?

In all, it would seem that the country has paid a tuition of $23 million to learn that the redemption of its power sector – whether in the area of generation, transmission or distribution – cannot come from expatriates, that it would have to look inwards and engage indigenous and patriotic expertise to help it tackle its power challenges, that self-reliance is the key to reli-

able power.

While I sympathise with the Manitoba team for the challenges it faced, I believe Nigerian experts would have produced better results if given the same amount of support – financially and morally – that their Canadian counterparts received from our government. I can say this because, having been involved in the power sector in various technical and other capacities since 1985, I can recall a period when the sector was better managed than during the Manitoba era, and the managers were not expatriates.

There is a consolation, however, that following the exit of the Manitoba team the management of TCN has returned to some of the best indigenous hands in the power sector.

I was physically present at the inaugural meeting between the Manitoba team, led by Don Priestman, the Canadian pioneer MD and CEO of TCN, and the then Minister of Power Prof.

Bart Nnaji, at the Ministry of Power, at which Mr. Priestman announced his team’s enthusiastic improvement plan for the power sector, and I monitored with reciprocal enthusiasm the performance of the Manitoba team, which unfortunately fell far short of even its own projections as I have shown above.

During one of my subsequent encounters with Mr. Priestman, he said to me, after recounting the progress he had witnessed since coming to Nigeria as a 13-year-old in 1954, “I’m convinced that if the citizens of Nigeria work together for the common good the growth that we would witness is even more phenomenal than I’ve seen in my own lifetime.” For me, this implies a counsel that the new TCN leadership and other Nigerians working in the power sector should take, and “work together for the common good” to produce that “phenomenal growth” in power supply nationwide.

The Manitoba engagement was meant to have a component of knowledge transfer – from the Manitoba team to its Nigerian counterparts. To have expected this to happen in the real sense is comparable to expecting foreign nationals to transfer their technological knowledge to us even as we are aware that it may not be in their national interest, as our lack of such knowledge is to their economic advantage – perhaps as exporters of technological goods and services to our country. So the realistic thing would be to rely on our indigenous capacity to build such knowledge, being aware that the concept “transfer of technology” articulates an illusion.

With the generally predatory nature of the relations between nations, certain contracts some nations sign with others can be compared to sheep inviting wolves to manage their affairs and believing they would fare better in the end.

But there is another important factor in consideration of which our government should have been wary of engaging expatriates to manage the TCN. It is national security. Power is a critical national asset with a strong bearing to a nation’s economic progress. And the frustration of economic progress, which can result from lack of power, can impact national security and lead to the fall of governments. So, besides the risk of exposing sensitive information about our power sector to expatriates whose intention and use of such information may be suspect relative to our national interest, the Manitoba contract put a major component of the national assets that drive our economy in the hands of foreigners in a way that I think no self-respecting country should allow.

Incidentally, following the exit of the Manitoba team, we have been warned that our “power grid risks collapse amid low spinning reserve.” While the new TCN management should see this as a call for vigilance in averting system collapse, I have to say that it seems alarmist and misleading, considering that the availability of spinning reserve does not necessarily prevent system collapse, which can be due to several causes. To explain this with an analogy: spinning reserve is like the respirator you may need to prevent death in an unconscious person. But as we know, a respirator, though useful, may not revive an unconscious person – from coma, for instance – depending on what led to the person becoming unconscious.

Yet I believe the Nigerians currently managing the TCN have the technical capacity to boost spinning reserve and prevent any related system collapse.

•Oke, a former staff of NEPA, lives in Abuja.

Towards ensuring Nigerians’ tax compliance ByJide Ojo

WITH the dwindling income from sale of crude oil, it has become imperative for government at all levels to scout for alternative sources of income to fund development projects and programmes as well as oil the wheel of governance. There have been several suggestions on how to boost the internally generated revenue of government. These include right investments and policies in agriculture, solid minerals and sports. Cross-cutting benefits will accrue to government from all private and public investments in the identified areas in form of tax.

An online source defines tax as “a compulsory contribution to state revenue, levied by the government on workers’ income and business profits, or added to the cost of some goods, services, and transactions.”

According to the Federal Inland Revenue Service, which is the Federal Government agency in charge of tax administration in Nigeria, some of the taxes operational in the country are: Personal Income Tax; Companies Income Tax; Petroleum Profit Tax; Value Added Tax; Withholding Tax; Education Tax; Stamp Duties; Capital Gains Tax and National Information Technology Development Fund Levy.

There are several advantages accruing to both government and citizens from payment of taxes. According to the FIRS, “The benefits derivable include but are not limited to: Providing sustainable finance and funding for governance, public and social services and economic development; Promoting civic responsibility, patriotism by citizens and social responsibility by corporate citizens; and Stimulating priority social and economic activities and sectors while discouraging less preferred ones.”

Others include, “bringing about the redistribution of wealth and bridging sharp disparities in living standards; Giving taxpayers the moral and legal right to demand (thereby engendering) a culture of accountability; Serving as a gauge for measuring the level, growth and health of economic units and economic activities; Individuals and corporate organisations are conferred with definite benefits, rights and privileges in the system based on their tax compliance status; and Tax compliance enables law abiding citizens to avoid the consequences, penalties and sanctions of non-compliance.”

In spite of the aforementioned benefits and importance, Nigerians are one of the world’s worst dodgers of tax. Tax evasion, though a global phenomenon, however is very rampant in this clime and is committed with impunity. Even when not totally avoided, many Nigerians do not pay the right taxes. Some Nigerians are also in the habit of procuring fake Tax Clearance Certificates when it is demanded of them.

A newspaper in its editorial last year, quoted PricewaterhouseCoopers as saying that Nigeria has one of the world’s lowest tax revenues to GDP ratios.

The editorial also made more startling revelations.

It says 80 per cent of taxable adults never pay tax, as revealed at a recent Chartered Institute of Taxation of Nigeria forum. Seventy five per cent of companies are not registered with the FIRS for the mandatory Companies Income Tax and 65 per cent of those registered are not up to date with tax filings.

What are the factors responsible for this high level of tax evasion or non-compliance? They are many. One of them is the multiple taxation of the companies operating in Nigeria. Private companies in the country complain that they are subjected to too many taxes by the three tiers of government namely; federal, state and local government.

With the exception of government workers whose Personal Income Tax is deducted from source under the Pay As You Earn scheme, it is practically impossible to assess the tax liabilities of many traders or those in the informal private sector. They deliberately underestimate their business value in order to ensure that they pay less tax.

Besides, people do not want to pay tax because they have not seen or felt the positive impact of government in their lives. They see the wasteful spending and ostentatious lifestyles of political office holders.

Moreover, unemployment and staff retrenchment also combine to rob government of tax revenue. It is impossible to tax someone who is unemployed. However, government needs to be ruthless with tax offenders, while rolling out a more robust tax on luxury goods instead of a blanket increase in Value Added Tax (VAT).

•Ojo is a Lagos-based tax consultant.

16

Friday, 30 September, 2016

E

XACTLY eight days ago, the body of our childhood friend, Francis Ibidapo Oyewumi aka (Omo Oye) was lowered to the ground at Ibadan. The body was buried after a funeral service at the Chapel of Resurrection, University of Ibadan. Omo Oye died on 12th September 2016.

Dapo was a Nigerian who had the month of September cemented to his life and times. He was born on September 20, 1945. He died on 12, September 2016 at the Teaching Hospital Ibadan. He was buried on 23, September 2016. Dapo had a very exciting life and was open minded throughout his entire life, Dapo Oyewumi was Ijesa and he was never pretentious about his Ijesa connections.

He attended Methodist High School, Ilesa for his Secondary education. He went from there to Olivet Baptist High School Oyo, in Oyo State for his higher school certificate Course. He later moved to the University of Ibadan for his University education.

He later after his University studies, went to work at the Ministry of Education old Oyo State in Ibadan where he rose to the position of a Director. Dapo Oyewumi later moved from there abroad. He was an experienced administrator.

I met Dapo Oyewumi at Ilesa in 1959 when we were very young and were cutting our teeth as Secondary School radicals. While Dapo was reading at Methodist High School, Ilesa, I was then a student at Ifaki Grammar School, in present day Ekiti State.

In 1959 a group among us decided to float a Social Club in Ilesa to protect our radical lives as secondary school students. The Club was named Young Students Society (YSS). Our first President was Akanbi Akingbade aka “AKI” while our Secretary was Joe Abiola aka “ABI JOE ATUMA”. Akanbi Akingbade after secondary school worked for many years at the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), Lagos. “AKI” later on after retirement went to the United States of America (USA) where he has been living till today. Akingbade worked at the World Bank in U.S.A. Joe Abiola Atuma who was our first Secretary went to Ibadan Grammar School for his Higher School Certificate course and University of Lagos Akoka, Yaba for his Journalistic career. He worked for many years at the old Sketch Newspaper at Ibadan before retiring into private life.

Interestingly Joe still Co-ordinates the activities of those of us who were his colleagues at the Young Students Society Club Ilesa in 1958.

When our friend, the late Ambassador Isaac Aluko Olokun died some years ago, it was Joe that Co-ordinated all the activities to celebrate his passage. Isaac Aluko Olokun was nicknamed by us as “SEKO SEKINATU”. Joe Abiola has recently performed the role when we lost Dapo Oyewumi (Omo Oye). The second President of our 1958 group is Dr. Obi Gbadebo aka “OBI DEBSON”. Dr. Obi Gbadebo has been living in America for his consistent Pan Africianist views on world matters and events.

The 1958 Young Students Society was a group of articulate youngmen whose political orientation was impressively progressive and militant. It was never a surprise when many of us of the group later turned out in life as radical politicians in Nigeria.

Dapo Oyewumi was never an exception. Dapo was a member of the Nigerian Advance Party (NAP) led by the late Uncle Tunji Braithwaite. Dapo Oyewumi later emerged a prominent member of the CPC led by President Muhammadu Buhari when the CPC merged with the ANC, the late Dapo Oyewumi was at the starting point of membership of the APC. Dapo Oyewumi spent the last days of his political life as an activist of the APC. You can always trust Dapo, he took the affairs of the APC with all seriousness. Though we never belonged to the same political party throughout his life, we never lost respect for each other until he (Dapo) passed to the world beyond.

We were a set of “high life” enthusiasts when we were at our secondary school stations in 1958 etc. I remember many of us particularly at the Young Students Society would congregate almost every night (while on holidays) at the famous recording store of the late Uncle ‘Luyi Fajuke to listen and dance to the rhythm of famous highlife musicians from Nigeria, Ghana etc. We were all specialists in the music of Victor Abinbola Olaiya, Roy Chicago, Eddy Okonta, Broadway Dance Band, Uhuru Dance Band, The Cornets led by Ted Osei, E.T Mensah and his Tempos Band, Onyina’s Guitar Band, The Black

With

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Beats Band, (all of Ghana) etc etc. This went on until many of us left for Universities for further studies and the late Uncle ‘Luyi Fayake closed the shop after joining the Action Group led by Papa Obafemi Awolowo in those days of the first republic. Dapo Oyewumi was with us during those glorious moments.

I can never forget the role my friend “Omo Oye” played in my life after my Sani Abachi years as Minister in 1998. I joined the Abacha regime as a Minister in November 1994 at a period of political tension in Nigeria.

There was no damnable name under the sun that those of us who had joined the Abacha regime (particularly from Yorubaland) was not called for serving the regime as Ministers.

Though we never belonged to the same political party throughout his life, we never lost respect for each other.

Dapo Oyewumi invited me in 1996 after leaving the Abacha government to hold some meetings with a group of Yoruba activists in London. Dapo himself was at the meetings. There Dapo called for a proper understanding of my role in the Abacha government and pleaded that I should be spared of the terrible names that many of us who had served in the Abacha government was being subjected to. One of the London activists was Mr. Filani from Ikole-Ekiti. Now Dapo Oyewumi is no more. I will remember his positive interventions in my life at that time till my dying days.

He was a good friend.

I sincerely commiserate with all our friends in Ijesaland who know Dapo Oyewumi very well – Agboola Seweje, Femi Osunro, Iyiola Faniyi, Bisi Oguni, Banji Ayoola, Tunde Akingbade, Joe Abiola, Mojeed Agboola Sanni, Bayo Oti (Bayus Bayus), Wole Awobiyi, Koya Dada aka “Costa Rica”, Bimbo Amodu, Mike Oluborode, Sam Bamidele, Bode Dada, Tayo Fayomi, Gunju Arowosegbe, Remi Adegbola, Obi Gbadebo “Obi Debson”, and several others.

We are all now departing the world one after the other. Dapo was at one time of his life, President of Ijesa Patriotic Club.

I mourn with the wife, children and family of Oyewumi in Ilesa.

We have missed Francis, Ibidapo Oyewumi. We hae lost a great son of Ijesaland and Nigeria. Dapo FareWell! May God continue to bless your memory!! “Omo Oye” Terry Bobo” Good-Bye and Good-Night!!!

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17

Friday, 30 September, 2016

eyesof islam

Saheed Salawu yinkadejavu@yahoo.com 0811 695 4643

Muharram: The start of the Islamic calendar

By Muhammad Taqi Usmani

M

UHARRAM is the first month of the Islamic Hijrah calendar. It is one of the four sanctified months about which the Holy Qur’an says, “The number of the months according to Allah is twelve months (mentioned) in the Book of Allah on the day in which He created heavens and the earth. Among these (12 months) there are four sanctified.”

These four months, according to the authentic traditions, are the months of Zulqadah, Zulhijjah, Muharram and Rajab. All the commentators of the Holy Qur’an are unanimous on this point, because the Holy Prophet, in his sermon on the occasion of his last Hajj, had declared: “One year consists of twelve months, of which four are sanctified months, three of them are in sequence; Zulqadah, Zulhijjah, Muharram, and the fourth is Rajab.”

The specific mention of these four months does not mean that any other month has no sanctity, because the month of Ramadan is admittedly the most sanctified month in the year. But these four months were specifically termed as sanctified months for the simple reason that their sanctity was accepted even by the pagans of Makkah.

In fact, every month, out of the 12, is originally equal to the other, and there is no inherent sanctity, which may be attributed to one of them in comparison to other months. When Allah Almighty chooses a particular time for His special blessings, then it acquires sanctity out of His grace.

Thus, the sanctity of these four months was recognised right from the days of Sayyidina Ibrahim.

Since the pagans of Makkah attributed themselves to Sayyidina Ibrahim, they observed the sanctity of these four months and despite their frequent Kapitan Keling Mosque in George Town, Penang, Malaysia. tribal battles, they held it unlawful to fight in these months. the Nafl fasts i.e. the fasts one observes out of his own choice In the Shariah of our Holy Prophet the sanctity of these without being obligatory on him. months was upheld and the Holy Qur’an referred to them The Hadith does not mean that the award promised for as the “sanctified months.” fasts of Muharram can be achieved only by fasting for the The month of Muharram has certain other characteristics whole month. On the contrary, each fast during this month peculiar to it which are specified below. has merit. Therefore, one should avail of this opportunity as much as he can.

Fasting during the month The Holy Prophet has said: “The best fasts after the fasts of The day of Ashurah Ramadan are those of the month of Muharram.”

Although the month of Muharram is a sanctified month as Although the fasts of the month of Muharram are not a whole, yet, the 10th day of Muharram is the most sacred obligatory, yet, the one who fasts in these days out of his among all its days. The day is named Ashurah. own will and choice is entitled to a great reward by Allah According to the companion, Ibn Abbas, the Holy ProphAlmighty. The Hadith cited above signifies that the fasts of et, when he migrated to Madinah, found that the Jews of the month of Muharram are most reward-able ones among Madinah used to fast on the 10th day of Muharram. They

How Oyo succeeded in its 2016 hajj operation —Akeugbagold THE chairman of the Oyo State Pilgrims Welfare Board (Muslim Wing), Alhaji Taofeek Akeugbagold, has attributed the success of the 2016 hajj operation by the state to Allah’s intervention.

Speaking to journalists at the Oyo State House, near al-Masjid al-Haram, in Makkah, Saudi Arabia, Akeugbagold described the success recorded in this year’s hajj as unprecedented.

“You will notice that I came to Saudi Arabia late with some eight Oyo State pilgrims who had challenges with their visas but on getting here, I went straight to Kaabah and

cried unto Allah to intervene and guide us through and Allah did it for us. Alhamdulillah,” he said.

He said the exercise came with a lot of challenges this year, especially for pilgrims from the state, but by the grace of Allah, every situation was addressed.

Akeugbagold listed visa procurement, transportation of pilgrims to Saudi Arabia, securing the best accommodation near the grand mosques both in Makkah and Madinah and securing BTA for the pilgrims as some of the challenges.

He said given the state’s handoff of financial responsibility for the hajj op-

eration, with Allah’s mercy and cooperation of Governor Abiola Ajimobi, the board was able to manage its meagre resources to get the best for its pilgrims.

“For Instance, we paid close to N400,000 for each room in this five-star hotel near Haram for our pilgrims. It is unprecedented in the history of Oyo State for its pilgrims to live so close to the grand mosque.

We are the best this year,” he boasted.

He commended the pilgrims for conducting themselves well and abiding by the rules, in line with what he called the series of trainings and workshops organised for them

ahead of the hajj exercise.

The chairman equally thanked the state governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi, for his moral and personal financial support which, he said, assisted the board to execute its projects.

He said being the pacesetter state, Oyo would move from its present Tent C in Muna to Tent B next year, thus moving its pilgrims closer to the Jamarat.

Meanwhile, Akeugbagold expressed support for the idea of volunteerism during hajj being canvassed by the chairman of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Abdullahi Mukhtar.

said that it was the day on which the Prophet Musa and his followers crossed the Red Sea miraculously and the Pharaoh was drowned in its water.

On hearing this from the Jews, the Holy Prophet said, “We are more closely related to Musa than you” and directed the Muslims to fast on the day of Ashurah. (Abu Dawood) It is also reported in a number of authentic traditions that in the beginning, fasting on the day of Ashurah was obligatory for the Muslims.

It was later that the fasts of Ramadan were made obligatory and the fast on the day of Ashurah was made optional. Sayyidah Aishah has said: “When the Holy Prophet came to Madinah, he fasted on the day of Ashurah and directed the people to fast it. But when the fasts of Ramadan were made obligatory, the obligation of fasting was confined to Ramadan and the obligatory nature of the fast of Ashurah was abandoned. One can fast on this day if he so wills or can avoid fasting, if he so wills.”

However, the Holy Prophet used to fast on the day of Ashurah even after the fasting in Ramadan was made obligatory.

Abdullah Ibn Masud reports that the Holy Prophet preferred the fast of Ashurah to the fast of other days and preferred the fast of Ramadan to the fast of Ashurah. (Bukhari and Muslim) In short, it is established through a number of authentic hadith that fasting on the day of Ashurah is Sunnah of the Holy Prophet and makes one entitled to a great reward.

According to another Hadith, it is more advisable that the fast of Ashurah should either be prefixed or suffixed by another fast. It means that one should fast two days: the 9th and 10th of Muharram or the 10th and 11th of it. The reason of this additional fast, as mentioned by the Holy Prophet, is that the Jews used to fast on the day of Ashurah alone, and the Holy Prophet wanted to distinguish the Islamic way of fasting from that of Jews. Therefore, he advised the Muslims to add another fast to that of Ashurah.

Some traditions signify another feature of the day of Ashurah According to these traditions, one should be more generous to his family by providing more food to them on this day as compared to other days. These traditions are not very authentic, according to the science of Hadith. Yet, some scholars like Baihaqi and Ibn Hibban have accepted them as reliable.

What is mentioned above is all that is supported through authentic sources about Ashurah.

Some people take it as Sunnah to prepare a particular type of meal on the day of Ashurah. This practice has no basis in the authentic Islamic sources.

Some other people attribute the sanctity of Ashurah to the martyrdom of Hussein ibn Ali during his battle with the Syrian army. No doubt, the martyrdom of Sayyidina Hussein is one of the most tragic episodes of our history. Yet, the sanctity of Ashurah cannot be ascribed to this event for the simple reason that the sanctity of Ashurah was established during the days of the Holy Prophet much earlier than the birth of Sayyidna Hussein.

On the contrary, it is one of the merits of Sayyidna Hussein that his martyrdom took place on the day of Ashurah.

Another misconception about the month of Muharram is that it is an evil or unlucky month, for Sayyidna Hussein was killed in it. It is for this misconception that people avoid holding marriage ceremonies in the month of Muharram.

This is again a baseless concept which is contrary to the express teachings of the Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah. Such superstitions have been totally negated by the Holy Prophet. If the death of an eminent person on a particular day renders that day unlucky for all times to come, one can hardly find a day, free from this bad luck, out of 365 days of the whole year, because each and every day has a history of the demise of some eminent person. The Holy Qur’an and the Sunnah of the Holy Prophet have made us free from such superstitious beliefs and they should deserve no attention.

Another wrong practice related to this month is to hold the lamentation and mourning ceremonies in memory of martyrdom of Sayyidna Hussein.

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communitynews

Friday, 30 September, 2016

Ijero Day: Owa-Ajero offers panacea for economic recession by tolu olamiriki

T

HE current economic crisis in the country is not peculiar to the nation as the phenomenon has assumed a global dimension.

This was the submission of the Owa-Ajero of IjeroEkiti, Oba Joseph Adebayo Adewole Arojoye II, in his palace on Tuesday during an interview preparatory to the 2016 Ijero Day slated for October 8.

While noting that the nation’s economy was buoyant during the oil boom era, the traditional ruler observed that the nation is witnessing another phase of its socioeconomic history which nigerians should consider as normal as nothing is static.

He, however, stated that the recession would soon be a thing of the past..

“Such occurrences are bound to happen. It is not uncommon in the life of a nation. It is not the fault of anybody. It even happens in the lives of individuals. We should not despair as it will soon end but we need to learn from it,” he said.

On high rate of unemploy-

ment in the country, he expressed concern that successive governments had not been abel to adquately address the situation as the turnout of youths from higher institutions on yearly bases was very high.

He, however, advised the incumbent administration to pursue its agriculture policy

vigorously, adding that government at all levels need to direct attention towards revamping the sector to replace oil as the country’s mainstay while youths needed to be encouraged to channel their energy towards the sector.

He said agriculture is capable of solving the current

economic crisis if vigorously pursued.

On the proposed sale of national assets by the Federal Government to augment revenue as a way out of the economic recession, the traditional ruler said Nigerians are skeptical about it because when the Federal Governent privatised

the defunct Power Holding Company of Nigeria (PHCN) and the NITEL, the economic situation remaiend the same.

He, however, said that the 2016 Ijero Day celebration will focus on the reunification of the people of the community as well as development programmes.

Members of Landlords and Tenantas Association of Amukoko and Alaba-Oro communities in Lagos State, protesting over estimated billing of electricity and unavailability of pre-paid meters in Lagos, on Thursday. PHOTO: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

Osogbo residents demand urgent action against street hawking SOME residents of Osogbo, on Wednesday, called on the state government to stop hawking on the streets in the town.

They expressed concern about the safety of hawkers, who they said, were mainly school children and urged the state gov-

ernment to curtail the dangerous trend.

Pastor James Ajayi, a resident, who spoke with the News Agency of Nige-

ria (NAN) at Ola-Iya area of the town, said that the number of minors hawking in the area was worrisome.

Magistrate urges Nigerians to assist widows, orphans bola badmus-lagos

NIGERIANS have been urged to always consider, as a matter of importance, the plight of the vulnerable, especially widows and orphans, and render assistance to them.

The Chief Magistrate of Ogun State, Mrs. Oriyomi Sofowora, made the call during a charity event hosted by a non-government organisation, the Ornament of Grace Charity Centre, based in Sagamu, Ogun State.

Sofowora was the chairperson at the event marking the 10th anniversary of the group, where widows and orphans were empowered.

She encouraged wellto-do Nigerians to always make provision for widows and orphans in their community, saying by so doing, poverty would be reduced in the society.

“Some of us think it is only when you have in abundance that you should remember the vulnerable around us. This shouldn’t be so. We must give the little we have, because on the long run, we are not only helping

them; we are also helping ourselves. Remember, an idle hand is the devil’s workshop,” she said.

Also speaking, the chairman of the organisation, Pastor Leke Ojeyemi, said the vision was conceived by 12 families, who shared the same burden of taking care of widows, orphans and the aged in the society.

He encouraged Nigerians to factor the underprivileged into anything they are doing, especially with regards to welfare, saying the group had in the last 10 years, given succour to widows and orphans through financial assistance by setting up small and medium scale enterprises for them.

According to him, some of the beneficiaries have also been given credit facilities for procurement of business premises.

In the same vein, the secretary of the group, Reverend Abayomi Solesi, said the group had, over the years, offered food and relief materials to widows and orphans, adding that more than 200 widows and orphans had benefited either from relief package

or financial empowerment.

He, therefore, called on well-meaning Nigerians

to extend same hand of fellowship to the vulnerable around them.

LG election: Leguru baales sue for peace by gbenga olumide

THE Council of Baales in Leguru Local Council Development Area (LCDA) of Ogun State, has charged their subjects to live in harmony, particularly during the forthcoming local government election.

Addressing newsmen shortly after the council meeting, at Atiba in Odogbolu Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday, the spokesperson for the baales, High Chief Rasaki Badaru, said the meeting was to enlighten their people on the forthcoming local government election and to ensure that peace reigns before, during and after the election.

Badaru said that they want to continue to enjoy the peaceful coexistence that had been prevalent since Senator Ibikunle Amosun assumed office as governor of the state.

They are appealed to the

people to key into the good work of Senator Amosun by voting for the right candidate during the election slated for October 8.

At the meeting, according to Badaru, the council unanimously agreed to support the candidature of Honourable Ololade Onakoya, as the pioneer chairman of Leguru LCDA due to his contributions to the development of Leguru communities.

Also speaking, Baale of Itoko, High Chief J.O. Ojumito, disclosed that past administrations have disappointed them, saying “this time, we want someone who can attend to our plight and that is why we are supporting Honourable Onakoya.

“Onakoya’s antecedent has propelled us (the baales) to support him.

He performed brilliantly when he was serving as councillor in Odogbolu Local Government Area.”

Ajayi said that the recent strike embarked upon by workers in the state aggravated the menace as public schools were closed.

He urged the state government to resolve labour issues with dispatch and take decisive actions to put an end to hawking by school children.

Mrs Adejoke Afuape, a public school teacher in the town, flayed parents who allowed their children to hawk on the streets.

“I make bold to say that the harsh economic condition in the state is not in any way an excuse to send a child to hawk.

“I am imploring parents to be careful and not jeopardise the life of their children in the course of trying to eke a living,” Afuape said.

Mrs Olayinka Adisa, a child rights activist, also called on the state government to make hawking on the street a serious offence.

“Inasmuch as I sympathise with the people of Osun over the harsh economic situation in the state, we should not risk the lives of our children in the name of making money.

“Government should give it a priority and hawking on the highway a serious offence,” she said.

Bodija market shut indefinitely

By Wale Akinselure

BODIJA market, Ibadan has been shut indefinitely.

The decision of the Oyo state government to shut the popular market stemmed from continued failure of the traders to keep the market clean and abide by sanitation laws.

Commissioner for Environment and Water Resources, Mr Isaac Ishola, had on Thursday, led a team of government officials to enforce the closure of the market.

The plank market section of the market was, however, spared.

Caretaker Chairman, Ibadan North Local Government, Mr Yinka Akinbode, who was also on the government team to the market, decried the failure of the traders to consistently carry out weekly and monthly sanitation exeercise.

“The market is dirty and not regularly cleaned by the traders. All sections of the market, excluding the plank market have been closed. All traders were mandated to leave the market. On weekly and monthly basis, I supervise the environmental sanitation, but many of the traders do not comply and that is why it was locked. It is indefinite,” Akinbode said.

Akinbode, however, hinted of a meeting involving the commissioner, local government officials and market leaders, slated for today.

He expressed hope that a consensus will be reached at the meeting for the market to be opened.

Umutu constitutes youth body, elects executive ebenezer adurokiya-warri

UMUTU community in Ukwuani Local Government Area of Delta State was agog, at the weekend, when they constituted a youth body known as Umutu Youth Congress (UYC) and elected Comrade Ochor Felix as the president-general among 15 other executive members.

Addressing newsmen shortly after his victory, Ochor gave all praises to God for the peaceful conduct of the election and thanked the youths for their support, decorum and the high level of civility exhibited before, during and after the election.

The elected youth executives include Ochor Felix (President); Udogwu Benedict (Vice President); Comrade Ossai Gaventa (Secretary); Orji Edison (Treasurer) and Chegwe Festus (PRO).

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fridaytreat Olu maintain to shut down Oshogbo today

A

LL roads will lead to the Pavillion bar tonight where Club Ozone will host the creme of society to a ‘Control night’ with Yahooze crooner, Olu Maintain as its headline act. The event, according to its club manager, Oba Royal, is one of its kind as it was crafted to allow fun seekers fulfill their lavish cravings.

“This event is indeed one of its kind in Osogbo because we will be showcasing the best club offerings that will linger in the memories of our patrons for a long time.

Olu Maintain, alongside Rap Price and D’Larray of Damex records will be rocking our guests all night long and usher us into independence celebrations. Our patrons will be controlling everything that happens tonight and that is why we have tagged it as ‘Control Night’. Award winning DJ in Osogbo, DJ Rap, will also be on deck to dish out groovy music”, he said.

Friday, 30 September, 2016

Nigerian Tribune

Rotimi Ige rotimiige@yahoo.com 0811 695 4636 Instagram: @roy_ige

2016 Maltina teacher of the year to emerge October 20

EXCITEMENT has reached fever pitch among teachers and other education stakeholders as the October 20 date for the unveiling of the Maltina Teacher of the Year draws close. Indeed, Nigerians are eagerly awaiting the outcome of the work of the panel of judges that will determine who is named the best teacher in Nigeria for 2016.

Like last year, the Maltina Teacher of the Year 2016 will get one million Naira instantly, plus one million Naira every year for the next five years. The package also includes a development training opportunity abroad and a block of classrooms to be built at the school where he/she teaches.

At the close of entries for this year’s edition, teachers from 34 states and Abuja had turned in their applications to vie for the coveted prize. While explaining the modalities to be used to determine the winner, the Corporate Affairs Adviser, Nigerian Breweries Plc, Mr. Kufre Ekanem said, “the teacher with the highest score, from each state will be named as the State Champion, provided that score is above the qualification mark set by the judges. From the pool of State Champions, the top ten teachers will be invited to a session with the panel of judges at a test centre. The top performer at the test centre will be announced as the 2016 Maltina Teacher of the Year at a grand event in Lagos on October 20.”

Mr Ekanem added that “It is our hope that through the Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative, we can inspire this nation to accord our teachers their deserved credit and bring back respect to the teaching profession in Nigeria.”

The Maltina Teacher of the Year initiative with prizes worth N50 million annually, is done on the platform of the Nigerian Breweries/Felix Ohiwerei Education Trust Fund.

The Trust Fund was established in 1994 to contribute to the development of the educational sector in the country.

Last year, a teacher from Anambra State, Mrs. Rose Nkemdilim Obi emerged winner at the maiden edition of the Maltina Teacher-of-the-Year.

Obi, who is equally a daughter of a teacher, teaches Mathematics and Chemistry at the Federal Government Girls College Onitsha. The year 2000 graduate of NnamdiAzikiwe University, Awka, Anambra State beat nine other finalists to the coveted prize.

s n i w s r e v i R s s i M

Ide6aplaNgeiganetria 201

IT was a hotly contested battle but in the end, Miss Rivers, Nkemneme Queendarlyn Amaka emerged as the winner of the Miss Ideal Nigeria 2016 which is in its third edition. As Miss Ideal Nigeria, she will be spokesperson for the ‘Train a Nigerian Child’ and represent Nigeria at the Miss Global Beauty Queen in Korea. Princess Adesile, Miss Ideal Nigeria / Top Model finalist (TM) 2014 and Ruth Ife, Miss ideal Nigeria titleholder 2015, were there to hand over to he new queen.

Miss Ondo Lilian Agu, came second and will represent Nigeria at the Miss West Africa International. third place was Miss Ebonyi’s Hilda Sheibu. Miss Photogenic was Miss Niger’s Adeyinka Damilola and Miss Lagos, Emmanuella won Miss Continental award (viewer’s choice).

Aquafina Elite Model Look finale tomorrow ELITE Model Look International continues to offer aspiring models a chance to start a career in international modelling at the highest level. Selected contestants have been participating in a ‘model boot camp’ for a week of intensive grooming. This training covers all the professional aspects of modelling. The grooming exercise will have the 20 finalists experience and undergo fitness training, makeovers, nutrition lectures, professional photo sessions and rehearsals for the finale.

The two winners chosen tomorrow, will then go on to represent Nigeria in the Elite Model Look International competition scheduled to hold in Milan this November. Aquafina Elite Model Look Nigeria Grand Finale 2016 aims to showcase notable talents in the modelling, fashion and music industry and would hold at the Grand Ballroom in the Oriental Hotel, Victoria Island, Lagos Aquafina Elite Model Look Nigeria is organised by Beth Model Management in conjunction with Upfront and Personal.

Buckwylla out with new song BUCKWYLLA has marked his return to the music scene with this infectious tune titled ‘Oluchi’, an Igbo word meaning, ‘The HandWork of God’.

Blessed with the production imprints of WeBeat, ‘Oluchi’ is a groovy song with highly instructive message. The versatile singer has once more, as always make another great impression of his talent. His music continually represents positive vibes, inspirational tunes and clear messages.

Buckwylla who has collaborated with several Nigerian acts which include 2Baba, Olamide, Cartiar, Iyanya, Laylow, Vector, 9ice, Zion, Young John the Wicked Producer and recently AY the Comedian for the soundtrack of the film ‘A Trip to Jamaica’ has released great songs in the past which include ‘My Tomorrow’, ‘Pon a Dutty Wyne’ and ‘Cream girl’.

Signed onto ACI Records in 2015, it seems the spot light is now fully on him and ready to break new grounds in the music industry.

20 Rotimi Ige rotimiige@yahoo.com 0811 695 4636 IG: @roy_ige twitter: @fridaytreat

fridaytreat

Fast rising AfroPop and Soul/RnB artiste, Kikiope Oluwarore, popularly known as Rore , is an up-and-coming musician poised to make a landmark in the entertainment industry through her style of music.

The graduate of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Ibadan, in this interview with SEYI SOKOYA, speaks on her passion for music and her vision.

Excerpts:

H

OW did you discover passion for music?

My passion for music is something I developed from the time I was a child. I grew up in a family that has always appreciated music of different genres and in an environment that has been conducive to the expression of music. I fondly remember that in the area I grew up as a child in Ibadan, there was a ‘video club’ situated beside where I lived – back then, when VCRs were the in thing. Every night, this video club would play music ranging from Hip-Hop to Fuji, Juju, Afrobeat, Apala, RnB, Country, Rock, Gospel and a lot of classic oldies too.

So, I can say that it was really interesting getting exposed to so much musical varieties as a child; and this was definitely how I discovered that I had a passion for music.

At what point did you realise you could sing and when did you start singing professionally?

Like I mentioned earlier, I grew up in a family and environment that encouraged musical expression. So it was natural that I sang as a hobby and then in church as a member of the children’s choir. If I was not reading, you would naturally see me disturbing the neighborhood trying to practice some song I heard on radio or in church.

However, it was until my 100 level as an undergraduate in the University of Ibadan that it really dawned on me that I could sing and I should take it serious. After hearing me

21

Friday, 30 September, 2016

How many songs do you have to your credit?

I have one officially released a song entitled ‘Can’t Just Stop’. The song is a romantic ballad that describes longing for a loved one when time and distance becomes a barrier. It’s a song that everybody will definitely relate to and the chorus is a credited adaptation from one of popular Fuji musician, K1’s songs.

The song is online and currently enjoys airplay all over the country. As a singer and songwriter, I have many other written and recorded songs to my credit that would be released in due time. I am experiencing growth in my music journey; hence I am being strategic and just enjoying the process of unveiling myself to the world as an artiste.

I don’t want to be a

one-hit wonder —Rore

sing ‘Great is your mercy’ by Donnie McClurkin, a friend encouraged me to join the fellowship choir and I can say that it really started from there.

if your musical style is restricted to a particular genre, you should endeavor to listen and be open-minded to other sounds as part of improving your creative process.

What genre of music are you comfortable with?

I love Afro-Pop, Hip-Hop and Soul/RnB so naturally, I am most comfortable in those genres. However, based on my love for a variety of good music, I appreciate almost any genre of music including our indigenous Afro-beats, Fuji, Juju and foreign music genres like Hip-hop, soft Rock and Country. In fact, I believe that as a musical artiste, even

How do you intend to carve a niche for yourself in the industry?

Carving my own niche should come easy because I have my own uniqueness, my voice and my style. I intend to stay genuine to my craft, musical identity and generally be myself.

The industry comes with a lot of competition; do you think you can stand the test of time?

First of all, I don’t see

competition. I see successful artistes who have broken grounds to achieve their potential and have been able to carve niches for themselves in the music industry.

And this is really inspiring to me as I launch out as an artiste. I believe that I can stand the test of time because music is my passion and I don’t intend to be just a one-hit wonder. I want to make timeless music and I’m aiming for consistency and quality with as much impact on the people who will listen to my music. A big shout out to all current Nigerian artistes breaking grounds on the global scene by making our indigenous music international.

Do you have your parents’ support?

Yes. I have always had their 100 per cent support.

In fact, I attribute a lot of my interest, talents and passion for music to my parents. My two brothers are also into music and they have been major contributors to the production of my songs as music producers.

Also, we have a studio in our family home – actually the study was eventually converted into the music studio. This would not have been possible without the support of my parents. So, I am delighted to have their back.

What has music given you?

From the time I’ve been professionally doing music on part-time basis up till today, music has been a blessing to me. Music has given me the opportunity to meet people, establish relationships and go to places of like interest. I look forward to a life of adventure with music where it would further propel me to other interesting places in Nigeria and around the world.

You are still very young; don’t you feel threatened with the popular female folks in the industry?

No, I do not feel threatened because I believe that everyone has their path and unique in their creative style. Your talent and personality would always

stand for you. In fact, I look forward to collaborations with music entertainers (both female and male).

There is really nothing to be threatened about.

@ Ibadan Fashion and Style week 2016

What are the qualities you have that you think others don’t have?

My quality is my voice, creative music style and identity. All these will definitely be evident with time as my music unfolds and grows.

Following the success story of last year’s fashion show in Port Harcourt, African Fashion and Design Week 2016 (AFDW 2016) is back for the Lagos edition this October with the theme “Be Inspired”.

Organised by Bluepearl Services International, AFDW 2016 will take place from Friday, October 7th to Sunday, October 9th 2016 at the prestigious Oriental Hotel featuring eclectic collections from established and emerging African designers such asWeiz Dhurum Franklyn (Nigeria), Sunny Rose (Nigeria), Nallem Clothing (Ghana), Gavin Rajah (South Africa), Kahindo (Congo/USA), Mustafa Hassanali (Tanzania) many more.

Every year, African Fashion and Design Week attracts fashion enthusiasts, buyers, stylists, editors and everyone in the business of fashion to get a sneak peek of the looks that will define the continent’s next fashion trends including the prestigious annual African Icon of Hope Awards which recognises top designers from Africa.

As part of Bluepearl Services International’s vision to nurture creative independence amongst new talents in the industry, AFDW 2016 will also organise the Bluepearl Raising Stars competition. The aim of the competition is to recognise innovative and talented young designers on the continent by providing a platform to showcase their collections. Each selected participant will exhibit a much anticipated capsule collection and the winner will be awarded the ‘Bluepearl Raising Star for the year 2016’.

New and emerging fashion designers will also get the opportunity to learn and review the important elements of supply chain management and production at The Business for Fashion Seminar.

“Promoting talents in fashion will not only empower designers to earn a sustainable living but will also create job opportunities through the establishment of fashion businesses resulting in the growth of the fashion industry and eventually the economy” -Queengold Daniella Sekibo, Managing Director Bluepearl Services International.

African Fashion and Design Week continues to contribute to the growth of the African fashion industry by showcasing the creativity of African designers, providing more retail access, invaluable networking opportunities and identifying successes in the industry.

What is your greatest challenge so far?

My greatest challenge so far has been promoting my music through the relevant media channels (radio, online and traditional media) due to the heavy financial investment involved. As an upcoming artiste without a record label to support and fund your music promotion, it can be quite frustrating. But then, challenges are meant to build you and make you better in terms of building productive professional relationships and ensuring that you create the best quality in your music. For example, despite the fact that promoting your music can be expensive, I have actually met wonderful people in the media who have made supportive because they love the quality of my new song and they truly believe in my music. For me, getting that kind of feedback, support and appreciation for my music is golden.

Egbin Orun set for new album in South Africa

What would you love to become in the next five years, especially with your music career?

I would love to be a globally relevant artiste making real impact in the music industry. I would love to see my music and Rore brand become a major representation of Africa and Nigerian music.

Do you have any project you are working on?

Yes. I’m currently working on my debut album, while further promoting myself as an artiste through my singles, performances, appearances etc.

In fact, I am planning towards a live performance concert which has been slated for this month. Details would soon be out soon after everything has been finalised.

As African Fashion and Design Week 2016 returns for fifth edition

IBADAN came alive last Saturday as the fashion society celebrated the Ibadan Style and Fashion week with pomp and variety.

The event, held at the prestigious Owu Crown hotel, had different designers trying to outshine one another as their models took to the runway to showcase various styles and fabrics.

Make-up technicians and jewelers were also on standby to make the models the cynosure of all eyes.

Comedian, Rapindady, ensured that the audience were entertained through out the event with his rib cracking jokes.

Gospel singer, Prophetess Morenikeji Adeleke known as Egbin Orun, is set to storm South Africa for the recording of her new album titled ‘Ajo Ogo’. The medical practitioner turned gospel singer who, before now, had released two albums made this known to Friday Treat recently.

Her last album was also recorded outside Nigeria and she gave reasons for going to South Africa for the new work.

“I recorded in Dubai the last time and now, I just think I should go to South Africa. There are many churches in South Africa; one of the churches there (Agbala Itura) invited me to come over so I decided I could use the opportunity to shoot some part of my album there, though I am going there mainly for ministration.

“My new album, ‘Ajo Ogo’ reflects part of my life. I lost my mother about 10 years ago and my father two years ago.

To me, my parents did not fulfill their glory. They labored but they did reap the fruits. I wanted to take good care of my father but when I remember what he did to me, I couldn’t. “My father did not take care of me, rather he was taking care of my brother, believing he would take care of him later but I forgave him but he died when I wanted to start taking good care of him” she explained.

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Friday, 30 September, 2016 ’Wale Olapade 08161235359 wale11g3@gmail.com

travelpulse&m.i.c.e

Winner, NMMA, Tourism Reporter Of The Year

FCMB glows in style at 2016 Ojude Oba •As Awujale lauds founder

Founder FCMB Group, Otunba Subomi Balogun during the bank’s presentation to the Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona at 2016 Ojude Oba festival.

THE Awujale of Ijebuland, Oba Sikiru Adetona has commended one of the biggest corporate sponsors of the Ojude Oba Festival, First City Monument Bank (FCMB) for its long standing brand support for the socio-cultural festival of the Ijebu people.

Oba Adetona gave the commendation while receiving the team of FCMB, led by the founder, Otunba Subomi Balogun, during the brand sponsor presentation at

When Tourism Minister, Lagos took WTD to Eko Atlantic City

T

HIS year’s edition of the World Tourism Day celebration hosted by the Lagos State government played host to the Minister of Culture and Tourism, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and heads of government agencies, among others at the Eko Atlantic City, Lagos.

The celebration which was out of the usual norm, engaged participants on a guided tour of the unique splendour of the distinct districts of the Eko Atlantic City, which include the business and Marine districts, Eko Atlantic Mall, Eko international Academy, the great wall of Lagos, canal markings among others.

Speaking during the opening, the Deputy Governor of Lagos, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, who represented the governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, called for the establishment of right framework and environment for tourism to thrive in the country as a major revenue earner.

According to Ambode, “What is needed for tourism to be a viable economic sector is to develop a framework for the sector.

“It is pertinent at this juncture for us to develop a framework for the development of the travel and tourism industry in Nigeria.

“The potential of this sector can only be harnessed if we create the right environment for the investment to thrive. We must open up the sector through incentives, attractive policies as well as the provision of world class infrastructure.

“The event marking WTD, has come at a time when we are faced with the stark realities of the current economic recession and the necessity for us to reorder our economic priorities, affirm its relevance and timeliness.

“Our determination to fully exploit the tourism potential of the state has been demonstrated with the creation of a ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture and the adoption of project tagged Tourism, Hospitality, Entertainment and Sports for Excellence (THESE), “We have remained focused on the goal of making our state the hub for tourism and entertainment in Africa by taking opportunity of events to showcase to the world our rich culture and heritage.”

In his message to Nigeria, the Minister of information and Culture, Alhaji Mohammed said the government chose to go out of the normal to mark the World Tourism Day at the Eko Atlantic because of its uniqueness and futuristic tendency to boost tourism activities as a business hub.

“As the Federal Government works day and night to pull Nigeria out of recession and put our economy on the path of sustainable growth, it is becoming increasingly clear, like President Muhammadu Buhari admonished, that we must think out of the box.

“We must find other sustainable means of

sector will drive the growth of tourism. This is a win-win model for the government and the private sector, and I commend Eko Atlantic for being in the forefront of actualising this model.

“For those who may not know, Eko Atlantic, when completed will be a tourist haven.

From left, Executive Chairman of Eko Atlantic, Ronald Chagoury; the Minister of Information The city will boast of 450,000 and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed and Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Idiat Oluranti residents and 300,000 comAdebule, during the celebration of the 2016 World Tourism Day hosted by the Lagos State muters, which is a boon for government at the Eko Atlantic City, Victoria Island Lagos. Photo by ‘Wale Olapade the myriad of businesses to be earning foreign exchange outside of oil, to located in the city. In addition, it will have a grow our country’s GDP and create jobs for our people. Agriculture and mining are viable registered Free Economic Zone to encourage options, but tourism is the low hanging fruit in economic activities.

“As you are also aware, shopping malls atthis regard, and we must not hesitate to pluck tract tourists the way bees are attracted to it.

“The venue we have chosen for this year’s honey. The shopping mall here in Eko Atlancelebration, Eko Atlantic City, attests to this tic will be the largest of its kind in Sub-Sahafact. While I will like to reiterate Nigeria’s ran Africa.

“For our part, we appeal to investors to readiness to explore and exploit tourism for the benefit of its economy, I can confidently help turn our numerous tourist sites to touradd that Eko Atlantic City has what it takes to ist attractions. Nigeria is rich in natural and man-made tourist destinations. With this drive tourism in Nigeria.

“While the role of the government will be to administration’s massive investment in inprovide the enabling environment, the private frastructural development, more and more of the tourist sites will become accessible to all.”

the 2016 Ojude Oba. The monarch who spoke with great enthusiasm about the loyal support of the FCMB for years, prayed that the FCMB Group will continue to wax stronger in its field of endeavour as a unique sponsor and a brand owned by a true son of Ijebuland.

Speaking at the festival presentation to the Awujale, the founder of FCMB Group, Otunba Balogun, an ardent supporter of culture and tradition, gave a rendition of his loyal support for Ojude Oba as total as the Olori Omooba of Ijebuland.

According to Balogun, “ As an illustrious son from one of the prominent ruling houses of the Ijebuland, it is proud to say that FCMB has been an age-long brand supporter of the festival and it is one of my contributions to my community, people and culture.

“Every Ijebu person looks forward to the annual Ojude Oba event and as the Olori Omooba of Ijebuland, providence has placed me in a situation which everybody expects me to be close to the Awujale and give support to whatever he is doing in the areas of culture and tradition.

“The FCMB will continue to celebrate the people’s culture and also use the festival as a platform to project the institution’s brand products and services.

The bank also made its brand presence more prominent through distribution of different promotional items and gifts to participants at the venue to complement its festival sponsorship bids. This year the FCMB team at the Ojude Oba arena gave different branded gifts to visitors and tourists.

Identifying more with the cultural essence, glamour and style, the FCMB team members were all in a branded Ankara attire to celebrate with sons and daughters of Ijebuland at this festival.

...NATOP urges FG to restore tourism ministry Honours Amachree, partners Carnival Calabar AGAIN, the Nigerian Association of Tour Operators (NATOP) has called on the Federal Government to restore the tourism ministry as an entity for the sector to have the desired attention.

The president of the association, Mr Ekereuwem Onung who rallied support of the private sector made the call at a celebration to mark the 2016 World Tourism Day in Lagos,said tourism needs a monumental attention now that it remains the lowest hanging fruit at the time of recession.

“Government should restore our tourism ministry so that, according to the Nigerian National Anthem, ‘The labours of our heroes past shall never be in vain.”

As part of the day’s programme, one of the living founding fathers, Chief Amachree who fought to raise tourism in Nigeria in particular was honoured.

NATOP also used the event to herald its partnership with the Carnival Calabar, another milestone in positioning and promoting Nigeria’s topmost cultural brand and Africa’s biggest street party.

The event saw full representation from Cross River State Governor’s envoy for the Carnival Calabar led by the Carnival Chairman, Mr Gabe Onah, Mr Ken Aklar and a

team of the Carnival Marketing Consultants.

Also the coordinator of the Team Africa, Ikechi Uko, tracing the gallant efforts of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, who set up the tourism ministry, the proposal that was adopted by UNWTO to adopt September 27 as World Tourism Day which was first suggested by a Nigerian, Mr Ignatius Atigbi and the effort of a travel journalist, Mr. Lucky George, who travelled all the way to Madrid to prove with evidence to the world body that Atigbi deserved recognition.

Uko spoke on the successive building efforts by the past Directors General of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) in that sector from Omotayo Omotosho to

Otunba Segun Runsewe, other contributing speakers lamented the dearth and downturn of events in the sector for the past few years as well as the bad omen posed by the scrapping of the tourism ministry by the President Muhammadu Buhari led administration.

For the Carnival Calabar team, the Chairman, Carnival Commission, Gabe Onah, said“For us at the Carnival Calabar we are happy that the import of the World Tourism Day is dawning on all the sectors that make tourism to tick.

“A product cannot be a product until it is marketed. And one of the strong pillars of a tourism experience is the stakeholders’ concern which is the platform that takes it to the consumer.

Participants at NATOP World Tourism Day celebration, on Tuesday, Lagos.

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Friday, 30 September, 2016

features

Editor: Kehinde Oyetimi featuresdesk@yahoo.com 081 118 450 48

Residents of Maidan Orile in a canoe navigating their flooded community. PHOTOS: SYLVESTER OKORUWA

Maidan Orile, Patele, Agiliti:

Here, the rains are no longer a blessing AKIN ADEWAKUN and QUDUS KASALI visited Maidan Orile, Patele, Agiliti and Mile 12 in Lagos, where the rains wreaked communal havoc. Their report:

F

EW months after the unrest between the Hausa and Yoruba communities that almost consumed residents of Maidan Orile, Patele, Agiliti and Mile 12, in Ikosi Ketu Local Council Development Area of Lagos State, the communities are again in the news, for the wrong reasons.

The torrential rains being witnessed in Lagos metropolis in the past few weeks and which many, especially farmers, have described as a blessing are increasingly becoming a nightmare for these communities and others such as Magodo and Ikorodu that share proximity with the areas.

For residents of these areas, they seem helpless and they cannot wait for this wet season to be over.

A visit by Nigerian Tribune to those communities revealed the source of the residents’ discontentment for the waters which the rains bring.

The people in these communities detest the waters and would do everything humanly possible to ‘run away’ from it. Perhaps the late Afro beat legend, Fela Anikulapo, would have waxed another song to counter his “Water, no get enemy” album since the people of Maidan and Agiliti are not too favourably disposed to water at this time.

For the past two weeks, since the flood took over the entire community, life has not been the same for many residents of

the areas. Mobility in the areas has been greatly hindered and its dire consequences on social and economic lives of the residents were very palpable when Nigerian Tribune visited.

Expectedly, apart from a negligible few, others in the area have been counting their losses, induced by this unwanted ‘visitor’, the deluge, in the past few days.

Interestingly, since the areas began to experience the flood, different approaches had been adopted by individuals and community development associations in the areas to mitigate the impact of the flood.

For instance, while some simply decided to relocate from the place, albeit temporarily; others residents that decided to stay put have been deploying several survival strategies to ensure that the flood did not get the better of them.

While some of the relatively affluent ones that live in the estates nearby have embarked on serious sand-filling, to ward off the waters from their individual properties, some have had to relocate their businesses to less flood-prone areas within the communities. Interestingly, all these are not without their financial implications to such people.

Recounting his ordeal in the past few weeks, a bus driver, Mr. Amambi Izuaba, who plies MTN-Mile 12, one of the affected routes in the area, described the situation as very critical.

Izuaba, who ventured into transportation business in the area just three months ago, explained to Nigerian Tribune that besides the mass exodus being recorded in the area due to the flood, some others were finding an alternative means of transportation using canoes.

“I ply the MTN to Mile 12 Under-bridge route and I can tell you authoritatively that the situation in Agiliti has negatively affected my income, because most of the residents of the area moved out immediately the flooding started, thereby reducing the number of passengers I used to load.

“Besides, some are going for canoes now since it is easier for canoes to manoeuvre these flooded areas than any motor vehicle,” he stated.

“Prior to the flood, I used to load seven times but now it has reduced to just three. The most unfortunate thing is that this is coming at a time when urgent bills, especially school fees, must be paid. For instance, my children that should have resumed since Monday are still at home, and there is no hope of them resuming this week because the income has been badly affected due to this disaster,” he complained.

Curiously, while one would expect Daisi, one of the canoe owners, to be happy that he is actually thriving on this ‘chaos’, in a chat with Nigerian Tribune his prayer was to see a quick end to the problem. Daisi, a vulcaniser in the area, stated that he had to abandon the job and make ‘take advantage’ of the situation, since he was really finding it out carrying out his primary occupation.

Continues pg24

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Friday, 30 September, 2016

Flooded Olaosebikan Street, Agiliti, Mile 12, Lagos.

Reptiles invade houses; business activities affected Continued from pg23

It was another tale of woe from Mrs. Olayinka Adegboye, a resident who also runs some businesses in Maidan Orile, one of the affected communities.

“When the dam in Abeokuta is filled to the brim, the agency in charge would open it, thereby causing uncontrollable spread of water to different places in this area,” explained Mrs. Adegboye, who claimed to have been in the community for over 40 years, in her response to Nigerian Tribune’s inquiry regarding the probable cause of the flood.

But unlike Izuaba, whose income had shrunk, due to the flooding, Mrs. Adegboye argued that besides its inconveniences, the unpleasant situation has not had any negative impact on her business, insisting she had not lost anything to the two week-old flood ravaging the area.

Another resident of Maidan Orile, Tawa Lawal’s narratives were not in any way different. It has been a tale of the unpleasant since the flood started in the area on September 14.

“I cannot say the flood has not affected me. It has affected me, though not with far-reaching effects. For instance, I had to relocate my petty trading business to a more accessible place within the axis,” she stated.

She, however, expressed delight that there had not been any incident of stealing and robbery, since the communities began to experience the flood, as it used to be the case in the past at such times.

A landlord in Agiliti 2 Area of Mile 12, Mr. IK, said the flood started two weeks ago, adding that the water from the dam usually overflows once or twice in a year, especially when it is opened.

“The unfortunate situation about the flood is that it has affected my basic necessity of life which is food, in the sense that it has restricted my movements. I cannot go out to buy food to eat. Most importantly, I have lost several millions of naira in terms of properties and inability to attend to my businesses because of this situation.”

IK added that the flood had also reduced, drastically, the more than 20,000 people population of the community.

“What we have now are snakes, reptiles and other dangerous animals. For me now, the situation is critical because the house that I built with hard-earned money is difficult to access in the face of the flood,” he stated.

He, however, called for government intervention since it was obvious that the situation was beyond the people in the communities.

One Mr Idarabasi, who has been in the community since 2014, seems to be in a dilemma now concerning the situation.

For instance, he noted that since the communities began to experience the flood weeks ago, some of the areas had been thrown into darkness.

Idarabasi argued that the long period of power outage being experienced in the area seems to be taking its toll on his laundry business.

“It is a serious situation, I must tell you. My business is almost crippled now. There is no electricity to carry out this business, and it is having its trickle-down effects on everybody here.

“My children ought to have resumed school this week, but the unpleasant situation will not allow,” he stated.

For Gabriel, the flood comes every three years and the most affected areas in the community are usually Magodo Road, Agiliti 2 and down to some areas in Ikorodu.

“It is important to note that the flood comes between the months of August and September but sometimes it could be

in October,” he stated.

Explaining the nature of the flood, Gabriel said “the coldness of the water shows it is from the opening of the dam in Ogun State, while if it’s warm it shows the closure of the dam.”

In other words, if the water is cold, it means that the dam is open, but if is warm, it means that it is not coming from the dam.

He, however, believes if a canal, binding Agiliti 1 and 2 together is created, the area would not experience any overflow, since the water would be channeled elsewhere.

Miss Doris, a resident of Idi Oparun area in Agiliti said that the flood has affected her in so many ways. “We remove our clothes to enter the water. Children are carried on the back by their parents to school. There is no free way for the gutter to flow and houses were built on places which ought to have been earmarked for gutters.”

Doris said, in spite of the seriousness of the situation at hand, human wastes were still being dumped into the water.

“Prior to the flood, we used N50 to transport ourselves to Mile 2, but it is now N100 that is N50 for canoe to the newlyrelocated bus stop and N50 to Mile 2. Unfortunately, some residents still empty their wastes into these waters, thereby worsening the situation,” she stated.

She also told Nigerian Tribune that she had lost some money to the incident, arguing that the situation had begun to take its toll on the religious lives of the people in the area.

“Majority of the church leaders whose churches were affected have fled the area, thereby leaving their congregations with no leaders that would conduct services,” she added.

An architect, Mrs Okeshola, whose church is domiciled in Maidan Orile, however, gave an insight into what may be the cause of the flood, in a chat with Nigerian Tribune. “Geographically, most of the land areas in Lagos State are below the water table. So, flooding is normal and that is something that should be expected. The present situation we are experiencing in the area is as a result of the Ogun River overflowing its boundary. The reasons are not far-fetched. Ogun River is the main channel that empties the inner land water into the lagoon. It is the river that is connected to the Lagos lagoon.

So, when you have an unusual wet season and the hinterland rivers are filled, they empty their water into the Ogun River.

“By the time it gets to Lagos State, where it has its estuaries, the land area around those estuaries are bound to experience flooding. The Majidun River, which is one of Ogun River’s estuaries, is the one that flows from Sango Ota, Iju and comes out on the Lagos Ikorodu Road- Owode Onirin.

So, the residential areas around it such as Owode-Ekede, Maidan, Owode-Ajegunle, Owode-Onirin, Ikorodu, even Isheri-Magodo, Ogudu, situated in the low line areas are bound to experience flooding during the season,” she said.

She added that the Ogun-Osun River Basin Authority has been given the responsibility to do proper channelling of this river so as to stop the incessant flooding along the path of the

My business is almost crippled now.

There is no electricity to carry out this business, and it is having its trickle-down effects on everybody here. My children ought to have resumed school this week, but the unpleasant situation will not allow

Izuaba

Mrs Adegboye

Ogun River.

“The agency exists, but we don’t know what they are doing.

However, the quagmire can be taken care of through proper channelling of the river,” she stated.

But a resident and member of the one of the community development associations in the area attributed the incessant flooding of the area to the not-too-willing nature of the people to allow for government intervention.

“The fact remains that those in the affected areas are the low income people, and they always nurse the fear that they may be asked to relocate at the end of the day if government decides to intervene; hence their decision to complain in whispers,” argued this resident, who would not want his name in print.

According to him, some of the landlords in flood-prone areas, such as Elias Estate and Unity Estate had started sand filling their areas to prevent this.

“That is why we still see some of the buildings that are not affected, even when the whole area is submerged in flood.

What we are experiencing is accumulated water from the dam. We normally experience this when the dam is opened and it overflows its banks,” he explained.

He disagreed with the notion that the flood in the community was caused by the heavy rains being experienced in the metropolis lately.

“The flood is experienced when the dam is opened. That is why there are times the community is flooded when there are no rains. And interestingly, sometimes you see the areas very dry even when there is heavy downpour. This is due to the fact that the flood has nothing to do with the rains, but the opening of these dams,” he stated.

He, however, believes until government intervenes, such disaster would continue to be experienced in the area.

“For me, as a way out, the government should create an artificial lake in a neighbouring state, such as Ogun, where this water can be channeled. Such lake could even have economic advantage since it can be used for commercial fishing,” he stated.

Besides, he counselled government to take advantage of the situation by finding a way of conserving the excess waters for irrigation farming, especially during the dry season.

As arguments continue over the incident, the probable causes and the way out, one thing that is obvious is that it is definitely not the best of times for residents here; since a common thread that binds their stories together is that element of anguish.

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Friday, 30 September, 2016

Kwoi earth tremors:

Residents no longer at ease Muhammad Sabiu - Kaduna

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HE rocky town of Kwoi in Jaba Local Government Area of Kaduna State was recently in the news when it experienced earth tremors which rendered many homeless, while business and commercial activities were grounded to a halt. The latest was on Tuesday September 20 Findings by Nigerian Tribune gathered that when the first tremor occurred on September 9, residents ran helter-skelter as they had never experience such in the history of the town. As a result of this, community leaders hurriedly informed state authorities of the development, to which the government acted promptly. In a statement through the governor’s spokesman, Mr Samuel Aruwan, the government called on residents of the community, as well as those in other parts of the state to remain calm as the state government was on top of the situation. The statement read in part: “The Kaduna State governor, Malam Nasir El-Rufai, sympathises with the people of Kwoi over the reported earth tremors.

The governor has subsequently directed the State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) to mobilise to the area and comfort our citizens. The national geological agency has also been notified, and has been invited to investigate the tremors in the area, while providing appropriate guidance.

“The government is receiving updates from the area, while relevant government agencies have been directed to take steps towards comforting residents of the affected community, while assuaging their unease as they come to terms with an unusual unfortunate situation.

“The government, therefore, wishes to appeal for calm, urging everyone not to spread unverified information, or create panic.”

The following day, SEMA, under the leadership of Mr Ezekiel Baba Karik, visited the community in order to assess the level of damage caused by the tremors, and report back to the government.

Speaking with newsmen after assessing the damage, the SEMA boss dispelled the insinuation that several people lost their lives as a result of the tremor, adding that the community only suffered minimal damages.

However, while the residents were just coming to terms with the tremor, another one occurred on September 11. This time round, its effect was severe, as several houses were destroyed.

A tour by the North West management team of National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), the Federal Government agency responsible for responding to emergencies, revealed that about 300 houses were affected as a result of the second tremor.

It is so unfortunate that these tremors have brought about a situation whereby the people no longer feel comfortable in Kwoi, as no one knows what will happen next.

While speaking, its coordinator, Alhaji Musa Illalah, said the agency would inform the Federal Government of the situation, while saying geologists were already working round the clock to ascertain what caused the disaster.

Alhaji Illalah, therefore, charged residents of the community to remain calm, and report anything they notice to the relevant authorities. However, despite all the assurances by government, fear of the unknown has forced residents to flee the community, so as not to be trapped when deadlier tremors occur.

A farmer in the community, Bulus Bature, while admitting that he was no longer comfortable staying in Kwoi, said he had to relocate with his family to Zonkwowa.

Speaking on his experience, Bature said, on that fateful day, “everything was shaking, even the ground was shaking, and everybody ran out into the open so that buildings won’t collapse on us.

“These tremors have also affected business activities in the community, as business operators have abandoned their businesses and relocated to another community,” Bature said.

A Hausa trader from Kano who had been living in Kwoi for the past 30 years, Yakubu Yahaya, explained that he had decided to relocate his family back to Kano until everything returns to normal in the community.

According to Yahaya, most of the nonindigenes who are owners of flourishing businesses in the area had left, and as at today, Kwoi community is more or less like a ghost town.

It is so bad that popular restaurants, relaxation joints, hotels, private schools, among other businesses in the town have

One of the houses affected by the tremors all closed. Even, commercial transport operators have also abandoned the community, refusing to transport commuters in and out of Kwoi.

Speaking in the same vein, an Igbo trader who spoke on the condition of anonymity, explained that, the majority of business owners in the town were non-indigenes who had been in the town since the 1970s.

“It is so unfortunate that these tremors have brought about a situation whereby the people no longer feel comfortable in Kwoi, as no one knows what will happen next.

“I understand that tremors are minor earthquakes, but since we have experienced tremors, what happens when real earthquakes happen?

“We have been seeing the devastating effects of earthquakes in foreign countries, with hundreds of people dying. In fact, the recent earthquake in Italy claimed more than 200 lives, so what happens when that happens here?

“I think this is the reason why people are leaving this community in large numbers; nobody wants to experience such tremors any longer,” the Igbo trader said.

Meanwhile, preliminary results by geologists affirmed that what was initially presumed to be tremors were actually earthquakes. From the findings, it was discovered that the earthquakes were about 2.0 meters. Speaking on the development, the interim chairman of Jaba Local Government, Mr Ben Kure, confirmed the recent findings, saying that more tests were being carried out to ascertain what really happened. The local government boss asserted that the state government would do everything humanly possible to protect the lives of its citizens.

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features

Friday, 30 September, 2016

Unity Group celebrates ex-JAMB Registrar, Ojerinde in style

By Moses Alao “Like the famous Greek long distance runner, Emeritus Professor Dibu Ojerinde came, saw and conquered in the field of Educational Test and Measurement in which he recorded a number of firsts. All these achievements could not have come on a silver platter. They are the results of dedication, hardwork, self-belief, strength of character and above all the Grace of the Almighty God. “We are therefore celebrating because we are proud of him and because he is safely back to us to refuel even for greater challenges and pave way for future celebration,” were the words of Chief Olawuwo Oni, the chairman of the Unity Group, Igboho, during the reception organised by the group in honour of its own and immediate past Registrar/Chief Executive Officer of the Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board (JAMB), Emeritus Professor Dibu Ojerinde, OON, held at the Atlantic Events Place, Ilorin, last weekend.

The event, which brought together eminent personalities in the society including former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala, who chaired the occasion; the Limeri of Awa Ijebu, Oba Abib Awobajo; Professor Femi Odekunle; academics from Obafemi Awolowo University and the University of Ilorin; an entourage from JAMB led by its Director of Corporate Support Services Department, Mrs Kulu Yabisu as well as community, religious and political leaders from Oke-Ogun area, also defied the popular Yoruba saying that 20 children cannot play for 20 years, as it brought 26

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1. Members of Unity Group, Igboho .

2. Former JAMB Registrar, Emeritus Professor Dibu Ojerinde (second right), being presented a portrait by former Governor Adebayo Alao-Akala (middle), on behalf of the Unity Group, Igboho, during the reception. With them are the chairman of the group, Chief Olawuwo Oni (left); former member representing Irepo/Olorunsogo/Oorelope

members of the Wesley College, Ibadan’s 1962/64 Set about 52 years after they first met.

For Ojerinde, the event was another platform to testify to his sterling qualities as a chief executive for over 20 years and especially his innovations at JAMB, with speakers after speakers commending the massive innovations Ojerinde brought to JAMB. Ojerinde, in his response, appreciated God for the privilege to serve Nigeria and thanked the people for the honour so far bestowed on him.

Federal Constituency, Honourable Lanre Agoro (second left) and Professor Femi Odekunle.

3. Ojerinde receiving the award plaque from Dr (Mrs) Idowu. With them are Chief Oni and Mr Gani Owolabi.

NURHI, DEVCOMS seek media help for safe motherhood

By Adewale Oshodi

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ITH Nigeria bedevilled by a lot of problems, particularly in the area of economy and health, many experts have, over the years, been discussing what the country needs to do in order to overcome its myriads of challenges.

While some are looking at economic and political policies that will help the country in tackling the challenges facing it, those in the health sector, have been preaching the need for the country to control its astronomic birth rates, as this is one of the best ways through which Nigeria can truly develop.

It is as a result of this that health experts and organisations have been sensitising on the need for the government to fully key into the benefits of family planning in order to achieve sustainable growth for the family.

Speaking during this year’s Safe Motherhood Day, Professor Oladosu Ojengbede, a professor of Obstetrics and Gynaecology and Director, Centre for Reproductive Health Programme, University College Hospital (UCH), Ibadan, lamented the country’s uncontrolled births, admitting that more needed to be done to pass the family planning message across to the populace.

“We way we see family planning is from the wrong perspective; some just see it as an opportunity to prevent getting pregnant, but it is more than that.

“Family planning can be used to boost a family’s economy; a family that has just two children will be more comfortable economically than a family that has five children.

“We must know that family planning helps reduce poverty, helps women’s health,

• Participants at the seminar can help in preventing sexually transmitted diseases, help in reducing waste, which has been linked to urbanisation as a result of population growth,” Professor Ojengbede said, while urging the government to give more commitment to the issue of family planning in the country.

Speaking earlier, the Oyo State team leader of the Nigerian Urban Reproductive Health Initiative (NURHI), Mrs Stella Akinso, admitted that the media must be sensitised so that the family planning message can go far and wide.

“Family planning has a lot to do about women’s wellbeing; a woman who gets pregnant every year will not be able to contribute economically to the running of the home,

and we all know the role of women in running the home,” Mrs Akinso said.

In his remarks on the occasion, the Executive Secretary of the Oyo State Primary Health Care Development Agency (SPHCDA), Dr Lanre Abass, said the state government was already doing its best in promoting family planning at the primary healthcare level due to its immense benefits.

“Although under the SPHCDA, there are about five different health policies, but family planning is one area that the state government is giving utmost attention,” Dr Abass said.

Also in her opening remarks, the Team Leader of Development Communications ((DEVCOMS), Mrs Abiodun Owo, said her

organisation would continue to sensitise members of the public on the benefits of embracing family planning, as this would go a long way in bringing about a transformed society and country as a whole.

It was on this basis that DEVCOMS held a two-day workshop for print and broadcast journalists in the state so that they can also join in disseminating the family planning message.

At the end of the workshop, media practitioners had imbibed the benefits of family planning, as well as the methods available.

The essence of this is for them to be adequately equipped on what family planning is all about, and to be able to answer questions on the health initiative.

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Friday, 30 September, 2016

arewa

Femi Olukunle Co-ordinating Editor 08158610216

Kwara tackles infrastructural deficiency with contributory funding Biola Azeez-Ilorin

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HE present concern of most residents of Kwara State is that the current government’s approach to tackling infrastructural deficiency and decay in most parts of the state, and Ilorin, the state capital, in particular, must bring about the desired result and expectation.

The reality is that the present state of infrastructures such as township roads, classrooms, streetlight, provision of potable water, health facilities, is calling for improvement or urgent repair.

The situation, nevertheless, has become nagging worries to residents as well as impeding socio-economic growth and efficiency.

With growth in population in many parts of the state, occasioned by comparative peaceful nature of the area, the existing infrastructure has been stressed, resulting in such social hiccups as traffic gridlock at Gerin Alimi Roundabout, heavy road traffics at Taiwo, Challenge, Unity, Offa Garage, Tanke areas as well as in other parts of the state capital.

It was also gathered that many township roads have gone bad with potholes littering many of them in such areas as Kulende, Olorunsogo, Sabo Oke, Gaa Akanbi, Tanke, Offa Garage, Sawmill, while many rural roads are also calling for urgent attention.

The state government, in its wisdom at tackling the situation, despite the recession in the land and dwindling federal allocation accruable to the state, conceived an idea of an infrastructural development fund (IF-K) and actually launched the scheme during the week. With this scheme, it plans to set aside N500 million every month in a pool that will be managed by a committee comprising partnering banks, contractors and investment professionals and then carry out implementation of earmarked infrastructural development in partnership with private

A bad portion of road in Ilorin. sectors.

Speaking at the launch of the scheme in Ilorin, Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed said that the purpose of the IF-K was to pool funds for infrastructural projects and optimally leverage private sector resources for infrastructural development and channel state internal revenue to directly impact economic diversification and growth strategies.

“IF-K is also designed to ensure maximum quality assurance for asset and services procured by government and encourage broader and deeper interactions with the Kwara State government from private and non-private partners.

“The fund will be financed through a N5billion seed fund and N500 million monthly contributions from the state’s Internally Generated Revenue through an Irrevocable Standing Payment Order

Why child deaths are on the increase in Jigawa and Zamfara —Experts Muhammad Sabiu - Gusau STAKEHOLDERS on health matters from Jigawa and Zamfara have identified inequitable distribution of skilled workers, culture, distance, poverty, among others, as factors that contributed to the increasing number of child deaths in the two states.

This was contained in a communique issued at the end of a five-day consultative workshop for health practitioners organised by the Save the Children, at Liyafa Hotel, Katsina.

The communiqué, signed by the representative of the Save the Children George Akor as well as the representatives of the participating states , Dr Kabir Ibrahim and Yusuf Mafara respectively, also frowned at deplorable conditions of health facilities in the two states.

It maintained that the attitude of the health workers towards service delivery

must change.

“We must consider ourselves as change agents and do the right things so that the health status of our children, especially in the rural communities, would improve.

‘The current statistics of 200,000 deaths recorded for children under the age of five from preventable diseases such as measles, malaria, meningitis, diarrhea, etc, in Nigeria every year, is disturbing.

It, therefore, called for the re-activation of Wards Development Committee, Villages /Facilities Health Committe, among other community based formations, to drive accountability and improve community participation towards sustainable health care services.

The communique also expressed concern over the slow progress in the functionality of Primary Health Care UnderOne-Roof, particularly low phase on the continues pg 28

(ISPO). This implies that the money will be taken at source from the state’s Internally Generated Revenue and provides an additional layer of assurance to project partners. Additional non-IGR funds, such as those from the Federal Government and global development partners will be added to IF-K as they become available.

“Under IFK, funds will be disbursed on a quarterly basis, and are projected to grow

by N6 billion by the end of the year. In order to ensure accountability, and insulate the funds from political control, the IF-K will be managed by a reputable investment company, Investment One, which has been appointed by law as trustee for the scheme.

Investment One is also to market the fund to potential investors and mitigate against payment risks by ring-fencing the funds and limiting their utilisation to the approved purposes for which they have been earmarked.

“In other words, the trustees are independent of the state government, and will only disburse funds upon the presentation of a certified certificate of completion and at agreed project milestones.

As an added measure to ensure quality standards, the certificate of completion is also subject to further authentication by an independent project inspector. IF-K is therefore not susceptible to interference from any other party”, he said.

Governor Ahmed, who said that his government would continue to fund smaller projects through other platforms, added that only projects worth N300 million and above would be included on the IF-K payment grid.

Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed, who said that the state government alone could no longer fund infrastructural projects, described the state infrastructure development fund scheme as permanent solution to funding capital projects and discouraging abandoned projects.

Governor Ahmed said that the desire for rapid infrastructure growth, and need for an appropriate savings and investment mechanism solely for infrastructure and

Gov Abdulfatah Ahmed related works led to the establishment of the Kwara State Infrastructure Development Fund (IF-K).

He also said that his administration would implement a N5 billion street light infrastructural project under public private partnership (PPP) arrangement through the IF-K scheme, adding that the contract to be sited in major parts of the state would be signed in October.

The state government has also flagged off construction of a N3.7 billion GeriAlimi Split Diamond Underpass in Ilorin as part of efforts to decongest traffic in the state capital.

The governor, at the flag off, said the project, to be funded through the newly launched Kwara State Infrastructure Development Fund (IFK), is expected to be completed within an 18 month timeline.

According to the Governor, the underpass, when completed, will not only ease flow of traffic but add aesthetic value to the Geri-Alimi axis of the metropolis.

28 arewa

Friday, 30 September, 2016

Police dole out N40m to families of slain officers

Isaac Shobayo - Jos

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S part of efforts to alleviate the suffering of the families of slain police officers, the Assistant Inspector General of Police in charge of Zone 12, Bauchi, Yakubu O Jibrin, has presented a cheque worth N40 million to 36 widows who lost their breadwinners while discharging their duties.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police, who disclosed the amount while issuing the cheques to the deceased’s families at the Zone 12 headquarters, Bauchi, added that the donation was made under the Nigeria Police Insurance Scheme to 36 families of the heroes within Bauchi, Yobe and Maiduguri state police commands.

He explained that Nigeria Police Insurance Scheme was designed to compensate members of the Nigeria Police Force, who may suffer accident or injury or members of their families in the event of death of a police officer while discharging his or her duties.

He said the benefits of the scheme included death, permanent disability or

medical expenses benefits, amongst others.

He expressed gratitude to President Muhammadu Buhari and the leadership

of the police for this welfare gesture.

While condoling with those who had lost loved ones, the police boss assured them of the support of the Nigeria Police Force.

“This is a continuous process”, he said.

Leadership tussle: Attah of Igala penalises subjects in Kaduna Muhammad Sabiu - Gusau THE Attah Igala, Agabaidu Idakwo AmeOboni II, has banned some of his subjects in Kaduna from participating in all Igala activities, both within and outside the kingdom, over an alleged leadership tussle in the state.

The ban had already been transmitted to the Emir of Zazzau and Chairman Kaduna, State Council of Traditional Rulers, Alhaji Shehu Idris.

The subjects, twelve in number, were found to have engaged in an action described by His Royal Majesty as an affront and aberration of the Igala custom and

tradition.

The affected subjects said they were trying to bring sanity into the leadership in line with the constitution of the community.

In an earlier communiqué issued by alleged factional President of Igala Community, Kaduna, Prince Ojonuba Iboyi, on behalf of the embattled subjects, it was alleged that, “the leadership of Onu Igala Kaduna, under Chief Joseph Daikwo, was not consulting widely and extensively on general issues affecting the Igalas resident in Kaduna, thereby violating sections of the community’s constitution.

However, a statement signed by Igala paramount traditional ruler himself and

Plateau State govt collaborates with UNICEF to end child rape Isaac Shobayo - Jos PIQUED by the high rate of rape and other forms of violence against children in Plateau State, the state government and United Nations Children Funds (UNICEF) have agreed to partner towards eradicating the menace in the state.

Plateau State government, on Wednesday, released data revealing that no fewer than 50 cases of rape of all sexes have been reported in the past four months in the state.

Addressing newsmen ahead of the launch of a campaign to end Violence Against Children (End VAC) in Jos, the state Commissioner for Women Affairs and Social Develpment, Mrs.Rufina Guruyen said the available record in her ministry revealed 5O recent cases of rape in the state, adding that the process of getting the date had been painstaking because parents of the victims of rape were not keen on disclosing the acts for fear of stigmatisation.

The commissioner, who said her ministry was working towards ensuring that justice was done to all reported cases, enjoined parents in the state to oblige the ministry with information of rape with the aim of bringing the perpetrators to book and serving as deterrent to others Speaking earlier, United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) Communication Officer, Media and External Relations, Mr Samuel Kaalu, said approximately 6 out of every 10 children in the country experienced some form of physical, emotional or sexual violence before the age of 18, annually.

He said research and findings revealed that violence against children are on the increase in the country.

He said: “One in two children experiences physical violence; one in four girls and one in ten boys experiences sexual violence; and one in six girls and one in five boys experiences emotional violence.”

Kaalu commended government of Plateau State for standing against violence against children, adding that Plateau was the fourth state in Nigeria to respond to the call made by President Muhammadu Buhari during the launch of the National

One the beneficiaries, Mrs Osawere John, on behalf of the 36 families, thanked the AIG Yakubu Jibrin and the police authorities for the gesture, saying it would go a long way to address their plights.

Plateau State gov, Simeon Lalong Action to End Violence Against Children during which every state in Nigeria initiated its own campaign.

According to him, in response to the call by President Buhari to end violence against Children campaign, it will be launched in Plateau State by Governor Simon Lalong, the Governor of Plateau State, on 29 September, 2016.

According to Kaalu, the Orientation / Ethical Training is to sensitise the media as well as enhance their skills on reportage of children’s issues as part of overall efforts to raise awareness on the end-violence-against-children campaign in Plateau State, given that the role of the media in helping to end violence against children can never be overemphasized.

EndVAC is a national child protection campaign funded by the United Nations Children Funds (UNICEF) and Plateau State government keyed into it following President Mihammadu Buhari directive to all states to initiate the programme.

made available to newsmen in Kaduna said: “In Igala native law and custom, the appointment and dethronement of beaded chiefs, both at home and in the Diaspora, is the exclusive prerogative power of the Attah Igala and going contrary by any group of persons or individuals is an aberation and affront on Igala tradition.”

The Attah said having advised and cautioned the few individuals involved in the recurrent squabbling in the Igala Community Kaduna on two occasions during his visits to Kaduna and the current purported dethronement of a beaded chief, an act of forbidden rascality has been committed.

The traditional ruler said by his personal assessment of Chief Daikwo’s performance and the overwhelming support and solidarity he enjoyed from well-meaning Igalas in Kaduna, in the course of his visits to Kaduna since he ascended the throne of his ancestors, Chief Daikwo received a tap on the back with unquantified royal blessings.

His Royal Majesty, therefore, called on all well-meaning individuals, organisations and traditional institutions to accord Chief Joseph Daikwo the necessary support to enable him discharge his traditional responsibilities.

The penalised persons had, on the 16thof September, 2016, caused a publication in one of the national dailies dethroning Chief Daikwo as Onu Igala Community Kaduna.

Meanwhile, Igala sons and daughters in Kaduna have declared their loyalty to Chief Daikwo, who is scheduled to mark his fifth year anniversary as the Onu Igala Kaduna on October 1st, 2016.

Also, a statement by the Assistant Secretary, Mr Yusuf Atabo, on behalf of the sitting President of the Community, Mr Agbata Michael, which declared the loyalty, described those behind the purported dethronement as failed coup plotters who should face the penalty of their action squarely.

Parts of the statement read: “How would someone who claims to be an Igala man or woman would not know that going contrary to the directive of Attah Igala is toeing the path of destruction?”

“How would someone who claims that he is an Igala man or woman would not know that if a beaded Onu does something wrong, he must be reported to the Attah.”

‘Why child deaths are on the increase in Jigawa and Zamfara’ continued from pg 27

implementation of National Health Act about two years after the Act was assented by President Muhammadu Buhari, despite its importance in improving access, equity and quality of services.

It opined that for Nigeria to achieve sus-

tainable transformation in the health sector, relevant stakeholders must be willing to serve as change agents that would address massive corruption, misplacement of priority, neo-liberal policies of government, leading to social and economic dislocation of families and widespread poverty.

29 news FG reintroduces History in school curriculum

Friday, 30 September, 2016

To make religious knowledge compulsory Clement Idoko -Abuja

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HE Federal Government has called for disarticulation of Social Studies and reintroduction of History as a subject in the current Basic Education curriculum.

This was as the government expressed concerns about moral decadence especially among the youth in the country and ordered that the study of Christian Religious Knowledge and Islamic Religious Knowledge be made compulsory in schools.

Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, who disclosed this while declaring open, the ministerial session of the 61st National Council on Education (NCE), in Abuja, on Thursdaya, said there was the urgent need to give the Nigerian children character.

Adamu said the Federal Government owed a responsibility to present and future generations to remove all inhibitions against making Nigeria children acquire morals and ethics as taught in religious traditions.

He condemned the removal of History as a subject

from the current Basic Education curriculum, saying it was a mistake that would not have been allowed to occur in the first place.

He said: “In the recent

past, as leaders in education, we have committed what clearly is a mistake; and it is part of greatness that when a wrong is committed, effort is made to right it.

“We have sought to de-emphasise the study of religion and study of history, respectively, the way and how of life. How can we know who we are when we don’t know

who we are not?

“How can we know what to make our society when we don’t know how our society is made up and how can we hope in our future

Chairman, African Newspapers of Nigeria (ANN) Plc, Reverend (Mrs) Omotola Oyediran (right); Co-Chairman, ANN Plc, Ambassador (Dr) Olatokunbo Awolowo Dosumu (left); the celebrant, Pa S. Taiwo Adewodu (middle); Reverend Emmanuel Olusegun (second right) and Reverend Olatoye Odekunle, during the 90th birthday of Pa Adewodu, driver of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, at his residence in Ilisan-Remo, on Thursday.

PHOTO: D’TOYIN.

FG to build ranches, grazing reserves for Fulani herdsmen Clement Idoko -Abuja THE Federal Government has said that it will soon build ranches and grazing reserves for Fulani herdsmen across the country.

Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Mr Babachir David Lawal, made this known in Abuja, on Thursday, when he received a delegation of Tabital Pulako Njode Jam Foundation, led by its chairman, Alhaji Abdul Bali, in his office.

He noted that the construction of the ranches and grazing reserves would go a long way in resolving the perennial violence and attacks between the pastoralist and sedentary farmers.

The SGF, however, blamed some of the violence and mayhem meted out to some farming communities on the influx of foreign herdsmen into the country.

Lawal, in a statement issued by the Director of Press in his office, Mr Bolaji Adebiyi, absolved local herdsmen from these horrendous attacks in some parts of the country in recent times.

He said the Federal Government was committed to establishing ranches and grazing reserves across the country as a solution to the incessant clashes between

Fulani cattle rearers and local farmers.

He added that nomads from outside Nigeria had migrated into the country and that they were the ones perpetrating most of the crimes on the farmlands, saying government would do the needful to enlighten Fulani herdsmen on how to make cattle rearing more profitable by utilising the ranches and reaping other social and political benefits that such settlements would offer.

According to the state-

ment, the Foundation was set up to look into the problem of clashes between Fulani cattle rearers and farmers.

The statement noted that the foundation in its submissions, also expressed conviction that nomads from other lands are responsible for the senseless killings on the farms and urged the government to strengthen control across land borders.

“They said the foundation was ready to partner with government to bring the

situation under control”.

Meanwhile, the SGF has assured the people of NorthEastern Nigeria that government agencies responsible for the rehabilitation of the Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the region do not discriminate in the provision of relief materials to the various states.

According to him, relief items were usually distributed with a deep sense of equity and fairness, emphasising that the severity of the hardships of the IDPs in the affected communities and

FG spends N73bn on road projects nationwide —Fashola THE Federal Government has, so far, spent N73 billion on road projects across the country.

The Minister for Power, Works and Housing, Mr Babatunde Fashola, disclosed this in Katsina, on Thursday, at the 22nd National Council of Works meeting.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the meeting has “Prioritisation and Optimisation of Allocated Road Infrastructure Funds” as its theme.

The minister said that the expenditure had been worth it because it would enhance the socio-economic development of the country.

He added that the amount spent was part of the N266

billion appropriated in the 2016 federal budget.

He noted that the money was used to settle contractors’ liabilities and road rehabilitation across the country.

He, however, said that the Federal Government would henceforth hold the 36 state controllers of works responsible for poor quality job on Federal Highways in their respective areas.

He said “state controllers of works are the representatives of the Federal Government in their respective states; we will give them all they need to carry out the job.

“They must, however, ensure that quality job is done on our roads or be held responsible.”

Fashola then directed the controllers to identify roads that were in bad condition, restore road signs on the highways, erect kilometer indicators and properly erect sign posts of towns and villages.

In his remarks, Governor Aminu Masari of Katsina State said the state government empowered its road maintenance agency for the rehabilitation of state roads.

He said over 50 per cent of vehicles plying the roads were, however, not roadworthy.

Masari urged the relevant authorities to intensify efforts in preventing motorists from overloading their vehicles to reduce accidents.

states was the major consideration in the distribution exercise.

He made the clarification in his office when he received a delegation from the Lardin Gabas Elders Forum led by its Chairman, Board of Trustees, Captain Paul Tahir.

“He explained that rehabilitation efforts in the North-East, apart from the provision of foods items, tents and building materials, included the reconstruction of schools, hospitals, police stations and barracks. He confirmed that to streamline rehabilitation activities in the region, and accelerate the return of normal life to the North-Eastern States, a Presidential Committee on North-East Initiative (PCNI) will soon be inaugurated by Mr. President.

“The Lardin Gabas Elders Forum was established as a reaction to the devastation that Boko Haram insurgency visited on the NorthEast Region. The Forum, according to the delegation, is ready to work with the federal government to ensure that succour is brought to victims of the insurgency.

The forum also advocates the return of Christian Religious Studies to school curriculum to teach youths about good moral upbringing, early,” he said.

when we don’t have pride in our past?”

He noted that President Muhammadu Buhari had directed that Nigeria’s education system must prepare its children for responsibilities of citizenship and national development as well as for global leadership.

He expressed the readiness of the administration to overhaul the education sector in Nigeria and tasked stakeholders at NCE, which is the highest policy making body in education sector, to brace up for the challenge of making Nigeria a great country.

The minister said the recent decision of the Federal Government to proscribe post-Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination (Post-UTME) and cancellation of second interview test by the National Examination Council (NECO) with effect from 2016/2017 academic session and 2017/2018 academic year respectively was to reduce the burden on parents, candidates and guardians.

Senate reintroduces gender equality bill Taiwo Adisa -Abuja THE Senate, on Thursday, reintroduced the gender equality bill rejected six months ago.

The lawmakers had shut down the bill introduced by Senator Biodun Olujinmi on account of some objections.

But Senator Olujinmi, on Thursday, reintroduced another version of the bill, which scaled second reading.

The first bill had been shut down on account of provisions which purported to grant equal rights to men and women in marriages, divorce, property ownership and inheritance, but the new bill modified some portions to accommodate cultural concerns.

The new bill seeks to address discrimination against women and protect them from violence and sexual abuse.

While presenting the new bill on Thursday, Senator Olujinmi said the bill sought to give effect to provisions in chapters II and IV of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), adding that the new bill emphasised fundamental objectives and directives principles of state policy as well as the fundamental rights, including the right to life, right to dignity of human person, right to personal liberty, right to fair hearing and right to freedom from discrimination.

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news

Friday, 30 September, 2016

OBJ calls for urgent reform of NNPC

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ORMER President, Chief Olusegun Obasanjo, has called for the urgent reform of the business operations model of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC).

In a statement, in Abuja, on Thursday, the NNPC’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Garba Deen Muhammad, said Obasanjo made the call when the Group Managing Director of NNPC, Dr Maikanti Baru, visited him in Abeokuta.

Obasanjo said the urgent reform was needed to lift the economy out of recession and create wealth for Nigerians.

“What I do understand is reforms. I believe organisations like the NNPC should be reformed.

“I don’t understand this talk of selling of national

Economy affecting publishing firms —Lekan Are

THE chairman of the University Press Plc, Dr Lalekan Are, has lamented the state of the economy, as it is already affecting the publishing sector in the country, “but one good thing is that this period is making our people to think.”

Dr Are stated this while speaking during UP Plc’s staff and customers’ awards, which took place at the company’s headquarters in Jericho, Ibadan.

Dr Are, who was also the chairman on the occasion, said despite the economy, the company is providing a conducive atmosphere for staff to thrive and build their careers, while urging the workforce to put in more efforts in order for the company to overcome the challenges it is facing.

Also in his remarks, the Managing Director of the firm, Mr Samuel Kolawole, said despite the fact that the recession is posing a lot of challenges to the publishing sector, his company would continue to see staff as valuable assets through which the company can overcome the obstacles facing the publishing business at this period.

“Even in recession, opportunities abound, and that is why we are celebrating our staff so that they can continue to work hard towards making the company the best publishing firm in the country,” Mr Kolawole said.

The commitment and dedication of the staff and customers were then rewarded with certificates of recognition and cash prizes.

assets. Selling of national assets is wrong.

“But reform is what I think should be done so that we can run the business of NNPC the way it should be run,” he said in the statement.

He was further quoted as saying: “If there is any organisation that can help

us quickly get out of recession, it is NNPC. “If you work hard, you can get around the situation. I want to encourage you and hope that the little difference we have started seeing will continue,” he said.

The NNPC GMD commended the vision of

Obasanjo in the oil and gas industry.

He said that the management team of the corporation was committed to transforming the NNPC for better performance, growth and profitability.

“We appreciate your call for diversification into ag-

riculture business and other energy sources.

“We are currently rejuvenating our renewable energy business; we will continue to work hard towards realising your lofty dreams of seeing NNPC grow into a transformed national oil company without interference,” he said.

From left, Right Reverend Professor Dapo Asaju, Vice Chancellor, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo; Oba Lamidi Adeyemi, the Alaafin of Oyo; Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi; Chief Wole Olanipekun, Pro-Chancellor and chairman of the governing council and his wife, Lara, during the commissioning and dedication ceremony of the Wole and Lara Olanipekun Vice Chancellor’s Lodge, on the school premises, in Oyo, on Thursday. PHOTO: TOMMY ADEGBITE

Sale of assets: FG too far from Nigerians, Buhari —Olanipekun

By Tundee Ogunesan

THE Pro chancellor and Chairman of the Governing Council, Ajayi Crowther University, Oyo, has urged President Muhammadu Buhari to engage more Nigerians on issues affecting the country, advising further that the President should personally speak to Nigerians, as Nigerians are tired of hearing from his aides.

Chief Olanipekun made this disclosure while speaking with journalists on Thursday, during the commissioning ceremony of an ultra modern vice

chancellor’s lodge, donated to the university on behalf of himself and his wife, Princess Lara, which was commissioned by Oyo State governor, Senator Abiola Ajimobi.

The event was attended by notable dignitaries like the former Vice Chancellor of the University of Ibadan, Emeritus Professor Ayo Banjo, Chief Abide Amoo, the secretary to Oyo State government, Olalekan Alli, Bishop of Lagos Anglican Communion, Most Revrened E. Adebola Ademowo (retd), representatives of the proprietors, The Most Reverend Mi-

cheal Olu Akinyemi, Alaafin of Oyo, Oba Lamidi Adeyemi III, among others.

Olanipekun also admonished the President to allow change in the way governance is run in the country.

According to him, “Let us start with this principle, do as I do and not do as I say. And in that wise also, we need to plead with Mr President, he needs to engage Nigerians more.

“I don’t want to be hearing what the President says through the aides every time; I want to hear the President myself. And my children and grand

Senate cautions against communications tax Ayodele Adesanmi-Abuja

THE Senate Committee on Communications, on Thursday, cautioned the Federal Government over the proposed Communications Service Tax Bill.

However, the Bill, which is before the National Assembly, the committee said, has the capacity to make life more difficult for majority of Nigerians.

The bill seeks to make provisions for certain compulsory payments from the communications consumers across the country.

Senator Gilbert Nnaji, Chairman of the commit-

tee, expressed apprehension over the Bill during the 2016 budget defence meeting with the Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC) and the Universal Service Provision Fund (USPF).

He noted with concern the economic implications of the tax, particularly on the general welfare of low income earners in the country.

According to him, “There has been strident outcry by consumer rights groups and industry stakeholders against the Communications Service Tax Bill (CST) 2015, currently before the National Assembly.

“It is argued that the Bill will limit access to communication as it will affect the lower income consumers, forcing them to abandon or reduce subscription to certain services.

“This Committee is yet to be availed with the contents of this Bill, but it is important to state unequivocally here that as the elected representatives of the Nigerian people, while we recognise the current administration’s efforts to widen its revenue base, conscious efforts must be made to ensure that the socio-economic well-being of the citizenry remain sacrosanct.

children want to hear what the President is telling them. That was how people like us grew up. I listened to and heard the likes of Awolowo speak with my ears live, I heard Akintola and others, not the tales from Femi Adeshina or Shehu Garba.

“The President must engage and feel the pulse of the people and again, there is too much distance and too much gap between the government and the governed, which is not good for this country.”

On the debate on the proposed sale of national assets by the Federal Government, Chief Olanipekun queried the inability of the Federal Government to engage more Nigerian experts before jumping into conclusion.

He said, “Why is FG not talking about building institutions more than individuals. What we have in Nigeria today is powerful individuals not powerful institutions. And the powerful individuals, if care is not taken, are already becoming lions and when lions roar, they will ‘lionise’ and you know what will happen. They will devour.

And I hope those individuals who are richer than Nigeria don’t devour us. A time will come when Nigeria will start borrowing from them to survive.

Eschew social vices, cleric urges youths YOUTHS across the country have been called upon to shun social vices and move closer to God as a way of curbing criminality and bad behaviours.

This was the opinion of the General overseer of Jesus Covenant Revolution Ministry, CAC House of Fire and Power; Prophet Akinrinade Ayo Babalola (Baba Alala), while speaking with newsmen, at Osogbo, during the week.

Prophet Babalola also used the medium to announce the 10th annual Jesus Convention programme with theme, Halleluyah, which started on Monday, September 26, 2016 and will end on October 9, 2016.

His words: “The programme is a two weeks programme which is also going to coincide with my golden jubilee birthday.

The Programme is starting with praise worship on September 26, which will last for two weeks, while night vigil will take place on October 7, 2016.

“On Saturday, October 8, there will be thanksgiving service for my birthday ceremony.”

Energynet set to hold investment summit AN international power organisation, Energynet, is set to hold its Annual Powering Africa: Nigeria Investment Summit.

The event will allow prospective investors, power stakeholders and government agencies to interface and discuss the future of energy sector in Nigeria and Africa at large.

The event, under the official patronage of the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, the Nigeria Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC), the Electricity Commission of Nigeria (ECN), the Transmission Company of Nigeria (TCN), the National Power Training Institute of Nigeria (NAPTIN), the Nigeria Investment Promotion Commission (NIPC) and the Bayelsa State government will hold at the Transcorp Hilton, Abuja, between October 12 and 14, 2016.

The pre-meeting networking activities, including the Powering Africa: Nigeria Golf Networking Day and the pre-meeting evening drinks reception hosted by Detail Solicitors will provide an exclusive relationship-building space prior to the start of the conference.

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Friday, 30 September, 2016

NANS shuts UNILAG gate to protest suspension of union leaders Naza Okoli-Lagos

T

HE National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), on Wednesday, blocked the main gate of the University of Lagos, Akoka, to protest the suspension by the university management of both the student union and its leaders.

The protest, which began around 2.00p.m and continued until after 4.00p.m, saw hundreds of students on both sides of the locked gate chanting solidarity songs.

Vehicles were used to block the entrance, leading to heavy gridlock on both the University Road and Akoka-Bariga Road. It was gathered that security operatives had locked the school gate to prevent the protesters from gaining entrance.

The protest had come after a three-day ultimatum issued by the apex student body had elapsed on Tues-

day.

A statement signed by NANS’ Senate President,

Salam Oyejide, had accused the management of the University of Lagos of “in-

sensitivity.”

“It is an incontrovertible fact that the management

of the University of Lagos had been widely consulted,” the statement read.

From left, book publisher, Mr Tokunbo Ajasin; presenter, Mrs Iyabo Oloruntoba; the author, Professor Bolanle Awe; deputy governor of Osun State, Chief (Mrs) Titi Laoye-Tomori; Dr Femi Majekodunmi, who represented former President Olusegun Obasanjo; and representative of the deputy governor of Lagos State, Mrs Lola Are-Adegbite, at the launch of a book, entitled: “Nigerian Women Pioneers And Icons,” by Professor Bolanle Awe, in Lagos, on Thursday. PHOTO: NAN

It’s time to have elected female gov in Nigeria —OBJ Bola Bamus-Lagos

FORMER President Olusegun Obasanjo said, on Thursday, that it was time Nigeria had the first elected female governor to pilot the affairs of a state in the country.

According to Obasanjo, the world was currently witnessing a time where women were taken over the mantle of leadership in several parts of the world, saying Nigeria should not be an exception.

The former president made this remark at the launch of a book, entitled: “Nigerian Women Pioneers and Icons,” written by Professor Bolanle Awe, the first female lecturer in Nigeria, held at the MUSON Centre on Lagos Island, Lagos.

Obasanjo, who was represented by Dr Femi Majekodunmi, cited the example of Britain, where a woman had just assumed the mantle of leadership at the topmost hierarchy, expressing optimism that the United States was about to witness the emergence of a female president for the first time in the person of Hilary Clinton.

Obasanjo said apart from physical strength by which men excelled the women, the female folks were seriously competing with men in other areas and that he believed that it was time the nation produced elected governors.

The former president, who noted that Nigerian

women now engaged in ventures exclusively reserved for men, including driving passenger buses and cabs, said, “women are patient, women persevered; they are now in many areas. Soon, we will be having elected women governors in Nigeria and soon, women will take over.”

“Today, things have changed, women are seen in position of authorities.

This is the time for women to reap the labour of these great women of the past.

Women in Nigeria are doing extremely well and should be allowed greater

involvement in the affairs of the nation,” he added.

Obasanjo stated that the book, which chronicled the life and achievements of 33 women in their various professions in the country, would definitely inspire the female folk to do exploit in a male-dominated nation like Nigeria.

Deputy governor of Osun State, Mrs Grace Laoye-Tomori, said many of the women chronicled in the book had done exploit in their chosen fields and could be likened to what Clinton was doing in the United States.

“This book should serve as

reference point to our young girls. They have no reason not to do better than these women. This book must be in the school libraries and all state governments should have it,” she said.

In his remark, publisher of the book, Mr Tokunbo Ajasin, said about 60 women were enlisted which were later pruned to 30, following very rigorous research, adding that the book would be published in phases, but said other women not captured in the first volume would be captured in the second volume.

The Author, Professor

Awe, said women deserved to be treated with respect and be recognised by their male counterpart in Nigeria.

According to her, the word ‘gender’ connoteed neutrality, meaning that both men and women were equal, contending that the time had come for women to be at the forefront of governance in the nation.

She recommended the book to schools for the girlchild and others to read and be inspired about the exploits done by women in the past and be encouraged to do more.

“Our demands had been meticulously tabled for justice. Our stand had been politely publicised for the general public to see, feel and read.

“This will not stop us from engaging necessary government agencies and the Federal Government itself to ensure UNILAG’s suspended leaders return to campus.”

Speaking to Nigerian Tribune after the protest, the coordinator of Zone D (Lagos) of NANS, Mr Okikiola Ogunsola, said the protest would continue on Tuesday.

“The student union leaders of UNILAG were suspended for two academic sessions because they led a protest against the management of the institution over poor welfare on campus. This is bad. Students of UNILAG are suffering from freedom of expression. One of them was suspended because he bared his mind on social media.

We have written several letters to UNILAG and appealed to them to reinstate these students, and up till this moment, nothing has come of it.

“Today, at the protest, they refused to come out and address us. That shows how inhuman, how cruel, the management of UNILAG is. They used police to intimidate us, but we stood our ground and ensured that our voice was heard. We will continue this protest until the students are called back to school.”

Attempts made Wednesday afternoon to reach the University spokesman, Mr Toyin Adebule, were unsuccessful.

Reps fault presidency on 500,000 teacher recruitment, school feeding •As UNESCO says Nigeria needs $1.8bn annually to address teacher deficit THE chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Basic Education, Honourable Zakari Mohammed, has faulted the decision of the Presidency to “hijack” the implementation of the proposed recruitment of 500,000 teachers and school feeding programme.

He said the programmes, being handled by the Office of the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo, instead of the Federal Ministry of Education that had all the agencies and capacity to conduct the recruitment and execution of the school feeding programme was wrong.

He spoke while delivering his goodwill message at the ongoing 61st National Council on Educa-

tion (NCE) with a theme: “Teacher Quality: A Tool for Sustainable Human Capital Development.”

This came on the revelation by the United Nations Educational Scientific and Cultural Otganisation (UNESCO) that the Nigeria needed to allocate extra $1.8 billion every year, in order to address the current teacher shortage in the country.

Honourable Mohammed observed that if the two laudable projects initiated by the Federal Government would succeed and not fail like other projects in the past, execution of the projects should be moved to the Federal Ministry of Education.

He said: “We might not avoid the mistakes of the

past if those programmes, as laudable as they are, are not handled by competent agencies of government.”

Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, however, said it was the responsibility of the Federal Ministry of Education

to ensure that those employed were well trained before they were deployed, in order to make them effective in the classrooms.

He noted that in recognition of the death of teachers in academic institutions from basic to tertiary

level, President Muhammadu Buhari initiated the policy for the recruitment, training and deployment of 500,000 unemployed teachers as an emergency measure to address the chronic shortage of teachers in public primary schools.

Troops arrest B/Haram cattle dealers in Borno Chris Agambu-Abuja

TROOPS of Operation Lafiya Dole, with assistance of Civilian Joint Task Force (JTF), have arrested three suspected members of the Boko Haram terrorists group in Borno State, who were part of logistics elements of the terrorists group that assisted in selling cows for the insurgents.

The suspects included Abba Go Dallagio, Abba Fanned and Alhaji Nwariye.

During preliminary investigation, they claimed that they entered into Maiduguri through Mafa with about 200 cows for sale at Maiduguri cattle market.

They further added that proceeds were remitted to the terrorists to fund their

nefarious activities.

So far, troops had identified and isolated 23 cows at the cattle market.

Similarly, one of their agents and spies at the market, Alhaji Ajid Umar, had also been arrested.

A total of 170 cows were isolated in connection with him’, while all the suspects were undergoing preliminary investigation.

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Friday, 30 September, 2016

Ogun workers give govt 21-day ultimatum over non-payment of deductions Olayinka Olukoya - Abeokuta

W

orkers in the employ of Ogun State government, under the auspices of Joint National Public Service Negotiating Council (JCN), have issued a 21day ultimatum to the state government over non-payment of deductions in the last 12 months.

The body, in a statement issued at the end of the extra ordinary state executive councils of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), the Trade Union Congress (TUC) and JCN meeting, held on Thursday, in Abeokuta, said the action of the state government in withholding workers’ deductions was a deliberate and destructive effort to pauperise workers in the state workforce.

The statement, signed by the chairmen of TUC, NLC and JNC, Comrades Olubunmi Fajobi, Akeem Ambali and Abiodun respectively, Olakanmi, added that workers were owed 12 months of union check-off dues; co-operative dedications and FirstBank loans; accumulating unpaid gratuities of retirees which was last paid in October, 2012; 16 months

of unpaid workers of the state owned Tai Solarin College of Education and crippling of local due to abolition of Joint Account on Allocation Committee.

The resolution of the meeting was that the state government should address all matters raised by the workers within the next 21 days to avoid industrial action.

It said: “The meeting

viewed the actions of the state government of Ogun State as deliberate and destructive effort to pauperise workers in the state public service, tending to cripple the activities of industrial unions and ultimately gain the undue advantage over the various issues bedevilling the state workforce.

“Consequently, the meeting affirmed that time was right that deliberate and systematic chains of reactions over the issues as outlined above be vigorously pursued.

“It was unanimously agreed at the meeting that 21-day ultimatum should be given to the state government to address the above stated agitations, commencing from September 29.”

Oyinlola advocates religious tolerance among stakeholders Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

Wife of the Oyo State governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi (left), presenting a bag of food items to a beneficiary during the Ajumose Food Bank programme in Ogo-Oluwa Local Government Area, Ogbomoso, recently.

We’ll soon pass bill criminalising land grabbing —Ogun Speaker The Speaker, Ogun State House of Assembly, Mr Suraj Adekunbi, on Thursday, said that lawmakers would soon pass a bill to criminalise land grabbing in the state.

Adekunbi spoke when members of the National Institution of Surveyors (NIS) and the broadcast chapel of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) in Ogun visited him at the assembly complex in Abeokuta.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the move by the Assembly is coming on the heels of a similar law which has since come into effect in neighbouring Lagos State.

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode, on August 15, had given his assent to a bill passed by the state lawmakers to outlaw land grabbing, bringing on board the Lagos State Properties Protection Law. Adekunbi said the bill, in Ogun, was borne out of the need to ensure that the lives of the citizens were protected.

“Work is ongoing on the bill on land speculation; we have had stakeholders

meeting on the bill and I want to assure you that very soon the bill will be passed into law.

“The issue of land grabbers will soon be a thing of the past,’’ the speaker said.

He also reassured professional bodies as well as relevant stakeholders in the land and property sectors of the speedy passage of the Landed Properties Bill,

2016.

Adekunbi charged journalists across the country to exhibit a high level of professionalism in the discharge of their duty.

He praised the media for its efforts in the promotion and growth of the nation’s democracy.

The speaker said the House would continue to collaborate with the media,

as it was necessary for the lawmakers to give account of their stewardship.

Earlier, Mr Akin Oyebola, the National President, National Institution of Surveyors, commended the House for its efforts to curb activities of land speculators.

Oyebola said that when the bill becomes law, it would reduce issues and rancour relating to land.

Ondo youths to converge on Akure for Mimiko Hakeem Gbadamosi - Akure No fewer than 3,000 youths across the 18 local government areas of Ondo State will converge on Akure, the state capital, next Monday, for the inauguration of the Orange Youth Network and to mark the 62nd birthday of the state governor, Dr Olusegun Mimiko.

Disclosing this in Akure, on Thursday, the Director General of the group, Kayode Ajulo, said the group decided to honour Mimiko, on whose political ideology and philosophy the group was founded.

He explained that youths across the three senatorial districts of the state will

converge on the International Events Center.

“Orange Youth Network, a youth movement founded on the ideology and philosophy of Dr Olusegun Mimiko, is aimed at grooming young and emerging leaders to imbibe the culture of hardwork, resilience, perseverance, humility, good governance and modern politics which Mimiko epitomizes.

“Former governor of old Ondo State, Evangelist Bamidele Olumilua, will chair the event, while the Chief Press Secretary to the Ondo State Governor, Eni Akinsola, will deliver a lecture on the topic “The Man Mimiko.”

A member of Board of Trustees, Akin Akinbobola, disclosed that the organisation aimed at sustaining the legacies of Governor Mimiko as a social democrat and to groom young leaders who can compete favourably in their various fields without compromising the core values of their mentor.

Also speaking, the Chairman, Board of Trustees of Orange Youth Network, Tokunbo Modupe, said that captains of industries, top Nollywood artistes, music artistes and football stars within and outside the state have been invited to spice up the event and inspire the youths.

Former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, on Thursday, advocated tolerance among religious sects in the country.

He said there was the need for religious leaders to promote peaceful coexistence capable of fostering healthy development of the country.

He gave the charge in Osogbo while addressing participants at a workshop entitled “Religious identity and inter-faith relations in South-West Nigeria.”

Oyinlola, who is the chairman of the Centre for Black Culture and International Understanding (CBIU), denounced religious fanaticism and extremists.

He averred that it was incumbent for all religious sects to coexist in the interest of peace, saying no meaningful development can be achieved in the atmosphere of rancour and disunity.

He said CBIU was committed to the ideals, promotion and sustenance of African culture and heritage, just as he called for concerted efforts on the part of government institutions and Nigerians to ensuring that western culture does not submerge African tradition.

Earlier in his remark, the Provost, Adeyemi College of Education, Mr Olukoya Ogen, said Nigerians should not allow western civilisation to dominate African culture, adding that “we all owe it a duty to protect and enhance African tradition and culture.”

Nigerian Tribune

Mrs Ajimobi distributes food items to 2,500 women WIFE of Oyo State governor, Mrs Florence Ajimobi, on Thursday, distributed food items from the Ajumose Food Bank to more than 2,500 women in Ogbomoso and its environs.

The beneficiaries benefited from various items which included foodstuffs and beverages.

Ajimobi said the exercise, which was continuous, was aimed at addressing economic hardship through boosting the wellbeing of women and children in the state.

The governor’s wife said that the desire to change lives and positively impact on people informed the pet project.

This, according to her, informed her decision to randomly select the beneficiaries across the 33 local government areas of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the local governments included Ogbomosho South, Ogbomosho North, Orire, Surulere and Olorunsogo Local Government Areas.

Hijrah 1438: Osun declares Monday public holiday Osun State government, on Thursday, declared Monday, October 3 as public holiday to mark the Islamic New Year, 1438.

Alhaji Moshood Adeoti, Secretary to the State Government, made the declaration in a statement in Osogbo.

Adeoti explained that the holiday was to commemorate the Islamic New Year, 1438 AH (After Hijrah).

He enjoined residents in the state to felicitate with one another and imbibe the lessons of the Hijrah for their spiritual development.

The secretary to the state government wished all Islamic faithful and the entire residents of the state, a happy celebration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reported that the lunar month of Muharram, which is the first month of the Islamic calendar, begins on October 3.

The Islamic year started counting in 622 AD after the emigration of Prophet Muhammad from Mecca to Medina in Saudi Arabia.

Aregbesola had adopted the day as official public holiday in the state on November 15, 2012.

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Friday, 30 September, 2016

South-East govs shun Igbo Day

As Ohanaeze calls for IPOB leader’s unconditional release Jude Ossai - Enugu

G

OVERNORS of South-East geopolitical zone, on Thursday, shunned the Igbo Day celebration organised by the Ohanaeze Ndigbo in Enugu.

Also absent at the event were national assembly members of Igbo extraction, even as the Igbo group appealed to the Federal Government to release the detained Radio Biafra Director and leader of Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, unconditionally..

Although the Enugu State governor, Ifeanyiu Ugwuanyi, was represented by the state commissioner for Culture and Tourism, Willton Abbah, top government functionaries from the region were not also in attendance.

Speaking at the occasion, the President of the Ohanaeze Ndigbo, Chief Gary-Enwo Igariwey, said that the Igbo Day was a special day when Ndigbo home and abroad come together to reflect on the state of Igbo nation, stressing that this year’s event took place in each state of Igbo nation.

Chief Enwo-Igariwey, who was represented by the Vice President of the pan-Igbo group, Sir OAU Onyema, noted the annual Igbo Day celebration is held nationwide to remember the pogrom where thousands of Ndi Igbo perished as well as the civil war and post civil war.

The president who said this year’s celebration theme; “Think home, and invest home” is apt as it

was a call on Ndigbo to return home and invest, added that Ndigbo remained a strong force in Nigeria.

On Niger Delta Avengers and destruction of oil pipeline, the Igbo group maintained that amnesty option and negotiation might pay-off better than military option, stressing that government should set up a serious machinery/thinkthank to study and isolate the major remote causes of the various attacks.

“Ohanaeze appreciates

the supremacy of the Federal Government and the might of the military but the questions remains that violence and war, can never bring about progress,” he added.

The Igbo leader also used the opportunity to appeal to both the Federal Government and the governments of South-East to as a matter of urgency and public importance find a way to resolve the conflict between Fulani herdsmen and their host communities.

BoI, Ooni partner to train 150 youths in agric Oluwole Ige - Osogbo

Arrangements have been concluded by the Bank of Industry (BoI), in collaboration with the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi and Hephzibar Network, to train 150 youths in one month agro-processing skills.

The Head of Osun Bureau of the BoI, Emmanuel Ojowuro, made this disclosure at a press conference to herald the Ife Youth Agroprenuership Summit expected to hold October 6.

According to Ojowuro, BoI will also be granting loan facility to some of the participants who have bankable agricultural ideas.

He stated that “this is a development-oriented programme for the youth.

We are not just financing the programme, but also participating in the development of youths. We are partnering from the beginning to the end.

“We will be financing

some of the participants who have bankable ideas at nine per cent interest rate per annum. But if an arrangement between us and the Ooni crystallises, it may not be more than five per cent per annum.

We have different kind of scheme that the participants can benefit from.”

Speaking on behalf of Ooni, the Director, Media and Public Affairs to the monarch, Comrade Moses Olafare, contended that the promotion of agro-processing among the youth would promptly address the menace of poverty and staggering unemployment challenges in the country.

“In order to achieve the benefits of agro-processing, it is important to improve the agricultural policy of the country. It is also vital to attract adequate budgeting, not only in the form of donations, but also regular business investments. This can be done through a proper investment policy of government.”

FG plans lower taxes for SMMEs Sanya Adejokun - Abuja

To encourage more startups in Small, Micro and Medium Enterprises (SMMEs), boost the profitability of the existing ones, generate new jobs and make higher contributions to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP), Federal Government is set to reduce the income tax rates payable by SMMEs. The new incentives are part of recommendations presented to the Minister of Finance, Mrs Kemi Adeosun, by a 12-member committee she set up to review the current National Tax Policy (NTP) in Abuja, on Thursday.

Committee chairman, Professor Abiola Sanni, noted that lowering the

taxes payable by SMMEs would encourage compliance, promote the growth of SMMEs and expand the manufacturing base of the nation through their activities.

The committee also recommended abolition of minimum tax, which results in loss making companies being required to pay tax.

Adeosun gave assurance that a team would be set up by the ministry to implement the recommendations of the committee through administrative measures without delay, while those requiring legislations would be forwarded to the Federal Executive Council for consideration.

“We need to deal with legislations that need to be changed. Nigeria cannot afford to be running with antiquated tax laws,” she emphasised.

Earlier in his remarks, the Chairman of the Committee, Professor Abiola Sanni said the report contained some innovations in terms of suggestions, including 20 implementation strategies, explaining that some of the strategies required legislations while others could hit the ground running.

“We believe that at the end of the day, if the recommendations contained in this report are implemented, Nigeria will witness a transformation of the economy as a whole,” he pointed out.

Nigerian Tribune

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Friday, 30 September, 2016

THIS BOX IS FOR SALE CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

This is to confirm that OGUNJIMI FOLAGBADE ADISA and ALIMI ADISA SAKARIYAU is the same and one person bearing all the names.

All documents bearing these names remain valid. Access Bank Plc, United Bank of Africa Plc and general public take note.

I, Tijani Yekeen Ajao state that my name was wrongly written as Yekeem Ajao. My correct name is TIJANI YEKEEN AJAO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Bello Ahmadu Abu Opeoluwa, my name on some of my documents were wrongly stated as Bello Ahmadu Opeoluwa. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as BELLO AHMADU ABU OPEOLUWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Dairo Taiwo Esther now MRS AJAYI TAIWO ESTHER. All former documents remain valid. Seap Microfinance and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Falabi Mutiu am the same person bearing Falabi Folorunso Olabiyi. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as FALABI FOLORUNSO OLABIYIMUTIU. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I, Ogunkanmi Gabriel Ayinla am the same person bearing Gabriel Ayinla Ogunkanmi. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as GANIYU OGUNKANMI. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Sowemimo Oluremi Omotayo now MRS OWOLABI OLUREMI OMOTAYO. All former documents bearing my former name remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Babalola Gbemisola Caroline now BABALOLA GBEMISOLA TAIWO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ayofe Kafayat Ajoke now KEHINDE KAFAYAT AJOKE. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adewoye Helen Adetutu now MRS ADEWOYE HELEN ADEPEJU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Ashaolu Titilayo Olabisi now MRS OYEDEPO TITILAYO OLABISI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Egbade Sunday Adegbe now EGBADE SUNDAY JOHN. All former documents remain valid. EcoBank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Daniel Solomon now DANIEL NDUBUISI SOLOMON. All former documents remain valid. Access Bank Plc, Diamond Bank Plc, UBA Plc, FCMB Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ajayi Folakemi Ayokunumi now AJAYI FOLAKE FLORENCE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Owolabi Bolatito Idowu now IBITOYE BOLATITO IDOWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Paul Ekundayo Ogunkolade am the same person bearing Polar Ekundayo Ogunkolade. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as PAUL EKUNDAYO OGUNKOLADE and POLAR EKUNDAYO OGUNKOLADE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Nigeria Stock Exchange, Wema Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Chinyere Rachael Ibeh now MRS CHINYERE VICTOR ODOEMENAM. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Oluwaseun Saliu Adeyemi now JIMOH ADEYEMI OLUWASEUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Abimbola Afolake Amure now MRS ABIMBOLA AFOLAKE TELUWO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME I, Babajide Gilbert Alani, my name was wrongly written as Babajide Gilbert Alade instead of Babajide Gilbert Alani. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as BABAJIDE GILBERT ALANI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ajiboye Latifat now MRS ADEPOJU LATIFAT. All former documents remain valid. Nigeria High Commission, Gabon and General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Etudo Faith Omenebele now JAMES FAITH OMENEBELE. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc, UBA Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adeniran Atinuke Yetunde now MESHIMO ATINUKE YETUNDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adekunle Tirimisiyu Yussuf now OLADEJI OLUWASEUN EMMANUEL. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Obazeluwa Kehinde Shola now MRS FASORANTI KEHINDE SHOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Akpan Jefter now AKPAN JEFTER ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Oluwalusi Ayodeji Ayobami now OLUWAFEMI AYODEJI AYOBAMI. All former documents remain valid. GTBank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Omobolanle Olajumoke Amure now MRS OMOBOLANLE OLAJUMOKE AMUREMIKKELSEN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Imuran Waliu Abiodun now AJANI WALIU ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Akande Motunrayo Gbemisola now AKANDE MOTUNRAYO SULIYAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adeniyi Racheal Atinuke now MRS OLUSEYE RACHEAL ATINUKE. All former documents remain valid. Federal Polytechnic, Offa, NYSC, GTBank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Abdul Waheed Wasiu am the same person bearing Waheed Babatunde Wasiu. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ABDUL WAHEED WASIU. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adekoya Adefolake Omorinsola now MRS OYEBADE ADEFOLAKE OMORINSOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Folasade Elizabeth Ibrahim am the same person bearing Afolasade Serifatu Ibrahim and Folashade Serifat Ibrahim.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as FOLASADE ELIZABETH IBRAHIM. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Adinya Patrick Okplenye am the same person bearing Adinya Patrick. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as ADINYA PATRICK OKPLENYE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Ogundele Ademola Musiliudeen am the same person as Ogundele Ademola M. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as OGUNDELE ADEMOLA MUSILIU. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Udoefe Bolanle Anthonia now MRS KOMOLAFE BOLANLE ANTHONIA. All former documents remain valid.

Federal Medical Centre, Owo and general public take note.

I, formerly Oseghale Ehikioya Godfrey Philip now OSEGHALE ORIABURE PHILLIP. All former documents remain valid. UNICO Pension Fund, UACN and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Charles Busayo Florence now OKITIKA CHARLES BUSAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Olasinde Ezekiel Adebisi now OLASINDE EZEKIEL BABALOLA. All former documents remain valid. UBA Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ganiyu Rafiu Adetunji now ADELEKE RAFIU ADETUNJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Aina Temitayo Bolanle now AYODEJI TEMITAYO BOLANLE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Olabode Rebecca now OJO REBECCA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Omotoso Oluwafemi Olu now OMOTOSO OLUWAKEMI OLU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Olajumoke Waheed Olaniyi am the same person bearing Olaniyi O. Waidi.

All documents bearing these names remain valid.

First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Basiru Tijani now TIJANI BASIRU OMOLADE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Awoyemi Deborah Fisayo now MRS AFOLAYAN DEBORAH FISAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, Adeyemo Wasiri Mayor am the same person bearing Adeyemo Wasiri Major. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as ADEYEMO WASIRI MAJOR. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

Diamond Bank Plc, FCMB Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Toyese Kabiru now TOYESE KABIRU AJIBOLA. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc, UBA Plc and general public take note.

I, Mr Adeloju Ola am the same person bearing Mr Adeloju Ola Collins. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MR ADELOJU OLA. All documents bearing these names remain valid.

First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Rasak Afeez Ishola now OLAMOYEGUN AFEEZ ISHOLA. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adele Iyabode Oluwatoyin now MRS OWABOYE IYABODE OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Sakariyahu Maryam Temitope now MRS OKE MARYAM TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oladele Omoshalewa Lauretta now MISS OKWUEGBULEM OGECHI LAURETTA. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ugwu Stephen Chinedu now UGWUOKE STEPHEN CHINEDU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Yetunde Olaiwola Ojetunde now MRS ADERIBIGBE YETUNDE ADEBOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Chima Nwosu now MRS FABIYI CHIMA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Salami Mufutau Ayinla now RASHEED OTOKOBO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ojikutu Muslim Biodun now OJIKUTU MUSILIU BIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Yakubu Abdullahi Oluwatoyin now YAKUBU ABDULLAH AYO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ramoni Idayatu Folashade now MRS BELLO FOLASHADE IDAYATU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Alefa AbdRasaki Ayinla now SALAUDEEN RASAKI AKOLAWOLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

My names are UMARU MAHAMMED UMARU not Umar Umar as wrongly written. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ayansola Grace Opeyemi now MRS JEGEDE GRACE OPEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. Ogo-Oluwa LGUBEA, Ajaawa and general public take note.

I, Mrs Adeleke Jelilat Omowumi am the same person as Mufutau Bola Sara. My correct date of birth is 8th August, 1985 not 8th September, 1981 as stated by Skye Bank Plc. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MRS ADELEKE JELILAT OMOWUMI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Union Bank Plc, Skye Bank Plc, INEC and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Adigun Dorcas Omobolaji now MRS ODEDOYIN BOLAJI YINKA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME/ CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Shiitu Adegoke Ogunleye now BABATUNDE OLUBUNMI. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Albert Omowumi Ruth now TAIWO OMOWUMI RUTH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ehikwa Ajayi now AUGUSTINE UZUH. All former documents remain valid. EcoBank Plc, Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ede Francis now EDE FRANCIS MARY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Akinyemi Aderonke Busayo now MRS AYODELE ADERONKE BUSAYO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Omotego Adewunmi Rukayat am the same person as Adewunmi Rukayat Yusuf, Adewunmi Rukayat Ekeolu. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as OMOTEGO ADEWUNMI RUKAYAT. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Hillary Omobolaji Ogirri am the same person as Omobolaji Ogirri.

Now, I wish to be known and addressed as HILLARY OMOBOLAJI OGIRRI and my correct date of birth is 29th of January, 1994. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Diamond Bank Plc, FCMB Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Alatise Abiodun Abidemi now ALATISE ROFIAT ABIODUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Ajayi Oluwaseun Oyedele now AJAYI OLUWASEUN PETER. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Adekoya Oluwatosin Oluwaseyi now MRS MARTINS OLUWATOSIN OLUWASEYI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, formerly known as Atoyebi Esther Olubunmi, also known as Akinola Esther Olubunmi. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as ADEDEJI ESTHER OLUBUNMI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Access Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Abodunrin Fustina Adebola now AJAKAYE FUSTINA ADEBOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ogunleye Bose Folake now ADELOWO FOLAKE BOSE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Wahab Kehinde now WAHAB KEHINDE ADEYEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Onyekwere Elizabeth Oluchukwu now ALLI ELIZABETH OLUCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Agunbiade Islamiyah Oluwakemi now MRS AROGUNDADE ISLAMIYAH OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid. Obafemi Awolowo University, Ile-Ife and general public take note.

35

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ajulo Tolani Thompson now AJULO TEMITOPE THOMPSON. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Friday, 30 September, 2016 CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ifeonye Chikaodiri Ruth now ROWLAND CHIKAODIRI RUTH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Oluwakemi Abass now ABASS ADEOLA ELISABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Showole Solaide Precious now AMINU SOLAIDE PRECIOUS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Nwamani David Anaugo now ANAYO DAVID NNAMANI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Sulimon Isiaka Adekunle now SULAIMAN ISIAKA ADEKUNLE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Abass Ololade Modinat now MRS ADETONA-ABASS OLOLADE MODINAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Bello Jemilat Bukola now MRS IMRAN JEMILAT BUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oni Afolake Christianah and Oni Christianah Afolake now MRS ODESANMI CHRISTIANAH AFOLAKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Ibrahim Marcus Adeyemi now IBRAHIM SURAJUDEEN ADEYEMI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Christian Okoro now ABEL KEN. All former documents remain valid. EcoBank Plc and general public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME I, Umukoro Felix Avwore am the same person as Umukoro Felix in some documents. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as UMUKORO FELIX AVWORE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Kukoyi Omobolaji Aderike now MRS MATILUKURO OMOBOLAJI ADERIKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ale Busola Sarah now KALVI BUSOLA SARAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Anthony Farinto now REVEREND ANTHONY OMOLEWU FARINTO. All former documents remain valid.

First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Access Bank Plc and general public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

I, Akinruli Idowu Adekolurejo am the same person as Akinruli Idowu Adeoye.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as AKINRULI IDOWU ADEOYE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Access Bank Plc, United Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Adeleke Ayisa Sulaeman now ADELEKE SULAIMAN BALOGUN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Muritala Airat Ajibike now EZEKIEL ABOSEDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Steven Oluwatoyin and Miss Amoo Oluwatoyin now MRS ERIC ROSELINE OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Salawu Suwebatu Abegbe now MRS OYEWUMI SUEBAT ABEGBE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Okanlawon Opeyemi Margaret now AKINSOLA OPEYEMI MARGRET. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Azeez Saheed Alamu am the same person bearing SAHEED AZEEZ ALAMU. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Mustapha Hameedat Abake now MRS ADEPOJU HAMEEDAT ABAKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Johnson Mojoyinade Adesalewa now ADEDOYIN MOJOYINADE ADESALEWA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Ajibade Rofiat Eniola now EMIOLA ROFIAT ENIOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Obimakinde Opeyemi Esther now MRS OMODUNBI OPEYEMI ESTHER. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ismail Ganiyat Oluwakemi now MRS MUSTAPHA GANIYAT OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Obi Racheal Obiageri now MRS ANENE RACHEAL OBIAGERI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Atofolaki, I. Adebimpe now MRS ADENIRAN, I. ADEBIMPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Mrs Okunade Kehinde Omolara now MRS OKUNADE KEHINDE OMOLOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Ashofor Eshetoyon Egbemo now MRS ADENIJI ESHETOYON EGBEMO. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Allinson Serifat Abisola now MRS OKUBADEJO SERIFAT ABISOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Busari Aminat Bukola now MRS OLADAPO AMINAT BUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. TESCOM and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Deede Genesis Msen now DEEDE CALEB MSEN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Ademolu Oluwakemi Opeoluwa now MRS ONAFALUJO OLUWAKEMI OPEOLUWA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Popoola Janet Abimbola now MRS POPOOLA JANET OLUSAYO. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Okeho and general public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oyerinde Funmilayo now MRS ODELEYE FUNMILAYO RAMOTU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Olawoye Quadri Oluwatobi now OLAWOYE UTHMAN OLADAPO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I, Mensah Feyishola Temilola Ajua am the same person bearing Mensah Feyishola Ajua and Mensah Feyishola Temilola.

Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as MENSAH FEYISHOLA TEMILOLA AJUA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Keystone Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Oyewole Olanrewaju Akin now OYEWOLE OLANREWAJU KAYODE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Solape Ayoni Olanrewaju now MRS ADEYEMI SOLAPE AYONI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME I, Abdul Rauf Saheed Adisa, my name was wrongly written as Abdul Rauf Saeed Adisa. My name was also written as Abdul Rauf Saheed Adekunle at Skye Bank Plc. Now, my correct names are ABDUL RAUF SAHEED ADISA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME/ DATE OF BIRTH

I, Oguche Sunday Ojima Born on 4th November, 1982, state that my real name was not used but that of the person’s name that I was transferring money to Mr John Ojile, born on 4th November, 1978. That Oguche Sunday Ojima born on 4th November, 1982 is my correct name and date of birth respectively.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Olawoore Rebecca Ayanfunke now MRS OLAYIWOLA REBECCA AYANFUNKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Mrs Oyewole Victoria Abosede am the same person as Ogundeji Serifatu and Ogundeji Victoria Abosede. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as MRS OYEWOLE VICTORIA ABOSEDE. All documents bearing these names remain valid. EACOED and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Olawole Karimot Olamide now MRS AKINOLA KARIMOT OLAMIDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Miss Oluwatobi Abiodun Daramola now MRS OLUWATOBI ABIODUN FADIPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Blacky Lucky now MEMEH LUCKY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Akinteye Morufat Sade now MRS RAHEEM MORUFAT SADE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Abosede Oluwabukola Adelani now MRS ABOSEDE ESTHER OLALEYE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly Lasisi Fausat Arowosaye now LASISI FAUSAT. All former documents remain valid. First Bank of Nigeria Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Owoseni Rashidat Oluwakemi now MRS ODERINDE RASHIDAT OLUWAKEMI ELIZABETH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

THIS BOX IS FOR SALE

I, Yinusa Akintayo am the same person bearing Yinusa Akintayo & Co. and Akintayo Yinusa Mobolaji. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as AKINTAYO, YINUSA MOBOLAJI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Skye Bank Plc, First Bank of Nigeria Plc, Wema Bank Plc and general public take note.

I, formerly Ikerionwu John Chime now IKERIONWU JOHN CHIMA. My correct date of birth is 9/10/1994 not 10/10/1994. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Taofeek Kafilat Titilope now YUSUFF KAFILAT TITILOPE. All former documents remain valid.

Skye Bank of Nigeria Plc, UBA Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Tanimowo Jelilat Olaide now MRS BABATUNDE JELILAT OLAIDE. All former documents remain valid.

TESCOM, Oyo State and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Shittu Kazeem Arigbabuwo now ALABI KAZEEM ARIGBABUWO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, Oluwadare Amos Oluwatominiyi am the same person as Oluwadare Amos Adekanmi. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OLUWADARE AMOS OLUWATOMINIYI. All documents bearing these names remain valid. GTBank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Fatorisa Felicia Oladunni now MRS OLALERE FELICIA OLADUNNI. All former documents remain valid. Skye Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Samson Temitope Grace now ABODUNDE TEMITOPE GRACE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Muhammed Fatimah now BADMUS BOLA FATIMAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Yekeen Tawa Idowu now YEKEEN TAJUDEEN BOLAJI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Miss Allidodo Tosin Baliqis now MRS YISAU TOSIN BALIQIS. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME I, formerly Bamgbade Comfort Precious now CHUKWUONYE OLUEBUBE PRECIOUS. All former documents remain valid.

Guaranty Trust Bank Plc and general public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME

CHANGE OF NAME I, formerly Dauda Adio Oyeleye now MR DAUDA OYELEYE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CHANGE OF NAME

I, formerly Miss Mudathir Moridiyat Oluwapelumi now MRS JEJE MORIDIYAH MUDATHIR. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I, formerly Erinle Bukola Oluwayemisi now BALOGUN BUKOLA OLUWAYEMISI. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, Oke Oluwatimilehin Adeola am the same person as OKE OLUWATIMILEHIN. Henceforth, I wish to be known and addressed as OKE OLUWATIMILEHIN ADEOLA. All documents bearing these names remain valid. Osun State Polytechnic, Iree and general public take note.

I, formerly Abubakar Yahaya Dida now ABDULLAHI YAHAYA BALA. All former documents remain valid.

Authorities concerned and general public take note.

We, Mrs Adeyera Aderonke Olabisi & Mr Awoyemi Adedotun Adekoyejo c/o our solicitor Chief Samson Makinde & Co. of No 163B, Iremo Road, Ile-Ife, Osun State have applied to the Probate Registry Customary Court of Appeal for LETTERS OF ADMINISTRATION to administer the Estate of LATE MRS IJISANMI ELIZABETH OLUFUNKE of Adeyera Estate, Ayelabowo Street, Moore, Ile-Ife, Osun State who died intestate on 3rd day of February, 2016.

Any objection to this application is to be forwarded to the Probate Registry of the Customary Court of Appeal, Osogbo within 14 days of this notice.

CHANGE OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME My name was erroneously written as Egela Isah instead of Ejila Isah. Now, I wish to be known and addressed as EJILA ISAH. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

PROBATE PUBLIC NOTICE

36 news

Friday, 30 September, 2016

Arms deal: FG’s failure to produce Dasuki in court stalls trial again Sunday Ejike - Abuja

T

HE Federal Government has again failed to produce the former National Security Adviser (NSA), Colonel Mohammed Sambo Dasuki (retd), before a High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja, for trial in the charges of money laundering and breach of trust slammed against him and others, since last year.

The former NSA, who was charged along with five others before Justice Peter Affen, was granted bail when he was first arraigned but re-arrested and had being kept in custody of the Department of the State Security (DSS) since December 2015.

Others, who are being prosecuted along with Dasuki for allegedly diverting funds earmarked for procurement of arm to fight the Boko Haram insurgents in the North East, include a former Director of Finance in the office of NSA, Shuaibu Salisu, a former Minister of State, (finance), Bashir Yuguda, a former Sokoto State governor, Attahiru Bafarawa, the ex-governor’s son, Sagir Attahiru and a firm, Dalhatu Investment.

When the matter came up on Thursday, counsel to the Federal Government, Mr Rotimi Jacobs, informed the court that he was surprised that Dasuki, who was the second defendant in the charge, was not brought to court by the Federal Government.

The counsel explained that on his part, he notified the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) of the trial and the need to produce Dasuki in court but regretted that communication gap between the EFCC and DSS, was responsible for nonproduction of the former NSA in court.

Jacobs, consequently, applied for a stand down of the case to enable his client produce Dasuki in court but however, could not give a definite time within which EFCC would produce the former-NSA in court.

The action of the prosecution provoked reactions from Chief Olajide Ayodele, counsel to former Minister of State for Finance, who vehemently opposed Jacobs request for stand down on the ground that the request, if granted, would not serve any useful purpose.

He said the failure of the prosecution to give a definite

time within which Dasuki can be brought to court by either EFCC or DSS, was an indication that he has no knowledge of what was transpiring between EFCC and DSS on the matter.

In his ruling on the request to stand down the case, Justice Affen, agreed that it would be unfair to stand down the case without a

THE President of Igbo Youth Congress (IYC), Mr Bright Ezeocha, has urged the Federal Government to shelve its plan to sell some national assets to fund part of the 2016 budget.

Ezeocha made the plea while speaking to newsmen on Thursday, in Lagos.

“The question we need to ask ourselves as a nation is whether such sales of national assets in the past paid off in any way.

“Selling a national asset

with the judge to grant adjournment in the trial as a better option so as not to keep the court and the lawyers waiting till eternity.

The position of the counsel was adopted by Mr Joseph Daudu, representing Dasuki and regretted that the Federal Government, which put the Ex-NSA on trial, was the one scuttling the trial.

President of Dangote Group, Alhaji Aliko Dangote (second left), introducing the company’s products to President Muhammadu Buhari, during an inspection of exhibitions at the 44th annual general meeting and lecture of the Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), in Abuja, on Thursday.

With them is the President of MAN, Dr Frank Udemba Jacobs (right) and the Minister of Mines And Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi (left) PHOTO: NAN.

Nigerian Ports, Harbours Authority Bill passes second reading at Senate Ayodele Adesanmi - Abuja

THE bill that would provide for the ownership, management and development of ports and harbours, on Thursday, passed the second reading at the Senate.

The central theme of the bill revolved around the efficient and more profitable management of the Nigerian Maritime space, as enunciated in Section 1, Subsection 1, Paragraphs (a) to (d), of the proposed bill.

The bill, tagged: “Nigerian Ports and Harbours Authority”, which was read for the first time on May 26, 2016, was sponsored

by Senator Emmanuel Andy Uba of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)

from Anambra South.

While presenting the lead debate, Senator Uba, said that the bill seeks to repeal the Nigerian Ports Authority Act, Cap 126 LFN 2004 and would equally establish the Nigerian Ports and Harbours Authority.

He said the bill, when it becomes law, would provide an appropriate institutional framework for the ownership,

management, operation, development and control of ports and harbours, in a bid to ensure the integrity, efficiency and safety of ports, based on the principles of accountability, competition, fairness and transparency.

According to him, the bill essentially encourages greater private sector participation in the maritime industry,

through avenues for private investment in port infrastructure, provision of port services and facilities.

He added that when the bill becomes law, it will transform this critical sector of the economy and as well promote internal and international trade,aimed at job creation, efficiency, productivity and improved service delivery.

Ebenezer Adurokiya - Warri

Evwreni delivery line in Ughelli South/North Local Government areas of Delta State, operated by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC).

The destruction, according to the group, was executed at about 1:00 a.m on Thursday.

The spokesperson for the militant group, Gen Aldo Agbalaja, in a statement made available to journalists electronically on Thursday, the attack was part of the group’s commitment to teach the Nigerian government and its oil multinationals some lessons.

“As a mark of our commitment to a just course and to prove to the multinational oil companies and their Nigerian military allies, who have been taking

our natural endowment, without any visible returns, that we own our land, the Opudo Strike Team of the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate, at about 0100hour today, september29, bombed the Unenurhie-Evwreni delivery line in Ughelli South/North, respectively operated by NPDC. “We want to assure the oil multinational companies that we are determined to end their operations in our land and this we shall if they fail to show the will to change their relationship with our people and their operational attitude in our land.

The Nigeria Tribune, however, could not get official confirmation from NPDC as of the time of filing this report.

Militants claim bombing NPDC’s Unenurhie-Evwreni delivery line in Ughelli

RAMPAGING strike force of the Niger Delta Greenland Justice Mandate (NDGJM) has said that it has bombed the Unenurhie-

Shelve sales of national assets, IYC leader tells FG Chukwuma Okparaocha - Lagos

definite time within which Dasuki could be produced in court.

The judge counselled the Federal Government to always do the needful to help the prosecution counsel by ensuring regular attendance of the former NSA in court and adjourned the matter till October 21.

Olajide, therefore, pleaded

to fund the budget of a year that remains four months to wind up is unfortunate and will further impoverish the masses of this nation.

“If the government’s intention is to develop the nation’s ailing infrastructure, well, some of us would give our support but to fund an annual budget with national assets is unthinkable.”

“We must reduce the cost of governance and by the time we do this, we will have enough to spend today and save for tomorrow,” he said.

The IYC leader also described the selling of national assets to run a government as a disservice to the masses, who he said, were already under hardship.

According to him, the nation has so many disposable assets like fleets of aircraft and vehicles, jumbo allowances which he said, were needed to be stopped by both the federal and state governments to finance any emergency.

“Nigerians have always had governments that are extravagant in spending.”

Nigerian Tribune

Support Ajimobi govt, APC caucus tells Oyo people THE Ibadan city caucus of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Oyo State, has appealed to the people of the state to support Senator Abiola Ajimobi, as well as the President Muhammadu Buhari-led administration, so as to move the country forward.

The group also commended Governor Ajimobi, for creating 14 new Local Council Development Areas (LCDAs) in Ibadan land.

This was contained in a press release issued and signed by its publicity secretary, Dr Abdul Azeez Olatunde, a copy of which was made available to the Nigerian Tribune, on Thursday.

The release added that the chairman of the group, Dr Busari Adebisi, used the avenue to welcome new members who defected to APC from other parties and called for unity and oneness among members.

The occasion was witnessed by Alhaji Dauda Alawuje, Alhaji Mufutau Adisa and Honourable Lasun Adebunmi, among others.

Some of the new members are: Ambassador Taofik Arapaja, Dr Kola Balogun And Alhaji Omilabu Ghandi.

Janet Ogungbade for burial Mrs Janet Amope Ogungbade, is dead. She died on August 8, at the age of 74.

She was until her death, a devoted Christian and a member of Egbe Durodoluwa ‘b’ of Saint Paul Anglican Church, OdoOna, Ibadan, Oyo State.

Burial activities commenced on Thursday, with Christian wake keep at No 9, Adeola Street, Olugbode, Odo-Ona, Ibadan, at 4.00 p.m. Funeral service will take place today (Friday), at Saint Paul Anglican Church, Odo-Ona, Ibadan, by 1100am while interment will take place at the church cemetery, Omi-Adio, Ibadan.

Entertainment of guests will take place at Lekan Are Hall, Government College, Apata, Ibadan. She was survived by children and grand children.

Janet Ogungbade

37

Thursday, 30 September, 2016

foreig naffairs with seyi gesinde

08116954632 foreignnewseditor@gmail.com

US train crash in station kills 1, injures 108

A

commuter train plowed into a station in New Jersey at the height of Thursday’s morning rush hour, killing at least one person and injuring 108 others as it brought down part of the roof and scattered debris over the concourse.

Witnesses, according to Reuters, described terrifying scenes as the front of the train smashed through the track stop in Hoboken station at high speed and into the terminal, toppling support columns and creating chaos at one of the busiest transit hubs in the New York City area.

New Jersey Governor Chris Christie told a news conference in Hoboken that one person was killed on the platform by debris from the crash, and he said 108 people were injured. There were no signs it was anything other than an accident, he added.

The train’s engineer, or driver, was seriously injured and in a hospital, and was cooperating with law enforcement officials in the investigation, Christie said.

“We’re not going to speculate about the cause of the accident,” he said.

New York’s Governor An-

drew Cuomo told the news conference it was obvious the train had come into the station “at too high a rate of speed,” but that it was unclear why.

A couple of hundred emergency workers shuttled in and out of the station, some carrying the injured on stretchers

to waiting ambulances outside. Dozens of police boats bobbed in the Hudson River alongside the terminal.

Accounts from officials at two hospitals said some of the injured were in critical condition. Several passengers were initially trapped in the wreckage, witnesses and

officials said, but they were later freed.

There was no word yet on what caused the crash. Federal investigators were on the scene.

“The one thing we do know is that obviously this train that was traveling at a fairly high rate of speed,” Christie

said in an interview earlier on Thursday with CNN. Hoboken, the last stop on the line it serves, lies on the Hudson’s west bank across from New York City. Its station is used by many commuters traveling into Manhattan from New Jersey and further afield.

otherNEWS Tuition fee: Zuma asks ministries to deal with university students protest SOUTH Africa’s President Jacob Zuma has instructed his justice and crime prevention ministries to deal with the violence during student protests over tuition fees at universities, a cabinet spokesman said on Thursday.

At least six universities’ classes have been disrupted and some suspended as police and private security companies have tried

to quell student dissatisfaction at a fee increase announced by government earlier this month, Reuters said.

“President Jacob Zuma has instructed the justice crime prevention and security cluster to deal with the mayhem that is destroying our institutions of higher learning,” Minister in the Presidency Jeff Radebe told a postcabinet media briefing.

Some of the hundreds of passengers hurt in the crash are assessed by emergency workers outside the station. PHOTO: GETTY IMAGES.

Palestinian leader, Mahmoud Abbas to attend Shimon Peres funeral PALESTINIAN President Mahmoud Abbas will attend the funeral of former Israeli President and Prime Minister Shimon Peres on Friday, Abbas’ office said on Thursday.

Abbas, according to CNN, joins a long list of dignitaries and foreign

leaders, including President Barack Obama and former President Bill Clinton, expected to mark the Israeli statesman’s passing amid tight security.

Peres’ body was lying in state Thursday at the Knesset the Israeli

parliament of which he was a member for more than 45 years ahead of a planned funeral ceremony at the national cemetery at Jerusalem’s Mount Herzl.

An estimated 25,000 people have already paid respects to Peres, Knes-

set spokesman Yotam Yakir said about eight hours after the public visitations began.

Israelis on alert for terror attack at Peres funeral Abbas sent a condolence letter to Peres’ family following the news of his death Wednesday at 93.

two other members of her entourage.

Workers then shut down the shop so Janet could sit

down and look over some of the store’s offerings without being bothered by members of the public.

Congress rejects Obama veto, Saudi September 11 bill becomes law Pregnant at 50: Janet Jackson spotted shopping for THE United States Congress has overwhelmingly rejected President Barack Obama’s veto of legislation allowing relatives of the victims of the Sept. 11 attacks to sue Saudi Arabia, the first veto override of his presidency, just four months before it ends.

Reuters said the House of Representatives voted 34877 against the veto, hours after the Senate rejected it 97-1, meaning the “Justice Against Sponsors of Terrorism Act” will become law.

The vote was a blow to Obama as well as to Saudi Arabia, one of the United States’ longest-standing allies in the Arab world, and some lawmakers who supported the override already plan to revisit the issue.

Obama said he thought the Congress had made a mis-

take, reiterating his belief that the legislation set a dangerous precedent and indicating that he thought political considerations were behind the vote.

“If you’re perceived as voting against 9/11 families right before an election, not surprisingly, that’s a hard vote for people to take.

Barack Obama

baby furniture in London

PREGNANT Janet Jackson went out shopping for some baby furniture in London earlier this week.

The 50-year-old singer, who is expecting her first child with husband, Wissam Al Mana, was seen looking around the store Back In Action in London.

Janet dressed for comfort during her outing in a pair of sweatpants and sweater with a scarf around her neck and a black headband.

She wore no makeup for her trip, but still managed to look decades younger than her age as she smiled at a photographer before getting into her car.

Entertainment Tonight reports that Janet arrived

at the store in her chauffeured Mercedes on Tuesday afternoon her bodyguard, her assistant and

Pregnant Janet Jackson went out shopping for some baby furniture in London, earlier this week. PHOTO: XPOSUREPHOTOS.COM

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news

Friday, 30 September, 2016

NIS recruitment scam: Witness absolves perm sec, director of complicity Suunday Ejike-Abuja

A former Comptroller General of the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS), David Paradang, on Thursday, absolved both former Permanent Secretary in the Ministry of Interior, Mrs Anastasia Nwobia and a Deputy Director in the same Ministry, Mr F.O. Alayabami, of playing any role in the botched Immigration job exercise that

claimed several lives.

The former NIS boss, who is a prosecution witness (PW1) in the suit filed by the Federal Government against the former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro and four others, told a Federal High Court in Abuja, under cross-examination that both Mrs Nwobia and Mr Alayabami, neither attended meetings nor had their names or signature in the recruitment contract.

Responding to questions put across to him by Chief Chris Uche (SAN) and Frank Ikpe, representing the second and third defendants, respectively, the witness also admitted that the second defendant (Nwobia) was posted out of the Ministry about three months before the commencement of the recruitment exercise.

When asked by Uche specifically that the Permanent Secretary (second defen-

dant) was transferred to a different Ministry about three months before the incident, the witness replied that, “Now I know. If she left in July, I agree that she had left the Ministry before the implementation began.”

“In your statement, you mentioned the issue of the contract the Board had with Drexel Tech Nigeria Limited concerning the recruitment. Have you ever seen a

Reps to probe banks over insurance fees on loans Jacob Segun Olatunji and Kolawole Daniel - Abuja

THE House of Representatives, on Thursday, urged the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to direct Nigerian banks to stop collecting insurance fees on loans granted to customers.

The House also mandated its committee on Banking and currency to investigate the alleged anomalies of the shady deals of banks on insurance fees being charged on loans granted to customers, and report back to the House within four weeks for further legislative action.

The House resolution was sequel to a motion moved by Honourable Ayeola AbdulKabir.

In his motion, the lawmaker noted that apart from collateral taken from borrowers to secure the loans granted to them, commercial banks charge a heavy sum, which is

Again, Falana questions CBN management under Soludo MR Femi Falana, a Human Rights activist, on Thursday, again questioned the management of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) under the leadership of Professor Chukwuma Soludo.

It will be recalled that Falana had petitioned the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) on allegations of criminal diversion of public funds from the Federation Account and the nation’s Foreign Reserves.

Falana, according to News Agency of Nigeria (NAN), also accused Soludo’s CBN management of illegally transferring $7 billion to 14 commercial banks in 2006, an allegation he had since denied and described as laughable.

In denying the allegation, Soludo said Falana’s outburst was based on ignorance of how the apex bank

was run.

But in counter response to Soludo’s denial, Falana again said the statement issued by the CBN management on the subject matter on October 3 buttressed his point.

“For the avoidance of doubt, I wish to reiterate that it was the management of the CBN which claimed to have given out its own “share”of $7 billion from the foreign reserves estimated at $38 billion at the material time.

“Is Professor Soludo insisting that CBN under his management was entitled to any “share” of the nation’s foreign reserves? In any case, whether it was a deposit or its own share of the foreign reserves, did the CBN ever announce that the deposit had been paid back to the foreign reserves

56th independence: FG declares Monday public holiday Clement Idoko-Abuja

THE Federal Government has declared Monday, October 3, as public holiday to mark Nigeria’s 56th Independence Anniversary.

Government had earlier declared that the 2016 Independence Anniversary celebration would be marked in a low-key manner.

Minister of Interior, Lieutenant Gen Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, who announced the public holiday on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulated all Nigerians at home and abroad, on the commemoration of the anniversary.

This was contained in a statement signed by the Acting Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Interior, Alhaji Muhammadu Maccido and made available to newsmen, in Abuja, on

Thursday.

The statement said: “The Minister of Interior, Lt Gen (retd) Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau, while making the declaration on behalf of the Federal Government, congratulates Nigerians at home and abroad on the commemoration of this year’s independence anniversary and assures them that government is working assiduously to put in place various palliative measures to cushion the effects of the current economic challenges.

“The minister enjoins all Nigerians to continue to support President Muhammadu Buhari in his avowed determination to build a strong, virile and united country in line with the dream of the country’s founding fathers,” the statement added.

which belong to the three tiers of Government?

“If there is nothing to hide, why did the CBN ignore the request of the Civil Society Network against Corruption for information on the “deposit” of $7 billion dollars?” he said.

as much as one and half per cent.

According to him, “The payment of insurance fees on loans is an additional burden on borrowers and serves as one of the factors discouraging many businessmen from taking bank loans to grow or expand their businesses,” he said.

“There is a need to make access to loans easier for borrowers in order to ensure increased production, which is one of the ways of revitalising the economy that is presently in a parlous state.”

When the motion was put to vote, it was supported by majority of the members in attendance.

copy of the contract,” Uche asked.

Admitting that he saw the copy of the contract, Paradang, however, told the court that he did not see the names and signatures of the second and the third defendants.

Also answering questions from Ikpe as to whether he knew the third defendant and his position in the Ministry, the witness answered that he knew him as the deputy director in procurement department and also admitted that he never had any dealings with the deputy director in respect of the recruitment exercise.

When it was time for the counsel to the fourth defendant, Drexel Tech Nigeria Limited, Sunday Ameh, to conduct his cross examination, he told the court that he needed time to go through his questions.

According to him, the questions were many and considering that the matter was adjourned since July, events would have overtaken some of the questions.

In that circumstance, the prosecution counsel, Yusuf Aliyu, asked the court for an adjournment, even though he earlier informed the court that he had about

SATURDAY, 1 OCTOBER, 2016

21 witnesses.

Without any objection, the trial Judge, Justice Nnamdi Dimgba, adjourned the matter till Friday (today), for continuation of trial.

The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has slammed 11-count charge on the former Interior minister and four others for allegedly collecting N676.6 million from 676,675 job seekers in the fatal Nigerian Immigration Service recruitment exercise in 2014.

According to the charge, Moro, a permanent secretary in the ministry at the time, Anastasia DanielNwobia, a deputy director in the ministry, F. O. Alayebami, one Mahmood Ahmadu (at large), and the contracting firm given the recruitment job, Drexel Tech Nigeria Ltd, are being accused of defrauding 676, 675,000 Nigerian applicants of N676,675,000.

The anti-graft agency said N202, 500,000 of the amount was spent on buying No. 1, Lahn Crescent, Maitama, Abuja while N120, 100,000 was used to upgrade No 2, Sigure Close, Off Monrovia Street, Wuse II, Abuja.

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My relationship with Tinubu, Fashola, el-Rufai, others —Akeredolu

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When we love and enjoy what we do, it becomes part of us

Celebrities speak on the

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—Olatorera Oniru

Weekend Lagos Night crawlers tell stories of arrests, dangers Plus

How Tokunbo vehicle sellers cope with bad times

Why I asked for my mum’s prayers before ending my performance

—Okeimute, winner of Project Fame season 9

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39

Friday, 30 September, 2016 Editor: Wale Emosu tribunesporteditor@yahoo.com 08111813054, 08055444383

Federation Cup: Crown petitions NFF, Senate

By Niyi Alebiosu

THE management of Crown Football Club, Ogbomoso has petitioned the leadership of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) and the Senate House Committee on Sports over the poor handling of its Federation Cup semi final match against FC IfeanyiUbah, played on Wednesday at the Ahmadu Bello Stadium, Kaduna.

Also petitioned is the House of Representatives Committee on Sports.

The centre referee, A.A Ibraheem had disallowed an 88th minute goal scored by Crown’s Yakubu Ahmed which led to the encroachment on the field by aggrieved fans who believed the referee’s action was a deliberate one to deny the Ogbomoso team a place in the final.

In the petition signed by Kaseem Olayiwola, the club’s Secretary on behalf of the club’s management and a copy of which was made available to Tribunesport, faulted the referee’s decision to disallow the goal after he had initially pointed to the centre circle indicating that it was a goal.

“We are contesting the decision of the centre referee to disallow a good goal by our player, Yakubu Ahmed, which led to the match being abandoned in the 88th minute when some aggrieved fans from Kaduna distrupted the flow of the game by encroaching on the field of play,’the petition partly read.

The club also prays the Federation to order the replay of the match in the spirit of fair play.

The petition which was submitted on Thursday through the Kaduna State Football Association to the office of Secretary General of the NFF was accompanied with the tape recording of the match as evidence.

A source in the office of the NFF secretary general who did not want his name in print confirmed the receipt of the petition to Tribunesport but added that he could not say much on it since the Secretary general is in Cairo for the CAF congress.

Iwobi is another Okocha — Ozil

By Ganiyu Salman

A

RSENAL starlet, Alex Iwobi has continued to receive plaudits even from his team-mates following his awe-inspiring

I took drugs—Pacquiao

MANNY Pacquiao has admitted he took “all kinds of drugs” - but supports a crackdown on dealers which has led to more than 3,000 deaths in the Philippines.

The boxing star, who was elected as a senator in May,

said he backed president Rodrigo Duterte’s war on drugs and claimed that the leader was chosen by God to “discipline the people”.

Pacquiao, 37, said: “The president, he doesn’t know my experience with drugs.

“I tried drugs…many

Chipolopolo will be dressed to kill’ Zambia is set to launch sure Chipolopolo a new kit against Nigeria as both countries clash in the 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier in a group B encounter scheduled to hold at the Levy Mwanawasa Stadium in Ndola on October 9.

Football Association of Zambia (FAZ) general secretary, Ponga Liwewe spoke to the media ahead of the crucial encounter.

“We are working to make

can be dressed in the new kit as they play Nigeria,” Liwewe told The Post of Zambia.

FAZ had a sponsorship agreement with American company Nike which expired in 2014 and they are now linked with Italian company Kappa.

The association has also been linked with little-known Asian kit maker, Mafro in the past.

kinds of drugs, all kinds of drugs.”

The boxer said his substance abuse happened for years “before I became a champion.”

form this season.

Team-mate, Mesut Ozil pointed out that the Nigerian international perhaps represents Austin Okocha and Edgar Davids in the present day football.

The German international, in his evaluation, believes Iwobi’s style of play can be likened to his uncle, Austin Jay-Jay Okocha and former Dutch midfielder, Edgar Davids.

Ozil, who scored the last goal in the 3-0 spanking of Chelsea in a London EPL

derby, last weekend told the Gunners official website that Iwobi, who is among the youngsters nominated for the 2016 Golden Boy in Europe award, belongs to the class of finest players he has ever seen.

“He (Iwobi) reminds me of his uncle Jay-Jay Okocha. He was a player I loved watching,” Ozil had said before the team’s 2-0 Champions League victory over Basel on Wednesday night.

“Alex reminds me of a

mixture of him and Edgar Davids. He’s really strong on the ball, also defensively, but he’s good in front of goal too.

“He’s developing really well and if he continues the way he’s been playing for the whole season, he will enhance his game.”

Iwobi, who has made five appearances this season, clinched the Man of the Match award last weekend when the Gunners hammered Chelsea 3-0 at the Emirates.

FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup begins today As Flamingoes step up training ahead Brazil clash

By Olawale Olaniyan

THE fifth FIFA U-17 Women’s World Cup begins today in Jordan, where 16 countries will battle for honours in the cities of Amman, Irbid and Al Zarqa.

Venezuela will kick start the biennial soccer fiesta against Germany in a group B fixture billed for the Al Hassan International Stadium, Irbid, while Mexico and New Zealand clash in

a group A game at the Amman International Stadium in the second game of matchday one.

Cameroon will face Canada in another group B game in Irbid, while the hosts, Jordan, in the last match of the day, will begin their campaign against Spain.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Flamingoes have stepped up training ahead of tomorrow’s group C opener against the young Samba

girls from Brazil billed for the King Abdullah II International Stadium, Amman.

The Flamingoes resumed training on Wednesday afternoon at the Al Wehdat Training Field, Amman, Jordan, with all 21 players participating actively.

The Bala Nikyu girls were also scheduled to train at the same venue on Thursday (yesterday).

The Nigeria team had arrived in Amman on Tuesday

morning, after flying from Abuja to Dubai and connecting another Emirates Airline flight from Dubai to the Jordanian capital.

Earlier on Wednesday, officials of the world football–governing body FIFA conducted the team arrival meeting where captain Rasheedat Ajibade was presented with Nigeria’s plaque and all the players were given certificate of participation.

SIDELINES

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FRIDAY, 30 SEPTEMBER, 2016

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Nigeria is already getting out of recession, Minister of Finance, Kemi Adeosun has said. With Nigeria’s rapidly depleting foreign reserves, high rate of poverty and joblessness, continuing slide of the naira at the global market and the cries and anguish of Nigerians, Adeosun’s thesis is certain to open a new chapter in economic theory.

Zambia’s Davies Nkausu (left) and Nigeria’s Victor Moses live to fight again on October 9. PHOTO: AFP

Zambia vs Nigeria:

We are not too broke to fly Eagles —NFF Saliu Gbadamosi-Abuja

T

HE Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) on Thursday condemned a report in some sections of the media, including the Cable News Network (CNN), that it cannot fly the Super Eagles to a 2018 FIFA World Cup qualifier against their Zambian counterparts in Ndola on Sunday, October 9.

While accepting that the federation is facing financial challenges in view of the current recession in the country, the NFF declared that it had the faith that things would never get to the point of not being able to get the national team to the venue of a competitive match or championship.

The report in the media had quoted an unnamed member of NFF as saying that the country’s football body was so broke that it could not afford to fly the Eagles to Zambia for the Russia 2018 World Cup qualifier.

Reacting to the report, the NFF, according to a statement made available to Tribunesport by its Director (Communication), Demola Olajire, on Thursday in Abuja stated that it viewed the re-

port as baseless, misleading and despicable, not only against Nigerian football, but also against the Nigerian nation.

The Federation insisted that the report was the concoction of an idle mind and challenged the purveyors of the falsehood to name their source.

It, however, assured Nigerians that it had concluded arrangements on getting players and officials of the Super Eagles to Abuja for

a training camp starting on Sunday, October 2, getting the team to and from Zambia and getting the players back to their respective clubs after the national assignment.

It then called for the support and prayers of Nigerians at this time and urged that the players be allowed to focus on the big task of qualifying the nation to the 2018 FIFA World Cup, without so much negative stories and insinuations.

Iheanacho battles Iwobi for Europe award

By Ganiyu Salman

NIGERIA’S Kelechi Iheanacho and Alex Iwobi are among the players nominated for the 2016 Golden Boy in Europe award initiated by Italian sports newspaper, Tuttosport in 2003.

Iheanacho, who was adjudged the 2013 FIFA U-17 World Cup Most Valuable Player, it will be recalled, was also nominated for the award last year won by Manchester United’s Anthony Martial.

The Manchester City starlet, Iheanacho, has been in a devastating form this season helping the Citizens to maintain unbeaten run in the English Premier League aside the splendid run in the Champions League.

Iheanacho, who scored the winner against Manchester United in a Manchester derby, it will be recalled, had claimed the CNN Goal of the Week award in the second week of September, with his strike which gave the Super Eagles a 1-0 victory over Tanzania in Uyo.

For three weeks running, Iheanacho was on the scoresheet scoring four goals in four straight games in both local and international matches.

His compatriot, Iwobi has been in a superb form with Arsenal this season as well. He had sustained an injury during the season’s EPL opener against Liverpool, while his return has been a boost for the Gunners.

Iwobi, last weekend claimed the Man of the Match Award after Arsenal hammered Chelsea 3-0 in a London derby, as his heroics became the post-match issue on the lips of many fans including his Gunners team-mates as well as his manager, Arsene Wenger.

Also in contention for the Golden Boy award which is given to the best U-21 player in Europe in a calendar year is Tottenham’s Dele Alli and Manchester United starlet, Marcus Rashford, among others.

Ronaldo’s plane at the crash site.

C. Ronaldo’s plane crashes in Barcelona CRISTIANO Ronaldo will be grounded for the foreseeable future after the superstar’s private jet crashed on landing at Barcelona’s El Prat airport.

Eyewitnesses report that the plane’s landing gear broke on impact with the runway, forcing emergency services into action.

One of the runways at El Prat was closed for a short time after the incident, in which nobody was hurt but the pilot was attended to for very minor injuries.

Ronaldo bought the Gulfstream G200 last year for some £15million, and sometimes leases his plane out for private clients.

Sources close to the Ballon d’Or favourite told MirrorFootball: “The plane is normally rented by companies and it was in use by one of them.

“Cristiano Ronaldo, his family or friends were not on the plane. The incident had no major consequences.”

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. 30/9/2016.