DTN-13-7-19

Presidential poll: Assailants attack Atiku, PDP witnesses on way to tribunal

Tribunal adjourns abruptly till Monday

Andrew Orolua, Abuja

Some Atiku and Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) witnesses were on Friday attacked by unknown gunmen on their way to the Presidential election petition tribunal sitting in Abuja.

Number of poor Nigerians rises to 98m – UNDP www.dailytimes.ng

DailyTimesNGR

dailytimesnigeria

dailytimesngr

The incident led to an abrupt adjournment of the tribunal sitting till Monday by the presiding Justice Mohammed Garba who noted at 1 pm when the tribunal was informed about the development that the tribunal ought Continued on page 3

SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019

VOL. 3

g 5 Army decorates Adeosun, others with new ranks NO. 990

N100

Says income alone cannot be used to classify rich and poor people

Bonaventure Melah Poverty has continued to ravage Nigeria with the number of poor citizens rising to a colossal 98 million, out of an estimated 180 million population.

The Daily Times is with a copy of a new report by the United Nations Development Programme (UNDP) and the Oxford Poverty and Human Development Initiative (OPHI) which states that the fearful figure is in spite of outdated data which made it difficult to track all the affected people across the country.

The UNDP report also indicated that the number of poor Nigerians have increased from 86 million to 98 million in the past 10 years.

According to the report, income alone cannot be used to classify rich and poor people,

A’Court dismisses appeal challenging Buhari’s qualification to contest poll g 4

Badagry King mysteriously signed CAC documents 9 years after death – SFU g 4

noting that “the traditional concept of poverty is outdated”.

The UNDP then stated that from the 2019 global Multidimensional Poverty Index (MPI), there are disparities in how people experience poverty, revealing vast inequalities among countries and among the poor themselves.

The report indicated that in Nigeria, the proportion of people who are multidimensionally poor has remained constant at just over 50 percent over the past decade (up to 2017) while the actual number of people who are multi-dimensionally poor at 98 million over the same period.

The report noted that when compared to the national poverty line which measures income/ consumption, 51 percent of Nigerians are multi-dimensionally poor than 46 percent of CONTINUED ON PAGE 3

Journey through Libya life threatening, says returneeg 10

Primate Okoh decries spate of insecurity in Nigeria g 5

My 76 year old mother has been missing for four months, Lagos University staff laments g 11

2

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

READ MORE ON: www.dailytimes.ng

Number of poor Nigerians rises to 98m – UNDP Continued from page 1

those their income is poor.

This report further shows that more than two-thirds of the multi-dimensionally poor which is 886 million people live in middleincome countries, while a further 440 million live in low-income countries.

“In both groups, data show, simple national averages can hide enormous inequality in patterns of poverty within countries. For instance, in Nigeria, even though the national average shows that around 50 per cent of Nigeria are multidimensionally poor, state and local government levels will reveal a completely different scenario.

“There is even inequality under the same roof. In South Asia, for example, almost a quarter of children under five live in households where at least one child in the household is malnourished and at least one child is not,” the report read.

The UNDP Administrator, Achim Steiner noted that “to fight poverty, one needs to know where poor people live.

They are not evenly spread

across a country, not even within a household”, he said.

“The 2019 global Multidimensional Poverty Index provides the detailed information policy makers need to more effectively target their policies,” he added.

Pedro Conceição, the Director of the Human Development Report Office at UNDP, also said: “We need even amongst those living in poverty to understand people’s different experiences of deprivation.

Are they malnourished? Can they go to school? Only then will poverty reduction policies be both efficient and effective.”

The report further showed that children suffer poverty more intensely than adults and are more likely to be deprived in all 10 of the MPI indicators, lacking essentials such as clean water, sanitation, adequate nutrition or primary education.

“Even more staggering, worldwide, one in three children is multidimensionally poor, compared to one in six adults. That means that nearly half of the people

living in multidimensional poverty—663 million— are children, with the youngest children bearing the greatest burden,” the report read.

“We looked at data for a group of 10 middle and low-income countries and we found encouraging news that the bottom 40 per cent are moving faster than the rest,” said Sabina Alkire, OPHI Director.

In the 10 countries, data showed that 270 million people moved out of multidimensional poverty from one survey to the next.

In India, there were 271 million fewer people in poverty in 2016 than in 2006, while in Bangladesh the number dropped by 19 million between 2004 and 2014.

In other countries there was less or no absolute reduction, with numbers of multi-dimensionally poor rising by 28 million across the three African countries considered. In part this was because of rapid population growth, which outstripped reductions in poverty. In fact, poverty rates (as a percentage of the population) declined in most of the countries.

Assailants attack Atiku, PDP witnesses on way to tribunal

Continued from page 1

to have taken its normal one hour break and resumed by 2 pm.

Petitioners lead counsel, Dr. Livy Uzoukwu (SAN), who announced this before the tribunal, said that the petitioner will not be able to call the next witness on Friday following the attack on the witnesses on their way from Zamfara State.

He said that unknown armed men attacked the witnesses and injured some of them while others ran into the bush, adding that some people were trying to rescue them from the bush.

Meanwhile, in his testimony on Friday, Olufemi Ogunde, an assistant presiding officer in Abuja, said that they were given INEC regulation and guidelines where the duties of Assistant Presiding officer were spelt out.

The witness said that on the day of the election, an INEC official further trained them on how to use smart card reader to transmit the election result, adding that he instructed them to transmit the result with a code provided by INEC official to INEC sever.

“I transmitted the results as recorded in Form EC8A. I have no interest on which of the party won the election so I have no interest in noting the score of each party,” he stated.

Earlier, one of the witnesses

and ad hoc staff of INEC, Olufemi Ogunrinde, told the tribunal that he personally transmitted election results into the server of the electoral body, along with other assistant presiding officers.

The witness admitted that, two hours to the election, INEC officials brought in a consultant who trained them on how to transmit election results into INEC sever with the short code he provided and smart card reader.

Answering a question from counsel to INEC, Yunus Usman (SAN), the witness also admitted that he was given guidelines and regulation for the conduct of the election by INEC during their training.

Another witness, Peter Sabo from Yobe State, alleged that the APC used the security challenges in the state to perpetrate electoral fraud.

He alleged that designated centres were used after mobilising voters, contrary to the regulation that voting must be done at the polling units.

Sabo further told the tribunal that he refused to sign result sheets when he discovered that the number of ballot papers issued out by INEC was exactly the number of votes recorded for APC, without a void one, adding that information latter came on how APC agents freely distributed ballot papers for

voters after PDP agents had been chased away.

The witness told the tribunal that he wrote a petition to the DSS, Police and Civil Defence for the arrest of the identified APC agents that carried out election malpractices, but that nothing was done till date.

Another witness, Hassam Maisarafa, also from Yobe State, testified and in his testimony stated that civil servants in the state were harassed, intimidated and threatened to choose between voting for APC or lose their jobs.

The witness, who named some government officials who carried out the threat, further informed the chairman that farmers were harassed to chose between voting for APC or forego their farm lands.

Cross examined by counsel to President Buhari, Yusuf Ali (SAN), the witness could not tell the tribunal the number of farmers threatened by government officials but further alleged that vote buying was order of the day during the election.

Other witnesses who testified on Friday for the petitioners were Husseini Haruna, Zakari Ibrahim, Silas Paris, Usman Adamu and Modu Ahmed.

Meanwhile, further hearing in the petition to resumes on Monday.

3 News

PHOTO TIMES

L-R: Member of the Justice Reform Project (JRP), Dr. Adewale Olawoyin (SAN) and Acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Mr. Ibrahim Magu, during JRP’s Public Discourse on Justice Delivery in Nigeria; A Framework for Reform, in Abuja...on Friday.

L-R: Medical Directors in State Hospitals, Ibeju Lekki General Hospital, Dr. Adebayo Bamisebi; Ebute-Metta Health Centre, Dr. Mustapha Quadri; Massey Street Children Hospital, Dr. Aina Olugbemiga; Orile-Agege General Hospital, Dr. Olawale Adegbite; First Lady of Lagos State, Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; General Hospital Lagos, Dr. Ismail Ganikale; Ifako-Ijaiye General Hospital, Dr. Olusola Amure and Alimosho General Hospital, Dr. Madewa Adebajo during a courtesy visit to the First Lady, at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, recently.

Lagos Zonal Director of the EFCC, Mr Mohammed Rabo (third right) and others during a road walk to commemorate the 3rd African Union Anti-Corruption Day in Lagos ... on Thursday

L- R: Comptroller General of Immigrations, Muhammad Babandede; General Manger, Fidelity Bank Plc, Ken Opara; and Deputy Comptroller of Immigrations, Ikoyi Passport Officer, Mannir Yari, at the commissioning of projects and presentation of 15 –Seater Bus donated by Fidelity Bank to the Nigeria Immigration Service (NIS) Office, Ikoyi, recently

4 News

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

READ MORE ON: www.dailytimes.ng

A’Court dismisses appeal challenging Buhari’s qualification to contest poll Appellants head to Supreme Court

Andrew Orolua, Abuja Court of Appeal in Abuja on Friday dismissed the appeal challenging the academic qualification of President Muhammadu Buhari to contest the February 23, 2019 presidential election for lacking in merit.

In unanimous decision, the three man panel of the appellate court affirmed the judgment of federal high court, that the suit filed by Kaku Kalu, Labaran Ismail and Hassy El-Kuris, was statute barred.

Delivering the lead judgment, Justice Mohammed Idris, also held that the preliminary objection filed by the respondents succeeded on the ground that the suit was incompetent and that robbed the trial court jurisdiction.

“The failure of the trial court judge to sign the originating summon delivered judgment within 180 days provided for pre-election cases is fatal to the suit. I uphold the preliminary objection, I strike out this suit as filed at the federal high court”, the judge ruled.

On the substantive matter, Justice Idris noted that the cause of action arose when the All Progressives Congress submitted Buhari’s particulars to INEC on October 18, 2018.

The appellate court disagreed with the trial court that the cause of action arose on September 28, 2018, when Buhari was nominated by APC to contest the presidential election, saying that “it clearly arose on October 18 when INEC received the form.”

The Court of Appeal held that the 14 days allowed by law to file a pre-election matter in this case expired on November 5, 2018.

Meanwhile, counsel to the appellants, Ukpai Ukairo said after the judgment that the appellants are not satisfied with the decision and will challenge it at the Supreme Court.

He insisted that President Buhari was not educationally qualified to have stood for the presidential poll on the grounds that the required certificates were not attached to his form CF001, submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for clearance to contest the presidential poll.

The counsel denied the claim that the suit of the appellants was statute barred, adding

Buhari

that the case was instituted on November 5, 2018 within the 14 days allowed by law.

He said the cause of action started with the announcement and publication by INEC of successful candidates for the 2019 general election on October 25, 2018.

Ukairo therefore had urged the Court of Appeal to allow the appeal and set aside the decision of the Federal High Court on grounds of miscarriage of justice.

He asked the court to nullify Buhari’s participation in the February 23 presidential election because he was not educationally qualified for the poll at the time he did.

However, lawyers to the 1st and 2nd respondents urged the court to dismiss the appeal for being incompetent and lacking merit.

Buhari’s counsel, Abdullahi Abubakar, specifically told the Appeal Court that the case of the appellant was statute barred having not been filed within the mandatory period stipulated by the law.

He urged the court to uphold the decision of the Federal High Court to the effect that the suit was not filed in line with the position of the law.

Counsel to the APC, Babatunde Ogala, argued in the same line with Buhari’s counsel and urged the court to dismiss the appeal, while counsel to INEC, Onyeri Anthony, said the commission was neutral and would abide by the decision of the Court.

The plaintiffs had approached the appellate court to nullify and set aside the Judgment of the Abuja division of the Federal High Court which declined to hear their suit instituted

to challenge the educational qualification of President Buhari before the conduct of the 2019 general election.

The appellants in their appeal asked the appellate court to reverse the judgment of Justice Ahmed Mohammed on the grounds that the processes filed

by Buhari and used to strike out their suit were not competent.

While faulting the judgment of the lower court, which was predicated on the grounds that the suit was statute barred, the appellants claimed that the Federal High Court erred in law and in its decision because they did not challenge the primary election that produced Buhari as candidate of the APC. They therefore urged the Court of Appeal to assume jurisdiction over the suit and grant all the reliefs sought at the Federal High Court but which were refused.

Among the reliefs was a declaration that Buhari submitted false information regarding his qualification and certificate to INEC for the purpose of contesting election into the office of the President of Nigeria and that he should be disqualified.

They also prayed for an order of court directing INEC to remove Buhari’s name as a candidate of APC and another order restraining Buhari from parading himself as a candidate in the 2019 presidential election and also APC from recognising Buhari as a candidate.

The Federal High Court had on May 2 declined to grant the request of the appellants on the grounds that the suit was not filed within the time allowed by law and therefore sustained the preliminary objection raised by Buhari at the hearing.

Badagry King mysteriously signed CAC documents 9 years after death – SFU The Police Special Fraud Unit (SFU) has alleged at an Ikeja Special Offences Court that late Oba Afolabi James of Kweme, Badagry in Lagos had mysteriously signed some Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) forms in 2011, nine years after his death.

The king died on January 30, 2002.

The SFU claimed that while investigating Semasa James, a son to the late king, accused of defrauding his 26 siblings of their N500 million inheritance, they uncovered suspicious signatures purportedly signed by the dead king in documents of CAJ Industrial Enterprises, the deceased’s company.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that on Friday during trial of Semasa and Afolabi Kazeem, his personal assistant over the alleged fraud, Mr Oluwafemi Olabisi, the Prosecutor for the SFU in order to prove that the king’s signature on the company’s document was forged, had subpoenaed the CAC as a witness.

Representing the CAC was Mr Christopher Etim, a compliance officer, who testified as the 13the prosecution witness.

While being led in evidence

by Olabisi, Etim said that he had brought before the court, copies of some CAC documents namely; Form CAC 2.1 – particulars of company secretary- Form CAC 3 -change of registered address and Form CAC 7, particulars of directors.

The CAC compliance officer informed the court that the late king’s signature and the defendant’s signature were appended in CAC forms in the years 2011 and 2012.

Etim said: “In form CAC 7, James Afolabi Ogungbe, the late king is named as the first director; the second director is named James Kola Semasa, the first defendant.

“On the column for remarks: it states appointed, and there are no directors aside the first and second directors.

“The signature on the second page belongs to James Afolabi Ogungbe and the signature was signed on Nov. 28, 2011.

“The resolution is signed by the first director James Afolabi Ogungbe.

I arrived at that conclusion from Form CAC 7.

“Form CAC 2.1, is particulars of persons who is the company secretary of the company or any person therein, it was signed by Mr James Kola Semasa and Mr James Afolabi Ogungbe on March 21, 2012.

“Form CAC 3, is the notice of situation or change of registered address.

“Mr James Kola Semasa signed as a director in this form and there is a resolution attached to same, signed

by Mr James Kola Semasa and Mr James Afolabi Ogungbe on Nov. 24, 2016.”

While being cross-examined by the defence counsel, Mr Martin Oyigbo, Etim reiterated that although he was not a signature or handwriting expert, as a legal practitioner and compliance officer, he was conversant with the documents he presented before the court.

The witness also emphasised that

the signatures in all the CAC forms he presented before the court were consistent and the same.

“When documents are presented for verification, all these stamps are not on it. If you look closely at these signatures you will safely conclude that they are the same.

“The original resolution was signed by the same person. The signature on the left hand side is Mr James Kola Semasa while that on the right is Mr James Afolabi Ogungbe.

“These documents come before us at CAC every other day. I can safely say that these signatures contained in Form CAC 7 are the same in the other documents,” Etim said.

Following Etim’s testimony, Olabisi informed the court that the SFU would be closing their case against the defendants.

Justice Oluwatoyin Taiwo adjourned the case until Oct. 16 and Oct.17 for defence.

NAN reports that Semasa is facing a five-count charge of stealing, forging of company resolution, fraudulent disposing of trust property and forgery.

Kazeem and the Badagry prince are jointly charged with two-counts of conspiracy to defraud and cheating.

The SFU alleged that the prince abused his position of trust as an administrator of his late father’s estate by fraudulently converting N500 million property from 2000 to 2017 in Lagos.

“According to the second count of the charge, the defendant had in 2011, forged the resolution of a company called CAJ Industrial Enterprises, dated Nov. 28, 2011.

“He had purported that the resolution was signed by his father, who was one of the directors of the company. Meanwhile, his father had died nine years earlier on Jan. 30, 2002.

“The defendant had forged the resolution with the intent that it will be acted upon as genuine to the prejudice of any person,” he said.

The prosecutor noted that Semasa had fraudulently sold a property, belonging to the late king’s estate, located at Plot 1440, Ilesanmi St., Itire Road, Surulere, to a private individual.

He also illegally leased another estate property, located at Plot 282 Ajose Adeogun St., Victoria Island, Lagos to Ecobank Plc. The SFU prosecutor also threw some light on Kazeem’s alleged role as an accomplice in defrauding the late king’s estate.

“Sometime in 2017 in Lagos, Semasa and Kazeem fraudulently tricked and cheated the beneficiaries of the late king of N150 million which was part of the proceeds of sale of a property, located at Dideolu Estate, Victoria Island, Lagos,” Olabisi said.

The prosecutor noted that Semasa had also forged a purchase receipt, dated Nov. 15, 2004 and an undated deed of assignment between himself, Bolarinwa James, Mrs Alakija – nee James, Hon. Justice Adebayo Adeniji and Mrs Saidat Taiwo.

The offences contravene Sections 383(1), 383(2)(f), 390(9), 421,434, 465 and 467 of the Criminal Code, Laws of the Federation of Nigeria 2004.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

READ MORE ON: www.dailytimes.ng

Primate Okoh decries spate of insecurity in Nigeria Our correspondent The Primate, Church of Nigeria (Anglican Communion), Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh, has decried the spate of insecurity in the country.

Okoh urged all tiers of government to rise up to the task to combat the menace.

He made the call at the 10th Year Consecration Anniversary and 50 years birthday celebration of Rt. Rev. Humphrey Olumakaiye, the Diocese Bishop of Lagos at the Cathedral Church of Christ Marina, Lagos.

He said that lack of jobs had made people to be desperate to indulge in criminal activities, which worsened security challenges in the country.

“Government at all levels should do the needful in beefing up security across the country as it will enhance development.

“Insecurity on our roads, in farms and communities have become proverbial.

“We should pray for the governors to guide the people that elected them into office. Nigerians have become so desperate in doing things that are evil,” he said.

Okoh, who described Olumakaiye as true man of God, said he made a remarkable achievement in Illesha Diocese within two

years.

“He transformed the parish in Ilesha, he settled a long time dispute between two communities.

“It is very difficult for the children of clerics to become clerics, your parents trained you well, the positive testimony of your parents robbed off on you,” he said.

According to Okoh, the call to the office of the bishop is a call within the call of God. The first call is the call to priesthood. The ordained ministry or the call of God. “God called some servants to attain some special needs.

The call of God is never a selfish one, it’s not for the sake of the one called because he is a messenger, therefore, he has to be obedient.

“God does not call one to be rich, it’s a by-product, it’s against this background that we say Olumakaiye is fulfilling his commitment to God,” he said.

Okoh also urged those who had been charged within management of things to bear good fruits.

“You are not only to serve, you are to go the extra-mile, it is important to be good, struggle to excel by praying, fasting and being concerned to the people you are in charge of.

“50 years is remarkable, it means you are not a boy or an old man but in between.

“We give thanks to God

Owo gets new monarch Adewale Momoh, Akure Prince Ajibade Gbadegesin Ogunoye has been announced as the new Olowo of Owo. The Olowo-elect emerged winner on Friday after he garnered 14 votes out of 15 votes during the electoral process done at the Olowo’s palace.

The votes were cast by the Senior Omo-Olowos (kingmakers).

Those who contested the throne alongside Gbadegesin, a civil servant, are Princes Ogunoye Akinola Olawamide; Ogunoye Philip Adegoke Adegbite; Olatunde Aragun

Ogunoye; Ogunoye Adekolajo; Ogunoye Olanrewaju Adelotan; Ogunoyeyi Ajibade Gbadegesin; Ogunoye Olatunde Aragun; Ogunoye Olugbemiga Peter and Ajike Olatubosun Oluwayemi.

Others are Olagbegi Mowasola; Ogunoye Michael Gboyega; Olateru-Olagbegi Adesuyi; Olateru-Olagbegi Olaleke; Ogunoye Emmanuel Ademola; Ogunoye Adegboyega Victor; Ajike Charles Adedayo; Ogunoye Monday Ogundeji and Ogunoye Olanrewaju Bernard.

The emergence of the Olowoelect is coming four months after the demise of the late Oba Folagbade Olateru-Olagbegi who died in the early hours of April 17, 2019.

163 more stranded Nigerians return from Libya

Most Rev. Nicholas Okoh for notable achievements recorded, 50 years to you is a longtime. There are people who have no jobs at 50.

“He has enabled you to stand on a high pedestal, be humble, 50 is golden with golden responsibilities, some people will tell you, take it easy but I say no to that because you are still young to work harder.

“At 50, there is need for restoration, 50 is a jubilee year,

there are many things that should be restored. Forgive and review yourself as you go on and move according to the pace of God,’’ he said.

Olumakaiye, who appreciated the guest for great honour done to him, said at 50, he would try to do more for the propagation of God’s work.

He asked God to grant him the grace of good health and longer life to do so.

Army decorates Adeosun, others with new ranks

The Nigerian Army on Friday decorated the newly promoted Lt.-Gen. Lamidi Adeosun, Maj.-Gen. Bulama Biu and Capt. Abubakar Danjibrin at the Armed Forces Command and Staff College, Jaji in Kaduna State.

The officers were decorated by the Chief of Army Staff, Lt-Gen. Tukur Buratai and the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Defence, Mrs. Nuratu Batagarawa.

President Muhammadu Buhari had approved the accelerated promotion of the officers on Tuesday on the recommendation of Lt. Gen. Buratai. The recommendation and the promotion is in recognition of their achievements in the fight against insurgency in the northeast.

Lt.-Gen. Adeosun is the Army Chief of Training and Operations, while Maj.-Gen. Biu is the Acting General Officer Commanding 7 Division and Commander, Sector 1 Operation LAFIYA DOLE

5 News

Maiduguri. Capt. Danjibrin is of 211 Demonstration Battalion, Bauchi.

Adeosun was a major general; Biu was a brigadier general while Danjibrin was a lieutenant before the special promotions.

The Permanent Secretary, Batagarawa, said the promotion of the new officers was another remarkable milestone in their carrier as well as reward for their loyalty, commitment and dedication to service.

She commended Adeosun for the achievements in the fight against insurgency in the north east, adding that Adeosun laid the foundation for recent feat the army had achieved.

“Your achievement in the fight against insurgency cannot be forgotten in a hurry. Biu has also made remarkable contribution to the successes of the Operation Lafiya Dole since he assumed the headship,” she said.

The permanent secretary commended the army chief for his leadership in recommending the officers for promotion and his readiness to accommodate an officer of equal rank with him.

She also commended Buhari for approving the promotion of the officers.

Batagarawa, however, urged the military to do all it can to defeat all forms of insurgency in the country and congratulated the newly promoted officers.

Adeosun, while appreciating the chief of army staff for recommending him for the promotion, said he was privileged to be mentored by good hands.

He also appreciated Buhari for considering him fit and approving the recommendation that led to his promotion to the new rank.

He pledged his commitment to ensuring that the country is safe from all forms of terrorism and insurgency.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has received another batch of 163 Nigerian returnees who had been stranded in Libya, but assisted to come back home.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Alhaji Idris Muhammed, Coordinator, Lagos Territorial Region, NEMA, confirmed the development to journalists on Friday in Lagos.

Muhammed said the returnees arrived the cargo wing of the Murtala Muhammed International Airport, Lagos at about 8.33p.m on Thursday aboard a chartered Al Buraq Air aircraft with registration number 5A-DMG. He said that the returnees were assisted back to Nigeria by the International

Organisation for Migration (IOM) and the European Union (EU) under the Assisted Voluntary Returnees Programme.

“After profiling of the returnees, there are 64 adult females, four female children and seven female infants as well as 75 adult males, three male children and 10 male infants,” Muhammed said.

The coordinator advised youths to desist from embarking on perilous journeys that could expose them to avoidable risks in search of greener pastures.

He assured the returnees that the Federal Government, NEMA and other agencies as well as development partners would continue to work together to create an enabling environment for young Nigerians.

Universities staff wants payment of N30bn allowance The Non Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (NASU) and the Senior Staff Association of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) on Friday called on the Federal Government to release the N30 billion earned allowances to Federal institutions.

Mr Samson Ugwoke, the National Chairman of the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the two unions, who made the call in Abuja, said the call followed failure of the Federal Government to honour its pact in the agreement reached with the unions.

The unions had entered into an agreement with the Federal Government in 2009 on the payment of earned allowance to federal institutions.

He said the union rejected the allocation of only 20 per cent to JAC and 80 per cent to the Academic Staff Union of Universities (ASUU) and called for an immediate audit of accounts of universities.

“The recent sharing of money where the money collected from the ministry of education signed by the teaching director of tertiary education, allocating 80 per cent of the money to ASUU and only 20 per cent to the three non-teaching staff unions is not acceptable to us.

“We reject in total the 20 per cent allocated to our members, rather we demand from the federal government the sum of N30 billion as part of the earned allowance of non teaching staff from 2009 to 2016.

“We call on government to

hasten the audit of university earned allowances, so that we will know how much is paid to who and how much remains.”

Ugwoke also said plans were on to commence a nationwide protest to demand release of the funds and setting up modalities for a renegotiation of earned allowances from July 15.

He noted that implementation of the National Industrial Court judgement on the issue of university staff school teachers, payment of earned allowances, payment of shortfalls in salaries and funding of the university system should be paramount for effective learning atmosphere.

“JAC has approved protests from the branches, protests at the zonal levels of our unions and mother of all protests in Abuja for three days before a deadline is given to the government for the mother of all strikes that will follow.”

He also rejected the continued sideline of the non academic unions in pension fund administration by ASUU, saying what was available was an instance where university Professors would benefit more from the process.

“The National Executive Council of JAC consider the role of ASUU from the beginning of the concept of that PFA till date and found that the leadership of the non teaching staff has not been carried along.

“The way and manner from the inception to registration, constitution of board of trustees, employment have been dome by ASUU alone.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

Magu, senior lawyers chart new Short News moral path for judiciary Ugwuanyi gives N100, 000 each to 68 victims Andrew Orolua, Abuja

The acting Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), Ibrahim Magu has called on senior lawyers and judicial officers to be of high rectitude.

Magu made the call on Friday at a forum titled: “Public discourse on justice delivery in Nigeria: A framework for reform,” organized in Abuja by the Justice Reform Project.

The EFCC boss said that “irrespective of what the challenges are in the judiciary, senior lawyers and particularly judicial officers must be of high rectitude, and must be seen to be so. The contrary spells hopelessness and doom for the society.”

He noted that lawyers and judges complement the work of the EFCC, stating that the commission and the judiciary are partners in progress, but however, argued that “the increasing successes we are achieving as a commission in the areas of convictions, asset forfeiture and recovery and in all aspects of our anticorruption fight would not have been possible without judicial officers and legal practitioners doing their own bit.

“Your decision to make me part of today’s event has been rewarding for me, especially your expert perspectives on the common issues that confront us all in our legal system and the judiciary. I wish to state at this juncture that the judiciary is central to the work we do in the EFCC, both bar and the bench are our partners in progress.”

While observing that the commission has prosecuted judicial officers and senior lawyers, and earned convictions, he assured that his respect for the bench and senior members of the bar remains undiminished.

He lauded the positive impacts of the 2015 Administration of Criminal Justice Act in enabling the wheel of justice delivery in the country and called on state governments to emulate the Lagos state government in establishing courts that will be designated for economic and financial crimes cases, noting that both have helped in the quicker dispensation of justice in corruption cases.

“In February 1, 2018, the Lagos state government inaugurated two courts, designated for economic and financial crimes commission cases. These

two developments, inclusive of 2015 Administration of Criminal Justice Act have in no small measure helped in the quick dispensation of justice in corruption cases and the increasing convictions we have been able to secure as anti-graft entity.

“In the EFCC, we crave that all other states of the federation would emulate Lagos state in this direction. Doing so falls in line with the commission’s establishment Act,” Magu said.

On her part, Mrs. Funke Adekoye (SAN) called for the sanitisation of the judicial system, through imposition of sanctions on legal practitioners who are found to have unnecessarily delayed the arguing of cases as well as judges who are slow to give judgments.

Adekoye also canvassed the publishing of names of aspiring judges by government in national dailies for public moral assessment of their characters, asserting that “by so doing, bad eggs will be weeded out of the race.”

The JRP is a new professional interventionist initiative in the Nigerian judiciary, facilitated by 20 senior advocates of Nigeria, drawn from across the geopolitical divide of the country.

of Enugu market fire Moses Oyediran, Enugu

Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu state on Friday visited traders of Amigbo Market in Obiagu, Enugu North Local Government Area whose shops were gutted by fire in the wee hours of yesterday to empathize with them, ascertain the cause and level of damage, and offer the state government’s assistance to ameliorate their loss.

Gov. Ugwuanyi, who arrived at the market to the amazement of the traders and residents of the suburb, after he was briefed by the Chairman of the market traders association, Emeka Nnajiofor Ogbodo, and the Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mrs. Nkechi Eneh, first thanked God that no life was lost during the inferno and consoled the victims.

Consequently, the governor donated the sum of N100, 000 to each of the affected 68 traders whose shops were burnt as immediate intervention to cushion the effects of the inferno and promised that his administration will rebuild the shops for them, in keeping with its commitment to the well-being of the people of the state.

He therefore, directed the Chairman of Enugu North Local Government Area, Emma Onoh, who was present during the visit alongside the member representing Enugu North Constituency in the state assembly, Ibekaku Onoh, to take inventory and come up with the cost implication for the rebuilding of the shops for necessary action.

“I came to console you. I know how you are feeling. As a governor whom you elected, what affects you affects me too. When you mourn, I follow you in mourning.

What affects you affects all of us in Enugu state. I am here therefore, to put smiles on your faces. All of you affected should come to Government House for immediate payment.”

Earlier, the Chairman of the market, Ogbodo, who thanked Gov. Ugwuanyi and his entourage for coming to empathize with them, narrated that the inferno started around 12:50 am, shortly before he received a distress call from the Neighborhood Watch group.

He disclosed that the swift intervention of the state fire service saved the day despite the fact that their fire-fighting trucks had challenges accessing the market.

Senate Committee promises to end pipeline vandalism Benjamin Omoike

Members of the Governing Board of Securities and Exchange Commission during their Inauguration by the Permanent, Secretary Ministry of Finance in Abuja, recently.

The Chairman, Senate ad hoc Committee on Pipeline Explosion in Komkom, Rivers state and Ijegun in Lagos state, Senator Ibrahim Gobir, on Friday said the committee is working tirelessly to put an end to such incidents in the country.

Chairman of the committee spoke with newsmen shortly after he and other members met with the Lagos state Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu, at the Lagos House, Alausa.

The committee is on an assessment and fact-finding visit to Lagos state on the pipeline explosion which occurred on July 4 in the Ijegun area of the state. It was reported that the explosion was caused by activities of vandals siphoning fuel from the Nigeria National Petroleum Company (NNPC) pipelines.

“We are here to condole with the people of Lagos on the unfortunate incident that happened in Ijegun where about 20 people died due to pipeline fire explosion. After that, we will move to the site to unravel the mess and find out exactly what happened.

“This is because we want to put a stop to this by looking critically at the root cause of this and report to the Senate and make some copies of the report to the governor,” Gobir said.

He stressed that the senators wanted to make sure that after the report, such incidents would not happen, not only in Lagos but throughout the federation.

In his remarks, Gov. Sanwo-Olu, thanked the leadership of the Senate for the swift response to the pipeline fire, which he said was a national issue. Sanwo-Olu said complaints over the recurring vandalism of the pipelines have been made many times.

The governor expressed optimism that the resolution of the committee would bring up lasting solutions on the matter and gave the committee a pictorial and written report already gathered by the state government to further help the members in their mission.

Also, Senator Solomon Adeola, said the Senate would embark on sensitisation programmes for people living in communities where pipelines are laid, adding that “we are also trying to propagate community policing and alerting people living in such areas to be alert to strange movement within their communities, pending the time a lasting solution is proffered by the federal government.”

Court upholds Sowore, Fagbiyi suspension from AAC FG gives 6-month amnesty for illegal Andrew Orolua, Abuja The Federal High Court sitting in Abuja on Friday upheld the suspension of the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress (AAC) in the February 23 presidential election, Omoyele Sowore and Malcom Fagbiyi from the party.

The court also stopped Sowore Omoyele and Malcom Fagbiyi from parading themselves as the acting national chairman and deputy national chairman of the African Action Congress (AAC) respectively.

Justice Inyang Ekwo gave the order in a judgment delivered on Friday in the suit filed by Dr. Leonard Nzenwa, who had prayed the court for an order directing Sowore and Fagbiyi to comply and obey their six -month suspension by the National Executive Committee of the AAC from the party.

The court held that the prayer and averments of the plaintiff was bound to succeed because it was unchallenged by

the defendants.

The failure of Sowore and Fagbiyi to personally depose to an affidavit and enter defence in a case brought against them by the acting National Chairman, Dr. Nzenwa was vital to their claims.

The party’s National Executive Committee (NEC) had on March 13 removed Sowore as national chairman of the AAC for alleged corruption and had in his stead, appointed Dr. Nzenwa as the acting national chairman.

Comrade Oladele Ade, acting director communication, in a statement said Dr. Nzenwa was until then the national secretary of the party.

The party recalled that at its second NEC meeting in Abuja, Sowore and nine other NEC members were accused of corruption and anti -party activities, hence their suspension.

To give effect to the suspension of Sowore and others, Dr. Nzenwa, through an ex parte motion, asked Justice Ekwo to restrain the suspended Sowore from parading himself as the national chairman

of the party.

Justice Ekwo agreed with the plaintiff that “by the community reading of the provisions of Article 50, 51,52 (k) and (n), 54,77,80 and 81 of the constitution of the African Action Congress (AAC), 2018, the suspension of the first (Sowore) and second Fagbiyi defendants as the national chairman and deputy national chairman of the AAC for six months by the national executive committee is not valid, in total and / or substantial compliance with the constitution of the party.”

He also agreed that the appointment of Dr. Nzenwa as the acting national chairman of AAC was in line with the provisions of Article 52(k) and (n), 76, 77, and 81 of the constitution of the AAC, 2018 , following the suspension of the first and second defendants.

The court also granted perpetual injunction restraining the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and agents from recognising Sowore and Fagbiyi as the national chairman and deputy national chairman of AAC.

migrants to register with NIS

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday, declared a six-month amnesty to migrants who had stayed in Nigeria beyond 90 days without resident permits.

He said that the period would enable the migrants to register with the Nigeria Immigration Service to avoid having challenges with immigration laws.

The President made the declaration at the inauguration of the Migrant E-registration and Data Processing Centres at NIS Headquarters in Abuja. He said that the period would enable the migrants to register with the Nigeria Immigration Service to avoid having challenges with immigration laws.

Represented by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, Buhari said that the E-registration was significant to the country’s drive for robust internal security and national development.

He said “It is on this note therefore, that I am declaring a six-month amnesty period for illegal migrants already in the country to submit themselves to the Nigerian Immigration Service for the purpose of this registration. The registration will be carried out without any payment or penalties.

“I’m enjoining all migrants staying in Nigeria whether regularly or otherwise, to take advantage of the amnesty window to register with the Nigeria Immigration Service.

“I also urge Nigerians to embrace the new passport reforms and I task the Nigerian Immigration Service to replicate the passport application processing centres nationwide so as to enhance transparency and elimination of corruption in the system.”

He stated that the event reflected government’s deliberate commitment to harnessing accurate data of citizens and statistics of migrants, especially those who wished to stay beyond 90 days in Nigeria.

“While the migrant e-registration centre will collate and store data of non-Nigerians within our shores, the passport application processing centre on the other hand, will provide improved issuance of passports.

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

7 News

Bala tasks assets, funds recovery Short News Court strikes out suit seeking to stop committee on objectivity appointment of CJN Samuel Luka, Bauchi

Governor Bala Mohammed of Bauchi state has charged members of the assets and funds recovery committee constituted by his administration to be unemotional and objective while discharging their responsibilities.

The governor gave the charge on Friday when he inaugurated the committee at the banquet hall, Government House in Bauchi.

Gov. Bala, who said that the committee is saddled with the responsibility of recovering assets and funds illegally taken away by individuals or groups, added that the move was aimed at moving the state forward.

He said the committee’s terms of reference include identifying and compiling a comprehensive list of government properties such real estate, shares, funds or other movable and immovable assets and the review of all land allocations from May, 2007 to May 2019 without due process.

Other terms of reference the governor said are ascertaining of all cases of lands developed or disposed off, liaising with federal government agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission (ICPC) amongst others.

The governor assured that the exercise is not meant to witch-hunt or settle old scores, maintaining that the committee was constituted to recover the misappropriated commonwealth of the state and reset the baton for integrity,

probity and accountability to thrive.

While lamenting that the previous administration was characterised by corruption and impunity which further pushed the state into abject poverty, said his government will not bear the situation and will work to reverse the trend.

He revealed that the state government received more than N2 trillion from May 2007 to May 2019 from the federation account in form of allocations and interventions.

“From 2015 to 2019 alone, the state’s total revenue collection stood at over N400 billion.

The most rudimentary audit will show how these funds were scandalously mismanaged with little or nothing to show for it,” the governor said further.

He said the number of out of school children in Bauchi state stood at more than1.3 million with another 1.3 million unemployed, pointing out that the resources to solve those problems were either diverted or out rightly, squandered while the citizens grapple with poverty.

Governor Bala further noted that recent statistics show that Bauchi state alone accounts for a combined profile of 783 per cent domestic and 32 per cent external debts, asserting that “translate this in naira and kobo; our state has a total debt profile of more than N150 billion.

For example, the first four years of Buhari administration, the state got N47 billion as bailout from the federal government mainly to off-set salaries, gratuities and pensions.

“The state got N17 billion as Paris Club refund, totalling N62 billion in all. It is embarrassing that

today we have N27 billion unpaid gratuity bills.

Andrew Orolua, Abuja It is sad, very sad.”

He said that the committee has three months The Federal High Court in Abuja on Friday struck out the suit challenging from the date of its inauguration within which to the appointment of Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad as the substantive submit its report. chief justice of Nigeria.

Responding, the Chairman of the committee, Justice Inyang Ekwo, in a judgment delivered yesterday on a suit filed by Senator Isa Hamma Misau promised to the Board of Incorporated Trustees of Malcolm Omirhobo Foundation held discharge their duties with the fear of God and that the plaintiff does not have the locus standi (legal right) to file the suit.

Ekwo agreed with the National Judicial Council (NJC), President without embarrassing anybody.

The committee chairman who pledged Muhammadu Buhari and four other defendants in the suit that the plaintiff has no powers to institute the legal action in the interest of public litigation. to carry out their responsibilities within the The judge held that the plaintiff was not authorised by its registration confines of the laws of the land, assured with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) to embark on this type of members of the committee that he will run an litigation. all-inclusive affair.

Following the prosecution and the suspension of the immediate past “I think I am even the youngest in the Chief Justice, Justice Walter Onnoghen on the strength of an ex-parte order committee, I will be equal with you. I will not be obtained from the Code of Conduct Tribunal (CCT) where Onnoghen was your chairman, but all of us will be the chairmen, being prosecuted for non -disclosure of some of his assets, Buhari suspended so that together we can work for the progress of him and appointed Justice Muhammad as acting chief justice.

The appointment of Justice Mahammad as the acting chief justice of Bauchi state. I assure you that, with the fear of Nigeria on January 28 led to filing of a suit before the Federal High Court, God, I will make this committee the pride of this Abuja by the Board of Incorporated Trustees of Malcolm Omirhobo state and the pride of this nation,” Misau said.

Foundation to stop the appointment of Justice Muhammad.

Daily Times recalls that the immediate past The suit had the NJC, the Federal Judicial Service Commission, Justice administration had few weeks to the end of Muhammad, the federal government, President Muhammadu Buhari, its tenure sought for the repeal of the Public attorney general of the federation and the Senate as defendants.

Justice Ekwo, in his judgment held that the plaintiff cannot institute the Property and Funds Recovery Tribunal Law. The 13 APC lawmakers led by the Speaker of legal action going by the provisions of its constitution, adding also that the the 8th state House of Assembly, Kawuwa Shehu plaintiff did not file the action with the name it was registered by the CAC. Damina hurriedly gave the bill first, second and third reading without objection from any of the Lagos residents welcome electronic 13 members of the assembly present. toll system in Lekki The Bauchi state Public Property and Funds Recovery Tribunal Act was signed by exBenjamin Omoike, Lagos Governor Abubakar in 2017, but he sought for its repeal after losing the 2019 gubernatorial A cross -section of Lagos residents and motorists on Friday commended the state government for proposing an electronic payment system that will election. allow motorists pass quickly at the toll plaza on the Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge.

Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu, had on Wednesday announced that the mode of toll collection at the bridge would completely go electronic by October this year, saying that the development was part of efforts to ensure the free flow of traffic within the axis.

The governor further declared the use of toll plazas at both Lekki-Epe Expressway and Lekki-Ikoyi link bridge free of charge on July 11 from 6:30am to 9:30 am and in the evening from 4:30pm to 8pm, also in a bid to tackle the gridlock on the corridor.

Reacting, a resident of the axis, Mrs. Bimbo Fatoki, said the development was a well-appreciated one, saying the free access at the toll plazas hugely reduces travel time.

“This is a welcome development and everyone is happy; kids did not get to school late this morning because the road was free and I want to say that more of this development will be welcomed,” Fatoki said.

Another resident simply identified as Alimi, said the development was an eloquent confirmation that the government of Gov. Sanwo-Olu is responsible and listens to the people.

“This development is good and it shows that the government is responsible and listens to the complaints of the people. Although, I welcome this, however in my opinion, Thursday is not the best day for the survey due to the sanitation because not everyone will come out at the same time.

“I also think that the roundabout in this area should be taken out because it is also part of the problem,” he said.

Imo assures workers of 100 per cent salary payment Val Okara, Owerri

L-R: Deputy Speaker, House of Representatives; Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase; Lagos State Governor, Mr. Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwan Akiolu I; Speaker, House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Femi Gbajabiamila and Hon. Abdulmumin Jibrin during the Governor and Speaker’s joint visit to the Oba, at the Oba’s Palace, Iga Iduganran, Lagos.

Senate will ensure Buhari succeeds in his second term - Omo-Agege Tunde Opalana, Abuja Deputy President of the Senate, Senator Ovie Omo-Agege, has said the Senate will do all in its power to ensure that President Muhammadu Buhari delivers on his Next Level agenda to Nigerians in the next four years.

Sen. Omo-Agege stated this on Friday while receiving a delegation of the Abraka Progressive Union at the National Assembly, Abuja.

According to the Senate Deputy President, the Senate would focus on providing legislation

that would create an enabling environment for President Buhari’s government to record allround success at the end of his tenure in office.

He stated that the commitment by the Senate in this direction stems from its bi-partisan approach which led to the emergence of the present leadership of the National Assembly.

He said: “We’ve started on a bi-partisan note. We had only 62 APC senators on the floor during the elections and we had 68 votes, meaning we got support from the opposition party in the Senate.

“So working with everybody, we will work with the President to create an enabling

environment for his administration to succeed. I know there are lots of expectations from Nigerians, but we will do our best to provide leadership to deliver the dividends of democracy to our people.”

Earlier, leader of the delegation, Dr. Ben Eruotor, said the reason for the visit to Sen. Omo-Agege is to felicitate with him on his emergence as deputy President of the Senate.

He noted that it was an honour for the Urhobos, who are the fifth largest ethnic group in Nigeria, to produce the first deputy President of the Senate from the South-South region of the country.

The Imo state government has dismissed rumours making the rounds that it has concluded plans to continue to pay civil servants in the state 70 per cent of their monthly salary as done by his predecessor.

The state government assured the state workers of 100 per cent monthly pay of their salaries.

Accountant General of the state, Deacon Donald Igbo disclosed this while briefing newsmen in his office, disclosing that a committee has been set up to harmonize the actual salary package of the workforce and that the state government did not pay 70 per cent to the workers for the month of June as is being peddled in the media.

He noted with regret that some government departments and agencies criminally falsify the monthly salary structure of workers which resulted in over -bloated wage bill.

“In its efforts to rebuild Imo state, the state government has resolved to remunerate civil servants in the state and has noted the actual fact on the payment of their emoluments,” he stated.

According to Igbo, workers on grade levels one to six were paid 115 per cent of their salaries last year instead of 100 per cent while those on salary grade levels 9, 10 and 12 were paid 94 per cent which amounted to a difference of six per cent just as their colleagues on levels 13 to 16 were paid three per cent difference.

“Upon assumption of office, Governor Emeka Ihedioha assured that he would pay the agreed minimum wage payable to workers in the state, but some ministries later inserted clauses not in the said 100 per cent and instead of 10 per cent difference, some will now be having 200 per cent, hence the state government has set up a committee to harmonize these differences and as soon as the committee harmonizes all these unapproved lists, the governor will approve it.

“What is being paid now is not 70 per cent from my own calculation which is more than 100 per cent,” the accountant general added.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

Kogi guber: Bello allegedly earmarks Short News Don’t impose monarch on us, community tells Obiano N198m to sponsor aspirants Tunde Opalana, Abuja As the race for the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship ticket begins, the incumbent Governor, Yahaya Bello is alleged to have earmarked N198 million to sponsor aspirants into the race ahead of the November 16 poll.

Desirous of plotting the adoption of indirect primary by fielding pseudo contestants, the governor is said to have perfected plans to buy nomination forms for about 15 other aspirants.

It was gathered that Bello plans to purchase governorship nomination forms for the hired governorship aspirants with the aim of promoting his preference for indirect mode of primaries as against the preference of direct primary by 20 other

aspirants.

Sponsored governorship aspirants who have already picked nomination forms our correspondent gathered are Amade Edime from Dekina, who is Gov. Bello’s G9 Support Group coordinator for Kogi East and Kingsley Oga Others, who are yet to pick nomination forms, include Murtala Muhammad Jimoh, Yakubu Audu, Katun Muhammad, Umar Ibrahim, Musa Hussaini, Suleiman Bashir Lawal, Comrade John Arome, Zaccheaus Dare Micheal, Ade Bright and several other persons.

Gov. Bello it was further learnt, plans to mobilize the aspirants to join him in adopting indirect primary as he at the moment remains the only aspirant out of the 23 aspirants in the party insisting on indirect primary.

Recall that 20 aggrieved aspirants stormed the party’s headquarters in Abuja on Monday, to demand for direct primaries, urging the party to rescind its decision to adopt indirect primary in picking its candidate.

The expected outcome, it was further gathered is to influence the awaiting decision of the National Executive Committee (NEC) and National Working Committee (NWC) of the party on the mode of primary to be adopted in the state.

The sponsored aspirants it was further learnt are already declaring their ambition in media and showcasing expression of interest to join the governorship race all in the name of sabotaging the interest of the APC members who want a direct mode of primaries.

The people of Ochuche-Umuodu community in Ogbaru Local Government Area of Anambra state have protested the alleged imposition of a traditional ruler on them by the state government.

Ochuche-Umuodu made a statement of their position known when no fewer than 200 of them including, chiefs, women and the youth besieged the Anambra state Government House in a peaceful protest.

The protesters carried placards with varying inscriptions such as: “Dr. Stephen I. Akpati is our choice of Igwe,” “ANSG cannot impose Igwe on us,” “Obiano give us our rightful king” and “No nepotism against our custom and tradition.”

An elder of Ochuche-Umuodu, Chief Frederick Aniche, who addressed government officials during the protest, said they had come to protest the alleged sacrilegious recognition of someone who was not ordained by the people to be their king.

Chief Aniche, who submitted their protest letter, said kingship in OchucheUmuodu was rotational and that the person that was recognised and issued a certificate by the state government was from the same community as the immediate past monarch.

He described the recognition of Osita Ijoma as an action done in error and called for the withdrawal of the certificate issued to him as it was not in line with the common will of the people of the community.

The community spokesman said Akpati met all the traditional criteria and was duly elected to be the traditional ruler of Ochuche-Umuodu and called on the state government to respect the wish of the people and recognise him.

“By this petition, we want to aver that you have been grossly ill-advised on this matter by a cabal working with the transitional chairman of Ogbaru Local Government whose interest is to foist disorder in our community.

“The panel you set up, evidently from their predisposition, body language and haste seemed to have been empanelled to rubber stamp a premeditated outcome.

Regrettably, the action will only tarnish your legacy as a governor,” he said.

3 African beauties shine on Glo-powered CNN African Voices

L-R: Dr. Ibironke Sodeinde; Past Presidents, Medical Women’s Association of Nigeria, Dr. Tutu Seni-Arije; Dr. Iyabo Tijani; wife of Lagos State Governor, Dr. (Mrs) Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu; outgoing President of the Association, Dr. Omowunmi Bakare; incoming President, Dr. Funmi Ajose; Dr. Danna Umesi; Dr. Simiat Elias during a courtesy visit to the wife of the Governor at the Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja, recently.

Dickson throws open race for successor to inner circle Tunde Opalana, Abuja Bayelsa state Governor, Seriake Dickson has allayed the fear of implosion in the race for the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) governorship ticket ahead of the November 16 gubernatorial poll in spite of the increase in the number of aspirants.

The governor said the high number of persons within the state government circle aspiring to contest the governorship election will not cause disaffection within the PDP family in the state under the aegis of the ‘Restoration’ team.

Prominent among Dickson’s inner cabinet who have picked the party’s nomination form are the Secretary to the State Government (SSG), Tamela Okara, his Chief of Staff, Talfoh Ongolo and the Deputy Governor of the state, John Jonah Sources close to the governor said the ‘Restoration’ family within the Bayelsa state chapter of the PDP which controls over 80 per cent of the party has said that it would only back one of its own for the governorship primary.

Special Adviser to the governor on Media Relations, Fidelis Soriwei, quoted the governor as having called on members of the ‘Restoration’ team with interest to contest the governorship election to pick the party’s

form for the process of consultations to begin on Tuesday.

“The governor said that three aspirants had earlier approached the leadership of the party and the ‘Restoration’ caucus to indicate interest in line with the decision of the governor to approach the issue of candidate selection for the next election with prayers and consultations.

“The governor expressed happiness that several members of the ‘Restoration’ team have come out to indicate interest in the governorship contest. He said that the expanding number of aspirants from the fold of the ‘Restoration’ team under his leadership show the existence of large number of highly competent and dedicated men of repute who are prepared to undertake the crucial mission of leading the state after me.

“The governor has said severally that the party’s candidate would be a member of the ‘Restoration’ team and must have the qualities of being steadfast and loyal and would be product of wide consultation.

“Governor Dickson said that with the successful conclusion of the prayers and fasting session, all members of the ‘Restoration’ team with the ambition to govern the state should make their interest known to the party so that they can get the form,” said the media aide.

The statement also quoted the

governor as calling on Bayelsans to make dispassionate assessment of the aspirants for the ‘Restoration’ team to make the crucial decision on who to back in the primaries, adding that every members of the caucus would be supported for continuity and stability in the governance of the state.

The governor stressed that the assessment by the state is crucial as it would form the basis upon which a final decision would be made, insisting that “the team has taken a decision to back one of its own to contest the primaries of the PDP in the state.

“The Restoration team is inclined to support a candidate from the caucus for the governorship ticket because of the imperative of continuity and stability in governance.

“It is on the basis of this that any member of the team who has an ambition is called upon to pick the form. The caucus shall make all the necessary arrangements for consultations within the caucus of the PDP before taking a final decision on who to support.”

He added further that adequate mechanism has been put in place for feedback from the citizens, in addition to wide consultations within the party and the entire state upon which a decision would be taken on who should be backed in the primaries.

The next episode of the popular television magazine on the Cable News Network (CNN), African Voices, will be showcasing three beautiful ladies who have carved niches for themselves in the vocal arts.

The three are dance choreographer, actress, creative director and philanthropist from Rwanda, Sherrie Silver; Shifa Amankwah-Gabbey, a spelling bee winner from Ghana and Pretty Yende, a singer from Mpumalanga, South Africa.

The first guest celebrated in the edition is Silver, a 24-year-old beauty, who says she is on “a mission to educate the world about African cultures through the art of dance”. She is the mastermind of American singer Childish Gambino’s provocative video, This is America, which has so far attracted more than 540 million views on YouTube.

Silver has been actively involved in a social media campaign to promote investments among young people in rural Africa.

This week edition of CNN African Voices also celebrates the 13-yearold Shifa Amankwah-Gabbey, the winner of 2018 National Spelling Bee competition in Ghana. It was not a mean feat as she beat over 150 other spellers from various schools across the country to clinch the ultimate prize.

She subsequently represented the country in the 91st Scripps Spelling Bee in the United States of America.

The next guest featured in the edition is Yende, described as a ‘modern fairy-tale’. Yende was born in 1985 in the small town of Piet Retief, Mpumalanga, South Africa. A soprano, her ascendancy to the top of the opera world is supersonic. She has performed leading roles at international opera houses including La Scala and the Metropolitan Opera.

Yende was inspired to learn opera at age 16 after seeing a British Airways TV advertisement that made a heavy impression on her young mind.

Afterwards, she enrolled at the South African College of Music from where she graduated cum laude. She also attended the Accademia Teatro alla Scala in Milan, Italy.

Pro-Biafra group accuses el-Rufai of sponsoring pro-Ruga group Our reporter An organization that is in support of an independent Biafra has accused Kaduna state Governor, Nasir el-Rufai of being the mastermind of the threat by some northern groups to take violent action against Southerners in the region if the federal government fails to go ahead with the controversial Ruga scheme which was recently suspended.

The organization, Biafra Nation’s Youth League (BNYL) in a statement on Friday, signed by its Chief Press Secretary, Comrade Kufre Obot, said the address given by el-Rufai at a recent event organized by northern youth where he boasted that Southerners are criminals as well as the fact that the threat was given within the area of his jurisdiction without him saying anything to condemn it, are clear indications that the governor was behind the threats.

“Arewa quit notice was decided in Kaduna, he didn’t take any action. Now another Kangaroo group has emerged to make the same threat, if you read Abdulazeez’s statement, he also described the people of Southern Nigeria as criminals, similar to what the Kaduna state governor said some days ago,” the statement said.

Comrade Obot frowned at el-Rufai for calling Southerners internet fraudsters, saying that on the other hand, the governor was jealous of the rapid developments taking place in the South, even without support of the federal government, describing people of the region as hardworking and development oriented.

According to the group, any attempt by the government to take RUGA to the South, especially the South East would be vehemently resisted, at whatever cost, as they are ready to make necessary sacrifice to defend their native land.

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

Osun APC faults Adeleke’s claim that PDP won guber poll Gbenga Olarinoye, Osogbo

The ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) in Osun state, has lashed out at Dr. Deji Adeleke declaring that he was dead wrong to have said his brother, Senator Ademola Adeleke won last September’s governorship election in the state.

Reacting to this claim in a statement issued in Osogbo by the party’s directorate of publicity and signed by its Director, Kunle Oyatomi, the APC, argued that if Sen. Adeleke actually won the election, he would have been governor today, adding that the senator is not governor because he lost that election.

Speaking on behalf of the Adeleke family when he received a Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) delegation, the elder Adeleke was quoted to have said that “people know his brother won the election, but was deprived of his victory by the powers that be.”

However, the APC in its reaction observed that “the statement of Dr. Deji Adeleke that his brother, the PDP candidate won the election has no basis in law and in facts and should be disregarded by all well-meaning

people who believe in the rule of law and the democratic process.

“That Deji Adeleke and some other people desperately wished for his brother to win could not make him victorious. More importantly, however, is the fact that at no time during the election process did INEC declare Sen. Adeleke winner.

“Initially, the election was stalemated because no clear winner emerged due to serious irregularities and violence in Orolu, Osogbo and Ife federal constituencies which rendered the votes at seven polling units invalid.

“In law, when there is such a stalemate, INEC makes the determination for a re-run election at those polling units, especially so if the total votes in the affected units are more than enough to upturn any advantage of either of the two leading contestants.

“The PDP candidate lost the re-run election and therefore, could not become governor. At that point, the case went to the tribunal for legal determination.

“Although, the election tribunal in its judgment gave the election to the PDP, the superior Court of Appeal and the Supreme Court of the country made clear in their determination of the position of the law that

not only was INEC right to declare the first election stalemated, the final outcome of the process produced a clear winner, who is Governor Gboyega Oyetola, the APC candidate.

“So, legally and factually, the winner was the APC candidate, albeit by a narrow margin,” the APC state publicity director said.

Furthermore, Oyatomi noted further that “such a re-run election was not peculiar to the state of Osun. Similar situations had occurred in some other states before and after that of the state of Osun.

“Such situations occurred in Imo (2011 and 2015), Anambra (2013), Taraba (2015), Abia (2015), Kogi (2015) and Bayelsa (2015).

After Osun in 2018, INEC empowered by the Electoral Act in Section 53 (3) also in March 2019, declared inconclusive guber elections in Bauchi, Benue, Kano, Plateau and Sokoto.

“Winners and losers had emerged after the re-run and the Supreme Court did uphold the outcomes. The case of Osun, therefore, is not strange. For Dr. Deji Adeleke to still be dreaming that his brother won the election, simply shows that he has scant regard for the rule of law and belief in the democratic process.”

9 News

Short News Polytechnic donates 40 tricycles to physically challenged students Samuel Luka, Bauchi Rector of the Abubakar Tatari Ali Polytechnic, Bauchi, Dr. Sulaiman Mohammed Lame has distributed 40 tricycles to the physically challenged students of the institution in order to ease their sufferings in terms of transportation.

The rector while distributing the tricycles said that the benefiting students are also to enjoy free education courtesy of the management of the polytechnic.

He said the polytechnic apart from distributing tricycles to disabled students free of charge, also attached some financial support to enable them carry out their studies without hitches.

Dr. Sulaiman, who said many disabled students are currently studying in the polytechnic free of charge, explained that such students are exempted from paying tuition and departmental fees and are given free accommodation in the institution.

He described the effort as an attempt by the management of the institution to reduce street begging by encouraging qualified disabled students to further their education in the polytechnic.

According to him, disabled students who possess the requisite qualification can apply for admission for degree, HND, ND or any certificate course being offered by the institution.

Also speaking, the coordinator of the distribution programme who is also a Principal Assistant Registrar in the polytechnic, Alhaji Ahmed Muhammad said the initiative was aimed at aiding the disabled members of the society.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Maryam Ibrahim a student of mass communication and Muhammad Sani Umar, computer science student thanked the management of the polytechnic for initiating the programme.

NGO feeds 300 less privileged in Agege, seeks partnership Patrick Okohue, Lagos

Enugu State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi (3rd left) with the member representing Enugu North Constituency, Hon. Ibekaku Onoh (2nd left); Chairman, Enugu North Local Government Area, Hon. Emma Onoh (left); the Executive Secretary, State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA), Mrs. Nkechi Eneh, and the Chairman, Amigbo Market Traders Association, Obiagu, Enugu, Mr. Emeka Nnajiofor Ogbodo (right), when the governor visited victims of fire incident at the market to empathise and assist them...on Friday.

Kwara revenue agency rakes in N9. 8bn as IGR Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin The Kwara state Internal Revenue Service (KW-IRS) an agency solely responsible for the mobilisation of revenue in the state has raked in a total sum of N9.8 billion in the second quarter of 2019 as against N6.2 billion in the first quarter.

According to the breakdown, the agency in April generated the sum of N1.145 billion while it raked in N6.9 billion and N1.76 billion in May and June respectively.

Addressing journalists in Ilorin, the state capital during the agency’s quarterly media parley, KW-IRS Chairman, Prof. Muritala Awodun, stated that the agency’s half year performance in 2019 was the best in all its half year performances since inception, explaining

that the huge revenue of N6.9 billion in May was because of the inflow of cash liabilities of N4.8 billion from federal government agencies.

He disclosed that the agency still has some liabilities to collect which are being pursued with vigour, adding that the agency is looking for positive changes with a view to firming up revenue collection in the state.

Awodun, who disclosed that the agency has no plan to increase taxes to grow revenue, said the plan is to ensure that all taxable people are brought into the tax net, adding that when this is done, the state’s revenue profile would receive a substantial boost.

He lamented that there are several people in this category, but said the agency is working round the clock to ensure that all taxable adults and corporate bodies are captured.

On taking legal action against tax defaulters,

Awodun said the agency doesn’t believe in that line of action which he said was not only time consuming, but also very costly, adding that the agency was embarking on a friendly approach by using persuasion which has substantially paid off.

The chairman, whose tenure would expire in September, has declared that he won’t seek re-apportionment and would reject being re-appointment as he has garnered enough experience in the past few years both in the private and public sectors, and was only willing to go back to the classroom to impact the knowledge he has gained.

He said: “The hunger for me to go back to the classroom is very high and if I will not go back to the classroom full time, I will go back on part time basis to impact the experience I have garnered.”

It was like Christmas came early for some less privileged persons who hang around the railway line in parts of Agege area of Lagos, when a nongovernmental organisation, Skeptron Child and Humanity Foundation, launched its outreach programme with the feeding of over 300 of the less privileged.

The event which saw the foundation, a subsidiary of Sceptre Tourism storm the ever busy railway line with several packs of food and soft drinks threw the area into carnival mood as the charity organization shared food, drinks and money to the less privileged.

Speaking on why they chose to feed the less privileged, one of the team leaders of the foundation, Miss Adebitan Albright said they are using the outing to promote eating healthily and trying to fill a gap by showing love to the less privileged.

“The purpose of this outing is to reach out to some less privileged people and feed them. We have a goal of enhancing healthy living among the populace, that is why we are working at feeding people and making sure they have access to quality food because that helps in the area of feeding healthily because like they say, health is the greatest wealth anyone can have.

“We chose Agege because we realized that there are many less privileged people in this area and besides, in looking at transforming lives and reaching out to people you must start from somewhere.”

Head of the foundation, Mrs. Precious Ijie Johnson, said they were only kicking off their programme with the feeding outreach, as they still have many things in the pipeline for the less privileged.

“Besides the programme of feeding some less privileged persons, we are also looking at how we can take children off the streets and giving them education, giving children welcome back to school sets like school bags, stationeries and some essentials for schools basically.

Police chief seeks empowerment of security agencies in terror war Samuel Luka, Bauchi

The federal government has been urged to empower the military, police, Department of State Services (DSS), the civil defence corps and other security outfits to enable them combat terrorists.

The Bauchi state Commissioner of Police, Habu Sani gave the advice at a community dialogue for traditional and religious leaders in Bauchi on preventing and countering violent extremism organized by the Bauchi state Network of Civil Society Organizations (BASNEC).

Deputy Commissioner of Police, Adamu Aliyu Alhaji, who represented the police boss in the state, said all security agencies complement the work of one another hence, the need to pay attention to all of them as one institution alone cannot win the war on terror.

The police commissioner, who commended BASNEC for organizing the dialogue, said that the dialogue was timely and would help in promoting unity and peaceful coexistence among the adherents of various faiths residing in the state.

Chairman of the Bauchi state Network of Civil Society Organization (BASNEC), Jinjiri Garba said the purpose of the event was to bring stakeholders together to rub minds on how to manage conflicts within their communities.

He noted that representatives of various security operatives were invited to present speak to the participants on security tips, peace and conflict resolution.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

Journey through Libya life threatening, says returnee Nosa Akenzua, Asaba A Libya returnee, Deacon Ekwuabi John has warned that the journey through Libya to Europe portends death for unsuspecting travellers, saying that the process is life threatening as the survival rate is at 70-30 per cent.

Ekwuabi, who spoke to journalists in Asaba, said he was a victim of human trafficking as he was made to undergo the journey through the dessert from Nigeria to Libya where over 5, 000 Nigerians lived in the bush with no food or water, disclosing that they were transported in a truck with over 300 persons loaded in the truck.

“We saw real death in life and

many of us were made to drink our urine inside the truck and in the dessert with over 300 passengers. In the dessert, the sun rises as early as 4am and sets as late as 10pm, thus making the weather very hot and leading to fever that will never go.

“Several people died of thirst because sometimes they have to stay without drinking water for weeks and at a point our urine becomes reddish in colour and we have to drink it as we have exhausted our water supply,” he said.

Ekwuabi explained that another serious threat to the lives of the illegal immigrants was traceable to the activities of dessert bandits, saying that “bandits kidnap passengers and keep them for days and even weeks, and the men are used for hard labour

while the women are used for sex slaves. Sometimes, they release a few alive.

“Sometimes, people’s organs are harvested and sold to the organ markets without their knowledge.

There are lots of people whose parents are still awaiting their return here in Asaba and Nigeria to no avail, not knowing the children have been killed.”

According to him, he has since been to Libya legally twice after being initially trafficked, adding that “the Libya dessert is a death trap and the grass across the fence is not as green like the ones in Nigeria. It’s all hell, especially for the women who are sexually abused and in the process many have died, and have been buried in the bush.”

Short News NULGE renews call for conduct of council elections in Borno

The Borno state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Local Government Employees (NULGE) has called for the conduct of local council elections in the state.

Chairman of the union, Malam Mustapha Bulama, made the call in an interview in Maiduguri, following the inability of the state government to conduct elections into the 20 local government areas in the state due to the security challenges and insurgency in the past 10 years.

The councils were being administered by caretaker committees appointed by the governor.

Bulama said that the call was imperative to reinvigorate and demystify local government administration, adding that conducting elections into the councils would promote community participation in governance, encourage growth of democratic culture and enhance transparency in the councils’ administration.

The NULGE chairman noted that such elections play significant roles in the promotion of people-oriented governance, lamenting that previous administrations in the state failed to conduct the elections in spite of several appeals by the union.

“For many years, elections for the president, governors, members of the national and state houses of assemblies were conducted at the grassroots. These elections were conducted peacefully and we wonder why elections could not hold for the local councils,’’ he said.

Commenting on the financial autonomy of the councils, Bulama described the move as a welcome development and called for the amendment of the law establishing the State and Local Government Councils Joint Account, to facilitate the successful implementation and prudent management of council funds.

He also lauded Governor Babagana Zulum over his commitments to transform local government administration in the state and pledged support to the state government’s proposed worker verification exercise and other programmes outlined to reinvigorate the local council administration.

Okowa salutes Gov Udom at 53 Nosa Akenzua, Asaba Delta state Governor, Ifeanyi Okowa, has congratulated his Akwa-Ibom state counterpart, Udom Emmanuel, as he turns 53 years.

Okowa in a statement by his Chief Press Secretary, Charles Aniagwu in Asaba, extolled the administrative prowess and industrialisation agenda of the Akwa-Ibom state governor, describing him as an uncommon professional, astute administrator and enthusiastic leader of inestimable value.

The governor lauded the sterling and legendary contributions of Gov. Udom, whose visionary and pragmatic leadership has lifted several AkwaIbom sons and daughters from poverty by way of job and wealth creation through the over seven industries he has attracted to the state.

“It is heart warming to note that you have through hard work, discipline and uncommon vision won the admiration and respect of Akwa-Ibom people and the nation at large.

“Your focus and commitment to the industrialisation and development of Akwa-Ibom state is legendary and worthy of commendation, he said adding “the people of Akwa-Ibom didn’t make any mistake when they overwhelmingly re-elected you for a second term in office to guarantee a brighter future ahead of them.

“On behalf of the government and people of Delta state, I heartily rejoice with a reputable politician, outstanding professional, seasoned administrator and my brother governor, Udom Emmanuel of Awka-Ibom state as he turns 53 years.

“It is our prayer that God will continue to protect you and grant you good health to render more services to mankind,” Okowa stated.

L-R: Retired Bishop of Lagos Diocese, Anglican Communion, Rt. Rev. Ephraim Ademowo; Lagos State Governor, Babajide Sanwo-Olu; Primate Anglican Communion, The Most Rev’d Nicholas Okoh; Celebrant/ The Bishop of Lagos Diocese, Anglican Communion, Dr. Humphrey Bamisebi Olumakaiye; his wife; Professor Olufunke and Ondo State Governor, Rotimi Akeredolu, during the 10th year Consecration Anniversary and 50th Birthday Celebration of Rev’d Olumakaiye in Lagos...on Friday.

Photo: Olawale Rotimi

Akeredolu assures Ondo indigenes of even distribution of projects

Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu of Ondo state says his administration will be fair and even in the distribution of developmental projects across the state.

Akeredolu, who made the promise in Akure, when members of the Nigerian Bar Association (NBA) Owo branch paid him a courtesy visit, said this was a deliberate policy of his administration to ensure citizens felt government’s presence everywhere.

He said this was because his administration placed very high

premium on good governance, explaining that to actualise the plan, a lot of resources were also being expended on the maintenance of some federal roads such as the OwoIkare and Akure-Ado Ekiti roads.

The governor said though the state has received a letter from the federal government that it would not reimburse funds spent on road maintenance, the state government would do all it can to ensure rehabilitation of roads in the state.

Akeredolu said the Ore flyover and the Okitipupa bypass would

be completed before the end of 2019 and the second quarter of 2020 respectively.

Earlier, the Owo NBA chairman, Tajudeen Ahmed, lauded the governor’s strides in many sectors, describing his performance as outstanding and unprecedented.

Ahmed said the association has noted with pride Akeredolu’s performance as NBA president, adding that it had decided to confer on him the title of grand patron during its law week beginning from Monday.

SEMA, NEMA distribute relief materials to Delta flood victims Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

Relief materials worth millions of naira have been distributed to victims of the 2018 flood disaster in Oleh, headquarters of Isoko South Local Government Area of Delta state.

The State Emergency Management Agency (SEMA) and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) officials who made the distribution on behalf of the state government in Oleh, said 200 knapsack sprayers, agricultural chemicals were distributed to the victims, many of whom are farmers.

Head of the NEMA team, Mrs. Gladys Omoefe, who spoke to journalists, disclosed that the beneficiaries were mainly farmers, whose crops were destroyed by flood in 2018, disclosing that the relief materials included a cash presentation of N100, 000 to each of the beneficiaries to alleviate the sufferings of the affected persons.

She said that the 2018 flood disaster affected areas such as:Iyede, Ozoro and some parts of Owheologbo where crops were completely destroyed.

Investigation revealed that Isoko South and North, Okpanam, some parts of Agbor and Asaba were heavily affected by the 2018 flood disaster where several houses apart from farm crops were swept away and destroyed.

Further investigation revealed that many of the victims who were rendered homeless by the flood disaster sought refuge in neighbouring communities were they have been staying before they received the relief materials.

A beneficiary, Ejiro Oghenevo thanked the state government through SEMA, , saying that the materials came timely when they were almost losing hope of recouping their losses.

“We are grateful to the Delta state government for the immense help for us to get back to life after the destruction of our farm crops and our houses, and we were almost hopeless, but thank God for using the state government,” Oghenevo said

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

11

My 76 year old mother has been missing for four months, Lagos University staff laments Bonaventure Melah Human life is the most precious of all that God created and kept on earth.

The loss of life, especially a beloved one therefore usually comes with heartache, tears and sorrow.

In Nigeria, when a loved one dies at the age of 70, relatives and friends would say, well, he or she lived up to the three score years and half, which the Bible says is a full life circle, while those that live beyond that age are said to have special grace.

But that is not the same with when a human being, child, mother, grandmother, father or grandfather, anyone for that matter, is missing. In that case, people would say, that it is better that someone dies, so that relatives can give them befitting burial and passage rites, than to get missing. Such occurrences are worse than nightmares.

The above is the sorry situation that Titilola Oni and her siblings have found themselves since March 13 this year, when their 76 year old mother, Amudat Oluwa left their house and has not been found, in spite of all the deliberate efforts they have made to find her.

Even as she spoke with Daily Times on phone Friday afternoon from Abule Oja Police station, an outskirt of Lagos, Titilola Oni sobbed intermittently. She was at the station to again find out what the Police have done or doing about the report she filed on 10th April, 2019 over the disappearance of her mother.

She had earlier contacted me, to narrate the heart renting story and how she had, since March 15th, 2019 gone from one part of Lagos to the other; and how inconclusive tips that nearly gave insight on how to find

her mother ended up with the taste of ash in her mouth.

“On Sunday 31st March, 2019, my mother left home to my sister’s place in Lagos,” She told me.

“She |wore a polo that is yellowish in colour, a yellow/grey and white colour Ankara, bare footed. She is 76 years of age, I guess she lost her memory but she is approachable.

“I did not meet her at home when I got back from work at around 8.00 pm, the next day I went to Lagos to check on her but to my greatest surprise, my sister told me she never see mama.

“I started searching for her, I was told they saw her at Morroco, I quickly went there to check on her, I continued the searching to Gbagada Estate when somebody told me they saw her there but she was not. But there was an affirmation that she was seen there at one Celestial Church at Gbagada. She left after asking for money for food and she was given by one woman and later came back to rain praises on the woman.

Titilola went on, “We went further, we were told she was seen at a place in Anike Street, Ladylak, Bariga for three (3) days in front of a shop. The shop owner said she was the one that drove her away. We came back to the street at around 6.00 pm to 11.00 pm but she did not come back to the street.

“According to someone I spoke to, my mother was later seen at Bariga while I was still searching for her at Lady-Lak, immediately I heard, I rushed down to Bariga, she was seen at one street beside the Just Rite Eatery on the main road, one woman claimed she saw her around 10.00pm a day to my arrival asking people around there she wanted indomie noodle and somebody bought

it for her and another person bought water for her.

Police failure to do their job Titilola was at the Abule Oja Police station again this Friday to ask Police what they have done. Initially, the Police told her the case file was nowhere to be found.

When she insisted while also

speaking on phone with me, some Police Officers warned her to stop making the calls.

A few hours later, she called to say they have found the case file and that no tangible thing was written on it concerning her mother’s where-about. But that the file indicated only that she filed a case of missing person in

April, 2019. She was as usual heart- broken, as she boarded a vehicle to go home.

“All efforts to see my mother have so far proved abortive. Am still searching for her,” Titilola told me and pleased with anyone with useful information about her mother to call her on 0806 097 6499.

Gist 12

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

Kenny Blaq releases “Manifesto” ahead of ‘The Oxymoron of Kenny Blaq 3’

‘The Reunion’ set to hit Cinemas ... Premieres August 11 All is set for the release of ‘The Reunion’ across the cinemas nationwide from August 16.

The movie which is Fojo Media Productions debut outing in the cinemas stars Mercy JohnsonOkojie, Lilian Esoro, Tana Adelana, Mercy Aigbe, Jide Kosoko, Frederick Leonard, Chioma Emeruah Chigurl, Jaiye Kuti, Femi Jacobs, Lateef Adedimeji, Steve Onu Yaw among others.

The star studded movie tells the story of four friends from high school who re-unite to plan the 50th anniversary of their alma mater. As a battle of superiority stirs up and issues from the past are re-visited, secrets are revealed that threaten to tear up their seemingly perfect lives.

According to the Chief Executive Officer of Fojo Media Productions and Executive Producer of the movie, Mrs. Faith Ojo, the Reunion shares the

struggles of women while living up to the expectations of the society. “This is a must watch for every household.”

While commenting on the film industry in Nigeria and its performance, Mrs. Ojo said that Nollywood actors are a match to Hollywood actors any day, adding that the support and partnership they give to every project they are involved in makes the difference.

“The Nollywood industry will be bigger than what it is today if Nollywood actors throw their weight and support from their fans to make each movie a hit, that way the producer makes more money to plunge back into paying them for more movies.”

The industry has a lot of prospects and until actors see each project as their personal project, then we may remain where we are”, she added.

Mrs. Ojo stressed that the

government cannot be looked on for the development of every sphere of the society, hence her role in ensuring that more upcoming talented young people in the movie industry grow.

Speaking on the making of the movie, the producer/ Director, Thomas Odia noted that the movie stands out as it involves seasoned actors who were selected to interpret their roles, “this is an aspect of the technicalities involved in telling a good story including the set design, lighting, cinematography, sound, costume, makeup and hair, camera accessories, properties and the production design as a whole.

It is high time crew members got recognized for exceptional creativity, dedication to the job and hardwork.

The Reunion is distributed nationwide by Genesis cinemas. It premieres on August 11th.

Ariya Repete selection parties conclude with Ilorin & Osogbo regional contests Stories Mutiat Alli The final selection parties of the Ariya Repete music contest took place in Osogbo and Ilorin on Friday the 5th of July as the last batch of successful contestants were selected to enter into the quarterfinal stage of the competition.

Over the last four weeks, the competition has moved across eight cities in southwestern Nigeria and has uncovered some amazing talents in Fuji, Juju and Yoruba hip hop.

At the Osogbo and Ilorin selection parties, six talented acts were crowned regional champions.

Adebayo Amos, Wasiu Onilewura, and Oyesola Boluwatife emerged as Osogbo winners in the Juju, Fuji, and Yoruba Hip-hop category respectively. While in Ilorin, Afolabi Ibrahim, Seun Agbayi, and Mayowa Alayo fought off stiff competition to make it to the quarter-final stage.

The next stage of the competition is set to up the stakes, as the 24 regional winners will battle at the quarter-final concert in Akure on

Ariya Repete the 26th. Prior to the competition resuming in the last week of July, contestants will undergo a oneweek mentorship session in the Ariya academy. Here, they will be tutored on how to hone their skills by some of the leading Juju and Fuji musical acts in the Nigerian entertainment scene.

Speaking after the completion of the regional auditions and selection

parties, Goldberg Lager Brand Manager, Funmi Ogunbodede, expressed his delight saying, “This platform has continuously discovered talented individuals in the indigenous music scene, while also giving them a platform to showcase their talents to the world.

This year has been no different, and I’m very proud of the contestants.

I believe we will have an amazing quarter-final showdown.”

He further congratulated the quarterfinalists and wished them all the best as they continue to compete to win their share in the grand prize of 20 Million Naira.

Ariya Repete is proudly sponsored by Goldberg Lager Beer. Over the years, Goldberg has consistently pushed the bar in excellence, continually providing fans and consumers with remarkable experiences which dial up the culture and traditions of the people, whilst also appreciating modern social conventions. This perfect blend of both worlds has enabled Goldberg to remain one of the most authentic brands in the beer industry.

Ahead of the third edition of his critically-acclaimed comedy show ‘The Oxymoron of Kenny Blaq,’ comedian Kenny Blaq has released a humorous “manifesto” giving fans a glimpse of what to expect at the event which holds on Sunday, July 28 at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos.

Writing on his Instagram page, the comedian wrote: “I MCFR Otolorin Kehinde Peter AKA Kenny Blaq AKA God’s Grace Ambassador, Support A New Industry, A New Structure, New Rules. I am going to take the music comedy industry to THE NEXT LEVEL. I will supply HUMOR For everyone irrespective of who you are and where you are coming from like I have done in my FIRST and SECOND TERM. This THIRD TERM, me and my party will deliver

the best of time travel with musical comedy.”

Since bursting onto the scene five years ago, the comedian enjoyed a meteoric rise, with his signature show winning the “Best Comedy Show of the Year” award at both 2017 and 2018 editions of the Naija FM Comedy Awards. He also recently headlined a sold-out show at London’s O2 Arena.

Kenny Blaq

Behold Fathia Abdullahi, Nigerian wonder girl who built robot that folds clothes Our Reporter Fathia Abdullahi, a 12-year-old Nigerian girl, has begun to gain global recognition after she created a laundry-folding robot that folds clothes in “three seconds” — barely a year after she started coding.

According to a story earlier done by Reuters, Fathia Abdullahi programmer started coding at the age of 11while she had also designed the robot prototype to fold T-shirts because “there are too much clothes to fold,” during the weekends.

She looks to achieve much more with the skill if she pulls through with her dream of becoming a food scientist in the nearest future.

According to the report, Fathia said, “I made the T-shirt folder because there are too many clothes to fold on Saturdays and Sundays when you wash a lot. I made it using some pins, some beams, and EV3 brick.

“I started coding at the age of 11. I decided to build the robot because that’s the problem we have at home. We wash clothes and there are always lots of T-shirts to fold. I’d love to be a food scientist when I grow up. I’ll be able to use coding to build so many things that would help me.

Fathia It also stated that she had revealed the robot was just a prototype and that she intends to develop the tech for sale to the local market.

“Fathia is, however, not the only one who has impressively deployed coding skills into easing everyday house chores. In a similar bid to “make daily tasks easier”, Oluwatobiloba Owolola, who is also 12, programmed a robot grabber that senses nearby objects and moves them to a more desired location.

“On account of his one-time obsession and fondness for coding, the young boy said he looks to carve out a career for himself in robotics engineering,” the report stated.

Actress, Blessing Ofoegbu now a ‘Street Girl’ Fair and beautiful Nollywood starlet, Blessing Ofoegbu, has turned a ‘ Street Girl’.

This she did in a movie titled; STREET GIRL I LOVE. Produced by Power House Films Production.

The movie was directed by Ken Steve Anuka, while its associate producer is Collins Sahara Nwa. In the movie, Blessing played the character of Bellasconi, the ghetto girl that everybody wants because of her confidence, courage and beauty. Although the production team are still on set doing what they know how to do best, Ms. Ofoegbu has this to say about her Street Girl role.

“It was a very challenging role, but I put in my very best into it and loved every bit of the outcome,” she gushed.

Speaking on her plans for the rest part of 2019, Ms Ofoegbu said: “Well, let me be specific now. Thank God for my career. My

moves in the industry are getting bigger.

No regrets at all because in life we are bound to make mistakes. The ability for us to learn from that mistake and move boldly is what matters. Our mistakes help to build us.

For the rest part of 2019, I plan is to be more focused and hardworking in my life and career.

Blessing

13

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

Society Gist Lagos First Lady, Ibijoke Sanwo-Olu speaks on need to boost Healthcare industry with technology

Mike Along doing a presentation of his book

Montai, Ogboru, others unveil Michael Alonge’s book Isaac Oguntoye On 27th of June, 2019, ‘The Hidden Substance’, a motivational Book by journalist and online news media publisher, Alonge Michael ‘Dele, was unveiled at the prestigious Imperial Hall, Alausa area of Lagos.

Unlike some motivational writers who only provide abstract narratives as a source of inspiration, Michael Alonge uses his personal story to tell his story that could change someone else’s story.

In the author’s speech, he said: “Speechless is the way I feel looking at all the adorable faces within the four walls of this hall that graced my first-ever intellectual compilation, The Hidden Substance.

“Sincerely I don’t know how well to say it to you all that I am nothing, but a mere product of grace.

“The journey that culminated to this destination and location today was borne out of the grace that guided me to realisation and discovery of ‘The Hidden Substance’ that lies hidden within me.

“It hasn’t been a smooth voyage, but with perseverance, dedication and hard work, falling and raising, picking up the broken pieces, mending and discarding when necessary. I hope a critical and constructive look into my life via The Hidden Substance will act as a catalyst to erupt the latent volcano in as many people that seem boxed up in a tight corner, about to surrender to the unfavourable challenges and obnoxious

obstacles life throws in their path.

“I would want to encourage such people to shun every form of defeatist tendency, look inwards, challenge yourself and believe that you can always do better than now. A life of crime, drugs and other social vices should never define who you truly are. Rewrite your story, tell it to the world and someday soon you will be celebrated. I welcome you all to the discovery of how I discovered The Hidden Substance.”

Present at the event, which was professionally anchored by a sensational artist, Tito Da.fire, were the following notable personalities Hajia Taibat Elemosho-Okesanjo a.k.a. Montai, Mrs. Ogboru, Omede Odekina from UBA, and Gladys Sam-Sedi amongst other personalities who graced the occasion.

Rukayat Gawat veers into water business What is emanating from the neighbourhood of the foremost Islamic singer, Alhaja Rukayat Gawat, artistically known as Sheikha, (Queen of Music,) is her new venture that she has been using to support the communities around her.

Our correspondent gathered from reliable sources that the beloved daughter of former ace Islamic programme presenter, Alhaji Razak Gawat, has just joined the elite league of industrious and well-meaning Nigerians who ventured into the water production business, (bottled and sachet,) which she brands ‘SpringStar Water.’

Enterprising and sensational Rukayat Gawat is someone whose milk of human kindness, is like an inestimable fountain, which has endlessly flowed to whet parched throats, just as he is a passionate

lover of humanity, generosity, charity, philanthropy, and an embodiment of munificence in all its ramifications.

This beautiful mother of two is taking good advantage of the hard times to give back to her people, through free doling of bags of her pure water production to individuals for the sustainability of their living. This is only because she knows the value of water to their life and business.

Recently, she was sighted at her neighborhood of Ogudu, a rural suburb of Lagos, randomly distributing free bags of water to people, and at the same time promoting and creating awareness of his new venture, the ‘SpringStar’ water production, which has been in operation for some time now without attracting any publicity.

Rukayat

Dr. (Mrs.) Ibijoke SanwoOlu, the First Lady Lagos State, has enjoined medical practitioners to integrate Information Technology into healthcare delivery.

She made this clarion call at the just concluded Healthcare Nigeria Conference which took place on Thursday 11th of July, 2019 with the theme, Healthcare in Nigeria: Transformative Solution at the prestigious Oriental Hotel Victoria Island Lagos while addressing medical practitioners in the health, insurance provider services.

In her words, she said: “The transformation of healthcare in Nigeria is a collective effort. We must join hands together as individual, organizations, government, NGOs and development partners to ensure that we have an effectively and efficient healthcare delivery system. I must add that we cannot be talking about the transformation of healthcare without due application of Information Technology to healthcare delivery.”

Buttressing her point, she stated that “Today’s doctors are increasingly young and versatile especially in the application of digital skills. Such skills must be applied in the delivery of healthcare services.”

“The world is now talking about telemedicine and telehealth which allows patients and doctors to communicate at remote distance.

It will reduce travel time as well as pressure on our doctors. It is increasingly crystal that dynamic application of technology will boost healthcare industry.”

Meanwhile, she also emphasised the importance of healthcare in Lagos and how her husband, the executive governor of Lagos State, Babajide

SanwoOlu, is

Ibijoke making Health and Environment the heart of policy structure saying accessibility to good healthcare is considered fundamental human right of every citizen.

According to the chief executive officer, Hygeia HMO Obinnia Abajue, There are untold stories about the progress the sector has made about the benefits of health insurance and the value of prioritizing quality care saying “The world has accepted that health insurance is the way to achieve universal health coverage because every other alternative fails the sustainability test.”

However, the event that had three sections panelists was able to provide possible solution to mental health issues stating the needs for funding and extending the benefit of health insurance to the rural areas.

The event that started in 2017 had Flutter wave, Old Mutual, ARM Life, the PharmAccess Foundation as one of the major sponsor.

Why youths need to get involved in nation building - Godswill Cole-Chiori In a bid to further remind youths of the need to be actively involved in nation building, top Nigerian business man, Executive Director at Achievas Entertainment Company Limited, Ocean Glory Commodities, Ocean Global Impex services, Eko Gadgets Limited, Korrgreen Farms Limited and DVNX Fit Limited, Godswill Cole Chiori, has disclosed in a recent interview that there are lots of benefits to be enjoyed when youths get involved in nation building as a whole as this will help to become a part of the decision making cabinet of the country at large.

With over 10 years experience in active business with investments in the Maritime, Real estate, Tech, Agriculture, Entertainment and Fashion industries, 30 years old Godswill Cole who is originally from Abia State, born in Katsina, and has spent most of his adult life in Lagos, is considering going into politics for the purpose of service.

‘The era of the older generation taking charge of the decision making process can be a thing of the past and as such a true nation building can only be achieved if a larger portion if the youths are carried along; a perfect decision that would be beneficial to all is one that involved the contribution of not just one sector but several “, Godswill said.

Not relenting in making an impact, Godswill in partnership with his wife

Godswill Cole-Chiori Stephanie Aleye Chiori, kicked off a NonGovernmental Organization called Women For Leadership and Development Initiative, an Initiative to support women in all aspects of life by empowering women and help them find a place in term of politics, social and economic strength in nation development and equally help in reducing women vulnerability and dependency in all sphere of life, to motivate and develop women by promoting their participation in all areas and sectors, to build stronger economies, improve their quality of life and bring gender equality with equal amount of opportunities.

14

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

Mixed Grill CASON urges strict self-regulation to save churches, pastors from embarrassment

Rapper Phyno in a chat with some of the contestants

Hi-life Fest Quarterfinalists get mentored

by Phyno, Kcee, Selebobo, & Sunny Nneji Mutiat Alli Some of Nigeria’s biggest music stars such as Selebobo, Phyno, KCEE and Sunny Nneji met with the quarterfinalists of Hi-life Fest 2019 to offer them some tips and advice on the music industry. This was part of a week-long mentorship program, which saw the eight Hi-life Fest hopefuls have one on one interaction with the movers and shakers of the industry.

Renowned music producer, Selebobo, was the first to meet with the contestants and he was quick to praise the talented acts, while also reminding them that this is just the beginning of the journey. Selebobo who is most notably known for producing Yemi Alade’s 2013 smash

hit “Johnny” has been in the music scene for over 10 years. He is also a frequent collaborator with artistes such as Iyanya, Tekno and a host of other A-list performers.

Veteran highlife singer, Sunny Nneji was next to visit the quarterfinalists. He received a warm welcome from the contestants who were thrilled to have the singer in their midst. The “Tolo Tolo” crooner shared some tips about how he has remained relevant in the industry and reminded them to always be humble and open to learning.

Kcee also made a surprise appearance at the mentorship session, and the singer/songwriter reminisced on his time on Star Quest, while advising the Hi-Life Fest contestants to take full advantage of the opportunity

they’ve been presented with.

The cream of the crop, however, was the arrival of Life Lager brand ambassador, Phyno. The indigenous rapper who hails from Enugu was greeted by a standing ovation and his time with the contestants was filled with words of motivation. He took his time to share the story of his meteoric progress in the music industry, while also admonishing Life Lager for giving young talented musicians a platform such as this.

Hi-Life Fest 2019 has lived up to its billing as the number one indigenous music show celebrating the culture and progress of the people.

The contestants are set to be back in action on the 21st of July when the quarterfinals of HiLife Fest is hosted in the garden city of Port Harcourt.

Why songs without a push are dead on arrival – Music promoter, Fowosere Adekunbi Good materials without proper push by professional s on the field is a waste of time most especially those in the entertainment/creative industry, this was said by popular music promoter and business man, Fowosere Adekunbi during a media chat held recently.

The CEO of Kbee Promo World disclosed that when artistes releases new songs and neglect the essence of a proper push of such materials via several media platforms that includes TV, Radio, Print and more importantly online push; such a song/material is dead on arrival.

He said ‘A lot of artistes believe that when they release new songs and post on online; it usually gets the reach they desire forgetting that Fowosere Adekunbi

all platforms are important 100% to enable them gain visibility for their brand and for that time being, they should equally brace up to do lots of free shows to catch the attention of people to their brand. Upcoming artistes and the already made names in the industry should as well make their music visible in other bigger platforms like Spotify, ITunes amongst others.

It is however important to note that Kbee Promo world, is the brain behind many great songs in terms of music push with the likes of Ycee’s Juice, Tjan’s Aduke, Meji and Ceezamilli’s Nawa and currently pushing Flenjor Ft. Zlatan at the moment. Kbee World is Management Company to Ceezamilli, Mr. Dutch, Tjan and Zahzah

Acknowledging that public outcry on rape allegations and financial excesses of some clergymen, especially on social media, is indeed a difficult time for the Church both in Nigeria and elsewhere, the Church Administrators Society of Nigeria (CASON) has sued for restraint and said that only strict adherence to righteous self-governance principles can save the Church.

In a media statement issued in Lagos its Board, the President of CASON, Pastor Seyi Oladimeji, said “Churches in Nigeria are going through metamorphoses as their governing structures are also transitioning. All churches should however be self-regulated.

“The excesses of every pastor or church worker can be effectively anticipated, controlled and redressed by a board of trustees who are alive to their righteous duties of corporate governance. Their loyalty is first to the Holy Trinity and then to the laws of the land that registered the Church, and not just to the head pastor.

“Failure to self-regulate would always expose churches and church leaders to external regulations and probable criminal scrutiny both of which don’t augur well for the Christian work we are all called to

Seyi do.

“While we continue to pray for both the accused clergy and their pained and hurting accusers concerning every church that may be in the court of social media outrage, CASON invites all pastors, church administrators and the general public to the CASON 2019 Annual Conference tagged ‘The Future of the Nigerian Church and the Church of the Future’ where self-governance precepts will be taught” Oladimeji said.

Distant relationship inspired my new song, ‘Come down‘- Beevlingz Talented Nigerian artiste, Beevlingz, whose real names are Bonaventure Ugbaja Chukwuka, is determined to carve a niche for himself in the fiercely competitive music industry.

Although a seasonal musician, Beevlingz has made a commitment to always dole out wave making songs.

“I started my music career professional in 2016 and dropped my first single titled made in China, produced by puffy tee and video shoot by Paul Gambit. Then I did a cover called London Nigga. That has been it so far. My songs are always wave marks and I don’t put out materials often. That’s makes me a seasonal artiste. But I would to be more frequent this time around.

Twice in a year or more,” he stated.

The Delta State born budding artiste also has a new song, titled, Come Down, featuring Ycee. He revealed that the issue of distant relationship was what inspired his latest project.

He said: “I featured Ycee, the Omo Alhaji himself because he has that Afro flavor that was needed to spice it up full time.

“Come Down is all about distance relationships and everyday life.

“It’s about always wanting to be with someone you love but couldn’t always have that chance and when you do it’s only on the weekends.

“Like I said it was crafted out from everyday life of an office worker. It’s has the elements of life experience in

it as well. It’s not really specific, it’s a generalize idea and thought. I find myself in this situation too.”

When asked to mention those he looks up to and silently prays to do a collaboration with, Beevlingz, who was DJ for long while before switching lanes, said: “I admire the likes of Tuface Idibia and everyone doing good music out there. I got love for mind blowing sounds and artist. It’s always a pleasure when the time comes. I will definitely love to have Tubaba on my song.”

Beevlingz

15

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

Interview

I dated my ex for 4 years without intimacy - Emmanuel Okonkwo Emmanuel Chinedum Okonkwo, otherwise known as Emma Chinedum, has been in the movie industry for over a decade.

Although, he had been stereotyped to gateman character, the Uli Anambra State-born actor cum filmmaker didn’t let that deter him from churning out good productions. In this interview with MUTIAT ALLI, the father one of one, shares his journey into Nollywood, his deadly heartbreak, new projects and lots more.

What is your name and your background?

My name is Emmanuel Okonkwo but my stage name is Emma Chinedum. I am from Uli in Anambra State.

What do you do for a living?

I am an actor and a producer.

I have produced twice Tinta a soap opera. It aired on Galaxy TV, online, ABS. After that I did one Igbo series Ego furu uzo but it is not on air. After the millions I invested into the project, I wasn’t pleased with the outcome. I had to pause it making plans on reshooting it.

What really happened?

In the industry most times they bring in someone who doesn’t know how to give a picture of the story line.

Someone who is not seeing same vision with you. A director, who doesn’t listen to you, does what he likes at any given time. When you are shooting Soap or series, there are dos and don’ts that should follow. Even using of fowl languages because when it’s send to media house, they tell you it is rated 18 unless you convert it to movie. It should be for home use. Every family member should be able to watch it. The script is still there, I can shoot it any day because the story has never been told.

How did your journey to the industry start?

Did I see it coming? No. I started acting in church Christ Embassy as a member of drama.

After a while, I was given head of drama department.

One day my pastor picked up his microphone and said ‘Emmanuel Okonkwo’ why not think of commercializing your talent and continued his sermon. I got home it kept ringing bin my ears.

Which of the Christ Embassy branch?

The one at Ipaye, Iba. When it was led by Pastor Nnanna, he is in New York now. Then I used to think Nollywood is one big building when you go there, you would see good actors like Genevieve, Omotola. I kept asking myself, how do I start?

So, one faithful day, I saw

an audition poster and call for registration with N3, 000.

I went to the bank paid, and then went for audition in Surulere, Genesis Studio. I got there they started training us, beginning with rehearsals. It wasn’t funny because I was still working. Luckily for me, I met one upcoming actress; she kept loading me with audition information. After one month, the movie was shot. I played the role of a corrupt DPO, alongside Uche Iwuji, Vincent Opurum, Afro Candy. The movie was titled Destruction Instinct.

It was a job that later caused trouble everywhere. Because Afro candy bought the master tape, went to USA and added porn to it and it was everywhere and people were really talking about it. My pastor called me and asked why I had to be in such movie, I explained to him what really happened.

So you mean your first movie was controversial and shot you to limelight?

No it wasn’t. It’s the least that mentioned my name. It is ‘My kids and I, brought me to limelight. It is a movie and series. We just finished season 7 of it. It has run for more than 3 years.

It featured Bolanle Nino, Mary Chukwu, and the screen divas - 3 little sisters.

What are the challenges of guys in the industry?

Sexual harassment is not only on the producers, it’s everywhere. In the private sector, employment market, etc. Being too desperate too is another reason our ladies are sexually harassed. If you know you are talented and have what the market needs, no one can ask you for sex even if thousands have failed you those who mean business would surely call you.

Then for guys, get something else doing that pays your bills.

The only challenge you would get is tallying it with your job, but if you are hardworking and persistent, you would pull through.

I want to also warn ladies to stop being a desperado. Lots of guys now pose as movie producers to gather girls; they will give out to their partners

better partner.

My partner left for an already made man. This was the same woman I dated for 4 years without any sexual intimacy. I can swear with my life. From the first time we met in school, till it was over.

What lesson did that teach you as a young struggling man?

I learned that one should only get into a serious relationship when you are ready to settle down because it’s hard breaking when you channel all your resources in someone who’s not ready.

This issue I had was that I showed her off to everybody, my parents, pastors, people I respect so much. So, when she got married to someone else, my friend abroad called me and asked what happened.

Emmanuel Chinedum

who returned from abroad.

Some of them will even pose to be the lead character and tell you the script says you should have sex with them. If you do that, at the end of the day, you will not see the movie. It was all a set up.

What else do you do else from Acting?

I didn’t study Theatre art in school; I studied Medical Lab at Anambra State College of Technology, Obosi. I graduated 2007 and located to Lagos 2008.

When I came to Lagos I started working. Most times people would say I am in the wrong department. I found out that the entertainment industry is time demanding, medical practices is also time demanding, the only option was to back off from one.

I started looking for a business that I would give me time and pay my bills. Then, movie wasn’t paying much. So, I had to start up and registered a company that deals on medical equipment. I was buying and

supplying to people.

Now, we have grown to the extent of supplying to any state, even setting up Medical centre.

We have our medical equipment for tests and laboratory.

How many movies have you done and what are their names?

Really can’t tell exact number.

Tinta, My kids and I, Rufus and Rosana, Corrupting the young mind, Heart of Gold, Fighting Temptation book 3, Nwoke Oma, Neglect, many others.

What’s your relationship status?

Not married yet but I have a baby boy, we are making plans to get wedded. My baby is just one month old. My last relationship didn’t work out which made me almost commit suicide. I locked myself inside my room for 2 weeks, I didn’t come out, I cried till my eyes were sore.

At a point I went to see my mom, she assured me that the most beautiful ones are not yet born. That saying alone made me wipe my tears and hoped for a

When you saw her wedding pictures what was your reaction?

I had her pictures and her clothes in my house. I also told her to marry and if after two years, it didn’t work out, she should come back to me that I was ready to marry her. But my pastor, Oyakhilome, made me think otherwise. So, after that, I told her to come and pick her clothes or I’d burn them. Which I did.

When you were burning those photos, did it relieve you?

I’ll say crying or dying. Those days, when I’m given a script to cry, I would I just flashback to my ex, then tears would start flowing.

What’s your advice to every broken guy out there?

You don’t have to kill yourself.

The truth is God sees ahead. Prove the person wrong by achieving more than what you had when the person was around. This is for guys and ladies. Try and become more successful, it would wipe away your tears.

You are tagged Nollywood gateman, how does that make you feel?

I’ve played lots of gateman role in Nollywood and I don’t regret such role. It means I do my job well. I have played Gateman role over 20 times.

Who are those you admire from far?

Osuofia that is Nkem Owoh. He still remains my role model.

BUSINESS TIMESg Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

16

NISE confers Fellowship on AIB Commissioner, seeks professionalism Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo The Nigerian Institution of Safety Engineers (NISE), a division of Nigerian Society of Engineers (NSE) has conferred Fellowship on Engr. Akin Olateru, the Commissioner of Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB).

NISE said that Olateru who was among the top 10 professionals conferred with the honour was recognised for his professional performance since he was appointed as the helmsman in the bureau.

Other professionals conferred with the prestigious recognition are Dr. Maikanti Baru, Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Engr. Oladimeji Oguntominiyi, the Director Highways Construction and Rehabilitation, Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing, Engr. Babagana Mohammed, Deputy President, Nigerian Society of Engineers and Engr. Idris Abubakar, Executive Director, Engineering and Technical Services, Nigerian Ports Authority (NPA).

Others are Engr. Salisu Daura, Director of Engineering Services, Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Engr. Bayo Adio, Managing Director, Thoriums Limited, Engr. Benjamin Olamijulo, Managing Director, Accord Engineering Limited and Engr. Funsho Adebiyi, Regional Director (South West), Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing.

Engr. Adeyemi Oyedepo, the President, NISE in his remarks said that Olateru’s performance in office was unprecedented and charged him to continue in that stead.

He explained that the Fellowship conferment on Olateru and others was not a frivolous jamboree, but a sacred occasion and opportunity to honour and celebrate with Nigerian and nonNigerian members who he said had attained the highest level in engineering safety and clearly exhibited exceptional achievements in their careers and in engineering safety.

He added: “For today’s conferment, our screening committee has selected 10 safety icons from all engineering fields to be made worthy fellows. The selection process reminded me of the Beans Theory of Selection; when you put a handful of beans in a bowl of water, the lightweight and weevil ravaged ones float to the surface to be thrown away, while the viable one and useful ones sink to the bottom.

“I urge them to see the Fellowship as a call to more engineering safety service, a ladder and motive to be an engineering safety mentor, counsellor, catalyst, coach, supporter, anchor and promoter.”

In his speech, Olateru lauded the leadership of NISE for the conferment, describing it as a great honour.

Olateru, however, lamented that Nigeria does not punish Chief Executive Officers (CEOs) for non-performance, stressing that Nigeria never put too much emphasis on performance.

He vowed that he would consistently uphold the ethics of the profession and offer maximum supports to organizations that seek to promote safety in the sector.

He said that aviation the industry was a very dynamic one, which required maximum concentration, stressing that with dedication, the industry would move forward.

Olateru who was the first African to be honoured with the award of Fellowship

by Royal Aeronautic Society in the United Kingdom maintained that recognition of hard work by organisations and associations would encourage improved performance.

He said: “What gives me joy is when people recognise your efforts. It is a great pleasure for me to be awarded this Fellowship. Aviation is very dynamic, while a lot of things change regularly.”

L-R: Mrs Goodluck Funmilayo, Chief Administrative & HR, Ministry of Women Affairs and Poverty Alleviation; Ms Ineh Chioma, a graduate of Hairdressing & Cosmetology, Lagos State Skill Acquisition Programme; Ms Surupo Mayowa, a graduate of Hairdressing & Cosmetology, Lagos State Skill Acquisition Programme and Mrs Omotayo Azeez-Abiodun, Public Relations Manager, Tolaram Group during the official presentation of five graduates to Lush Hair recently in Lagos...recently.

CBN lifts forex market with injection of $298.71m Motolani Oseni The Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) on the last trading day of the week (Friday) lifted the foreign exchange market through another intervention of $298.71million in the retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS).

The Director, Corporate Communications Department of CBN, Mr Isaac Okorafor, disclosed this in a statement on Friday.

Given the breakdown of the apex

bank’s intervention figure, Okorafor said that the CBN had also injected 39.69 million Chinese Yuan (CNY) in the spot and short-tenured forwards segment of the inter-bank foreign market.

He explained further that the interventions in U.S. dollars, just as in previous transactions, were to meet requests in the agricultural and raw materials sectors.

The spokesperson added that in the same vein, the transactions in Chinese Yuan were for Renminbi-denominated

Letters of Credit.

Okorafor expressed the satisfaction of the bank’s management with the stability in the foreign exchange market, adding that it would continue to make necessary interventions to ensure liquidity in the Nigerian market.

He said that the bank was further encouraged by the improved inflow of foreign exchange, which had kept the exchange rate around the N360/$1 for close to 30 months.

The director urged Nigerians to continue to support the policies of

CBN aimed at boosting the production capacity of local industries as well as creating jobs for citizens.

He assured that the apex bank would remain committed to ensuring that all the sectors of the foreign exchange market continued to enjoy access to the needed foreign exchange.

Meanwhile, a dollar to the Nigerian local currency, Naira, exchanged at N360, while CNY1 exchanged at N55 at the Bureau de Change (BDC) segment of the foreign exchange market on Friday.

Lecture Series: DBN leads call for MSMEs funding Temitope Adebayo Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN), the wholesale Development Finance Institution (DFI) providing sustainable financing to Micro, Small, Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) has further shown its commitment to the needs of the sector by driving the call for MSMEs funding through the maiden edition of its Lecture Series.

The lecture which is scheduled to take place at the Congress Hall, Transcorp Hilton Hotel, Abuja on July 29 2019.

The lecture series is a thought leadership

an initiative of Development Bank of Nigeria, which provides a platform for a robust exchange of ideas to meet the challenges and opportunities that exist in the MSME segment of the economy.

According to the Managing Director, DBN, Mr Tony Okpanachi, the lecture series is one of the ways to further strengthen the economy by ensuring that MSMEs are adequately empowered to continually contribute effectively to the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the nation.

In his words, “MSMEs in any clime is the backbone for inclusive economic growth. In advanced economies, small businesses have

been seen to be the driving force in achieving growth in all sectors of the economy they operate.”

He noted that the central objective is to broaden the understanding of the challenges and critically examine practical steps to resolve some of the obstacles that constrain growth within the segment.

Development Bank of Nigeria (DBN) is a wholesale bank that was conceived by the Federal Government of Nigeria in collaboration with global development partners to address the major financing challenges facing Micro, Small and Medium Scale Enterprises (MSMEs)

in Nigeria. The bank lends to Participating Financial Institutions (PFIs) Microfinance banks, Commercial banks, existing retail DFIs and leasing companies who in turn lend to MSMEs. DBN’s objective is to alleviate financing constraints faced by MSMEs in Nigeria through the provision of financing and partial credit guarantees to eligible financial intermediaries on a market-conforming and fully financially sustainable basis.

It is expected that people from the various financial institutions, Policy Makers, Regulators, and operators in the MSME segment would attend the lecture.

Oil edges up by 4% as in one week …as storm hampers U.S. supply, glut forecasts weigh

Michael Ajayi with News Agency At the close of trading activities for the week on Friday, Brent crude oil has climbed by 4 per cent for the week, while U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) was on track for a 4.9 per cent rise, even as both recorded decline at the previous week.

However, the oil futures edged up on Friday as U.S. Gulf of Mexico crude output was halved by disruptions caused by a tropical storm, but concerns over a global

surplus in the months ahead limited gains.

Brent crude futures were up 31 cents to $66.83 a barrel WTI crude futures gained 16 cents at $60.36 a barrel.

Tropical Storm Barry, which is expected to become a hurricane just before making landfall this weekend with winds of at least 74 mph (119 kph), boosted crude futures as oil companies in the Gulf of Mexico reduced production.

Companies cut more than 1 million barrels per day (bpd) of output, or 53% of the region’s production, as the storm headed for a possible landfall on the Louisiana coast on Saturday.

Warren Patterson, ING’s Head of the Commodity Strategy said that concerns will soon grow around the amount of refining capacity at risk.

“Disruption to refining operations as a result of the storm would likely prove supportive for product cracks, and given the growing importance of the United States as a refined product exporter, this strength would likely be felt in other regional markets as well,” he said.

The International Energy Agency (IEA) forecast surging U.S. oil output will outpace sluggishly global demand and lead to a large

inventory build around the world in the next nine months.

The world energy watchdog’s report comes on the heels of the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ prediction on Thursday of a return of a crude glut next year despite an OPEC-led pact to restrain supplies.

“The IEA report laid bare what the market is staring down and what OPEC is staring down next year, and really for the balance for this year, and that will continue to be a headwind,” said John Kilduff, a partner at Again Capital LLC in New York. “For now, the storm supports”, Kilduff said.

Business Times 17

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

NICArb charges FG to leverage on AfCFTA to unlock economic benefits, others Temitope Adebayo

L-R: Group Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, UACN, Mr Folasope Aiyesimoju; Chairman, Mr Daniel Agbor; and Company Secretary, Mr Godwin Samuel, at the 2019 Annual General Meeting (AGM) of the UACN, held during the week in Lagos.

Equities market sustains downward trend, down by 0.51% Motolani Oseni The equities market of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) sustained downward trend on Friday with the All-Share Index (ASI) shedding 145.51 points or 0.51 per cent to close at 28,566.79, against 28,712.30 recorded the previous day.

The market capitalization, also, opened at N13.993 trillion dipped by N71 billion or 0.51 per cent to close at a declined figure of N13.922 trillion.

A breakdown of the price movement showed that Nestle recorded the highest loss to lead the losers’ table, shedding N55 to close at N1,225 per share.

Nigerian Breweries trailed with a loss of N3 to close at N58, while MTN Nigeria Communications depreciated by 35k to close at N129.65 per share.

PZ Industries lost 25k to close at N6.20, while Vitafoam was down by 20k to close at N3.54 per share.

Conversely, Cement Company of Northern Nigeria led gainers table, increasing by 65k to close at N14.50 per

share.

UACN followed with a gain of 20k to close at N6, while Access Bank gained 10k to close at N6.70 per share.

United Bank for Africa improved by 5k to close at N5.90, while Consolidated Hallmark Insurance (CHI) went up by 3k to close at 33k per share.

Similarly, the volume of shares traded, closed lower as investors bought and sold 100.37 million shares valued at N1.46 billion in 2,707 deals.

This was in contrast with 188.43 million shares worth N3.17 billion

exchanged in 3,105 deals on Thursday.

The banking equities remained toast of investors with Zenith Bank emerging the most active stock, exchanging 17.36 million shares valued at N329.88 million.

Stanbic IBTC followed with an account of 10.79 million shares worth N431.57 million, while FBN Holdings traded 8.45 million shares valued at N50.61 million.

United Bank for Africa sold a total of 8.40 million shares worth N49.64 million, while CHI accounted for 7.02 million shares valued at N2.31 million.

Emefiele meets service chiefs over importation ban on uniforms Temitope Adebayo The Governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Godwin Emefiele, has met with service chiefs and heads of paramilitary agencies over the implementation of the Executive Order 3 issued by President Muhammadu Buhari directed security agencies to source their uniforms locally.

Specifically, the directive was targeted at reviving the Nigerian textile industry through enforcement Executive Order 003 on Support of Local Content in Procurement

by Ministries, Departments and Agencies of government.

Speaking at the meeting held at the apex bank headquarters in Abuja which was also attended by the CEOs of many uniform producing companies, the governor said

the apex bank had the full backing of the President to achieve its mandate of reviving the nation’s Cotton, Garment and Textile industry.

Emefiele noted that the revival of the almost moribund textile sector was critical to achieving the current administration’s drive towards economic diversification and creating jobs for millions of the unemployed, with emphasis on the agricultural sector’s revolution.

According to him, the priority being placed on the sector is hinged on the conviction that it has the capacity to transform Nigeria’s rural economy and revive the textile and garment industries by creating over two million jobs, improve internal revenue of governments, and reduce $4.0bn import bill incurred annually on textile and apparel importation.

He explained further that the sector also

had the potential to safeguard and earn foreign exchange and by implication accelerate the nation’s industrial development.

Emefiele clarified further: “This event symbolizes our commitment to attain selfsufficiency in cotton production with a view to serving the Textile and Garment segments of the value chain with quality inputs as we target zero importation by the year 2020.

“I have been holding meetings with the CTG sector stakeholders toward reviving Nigeria’s textile sector.

“We analysed the huge potentials that exist in the sector, identified the challenges militating against the sector’s contribution to Nigeria’s growth and development and presented quick wins for reviving the sector.

“Crucial to this resolve is the call for patriotism and the need to support local manufacturers of textile through patronage

by MDAs as entrenched in Executive Order 003.

“Mr President has directed full compliance with this Order as it will help in addressing the pressure on our foreign reserves through demands for forex for the importation of textile and clothing materials”, the governor added.

He cautioned that governments’ efforts at resuscitating the textile industry would not be actualized if they were not supported through local patronage among other incentives.

On measures put in place by the apex bank to achieve the objectives of the Executive Order, the CBN governor said: “We have put in place necessary mechanisms to ensure the use of high yielding varieties that will produce top quality fabrics and those that can compete in the international market.

Malabu: JP Morgan to appeal judgement allowing its prosecution by Nigerian govt Michael Ajayi Indications are rife that JP Morgan Chase will appeal a court decision that dismissed its motion to halt its prosecution by the Nigerian government last February.

Details of the development were contained in a skeleton argument presented by the Nigerian government through its lawyers during a case management hearing at a London High Court on Thursday.

Last February, a High Court in London had dismissed a motion filed by the U.S. firm to halt its prosecution by the Nigerian government over the Malabu oil scandal.

In a ruling, the judge, Andrew Burrows held that the American investment/finance firm “owed Nigeria a duty of care; as indicated by an implied term in the written agreement”. “The duty of care was neither inconsistent with nor excluded by the terms of that the agreement,” the court ruled.

Court documents released showed that the appeal will be heard on July 24 and 25.

In 2017, the Nigerian government sued JPMorgan over its alleged failure to block payments made from a massive oil deal that is subject to a string of international corruption investigations.

Two multinational oil firms, Shell

and Eni, in 2011 transferred $1.1 billion to a Nigerian government an account in JP Morgan for the oil block.

About $800 million of the money was subsequently transferred by the Nigerian government to accounts controlled by Dan Etete, former Nigerian petroleum minister who claims ownership of Malabu.

Malabu was the oil firm Mr Etete, as petroleum minister in 1998, awarded the oil block, OPL 245, to.

The money paid by the oil firms are believed to have been laundered by top officials of the two oil firms and former officials of the Nigerian government during the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

Many of those suspected to be

involved are being prosecuted in Nigeria and Italy. The government claimed that the international bank should have known the money was being sent to suspicious characters, accusing JP Morgan of “gross negligence” in the events that resulted in the transfer of the funds.

According to the suit, the Nigerian government demanded a refund of $875 diverted from the government’s account.

The documents showed that the U.S banking giant would appeal the last judgement. The revelations were made in the draft arguments submitted by the attorney representing Nigeria, Roger Masefield.

The Nigerian Institute of Chartered Arbitrators (NICArb) has called on the Federal Government to leverage the regional economic and monetary integration through the signing and implementation of AfCFTA, and the African Union single currency initiative, in positioning Nigeria (and the West African sub-region) as a major hub for International Arbitration.

Speaking in Lagos on salient issues around its 40th Anniversary themed: “Building a Culture of Arbitration and Sustainable Institutions in West Africa”, the Registrar of the institute, Mrs. Shola Oshodi-John advised the Federal Government to take proactive measures in ensuring that AfCFTA’s arbitration arrangements are favourable to Nigeria’s interest, whilst making efforts at domesticating the Agreement in Nigeria.

The Institute, also, advised the Federal Government of Nigeria to revisit the Arbitration awards against it, in the case of the Federal Government of Nigeria v Process and Industrial Developments Limited (P & ID).

NICArb, however, offers to provide technical assistance through its crop of seasoned and experienced membership base in pioneering initiatives for corrective negotiations.

Further to this, NICArb called on the current National Assembly to revisit The Arbitration and Conciliation Act (Repeal and Reenactment) Bill and ensure the passage of the original bill (proposed by arbitration practitioners) into law, as Nigeria positions to leverage AfCFTA. The 40th Anniversary Conference and Investiture, which will be held on 14 - 15 November 2019, at the Eko Hotel and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos, provides a forum for the intellectual discussion of key issues affecting Arbitration in West Africa.

It is focused on yielding practical solutions, necessary to encourage the adoption of Arbitration and Alternative Dispute Resolution (ADR) in the West African subregion.

The conference promises a line-up of renowned regional and global speakers who are experts in the chosen subject areas, and will feature panels made-up of technical experts and breakout sessions for an intensive exploration of the chosen subject areas.

It further congratulated Professor Fabian Ajogwu, SAN, FCArb, a Vice President of NICArb for leading the team that secured the Arbitral award of $1.69BN in favour of the Nigeria Government in Atlantic Energy Drilling Concepts Nigeria Limited, Atlantic Energy Brass Development Limited v Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC) matter, in the dispute on the Brass, Forcados assets.

Present at the briefing were Governing Council Members including Dr Olisa Agbakooba SAN, FCArb; Professor Akin Ibidapo Obe, FCArb; Mrs Priscilla Ogwemoh FCArb; Mrs Clara Umeano FCArb; Mrs. Shola John-Oshodi, FCArb (Registrar/CEO, NICArb).

Also, in attendance were Management and members of NICArb’s 40th Anniversary and Annual Conference Planning Committee.

POLITICS TIMES g Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

18

Naming abandoned Abuja Stadium after Abiola is a disservice to that great Nigerian – Yerima Alhaji Shettima Yerima is a well known human rights activist and one of those who has always advocated for the recognition of June 12 as Nigeria’s democracy day, but he is not so happy with the way the issue of June 12 and the naming of the National Stadium Abuja was handled by the President Muhammadu Buhari led Federal Government. While he appreciates that June 12 has finally become the nation’s democracy day, he is sad that it was the abandoned National Stadium Abuja that is named after Abiola. To him the University of Lagos that President Goodluck Jonathan named after him, but was rejected is far more prestigious. He recently spoke with some journalists in Lagos and PATRICK OKOHUE was there.

Recently the Federal Government celebrated June 12 as the nation’s democracy day with a public holiday, also the National Stadium Abuja was named after Abiola, being one of those who have been in the trenches calling for the recognition of that day as the nation’s democracy day, are you satisfied with what has happened so far?

When you say satisfied I will say not yet, yes something happened, some of us have spent major parts of our lives in the struggle for this June 12, I will say that was my first step into the pro-democracy struggle, it was June 12 that brought some of us into the limelight, I remember some of my contemporaries such as the Aare Onakanfo today, the likes of Asari Dokubo, people like Sowore, Mayegun, these are people who at that time were just growing up and many others, Wale Okuniyi and the rest of them, many of us were just coming out of school and some others were in school at that time, we were working as foot soldiers, the like of Shehu Sani who by God’s grace is today a Senator, were ahead of us, age wise and experience wise. We lost some who were killed by the military at that time. I remember one Mustapha who was always around any struggle, any protest, he is still in Lagos, but goes with clutches now because he lost one of leg, so many of them lost their jobs, many were incarcerated, some of them lost their families. I remember a comrade who lost his wife and kids when the attack came. Those are things that happened many years ago.

When I was talking yesterday, I was on air on Channels TV on Politics Today and I mentioned something, I said these things are not about Abiola as a person, but there was something that made us come around at that time, we formed a rallying point, we believed in the idea of that struggle at that time, we believed in the manifestoe of Chief MKO Abiola at that time. What are those things that actually drove us closer, the issue of fighting hunger, alleviating poverty, controlling it to some level, food on the table, insecurity to be addressed, addressing corruption, unemployment and so on. These were things that were very key and germane at that time, subsequently Nigeria killed him.

At that time we were more united than we are today, I don’t know really, but maybe I was so young, I didn’t get to know that Wale was different from me Shettima, or Tunde or Emeka, I did not know any of this, we moved on together, I didn’t know if there was difference between religion at that time, because we celebrated Christmas together, and when Sallah comes we do the same, the only thing that differ was that when it is Sallah it was like I am coming to your house to eat today and you are also coming to my

Shettima Yerima

house at Christmas if I was a Christian, that was the only thing I remember, but today we are all much more divided than we were.

But, why is that so?

Now come to think of it, under this regime insecurity is at the highest of it, nothing is impossible, I don’t know if I am thinking like this because I am from the North, I only come to Lagos briefly, sometimes I stay in the North for six months or even one year without coming down here, you only read my statements from there.

Secondly, the issue of poverty is higher, hunger, today you people in the Southern

part of the country are living in paradise when it comes to the issue of hunger, because even among some of our people that seems to be among the elites some of them find it very difficult to eat, people don’t go to farm anymore, kidnapping now has gone to a level that people only write you a letter, sell your property if you don’t have money, come and pay, if they come to your house it means you are too stubborn, it has come to that level. The issue of banditry is a thing that happens religiously every day in the Northern part of the country, there is no place that is safe in Northern part of the country.

When Jonathan named UNILAG after Abiola, the protest against it was not initiated by the students themselves, it was sponsored by some elements here in Lagos, who instigated the students and funded them to raise that protest, so that Jonathan will look stupid and they rejected that thing completely, isn’t UNILAG more prestigious, better than that stadium? I am sure the President has never been there, because you can’t even find good animals there, some of them reject it not to talk of human beings.

Now if you look at all of this, the hunger, the poverty, the unemployment and everything, it contradicts the principle of the struggle of June 12. I was looking at something bigger, when you say whether we are satisfied, it has not addressed anything yet out of what we are thinking. That one grazing reserve, abandoned property, was named after Chief MKO Abiola is not enough. Public holiday, good, at least there is a change from May 29, to that day, even some people among my contemporaries says it is politics, even if it is politics, it has to some extent started, a journey of a million miles starts with a step, we have taken a step to some extent on June 12, I don’t know if one mad government will come up in the future to reverse it, I hope that doesn’t happen, because almost all of us will rally round and become enemy of that government if they reverse it.

But, beyond this, why is it so difficult for the government, if they are truly sincere, to gazette it, that an election actually held on June 12, 1993, that somebody, Mr. A won that election, it was a clear defeat, those things are before everybody, they are in the archives you can always have access to those results, the man who conducted the election attests to the fact that truly Abiola won the election, why was it so difficult for the government, the previous government and the present one which is also determined and willing to shake body and move as if it’s all for the progressives, why is it so difficult to put into the gazette that Chief MKO Abiola was a president, so that the benefits, entitlements of what those other people are enjoying or enjoyed. If you say the man did not live long, he died a few years after, fine, from the day he won that election begin to look at those benefits that are supposed to accrue to him, join them from that time to the last minute he died, give it to the family, the family needs it. We are saying ensure that as you put your picture in the villa, put Abiola picture there too as a former President of the country who never ruled, at least it will be on record and children yet unborn will see the history. Those are serious issues, for me I was thinking the government would have gone beyond that.

They named June 12 the nation’s democracy day, at least that is a big step forward, or don’t you think so?

Now when you talk about democracy day, what is democracy with hunger in the land, what is democracy in the midst of insecurity, what is democracy without respect to the rule of law, where rulings or pronouncements are made by competent courts and it is only in this regime where I see impunity thrive, undermining court rulings in so many cases. The case of Dasuki

Continued on page 19

Politics Times 19

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

Group holds fast, prayer for peace, community progress

Shettima Yerima

Naming abandoned Abuja Stadium after Abiola is a disservice to that great Nigerian – Yerima Continued from page 18 is one, El-Zazzaky is another, so many of them, probably I may also be a victim soon, because I am always a victim, tomorrow I may be picked and a court will rule and nothing will happen. So it portends danger, today it’s the issue of Elzazzaky, Dasuki who are direct victims, it could as well be anybody, so where lies the whole thing called democracy and democracy day.

Unfortunately, we have some of our contemporaries today who are opportune to be in government, who are directly benefitting from it, they are gladly raising their hands and jumping up and down. I have said it before, I said when Jonathan named UNILAG after Abiola, the protest against it was not initiated by the students themselves, it was sponsored by some elements here in Lagos, who instigated the students and funded them to raise that protest, so that Jonathan will look stupid and they rejected that thing completely, isn’t UNILAG more prestigious, better than that stadium? I am sure the President has never been there, because you can’t even find good animals there, some of them reject it not to talk of human beings. I was at the stadium a few days ago, one of my friends goes to the gym there and once in a while you see people doing exercise on weekends, I was surprised how it looks like, I have never seen an ugly place like that in recent time and a government property. Somebody built that stadium, all they would have done was to renovate it, put the facilities, improve it to an extent.

Obasanjo built that stadium, yet you said PDP has not done anything, but part of what the PDP did is what you are using today to showcase and take glory.

When you talk about rail, was rail initiated by this government?

Tell me exactly one thing that they initiated, sometimes we get carried away on sentiment, sometimes hypocrisy becomes the order of the day, we see serious issues happening before our face and we concur and fall into some of these things that are not right, we are still

in the trenches, nothing like being satisfied, after over two decades at the trenches do you expect that at this level I will be fooled by any magical happenings and I will just give up every thing and say yes we have arrived? Where did we arrive at? Struggle has become part of our lives probably we are going to die struggling, so for me it is just a step, just like Oliver Twist we are asking for more, it’s part of life.

You are President of Arewa Youths and some of these challenges are being caused by the youths, what are you, at the level of your group doing to address some of these youths?

Let me ask you this question, how do you address a woman who you marry and keep in the house and starve her of food every day, leave her hungry day in day out and tomorrow you come and say you want to sleep with her?

It’s a simple example, when an environment or a society is the way the North is today, where you have high rate of unemployment, where when it comes to the issue of Western education you realize it is not even encouraged by successive governments, like Awolowo did in the South West, where almost all the younger generations are direct beneficiaries of Awolowo’s gesture, some of you benefited from the free education and to some extent they made it compulsory and some of these legacies are seen working today. Today Lagos State can boldly say we have passed a law, that a child of six, seven years must not be seen on the street begging, infact must not be seen on the street roaming, he must be in school from so and so hour to so and so hour, those laws are possible in a state as big as Lagos.

But those laws are so impossible in where I come from, it doesn’t work, poverty is high, hunger is much, I have fear that in the nearest future some of us may not live to even talk, I am worried not just for myself, but for my children, by God’s grace today my children are doing good, they are in schools, but can they live in peace, certainly I don’t see that happening.

A Non-Governmental Organization, Igbaye Development Vanguard (ICV), has mandated all its members across the globe to organise special prayers to be accompanied with a one-day fast on Friday, July 12.

The Vanguard, a development group was founded over a year ago by some elites of Igbaye, a lively town in Odo-Otin Local Government of Osun State with the sole objective to contribute their quota to the development, growth and progress of their town.

The National Coordinators of the group, Dr. Sunday Alayemi and

Mr. Rafiu Adeoye Popoola Esq. told our correspondent that the purpose of the spiritual exercise was also to further pray for peace, unity, security and progress of every indigene of the community both home and abroad.

The prayer and fast, according to the duo, were in continuation of the joint inter-denominational prayers going on at home among various community leaders, religious heads as well as other social organizations and political associations.

Alayemi and Popoola further informed that the power of prayer can never be over emphasised,

reminding that, the good Lord has encouraged his creatures to call on Him always with the promise that, “whenever we knock, He is ready to open for us.”

The Coordinators expressed delight about the enthusiasm exhibited over the spiritual programme by not only their members but also by community members across the country and overseas.

Records from the group’s library showed that it has members in the United State of America (USA), United Kingdom, Canada, France, Singapore, Australia and south Africa among other countries.

Oyo PDP hails Makinde’s court victory, promises transparency in running state The victory of the governor of Oyo State, Engineer Seyi Makinde, at the Supreme Court in the case instituted over the primary election that produced him as Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) standard-bearer in the March 9, 2019 governorship election has been lauded by the state chapter of the PDP. The PDP, in a statement signed by the publicity secretary of the party, Engr Akeem Olatunji, described the governor’s victory as a testimony to the transparent, free and fair primary election process that produced him and other PDP candidates in the state.

The party, however, warned members to desist from instituting needless litigation but to ensure that they use the internal mechanisms available in the party to resolve all issues.

In the statement on Friday, Olatunji said the decision of the Supreme Court on the suit filed by Senator Ayoade Adeseun, vindicated the process that threw up the party’s candidates as credible and democratic.

The party, which pledged its continued support to Governor Makinde as the leader of the party, assured residents of the state that the administration of Governor Makinde would run the state with the same measure of credibility and transparency, ensuring that integrity, transparency and zero tolerance for corruption would be his watchwords.

The Oyo PDP added that the Makinde administration would

Makinde be a clear departure from the era of impunity, indiscipline and lack of accountability known with the previous government, just as it noted that the present leadership of the party led by the state chairman, Alhaji Kunmi Mustapha would make the PDP enviable in the state.

“We want to assure the people of Oyo State that the government of the PDP will be a clear departure from the past when impunity, indiscipline, disorderliness and lack of cohesion were the order of the day,” the statement said.

Meanwhile, Governor Makinde on Monday, July 1, said his government

targets supersonic performances that would dwarf the returns of some past government’s eight year record.

The governor stated this while performing the swearing-in ceremony of the secretary to the government of the state, Mrs. Olubamiwo Adeosun.

The governor, according to a statement by his chief press secretary, Mr. Taiwo Adisa told a packed audience made up of party leaders and officials of his administration that he picked Mrs. Adeosun as the Oyo government’s secretary, was not just because she is a woman but her competence and capabilities.

Ortom to FG: Review revenue allocated to states upward and we will easily pay N30,000 minimum wage The Benue State governor, Samuel Ortom has said states are willing to pay the N30,000 national minimum wage but would do better if the revenue sharing formula undergoes an upward review.

Ortom stated this while explaining that an upward review of the revenue sharing formula in the country would ensure more money was made available to states and local governments for greater development.

He spoke today at the Benue Peoples House in Makurdi, the

state capital, when the Federal Commissioner representing Benue State at the Revenue Mobilisation, Allocation and Fiscal Commission, RMAFC, Chief Adaa Maagbe paid him a courtesy visit.

The governor said it is no longer feasible for states to cope with development realities and the new national minimum wage using the current revenue sharing.

Ortom reaffirmed his directive to caretaker chairmen in the state and the Bureau for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs to comply with the guidelines issued by the

Nigerian Financial Intelligence Unit, NFIU, pending the hearing and determination of the suit filed by the Nigerian Governors’ Forum challenging the constitutionality of the new regulations.

The Governor expressed appreciation to President Muhammadu Buhari for finding Mr. Maagbe worthy of the appointment, expressing the hope that Benue would fare better in terms of revenue sharing than the past two years when the state had no representative at the RMAFC.

AFRICA’S NEWS HERITAGE... SINCE 1926 WWW.DAILYTIMES.NG

Classified Made Easy

Enquiries & Booking: 0803 302 0395; 0803 355 0468; 0803 834 4225; 0803 854 1505; 0802 550 1547

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

20

ABIODUN

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS OLAWOLE OLARONKE YEMISI NOW TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ABIODUN OLARONKE YEMISI. ALL DOCUMENT BEARING MY FORMER NAME REMAIN VALID, AUTHORITY CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

ADAHUNSE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS OMOMOWO TEMITOPE VIVIAN, NOW TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADAHUNSE TEMITOPE VIVIAN. ALL DOCUMENT BEARING MY FORMER NAME REMAIN VALID, AUTHORITY CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

MRS. STEPHEN

I, FORMERLY K N O W N AS MISS NDEDIGWE RUFFINA OBIAGERI, NOW TO BE KNOWN AS MRS. STEPHEN RUFFINA DUE TO MARITAL STATUS. ALL DOCUMENT BEARING MY FORMER NAME REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITY CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS O M O D A R A OLUWADARA MERCY NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS OMODARA KEHINDE OLUWADARA.ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

:I FORMERLY K N O W N AS MISS ASHAYE OLUWASEUN OLUWABUKOLA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MRS TIJANI OLUWASEUN BUKOLA.ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I FORMERLY VERRALLS KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AFUN EBUN RUTH NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS VERRALLS EBUNAYO RUTH ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

I FORMERLY ZUBAIR KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS DODODAWA AMINU ZUBERU NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ZUBAIR MUHAMMAD AMEEN ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

HAMZAT

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS ISSA QUDRAH ADEOLA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS HAMZAT ISSA QUDRAH ADEOLA ALL FORMER DOCUMENT REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS BALOGUN MORUFAT MOTOLANI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ADEWUMI MORUFAT MOTOLANI ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

ADEBAYO

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS ODUFEKUN OLUWAKEMI YETUNDE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ADEBAYO OLUWAKEMI YETUNDE. I WAS BORN ON 07/06/1985. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

PAUL

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS OPARAH KINGSLEY UGOCHIDI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS PAUL KINGSLEY CHIDIEBERE. I WAS BORN ON 01/01/1975 IN OWERRI IMO STATE, NIGERIA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

DANIEL

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS O Y E W O L E TOBILOBA GIFT NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS DANIEL TOBILOBA OYEWOLE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

OKAFOR

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS OKAFOR DAVIS MONDAY NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OKAFOR COLLINS MONDAY. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS KAZEEM BLESSING EWEMADEY, LIADI BLESSING FRANCA AND FRANCA BLESSING SANNI. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SANNI FRANCA TELLA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY K N O W N AND ADDRESSED AS ESTHER OLUDOLAPO TINUBU (MISS).

NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ESTHER OLUDOLAPO OLUMIDE-IGE (MRS). ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TO PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

NWAFOR

I, FORMERLY K N O W N AS MISS NWAFOR CHISOM LOVETH, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MRS IKEDICHUKWU CHISOM LOVETH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

OGUADI

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS OGUADI NKECHI ANTHONIA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS NWAKOBY NKECHI ANTHONIA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

OKOLIE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OKOLIE-PATRICK CHINAGOROM, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OKOLIE PATRICK ANIAGOLU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

OBI

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OBI FAITH NKIRUKA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS DURU FAITH NKIRUKA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

ISIOFIA

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ISIOFIA VINCENT, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ACHIFE VINCENT CHUKWUMA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS IDEYI CECILIA NDUBUISI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS IDEYI NWANKWO CECILIA IGWE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS CHIKELU RITA CHIKODILI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS OWOH RITA CHIKODILI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

ANIKE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ANIKE HOPE CHISOM, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS JONATHAN HOPE CHISOM. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

JONATHAN

I, FORMERLY K N O W N AS JONATHAN OBINNA IGWE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS IGWE JONATHAN CORNDIUS. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. NYSC, BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS AGWU CHINYERE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS EZE CHINYERE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS IKHANE AGNES IDOWU NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS AKPOGUMA AGNES IDOWU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

NNAMCHI

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NNAMCHI MODESTA CHINENYE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ALI MODESTA CHINENYE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

OKOYE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS OKOYE CHUKWUDI CHUKS, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS OKOYE CHUKWURAH FIDELIS. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS IFEOMA ESTHER MGBATOGU, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS IFEOMA ESTHER OKOYE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

EMEKA I,KNOWN FORMERLY AND ADDRESSED AS EMEKA MOSES EDEANIGBO, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ANIGBO EMEKA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY UKWAKWE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS UKWAKWE ROMANUS MBA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ORJI BONIFACE NWAODWU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

NKWUDA I,KNOWNFORMERLY AND ADDRESSED AS NKWUDA NWENYIM MICHAEL, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NKWUDA CHUKWUMA MICHAEL. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THAT I WAS FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NGWAKA ANTHONIA, THAT I NOW WISH TO ADD OBIAGELI TO MY FORMER NAME THAT I NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS NGWAKA ANTHONIA OBIAGELI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

ADDITION OF NAME

I, LUCKY SAMUEL AYODEJI, FORMERLY KNOWN AS LUCKY BUSAYO AYODEJI. WISHES TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS LUCKY SAMUEL AYODEJI. THAT ALL DOCUMENTS, CERTIFICATE AND RECORDS BEARING MY FORMER NAMES REMAIN VALID. ACCESS BANK AND ZENITH BANK TAKE NOTE.

MRS ADENIKE IFORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS ADENIKE RACHAEL AROGUNDADE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ADENIKE RACHAEL TOLUHI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

OGUNRINDE

I FORMENY K N O W N AND ADDRESSED AS IDRIS KUDIRAT ALIU NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OGUNRINDE OLUKEMI ADEJOKE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS OMOLOYE JOEL ADEKUNLE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS JESULOBA JOECLEV OMOADE. ALL DOCUMENTS BEARING MY FORMER NAME REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITIES CONCERNED SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

GRACE IKNOWN FORMERLY AS AKINBODE BOLUWATIFE GRACE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS OKUKENU BOLUWATIFE GRACE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC AND AUTHORITY CONCERNED PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

FORMERLY TEMITOPE IKNOWN AS AYEYE CHRISTIANA TEMITOPE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AYEYE BILIKIS TEMITOPE.ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

THAT IN SOME OF MY DOCUMENTS MY NAME WAS WRITTEN AS OGIDAN ROSEMARY ADEYINKA TAIWO ALSO APPEARS AS WILLOUGHBY TAIWO ADEYINKA REFER TO ONE AND SAME PERSON NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS WILLOUGHBY TAIWO ADEYINKA ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

JESULOBA

OGUNSANYA CALEB AND OGUNSANYA CALEB OMOLAYO IS ONE AND THE SAME PERSON NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS LAWAL ABDULRAMON OLUWADAMILARE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

AGWU

ACHIEVERS COMPASSIONATE MINDS HUMANITARIAN FOUNDATION THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. FOLAMI IFEDOLAPO ADETUTU 2. AKINTUNDE FAROUK ADENIYI 3. KASUMU TAJUDEEN AYINDE 4. BABALOLA OLUWASEYI JOHNSON 5. AKINWUMI AKINTUNDE AUGUSTINE 6. OLADOSU SALIU GBENGA 7. FOLAMI OLUREMI OLABISI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO ASSIST THE LESS PRIVILEGED PEOPLE SUCH AS MOTHERLESS CHILDREN, THE DISABLE, THE DESTITUTE, THE ORPHANS WITHOUT CONSIDERATION FOR THEIR GEOGRAPHICAL LOCATION, RACE, TRIBE OR RELIGION. 2. TO ASSIST THE WIDOWS, THE PRISONERS, THE ELDERLY AND OTHERS ACCORDING TO THE NEED AND THE CAPABILITY OF THE ORGANIZATION. 3. TO ASSIST THE POOR PEOPLE FINANCIALLY IN ORDER TO ALLEVIATE POVERTY AMONG THE VULNERABLE POOR BUT ECONOMICALLY ACTIVE WITHOUT DISCRIMINATION ON AGE, SEX , RELIGION AND TRIBE. 4. TO ENGAGE OUR MEMBERS ON VOCATIONAL TRAININGS AND EMPOWERMENT PROGRAMS PERIODICALLY IN ORDER TO IMPROVE THEIR WELL BEING. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

IKHANE

ADDITION OF NAME

THAT I WAS FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS IKEH CHUKS, THAT I NOW WISH TO ADD HERBERT TO MY FORMER NAME THAT I NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS IKEH HERBERT CHUKS. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. BANKS AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

OMODARA

SANNI

IDEYI

LUCKY

OLUWASEUN

ADEWUMI

ESTHER

CHIKELU

IFEOMA

EXPEIRIA MEDIA DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

ARCHBISHOP LANRE OBEMBE FOUNDATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ABOGUNRIN EMMANUEL TIMILEHIN - CHAIRMAN 2. EFFANGA CONFIDENCE DOMINIC - SECRETARY 3. OTEGBAYO JOY ADERONKE 4. OKON JOAN JOHN.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OBEMBE OLUREMI AYOTUNDE 2. OBEMBE SENIOR OLANREWAJU DAMILOLA 3. OBEMBE KENNY DEBORAH

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO NURTURE CREATIVITY AND FOSTER INNOVATION

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGE

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

CHRISTLIFE GOSPEL MINISTRY INTERNATIONAL

INDEPENDENT FIRE APOSTOLIC CHURCH

LIFE IS BEAUTIFUL FOUNDATION

THE ABOVE NAMED ASSOCIATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO1 OF 1990.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. AYANLOLA ADEBAYO OLA - GENERAL OVERSEER 2. DAUDA OLAOLUWA MARY - SECRETARY 3. AYANLOLA OLUMIDE SAMUEL - SENIOR PASTOR.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) ADEKUNLE OLUWATOYIN ADEKOYA - CHAIRMAN (2) MAGARET FUNMILAYO ADEKOYA (3) OLUWATOSIN SEYI OLORUNWA - SECRETARY (4) KHEINDE DELE JOHSEP.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO ALL NATION’S OF THE WORLD, IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WORD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO PREACH AND TRAIN CHRISTIAN TO POSSES THE GOOD CHRISTIAN VIRTUES AND SHINE AS LIGHT IN THE WORLD AND SALT OF THE EARTH. 3. GRACE TO SPREAD GOD’S LOVE AND HEAL THE WORLD WITH THE POWER OF HIS WORD. 4. TO DISCIPLE MEN AND WOMEN THROUGH EMPOWERMENT, TRAINING, SEMINARS, CONFERENCES AND CAMP MEETINGS.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: (1) TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST FOR THE SALVATION OF SOULS. (2) TO MANIFEST CHRISTIAN WALK HAND LIVING BY APOSTOLIC FOUNDATION. (3) TO NURTURE AND PREPAREDNESS MEMBERS FOR THE SECOND COMING OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. (4) TO PROMOTE EVANGELISTIC, EDUCATIONAL, MEDIAL AND WELFARE WORK OF THE CHURCH.

TRUSTEES NDUPUECHI BARTHOLOMEW MICHAEL WACHUKWU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PROVIDE CARE FOR THE ELDERLY AND THOSE WITH LIFE THREATENING CHALLENGES. TO PROVIDE MUTUAL ASSISTANCE AND SUPPORT FOR CITIZENS

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, P.M.B. 198.

GARKI, ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: CHIBUIKEM OPARA.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

I FORMERLY K N O W N AND ADDRESSED AS INAOLAJI MODINAT IYABODE, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADELUBI MODINAT IYABODE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

ADELUBI

FREE SPACE FOR SALE

FREE SPACE FOR SALE FREE SPACE FOR SALE FREE SPACE FOR SALE FREE SPACE FOR SALE FREE SPACE FOR SALE FREE SPACE FOR SALE

21

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

Read more on: www.dailytimes.ng

Feature

‘Curbing substance abuse can promote economic growth’ The prevalence of drug use has increased over the past five years, while the age of first use has decreased.

Substance abuse in the family is a major risk factor for adolescent substance abuse. Substance abuse and dependence are multi-factorial and multi-dimensional disorder.

Due to rapid pace of change in the economic and social sphere and prevailing political instability in the country, alcohol and other psychoactive substance use and related problems are becoming major public concerns.

Research indicates that substance use begins in youths that can be prevented and that various prevention programmes exist. However there are gaps in knowledge about the applicability of these programmes to the African context.

Following declines in the late 1980s and early 1990s, prevalence rates of alcohol and other drug (AOD) use among adolescents are increasing again. The proportion of eighth graders using an illicit drug in the past year nearly doubled in the period from 1991 to 1995 (11% to 21%). Almost 40% of 1995 high school seniors reported use of some type of illicit drug in the past 12 months (up from 30% in 1991). Overall, one of every two adolescents has tried an illicit drug by the time he or she graduates from high school.

Alcohol and other drug use poses a serious threat to the health of children and adolescents. In addition to the health risks inherent with alcohol and other drug use, substance abuse often is linked with other risk behaviors (early sexual activity, violence, academic failure, truancy/ school dropout, delinquency). Pediatricians and other primary care providers are in an ideal position to identify substance abuse and to provide preventive guidance and education to children, adolescents, and their families.

Societal, parental neglect and negative peer influence has been described as major factors that promotes substance abuse among youths, hence all hands must be on deck to curb the spread.

This was disclosed by Public Affairs Officer, U.S Consular General, Lagos, Russell Brooks at a 9-Day ‘National Training of Trainers on the School Based Track of the Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) for Substance Use Disorders in Nigeria’ held at Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Alausa, Ikeja, Lagos.

According to Brooks, who was the Special Guest of Honour at the programme, substance abuse is a global public health challenge and

Participants at the Substance Abuse seminar in Lagos, recently

research shows that 40.3 million Nigerians between the ages of 16-64 years are victims of substance abuse. “If we are concerned about the growth of Africa, then we must promote policies and programs that will reduce substance abuse in Nigeria which is said to be the most popular country in the continent” he said.

Brooks pointed out that alcohol and substance abuse can hinder a youth from achieving his goal ‘hence community based efforts, supportive parents and teachers will help discourage young people from substance abuse and improve their academic performance in readiness for the workforce” said Brook.

In his welcome address, the National Coordinator, Universal Prevention Curriculum (UPC) and Executive Director, Global Initiative on Substance Abuse (GISA), Dr. Martin Agwogie

said the 9-Day Training is coming after 6 months of the first program held in January this year.

“Since the first training of trainers, 6 batches of practitioners’ training have been conducted with a total of 153 practitioners imparted in evidence based substance abuse prevention in Nigeria. Our target is to train 2,000 practitioners in this area in the next one year, out of the 6 batches of training, one was specifically dedicated to Principals of selected secondary schools in Lagos State with 30 participants” said Agwogie.

Participants he pointed out are expected to build the capacities of practitioners who will implement evidence based substance prevention within the school system. “They will also receive trainings on family based substance use prevention and workplace prevention with aim of building the capacities of practitioners in different areas of substance use prevention” he said.

The training according to a member, Drug Advisory Program of Colombo Plan, Kenya, Susan Mawa is in two series: the Coordinating series and the implementing series; Nigeria she revealed is said to be in the implementing series and this is the second round to be held.

Speaking on steps taken by Federal Government to ensure a drug field

society, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Sunny Echonor, who was represented by the Director, Basic and Secondary Education, Federal Ministry of Education, Lami Amodu, said government is no doubt concerned about the effect of substance abuse among youths hence it has taken the bull by the horn by partnering with NGOs, CSOs and development partners in curbing it.

“To this extent we have Clubs, Societies and PTAs in our schools to ensure that pupils and students keep off drugs or rather they know the implication of substance abuse. Also for victims of substance abuse, we also rehabilitate them and ensure that proper reintegration is carried out on them so that they can go back to school”, said Amodu.

The initiative according to the Director, Pharmaceutical Service, Lagos State Ministry of Health and Chairperson Lagos State Drug Controlled Committee, Dr. Moyosore Adejumo is timely and will help in stemming the tide of substance abuse among young ones.

Participants at the training includeed Professors, Ph.D. Holders, lecturers, clinicians in the area of medicine, Psychology and Guidance Counselling, Religious Organisations, nongovernmental organisations, and civil society groups, among others.

FOREIGN TIMES

Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

READ MORE ON: www.dailytimes.ng

g 22

China vows sanctions on US firms over Taiwan arms sale

The order of S-400 reportedly cost Turkey $2bn

First shipment of Russian S-400 systems delivered to Turkey The first shipment of the Russian S-400 missile system has arrived in Turkey, according to the Turkish defence ministry, moving the NATO member closer to a new standoff with the United States.

The ministry said in a statement on Friday that “the first group of equipment” of the advanced air defence systems had been delivered to the Murted airbase outside the capital, Ankara.

“The delivery of parts belonging to the system will continue in the coming days,” Turkey’s defence industry directorate said separately.

“Once the system is completely ready, it will begin to be used in a way determined by the relevant authorities.”

Al Jazeera’s Sinem Koseoglu, reporting from Istanbul, said: “As far as we have been told, the systems will be operational by October 2019.”

She added that the delivery crossed a red line set by the US. “This is the point where the spat between Turkey and the US intensifies, because Washington

says even the S-400 arriving in Turkey is a matter of US sanctions,” she said.

The US has strongly urged Turkey to pull back from the deal - the first such move between a NATO member and Russia - warning Ankara that it will face economic sanctions under the Countering America’s Adversaries Through Sanctions Act if it goes ahead with the purchase, reportedly costing more than $2bn Washington has also said Turkey will not be allowed to participate in the programme to produce hi-tech F-35 fighter jets.

The US has repeatedly said that the Russian system is incompatible with NATO systems and is a threat to the F-35.

Afzal Ashraf, professor of conflict security at the University of Nottingham in the UK, told Al Jazeera that the situation was “a very significant political concern”.

“This is the first time a major [NATO] member has taken a weapons system from Russia.

It’s a political statement that the US doesn’t have a hegemony and control over NATO members and particularly over Turkey,” Ashraf said.

“In military terms, it is an advantage of the US to have access to the Russian systems within the NATO armoury to understand the way the system works and deploy countermeasures against it,” he said.

Sanctions would mark a new low in the already-tense relations between Turkey and the US. Last year, the US imposed sanctions on Turkey over its detention of an American pastor, triggering a Turkish currency crisis. The sanctions were later lifted upon the pastor’s release.

The deal with Russia has also raised concerns in Western circles that Turkey is drifting closer to Moscow’s sphere of influence.

Ankara has refused to bow to US pressure, insisting that choosing which defence equipment to buy is a matter of national sovereignty.

Several killed in bomb, gun attack on Somalia hotel: officials Several people, including journalists and politicians, were killed in a suicide bomb and gun attack on a hotel in southern Somalia, officials said.

Authorities on Friday said a suicide bomber rammed a vehicle loaded with explosives into the popular Medina hotel in the port city of Kismayo, which was followed by a gunfight.

The area’s legislators and local elders were discussing an upcoming local election in the hotel, according to the officials.

Security official Abdi Dhuhul told AFP news agency seven people had died, including a former minister and a legislator, though an official death toll has not been released yet.

In a statement, the Somali Journalists Syndicate said there were two reporters among the dead, according to Reuters news agency.

“Mohamed Omar Sahal, SBC TV correspondent based in Kismayo and Hodan Naleyeh, female TV journalist and founder of Integration TV [are] both among [those] killed,” Abdalle Ahmed

Mumin, the syndicate’s secretary general, said.

Security official Abdiweli Mohamed said several heavily armed gunmen forced their way inside the hotel, shooting as they went.

“Several gunmen entered and started shooting but the security forces responded quickly and engaged in a gunfight with the attackers inside the building,” he said.

Armed group al-Shabab, which is believed to be linked to al-Qaeda and is trying to topple the Somali government, said it carried out the suicide attack.

“First, we targeted [the hotel] with a suicide car bomb and then armed ‘mujahideen’ (fighters) stormed the hotel. We are still fighting inside the hotel,” said Abdiasis Abu Musab, alShabab’s military operation spokesman.

“There are many dead bodies inside the hotel, including a dead white man.

We control the hotel now.”

Hussein Nur, a shopkeeper in Kismayo, told Reuters: “There were many people including officials and

elders, mostly from one clan, who were discussing the coming Kismayo election.”

Nur was referring to elections in the city due sometime in August.

State-run Somali National News Agency said in a statement Prime Minister Hassan Ali Khaire had condemned the attack.

Al-Shabab was ejected from Mogadishu in 2011 and has since been driven from most of its other strongholds. In 2012, it was driven out of Kismayo, whose port had been a major source of revenue for the group.

Outside of Kismayo, al-Shabab still controls parts of Jubbaland, a region in southern Somalia.

The armed group remains a major security threat, with its fighters frequently carrying out bombings in Somalia and neighbouring Kenya, whose troops form part of the African Union-mandated peacekeeping force that helps defend the Somali government.

China has said it would impose sanctions on US companies involved in a potential arms sale worth $2.2bn to self-ruled Taiwan, with Foreign Minister Wang Yi warning Washington “not to play with fire” The planned weapons sale, the first transfer of big-ticket US military gear to democraticallygoverned Taiwan in decades, came as ties between Washington and Beijing are already strained by their trade war.

“The US arms sale to Taiwan has severely violated the basic norms of international law and international relations,” Chinese foreign ministry spokesman Geng Shuang said in a statement on Friday.

“In order to safeguard national interests, China will impose sanctions on US enterprises participating in this sale of weapons to Taiwan,” he said.

Wang Yi, during his visit to Hungary, asked the US to “recognise the gravity of the Taiwan question”.

China, which views Taiwan as part of its territory and has vowed to one day seize it, bristles at any country that lends the island state any diplomatic support or legitimacy.

Even though Taiwan, which split from China following a civil war in 1949, doesn’t have diplomatic ties with the US, Washington provides Taipei with military and other support. Beijing regards this as interference in its internal affairs.

On Monday, the US State Department announced the $2.2bn potential arms sale to Taiwan, which includes 108 Abrams tanks and 250 Stinger

surface-to-air missiles.

Following the announcement, Beijing lodged formal complaints through diplomatic channels expressing “strong dissatisfaction and resolute opposition” and demanded the US “immediately cancel” the arms sale.

The US shrugged off China’s complaints, saying the military equipment would contribute to “peace and stability” in Asia.

Meanwhile, Taiwan’s President Tsai Ing-wen arrived in New York on Friday on a two-night “transit” stop on her way to four Caribbean nations - Haiti, St Kitts and Nevis, St Vincent and the Grenadines, and St Lucia - for an official visit.

The Caribbean island nations are among the few countries that recognise Taiwan instead of China.

The Taiwanese leader was also scheduled to deliver a speech at a US-Taiwan business summit and attend a dinner with members of the TaiwaneseAmerican community. She is scheduled to make another twonight stop on her way home.

Before departing, Tsai said on Thursday that she wants to share the values of democracy and perseverance with Taiwan’s friends.

“Our democracy has not come easily and now is facing the threat and technological penetration of foreign forces,” she said in a veiled reference to China.

In response, China urged the US to “abide by the ‘One China’ principle” and asked the US to “not allow Tsai Ingwen’s stopover, cease official exchanges with Taiwan and refrain from providing any platform for separatist Taiwan independence forces”.

Chinese Foreign Minister Wang Yi has expressed grave concern about Taiwan President Tsai Ing-wen’s US visit

SPORTS TIMES Daily Times Nigeria Saturday, July 13, 2019

Concacaf keeps hexagonal in new World Cup qualifying format

New-look North American qualifiers for the FIFA World Cup in 2022 will retain a six-team hexagonal roundrobin showdown in the final round while revamping the path for others, CONCACAF said Wednesday.

A two-part system will take place during FIFA match windows in 2020 and 2021 with the region’s six highestranked teams in the June 2020 FIFA rankings playing for three direct berths, the governing body for football in North America, Central America and the

READ MORE ON: www.dailytimes.ng Caribbean said.

CONCACAF nations ranked seventh to 35th in the region in those same rankings will be divided into five groups of four and three groups of three and play round-robin matches in 2020.

The eight group winners advance to a knockout phase with matches in March, June and September 2021.

The knockout winner will face the fourth-place finisher from the hexagonal group in a two-game home and away playoff in October 2021 to decide

g23

CONCACAF’s spot in an intercontinental playoff for a World Cup berth.

“The love for the game in this region is growing rapidly and our diverse and dynamic communities want a clear pathway to world-class football,” CONCACAF president Victor Montagliani said.

“Through our freshly designed formats… we are staging more competitive international matches than ever-before to help these communities fulfill their potential.”

Afcon: Woman killed, shops looted in France after Algeria’s football win A woman has been killed in a high-speed car crash in southern France, while shops were looted in central Paris in what the government slammed as “unacceptable” unrest following Algeria’s quarter-final win over Ivory Coast in the African Cup of Nations.

In the southern city of Montpellier, an Algerian football supporter, celebrating his team’s win, lost control of his car on Thursday and ran over a family, killing a woman and seriously injuring her baby, a security official said.

The 21-year-old man, who was taken into police custody, was driving at high speed in the Mosson neighbourhood, the official said.

The baby suffered traumatic injuries and was rushed to hospital, while the woman’s 17-year-old daughter suffered an ankle injury.

Algeria, the favourites in this year’s football tournament, defeated the Ivory Coast on penalties in the Egyptian city of Suez to set up a semi-final showdown with Nigeria.

Paris looting Algerian fans flocked to the ChampsElysees in central Paris and the Vieux Port area in Marseille late on Thursday after the match ended.

Two stores near the Champs-Elysees were looted, an AFP news agency journalist said.

In total, 43 people were detained

and police used tear gas to disperse thousands who had gathered in Paris and Marseille.

“The damage and incidents last night on the sidelines of the celebrations… are unacceptable,” France’s Interior Minister Christophe Castaner said in a tweet.

“I hail the actions of the security forces in Paris and across the country to maintain order and contain the excesses.”

Paris and Marseille are home to large minority communities of Algerian origin. Football celebrations, with supporters brandishing Algerian flags, have on occasion been a source of tensions.

Afcon: We are not allowing Super Eagles Afcon: Madagascar in danger of becoming to get distracted – Patrick Pascal one-tournament wonders – Coach Super Eagles team coordinator Patrick remained the same since our last game in Pascal has stated the Nigeria team will respect the progression of Algeria to the semi-final of the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations (Afcon) but they are not afraid of them.

Nigeria will play Algeria at Cairo International Stadium in Egypt on Sunday.

The Fennecs defeated Ivory Coast 4-3 on penalties after regulation time had ended in a 1-1 draw at Suez Stadium on Thursday night.

Nigeria saw off South Africa 2-1 in Cairo.

“We are glad our opponent in the semi-final of Afcon has been revealed and it is Algeria,” Pascal told Goal.

“We already knew before the encounter that it could either be Ivory Coast or Algeria and at the completion of the game, the Algerians were able to edge them. We respect all the opponents we have faced at the Afcon but we are not afraid of any of them.

“We have faced the same Algerians twice like two years ago and they were unable to beat us in two games. We know that they are now improved a lot but we have also not

Algiers.

“We do not expect an easy game but we are hoping to do what is necessary to ensure that we qualify for the final of the competition. We have remained very humble at the ongoing competition and it will be the same approach on Sunday in Cairo.”

The former Eagles utility player noted their immediate task is to ensure they are psychologically and physically ready.

“We have an assignment at hand and it is to tell the players the importance of the semi-final fixture,” he continued.

“It is not that the players do not know the seriousness of the game but we still have to remind them so that they will put their attention to it and not allow anything to distract them at this point. We have come this far and it is possible to win the competition again. We are going to do our best to make Nigerians happy.

“Algeria is a good side but we have our confidence back with the way we beat Cameroon and South Africa.”

Madagascar’s Africa Cup of Nations dream is finally over and coach Nicolas Dupuis said they risk becoming onetournament wonders unless there are fundamental changes to football in the country.

The Indian Ocean Islanders confounded observers by reaching the quarter-finals on their debut at the tournament.

But, in the wake of their 3-0 defeat to Tunisia on Thursday, Dupuis, who works at a French fourth-tier club to supplement his income, warned that they still had a long way to go.

“There is a lot of work to do with Madagascar. We need to build on the work that has been done to show that hard work pays off, or this could just become a one-off,” said the Frenchman.

“It’s going to be difficult to do better next time.”

The fact that Madagascar was considered outsiders in the first place is nothing to do with the country’s size — it has a population of over 25 million and an area of over half a million square kilometres — but, rather, it’s lack of football tradition.

The country has no professional league, lacks basic football infrastructure, and all of its top players are based abroad, many in the French second tier.

The national side has never come close to qualifying for a

World Cup and did not enter the Cup of Nations qualifiers until 1980. Even after that, they withdrew several times during the 1990s and slumped to 187th out of 211 in the FIFA rankings in 2014.

At present, the country’s federation is under intervention from FIFA after failing to hold presidential elections in line with the statutes of the global soccer body, and it does not have a president.

Dupuis, who coaches Fleury in the French fourth division because he says the salary he receives from Madagascar is not enough to live off, said he was not sure whether he

would stay in the post.

“I’m someone loyal and my priority is Madagascar,” he said. “I don’t know if Madagascar’s priority is to keep me (but) it doesn’t matter much.”

He said his feelings towards the country and his players would remain, no matter what.

“I have great affection for my players and for the country,” he said.

“I’m very touched by the support we have received from the Malagasy people, and the hundreds of people who have travelled here. I think it’s just fantastic.”

QUOTE The greatest mistake you can make in life is to continually be afraid you will make one.

- Elbert Hubbard

www.dailytimes.ng

DailyTimesNGR

dailytimesnigeria

dailytimesngr

SATURDAY, JULY 13, 2019

VOL. 3

NO. 990

N100

As my mother goes home today A tribute by Dino Melaye

Late Comfort Oni Melaye

My mother, Comfort Oni Melaye, my first teacher, my first confidant, my first guide, my first everything.

To the world, you might have been just one person but to me you were more than that - you were everything to me.

Mummy, you did not build houses, factories or palaces but you built me and my siblings Samuel, Timothy, Moses, Paul and Elizabeth.

Nobody can dispute the fact that you were a virtuous wife and mother. Who does not know of your legendary patience and enduring spirit? You were a godly mother and a prayer warrior. You not only taught me the way of the Lord, you also led me in the way by your examples. You taught me and others to love the Lord, pray, study the Bible, and be committed to fellowship. What more could I have asked for? Certainly none.

I have searched for explicate words to define your demise at this time of my existence but I lack the authentic words to describe same.

This exit has been traumatic!

During your time on earth till your passing unto glory, you were my greatest cheerleader, prayer warrior and good friend. You saw beyond my flaws and always believed in my eminence and illustrious nature. Your words of encouragement, endless prayers, subtle cheers and advice have seen me through thus far. I’m grateful dearest mother!

Like a chandelier dripping with glass lusters, I remember how you stood tall and firm for all your children and how that has rubbed off on us in the most positive and impactful ways. Mother, I’m still basking in denial and hoping this is merely a dream. I miss you!

Throughout my secondary education and subsequent university education at the Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria you were a pillar to me. You supported me in every way you could.

However, I take solace in the fact that you’re in a better place, the most peaceful of places and at the bosom of the All-knowing Father, God Almighty.

Your health, happiness and wellbeing were uppermost in my heart all the time. You were within my sight most of the times and not for once were you out of my mind until that fateful Thursday evening of May 2, 2019 when you succumbed to the cold hands of death.

While I have been mourning your departure with uncontrollable and invisible tears, I’m much more comforted by the good news that you are

now resting with your Lord and Saviour, Jesus Christ, the King whose vicarious death has secured eternal life for all who believe in Him. For the umpteenth time, I asked myself again, “Is it true?” With sorrow in my heart but gratitude to God for a life well spent, I say adieu mummy.

In the words of Edwin Hubbell Chaplin, “No language can express the power, and beauty and heroism and majesty of a mother’s love. It shrinks not where man cowers, grows stronger where man faints, and over wastes of worldly fortunes sends the radiance of its quenchless fidelity like a star.”

You repeatedly assured me all the time that nothing will happen to me, mummy don’t sleep in heaven. The cloud is so dark without form, birds are no longer singing like birds, dogs now crow instead of barking, the moon is absent and the sun is dim but I rejoice in the fact that we shall see again and we will recognise ourselves. I will hug you again and call you mummy.

Born in February 1949 to the prominent family of Johnson Kolawole Ologun of Takete Idde in Mopa Amuro local government area of present-day Kogi State, she was the third child of the seven children of her parents. She was a lover of God and a selfless worker in the Lord’s vineyard, who took of all who crossed her path.

Mummy as you are being committed to mother earth today, I reflect on the times and moments we shared together and I concluded that you were more than a mother to me. You were my best friend. I will not disappoint you Mama. Iya oninu ire, good night; see you at the other side my love and friend.

Adieu Mama Dino.

– Senator Melaye represents Kogi West in the Senate.

Sen Melaye

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS Plc. Corporate Office: 9 Osun Crescent, Maitama, Abuja Email: info@dailytimes.ng; DTNcontent@gmail.com Ag. Editor: SAM NZEH, Tel: 08050220692, Email: samnzeh2015@gmail.com. Advertorial Email: advert@dailytimes.ng

Advert Hotlines 0803 302 0395 0803 355 0468