DTN Abuja 11 9 15

Obasanjo asks Buhari to appoint Ezekwesili minister, Anambra APC kicks Monday Agu Jnr

ÎÎÎMuch to the chagrin of the members of the governing party from her state, for-

mer Minister of Education as well as Solid Minerals, who is also the leader of the Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) movement, Dr. Oby Ezekwesili, may emerge as one of

the ministers that President Muhammadu Buhari will soon unveil.

Her nomination is heavily backed by former President Olusegun Obasanjo, highly

reliable sources told the Daily Times.

It was further learnt that the visit of Chief Obasanjo to President Buhari in Continued on page 6 www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

dailytimesng

https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

N150

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.189

GAINERS

LOSERS

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 10th September 2015.

NESTLE

820

18.00

2.20%

DANGCEM

165

1.94

1.18%

CADBURY

23.06

-1.45

-6.29%

UACN

31.68

-0.62

-1.96%

GUINNESS

138.05

6.57

4.76%

PZ

26

1.00

3.85%

STANBIC

23.66

-1.24

-5.24%

ETI

18.16

-0.59

-3.25%

JP Morgan delisting:

NSE records worst loss in eight months Monday Agu Jnr (With agency reports)

ÎÎÎFor

the second day

running, stocks took a dive on Thursday at the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), following the decision of United States-based

financial services giant, JPMorgan Chase & Co., to exclude the country’s debt from local-currency emerging-market bond in-

dexes.

The NSE’s All Share Index dropped as much as 2.9 percent before paring losses to close 0.2 percent

lower at 29,403.12. It followed a fall of 3 percent on Wednesday, the biggest in almost eight months, according to Bloomberg.

However, the market regulator stepped in to avoid a collapse, bringing Continued on page 6

Members of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) who took to the streets of Abuja on a peaceful rally in support of President Muhammadu Buhari’s anti–corruption war … on Thursday

2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

Politics Page Three

3

s

Editorial Delisting Nigeria from the Bond Market

T

he recent decision by JP Morgan to delist Nigeria from its Government Bond Index (GBI-EM) by end of October is not only raising alarm in the financial markets, it is also drawing comment from investors and other major stakeholders. Before the recent development, the agency had given a deadline for the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) to restore liquidity to the foreign exchange market, or it would be forced to remove Nigeria from its Government Bond Index. According to JP Morgan, the restoration of liquidity is to allow foreign investors keep track of the benchmark to transact with minimal hurdles.

We recall that JP Morgan Government Bond Index-Emerging markets (GBI-EM) indices are comprehensive debt benchmarks that track local currency bonds issued by Emerging Markets.

Definitely, removal from the index would force funds tracking it to sell Nigerian bonds from their portfolios, potentially resulting in significant capital outflows, which in turn would raise borrowing costs for the country, especially now that it is suffering from decreasing revenue due to plummeting oil prices.

No matter the reactions to JP Morgan’s announcement, it has succeeded in exposing the structural weaknesses in Nigeria’s economy, especially the overreliance on crude oil as a major source of revenue.

Crucially, it is a verdict on managers of the economy and an indictment at the slow pace of the Buhari Administration regarding a lack of economic policy more than three months after assumption of office. All indications point to the fact that the government has been slow in announcing a comprehensive economic blueprint to enable investors take a position. Such foot dragging is responsible for the lack of interest by investors who are hedging their bets instead of being active participants in the nation’s economy. Sadly, the continued prevarication is costing Nigeria enormous goodwill, especially among investors.

It is fact that global investors will embrace any economy they understand, rather than invest in an opaque one.

Paradoxically, during the immediate past Jonathan Administration, Nigeria was listed among the 18 emerging market economies that include: Brazil, Chile, China, Colombia, Hungary, India, Indonesia, Malaysia, Mexico, Peru, Philippines, Poland, Romania, Russia, South Africa, Thailand, and Turkey. It is therefore proper that the present government maintains not only the status quo, but also endeavours to diversify the economy in order to shield it from the vagaries of fluctuating commodity prices.

While we commend the administration for eliminating round tripping and rent-seeking, pervasive in the forex market, which resulted in the stability of the exchange rate in the interbank transactions, it is imperative for the administration to take another look at other critical sectors that can induce positive growth, create jobs and contribute to increase in foreign exchange earnings.

Unfortunately, the minimum layoff period of 12 months before the country can be re-admitted to the bond index implies a negative outlook in the short to medium-term for Nigerian-issued securities.

In order to combat this, the government should reflate the local economy by driving an expansionary economic policy. As such, policy initiative could include encouraging the Monetary Policy Committee to reduce the cash reserve ratio from the current 31 per cent to no more than 15 per cent. In addition, the administration’s short-term plan should be to initiate policies to conserve our dwindling foreign reserves, chief of which is the immediate removal of fuel subsidies.

Lastly, we want to state for the umpteenth time that Nigeria’s over-reliance on a single commodity for revenue is responsible for her underdevelopment and continued exposure to intermittent shocks in the global financial markets.

It is time the country diversifies to other sectors of the economy to aid its industrialisation.

R-L: Mr. Osi Imomoh, Vice President, Finance, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry (ACCI) ; Mr. Fidelis Anosike, Publisher, Daily Times; Mr. Tony Ejinkeonye, President, Abuja Chamber of Commerce and Industry; Prof. Adesoji Adesugba, Vice President, ICT, ACCI; Barrister Jude Igwe, Vice President, Media, ACCI; Mr. Ebube Nwaegbu.

Above: R-L: Ms. Iquo Ayi, Ife isijola, Group Manager, Daily Times; Mr. Noel Anosike, Group Managing Director, Daily Times, during a courtesy visit by DTN Management ACCI recently.

Senator Oluremi Tinubu’s gaffe Segun Adio

ÎÎÎLagos State Governor,

Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, is a lucky man. He is always having luck thrown at him almost effortlessly, though he was said to have been brainy in his school days.

If he had been racking his brain on how to return to the Lagos House come 2019, then he has no need to lose sleep again. His fears are already laid to rest. If the statement credited to Senator Oluremi Tinubu, wife of former Governor of Lagos State and national leader of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Ahmed Bola

Tinubu, as published in many Nigerian dailies on Wednesday is to be believed, then the coast for the next governor of the state four years from now is clear for the incumbent.

Last April, majority of Lagos voters gave a mandate of 1, 460 days to Ambode, at the first instance, to steer the ship of the state. But some people have a different agenda.

Barely 100 days of the 1, 460, Ambode’s endorsement for a second term was blown open during a town hall meeting of the APC in Lagos Central hosted by Senator Oluremi Tinubu.

Of a fact is that such a comment coming from the wife of Asiwaju of Lagos could not be taken

Words On Marble :

lightly.

But, wait a minute! Given that every human has a right to his/her opinion, endorsing a governor who has barely settled down to understand how a state is governed, for a second term, is very unnecessary at this point in time.

Most chief executives of states and even President Muhammadu Buhari are still receiving bashing from the populace for their actions/inactions since they were voted in. So, endorsing Ambode for a second term after 100 days in office is a clear case of jumping the gun. The governor should not be distracted so early in his administration, but allowed to change Lagos as promised.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

Publisher

Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director

Group Managing Editor

Chief Operating Officer

Editor

Noel Anosike Afie Braimoh

Adverts/Partnerships/ Corporate Subscription

Molara Wood

Ifeanyi Emefu 08086296714 Ifeoluwa Isijiola 08054934941 Konnie Agu 09033765031

Yinka Olujimi

More info: www.dailytimes.com.ng https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

dailytimesng www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

Kayode Fayemi

Nduese Essien

“We must start putting round pegs in round holes, and entrench meritocracy which enlists true professionals in every area of our national life.”

“Anti-corruption crusade is not supposed to hinge entirely on the past; it should also prevent those who are working with the President presently from getting involved in corrupt activities’’.

Adeseye Ogunlewe

“Buhari’s cabinet has already has been formed. Any other person that comes now is a stranger and a mere visitor to the villa”.

4

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

5

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

Massive losses at stock exchange, govt moves to avoid collapse Continued from page 1 trades to a halt by forcing dealers to widen spreads.

Traders said the FMDQ, a group comprising Nigeria’s main commercial banks and the central

bank, widened the bid-ask spreads on bond trading to 1 naira from 0.30 naira to contain volatility, helping moderate a debt market sell-off.

JPMorgan will cut Nigeria from indexes tracked

by more than $200 billion of funds by the end of October, the New York-based lender said in a statement on Tuesday, citing a lack of liquidity and limited transparency in the foreign-exchange market. As

a result, about $3 billion of Nigerian bonds may be sold, according to ETM Analytics.

“The fact that stocks, which aren’t directly impacted by this, are down speaks to the symbolic

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (middle); welcoming Belarus Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Vyacheslav Beskosty during the courtesy call at the Presidential Villa in Abuja… on Thursday. With them is The Director, European Affairs, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Mr Baba Garba.

value of the JPMorgan decision,” Alan Cameron, an economist at Exotix Partners LLP in London, was quoted by Bloomberg as saying.

“In terms of how it’s shaping perceptions of Nigeria, it’s doing a lot of harm. Otherwise, the equity market probably wouldn’t have fallen this much.”

The All-Share Index has declined 15 percent this year, the most among 14 sub-Saharan African bourses tracked by Bloomberg after Zimbabwe.

Nigeria’s local-currency government bonds rose on Thursday after falling the day before on JPMorgan’s decision. Yields on the nation’s naira debt due March 2024 decreased to 16.26 percent from 16.68 percent, the highest since March 17, according to data provided by the Lagos-based Financial Markets Dealers Association.

JPMorgan’s decision

Akor Ejumene Abuja

ÏÏÏActivities

at the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the National Assembly in Abuja were paralysed on Thursday as the organised Labour held a solidarity march to register displeasure with the depth of corruption in the Nigerian system which had resulted in the slow pace of development of Nigeria.

The organized labour attributed the decadence in virtually all sectors of the economy to corruption, and stressed the need for it to be combatted headlong.

Similar protest marches were held in Lagos, Osun, Kano and Edo State, among

others.

While, the Ekiti State Governor, Mr. Peter Ayodele Fayose, described the marches as a “mere jamboree”, his Edo State counterpart Adams Oshiomhole urged workers to demand the prosecution of key officers of the outgone Goodluck Jonathan administration.

Led by the Presidents of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Ayuba Wabba and Bobboi Kaigama respectively, as well as leaders of other Civil Society Organisations, hundreds of placard-carrying workers marched from the Unity Fountain in Abuja to the headquarters of the Economic and Finan-

cial Crimes Commission, EFCC. They presented a letter containing their demand to the EFCC Chairman, Ibrahim Lamorde, telling him that Nigerian workers are tired of huge corruption cases emanating from public offices, and the snail pace of prosecution of such corrupt cases in court.

The workers encouraged the EFCC not to relent in the fight against corruption, especially as President Muhammadu Buhari’s administration has shown serious commitment to the cause.

EFCC Chairman, after receiving the letter, noted that the President has shown a strong commitment in the fight against corruption.

He said: “Corruption is the reason for the slow pace of our national development when compared to other developing nations which do not have the natural resources that we have. In Nigeria today, you can’t have good education, health, and basic needs of life except you visit private institutions, as past political leaders have contributed to the death of public institutions.”

Lamorde continued: “The commission (EFCC) has held several meetings with the President on the better ways to enhance the efficiency and strengthen the anti-graft agency and he has assured us of support in the fight, especially in Continued on page 12

Continued on page 12

Obasanjo nominates Ezekwesili as minister, Anambra APC kicks Continued from page 1

Labour holds nationwide anti-graft rallies

came after rising concerns among investors that the naira, which has been little changed against the dollar since the start of March due to central bank trading restrictions, is overvalued, said Cameron.

“The further Nigeria seems to be moving along the path of financial market repression, the easier becomes easy for global investors to move away,” he said. ”They have enough problems in other places without worrying about Nigeria becoming a command economy.”

The yield on Nigeria’s benchmark 2024 bond moderated to 16.63 percent from previous close of 16.68 percent. It had spiked to 17 percent.

“Without it the market would have frozen and there would have been no offer for quotes. We’ve done the best thing in terms of risk management,” Bola

Aso Rock this week was in furtherance of the former’s nomination of Ezekwesili for a key position in the new government.

The nomination is causing disquiet in the Anambra State chapter of the ruling party, the All Progressives Congress (APC).

President Buhari is believed to be planning to prune the nation’s ministries, and in effect ministers, to reflect the current economic realities in the country. If it sails through, Ezekwesili’s nomination may deny card-carrying members of the APC from the state.

Ezekwesili, a Chartered Accountant, is believed to be very close to the former President. She was the pioneer Head of the Obasanjo government’s Budget Monitoring and Price Intelligence Unit, also known as the Due Process office of

the administration, before she was drafted to be minister.

She has led the BBOG crusade since about 300 girls were kidnapped by members of the Boko Haram sect from their hostels during the administration of former President Goodluck Jonathan.

A member of the APC in Anambra State told the Daily Times: “We have no issue with her profile as an advocate of good governance and an internationally respected woman. However, President Buhari should not jettison party cohesion and discipline for a nonparty member who not only served the former ruling party, the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), but also has her heart buried deep there. Besides, what more does she have to contribute to national growth after being the head of the Due Process office and head of two ministries?”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

Jonathan was never President of Nigeria - Sylva Tom Okpe Abuja

ÏÏÏA gubernatorial aspirant on

the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and former governor of Bayelsa State, Chief Timipre Sylva, has said that former president Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s recent support for the incumbent governor of the state, Sariaki Dickson, has shown that he was never a President of Nigeria.

Sylva said the declarations of Senate President Abubakar Bukola Saraki (left) with Volker Bouffier, MDLP resident des Bundesrates, the Upper House of the German Parliament, in handshake after a bilateral meeting during the 4th UN International Conference for Heads of Parliaments in New York… on Thursday

Ooni: Endorsement of candidates divides Ife students, royal families allege foul play Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏThe

battle of who should emerge as the next Ooni of Ife seems to be escalating beyond the control of the town’s elders.

Besides there is a division in a body – the National Ife Descendants Students Association (NIDSA) – which is interested in becomes the next Ooni, as a recent meeting of the students almost resulted into chaos over who should be their candidate for the crown.

It would be since the demise of Oba Sijuwade Okunade II, all the four royal families/ruling houses have been laying claims to the thrown.

Some of the students alleged that the leadership of NIDSA had gone to collect money from princes aspiring to be Ooni for endorse-

ment.

A source said the Obafemi Awolowo University (OAU), Ile-Ife, branch of the association, left in a huff, in the course of a recent gathering .

The source alleged that the leadership of NIDSA after collecting money from some princes wanted to use the name of the association to endorse them.

At the centre of the crisis, the source said, was that the body was already factionalised and fighting for different ruling houses.

It was said that at the meeting that a committee should be set up to make proper findings about who should wear the crown. “ Most of the leaders also insisted that members of the committee should be versatile members of NIDSA that know the history and rudiment of chieftaincy.

“Subsequently, 11 members were nominated into the committee, including the President and Social Director, with eight other members namely Lawal Fatai; Fakunle Peter; President of Ilesa branch; Toye Olaposi Abosede; Adekunle Adeyinka and Awotidebe Yetunde, among others.

“The sole aim is of the committee is to make findings and forward a report to the appropriate quarters in charge of choosing the king,” a source at the OAU meeting said.

When asked how that resulted into division, the source added, “We are all suspicious. Members of the committee are biased. Also, we got to hear that NIDSA national secretariat had endorsed one of the princes because he allegedly gave them some cash to sway them.”

Insurgency: ECOWAS defence chiefs meet over standby force Andrew Orolua Abuja

ÏÏÏThe 35th edition of ordinary

meeting of the Chiefs of Defence Staff (CDS) of Economic Community of West African states (ECOWAS), opened, on Thursday, in Dakar, Senegal, in search of a multi-national approach to end security challenges in the region.

Col. Rabe Abubakar, of the Defence Headquarters, said that the Nigerian delegation to the meeting was led by Chief of Defence Staff, General Gabriel Olonisakin.

The meeting is expected to deliberate on the new structures of the ECOWAS Standby Force (ESF)

and the Peace Support Operations Division (PSOD).

Other areas of discussion include ECOWAS Mission in Guinea-Bissau (ECOMIB), Exit Strategy and the implementation of the Defence and Security Sector Reform Programme (DSSRP) in Guinea-Bissau.

The Nigerian delegates are to use the occasion to brief the regional body about the Boko Haram insurgency and the efforts the Nigerian Armed Forces and the Lake Chad Basin Commission (LCBC) member countries are putting in place to end Boko Haram terrorists’ activities in the region.

It would be recalled that Oloni-

sakin attended a similar meeting, some days back, in Mali, where regional efforts to curb terrorism and insurgency were extensively discussed.

Abubakar said that “With increased regional and continental awareness of the evil of the terrorism and related crimes in the West African sub- region, the perpetrators of evils will have it rough with regional forces.” At the Mali conference, papers were presented

by Olonisakin and the Chief of the Naval Staff, Vice-Admiral Ibok-Ete Ibas on Boko Haram insurgency and maritime security –alongside the challenges of emerging maritime crimes, respectively.

Smuggling affects smooth trade among ECOWAS, says FG Tom Garba Yola

ÏÏÏThe Federal Government has

said that intensive smuggling was a major drawback on the smooth implementation of liberal trade among ECOWAS states.

The Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Foreign Affairs, Amb. Bulus Lolo, said this, on Wednesday, at the opening of a one-day sensitisation workshop on ECOWAS Trade Liberation Scheme held in

Be patient with Buhari, PFN pleads Titus Akhigbe Benin

ÏÏÏThe

Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, PFN, under the leadership of Rev. Felix Omobude, has urged Nigerians to join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari in developing and moving the country forward.

Omobude, who addressed newsmen at the headquarters of New Covenant Gospel Church, in Benin, said after his visit to the internally displaced persons (IDPs) that the Nigerian project, aimed at developing the country Nigeria, was for all, and so all hands should be on deck.

He said, “Nigerians have voted and we have a government in place. Nigerians should join hands and work closely with the government of President Muhammadu Buhari, so that we can have a better country. Other countries will not come and develop our country for us, so we all have a stake. The Nigeria project is a project that all hands should be on deck to ex-

7 News

support for the governor by the former president and his wife, Patience Jonathan can never be a threat to his ambition of returning to Bayelsa government House come November 2015.

Speaking to newsmen, on Thursday, in Abuja, after he attended a screening exercise put in place by the APC, ahead the governorship primaries in Bayelsa State, the former governor said, “Frankly, I am not worried. I always say that the former president, was the president of Bayelsa State and he has proved me right. He has always been president of Bayelsa State not president of Nigeria.”

A total of 19 aspirants attended the screening exercise ahead the primary election.

Yola.

Lolo said the challenges facing the scheme were obstacles to the development of the sub-region.

“Nigeria’s priority in the scheme is to secure greater regional market access and promote industrialisation through export led growth. But the worst challenges facing the trade liberation is the negative consequences associated with smuggling of goods made within the West African subregion,’’ Lolo said.

Lolo, who was represented by Amb. Saleh Pisagi, said the ministry had embarked on a sensitisation programme campaigns nationwide in order to liberate the trade scheme.

ecute,” He noted that, in line with his assumption as President of the PFN, the leadership has put in place measures to strengthen the body in a visit to the 36 states of the federation with Edo as the 19th.

While commending the state chapter of the PFN for its new secretariat, the Omobude urged Nigerians to make the IDPs feel comfortable before the end of insurgency, so that they could return to their homes.

Buhari

8

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

Politics

s

People in PDP have no business being in government – Ariyomo

Jonathan

Ariyomo

Mimiko

Agagu

Adefarati

Tunji-Light Ariyomo, one time aide to late Governors Adebayo Adefarati and Olusegun Agagu of Ondo State is contesting the governorship election coming up next year in the Sunshine State. The IT expert spoke with ‘TOSIN AJUWON in Akure, on his plan to run under the umbrella of the All Progressives Congress (APC) among other issues.

Excerpts:

Buhari is very well on course – Ihonvbere Julius Ihonvbere, a Professor of Political Science and former Special Adviser to Ex-President Olusegun Obasanjo on Policy and Project Monitoring, is also the current Secretary to Edo State Government. In this interview with TITUS AKHIGBE, Ihonvbere spoke of his frustration of the politics of his era; Edo PDP; Buhari’s bail out for ailing states; Oshiomhole’s government and other issues affecting the polity. Excerpts:

How did you become a politician?

My sojourn into politics began when late Governor Adebayo Adefarati made me his Special Assistant on Information Technology. I was in that position till about December 2002. That was the beginning of my journey into politics. I did not come in originally as a politician. I came in as somebody CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Mrs Fwangchi

Plateau Civil Service boss hails Buhari, Lalong on Anti Corruption War Chijioke Kingsley, Jos

Ihonvbere During the campaigns, your party, the APC, talked about change and now the change has come. How would you describe the Muhammadu Buhari’s Presidency after hundred days in office?

As far as the Presidency is concerned, I think it is on course, very well on course. You can see there is a whole new approach to properly investigate those to be appointed. Taking his time to check their background and look at their records. He has demonstrated a no-nonsense environ-

Buhari ment of work as was evident in the change of the ADC and the Chief of Staff.

He has shown very clearly that he is not open to frivolities. He has rejected the purchase of new cars, saying that he will use the old ones that are there.

When I came to this office, I didn’t change anything. These are the chairs my predecessors used.

If it is not in you, it is not in you. If it is in you, you use it. You cannot buy cautiousness, commitment, honesty and genuine leadership in the market. It is not there. I

Magic. They do not watch the local news, let alone the national news, so a lot of ignorance is being circulated.

Where do you have viable libraries even in some higher institutions?

You can’t find any up-to-date libraries. So, our people expect that when people talk of change, if he gets to power, everything should just change overnight and everything will be working. It does not work like that. There is always

The Plateau State Head Of Civil Service, Mrs Huldah Fwangchi, Mni has saluted the determination of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Executive Governor Of Plateau State, Bar. Simon Bako Lalong on their determination to stamp out corruption in the country.

Bar. Fwangchi said the zero tolerance on corruption will set the country on the right direction as the crusade will work actively to combat corruption in all forms, which includes bribery, unfair competition, conflicts of interest, fraud, embezzlement, unlawful kickbacks, nepotism and cronyism.

According to her, “In just 100 Days in office, the President and Governor Lalong have been able to fish out loop holes in which billions of naira was expended without due process both at the Federal level and in the State”, she said.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Secondus think as far as the presidency is concerned, he is doing very well.

We appreciate the careful, steady, approach to taking decisions and executing them when necessary.

The problem with Nigeria today is that we are not a reading country. We don’t read. I am not sure that the best newspaper in this country today publishes up to 10,000 copies to distribute to a population of almost two hundred million people. We don’t read.

Go to most houses, this morning, they will be watching African

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

9 Politics

Ihonvbere: Why PDP may die permanently CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

a period of unsteadiness, a period of re-alignment, re-focusing programmes, individuals, policies, ideologies.

And what you see as crisis in National Assembly is a contestation, engagement of forces, interest and individuals and they will settle that soon and get to business. I would have been surprised if that did not happen. The PDP is not dead. It has been thoroughly injured. If it does not treat itself very well, it will die of infection.

But I will say the PDP is not totally dead. To that extent, there is nothing happening now that has not happened before. If you read Russian history, even African history generally, you will see a lot of instances where you have change; there was a period of uneasiness, alignment and re-alignment of socio-political forces and the strategizing priorities and letting individual interests and ideologies engage and contend before things settle down.

The issue will become a problem when it takes too long to happen.

Let us come down to Edo State. You have been in APC, what do you consider the greatest achievement of the APC government in the state?

The greatest achievement of the government in Edo State is a whole new process of people seeing where their money goes and this happens through focused, responsible, accountable and people-oriented leadership with commitment to democracy and democratization, due process and open governance.

Ihonvbere I have been in Edo and I have seen governments come and go; this has never been the tradition.

Nothing is hidden in this system.

No decision is taken that doesn’t come to the state executive council where it’s collectively and robustly discussed. Beyond that is the fact that the ordinary Edo person is beginning to regain a voice, their pride and carry their shoulder high which was not the case.

Before now, one was highly embarrassed when you mention Edo; people will say “haa”, you know.

The Oshiomhole administration is laying a foundation. Again, this resembles that of the federal.

Infact, I am amazed at what we have achieved given the depth of decay and dislocation, the low morale of public and civil servants,

Buhari the level of crime, the abandonment of public institutions including education, the general prevalence of insecurity in the system, the lack of interest for investment in Edo both by local and international investors. We are not yet where we should be and we may not even be there next year but one basic fact is that we have laid a solid foundation. I mean the incoming governor cannot rebuild Akpakpava, Ring-Road, or Siluko Road or Mission or Airport Roads, etc, so I believe that once a solid foundation is laid in any society, there is a tendency towards continuity and good governance.

Recently, the PDP Chairman, Chief Dan Orbih accused the governor of withdrawing huge sums of money from …

(Cuts in) I don’t want to join issues with Dan Orbih. I know him very well. I have worked with him before and he has no credibility to raise anything about the APC. But in those documents did you see Oshiomhole’s personal cheques there? So, what is the issue? He is the Executive Governor of the State. He accounts and he is responsible for the management of state funds aided by his relevant officers. So, what is Dan Orbih’s problem?

He said security votes?

Is it the first time we are having security vote? Is he part of the APC government? Has he asked the SSG or the Chief of Staff or the governor what the money was meant for? Is he the one to direct as to when and

how to draw money from the system?

You know, Dan Orbih is just like an old toothless woman who complains whenever people are eating. He wants to partake but unfortunately he cannot. He does not have the integrity, the morality, the credibility, the total spiritual wherewithal to understand what is going on now; he cannot understand it. He is tooth aching and belly aching. If they like, let them spend all their money to plant spies in every department of government. They can photocopy as many documents as they like but what I can assure them is that as long as those documents exist, there is accountability. Under them, there were no documents. It is mouth they used to command: “go and bring N10 million”, “bring N200 million” and it disappears.

For democracy to thrive, we need a viable opposition. Do you think the PDP can play the role of a viable opposition in the state?

PDP is a disorganized, opportunistic party that is driven by hatred, envy and anger. Being a viable opposition does not mean you shouldn’t visit each other or eat with each other. You carry out constructive criticism of the system. They have never come to us with an alternative programme of anything we are doing to say “This thing you are doing here won’t work, this is our own alternative”.

Rather, what they ask is how much it cost him, “oh, they have “chopped money”. Even when they have not known anything CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

How I educated three governors on IT – Ariyomo CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

who was just assisting leadership to achieve excellence.

Did you achieve such excellence?

It began when I proposed Operation 7-Road to late Governor Adefarati, which he accepted. I assisted him in the area of strategies. At the time, I had strong feeling that the state would benefit a lot if I could assist the Governor to unleash the full scale of the potential he had as governor. I envisaged that it might be difficult for him to get the second time.

I and my team studied the situation and we came to the conclusion that the best way to actually

get him another opportunity is for the governor to let the people know those things we considered to be mistakes and offer them hope that he was willing to make the necessary changes. Part of the suggestion was to change his Deputy and replace him with somebody considered to very vibrant. We felt that changing the ticket a bit would change the political calculation.

Did you succeed?

That suggestion led to political schism that eventually caused us to part ways with the governor.

That was my proper political fire baptism. Politics later played out which in retrospect, I did not think late Adefarati led it. We later got to know that some forces took advan-

tage of our political naivety. We had thought that we had the mind of the governor so we did not even care about what happened after we had had the discussion with him.

We later got know all the political blackmail and schism and we have no reason to blame the governor.

You parted ways with late Governor Adefarati and later joined the PDP government of late Governor Olusegun Agagu of blessed memory, why?

Dr. Olusegun Agagu of blessed memory reached out to me. When a situation persists in politics, you have to take sides. I honored Dr. Agagu’s invitation because what I CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Ariyomo

Mimiko

Politics 10

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

It’s a waste of time picking governorship ticket from a governor’s pants – Ariyomo CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

came to know that are durable, plausible and achievable, I achieve them under the leadership of Dr. Agagu. If not for the fact that I honored Agagu’s invitation, my dream would have ended as product of my own imagination. We only met politically. In that situation, the natural tendency was not to trust other people. He spoke to my team and he offered to make us comfortable financially and security wise.

I thanked him a lot because I was meeting him for the first time. I did not like him before, especially with the reputation that Bamidele Olumilua and himself caused the retrenchment of so many people.

When I listened to him, I saw an extremely brilliant mind. I told him he was the celebrant.

As a result of that I told him we would not collect a penny from him but to contribute to support him. At that meeting were Barrister Boluwaji Kunlere, Alhaji Ali Olanusi, Charles Bosede and Niyi Oladipupo. We accepted the offer of security because our lives were seriously threatened.

I told him the only thing we

needed from him is whether he would listen to us whenever we offer him advice. He assured me that he would listen to advice and that day marked the beginning of our relationship. From then on, I would get the call of Dr. Agagu regularly before and after the election. I came to become the friend of the Governor who can see him at any time of the day and in the night.

So how would you describe your relationship with both late governors since you have once worked with them?

In the case of Dr. Agagu, he had this exceeding brilliance that was supposed to be asset to this state.

That brilliance was what later crystalised to Olokola Free Trade Zone. It would have transformed the industrial landscape of Ondo State which would have ensured that today we would not be in penury as it appears. The idea of Olokola was that of Agagu. Ogun State only came in because Agagu knew that the project would only scale through with the buy-in of some people as highly placed as President Olusegun Obasanjo. I saw Jonathan

CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Ariyomo

I tried to be governor three times, it didn’t work – Ihonvbere CONTINUED FROM PAGE 9

about the bidding process, and have not inspected the bidding documents. They just believe everything in APC or we in government here, we are embezzling money. If they know the reality of what is going on here, they will shut up.

Recently, the federal government bailed out some states that are owing their workers and the opposition condemned the action. Was it the right decision the presidency took?

You see, the PDP because of its character, its essence, would have wanted a situation where the states were in crisis so that they will be shouting “APC is falling”, to come back to power. But it is not going to happen.

Even in America, under Obama, companies like General Motors cried out for help and the government had to come in to provide some relief. The housing market in America collapsed, people lost their mortgages and even their work, then government came in to help them because they

know that is the only way they can create jobs and reduce tension and crime. What the government has done is not taking money belonging to ministry of education or ministry of health; rather they took money that would have been stolen previously.

Thank God this money arrived after PDP just left so rather than steal it; they divided it for all the states including PDP states that couldn’t pay salaries but have been the highest revenue earners in Nigeria.

Delta State for instance gets several times more than what we get and they owe well over N600 billion. So, for me, the bailout was a right step because it has calmed down the anger and pressure in all the states. We do not owe but we will also get something with which to carry out infrastructural development of the states. So, is all about policy, it was not wasted money.

The State Administration is winding up by November next year. What is your next political ambition?

(Laughs) I certainly have no am-

bition yet. I certainly have no ambition in Edo State. I have tried it three times and it has not worked and I now know my limitations.

The governor now is from Edo North and I am from Edo North.

So, what ambition will I have? I wanted to go to the Senate it didn’t work, so my next ambition is sit down look. I will support those vying morally, financially, politically, and otherwise.

Let me take you down memory lane, have you ever had any time you would say this was my worst moment?

Everybody has worst moments.

I have several and unfortunately the bulk come from the field of politics. I once ran for the governorship of this state. As at that time there was nobody whose campaign was close to mine both in terms of popularity, in terms of solidarity, in terms of acceptability and in terms of personal qualification. I say that boldly without any reservations but last minute, one man, one dark shadow emerged from nowhere and spoilt it. It was a very sad moment because I know very many people

who had devoted their resources and energy to that campaign.

Their sadness was my sadness. I tried it the second time, a threeyear campaign and again the usual PDP way. I think that time I was not as sad as it had happened to me before. It was done by the same person. So, I was convinced so long as I remained in that party, I will not make impact. So, I did not wait for someone to put fire in my house before I could run out.

That was why I left PDP and came to APC. And in APC, I tried to go to the Senate, this time focusing on six local governments rather than 18 and in my own zone and I was more popular than my opponents.

Again, the dark moment, it didn’t work. It is extremely painful. I will not lie about it. In all, I carried out without having problem with anybody. For me, I thank God for that. I cannot spend the Ihonvbere Commonwealth on Edo politics without anything to show for it, it will be self-serving and inconsiderate for me to continue to do that.

How about your happiest moments?

Happiest moment they are too many; was it when I entered secondary school, passed my WAEC, when I entered the University, my degrees and when I got married and had children and all got graduated different times? My happy moments are too many that they overshadow the sad ones.

Being an SSG here is a challenge but I am happy with the kind of people I work with; the commissioners, Deputy Governor other appointees, the Permanent Secretaries. If I know it would be like this, I would have recorded all my activities and give out the tape to people to watch and know that you can work with people not from your village or local government and relate to each other as common stakeholders and equal stakeholder; as brothers and sisters committed to one goal. Social justice, you don’t have to collect a bribe to sign a file, you don’t need to delay a file but sign it and let it go. People must not have to queue in front of your office to see you.

If you open up to people, they will open up to you. If you respect them, they will respect you.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

11 Politics

People in PDP have no business being in government – Ariyomo CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

Agagu as very meticulous person on the number of roads he was able to construct. Because of my closeness to the governors; I was also able to see their weaknesses, which are why I considered myself one of the well-trained people in Ondo State. I closely worked with two governors. I was not on the corridors of power. I was in the kitchen of power. I maintained official and personal relationship with these two governors. I was one of the few who could enter their bedrooms.

The training for me was an opportunity to be cautioned. It was an opportunity to see at close range how leadership could utilised policy to change things effectively in Ondo State and in Africa.

There are certain things I couldn’t achieve under Agagu, which if I had opportunity to achieve could have changed the trajectory of Ondo State. I am not just a person who came into leadership from nowhere. I started as student union leader. I remember that I was one of the first young men to be arrested in 1993 and detained by agents of Abacha junta. I was in Federal University of Technology Akure (FUTA) then. The allegation was that we hijacked a plane.

You are aspiring to be a governor in the state, what is your vision?

My governorship ambition is an opportunity to use Ondo State to send a statement that the black man is capable of leadership. That the black man can fix the totality of what constitute energy including the sub-industry of oil and gas, bitumen and electricity that have constituted serious issues in the country. That the black man can fix education by not only changing the content but the entire fabric of what constitutes education. If I have the privilege to lead this state, we will spend less to achieve better result in terms of quality and durability. That is why I don’t see myself as enemy of any other persons that are contesting. I see my vision beyond what anyone might have conceptualised. I make bold to say that so far, all of them combined, at the risk of sounding boastful, would be able to showcase evidence of having provide well-thought-out leadership in their past areas of opportunity. I was Coordinator of Ondo State Information Technology Development Centre (SITDEC) under Dr. Agagu. This is a centre that did not exist before but I cre-

Ariyomo ated it. We crafted opportunity for gainful employment through the Centre. We employed hundreds of our youth.

In Ondo State, I can boast that I am the person who has been able to teach three governors IT knowledge – Chief Adefarati, Dr. Agagu and the incumbent, Governor Mimiko learnt virtually everything he knows about IT from me except using it to punish people. I still assisted him in a number of things outside the normal class. I remembered he would still call me

to his official quarters to take him through power point presentation.

I had that rare privilege of being teacher to three wonderful governors of our state.

Why have you chosen to contest the governorship polls under the banner of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and not the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) your former party?

It would surprise you to know that the only people I have had political relationship with are people like Dr. Tunji Abayomi who would

call me to find out what is happening. People like Mrs. Tanimola from Akoko and Ade Adetimehin in the APC. All the people in PDP especially in Ondo State tried as much as possible not to relate with me. Suddenly I realise that all the good people are in APC. Just like any other person, I will like to be close to good people.

The gubernatorial ticket of the PDP is inside the pants of one man and that person is Dr. Olusegun Mimiko. It is a waste of time for a genuine progressive democrat who is trying to use popular support to win election to waste his time trying to obtain a ticket that is inside a governor’s pant. Governor Mimiko is our elder brother and we also recognised a couple of things he has done but that may not meet our own expectation. If there is any other reason too, the fact that Buhari is the President of this country is an exciting thing too. If you look at the entire country too, you will find some leaders like Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu that are doing us proud.

Are you saying the APC is the only alternative?

I have said it severally that the quality of minds on the side of the APC is superior to quality of minds in the PDP. We have a lot of people who ordinarily have no business being in Local Government who have been governors today in the PDP. You will always notice that they will always be quarrelling with people they should ordinarily see as partners in progress. For instance; while I was in the PDP, I was coming with ideas and that got them unsettled. So if we have the opportunity to get the ticket

of the APC and win the election, we would work with quality hands and minds in the party that will bring about revolutionary change in Ondo State.

There are agitations in some quarters that an Akure man should be the next governor of Ondo state; do you share in the same sentiment?

No. I carry a different spirit within me. I carry the Ondo State Agenda. I believe every other agenda should quiver in reference before Ondo State Agenda. However, I understand the reason some people insist on Akure Agenda.

What reason?

The reason is that some people are manipulating the political process to suit some ideas about zoning. If they do that, they will short-change the Akure people.

I will give you an example. Ondo State Province was established in 1915 a year after the war started.

In 1915 when Ondo State Province was established there were critical stakeholders’ ethnics groups including the Ekitis. Then there were about four district divisions based on their sub-sub ethnic unit.

Outside the Ekiti, we have what now constitutes present day Ondo State. We have a large ethnic unit.

We have Okitipupa/Ikale axis. We have Ondo Ekinmogun people. We have Akure Kingdom, which comprise of Ifedore, present day Akure South, North and as far as Iso in Owo. It is still the largest ethnic division in Ondo State today. We have the Owo and Akokos. These are the original political divisions that Ondo State is made up of. Some people out of their own selfish interest harp on zoning.

Anti Corruption War: Plateau Civil Service boss hails Buhari, Lalong CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

Fwangchi hailed the President for standing by the promise he made at the Chatham House in London, where he said that if elected president of Nigeria, he would prioritise the fight against corruption, as well as insecurity and unemployment.

“In the face of dwindling revenue, a good place to start the repositioning of Nigeria’s economy is to swiftly tackle the corruption ills that have engulfed Nigeria”, she said.

The Civil Service boss howev-

er maintained that to sustain the war against corruption, the President and governors must have robust guideline policies and processes in place that will help to identify loop holes for stealing.

She lauded Governor Lalong for sticking to due process in handling the report of the Transition Committee that indicted the previous administration over gross mismanagement of public funds from the Plateau State treasury.

A Transition Committee was inaugurated in May 2015, to study all aspects of the structure,

organisation and operational modalities of the preceding government.

The Committee in its report indicted the immediate past administration, to have left the state indebted to the tune of N222.3 billion.

Besides, Bar. Fwangchi said: “a lot has happened in 100 days. You can see the unbiased appointment made by the governor. I will also say he his gender sensitive as women are equally well represented in his appointments so far.

We can also see the maintenance of roads and the completing of

some uncompleted projects left by the previous administration that are now completed in short a time.

“The newly completed Plateau State House of Assembly, the Civil Service Complex, just to mention a few, are the successes of 100 days.

“Consequently, I wish Mr. President and the Executive Governor of Plateau State a well deserved 100 days in office and pray that the Almighty God will continue to guide them with wisdom as they lead Nigeria to the promise land”, she stressed.

News 12

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

Group faults fresh query to Osun judge by NJC Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÎÎÎThe Civil Societies Coalition for the Emancipation of Osun State (CSCEO) has faulted the fresh query issued to Justice Folahanmi Oloyede by the National

Judicial Council(NJC) and accused it of bias and acting under false information.

The Osun judge had called for the removal of the State Governor, Mr Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola and his deputy,Mrs Grace Titilayo Laoye-Tomori

over an alleged financial misconduct.

The Osun State House of Assembly investigated the judge’s petition but did not find Governor Aregbesola guilty.

Members of the OSHA and prominent lawyers,

including Prof. Itsey Sagay recommended that the Osun judge be punished, after which the NJC issued her a query.

Apart from them, the Osun Civil Societies Coalition(OCSC) also wrote another petition against the judge, amount-

ing to another query.

Commenting on the latest query, CSCEO’s Chairman, Comrade Adeniyi Sulaiman, in a statement on Thursday in Osogbo declared that those who authored the purported petition which NJC relied on to issue the fresh query to Justice Oloyede were people of questionable characters.

He also alleged that the second petition was the handiwork of aides to Governor Aregbesola, who wanted Justice Oloyede sanctioned for daring to expose allege mismanagement of resources.

He said: “It is very unfortunate that Mr Aregbesola through his cronies mislead the public, particularly, the respected apex body of bencher, National Judicial Council(NJC) to issue a query wrongly to the courageous Justice Olamide Folahanmi Oloyede, not knowing that those who signed the petition are direct beneficiaries of Mr

Rauf Adesoji Aregbesola’s government.”

Sulaiman continued: “It also a surprise to the people of Osun State, especially, members of CSCEO that the NJC can act on the purported petition of Osun Civil Societies Coalition(OCSC) without investigating the petitioners as being stipulated in the revised ‘2014 National Judicial Council discipline Regulations’ to know the veracity of their genuineness.

“We believe that NJC under the leadership of Justice Mahamud will therefore stands to reason that such doubtful elements cannot and will never find anything wrong with the inability of their principal, the embattled Governor Aregbesola, to discharge his constitutional duties to Osun citizens and his gross mismanagement of the State resources which has left education,health and commercial sector of the State in comatose.”

Labour holds nationwide anti-graft rallies President Muhammadu Buhari (right) welcome the visiting President Faure Gnassingbe Eyadema of Togo who is on two –Day state visit to Nigeria at the Presidential Villa, Abuja… on Thursday

Massive losses at stock exchange Continued from page 6 Onadele, FMDQ’s managing director, told Reuters.

Analysts estimate foreign holdings of Nigerian bonds at less than $2.75 billion. Traders said domestic pension funds were picking up the slack as foreign buyers exit.

In another development, the central bank reduced the time limit for funding currency purchases to 24 hours from 48 hours to stem a surge in the demand for the dollars, dealers said.

“Investors are concerned about how the proceeds from the sales will be funded based on the current level of the external

reserves at $31.5 billion,” said Ayodeji Ebo, head of research at Afrinvest.

“The central bank’s ability to defend the naira may be hampered, hence devaluation may be inevitable. Foreign investors exposed to Nigerian equities will prefer to exit positions ahead of any official devaluation.”

An equity market selloff which started on Wednesday continued as foreign investors panicked by the bond expulsion sold shares to exit Nigeria.

The stock market, which has the second-biggest weighting after Kuwait on the MSCI frontier market index, was down 1.87 percent in early trade.

According to Bloomberg, Nigeria has gone almost full circle from a favored investor destination in Africa three years ago -because of its status as the continent’s largest crude producer and most populous nation -- to being rebuffed. While most of the weakening sentiment is due to the more than halving in oil prices since last year, a series of missteps by the central bank and President Muhammadu Buhari’s delay in appointing an economic team are adding to the slide, it added.

The JPMorgan news is “a clear signal of dampened investor sentiment,” Manji Cheto, vice presi-

dent of Teneo Intelligence in London, said by phone on Wednesday. “For things to turn around so quickly in three years’ time shows how important it is for governments to recognize that market sentiment is so fickle, and I don’t think the Nigerian government ever really understood this.”

Nigerian bonds were added to JPMorgan’s Government Bond IndexEmerging Markets Index, or GBI-EM, in 2012 after the central bank under Lamido Sanusi had scrapped foreign investment restrictions and took measures to control inflation and steady the currency.

Continued from page 6 the moves for the recovery of the looted funds in the past.”

The workers also took the message to the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), David Lawal Babachir, where the workers said that they were always at the receiving end of corruption, and as such, they would not continue to tolerate it.

While receiving a letter on behalf of Buhari, the SGF reminded the workers of the President’s commitment to the fight against corruption. He assured them that the President is aware of the demand for a corrupt-free society, and pledged to give utmost attention to their demands.

At the National Assembly, the anti-corruption message was also passed to the legislators. The workers demanded that the law makers revisit the call for the enactment of the Whis-

tle blowers Act. The workers however requested that the outcome of past probes on corruption, including the possible outcome of the ongoing power sector probe by the Senate be published for public scrutiny.

They warned that they would not hesitate to mobilise against the legislators if any legislation that would whittle down the strength of the anti-corruption fight is contemplated.

The workers also pleaded with judges handling corruption cases to desist from frustrating the effort through frivolous adjournments.

Receiving them on behalf of the leadership of the National Assembly, Senator Sani Zoro, assured the workers of the commitment of the 8th National Assembly to support the fight.

He promised to immediately hand over the letter to the Senate President, Bukola Saraki for proper attention.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday September 11, 2015

13 International

Ex-Ivorien President Gbagbo’s party seeks poll boycott

ÏÏÏIn Ivory Coast, the party of

former President Laurent Gbagbo says it will make sure elections due on October 25 are not held.

Boubacar Kone, interim spokesman of the Ivorian Popular Front party, told VOA the people of Ivory Coast have already begun organizing protests against the vote, seen by many as crucial to return the country to stability since the

violence that followed the 2010 presidential vote.

This came after the Constitutional Council released the names of 10 candidates, including President Alassane Ouattara, who will compete in the October election.

Kone said the process is invalid because President Ouattara is not eligible to stand for a second term, according to the constitution.

“What I can say is that this process is very badly started since Mr. Ouattara is not eligible according to our constitution. Secondly, our electoral commission is unbalanced and biased, which means the process is definitely unbalanced and unfair,” he said.

Kone said the Supreme Court rejected President Ouattara’s candidacy in 2000 and since then

A man walks near a poster showing portraits of former Ivory Coast President Laurent Gbagbo (C) and Former Ivory Coast Prime Minister Pascal Affi N'Guessan (R), leader of Ivorian Popular Front (FPI) at the FPI headquarters in Abidjan, recently.

nothing has changed.

He said Ouattara became president in 2010 only because Gbagbo backed him for the sake of national reconciliation under the guidance of former South African President Thabo Mbeki.

But Kone said the reconciliation process has been stalled by Ouattara’s government.

“The national reconciliation process is boycotted by this process in the sense that more than 700 political opponents are still in jail for strange reasons. You have more than 50,000 of our compatriots abroad in exile, and this environment revolves into a very violent environment because Mr. Ouattara’s people are armed and threatening peace all over the country,” Kone said.

Kone said many of the presidential candidates announced Wednesday are not true opponents of President Ouattara. He said they were put there to distort the electoral process in favor of President Ouattara.

“We are not going to take part in the elections, and I believe the process is not going to stand. The people of Ivory Coast are going to protest. Protests are being organized all over the country against the election,” Kone said.

Grenade attacks Hungary, Austria see spike in refugee arrivals ÏÏÏBoth Austria and Hungary and elsewhere in the Middle East the horror unfolding before our kill two in CAR

ÏÏÏGrenade attacks in Central

African Republic's Bangui killed at least two people late on Wednesday in a rare incident of violence in the capital, the United Nations and residents said.

Men on motorbikes threw grenades into crowds gathered in three different places in southern Bangui during the evening, residents said.

"MINUSCA strongly condemns these odious and cowardly acts that killed two people and injured numerous others," the UN mission said in a statement late on Wednesday. An aid official with medical charity Medecins Sans Frontieres said at least 20 people were wounded. A relative of one of the victims said one wounded person had since died, bringing the death toll to three.

Thousands of Central Africans have died and hundreds of thousands remain displaced after two years of violence that erupted after mainly Muslim Seleka rebels seized power in the majority Christian country in 2013.

have witnessed a spike in the number of migrants crossing their respective borders overnight, in a new record number for the countries at the forefront of Europe's refugee crisis.

Hungary said more than 3,000 people crossed into Hungary from Serbia from Wednesday night into Thursday morning, while Austria said a similar number crossed into its territory from Hungary.

In the eastern Austrian town of Nickelsdorf, thousands are gathered to await trains to Vienna and onward from there to Germany and elsewhere.

Austrian authorities say they are meeting Thursday to discuss whether to send special trains to the border to transport the refugees to the Austrian capital.

Thousands of refugees have been flocking to Austria since it announced last week that it will accept asylum applications, as did Germany earlier in the week.

Europe is seeing its strongest influx of refugees since World War II, as people seek to escape violence in Syria, Afghanistan, Iraq,

and North Africa.

The United States pledged Wednesday to accept more refugees from Syria and elsewhere, while Europe unveiled a mandatory country-by-country quota plan to resettle 160,000 migrants.

After meeting with lawmakers in Congress, U.S. Secretary of State John Kerry said, "We are looking hard at the number that we can specifically manage with respect to the crisis in Syria and Europe. That's being vetted fully right now."Shortly after Kerry's meeting, a key member of the U.S. Senate, John McCain, went to the Senate floor to urge stronger leadership from President Barack Obama on stemming violence in the Middle East and North Africa.

He stood next to an enlarged, close-up photo of the body of threeyear-old Alan Kurdi, a Syrian boy who drowned along with his fiveyear-old brother and mother when their small rubber boat capsized as it headed for Greece.

"This image has haunted the world," McCain said. "But what should haunt us even more than

eyes is the thought that the United States will continue to do nothing meaningful about it.''

White House press secretary Josh Earnest said Tuesday the administration has been looking at a "range of approaches" for assisting U.S. allies with the thousands of people arriving from the Middle East, Africa and Asia.

European Commission chief Jean-Claude Juncker called for EU member states to take in thousands more refugees over the next two years, but is running into opposition from countries objecting to a quota system.

Kerry

Sudan denies rape, torture report ÏÏÏSudan has denied its Rapid

Support Forces (RSF) committed mass rape and killings of civilians during two counter-insurgency campaigns in Darfur.

In a report released on Wednesday, the U.S.-based rights group Human Rights Watch said the abuses appear to be “widespread and systematic attacks” on civilian populations that may constitute crimes against humanity.

The organisation said it interviewed 212 victims and witnesses of the Darfur attacks between May 2014 and June 2015, including 151 who had fled to Chad and South Sudan and 16 who were interviewed inside Darfur.

Sudan’s Information Minister Ahmed Bilal said Human Rights Watch is an untrustworthy organization that is always out to discredit the Khartoum government every time it does something positive, particularly as it tries to stabilize Darfur and bring peace to the region.

UN envoy calls on Seoul to keep pressure on Kim regime ÏÏÏThe top U.N. official inves-

tigating North Korean human rights abuses is urging South Korea not to undermine international efforts to prosecute the Kim Jong Un regime.

Seoul is trying to reduce border tensions and continue its longterm strategy to achieve the peaceful reunification of the Korean peninsula, but the U.N. special rapporteur on human rights in North Korea said the South’s policy should not ease international pressure against the North.

“While unification is paramount, accountability measures for crimes against humanity need to be laid down firmly and robustly by the international community,” said Marzuki Darusman the Untied Nations Special Rapporteur on the human rights situation in North Korea.

Darusman is part of the U.N. Commission of Inquiry that documented a network of political prisons in North Korea and atrocities that include murder, enslavement, torture, rape, and forced abortions.

Its report led to a U.N. recommendation to refer North Korea to the International Criminal Court for crimes against humanity. The General Assembly endorsed the recommendation last year but the measure has since been stalled in the Security Council, where China and Russia hold veto power.

14

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

DEBT MANAGEMENT OFFICE NIGERIA

www.cbn.gov.ng

NIGERIA’S RESPONSE TO J.P. MORGAN’S ANNOUNCEMENT ON GBI-EM INDEX The attention of the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Debt Management Office

The attention of the Federal Ministry of Finance (FMF), Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), and the Debt Management Office (DMO) has been Bond Index for Emerging Markets (GBI-EM). While we respect the right of the J.P. Morgan to make this decision, we would like drawn to today’s announcement of the decision to strongly disagree with the premise and conclusions upon which the decision rests. by J. P. Morgan to phase out Nigeria from its Government Bond Index for Emerging It would be recalled that Nigeria wasWhile included in the index in October 2012,right based onof thethe existence of anMorgan active domestic Markets (GBI-EM). we respect the J.P. tomarket for FGN Bonds supported by a Two-Way System, dedicated Market Makers and diverse investors.with However, in Janumake this decision, weQuote would like to strongly disagree the ary 2015, J.P. Morgan placed Nigeria on an Index Watch as a result of their concerns in the operations of our Foreign Exchange premise and conclusions upon which the decision rests.

(DMO) has been drawn to today’s announcement of the decision by J. P. Morgan to phase out Nigeria from its Government

(FX) Market, namely: 1) lack of liquidity for transactions; 2) lack of transparency in the determination of the exchange rate; and 3) lack of a fully functional two-way FX Market.

In our continuous bid to strengthen the Nigerian financial market and enhance our status as a preferred destination for in-

It would be recalled that Nigeria was included in the index in October 2012, based on the existence of an active domestic market for FGN which should expectedly reduce the amount of liquidity in the market, the CBN ensured that all genuine and effective demand Bonds supported by investors. a Two-Way Quote System, dedicated Market were met, especially those from foreign On transparency , the CBN mandated that all FX transactions were posted Makers and diverse investors. intransactions January 2015, J.P. the online in the Reuters Trading Platform so that all stakeholdersHowever, can easily verify all in the market.

In addition, Official FX Windowplaced at the CBN was closed to ensure level-playing field Watch in the pricingas of foreign exchange. of their Morgan Nigeria on aan Index a result It is important to note a functional two-way FX of market already exists in Nigeria.

However, given the high propensity for concerns inthat the operations our Foreign Exchange (FX) Market, It is important to note that a functional two-way FX market already speculation, round tripping, and rent-seeking in the market, it became imperative that participants are not allowed to simply exists in Nigeria.

However, given the high propensity for speculation, namely: 1) lack of liquidity for transactions; 2) lack of transparency in roundto tripping, rent-seeking in the market,demands it became imperative trade currencies but are only in the market fulfiland genuine customer to pay for eligible imports and other transacparticipantsexchange are not allowed to simply trade currenciesand but are the determination of that the rate; 3) lack of a fully only in the market totwo-way fulfil genuineFX customer demands to pay for resulted in the stability of the exchange tions. In the light of this, we introduced an order-based, market, which has eligible imports and other transactions. In the light of this, we FX Market. introduced an order-based, two-wayeliminated FX market, whichspeculators has resulted in from the market. ratefunctional in the interbanktwo-way market over the past 7 months and largely

vestors, we took measures to improve the market. Despite the fact that oil prices have fallen by nearly 60 percent in one year,

the stability of the exchange rate in the interbank market over the past 7 months and largely eliminated speculators from the market.

Despite these positive outcomes, the J. P. Morgan would prefer that we remove this rule; even though it is obvious that doing Despite these positive outcomes, the J. P. Morgan would prefer that

so would lead to an indeterminate depreciation ofthis the Naira.

With oil so prices, we remove rule; even though it isdwindling obvious that doing would we believe that an order-based two-way

lead tostrengthen an indeterminate depreciationthe of the Naira.

With dwindling oil financial market and In our continuous bid to Nigerian at the moment. enhance our status asNigeria’s a interest preferred destination for investors, we took While we would continue to ensure thatthe there market. is liquidity and transparency in the market, we would to note have that the marmeasures to improve Despite the fact that oil like prices While we would continue to ensure that there is liquidity and transparency in the market, we like to note that the diversity market for ket for FGN Bonds strong60 and active due primarily towould the strength and ofshould the domesticexpectedly investor base. For the fallen byremains nearly percent year, which FGN Bonds remainsin strongone and active due primarily to the strength and diversity the domestic investor For theofavoidance of avoidance of doubt, the Federal Government seesofNigeria and the base. interest Nigerians as paramount. It will therefore only the Federal Government sees Nigeria and the interest of CBN ensured that all reduce the amount of doubt, liquidity in the market, the as paramount.

It will in therefore only continue take continue to take economic decisions that Nigerians will impact positively the lives of all toNigerians. economic decisions that will impact positively in the lives of all genuine and effective demand were met, especially those from Nigerians. foreign investors. On transparency, the CBN mandated that all FX transactions were posted online in the Reuters Trading Platform so -------------------------------------------Ibrahim Mu’azu Ibrahim Mu’azu that all stakeholders can easily verify all transactions in the market. In Director, Corporate Communications, CBN For and on Behalf of the FMF, CBN, and DMO Director, Corporate addition, the Official FX Window atCommunications, the CBN CBN was closed to ensure a For and on Behalf of the FMF, CBN, and DMO level-playing field in the pricing of foreign exchange.

market best serves Nigeria’s interest at the moment. prices, we believe that an order-based two-way market best serves

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

Alleviating Fuel Poverty with Solar Photovoltaic Systems (2)

Habeeb Salawu

H

ow do we move from a level of fuel poverty to a level of prosperity? How do we destroy the chaos of a menace that makes many Nigerian households spend so much on fuel and energy leaving so little money for other expenses?

Fortunately Nigeria is in a democracy, so we can begin by getting it right legislatively. Nigeria needs energy efficiency policies such as setting carbon emission reduction targets; this will contribute immensely to placing us on the right path but how do we set targets when we don’t have a measure of our current emission level? Thus we must make it a priority to measure carbon emission levels across the country.

Alleviating fuel poverty is a prime motivator for providing energy access with solar photovoltaic (PV) systems. These systems, which convert sunlight to electricity, will also reduce CO2 emissions and contribute towards national climate change targets, when set.

The process of moving towards energy efficiency is a daunting one; therefore a radical change in attitude championed by the government will go a long way. For example, simple

Samuel Omotoso

government financed bulb exchange programmes in which regular bulbs are exchanged for LED lighting, will lower energy cost and help lift a lot of households’ out of fuel poverty. This will also significantly reduce energy demand on the national grid thus increasing access to energy.

Without improvements in energy efficiency, more households in the country are likely to decline into fuel poverty and with energy prices rising without income lines moving in the same direction due to the current economic situation in the country, the situation will certainly get worse over time.

Tackling the challenge of fuel poverty calls for a nation committed to renewable energy and energy efficiency. This means that renewable energy policies, framework and projects are to be implemented in every city, town and village without exception.

As rural communities are often in locations that are difficult to access, local skills have to be developed to manage and maintain the renewable energy systems through community driven renewable energy development programmes.

Solar PV installations will therefore be accompanied by training sessions developed and implemented for locals to equip them with the knowledge and understanding required for technical operations

and maintenance routine and also to encourage behaviour change and overcome barriers to change. This is expected to lead to a rise in the number of semi-skilled workers in the renewable energy industry thus improving economic conditions of the residents as the green economy is expected to blow into a multi billion naira industry as seen in other countries.

Solar PV will also provide development assistance through the supply of electricity services to stimulate economic productivity and enhance quality of life in rural areas. Women, who sadly represent at least half of rural consumers, and often more than half of the rural poor, perform a wide range of work for which energy of one form or another is a critical input. Solar PV actualises the potential for improving women’s productivity through improved energy services. It also offers gender and poverty sensitive participation with sustainability and equity as goals.

Due to feed-in tariffs (FITs) and other incentives to promote renewables, Germany has about 1.2m privately owned solar PV installations that export energy to the grid while Ghana recently launched a 200,000 rooftop programme to promote distributed generation through net metering. The programme is expected to add 200MW capacity to the grid by 2020. With individual system installation size capped at 500kW,

excess customer credit are carried forward to the next month and are only due for expiry at the end of 12 months. The net metering system in Ghana has a prevailing retail rate for all participants with duration of 10 years from enrolment for all.

To promote investment in renewable energy and energy efficiency in the absence of structured FITs or net metering schemes in Nigeria, the federal government should ensure that all renewable energy products enjoy zero import duty and this should be extended to batteries which seem to be the most viable system for energy storage in the short term until local production is aggressively pursued and other storage technologies explored.

To achieve remarkable success in reducing household fuel bills, improving energy security, relieving fuel security and reducing carbon emissions, energy saving materials must also enjoy same tariff structure and reduced VAT rates.

Fortunately, the initial high capital costs for solar PV have reduced significantly in the last 5 years. Solar PV has a significant potential to provide the required energy access across the nation.

It is expected that the federal government in driving energy provision with solar PV instal-

lations will engage indigenous professionals in the field. There are a few bodies in the country such as the Council of Renewable Energy in Nigeria, Association of Nigerian Solar Energy Promoters and the Solar Energy Society of Nigeria with seasoned members dedicated to renewable energy and energy efficiency. This will also aid capacity development and the creation of more jobs.

A cross section of Nigerians admits to be sceptical of solar PV systems due to many failed projects across the country. Besides the requisite knowledge of global solar radiation of any location for the design of solar PV systems, sizing and routine maintenance are critical factors for the success and reliability of these systems.

The success of renewable energy lies in demonstration hence the conscious effort to ensure that all renewable energy projects in the country irrespective of the scale, from streetlights to solar farms, perform optimally with the desired output. Little things such as birds’ faeces can affect the performance and output of a system due to hotspot susceptibility. Go solar! Let the transition to a low carbon economy begin now.

Mr. Habeeb Salawu is a Consultant on Renewable Energy and Energy Efficiency.

MARRIAGE CLINIC PT 2

Finding God’s perfect will in marriage

‘‘Whoso findeth a wife findeth a good thing, and obtaineth favour of the Lord’’ (Proverbs 18:22).

M

15 Opinion

arriage is an important issue in life. A life does not exist without a purpose, Man was created to further the works of creation(Gen.1:28). Marriage was institutionalized by God for man to culminate the creative purpose i.e procreating, coexisting and dominating the earth.

Marriage is a journey that can make or impair our relationship with God. It is good to marry but it is better to stay married. In the world today, staying married is a big question, most of the wedding conducted today ended in divorce and shambles. Moreover the unfortunate phenomenon can be traceable to the poor preparation for this journey in searching for a life partner.

I pray for you, may you not regret in your intended marital relationship in Jesus name and every trial and turbu-

lence confronting your marriage shall surely expire in the name of Jesus.

In attempt to get God’s perfect will done , it is noteworthy to examine the following types of wills men and women choose today in satisfying their marital wish; such as follow: 1. Perfect Will of God: In accepting God’s perfect will in marriage, it means allowing God to direct and have a final say in your proposed relationship. God is the only perfect match maker and the best future designer knowing what is best for you that brings no regret (1john 4:18). It therefore requires seeking God’s face and exercising patience to hear from him over the particular matter(Habakuk2:3).

2. Permissive Will of God: The Impatience of man makes him hurry out of God’s presence and decide to settle for less or secondhand alternatives that later bring confusion and disappointment at the end of the day(1samuel 8:7).

3. Self-Will of man: (Gen. 2:16,17) Allowing one’s self-centered personal will to override God’s choice

in marriage by not committing it to God in order to fulfill one’s fleshly desire, only result to total failure and destiny betrayal (Romans 8:5-8).

4. Satanic Will: (Gen 3:4-5) As God has a greater investment in a Godly home building, so also, satan is claiming to be a shareholder too in ensuring that any intended relationship does not stand the test of time(Matt 7:27) thereby introducing and manipulating a so called child of God to marry an agent of darkness. At last, it brings endless sorrow and anguish. Today, many have become a living corpse in their marriage. ‘’I pray for everyone passing through turbulence and hard times in his or her marriage, God shall suddenly appear for your rescue in the mighty name of Jesus’’ There are seven ways or medium by which God chooses in selecting a right partner for His children and He may decide to apply in any of the ways , helping them in realizing their good dream in marriage which are below mentioned: 1. Through Prayer: It means engaging in a persistent and never-weary mood of prayer to God usually draw

God’s attention in solving a particular case(Jeremiah 33:3).

2. Through Word of God(Psalm 119:11;Proverb 3:1-2):The Word of God is the mind of God. Continuous Meditating, reading and obedience to God’s word makes you wiser than the devices of Satan.

It guides one’s life from making a silly mistake.

3. Through Inner Small Still Voice: Every genuine believer in Christ has the holy spirit dwelling in them which guide and counsel them in a right channel to follow(Roman 8:16). He speaks comfort and peace to every thirsty soul.

4. Through Audible Voice: God relates with individuals on different levels. The closer you are to God, the louder and clearer are the secrets He will be revealing to you in any matter(Acts 9:4-7) 5. Through Third party: The third party may either be a matured honest Christian, Godly parent, a genuine man and woman of God(Genesis 28:1-2). These categories of people will help a lot in

guiding one to actualize his or her God-given dream in marriage.

6. Through Dream: God may reveal whom to marry to you in the dream but atimes satan may hijack and manipulate one’s dream, thereby making it so real but deceptive.

One still need to inquire further to ask God to show them His mind in a clearer vision.

7. Through Vision or Revelation: Every message from God mostly come clearer and specific through revelation (Psalm 16:7; Acts 9:12).

What other people see about my future is not so weighty than what God reveal personally to your own self.

In Conclusion, Life is a choice, but whatever choice you make today is directly linked to what you become tomorrow whether fulfilling or failing. Therefore, to actualize God’s master plan for your future home, we need to follow His divine instruction.

Pastor Omotoso can be reached on 08029531853 or onwardforchrist2015@gmail.com

News 16

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

Labour rally against corruption

Bailout: Osun workers protest, attribute non-payment of salaries to corruption Sodiq Adekunle Osogbo

ÏÏÏ Workers, under the

aegis of Osun State Chapter of the Nigerian Labour Congress (NLC), on Thursday, protested against corruption that has dominated the Nigeria political sphere.

The workers commenced the protest at Osun State House of Assembly as early as 9am, chanting anti-corruption songs.

They also said the protest was to show solidarity support for President Muhammadu Buhari, for waging war on corruption in the country.

Speaking on behalf of the workers, the Osun Chairman of the NLC, Comrade

Jacob Adekomi, lamented the different dimensions of corruption in Nigeria.

He stressed that corruption was pronounced in the political system and public sector, adding that non-payment of salaries was also a form of corruption.

He said, "The belief is that once a person occupies any position, no matter how small it is, the next thing is to engage in corrupt practices and find a means to enrich self. Corruption has created a very bad image for the country and its citizens.

Now, Nigerians are viewed as corrupt and dubious people outside.

"The non-payment of worker's salaries can be attributed to corrupt practic-

es by state governors, who have gone into heavy borrowing from the banks to carry out huge projects they clearly have no capacity for, and use them as conduit pipes to siphon public funds into personal pockets."

He also faulted governments for not prioritising workers’ salaries, noting that maltreatment of workers was bad.

He, therefore, urged the President to recover all the stolen money and properties, saying, "Virtually all aspects of Nigeria's infrastructure are in deplorable condition, and Nigerian refineries must work to stop importation of refined products, claim for subsidy on petroleum products is

purely due to corrupts practices.

"The unfair treatment of Nigerian workers and unrealistic minimum wage has led many workers to live in penury and suffer untold hardships, and as a result of no fault of theirs, but simply due to corruption."

Meanwhile, Osun State Governor, Rauf Aregbesola has hinted that workers would be paid their salaries before the end of next week.

He said this on his twitter handle, @raufaregbesola on Thursday, after being alleged of fixing the bailout collected by the state.

He also urged the workers to exercise more patience, explaining that payments are being processed.

L-R: Deputy Registrar, (Academics), National Postgraduate Medical College of Nigeria, Dr. Salami Sule; College Registrar, Prof. Ayoola Atoyebi; College President, Prof.

Rasheed Ajani Arogundade and College Treasurer, Prof.

Opubo da LillyTariah during the pre-convocation press conference held at Ijanikin, Lagos…on Thursday. Photo: OLAWALE ROTIMI

Amosun seeks life sentence for corrupt leaders Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏ Ogun State Governor, Senator Ibikunle Amosun, has advocated life sentencing as punishment for any officials found guilty of corruption in the country.

Amosun, who spoke on Thursday while receiving labour leaders, led by the State chairman, Comrade Akeem Ambali and TUC state Chairman, Olubunmi Fajobi, said he could have recommended for capital punishment for any corrupt leaders, but because “the punishment is out of vogue now”.

Amosun, who dressed in white lace material, flanked by his Deputy, Mrs Yetunde

Onanuga, and the Secretary to the State Government, Taiwo Adeoluwa, while addressing the labour movement at Arcade Ground, Oke Mosan, Abeokuta, said corruption was already killing Nigeria, and there was urgent need to kill corruption quickly before it killed all Nigerians.

He noted that President Muhammadu Buhari, as a transparent leader, had demonstrated this within his first 100 days in office.

He said President Buhari as a transparent leader would not tolerate any form of corruption.

He thus advocated life jail for corrupt public officials found guilty of corruptly enriching themselves.

Jigawa to wage war against corruption -Badaru Dutse Mohammed Dutse

ÏÏÏJigawa

State Governor, Muhammad Badaru Abubakar, has re-iterated his administration's resolve to cut down unnecessary expenditure, and blockage of unnecessary leakages as part of measures to stamp out corruption in the state civil service.

Speaking through his deputy, Barrister Ibrahim Hassan Hadejia, on the nationwide NLC rally in support of the anti -corruption, Abubakar re-affirmed that "we are committed to run an open and inconclusive government whereby

every expenditure is being subjected to the laid down financial regulations."

According to him, parts of the state corruption crusade include, cutting down state finances by 50 per cent, cutting down unnecessary expenditure, as well slashing down Government House expenditure to 82 per cent, state MDA's overhead cost inclusive.

He commended the NLC for its foresight in the fight against corruption, assured government commitments in fighting corruption in all its ramifications, as well channel all the congress demands to the appropriate authority for prompt action.

Demand probe of past govts, Oshiomhole charges workers Plateau NLC urges govt to Titus Akhigbe Benin

ÏÏÏGovernor

Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State has challenged Nigerian workers to insist on a review of corrupt government policies by past administrations, saying past misdeeds should not be swept under the carpet.

Speaking at an anti-corruption rally organised by the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City, on Thursday, Oshiomhole said even as workers demand probity and accountability from the nation’s leaders, they also

must shun corrupt practices in their places of work.

The governor, who said the country is gradually returning to the right track under President Muhammadu Buhari said “until recently, I am sure it would have been so hazardous in the face of what appears to be a direct state policy that not to be corrupt is to be endangered, and the way to be safe was to ensure that you participate in corrupt practices and everybody kept quiet. We got to the point that those who raised their voice against corrupt practices were all unceremoniously removed from office, and in some quarters

people clapped.

The erstwhile Central Bank Governor, today, an Emir of Kano, as a seasoned banker, as an economist, and in his younger days as an activist in the student union movement, raised his voice about corrupt practices in the oil sector and showed numbers about the scale of sources of money that were diverted away from national treasury into private pockets, or to put it more nicely, money that were not accounted for.

“After series of efforts and struggles day and night to shut him down, we saw ministers organising public hearings, invit-

ing the parties to speak to these weighty allegations.

In the end, we were told by the Minister of Finance and the then Coordinating Minister of the Economy, that the numbers were not 20 billion dollars as alleged by the CBN Governor, that what they were unable to account for, was ‘merely’ 10.2billion dollars.

“There was no one voice to organised labour. There was not one single protest from Civil Society, religious leaders were criminally silent, everything was fine and the Governor had been taught his lessons and he was excused from Central Bank.

fight sharp practices

Moses Ikyaa-Gba

ÏÏÏThe leadership of Nige-

rian Labour Congress (NLC) in Plateau State has presented anti-corruption crusade letter of protest to Governor Simon Bako Lalong to stamp out the scourge of sharp practices within the civil service.

The Labour union rally campaign for good governance, which commenced trekking five kilometre from the old Government House, Rayfield, to the new one, Little Rayfield, all in Jos South Local government Area of Plateau state.

Comrade Bancir vowed

to uncover all civil servants who engaged themselves in fraudulent activities of looting the state treasures.

He explained that corruption in Nigeria takes many forms, starting from embezzlement, bribery, rituals, rigging of elections that is pronounced in the country's political system, and public sector belief is that occupying position by few people is to enrich themselves. According to him, corruption has created a very bad image for the progress of Nigeria from dubious people preventing the provision of basic amenities for the citizenry.

Business Times

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

s

17

JP Morgan Index: The good and the bad As the reality that Nigeria will be phased out of the J.P Morgan Government Bond Index for Emerging Markets (GBI-EM) by October gradually sinks in, the focus of informed discourse has moved from preventive to adaptive as captured in this analysis by SB MORGEN, notable economic and financial information expert.

JP Morgan removed Nigeria from its Government Bond Index for Emerging Markets in response to the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) taking unorthodox steps to shield Nigeria from the volatility triggered by a 60% drop in oil prices. To quote JP Morgan, “Investors who track the GBI-EM series continue to face challenges and uncertainty while transacting in the naira due to the lack of a fully functional two-way FX market and limited transparency... As a result, Nigeria will be removed.”

So here’s the bad news: delisting Nigeria from a major financial index for Emerging Markets sends a negative signal. In a doomsday scenario, a significant number of foreign investors will sell off some of their Nigerian assets. This is most likely amongst (but not limited to) investors who create portfolios that mirror the Index.

If these investors are selling their Nigerian Government Bonds, economic theory predicts two things could happen: supply for bonds will rise, so their ‘price’ will drop, assuming demand stays the same (in reality the market could freeze up for a while or the CBN may need to intervene).

These investors will also then sell the Naira received from selling off bonds to buy dollars and take those dollars out of Nigeria.

Nigeria’s reserves could face yet another hit in the short term.

However, these are short term shocks – potentially a one-time hit. If investors sell off trillions of Naira worth of government bonds this will be damaging.

There are some possible longterm implications. Nigerian policy makers, in their response to the oil price shocks have sent a clear signal that they will implement unorthodox policy measures to dampen exchange rate volatility even at a price of shortterm liquidity crunches. This is bad news for those with short investment horizons, but for long-

term investors it’s a mixed bag with some potential positives to go along with the negatives.

In the heady days of the mid2000s as banks consolidated and companies rushed to raise capital on the stock market (and also in more recent times as Nigeria’s credentials as an emerging market grew) the Nigerian financial markets opened up to substantial inflows.

Many liquidity controls were relaxed. There is some evidence to suggest foreign investors had pumped money into financial markets. Since the decline of oil prices, the Nigerian stock market has taken a beating. The All Share Index (an average measure of the value of shares) is down from 43,000 in July 2014 to 29,454 at the close of trading yesterday (a decline of almost 32%).

Foreign investors whose investments come in form of buying financial instruments have clearly been reacting to oil prices and other issues (perhaps over-reacting). Nigeria is not currently a favourable investment destination for these types of investors.

But there are other types of investors. There are investors who are in it for the long haul. They invest, not by buying paper or ‘financial instruments’, but by bringing in equipment, technology and technical knowhow. They build factories and infrastructure and create new services for the Nigerian market. They train Nigerians to work in their new businesses. Their profits are not based on how quickly and easily they buy and sell financial instruments, but on the long-term health and growth of the Nigerian market.

They need stability, rather than runaway inflation, much in the same way the man on the streets of Akure or Okigwe do. They also need a clear sense of direction in Nigeria’s policies. Nigeria getting delisted from one Index will not suddenly change their decisions, even as they might find the news interesting like any other person, and they might take a moment to reflect review their future plans.

We were initially perplexed by the policies of the CBN in stabilising the Naira. The CBN has attempted to control demand by creating an exclusion list of imports that can no longer by funded by dollars bought from it. The CBN placed a $300 limit on daily transactions and cash withdrawals. The CBN barred people from

paying dollars held in cash into Nigerian foreign currency bank accounts.

These actions are all very painful. But despite initial scepticism, they appear to have worked in killing speculation and ‘gambling’ on the Naira. Despite the fact that oil prices have been lower in the last couple of months, foreign reserves have risen, and the spread between the official and black market rates appear to have been moderated. Exports appear to be matching imports at

the current exchange rate.

Are Nigerians better off by the unorthodox actions of the CBN? Only time will tell, but the Central Bank is currently making a strong case for itself that its policy intention is to moderate volatility in foreign exchange rates and inflation, even at the expense of short-term constraints of liquidity. This intent favours most of the Nigerian public, and long-term investors. The Central Bank is in uncharted territory by attempting policies that aren’t

quite part of text book economics that suggests Central Banks act primarily on one thing: setting interest rates.

There is a chance it won’t pay off, but so far if the relative stability of the Naira that’s been achieved is anything to go by, it is a good thing to try approaches that diverge from economics textbooks. Iceland did this in the face of the global financial crisis in 2008. That gambled paid off.

Maybe Nigeria’s gamble will pay off as well.

L-R: Deputy President, Nigerian – British Chamber of Commerce, Akin Olawore; Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Fidelity Bank Plc., and Guest Speaker, Nnamdi Okonkwo and British Deputy High Commissioner, Ray Kyles at the Nigerian – British Chamber of Commerce September Breakfast meeting in Lagos today.

ICPC begins corruption assessment exercise for Lagos, Abuja airports Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo The Independent Corrupt Practices and other Related Offences Commission ( ICPC) on Thursday announced plans to begin corruption assessment exercise for the Lagos and Abuja airports .

According to the chairman of the anti - graft agency , Ekpo Nta, the assessment is part of efforts to eliminate low level corruption at the airport among aviation personnel.

Represented by a member of the ICPC board, Isa Salami, the ICPC boss said the exercise was part of efforts to drive the Memorandum of Understanding ( MoU), signed between the agency and the Federal Airports Authority of Nigeria ( FAAN) last year.

He said the choice of Lagos and Abuja airports are strategic as the major gateways into the country , where all traces of corrupt practices should be drastically reduced or eliminated to foster a good image for the country.

Speaking during a courtesy visit to FAAN headquarters, the ICPC said it was collaborating with aviation agencies and airport stakeholders to eliminate misdeeds at airports which has the tendency to easily ruin the image of the country.

He said the ICPC was carrying out a diagnostic study on corruption around the airports by tackling it from the roots and not the branches.

The anti - corruption drive he said will look at the processes ,

laws and procedures that encourage corruption from the grassroots.

He clarified that the exercise was not a witch hunt , but an exercise meant to block loopholes .

He said the team was in FAAN to remind its officials of the commitment it entered with the authority by sending its officials to swoop in on FAAN to see how it’s laws, procedures and regulations as well as documentation impacts on corrupt tendencies and how to improve it .

He pledged the ICPC will continue to carry out corruption assessment on the standards operating procedures of FAAN to see areas of vulnerability to sharp practices and urged FAAN to cooperate to enable the ICPC implement an integrity plan.

Labour 18

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

Osun workers will get salary arrears before Sallah — Aregbesola Joy Ekeke Governor, Rauf Aregbesola of Osun state, has assured that his administration would ensure the payment of workers’ salary arrears before the forthcoming Sallah festival.

Aregbesola made the disclosure while addressing some workers and other stakeholders of the state Tuesday evening in Osogbo.

The governor, who described the state workforce as cooperative, said he personally shared in the pains they have gone through.

He said the storm was over as the state has started a new era of development, progress, transformation and everlasting peace.

“By the grace of God, the state will come out again, we will pay workers their salary before the Sallah celebration. Our government is one that is committed to workers’ welfare.

“We will also like to implore workers to join government in its effort to block some channels of leakages. It will be of great help to government and the people if you turn yourselves to whistle blowers by reporting any act or persons that are do-

ing anything that will affect the state,” the governor emphasised.

Aregbesola expressed appreciation for what he called the workers’ commitment to his administration’s dream of transforming the state,said their sense of understanding and commitment was profound.He therefore urged the workers in the state to keep an eagle eye as soon as the payment commences by helping the government in fishing out any mischievous or fraudulent act that might be perpetrated by those who want to reap from where they did not sow.

Labour advocates for anti-corruption courts, capital punishment

Wabba

Blessing Dada The Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Trade Union Congress (TUC) and Civil Society on Tuesday advocated for capital punishment against corrupt officials as obtained in China and India.

Making the call at a joint news conference in Abuja, NLC President Ayuba Wabba and TUC President Bobboi Kaigama said that the campaign against corruption must be intensified and sustained.

To drum support for the anticorruption crusade of President Muhammadu Buhari, they said that organised labour would hold a mass rally on Thursday in Abuja.

Wabba said that the NLC was in support of whatever would address the issue of corruption in

the country, including death sentence.

“If such capital punishment can happen in China, India and South Africa, it can also happen in Nigeria; whatever measure that will address the issue of this mind-boggling corruption in the country, NLC will support it.

Wabba said that corruption had badly damaged the core of the country’s national existence, adding that the political leadership of the country must act decisively in order to get out of this brink of disaster.

“As organised labour, we firmly believe that the political leadership of our country must act decisively to get us out of the brink of disaster that greed and primitive accumulation through open looting of our commonwealth in the last six and more years, has brought us to.”

He said that most Nigerians had been deprived the standard quality of life due to massive corruption in the polity, adding that organised labour would no longer watch the culture of impunity.

According to him, the NLC supports the establishment of anticorruption courts to try corruption cases in the country.

Wabba added that the Federal Government should ensure that all funds illegally taken from the treasury was traced and the perpetrators brought to book.

He called for the strengthening of anti-corruption laws and the provision of stringent punishment for looters, to serve as a deterrent to others.

Also speaking, Kaigama decried the level of looting at the state and local government levels across the country.

He said that a situation where governors could not pay workers salary for months was worrisome. ``We have not experienced non-payment of salary for eight months in the last 20 years; this is sad and this is due to the massive corruption in the country.’’

He also said that the country had never witnessed a situation where state governments would have to receive bailout before they could pay monthly salary to workers.

He, therefore, called for the enactment of laws that would give new impetus to the fight against corruption, adding that all public officers must henceforth, declare their assets.

Aregbesola

Adesola Akindele The Board of Directors of Fidelity Bank Plc. has announced the appointment of two new Executive Directors as part of efforts aimed at restructuring and strengthening its executive management team to enhance its capacity to convert emerging business opportunities.

In a statement, Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer of the Bank, Nnamdi Okonkwo said the new appointments are part of the Bank’s strategies to support strong growth plans and capacity building efforts.

He expressed confidence that the new directors will bring on board their wealth of experience to strengthen and reposition the bank for improved performance and new customer experience.

The new Executive Directors whose appointments took effect from September 3, 2015 are: Adeyeye Olawale Adepegba, Executive Director, Corporate Banking and Nneka Chinwe Onyali- Ekpe, Executive Director, Lagos and South West Bank.

Adeyeye Olawale Adepegba – Executive Director, Corporate Banking Adeyeye Adepegba holds a Masters of Business Administration (MBA) degree from Lancaster University Management School, Lancaster University, United Kingdom (Merit) a Masters degree in Industrial & Labour Relations (MILR) as well as a Bachelor’s degree in History from the University of Ibadan, Nigeria.

Fidelity Bank appoints two Executive Directors Prior to his appointment, Adeyeye was the General Manager/ Group Head, Power & infrastructure, Corporate Banking Division at the bank. Some of the transactions he effectively executed include: Origination and consummation of the $25.5 million non-recourse Project Finance 12.5 MW Independent Power Plant for the Lagos State Water Corporation; Origination and risk assessment of the $151 million 120 kilometre Gas Pipelines Infrastructure by Gasland Nigeria Limited, operators of the VI, Lekki , Epe Gas distribution concession by NNPC (PPP) etc.

A banker with 26 years post qualification experience in business origination, Adepegba will bring to bear his strong leadership, organisational and relationship management skills to meet the long-term goals and objectives of the Bank. He takes over from John Obi who reached the Bank’s policy retirement age of 55 years and retired at the end of July 31, 2015.

Nneka Chinwe Onyeali- IkpeExecutive Director, Lagos and South West Bank.

Nneka Onyeali- Ikpe has extensive industry experience in Retail/Commercial Treasury and Corporate Banking spanning over 24 years, having at various times, held middle, senior and executive management positions.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

19 Real estate

NSIA to enhance long-term funds for infrastructure investments

Stories by Emmanuel Ogbonnaya Nigerian Sovereign Investment Authority has disclosed plans to enhance the availability of long-term funds for investments in infrastructure development in line with global best practices.

Daily Times reports that NSIA – in collaboration with GuarantCo, a leading facility, developed by UK DFID, which provides local currency guarantee

in frontier economies - is leading the establishment of a Nigeria Credit Enhancement Facility (NCEF).

Managing Director and Chief Executive Officer, NSIA, Mr. Uche Orji made this known in Lagos recently stressing that Infrastructure Bond market is non- existent in the country to boost infrastructure development through long tenure funds which are held by Pension funds and insurance companies.

Orji pointed out that Nigeria is positioned to increase the share

Stakeholders hopeful of Land Use Act review, preferential interest rates Expectations of stakeholders in the real estate sector continues to rise as technicalities of the Land Use Act and high interest rates prove to be major hurdles in growing the sector.

Indeed as President Muhammadu Buhari gets set to name his cabinet and beginning rolling out economic policies, stakeholders believe that the sector would not be left out, because of its importance to the housing and infrastructural needs of the country.

Consequently, President Buhari is being urged to bring change to the sector by reviewing the age-long Land Use Act and coming up with a special interest rate for housing loan.

The investors contend that acting on these two factors will have positive impact not only on the real estate sector, but also on the economy as a whole, describing the Act and the high interest rate in the open market as twin evils that have held down growth of this sector for too long.

The Land Use Act enacted by the military government under Olusegun Obasanjo in 1978, which vested ownership of land on state governors, has worsened land administration in the country, making access to land for either homeownership or investment purposes very difficult for the citizens.

Buhari’s re-assurance during

ments, pension funds and insurance companies typically invest in such bonds as is the case in most developed countries where water, sewage, power, toll roads and other infrastructure have been funded by pension funds.

“At issue however is that pension funds need credit enhancement or some form of insurance to invest in risky infrastructure bonds. United States has agencies such as Municipal Bond Insurance Association (MBIA) and AMBAC that provide credit enhancement,” he said.

He stated that although NSIA cannot provide guarantees, but it can facilitate the creation of a credit enhancement company.

“Our Pension funds industry is growing but they are buying government bonds used for short to medium term borrowing. Our commercial banks have a mismatched liquidity structure with maximum tenor of loans at 7 years.

“A Feasibility Study (commissioned by NSIA and GuarantCo) confirmed that the demand for a credit enhancement facility from both issuers and beneficiaries (i.e. Nigerian Naira denominated pension funds) within the Nigerian context exists,” he said.

Daily Times reports that NSIA/Guarantco is currently finalising business development, hiring financial and legal advisors and raising core capital to establish the business.

of fiscal resources going to infrastructure.

According to Orji, Depending on the regulators views, NSIA expects $400million equity can support over $8billion of bonds.

He noted that Pension funds can invest up to 10 per cent of their assets in infrastructure however, till date they have invested a negligible amount.

“Infrastructure development requires long term investment.

This investment is often achieved through long term bonds, running as much as 25 years, howev-

er, Pension Funds and Insurance companies do not invest in this sector,” he said.

“By facilitating borrowing for infrastructure projects, NCEF will manage credit risks and expand liquidity in the domestic bond markets, attracting a wide array of lenders to the domestic capital markets. NCEF will also play a critical role in reducing infrastructure financing costs to affordable levels for issuers,” he said.

Orji noted that long term investors such as, SWFs, govern-

his visit to Ghana on Monday that he would set up his cabinet before the end of September has raised expectations that a number of fundamental policy decisions would be made with a view to stimulating the economy.

“I think the new administration has brought an attitude of change. So, we expect things to move in the right direction. For us in this sector, we expect the president to address two basic things. One is the Land Use Act which we want the new government to look at and amend, said Edward Akinlade, the Group Managing Director of Suru Group Limited.

Akinlade added that the government should get the interest rate down, especially for real estate, to a single digit, believing that if real estate is funded well, it will create wealth for the

economy and will also translate ing to him, the new government to small and medium enterpris- should create enabling environes (SMEs) which will generate ment for investors and Akin revenue for the government.

Oladiran, the acting managing There are extraneous factors director of Vitapur Limited, that make real estate developbelieves that with the enabling ment difficult and Akinlade cited example of taxation in environment in place, the housLagos State particularly where, ing deficit in the country would he said that “as a developer, you be reduced significantly. pay tax on FOR SALE land, to s u r ve yo r g eneral’s office, to omonile, for environment, transportation, i n f r a CALL: structural 0805-067-8946 develop0802-205-4881 ment levy etc”.

0704-383-4829 Accord-

A TWIN BUILDING OF A DUPLEX AND A WAREHOUSE @ PLOT 741A, KAWAJI QUARTERS (GRA) HADEJIA ROAD, KANO.

Money 20

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

SON assures stakeholders of ICT efficient services

Odumodu

Charles Okonji It is an obvious fact that the world in which we live today is increasingly changing, resulting in a rapidly globalizing world, Standards Organisation of Nigeria has moved to assure stakeholders of its commitment to keep deploying up-to-date ICT solutions in meeting their service demands.

Dr Joseph Odumodu, director general, Standards Organisation of Nigeria, who said this at the sensitization workshop for stakeholders towards boosting import/trade recently in Lagos noted that the room to operate is becoming so narrow.

He said; “Whether individuals, corporate entities or nations like it or not, they need to

key into the fast lane of a highly globalised market or condemn themselves to the refuse bin of history.”

“We sincerely welcome you warmly to this parley which is part of our modest but continuous efforts to ensure that our great country, Nigeria, gets there (based on the scenario we have painted earlier, concerning the global market place) and not only getting there but becoming an irresistible and prominent global market player.”

“We have the capacities and capabilities to do so. What we require is to develop the required state-of-the art modern facilities especially in the areas of Information and Communication Technology (ICT) for effective and easy inter-connectivity.”

Odumodu stated that SON aims at putting in place a system that works for the overall benefits of all stakeholders, such as the government, importers, exporters, diplomatic community, operators in the nation’s industrial and commercial sectors, among others.

He noted that the integration of SON’s systems and certificates into Nigeria Integrated Customs Information System (NICIS) is indeed to primarily drive home the organisation’s service delivery capabilities.

He stated; “When I came on board as the DG, we decided to look at a number of areas that could help us to deliver on our mandate as well as improve the economic fortunes of both the State and its citizenry. In doing so, we did not lose sight of our primary task of reducing to the barest minimum the incidence of sub-standard products circulation in our markets.”

“We are quite glad to inform you that as at today, the volume of such products has dropped from 80 per cent to 40/35 per cent and courtesy of our “operation flush.” We are determined to bring the percentage down to 10% by the end of the year. This, however, requires the co-operation and collaboration of all of us because as it is said in the International System, “threat to one is threat to all”, hence, the need for collective security.”

The DG noted that all life danger products must be eliminated completely from the shores and environment of the country, adding that they remained unsafe to lives and property even as they are disincentives to investment, employment and economic drive.

SEC warns against dealing with non-capitalised operators Omobolaji Afolabi Securities and Exchange Commission has warned investors on the risks of doing business with Capital Market Operators who fail to comply with the new minimum capital requirements for Capital Market Operators (CMOs).

To facilitate its smooth implementation the Capital Market Committee (CMC) set up a market-wide “Implementation Committee on New Minimum Capital Requirement for CMOs” comprising the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), the

Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), the Central Securities Clearing System (CSCS), the Association of Stockbroking Houses of Nigeria (ASHON) and all other capital market trade groups.

The Committee in a notice on SEC’s website advised the investing public and public companies to verify the compliance status of their preferred CMOs by checking the list on the SEC corporate website.

“The general public should also note the current list may change because some CMOs are in the process of injecting additional capital, seeking reduction

or reclassification of functions as well as undergoing mergers and acquisitions,” the committee said.

Meanwhile capital market operators that have complied with the new minimum capital market requirement as at Tuesday were 262; those processing reclassification and reduction of function were 36 and those processing mergers were 11.

The final list of CMOs who meet the 30th September 2015 deadline would be uploaded to the SEC website after proper capital verification has been conducted.

Diageo’s increased stake in Guinness Nigeria no surprise— Experts Adesola Akindele Diageo Plc Tuesday, announced its intention to increase its stake in Guinness Nigeria Plc from 54.3 per cent to as much as 70 per cent.

Coming at a time when capital flight was in play due to the JP Morgan’s decision to eject Nigeria from Government Bond Index in October, the announcement however to investment market experts came as no surprise.

Industry analysts have attributed this decision to strong confidence and long term investment of the parent company in the Nigerian business environment.

Diageo Plc who have been investing in the Nigeria economy for more than 30 years, believes in the long term prospects of the Nigerian Economy hence their decision to increase their stake with Guinness Nigeria, an analyst explained.

Foresight Securities Stockbroker, Mr. Fakrogha Charles stated that: “Despite the harsh business environment, Nigeria still remains the investment destination for investors. Seeing that the parent company of Guinness Nigeria is trying to increase their stake to as high as 70 per cent, but

are also mindful that the offer does not seem as an intention to delist.”

He explained that Diageo is fully confident of fruitful prospects in the Nigerian economy and that with 70 per cent they are still going to be listed, of which they would not be infringing on any rules and regulation. This shows that local investors need to start seeing what foreign investors take note of.

“This is a good development, however the tender offer is not enough. For short term shareholders who come in and go out, Guinness who was trading less than 121 closed Tuesday at N131.48, yet the offer is at a price of N175 a mouth-watering offer.”

Mr. Fakrogha advised investors who need to make a profit from the offer to sell off a percentage of their shares and keep the rest, remaining a shareholder of Guinness, saying that a shareholder who has about 5000 units can sell off 1000 units and keep 4000 units.

Diageo plc is a British multinational alcoholic beverages company headquartered in London, England and world’s largest producer of spirits is also a long term investor in the Nigerian economy.

John O’Keeffe, President, Diageo Africa

Guinness Nigeria Financial Performance Whilst Guinness Nigeria Plc. audited half year result for the year ended June 30th 2015 indicates revenue growth of 9 per cent from N109.2 billion recorded in H1 2014 to N118.5 billion in H1 2015, other major financial parameters have witnessed a significant decline.

The company’s operating expenses grew 14 per cent to N40.95 billion from N35.94 billion recorded in H1 2013, while operating income fell 3 per cent to N15.7 billion from N16.1 billion achieved

in H1 2014, hence decreasing Profit before tax by 8 per cent to N10.8 billion and Profit after tax by 19 per cent to N7.8 billion from N9.6 billion recorded in H1 2014.

Equity transactions on the shares of Guinness Nigeria Plc today shot up 5 per cent or N6.26 to close at N131.48 from previous day’s loss of 2.93 per cent or N3.78 to close at N125.22 per share.

The company’s market capitalization currently stands at N197.99 billion with 1.51 billion shares outstanding.

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

KALABARI ASSOCIATION GOWON ESTATE & ENVIRONMENT The general public is hereby notified that the above named ASSOCIATION has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act NO1 of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Sir Memberr Philip.

2. Mr Hilary Aboromate Agiobu.

3. Mr Davies Newman.

4. Mrs Mbawuike Belema Catherine.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : 1. To foster unity among all sons and daughters of kalabari.

2. To support all acts aimed at promoting unity among its members.

3. To assist members in time of needs.

4. To encourage and develop the common interest of the Kalabaris.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi Street maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

21 Public Notice

GOD’S PLANTED MISSION The general public is hereby notified that the above named MISSION has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act No.1 of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1.Odewumi Samuel Akintola - President.

2. Akinyemi Jeremiah Akinno - Secretary.

3. Akinnola Dolapo Fumibi.

COMFORT EMPOWERMENT AND ADVOCACY FOUNDATION The general public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act NO1 of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1.Thomson Paul Akinyemi - chairman.

2. Opayemi Comfort Idowu - secretary.

3. Ogunsemore Kolawole.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : 1. To preach the gospel of our lord Jesus Christ

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : 1. To improves the lives of women who experience gender base violence and to reduce prevalence of domestic violence and sexual assaults.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi Street maitama Abuja. Within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi Street maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

PHEBE BENEVOLENT FOUNDATION

MASJIDUL MAJEEDIL - KAREEM FOUNDATION

FIRE OF PENTECOST GLOBAL BIBLE EVANGELICAL MINISTRY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act NO1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act NO1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act NO1 of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Adeyinka Aderonke Michelle - president.

2. Akinbule Christiana Taiwo - secretary.

3. Adeyinka Aderanti Adekunle - treasurer.

4. Olafioye Ibukun Joseph.

5. Mogaji Alex Olawale.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. Educational support for widows and charity organizations.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi Street maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

BETHESAIDA REVIVAL HOLINESS BIBLE MINISTRY The general public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act NO1 of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Pastor, Rev’d (Dr) Ayodele Gabriel Adeyemo 2. Pastor (Mrs) Adeyemo Mary Oluyemisi 3. Mr. Solademi Ajao Cornelius 4. Mrs. Abolupe Oladiti 5. Mrs. Oladepo Toyin Saudat 6. Mr. Adeyemo Olusola Samuel 7. Mrs. Felicia Olukemi Olaniran 8. Mr. Ojo Isaac Oluremi 9. Mrs. Oladele Abibat Kemi Aim and Objective: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

The Trustees are: 1. Kadiri Oseni Yusffu.

2. Useni Nuradeen Muhammad.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To propagate the message of Allah.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi Street maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

THE CITIZEN RIGHT CENTRE The general public is hereby notified that the above named CENTRE has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act NO1 of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Pastor Kolade Oluwafemi Daniel - Chairman 2. Mrs. Kolade Mabel Joy - Secretary 3. Mr. Odediran Romoye AIMS: 1. To promote good welfare of members.

2. To provide and show love to the less privilege and contribute to philanthropic courses.

3. To preach the gospel of the Lord Jesus Christ and bring men back to God.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs commission plot 420 Tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi Street maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Trustees.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs commission plot 420 Tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi Street maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Trustees.

KEMAK FOUNDATION FOR ENHANCING SUSTAINABLE LIVELIHOOD

THE SEED OF COVENANT NEW CHRISTIAN CHURCH OF GOD

The general public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act NO1 of 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named church has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act No1 of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Mr. Ojide Makuachukwu - President 2. Mrs. Ojide Kelechi Charity - Secretary 3. Prof. Baiyeri Paul Kayode - Members 4. Asst. Prof. Onyukwu Onyukwu Ogwuonwu - Members 5. Dr. Ojide Chiedozie Kingsley - Members 6. Barr. Nnamani Fabian Nnaji - Members 7. Dr. (Mrs) Madubuike Adaeze Joy - Members

The Trustees are: (1) Mr. Oladiran Fagbohun - General Overseer (2) Mrs. Toun Fagbohun - Secretary (3) Mr. Ojekunle Kayode Michael - Member (4) Mr. Adetunji Omotayo Solomon - Member (5) Apostle Israel Olugbenga Afolowosele - Member (6) Mr. Ajewole Fisayo Peter - Member

Aims and Objective: 1. To promote sustainable livelihood systems as a strategy for poverty and enhancing citizen’s wellbeing.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi Street maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Trustees.

AKPURATA ERUEKE IMPROVEMENT ASSOCIATION

The Trustees are: 1. Pastor Olaleye Matthew Oluwadare 2. Mrs. Olaleye Mary Bulova 3. Mr. Olatunji Ademola John 4. Deacon Adeyemo Sunday Adekunle Aim and Objective: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi Street maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Trustees

TRINITY IMPACT CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY The general public is hereby notified that the above named CHURCH has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act NO1 of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Rev’d Olusegun Sunday Alade 2. Pastor (Mrs) Olubunmi Esther Segun-Alade 3. Mr. Adejumo Onimisi Gbenga Aim and Objective: 1. To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs commission plot 420 Tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi Street maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Trustees.

NETWORK ADVANCEMENT PROGRAMME FOR POVERTY $ DISASTER RISK REDUCTION The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to the corporate Affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act No1 of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Emem Sunday Edoho - Chairman 2. Hellen Sunday Edoho 3. Aniekan Sunday Edoho 4. Joy Edem Udo-Ngo 5. Ajibola Adeniyi Afeez 6. Otobong Sunday Edoho

Aims and Objective: To preach the word of God

Aims and Objective: 1. To promote anti- corruption and good governance programs 2. To create awareness on resources oriented activities/ program way out of poverty; youth restiveness and disasters risk reduction

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi Street maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Signed: Barr. Ifeanyi Okaah (Solicitor)

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general corporate Affairs commission plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi Street maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Chairman

360 YOUTH EMPOWERMENT NETWORK

THE VOICE OF HOPE MINISTRY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1 of 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named MINISTRY has applied for registration under part”C” of the companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES: 1.

Omeoha Kenneth (Chairman).

2.

Igwe Chukwuma (Secretary).

3.

Mbamalegu Lazarus 4.

Nwiboko Joseph 5.

Mbam Chidi Mathew

The Trustees Are: 1. Ereku Omajuwa Erica 2. Ifijeh James Lexy 3. Jeremiah Osaide

The Trustees are: 1. Dare Stella Olubunmi.

2. Dare Babatunde Olanrewaju.

3. Dare Omolola Faith.

4. Alao Oyeniyi Thomas.

5. Soola Samson Boluwaji.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To improve our community.

2. To assist the needy.

3.To enhance the welfare of our members.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to Registrar-General Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Barr. Nwokeocha

The Aims and Objectives Are: 1. To empower youth through skill aquision programmes.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission 420 Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, and Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Signed: Secretary

Aims and Objectives are: 1. To preach the gospel of our lord Jesus Christ Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this Signed: Trustee

Public Notice 22 OWODE APA PETROLEUM DEALERS ASSOCIATION This is to inform the general public that the above named association has applied for registration under part”C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ALH adelani ganiyu - chairman 2. Chief james azonadu - vice president 3. Mr josiah sunday gbemenu - financial secretary 4. ALH rauf kayode lbrahim - treasure 5. Chief Pemede Ebenezer - Secretary 6. Mr. Gbenu MOH Joseph - Gen. Auditor

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

DZUELS EDUCATIONAL FOUNDATION

THE ISAIAH 58 HUMANITARIAN INITIATIVE

This is to inform the general public that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission 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 Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied matters Act NO.1 of 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Agbelusi Bolaji Delisa - President 3. John Yakubu Anna 5. Bode-Disu Kate Chinodnye

TRUSTEES 1. Naomi Uwaila Bazuaye - President 3. Dr. Ighiwiyisi Osa Erimona 5. Mrs. Mercy Efosa Bazuaye

2. Agbelusi Adeyemi Bamidele- Secretary 4. Dada Olawale May

2. Barr. Rita Oifoghe 4. Mr. George Imariabe Ezomo

The Aims and Objectives Are: 1. To assist the less privileged in their educational 2. To carry out trading enlightenment and awareness program to enhance psychology intellectual and social wellbeing of mankind.

3. To undertaken in activities that align with enhancement of health education and social welfare in the nation 4. To work with organizations who have similar aims and objectives

AIMS & OBJECTIVES: 1. To support orphans and vulnerable children Nigeria with education, health care, feeding, housing, talent, development and entertainment 2. To provide basic and legal support to inmates who cannot afford legal fees to get tried.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission 420 Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, and Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Signed: Secretary

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission 420 Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, and Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Signed: SOLICITOR 08034007405.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420,Tigris crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, maitama, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of publication.

Signed: President

SIDDIQAH PRIMO FOUNDATION

ABUNDANT HOPE FOR WOMEN WELFARE FOUNDATION

HIMMA COMMUNITY HEALTH CIRCLE INITIATIVE

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To enable members move together 2. To build more cordial relationship among members.

This is to inform the general public that the above named minisrty has applied for registration under part”C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

This is to inform the general public that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Adams Aminat Adebukunola 2. Adams Aishah Oluwakemi 3. Orunsolu Muhamedmutiin Adewale

The Trustees Are: 1. Mr. Thompson Bolarinwa Famoriyo 2. Mr. Debo Abayomi Olakanmi 3. Mrs Moteniola Faleti 4. Dr. (Miss) Oluwatomiisin Olakanmi

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: To serve as support system for widows, divorcees, single mothers and struggling families.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission 420 Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, and Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Signed: BARR. OMOEFE OKEOGHENE SOLICITOR 08065655222, 08070755222

END OF VIOLENCE AND RESTORATION OF OUR ANCESTRAL HOMELAND ORGANIZATION This is to inform the general public that the above named organization has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1.

Engr. Baba Oliver 3.

Dr. Bulus Luka Gadiga 5.

Barr. Bobboji Linus

2.

4.

6.

Dr. Allen Manasseh Mr. Nuhu Musa Mr. Andy Chagwa

Aim and Objective: To promote the end of violence in Nigeria Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

TOPMOSTLIFE EMPOWERMENT AND DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

The general public is here by notified that the above initiative has applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act NO1 of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. Zainab Abdulaziz Yari - (Chairperson) 2. Hadiza Abdulaziz Yari - (Secretary) 3. Fadimatu Abdulaziz Yari 4. Abdullahi Sirajo Jibrin 5. Prof Patricia Donli 6. Abubakar Yusuf 7. Barr Sharon Ekeazor 8. Dr. Ali Pate

The Aims and Objectives Are: To cater for women particularly the widows and the less privileged ones in our society.

Aims and Objectives.

1. To improve knowledge, attitude and practices of community members on all aspect of health.

2. Embrace the health status and quality of life of the community through the child spacing information and service.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission 420 Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, and Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street, Maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

AUTOMOBILE SPARE PARTS DEALERS ASSOCIATION KOGO This is to inform the general public that the above named association has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of NO I 1990.

TRUSTEES: 1. John Uramah 3. Chief Emmanuel Nnaji 5. Godwin Ossai

2.

4.

Ezeji Chijioke Abdulrahman Oyedele

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: To cater for the welfare of members Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, within 28 days of the publication.

Signed: MAAZI OKOROIGWE & CO SUITE 223 ANBEEZ PLAZA, NDOLA CRESCENT WUSE ZONE 5, ABUJA

REACHING OASIS FOUNDATION

OFU OBI NSUKKA AMAKA PROGRESSIVE CLUB The general public is here by notified that the above named club has applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act NO1 of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1.

Mr. Eze Godwin 3.

Mrs Mba Helen 5.

Mrs Onah Eucharia

2.

4.

Mr. Eze Peter Mr. Makata Joseph

Aims and Objectives.

1. To promote the welfare and interest of members.

2. To promote peace, unity and good relations among members of the association.

3. To function as an association for the improvement of socio- economic and general living conditions of members.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street, Maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: BARR. J. C. ALUM (SOLICITOR)

ITSEKIRI TANKER DRIVER’S ASSOCIATION

This is to inform the general public that the above named foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

The general public is here by notified that the above named association has applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act NO1 of 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Jude Orumuah Agbugui.

2. Rosemary Osaro Agbugui.

The Trustees are: 1. Shuwa Oyemami - President 2. Bemigho Presley Okotie-Eboh - Secretary 3. Happy Tosan Mene -Treasurer.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: To empower and support developmental projects in Nigeria

The Aims and Objectives Are: To Help The Less Privileged.

Aims and Objectives.

To promote the welfare of members.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission 420 Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, and Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission 420 Tigris Crescent, Off AguiyiIronsi Street, Maitama, and Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street, Maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

WELFARE ASSOCIATION OF IGBO STUDENTS IN NORTHERN STATES OF NIGERIA

ZERO HOUR MIRACLE INT’L CHURCH

This is to inform the general public that the above named initiative has applied for registration under part”C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

Mr. Olusola Matthew 2.

3.

Mr. Emmanuel Emenuwe 4.

5.

Mr. Oluwafemi Yakubu

Mr. Kayode Akomolafe Mrs Oludoyin Yakubu

This is to inform the general public that the above named association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act No. 1 of 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Felix Yagazie Sylvanus.

2. Matthew Chukwu Wilfred.

Aim and Objective: To promote the welfare, unity, peace and progress of members.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of the publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

This is to inform the general public that the above named Trust has applied for registration to the Corporate Affairs Commission under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of NO I 1990.

TRUSTEES: (1) Apostle Dr. Peter Linus Nwachukwu - General Overseer (2) Miss Ndidiamaka Ebighi - Treasurer (3) Miss Aderonke Obakunle - General Secretary (4) Mr. Raymond Nwangele - Member (5) Mr. Francise Oluchukwu Ogbonnaya - Member (6) Mrs. Eucharia Ebighi - Member.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To preach the word of God. Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja, within 28 days of the publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

MEGALIGHT CHRISTIAN CENTRE The general public is here by notified that the above named has applied to the corporate affairs commission Abuja for registration under the part C of the companies and allied matters act NO1 of 1990.

The Trustees are: 1) Pastor Blessed Sado 2) Mrs Cynthia Sado 3) Mr. Goodnews Iborogu.

Aims and Objectives. a) To preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ b) To evangelize & plant churches c) To demonstrate the authority of the Holy Spirit.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar general plot 420 tigris crescent off Aguiyi ironsi street, Maitama Abuja within 28days from the date of this publication.

Signed: O. MARX IKONGBEH ESQ. EVERLAW ASSOCIATES 08037243544

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

23 Public Notice IKEJA GOLF CLUB

ELPIZO HUMANITARIAN ORGANISATION

GOMBE UNITY FOUNDATION The General Public is hereby notified that the above named FOUNDATION has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Prof. Rufai Ahmed Aikali-Chairman

2. Prof. Bashir Usman Haruna-Secretary

3. Dr. Babayo Jalo Daudu

4. Hon. Aishatu Nana M.B. Ahmad

5. Alh. Lamido Umar Chikaire

6. Hon. Adamu Dafle

7. Prof. Santaya Larit Kela

8. Madam Eglah Sulaiman D. Kassim

9. Hon. Magaji Pilam

10. Hajiya Aisha Abubakiar Hashidu

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To cater for the less privilege 2. To locate, educate, and establish the indigent women and widows in society.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: Secretary.

FORUM FOR ADVOCACY AGAINST CORRUPTION AND SOCIAL INJUSTICE

The general public is hereby notified that the above named body. has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named club. has applied for the change of trustees to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

Trustees.

1. Sally Ibe Adaji.

3. Eze Oliver.

5. Ephraim Ebene.

OLD trustees.

1. Dr. M. O. Peters - Retained.

2. Major General Olayinka Sule. (Rtd).- Retained.

3. Clement Onyeyiri - Removed.

4. Olorogun Felix Ibru. - Removed.

5. Brig, Gen. Mobolaji. Johnson- Removed.

2. Gambo Leo Dauda.

4. Titilayo Christiana Sunmola.

Aim and objectives.

1. To identify genuinely needy orphans and widows through individual and corporate effort and determine their areas of need.

2. To design welfare program that meet the basic needs of these orphans and widows on a regular and consistent basis.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed. Barr. NORI. 08037744266.

GLORIOUS REALM ASSEMBLY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Barr. Bariyima Jephthah Monsigia 3.Engr. Berry Nordee 5. Barr. Hamilton Morrison

Trustees (1)Uwazie Kingsley Chikaodi, 2)Otumegwu Tobechi Samson, 3)Anyanwu Nwabuisi Ukwuoma.

4)Emerenini Peter Nnamdi.

5) Emerenini Peace Chinenye.

2. Engr. Ahunwo Promise Nna 4. Barr. Ifeanyi Ugbarugba 6. Mr. Barry Sunday

The Aims and Objectives: 1. To conscientize the Society on the ills of Corruption and social injustice.

2. To increase believe in dignity in labor and a less greedy Society.

3. To make corruption and social injustice a less attractive practice.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Jephthah Monsigia, Esq. 08033725767

GOLDEN ROCK FOR DEVELOPMENT & EMPOWERMENT FOUNDATION

Aims and objectives.

1. To preach the gospel.

2. To help the less privileged.

New Trustees.

1. Dr. M. O. Peters.

3. Dr Moses Ajaja.

5. Alhaji. ( Dr ) Awa Ibraheem.

2. Major General Olayinka Sule. (Rtd).

4. Mr Clement Olowokande.

Aim and objectives.

Remain the same.

Any objection to the change of trustees registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: Barr. Sunday Oghayei.

PETROL AND GAS FILLING STATION ATTENDANTS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA The general public is hereby notified that the above named body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Isreal Ade Adeshola.

2. Ahmed Mohammed .

3. Mrs. Awe R. Momodu.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES : To foster unity, love, peace and peaceful co-existence of members.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication Signed: Secretary.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C) P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Irosi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

SWITCH WORSHIP MINISTRY

HIS MERCY THRONE GOSPEL ASSEMBLY

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Club has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matter Act 1990.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named body. has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees are: 1. MR. Akinsulire Adewale 2. Mrs. Ifeolu Damilola Evelyn 3. Mr. Akinsulire Jasmine Aramide 4. Mrs. Akindele Omolade 5. Mr. Olowogboye Idowu Obateru 6. Mr. Sule Abiona Marufu

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Pastor Peter Ayodeji Ewulotan (Founder) 2. Mrs. Okedolapo Funmi Ayodeji-Ewulotan (Chairman) 3. Mr. Nnabuife Williams (Secretary) 4. Pastor Sunday Ogunade. (Treasurer) 5. Mr Uchenna Akwara (Member)

Trustees.

1. Pastor. Akinyemi Samuel Olanrewaju.

2. Evangelist Dada Deborah Adedoyin.

3. Deaconess adekoye Ronke. Jp. 4. Miss. Zion Feyisara Akinyemi.

5. Master oluwasina Divine Akinyemi.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE : To preach the good tiding of our lord Jesus Christ.

Aim and objectives.

1. To. Reach the world with the great and powerful gospel of Jesus Christ.

2. To win souls to the kingdom of God. 3. To carry evangelical programs all over the country and the world at large.

Aim and Objectives To empower and enhance the youths, women, handicaps, physically challenged, widows, aged people and single parent for complete transformations by turning around their hopeless situation.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C) P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Irosi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Mr. Akinsulire Adewale

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission (C.A.C) P.M.B 198, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Irosi Street, Maitama Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

IWO ISLAMIC CIVIC CENTRE

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

The general public is hereby notified that the above named body has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

Trustees A. Dr. Musbau adelasoye (medical practitioner) (president).

Add: NO. 1, Mogaji Family Compound, Iwo, Osun State.

B. Alhaji Imam Abdur-Rasheed Fazaazi (Technician). Same address.

C. Mr. Yekini Atanda Adiatu (Retired Civil Servant).

Same address.

D. Chief Yekini Orobimpe (Trading).

Same address.

E. Alhaja Afusat Adejoke Bello (Teaching).

Same address.

F. Alhaji Imran Asiru Adio ( Mosque Worker).

Same address.

G. Alhaja Olatundun Adijat Oloyade ( Civil Servant).

Same address H. Alhaji Aderemi Wakil Situ. (Teaching) (Secretary) . Same. address Aims and objectives: 1. To assist the less privileged in Society 2 To advance the cause of Islam.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Presented by S. I. Oghayei for Lex Habitae LP.

This is to inform the general public of the loss of Certificate of Occupancy (C of O) of a property situated at No. 39, Ago Palace way Okota Isolo, Lagos state, registered as No. 52/52/1996H at Lagos Land registry, belonging to Late Mr. Asimu Umoru of No. 4, Okiki Street Ago Palace way, Okota Oshodi Isolo, Lagos. All effort to trace the said document proved abortive

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: SECRETARY

KWANDE SISTERS FOUNDATION RC No. CAC/IT/NO 72116.

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Change of Trustees under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mrs. Pauline Gberkon - Removed

2. Ms Vero Unong - Removed

3. Mrs Ashi Ahmadu - Retained

4. Ms. Priscilla Mbarumun Achakpa - Retained

5. Arc. Terver Gbem - Retained

6. Dr. Iorwuese Viashima - Retained

7. Mr. Geofrey Pine - Retained THE NEWLY APPOINTED TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Mrs. Juliet Mchivir Wombo 2. Mrs. Sese Grace Feese.

The Aims and Objectives Remain the Same: Any objection to this Application should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

Boko Haram’s devastation in Mubi worth N3b – Gov Bindow Tom Garba Yola

ÏÏÏ The Governor of Ad-

amawa State, Mr. Bindow Jibrilla, has expressed his displeasure with the huge devastation done to Mubi and its environment. He said the price of devastation was about N3 billion.

He said this when he played host to his kinsmen who from Mubi South, Mubi North, Michika and Maiha local governments areas, in northern senatorial zone of the state He told them that basic infrastructure would be provided for the development of Mubi and its environs.

Jibrilla added that his

administration would monitor the expenditure of public funds, to ensure accountability.

He said the state was the most backward and prayed for support and prayers to enable him discharge his responsibility, adding that a committee would be put in place with competent elders to disburse funds meant for development, while government would play a supervisory role.

The people, who came from various religion and party affiliations, said their purpose of coming was to celebrate and pray for Jibrilla to have a successful tenure that would change the life of everyone in the state, and to remind

him of the urgent attention of most of the social amenities that had been bastardised by insurgents needed.

The leader of the delegation, Mr. Wilberforce Juta, represented by Alhaji Bakari Betso said “the essence of the visit is to reiterate the group’s support to the governor and urge him to upgrade the Mubi General Hospital to a teaching hospital, while cottage hospitals in the area should be upgraded to status of general hospital.”

The leader urged the governor to rehabilitate bridges along Mubi road, while ensuring that intervention was ensured to restore the area to its former status

and enhance revenue drive to the area.

While calling for a cordial working relation with legislature, the group said that there was a need for the Adamawa State University to recruit more staff, to replace those who had that left owing to activities of the Boko Haram terrorists.

In a remark, the representative of Mubi North in the state House of Assembly, Barrister Sani Shehu, appealed to the people to give Jibrilla the needed support to enable him deliver all their requests, adding that the legislature was poised to continue to synergies, so to enhance development of the state.

18,000 candidates write post UTME in Imo varsity Val Okara Owerri

ÏÏÏ

No fewer than 18,000 prospective candidates sat for this year’s Post-University Tertiary Matriculation Test of the Imo State University.

This was from a total of 25,000 candidates who had applied for admission.

The Vice-Chancellor, Prof. Adaobi Obasi, told journalists, on Monday, in her office, that over 25, 000 candidates who had

sat for the matriculation examination for the 2015/16 academic session chose the university as their first choice.

Obasi stated that the university was the most subscribed university in the country going by the number of candidates that applied to study in it annually.

She further disclosed that the university management had introduced, for the first time, computer-based test for prospective candidates.

HOPE CHINONSO ALENEME

ONU-CHINEDU CADID CHINONYE

I, Formerly known and addressed

I, Formerly known and addressed as miss Ibeabuchi Canded Chinonye, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs Onu-Chinedu Cadid Chinonye. All former documents remain valid.

The general public should also take note

as miss Chiji Chinonso Hope, now wishes to be known and addressed as Mrs. Hope Chinonso Aleneme.

All former documents remain valid. The general public should also take note

MARIMPEX IMPERIAL GARDEN ESTATE RESIDENT ASSOCIATION RC NO: 45985 The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Amendment of Constitution under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

1. ARTICLE 4 - AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 2. ARTICLE 5 - POWER 3. ARTICLE 6 MEMBERSHIP 4. ARTICLE 7 - TRUSTEES OF THE ASSOCIATION 5. ARTICLE 7. 5 - PROCEEDINGS OF THE TRUSTEES 6. ARTICLE 9 - ADMINISTRATION 7. ARTICLE 10 - COMMITTEES OF THE ASSOCIATION 8. ARTICLE 16 - APPOINTMENT OF AUDITORS 9. ARTICLE 17 - DISSOLUTION Any objection to this Amendment should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary.

TEENS FOR BETTER HEALTH INITIATIVE

AYA NDI OKEREKE

JOSIAH OSARO MARTINS

NDONO EUNICE NKO

BELLO SOFIAT OLUWATOYIN

I, formerlyknown and addressed as Miss Aya Taiga Okereke, now wish to be known and addressed as Miss Aya Ndi Okereke. Nigeria Immigration Service and the public should please take notice. All former documents remain valid

I formerly known and addressed as Josiah Osaro Agbokigboro now wish to be known and addressed as Josiah Osaro Martins. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerlyknown and addressed as Mrs. Ndono Esenowo Obot Charlie, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Ndono Eunice Nko. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as

Miss

Oluwatoyin

Olayinka now

wish

Sofiat to

be

known and addressed as Bello Sofiat Oluwatoyin. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

OPALEYE OLAYINKA

NNABUIHE NDIDI

KEHINDE FATIMOH MUSTAPHA

OZURUMBA NNENNA JULIET

I, formerly known as Miss

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Njoku Ndidi now wish to be known and addressed as Nnabuihe Ndidi. All former documents remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I, formerly known as Miss Aliu Kehinde Fatimoh, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Kehinde Fatimoh Mustapha.

All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

I formerly known as Ajuka

Sowunmi Olayinka , now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs.

Opaleye

Olayinka.

All

former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

UBIMA OIL & GAS LAND OWNERS ASSOCIATION

Nnenna

Juliet

to

called

be

now

wish

Ozurumba

Nnenna Juliet. All my former documents still remains valid.

General public take note

TRUE FRIENDS FOR COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Initiative has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990

The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990

The General Public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004.

Trustees 1. Dr. Alan-Ajonye Anyalewa 2. Ajonye Lamour Adam 3. Alan-Ajonye Ene Neola 4. Obande Ogbole

Trustees 1. Elder Christopher Wobodo 2. Elder Anthony Dike 3. Elder Rowland Wali 4. Elder Peter Dimkpa 5. Elder Alphonsus Dike 6. Mr. Macdonald Ikenga 7. Mr. Oliver Obua 8. Mr. Chimezie Longinus 9. Pastor Dandyson Onuah

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Adetutu Solomon 2. Pastor (Mrs.) Mary Adisa 3. Evang. Morakinyo Oladayo 4. Oyelaran Bolaji David 5. Pastor Taiwo Moses Akande

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES To prevent the spread of HIV/AIDS /STDs through information education and communication skills.

2. To provide accurate and comprehensive sexuality education.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To foster unity and corporation among members.

2. To promote peace, harmony and welfare of the community.

3. To guarantee the welfare of members of the Association.

4. To initiate community development projects and to mobilize our materials and human resources for the execution of the projects.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. To promote unity among members.

2. To train youths on skills and trade to enable them to be self reliance and useful members of the Society.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

Any objection to the 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 Twenty-Eight (28) days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED: J. MEDUBI, ESQ. (Solicitor)

TAG FOUR FOUNDATION INTERNATIONAL The general public is hereby notified that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The trustees are: 1. Olasunkanmi David Soyoye 2. Feyikemi Cheta Soyeye - Chairman 3. Osita Chukwuma Abana 4. Oyeladun Gbemisola Olabode 5. Rosemond Amarachi Egbosi - Secretary The Aims and Objectives: 1. To provide help and support to people that are in need i.e. payment of school fees, providing food, providing shelter etc., by projecting these needs out to people and getting donations from the public to meet these needs.

2. To provide public awareness of the needs of Orphanage homes, Missionary homes, individuals and other care givers Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

Features

s

In search of a lasting panacea for IDPs The plight of Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North cannot be over emphasised. Determined to invent a path for survival, many have devised ways of finding a one-off cure to their problems. TAHIR SHERIFF reports from Abuja.

Usman Abubakar rides a motorcycle, picking and dropping passengers at different places in Waru area of the Federal Capital Territory (FCT). He is among a growing number of displaced persons seeking out a new path after their lives had been

turned upside down by the raging uprising of insurgency in Northeastern of Nigeria.

He lost his means of income as a farmer; both of his parents were killed; his brother went missing and his home was burnt down when members of the radi-

25

cal Boko Haram sect attacked his village in Borno State.

Like hundreds of thousands of others, Usman floated from one place to the other in different northern states before finally arriving in Abuja where he took up shelter like several other economic migrants in the small community he now resides.

Now, Usman pays the owner of the motorcycle weekly, and

‘‘The government will also have to maintain the regional approach it has adopted, working with local leaders, civil society, media, and governments in Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon to address transnational root causes of the crisis.’’

CONTINUED ON PAGE 26

Drug rehab centre turns out 31 reformed graduates

ÏThe barons fund the drug market, we go there and lure victims out – Hamilton

Rehab boss, Keji Hamilton

The House of Joy Rehabilitation Centre, a Non Governmental privately funded humanitarian organisation in Lagos recently turned out 31 graduates of the institution in a colourful ceremony held at the Grace Assembly of the Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Osolo Way in Lagos. GBUBEMI GOD’S COVENANT SNR captured the event and reports.

It was the 7th graduation of the rehab since inception.

Family members, friends and well wishers of the graduates were on hand to celebrate the recovery of 31 out of the 45 drug addicts and junkies on the brink of self destruction who were admitted into the centre at the Taberna-

cle parish, former Metro Cinema Onipanu on Saturday February 21, 2015.

Ministers of the day included the Provincial Pastor of RCCG (Lagos Province 34), Pastor Shola Balogun who congratulated and rejoiced with the graduates and ministered courage and perseverance to the graduates as they step back into the society and ministered salvation and total surrendering to Jesus for a brand new beginning to those yet to give their lives to Christ. About a dozen ladies and women answered the altar call.

Also present were the pastor in charge of Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR), Pastor Steve Mayo, Host Pastor, Tony Okeke and a lecturer of the rehab, Pastor Rotimi Anthony among others.

Toast of the day was the boss of HoJ, the energetic and radical

Pastors Balogun and Mayo record a moment with the graduates

I will advise Buhari to fight drugs because drugs power terrorism, robbery, prostitution, corruption, homosexuality, all social vices are powered by drugs. And he can fight drugs because when he was military head of state he fought drug war to a standstill: we can’t forget that. — Hamilton Pastor Keji Hamilton who coordinated his students whom he had grilled through spiritual teachings, 36 subjects structured to exercise and stretch their mental

and intellectual capacities to the limit.

The reformed drug addicts, clad in bright yellow collar shirts and red tie to match cut a picture

of hope and rugged determination to cherish their lives and pursue a bright future they had lost to drugs before help reached them six months back.

Deaconess Julie Park, herself a reformed junkie and a serving official of the female wing of another rehab also belonging to the RCCG gave the mind blowing testimony of her salvation and praised God that salvation reached her when she was at her lowest ebb.

As a testimony of the success of his team’s six months travail, Pst Keji Hamilton presented to the audience House of Joy Choir

Features 26 REHAB:

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

Drug trade is big business all over in the world – Keji Hamilton ‘‘Drug addicts can try all tricks to get money from their parents; and if they don’t get it all the time or if they don’t get enough, they start to sell items in the house: anything from jewelries, electronics, cellphones, wrist watches, just about anything valuable they can fling and use the money to buy drugs.’’

A cheering moment for the graduates.

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

- all 31 graduates who ministered in songs and drama. The wordings of their special number were heart moving: ‘We no more drug addicts; and we don’t do drug no more through Jesus that strengthens us.

We can stand any time temptation comes; Oh Lord, we give you adoration’ As affirmation, Pastor Balogun prayed that God will continually seal words of that song in their lives in Jesus Name. The drama sketch, titled ‘I was once blind.

Now I can see’ also revealed the subtle way the enemy lures unsuspecting people into the grip of Satan.

Of the 45 drug addicts admitted in February this year, 31 were able to respond and reform at the end of the session. The others were adjudged not fit to gradu-

ate so their rehabilitation programme continues until the 8th batch would be admitted soon.

Prices were awarded to students who excelled in their different areas of strength both in academics and in discipline and behaviour through the programme. Pastor Hamilton told parents of the graduates and the audience why they appreciate and reward some of the students.

“These people have gone through hell before they were admitted into House of Joy. They had to sit for their exams at the end of the period before they are adjudged mentally balanced, stable and fit to return to their families and reintegrate into the society.

“If you know how drugs and Indian hemp destroys the fibre of the human faculties, you will appreciate that these guys deserve

commendation for giving their lives a good and successful fight.”

The prize for the best all round student in this set went to Olufemi Onabanjo while the prize for the best composed, well behaved student was bagged by two individuals, Shina Olaniyi and Josiah. Other prizes presented by Host Pastor, Tony Okeke went to Room Prefects (Alade Oluwasegun, Rasaq and Stanley). Chaplain Prefect went to Wale. Other recipients include Kitchen Prefect (Olusina) and News Prefect (Temitope).

Pastor Hamilton informed the audience that in the six months the men have been in training and recuperating, each student has cost the HoJ management the sum of N365,575 to recover. The 45 of them admitted have cost a whopping N16,450,875. While 31 have graduated now, 14 are still

in the rehab and the costs are still running.

Rehab graduate Temitayo gave the vote of appreciation to House of Joy management for their vision to save the lost and hopeless, to their family members for patience and faith in God for their recovery and to the Church for reaching out the people caught in the grip of drugs.

Eight of the individuals who are financial partners with the RCCG were acknowledged before while graduates rejoined their families, the married ones with their wives and children. It was a warm and merry occasion.

In an exclusive chat with Daily Times, Pastor Hamilton acknowledged this set of graduates.

“There is terrific improvement, considering this is the highest number of reformed addicts House of Joy (HoJ) is turning out. We have had 27 as the highest before now, but this set is 31 out of 45 junkies taken in last February, so we’re getting better. Then from testimonies you heard from them, these ones are more composed and determined to chart a new course for their futures than the previous sets.

Seeing family members and wives of graduates jubilating, does that mean they are all going home from here, and HoJ would

Integration plans must address structural problems CONTINUED FROM PAGE 25

Amos stressing a point at one of the meetings.

they share the cost of repairs and maintenance. He has joined a small group of community mobilisers in Waru who help to see that other IDPs like him in the community get access to funding or other forms of assistance they need to get their lives back on track.

The group has allocated a member each in charge of acting as a representative for displaced persons originally from Dalori, Gwoza, Bama, Biu and Baga; as well as partakes in monthly meetings to help them find last-

ing solutions to their problems.

Unlike Usman however, millions of IDPs are yet to start putting the pieces in their broken lives together again. Usman says all he keeps remembering when he thinks of home are bombs, charred bodies, dead relatives and endemic hopelessness.

The nightmare continues Although, there may be differing numbers from several agencies on how many IDPs the country has, what is not in debate are the even harsher realities such as mosquitoes getting to the camps faster than medical workers can,

be empty for now?

“Twelve of them are returning with their families from here, but 19 are billed to come back to learn vocation. Those going with their families are people who already have a trade or a profession before they strayed into drugs. The other 19 are the set without any form of trade to earn or make a living; they will be taken through a course of training till the end of the year.”

Would that cost be on the HoJ as well?

“Yes of course; they will be housed and fed in HoJ from where they will be going to their various vocational centres outside. Our official bus will take them out at 7 in the morning and bring them back in the evening when they’re through.

“For this set to graduate clean and fit to integrate into their families and society again, HoJ has spent the sum of N365,575 on each person, amounting to a whopping sum of N16,450.875. So between January and day of graduation, the bill is fully bankrolled by the management of HoJ. For now we only have 14 of the addicts still under treatment and observation.”

Does HoJ workforce ever take a break?

CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

an increasing number of women giving birth to children in these unhealthy camps, and increasing cases of sexual abuses taking place within the camps.

Majority of primary health facilities in these areas, which had been placed under a state of emergency, have shut down from the violence, and, in the worst affected areas, none at all are open. Health workers have been attacked, kidnapped and killed by insurgents who steal medical supplies, leaving most of the IDPs consistently in need. IDPs CONTINUED ON PAGE 27

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

27 Features

Thousands have been killed by insurgents CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

taking refuge in settlements within Borno and Adamawa often do so in empty class rooms of schools and lack access to water and sanitation facilities.

Few displaced children attend school, with some being taken out of school to help their families in the struggle to make ends meet.

Boko Haram attacks on schools have forced the government to close down many educational institutions and have led to significant reductions in enrolment. The number of class rooms available has reportedly been further reduced as they are occupied by IDPs. A broader understanding of displacement patterns indicate that some internally displaced people, like economic migrants, are fleeing towards the south of the country; others are heading from rural to urban areas; while

Amos addressing fellow IDPs.

in cases where IDPs are displaced alongside their host communities, they mostly end up in camps. It is thus quite tasking to give good account of the number of displaced persons.

Possible re-integration plans The levels of destruction in livelihood and family bonds have

instilled deeply-rooted fears in the affected populations. This has also significantly reduced their psychological stability and is likely to result in protracted displacement, unless people can integrate successfully in their places of displacement or find other safe havens.

As is often the case in situations of widespread insecurity and violence, the displacement caused by Boko Haram and the [Nigerian] army’s operations against it has reduced people’s ability to feed themselves both directly and indirectly. Not only have IDPs exhausted their own supplies, making them dependent on their hosts’ resources, but over 60 per cent of the region’s farmers have been displaced just before the start of the planting season, making food crops more scarce and setting the scene for protracted shortages.

Integration plans also have to address structural problems. A typical problem is the status Nigerians are accorded while residing in places as settlers. Distinctions such as these, as in the case of most middle-belt states, often spiral into conflicts over land, political representation and resource sharing. Unlike consti-

tutional rights that protect the rights of all citizens equally, the Nigerian Constitution somewhat permits discrimination against people who migrate from one state to another as even if they have lived in a state nearly their entire lives, the law considers them “settlers” who have a second-tier citizenship status compared with the local indigenes.

Thousands of people have been killed by violence that often has religious overtones, yet is rooted in these deeper constitutional flaws.

In June 2014, the T.Y Danjuma Foundation set up the Victims Support Fund (VSF) as a means of addressing the problems of victims of the insurgency such as the staggering cases of internally displaced persons. Several organisations and individuals pledged sizeable amount of funding to the project which kicked

Continued on page 28

REHAB: Parents cannot police their children all the time – Keji Hamilton CONTINUED FROM PAGE 26

“Not in the least; our evangelical team will continue the drive to win more addicts from drug joints, talking with their family members to prepare them for the next interview that will usher in fresh junkies into HoJ in February 2016. At the same time we’ll still be running regular in-house trainings, seminars, fellowships and teachings, you know; all regular activities for those coming back for their long vocation as well as continuing the programme for the remaining 14 that did not graduate with this set.”

How would Pst Keji score the drive for recovering drug addicts from drug joints thus far?

“I would say about 50 to 60 percent. The effort is continuous and we are only forging that inroad because our evangelical teams were reformed addicts themselves, past graduates from the HoJ so they know the terrain very well; but in all, we are not relenting, so the success rate is encouraging.”

Drug is big business The boss commented on one of the most dreaded joints in the Ojuelegba axis of Lagos Mainland.

“Texas is still very much existing and so are other joints, and this is so because the drug trade is big business, not only in Nigeria but everywhere in the world.

The people we are ministering to and recovering from joints are the people who are buying and taking them; behind the scene are the barons who are making billions from drugs.

Scene from the drama sketch.

Once sad, now a happy parent at the graduation.

“Our team is well known at those joints of course; the addicts know about the HoJ, but the people funding and selling drugs are also evangelising; they have their strategies of luring fresh victims in and encouraging those already hooked. In the same vein we also go in there and try to lure them out.”

What are the police or the law enforcement agencies generally doing about it? The jinx has to be broken someday, don’t you think?

“Police?”, Keji looked incredulously at our correspondent and repeated, “Police? Look, drug is a multi-billion dollar business and no government has been able to eradicate it completely. What we are doing in HoJ is to get people who are the end buyers and users to come out of the habit and be clean.

When you do that consistently you are reducing the drug market

for the marketers. When there are no buyers for a product the manufacturers and marketers will fade out of existence. What we’re trying do in HoJ is to depopulate the number of people taking drugs.”

How can children be shielded from being lured into drugs?

“Young ones are lured by the wrong information they hear and receive among their peers. They tell them if they take drugs they will be smarter and better; that they will perform better in studies and in sex, especially that they will be bold and have self confidence if they take drugs and so on.

“Then there are the older ones they fool by telling them if you take drug it will ‘help you relax’; people who already have issues bogging them are told if they take drug it will help them forget whatever is bothering their minds.

Continued on page 28

Cross section of family members of the graduates.

‘We no more drug addicts; and we don’t do drug no more through Jesus that strengthens us. We can stand any time temptation comes; Oh Lord, we give you adoration’ – Wording of Song composed by the reformed drug addicts.

Features 28

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

REHAB: We go to drug joints and lure junkies out — House of Joy CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

“Parents cannot police their children all the time because they have to go to work and the children have to go school; there are those in the boarding school and they go to parties, watch movies, surf the internet and all that - so parents cannot do much about all that.

“But they can watch out for drug symptoms that manifest when they are newly lured in, you know; things that will show when there is the urge to take drugs and they don’t have it immediately include sleeplessness, restlessness, stomach disorder, like stomach cramps, disorder, feverish condition, funny behavious. In short, their health will suddenly face challenges.

“Especially, when you notice your ward is desperate to have money; they can try all tricks to get money from their parents; and if they don’t get it all the time or if they don’t get enough, they start to sell items in the house;

anything from jewelries, electronics, cellphone, wristwatches, just about anything valuable they can fling and use the money to buy drugs. Some bold ones will even steal house or land documents and sell them before parents know what is going on.

Pst Keji has been in the drug war a long time now: how is it going? Can the society expect an outright win in the near future?

“To be realistic, there can’t be an outright win like that, but there can be a sustained reduction to a minimal level of people using drugs. I will tell you why there can’t be a total eradication of drugs in the society: “I told you before that drug is a multi-billion-dollar business.

There are governments and big time organisations all over the world that get their monies from drug trafficking. We just heard two tones of cocaine worth two billion dollars was seized in America. Drugs leave Mexico City to many countries of the world; you have also heard of the deadly

I can’t find my family – Amos CONTINUED FROM PAGE 27

off formally in Abuja. The funds are yet to be available and the situation that the foundation sought to address has been on a steady decline.

Although the VSF has distributed sizeable amounts of relief material to displaced persons in several parts of the country, it also has shortcomings when it is about addressing structural problems. A defining moment was when a receiver of relief materials spoke to the audience about the lapses in approaches at helping displaced persons.

“No other person has taken our concerns serious as regards getting back to normal living, we thank this organisation and its founders, but we cannot rely on food alone,” said one of the beneficiaries.

“Some of our brothers are still stuck there; others are dead or missing; and we need help. You cannot leave your family in Maiduguri and live here in Abuja.”

Said he.

Amos, 23, had left his entire family in Gwoza when the community fell into the hands of insurgents in 2014. He was unable to reach them since masts had been blown up and communication was not possible at the time.

So it was not a surprise that although he received a bag of rice among his relief materials, he was eager to return to Borno, in search of his family and did so at

the announcement that Gwoza had been recovered by the Nigerian Military nine months later.

The UNHCR launched the 2015 The sum of US$174,409,920 is being requested by 23 sisters UN agencies and NGO partners to meet the needs of over 240,000 refugees and host communities in Cameroon, Niger and Chad.

The National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) has delivered very good responses to the displacement crisis in the northeast region. It sources and distributes relief materials; it helps with essential commodities to address special needs of people in camps such as pregnant women and orphaned children.

Possible exit strategy for IDPs Nigeria will have to seek more partnership with organisations dedicated to preventing violent conflict and supporting communities to achieve more inclusive, resilient and empowered futures.

The government will also need to work with other local and international actors to mitigate and respond to conflict by providing rapid and robust assistance to violence-affected communities.

In particular, focus should be directed towards increase support to meet emergency material needs of communities affected by the conflict, basic services, reinforcing coordination mechanisms, protection and psychosocial support, community-based

Italian mafia network which even runs some governments; then each country also have their local source of hard drugs.

“Every day, people are caught trafficking drugs through ingenious means. People, including Nigerians are languishing in foreign prisons for drug trafficking;

musicians, actors and actresses are lured into the business all the time. My brother, the drug trade business is phenomenal worldwide.

“Until government is ready to fund and support the fight against drugs with government facilities, what we can do is what

we are doing. We can’t contend with the marketers because they are dangerous human beings; so while government deals with the barons, marketers and traffickers, we take care of the addicts; so that there will be division of labour.”

Advise to Mr. President on drugs “I will advise Buhari to fight drugs because drugs power terrorism, robbery, prostitution, corruption, homosexuality, all social vices are powered by drugs. And he can fight drugs because when he was military head of state he fought drug war to a standstill: we can’t forget that.”

That was in the military era; do you think he can do that again under a democratic setting like ours?

“That will depend on what the senate is ready to do about drugs. Traffickers and barons have friends who are politicians in high places and they are still in power, so it is up to them if they will support the President.”

trauma healing support for women and children, livelihoods restoration efforts to create opportunities and reduce vulnerabilities and ability to raise income.

The government will also have to maintain the regional approach it has adopted, working with local leaders, civil society, media, and governments in Nigeria, Niger, Chad and Cameroon

to address transnational root causes of the crisis. But more than all this, it has to double its efforts to end the insurgency, so that in the end, those displaced will be able to return home.

Pst Balogun ministering

JUST HUMAN

A typical ‘face-me-I-face-you’ residence in Shogbesan St, Ajegunle in Lagos. Photo God’s Covenant Snr/069

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

Tourism

29

s Tourist attraction sites of Ondo State ’Tunde Fatoyinbo Ondo state is blessed with a variety of potential tourist attraction that are of historical, culture and artistic values. There is a maze of creeks, rivers and lakes in the coastal area while lowlands, rugged hills and crops of few hills abound in the northern areas. Among the leading spots are the historic Idanre Hills with

guesthouses built by the government. Others are Ayetoro Community of Holy Apostles, the Owo Museum of Antiquities, Oke Maria at Oka-Akoko, the Palace of the Deji of Akure, Ebomi Lake at Ipesi-Akoko and Iho Eleru at Isarun. A single experience of the peerless ambience of recreation and relaxation sites Ondo State has to offer will keep you coming back for more.

Ebomi lake: ‘The bottomless lake’ ÏÏÏEbomi Lake- a 1.5km long

calabar carnival

Carnival Calabar generates over N1b yearly —Tourism bureau boss Managing Director of Cross River Tourism Bureau, Michael Williams, who helped transform and improve the viability of tourism activities in the state, tells MATHEW DADIYA of the silent revolution going on in the state.

Williams

Tourism the world over is being driven based on an enabling Act, in terms of the regulation, how have you gone about the regulation or what have you been able to do so far?

When my team and I came into office five years ago, one of the first things we started to do was to revise the regulations for the Hospitality Industry. We rewrote the regulations, and eventually we got them signed and passed by the Executive Council. Once they were passed into law, which was towards the end of 2013, we have been busy trying to make sure that all hospitality establishments (hotels and restaurants) are licensed. Licensing effectively means you must meet some minimum requirements. The license is an annual one, so every January it must be renewed. We put it that way because we don’t want people

being licensed and then letting their standards drop. So if it is done every year that means people will keep up. But the process has been slowed mainly because many hoteliers would like to comply after they have had the resources to make the improvements that we stipulate.

But there are other cases where I believe the resources are available to many hotel operators, but they don’t take the mandate seriously simply because we haven’t had the resources to do proper enforcement. By now, many of the hotels should have been shut down due to their excessively deteriorated condition.

What do you really mean by resources, human or capital?

Human resources, yes. You need people, including law enforcement, to be able to carry out the kind of enforcement I’m talking about. For us, enforcement is a last resort. We gave a whole year for every hotel to become familiar with the regulations and to prepare themselves, and another year during which we’ve been gently advising and carrying them along and so on.

Now we’ve gotten to the point where most responsible hotels have been licensed, or are attempting to, and we’re taking them through the process. If a hotel is at least trying to cooperate, and we’re allowed to guide

them through it, then we don’t have a problem with that. Our problem is with those who don’t even attempt to do it. They don’t even try. They would like to continue as they are. The problem is that we’re not doing licensing for the sake of it. It’s because we get so many complaints from visitors when hotels don’t attain the required standard and that affects the reputation of the destination.

It also affects your level of repeat visitors. People will not come back if they did not enjoy their first stay. And for people whose primary reason for coming here are business concerns or meetings, if they had a fantastic time at the hotel in the course of their meetings or business engagements, they would want to come back and they would bring their families next time. If they had a poor experience, that would be difficult.

So what do you really think the government should do in order to make sure that you get adequate resources to carry out the enforcement?

The choice isn’t really what the government should do, because in this case we are the Government and we already know what we should do. In Cross River, the financial situation has been quite tight. Federal revenues are dwindling, and the allocation therefore is dwindling. Our internally generated revenue has been rising, but not fast enough to replace the muchreduced federal income.

expanse of water, located in the sleepy enclave of Ipesi Akoko, along the north-eastern boundaries of Ondo State, SW Nigeria.

The lake is also known as ”the bottomless lake” because of its depth which is difficult to estimate. It stretches through a distance of about 2km and is about 45m wide. According to oral history, the people of Ipesi Akoko met Ebomi Lake at Ipesi and because they couldn’t find the appropriate words to describe their curiosity about the features of the lake, they decided to call the strangely wide body of water ”Abami’, which literally means ‘mysterious’. This name, with time changed to”Ebomi” which is the name it is being called to this day.

The lake, according to the inhabitants of Ipesi Akoko, has supernatural powers for protecting the villagers during the times of war. The lake is believed to have unseen soldiers that fight battles for the Ipesi people. It is also believed that the lake’s deities give the villagers different gifts such as children, fishes, fowls etc.

Common wildlife sightings around the lake which include antelopes, bush pigs, mischievous squirrels, variety of birds and fishes etc. all give photographers and nature-loving tourists an unlimited scope to savour.

A single experience of the peerless ambience of recreation and relaxation the lake has to offer will make the instinct in you to keep coming back for more.

Ebomi lake

Coast Creek and Canal ÏÏÏOndo State has one of the

longest territorial waters in Nigeria. The beach front is excellent for boating, swimming, sport fish-

Coast Creek

ing, picnic, boat regatta, diving and many more. This beach front is about 142km from Akure the state capital.

30

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

Art Review Agozino Agozino For writers across the country, Kaduna State is the destination as the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA) holds its 2015 National Convention, in Kaduna.

Hosted by the Kaduna State Chapter of ANA, the event which begins on Tuesday September 29 through October 1 will be an intellectual feast in which participating writers will be coming from different zones of the country. The convention, holding under the theme, The Local and Global Textures of New Nigerian Writing will draw writers, authors, critics, scholars and patrons from across the country to its venueKaduna. Organisers inform that the convention will provide ‘new flexibility in support of total commitment to literature awareness in the country.’’

Prof. Harry Garuba of the University of Cape Town, South Africa, has been disclosed as the convention keynote speaker.

He will speak on the theme The Local and Global Textures of New Nigerian Writing.

Elaborating on the activities for this year’s event, the National Publicity Secretary, ANA convention, Richard Ali informed the convention is destined to be a harvest of the best of writers in the Nigeria in recent time.

“Nigerian writing has come of age. Away from the internationally celebrated Chimamandas and the Helon Habilas, even newer writers are winning awards and recognition continent-wide. Adeeko Ibukun won Africa’s only poetry prize, the BN Poetry Award, in Kampala last week. Pemi Aguda won the Writivism Short story prize given by Uganda’s Centre for African Cultural Excellence a few months back. Both wins are a decent $1000 each.

The Association of Nigerian Authors, as the foremost and the biggest writers’ organisation in Nigeria, is the custodian of Nigerian writing

Bashorun

s

Kaduna 2015: Writers, authors rally for ANA convention and the Nigerian intellectual argument. The Remi Raji’s administration has done its best to promote Nigerian writers.

We are also expecting Prof. Pius Adesanmi, Toyin Falola and J. O. J. Nwachukwu-Agbada and others, Ali said’’.

Other activities for the convention according to Ali, are the presentations by the ANA Kaduna State Chapter and ANA national executive council meeting as well as writers excursions around special sites in Kaduna and environs. There will equally be a daily presentation of writer’s performances comprising new works, drama, colloquiums to entertain the audience every evening throughout the duration of the convention.

Coincidentally, the event is coming up in Kaduna in a year the State has a new Governor who likes literature and is also a writer.

Ali who traced the recent history of the convention praised the current leadership of the writers, “The present Remi Raji administration came to leadership at the Abuja convention in 2011. We have hosted the Association’s Congress at Uyo in 2012, Akure in 2013 and Ibadan in 2014. So, we are back to the northern part of Nigeria where it all started for us.’’

Throwing more light, Ali said arraignment by the local organising committee of the convention, led by Kaduna ANA Chairman Usho Smith Adawa and Friday John Abba, are in high level to fete writers and guests and make Kaduna 2015, a memorable event.

“We at the national body are supervising every preparation.

And we are confident Kaduna

will deliver a memorable convention and a fitting swan song for the Remi Raji administration whose final term ends this year.’’

Ali disclosed that more than twenty five chapters of ANA all over the country will be at the event. All the delegates are carefully selected, ensuring that every type of the writer body, various kinds of writers, authors and patrons from all

parts of Nigeria are adequately represented. “We expect an average of fifteen delegates from each of our twenty five chapters to be in Kaduna, said Ali.” The ANA convention, a yearly convention of writers is also intended to critically look into some of the new developments in contemporary literature as well as issues that boarders literature and indigenous language.

Some of the recent achievements the body has made according to Ali, include the Nigerian Writers Series books, which has seen ten new books published by the Association’s NWS publishers imprint in collaboration with major Nigerian publishers.

There is also the ANA/Yusuf Alli reading campaign which has distributed N9,000,000 to state chapters in the form of grants over the last three years as well as the teen authorship prize sponsored by the former first lady of Niger State who saw the need for nurturing budding talent.

Funds are the major constraint facing the association as ANA is a nongovernmental organisation but the writers’ body has been unrelenting.

According to him, “the vagaries and unpredictability of securing grants are the same everywhere and while we have always had a portfolio of projects, the executions of these have been tied to how effectively we can utilize funds that do come in. So, there are things we were unable to execute.”

“The key success of the Remi Raji administration has been the securing of the ANA land through the dogged and seasoned litigation of our legal adviser, Ahmed Maiwada Esq. When the Mamman Vatsa Writer’s Village is finished, it will provide a steady stream if income for the association and subsequent EXCOs will be able to make longer term plans. This is the bequest of the Remi Raji administration to our congress that has remained behind us every step of the way. It is our tribute of stewardship for the trust and the burden placed on our shoulders.”

Evolving in 360: Raqib Bashorun returns

Tomorrow, September 12, an art exhibition entitled, Evolving in 360, will open at Omenka Gallery, 24 Modupe Alakija Street, Ikoyi Lagos. It is the latest solo showing of Raqib Bashorun.

The former senior lecturer of the School of Art, Design and Printing, Yaba College of Technology (YABATECH) who for the past two decades has also executed landmark sculptural works will display

20 new pieces from his Kosofe, Lagos-based studio which he names, The Labour Room.

The 20 specially selected pieces which he will show for two weeks are mostly made in wood. Popularly known as Bash, the sculptor and designer who is very popular in Lagos art events said the show will be replete with remarkable pieces.

His past solo exhibitions include, Punctuation

(YABATECH 2008), Charged Currents (Terra Kulture 2008), Unframed Untamed Designs, Soul Searching (Didi Museum, 2005), Past to Present (William Woods University, Fulton Missouri, USA), Abstract Equivalent of Moral Parables (George Caleb Bingham Gallery, University of Missouri Columbia, Missouri, 2002) and Equilibrium (Craft Studio Gallery, Missouri, October 2001).

Ali

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

31 Art Review

Counting dangers of not engaging the youths As someone in the know, a public affairs analyst, Dr. John Abhuere offers practical hints on how best to engage the youths for greatness in a new book.

Felix Omoh-Asun offers a review of the book Reading through the book, Power of Youth and other Essays on the Political Economy of Nigeria since Independence (Thoughts and Reflections of a Nationalist on what went wrong with Nigeria and how to fix it), you are bound to reason otherwise that the country is drifting in every aspect of her life. This is because the youth that are supposed to be the plank of planning of the nation are utterly left to the vagaries of time.

In fact, the book could not have come at a better time in Nigeria’s journey to nationhood. With youth’s restiveness threatening to overpower the country, the book is one in a long while that can redefine the very essence of ways to engage the massive population of youths in the country.

Written by Dr John Abhuere, a retired director with the National Youths Service Corps (NYSC), the book is a deep reflective work marked by peculiarities that give it a definitive value of a working manual for policy makers and nations’ developers of issues that

concern the youth.

The book, which serves a healthy dose of illumination about the youth, their capabilities, potentials, Nigerian economy, problems and solutions, and other sundry issues, establishes the fact of the youth inevitability in a nation’s march to greatness.

For one, Dr. Abhuere preaches that a nation which overlooks the young in both planning and execution of policies does so at its peril. So sure, the worsening restiveness among the youth across the length and breadth of the nation at present is Abhuere’s inspirational canvas.

Considering the bent of the book, its thematic thrust and current political developments round the globe, Power of Youth is not only for today’s audience but also for generations yet unborn. The elements in the book are topical, especially regarding this nation, Nigeria, albeit all nations of the world. The author tends to interpret his personal experiences as a youths trainer and former director in NYSC. For this, the book’s relevancy is a life’s experience. Indeed, the emotions in this book resonate.

While the book deftly demonstrates the exuberances inherent in the youth, it also highlights the abundance of buried talents and vigour in them that can be tapped for national development. All these make the book an excellent read-aloud.

The 613 page- book, divided into eight chapters with sub divisions and a postscript, aside youth matters, contains essays on political economy of Nigeria, an overview of NYSC, unemployment, democracy in Nigeria, among others. Some of the essays attempt to answer the question: What went wrong with Nigerian’s economy since independence? Why has the nation’s economy remained strutted over the years?

It also makes effort to provide answers to the reasons despite the country’s endowments with natural resources; its citizens have remained among the poorest in the world.

Chapter one: Youth in National Development-Critical Issues, the author tries to situate the youth, their hyper active nature and ability to effect a change if properly harnessed. To further strengthen the argument of the power of the youth to develop a nation, Dr Abhuere calls up several definitions of youth, opining that the world biggest power is the youth. He states “Youth hold numerical strength and productive energies in many societies” Also, he states instances where the youth were ably mobilised to change the trends when it mattered most especially in war times. States like China, Russia, Germany, among others, according to the author, deployed

the “power” and strength of the youth during war to mobilization and change opinion.

In concluding the chapter, the author reasons “it is quite obvious that the properly developed and well empowered youth with opportunity for effective positive participation can be of great asset to a nation’s development efforts” The second chapter takes an over view of the National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), its establishment, usefulness and the journey so far. Established in 1973 as a post war effort to rebuild a battered and divided nation just coming from three years of a murderous and bloody civil war, the compulsory one year service to the nation of graduates of tertiary institutions, the scheme was seen as a bridge builder.

But the question that readily comes to mind is; has NYSC achieved the purpose for which it

w a s set up? Dr Abhuere feels what needs to be done is to build on the gains of the past, in terms of sustainability and look for more creative ways to further tap from the scheme which has more advantages than disadvantages.

In chapter three, the author focuses on the nation’s economy, under the title: Unemployment in Nigeria: The Way Out for the Youth. With an analytical mind, the author draws from statistics to indicate that between 34 and 44 million people are unemployed in Nigeria with the youth accounting for 41.6%, comprising 23.3 % male while female unemployment stands at 17%.

By the author’s account, quoting Federal Bureau of Statistics, about 40 million youths are without job. “By any account, this represents a huge waste of an alarming proportion”, reasons Abhuere.

In Lagos, Osaretin roams in expressive colours Maria Anifowose

Agony of truth by Osaretin

One thing becomes apparent upon meeting Obasohan Osaretin, Director of Lagos-based Obas Bee Ventures Cedo Art Centre. He is totally committed to his art, particularly, the paintings. He is also relentless in marketing art works of several artistic forms. His paintings also cover vast themes.

Born in Idogbo Okha Local Government Area of Edo State, Osaretin who ventured into arts business in Lagos State in the year 1999 has since never looked back.

The artist main fascination is two things. First, is his desire to promote the creativity that abounds in visual arts, paintings and sculptures. Then, his strong believe that Nigeria

is blessed with creativity in the area of arts. This, of-course drove him into promoting arts even as he engaged in other ventures. His studio in Maryland Lagos is full of aweinspiring sculptures, paintings and drawings. His paintings tell tales that are more than what can be gouged from other artists around him. They evoke myths, refer to folklores and establish the blurry link between traditional and contemporary arts.

A chat with him was like unveiling unknown area in the visual arts. In explaining one of the artworks in his gallery, Osaretin, said: “You can see, it’s an African man based on an African map. We’re not saying that there’s no oppression in any other part of the world but it’s mostly here in Africa. It’s

still more alarming in Africa.

This is a man trying to say the truth, blowing the trumpet.

But, this is the arrow trying to kill him”.

Osaretin, mentioned the names of different people in Nigeria who were unjustly imprisoned, persecuted and even killed for the truth’s sake.

They include: Alhaja Kudirat Abiola, Hamza Al-Mustapha and Saro Wiwa among ohers.

“You see different things in Africa. During the time of Abiola, Abacha was trying to eliminate Mustapha. Abiola’s wife was killed because she was pursuing the mandate of her husband. Saro Wiwa, from Ogboni in the then Niger Delta was killed because he was pursuing the truth,” he stressed.

Though one would have

thought he attended a school of art to be able to create his beautiful works. Nonetheless, he was a self-trained artist who developed his talent through learning from his father who was also an artist and sculptor.

“At the beginning, I was into cane business. I used to bring the raw materials from Edo. But when I came to Lagos, God directed me to arts,” he explained.

Apart from sculpture, his works include paintings and drawings. His sculptures range from those made with wood to those made with metal, gold and bronze. Some of his gold sculptures are: Oba of Edo State and African Woman. While some of his wooden pieces include: Wrestler, Mother and Child, Town Crier, Fisherman and many more.

www.facebook.com/dailytimesngr

https://twitter.com/DailyTimesNGR

https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

FRIDAY, SEPTEMBER 11, 2015

VOL. 1. NO.189

dailytimesng

Features

Drug rehab centre turns out 31 reformed graduates P25

World

Tourism Carnival Calabar generates over N1b yearly -Tourism Bureau boss

P29

Politics

People in PDP have Hungary, Austria see spike in refugee no business being in government arrivals

P13

– Ariyomo

P8

Price: N150

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD. LAGOS: Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja.

ABUJA: 44, Adetokunbo Ademola Crescent, Wuse II, Abuja. website: www.dailytimes.com.ng.

EDITOR: YINKA OLUJIMI email: editor@dailytimes.com.ng. adverts@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948.

News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotline: 09039647808, 09033765031

Buhari, his critics and the case for efficient government ÎÎÎ “The real question is

not whether there is a centralization or delegation of power but whether there is efficient government.

And this is determined by the conditions in which a government operates... It is understandable that a president should say that provincial premiers should be selected on the basis of merit, of ability - not popularity, not because they belong to this or that clique.

You must understand this as a phase. Little did we suspect that our own people, when they got that chance, would be as corrupt as the Apartheid regime. That is one of the things that has really hurt us”, argued the great African statesman and hero, Nelson Mandela, in the March 2001 interview he granted to South Africa’s leading newspaper, The Mail and Guardian.

Mandela marked out centralization of power, abuse of political appointment processes, careerism and corruption as some of the issues confronting states-intransition, and established the basis on which political domination can be interrogated by taking the case for efficient government into account in order to curtail the abuse of power.

There are two fundamental points Mandela made

that are pertinent to us.

First, that political appointments should be made “on the basis of merit and of ability”. It must be pointed out that President Buhari has been widely criticized for making political appointments that seem to promote the interests of the North far and above other sectional interests.

His critics point to Section 14(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, 1999 (as amended), which provides that: “The composition of the Government of the Federation or any of its agencies and the conduct of its affairs shall be carried out in such a manner as to reflect the Federal Character of Nigeria and the need to promote national unity and also to command national loyalty, thereby ensuring that there shall be no predominance of persons from a few states or from a few ethnic or sectional groups in that government or any of its agencies”.

While the import of this constitutional provision is not lost on me, it is important to appreciate the peculiar condition that confronts Buhari’s presidency. For a President settling down to government business after many years in the opposition, the fixa-

tion on ethnic and sectional representation when the framework of government hasn’t been knocked out and formed becomes a disturbing distraction, at least in the short run. For me, ethnic and sectional representation should not be served as a political expedient course. But, President Buhari appears to lack understanding of the peculiar condition that confronts his presidency and misses Mandela’s point - in the recent interview he granted the BBC. PMB arms his critics when he says that: “I select people whom I know quite well in my political party, whom we came all the way right from APP, CPC and APC, and have remained together in good or bad situation, the people I have confidence in and I can trust them with any post, will that amount to anything wrong? I have been with them throughout our trying times, what then is the reward of such dedication and suffering?” The yardstick of appointment, if I read Mandela correctly, is merit and ability, and not the long sufferings and dedication of acolytes. To reward acolytes with public office is the height of cronyism!

Second, and a more important point, here, is the case that can be made for efficient government as Man-

W E A T H E R ABUJA

ASABA

LAGOS

Low 23°C High 33°C

Low 24°C High 33°C

Low 24°C High 32°C

KADUNA

IBADAN

ILORIN

Low 22°C High 32°C

Low 22°C High 33°C

Low 24°C High 34°C

dela clearly pointed out.

True, making the case for efficient government has become the hollow phrase of academic discourses, but we cannot dismiss the argument on efficiency of government business neither can we deny the truth of effectiveness nor wave off the competitiveness of government the argument makes plain. The resources available to government and the demands of citizens on government make the case for efficient government imperative.

My argument, here, is that our agitation, in spite of the constitutional demand, shouldn’t be on sectional or ethnic representation but on how we can push President Buhari to accept smaller and better government as a governance reality. President Buhari has spoken extensively on the need to reduce the number of Ministers of the Federal Republic and of Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs), but he hasn’t shown any real inclination for smaller and efficient government. One first step is to propose an Executive Bill directed at expunging the proviso to Section 147(3) of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 (as amended), which commands the President “to appoint at least one Minister from

each state”. Smaller government eliminates waste.

Going by Messrs Adesina and Garba’s appointments, there is nothing to suggest he is matching words with action. There is so much he can learn from Rwanda and Mauritius, two countries that are held out as stellar countries with smaller and efficient governments by the World Economic Forum.

This takes me to the issue of corruption that has become President Buhari’s paternoster. It is easy for us to nod our heads in amen whenever he begins every sermon on corruption with a prayer, or what is increasingly becoming the nunc dimittis of those looters whose consciences prick with the guilt of their naked pillage of our commonwealth. But what isn’t very easy to discern, at least from his prayer against looters, is the direction of his anti-corruption fight.

Perhaps, we can discern the movement of his first step towards fighting corruption in the appointments of individuals without dirty baggage and in the overt centralization of authority around his person or what his spokesperson, Femi Adesina, calls “the sheer force of personality and presence”. Centralization of authority, it must be stressed here, seeks to pull a coun-

try towards a defined force of personality and presence which the individual who exercises the ultimate power invariably symbolizes; though we seem, for lack of communication on the part of his media handlers, not to appreciate this. However, there is a downside to centralization of authority.

In a constitutional democracy, the moral force of the ultimate holder of power is always kept in check by the constitution. Simply put, the moral force of President Buhari must be in sync with the letter and spirit of the constitution.

He cannot venture outside the basic law no matter the force of his personality and the ubiquity of his presence.

Concluding, Nelson Mandela had this say on the powers of appointment of the president: “Our mandate must derive from grassroots. That is the principle of democracy. But, at the same time, there must be a central authority that is going to pull the country together. With the problems... there was no other way if we wanted to clear the country of corruption.

The President had to say: “I am going to appoint premiers””. May those who eventually pass President Buhari’s test not end up robbing our people. Did I hear you say, amen?

R E P O R T KANO Low 25°C High 37°C

BENIN CITY Low 13°C High 25°C

P/HARCOURT Low 22°C High 31°C

CALABAR Low 23°C High 32°C

ENUGU Low 24°C High 32°C

WARRI Low 23°C High 30°C

Life&

Times Friday, September 11, 2015

Aminat Babalola Balogun

Omotayebi Enthralling Islamic musician

L2,3

P

Interview L2

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

How we keep fans who

–Omotayebi ISAAC OGUNTOYE,

Congratulations on your new positions as the Almira (female leader) of Lagos State chapter of ISMAN, what would be your topmost agenda as you take off?

God and members of my association

Do you enjoy good working relationships with colleagues?

How do you cope with your music and raising a family?

Excerpts:

What really transpired at the recent election of ISMAN because we learnt it was not smooth?

Life&

T E A M

should we expect you act in home

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani

Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye

Photography Quadri Olowolagba

Graphics Luke Utomi

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

L3 Interview

want a relationship at bay

lot- you leave your home and go into location for two to three days and even more. Spending time in the studio all day as a musician is tasking and my husband still tolerates me. I need to accept what he wants.

How do you handle your male fans and sponsors who want more than a relationship?

We apply wisdom with our fans who want to take it further. As a woman, we know how to politely say no and still

value my home and fear God. With the moral decadence do you think your music as part of ISMAN and that of the gospel (Christian) counterpart are causing positive change in the society?

It is only God that causes change in people. We can only sing and preach to people to fear God and eschew evil and corruption. As part of Islamic music group, ISMAN, lectures are being given to tell people to change ultimately save people. I believe we are all doing our part to change lives through our music. My music is majorly for our husbands and wives. I preach for wives to love their husbands and raise their children in a Godly manner and not be carried away by their jobs.

So it is summed up in love and respect for the marriage institution.

Society Gist L4 Isaac Oguntoye

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

Top Banker, Ibukun Awosika becomes first female Chairman of First Bank This is no doubt a good moment in the life of top female banker, Ibukun Awosika as she was

Chris Okafor

Liberation City prays against accident in ember months

Nigerians has been charged to pray against any form of accident on the air, road and water as the country enters the ember months. Speaking at a special prayer session against any form of accident at the International Headquarters of Liberation City, Senior Pastor Chris Okafor said if Nigerians can pray in one accord the dark cloud moving around to descend can be averted. The Oracle of God said various government should carry their duties diligently saying the months of ember carry various dangers and prayed that God will protect and guide his people who diligently serve him.

He also prayed for a smooth and successful election in Kogi and Bayelsa states later in the year. Speaking on the topic: The Blessing of a Prophet, Dr. Okafor explained that God sent the prophet to earth to intercede on his behalf, saying “I wish the people will give a listening hear to the word of the prophet, the country will be a better place”.

He said with the blessing of a prophet on the country, doings. It will be recalled that Dr. Okafor early last month warned against air disaster which came to manifestation seven days after.

of the Bank. Similarly, Dr. Adesola Adeduntan, the current Executive Director/CFO emerged retirement as GMD/CEO of the Bank. Bello Maccido, pioneer Group CEO, FBN Holdings, is also leaving his position to become pioneer Chairman of the newly-licenced FBN Merchant Bank Ltd, while UK Eke (MFR), replaces him as Group Managing Director-designate, FBN Holdings Plc. The announcement was made penultimate Monday, by Dr. Oba Otudeko, (CFR), Group Chairman, FBN Holdings.

As the Awards’ D-day approaches, MEGA gains more support As the weeks roll down to the November date of the 2015 edition of Music & Entertainment Gospel Awards (MEGA), the awards is gaining more support from every corner. Top broadcast entities such as FM radio giants like Raypower, Faaji, Beat, Brila, Top Radio, City, Classic and Naija have been

Joshua Iginla dazzles Nollywood actor, Bruno Iwuoha with new Toyota Sienna 2014

Weeks after a successful surgery abroad, veteran Nollywood actor, Bruno Iwuoha is in joyous mood again.

And the reason is not far fetched. He was presented with a brand new 2014 Toyota Sienna by the leading Abuja based prophet, Joshua Iginla on Sunday, September 6, 2015.

Insiders revealed that the amiable actor decided to worship at Champions Royal Assembly, Kubwa in Abuja.

During ministration, the generous clergy who has dashed out over 100 exotic cars to people over the year picked him out and gave him one of his new cars, the Toyota Sienna, 2014 edition. Actor Bruno was speechless, surprised and burst into tears of joy.

Earlier this year, Iginla who is the General Overseer of Champions Royal Assembly and Champions Television gave some Nollywood stars exotic car gifts. They include Fathia Balogun, Zack Orji, Tope Alabi, Larry Koldsweat, Ireti Osayemi, Funsho Adeolu, Solomon Akiyesi among others.

Ibukun Awosika

partners with the awards from inception.

Internet radio outlets with programming bias for gospel music and a sleuth of savvy gospel-centric bloggers have also joined the train. These include Proclaim Radio, Gospotainment, Amen Radio among others. Also, Television support remains solid as AIT, LTV, Rave TV, Hip TV, Reel Stars on Star Times, GoldmyneTV, X2D TV and WebTV stick with the award while the traditional support base in the print media remain unshaken with editorial support from the Punch, Nation, National Mirror, Daily Newswatch, Sun NET newspapers, Yes! International, Top Celebrities, First Weekly, High Society, News Scroll, Africa Music, and top celebrity online news portals.

In the hospitality angle, the long-time hospitality partner of the awards Hotel Support Services International still maintains it stand with the award while it has also secured a co-Hospitality partner which will provide conference logistics, among other things.

MEGA, undoubtedly the most covered award ceremony in Nigeria and premier gospel music awards in Africa holds in November and was created to recognize and celebrate outstanding performances and exemplary talents in Nigerian gospel music community, within and outside the country.

Top Socialite, Ndidi Ogwu Chuks installed Vice President of Ndokwa Association in Texas work in Atlanta, Georgia. in giving back to the society that made her. She became the Vice President of Ndokwa Association at the just concluded 13th Annual Convention in Houston Texas.

Bruno Iwuoha (r)

Popular radio broadcaster allegedly macheted by top socialite

Popular Yoruba broadcaster and Master of Ceremonies (MC), Soji Omotayo should be thanking God for his life by now.

Why? The print journalist turned broadcaster was almost sent to the jaws of death by a man he knew so well as friend and business associate, Kunle Kushimo Agarawu, a car dealer and socialite. The very popular socialite who is fondly referred to as Agarawu accused Soji Omotayo of

It was learnt that the cool dude invited Omotayo to his house on the pretext that he has an MC Job for him. On getting there, we gathered that, Agarawu locked his door and brought out a machete. And before a stunned Omotayo could say Jack Robinson, Agarawu reportedly raised up the top of his dress to pull out a razor sharp cutlass tucked into his trousers and aimed

also doubles as a socialite, Mrs. Ndidi OgwuChuks will be

food, she gets involved in nation building and does charity.

And one thing that makes her a show stopper any day is her unique attire and quality diamond jewelries. Besides, the humble, industrious philanthropist socialite is always happy honouring invitations.

Soji Omotayo

Ndidi Ogwu Chuks

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

L5 Society Gist

Isaac Oguntoye

Chief Chinedu Ogbuehi, Lolo Nkiru & Hon. Akalisi

Chief Chinedu Ogbuehi & Lolo Nkiru at the Igwe palace

Chief Chinedu Ogbuehi with guests

Island big boy, Ten P buries parents in style …Bags chieftaincy title All roads leading to Amamputu Uli in Anambra State witnessed a gridlock over the weekend as American based socialite, Benny Chinedu Obiasogu popularly known as Ten P bade his parents farewell in a carnival like event.

The burial rites, which commenced on Thursday, 20th

August 2015 pulled out indigenes and surrounding clans in their thousands as they paid their last respects to Nnaoma, Ogbuehi Ezenwafo Moses Emejuru Obiasogu and Ezinne Margaret Ajahalonu Obiasogu, parents of the Island big boy, Ten P.

The 84-year-old Moses Obiasogu who was also one of the NdiIchie of the Uli Ruling Council gave up the ghost some minutes after he heard the news of his

in honour of the deceaseds led by the EzeUdoka the 2nd of Uli, Sir Igwe Damian Okekaibeya Onyekaonwu.

Shortly after, the corpses were

The remains of the Obiasogus arrived Uli on Friday the 21st

where friends, family members and the entire Uli community teemed to pay their last respect amidst tears and joy.

During the service of songs

palace where a drama was performed by the council of chiefs

conducted by the faithful of St Anthony of Padua Parish Uli in honour of the deceased, the Catechist described the couple as true Christian who dedicated their times for the service of God while on the surface of the earth.

Ten P was later conferred with a chieftaincy title, The Ogbuehi of Ilu land, a title held by his father

Youth Empowerment Organisation, Yedi unveils its 50,000th beneficiary ANon-Governmental Organisation, Youth Empowerment and Development Initiative (YEDI), has announced that over 50,000

Austin Okocha

Austin Jay Jay Okocha’s second love

For many who do not know, former Super Eagles Captain

option if he had not succeeded in Football. He has the talent to excel in Table Tennis and Snooker as a sport. Now that he has time for his business after a successful football career, he made it mandatory for himself to play these two games regularly most times at the Sheraton Hotels in Ikeja. He is pretty good at these games that he is ready to put on a bet for anybody who dares to face him in the game any day.

Family cries out over inheritance

Grassroot Soccer programme, a sports-for-development initiative where young people are equipped with relevant life-coping skills, and provided a platform to have important discussions about life, learn healthy habits and how to protect themselves and others from endemic diseases such as Malaria and HIV/AIDS using soccer as a vehicle. The Nigerian NGO committed to introducing effective development models already proven to work on the African continent, unveiled Miss Goodness Uchechukwu, a student of Adabells School, Akowonjo Lagos at an event tagged “Skillz Football Holiday Camps” organised by the

without the support of its funders like ExxonMobil, MAC AIDS Fund and Small World and those who supported them in the past like Novartis. She also expressed gratitude to government agencies for making it possible, as well as sponsors, partners, the media and dedicated staff and volunteers for Goodness Uchechukwu

Friends desert Goddy Anabor In the days of yore, Sir Shina Peters and other top musicians sang his praises to high heavens.

Today, the man who owned exotic cars such as Rolls Royce, Bentley is now a kabukabu driver.

The one time billionaire businessman was one of the most popular socialites in Lagos in the 90s.

He tells his heart-rending story: “You know God said, when you help, they will help you.

I made a lot of money from working with breweries, and different companies before I travelled abroad. I relocated to make money through one Mr. Ben at Top Breweries owned

by Chief Lawson and I know a lot people in

grandchildren of Ginodu Sinutu have started telling those that cared to listen that their family property located around came as the family notice some foul play from some of the family members who intend to sell the property unjustly. It was gathered that, the property which was inherited by Late Alhaja Folashade Risikat has been willed to her children.

Some of the children especially those outside the country were hinted recently that, one of their sisters who is based here in Nigeria is planning to auction the property. Prior to that, the entire family members have come together to tell those that have ears to listen that the property is not for sale and anyone who makes attempt to buy the property does so at his or her own risk.

organisation and sponsored by ExxonMobil and MAC AIDS Fund for young people who are brought together during the holiday period to play football, learn healthy habits and prevention of diseases such as Malaria and HIV, using the Grassroot Soccer curriculum delivered through fair-play soccer as well as funny but engaging and educative games.

According to Anuoluwa Ishola,

Goddy Anabor

Agbemo; whenever he travelled to London, I always went him. I knew all his children who were half-castes. That was how I brought Fatai Sogunro who is also known as Chris Sogunro; he was a carpenter and bricklayer in London. I made him. I taught him what I was doing, and he is a big man today; he even used to borrow money from me.

“In fact, in Lagos Sheraton Hotel, I spent N86million hosting people from London for one year and three months. I have the receipts, and you can go and ask them there. Today, things are even know what to say anymore. I see my name

“I knew one Sogunro whom we used to call

Society Feature L6

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

Meet global role model,

High Chief Akin Disu

High Chief Akin Disu, is the chairman Frontline Paint brand, Eagle paints group.

He is also a distinguished legal icon, traditional fellow and philanthropist per excellence and remains one of the most visible role models in the country today.

He is a man not only loved and admired by the vast majority of his people in his local community today and also revered higher as evidenced by many traditional titles conferred on him like Abobagun of Lagos, Borokini 1, Nnanne Nna Mba of Isala, among the long list of traditional titles he has across the country.

A visit to his factory at Lagos mainland of

must not discriminate against each other.

He believes in morals, the African cultural moral codes and not religion fanaticism.

ÏHe is a lover of the youth, teaching them at every opportunity, how they can rise from nothing to something; a rare virtue from the normal lifestyle of today where out the secret of their success. He tells it, you must be focused in all you do, you must have role models that you look up to, you do not need to see them day-by-day,

of quality paints, will depict a man of diligence, focussed and excellent spirit. His principle is perseverance as key to success which is what has made him keep soaring high like the Eagle. Though he has had his

emulate their template. He told his own story for emphasis: he read agricultural science, but his role model was late

attempted and invested in, in the past, the company (Eagle Paint) has won the SON quality award for three years running now.

that day, many of us vowed that we will study and be lawyer like Bode Thomas. I

INTERESTING THINGS ABOUT GREAT HIGH CHIEF AKIN DISU:

ÏHe was a born Muslim but almost all his kids are Christians and his best friend, Chief Earnest Shonekan is a Christian.

On the wall of his house entrance is a big eagle with a bible passage: Isaiah 40:31

once with a beautiful car and we were all

to persevere like the Latin says LABO OUWA VINAITI, which means we must persevere till the end, for perseverance overcomes everything. I also want youths of today to be steadfast and take life easy.

It is this love to make it fast and in hurry that has led our youths of today to join the .com millionaire club which is also is death; whoever cheats somebody of his or her hard earned money, must pay

high on wings like eagles. They will run and not grow weary. They will walk and not

men?” He wondered and rather advised

youths to have the discipline to do what should be done to succeed and learn to overcome challenges that come their way as they embark on legitimate ventures. To him, only those who dare to fail greatly can ever achieve greatly. Challenges are what make life interesting and overcoming them is what make life meaningful.

ÏHe is an all round success who believes in the home front. He prioritized looking after his family to no other thing else aside his children, very great grand father to his grand children, loving, caring and gracious exemplary husband to his wife, very disciplined, diligent and success oriented.

He eschewed laziness and sluggishness around him. He is a role model to men and materially to see his children through qualitative education and extend same to his grand children.

ÏHe is a life coach to a countless people, a great mentor to numerous, too much to count, a philanthropist, a man of peace and humility. An encounter with him is simply non-easily forgettable as he keeps adding value to lives. In his words, he strongly advised people and Nigerians to be proud of their country. He says there is no country in the world that challenges do not exist but they manage their challenges well while most Nigerians are sell outs while frowning at saboteurs. He asked Nigerians to stop talking, portraying negative image of Nigeria to the outside

world, saying Nigeria, despite all odds is blessed, good and can be better with collective efforts of each and all.

ÏHe does not however delve into the murky waters of politics as he is very busy looking for his daily bread. He advised that everyone should be busy on how to make their daily bread and better Nigerian and not turned destructive critics who are too negative about our leaders as it tells on our image and international esteem. “We affect the image of our country by the way we talk about our leadership”, he stressed.

To him, character assassination is bad.

He is proudly Nigerian who works for the progress of the country. “Nigerians should be disciplined”, he stressed.

“....he has had his fingers burnt in some business ventures attempted and invested in, in the past, the company (Eagle Paint) has won the SON quality award for three years running now.”

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

L7 Events

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode & Mrs Bola Obasanjo

Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola and wife.

Couple with both parents

Senate President Bukola Saraki (m) with Father of the Bride & former Governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola (2nd left).

Chief Christopha Alao Akala and wife.

Couple with groom’s parents.

Couple with bride’s parents.

Temitope and Oyindamola

Gov. Ambode, Bukola Saraki, others storm Oyinlola’s daughter’s wedding

Dignitaries at the church service.

Groom’s men

Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola, Gov. Ayodele Fayose and Hon Adejare Bello.

Saturday, September 05, 2015 will forever remain a memorable day in the family of former governor of Osun State, Prince Olagunsoye Oyinlola as family members, friends and well-wishers gathered to celebrate the holy solemnization of his daughter, Temitope who got married to her heartthrob of many years, Oyindamola.

The wedding ceremony that took place at Our Saviours Anglican Church, Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos Island was indeed a galaxy of stars event as prominent personalities from all spheres of life were in attendance. Some of the dignitaries that graced the Turai, Senate President, Bukola Saraki and Governor of Lagos State, Akinwunmi Ambode, who dazzled all in his all white attire and blue cap.

Otunba Adekunle Ojora and wife, Erelu Ojuolape

Presentation of wedding certificate

Royal fathers at the church service Photos: Quadri Olowolagba

Daily Times Nigeria Friday, September 11, 2015

L8 TV guide

Showing on

Showing on

152 Africa Magic Epic

140 AMC Channel

02:25

23:55

Fri, 11 Sep | 16L

Fri, 11 Sep | 18

Out of mischief, a man convinces his aged father to marry a pregnant young lady. After the death of the old man, the true reason behind the union is exposed. Chiwetalu Agu, John Okafor.

(2014) Don Single Ndubuisi.

101 M-Net West

01:30 Suits 02:30 Fire With Fire 04:00 The Voice 05:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 06:00 The Big Bang Theory 06:30 The Good Wife 07:30 Battle Creek 08:30 Divergent 10:45 The Big Bang Theory 11:10 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 12:00 The Voice 13:00 NCIS: New Orleans 14:00 Hawaii Five-0 15:00 Caught On Camera 16:00 The Ellen DeGeneres Show 17:00 The Odd Couple 17:30 The Voice 18:30 Resurrection 19:30 Arrow 20:30 End Of Watch 22:45 Plastic

154 Africa Magic Family

00:00 Tinsel 00:30 Star Gist 01:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 02:00 Music Block 03:00 Good Morning Africa 03:49 Behind The Scenes: Choice 04:00 Music Block 05:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 06:00 Good Morning Africa 07:00 Star Gist 07:25 Playing Victim

120 BBC Entertainment

118 Telemundo

00:30 The Del Monte Dynasty 01:20 The Impostor 02:10 Labour Of Love 03:00 Part Of Me 03:50 Queen Of Hearts 05:20 The Del Monte Dynasty 06:10 Labour Of Love 07:00 Part Of Me 07:50 Queen Of Hearts 08:40 The Impostor 09:30 Forbidden Passions 10:20 Labour Of Love 11:10 Part Of Me 12:00 Queen Of Hearts 12:50 The Impostor 13:40 Forbidden Passions 14:30 Labour Of Love 15:20 Part Of Me 16:10 Queen Of Hearts 17:00 The Impostor 17:50 Forbidden Passions 18:40 Labour Of Love 19:30 Part Of Me 20:20 Queen Of Hearts 21:10 The Impostor 22:00 Forbidden Passions 22:50 Labour Of Love

08:30 Tenant 09:20 Mashariki Mix 10:00 Good Morning Africa 11:00 Tinsel 11:30 Star Gist 12:00 Music Block 13:00 At Home With Joselyn Dumas 14:00 Nowhere To Be Found 14:30 Comfort Zone 15:00 At Home With Michelle Attoh 16:00 Prem 16:30 Tenant 17:30 Mashariki Mix 18:00 Jane And Abel 18:30 Jane And Abel 19:00 Goal Diggerz 19:30 Star Gist 19:55 Back Stab 21:00 Family Ties 21:30 Goge Africa 22:05 Living With Trisha

Bobby is a college freshman and as part of a fraternity prank, he poses as Roberta and becomes a pledge in a sorority. There he falls madly in love with Diana.

Jonathan Silverman, Alyssa Milano, George Newbern. (1992) Jimmy Zeilinger.

128 SONY MAX

00:20 Most Shocking 01:45 Rude Tube 00:20 QI

10:25 Deal Or No Deal

00:50 The Weakest Link

11:05 My Family

01:35 Scott And Bailey

02:45 The Boondocks 03:15 Rude Tube 03:45 Most Shocking

02:20 Come Dine With Me

12:25 Top Gear

03:10 EastEnders

13:20 Come Dine With Me

03:40 QI

14:15 Celebrity MasterChef

04:10 Top Gear

15:05 The Weakest Link

05:00 Mr. Bean: The Animated Series

16:00 Casualty

05:25 QI

17:00 The Chase

05:55 Miranda

18:00 The Cube

06:30 EastEnders

19:00 Silk

07:00 Antiques Roadshow

20:00 The Graham Norton Show

07:50 The Weakest Link

04:35 South Beach Tow 05:00 I Bet You Will 05:25 Exposed 05:50 Exposed 06:15 Video Zonkers 06:40 Video Zonkers 07:05 What Went Down 07:35 Caught On Camera 08:35 Hardcore Pawn: Chicago 09:05 South Beach Tow

08:35 The Chase

22:00 Live At The Apollo

09:25 QI

22:50 QI

09:55 Would I Lie To You?

09:35 Most Shocking 10:35 Most Shocking 11:35 Video Zonkers

155 Africa Magic World

12:05 Video Zonkers 12:35 What Went Down

00:55 Good Morning Africa 02:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 03:00 Music Block 04:10 The Dzigbordi Show 05:00 Good Morning Africa 06:00 The Bleeding Heart 07:30 Star Gist 08:00 Star Gist 08:30 Star Gist

09:00 Good Morning Africa 10:00 The Dzigbordi Show 11:00 Deal Or No Deal 12:00 Deal Or No Deal SA 13:00 Music Block 14:00 Star Gist 14:30 Star Gist 15:00 Star Gist 15:30 Lies That Bind 16:00 The Dzigbordi Show 17:00 So Wrong So Wright 17:30 So Wrong So Wright 18:00 The Dzigbordi Show 19:00 Through The Eyes Of An African 19:30 Kumwesu 20:00 The Mastermind 22:00 Music Block

13:05 Caught On Camera 14:05 Hardcore Pawn: Chicago 14:35 South Beach Tow 15:05 Most Shocking 16:05 1000 Ways To Die 16:30 Video Zonkers 17:00 Video Zonkers 17:30 Caught On Camera 18:30 What Went Down 19:00 South Beach Tow 19:30 Hardcore Pawn: Chicago 20:00 Tattoo Nightmares 20:30 Skin Wars 21:30 Hip Hop Squares 22:30 1000 Ways To Die

OLISEH WILL TAKE EAGLES TO GREATER X2 HEIGHTS — OMERUO

Poster!

DIVINE ODUDURU X4,5 Friday, September 11, 2015

Y E N O RO

E U Q I N U IS A S Y A S , T TALEN

I S S E M

NFF BACKS X3

PINNICK

X7 X7 X2

No plans to quit football

– MARTINS

X2

Friday, September 11, 2015

EXTRATIME

OLISEH WILL TAKE EAGLES TO GREATER HEIGHTS — OMERUO

S

uper Eagles defender, Kenneth Omeruo, has given Coach Sunday Oliseh pass mark, saying the legendary ex-Eagles captain will take the new team to greater heights.

“Oliseh is a legend of Nigerian football and the players respect him.

“He understands the game and I am sure he will take us to greater heights,” he said.

Omeruo further revealed that he is “enjoying life” at Turkish club Kasimpasa Spor Kulübü, and wants to help the Apaçiler (Apaches) claim silverware this season.

He joined the club on a season-long loan deal from English Premier League champions, Chelsea on July 20 and is now ready to make a big impression in the Super Lig. The 21-year-old has already racked up 270 minutes of action in Kasimpasa’s opening three league games this season against Gençlerbirligi, Istanbul Basaksehir and Gaziantepspor.

“I am enjoying life in Turkey and I am looking to help my club do as well as possible this season. We have two out of three league games this season and will continue to fight till the end.

“Fenerbahçe, Besiktas and Galatasaray are seen as the big clubs in Turkey but we will give everything to make our fans happy at the end of the season,” Omeruo told supersport.com.

Omeruo

No plans to quit football, says Martins

S

eattle Sounders striker Obafemi Martins has said he has not thought about quitting the game as he is still enjoying his football.

The Nigeria star will be 31 next month, but he is still banging in the goals regularly in the Major League Soccer (MLS).

“May be when I get tired I will quit, but for now, I’m still enjoying myself. As I get older, I enjoy it more,” said Martins.

The striker has plied his trade in Italy,

England, Russia, Spain and now in the USA, and he said he has proved he can score anywhere he finds himself.

“I want to finish my career and be able to tell my kids, I’ve been everywhere and scored wherever I play,” he explained.

Martins also revealed a poser put to him by the legendary Alan Shearer challenged him during his time at Newcastle United in the English Premier League.

The Nigeria striker said he discovered who Shearer was after he picked the

Newcastle jersey number 9, which Shearer wore with distinction.

“I remember after my unveiling at Newcastle United, I discovered who Shearer was after I picked the jersey number 9, he asked me a question, ‘Do you have the shoulder to carry this jersey’, for some seconds I could not say anything, then later I said we will see how it goes’,” he recalled.

“Anytime I stepped out on the pitch for the club, that question always came to my mind.”

Martins

Friday, September 11, 2015

EXTRATIME

Etisalat hosts soccer We have tourney, as Cliqfest confidence train hits Sokoto in Pinnick T — NFF Andrew Ekejiuba

Pinnick ANDREW EKEJIUBA SPORTS EDITOR

T

he Executive Committee of Nigeria Football Federation on Thursday explained why the members always cast their vote of confidence in the leadership of its President, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick.

Speaking in Abuja, Chairman of the NFF Media and Publicity Committee, Hon. Suleiman Yahaya-Kwande, stressed that the Executive Committee is delighted the quality of ideas, energy and drive of the former Chairman of Delta State Football Association.

X3

“If you patiently take stock of the list of achievements of the NFF in the past one year that Pinnick has been President, you would give him immense credit. The beauty of it all is that he carries all the members along in everything he is doing, and invariably listens to superior argument.

“Personally, I enjoy the meetings and I always make sure to be present, because the President makes everyone feel a part of it, he brings up excellent ideas and allows these to be debated. Everyone contributes,” he said.

Yahaya-Kwande, who is a ranking Member of the House of Representatives, explained that the camaraderie within

the Executive Committee has not been witnessed in any NFF Board for a long time now.

“Steadily, we are unveiling the various programs that we have for Nigerian football and we believe that our people will be delighted. Next week, there will be a major pronouncement on our youth development program. But I don’t want to reveal this now.”

Yahaya-Kwande further stated that the Board is united in fulfilling this vision: “We are solidly behind our leader, Mr. Amaju Pinnick. He is working very hard and carrying the Board along in everything he is doing.

We are also giving support in every way we can. There is no schism in the NFF Executive Committee.”

he Usman Dan Fodio University, Sokoto was a beehive of activities within the week as it played host to Etisalat Cliqfest, the nationwide youthcentric education and entertainment initiative sponsored by Nigeria’s leading innovative telecommunications company, Etisalat.

The two-day event was marked by a line-up of activities ranging from topnotch entertainment to education and sports which featured four teams in a five aside football competition.

The teams include the Green Team code named the Browsers, the Blue (Easy Cliqers), the white (SMS) and the Black (Night Callers).

The Black (Night callers) team was presented with the winners’ medals, the Champions Cup, branded jerseys, mobile tablets and flash drives.

The first runner-up, the White team was presented mobile tablets, medals,

jerseys and flash drives in addition to a silver cup.

Third place winner, the Blue, got phones, flash drives, medals and Jerseys per player while each player on the fourthplaced team, the Green, went home with phones, flash drives, jerseys and medals.

Speaking during the two-day event, Etisalat Nigeria’s Manager, Youth Segment, Idiareno Atimomo, described Cliqfest as a touch point for young people where they are at liberty to express themselves and their dreams in many ways than one.

“We go around the country, bringing an entertaining platform that delivers a wholesome experience for the students because Etisalat is interested and passionate about the Nigerian students’ youth and their future goals, their ability aspirations. Cliqfest is designed to help them discover themselves right here within the walls of their institution and the capacity to achieve their dreams,” he said.

Beside the football winners, other students took home exciting gifts.

Winners of the Etisalat CligFest Football Competition, Team Black, with the Champions trophy at Usman Danfodio University Campus, Sokoto State.

For the good of sports! L-R: Vincent Emoikpaire, Business Manager Stills, CocaCola Nigeria Limited; Emmanuel Nnorom, President/CEO, Transcorp; Tosin Ojuri, Dealer, One Way Pack (Mushin) and Prahlad Gangadharan, Director, Stills and New Business, Nigeria Bottling Co, during the launch of 5Alive Pulpy Orange in Lagos.

CBN UNVEILS PLANS FOR FINANCIAL INSTITUTIONS TOURNEY

T

he Central Bank of Nigeria has outlined plans for this year’s NFF/CBN All Financial Institutions Football Competition, with preliminary matches scheduled to kick off on Sunday, September 13 and the grand finale to come up in Enugu on Saturday, September 26.

Unveiling the plans at a press parley in Abuja on Thursday, CBN’s Director of Corporate Communications, Mr. Ibrahim Mu’azu, explained that the sum of N5million will be handed out as cash prizes, with the winning team to go home with the sum of N2million and the runner-

up to pocket the sum of N1.5million.

The third –placed team will earn N1million and the fourth-placed will be N500, 000 richer.

“A total of 24 teams have registered for this year’s competition, from Deposit Money Banks (DMBs), Financial Regulatory Agencies and other financial institutions. It has been observed that in recent years, Microfinance Banks have also been participating in the competition.

“This competition, which is in its 29th year, serves as a platform for the promotion of unity, harmony and peaceful co-existence among institutions

in Nigeria’s financial system. It is an established fact that the game of soccer is a unifying force globally and as such, a source of national pride that is devoid of ethnic, regional and political colourations,” Mu’azu said.

This year’s competition will begin with the preliminary matches in AdoEkiti, Kaduna, Makurdi and Owerri on September 13. The quarter -final matches will take place in the same centres, while the semi-finals will be played in Calabar and Lokoja, before the finale at the Nnamdi Azikiwe Stadium, Enugu on September 26.

Kano agog for MTN 2015 International Polo Festival Andrew Ekejiuba

L

eading ICT Company in Nigeria, MTN, has reaffirmed its commitment towards the game of polo with the sponsorship of the prestigious MTN/Kano’2015 International Polo Tournament.

Over twenty teams from major polo clubs across the country have already confirmed their participation in the glamorous competition billed to holding from September 10-20, 2015 at the prestigious Murtala Mohammed Polo Ground in Bompai, Kano.

Speaking on the competition, the General Manager, Consumer Marketing, MTN Nigeria, Richard Iweanoge, said the company’s support for the game of polo was geared towards connecting with its teeming subscribers who are

passionate about the game of polo.

He said: “MTN has always been in the forefront of supporting Polo in the country. Today, we are pleased to be here again to lend our support for the game of Polo. We pledge not to relent on our efforts towards ensuring that the game continues to grow in leaps and bounds.”

Also speaking on MTN’s sponsorship of the competition was the Chairman, Kano Polo, Alhaji Bahsir Dantata, who called on other corporate organizations to emulate MTN’s support of the game of Polo. According to Dantata, “MTN has been consistent in the support of Polo not only in Kano but in other parts of the country. I will call on other corporate organizations to follow in this noble gesture because it will help develop the game of Polo in Nigeria.”

Divine Oduduru

Divine Ejowvokoghene

DIVINE ODUDURU

tics.

Oduduru led off the Nigerian 4x100 metres relay team at the 2014 Commonwealth Games, a team supported by two American ex-pats, Monzavou s Edwards and Mark Jelks, who were running for

the 2013 World Youth Championships in Athle

He was also the gold medalist in both the 100 metres and 200 metres at the 2013 African Youth

Oduduru was born in Ughelli and he was the silver medalist in the 200 metres at the 2014 World Junior Championships.

Divine Ejowvokoghene Oduduru (born Octob er 7, 1996) is a Nigerian sprinter.

About

Nigerian Nationality: Athletics Sport: 100m, 200m Events: Medals Record World Junior Championships 2014 Oregon (200 m) Silver medal: African Youth Championships 2013 Warri (100 m) Gold medal: 2013 Warri (200 m) Gold medal: 2013 Warri (Medley relay) Bronze medal:

Name: Full name: Oduduru

PERSONAL INFORMATION

X4

EXTRATIME Friday, September 11, 2015

Friday, September 11, 2015

X5

Divine

Oduduru

EXTRATIME

X6

Friday, September 11, 2015

EXTRATIME

EURO

RONALDO WILL COST PSG €1 BILLION

PIQUE

TO CARRY ON WITH SPAIN

B

– PEREZ

R

eal Madrid president Florentino Perez has told Paris Saint-Germain that Cristiano Ronaldo would cost them €1 billion, but admitted he cannot guarantee the player will stay in Madrid.

Ronaldo, 30, has been linked with a move to the French champions, but he still has three years to run on his contract at the Santiago Bernabeu, and his buy-out clause is likely to be

enough to keep him out of reach for even the world’s richest clubs.

“He has a contract and we want him to stay, but nothing in life is certain,” said Perez.

“Today, Real Madrid without Cristiano Ronaldo, it is impossible. He is the best player in the world and the most emblematic.

“If PSG want him, it is very easy. If they pay the €1000m buy-out clause, they will have him.”

Ronaldo

ADRIANO

EAGER TO LINK WITH BALOTELLI

M

Adriano

ilan striker Luiz Adriano has talked up the prospect of featuring in a front three at San Siro this season alongside Mario Balotelli and Carlos Bacca.

The former Shakhtar Donetsk striker has partnered Bacca on Milan’s two Serie A outings this season with reasonable success and is expected to do so again for Sunday’s derby with Inter.

That is despite the high-profile loan signing of Balotelli - who is expected to start on the bench following his seasonlong return from Liverpool.

Rather than fearing competition from Balotelli, Luiz Adriano stated the Italy international could prove the ideal foil for him and Bacca.

“He’s very important to us,” the Brazilian said.

“Mario is a great player who has come here to give us an important helping hand. We need everybody in the squad and he’s going to help us a lot.

“It would be a fantastic trident because Balotelli’s got quality which can help us a great deal.

“There wouldn’t be any problem all three of us playing together. I get on well with Carlos. Our understanding improves with each training session, and we talk a lot to each other.”

Real’s Danilo sidelined by foot injury

R

eal Madrid full-back Danilo is set to miss a month of action after suffering a foot injury on international duty with Brazil.

The former Porto defender, whose €32 million switch to the Santiago Bernabeu was announced in March, has started both of Madrid’s opening two La Liga matches but will now miss up to five league games, potentially including the derby with Atletico, as well as UEFA Champions League

fixtures against Shakhtar Donetsk and Malmo.

A club statement read: “Following the tests carried out on Danilo today in the Sanitas La Moraleja University Hospital, the player has been diagnosed with a plantar fasciitis tear in his right foot. His condition will be evaluated.”

arcelona defender Gerard Pique has dismissed suggestions he could walk away from Spain duty but admitted he “always wants Real Madrid to lose”.

Pique’s outspoken support for Catalan independence, his anti-Madrid stance and his red card for an X-rated outburst against a referee’s assistant in the Supercopa de Espana against Athletic Bilbao, have made him a target for a section of Spain fans and he was booed during last weekend’s victory over Slovakia.

The situation has reached such a level that the Spanish Football Federation (RFEF) switched the friendly against England from the Santiago Bernabeu - the home of Barca’s arch-rivals Real Madrid - to Alicante due to fears over the hostility that could be aimed at the former Manchester United defender.

Reports in Barcelona on Thursday claimed Pique was ready to walk away from his national side but he insisted at a press conference that was not the case.

He said: “No. I would never do that.

That would imply people booing me are right. I’m going to keep on playing as long

BRIEFS

Pique

as the coach keeps picking me. I’m not going to let people down.

“I started with 13 years in the selection and my commitment remains the fullest.

“I will not change. Those who accept me, fine. And those who will not, they have to put up with it until the end of my career.”

Pique admitted he was a touch baffled by the fans’ reaction towards him but blamed it on the intense Barca-Madrid rivalry.

Villas-Boas set to quit Zenit

Andre Villas-Boas has revealed he will quit as Zenit coach at the end of the Russian season. The former Chelsea and Tottenham boss is thought to have grown increasingly frustrated in recent months after a government-led change in squad regulations forced the sale of star striker Salomon Rondon to West Bromwich Albion. To compound matters, Villas-Boas was hit with a six-game touchline ban from Russian Premier League games last week for confronting an official.

Luis wary of depleted Barca Filipe Luis insisted La Liga champions Barcelona remain favourites to beat Atletico Madrid, despite the absence of Claudio Bravo, Dani Alves and Gerard Pique. Injuries have sidelined goalkeeper Bravo and Dani Alves for Barca’s trip to the Vicente Calderon on Saturday, while Pique is set to serve the third of a four-match suspension. Douglas will also miss the showdown in Madrid, and Sergi Roberto is in doubt.But Filipe Luis, who declared himself fit to play after recovering from injury, said unbeaten Atletico will not be underestimating Barca.

Lemina keen to follow Pogba’s Juve example Danilo

Mario Lemina has looked to Juventus midfielder Paul Pogba as an example to follow in Turin, having been impressed by his new team-mate’s rise to prominence. Former Manchester United youngster Pogba has become one of Juve’s key performers over the last three seasons and he was joined by fellow former France youth international Lemina on a season-long loan from Marseille late last month. Lemina, who could debut against Chievo on Saturday, says Pogba is the man he will look to follow as Juve chase a fifth straight Serie A title.

Friday, September 11, 2015

EXTRATIME

X7

ENGLISH PREMIERSHIP

ROONEY ng i x o B

IS A UNIQUE TALENT, SAYS

W

ayne Rooney has been described as a “once in a generation player” and a unique talent by Barcelona star Lionel Messi after becoming England’s leading goalscorer.

The Manchester United and England captain moved to 50 goals for his country in Tuesday’s 2-0 win over Switzerland - overtaking fellow United and England great Bobby Charlton from the spot.

MESSI

Like Argentina international Messi, Rooney has not always enjoyed the best relationship with his national side.

While Messi has been accused of failing to replicate club form for his country, Rooney has enjoyed a fractious relationship with England supporters at times, notably when the side were booed off after drawing 0-0 with Algeria at the World Cup in 2010.

But Messi suggested English football should appreciate Rooney as a player of “exceptional quality”.

“Wayne Rooney is for me a once in a generation player. One of those special players, who is not comparable to any other,” he is quoted as saying

by The Mirror.

“There are many special players, but Rooney has exceptional quality and technical ability as well as being one of the strongest players I have

Welbeck

PREMIERSHIP FIXTURES Saturday, September 12, 2015 Everton v Chelsea 12:45 Arsenal v Stoke City 15:00 Crystal Palace v Man City 15:00 Norwich v Bournemouth 15:00 Watford v Swansea City 15:00 West Brom v Southampton15:00 Man United v Liverpool17:30 Sunday, September 13, 2015 Sunderland v Tottenham 13:30 Leicester v Aston Villa 16:00

Monday, September 14, 2015 West Ham v Newcastle 20:00

I did not lie about Welbeck –Wenger A rsene Wenger has denied misleading supporters over the extent of Danny Welbeck’s knee injury, and defended his failure to sign another striker.

Wenger came under fire following the news that Welbeck could be out for six months after an operation on his injured knee, with supporters left exasperated by the Arsenal manager’s decision not to subsequently dip into the transfer market.

But Wenger has hit back, saying that when he spoke during a press conference on August 28 - four days before transfer deadline day - he did not know the extent of Welbeck’s

injury.

“Whether we have players injured or not doesn’t change the problem,” Wenger said.

“I am surprised that people accused me of lying when I was in the press conference on Friday morning before the transfer deadline; I did not know Welbeck had a bad setback.

“I did not lie to you. I gave you the information I had. I heard late on Friday night that his condition had not evolved as well as we thought it was and he had needed specialist and needed further investigation. Apart from that, if we did not find someone to sign, we did not find them.”

Rooney

faced with an exceptional work rate there is nobody like him.

“Rooney is a winner. He will just be focused on success with England in the European Championship.

“I have always said the same is true of myself and Argentina — breaking caps and goals records mean nothing unless they come with trophies.

“Like I say, Wayne is a winner. It will always be the team first and personal records second.”

Sherwood impressed

by Lescott impact

VAN GAAL: A MARTIAL WAS SIGNED FOR MY SUCCESSOR!

L

ouis van Gaal expects Anthony Martial to mostly benefit his successor in the Manchester United dugout and dubbed the player’s transfer fee “ridiculous”.

Martial moved from Monaco to Old Trafford in a deal worth up to an estimate €80million on transfer deadline day.

The 19-year-old scored 15 goals in 70 appearances for Monaco, and Van Gaal admitted the fee paid by Manchester United was evidence of “the crazy world we are in.”

However, he described the France international as an investment for the future.

“I have not bought Martial for me, I have bought him for the next manager of Manchester United,” he said, speaking alongside Ryan Giggs at an event for executive season ticket holders at Old Trafford.

With apparent reference to Giggs, he added: “I feel I am introducing the next manager of Manchester United.”

ston Villa boss Tim Sherwood believes Joleon Lescott’s quality and experience will serve the club well this season as he prepares to make his debut against Leicester City on Sunday.

Lescott made the move across the Midlands on deadline day from West Brom and is in line to make his Villa debut at the King Power Stadium this weekend.

Villa were among the most active sides in the transfer window, bringing in a host of young players from overseas, and Sherwood has high hopes for Lescott’s impact.

Discussing the former Manchester City man’s time with the club, Sherwood added: “He’s walked in here like he’s played here all his life.

“He’s going to be a great signing for the club, he has that immense experience and game know-how.

“We’re not getting Joleon Lescott in his prime, we know that, but we’re getting a player who was player of the year at West Brom last year.

“He missed the first four games with West Brom last season, but played the other 34. He’s certainly an influence on the pitch and in the dressing room.

X8

Friday, September 11, 2015

EXTRATIME cs

eti l h t A

Pressure mounts on Radcliffe to release blood data

Radcliffe

P

aula Radcliffe feels like she has been “almost abused” by calls for her to release her blood data.

The former British athlete, 41, says she has been implicated by a parliamentary hearing on blood doping, following an investigation.

Asked if freeing data would clear her, she said: “I don’t need to. I’m clean.

“I’m not being forced and almost abused into giving a knee-jerk reaction to something

that goes against other people, who I trust.”

The stance by the marathon world record holder is in accordance with the advice of the World Anti-Doping Agency (Wada), which maintains that released data for athletes can be misinterpreted.

But fellow British athletes Mo Farah and Jo Pavey are among those to have published their personal information to prove they are clean.

Radcliffe said she would not release her data because she wanted to “protect a lot of other innocent athletes”.

“I do not want to see another innocent athlete put through what I’ve been through in the last few months,” she stated.

The three-time London Marathon winner, who set her world best time in 2003, said three

‘abnormal’ tests analysed by experts lacked context.

Guidelines from world athletics governing body IAAF say readings should not be taken within two hours of exercising.

Radcliffe added: “Two of those are invalid because they were taken immediately post-race and they would not be looked at for that reason.

“But if they are looked at by qualified experts with the full context, they would say that is totally explainable, that’s not even suspicious.”

Meanwhile, five-time Olympic champion Sir Steve Redgrave has criticised the treatment of Radcliffe.

Redgrave told reporters: “The way Paula is being looked at is wrong. Rumours going around for days and weeks is not the way to handle it.”

US Open: Federer, Wawrinka battle in all-Swiss semi-final is n n e R T

Federer

oger Federer and Stan Wawrinka will meet in an all-Swiss semifinal at the US Open after impressive wins over Richard Gasquet and Kevin Anderson.

Seventeen-time Grand Slam champion Roger Federer did not face a single break point as he beat Frenchman Gasquet 6-3 6-3 6-1 in just 87 minutes.

Wawrinka made almost as short work of Andy Murray’s conqueror Kevin Anderson, beating the South African 6-4 6-4 6-0.

Top seed Novak Djokovic will face holder Marin Cilic in the other semi.

Federer has won 16 of his 19 meetings with compatriot Wawrinka, but lost the most recent in this year’s French Open quarterfinals and found his wife’s courtside conduct called into question after a bad-tempered encounter at last year’s World Tour Finals in London.

However, he said he was relishing the chance to meet his friend and Davis Cup team-mate in the last four.

“Stan played a wonderful match against me in Paris,” he said.

“He can consistently bring the power on forehand, backhand, and serve out almost anybody when he gets hot.

“It is cool for us to have two Swiss in the semi-finals.”

Anderson’s win over Murray in the previous round was built on relentless aggression off the ground as well as his powerful serve, but he could not replicate those tactics against Wawrinka.

Anderson hit less than half the number of aces and less than a third of the number of winners that he managed against Murray.

By contrast, Wawrinka put together his most impressive performance of the tournament after making relatively heavy weather of beating Albert Ramos-Vinolas and Hyeon Chung in the opening rounds.

“Stan didn’t make it easy,” Anderson said.

“He was taking time away from me. He was swinging out and I was just a step slow.”

While Wawrinka said his relationship with Federer off the court was still good, he added his countryman’s demeanour on court had been changed by their increasingly competitive meetings.

y Rugb

RWC 2015: Lee ‘likely to start’ against Uruguay

P

rop Samson Lee is likely to start against Uruguay in Wales’ opening game of the Rugby World Cup, according to attack coach Rob Howley.

Lee has not played since injuring his Achilles tendon against Ireland in Cardiff on March 14.

Full-back Liam Williams is also likely to start, though he has not played since having foot surgery in June.

“At this moment in time it’s a clean bill of health for the players I’ve just mentioned,” Howley said.

“Time on the rugby field is important to any rugby player and the length of time both players have been out you can expect them to be likely starters against Uruguay.”

Howley added Alun Wyn Jones, who injured a knee in the 16-10 win over Ireland on August 29, would also be fit in time for the opening game of the tournament.

However, it is unclear if the Ospreys second-row will be risked against Uruguay six days before Wales face England at Twickenham.

Howley said the squad had coped well with the loss full-back Leigh Halfpenny and scrum-half Rhys Webb, who were both ruled out of the tournament after suffering injuries in the 23-19 win over Italy.

And the former Wales and British and Irish Lions scrum-half praised Mike Phillips, who has been recalled to the squad in place of Webb.

Motorsport

Honda F1 engine issues stripped bare

F

or some months now, McLarenHonda drivers Fernando Alonso and Jenson Button have pinpointed the Singapore Grand Prix as one of their best chances to score decent points this season.

The beleaguered team’s poor form in the last two races in Belgium and Italy resulted in a stormy news conference after qualifying in Monza, in which Honda F1 boss Yasuhisa Arai was given a severe grilling over his engine’s lack of performance.

Button, ever the politician, tried to put the situation into perspective.

“In two weeks’ time,” he said, “we could go to a race and be fighting for fifth and sixth place and we probably wouldn’t be having this conversation.”

So how can Alonso and Button be fighting for 15th and 16th places in Italy, but also hope to be half a field’s worth of positions better off in Singapore next weekend?

Let’s look at the problems McLaren and particularly Honda - have and try to

explain.

It is no secret that McLaren’s biggest issue is the lack of competitiveness of the Honda engine, in the Japanese company’s first season back in Formula 1 since 2008.

Alonso laid the situation bare at the weekend, revealing information from the GPS speed traces used by teams to analyse how they compare to their rivals.

“There are so many areas we need to improve,” the two-time champion said, “but on a circuit that has six corners, on the GPS, we lose two or three tenths in those

corners. The rest of the three seconds we need to find on the straights.”

Honda’s fundamental problem is that it cannot harvest enough energy to deploy along the entire length of all but the shortest of straights.

That means Alonso and Button run out of hybrid power - an immediate loss of at least 160bhp - part-way along the longest straights. Which explains why their rivals drive past them as if they are standing still in places such as Monza and Spa.

Lee