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THE

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NIGERIA INDEPENDENT NEWSPAPER. EST. 1926 WWW.DAILYTIMES.NG https://plus.google.com/+DailytimesNgr/posts

External reserves hit $8bn in 10-month -CBN Ï As NAFEX boosted investors’ confidence with $8.96bn

Motolani Oseni, Lagos

ÏÏÏ The

nation’s external reserves have recorded a whopping $8billion in just 10 months of 2017, data obtained from the official website of the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has showed.

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This is just as the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange (NAFEX) widow has boosted investors’ confidence with total traded transactions of $8.96bn between September and October, 2017.

The new figure showed that between January and October 2017, the foreign reserves, Continued on page 7

MONDAY, NOVEMBER 6, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 493

N150

GLOBAL FINANCIAL/COMMODITY MARKETS

CURRENCIES/CBN: CBN: N305.90 PER DOLLAR, Parallel Market: USD N363 POUND N475 EURO N422 NSE: ASI 36, 939.59 MARKET CAP 12.78 FMDQ O/N 39.42 OBB 36.33 COMMODITIES: Wheat US $425.60/MT Rice US $11.29/MT Cocoa US $2,061.00/Bag Coffee US $123.95/Scoop Cotton US $68.72/Unit Sugar US $14.38/Ounce METALS: Gold US $1269.20/Ounce Silver US $16.79/Ounce Copper US $3.11/Ounce ENERGY: Brent US $62.07/PB, N/Gas US $2.98/CB

Revealed: Education in disarray in Katsina, Buhari’s home state

Ï Pupils take lessons on bare floors Ï 75,670 science students lack access to teaching, laboratory equipment Ï Gov Masari laments, says state needs about 13,000 teachers

Augustine Okezie, Abuja

ÏÏÏ In

what can be described as Continued on page 6

Unguarded statements:

Presidency disowns Obno-Obla 9

PDP clears Enugu LG poll, wins 14 seats 12

Why we are holding discourse on role 7 of Ndigbo in united Nigeria -Daily Times

Mrs Biola Ayeni during her 50th birthday anniversary in Lagos... on Sunday

Governors’ spending of N388.304bn 6 Paris Club refund confidential - FG

R-L: Deputy Governor of Anambra State, Dr. Nkem Okeke; Governor Willie Obiano and others at Anglican Prayer rally in Awka, Anambra State… at the weekend.

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

Education in disarray in Katsina, Buhari’s home state Continued from page 1 incredible, education in President Muhammadu Buhari’ home state, Katsina, has taken the back seat as an investigation by The Daily Times has particularly shown that the teaching of Science is in total disarray, despite the claim by the state government that it dedicates 20

percent of the state’s annual budget to education each year.

Governor Aminu Bello Masari also painted a gloomy picture of the level of development of Education in the state when he told visiting regional leaders of a Non-governmental Organisation, Voluntary Service Organisation, VSO, who were in

the state to promote their pet programme, “Science on Wheel”, that it will take the state 20 years to revamp the education sector.

According to the Governor, the state currently has a teaching staff deficit of 13,000 and can only recruit 1,970 teachers per year, due to paucity of funds.

He also disclosed that to avert the crisis created by the shortage of teaching staff, retired teachers and directors in the Ministry of Education have been drafted to teach in schools.

When The Daily Times visited Government Senior Secondary School, Muduru, a 14 kilometer drive from Katsina city center, along the road to

Flooded Charity Junction, Abule Egba, Lagos… on Sunday.

Daura, students including the science class in SS1-3, were seen receiving lectures on the bare floor. The students confirmed that it has been their experience in the past four years.

A visit to about 15 schools revealed a general trend of deprivation in the provision of infrastructure, laboratory, lack of science teachers, and poor communication skills amongst students. Some students interrogated by our correspondent could only speak Hausa as they were only taught with that language since and could neither speak nor understand English.

Further investigation by our correspondent showed that with an average science class population of 62 students and since the state has over 432 schools, an estimated number of about 75,670 science students are in danger of being denied access to the teaching and exposure to practical science exercises due to lack of teachers and the needed laboratory equipment.

When confronted with some of these findings, the Public Relations Officer in Katsina State Ministry of Education, Malam Salisu Lawal, said Government is working hard to address the challenges.

But Governor Masari said: “For us to compete within the country and globally, education is key, particularly Science, English and Mathematics. Statistics of performance of students in the critical areas like science subjects, English and Mathematics is very discouraging. ‘’We appreciate VSO and the contributions it has made in the development of science education. It is a very good innovation and we shall support you through the Ministry of Education, to make it sustainable.’’

The Daily Times recalls that Kastina State had played leading historical role in the development of education in Nigeria as some of the nation’s leading lights and former leaders were all indigenes of the state.

Governors’ spending of N388.304bn Paris Club Refund confidential - FG

Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏ A Federal High Court,

Ikoyi, Lagos has been told that the record of spending of N388.304 billion London Paris Club Loan refunds by 35 states released to the states by Federal Government to pay overdue pensioners’ entitlements and workers’ salaries “is protected by professional privilege, and therefore confidential.”

A nongovernmental organization, the SocioEconomic Rights and Accountability Project (SERAP) had filed a suit number FCH/CS/523/17 seeking “an order of mandamus directing and/or compelling the federal government to publish details of spending of N388.304 billion London Paris Club Loan refunds allegedly diverted and mismanaged by 35 States.”

The Federal Government through the Accountant General of the Federation, Alhaji Ahmed Idris, reacted to the suit last Friday following the ruling in June by Justice Muslim Hassan that SERAP could proceed with the legal challenge to unravel how exactly 35 states spent Paris Club loan refunds.

Justice Hassan had while granting leave stressed that it was important for the authorities “to come and tell us how they spent our money.”

But the Federal Government in its defence is arguing that, “The relationship between the Accountant General and the 35 states is professional and confidential. It is a fiduciary one akin to that between a bank and its customer and allied professionals.

On that score, record of the spending of N388.304 billion London Paris Club

Loan refunds by the 35 states is exempted from publication, assuming the Federal Government has the information sought by SERAP.” The Federal Government is also arguing that, “The Accountant General does not have custody or possession of the information or record relating to the spending of N388.304 billion London Paris Club Loan refunds by 35 states which the government gave them. The Accountant General did not release the funds to the states. At the risk of sounding like a broken record, the Accountant General argues that assuming we have the information sought, the government is not obliged to comply with the request.”

The government argued that, “States have exclusive control over their revenue and expenditure and

the Accountant General of the Federation cannot demand obligatorily from any tier of government including the 35 states information how they have spent the Paris Club refunds.”

According to the government, “SERAP has the right to the information sought but not to request that the information be passed to the Attorney General of the Federation.

“In any case, the Accountant General has no record of the spending of N388.304billion London Paris Club Loan refunds by 35 states and therefore cannot be compelled to release the record, as the court does not act in vain.

“An order of mandamus should not be issued because it will be unnecessary and not effective and will not serve the purpose.”

Responding, SERAP

argued that, “Due to non-payment of overdue pensions and salaries of workers by the states, citizens have continued to languish in untold hardship and poverty.

“Therefore, there is compelling public interest in knowing how exactly the Paris Club loan refunds were spent by the 35 states.

“There is also no professional relationship or privilege between the Accountant General and the 35 states as to warrant any duty of confidentiality on the part of the Accountant General.”

According to SERAP, “There must be transparency and accountability in the spending of the refunds, in line with the principle of Open Government Partnership (OGP) to which Nigeria is a signatory.

“In addition, section

15(5) of the Constitution of Nigeria 1999 (as amended) provides that the state shall abolish corrupt practices and abuse of power.

“Citizens must be able to access the performance of government, and this depends on access to record about spending of the refunds by the 35 states.”

SERAP also argued that, “Assuming without conceding that the Accountant General does not have record of spending of N388.304billion London Paris Club Loan refunds by the 35 states, nothing stops the Accountant General from working with other agencies/ministries to release information on the spending, especially being the Chief Accounting Officer of the Federation, and constitutionally charged with the overall responsibility of keeping Continued on page 9

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

7 News

External reserves hit $8bn in 10-month -CBN

Continued from page 1

under the watchful eyes of the Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN), increased by 30.9 per cent this year, with an opening figure $25.84bn before closing at $33.83bn on October 31, 2017.

It is however worthy of note that in recent times, there has being steady in-

creases in global oil prices and increased activity in the Investor and Exporter FX window.

For instance, the price of Organisation of Exporting Countries’ (OPEC’s) basket of 14 crude countries gained 9.9 per cent to $58.57 per barrel as at October 31, 2017 from 53.3bp/d it started trading early this year.

Global Oil prices continued to rally around $60 per barrel extended to new heights last Wednesday, with Brent crude climbing to a level last seen in mid2015, stoking hopes in the industry that the market has finally turned a corner following a three-year slump.

An oil price recovery has been under way since

June, as crude demand finally starts to outpace supply, with Brent rallying by almost 40 per cent to $61 a barrel, as the global oil glut that had built up over the previous three years starts to draw down.

With Foreign reserves at $33.83bn, it has reached a two-half year high this year amidst foreign ex-

Child Abuse? A mother of twin sister’s plaiting one of her daughter’s hairs, while the second one is reading by the road side at Berger Bus Stop, Lagos... at the weekend.

PHOTO: BOLAJI OLASUNKANMI.

Why we are holding discourse on role of Ndigbo in united Nigeria -Daily Times Patrick Okohue

ÏÏÏ As part of

its efforts to build a new Nigeria that everyone will be proud of and have a sense of belonging, The Daily Times of Nigeria is partnering with Katunga Media, a frontline media services organisation, to convene a public discourse on ‘The Role Of Ndigbo in a United Nigeria’.

This much was revealed by the Publisher of The Daily Times of Nigeria, Mr. Fidelis Anosike, who noted that the issues that continue to threaten the integrity of the country especially as it concerns the perceived marginalisation of the South Eastern geopolitical zone and the resultant call by some fringe

elements for a secession of the region and a creation of an independent states needs to be carefully, and in a responsible manner, discussed within the context of a strong role that Igbo people play in Nigeria, and will continue to play as all stakeholders strive towards building a virile and strong Nigeria.

According to him, The Daily Times is emboldened by its belief in the very many positives that come with a united and indivisible Nigeria where all concomitant groups within the federation are given a level playing field to develop and ensure that citizens receive a better quality of life and credible infrastructural development.

“The recent meeting between the President, Muhamadu Buhari, and leaders from the South East including the President-General of the apex Igbo socio-cultural group, Ohaneze, and the South Eastern state governors, has thrown up a basic rapprochement which has cleared the way for further dialogue with a view to better understanding the issues and proffering practical and immediate executionary initiatives thereby muting the continuous cry of marginalisation of the region,” he said.

The discussion according to Mr. Joseph Edgar of Katunga Media would bring together intellectuals, technocrats, socio cultural influencers, deep

thinkers and the traditional instructions to discuss the issues based on facts and data, while at the same time eschewing myths and deceit in establishing the need for the continuous involvement of Ndigbo in the Nigerian project.

The conference would be a one day event drawing speakers from a wide spectrum of the society, including the highest levels of government, to the International Conference Centre Abuja, the venue of the summit.

The over one thousand attendees will be feted and entertained by a selection of Igbo cultural groups combined with a display of Igbo cultural artefacts telling the story of Ndigbo in Nigeria.

change intervention put in place to the various exchange markets by the CBN. For the third quarter of 2017, the external reserves gained $7.53bn or 29.2 per cent from $25.8 billion it opened January to $33.33 billion, the highest in almost three years.

Considering the total traded value on NAFEX window in the last two months, findings by our correspondent showed that the just concluded month (October) recorded total traded value of $4.36bn, lower than $4.60bn sold in September, indicated an increase of 30.20 per cent ($1.08bn) when compared with the value recorded in August ($3.53bn).

CBN spokesman, Mr. Isaac Okorafor, had noted the increase in foreign reserves can be attributable to peace in the oil-rich Niger-Delta region of the country, which resulted into increased oil output and earnings.

He had said with the sustained interventions, the apex bank has been able to push foreign exchange demand away from the parallel market into the formal regulated market.

In the second quarter, the oil sector grew significantly by 17.04 percentage points from -15.40 per cent recorded in Q1 2017 to 1.64 per cent, reflecting the relative peace in the Niger Delta, increased oil output from the region and increase in oil prices.

The nation’s economy, which recently exited from recession, with data from the National Bu-

Emefiele

reau of Statistics (NBS) showing that the Gross Domestic Product (GDP) expanded by 0.55 per cent in the second quarter (Q2) of 2017.

The growth in GDP was driven mainly by the performance of the oil & gas and three other sectors, including agriculture.

Between January and September 2017, the foreign reserves gained $7.53bn or 29.2 per cent from $25.8bn it opened January to $33.33bn- that was the highest in almost three years.

Between January and August, the foreign exchange buffer of CBN has appreciated by estimated $5.97bn from $25.8bn it opened this year.

Statistics on the CBN website revealed that the external reserves increased by 17.2per cent, to $30.29bn on March 30, 2016, from $25.84bn it opened this year.

Specifically, the external reserves for the first time in 2017 hit $30bn on March 8, and hovering around $29bn and $28bn in February.

OPEC price basket of 14 crudes had closed at $50.04 a barrel in March.

The Federal Government’s 2017 Budget was based on the production of 2.2 million barrels bp/d at the reference price of $42.5 per barrel in the global market, a benchmark the executive used in preparing the budget.

Finance experts had said steady increase in global oil prices continued to impact on CBN’s foreign exchange buffer and the nation’s economy in general.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

IPAC urges security agencies to be proactive govt

ÏÏÏ The Chairman, Inter

Resist temptation of thuggery, NUP candidate urges youths ÏÏÏ

The governorship candidate of National Unity Party (NUP), Chief Justin Nnoli-Amaechi, has advised the youths in Anambra State to resist the temptation of being used as thugs during the Nov.18 governorship election.

Nnoli-Amaechi gave the advice while inaugurating his state-wide campaign at Adazi-Ani in Anaocha Local Government Area of the state on Sunday.

He expressed dismay that

some overzealous contestants perceived the election as a do-or-die affair and ready to engage thugs to do their biddings besides committing billions of naira to induce voters during the election.

The NUP governorship candidate explained that the challenge state facing the state was dearth of selfless leaders to transform the vision of state for development.

“Most frightening and

regrettable is the speed in which some political leaders sacrifice moral probity and financial decency to the whims and caprices of corruption, bad governance and befuddled vision.

“It is shameful and disheartening to see state such as Anambra, so abundantly blessed with human and natural resources, reeling under such humiliating level of want, deprivation, and excruciating poverty,’’ he said.

He urged the people to come out in their large number and vote for candidates of their choice but assured his supporters that he would tackle the development of Anambra on five pillars.

“The NUP under my leadership will ensure that our five pillar-policy of quality and affordable healthcare; education; agriculture; human capital development and industrialisation are religiously and vigorously implemented.’’

He said that his mission, tagged “Liberation Mandate’’ is to salvage the state from years of socioeconomic and political retrogression and put it on a solid foundation of growth in all sectors.

Mr Ifeanyi Nweke, a national official of NUP who handed over the party’s flag to Nnoli-Amaechi, said the party was happy with the pedigree of its governorship candidate in the Nov.18 election.

Police read riot act to political parties John Ndu, Awka

ÏÏÏ The

Anambra State Police command has read out riot act aimed at curtailing excesses from political parties and their candidates in the November 18 governorship election in the state.

The police said it became pertinent that the political parties enter into a peace accord which it described as a memorandum of understanding which all the political parties and their standard bearers would adhere to strictly to ensure a tranquil atmosphere during and after the forthcoming gubernatorial election.

Addressing stakeholders during a high-powered

inter-agency security meeting involving representatives of the various political parties in the November 18 governorship election at the command headquarters Awka, the state Commissioner of Police, Garba Baba Umar, stated that the police has every security strategy to ensure that the election is violence-free and that the police is equally partnering other security agencies to guarantee hitch-free election in Anambra State come November 18, 2017.

Umar said that the meeting was for those saddled with the responsibility of ensuring peace in their respective political parties.

He said that the police and other security agencies

do appreciate the way and manner the political parties are conducting their campaigns and other preelection activities devoid of confusion and rancour.

Reading the riot act, the police commissioner stated that the defacing and destruction of posters and billboards are prone to insecurity and as such the political parties are warned to desist from such sinister acts as they are capable of disrupting the peaceful conduct of the governorship election in the state.

He also disclosed that the police has records of petitions through the Department for State Security Service (DSS) concerning political warfare amongst

the parties.

The Anambra State Police boss further explained that clashes between political parties on campaign tour at the same venue was unacceptable by the police and that such will no longer be condoned by the security agencies, stressing that there was need for political parties to notify the police of their campaign visit to a particular place beforehand to avoid rancour.

Again, the police commissioner stressed the dire need for political parties not to import thugs and lodge them in hotels across the state so as to foment trouble on the day of the election. He said that the police is monitoring

the hotels and other public places through their manifest to have firsthand information on guests and visitors in such places for security reasons.

Furthermore, Umar was of the opinion that there should be no hate speeches from any of the candidates nor casting of aspersions on the personality of the candidates, adding that they should be guided by decorum and maturity in their electioneering activities. He also noted that escorts will not be allowed on the Election Day and that no escort will bear firearms.

According to Umar, vigilante operatives have no role to play in the election and that flashpoints in

Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in Anambra State, Chief Bartho Igwedibia, has urged security agencies to be proactive in tackling rising cases of political misconducts in the state.

Igwedibia made the call in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Sunday in Akwa.

He said reports of destruction of billboards, posters and hate speeches by political opponents were becoming rampant, ahead of the state’s Nov. 18 governorship election.

He added that though the state was currently enjoying relative peace, it would allay some people’s fears if security agencies could take proactive steps to nip rising incidences of political misconducts in the bud before the election.

Igwedibia said “hate speeches and inciting comments by contestants and party chieftains are not what Anambra people want to hear. Parties and their candidates should try and tell the people what they intend to do to further develop the state.”

He noted that IPAC in the state had not endorsed any candidate for the governorship election, adding that it recognised 36 political parties.

He urged the Independent National Electoral Commission to do everything possible to ensure transparent conduct of the election in the state.

the state have been taken care of assuring that there would be no ballot snatching.

Meanwhile, the riverine areas, according to him, would be adequately covered security-wise as INEC has provided 60 boats while the police provided 40 boats including helicopters to mount surveillance in certain areas, adding that the police will provide over 400 vehicles that will be on the road to ensure effective security coverage on the Election Day. The inter-agency strategic parley had in attendance heads of security agencies, civil society groups, the media, and representatives of political parties, amongst others.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

9

News

Governors’ spending of N388.304bn Paris Club Refund confidential - FG Continued from page 5 and managing all the receipts and payments of the Federal Government.”

SERAP said that, “The Accountant General cannot therefore say he is unaware of the spending of the refunds by the states.

Otherwise, this would mean that the Accountant General is lacking in his duty as Chief Accounting Officer of the Federation.”

SERAP’s response read in part: “The Accountant General has a duty under section 2(2) of the FOI Act to keep and maintain records, and to proactively disclose information without SERAP even requesting it.

“A basic principle behind the FOI Act is that the burden of proof falls on the body asked for information in this case the Accountant General, and

not the person asking for it.

“The person making the request does not have to explain their actions.

“The government’s counter-affidavit constitutes objection and legal argument, and therefore same ought to be disregarded by the court as it offends section 115 of the Evidence Act. “Besides, any control by the 35 states over the

spending of Paris Club Loan refunds is not absolute, and in fact subject to scrutiny by Nigerians.

“The Accountant General owes no duty of confidence to the 35 states but rather to the entire citizens of Nigeria.

“Disclosure will not constitute an actionable breach of confidence if there is a public interest in disclosure which outweighs the public interest

PAGE 7 Benue State Governor, Dr. Samuel Ortom (left), receiving a symbolic relief item presented by the Executive Director, British American Tobacco Nigeria Foundation (BATNF), Abimbola Okoya (right), during a courtesy visit to the governor, when the Foundation came to deliver relief materials to victims of the Benue flood recently.

in keeping the information confidential.

“The FOI Act does not say that the information requested can only be issued to the person making the request nor does it say that SERAP cannot request information for the use of another person, especially when that person is the Attorney General of the Federation who is constitutionally obliged by law to act in the public interest, including in matters relating to the spending of the Paris Club Loan refunds by the 35 states.

“The intention of the drafters of the FOI Act as shown in its preamble and its sections is to allow access to information, enhance and promote transparency, accountability, openness, justice and development.

“Therefore, all public officials including the Accountant General ought to strive to ensure the effective implementation of the FOI Act.” It would be recalled that the motion on notice was set for Wednesday September 14, 2017 for the hearing of argument on why the government should not be directed and compelled to public details of projects on which the Paris Club

loan refunds were spent.

But the government has now filed a counteraffidavit and brief of arguments, claiming among others that the matter was confidential.

The Federal Government released N388.304billion of the N522.74 billion to 35 states as refunds of over-deductions on London-Paris Club loans.

The amounts received by the states are as follows: Akwa Ibom N14.5bn; Bayelsa N14.5bn; Delta N14.5bn; Kaduna N14.3bn; Katsina N14.5bn; Lagos N14.5bn; Rivers N14.5bn; Borno N13.7; Imo N13bn; Jigawa N13.2bn; and Niger N13.4bn.

Others are: Bauchi N12.7bn and Benue N12.7bn, Anambra N11.3bn; Cross River N11.3bn; Edo N11.3bn; Kebbi N11bn; Kogi N11.2bn; Osun N11.7bn; Sokoto N11.9bn; Abia N10.6bn; Ogun N10.6bn; Plateau N10.4bn; Yobe N10bn; and Zamfara N10bn. Other states are: Adamawa N4.8bn; Ebonyi N3.3bn; Ekiti N8.8bn; Enugu N9.9bn; Gombe N8.3bn; Kwara N5.4bn; Nasarawa N8.4bn; Ondo N6.5bn; Oyo N7.2bn and Taraba N4.2bn.

Reckless Statements: FG Disowns Obono Obla Francesca Iwambe,

Directs him to get clearance from AGF’s office before granting interviews

ÏÏÏ Following his consis-

AGF before granting any media interview or making press releases on official matters.

The letter also directed Obono-Obla to promptly provide a detailed up-todate report on the activities of the panel to the Minister for onward transmission to the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

The FG equally noted that the activities of the panel have contravened established administrative procedures and protocols in the nation’s civil service structure, insisting his immediate and strict compliance with the directives.

Malami’s letter titled, RE: DIRECTIVE IN RESPECT OF CHIEF OKOI OBONOOBLA, CHAIRMAN OF THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATION PANEL ON THE RECOVERY OF PUBLIC PROPERTY emanates from an earlier one sent to him

Abuja

tent reckless utterances to the public, the Federal Government yesterday disowned the Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla.

The Federal Government however asked him to henceforth desist from carrying out any operation in his capacity as head of the panel on the strength that his actions of late, has run contrary to the enabling act establishing it.

A letter addressed to the panel’s chairman dated November 1st, 2017 vide file number HAGF/SH/2017/ VOL/1/60 and signed by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN instructed Obla to henceforth seek clearance from the

by the Vice President.

It reads in part, “I have received a letter Ref. SH/ OV P / D C O S / F M J / 0 4 2 4 dated 20th October, 2017 in respect of the above subject from the Office of the Vice President.

“In the said letter, the Vice President expressed his concerns on the activities of the Special Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property which runs contrary to the enabling Act establishing it. He also noted that the activities of the Panel run foul or contrary to established administrative procedures and protocols in the Federal Civil Service structure.

“In view of the foregoing coupled with the directives contained in the letter under reference, you are hereby directed to refrain from any further action or taking any step in your capac-

ity as the Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property with immediate effect until directed otherwise by His Excellency, the Vice President.

“While you are to await further instructions in respect of the Panel’s mandate, you are hereby directed to promptly provide a detailed up-to-date report on the activities of the Panel to the undersigned for onward transmission to the Vice President.

“Furthermore, you are required to henceforth seek clearance from the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice before granting any media interview or making press releases on official matters.

“While appealing for immediate and strict compliance with the contents of this letter, please, accept the assurances of my warm regards and best wishes”, the letter concluded.

It could be recalled that

Obono-Obla while commenting on the reinstatement of fugitive Federal civil servant, Abdulrasheed Maina, said that no court has pronounced him guilty of any offence.

Maina was recently reinstated and promoted to a higher position, prompting a national outrage which caused present Muhammadu Buhari to order his immediate dismissal.

However, Obono-Obla did not see the point of the uproar about Maina.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

Umahi clears hospital bills for patients in Ebonyi Charles Onyekwere, Abakaliki

ÏÏÏThere was wild jubila-

tion across the major hospitals within Ebonyi State as Governor David Umahi paid unscheduled visit to the Federal Teaching Hospital (FETHA 1 and FETHA 2) where he cleared medical bills of all patients who had been unable to pay their bills and return to their homes.

Governor Umahi who stormed the hospitals after church service at Christ Embassy Church, Abakaliki also used the occasion to visit the Coordinator of Ikwo South Development Centre, Marvin Anari who was abducted by some armed youths and tortured to coma described the incident as barbaric.

He called for full investigation into the circumstances surrounding the abduction of the council boss and called on all security agencies to arrest and prosecute those behind the act.

Governor Umahi further warned that his administration will no longer tolerate anybody taking laws into his or hands in the name of politics and warned that

those found culpable in the act would be dealt with to serve as deterrent to others.

“This type of barbaric action is highly condemnable and unacceptable by us as a people, we must fish out those who lost every sense of humanity in them to do this type of wicked things against a fellow man. I have directed the Commissioner of Police and other security chiefs in the state to move into the area and fish out those responsible for this evil act.”

The Governor also used the opportunity to go round the wards within the hospitals and settled the medical bills of indigent patients who were unable to pay their bills and made a cash donation of N500, 000 for feeding of all the patients in the hospital.

In a related development, Governor Umahi who returned to the Government house to inspect the level of work at the mushroom factory under construction in the state was moved by passion when he saw a pregnant woman among the women mixing concrete for the job and made instant cash donation of N200, 000 for the woman to start any business of her choice.

Shi’a: 2 shot dead, scores injured in Kano Yakubu Salisu, Kano

ÏÏÏ

Two members of the Islamic movement of Nigeria otherwise known as Shi’a movement were allegedly shot dead on Sunday in Kano.

The victims, according to the group, lost their lives at Gyedi-Gyedi roundabout when mobile police officers opened fire on the group whom were holding their annual match to Zaria.

The group in an earlier announcement on Saturday stated that group considering the nature of security in the country, would not be trekking to Zaria this year but would mark it’s annual gathering in an out sketch village, far away from the city area.

Report has it that many other members of the Shi’a movement sustained varying degrees of injury while the bodies of the two persons a male and a female were taken away by the mobile police men.

The state’s police public relation officer DSP Majia has however denied the knowledge of the incidence that their men fired at the congregation. Noting that the state’s commissioner of police heard a discussion with leaders of the group on

Saturday where he advised them not to embark on any street match to avoid any form of breakdown of law and order but that the group refused to heed to the advice.

Recall that the group also lost ten of its members (official figures) last year during their annual trek to Zaria when the group and the Nigeria police force had a face off at Kura along KanoZaria Road.

L-R: Representative of the Federal Ministry of Health, Dr. Akin Oyemakinde; Secretary to the State Government and Chairman, Local Organising Committee, Barr. Taiwo Adeoluwa and Commissioner for Health, Dr. Babatunde Ipaye, during a press conference on the forthcoming 60th edition of the National Council on Health in Abeokuta, Ogun State… at the weekend.

Sokoto, Kent University partner on academic, cultural exchange ÏÏÏSokoto state govern-

ment has announced the start of a partnership with Kent University, USA on academic and cultural exchange between the two entities.

The scope of the agreement will see to the exchange of students for traditional exchange programs and exchange of academic personnel for teaching and research.

A statement issue in Sokoto Sunday by Malam Imam Imam, the spokesman of Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal, said the agreement was signed by the state Commissioner of Basic and Secondary

Education, Dr. Muhammad Jabbi Kilgori and Dr. Linda Robertson of Kent University’s Gerald Read Centre for International and Intercultural Education.

Speaking when she paid a courtesy visit to Governor Tambuwal at the Government House in Sokoto, Dr. Robertson said the agreement also involves organization of joint seminars and conferences, hosting of faculty members from partner institutions, development of joint research and publications.

“It also involves development of specialized degree

completion programs, accelerated attention for girls to girls’ education and teacher improvement activities,” she added.

According to her, her visit to Sokoto has provided her with the opportunity of assessing government’s commitment to turn around the fortune of the education sector in the state.

“Your decision to declare a state of emergency in the education sector shows fully how committed you are to addressing the challenges facing the sector. I am happy that you have followed up on the declaration by imple-

menting recommendations offered by professionals to help the sector improve.”

In his remarks, Tambuwal said Sokoto has a reputation for keeping to agreements entered into with various organizations at home and abroad, and assured that the MoU will be implemented to the latter.

He commended Dr. Robertson for visiting Sokoto and interacting with stakeholders and youth organizations, saying the state is open for further agreements with interested entities to move all sectors forward.

Delta coastal communities rejoice over NDDC roads Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏMany coastal commu-

nities in Olero Creek, Warri North Local Government Area of Delta State came alive at the weekend as the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) inaugurated seven sections of rigid pavement roads covering almost eight kilometres.

According to a press statement issued in Port Harcourt by the Commission, the projects commissioned are Tebu-Gbokoda Road, Tebu Gbokoda-Udo Road and the Udo-Ajamita Road, all in Olero Creek community.

It said that the Commission also inaugurated the 3.1-kilometre Irete Road in Sapele

and Uloho Avenue Road with drainage in Ughelli.

The ceremonies were performed by an NDDC team which included the Managing Director, Mr Nsima Ekere, the Executive Director Projects, Engr. Samuel Adjogbe, the Delta State representative on the NDDC Board, Dr Ogaga Ifowodo, and other directors of the Commission.

Addressing the Olero Creek communities, the NDDC Chief Executive Officer said he was touched by the emotions expressed by the community leaders. He told them: “I share in your joy. When you spoke, I felt your positive emotions. Some of you have not seen vehicular traffic before today. Now, by the special grace of God, it is possible for

cars to drive around in your communities.

“We came from Koko, travelling almost one hour by water to get here. On our way, I enjoyed seeing the vegetation and mangrove, but I wondered what life would be like for the people without the necessary facilities and infrastructure.”

Ekere noted that developing communities that could not be accessed by road posed enormous challenges, especially with funding and logistics. He remarked: “Bringing construction materials and equipment to site is a logistic nightmare. The terrain is so difficult that in some areas, the contractor had to excavate for as deep as four metres to remove unsuitable materi-

als before refilling with sharp sand.

“A very serious engineering work has been done here because of the difficult terrain. That is why we feel sad when people don’t factor in the difficult challenges of terrain while talking about the cost of construction in the Niger Delta region. What we spend in building one kilometre of road in this type of community could be used to construct 10 kilometres of road in other parts of the country.”

The NDDC Managing Director, commended the Federal Government and the oil companies that are funding the Commission and urged them to continue to release funds to enable the interven-

tionist agency to live up to its mandate of fast-tracking development in Nigeria’s oilrich region. “We are appealing to the oil companies to please release the outstanding funds owed NDDC,” Ekere said.

He urged the communities to continue to support the administration of President Muhammadu Buhari for making it possible for development projects to be executed in their areas.

A representative of the Olero Creek Community, Mr Eyde Michael, said they were excited by what the NDDC had done for them. “We have not seen much from the oil companies. That is why we remain very grateful to the NDDC,” he remarked.

11

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

Politics

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Lagos PDP crisis: Bode George, Agbaje, others agree to share positions Iniobong Iwok As a way out of the lingering crisis which has engulf the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Lagos State for some years now, stakeholders in the party in the state, including Chief Bode George, Jimi Agbaje and Mrs Aduke Maina have agreed on a sharing formula for all positions and to bury their differences as the party finalise arrangement to hold its state congress later this month.

This was disclosed by a chieftain of the party and the head of publicity of the caretaker committee of the party in the state, Femi Careena while speaking in a telephone interview with The Daily Times, noting that there had been a peace meeting with Bode George, Mrs Aduke Maina and Jimi Agbaje on the sharing formula for positions among themselves in the party.

Careena identified greed by the leaders in the past, as reason for the lingering crisis and factionalisation of the party in the state, adding that the leaders often work for their personal interests instead of the overall interests

AGBAJE

GEORGE

of the party.

He said the recent ward congress in the state was inconclusive in some local governments, adding that arrangement was being finalised to conclude the exercise.

The party chieftain assured that the state would hold a congress and have an elected state executive in place before the party National Convention next month in Abuja, adding that the era of crisis in the state PDP was over.

He said “There is an end in the crisis in the state, there has been a meeting among the stakeholders in the state,

we have spoken with Bode George, Mrs Maina, Jimi Agbaje on the modalities for sharing of positions in the state and they seem to have agreed to embrace peace and reposition the party in the state.

“What is often the cause of the problem in the past is that either Maina, or Bode George often cornered the delegates to their favour. But we would have a chairman that is acceptable to everyone finally, and I can assure you that an executive would be in place in Lagos before the party’s convention next month,” Careena said.

Anambra guber: Focus on development agenda, not hate speeches, NNPP tells contestants Patrick Okohue Governorship candidates of the various political parties in the November 18 election in Anambra State have been advised to operate with an open mind and relate with each other and the electorates with the understanding that they all have equal stake in the future of the state and not as their inferior.

Giving the advice in a statement signed by its Head of Media, Mr. Dipo Olayoku, the New Nigeria Peoples’ Party (NNPP), noted that, “It is our view that, this is not the way to go. The expectation is that contestants should discuss issues with clear vision on how best to develop and improve the living condition of Anambra citizens and Nigerians in general.

“It shall be our advice that contestants should not turn themselves to tin-gods and/or judges on any matter that may be perceived as an obstacle to their intentions of winning elections.

There are platforms of the Government where individuals should lodge their complaints for proper investigations. The idea of castigating or insulting the incumbent governor or other contestants on the pages of newspapers, electronic media and online publications are not good for our democracy as it portends grave danger capable of inciting violence in the polity

PDP chairmanship: Bafarawa affirms support for Daniel Patrick Okohue Former governor of Sokoto State, Alhaji Attahiru Bafarawa has assured Otunba Gbenga DanieI of his support in the bid for the national chairmanship of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Receiving Otunba Daniel at his Sokoto residence, Bafarawa expressed his delight at the interest of Otunba Daniel to lead the PDP back to victory in 2019, according to press statement by the OGD media office.

According to him, he deliberately decided to wait and receive the entourage in Sokoto when he learnt that Daniel chose to start his campaign in Sokoto.

“Many politicians may say something and do another, but I’m not like that. We have discussed about your ambition before you came and I want to assure you that I will stand by what I told you.

“The PDP of today is different from the past. There must be a

level playing ground where we allow the aspirants to meet the delegates instead of just sitting in Abuja and deciding who to vote for. That will be unfair to the party.

“Now you are working hard and going round the country campaigning, that is a good development. I know you as a colleague and a friend and I know that if you can lead a complex state like Ogun, you can also lead the PDP. “You can see that someone who left his home state of Ogun to come and talk to delegates in Sokoto is a serious aspirant.”

In his response, Otunba Daniel thanked the former governor for the grand reception and the assurances of his support stating that having consulted with major stakeholders in the party; he is convinced that the electorate is ready for the authentic change. “I have been going round the country and it is obvious that the people are regretting the decision to vote

BAFARAWA

DANIEL

for change and they are ready to ‘change the change’. That is why I am in this race and my simple message is for all of us to start afresh together.”

Earlier, Otunba Gbenga Daniel and his team paid a courtesy call on the Sultan of Sokoto, Alhaji Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar III where the front line

aspirant was received by the caliphate.

The Sultan, who said Otunba Daniel has been his very good friend since the days he was governor of Ogun State said they are praying for him to succeed in his ambition enjoining him not to forget the people when he gets to position.

thereby threatening the peace of the state.

“Accordingly the flag bearer of our great party, Mr. Charles Okafor is hereby encouraged to keep to the policy and philosophy of our party i.e. “politics without bitterness” and avoid any act capable of breaching the peace of the state and/or the ongoing electioneering campaigns.”

The party noted that Anambra State is a very strategic state in Nigeria for obvious reasons. “It is the only state wherein wealth and riches are evenly distributed amongst families arising from hard-work and grace of God. It is for this reason and many others, that politics in the state is always pulsating and very interesting.

“It is also highly competitive and emotional. The ongoing race for the Government House, Awka, is proving true to type as various contestants/candidates of the various political parties in the November 18, 2017 gubernatorial election try to outdo one another.

“May we at this point remind us that it is only God that gives power and authority to serve for the good of the greater numbers.

We have indeed observed that the ongoing campaigns for the gubernatorial election are characterised by avoidable blackmail and mudslinging among the contestants, especially the self acclaimed frontrunners.

“And for the avoidance of doubt, it shall be mere rhetoric and an insult to the sensibility of voters for any contestant to use building of roads, digging bore holes for water, provision of electricity, agriculture and youth empowerment, etc as campaign promise, because it is statutory to do so as a Government.

“It shall be more meaningful for a contestant to tell the Anambra people how he or she can influence trade policies of the government because the citizens of the state are predominantly involved in international trade and commerce.

“How he/she will help the traders to engage in manufacturing and promote industrialisation with a view to increasing Internally Generated Revenue and most importantly creating employment.

How they will develop skilled labour in Anambra State that can be exported etc. Among others they should showcase, how to aggregate laudable programmes to better the lives of Anambra people, promote welfare, put in place social security, and education trust fund thereby ensuring adequate security,” they advised.

12 Politics

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

PDP clears Enugu LG polls, wins 14 seats Ï ƈƌƆ ƊƈƅƊ è ƅ ƋƋ Ƈ Ə ƅ ƅƆƋƋ Ɛƈ

Moses Oyediran, Enugu The Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), chairman, Dr. Mike Ajogwu (SAN) has announced the results of the Enugu Local Government election held on Saturday.

According to the chairman the People’s Democratic Party ( PDP ) cleared the 14 chairmanship seats so far declared Seventeen Chairmanship and Counsellorship positions were contested.

Ajogwu said results from three local government areas including Awgu, Ezeagu and Udi, the home council of the former governor, Sullivan Chime were still being awaited.

He noted that the exercise was free, fair and credible even as he denied knowledge of any violence.

“I’m not aware of any bomb explosions, violence, rigging or malpractice during the election. This election is reliable and credible,” he said.

Meanwhile former governor of Enugu State, Mr Sullivan Chime has called for the cancellation and rescheduling of the last Saturday local government election in the state.

Chime also warned the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC) not to contemplate announcing results arising from the exercise.

The former governor made the call on Saturday night in Enugu while

UGWUANYI

briefing newsmen on the outcome of the exercise.

He said that the call was necessary to save ENSIEC from ridiculing itself by announcing fictitious results.

He said that from the events that played out across the state it was obvious that the electoral umpire was not prepared for the election.

“They should go back and do their homework. No election held today.

They should reschedule the election and be more prepared for it and forget about electoral fraud,” he said.

Chime said that it would have been in the best interest of the state

government to allow for a free and fair election in order to test their popularity.

“I believe it would have been in the interest of the government to actually allow a free and fair election.

That is the only way they can actually know their strength and whether they are doing well or not.

“If you do what it was today and you have fake results all over, they may be going in for a shocker in 2019 as the election will not be conducted

by ENSIEC,” he said.

He said that his experience at his polling unit was very unfortunate

and sad, adding that it was a resurgence of those primitive days.

“Iwenttovoteinordertoencourage people around there, but sadly I think we have gone back to those primitive days. They were no result sheets and other sensitive materials.

“We observed impersonators with all sorts of cards to vote. Some were turned down while others succeeded.

“This is a situation where you have well known card carrying members of a party also functioning as electoral officials like supervisors and presiding officers. It was that bad,” he said.

Chime said that what played out during the polls could be likened “to where your opponent is your umpire in a contest.”

“I did not see anything close to an election or resembling free and fair election. In fact in some places there was no voting at all. We describe it as unfair.

“So elections properly so called did not hold in the state,” he said.

Chime said that the state government had before now held four local government elections, “but we never experienced any such nonsense as we did today.

“If this is what they plan to do in 2019 general election they should start looking for something else to do because it will not work,” Chime said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that protests by opposition parties over nonavailability of result sheets during the exercise resulted to violence in many areas.

Adetoro, Mustapha emerge PDP state chairmen as Oyo holds 2 parallel congresses Mr Jacob Adetoro and Mr Omokunmi Mustapha have emerged as state chairmen of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Oyo State from two parallel congresses held in Ibadan.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that leaders of the two factions of the party in the state met for several hours in an effort to hold single Congress to produce state executive officers.

The two factions later opted for separate congresses due to their inability to reconcile their differences to form an inclusive state executive.

The faction of Mulikat Adeola Akande, former House of Reps leader, Mr Hosea Agboola – former Senate Deputy Whip and Seyi Makinde held their congress at Baptist Secondary School, Oke Ado, where 750 delegates were accredited and elected Mr Jacob Adetoro as the state PDP chairman.

Other state officers that were elected unopposed at the Oke Ado venue were Mr Segun Ogunlade as the vice chairman and Mr Wasiu Adeleke became the state secretary of the party.

Adetoro, in his acceptance speech

HON. AKANDE

LADOJA

promised to pacify all aggrieved members and work towards the development of the party.

He further called on all party faithful to support the new executive so as to take over the state’s administration comes 2019.

The second faction led by the former governor of Oyo state, Sen. Rashidi Ladoja and the former FCT Minister, Ms Jumoke Akinjide, held their congress at the Watershed Event Centre along old Ife road, Ibadan.

The Ladoja led congress that

produced Mustapha was witnessed by the former governor of Cross Rivers State Sen. Liyel Imoke, who represented the PDP National Congress Committee.

Among other elected executive were Wasiu Emiola (Secretary), Wulemot Wunmi (Woman Leader), Mr Kola Adeoye (Youth Leader), Adekunle Yusuff (Organising Secretary) and Akeem Olatunji (Publicity Secretary).

In attendance at the Watershed congress were Chief Jumoke Akinjide, a former Minister of State

for FCT, Alhaji Hamid Gbadamosi, a former Deputy Governor and Chief Sharafadeen Alli, former Secretary to the State Government.

Others are Elder Wole Oyelese, former Minister of Special Duties, Sen. Ayoade Adeseun, Sen. Olufemi Lanlehin, Sen. Gbenga Babalola, Hon. Ajibola Muraina, Chief Bayo Lawal and Chief Saka Balogun.

Col. Tunde Akogun (rtd), the Chairman, Oyo State PDP Caretaker Committee in his address stated that the party was not interested in losing any of its members.

Akogun said that he does not consider anyone, who was not present at the congress as a loser, adding they might be too timid to be there.

“We have to do all that must be done here. This is why we have the Congress committee led by Liyel Imoke from the National headquarters here,’’ he said.

In his acceptance speech, Mustapha thanked all members for giving him the mandate, promising that there would no leader or servant during his tenure.

Adamawa PDP elects new executives The Adamawa State chapter of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has conducted its State Congress to elect new executives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Mr Tahir Shehu emerged the new chairman, while Alhaji Abdullahi Prambe emerged the Secretary.

Others elected are Alhaji Hamza Bello as Organising Secretary, Mrs Altine Inuwa as Women Leader and Mr Sam Zadock as the Publicity Secretary.

Speaking after taking the oath of office, Shehu thanked the party delegates for electing him and extended the hand of fellowship to all members.

He promised a renewed move to reclaim the state and the Federal Governments for the PDP. “Today we have conducted our state congress and you have graciously elected me and my colleagues to lead the party for the next four years.

“We wish to assure you that we shall not betray your trust. Be rest assured that we shall abide by the constitution of our great party and also allow for level playing ground for every bona fide member,” Shehu said.

In his remarks, the National Vice Chairman North East Zone, Mr Emmanuel Njuwa, who stood in for the National Caretaker Chairman of the party, Sen. Ahmad Makarfi, congratulated the newly elected executive and tasked them on rejiging the PDP in the state by carrying everyone along.

“You have a great task to deliver PDP in 2019. From today, you must work out a formula for PDP to regain power in Adamawa and at the centre.

“Adamawa is a traditional PDP state and we must join hands and unite to succeed,” Njuwa said.

NAN reports that Adamawa is one of the seven states where PDP dissolved all executives and appointed caretaker committees to conduct ward, local government and state congresses.

Page Thirteen

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

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Editorial

13

PHOTO TIMES

Let Anchor Borrowers Programme go round

O

ne of the federal government’s intervention programmes which has recorded huge success in recent years is the Central Bank of Nigeria’s (CBN) Anchor Borrowers Programme.

Under it, the CBN collaborated with local farmers through state governments to promote agricultural production across the country. First to benefit from the programme were some states in the northern part of the country with good fadamas that could support large scale rice production.

The programme was later extended to some other states in the south east and south-south geopolitical zones of the country, also for large scale rice production. The huge success of the programme enabled many state governments that keyed- in to the programme to bring down the high price of rice in the markets especially this year. The success of the programme has also emboldened some local and foreign investors to go into large scale rice production and processing in the country.

Following its successful intervention in large scale rice production and as part of the Anchor Borrowers Programme, the CBN has again introduced the Broiler Out growers scheme in Lagos State in collaboration with the Lagos State Government, Amo farms, a local poultry feeds producer and Sieberer Hatchery Limited to fund broiler production in the state.

In introducing the new scheme, 10 poultry out grower farmers were given 1,000 birds each and enough food to last the birds for 42 days. The scheme was an instant success because Amo farms, the supplier of the feeds, will buy back the broilers at a pre- agreed price from the out grower farmers when they reach maturity. Such interventions by the CBN and other interested bodies are expected to encourage young people who are interested

Publisher/Editor in Chief

Publishing Executive Enyinne Onwunwanne Leke Adelere Acting General Manager 08037038663 Konie Agu Group Head, Business Development/Folio Foundation 08033150455

Dr Tunde Ayeni (second left); his wife, Biola and others during the unveiling of Biola’s charity organisation to mark her 50th birthday at the Couples Home, Ikeja, Lagos... on Sunday

L-R: CEO, Pinnacle Communications Ltd., Sir Babatunde Lucky Omoluwa; Cardinal John Onaiyekan and Catholic Pontiff, Pope Francis, during the visit of Religions for Peace (RFP) to the Pope in Vatican.

L-R: Deputy Governor of Sokoto State, Ahmad Aliyu; Dr. Linda Robertson of Kent University and Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, during Robertson’s visit to Sokoto State Government House... at the weekend.

Words On Marble :

– Fidelis Anosike

Folio Group Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

in agricultural production but lack the take off funds to embrace agriculture through the intervention scheme.

Such interventions are needed because peasant farmers who form the bulk of the nation’s cash and food crop producers are now aged, while agricultural production has suffered a setback in the last few decades owing to the ascendancy of oil as the nation’s major source of foreign exchange and the consequent reduced attention paid to agriculture, among other factors. But, with government’s recent avowed interest in diversifying the nation’s economy away from oil, the government needs more young men and women to move into agricultural production using modern implements, machinery and financial support in the form of take off funds to increase agricultural production for local consumption and for the export market.

We therefore see the CBN’s intervention tagged Anchor Borrowers programme as very timely and a move in the right direction. It should be executed with vigour. We also believe that it should be carried to all states in the country. In doing this every state should pick two crops where it has comparative advantage over other states and one animal husbandry product that it wants the scheme to support.

However, each state government must be the guarantors of the recipient farmers in its domain. It should also use its agricultural extension workers to monitor the participating farmers to ensure that they comply with the terms of the contract and that the farmers pay back the money advanced to them as and when due without fail. We believe that if properly monitored, the programme could be the tonic needed to make the country self sufficient in food production and also become a net exporter of many agricultural products.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

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Franklin D. Roosevelt

Indira Gandhi

Obafemi Awolowo

When you reach the end of your rope, tie a knot in it and hang on

You cannot shake hands with a clenched fist

Behind the ugly terrible mask of misfortune lies the beautiful soothing countenance of prosperity. So, tear the mask!

14

Opinion

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

In Rome the search for world peace rang bell

F

Bonaventure Melah

rom the beginning of time, the search for peace has been a major headache afflicting creation as stronger individuals impose their will on weaker neighbours, the same with strong and weak nations.

One of the greatest teachings of Jesus Christ was the Beatitudes, which was delivered on the Mount, where he laid out the central facets of the way of life expected of those who follow him which should be characterised by peace, rather than its direct opposite, violence or even war.

“Blessed are the peacemakers, for they shall be called sons of God,” he had told his listeners (Mathew 5:9). Years later, Apostle Paul reechoed the significance of peace when he wrote that Christians should do whatever possible to “live peaceably with all men” (Romans 12:18).

Apart from Christianity, all other known religions and faiths preach the need for humanity to live in peace without which adherents are less likely to make meaningful contributions to existence. The need for peace has equally bothered governments of nations, communities and families, because the world has witnessed and still living with avoidable conflicts, violence and wars that have combined to ruin lives, destroyed thousands of cities and rendered millions of people homeless. In spite of these, the search for peace is stillof paramount importance to all men of goodwill.

It is perhaps for this relevance

of peace to human development that brought obvious excitement and joy to the Catholic Pontiff and sovereign of the Vatican, Pope Francis to welcome with open hands a delegation of 80 members of “Religions for Peace” who paid him a visit in the Vatican following their meeting in Rome on October 19, 2017. Among the delegates were the Catholic Arch Bishop of Abuja John Cardinal Onaiyekan and the Chief Executive Officer of Pinnacle Communications Limited, Sir Babatunde Lucky Omoluwa who is a member of Board of Trustees of the world body.

The Pope told them that “Religions, with their spiritual and moral resources, have a specific and unique role to play in building peace,” adding that “They cannot be neutral, much less ambiguous, where peace is concerned.”

“Peace remains an urgent task in today’s world, where so many people are scarred by war and conflict. Peace is both a divine gift and a human achievement. This is why believers of all religions are called to implore peace and intercede for it. All men and women of goodwill particularly those in positions of responsibility, are summoned to work for peace with their hearts, minds and hands. For peace has to be “crafted. In this effort, peacemakers and the pursuit of justice go together,” Pope Francis said.

“Religions for Peace (RFP),” is a Global Network and the world’s largest and most representative multi-coalition which advances common action among the world’s religious communities for peace.

The organisation works to transform violent conflict, advance hu-

man development, promote just and harmonious societies and protect the earth. The Network comprises a world council of senior religious leaders from all regions of the world, six regional inter-religious bodies and more than 90 national ones. The Global Women of Faith Network and the Global Interfaith Youth Network are also part of the RFP.Its international trustees are made up of lay individuals from 14 different countries that personally support RFP work through the provision of needed competences, networking and resource mobilization.

Sir Lucky Omoluwa is a member of the Trustees of this world body.

Domiciled at the Church Centre for the United Nations in New York, RFP is committed to building consensus on positive aspects of peace as well as concrete actions to stop war, help eliminate extreme poverty and protect the earth.The actions of the organization are not fashioned after religious sectarianism but are multi-religious and “public” in character. The various groups that make up RFP are led by representatives of diverse religious communities and designed to provide platform for cooperative action throughout the different levels of these religious communities from grassroots to the senior-leadership.

They also serve as bridges between different religious communities that can help build trust, reduce hostility in areas of conflict as well as provide platform for common positive action.

Some of the unique features of RFP method of operation are practicality and openness to continuous creativity through which it assist religious communities to correlate

or work out a connection between their capacities for action and specific challenges such as violent threat to peace. This approach helps to disclose large, often hidden or under-utilized capacities for action that lie within the proximity of religious communities as well as identify the unique advantages of multi-religious cooperation while working out the kinds of capacity building needed for effective multireligious action.

Founded in 1970, the vision of the organisation is to see the world religious communities co-operate effectively for peace. It is committed to leading efforts to advance multireligious co-operation for peace on global, regional, national and local levels while ensuring that religious communities organized on these same levels and exercise appropriate leadership and ownership of such efforts. To achieve its set objectives and goals, RFP ensures that in addition to dialogue, concrete actions are taken when and where necessary towards the transformation of violent conflicts, promotion of just and harmonious societies, advancement of human development and protection of the earth.

The organisation operates on five principles which are, Respect for religious differences; Act on deeply held and widely shared values; Preserve the identity of each religious community; Honour the different ways religious communities are organized; and Support locally led multi-religious structures.

Bonaventure Melah is an Abuja based journalist, author and public analyst.

(08036062975), bonamelah123@ gmail.com

Buhari and his three Aishas

T Friday Ekpo

here are currently three (3) Aishas in President Buhari’s life. This is what a stroke of fate has bestowed on him.

What some people may tomorrow call accident of history. They are: . Mrs. Aisha Buhari . Mrs. Aisha Yesufu . Mrs. Aisha Alhassan The first Aisha is Buhari’s wife who has been allotted a duty both in the “living” and the “other room”.

The second Aisha (Yesufu) is the co-convener of Bring Back Our Girls (BBOG) group. This is the group that turned on the heat on former President GoodLuck Jonathan after the infamous abduction of Chibok Girls in 2014.

It in turn provided a part crest upon which Buhari’s popularity soared toward 2015 election.

The third Aisha (Alhassan) is the current Minister of women Affairs and Youth development.

She is currently in the news for

what has quick come to be known as “Aisha’s declaration”. In my earlier write up, I titled it “Aisha’s Bitter Truth”.

What the three have in common apart from the name is that, they have all at different times, hit Buhari below the belt.

The first Aisha exploded in a no-hold-bared manner, when she last year said that things had fallen apart in her husband’s government. She confessed that, those that actually worked for the success of her husband in 2015 election had been sidelined while a cabal had hijacked the government. In a euphemistic description of the cabals she had later tagged them “Jackals and Hyenas”, who would be weeded out by her husband to ensure the survival of the “weaker animals”.

The difference between this Aisha and the other two seems to lie in the passion and urge for her husband to succeed.

The second Aisha became like the Biblical Israelite at the foot

of Mount Sinai. They lost faith in God and the leadership of Moses. As Moses delayed coming down from the Mount, they became impatient, asking Aaron to create another god for them.

Aisha equally became impatient with the President when his stay in UK for medical vacation became too long, sustained and uncertain. She told the President to display his patriotism to the country by resigning his Presidency rather than holding down the country as things were not working according to her. She would have remembered that her co-convener – Hadiza Bala Usman was enjoying the bliss of NPA while she was left at Abuja fountain at the mercy of the sun and rain.

The third Aisha is currently in the eyes of the storm as her “declaration” which went viral last weekend has attracted both friends and foes, within and outside APC, within and outside Buhari government, toward her.

While paying Salah homage to the former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, Aisha in a nutshell had said that even though she was presently wining and dining with President Buhari, her ultimate loyalty lied with Atiku. This she confirmed while fielding questions from Reuters. In my earlier write up, I had said that though she may be termed courageous, she was surely not patriotic. It was one truth Aisha needed not say and still remains a Minister.

By so doing, Aisha could be likened to that bird in a novel “The beautiful ones are not yet born” which hate human excrement but rather feeds on maggots that feed on the same excrement. That is what the third Aisha seems to portray.

On the whole, it is hoped that Buhari will not have another Aisha in the fold as the existing ones are more than a mouthful and enough to last him till 2019.

Keep weathering the storm Mr President..

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

15 Column

PMB: Just like the mills of the gods Guest Columnist FEMI ADESINA

T ‘

Yes, President Buhari has changed in many ways. He was an autocrat, now he is a democrat. Then, he adjudged you guilty, slammed you in Kirikiri prisons, and asked you to prove your innocence. Today, if he suspects that you are corrupt, he does nothing to you, till he can prove that you are guilty. That is the way of democracy.

’

here is a saying bequeathed to mankind by the Greek physician/philosopher, Sextus Empiricus, who lived in Alexandria and Athens in the 3rd Century. It goes thus: “The mills of the gods grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly fine.”

What does this mean in everyday language? Justice may be slow, but it will come eventually. And for those who pray, it also means that God may not answer your petition immediately you make it, but He will eventually respond-at His own time. The vision is for an appointed time, and it will not delay. But if it tarries, wait for it. For it will surely come.

The priest who shouts at God is being unnecessarily impatient and petulant. God will do what He will do-at His own time.

From the human perspective, Empiricus may have had President Muhammadu Buhari in mind, when he coined the saying about the mills of the gods. With our President, there is no rush on some issues, if they demand temporizing and being painstaking. The mills of the gods must be allowed to grind, if slowly, but exceedingly finely.

From his time as military leader, Nigerians who were of age then would recall that the then Major General Buhari often said; “this administration will not be rushed...” And truly, for the 20 months that the regime lasted, things were done with calm surefootedness, and not at the dizzying speed that some people would have wanted. Easy does it. They stumble that run too fast. “Patience is the companion of wisdom,” according to Saint Augustine, the cleric.

And did the regime succeed? It did. It was on the road to forging a new Nigeria, where probity, accountability and discipline reign supreme, before a spanner was thrown in the works. Fifth columnists struck, and aborted our march to Canaan, a land flowing with milk and honey.

Buhari was in limbo for many years. But in 2015, majority of Nigerians remembered what he had brought on the table between January 1984 and August 1985. So, overwhelmingly, they voted for him. And today, he is President.

Yes, President Buhari has changed in many ways. He was an autocrat, now he is a democrat.

Then, he adjudged you guilty, slammed you in Kirikiri prisons, and asked you to prove your innocence. Today, if he suspects that you are corrupt, he does nothing

Buhari to you, till he can prove that you are guilty. That is the way of democracy.

But something fundamental has not changed in the man’s style. The mills of the gods still grind slowly.

There are some decisions President Buhari will not take in a hurry. He will chew on the matter, digest it properly, and then come out with his position. There is no stampeding him, no setting of fire to his heels.

The mills of the gods grind slowly, but they grind exceedingly finely.

On Monday, this week, the Engr Babachir David Lawal and Amb. Ayo Oke saga came to a denouement. The duo had been accused of some unsavoury acts, and sent on suspension in April, this year. A panel was constituted to look into the allegations against them, with a two weeks time frame.

A day before the report of the panel was to be submitted, President Buhari had to travel abroad on the second leg of a medical vacation. He was away till August 19.

In this period, some impatient Nigerians were totally restive. They even besieged the Acting President, Yemi Osinbajo, urging him to act on the report of the panel. They wanted to turn the man into jury and judge, discountenancing the fact that he had chaired the panel that conducted the probe.

When President Buhari mercifully returned on August 19, his plane had barely touched down, when the impatient people began to ask for the report of the Osinbajo panel.

“The two most powerful warriors are patience and time,” wrote Leo Tolstoy. But such people would have none of it. They called for an immediate decision on the lingering saga.

On August 23, VP Osinbajo submitted the report, in six hefty volumes. Of course, there was an executive summary, as best practices would demand. And the noise continued from some quarters. We want action on the submitted report, and we want it NOW. They forget that “patience is not simply the ability to wait, it’s how we behave while we are waiting” (says the preacher, Joyce Meyer). And they also forget the mills of the gods, which grind slowly, but exceedingly finely.

They went forward to accuse the President of treating Nigerians with contempt. With scorn. Derision.

Flippancy. Levity. They would rather

justice had been miscarried, as long as the urge for blood was satiated.

They would rather the President had played to the gallery, swinging the sword and decapitating everyone in sight, not minding whether they were innocent or guilty. Such people were like the mob in Julius Caesar, the work by William Shakespeare.

They met Cinna the poet on the way, and accused him of being Cinna the conspirator, one of those who had murdered the emperor. Cinna explained that he was a poet, but they would not listen. They screamed: whether you are Cinna the poet, or Cinna the conspirator, Cinna is Cinna. You are a sinner, and must die. They killed him. And to justify the evil act, they rationalized that he was a poet that wrote bad verses.

Good grief !

President Buhari took his time.

If you know the man, he must have gone through the six bulky reports with a magnifying glass, a fine toothcomb.. Better that 100 criminals escape, than kill a single innocent man unjustly..

And finally, on Monday “come finally comes to become” (apologies to the late K.O Mbadiwe). The President communicated his decision to the country, which was acceptance of the recommendation to terminate the appointments of the two men who had been investigated. A large number of Nigerians were relieved that a closure was being put to the saga. But trust those who had murmured and grumbled. They refused to be pacified. They are the type that when you answer their niggling question successfully, they change the question again. They came with many other queries: should the matter have taken so long? Was the matter not to be swept under the carpet, if we had not raised hell? Why were the two men not summarily handed over to the security agencies for prosecution? But if the President had taken the last option, and had directed the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to pull in the two men, they would have said: Enhen, we always said it.

He was tele guiding the EFCC from behind all these while. Now he has shown his hands. The hand of Jacob, and the voice of Esau.

Head or tail, you can never win with some Nigerians. If you don’t have your bath, they say you are a

ruffian, and you stink. If you have your bath too frequently, they say you love the opposite sex too much.

No wonder some people say public service is a thankless job. If only we would change our mindsets, and also change our conduct.

But some people forget. Early in the days of this administration, President Buhari had told them: “Some people call me ‘Baba Go Slow.’

I will be slow, but I will be steady.”

Isn’t there eternal truth again in the saying that slow and steady wins the race?

There are some matters that require speed. They should be treated expeditiously. No doubt. There are some others in which you could sacrifice fairness and justice on the altar of speed. When you have such, it is better to err on the side of caution. It is better to lay all the cards on the table, consider all the sides of the coin. Such was the Babachir/ Oke saga. They were men who had served the President faithfully, from what one could see. He dare not be precipitate in determining their destinies. Fair is fair, and foul is foul.

Talking again of the mills of the gods. The National Executive Committee (NEC) meeting of the All Progressives Congress (APC) held at the party’s secretariat in Abuja on Tuesday. I was there. The atmosphere was friendly, almost convivial. At a point, someone moved a motion of confidence in the Buhari administration. The seconder, a former state governor, added to the motion, seeking an endorsement of the President as candidate for second term in 2019. As he raised the motion, I saw the President gesturing, with his two palms downwards. The gesture meant, please, cool down, not now. This is premature. And the National Chairman, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, weighed in, accepting the motion of confidence, and deferring the one on automatic candidacy.

Everyone was satisfied.

You can imagine my consternation the next day, when I saw the newspaper headlines. It was as if some of them were reporting a meeting held in outer space. They said a bid by governors to get automatic ticket for the President had failed.

One newspaper exulted: “Govs’ bid to get automatic 2019 ticket for Buhari fails.’ Pure fiction. Concocted story. It never happened the way the newspaper had conjured.. And it was the President himself who had dissuaded those who made the move, by his gesture. Hate news seems to have crept into the polity, and otherwise credible newspapers have eaten the forbidden apple.

Well, we were talking about the need for patience. Jean-Jacques Rousseau says “Patience is bitter, but its fruit is sweet.” And Robert Schuller adds: “Wait. Be patient.

The storm will pass. The spring will come.” That is where I pitch my tent. Under President Buhari, for Nigeria, the storm will pass (and is, indeed, passing), and the spring will come. The mills of the gods grind slowly, but exceedingly finely.

I believe. What about you?

Adesina is Special Adviser on Media and Publicity to President Muhammadu Buhari

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

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News 18

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

Wike speaks at Chatham House today Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏThe

L-R: General Overseers, Spirit Life Power Embassy, Bishop David Favour Zaky; Truth Foundation Ministries, Rev. Dr. Japheth Tonmwaso; Faith Aflame Ministries, Rev. Victor Julius and Lifespring Church, Bishop Dr. Jinga Mayo, during the Adamawa convention re-union in Adamawa State… weekend.

PDP accuses Katsina govt of borrowing N77.7bn Segun Olaniyan, Katsina

ÏÏÏThe

Katsina State Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Alhaji Salisu Yusuf Majigiri, on Sunday described the ruling All Progressive Congress Party (APC) administration in the state as a complete failure, as it has nothing to show for the period it has so far spent in the running of affairs in the state.

Similarly, the PDP has condemned the administration for the borrowing of N77 .7 billion and repeated attempts by the party in the state to blame the PDP for its failure, stating that, it is an admission of total failure and misrule by the government.

Speaking to newsmen

shortly after the inauguration of four committees that will address issues confronting the party in the state, Majigiri said, PDP as an opposition party in the state would remain unperturbed by the blame game by the cardcarrying members of the APC led administration.

The committees inaugurated, according to the party chairman were the State Caucus Committee, State Elders Committee, Reconciliation Committee and Disciplinary Committee, aimed at reviving the PDP in the state ahead of 2019 general elections.

Said he: “Masari borrowed N77. 7 billion without commissioning a single project. Because of the monumental failure of this government, they are blaming PDP members. But thank God,

all of them are admitting that they have failed the electorate.

While admonishing the APC-led government to own up to its responsibility for its misrule, Majigiri said the APC controlled government in the state apart from been unimaginative, never had any good programme and policies that would move the state forward.

“Blaming the PDP for the failure of the administration is mischievous,” the state PDP chairman posited, adding that, “this government has derailed.

By passing the blame on PDP is nothing but mischief.

“I will not blame PDP for anything because all the structures you see in the state today were built and commissioned by the past PDP governors in the

state,” he maintained.

The state PDP Chairman described the APCled administration in the state as “clueless and a disappointment”, wondering why it is mandatory for the incumbent governor to blame the PDP for the administration’s failures.

“Katsina State was created the same year with the Akwa-Ibom State.

During the recent 30th anniversary of the two states, the Akwa-Ibom State administration led

by Governor Udom Emmanuel Gabriel was busy commissioning projects that he embarked upon in his state. But in Katsina, no single project was commissioned, is this not a total failure of the APC administration in the state?”

Majigiri concluded.

HIV/AIDS: USAID donates 250 school desks to children of victims, orphans Kingsley Chukwuka, Jos

ÏÏÏ

The United State Agency for International Development (USAID) has donated 250 dual school desks and chairs to orphans and vulnerable children whose parents died as a result of testing positive to HIV/AIDS in Plateau and Benue States.

The gesture was demonstrated at the weekend in Jos and earlier at Benue State, with St. Peter’s and St. Philomena’s Primary School Buruku and Adogo communities both in Benue and Plateau being the beneficiaries.

USAID in partnership with Sustainable Mechanism for Improving Livelihoods and households (SMILE), are

poised to ameliorate the suffering of vulnerable children and orphans whom have dropped out of school or has no educational materials for proper learning.

Speaking during the presentation, the Senior Programme Manager, SMILE, Mr. Sunday Udom, reiterated that the gesture was to cushion the hardship of orphans and children ravaged by HIV/ AIDS. Udom said “SMILE, through United State Agency for International Development (USAID), is donating 250 dual school desks, teacher’s tables and seat to St. Peter’s Primary school Buruku and St. Philomena’s Primary School Adogo respectively to ameliorate the suffering of

children as a result of HIV/ AIDS. “The fund for the project was generated through an instituted educational block grant meant to provide educational fee weaver for orphan and vulnerable children”, he said.

He noted that the programme is aimed at addressing children vulnerability, most especially HIV/AIDS related orphans and other less privileged children in the society through supporting institutions of learning.

On his part, the Coordinator of Caritas Gboko, an implementing partner of SMILE programme, Mr. Emmanuel Asue, applaud Catholic Bishops Conference of America Development In-

stitute whom the fund were entrusted by USAIDS to support vulnerable children in Nigeria.

He admonished Nigerians to be generous and learn to be good to one another in all aspects of life as demonstrated

by USAID through Caritas Gboko, which have resulted to the communities being beneficiaries of Catholic Relief Services (CRS).

Consequently, the paramount ruler and Kindred heads of Buruku and Adogo communities, urged the school management to guide and maintained the furniture given to them, saying that it will encourage USAID and CRS to help other learning institutions with vulnerable children.

Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Wike, is expected to addresse the international community today during an engagement at the Royal Institute of International Affairs (Chatham House) in London.

Governor Wike who will be speaking on: “Defining Development for Rivers State and Steps to Sustainable Implementation,” is expected to field questions from a cross section of participants which include policy makers, journalists, business men and development experts.

The is expected to bring to the table, issues of development as they relate to Rivers State and how he has surmounted the challenges of economic downturn and political hostilities.

Wike would use the opportunity to outline the areas of expected collaboration between the international community and political stakeholders in Nigeria for the strengthening of the nation’s democracy.

The Governor would also have the chance to interface with participants on key areas that would help to foster growth in other developing countries, especially states and provinces that are in opposition.

Wike emerged as the Governor of Rivers State on April 11, 2015 with an overwhelming mandate. He polled a total of 1,029,102 votes amounting to 87.77 per cent to defeat Dr Dakuku Peterside of the All Progressives Congress, APC who had 124,896 votes amounting to 10.65 per cent .

Governor Wike brings an opposition perspective to Chatham House, which is expected to deepen the global understanding of the development and political challenges facing Nigeria at the moment.

The Royal Institute of International Affairs also known as Chatham House had formally invited the Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike to share his thoughts on development issues via a letter dated 19th August, 2017 by her research director, Dr Alex Vines (OBE).

According to Chatham House: “We would be delighted to host you for an hour long public event during which you would be invited to deliver an address up tp twenty minutes, followed by questions and discussion for the remaining time. Chattam House audiences are made up of policy makers and decision makers, business representatives, media, academics and other experts”.

Nigerians charged to be prayerful to move country forward Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏNigerians

have again been charged to be prayerful and move closer to God for the Country to overcome its present challenges.

A cleric, Special Apostle Prophet Segun Korode, gave the charge on Sunday in his sermon delivered at the 56th anniversary of Shilloh Band, Cherubim and Seraphim Movement Church, Ilorin District Headquarters.

Prophet Korode who spoke on the topic “be righteous” implored the people to exhibit the fear of God in all their dealings and undertakings.

The Cleric noted that if people fear God they would not engage in various vices and corruption that was high in the Country.

He called on Nigerians to be dedicated, discipline, committed and pray for God to redeem the Nation.

Prophet Korode urged Christians to repent from their sin, desist from atrocities and be committed to their faith.

Speaking on the theme “gratitude”,Pastor Taiye

Aransiola of the United Evangelical Miracle Church, off Yidi road, Ilorin, called on Christians to always appreciate God for His mercy and not to take for granted His goodness to mankind.

Pastor Aransiola challenged them to emulate King David by praising God and testifying of His goodness to the congregations.

Pastor Aremu Abioye of the Ark of God Covenant Faith Blble Ministry, Amayo, urged Nigerians regardless of their religion to love their neighbours and assist the less privilege.

Speaking at this year`s Daniel Band anniversary at the C & S Movement Church, Ipetu-Igbomina, Prophet Peter Oladipo called on faithfuls to live by the word of God always and do away with sin.

Also in his message which centered on be filled with the Holy spirit, Pastor Kayode Omotosho of C. A. C Anusogo lorimi kilanko village, implored Christians to allow the spirit of God guide them in whatever they do to further preach Jesus Christ in their life.

News 19

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

Ogoni APC stakeholders split over governorship ticket Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏ The All Progressive Congress

(APC) in Ogoni land, Rivers State, is now sharply divided over who will fly the flag of the party in the next general election.

While the Khana chapter of the party is rooting for Senator Magnus Abe, other stakeholders in other local government areas said they were pitching their tent with Mr. Rotimi Amaechi, the Minister of Transport.

Rising from a meeting in Bori, headquarters of Khana local government area, the APC Khana Chapter expressed worry that despite the Ogonis voting strength, they were yet to produce a governor in Rivers State.

The APC stakeholders at the meeting, therefore, endorsed the governorship candidature of Magnus Abe, the Senator representing Rivers South East Senatorial district.

The Leader of the Khana APC stakeholders Austin Nwankwo said that the forum chose Senator Abe because of the political investments he had made in the land.

They declared: “The year of decision is coming very close.it is far approaching. We will not keep quiet.

Can we still stay and watch them do it? therefore after we looked through everybody, our distinguished Senator Magnus NGEI Abe stands very very tall in all thse political and economic investments.”

The Khana APC stakeholders also issued a communiqué read by Patrick Nwinyo Nkpugi calling on Senator Mgnus Abe not to delay any more in making public his intention to run for the position of governor in the party for 2019.

According to them, “Ogonis are one of the most densely populated ethnic groups in the state, from the South East Senatorial District through, but we are yet to produce

a governor since its creation. The meeting therefore resolves that an Ogoni son be given the opportunity to of governorship of the party in 2019.the distinguished Senator Magnus Ngei Abe, an Ogoni son, should present himself in this capacity” However, at a meeting held in Port Harcourt, the national, state, LGA and ward executives, appointees and major stakeholders of the APC from the four Ogoni-speaking LGAs of Rivers State resolved to stick with the position of Mr Rotimi Amaechi, the leader of the party in the state.

In a communiqué signed by Chief Victor Tombari Giadom, Deputy National Secretary and 61 others, the group affirmed loyalty to the party at the state and national levels.

They declared: “We are resolutely committed to and totally supportive of the current APC rebuilding/repositioning efforts by the state party and Rt Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi in Rivers State.”

“We are thankful to President Muhammadu Buhari , Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi & the party for the many appointments made to party men from Ogoni, and major ongoing projects in Ogoniland. Worthy of mention is the naming of Derek Mene to the position of Exec. Director (Finance/Admin.) in NDDC & H.E Oji Ngofa’s posting as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the Netherlands. Some notable ongoing projects in Ogoniland include the commencement of the previously stalled Ogoni Environmental Restoration and the commencement of the Bodo-Bonny Road project.”

They expressed concern over what they described as “the unwholesome activities of groups unknown to the APC in Ogoni and Rivers State, especially as they utilize the name and insignia of the party to cause mischief and hoodwink unsuspecting Ogoni people.

These groups which only serve the self-serving aspiration of their sponsors and protagonists, have the tendency to cause disunity in the APC in Rivers State and pose a grave threat to public peace.”

AUPCTRE election spurs fresh campaign against water privatisation Edokpolor Osayande

ÏÏÏ

Following the successful election of Comrade Benjamin Anthony of Federal Housing Authority (FHA) Abuja as the president of the Amalgamated Union of Public Corporations Civil Service Technical and Recreational Services Employees (AUPCTRE), the Environmental Rights Action/Friends of the Earth Nigeria (ERA/FoEN) has firmed that this would be a new dawn in the campaign against water privatization.

Speaking, in a press release in Lagos, the Deputy Executive Director of ERA/ FoEN, Akinbode Oluwafemi, said that the outcomes of the elections reflected a deep cohesion and strength

by AUPCTRE, which is one of the largest affiliates under the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC).

“We commend AUPCTRE for the hitch-free national congress and election which has produced a new president in the person of Comrade Benjamin Anthony.

With his track-records as a campaigner for just policies, his emergence as national president gives us hope that AUPCTRE will continue leading the campaign against water privatization in Nigeria.”

Niger gov’s wife to conduct free cancer surgery on 500 women Saka Bolaji, Minna L-R: President of NEPAD Business Group (Nigeria)/Chairman, Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mrs. Nike Akande; President, Africa Development Bank (AfDB), Dr. Akinwumi Adesina and National Coordinator /CEO, NEPAD Nigeria, Princess Gloria Akobundu during a meeting in Cote d’Ivoire…at the weekend.

Kano to sanction firms for poor sanitation practices, introduces new rules Yakubu Salisu, Kano

ÏÏÏThe Kano State government has

warned that the state government would no longer tolerate the activities of some companies in the state who indiscriminately dump waste materials from their companies anywhere they like.

The Permanent Secretary of state Ministry of Environment, Alhaji Baba Halilu Dantiye, made this warning shortly after his official resumption at the ministry after his transfer from the state’s ministry of Commerce.

According him, some host communities within the state where some of the companies are situated have for long raised the alarm that their communities are been polluted either by unscrupulous release of waste or chemicals from the companies into their local drainages or the release of smoke into the air thereby creating environmental pollution. This he said must be stopped. “ We have to make an example.

We would sue to court any company found polluting our state if need be and ensure appropriate disciplinary measures are taking against them.

The safety of the people cannot be

compromised by the Ganduje’s administration” Furthermore, he stated that the monthly sanitation observed at the end of every month in the state is not enough as three hours on the last Saturday of every month is definitely not enough to keep the environment clean.

He said that there is the need for more time set aside for sanitation and government officials and traditional rulers should all join hands together in cleaning their environments. That such move would spur the masses into keeping their communities clean.

ÏÏÏ

Wife of the Niger state governor Dr. Amina Abubakar has disclosed that her foundation will treat catholic women suffering from cancer free of charge.

She made this assurance on Sunday during the harvest and Bazaar sales at the St. Michaels Catholic Cathedral Church, Minna.

Represented by Emilly Chidawa, Dr. Amina Sani Bello said the rising cases of Breast and Cervical Cancers among women in the nation is alarming.

“We will conduct free screening on atleast 500 women, and we will ensure the free treatment of any with cancer amongst them.

“There will be a 3 day free medical screening by the RAiSE foundation

at the Breast and Cervical Screening Centre in Minna. I am more concerned about the health of women and children and this has informed the decision to embark on the exercise.”

While urging women within the state capital and outside to present themselves for the exercise, Dr. Amina said, “after these 3 day free screening, it will attract the sum of N7,000 for any woman comes to the Centre to be screened. I strongly belief that prevention is better than cure.”

In his remarks, the Bishop of Minna Diocese, Rt. Rev Uzoukwu thanked the governor’s wife and prayed for the government adding that there is need for Nigerians to continually pray for leaders in position.

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday,November 6, 2017

Suspected herdsmen kidnap saw miller in Ondo ‘Tosin Ajuwon, Akure.

Four gunmen suspected to be herdsmen have abducted a saw miller, Mr. Oyewale Akinwande, at Idoani town in Ose Local Government Area of Ondo state.

Mr. Akinwande was kidnapped while switching on an electric generating set at the mill located in Owaani area of the town during the weekend.

Daily Times learned that four wielding gunmen kidnapped the saw miller after shooting sporadically to scare away the workers in the town.

Eyewitnesses who confirmed the kidnap incident to reporters in Akure said the abductors forced their way into the sawmil through the bush path.

One of the witnesses also said that the hoodlums escaped with their victim through the Ipele/ Idoani road.

He said the road had been the route used by the armed hoodlums to terrorize unsuspecting residents and commuters in the area.

“They started shooting

into the air immediately they entered into the sawmill to scare us [workers] in the timber factory away and everyone scampered for safety.

“They were able to locate Mr. Akinwande where he had gone to on the generating set because we were about resuming the day’s work when the four gunmen stormed the site.

“We have reported to the police about the kidnap and they have even visited the here to see the situation of things and have commenced investigation” Femi Joseph, Spokesman of the Ondo State Police Command confirmed the incident and said the police have commenced investigation into the kidnap case adding that the victim would be rescue unhurt.

“We are already making progress on our investigation and I can assure that the victim would be rescue from the den of the kidnappers” he said.

Mr. Joseph, however, promised that the kidnappers would soon be arrested as the police is currently on their trail.

Tourism: Lagos targets 2m passengers on water transportation daily *Commissions three executive boats, four jet skis Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏThree

newly acquired executive boats by the Lagos state government were on Sunday commissioned by the state governor, Akinwunmi Ambode; with a pledge to fully explore the tourism and economic potentials of the waterways in the state for the overall benefit of the people.

Speaking at the unveiling of the boats held at Caverton Jetty in the Civic Centre area of Victoria Island, the governor said the state government was committed to the implementation of the integrated transport management system designed to scale up water, rail and land transportation. He said the grand plan is to divert at least two million passengers on the waterways daily thereby reducing traffic on the roads.

He said the boats and four jet skis recently acquired by the state government to ensure safety and fight crime on the waterways, were prelude to major plans to fully activate the potentials of water transportation, while in the coming months, the state government would

take delivery of additional seven commercial ferries, among other plans for the sector.

According to him, “This is a significant day for Lagos state as we commission three boats belonging to the Lagos state government. We discovered that sometimes, we do not have the ability for our officials to go on the waterways to address issues relating to people and citizens that live alongside the waterways.

“As you aware, 25 per cent of Lagos is water and it is important that we put in the right initiatives that can actually make activities on our waterways to thrive and also people living along the waterways to bring them into proper perspective.

“Sometimes when dignitaries come from other states or countries, they are not able to see the true side of Lagos from the waterways’ perspective and that is one of the reasons the state government decided that we would procure the boats that would help us to promote tourism in the state so that people can see the great potentials of Lagos state,” he said.

L-R: Member, 2017 Convention Planning Committee, Grace Family International Church (GFIC), Deacon, Lekan Ogunyinka; Senior Pastor, GFIC, Revd.

Yinka Ojo Chairman of the Committee, Assistant Pastor Bayo Omololu, during a press conference on the forthcoming Annual Convention, Theme: Pursue, Overtake, and Recover All in Lagos… on Sunday

VSO partners Katsina govt on science education

Augustine Okezie, Abuja

ÏÏÏUK

based non-governmental organization: Voluntary Service Organization (VSO), over the weekend, embarked on massive promotion of Science Education in Katsina state under its mobile platform: Science on Wheel Programme, which the organization said will take science and Mathematics teaching to thousands of school children across Katsina State, North West Nigeria.

The Mobile Science Lab Project which was officially launched on 26th July 2017, flagged off last Friday at Government Senior Secondary School Muduru, a 14 kilometer drive from Katsina city center and was billed to drive across initially

through 15 out of the 432 schools in the State with the aim of strengthening the quality of teaching and learning of science and Mathematics.

VSO Media officer, Amina Abdilrashid, who spoke at the flag off ceremony, disclosed that the mobile science lab contains equipment and teaching aids for practical science experiments and is complemented by 60 sciences and Mathematics Teachers trained in innovative teaching methods.

She further maintained that the project which was in partnership with the Katsina State Ministry of Education, PZ, Development partners, and other Professional voluntary agencies is aimed at revolutionizing the teaching and learning of Science

in the state and generally in Nigeria Amina who also noted that VSO has been operating in Nigeria in the last fifty years, regretted that the country which has the highest number of school aged children, was ranked 131 out of 139 countries that promotes Maths and Science Education, according to World Economic Forum’s Business Competitive Index VSO Nigeria Country Director, Lucia Balonwu while speaking at the occasion lamented that, Nigeria, alongside much of Africa, runs the risk of being left far behind in the world races into the digital age adding that VSO has brought 21st century science and Mathematics to thousands of children in rural commu-

nities, with the intention to inspire them to become ‘’the Albert Einsteins of tomorrow.’’

She said “Despite there being over 400 winners (since 1901) of the Nobel Prize for Physics, Chemistry, Physiology or Medicine, an indigenous SubSaharan African is yet to win a Nobel Prize in one of these scientific fields.

“Nigeria’s low performance in science and Maths has been linked to lack of funding for infrastructure and laboratory supplies, leading to highly theoretical teaching practices with little or no practical sessions. Remuneration for academics and support staff and competing priorities has led to low funding levels for science education and research.”

Court orders Fayose to pay N234m to four commissions’ members Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏ

A National Industrial Court of Nigeria (NICN), Akure Division, Ondo state has ordered the Ekiti state governor, Dr. Peter Ayodele Fayose, to pay a total sum of N234, 010, 982. 24 to members of four Commissions he illegally terminated their employment on October 20, 2014.

Justice Oyeyibola Oyewumi, gave the order while delivering judgment in separate suits filed by the sacked members of commissions against the Governor of Ekiti state and the Attorney-General, Ekiti State.

The aggrieved members of Commissions are: Mrs. C. B. Adelusi: Chief

Gbenga Agbonna: Chief O. K. Aina, and Barrister Dele Oloje, who are of Ekiti State Independent Electoral Commission.

Chief Ranti Adebisi: Chief Reuben Akomolafe: Chief Jacob O. Adewunmi: Princess Omotunde Adelabu: Hon. Kola Fakiyesi: Mrs. Dupe Bakare, and Mr. Olorunfemi Babalola of Ekiti State Local Government Service Commission.

Alhaji Sulaiman Afolabi O.: Elder S. O. Bankole: Chief Kemi Olaleye: Elder Yemi Alade: and Chief Sesan Fatoba, of Ekiti State Civil Service Commission.

Chief George Femi Ojo: Chief Esan Abejide: Hon. Foluso Ibirinde: Hon. Bayo Akinnola: and Hon. Kupolati Olaiyan, of Ekiti State House of Assembly Ser-

vice Commission.

The affected members led by Femi Falana SAN, approached the court to reverse their unlawful sack, and reinstate them into the Commissions.

The claimants anchored their prayers on the ground that the tenure of their appointment is statutory.

The defendants, that is, the governor of Ekiti State contended that the claimants’ sacked is in order.

Justice Oyewunmi, described the action of the governor as amounting to Executive recklessness.

His words: “it is trite that where an appointment of an employee is terminated outside the specified terms of agreement or specified period, such a termination

will be seen wrongful or unlawful as the case may be.

“It is upon this basis that I find that the dissolution of these commissions and removal of their chairmen and members by the first defendant (Governor Fayose), is an act of Executive recklessness, Executive rascality, a grave disregard to the Governor’s Oath of Office which he sworn to uphold, defend, and protect the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

“The action of the first defendant in this case lives a sour taste in the mouth. A grotesque galore which cannot and should not be allowed to stand in the way of justice.

21

Public Notice

FASHOLA RUKAYAT TEMITOPE

Formerly known and addressed as ABDULAHI RUKAYAT TEMITOPE now wish to be known and addressed as FASHOLA RUKAYAT TEMITOPE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

BASIRU AYUBA

Formerly known and addressed as MOHAMMED HAMZA now wish to be known and addressed as BASIRU AYUBA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MARVELOUS MARY ABAH

formerly known and addressed as MARVELOUS ENE ABAH now wish to be known called and addressed as MARVELOUS MARY ABAH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OLUWO TOLUWALASE ADEDAYO RAFIAT I formerly known and addressed as JINADU TOLUWALASE ADEDAYO RAFIAT now wish to be known called and addressed as OLUWO TOLUWALASE ADEDAYO RAFIAT. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ABEL OJONUGWA

I, formerly known and addressed as IDOKO AKOJA EMMANUEL, now wish to be known and addressed as ABEL OJONUGWA. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

MRS. FADEYI RITA OMO

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ETOMI RITA OMO, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. FADEYI RITA OMO. All documents bearing my former names remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

OFOMAH, NMACHUKWU GLORIA

IMISIOLUWA MUIBAT FAMAKINDE

Formerly known and addressed as MISS MUIBAT IMISIOLUWA OMOWONMI AHMED now wish to be known and addressed as IMISIOLUWA MUIBAT FAMAKINDE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MRS EZEA AUGUSTINA OGONNA

I formerly known and addressed as Miss Ogamba Augustina Ogonna now wish to be known called and addressed as Mrs Ezea Augustina Ogonna.

All former documents remain valid. General public take note REARRANGEMENT OF NAME

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

ADERONKE OMOWUMI DAVID

Formerly known and addressed as RONKE SIMON, now wish to be known and addressed as ADERONKE OMOWUMI DAVID. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ALPHONSUS SYLVANUS UDOH

I formerly known and addressed as ALPHONSUS SYLVANUS AFFANGIDEH now wish to be known called and addressed as ALPHONSUS SYLVANUS UDOH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

BENJAMIN ETEOBONG TIMOTHY

COMFORT KELVIN OSHIONEBO

UCHENNDU HENRY KALU Formerly known and addressed as UCHE HENRY, now wish to be known and addressed as UCHENNDU HENRY KALU. All previous documents remain valid.

General public take note.

AKUDINOBI KENNETH

VIVIAN UBONG JOHN I formerly known and addressed as VIVIAN JOHN NTUK now wish to be known called and addressed as VIVIAN UBONG JOHN. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Formerly known and addressed as COMFORT EFFIONG OKON, now wish to be known and addressed as COMFORT KELVIN OSHIONEBO. all former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as AKUDINOBI KENNETH ANAYO now wish to be known called and addressed as AKUDINOBI KENNETH. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

JOHN MADUABUCHI THEOPHILUS

IN MEMORIAM

Formerly known and addressed as EKPO SOLOMON SUCCESS UDOCHUKWU, now wish to be known and addressed as SOLOMON SUCCESS UDOCHUKWU EKPO. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ETEOBONU BENJAMIN TIMOTHY now wish to be known called and addressed as BENJAMIN ETEOBONG TIMOTHY. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as NGWEE MADUABUCHI JOHN now wish to be known called and addressed as JOHN MADUABUCHI THEOPHILUS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

IN EVER CHERISHED MEMORY Of our dear father late Rtd ASP Malachy Uhere Isiani. Who departed from us on the 2nd day of April, 2014. Aged 68 years( 1946-2014).

You remain dearly in our heart and minds.

Victor Jude Isiani (Son) for the family.

SALAMI ABIODUN KABIRU

SHAIBU GRACE IYE I formerly known and addressed as IDOKO GRACE IYE now wish to be known called and addressed as SHAIBU GRACE IYE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME This is to certify and confirm that my name was wrongly written as TONY CHRISTOPHER SUNDAY instead of EJEMBI SUNDAY. That my date of birth is 10 October 1983 and not 01 October 1983. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ONUH SUNDAY JUDE now wish to be known called and addressed as EZE EDWIN IFEANYI. All former documents remain valid.

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I formerly known and addressed as SALAMI KABIRU A now wish to be known called and addressed as SALAMI ABIODUN KABIRU. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

OSHONUBI OLUWASEUN OYINDAMOLA

MRS ISIAKA OLUWAFUNMILAYO KUDIRAT

I, formerly known and addressed as MARTINS OLUWASEUN OYINDAMOLA, now wish to be known and addressed as OSHONUBI OLUWASEUN OYINDAMOLA. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as MISS LAWAL SAKAJOJO OLUWAFUNMILAYO KUDIRAT now wish to be known called and addressed as MRS ISIAKA OLUWAFUNMILAYO KUDIRAT. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

AMAH TITUS UGOCHI

I, formerly known and addressed as AMAH TITUS UGOCHUKWU, now wish to be known, called and addressed as AMAH TITUS UGOCHI. All documents bearing my former names remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

PRISCA ADOKE ACHAGIRU

SULEIMON GANIYU ELEKE

I, formerly known and addressed as GANIYU OLAIYA SULAIMAN, now wish to be known, called and addressed as SULEIMON GANIYU ELEKE. All documents bearing my former names remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

ONYIA AKAA UME

SAHEED MONSURAT BUKOLA

I formerly known and addressed as ISHOLA MONSURATU now wish to be known called and addressed as SAHEED MONSURAT BUKOLA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

EZE EDWIN IFEANYI

UDEH FLORENCE NNENNA

I formerly known and addressed as UDEH FLORENCE now wish to be known called and addressed as UDEH FLORENCE NNENNA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MISS MARY OBIAGELI NKEZE

EKWUAZU CHARITY O. SUCCESS

That I MR. ERNEST ANUGWARA is a Cousin to MISS MARY OBIAGELI NKEZE. She was formerly known and addressed as MRS. MARY ADEGBITE, now she wish to be known, called and addressed as MISS MARY OBIAGELI NKEZE. All documents bearing her former names remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS IDEMUDIA CHARITY, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EKWUAZU CHARITY O. SUCCESS. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

MRS. NELLY CLETUS EYO

KAZEEM MODUPEOLA SAIDAT

VINA-RITA EHGAREVBA Formerly known and addressed as VINA-RITA UZOARU, now wish to be known and addressed as VINA-RITA EHGAREVBA. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAMES

This is to confirm that I, Busola Irene Olatorera Hughes, same person as Busola Irene Olatorera Hughes ,Ayile Olatorera Hughes, Mrs Tobun Busola Irene Olatorera ,Mrs Busola Hughes Tobun. All documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MRS. ENO UWEM NDEM Formerly known and addressed as MISS ENO ANIEKANABASI EFFEH, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ENO UWEM NDEM. All former documents remain valid.

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YAKNAN VANGFA SUNDAY

I formerly known and addressed as NIMNAN BAKO SUNDAY now wish to be known called and addressed as YAKNAN VANGFA SUNDAY. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MUKAILA OLUWAFEMI AKEEM

I formerly known and addressed as MUKAILA OLUWAFEMI JOSEPH now wish to be known called and addressed as MUKAILA OLUWAFEMI AKEEM. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME This is to certify and confirm that my name was wrongly written and stated as JUBRIL TIJANI SURUPO instead of TIJANI JUBRIL AFISURU. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

OKANLAWON RUTH ADEWUMI

Formerly known and addressed as Aforka Nmachukwu Gloria now wishes to be known and addressed as Ofomah, Nmachukwu Gloria. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ESTHER ADOKE CLEMENT, now wish to be known, called and addressed as PRISCA ADOKE ACHAGIRU. All documents bearing my former names remain valid.

General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ONYIA AKAA DENNIS, now wish to be known, called and addressed as ONYIA AKAA UME. All documents bearing my former names remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as NELLY EMMANUEL, now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS. NELLY CLETUS EYO. All documents bearing my former names remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as OGUNDARE MODUPEOLA SAIDAT, now wish to be known, called and addressed as KAZEEM MODUPEOLA SAIDAT. All documents bearing my former names remain valid. General public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BABALOLA RUTH ADEWUMI, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OKANLAWON RUTH ADEWUMI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD TAKE NOTE.

ADEDEJI PAUL ADEKUNLE I Formerly known and addressed as Nuniru Kunle Muraina now wish to be known, called and addressed as Adedeji Paul Adekunle. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid.

Banks, Nigeria Immigration Service, Relevant Authorities and the General public Please take note.

AKINYOOYE OLUWATOYIN ADERONKE I Formerly known and addressed as OLOWOOKERE OLUWATOYIN ADERONKE now wish to be known, called and addressed as AKINYOOYE OLUWATOYIN ADERONKE. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid.

Banks, Nigeria Immigration Service, Relevant Authorities and the General public Please take note.

I Formerly known and addressed as BEATRICE IDOWU SOLOMON OGUNTADE now wish to be known, called and addressed as BEATRICE IDOWU AJAYI. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. Banks, Nigeria Immigration Service, Relevant Authorities and the General public Please take note.

BEATRICE IDOWU AJAYI

MRS PAMELA CHIADIKOBI MARYANN NWADIKE

PAMELA CHIADIKOBI MARYANN NWEKE I Formerly known and addressed as PAMELA CHIADIKOBI MARYANN NWEKETONTI now wish to be known, called and addressed as PAMELA CHIADIKOBI MARYANN NWEKE. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. Banks, Nigeria Immigration Service, Relevant Authorities and the General public Please take note. ==

I Formerly known and addressed as Oluyemi Temilola Olubukola now wish to be known, called and addressed as Balogun Temilola Olubukola. All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. Banks, Nigeria Immigration Service, Relevant Authorities and the General public Please take note.

MRS .EVELYN NNENNA ATUMA OGUNREMI

AKINBODE-AYOOLA OLAMIDE BUSAYO

I formerly known and addressed as Miss. EVELYN NNENNA ATUMA, now wish to be known and addressd as Mrs .EVELYN NNENNA ATUMA OGUNREMI. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as MATILUKO, BUSAYO OLAMIDE, now wish to be known and addressed as AKINBODE-AYOOLA OLAMIDE BUSAYO. All former documents remain valid. The general public should take note.

UGOCHUKWU PEGGY EKENE

I, formerly known and addressed as EBIRIM, PEGGY EKENE, now wish to be known and addressed as, UGOCHUKWU PEGGY EKENE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

NWOKA CONFIDENCE NKIRUKA I, formerly known and addressed as, CHANTEL KESSRI GEOFREY, now wish to be known and addressed as, NWOKA CONFIDENCE NKIRUKA. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

OGUNRO MATRINA TOPE

That I , AKHABUE DANIEL ABUREKHANLEN , MWO AKHABUE DANIEL, is one and same person.

Now wish to be known and addressed as AKHABUE DANIEL ABUREKHANLEN. All former document bearing these name remain valid. General public should please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as kehinde Matrina Temitope now wish to be know and addressed as Ogunro Matrina Tope. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

ABU HAMZA

MRS. IFEKWE MARYJOY CHINONYE

I, formerly known and addressed as, HENRY OHIWERE, now wish to be known and addressed as, ABU HAMZA. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. UMEH MARYJOY CHINONYE, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. IFEKWE MARYJOY CHINONYE. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I Formerly known and addressed as MISS PAMELA CHIADIKOBI MARYANN NWEKE now wish to be known, called and addressed as MRS PAMELA CHIADIKOBI MARYANN NWADIKE All documents and certificates bearing my former names remain valid. Banks, Nigeria Immigration Service, Relevant Authorities and the General public Please take note.

THOMAS FRANCISCA ISIOMA

I formerly Ozegbe Francisca Isioma, now wish to be known and addressed as Thomas Francisca Isioma.

All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADASI MOSES ANIDIA I, formerly known and addressed as, ASUK ASUK ANIDIA, now wish to be known and addressed as, ADASI MOSES ANIDIA. All former documents remain valid. THE MINISTRY OF EDUCATION, PORT HARCOURT, RIVERS STATE AND General public should take note.

JOSIAH,CHRISTIANA ANIEFIOK

I, formerly known and addressed as, JOSIAH, CHRISTIANA MADELINE, now wish to be known and addressed as, JOSIAH,CHRISTIANA ANIEFIOK. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

BALOGUN TEMILOLA OLUBUKOLA

MR MYKMELODY AHIAH SAMMY

I, formerly known and addressed as, MR MICHAEL DELRICH AHIAHMAC, now wish to be known and addressed as, MR MYKMELODY AHIAH SAMMY. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017 KPAWE NUFI DEARSLEY

CORRECTION OF NAME

AMUZAT MOJEED BABATUNDE

I, formerly known and addressed as, SABINA DEARSLEY, now wish to be known and addressed as, KPAWE NUFI DEARSLEY. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I, JOHNSON EZINWANYI, wish to correct my name which was wrongly written as, IFEANYI JOHNSON, instead of, JOHNSON EZINWANYI, in my BVN details. I now wish to be known and addressed as, JOHNSON EZINWANYI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ADDITIONAL OF NAME That my name was registered on my bank details as EMMANUEL SAMSON , that i wish to add EFFIONG to the name , that my well name arrange and correct names are EFFIONG EMMANUEL SAMSON, all former document remain valid general public take note

I, formerly known as MISS IWU MATILDA IJEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS EZE MATILDA IJEOMA. All former documents remain valid.

NYSC and the general public please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as EZE JANET IFEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as NWANETI JANETH IFEOMA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

MRS CAROLINE MICHAEL SAMUEL

ADEBAYO TAJUDEEN ARIKEUSHOLA

ILAJU-WILLIAMS FOLAKEMI FLORA

Formerly AZEEZ TAJUDEEN. Now to be addressed as ADEBAYO TAJUDEEN ARIKEUSHOLA, . Former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

Formerly MAJEKODUNMI FLORA FOLAKE Now ILAJU-WILLIAMS FOLAKEMI FLORA, Former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

TEMITOPE TOLUWANI JIBONA

MRS. FOLARANMI, OLUSOLA OLATOKUNBO

CONFIRMATION OF NAME,DATE OF BIRTH/NAME INCLUTION

I, formerly known and addressed as Miss Stella Etuk Willie, now wish to be known as Mrs Caroline Michael Samuel. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

MRS EZE MATILDA IJEOMA

Formerly TEMITOPE TOLUWANI OLONADE Now to be addressed as TEMITOPE TOLUWANI JIBONA. Former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

Formerly Miss. Ogunnaike, Olusola Olatokunbo Now Mrs. Folaranmi, Olusola Olatokunbo.former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

ADDITION OF NAME I formerly known and addressed as ELOM GODWIN now wish to add OLUWASEGUN to my name. Henceforth I wish to be known and addressed as ELOM GODWIN OLUWASEGUN. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

In some of my documents my name was wrongly written as IBRAHIM CHRIS YITKUNG instead of YITKUNG CHRIS IBRAHIM. I was born on 08/08/1993 not 10/10/1992.

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

CHANGE OF NAME

I formerly known and addressed as KEMI ADEDEJI, now wish to be known and addressed as KEMI ADEKUNLE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

THERESA PETER IBRAHIM

I formerly known and addressed as THERESA THOMAS, now wish to be known and addressed as THERESA PETER IBRAHIM. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

OTORI SIMPA MATTHEW

I formerly known as Joseph Mathew Simpa wish to be known and addressed as Otori Simpa Matthew and corrected Date of birth is :-26-06-1978. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

MRS OSUJI CHINONYE CONSTANCE I formerly known as MISS EZE CHINONYE CONSTANCE wish to be known and addressed as MRS OSUJI CHINONYE CONSTANCE . All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

MRS OLADAYO OMOTUNDE LADOKUN

I formerly known as Miss Oladayo Omotunde Eyitomiye wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Oladayo Omotunde Ladokun .All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

UZOMA PRECIOUS OGBUGHALU

I formerly known as UZOMA PRECIOUS ANTHONY wish to be known and addressed as UZOMA PRECIOUS OGBUGHALU. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

GRASSROOTS ORGANIZATION FOR WOMEN TRANSFORMATION AND HEALTH

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, Decree No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EMMANUEL OTEGA GBEJEWOH. 2. AYAKPO MIEBODEI. 3. DIRIYAI DENGIYEFA. 4. BINAEBI MIEBODEI. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ; 1. Empower women and girls by improving their socio-economic statues.

2. Advocate for gender equality and women’s right.

3. To improve the health and well being of women and promote access to basic health services.

4. Develop and promote educational training and programmes for women.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: EMMANUEL OTEGA GBEJEWOH.

I formerly known and addressed as BABATUNDE MOJEED OLASUNKANMI, now wish to be known and addressed as AMUZAT MOJEED BABATUNDE. All former document remain valid. General public should pllease take note.

NWANETI JANETH IFEOMA

I hereby confirm that ITAGBURE OLUMIDE, AMO SUNDAY OSHO as well as ITAGBURE OLUMIDE SUNDAY as these names appear on my different documents reffer to one and same person and correct date of birth is 14th July, 1966. NOW I wish to be known, called and addressed as ITAGBURE OLUMIDE SUNDAY. That my former documents bearing any of these names remain valid. For record purposes general public and Authorities concerned take note.

AMARACHI UHEGWU FREDRICK

Public Notice 22

FELIX ZANKPO

I formerly known and addressed as JERRY TAIWO.now wish to be known and addresseed as FELIX ZANKPO. All former document remain valid.

General public should please take note.

OHAJIMANO ISAAC ELUMA

I, formerly known and addressed as OHAJIMANO ISAAC, now wish to be known and addressed as OHAJIMANO ISAAC ELUMA. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

CLEMENT SOLOMON EMEKA

Formerly USHIE CLEMENT. Now to be addressed as CLEMENT SOLOMON EMEKA. DATE OF BIRTH: 11TH APRIL, 1984 . General public should take note.

SODIQ ADEYIGA OMOLOLA

Formerly ADEYIGA OMOLOLA. Now to be addressed as SODIQ ADEYIGA OMOLOLA. Former documents remains valid. General public should take note.

OLOKO GBENGA AMOS

I formerly known and addressed as FREDRICK UHEGWU BLESSING now wish to be known and addressed as AMARACHI UHEGWU FREDRICK. I was born on 06/06/1987 not 21/02/1985.

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

I, formerly known and addressed as GBENGA AMOS ADEMOLU, now wish to be known and addressed as OLOKO GBENGA AMOS. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

ADENIYI-WILLIAM ADELEYE OSIBOWALE

OLOWOKERE BASIRAT ADUNNI

I formerly known called and addressed as ADENIYI ADELEYE, now wish to be known and addressed as ADENIYI-WILLIAM ADELEYE OSIBOWALE. All former documents bearing the name remain valid general public and Authorities Concerned should please take note.

ODUSELU TOBI OLUWASEUN

I formerly known as Robert Oluwaseun wish to be known and addressed as Oduselu Tobi Oluwaseun. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

OLAOSEBIKAN TEMILOLA RUTH

I formerly known as DUNTOYE TEMILOLA RUTH wish to be known and addressed as OLAOSEBIKAN TEMILOLA RUTH . All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as SODUNKE ABIOLA now wish to be known and addressed as OLOWOKERE BASIRAT ADUNNI. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

ADEPOJU ADEGORIOYE MOJEED

I formerly known as ADEPOJU ADEGORIOYE wish to be known and addressed as ADEPOJU ADEGORIOYE MOJEED. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

OSINOWO OLADUNNI AGBEKE

I formerly known as Adesanya Oladunni Agbeke wish to be known and addressed as Osinowo Oladunni Agbeke. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

x HELEFRANCE DUO FOUNDATION 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, Decree No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIDINMA NDUKWE - PRESIDENT. 2. EMMANUEL NDUKWE - SECRETARY. 3. IKECHUKWU NWACHUKWU - TREASURER. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES; 1.To assist and educate the less privilege children in our society.

2.To provide necessary assistance to widows and orphans 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 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: CHIDINMA NDUKWE (PRESIDENT)

OLUBANDO OLAYIWOLA ABDUL-AZEEZ

I formerly known and addressed as YISA HARUNA ABIODUN, now wish to be known and addressed as OLUBANDO OLAYIWOLA ABDUL-AZEEZ. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

EMMANUEL UMEH ENENMUO

I formerly known and addressed as EMMANUEL ENENMUO OGBONNAYA , now wish to be known and addressed as EMMANUEL UMEH ENENMUO. All former document remain valid.

General public should please take note.

OLAITAN HASSAN OLAWALE

I, formerly known and addressed as OLAITAN OLAWALE, now wish to be known and addressed as OLAITAN HASSAN OLAWALE. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

MRS MAYEN DENNIS NDAH

I Formerly Known And Addressed As Mayen Charles UdoInyang Now Wish To Be Known And Addressed As Mrs Mayen Dennis Ndah.

All Documents Bearing My Former Name Remain Valid.

General Public Please Take Note.

GLORY FRIDAY UDO

I, formerly known and addressed as COMFORT AFIA EFFIONG, now wish to be known and addressed as GLORY FRIDAY UDO. all former documents remains valid.

General public, please take note.

MRS VICTORIA ATINUKE TELLA

I formerly known and addressed as MRS ATINUKE OLAWALE TELLA now wish to be known and addressed as MRS VICTORIA ATINUKE TELLA. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

MRS. ADEYEMI FATIMOT OPEYEMI

I formerly known addressed as Ms. Morakinyo Fatimot Opeyemi, now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Adeyemi Fatimot Opeyemi. All former documents remain valid.

General public please take note.

MRS. NWAMAKA AZUKA UCHEBO

I formerly known as Nwamaka Azuka Emodi wish to be known and addressed as Mrs. Nwamaka Azuka Uchebo.

All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

MRS OKOROAFOR MARY OGECHI

I formerly known as MISS IWUCHUKWU MARY OGECHI wish to be known and addressed as MRS OKOROAFOR MARY OGECHI . All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

MRS. ANODU OMOLOLA UGOCHI

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS ONONOGBO OMOLOLA UGOCHI, Now wish to be known and addressed as MRS. ANODU OMOLOLA UGOCHI. All former documents remain valid general public/ authorities concerned should take note.

ADETUNJI OLUWATOYIN SIDIKAT

I formerly known and addreessed as OGBEIDE OLUWATOYIN SIDIKAT, now wish to be known and addressed as ADETUNJI OLUWATOYIN SIDIKAT. All former document remain valid.

General public should please take note.

EMEASOBA JULIET GINIKA

I formerly known and addreessed as CHUKWUKA JULIET GINIKA, now wish to be known and addressed as EMEASOBA JULIET GINIKA. All former document remain valid. General public should pleasee take note.

LAMIDI MUSIBAU ABIODUN

I formerly known and addressed as LAMIDI MUSIBAU AJAO, now wish to be known now addressed as LAMIDI MUSIBAU ABIODUN, all former document remain valid general public take note OLUGBENGA DUROTIMI IFETAYO

Formerly OLUGBENGA BAYO SOLANKE Now OLUGBENGA DUROTIMI IFETAYO. Former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

That my name was mistakenly written as Alaba Arokoyo in my first Bank account details instead of ALABA AROKOYU, I also want to add Gabriel to my name. My correct name are ALABA AROKOYU GABRIEL. General public should please take note.

ADDITION /CONFIRMATION OF NAME

In some of my documents (BVN) my name appears as BERNARD THOMAS now I wish to add ABIODUN to my name. Both BERNARD THOMAS and BERNARD ABIODUN THOMPSON are my names. Now I wish to be known as BERNARD ABIODUN THOMPSON. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

ORESANWO TAIWO FUNMILAYO

I formerly known and addressed as ADEBISI TAIWO FUNMILAYO, now wish to be known and addressed as ORESANWO TAIWO FUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid. General public please take note.

IYABO OLUWAYEMISI OJO

I formerly known as IYABO WENU wish to be known and addressed as IYABO OLUWAYEMISI OJO .All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

MRS FREDRICK UGONMA ADAOMA AUGUSTINA

I formerly known as MISS UGO AUGUSTINA ADAOMA wish to be known and addressed as MRS FREDRICK UGONMA ADAOMA AUGUSTINA . All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

OSAJI GABRIEL CHIBOGU

I formerly known and addressed as Osaji James Gabriel now wish to be known and addressed as Osaji Gabriel Chibogu . All former documents remained valid and general public take note.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

IYALE AREA DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

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, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Mr. Obetule Andrew Chairman 2. Mr. Ejima Ochidi Secretary 3. HRH. Engr. Thomas Idajili 4. Hon. Joel Abuh 5. Eld. Bameyi Ademu 6. Mr. John Ododo 7. Mr. Reuben Ichado THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1.To bring into the unity and amicable Co-operation of iya area development ASSOCIATION 2. To Care For The Welfare Of The members Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama District, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

SIGNED BY SECRETARY

ARIYO ELIZABETH

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADEDAYO DADA CAROLINE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ADEDAYO ARIYO ELIZABETH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

OMOLABAKE KUYE

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BOLATITO BAMGBOPA NOW JEMILAT OMOLABAKE KUYE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID U.B.A AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

IMMACULATA IKE-CHIEMENEM

ADENIKE SALAHUDEEN

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MSS NGOZI CHINMA MADU NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS MRS NGOZI CHINMA IMMACULATA IKE-CHIEMENEM. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAINS VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERN AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS MEDINAT ADENIKE YAHAYA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS MEDINAT ADENIKE SALAHUDEEN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

MAHMUD TUKUR

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ZAINAB A. ISA AHMED. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ZAINAB MAHMUD TUKUR. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

OLUWASEUN OMOTAYO I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLUWASEUN FANUYI NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND ADDRESS AS OLUWASEUN OMOTAYO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID AUTHORITY CONCERN AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

OGUNWALE OLABISI AGBEKE

ESSAHMED BAYERO

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OGUNWALE OLABISI MUSFAT NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS OGUNWALE OLABISI AGBEKE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS SAFIYA ISA AHMED, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS SOPHIA ESSAHMED BAYERO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

23 Public Notice

SOCIETY FOR AUTOMATION, CONTROL AND INSTRUMENTATION OF NIGERIA

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 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Professor Ogunye Ayodele Francis 2. Professor Ibidapo-Obe Oyewusi 3. Professor Taiwo Oluwafemi 4. Professor Okoya Samuel Segun 5. Professor Kehinde Lawrence Olakunle 6. Professor Olatunbosin Adeboye THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To promote the science and technology of control in all systems, be they physical, engineering, biological, social or economic and ensure it’s use in the development of the society. a) serve practitioners with the theory and applications of automatic control and instrumentation b) provide a platform for collaboration among those working in the areas of automation, control and instrumentation irrespective of race, creed, color or geographical location, and promotes free exchange of ideas and expertise, c) ensure that the utilization of the theory and practice of automation, control and instrumentation engenders rapid development of the society. Consequently, the Nigerian experts in this field will be regularly exposed to relevant technologies that would empower them to contribute effectively both in the teaching and practice of this very important field of endeavours.

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

Signed by: SECRETARY

BUKOLA OLAJUMOKE UDAYA FOUNDATION 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 Acts of 1990.

Trustees are : 1. ENGR. OLABODE JAIYEOLA 2. SURVEYOR STEPHEN THOMPSON ADEYANJU 3. MR. OLAWALE MCPAUL OYEWOLE 4. MR. MARTINS OYE 5. MR. OLANREWAJU OLAJUMOKE 6. MR. AKINYEMI OLATUNBOSUN OLALEKAN 7. BRIG. GEN. EMEKA UDAYA AIMS: To provide educational bursaries to the needy students particularly from vulnerable groups, disadvantaged families and marginalized communities.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication. signed: Trustees

MERCY SUCCESS ANDREW I, formerly known and addressed as MERCY SUCCESS EIGBE, Now wish to be known and addressed as MERCY SUCCESS ANDREW. All former documents remain valid. General public/authorities concerned should take note

GBOLADE ADEDIGBA I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OGUNSANYA GBOLADE NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND ADDRESS AS OGUNSANYA GBOLADE ADEDIGBA AND MY DATE OF BIRTH IS 28TH JANUARY 1953. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID AUTHORITY CONCERN AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

UDOUSONG OKON EFFIONG

I, formerly known and addressed as UDOH OKON EFFIONG, Now wish to be known and addressed as UDOUSONG OKON EFFIONG. All former documents remain valid. General public/ authorities concerned should take note.

JIBIRO REJOICE NGOZI I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS JIBIRO NGOZI UZOJI NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND ADDRESS AS JIBIRO REJOICE NGOZI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID AUTHORITY CONCERN AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

UNITED ASSOCIATION FOR ADVOCACY PROTECTION AND ADVANCEMENT OF THE INTERESTS OF DISABLED PERSONS The general public is hereby notified that the above named Association has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission [CAC] Abuja for registration under Part C of the Company and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.} MOSES AKINPELU 2.} YAKUBU ADEJOH 3.} TAYO KING JAMES JEGEDE 4.} BALA ISA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1) To protect and advocate for the rights of persons living with disabilities 2) To advance the interests of physically challenged persons.

3) To assist the needy Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission [CAC], Plot 420 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED: THE SOLICITOR: 08037748268

OLU-ODO MUSLIM COMMUNITY

x

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, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Siyanbola Kareem Adetoye 2. Olabanji Kazeem Bamidele 3.Oyewunmi Dauda Abefe 4. Rabiu Faruq Olanrewaju 5. Olubuade Azeez Ishola THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To propagate the religion of Islam 2. To establish, operate and maintain the disseminate what is deemed as a corollary to Islamic teaching, training and education Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 420, Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication SIGNED BY: SECRETARY

KAMUNA WIDOWS EMPOWERMENT INITIATIVE OFFICES ADRESS 3, EFFIONAYI ADUWAWA BENIN CITY. EDO STATE

THE General Public Is Hereby Notified That The Above Named Has Applied to Corporate Affairs Commission For Registration Under Part “C” Of The Companies And Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1 EMEZIEM NNOROM CHIDINMA AGATHA - Chairman.

2 ALIGWEKE OBINNA CHARLES 3 OBIOHA VINCENT NDUKA - Secretary.

4 OKANLAWON MARY IMAH AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: 1. To support the less privilege.

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 of This Publication.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE SACRED PEACE MISSION INTERNATIONAL

PILLAR MICROFINANCE BANK LTD HOLDS HER ANNUAL GENERAL MEETING: DATE: 2ND DECEMBER 2017, VENUE: NO12 JULIUS NYERERE CRECESENT, ASOKORO,ABUJA. TIME: 2PM. AGENDA: TO DISCOURSE ORDINARY BUSINESS.

THIS IS TO NOTIFY 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 1990.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BISHOP GILES EMELOKWU ANYANWU - CHAIRMAN 2. VINCENT NDUBUISI ELELE - SECRETARY 3. PAUL IKECHUKWU ANYANWU 4. EMMANUEL UCHE EKWUAH

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ELDER NESTOR LOLA DAVIS.........PRESIDENT. 2. PST. GLORY DAVIS ........................SECRETARY.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE ABRAHAMIC PROPHETIC SEEDS MINISTRY

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO FOSTER ONENESS AND PEACEFUL CO-EXISTENCE 2. TO BUILD BRIDGE OF LOVE WHERE HATRED & TRIBALISM HAS CREATED SEPARATION. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

CITY OF JERUSALEM MISSION

YAVUAN SWANSON ORPHANAGE CENTRE

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO GIVE HOPE AND CARE FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGE AND MOTHERLESS CHILDREN. 2. TO PROVIDE ACCOMMODATION FOR THE ORPHANS AND VULNERABLE CHILDREN 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 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY.

PLATFORM & UMBRELLA FOR SUCCESSFUL HERITAGE IN MINISTRY

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 1999.

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 1999.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST.

TRUSTEES: 1. REV AZUBUIKE NGOZI - PRESIDENT 2. BISHOP PROFESSOR. IDIKA FRANCIS ASHIAN -PATRON 3. PASTOR UCHE DANIEL IREM 4. PASTOR AKPU OKO MATTHEW 5. BROTHER ANWARA PAULINUS OTUU 6. BARR IREKE EMERI ASHIAN 7. DEACONESS NNACHI ESTHER UGO 8 DEACONESS EKUMA REGINA 9 BROTHER OKO NDUBUISI VINCENT

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BISHOP DR. EMMAH ISONG 2. PAST. MRS HELEN ISONG 3. EVANG. OFONMBUK OBOT 4. REV. UDAH UMA 5. PASTOR DR. KAISO ESSIERE 6. PASTOR OKU ITA 7. PASTOR DR. DENIS EZE 8. REV. TITUS ASUK

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 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST TO THE WHOLE NATIONS 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 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DANIEL UFUOPHU (PRESIDENT) 2. UFUPHU SARAH (SECRETARY).

3. UBIOKO DORIS (TREASURER).

4. AUDITOR ONAKPOHOR

SIGNED: PRESIDENT

SIGNED: SECRETARY

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 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

HAJIA MOSQUE ALI ASHANA DAKWA 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 1999.

THE TRUSTEES ARE 1. MUHAMMAD FATIHU 2. BASHIR SANI IBRAHIM 3. MUHAMMAD ABUBAKAR 4. ALHASSAN GIMBO 5. KISO UMAR 6. SHEHU IBRAHIM SOKATO 7. ABDULMALIK DANMALLAM BELLO 8. MUSA AHMED SULEIMAN 9. IBRAHIM MUHAMMAD 10. RABIU MOHAMMED AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO ADVANCE OUR FAITH AND PROVIDE US AN ENVIRONMENT WHERE WE CAN CONTRIBUTE TO THE PEACEFUL DEVELOPMENT OF OUR COMMUNITY, SOCIETY AND THE NATION 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 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

THILYKOS HYGIENIC INITIATIVE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ADEWALE OMOTARA JOAN - PRESIDENT 2. FABIYI ADETOLA AMOS - SECRETARY 3. AKINSEYE AKINOLA OMOTUNDE 4. OSAGIEDE ESOSA ADETOKUNBO 5. ILESANMI MARIAM ABISOLA

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. INIWARI JONAS FEGHE (FOUNDER/PRESIDENT) 2. CHRISTOPHER YAMIEHEFAHE (SECRETARY).

3. CHUKWU CHINYERE FAVOUR (TREASURER).

4. OWEI AYI 5. ENEWARI EBITIMI

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PROVIDE SANITARY TONERS TO YOUNG WOMEN IN SCHOOLS FREE CHANGE 2. TO REDUCE THE RATE OF SCHOOL ASSENTEESM AMONG YOUNG WOMEN

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO SET THE CAPTIVES FREE THROUGH PRAYERS.

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 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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

SIGNED: SECRETARY

KINGDOM SCHOLARS CROWN FOUNDATION

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. EZE JENNIFER OBIAGELI - CHAIRMAN 2. EZE JEFFERY ONYEKACHUKWU - SECRETARY 3. OTOWO SHEDRACH IDOKO - TREASURER 4. OKPATA CHIBUEZE FAVOUR, 5. OKUNADE OLAYINKA STEPHEN. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY. 2. TO CREATE SENSE OF UNITY,PEACE HARMONY AND LOVE AMONGST MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_ GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIR COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. UZOECHINE CHIMAMAKA JOY 2. UZOECHIE KINGLSEY

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHINONSO NWAGBARA ( CHAIRMAN) 2. DEBORAH OSIBU ( PRESIDENT) 3. KINGSLEY UGO 4. MR AGADA ELACHI 5. DR. AMANA EFFIONG

HOLINESS REVIVAL MINISTRY WORLDWIDE

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR CERTIFIED TRUE COPY OF CERTIFICATE AND REMOVAL AND APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES. THE REASON FOR THE CTC OF CERTIFICATE IS BECAUSE THE ORIGINAL CERTIFICATE OF THE SAID MINISTRY ISSUED TO PASTOR PAUL RIKA GOT MISSING WITHIN GWAGWALADA AND ALL EFFORT TO TRACE IT PROVED ABORTIVE. REMOVED TRUSTEES: 1. EVANGELIST MICHEAL SAMBO 2. PASTOR EDWARD OLUWADARE APPOINTED TRUSTEES: 1. EVANGELIST (MRS) LINDA PAUL RIKA 2. ELDER (SENATOR) EMMANUEL BWACHA

OCHANJA YOUTH FORUM THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ACHUMNU BENJAMIN IKECHUKWU- CHAIRMAN 2. ILONU ONYEBUCHI EZEKIEL- SECRETARY 3. NZELU ANTHONY OLISAEMEKA 4. OBIESIE IZUCHUKWU CAJETAN THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PROMOTE PEACE, DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH IN THE COMMUNITY.

THE RETAINED TRUSTEES ARE : 1. SUNUSI ADO BAYERO 2. SOPHIA ESSAHMED BAYERO 3. ZAINAB MAHMUD TUKUR ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGES SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIR COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: ABDULJALIL MUSA, ESQ.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. SONAIYA EMMANUEL BABAFUNSO 2. DUNIYA ILIYA BAGRO 3. TONY-DIKE CHIOMA MARIA 4. MOMODU MOTUNRAYO ADEBISI AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO STIMULATE AND SUSTAIN THE COMMERCIAL INTERESTS OF STAKEHOLDERS AND COMMITMENT TO THE NIGERIA SMALLHOLDER POULTRY BRAND FOR MUTUAL BENEFITS BY ADDRESSING PROBLEMS WITH FACTS AND EXPERIENCE ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: TRUSTEES

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 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED:- OSIBU RACHEL ESHIE (LEGAL ADVISER)

THE SOPHIA ESSAHMED FOUNDATION

THE REMOVED TRUSTEE IS : 1.AHMED AIMAN BAYERO SUNUSI.

AIM AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO BETTER THE LIFE OF NIGERIANS THROUGH CROWD FUNDING

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: BARR NKEIRUKA NWOKO 08052347182

THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE : 1. GAJI FATIMA DANTATA 2. NUHU AHMED RIBADU 3. GODWIN NDUBUISI KANU.

CROWDFUNDING DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE 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 1999.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REMOVAL AND APPOINTMENT OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

SIGNED: FOUNDER/PRESIDENT

THIS IS TO NOTIFY 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 1990.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

DE POWER OVER NATURE DELIVERANCE MINISTRY

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 1999.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO HELP EDUCATE INDIVIDUALS IN RURAL COMMUNITIES 2. TO HELP PROMOTE THE IMPORTANCE OF ACADEMIC EDUCATION IN SOCIETY 3. TO SUPPORT INDIVIDUALS WITH PURSUITS OF THEIR ACADEMIC GOALS. 4. TO DO CHARITY.

GREEN ARIES FOUNDATION

24 News

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIR COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE NIGER CONSENSUS FORUM

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

TRUSTEES ARE 1. BELLO MUSTAFA 2. NDANUSA SULEYMAN ABDUL 3. GANA IBRAHIM MOHAMMED 4. GARBA MOHAMMED ABDULLAHI 5. NDANUSA SANI MOHAMMED 6. ALHASSAN MOHAMMED SANI 7. HASSAN RAHMATU YAHAYA 8. MUSA IBRAHIM 9. TANKO KUTA UMARU 10. SANI ABDULLAHI MUHAMMADU AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROTECT THE INTEREST AND WELFARE OF ALL MEMBERS OF THE FORUM. 2. TO FOSTER UNITY AND PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE AMONG MEMBERS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: OBIAGELI ONYEKWULUJE

THE SOPHIA ESSAHMED FOUNDATION THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE SOPHIA ESSAHMED FOUNDATION WITH RC NO: CAC/IT/NO: 90334 HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR THE ALTERATION OF ARTICLE 4 OF ITS CONSTITUTION WHICH STATES THAT “.

THE TRUSTEES OF THE SOPHIA ESSAHMED FOUNDATION SHALL BE FOUR (4) IN NUMBERS TO NOW REFLECT: “THE TRUSTEES OF THE SOPHIA ESSAHMED FOUNDATION SHALL NOT BE LESS THAN TWO (2) AND NOT MORE THAN TEN (10) IN NUMBER.” ANY OBJECTION TO THE ABOVE SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: ABDULJALIL MUSA, ESQ.

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

TRUSTEES: (1) BARR MRS NGOZI NJOKU (2) BARR. UCHE NJOKU (3) DR. STANLEY OKORO (4) NICOLE NIKKI NJOKU (5) DR LASBREY ONONIWU AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. CARING FOR THE ELDERLY AND LESS PRIVILEGED IN 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, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

News 25

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

Construction coy threatens Adamawa Assembly with legal action Tom Garba, Yola

ÏÏÏ The management of Hyro-

Source and Resources Company handling a N1.2 billion rural roads project in Adamawa has threatened legal action against the Adamawa House of Assembly over alleged defamatory remarks.

The company, through its Site Engineer, Anake Samuel, during a press conference over the weekend in Yola the state capital gave the assembly 48 hours to withdraw its statement accusing the company of conniving with the officials of the state Ministry of Rural Development and Rural Access and Mobility Company RAMP-2 to defraud the people of Adamawa state.

Samuel said the company handling a N1.2 billion World Bank assisted contract under

RAMP-2 had never failed in its responsibility and had completed 92 per cent of the job in line with specifications and would completed the rest in December.

“Since the award of these contracts to our company, we have never failed in the discharged of our responsibility and we have been working according to specification.

“The statements by the house are unfair and clearly designed to injure our reputation, to expose us to ridicule and to discredit us in our trade so that the people of can avoid us. Indeed these statements have caused odium shame and disgrace to us as a company.”

Samuel said failure to retract the statement within the stipulated time and the publication of the apology in two national dailies, the company would sue for N1 billion damages.

L-R: Executive Director, Community Emergency Response Initiative, Attah Benson; Director of Disaster Risk Reduction, National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), Abdullahi Nuhu and Special Adviser to the President on Disaster Risk Management, Olufemi Oke-Osanyintolu, during the International Day for Disaster Risk Reduction in Abuja… at the weekend.

Nigeria on path to greatness Oshodi interchange: Lagos counsels motorists to adhere to safety measures again - Obasanjo Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏ Despite the daunting chal-

lenges confronting her, Nigeria is on the path to greatness again, former President Olusegun Obasanjo has said.

Obasanjo who spoke at the 52nd annual service songs of the 1st ECWA Church, Ilorin, Kwara state assured Nigerians that no matter the difficulties and challenges the nation was going through, it will come out stronger.

The former president reassured the congregants that “though children finished from REMOVAL OF NAME On my documents, my name appears as DURU OKPARA BOSEDE OLUFUNKE, That I want to remove OKPARA from my names. Henceforth wish to be known and addressed as DURU BOSEDE OLUFUNKE. All former documents remain valid. General public/authorities concerned should take note

schools without employment, market women are not finding it easy, and the down turn in the economy the country is on her path to greatness again.”

Obasanjo who was impressed by the performance of the choir invited the choir to his Christmas choir which holds on December 23rd of every year.

The occasion was graced by the Governor of Kwara State represented by the Head of Service, former Military Governor of Bauchi, Col. Theophilus Bamgboye, top government officials, captains of industry and Nigerians from all walks of life.

ADEEKO FATIMO SUNMOLA

Formerly known and addressed as Yinusa Fatimo sunmola now wish to be known and addressed as ADEEKO FATIMO SUNMOLA , all former document remain valid general public take note

CHRIST DYNAMICS MINISTRY

Benjamin Omoike

ÏÏÏMotorists

and other road users on Sunday were urged by the Lagos state government to strictly adhere to safety rules and measures already put in place to prevent any disaster as a result of the ongoing construction of the Oshodi Transport Interchange.

The project, which is being executed on behalf of the state government by Messrs Planet Projects, an indigenous firm, seeks to create a world class central business district with focus on transportation, security, environment and urban renewal.

The interchange has threemulti-storey bus terminals with waiting area, loading bays, ticketing stands, drivers lounge, parking areas, conveniences, surveillance tower and CCTV gadgets.

Other features include accessible walkways, pedestrian bridges/sky-walks to link the three terminals, shopping malls with street lighting and a dedicated security team on ground.

Upon completion, the project would bring about organised transport system, boost intratourism for Oshodi, bequeath an iconic city gateway to the state, ensure secured and comfortable environment, as well as economic growth and job creation.

In a statement by the Permanent Secretary in the state’s Ministry of Works and Infrastructure, Mr. Olujimi Hotonu, the government said with the high level of construction work ongoing at the project site, it became expedient to advise drivers, commuters, road users and residents of the area to be vigilant and cautious of safety mea-

sures.

He particularly cautioned pedestrians to keep moving anytime they are in the axis, saying that the safety of residents is of paramount importance to the firm and the Lagos state government.

Speaking on the safety measures, Hotonu said: “With the high level of construction at the Oshodi Transport Interchange, drivers, commuters and road users are advised to adhere strictly to safety rules and measures of certain risk around the zone.

“In view of the fact that the Lagos state government places high premium on safety of lives and property of the people, we like to specifically urge road users along the corridor to avoid fallen object, deep holes, muddy road, dust, noise and heavy moving equipment crossing, among others.

HAND OF GOD ORPHANAGE HOME

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, Decree No. 1 of 1990.

THE General Public Is Hereby Notified That The Above Named Has Applied to Corporate Affairs Commission For Registration Under Part “C” Of The Companies And Allied Matters Act 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, Decree No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ELECHUKWU, EMMANNLE G. 2. ELECHUKWU, CONFIDENCE C. 3. OJOKO RICHARD. 4. NJOKU, CHINEDU BERTHA.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: DESMOND OSAROGIE JONATHAN, RACHEAL DESMOND JONATHAN, JERRY OSAKPOLOR AGHAHOWA

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.EMEKA NWACHUKWU - PRESIDENT. 2.UZOCHUKWU NWACHUKWU - SECRETARY. 3.UGOCHUKWU NWACHUKWU - TREASURER.

AIM and OBJECTIVE: TO RENDER PHILANTHROPIC ASSISTANCE TO THE LESS PRIVILEGE IN THE SOCIETY

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES; 1.To foster unity among youths.

2.To educate and cater for the less privilege in our society .

Any objections to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission plot 420 Tigris Crescent off Aguiyi Ironsi street Maitama Abuja within 28days of this publication.

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 of This Publication.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420 Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED; ELECHUKWU, EMMANNLE G.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1) To Preach the word of God and Evangelize the Gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ

DUZOMA FRANCIS FOUNDATION

SIGNED: EMEKA NWACHUKWU (PRESIDENT).

News 26

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

Mother of 2 arrested for human trafficking, 2 victims rescued Joy Anyim

ÏÏÏ A 30 year old mother

of two has been arrested by the operatives of Rapid Response Squad of the Lagos State Police Command for human trafficking.

She was allegedly caught while attempting to transport two teenage girls through Lagos to Abidjan in Ivory Coast for commercial sex work.

The suspect, Martha Edea, from Ogoja in Cross River State, was nabbed in Lagos after travelling with the young girls from Benin, Edo State.

Martha confessed to the police that she was trafficked to Ivory Coast by one Mariam who told her there were chances of securing a good job in the country but

was later introduced to sex work where she slaved for months in paying back her custodian who brought her to Abidjan.

Martha said “I worked for three months to pay Mariam about 300,000 Cefa (N180,000) to balance her for my transportation into Ivory Coast and also for connecting me.”

She added that Mariam, after collecting the money, travelled to Spain abandoning her as a sex worker.

The mother of two who left her children in the village with her mother couldn’t find a headway in the business after her connector had travelled to Spain.

She further explained that she yielded to her friend’s advise to come back to Nigeria to recruit

young girls for the business.

Martha however came back to Nigeria and headed for Edo State where she was told that she will find young girls willing to travel out of the country to hustle as strumpets.

The 30-year-old met some locals in the area. She came in contact with two young ladies named Favour and Deborah who introduced her to the young girls.

“Favour took me to one Francess Bamidele who she said is her friend and will like to be taken out of the country for prostitution.

Francess also agreed to follow the unknown middle aged woman after making some juicy promises and testimonies about the foreign country.”

Francess, a 19-year-old secondary school dropout,

while talking to the Police said she was elated to hear from Martha that prostitution is very lucrative in Abidjan so she opted in for it and decided to travel with her without telling her guardian.

Similarly, Martha also contacted Deborah who lives in the neighborhood to help get another girl who is interested in travelling out of Nigeria in search for better work. Deborah took her to one Elo Etim, an 18-year-old who assured her Martha is her friend and it is okay to embark on such journey.

Martha, in her statement said, “I paid both Favour and Deborah a sum of N10,000 each for helping me get a girl each for the journey.

Herbert Wigwe named 2017 West African Business Leader –AABLA

ÏÏÏGroup

Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer of Access Bank Plc, one of Nigeria’s largest financial services institutions, has been recognised as ‘West African Business Leader of the Year 2017’ by the All Africa Business Leader Awards (AABLA), in partnership with CNBC Africa.

The announcement was made at the annualAABLA regional dinner, held weekend at the prestigious Eko Hotel & Suites in Lagos and attended by industry executives from around West Africa.

The annual AABLA award sets to honour business excellence and leaders who have made considerable impact on their industry and the community.

Speaking on the awards, Alexander Leibner said this marks the start of what is set to be another memorable AABLA season, honouring business excellence across the continent.

According to the organisers, this award celebrates individuals who exemplify the best in African leadership as well as African business

leaders who epitomize the core values of a successful leader, strength, innovation, ingenuity, knowledge and foresight – values that are imperative to carving out a powerful business in a PanAfrican and global economy.

Receiving the award, the Group Managing Director/ CEO of Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe, said, “It’s an honour to be shortlisted among some of the most powerful West African Business Leaders that I have ever come across and extremely humbled to be the recipient of such a prestigious award. Winning this is a recognition of our commitment to delivering banking excellence to our customers.

We remain focused on the realization of our strategic intent of becoming “Most Respected African Bank” and continue to explore opportunities in markets and sectors across the continent that will enable us achieve this vision.”

The 7th Annual ABBLA hosts three regional events in South Africa, Kenya and Nigeria before moving on to the AABLA Finale which is scheduled to hold November 30th, 2017 in South Africa.

Police officers fight over impounded motorcycles in Cross River Edem Bassey, Calabar

ÏÏÏPolicemen

L-R: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd., (NIGCOMSAT) Ms. Abimbola Alale; Minister of Youths and Sports Development, Mr. Solomon Dalung; Executive Director, Finance and Administration, NIGCOMSAT, Mohammed Lema Abubakar and Executive Director, Marketing and Business Development, NIGCOMSAT, Mr. Samson R. Osagie, during the Minister’s familiarisation visit to NIGCOMSAT in Abuja… at the weekend.

Nigeria can be net exporter of skills -Gov Ahmed

Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏIn the face of the un-

employment situation in the country, Nigeria can be a net exporter of skills to the West African subregion by training youths to fill local and regional middle level manpower gaps.

Kwara State Governor, Alhaji Abdulfatah Ahmed, stated this during a meeting with the Vice Chancellor of University of Wolverhampton, as part of his official visit to the United Kingdom.

Governor Ahmed maintained that if the proper structures for the training of Nigerian youths in market-relevant vocational skills are put in place, the country will not only

meet local needs for critical vocational skills but will be a net exporter of skills to the sub-region.

Having realized that formal educational institutions have been unable to fill the skills gap in Nigeria and the sub-region, the Kwara State government, he said, is showing the way through the establishment of the International Vocational, Technical and Entrepreneurship Center, (IVTEC) Ajase Ipo, whose curriculum was developed with the Nigeria Employers Consultative Association(NECA).

Kwara State, he revealed, is also supporting this drive through the establishment of the nationally-acclaimed Micro, Small, Medium En-

terprises Scheme (MSME) in the state under which more than N2b has been disbursed to small business owners through cooperatives.

IVTEC, according to him, will train youths in critical skill areas identified in partnership with NECA and prepare students for City and Guilds of London certification which will make such graduates employable locally, nationally and internationally. Alhaji Ahmed stressed that the present practice of importing artisans from the West African sub-region into Nigeria needs to be reversed in favor of the country and its youths.

Governor Ahmed emphasized that his administration’s renewed drive

for skills training and entrepreneurship was also spurred by the gradual transformation of the state from a civil servicedriven environment to an economically vibrant state which must be sustained by promoting entrepreneurship and growing the private sector, especially the informal economy.

He, therefore, solicited the partnership of the University of Wolverhampton, which he said has a long history of providing vocational and skills training on a regional basis, in the development of IVTEC and the state’s Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) whose management had just completed an executive course at the University’s Business School.

saddled with responsibility of impounding banned motorcycles in Calabar, Cross River State capital on Friday embarked on free for all fight in front of Governor’s office.

Our findings revealed that the Police men fought over who should take the custody of some motorcycles which were impounded and brought to the former office of Emergency Response Center (ERC), located directly opposite the governor’s office.

Two vehicles loaded with the impounded were brought to the ERC opposite the first gate of the Governor’s office and after a lot of argument among the policemen, some of who were hooded; they eventually drove into the ERC premises where the argument developed into a fisticuffs.

Though no dead was recorded, some sustained injuries. Recall that since the government of former Governor Liyel Imoke stopped operations of motorcycle within Calabar metropolis, policemen from different stations have been going after the operators, pursuing them even to remote areas where motorcycle operation is not even banned.

According to a policeman who was watching over the armoured vehicle permanently placed at the entrance of the governor’s gate and pleaded for anonymity said, “trouble started when a Policeman demanded for the removal of one of motorcycles, claiming that it belongs to one of his relations”.

“He attempted to remove the bike outside the ERC gate but the driver sped off into the premises and he went in only for others to start dragging him. When they started dragging him, some of his friends who are also Policemen joined in the fight and that is why the thing has escalated.”

He continued; “They have called the State Security Adviser and he has not come. My fear is that they should not start shooting because if they do that, it will attract the attention of the governor who is still in the office at the time of the incident.”

As the fight was going on however, the governor’s outrider sounded the siren, a traditional indication that the governor was prepared to leave the office, which made all the contenders disperse.

A passerby, who gave his name as Chief Effiong Okon Bassey and who stood to watch the whole drama said.

FEATURES

27

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

s

Tertiary institutions: Deans proffer solutions to students’ restiveness Peter Claver Egbochie Restiveness across Nigerian university campuses appears to be a phenomenon as old as tertiary education in the country. Each university has had to contend with this menace which appears to have defied solution.

This informed the gathering of Deans and Officers of Students’ Affairs in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria, (ADOSATIN) in Sango-Otta, Ogun State recently with the theme, “Effective Management of Students Lives on Campus: The Role of Students Affairs Department”, to proffer lasting solution to the issue of students’ unrest in Nigerian tertiary institutions.

The association identified effective management of students’ lives on campuses as the panacea to students’ restiveness which often disrupts academic activities.

They noted that university campuses are filled with students who have tendency to be restive and violent in their character dispositions and added that the display of this tendency has often culminated into crisis when their demands and expectations are deliberately unmet.

“In a situation where some essential municipal services on campus like water and light are not sufficiently provided, the tendency for students to be violent in forwarding their request to management of the institution becomes imminent. The campus must be made conducive for both academic and non-academic activities through the effective management of students’ lives,” they stated.

The association, in collaboration with the Global Centre for Security Operations and Management, Nigeria which organised the conference, observed that it had become necessary in view of the perennial students’ restiveness across Nigerian university campuses.

Declaring the conference open, Special Assistant to the President on Sustainable Development Goals and former deputy governor of Lagos State, Princess Adejoke Orelope-Adefulire maintained that the role of the Deans of Students’ affairs in each campus was very key in making life of students on campus very conducive for learning.

Adefulire who was represented by Deputy Director, Mrs O.M Olaopa, further noted that over the years, campuses around the country had been plagued with a lot of vices and other problems which had seriously inhibited learning experience in schools.

The problems include cultism, overcrowding of lecture halls, classrooms, accommodation shortages, lack of laboratories and equipment for research and development, inadequate remuneration for lecturers and shortage of academic staff and high student population among others.

The conference was attended by Deans, Associate/Sub-Deans, Directors, Deputy Registrars, Chief Security Officers, Guidance and Counselling Experts and Officers of Students’ Affairs Division while participants were drawn from Universities, Polytechnics, Monotechnic, and Colleges of Education across the country.

It featured presentations from resource persons on diverse issues; and these include: a.

Role of Students Union Leaders in the Maintenance of Peace on Campus/Is-

Youth restive

Three Ngeria police arrested after deadly student demonstration

OAU Students Hijack Campus in BringBackOurFees Battle

sues of Cultism and Possible Ways of Controlling It. b.Statutory Roles of Students’ Affairs in the Effective Management of Students’ Lives on Campus. c.Managing Diversities of Cultures, Social Teaching, and Religion on the Campus. d.Controlling Prevalent Cases of Cultism in Nigeria’s Tertiary Institutions. e.Addressing the Issues of On and Off Campus Accommodation Problems. f. Managing Students in the Tertiary Institutions: The Emerging Trend. g. Managing Stress in the Workplace. h. Understanding Value of Counselling Services to the Effective Management of Students’ Lives on Campus/Inter-functional Relationship between Student Affairs and Other Units in Tertiary Institutions. i. Curbing Drug and Substance Abuse in Tertiary Institutions in Nigeria: Imperatives for more Rewarding Education for Nigerian Youths. j. Provision of Municipal Services on Campus as related to the Lives of the Students/Emergency Management in the Campus System. k.Understanding Loss, Grief and Bereavement in Crisis: The Process of Healing, Growth and Reconciliation among Campus Communities. l.Understanding the value of Counselling Services to the Effective Management of Students’ Lives on Campus. m.Realistic Stress Management Strategies in the Workplace and n. E-networking for Crime Control in the Institution.

In a communiqué issued at the end of the conference, participants identified a number of contemporary issues and challenges in the management of student’s affairs in tertiary institutions. These include: a. Absence/inadequate orientation programme for fresh students. b.Inadequate/poor state of hostel accommodation and health facilities c. Insufficiency of municipal services such as water, light, sanitary and Cafeteria Services. d. Cultism, drugs and substance abuse. e.

Increasing number of indigent students. f.

Pervert Sexual habit and consequences, cohabitation, rape, homosexuality, unwanted pregnancy and prostitution. g. Absence of or inadequate guidance and counseling Services h. Interference (Internal and External) in Student unionism. i.

Abuse of the essence of student unionism. j. Students’ affairs officers’ vulnerability to stress and inaccessibility of same students’ affairs officers to student. k.

Inadequate networking among students affairs officers in tertiary institutions across the country.

After critical examination of the aforementioned problems, participants came to the conclusion that these problems badly account for students’ unrest and poor performance in tertiary institutions in the country. Consequently, the conference made the following recommendations: a. Fresh students should be given early

orientation. b. Government, management of institutions, and private organisations are enjoined to provide more hostel accommodations and related facilities on campus. c.

Concerted efforts should be made for adequate provision and maintenance of municipal services. d. Adequate re-orientation, monitoring, prevention and control measures should be taken by all stakeholders to curb the menace of cultism, drug abuse, pervert sexual habit and other social vices. e.

Scholarships, bursaries and social security should be provided to address the increasing number of indigent students. f.

Institutions are advised to establish functional guidance and counseling units/ centres. g. Stakeholders are advised to abstain from unnecessary interference in students’ unionism. h. Management should ensure that student leaders are given regular training on leadership and accountability. i.

Student affairs officers are urged to be more student friendly in the discharge of their duties and properly manage their work schedules to avoid stress. j.

Student affairs officers are encouraged to take advantage of the ADOSATIN platform for better networking and service delivery.

Highlight of the conference was the setting up of a steering committee headed by Prof Stanley C. Udedi, Dean of Student Affairs, Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Awka and the convener of the conference.

Other members of the committee include Mr. Muhammed Mahmud Abdu, Dean of Students’ Affairs, Nuhu Bamali Polytechnic, Zaria; (Vice President 1), Prof. Gbenga Onibi, Dean of Students’ Affairs, Federal University of Technology Akure, (Vice President 2), Mr. O.O Olaluwoye, Dean of Students’ Affairs, Adeyemi College of Education, Ondo State (Secretary), Prof. Abdulmojeed T. Ijaya, Dean of Students’ Affairs, Federal University of Technology, Minna (Welfare Director) and Dr. Isaac Zeb-Obipi, Dean of Student Affairs, Rivers State University, Port Harcourt, (Treasurer).

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6 , 2016

28 News

Reckless Statements: FG disowns Obono Obla Ï #ƈƏƆƅƐ ƈƌ Ɛ ƆƐ ƅƋƆ Ə ƅƆ ƇƏ ƌ 10ô ƇƇƈƅƆ ƄƆƇ ƏƆ Ə Ɛƈ ƈ ƐƆƏƒƈƆƓ

Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏ

Following his consistent reckless utterances to the public, the Federal Government yesterday disowned the Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property, Chief Okoi Obono-Obla.

The Federal Government however asked him to henceforth desist from carrying out any operation in his capacity as head of the panel on the strength that his actions of late, has run contrary to the enabling act establishing it.

A letter addressed to the panel’s chairman dated November 1st, 2017 vide file number HAGF/ SH/2017/VOL/1/60 and signed by the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of

Justice, Mr. Abubakar Malami, SAN instructed Obla to henceforth seek clearance from the AGF before granting any media interview or making press releases on official matters.

The letter also directed ObonoObla to promptly provide a detailed up-to-date report on the activities of the panel to the Minister for onward transmission to the Vice President, Professor Yemi Osinbajo.

The FG equally noted that the activities of the panel have contravened established administrative procedures and protocols in the nation’s civil service structure, insisting his immediate and strict compliance with the directives.

Malami’s letter titled, RE:

DIRECTIVE IN RESPECT OF CHIEF OKOI OBONO-OBLA, CHAIRMAN OF THE SPECIAL INVESTIGATION PANEL ON THE RECOVERY OF PUBLIC PROPERTY emanates from an earlier one sent to him by the Vice President.

It reads in part, “I have received a letter Ref. SH/OVP/DCOS/ FMJ/0424 dated 20th October, 2017 in respect of the above subject from the Office of the Vice President.

“In the said letter, the Vice President expressed his concerns on the activities of the Special Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property which runs contrary to the enabling Act establishing it. He also noted that the activities of the Panel run foul or

contrary to established administrative procedures and protocols in the Federal Civil Service structure.

“In view of the foregoing coupled with the directives contained in the letter under reference, you are hereby directed to refrain from any further action or taking any step in your capacity as the Chairman of the Special Investigation Panel on the Recovery of Public Property with immediate effect until directed otherwise by His Excellency, the Vice President.

“While you are to await further instructions in respect of the Panel’s mandate, you are hereby directed to promptly provide a detailed up-to-date report on the activities of the Panel to the undersigned for onward transmis-

sion to the Vice President.

“Furthermore, you are required to henceforth seek clearance from the Honourable Attorney General of the Federation and Minister of Justice before granting any media interview or making press releases on official matters.

“While appealing for immediate and strict compliance with the contents of this letter, please, accept the assurances of my warm regards and best wishes”, the letter concluded.

It could be recalled that ObonoObla while commenting on the reinstatement of fugitive Federal civil servant, Abdulrasheed Maina, said that no court has pronounced him guilty of any offence.

Pat Utomi not abreast with giant devt strides in Delta -Aide Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

ÏÏÏ Former Chairman of

ƅƏ é ƆƅƐƈ Ƈ ƍƑƍƈƋ Ƈ d ô ƗƑ Ƒ ƑƏ ^Əƈƌ Əƕ dƅ Ƌè ƗƑƏƈ Ɛ Ɔ M Ɛƈ Ƌ 6 ƌƆ 1Ə Ɠ dƅ Ƌ 0ƆƆƗƈ ^Ə Ə ƌƌƆ ƈ Ƒƅ ƈ dƐ ƐƆČ Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ ƓƆƆƊƆ Ɨê

Corruption responsible for insurgency - Senator Zwingina Samuel Luka, Bauchia

ÏÏÏA

former Senate leader, Senator Jonathan Silas Zwingina, has attributed the problem of insurgency that engulfed North East region to corruption, saying “if corruption was not allowed to interfere in the system, there would have been no insurgency in the first place.”

Zwingina who posited that President Mohammadu Buhari is standing alone in the fight against corruption, added that the President is surrounded by doubtful officials.

He stated this on Sunday at a sensitization workshop on the activities and achievements of President Buhari held at Zaranda hotel in Bauchi.

Zwingina, the guest speaker at the occasion, expressed fear over the success of the fight against corruption as, according to him, “it’s quite unfortunate that the President is surrounded by so many doubtful assistants.

“With the foot soldiers available to Mr. President to fight the war against corruption, there are many cases where it appears that the President is alone in the fight

against corruption. He is sometimes surrounded by so many doubtful assistants such that if he were to sack them, he would sack almost everybody; hence he is forced to manage what is available to him. He added.

He however stressed the need for all hands to be on deck to fight corruption to a standstill in the country.

“We must support the war against corruption in order to climb higher in the anti corruption index as well as free our economy and society from the cancer that has been overwhelmingly ac-

the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Delta State, Chief Edwin Uzor, has reacted to Prof. Pat Utomi’s statement that Deltans are going through misery.

According to the PDP chieftain in a press statement made available to our reporter, “I have read with interest the statement credited to Prof.

Pat Utomi at a Delta North All Progressives Congress (APC) stakeholders’ meeting where he took a swipe at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) administration in Delta State. In the statement, Prof. Utomi was quoted to have stated that Deltans are going through “misery.”

Chief Uzor noted that it is very unfortunate when supposedly knowledgeable persons make reckless statements that have no bearing with facts. But then, I am not surprised at Utomi’s verbal gaffe because this is a man who is not in touch with the reality on ground in Delta State yet wants to govern it. Sad to say, Prof. Utomi has joined the band of political merchants in Lagos and Abuja, who only remember that they are from Delta when it is election time.

“After his failed attempts to be appointed a minister in the rudderless and abysmally incompetent APC led Federal Government, Prof. Utomi now thinks that it is Deltans who should compensate him for the ignoble role he played in foisting President Muhammadu Buhari on Nigerians. Deltans know better than to listen to or put their

fate in the hands of an accidental manager, who could not even manage a corporation, but ran it aground,” he said.

He pointed out that “just as the learned Professor was rounding up his unguarded utterances; Delta State was being announced as second in the country on the Ease of Doing Business by the National Competitiveness Council of Nigeria.”

What further proof do we need that Utomi is out of touch with the reality in Delta State?

Only those who are blind or deaf-or both-will fail to see or acknowledge the giant strides in infrastructural development, education, financial inclusion, inter-ethnic harmony, peace and security under successive PDP administrations in Delta State, Chief Uzor said.

Prof. Utomi, according to the former PDP state chairman, has the constitutional right to aspire to any office in the land, but he should first learn the rudiments of political engagement and humbly subject himself to some political education before opening his mouth.

“In the meantime, I will advise him to concentrate his efforts to right the wrong of helping to promote an APC led Federal Government that has inflicted the worst form of suffering on Nigerians,” he pointed out, adding “today, Nigeria is gradually becoming a country known for suicide deaths as a result of the horrible economic policies of the APC led Federal Government, which have wreaked incalculable damage to the family economy.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

News 29

Court orders Jim Iyke to pay N15.7m to a Nigerian socialite Francesca Iwambe, Abuja

ÏÏÏJustice

L-R: Mr. Obasun Olubunmi; Commissioner for Home Affairs, Mr. Obawale Adebisi and Osun Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, during the inspection visit to Ila Government High school, lla- Orangun, Osun State…at the weekend.

AfDB to partner NEPAD Nigeria on developmental projects

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

African Development Bank (AfDB) and NEPAD Nigeria have agreed to collaborate with in the delivery of developmental programmes and projects would improve the welfare of the African people in line with NEPAD vision.

In a statement on Sunday by the Special Assistant Media to the NEPAD CEO, Mr Nkem Anyata-Lafia, said that the agreement was reached in Abidjan, the Cote d’Ivoire capital, on October 31, 2017.

According to NEPAD, the high point of the agreement was to further their collective aspirations for the development of the African continent, especially, in relation to food security and employment-creation.

AfDB President, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina, said, although, Africa was late in its agricultural development agenda in comparison to other continents, there was hope that, with speedy actions, success would be achieved.

Adesina emphasized the need to quicken actions on programmes on agricultural development in Africa in order to bridge the gap already created in that direction on the continent.

He disclosed that the AfDB had identified what it calls ‘High 5 Priorities’ as quick wins that would enable the kind of growth that would be of immense benefits to the continent as a whole. Such areas include: To achieve this, Adesina said the AfDB has been reorganised for better delivery of its mandate and responsiveness to the needs of the African continent.

He used the occasion to inform his audience that the

Bank has adopted a new business model, which has also occasioned the establishment of three new Departments: Power, Energy and Green Growth; Agriculture, Human and Social Development as well as that of the Private Sector, Infrastructure and Industrialisation; each of which is headed by a Vice President.

Adesina also informed the groups that the AfDB has, in its quest for increased efficiency in operations, established five Regional Integration and Business Delivery Offices across the continent.

These offices, he said would be commissioned on November 19-20 this year adding that Nigeria has one of such Offices.

As part of the areas of the Bank’s current investment focus, its President identified the Private Sector, Solar Energy, Agriculture, Youths and Women as areas of priority attention.

He listed some programmes in relation to the aforementioned to include: 1 Grid-based System and Off the Grid System, which encompasses a 500m USD for facilitating business system for off the grid systems, efforts in clean energy for women and Africa 50, and a solar grid system being experimented in Jigawa State, Nigeria.

Others include :1B USD signed between AfDB, World Bank, Rockefeller and Bill Gates Foundations for technologies in agricultural transformation and another 3B USD to support women in Africa; 25M USD for jobcreation for African youth; 150Euro for Boost Africa, an initiative that will be carried out with European Investors; 300m USD for skills development as well as several other empowerment initiatives for

the continent, including the oncoming African Investment Forum slated for Abidjan on November 8-9 this year.

In her remarks, National Coordinator /CEO, NEPAD Nigeria, Princess Gloria Akobundu, extoled the “motivational leadership style” of Adesina.

Akobundu called for stronger synergy in the activities of stakeholders in Africa’s development, while soliciting strong support from the AfDB for the programmes and projects of NEPAD Nigeria.

She also used the occasion to promise collaboration with the Bank, while also regaling her audience with the challenges and achievements of NEPAD Nigeria since she assumed office.

Also speaking, NEPAD Business Group, Nigeria,

who is also President, Lagos State Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Mrs Nike Akande, expressed gratitude to the AfDB boss for the reception accorded to the visiting Nigerian delegation.

She used the opportunity to present the activities of the Group and its challenges, while promising to strive with NEPAD Nigeria to deliver the vision of a viable Africa on all areas of need.

On his part, Chairman of NEPAD Business Group, Cote d’Ivoire, and President, International Cooperation in Africa, Nbengue Guy, also expressed the willingness of his Group to partner with the Bank.

Among those present at the meeting were officials of the collaborating Organisations, including Vice Presidents of AfDB.

Adebukola Banjoko of the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory sitting in Gudu, has ordered a popular Nollywood Actor James Ukechukwu Esomugha, popularly known as Jim Iyke to pay the sum of N15.7million to a Nigerian socialite, Hajiya Habiba Abubakar after she accused him of defrauding her.

The plaintiffs, Hajiya Habiba Abubakar, Khadijah Abubakar and Khaleed Abubakar had dragged the Nollywood screen bad boy to court for allegations of fraud.

He was specifically charged with criminal breach of trust, criminal force, assault, cheating and criminal misappropriation contrary to sections 312, 265, 322, 397 and 309 of the Penal Code.

The 1st plaintiff, Habiba Abubakar who is a financial investor had alleged that after solicitation by Jim Iyke, she had invested monies to the tune of N16.5million in Untamed Records Limited, a company in-cooperated by Jim Iyke to promote his artistic works.

She also alleged that Jim Iyke. used fraudulent tactics and acquired 15 per cent equity shares of a music company, Untamed Records Ltd. Abubakar who stated in the originating sum-

mons that she made the investment on behalf of her children both listed as 2&3 plaintiffs in order to secure their educational future said that she made various financial payments and transfer to Untamed Records Ltd. She prayed the court to declare that the 1&2 defendants are indebted to all the plaintiffs in the sum of N15.7million.

Abubakar had also prayed the court to hold that failure if them to pay the agreed monthly instalment payments into the accounts of the plaintiffs negates the Debts Repayment Agreement and thereby terminated it.

The summary of the exhibit tendered in evidence by the plaintiffs were bank statements of about 7 banks.

Meanwhile, Justice Banjoko who entered judgment in favour of the plaintiffs ordered Jim Iyke to pay the sum of N15.7million calculated at the interest rate of 5% from October 1,2012, to the day of the judgement of the court.

The judge also made an order for interest on the total amount outstanding, N15.7million calculated at the interest rate of 10% from the day of the judgement until final liquidation of the amount.

She also awarded cost for the action of the suit in the sum of N500,000 against the defendants.

Ogun sensitises religious bodies on adherence to environmental laws, regulations ÏÏÏThe

Ogun State Government has kick-off a sensitisation and enlightenment programme towards curbing the violation of specific laws and regulations by religious bodies in the state.

Head of Service, Mr. Abayomi Sobande, said this in his opening address at a Consultative meeting with religious bodies on regulation of economic and environmental impact of activities of Non Governmental Organisations held in Abeokuta.

While appreciating the critical investment role of religious bodies in the socioeconomic development of the

state, he noted that “it has become particularly expedient, to effectively contain the undesirable consequencies of inadequate planning for these activities, be it noise or waste pollution, security challenge or traffic chaos or slums.”

Towards the successful implementation of this objective, Mr. Sobande said religious sites will be required to furnish information on the particular property to facilitate accurate assessment of activities.

This, according to him, will among others, assist, for instance, in addressing current planning challenges, such as provision for parking

of vehicles and appropriate classification of land-use.

He disclosed that the state government has placed a cap of 50 hectares on total land size that any religious body could acquire, at a particular location for its core-mandate.

Warning that this should not be seen as a licence for micro-sized assemblies to acquire the 50 hectares for extraneous purposes, Mr. Sobande stated that only the portion of land applied strictly to religious activities will be accorded that privilege by the government.

“We are not unmindful of the fact that our many longtime resident assemblies will have differing challenges in

addressing these issues.

“The most important point to note is that you remain highly valued development partners to this administration. Each case will therefore be treated according to its peculiarity, while moving in the general direction of a better regulated regimen in the best interest of all stake-holders.

“We need free and full conversation to be able to understand our fears, align our expectations and institute a more orderly environment for a sustainable development that guarantees the best interest of all stake-holders, the conversation has started, the HOS concluded.

Stories by Frank Jumbo

Monday, November 6, 2017

D

EXTRATIME

30

eportivo La Coruna goalkeeper Francis Uzoho has paid tribute to the Spanish club after earning his maiden call-up to Nigeria’s senior squad.

Uzoho, 19, has been named in the 24-man squad to take on Algeria in a World Cup qualifier and then a friendly against Argentina this month.

“It probably wouldn’t have happened

Deportivo goalkeeper, Uzoho delighted at Nigeria call-up if I hadn’t been promoted to the first team at Deportivo,” he told BBC Sport.

“They’ve really helped me and hopefully I can repay the faith,” he added. Uzoho’s national call-up comes off the back of a strong start to his Deportivo career and Nigeria’s quest for additional goalkeepers.

He became the youngest foreign goalkeeper to ever play in La Liga last month. “I

feel I owe the former manager [Pepe Mel] a lot as well and I am grateful to the players and management of the second team and senior side and I thank God for his favours,” said Uzoho.

Leicester City trio of Wilfred Ndidi, Kelechi Iheanacho and Ahmed Musa plus Arsenal’s Alex Iwobi join captain and China-based John Mikel Obi in a

strong Super Eagles side.

In-form Henry Onyekuru, who has scored seven goals this season on loan at Belgian side Anderlecht from Everton, returns as part of an experienced 24-man squad named by coach Gernot Rohr.

He has also handed a maiden call-up to Norway-based Chidiebere

Nwakali, who like Uzoho, won the U-17 World Cup with Nigeria in 2013. Chelsea’s Victor Moses is still recovering from a hamstring injury, while coach Rohr will also be without injured regular left-back Elderson Echiejile and striker Odion Ighalo.

Corporate bodies urged to sponsor horse racing competitions

T

reasurer of the Royal Equestrian/Horse Racing Club in Dutse, Ahmad Zakari, on Sunday, pleaded with corporate bodies operating in the state to assist in sponsoring their horse racing competitions.

Zakari told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Dutse that the corporate bodies and other good-spirited individuals should see such gesture as part of their Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR).

He added that such sponsorship would help in developing the horse racing sport.

“Wealthy individuals, banks, construction and other companies operating in the state should invest in horse racing competitions.

“They should not leave the organisation of horse racing competitions in the hands of the clubs alone. They should complement our efforts.

“I am sure that by so doing our racers will develop to participate in competitions anywhere in the world,” he said.

The Treasurer further noted that the gesture would also make horse racing attractive to youths within and outside the state, and Nigeria at large.

“It will also serve as a platform to groom young racers to feed the club in future, by having younger ones to replace the ageing racers.’’

Zakari said the club would also need the assistance of corporate bodies to continue to organise horse racing, which it began since 1999.

“Sponsorship will enable the club to continue with horse racing in the state. We used to organise competitions four times a year.

“Usually, competitors from within and outside the country usually participate in such competitions.

“Clubs from Gumel, Daura, Birnin Kebbi, Kano and Zaria used to compete with those from Niger Republic, Chad and Sudan.

“Club members, horse owners, those from royal families and other interested individuals were allowed to participate in the sport,” Zakari said.

NAN reports that the Royal Equestrian Club with headquarters in Gumel Local Government Area of the state has the Emir of Gumel, Ahmad Muhammad, as its President.

Other executive committee members are the Emir of Daura, Umar Faruk, as Vice-President II, Dangiwa Umar, a former military governor of Kaduna State, as Vice-President III, and Zakari as National Treasurer/Secretary.

Kabiru Balogun

Ebuehi likely to make Eagles debut

T Balogun joins Nasarawa Utd

F

orward Kabiru Balogun has joined Nasarawa United for the 2017/18 Nigeria Professional Football League season.

The former Ikorodu United goal poacher campaigned for former Nigerian champions Kano Pillars in the past league season. The Pyramid City side finished the season in eighth position on 48 points.

Balogun said he has left the Kano landlords for good to pitch his tent with the Solid Miners.

“I have officially left Kano Pillars to team up with Nasarawa United for the upcoming league season.

“I’m now a full-fledged player of Nasarawa United having signed the necessary documents.

“I’m happy with what I saw on the ground at the La-

fia side and I’m positive the upcoming season will be fulfilling.

“I will work hard to ensure I meet the expectations and trust of management.

“Nasarawa United are already a great team and I will try my very best for them to meet their goal of becoming the Nigerian champions at the end of the season.

“Together we will also work hard to give the 2018 Aiteo Cup our very best fight.

“I hope to earn more playing time at Nasarawa United,” said Balogun to supersport.com.

The Lafia landlords were sixth in the past top-flight season on 50 points, 12 behind league winners, Plateau United.

here are strong indications that DutchNigerian defender Tyronne Ebuehi who is more at home as a right back could make his debut for Nigeria against Algeria from the left back spot.

Ebuehi has been a part of the senior team of Nigeria since the start of qualifiers but missed out on the squad for the last game against Zambia which they won 1-0 to progress to the World Cup. Named in the squad as a replacement for the injured Elderson Echiejile in the squad for the game against Algeria, Rohr has hinted he could do a job as the left back of the team against Algeria. ” Elderson is not around for the game, so we will try out some players in roles we know they can play. Ebuehi and Aina are young players who are in the team for the Algeria game and we know they can play there”, Rohr said.

Playing as a right back won’t be entirely strange to the 20 year old as he filled in admirably well for his team in same role last season, when the regular left back of the team pulled up injured.

Monday, November 6, 2017

EXTRATIME

Graf backs Williams to break Court’s record

S

erena Williams can “absolutely’’ surpass Margaret Court’s all-time record of 24 Grand Slam singles titles if the American returns to tennis after giving birth earlier this year, a women tennis legend says.

Former world number one Steffi Graf said on Sunday that her ability to do this will however be dependent upon her determination and will.

Williams has not competed since winning the Australian Open in January but the 36-year-old posted several videos on social media showing her hitting balls during her pregnancy.

She was about two months pregnant when she captured her 23rd Grand Slam singles title in Melbourne, one short of the all-time record held by Australian Court.

“Absolutely, yes,” Graf told fans and reporters ahead of Sunday’s WTA Elite Trophy singles final in Zhuhai.

“I think a lot of it is determined on her drive and if that is what she wants to do.”

Graf won 22 Grand Slam singles titles which was eclipsed by Williams in January.

Williams told Vogue magazine in August about her ‘outrageous plan’ to defend her title in Australia, where the year’s first Grand Slam will be played from Jan. 15 to Jan. 28.

“It sounds from what I hear that she is looking to come back to tennis and, you know, everything that she has shown over her career just makes you believe that if she has that in her sights then she will go after it and achieve it,” Graf said.

Serena Williams

31

Manchester City continues winning streak, beat Arsenal 3-1

T

he Premier League leaders, Manchester City, on Sunday, extended their club record run winning 15 in all competitions by beating Arsenal 3-1to open up an eight-point lead at the top of the table.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that City grabbed the lead in the 19th minute through a low drive from Belgian midfielder Kevin De Bruyn.

He doubled Manchester City’s advantage soon after the interval when record scorer Sergio Aguero slotted home a penalty after Raheem Sterling was barged over by Nacho Monreal.

Arsenal threw on striker Alexandre Lacazette in the 56th minute and he fired the gunners back into the game with a clinical diagonal finish, after being set up

by Aaron Ramsey.

But City restored their two goal lead when David Silva, in what replays suggested was an offside position, collected a pass from Fernandinho and slipped the ball to substitute Gabriel Jesus for a simple tap-in.

Arsenal Goalkeeper Petr Cech during his postmatch comment said, “At 2-1, we got back into the game and we were in it. We had time to search for the equaliser but the third goal made a huge difference.

“I can’t comment on the penalty because of my angle, but the third goal, I was surprised.

“David Silva looked far behind everybody but the referee had a better view than me.

Injured Alli out of England’s friendlies against Germany, Brazil

T

ottenham Hotspur midfielder Dele Alli has been ruled out of England’s friendlies against Germany and Brazil at Wembley this month after picking up a hamstring injury.

He got injured during his team’s 3-1 Champions League win over Real Madrid of Spain midweek at Wembley.

Alli was not named in Tottenham’s squad for Sunday’s English Premier League game against basement side Crystal Palace, which they struggled to win 1-0.

But manager Mauricio Pochettino has said the 21-year-old’s injury was not serious.

The standout performer for Tottenham against European champions Real at Wembley on Wednesday, Alli scored twice as they booked their spot in the last 16.

He has netted three times in 10 league games for third-placed Spurs.

“Dele suffered a minor injury in his hamstring after the Real Madrid game… in some periods this happens.

Percy Tau

2 Mamelodi Sundowns players included in CAF Champions League team of tournament

M

Dele Alli

amelodi Sundowns’ goalkeeper Denis Onyango and midfielder Percy Tau have been named in the 2017 CAF Champions League Team of the tournament which was announced on Sunday. Both Onyango and Tau have also been nominated for CAF African Player of the Year award.

No Nigerian player was nominated, since their clubs —– Rangers and Rivers United —– failed to make it beyond the second round of the competition. CAF Champions League Team of the Tournament: Starting XI: Denis Onyango (Mamelodi Sundowns), Ali Maaloul (Al Ahly), Farouk Chafai (USM Alger), Youssef Rabeh (Wydad), Hamdi Nagguez (Etoile du Sahel).

Denis Onyango

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The Anambra Times

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

AMATAS passes vote of confidence on Obiano AT3

IFAD-VCDP to inject N2b into Anambra economy in 2018 –Coordinator AT 2 FRSC to deploy 2,000 personnel, 100 vehicles for Nov 18 guber poll ÏÏÏThe

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano (4th left); Catholic Bishop of Awka, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor (5th right); Chairman, Willie Obiano Re-election Committee, Chief Victor Umeh (4th left), after a Holy Mass to mark the second Synod of Awka Catholic Diocese, at St Patricks Cathedral. Awka...on Sunday

More projects to spring up in Awka, says Gov Obiano

Stories by John Ndu, Awka

ÏÏÏThe Anambra State Govern-

Anambra

T E A M

ment has finalised plans to dualise two major roads in Awka, the state capital.

Governor Willie Obiano made the pronouncement during the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) campaign rally at Awka Township Stadium, Awka South Local Government Area of the state.

He said the dualisation of the roads would among other things reduce traffic congestion as well as beautify the city to give it a ‘capital’s outlook.

Obiano noted that the construction of the roads would commence next year as the roads involved would soon be announced after the passage of the 2018 budget.

According to him, the construction of pedestrian bridge linking Regina Ceali and Ok-

puno will also commence next year.

“In addition, we will commence reconstructing the inner roads in Awka.

“Due to security system already installed, we have attracted various industries into the state.

“We have new 119 hotels in addition to a number of others in the past.

“All these are contributing in boosting the state’s internally generated revenue,” Obiano noted.

The Chairman Obiano Reelection Campaign Committee, Chief Victor Umeh, noted some of the state’s projects in Awka South, which include the completed three flyovers and the ongoing construction of Umuawulu roads.

Umeh urged the people to sustain their support for the present administration to continue in

Special Project Editor Sam Nzeh

Correspondents: Alphonsus Nweze Philip Balepo John Ndu

championing people’s welfare.

The member representing Awka South 1 constituency in the state House of Assembly,

Mr. Nnamdi Okafor, promised to deliver APGA in the November 18 governorship election in the state.

Guber poll: No threat will stop APGA supporters –Odili

ÏÏÏSecretary

to Governor Willie Obiano Re-Election Campaign, Mr. Primus Ugochukwu Odili, has said that no amount of threat will stop supporters of the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) from supporting the party.

Odili stated that as the secretary of the re-election campaign for Governor Willie Obiano, his office has continued to receive a steady stream flow of complaints to threat to life from party supporters who thronged the office on daily basis to lodge such complaints.

He said that such were the machinations of opposition elements, who according to him, were hell-bent to obtain political power by every means possible irrespective of the aftermath on the masses.

According to him, the party has come to stay in Anambra State and no amount of malevolent tendencies will preclude the party from maintaining its stronghold in the state and beyond.

Odili, who spoke with journalists

in Awka, disclosed further that some supporters of the party alleged that they were being threatened on the phone that if they continue to support APGA, they will be dealt with ruthlessly.

Odili pointed out that he has reported the threat calls to the security agencies to enable them take appropriate action on the matter as the party was not prepared to join issues with any political party.

He also revealed that a giant billboard along Zik Avenue Awka bearing the image of the governor was demolished by supporters of opposition parties but he said that APGA will not be deterred nor distracted by the wiles of enemies of the party.

Odili equally described as irresponsible and unacceptable for someone vying for the office of the governor to address an incumbent as a thief, stressing that it is unprofessional and very unbecoming of a gubernatorial candidate, noting that Obiano’s reelection is incontestable.

Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) is to deploy additional 2,000 personnel and 100 vehicles for the November 18, 2017 gubernatorial election in Anambra State.

The Corps Public Education Officer, Mr. Bisi Kazeem, disclosed this in a phone interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday.

Kazeem said the men and vehicles would be drawn from neighbouring Delta and Enugu states to complement the Sector Command and sister security agencies in the state.

“We are deploying patrol vehicles from Delta and Enugu state commands and the unit commands with monitors from RSHQ (Road Safety Head Headquarters) to ensure road blockage and diversion on the day of the election, aside deployment at polling stations.

“So, the additional patrol vehicles will be drawn from the following commands: Asaba, Enugu Night Mile, Agbor, Issele Ukwu, Nsukka, Okigwe, Obolo-Afor, Agwu and RSHQ. “In all, we are hoping to deploy about 100 vehicles in all, while about 2,000 personnel will be deployed for the duties.”

Asked what road traffic management personnel would be doing at polling centres, the FRSC spokesman explained that their role would be purely complementary to ensure crowd control and disciple.

“You know we are a paramilitary organisation. So, we do security duties too. If they put two policemen somewhere, they can put one immigration and road safety.

“All the security agencies will come together – police, SSS, FRSC, NDLEA, Immigration and Customs if they are there.

“They will have them in a pool and distribute in polling stations to do security duties just to maintain order and discipline.”

On Friday, the Inspector-General of Police, Mr. Ibrahim Idris, announced that 21,000 police personnel and logistics including helicopters, gun boats, patrol vehicles and bomb disposal units would be deployed for the exercise.

Idris said the aim was to provide adequate security coverage during the election.

Other relevant agencies including the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence (NSCDC) and the Nigerian Army are expected to make similar move before the polls.

The Anambra Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

IFAD-VCDP to inject N2b into Anambra economy in 2018 –Coordinator ÏÏÏThe Coordinator, International

Governor Willie Obiano (centre) in a group picture after receving Eight Assistant Superintendent of Police, ASP Cadets from Anambra State studying at the Nigeria Police Academy, Wudil in Kano State, led by the Deputy Commissioner of Police in the state, Mr. Chris Owolabi, (Fifth left), at the Governor’s Lodge, Amawbia, recently

Obiano tasks ASATU on harmonious relationship with royal fathers Stories by John Ndu, Awka

ÏÏÏMembers

of Anambra State Association of Town Union (ASATU) have been advised to maintain a healthy relationship with traditional rulers of their various communities to eschew unnecessary discrepancy and achieve meaningful growth and development.

Governor Willie Obiano admonished them during their monthly general meeting, at the union’s office, Government House, Awka.

The members of the association comprised the President Generals in 179 communities in Anambra State.

While addressing them, Governor Obiano described them as very

important factor in determining the progress of their community, adding that they play vital role in piloting the administrative part in various communities.

Obiano charged them to continue respecting traditional institute and create peaceful synergy with the traditional rulers for the peace of their communities.

The Chairman, Obiano Reelection Committee, Chief Victor Umeh, disclosed that the present administration had spent over N7 billion for the ongoing choose -yourself - community - initiative in every community.

While urging them to support in fighting Igbo agenda, Umeh point-

ed that the November 18 governorship in the state would determine the future of the South East in the next four years.

The National President, ASATU, Mr. Alex Onukwue, observed that Governor Obiano’s style of governance had introduced a new dimension in politics, whereby the people at the grassroots felt impact of government presence.

Onukwue assured the governor of their unalloyed support and unanimous decision to deliver him to consolidate on the signature projects he had commenced.

Highlight of the event was total endorsement of the governor second term bid by the association.

Ekwusigo stakeholders drum support for APGA ÏÏÏThe people of

Ekwusigo Local Government Area of Anambra State have endorsed Governor Willie Obiano for a second term.

They made this known at a stakeholders’ forum in Ozubulu which attracted some illustrious sons and daughters of Ekwusigo from within and outside the state.

It was a gathering of the high and mighty as the main hall of the Ekwusigo Local Government Headquarters, venue of the event, was filled to capacity.

The meeting whose major purpose was for the people to declare their support for the re-election of Governor Willie Obiano in the November 18 governorship election was somewhat a platform for them to reflect and take count of the developmental strides of the present administration in the area.

The National Coordinator, Stakeholders for Willie Obiano’s

Re-election, Chief Ekene Enefe, said the unanimous decision by the Ekwusigo people to support the Governor was borne out of the need for him to complete the good works he was doing in the state.

On his part, the Ekwusigo Local Government Transition Committee Chairman, Mr. Ikenna Oforjebe, explained that the aim of organising the forum was for all the stakeholders in the area, irrespective of their party affiliations, to drum support for the Governor to win the forthcoming election.

In a remark, National Chairman, Willie Obiano Support Group, Chief Jude Emecheta, said that their solidarity was in line with the position of some other stakeholders in the state for Chief Obiano to complete the remaining four years zoned to Anambra North for the governorship seat before it moves over to

the South.

Chief Emecheta urged the Ekwusigo people to rally round the Governor to ensure that he emerges victorious on the Election Day. The Chairman, Ekwusigo Indigenes in South Africa, Chief Christian Oruche, who described Governor Obiano as a God-fearing man, said he is the only political candidate that has the acceptable credentials to turn around the fortunes of the state.

The National leader, New Nigeria Initiative for Better Leadership, one of the groups working for Willie Obiano’s Re-election, Chief Omenife Uzuegbu, commended the Governor for initiating a robust security network that has guaranteed the safety of lives and property of people across the state.

He noted that the Ekwusigo people have resolved to vote for the Governor on the day of the election.

Fund for Agriculture (IFAD)-Value Chain Development Programme (VCDP), Mr. Emmanuel Aguncha, says the fund will inject N2 billion into the Anambra State economy in 2018.

Aguncha made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Onitsha on Saturday.

The coordinator said the fund will cover cost for land development, construction and rehabilitation of rural feeder roads, as well as provision of improved rice and cassava processing machines.

He commended the state government for supporting the programme, saying Gov. Willie Obiano’s administration had so far paid N180 million as counterpart fund for the programme between 2016 and 2017.

“Due to the awareness IFADVCDP created, the governor released N100 million for the procurement of the certified rice seeds and improved cassava cottons for distribution to farmers.

“The governor has promised to further increase counterpart fund in the 2018 farming season,” he said.

He said the programme had developed the value chain of rice and cassava farmers and assisted them with links to off-takers in five Local Government Areas of the state.

“Many farmers, who started with one hectare before the VCDP intervention are today planting between four and 10 hectares of rice and cassava.

“Before the intervention, farmers were making as low as one metric ton of rice and eight metric tons of cassava but the rice farmers today make up to seven metric tons, while the yield for cassava has also increased,” Aguncha added.

The coordinator said the programme will later in November organise a mid-term review to check the level of progress toward achieving the set programme development objectives.

Aguncha said the review will take place across the six participating states of Anambra, Benue, Ebonyi, Niger, Ogun and Taraba with a view to seeing areas for adjustments, redesigning or way forward.

“The mid-term review is aimed at assessing the performance of the programme and to proffer solutions where there are constraints,” the coordinator stressed.

NDLEA to rid campaign offices of hard drugs

ÏÏÏThe National Drug Law En-

forcement Agency (NDLEA) says it has embarked on monitoring of political parties’ campaign offices in Anambra State to rid the offices of hard drugs and other dangerous substances inimical to the electoral process.

The agency said that the forthcoming governorship election is significant and as such the organisation has a pivotal role to play in providing security especially as it concerns making sure that political parties do not convert their campaign offices to dens for smoking cannabis and other narcotics.

Disclosing the agency’s programme of activities for the election period, Anambra State Commander, Mr. Sule Mommodu, stated that the agency’s sole responsibility is to ensure that politicians do not have access to drugs and other hard substances especially as they go about their political activities this season.

Mommodu noted that the agency equally prevents politicians from thuggery and all forms of rascality, stressing that they are working with the police as well as other security agencies especially where there are threats to lives and property.

Idemili South wins 9th Anambra Sports festival

ÏÏÏTeam Idemili South on Sun-

day emerged winner of the 9th edition of the Anambra State Sports Festival (ANSSF) with a total of 55 medals, including 21 gold, 15 silver and 19 bronze.

Anambra West Local Government came second on the overall medals table with 27, comprising of 17 gold, eight silver and two bronze, while Onitsha South Local Government was third with 28 medals, comprising 15 gold, 4 silver and 9 bronze.

The first, second and third place got cash prizes of N150,000, N100,000 and N50,000 for their efforts.

The one-week fiesta featured 21 sporting events in which teams from the 21 council areas of state and some institutions participated.

Orumba North and Njikoka councils got the fourth and fifth positions with 22 and 20 medals.

Uju Nwogu, the state’s Commissioner for Sports and Youth Entrepreneurship, while presenting the trophy to winners at the Rojenny Stadium, Oba, congratulated the teams and athletes “for the healthy competition.”

Nwogu, who said the festival was part of preparations for the National Sports Festival, assured that athletes who did well in their events would be called up to the state team camp.

She urged the athletes to embrace sports with commitment, adding that the state government would continue to encourage good athletes to stardom.

She added that deserving athletes stood the chance of being employed into the state civil service, saying “it is intended to take youths off the streets, to engage them meaningfully and to make them earn a living from sports.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

ANSG partners church on projects ÏÏÏAnambra

State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano, has said his administration will continue to partner the church to enhance the social and economic transformation of the nation.

Governor Obiano stated this while addressing a prayer session organised by the Anglican Church in the state at the Alex Ekwueme Square, Awka.

He commended the church for efficient utilisation of its resources in effecting development in all sectors of the economy.

Governor Obiano particularly appreciated the contributions of the church in promoting quality education and commercial agricultural production.

The Governor charged citizens to exercise their civic duties by voting during the gubernatorial election in the state.

Earlier in a sermon, an Anglican

priest and former Minister of Power, Professor Chinedu Nebo, described the Anambra State election as important in the country and advised the electorate to ensure its success.

Venerable Nebo advised Christians to guard against patronising fake miracle workers but to approach God faithfully to find solutions to their problems.

He explained that only God had so solution to problems confronting humanity.

The Archbishop of the Province of the Niger, Most Reverend Christian Efobi, said the prayer was to seek the face of God in tackling national issues and to ensure a violence-free election in the state.

Also, the Anglican Bishop of Awka Diocese, Right Reverend Alex Ibezim, challenged Christians to be active participants in the process of electing a credible leader to steer the ship of the state.

Second Awka Diocesan synod begins ÏÏÏThe

much awaited second Awka Diocesan Synod will kicked off on Sunday with a concelebrated Eucharistic Celebration at St. Patrick’s Catholic Cathedral, Awka, The second Synod is themed, ‘’Thy Kingdom Come: Journeying with God in Awka Catholic Diocese’’.

Briefing newsmen on the import of the Synod at Fides Communications’ Auditorium, Okpuno, the Catholic Bishop of Awka Diocese, Most Rev. Paulinus Ezeokafor, said that the first synod was celebrated 16 years ago by his predecessor, His Lordship, Simon Okafor (late).

Bishop Ezeokafor explained that the Synod was a meeting together of the clergy, bishops, and the lay faithful, to discuss issues that would move the Church forward.

Bishop Ezeokafor said the event would feature people from various parishes chosen by the people to represent them.

For his part, the chairman of the second Synod Preparatory Committee, Rev. Fr. Blaise Emebo, disclosed that the group was made up thirty- five priests, lay men and scholars.

He said that the inauguration took place on November 3, noting that the promulgation decree was on November 5, adding that the first task was the document that served as a guide, and that the people did the greater part of the job.

The chairman said that the working document issued out allowed the people to make their contributions from different parishes.

He expressed happiness over the success of the synod preparation and thanked the bishop for his enormous support.

Also speaking, the Awka Diocesan Chancellor, Rev. Fr. Francis Chidume, who spoke on the legal implication of the synod, said the

convocation of the synod was the prerogative of the bishop, explaining that it was a portion of the people of God entrusted on the bishop.

He also said that the convocation of the synod by the bishop was one of the apostolic works of the bishop towards the Church.

According to Fr. Chidume, Bishop Ezeokafor oversaw and presided over it and signed the synod act.

The secretary to the Synod Committee, Rev. Fr. Dr. Lawrence Nwankwo, asserted that the synod was part of the events marked to celebrate the 40-year anniversary of the Diocese.

Speaking on the theme, Rev. Fr. Nwankwo disclosed that it was a call for everybody to be more committed in the things of God and the Church.

Nwankwo said that God was already among them, adding that the kingdom of God was not somewhere else but for them to do the right thing in society.

He further said that the theme came as a result of what was obtainable at the moment in society, while journeying with God was the dedication of their faith towards God. In their separate speeches, the Awka Diocesan Director of Social Communications, Rev. Fr. Martin Anusi; former Vice Chancellor of Nnamdi Azikiwe University, Prof.

Pita Ejiofo; and Organiser, Awgbu Deanery, Lady Sabina Ndigwe, expressed gratitude to the bishop for agreeing to convoke the synod which, according to them, would bring about a positive impact in the life of the Church. This is even as they wished the Church happy and successful deliberations.

The Synod focuses on the various themes which include marriage, family and education as hangers to the Church and to ensure that the word of God permeated in every part of society.

The Anambra Times 3

AMATAS passes vote of confidence on Obiano Stories by John Ndu, Awka

ÏÏÏIt was a double celebration in

Anambra State as Anambra State Markets Amalgamated Traders (AMATAS) passed vote of confidence to the state Governor, Chef Willie Obiano, for his unprecedented administrative blueprints.

The event which took place at Chuba Ikpeazu Stadium Onitsha also marked 85th posthumous birthday celebration of the leader of Igbos and a warlord, the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

The celebration attracted traders from the 61 registered markets in the state, as well as government functionaries and other meaningful individuals.

Passing their vote of confidence, the National President AMATAS, Chief Okwudili Ezenwankwo, pointed that Obiano administration had transformed markets across the state and had promptly intervened in their various challenges.

“The 10 million projects for each markets has gone a long way in providing adequate structures and facilities that will improve trading.

“It is unprecedented in the history of the state that all markets were shot down in respect for Ojukwu and in solidarity with the present administration.

“We assure you of our votes. We will protect it to ensure transparency.

I advise other meaningful personalities to set aside personal interest and embrace continuity for the good of Igbos. “ Reading their communique, the National Secretary of the association, Chukwuma Eluchalu, revealed that the vote of confidence was as a result of his numerous developments within three years.

Eluchalu stated some of the achievements which includes prompt payment of salary, massive investment in agriculture, procurement of three fire-fighting vans for the three zonal markets and security among others.

Responding, Governor Obiano said his administration had provided three state-of-the art fire-fighting equipment to replace those ones at the three zonal markets.

“The N10 million offered to markets to build a project of their choice will be increased to further accommodate other anticipated projects you have in mind.

“We have mapped out plans to support artisans to be more productive in adding values to their lives and to contribute in the economy of the state,” Obiano maintained.

Obiano stressed that he would intensify efforts to provide modern facilities in every market and expand their structural designs to decongest some markets.

He charged them not to relent in support for him as he would always provide their basic needs.

Highlights of the event were a unanimous voice vote by the traders and cutting of posthumous birthday cake of the late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu.

Anambra State Governor, Chief Willie Obiano (left) in a handshake with the former governor of Central Bank, Prof Charles Soludo, during APGA campaign rally at Orumba North local government Area, Anambra State..recently

Oyi council backs Obiano for second term ÏÏÏIt was a colourful celebration

recently as All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA) faithful in Oyi Local Government Area gathered in their numbers in solidarity and to endorse Governor Obiano for second term.

The event which took place at the local government secretariat attracted dignitaries and party loyalists from the communities in the local government.

Addressing the mammoth crowd, Governor Obiano promised to continue spreading his administrative benevolence for more development of meaningful projects in the area.

He said his administration had concluded the design of Ogbunike Cave to transform it to global tourism, which according to him, would promote business activities, attract tourists and add values to the state internally generated revenue (IGR).

“Some parties of the St. Monica’s roads leading to Ogbunike cave have been completed, while work is still on going.

“In my second tenure, I will embark on all major roads in communities in the local government, in addition to their street lighting.

“We are doing all these to transform the state and give it global attraction. So I encourage you to support our administration to achieve our goals and objectives.” Obiano added.

Also speaking, Commissioner for Information and Orientation Strategy in the state, Ogbuefi Tony Nnachetta, said: “Oyi is special in development of Anambra State. We support Obiano for his sincerity and determination to improve the welfare of the people.

“Obiano has delivered on the crucial needs of the communities. No kidnapping, and shops are always on in the night. People are moving freely, unlike what we experienced in the past,” Ogbuefi pointed.

The wife of late Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu Ojukwu, Lady Bianca Ojukwu, revealed that APGA had kept faith with the people of the state and provided necessary infrastructure for the people.

“APGA is the only party that will

guarantee justice and equity in dispensation of administrative excellence.

“It has delivered result in attraction of projects, security and rural electrification. It is the only party with Igbo ideology, “Ojukwu noted.

Also, one of the stakeholders in Ogbunike and the former Governorship aspirant in APC, Ogbuefi Harris Chuma, regretted that APC had no interest of Igbos, which according to him had given rise to marginalisation, intimidation, and victimisation of Igbos.

“Dumping APC is the best thing that has happened to me. Obiano has signature projects that have affected the lives of the people positively.

“We want to consolidate on Obiano’s agenda. We need sustainability and voting Obiano for second term is the best that will happen to the state, “Chuma observed.

Also, a major stakeholder in Ogbunike and the National Secretary, Obiano Re-election Committee, Hon Kene Enefe, attributed the existing peace in the state to the efforts of the present government.

The Anambra Times 4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

Opinion

The Anambra I know Randie Chima

ÏÏÏBeing

a media consultant and a publicist with proven proficiency in audio-visual production running over 30 years, I have had the opportunity of working in many states of Nigeria. As an associate producer with Patrick Oke & Associates, a reputable firm in the field, I made huge successes coordinating the capture of governments’ development efforts in the South-South and South East through documentaries and features’.

I did this with prudence, observing universal best practices and that gave me a great insight on activities of governments in real terms in these parts, with particular note on Anambra State where I produced many audio-visual documentaries under the Peter Obi era.

Holding ground still on this beat, now in headship of Quadron productions, I have produced documentaries for Chief Willie Obiano, the incumbent governor of Anambra State.

My views on Anambra State are therefore derived from impressions that are far beyond speculative perceptions. They are products of my formal and informal interactions with the people of Anambra and authorities in the state over time.

These interactions, by every passing day, have been laced with increasing doses of rational intimacy and passion which compel my lending a truly dispassionate voice to the confluence of conceptions, misconceptions and even deliberate deceptions heaped on the state upon the politics of November 18 gubernatorial election, particularly as it affects the re-election bid of Chief Willie Obiano. Though this effort of mine might not go without unsavoury pelts from some interest parties, who would rather I sing their praises, my indebtedness to the state and society takes precedence over the pains of any deliberate misrepresentation that I might be caused to suffer.

There is no gainsaying the obvious: Peter Obi gave hope to the people of Anambra State by his commitment to people oriented development strides. He turned around the fallen standard of education by returning the schools that government forcefully took from faith-based organisations to their original owners. He paid the staff and

funded infrastructural uplift in such schools. Not denying government-owned schools fund, he engendered healthy competition among schools thereby enhancing pupils’ and students’ performance in academics and morals. Ex-governor Obi improved infrastructure and health services delivery in the health sector.

He did roads so much that Anambra was easily adjudged as spotting one of the best road networks across Nigeria.

Though violent crimes, arson and kidnapping remained worrisome maladies during Obi’s reign, he battled them with relative successes. Ex-governor Obi continued to improve in governance as time wore on.

Evidently, the All Progressives Grand Alliance, the political platform that projected him, fully supported the successes he recorded.

Apart from the physical proofs of Obi’s commitment to good governance, his emphatic claim that he derived energy in service from the home grown philosophy that propels APGA as a socio-political movement sounded pleasant to a wide population of the people, me inclusive.

He sold this belief so well that, with the towering influences of Dim Chukwuemeka Odumegwu-Ojukwu, the eternal leader of APGA and Ndigbo, the party stuck as the emblem of the people’s pride.

It was readily seen as a vehicle through which the people’s sense of deprivation would be conveyed to the center of Nigeria. His administrative savvy, his development strides and his deft ‘APGA-only’ pronouncements helped in instituting APGA as a party on a mission to galvanise the emotions and compulsions of a people who groan under the burden of deprivation in Nigeria.

As Obi’s tenure waned, the anxiety of Ndi-Anambra on what would obtain beyond him was palpable. But they relied on APGA to take Anambra beyond Peter Obi’s gains.

I must confess that it was Peter Obi that made me accept APGA as a movement, a way of life, not just a political party so I felt as if my father had abandoned my siblings and me when he or whatever reason jettisoned APGA for the PDP. My anxiety was allayed (and others I’m sure) when I came to cover the handover ceremony

One expects those against Chief Obiano’s second term bid to point at how the state development could be driven differently and better. Their present hasty verdict of non-performance on Governor Willie Obiano is mere bile vending, unimpressive, unpersuasive, dysfunctional and bland in Ekwueme Square. Straight from his inauguration on 17 March, 2014, Chief Willie Obiano clearly signaled not only consciousness of the demands of his people but the will to get things quickly done towards expanding the frontiers of good governance that had become APGA’s insignia.

Chief Willie Obiano has recorded tremendous achievements in his running tenure.

Apart from closely identifying with Obi’s imprints by sustaining developments Obi initiated, Obiano’s signature projects in security, agriculture, youth empowerment, public utilities, the silent yet most significant display of humanness to the community of the disabled, tell a huge story of success in state governance.

Governor Willie Obiano showed his mettle as an administrator who cares extremely

about his people when in 2016 he rolled out his economic stimulus package to cushion the effects of the Federal Government declaration of recession.

Till now, no other state, including the Federal Government has responded in that manner.

Salaries, pensions and gratuities are paid promptly.

Each community (181) was given N20 million to choose a project, built by the community and owned by the community.

Obiano has given each community another N20m to choose another project. Never in the history of Nigeria has there been that much injection of funds directly into communities, little wonder they say that there is no recession in Anambra State. It’s true, there never was.

One project that excites me, infact I get goose pimples when I think of it. The Anambra Airport City project, ambitious you might say. Eleanor Roosvelt once said; “Dare to dream the impossible. The future belongs to those who believe in the beauty of their dreams”. From what I’ve seen of Chief Willie Obinao, he believes in the beauty of his dreams.

Ndi Anambra should hold Governor Obiano to his words that the Airport would be completed before the end of his second tenure. I have had the privilege of seeing the design from China and it’s going to be a game changer not for Anambra alone, but for the entire South East.

I say these because the issues raised are on record. They are verifiable. The people’s warmth towards Obiano’s government is palpable. This is expected, considering the unprecedented

sense of safety that now prevails and feeds vibrant economic activities in the state, weddings, burials, cultural festivals and open bars, hitherto were done elsewhere are now back to base.

The number of hotels, bars and lounges that have started business in Anambra under Obiano is mind boggling, night life which was almost non-existent is now taken for granted.

Beyond doubts, Obiano has taken Anambra State beyond Obi’s times.

This is a fact that has been acknowledged by all, irrespective of political affiliations. I have interviewed many stakeholders across the board of the political spectrum and they all attest to the fact the Governor Willie Obinao has taken Anambra to new heights. Indeed Obiano has worked and from my humble assessment the best is yet to come.

This does not however mean that Anambra has attained its optimal heights in development.

No! Anambra State is a polity on the track to virile statehood; one expects those against Chief Obiano’s second term bid to point at how the state development could be driven differently and better. Their present hasty verdict of non-performance on Governor Willie Obiano is mere bile vending, unimpressive, unpersuasive, dysfunctional and bland.

Having worked with the immediate past administration and now working with this administration, this is my candid opinion on the “Anambra State I know”.

Randie Chima, a Media consultant/Audio Visual Producer wrote from Awka

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

FG means to ease business, revive EEG - Buhari

Investor’s FX window declares $4.36bn turnover in one month

Page B2

Page B3

Monday, October 16, 2017

NCRIB seeking to enhance brokers’ professionalism, competence Page B7

Seymour Aviation promises quality services at Lagos airport

ÏCompletes multi-story complex to enhance operations Joy Ekeke

Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode (2nd left); Chairman, House Committee on Wealth Creation & Employment, Hon. Sola Giwa (2nd right); Chairman, Lagos Employment Trust Fund (LSETF), Mrs. Ifueko Omoigui Okauru (right) and Commissioner for Wealth Creation & Employment, Dr. Babatunde Durosinmi-Etti (left), during the 8th Tradesmen and Artisans week and Graduation Ceremony for Re-Trained Artisans and Traders at De-Blue Roof, LTV, Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos...recently

Nigeria’s economy is changing- Finance Minister . Says revenue mobilisation is key to growth Ganiyu Obaaro The Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun has said that Nigeria’s economy is fast moving away from its agelong oil dependence to a more diversified and robust one to meet future challenges.

She said President Muhammadu Buhari was doing a lot together with his team to rejig the economy, especially through agriculture, solid minerals, tourism, among others, with a view to placing it on a sustainable pedestal.

Accordinmg to Adeosun , in a statement made available to The

Bonny Amadi Elumelu Foundationn has said that ut has consistently

BUSINESS TIMES Business Editor Ganiyu Obaaro Deputy Business Editor Azubike Nnadozie Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

Daily Times, “Descriptions of Nigeria’s economy often include such phrases as ‘Africa’s largest oil producer’ and ‘the oil rich African nation’ but oil economies are typically characterised by low population densities and abundant oil resources. Saudi Arabia with 10 million barrels of oil per day and 30 million people, Kuwait with 2.7 million barrels of oil per day and 4 million people and Qatar with 1.5 million barrels of oil per day and 2.5 million people are typical of such. These economies pursued an economic model that was built around a large government dependent almost entirely

on oil revenue for funding. Such economies could afford to have low or in some cases no domestic revenue mobilisation, in the form of taxes. Tax to Gross Domestic Product (GDP) ratios of less than 10% against the OECD average of 34.6% could be justified especially in the era of high oil prices.”

She said, “For over three decades, Nigeria pursued this model. But things are changing with the election of President Muhammadu Buhari in 2015, who was propelled into office under the mantra of ‘change.’

That clamour for change, in the areas of governance, security

and economy, coincided with the collapse of global oil prices and a consequent huge deficit in government revenues. These circumstances provided the ingredients for an overhaul of the entire economic model. “ The first and rather numbing conclusion of that exercise was that Nigeria is not actually an ‘oil economy.’ With just 2 million barrels of oil per day and over 180 million people, simple mathematics tells us that 90 Nigerians share a barrel of oil compared to 3 Saudis, 1.44 Kuwaitis and 1.69 Qataris. With oil at just 10% of GDP, Nigeria simply does not fit into the mould of

Seymour Aviation Limited has reaffirmed its unwavering commitment to the delivery of exceptional services to its teeming customers across Nigeria.

With the completion of a multistorey car park with a capacity for about 1,300 cars at the Murtala Muhammed International Airport (MMIA) in Lagos, the company, in a statement by its Managing Director, Francis Ikenga, has promised to continually explore Public Private Partnership (PPP) opportunities as part of efforts to reduce the infrastructural deficit inherent in Nigeria’s aviation industry.

Ikenga said that the firm is wellpositioned to exceed the expectations of travelers.

Equipped with a sophisticated billing system programmed to provide users with the exact amount for time spent at the parking lot, Ikenga noted that the facility will eliminate long queues, reduce traffic, speed up passenger and vehicular movements at the landside of the airport terminal.

He described the facility as not only a milestone but a source of national pride. Built in line with global standards, Ikenga pointed out that the multi-level car park is equipped with the state-of-the-art facilities including Closed Circuit Television (CCTV) cameras mounted on every floor and around the premises, adequate conveniences for both male and female users on every floor of the complex.

To ensure uninterrupted power supply, the facility according to Ikenga, is equipped with a standby generator that can provide power for 24 hours.

Elumelu Foundation : We have created new generation of entrepreneurs

…set to empower 10, 000 African entrepreneurs changed the face of entrepreneurships in Nigeria and across the African continent.

The Foundation also said it has changed the mindset of African and has continually generated employment across the broad spectrum of the socities.

According to a statement by the Founder, The Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tonyn O. Elumelu, CON,

and made available to the Daily Times, the Foundation said, “It is seven years since our Foundation was created, time to reflect on the speed in which we have institutionalised internally; begun to change narratives globally; and championed entrepreneurship in Africa.

“Time also to remain humble, knowing the scale of the challenges our continent faces; the numbers

we could help if resources were limitless; and knowing the resilience and endurance that our entrepreneurs show in their own journeys.

“As a young entrepreneur, I saw the potential of private sector investment to transform livelihoods.

As we expanded the United Bank for Africa to nineteen countries across our continent, I saw our positive impact, measured not just

in the bottom line, but in expanding access to finance, creating stable employment, breaking down trade barriers.”

Elumelu said, “I committed myself to empowering the next generation of entrepreneurs. Since 2010, the Tony Elumelu Foundation has been dedicated to resolving Africa’s most pressing social issues - empowering entrepreneurs and enhancing the competitiveness of the private sector.

Business News B2 Traders lose property, cash to demolition in A’Ibom

Ï#Ɔƌ ƋƈƐƈ ƈ ƍƑƄƋƈƅ ƈ ƐƆƏƆ Ɛ é 1 ƒƐ Bassey Willie, Uyo Traders in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State capital have continued to recount the pains and sufferings they are undergoing following last weekend’s demolition of shops with goods inside by officials of the Uyo Capital City Development Authority, (UCCDA).

Our correspondent, who visited the three markets demolished by the state government’s agency observed that goods were found littered around the ground, while the shop owners are still in a mourning mood, pleading with the government to come to their rescue by assisting them to go back to their business.

UCCDA had last Saturday morning embarked on what they called demolition of illegal structures in various market locations in the state capital, this happened when most of the traders were observing the monthly sanitation declared by the state government.

Speaking with our correspondent, a female trader in the popular market called “Akpan Andem Market,” Mrs. Rose Archibong explained that all the good she obtained loan to stocked in the shop have been destroyed by the officials of UCCDA, adding that the most painful thing is that they carry out the exercise when most of them were still in the house because of environmental sanitation.

She said that apart from the goods destroyed, most of their goods were looted by miscreants who took advantage of their absent to steal from their shops, adding that what they lost was much.

According to her, “As we are speaking now, most of the traders have developed heart attacks, we even received the report that some of the people selling here collapsed after hearing the news of the demolition of their shops, where are we going to start again, how do we pay back the loan we took to start this business.

They didn’t give us information that they will demolish the shops, we would have removed our goods, government have been collecting levies from us here, we never knew it was illegal structure according to them’’.

Another affected trader, Akpan Imo, said after his graduation, there was no employment, he decided to obtain loan and started selling poultry, but with the demolition, he cannot even see his remaining goods again, because miscreants might have stolen them away.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

Air Peace receives IATA membership certificate ÏdƆƐ Ɛ ƗƆƋƈƒƆƏ ơơ ƆƓ ƈƏƅƏ ƇƐ Ƅƕ #ƆƅƆƌƄƆƏ Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo Air Peace, over the weekend, received its membership certificate from global aviation body, International Air Transport Association (IATA) after the successful completion of IATA Operational Safety Audit (IOSA) audit earlier this year.

Presenting the much coveted IATA certificate to the Chief Executive Officer of Air Peace, Mr. Allen Onyema, IATA Area Manager, West Africa, Dr. Samson Fatokun said that the Nigeria carrier has joined the less than 300 IATA members out of the thousands of airlines around the world that applied for membership.

He said the membership is a testament to Air Peace’s compliant with global safety standards and commended the airline for scaling the huddles and achieving the feat which he said has opens limitless vista of opportunities for the airline across the world.

Among such opportunities the much-coveted membership of the air transport global cleaning house Fatokun said will offer Air Peace include competing in the international market, participating In the multilateral interlining in the international traffic, exposure to the flow of traffic BPS, participation in IATA trainings among others.

The IATA Chief said, ” We

are proud to be associated with Air Peace, since July, the airline is now on the same footing with world big carriers and that give them a new good image.

“Such certification makes all the big carriers anywhere in the world to know that the airline management and maintenance are safe. It gives the passengers more assurance and confidence, meaning that they have met all the requirements and complied with all safety standards and practices in their operations.

He said It is a very good and big achievement for the airline and Nigeria because It takes a very rigorous system to actualise it.

Responding, Air Peace boss, Onyema thanked IATA for giv-

ing the airline a world view since May this year when it received it IOSA certificate saying the IATA membership has place a new challenge on the airline to attain a level in it operations.

He disclosed that by middle of December 2017, the airline will deliver a new set of 11 aircraft that will be injected into the domestic operation and proposed international destinations.

Onyema said Air Peace will fly into every continents of the world, as plans are underway to increase the fleet to 48 aircraft from the present 24 by 2019 and called on the global body to continue to create the enabling environment for airlines to compete especially young airline like Air Peace.

Əƍ L Ə Ƌ Ƈ Ɛ Ɔ 0ƆƗƆƏ Ƌ ` Ɨ d ƇƆƐƕ Əƍ æ0`d çè #Ə Ƅ ƕƆ RƕƆƕƆƌƈ æGç ƆƔƅ Ɔ ƓƈƐ Ɛ Ɔ &ƔƆƅƑƐƈƒƆ dƆƅƏƆƐ Əƕè Mƈ ƆƏƈ d ƈƍƍƆƏ Ƒ ƅƈƋ æMd çè LƏ 6 ƆƋƋ è ƈ ƆƗ LƆƌ Ə ƗƑƌ Ƈ n ƗƆƏ Ɛ Ɨƈ ƄƆƐƓƆƆ 0`d Ɨ Md Ɛ Ɔ Ɔ Ɛ Ɔ Ɨƈ ƐƏƈƄƑƐƈ Ƈ Ɨ Ƅƕ Ə Ɨ ƅƏ Ɛ Ɔ ƅ Ƒ ƐƏƕè Ɛ Ɛ Ɔ 0`d Ɔ ƗƎƑ ƏƐƆƏ ƈ ƄƑƉ êêê 0ƏƈƗ ƕê

FG means to ease business, revive EEG - Buhari Joy Ekeke The Federal Government has reiterated it’s commitments towards boosting the ease of doing business in Nigeria; and reviving the Export Expansion Grant (EEG).

President Muhammadu Buhari made emphasis on these economic development plans while speaking at the opening ceremony of the Lagos International Trade Fair (LITF) in Lagos.

The President was represented dustry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Okechukwu Enelamah.

He said,”The nation’s improve-

ment in the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business Report is an encouraging one which shows the commitment of the Federal government in staying true to its promise of further industrialization, improved investment and job creation.

“There are major areas where the government has shown and is still committed to, and one of them is agriculture.

“The agricultural value chain, which includes growing, harvest and post-harvest management, and processing, would go a long way to boost food security, create jobs and enable the nation further feed itself.”

While opining that these policies

and infrastructure development, especially power supply and sufficient road networks, were critical to turning the business environment around, Buhari added that was being proactive.

He further urged MSME’s to leverage the clinics and industrial clusters that the government had provided in states, stating that the clinics have relevant agents who would assist MSMEs in major business decisions to increase their capacity and contribution to GDP. Buhari revealed that the government had been intensifying efforts to revive the Export Expansion Grant (EEG) and clear off the backlog of payments in order to revive

the export sector.

He said that the delay in implementation of the EEG revival was due to the process of clearing the backlogs, which had been underway adding that the backlog would be cleared as soon as possible, because the programme was essential to increasing the capacity of non-oil exports in the nation.

The 31st fair had 15 countries in attendance and 1000 exhibitors.

Similarly, the National President, of Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI), Mrs. Nike Akande said, “It is also to stress the importance of the creation of enabling business environment to attract new investors, both domestic

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

Stories by Motolani Oseni The Investor & Exporter FX (I&E) widow has recorded a whopping total transactions turnover of $4.363 billion at the close of trading activities in the month of October.

This latest development is coming as the Nigerian currency, Naira, remains stable across all the foreign exchange markets and segments throughout the month under review, findings by the Daily Times have revealed.

The I&E FX window, otherwise known as the Nigerian Autonomous Foreign Exchange (NAFEX) widow, closed the last two trading days in October with the total sum of $267.32, which it was on Monday 30 and Tuesday 31 of October, 2017.

The month under review, had began transaction on the autonomous FX window on Tuesday, 3 October; and ended the first trading week on Friday, 6 with

Ơ Money Market

Investor’s FX window declares $4.36bn turnover in one month Ï M Ɔƍ Ǝ ƂƉƄ ƃƍ ƅ ƍƄƒ Ƅ ƊƄ Ǝ $1.172.33bn, which was just four trading days because of Monday that was declared as public holiday for the nation’s independent anniversary celebration by the Federal Government.

The breakdown, showed that the following week between Monday 9 and Friday 13, recorded $954.76 million proceeds, with first day transactions put at $207.26m on Monday, before dropping to $86.69m on Tuesday, but rebounded on Wednesday to close at $240.54 million, and again moved up to $252.56 on Thursday, however, closed that week low with $167.71m traded

volume.

Transactions in the third week was put at $1.246.36, with first trading day during the week stood at $167.71m, but moved significantly to close the second day trading activities at $268.18 million and more stronger on Wednesday, with daily turnover of $328.01m, which was the highest in that week, however, before dropped to $326.03 on Thursday and the lowest on Friday with $156.43m transactions.

Further analysis, however, pointed out that traded figure of $722.91m was recorded from Monday 23 to Friday 27, October this

year, which was the fourth week in the month with first day recording total volume of $156.43m, unfortunately fell to $146.06 on Tuesday, before a rebounded figure of $166.75 in the mid week trading but again dropped to $150.33 and declined further to close the week at $103.34m.

Meanwhile, the Naira, at the parallel market, during the same period stood steadied at a buying rate of 360 and closed at 363 to the dollar, while Pound was bought at 470 before closing at 475 and Euro was purchased at 420 but was sold at 425.

Our correspondent findings,

however, showed that the Naira closing rate against the three major foreign currencies over the weekend has been the traded rate in most part of the month.

Except against Euro that the local currency, at some point during the month traded at a better rate of 422 against the Euro but relapsed to 425 in most part the period considered, but was seen between 420 and 422 over the weekend.

As for Pound Sterling, we observed that the Naira, continued to garner more points to the fourth trading week at 475 after opening the first trading week during the month at a low closing rate of 485 but strengthened to 480 within the month before closing at 475 over the weekend.

Diamond Bank to divest its West African units . To focus on Nigerian market In a bid to focus its efforts at home and deploy its resources on personal banking business in Africa’s biggest economy, Diamond Bank Plc has announced its intention to divest its West African banking operations.

The bank said over the weekend that it had agreed to sell its operations in Benin, Togo, Cote d‘Ivoire and Senegal to a Cote d‘Ivoire-based financial services holding company Manzi Finances S.A. for 61 million Euros, which is expected to close before the of this year.

Commenting on this development, Diamond Bank Chief Executive, Uzoma Dozie, said that After 18 year of building the Diamond Bank franchise in other markets in West Africa, the time has come to fully apply its resources to Nigeria.

“This is aligned with Diamond Bank’s strategic objective: to be the fastest growing and most profitable technology-driven retail banking franchise in Nigeria.

“We are prioritizing the Nigerian market because of its vast potential. A

large segment of the population is underbanked or unbanked and the use of technology and mobile banking is rising exponentially. This provides Diamond Bank with the opportunity to reach millions of people, and facilitate financial inclusion on an exceptional scale”, he explained.

Dozie added that Diamond Bank already has a foundation for growth in Nigeria with over 15 million customers. “We also have a framework in Nigeria that will allow us to scale rapidly, efficiently and cost effectively. In part this is due to our digitallyled approach, which has reduced the need to have a network of physical branches to service customers.

“Fundamentally this strategy stands to benefit all our key stakeholders – shareholders, customers and employees – in the immediate, medium and long term”, he noted.

The bank, however, posted a 71.5 per cent rise in nine-month pretax profit to N6.67 billion in September, with shares, risen by 15 per cent so far this year, climbed 5 per cent on

L-R: Mr. Lawrence Odediran,Zonal Business Manager,Airtel Nigeria Limited;Mrs Solabomi Okonkwo,Chief Executive Officer,Core Experiential Marketing Limited/Guest Speaker; Mr. Goddie Ofose,Chairman Brand Journalist Association of Nigeria[BJAN];Mrs Ihuoma Phillips-Daniel,Represent NIPR President;and Mr. Emeka Aniukwu,Media Relations Manager,Nigeria Breweries Plc. at the

Economy: Downturn forces 11 DMBs to write-off N202.4bn loans Due to prevailing macro- economic headwinds, 11 commercial banks wrote-off N202.4 billion loans in 2016, a directive approved by the Central Bank of Nigeria last year`.

The apex bank last year had said all banks in the country can write off nonperforming loans in 2016 over dwindling global oil prices and local macro economy challenges.

A commercial bank can write-off loan when it is uncollectible or that proceeds from collateral will not be sufficient to pay back the entire exposure.

Of the 11 banks considered, six Tier- II banks

write –off N91.33 billion in 2016, as against N50.48bn in 2015; while five Tier-I banks writ-off N111bn in 2016, an increase of 119 per cent from N37bn in 2015.

Investigation by the Daily Times, showed that First Bank of Nigeria Holdings reported N61.45bn loan write-offs in 2016 from N22.6bn in 2015 Diamond Bank Plc in 2016 reported the highest write-off in value of about N47bn, 34.7 per cent increase over N34.98bn reported in 2015.

Following Diamond Bank is Union Bank of Nigeria Plc with about 67 per cent increase in write-

offs from N12.7bn in 2015 to N21.23bn reported in 2016.

Sterling Bank Plc, another Tier-II bank reported 735 per cent increase in loan write-off s to N17.99 billion in 2016 compared with N2.15 billion in 2015.

Fidelity Bank Plc and Wema Bank reported N3.39bn and N689m write offs in 2016, 25.2 per cent and six per cent increase over N2.7bn and N650m reported in 2015.

Meanwhile, Stanbic IBTC Holdings Plc’s reported N920m write-offs in 2016.

Of the Tier-I commercial banks, Guaranty Trust Bank Plc (GTBank) and Access Bank Plc reported signifi-

cant increase in write-offs.

Specifically, GTBank’s loans write-offs to non individuals rose by 46 per cent to N17.93bn in 2016 from N12.27bn in 2015 while Access Bank writeoffs grew by 1,202 per cent from N1.13bn to N14.69bn in 2015.

Furthermore, United Bank for Africa Plc’s overdrafts and term loans loan write-offs gained 950 per cent to N7.5bn in 2016 from N714m in 2015.

The pan-African bank disclosed that Loans written off to individuals customers in 2016 was N4.74 bn, as against N115m in 2015.

The China Times

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

Chinese medical team provides free treatment in rural Rwanda

CT2

Cote d’Ivoire inaugurates Chinese-built biggest hydropower dam

CT2

China hopes for stability in Kenya after presidential rerun ÏÏÏ

The China

T E A M

China hopes that relevant parties in Kenya will properly address differences and ensure national peace and stability after the country’s repeat presidential election, Foreign Ministry spokesperson Hua Chunying said Tuesday.

According to news reports, the Independent Electoral and Boundaries Commission (IEBC) of Kenya declared Monday that Uhuru Kenyatta, the incumbent Kenyan president, had won the re-run of the presidential election held on Oct. 26.

Kenyatta won the election with 7.48 million votes in 266 out of 291 constituencies where the election took place, representing 98.27 percent of valid votes.

According to news reports, violent demonstrations have erupted in opposition strongholds in western Kenya and Nairobi’s slums as repeat presidential polls began on Oct. 26.

Opposition leader Raila Odinga had rallied his supporters to boycott the Oct. 26 vote, which was marred by low turnout and violent protests in opposition strongholds.

“As a good friend, partner and brother of Kenya, China fully respects the choice made by the Kenyans,” Hua told a regular press briefing.

China sincerely hopes that relevant parties in Kenya can proceed from the interests of the state and the people, stay rational and restrained, and resolve differences properly to secure the peace and stability of the country.

Wang Jun, Charge d’affaires of the Chinese Embassy in Cote d’Ivoire, speaks during the inauguration ceremony in Soubre, Cote d’Ivoire, Nov. 2, 2017. Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday inaugurated the Chinese-built Soubre hydroelectric power station, the largest of its kind in the West African country. (Xinhua/Li Baishun)

Chinese community in Zambia marks 53rd anniversary of bilateral relations ÏÏÏ

The Chinese community in Zambia held a cultural performance on Wednesday to celebrate the 53rd anniversary of the establishment of diplomatic ties between the two countries.

The event, organised by the Chinese embassy in collaboration with the Zambia Chinese Association, involved various performances such as dance, music, drama and Kung Fu

Deputy Editor Charles Okogene

For press release on the good work of China Government in Nigeria, send to charlesokogene@yahoo.com

shows at a Chinese-built government complex.

Zambian Minister of Tourism and Arts, Charles Banda, said he looked forward to more cultural exchange programmes between the two countries to share ideas and experiences in the development of creative arts and cultural industries.

“It is my sincere belief that the event will inspire Zambian artistes and the public in general not only to appreciate the Chinese arts and culture, but also to rekindle their desire and appetites to develop the sector to such levels as we are about to witness,” the minister said.

Banda said such cultural exchanges play a critical role in enabling the two peoples to interact and learn from each other, adding that the Zambian government was committed to developing the cultural sector into a viable and sustainable component of the country’s development.

He further lauded China for its continued assistance to Zambia’s development, saying the government remains committed to fulfilling its obligations under different agreements signed between the two countries.

For his part, Chinese Ambassador to Zambia, Yang Youming,

said the development of the China-Zambia traditional friendship was a typical story of deepening mutual understanding, closer integration and expanding cooperation.

“It is not only bolstered by the frequent bilateral political exchanges and increasing economic and trade cooperation between the two countries, the cultural exchanges and cooperation also play an irreplaceable role,” the ambassador said.

The two countries established diplomatic ties in 1964, which made Zambia the first southern African nation to forge diplomatic relationship with China.

CONTINUED ON PAGE 2

The China Times

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, Novem ber 6, 2017

Chinese enterprises help disadvantaged students pursue education in Uganda

Chinese medical team provides free treatment in rural Rwanda

ÏÏÏ For many Ugandans, education is seen as a key to success. Many students drop out of school because their parents cannot afford to pay their tuition fees.

Betty Nakyobe, a senior three student at Luyanzi College in central Uganda, would be among the many seated at home if she did not get a helping hand from the Chinese enterprises in Uganda.

Nakyobe is among the 155 students who are benefiting from the Chinese enterprises scholarship programme which started in 2013 at Luyanzi, a secondary school owned by a Chinese businesswoman, Wang Lihong.

“I see many students like me who need education but can’t afford. I am fortunate I got a Chinese sponsorship, otherwise I would be home because my parents couldn’t afford to pay my fees,” said Nakyobe.

Christian Kabito, a senior five student, sees the scholarship programme as an opportunity to many academically excellent students but unable to afford tuition fees.

“If it wasn’t of the scholarship, I wouldn’t be at this prestigious and excellent school because my parents couldn’t be able to afford the school fees,” said Kabito.

Zheng Biao, a representative of the China Enterprises Chamber of Commerce in Uganda, sees education as critical to the development of Uganda.

“We believe students are the future and development of this country. We are looking for more cooperation between the Chinese enter-

ÏÏÏ The 18th China Medical Team in Rwanda on last Wednesday launched a week-long free treatment activity in Rwanda’s Kibungo Cell.

Hundreds of local residents gathered at the health post in Kibungo, Eastern Province, around 9:30 a.m. to receive free medical care from the Chinese doctors.

The doctors from departments of orthopedics, internal medicine, surgery, stomatology, acupuncture, anesthesiology and maternity provided consultations and treatment, after donating medicines to the health post.

“I have been suffering from painful swollen legs for the past two years and have visited several healthcare centers in my area,” said Jean d’Arc Mukandutiye, 47, who got diagnosis, medicines, recommendation of further medical checkup from the Chinese doctors.

“It’s expensive to access medical checkup and treatment in hospitals. I tried to get treatment in hospitals but I couldn’t

prises, Ugandan local community and institutions like Luyanzi,” Zheng said.

Shen Jie, Managing Director of Mirembe Villas, one of the contributors to the scholarship program said education of disadvantaged student is important.

“We have very many Chinese that are passionate to help the local people especially in education sector. We believe through education students can get a brighter future and develop this country,” said Shen.

They were speaking at a function where Mirembe Villas gave four full scholarships for four years to students at Luyanzi.

Ismail Mulindwa, the commissioner for private schools and institutions at the ministry of education, said the scholarships would strengthen people to people relations and also boost bilateral ties between the two governments.

“We are very grateful for the scholarships. The scholarship enhance and promote the existing bilateral cooperation and relationship between Uganda and China,” said Mulindwa.

The scholarship beneficiaries are hopeful that if they perform better, they could get an opportunity to study in China.

“I look at it as a very big opportunity,” said Kabito. “We can tap their expertise and experience for the development of our country.”

“I have a dream of becoming a mechanical engineer and hope to do it probably in China,” he added.

afford,” said the mother of seven.

The patients at the site reported health problems ranging from dental problems, malaria, hypertension, diabetes, reproductive health, influenza, arthritis, typhoid to skin diseases.

Emmanuel Ndayambaje, who suffered a terrible headache for the past six months, said the health centers he visited failed to diagnose the problem. The Chinese doctors explained to him the cause of the headache, he said.

The 60 years old expressed his gratitude for the free medical services, as it has been difficult for him to access health services in Kigali due to his financial constraints.

Eugenie Imurinde, head of Kibungo health post, thanked the Chinese medical team for the work they have done for the health center.

“Many patients especially in rural areas fail to access treatment even for minor problems, due to lack of money

for treatment and sometimes the long distances involved,” Imurinde said.

“When our health post can’t handle complicated health problems and refer these patients to hospitals, they don’t go because of financial difficulties,” she said.

Providing free treatment to Rwandans is one of the Chinese medical teams’ main assignments, according to the team leader Lu Jun. The team aims to provide Rwandan patients with convenience through such activities, she said.

China started to dispatch medical team to Rwanda in 1982, and there ha

Chinese-built dam in Cote d’Ivoire officially launched

Cote d’Ivoire inaugurates Chinese-built biggest hydropower dam ÏÏÏ Cote d’Ivoire on Thursday inaugurated the Chinese-built Soubre hydroelectric power station, the largest of its kind in the West African country.

The 4.5-km-long hydropower dam at Naoua Falls on the Sassandra River, with an installed capacity of 275 megawatts (MW), is expected to increase hydro power in Cote d’Ivoire’s energy mix and cement the country’s status as a key power producer and supplier in

West Africa.

The Soubre project, dormant for several decades due to lack of funding, was launched in February 2013 with funding from China.

One of Soubre’s four total generator units started generating electricity in May, about eight months ahead of schedule, according to the builder Sinohydro Corporation Limited, which is under PowerChina.

“The Government of Cote d’Ivoire is

very satisfied with the quality and speed of the construction of the Soubre hydroelectric dam,” Alassane Ouattara, President of Cote d’Ivoire, said at the inauguration ceremony held in front of the dam.

The president said Cote d’Ivoire is willing to have more cooperation with China.

Hailing it as “one of the landmark achievements of cooperation between China and Cote d’Ivoire,” Wang Jun, Charge d’affaires of the Chinese

Embassy in Cote d’Ivoire, noted in his speech that the hydro station has helped deepen the bilateral economic and trade cooperation, especially in the areas of energy and hydroelectricity.

“Soubre dam is of high quality and built within a shorter period than schedule. I’ve been impressed by both the determination and flexibility shown in the Chinese builder’s work,” said Teyssiaux Jean, an engineer with Tractebel

Engineering, a French company in charge of quality supervision over Soubre’s construction.

The cost of the Soubre project is about 572 million U.S. dollars, of which 85 percent is financed by the Export-Import Bank of China and 15 percent by Cote d’Ivoire.

Cote d’Ivoire has the ambition to push its power production capacity to 4,000 MW by 2020.

Thursday’s inauguration of Soubre adds to the country’s existing capacity

of around 2,000 MW. “With Soubre dam, we’re on course to meet the target of 4,000 MW by 2020,” said Thierry Tanoh, energy minister of Cote d’Ivoire, noting that the dam contributes greatly to the improvement of people’s livelihoods.

Following the Soubre inauguration, a foundation laying ceremony was held at the same site for the 112MW Gribo-Popoli project, a dam 15 km downstream of Soubre, to be built also

by Sinohydro.

Capital Market B6 Adesola Afolabi Investors participating in the equities segment of the Nigerian Stock Market have been able to lift the market from a two-week downtrend, having been impressed with the Q3 results delivered by listed companies in the past week.

The week ended 3rd November, 2017, saw the NSE’s All-Share Index and Market Capitalization appreciate by 1.31 per cent each to close the week at 36,939.59 and N12.785 trillion respectively, just as the sectoral indices finished higher during the week with the exception of the NSE-Main Board and NSE’s Consumer Goods Indices that depreciated by 0.11 per cent and 0.07 per cent respectively.

According to Chief Research Office at Investdata Consulting Limited, Ambrose Omordion the earnings reporting season successfully coming to an end amidst

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

How investors grew NSE’s index by 1.3% in Q3 earnings season impressive numbers, will boost confidence as market fundamentals after being strengthened by these corporate earnings.

Omorodion, however, noted that, the market between now and the next earnings season is likely to be on short-term trading movement as year-end seasonal changes and festivities play out to influence the stock market.

He advised investors to let the strong numbers, trading pattern and market sentiment guide portfolio rebalancing and positioning at this point and beyond.

A review of the market’s performance in the last one week revealed that 37 equities led by University Press appreciated in price during the week. This figure

is higher than 33 gainers recorded in the previous week. 29 equities topped by Newrest ASL Nigeria depreciated in price, the week’s losers were lower than 32 decliners of the previous week, while 105 equities remained unchanged lower than 106 equities recorded in the preceding week.

A total turnover of 1.363 billion shares worth N17.714 billion in 21,891 deals was traded last week by investors on the floor of the Exchange in contrast to a total of 1.394 billion shares valued at N16.403 billion that exchanged hands previous week in 19,195 deals.

Top three traded equities for the week were FBN Holdings Plc, Diamond Bank Plc and United Bank

for Africa Plc. They accounted for 497.016 million shares worth N2.947 billion in 4,205 deals, contributing 36.48 per cent and 16.64 per cent to the total equity turnover volume and value respectively.

Cheery news such as the reinstatement of Nigeria indexes amongst the widely tracked MSCI Frontier Market Index, the world bank’s recent announcement that Nigeria now ranks 145 compared to 169 in its previous issue out of 190 countries in the Ease of Doing Business index for 2018 and a further drop in the inflation rate to 15.9 percent in October, are further enhancing investor’s interest at the local bourse.

FBN explains key to being financially stable adults Adesola Afolabi FBN Merchant Bank Limited, a subsidiary of FBN Holdings Plc, has exposed young students to ways of obtaining financial stability very early in life.

The bank educated students of six secondary schools in specific regions in Nigeria on the importance of savings.

Chinwe Okpala of FBN Merchant Bank emphasized the importance of learning and understanding financial independence through saving from an early age.

She stressed the fact that saving can help youths prepare adequately for the future and if a saving culture is ingrained and developed from youth, it would nurture them into being financially stable and independent adults.

The programme delivered by FBN Merchant Bank exposed the students to the practical aspects of monetary transactions, savings, investment and financial responsibility.

L-R: Branch Secretary, Chartered Institute of Arbitrators (CIARB) UK, Nigeria Branch, Mrs. Folashade Alli; Chairperson of CIARB, Young Members Group (YMG), Folake Sadiq; Chairperson of CIARB, UK, Nigeria Branch, Mrs. Adedoyin RhodesVivour; and Vice Chairman, YMG, Afolabi Adedipe, during the 1st Annual Conference of the CIARB Young Members’ Group in Lagos, recently Bonny Amadi All is now set for first ever Ghana Property Show in Nigeria , with a delegation of over 15 leading Ghanaian real estate companies billed to showcase participate , and showcase high quality Ghanaian housing expertise.

Expected at the fair

Summary of activities on NSE ASI DEALS VOLUME VALUE CAP

36,939.59 4,396.00 361,052,189.00 3,682,264,248.47 12,784,683,234,488.54

Erratic policies, bane of companies’ weak results- Stakeholder Bonny Amadi Array of weak third quarter 2017 results released by companies, have been attributed to weak economy and uncertain policies that could not be relied upon for long term business decisions.

Pointer to this emerged as some of the results, Diamond Bank plc, which showed Q3 Profit after tax down declined by N2.3bn, None interest income dropped drops by 18 per cent, as early signs of inability to deliver dividend for 2017 financial year emerged.

Also, Conoil’s Q3 2017 result showed 25 per cent decline in Earnings per share (EPS), 200 per cent rise in provisions for litigation claims, drop in PBT from N2, 715,473billion in the preceding period of 2016, drop in Profit for the period weakening by 25.0 per cent to N1, 358,002, National coordinator, Constance shareholders Nigeria, Shehu Mallam Mikhail, reacting to the weak results, attributed the poor performances to uncertain polices.

He said that “with trends of things in the economy I could not blame most companies because the economy is yet to improve as the policies are not yet certain” He attributed uncertainty of policies that will drive business to “government’s inconsistency in policy and decision making, forcing most companies to now work under uncertain policy environment” “Most companies now, are just working to make sure the tempo of sustainability is maintain so that things would not be shut down and any reasonable investors would only be praying to see a continuing structure of his or her investment.

Ghana real estate fair debuts in Nigeria Dec 9 scheduled to hold on 9th December ,2017, at the Federal Palace Hotel , V.I Lagos, are the Ghana High Commissioner in Nigeria and the counterpart Nigeria High Commissioner in Ghana, officials from the trade and investment ministries, the tourism board as well as industry experts.

The exhibition will feature, residential, commercial, retail, hotel/hospitality and industrial properties, with coverage areas spanning from Accra, Tema, Kumasi and other exciting locations across the country.

In a statement signed by Steve Ike, director BMJA

services and made available to Daily Times Nigeria, the event organizers said that over 1000 investors have already been confirmed attendance of the event which is expected to facilitate direct link between participating companies and potential investors The organizers pointed that, the Ghanaian property show in Nigeria is designed to showcase and market Ghana- based real estate investment opportunities diverse Nigerian investors and none resident Ghanaian in the country.

According to the statement, the fair was prompted

by the robust Nigerian- Ghana trade and cultural relationship, which dated back to the pre-independent era.

Ike, in the statement, said that the property trade show was late in coming and timely now due to the overwhelming demand from the Nigerian investing community and none resident Ghanaians willing to invest in Ghanaian real estate.

According to him, Ghana’ is one of the most attractive Africa’s property investment destinations for teeming real estate investors and the benefit of investing in the country’s sprawling real estate which are numerous

, include stable and rapidly growing economy, stable political climate and beneficial foreign investment climate.

Other benefits include, solid and favorable returns on investment, friendly people and environment, as well decent and improving basic infrastructures.

The property show in Nigeria, according to the report, will feature general discussions on the general Ghanaian investment climate, real estate industry and related information on the people culture, education and other socio economic factors.

Insurance B7 Stories by Bonny Amadi The Nigerian Council of Registered Insurance Brokers (NCRIB),has given assurance that its new leadership will commit towards enhancing professionalism, competence and fortunes of insurance brokers.

The group promises to, among other responsibilities, forge progressive relationship with other stakeholders, like the Nigerian Insurers Association (NIA); and the Chartered Insurance Institute of Nigeria (CIIN) in the industry with a view to remaining proactive.

The new President of NCRIB, Mr. Shola Tinubu said that his team is committed to paring the profession in Nigeria with its peers across the globe.

He said that he has drawn a ten- year agenda in agreement with the deputy president and

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

NCRIB seeking to enhance brokers’ professionalism, competence vice president to ensure that his tenure leaves behind a secure institution to the upcoming generation.

Speaking at the maiden press conference of his tenure, he said: “Prior to the investiture ceremony, my team and I had worked assiduously to arrive at one, but octopus sustainable agenda that will ensure that Insurance Broking profession stands at par with its counterparts anywhere in the world.

Definitely, this is an agenda that is intended to outlive this tenure; and that is why, both the deputy and vice president of the council had been deliberately made a part of its conception and subsequently its implemen-

tation.”

The new NCRIB boss said that his team is poised to positioning the council as formidable institution that will be propelled by professionalism, adding that as a body that has international affiliation with an organization like British Insurance Brokers Association (BIBA), the council is under obligation to benchmark its operation and growth pattern with such global institution.

Part of the agenda, according to Tinubu, is to look holistically into the structure within the view of law with the aim to building an enduring framework for the council. He said, “I am looking towards to a council

that will be able to relate with other regulatory bodies on behalf of the brokers without interference. For instance, it should be the responsibility of the council to relate with the National Insurance Commission (NAICOM) on behalf of the brokers, bearing in mind that the president is primarily a broker with interest.

“We will open up retailing business which will increase insurance penetration. The council will also continually invent ingenious programmes and explore opportunities for our members to enhance their interest and commitment to the NCRIB as their professional body.

The District Head of Girei, Dr. Ahmed Ibrahim Mustafa, Ubandoma Adamawa (left), flagging-off of the distribution of Scholastic Materials for Mainstreamed Learners donated

by Asset Management Corporation of Nigeria (AMCON) to host communities of the victims of insurgency in the North-Eastern state of Yola, Adamawa State at Girei 11 Primary School, Yola...recently.

Mutual Benefits seeks regulatory seal on rights Mutual Benefits Assurance plc, has advanced further in its proposed rights’ issue for capital raising with application to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) seeking endorsement of the offer and subsequent registration.

The exchange revealed on Friday, that the company, through its Stockbrokers, Security Swaps Limited, has submitted an application to the NSE for approval and listing of a Rights

Issue of 4,000,000,000 Ordinary Shares of 50 Kobo each at 50 kobo per share on the basis of 1 new ordinary share for every 2 ordinary shares held.

It stated on Wednesday 1 November, 2017, that as the Qualification Date for the Rights’ Issue. Mutual Benefits Assurance is raising fresh N2b capital through Rights’ Issue. The funds would be used to beef up its operations and further stamp its authority in the insurance

market.

Managing Director of the firm, Mr. Segun Omosehin had earlier assured that Mutual benefits remains open to new ideas and innovations that can help improve the market and the company’s bottom line.

“If you think of those news things that you want to introduce to the market, then you better be talking to us because that’s what we are interested in,” he said.

AIICO Insurance sustains sector’s liquidity boost YTD …As Q3 2017 gross premium grows by 11.9 %, while PAT declines vAIICO Insurance Plc has sustained liquidity boost of the insurance sector posting sustained high turnover year to date (YTD).

While some insurance stocks have not been able to generate bid, having played on offer over a long period, AIICO, continued to generate high turnover, reassuring shareholders of hidden growth potentials.

For the week ended Friday 3rd November, 2017, AIICO Insurance recorded the highest turnover in insurance sector with 32,921,663 million shares worth N17, 771,393.55 which was transacted by investors in 96 deals, the company’s stock closed trade for the week at N0.54 per share.

The insurers’ turnover for the week, accounted for about 54 per cent of the total sector’s turnover for the week, which stood at 59,763,592 million shares, worth N45, 908,537.66m and traded by investors in 500 deals.

AIICO’s third quarter result for the period ended 30th September, 2017, showed depressed profit and loss lines even as gross premium grew by 11.9 per cent.

The result further showed that loss before tax dimmed by -42.5 per cent to N2, 770 in Q3 2017, from N4,819 in the corresponding period of 2016. Loss after tax closed at -20.3 per cent to N2, 424 from N3,043 in Q3 2016.

Meanwhile, in furtherance of an approval and authorization to that effect granted by its shareholders at the 46th Annual General Meeting held on 5th May 2016 at Federal Palace Hotel, Lagos, AIICO Insurance Plc. (AIICO) said it has opened discussions with an Investor on a Non-Binding basis for Investment in the Company.

Standard Alliance boosts Q3 gross premium to N4bn Standard Alliance Insurance may have reassured investors of its commitment to meeting positing rules of the Nigerian Stock Exchange and growing earnings, as the company beat sanctions from the regulators by timely delivering its third quarter 2017 results.

The result which showed boost in gross premium, recorded reduced earnings in other key measuring indices, positing about 300 per cent boost in net claims.

The Q3 unaudited financials released by the NSE last week, showed that gross Premium

written grew to N3,917,443 billion from N3,883,573bn posted in same period of 2016.

While unearned premium dropped to N90, 910 from N230, 967m in Q3 2016, Reinsurance premium expenses also dropped to N450, 203m from N627, 789m.

According to the result, Net premium income dropped to N3, 376,330bn, against N3, 486,751bn in the same period of 2016. Net Underwriting income dropped to N3, 540,071bn from N3, 641,328bn in 2016 Q3, while claims’ expenses closed at N1, 068,426bn against N1, 127,944bn in the Q3 2016.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, November 6, 2017

Keystone Bank renovates sick bay in Lagos school In keeping with its commitment to promoting qualitative education and sustainable development in Nigeria, Keystone Bank Limited, has handed over a renovated and fully equipped Sick Bay to Dodan Barracks Primary School, Obalende, Lagos, to manage remote health challenges of the students.

Speaking on the lender’s passion for investment in the education sector at the commissioning ceremony, the Divisional Head, Marketing & Corporate Communications of Keystone Bank, Mrs. Omobolanle Osotule, said that the intervention is aimed at supporting the school to further improve the learning and teaching environment, thereby raising the standard of education in the country.

Osotule said: “As a bank that is committed to the development of Nigerian youths, Keystone Bank recognises education as the bedrock of sustainable development, which is why education is one of our core CSR pillars.

“As much as education is an essential aspect of the development

of any society, it is also important that children have easy access to first level healthcare while at school.”

According to her, “The initiative is part of the bank’s overall strategy to create a sustainable impact around healthcare, education, youth/women empowerment and employee volunteering.”

In his response, the head teacher of the school, Mr Kayode Edun, thanked the Bank for the kind gesture Keystone Bank, a technology and service-driven commercial bank offering convenient and reliable solutions to its customers has been at the forefront of various educational and Women/Youth empowerment initiatives in recent times.

The lender recently partnered the Junior Achievers Nigeria (JAN), spearheading efforts in the furtherance of the Central Bank of Nigeria’s financial literacy drive by teaching children across the country on financial education/independence.

B8 CSR

‘How corporate governance affects CSR’

Stories by Godwin Anyebe

Corporate social responsibility, which is critical to business owners and the communities at large has suffered lots of setback in Nigeria.

This, many attribute to failure of corporate governance in a society which practices are essential to achieving and maintaining public trust and confidence.

Analysts believe that what is happening in Nigeria more often than not is nothing but corporate investment where brand handlers use subtle marketing skill to make the larger society believe that it is corporate social responsibility.

For these analysts, while a strong corporate governance culture in an organization encourages success and business sustainability, poor corporate governance may contribute to bank failures which could in turn lead to a run on the bank, unemployment and

negative impact on the economy as well as corporate social responsibility.

Checks by The Daily Times revealed that, effective governance requires a proactive culture of commitment and engagement that drives both the board and the organization it governs toward high performance. Engaged cultures are characterized by honesty and a willingness to challenge, and they reflect the social and work dynamics of a high-performance team.

Speaking on this issue recently in Enugu during the fifth annual conference of the Brand Journalists Association of Nigeria (BIJAN) with the theme: ‘Corporate governance, public accountability and the challenge of repositioning Nigeria, Chief Executive Officer, Core Experiential Marketing Limited, Solabomi Okonkwo said; “the failure of some companies in the area of corporate social responsi-

bility in Nigeria is as a result of weak or complete absence of corporate governance structures.”

According to her,” in 2005, there were eighty nine deposit banks operating in a highly concentrated market with the top ten banks accounting for over eighty per cent of the total assets/liabilities. The statutory capitalization requirement was N2 billion; and the small size of these banks had an adverse effect on their cost structure thus making the cost of intermediation high.”

Further, she pointed out that, “the total capitalization of all Nigerian banks then stood at N293bn, which was just the size of the fourth largest bank in South Africa. As a result Nigerian banks were unable to finance major transactions in the growing oil and gas, and telecom sectors, which constitute the fastest growing sectors in the Nigerian economy.”

Simba rewards luminous trade partners with trip to India In continuation of its tradition of rewarding its esteemed trade partners for excellence and partnership, Wandel International, flagship company of the Simba Group, and sole distributors of Luminous inverters and power backup solutions in Nigeria, has rewarded 30 of its top dealers with an all-expense paid trip to New Delhi, the headquarters of Luminous Power Technologies in India.

Luminous Power Technologies, a Schneider Electric company is the leading power and home electrical specialist in India having a vast portfolio comprising of power back up solutions such as Inverters, UPS, Batteries and Solar Applications. The company also enjoys the leadership position in the inverter industry in Nigeria.

Speaking about the trip, in a

statement made available to journalists recently in Lagos, the Head of the Luminous Inverter Business at Wandel International, Mr. Rajneesh Gupta, explained that the company decided to take its top dealers to India, both as reward for maintaining market leadership in Nigeria, and to engage with senior technical personnel from the company’s Research and Development centre in India.

He explained that the Dealers are part of the over 60,000 strong dealers network of Luminous in more that 36 countries across the globe.

He added that the visit to Luminous Technologies Headquarters is in tandem with the focus of the company on Execution and Team-work and the vision of the company to delight customers through innovation and passion.

In line with its commitment to youth empowerment and talent development in Nigeria, Nigerian Breweries Plc is sponsoring the Lagos International Poetry Festival.

The five-day festival, the third in the series, opened recently at the Freedom Park, Lagos with poets from across the world in attendance.

Speaking on this development, Kufre Ekanem, Corpo-

rate Affairs Adviser of Nigerian Breweries Plc, said the sponsorship is a strand in the fabric of the company’s philosophy of “Winning with Nigeria.” “We recognise that the arts play an important role in strengthening the cultural values of our society; and we believe that we can help to contribute to the breeding of young, emerging talents and create a shared performance

L-R: Dr. Musa Auyo, Bayero University Kano (BUK) Librarian; Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman (EVC),Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Prof. Muhammad Yahuza Bello, Vice Chancellor, BUK; and Prof. Suleiman Mudi, during the Inaugural Professorial Lecture at the university... recently.

NB Plc sponsors Lagos International Poetry Festival space for poets from Nigeria and across the world,” he said.

This year’s theme, Bridges from Walls explores arts capacity to unite society around its common humanity. The series of events lined up for the festival express the universal desire for love, joy and fulfilment. Workshop, master classes and poetry performances from poets from across the world characterise this year’s

festival.

Efe Paul Azino, Founder/ Director, Lagos International Poetry Festival, said that Nigerian Breweries’ sponsorship reflects the character of the company in its huge investment in the intellectual life of Nigeria and Nigerians. “Nigerian Breweries should be lauded for its immense support of initiatives that add value to people,” he said.

Nigerian Breweries Plc is a significant sponsor of a broad spectrum of initiatives which cover diverse areas in health, water, education, talent development and youth empowerment across the country.

The company has sponsored the Lagos International Poetry Festival since inception in 2015.

Life&

TIMES Monday, November 6, 2017

Money’s blessing, curse to Nigerian music industry L P

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Opinion L2

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, November 6, 2017

Joey Akpan

Money’s blessing, curse to Nigerian music industry You know that stuff they say to you all the time about money being the number one thing in the music industry? Well, it still is. Both negative and positive.

Money generally is the number one substance on earth. In whatever form it appears, it commands huge respect and dictates the way the world is run. Countries go to war over money, people kill each other to get their hands on some, and it is a huge determinant of class and social status all around the world.

The people with it rule, and the people who who do.

In Nigeria, money rules. We live in an aspirational country where everything and everyone are driven by an insane drive to make money. If well, may the good Lord be with you. Small Doctor, the great musician and wisdom, captured the reality of the situation in the magical your face.�

The entire Nigerian music industry is driven by built with the sole focus of making money via the art. Everything created is geared towards the

In the music industry, there are two types of ones without money.

To both sets, the possession of money is extremely important. Making music and promoting it in Nigeria is capital-intensive. You need money to stay alive, get access to a studio, record, shoot a video and promote it across all platforms. As the years go by, the cost barrier to entering the music industry continues to increase.

To artists with money, either from their par-

ents, or internet fraud, or a lucrative side hustle, this is soft work. Money opens doors to every platform, and projects can smoothly when you have the right cash to throw around.

Artists without money will have to scrap tough. If they get lucky, their dreams would come through, and someone with money frustration and depression set in, until they slowly lose hope, and abandon the art

sarily mean you will blow. You still need to use it effectively to push through the music. You also need the talent to maximise the effect of the money. Money works best when it is combined with talent. of Nigerian music is survival. The music is a reaction to the desperation of poverty. Artists from humble backgrounds hustle extra hard to hone their skills with the aim of cashing in on it to survive. That gives them an edge that carries through into the music. Statistically, humble background. Survival teaches hustle, and hustle makes great music. artists chase money it affects their artistry.

Money blesses them, but it does deliver a curse.

Go close to many Nigerian artists. Discuss music and the concept of greatness in the vated they are.

But discuss money, and how much they plan to make from the art, and you will see their energy levels skyrocket. They are triggered by money and everything it stands for.

This is because many Nigerian musicians are not artists. They are simply hustlers; businessmen who are more concerned about minimum. Artistry is a myth to this people.

They take no pride in it, hence they only lean on their bank account balances as a validation of their work.

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some people that call themselves critics oh. – Yemi Alade, 2016.

These people take no pride in performing and recording. All of these are means to an

ways to cut spending and focus on what would generate the cash.

And for many, they have found the sweet spot where they can do the barest minimum, which would cost them nothing, and give them the money.

Check out many live performances by Nigerian artists. They put in the barest minimum, and treat the emotions and expectation of the fans as an avenue to make money. Everything else is abstract.

And the Nigerian society helps them get away with it. The artists understand that a huge amount of Nigerians who attend these concerts have not experienced better. They are simply just happy to experience their favourite artist on stage. So the performers take advantage and deliver horrible performances.

But to discover the root of these, you have to factor in the society in which they grew up. The Nigerian society has one true aim for everyEveryone is looking to survive. We are a rich country with a general populace steeped in poverty. This lack of money has eventually created a value system, where the pursuit of paper is the Holy Grail, and everything else is secondary. True value in the Nigerian society is placed on escaping poverty via the acquisition of wealth. gods.

Our Nigerian artists are products of that system. Long before they were artists, they have been conditioned to be hustlers. Money is their

For many of the young acts, the art is their ticket to wealth, not an expression of their talents and passion. And many get into the game and improve on their craft until they hit the spot where the cheques become constant. Once that aim is achieved, they lose focus, kick back, smoke a cigar, and chill. Their purpose in the game is done.

They can buy their mama a house.

Money is important in the art. It is what fuels the cost of productivity, and also provides a reward for hardwork. But as long as an artist ties sibility of hitting new levels once the money begins to come in.

It is this mentality that also drives the generality of Nigerian fandom.

Their favorite artist is wealthy, and everything else fails to matter. ed for their craft. That way, they are encouraged to keep creating. But true value should optimally be placed on the quality of your work and the impact it has on society.

Life&

T E A M

are not.

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, November 6, 2017

L3

Mutiat Alli

Wellness: 15 home remedies for curing heartburn Heartburn is something that most adults will experience during their lifetime. It is characterized by an uncomfortable burning sensation right behind the breastbone that often times creeps up the throat, and is a symptom more so than a disease. It is caused your stomach goes back up your esophagus, which then causes

from occasional heartburn, lifestyle changes and heartburn home remedies may be the route you want to take.

as sodium bicarbonate is more commonly known, can help your It has a pH higher than 7.0, and therefore neutralizes stomach acid.

Neutralizing the stomach acid means that if/when your LES decides 2.

Directions Mix either a ½ teaspoon or 1 single teaspoon of baking soda into

when you sit down, the waistband is going to sink into your abdomen

and drink all of the mixture. You can repeat this as needed but should

your lower esophageal sphincter, which make it more likely stomach

using this as a remedy for more than a week straight, as it is high in salt alcohol both work to weaken your LES, making it that much easier for stomach contents and acid to splash up into your esophagus. Alcohol

soothe burns, and people often think of using it to help something like sunburn, but it can do more than that. It may be able to help with getting eaten away at, a nice glass of aloe Vera juice may be just the thing to help calm it down.

pressure on your lower esophageal sphincter. It will be more likely to

Directions drink a ½ cup of aloe juice, cool or room temperature, before meals.

13. Mustard.

Mustard is an alkalizing food that is full of minerals, and contains a esophagus. If you think this may be your case, try drinking some that may come creeping up your throat, and therefore may neutralize

Directions

Directions Muster up some courage, and just take that little sucker straight.

instances of heartburn. minutes to help ward off heartburn. option is to try an apple a day. Slice one up and eat it a couple of to eat more, unless of course you want to munch on some more, books, or blocks under the legs at the head of your bed. You could

stomach makes stomach contents press harder against your lower esophageal sphincter. smaller bites and eat slowly, allowing your stomach time to digest and

cup of fresh tea about 20 minutes before a meal can help calm down your tummy and act as an acid buffer.

trigger heartburn, kind of like how they help tension headache but can trigger migraines. ½ – 1 hour before you plan on going to sleep can help reduce

Slice up 3 quarter sized pieces of gingerroot and simmer gently 20 minutes before a meal.

trigger heartburn, usually foods high in acid (tomatoes or citrus fruits,

but tracking what triggers your heartburn may be what ultimately makes it go away in the end. Instead of going crazy with what you

down puts more pressure on your LES and increases the likelihood of acid sneaking through.

at bay, keep a little diary of sorts that makes note of what you ate,

You can use instant chamomile tea, or you can easily make your own fresh.

Directions

Decor L4

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday, November 6, 2017

Mutiat Alli

Beauty of having a nice Patio A Patio is a paved out area adjoining a house, generally used for dinning or recreation. The term comes from Spanish where its meaning is different (inner courtyard).

The common materials employed when building a patio include concrete, stones, bricks but also tiles and cobbles.

Patios are often decorated with plants and outdoor furniture. Building a patio depends on the design and space of your backyard or garden. Patios in homes make a real statement and make your residence stand out, giving you the option of being creative, and either making or designing it, traditional, antiquated or trendy, there are varieties of patio furniture to suit the taste of the home owner.

An outdoor patio creates the perfect environment for your family gathering and additional space for entertaining. Picking patio the style, the comfort and the materials being used including the space. When choosing patio furniture make sure it matches your landscape.

The main idea and objective is to create an extension of your house including the back space being used for your patio with the used of outdoor furniture. You, friends and family are to feel as comfortable outside as much as comfort felt inside the house.

While selecting outdoor furniture, ensure only right to buy furniture that is appropriate for your backyard. Small spaces should not be crowded with large and heavy furniture, but if you have enough space, and you entertain guest often, then a dinning set and a bar would be a fun choice to go with. Always remember that comfortable atmospheres should not only be inside of the house, but

also outdoors. Hammocks which are a sling made of fabric, rope, or netting, suspended between two points, used for swinging, sleeping or resting is great for kids. Lounge chairs are a necessity for lying by the pool if there is one.

When you reach into secluded space in the back of your home, convert the underutilized areas in your landscape into welcoming patios by employing handsome furnishings, vibrant fabrics, and beautifully planted containers. Everyone needs a solitary spot for sharing quiet conversations with friends or kicking back with a good book. A few cushy chairs and a table for resting drinks and books is all that is required to create a purposeful patio.

The essence of patios should be retreats that offer peaceful respite from the hectic work weeks and family tending days opt for neutral color palettes, spare furniture arrangements, and plentiful plantings to fashion serene scenes that match your relaxing and entertaining needs. Keep it low maintenance by selecting weather proof furniture and fabrics and cultivating. furnishings a covered patio formalizes its outlook with a distinctive dinning set combining glitzy chairs with a table crafted from a craved base and a glass top. Want to add some sparkle to your patio in a jiffy? Hang a glided mirror on an exterior wall or fence nishing your patio with light weight pieces that you can move from sun to shade.

You may also want to try furnishing with door living space for cultivating a gardening

necessity although in this modern times, our ideas of a beautiful home has skyrocketed and we all look for creativity in order to switch up our styles just like fashion and lifestyle, it can tend can transform your home to be. of the tropics and are home to all types of household pets and insects, there are pest control supplies, insect repellents and bug control that can be purchased at shopping malls and stores used

to avoid discomfort while enjoying your patio. Most people also opt for frequent fumigation to keep unwanted guest away from your relaxation spot at home. All these, depend on the residence area and surrounding of your home.

Patios can give exquisite taste to any home with the right ideas too can put a fancy, elegant looking patio and be the envy of your neighbors in the best ways.