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FOI: NCC replies Daily Times, seeks 7-day extension to respond on Etisalat’s $1.2bn loans

Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ

The Nigerian Communication Commission (NCC) has replied The Daily Times on its request for information on Etisalat’s $1.2billion loans; and requested for a seven- day ex-

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tension of time to enable it to respond appropriately.

The NCC’s letter, titled: “Re: Transfer of a Request Pursuant to Section 5 of the Freedom of Information Act (FOI), 2011, was addressed to the Daily Times Editor.

Continued on page 5

WEDNESDAY, NOVEMBER 8, 2017 VOL. 3. NO. 495

N150

GLOBAL FINANCIAL/COMMODITY MARKETS

CURRENCIES/CBN: CBN: N305.90 PER DOLLAR, Parallel Market: USD N363 POUND N475 EURO N421 NSE: ASI 36, 930.83 MARKET CAP 12.78 FMDQ O/N 38.92 OBB 37.50 COMMODITIES: Wheat US $427.60/MT Rice US $11.22/MT Cocoa US $2,099.00/Bag Coffee US $125.90/Scoop Cotton US $68.61/Unit Sugar US $14.41/Ounce METALS: Gold US $1272.90/Ounce Silver US $16.79/Ounce Copper US $3.15/Ounce ENERGY: Brent US $63.10/PB, N/Gas US $3.09/CB

N8.612trn Budget: Power, Agric, Education get lion’s share Olufemi Samuel and Henry Omunu, Abuja

Ï Power, Works & Housing- N555.88bn; Agric - N118.98bn; Education-N109.06bn Ï Oil benchmark pegged at $45 per barrel Ï Deficit to be financed with N1.6trn loan Ï Saraki, Dogara hail Buhari over early presentation of 2018 Budget

ÏÏÏ President Muhammadu Buhari on Tuesday presented a budget estimate of N8.612 trillion for the 2018 fiscal year.

The president, who presented the budget to the joint session of the National assembly in Abuja, Continued on page 6

Anxiety trails health status of Ekwueme Senate orders abolishment of Excess Crude Account 7

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GAC Motor leverages Lagos to boost Nigeria’s sports 6 development Tax Havens: FG to crosscheck offshore tax declaration by Nigerians 5

President Muhammadu Buhari (right), presenting the 2018 Appropriation Bill to a joint-session of the National Assembly in Abuja… on Tuesday. With him is the Senior Special Assistance to President on National Assembly Matters (Senate), Sen. Ita Enang.

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

5 News

FOI: NCC replies Daily Times, seeks 7-day extension to respond on Etisalat’s $1.2bn loans Continued from page 1 The letter was dated October 31, 2017 and signed

by Yetunde Akinloye, Head, Legal and Regulatory Services and Chinelo Ofomata, Assistant Director, Legal and Regulatory

Services on behalf of the Executive Vice Chairman /CEO. The letter reads in part: “We received on October 23, 2017, a letter from the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) dated October 20, 2017, and received on Oc-

tober 23, 2017 in respect of the above subject. The said letter forwarded your letter, dated, July 4, 2017. A copy is attached for ease of reference.

“Please note that your request is being processed by the commission. How-

ever, as provided for in section 6 of the Freedom of Information Act 2011, we hereby request for a seven (7)- day extension of time with effect from October 31, 2017, to enable us gather the requested information and respond

A cross-section of pensioners during the on-going Pension Verification Exercise in Ilorin, Kwara State… on Tuesday.

appropriately.”

The Daily Times had on July 24, 2017, wrote to the CBN governor seeking information over the alleged crisis in Etisalat Nigeria (now 9mobile) following a huge debt of $1.2bn (about N541 billion) from 13 Nigerian banks.

In the letter, the Daily Times requested CBN to provide it with full information on what transpired in Etisalat and the propriety of CBN’s action in depositors’ funds involved in the loans.

The Daily Times also sought information on the motives behind the new appointments in Etisalat (9mobile); and the alleged plans of a business mogul to takeover the telecoms firm at the end of the transitory six -months period.

But the CBN replied the Daily Times on September 28, 2017, in a letter with number: CSD/FOI/GEN/ REQ/03/113, titled: “Re: Request for Information on Etisalat Loans” signed

by Mrs. R.J Monguno for Director of Corporate Secretariat and advised the

newspaper jto follow up on its request with the NCC. The CBN, had in the letter said: “In line with the provisions of Section 5 of the FOI, 2011, we have transferred your request to the Nigeria Communication Commission (NCC) vide our letter ref CSD/ FOI/GEN/REQ/03/112 dated 27th September, 2017 based on the fact that the NCC have “greater interest” in the information.

Etisalat had terminated its management agreement with its Nigerian arm and gave the business time to fissile out.

But the NCC intervened immediately during the crisis to save Etisalat Nigeria from collapse after talks with its lenders to renegotiate a $1.2bn loan failed.

However, despite NCC’s intervention all the UAE shareholders of Etisalat Nigeria exited the company.

The telecommunications giant has since changed its name to 9mobile; while still retaining its millions subscribers.

Tax Havens: FG to crosscheck Offshore tax declaration by Nigerians Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏ The

Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, has said that the Federal Government’s Offshore Tax Havens will no longer offers protection for tax evaders.

She said that the government would crosscheck offshore tax declaration by Nigerians.

Adeosun advised Nigerians to review any existing tax planning schemes, including those in offshore tax havens, in order to take advantage of the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) to regularise their tax status where necessary.

The finance minister gave the advice on Tuesday while responding to a question about the legality of the use of offshore tax shelters during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja.

The minister said that whilst the use of tax avoidance schemes was legal, tax evasion was not.

She said, “The critical question to be asked of all Nigerian tax payers using offshore tax shelters will be whether all applicable taxes have been paid prior to the transfer of funds or assets to a tax shelter.

“If all taxes had been paid, then there will be no additional liability except tax payable on further income earned on those funds. However, if taxes had not been paid, then the use of such schemes is illegal.”

Adeosun counseled users of such structures to seek professional advice, explaining further that the Federal Ministry of Finance was offering free training to professional advisers on the VAIDS to enable them to support their

clients.

She urged users of offshore tax shelters to promptly embrace the VAIDS scheme to regularize their tax status, adding that Nigeria’s low tax revenues were at variance with the lifestyles of a large number of its people and with the value of assets known to be owned by Nigerians resident around the world.

The minister said, “VAIDS ushers is an opportunity to increase the nation’s general. tax awareness and compliance. It is a time-limited opportunity for taxpayers to regularise their tax status relating to previous tax periods.

“In exchange for fully and honestly declaring previously undisclosed assets and income, taxpayers will benefit from forgiveness of overdue interest and penalties, and with further assur-

ance that they will not face criminal prosecution for tax offences or be subject to tax investigations.”

Adeosun, who also responded to further questions from the media practitioners, explained that with the increasing global focus on illicit financial flows and tax evasion, offshore tax shelters no longer offer robust protection against tax authorities.

She, therefore, added that the continued use of such schemes poses enormous risks for the users.

On questions relating to the recent leaks by Panana Papers and Paradise Papers, the minister remarked that the leaks were just the beginning of what is likely to be a systematic unraveling of the offshore tax haven system.

According to her, the Federal Ministry of Finance’s data mining project would

use data provided on Nigerians from such leaks to crosscheck tax declarations.

She urged Nigerians to cooperate with the government by paying the right taxes to both the Federal and state governments in order to provide the much needed funds that will improve the lives of Nigerians.

The minister maintained that sanctions await defaulters who refuse the Federal Government’s offer of tax amnesty, including the full payment of outstanding tax liability and criminal prosecution.

She further said that businesses, which untruthfully comply, would be liable; as whatever was paid on the declared liabilities may be considered as partpayment of the outstanding sum later discovered by the authorities.

On defaulters who fail to utilise the VAIDS’ window, Adeosun said such offenders would face criminal prosecution by the Federal Government.

VAIDS was established on June 29, 2017 via an Executive Order signed by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo ( then Acting President), as a broad-spectrum solution to virtually all the defects in the country’s tax system, including negativity towards taxation.

The first phase of VAIDS runs from 1st July, 2017; while the second phase ends on 31st March, 2018.

According to the minister, job creation is one of the spin-offs of the VAIDS initiative, with the scheme expected to create a total of 7,500 opportunities for Nigerians as Community Tax Liaison Officers (CTLOs) through the N-Power scheme of the government.

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Power, Agric, Education get lion’s share Continued from page 1 predicated it on N2.005 trillion deficit, which he said, would be financed by a foreign loan of N1.699trn.

The 2018 budget represents an increase of 16 per cent above the N7.45trn budgeted in the outgoing year, 2017.

Buhari, in his presentation, said that the budget would be predicated on an oil benchmark of $45 per barrel, with oil projection of 2.3million bp/d.

The president said that 50 per cent of the borrowing would be sourced externally, while the balance would be sourced domestically.

He said also that the balance of the deficit of

N306bn would be financed from proceeds of privatisation of some non-oil assets by the Bureau of Public Enterprises (BPE).

The 2018 budget is also to run on an exchange rate at N305 to one US dollar and GDP to growth ratio of 3.5 per cent.

According to the President, the total expenditure for the budget in the next year’s fiscal year stands at N2.652trn, representing 30.8 per cent of aggregate expenditure, which includes capital in Statutory Transfers.

The President, while presenting the budget, tagged: “The Budget of Consolidation,” the highest since Nigeria returned to demo-

cratic rule, was optimistic of its quick passage by the national Assembly.

The Daily Times recalls that the 2017 budget was tagged: ‘Budget of Growth and Economic Recovery.’

A breakdown of the 2018 Appropriation Bill indicates that recurrent expenditure stands at N3.494trn; while the sum of N2.014trn would be set aside for debt servicing.

However, Statutory Transfers stands at N456 bn, while sinking Fund of N220bn is earmarked for retiring maturing bond to local contractors.

President Buhari also proposed estimated total revenue of N6.607trn for the budget, 30 percent more

than the 2017 target, promising that the non oil revenue would be larger than that expected from oil in 2018.

According to him, while the sum of N2.442trn will come from oil revenues, non-oil, as well as other revenues will fetch the government the sum of N4.165trn.

The president said based on the fiscal assumptions and parameters in the next year’s budget, total federally-collectible revenue is estimated at N11.983trn, indicating that in 2018, the three tiers of the government would receive about 12 percent more revenues than the 2017 estimate.

According to him, of the amount, the sum of

L-R: Osun State Deputy Governor, Mrs. Titi Laoye-Tomori; Osun State Governor, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola; National Public Relation Officer of National Association of Polytechnic students, Mr. Olugbode Damola and Acting National President, Ibrahim Olawale, during

GAC Motor leverages Lagos to boost Nigeria’s sports development

Bonny Amadi

ÏÏÏ

GAC Motor Nigeria has sustained sports engineering and development in the country with first class funding, progressive initiatives with greater emphasis in Lagos State, the center stage of the nation’s sport’s growth.

Demonstration of this feat, is woven around GAC Motor ongoing partnership with the Access Bank, Lagos State City Marathon, scheduled for 10th February 2018, as this reechoes to the global community that, Lagos State is rightly positioned to host the world in world class events.

GAC Motor is a world class leading manufacturer of vehicles based in Guang-

zhou China and its authorised sole distributor in Nigeria is CIG Motors.

With the partnership, the stage has indeed been set for yet, another interesting competition with the GAC sponsorship powering the recently IAAF bronze labeled marathon with the GA3S vehicles and other operational vehicles worth over N100m.

Meanwhile, with over 100,000 participants expected to take part in the February 10, 2018, Access Bank, Lagos City Marathon, the preparation has indeed begun for the battle on who emerges winners for 2 units GA3S GAC Motor up for grabs in the newly introduced 10km Family race, which opens to Nigerian

nationals only.

The Access Bank Lagos City Marathon partnership, raises the bar for intending sponsors as it adds to GAC Motors list of other supports in the sports and creative industries in Nigeria by the Chairman, CIG Motors, Chief Diana Chen, the Sole representative of GAC Motor in Nigeria.

The forth coming sports event was unveiled at a press briefing which held in Lagos on Tuesday where top officials of GAC Motor, Lagos State governor, Akinwumi Ambode, and Access Bank Nigeria Plc GMD/ CEO, Hubert Wigwe, gave the assurances that preparations are on top gear to make the event memorable, world class with greater re-

wards to winners and participants.

Chairman, CIG Motors, Chief Diana Chen, Sole representative of GAC Motor in Nigeria in his address, expressed the commitment of the Nigeria’s highly auto priced company towards the forth coming event and sports development in general.

He said: “GAC Motor is very happy and proud to be a part of the Access Bank Lagos City Marathon because it represents endurance, strength and tenacity, qualities that GAC Motor vehicles possess. Through this sort of programme ‘we want other investors to know that Lagos is safe to do business and they can trust Lagos State she concluded’.

N6.387trn is expected to be realised from oil and gas sources, just as total receipts from the non-oil sector are projected at N5.597trn.

He said the non-oil and other revenue sources of N4.165trn, include several items including: Share of Companies Income Tax (CIT) of N794.7bn, share of Value Added Tax (VAT) of N207.9bn, Customs & Excise Receipts of N324.9bn, FGN Independently Generated Revenues (IGR) of N847.9bn, FGN’s Share of Tax Amnesty Income of N87.8bn, and various recoveries of N512.4bn, N710bn as proceeds from the restructuring of government’s equity in Joint Ventures and other sundry incomes of N678.4bn.

The government allocated 30.8 per cent of the 2018 Budget to capital expenditure, as the president said his government would demonstrate strong commitment to investing in critical infrastructure capable of spurring growth and creating jobs in the Nigerian economy.

Allocation of capital expenditure to Ministries and Departments, according to the President, include: Power, Works and Housing: N555.88 billion; Transportation: N263.10bn; Special Intervention Programmes: N150.00bn; Defence: N145.00bn; Agriculture and Rural Development N118.98bn; Water Resources: N95.11bn; Industry, Trade and Investment: N82.92bn; Interior: N63.26bn; Education N61.73bn; Universal Basic Education Commission: N109.06bn; Health: N71.11bn; Federal Capital Territory: N40.30bn; Zonal Intervention Projects N100.00bn; North East Intervention Fund N45.00bn; Niger Delta Ministry: N53.89bn; and Niger Delta Development Commission: N71.20 bn.

Harping on the alternative source of revenue generation, Buhari expressed dismay on the low performance of the tax regime in Nigeria, noting that the country’s tax-to-GDP ratio stood about 6% one of the lowest in the world, just as he promised improvement in the next years fiscal plans.

To ensure such improvement, the president said his government has been stepping up efforts to ensure that all taxable Nigerians comply with the legal requirement to declare income from all sources and remit taxes due to the appropriate authorities.

He said, “We have introduced the Voluntary Assets and Income Declaration Scheme (VAIDS) on the 1st of July, 2017. The Scheme provides non-compliant taxpayers with a ninemonth window to regularise their tax status relating to historical periods. In return, overdue interest and penalties will be forgiven.

“In addition, no investigations or criminal charges will be brought against participating taxpayers.

We expect that this Scheme will widen the tax net for both the Federal and state governments. I am therefore, asking all Nigerians to seize this opportunity and do right thing. Let us not shy away from our duty to build a better Nigeria.

The president also promised to put more attention on development of infrastructure across the country, recalling that his government had started paying the backlog of debt owed contractors, which he said ran into trillions of naira, and would continue to do so.

Listing his achievements on infrastructure projects in the current fiscal year, Buhari said, “At the outset of this Administration in 2015, the Abuja Metro-Rail Project, which began in 2007, was only 50% completed, after 8 years. Today, in just 18 months, we have pushed the project to 98% completion. This was achieved as the Nigerian Government was diligently able to meet its counterpart funding obligations for the Chinese loans.”

He also said that, “We have also continued work on key strategic Roads.

Over 766 kilometres of roads were constructed or rehabilitated across the country in 2017. For instance, work is at various stages of completion on these strategic roads with immense socio-economic benefits: *Rehabilitation of Ilorin-Jebba-Mokwa-BirninGwari-Kaduna Road; Dualization of Oyo-Ogbomosho-Ilorin Road; Rehabilitation of Gombe-NumanYola Road; Dualization of Kano-Maiduguri Road; Rehabilitation of Sokoto-Tambuwal-Jega Road and Kotangora-Makera Road that transverse Sokoto, Kebbi and Niger States; Rehabilitation and Reconstruction of Enugu-Port-Harcourt Road; and Rehabilitation of Enugu-Onitsha Dual Carriageway Road.”

Others, according to the president, include, rehabilitation of Aleshi-Ugep Road and the IyamoyunContinued on page 7

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

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News

Power, Agric, Education get lion’s share

Continued from page 6

Ugep Section in Cross River State; rehabilitation, reconstruction and Expansion of Lagos-Ibadan Dual Carriageway Road; construction of Loko-Oweto Bridge over River Benue in Nasarawa and Benue States; and construction Gokanni Bridge along Tegina-Mokwa-Jebba Road in Niger State.

On development of rail system, the president said his government has kickstarted the abandoned Itakpe-Ajaokuta-Warri Rail Line, and recalled that it

had been ongoing for over 17 years.

He said, “We had to take some drastic measures; but I am pleased to announce that work is ongoing; and we expect to commission this service by September 2018. This service will start with 7 standard gauge coaches.

“The situation at the Apapa Port complex is a top priority for this administration. The delays are due to congestion and their adverse impact on business operations and costs is a key concern to our government. We are partnering

with the private sector to fix the road. We shall do the right thing considering. We will not cut corners.

“In addition to the road, we have also commenced the extension of the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge Rail Line to connect Apapa and Tin Can Port Complexes. This project will significantly ease the congestion at the ports and enhance both export and import operations. This project shall be completed

by December 2018. Already, working with the private sector, we have repaired the Apapa Port Narrow Gauge Line which is currently be-

ing used to evacuate goods from the port, thereby easing congestion.

Interestingly, both the leadership of the National Assembly, Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki and Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogra have lauded the president for early presentation of the budget.

Saraki has commended Buhari for the presentation, vowing that the Senate would work with the House of Representatives, while making sacrifices to make the budget work this time.

He expressed delight

Cross-section of nursing mothers waiting to immunise their babies, during the commencement of another round of polio immunization in Jikoko Community, Bwari Area Council in Abuja…recently.

Senate orders abolishment of excess crude account ÏÏÏ The Nigerian Senate

on Tuesday ordered the abolition of the operation of the Excess Crude Account, ECA. The Upper Chamber of the National Assembly also requested the Executive to act in conformity with section 80 (1-4) and 162(1-3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended) in its revenues receipt and expenditure.

The development was sequel to a Motion moved

by Senator Rose Okoh and 42 other Senators, who described the Excess Crude Account as illegal and a drain pipe on the economy.

Senator Rose Okoh (PDP Cross Rivers North) noted that the ECA is alien to

the 1999 Constitution (as amended) or any other known law of the land; and that it is not in tandem with sections 80 (1-4) and 162 (1_3) of the 1999 Constitution, which prescribed revenue receipt and expenditure.

The Motion also raised worries that the continued impunity of the ECA and it’s discretionary operations in contravention of the Constitution is creating room for impudence, recklessness and arbitrariness.

But Senator Mao Ohuabunwa (PDP, Abia North), in his contribution to the Motion, noted that the model of democracy which Nigeria operates is hinged on rule of

law. He lamented that the ECA is being operated arbitrarily without enabling laws.

Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi (APC, Kaduna North) on his part, called on the Senate to find a way of regulating the ECA rather than totally scrapping the account.

Senator Atai Idoko from Kogi State, who also lent his voice to the ECA debate described what is going on with the ECA as illegality, adding that the monies paid into the ECA are being spent without appropriation.

The Senate had last week stepped down the Motion raising questions as to the motives of

the lawmaker.The Daily Times recalls that during the administration of former President Olusegun Obasanjo, the 36 state governors went to court, asking the Federal Government to release the funds in the Excess Crude Account to them while the court order was later complied with by the federal government.

that Nigeria was able to overcome the economic recession that gripped the country some months back just as he alluded to efforts by the National Assembly through economic reform bills as part the factors that aided the government to exit the recession.

But Saraki warned the government not to relent in setting parameters for consolidating of the national economy, while also resetting the fundamental parameters of the economy meant to stave off recession and prevent its return.

He emphasised the need for the government to focus attention on revenue from taxes as well as independent revenues from State Owned Enterprises adding, “If the budget is to be funded, we cannot afford to turn a blind eye to revenue under-performance.

Saraki also admonished the government of President Buhari to always ensure that borrowing to fund the 2018 budget is targeted at productive projects which according to him would stimulate the growth of the economy.

He said, “We must ensure real value-for-money in projects funded by borrowing, and make doubly sure that the projects are not overpriced.

“To ensure consistency in government’s economic programmes and tax policies, we will be requiring that the submission of the 2018 Budget - and budget submissions going forward - be accompanied by a Finance Bill. This bill - which should clearly detail the imposition, alteration or regulation of taxes such as the proposed tax on luxury items and excise taxes, among others - will put the financial proposals of government into effect”.

Dogara congratulates the president for leading Nigeria out of recession In his own comment, Dogara also commended Buhari for early presentation of the budget. He said there is no national challenge that Nigeria cannot overcome if the executive and legislature work together.

The Speaker also commended members of the National Assembly for

displaying true leadership qualities, patriotism and a sense of national purpose by providing a peaceful environment for the Buhari to deliver his budget address amidst a hazy relationship between the two arms.

Dogara spoke while delivering remarks at the occasion of the presentation of the 2018 Budget estimates by the president at the National Assembly.

He said the Constitution already makes it clear that the three arms of government must work hand in hand on any major national issue, adding that failure to do so would mean that progress suffers.

He said, “This is the way we must go as our Constitutional Order is organsed in a way that deliberately denies any of the three arms the strength to go at it alone on any major national issue.

Where that has happened, it’s progress that suffers.

That reminds us of the adage that says, ‘If you want to go fast, go alone but if you want to go far, go together’.

“Examples abound on how fast but not far, the Executive have gone on some national issues where they have decided to go alone.

There is no national challenge we cannot overcome if we work together.

“To our colleagues, members of the Senate and House of Representatives, I salute your patriotism and sense of national purpose in providing the peaceful enabling environment for Mr. President to deliver his Budget Address.

“The success of this event separates us as true Leaders who in the midst of a hazy Executive - Legislative relationship elected not to turn on ourselves but to turn to each other in the very interest of our constituents and national progress.”

He, however, acknowledged that the newly appointed Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr. Boss Mustapha, who, in an unprecedented move, visited the leadership of both Houses of the National Assembly to canvass support for government policies and to strengthen the often strained Executive - Legislative relations.

News 8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Anambra people will vote for a man with pedigree - Commissioner Alphonsus Nweze, Awka

ÏÏÏ Anambra State Com-

Okafor

Nwoye

Obiano

Ezeemo

Obaze

Chidoka

NSCDC to deploy 11, 000 personnel, 30 special dogs

ÏÏÏ The Nigeria Security

and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) will deploy 11, 000 personnel and 30 special duty dogs for the conduct of the Nov.18 Governorship election in Anambra State.

Mr John Ahwen, the Commandant of the NSCDC in Anambra State, made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Awka on Tuesday.

Ahwen said that the team approved by the Commandant-General of NSCDC, to be led by Mr Hilary Madu,

the NSCDC Deputy Commandant-General, Operations, and other top officers, would man each of the 21 local government areas of the state.

He said that one or two personnel of the NSCDC would be in each of the 4,608 Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) polling units across the state.

Ahwen explained that the personnel would be selected from Abia, Imo, Enugu, Ebonyi, Anambra, Delta, Benue and Edo states.

He said that the NSCDC would equally deploy 115 vehicles, 15 boats, drones, and ambulances.

Ahwen said that 15 the boats of the NSCDC would support those being deployed in the riverine communities by the Nigerian Navy.

According to him, the involvement of security in the election is for the good of the people of Anambra.

“No security personnel deployed for the conduct of the Nov.18 governorship election has the power to ar-

rest anybody except on the directive of the INEC electoral officer.

“Our mandate is to stand and watch and see that things move on well, ‘’ he said.

The Anambra NSCDC boss advised the people of Anambra not to panic over the presence of security personnel on the day of election, but to rather see the presence of security personnel as a good omen.

“The Anambra people should rest assured that the security personnel being

deployed for Nov.18 election are participating for good.

“They will neither molest anybody nor interfere with the smooth conduct of the election,’’ he said.

NAN reports that the Nigeria Police Force had announced plans to deploy 28, 000 personnel while the Federal Road Safety Commission will assign 2,000 personnel.

Other security agencies have yet to present the number of their personnel that would be involved in the election.

APGA alleges interception of voting materials ÏÏÏ National Chairman of

the All Progressives Grand Alliance (APGA), Chief Victor Oye, has claimed that two lorry loads of sensitive materials for Anambra State November 18 governorship election were intercepted on Monday in Awka.

Oye made the claim during a news conference he addressed in his country home in Amawbia near Awka on Monday.

He said that the lorries were intercepted at Okpuno Awka area in a hotel by eagle eyes security operatives.

“The materials were all

INEC sensitive materials for the conduct of Nov.18 governorship election in Anambra and the trucks were discovered in a hotel at Okpuno Awka area’’, he said.

Oye blamed opposition political parties to be behind the act and called on the federal government to thoroughly investigate the matter to uncover the bigwigs behind the act.

“We are suspecting that opposition parties were behind this dangerous act and we call for adequate and thorough investigation of the matter by the Federal

Government’’, he said.

The APGA national chairman said that the party would not tolerate any form of sharp practices in the forthcoming election, and will resist any attempt by any group to rig the election.

He said the news conference was to draw the attention of Nigerians and the world on the negative development ahead of Anambra governorship election.

Oye said that APGA believed in the capability of INEC and the President Muhammadu Buhari-led government to conduct a

free, fair and credible election in the state.

“We are saddened by these developments, and we call on the federal government to do something immediate to reassure the people of the state of its neutrality in Nov.18 poll’’, he said.

When contacted, the Anambra State police command denied knowledge of the interception of any sensitive electoral material in Awka.

The Anambra State Commissioner of Police, Mr. Garba Umar Garba told NAN that no such materi-

als were intercepted anywhere in the state.

“I am yet to be informed of any such seizure anywhere in Anambra and I feel the claim is untrue’’, he said.

Dr Nkwachukwu Orji, the INEC Resident Electoral Commissioner in Anambra also told NAN that the commission was not aware of any such development.

“The INEC in Anambra is surprised to hear this kind of report and will say officially that we are not aware of any such seizure’’, Orji said.

missioner for Education, Prof. Kate Omenugha, has said that she was convinced that the people of the state will vote for the man who has a pedigreein the November 18, 2017 governorship election in the state.

Prof. Omenugha said Governor Willie Obiano has something to show the people of Anambra State he has done for them in the past three and half years that will compel them vote for him.

“He has touched the lives of the people of the state.

The report card shows he has done well, he has done very well. In the area of security, there was a time people moved about with security operatives in the state, people slept with one eye open but under Obiano, things have changed for better,” Prof Omenugha said.

Governor Obiano, said the Commissioner, has attracted a lot of investments to the state because he created conducive environment for such investments to thrive in the state.

She said that among such investments was Coscharis rice farm, which has helped boast the metric tons of rice produced in Anambra State from 80,000 to now 240,000 which she said has made Anambra State self-sufficient in rice production.

Stating that all these successes recorded were borne out of deliberate programmes, Omenugha said in education where she presides, in 2017 report, 75 percent of Anambra students who took O’ Level examinations got credit both in English and Mathematics, apart from the fact that Anambra State won the overall best teacher in the entire federation.

She said the number of child maternal death in Anambra State hospitals has grossly reduced and that was because of the increased investment in hospitals in the state.

“No community is left out. Every community or town has at least N20million project. Some have N40million projects. He did not leave the market. He has N10m in every market in the state. His report card is 100 percent. That is what I scored him in many ways.

He has touched the lives of the people,” she said.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

UN seeks home-grown solutions to conflicts in Nigeria

ÏÏÏ The United Nations

(UN) Secretary General’s Special Representative for West Africa and Sahel Muhammad Ibn Chambas, has said that the UN will support home-grown solutions that will lead to the deepening of peace and stability in all parts of Nigeria.

Speaking when he visited Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal, Chambas said the UN system in Nigeria will continue to collaborate with all stakeholders to

ensure peace and sustainable development in the country.

A statement issued in Sokoto by Tambuwal’s spokesman, Malam Imam Imam, also quoted Chambas as saying that the global body firmly believes in the unity of Nigeria, and will continue to support all its organs for rapid socioeconomic development.

Chambas said, “The peace and unity of Nigeria is very important to the global community. We commend ef-

forts aimed at promoting peace in the country.

Let me applaud the work done by the Abdulsalami Abubakar-led peace committee especially during the transition period in 2015.

“As the next election circle approaches, we expect others to play similar or related roles in ensuring peace and stability.”

In his remarks, Tambuwal sought support from leading international organisations for end to profiliferation of small

arms not just in Nigeria, but in all conflict prone areas of the world.

He commended Chambas for his concern about peace in the country, saying as someone who spent a large part of working life in Nigeria, he has become a stakeholder in the Nigeria project.

He appealed to the envoy to support Sokoto State in key areas like agriculture, development of small and medium scale industries, education and health.

9 News

NASS, FG plegde to strengthen Fire Service

ÏÏÏThe Minister of

Interior, Abdulrahaman Danbazau, has commended the National Assembly for its effort in rejuvenating the Nigeria Fire Service.

The Minister gave the commendation on Tuesday in Abuja during a 2-day international fire conference and exhibition organized by the Senate and House of Representatives Joint Committee on Interior He recalled the state of the Nigeria Fire Service as deplorable before the coming of the present administration, adding that the quick intervention of the legislature in appropriating the needed funds for operations and purchase fire fighting equipment have contributed very much in ensuring that fire safety and prevention standards meet international requirement.

Danbazau, who maintained that it is important that certain infrastructure in the country should be protected, noted that Nigeria has in the last 30 years witnessed fire desasters involving critical facilities accounting for collossal loss of lives and valuable propeety.

Describing the effect of fire outbreaks as retrogressive to infrastructural de-

velopment capable of causing mass unemployment and insecurity, the minister stressed the need for further intervention by the National Assembly in coming out with legislations that will strenghten the Nigeria Fire Service which “ if given the right trainings, resources and equipment can prevent outrageous situations. “ The minister also stated that with the trend of support received so far by the present administration the Nigeria Fire Service would be one of the best in five years to come.

He however observed that the Fire Service has a long way to go before meeting international standard.

Chairman of the Senate Committee on Interior, Senator Andy Ubah, who attributted the major causes of fire outbreaks to human errors, said that there is a general concensus that there is the need to mitigate the trend, to stopping the fire before they start, to repositioning fire service delivery to make them more modern and more efficient, to investigate the root cause of fire especially in commercial centers, within the oil and gas sector that recorded the highest number of incidents etc.

Police arrest 15 suspected kidnappers, 20 cultists in Akwa Bassey Willie

ÏÏÏAkwa Ibom State Police L-R: Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer, Nigerian Communications Satellite Ltd., (NIGCOMSAT) Ms.AbimbolaAlale; 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… recently.

Health Minister reiterates commitment to women, child health

Angela Onwuzoo, Lagos

ÏÏÏThe

Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole, has pledged adequate attention to women and child health care in order to reduce the high rate of maternal and infant deaths in the country.

According to Adewole, the country’s mortality in children Under-Five “is still very unacceptable’’, adding that the government will invest in health as it did in other infrastructure.

Making the pledge in Abuja, Adewole said the current administration was focusing attention on the basic health care system and intended to achieve eight million persons target in three years.

Adewole added that the Federal Government was looking into providing universal health coverage for Nigerians, through the launch of the Rapid Result Initiative as well as the revamping of 10,000 Primary Health Care centres across the country.

He said, “We are also looking at things we can do as a big win. We therefore,conceived the Rapid Result Initiative, RRI. We gave a caption better health for all Nigerians and when you talk about providing access to people within 5 kilometre radius, you are talking about universal health coverage.

“The RRI programme tagged “Better Health for all”, seeks to produce quick and visible impact

in the lives of Nigerians, especially the vulnerable and the poor. We have made the policy platform in terms of health and that is where we want to be.

“When you talk about universal health coverage, we are talking about health for all. It must be accessible and must be of good quality. When 80 percent of the population can achieve that we will say that we have delivered. We have made up our minds that we must deliver that through a real invigorated primary care structure”, he explained.

The minister further disclosed that some teaching hospitals in the country have been equipped to deliver improved health care services from the

grassroots level to the federal level.

Further listing the achievements of his ministry in the last two years , Adewole noted: “We have commenced the establishment of 10,000 primary health centres in the nation’s 109 senatorial districts and set up a 19-member committee to eradicate the disease. “ We have released N420million to each of the 36 states and Abuja to revitalize primary health care centres and have also moved to establish the National Health Policy which will give up to 100 million Nigerians access to basic and affordable health care services. We have also initiated moves to discourage Nigerians from seeking medical attention abroad.”

Command has arrested 15 suspected kidnappers and 20 cultist in the worrisome areas of Ukanafun, Etim Ekpo and Onna local government.

The state police command had relocated its anti kidnapping unit headquarters to Ukanufun local government area, one of the areas ravaged by the activities of criminals.

Addressing journalists on Tuesday at the police headquarters, Ikot Akpan Abia, Uyo, the commission of po-

lice, Akwa Ibom State Command, Zubairu Muazu, said the decision to temporarily relocate the operational base of special anti kidnapping and cultism units to identified flashpoints in the state has yielded positive results for the command.

Muazu said, “A total of 104 suspects who were arrested for various offences across the state, ranging from cultism, kidnapping, armed robbery, child stealing/selling and other crimes before now have already been charged to court while many others are under investigation”.

News 10

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Fake Product: Tasty Time MD gets N3m bail Peter Fowoyo

ÏÏÏRespite,

on Tuesday came the way of the Managing Director, Tasty Time Nigeria Limited, Mr. Isaac Kole as a Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos, granted him bail in the sum of N3million.

Justice Rabiu-Shagari, while ruling on his bail application, granted him bail in the sum of N3 million with two sureties, one of whom must be a civil servant of the level of director who must produce his letter of employment and last promotion letter.

The court further ruled that the sureties who must be residing within the court’s jurisdiction, must depose to affidavit of means, and that the defendant must submit his passport to the Court’s Deputy Chief Registrar (DCR).

Kole and his company were arraigned before the court by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Agency Administration Control (NAFDAC), last Thursday, on a four-count charge of producing fake

products.

NAFDAC in a charge marked FHC/L/351c/17, had alleged that Kole and his company have been using his firm located at 1, Kole Street, Ipaja, Lagos, to produce unregistered Tasty Time products which include: Tasty Time juice, Glucosaid Energy drink, Tasty Time Pops orange flavour drink, Tasty Time Fitz Apple drink, and Tasty Time mixed orange flavor drink.

They were also alleged to have package, labeled the said Tasty Time products in a manner likely to create wrong impression that they are genuine.

NAFDAC further alleged that the defendants had also sold the same unregistered products to the general public.

The offences according to the prosecutor, Mrs. Okon Chinyere, are contrary to sections 1(1), 5(a) and 5(e), and punishable under sections 6(1)(a) and 17(4) of Foods and Drugs and related Products Cap. F33,

Laws of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004.

L-R: Director-General, National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA), Dr. Isa Ibrahim; President Muhammadu Buhari and others, during the 2017 e-Nigeria Conference with the themed: Fostering Digital Economy Through Local Content Development and Effective Regulations, in Abuja… on Tuesday.

Alleged rivalry: ‘No feud between EFCC, DSS’ Andrew Orolua, Abuja.

ÏÏÏThe

Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) has said that there is no feud between it and the Department of State Services (DSS) over the invitation to some DSS officials for interview in respect of arms procurement scandal in the Office of the former National Security Adviser (NSA).

The EFCC also said it is not strange for it to invite personnel of other law enforcement agencies alleged to be complicit in any case being investigated for interview.

A statement by the EFCC’s Head, Media & Publicity, Mr. Wilson Uwujaren said a recent report captioned “DSS, EFCC in fresh face-off over invitation of SSS operatives,”

which appeared in one of the national dailies on Sunday painted an imaginary feud between the two agencies which is not true.

Faulting the media report, Uwujaren said, “the report painted a picture of an imaginary feud brewing between the Department of State Services (DSS) and EFCC over the alleged invitation of some DSS operatives, which it claimed was an attempt by the Commission to “rubbish the Service since the DSS was not answerable to the EFCC.” Uwujaren also faulted the content of the report which stated thus: “what are they (EFCC) trying to do, audit our operations or what? Did the Service report any financial infraction to them and call for their intervention? It is just a case of overzealousness and lack of pro-

fessionalism and we won’t allow that, because what you allow is what will continue.

“If they (EFCC) need any clarification on anything, they should come to our office. We can’t be humiliated by anybody. Never!

If this is fallout from the security report officially requested by the National Assembly, then we wish them luck. We stand by our findings.”

According to Uwujaren , it is not strange for the EFCC to invite (for questioning) officers of other law enforcement agencies alleged to be complicit in any case being investigated by the Commission.

He added, however, “that there are protocols in doing this; and part of that protocol is to write to the heads of such agencies, requesting that the officer(s)

in question be released to be interviewed.

“In the course of investigating the arms procurement scandal in the Office of the former National Security Adviser, ONSA, Col. Sambo Dasuki, the Commission has had cause to request the release of officers of other security agencies, including the Nigerian Army, the Nigerian Air Force , the Nigerian Navy and now the DSS, for questioning.

All but the DSS have acceded to this request.

“For the avoidance of doubt, the arms procurement investigation is national in outlook with alleged culprits cutting across the military, security establishments as well as the political class. It is not targeted at any institution.”

Forgery: Court fixes Dec 12 for Sen Misau arraignment Andrew Orolua, Abuja

ÏÏÏAttempt

by the Attorney General of Federation (AGF),to arraign Senator Isah Misau (APC, Bauchi Central) on charges of forgery ran into a hitch on Tuesday after the senator was docked before Justice Anwuli Chikere of the Federal High Court, Abuja.

When the matter came up on Tuesday, Mr. Hamma Hadi, who announced appearance for the federal government applied to withdraw an earlier seven count charge filed against the defendant and replaced it with 10-count charge filed on October 27, 2017.

Defence lawyer, Dr. Joshua Musa, did not opposed the withdraw of the seven count charge. However, he said the arraignment could not proceed because there was no seal on the face of the 10-count charge. He said the omission amounted to an irregularities and a breach of section 10, (1)(2) of the professional conduct.

Justice Chikere agreed with the defence lawyer and she asked the prosecution what he intends to do. Hadi asked for adjournment and the arraignment was consequently adjourned to December 12, 2017.

In the amended charges signed by Mr. Kayode Alilu of the Office of Attorney-

General of the Federation, the federal government had accused the senator of making and “uttering” false documents which he allegedly submitted to the Independent National Electoral Commission when he was seeking election to the Senate in 2011 and 2014.

Misua was said to have falsely made and uttered document , comprised affidavits in support of personal particulars, statutory declaration of age deposed to at FCT High Court and the Bauchi State Health Management Board Birth Certificate with number 28799, But in two of the three additional counts, he was accused of making and

uttering a Bauchi State Health Management Board Birth Certificate with number 141400C which he allegedly submitted to INEC on January 28, 2011, knowing it to be false.

He was accused in the first set of counts of uttering Statutory Declaration of Age deposed to at the High Court of the Federal Capital Territory, Abuja on December 15, 2014.

But he was not charged with the actual offence of falsely making the document.

In the amended charges, the count of falsely making the document has been included.

11

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Politics Your group, Voters Awareness Initiative, is a non-governmental organisation (NGO), how does it operate?

The NGO is a membership organisation, that is, our members contribute morally and financially to the progress and growth of the organisation and it activities. If we want to campaign or carryout advocacy programme we fund ourselves, but principally funding of the group activities is from me as the president.

s Our electoral process not voter friendly - Ogunade

Does it mean you don’t seek foreign or local assistance?

Nobody has given us any support, both local and foreign, you can go and google it, we are a group of people who have come together for the purpose of good governance and patriotism for the good of our country. We have not asked for financial support because we don’t want to be controlled by anyone, he who pays the piper dictates the tune, if they give you money they would want to control and check the way you operate. If we want to carryout advocacy or check a project and our sponsor has a link to the contractor or someone in government we may not be able to carry out such work. If we had to criticise a government officials we would not be able to because we are funded and they would not be happy: so that is the issue, we don’t want to be derailed, we want to be focused, we want to avoid all these things.

How do you react to the increasing voters’ apathy in the country?

Before now people think going out to vote is a waste of time. There are several reasons why we have voters’ apathy in the country. The first is that people think their vote would not count and logistics may not be enough or arrive on time or the electoral officer may not be friendly. When people are not involved the process is bound to fail. To the voters, people who still say why should I waste my time and am not appreciated, that means that we need to up our game form, we the civil society, the electoral body and the government. If the people do not take part in the electoral process or are disenfranchised they would not have confidence in the system. There is voters’ apathy in the country, we are more than 150 million in the country, but those that vote are not up to 50 million, which is nothing to write home about, those that voted are in the minority.

What we need to do now is to make the registration and collection of PVC accessible: a situation where someone go there more than three times and spend several hours without any result, it discourages the person and they may not want to continue with such process because they would feel their time and effort have been wasted. Another one is violence during election; it discourages people from coming out to vote because they are concerned about their safety, especially in violence prone areas.

How do you react to a situation where voters expect to be induced before they exercise their civic responsibility?

I don’t believe in that. But it is about lack of democratic divided, lack of cushioning effect, and lack of social support from the government: that is why people sell their birthright. How much are they giving them? Peanuts, N500 or N1,000, it is only the party officials that are given big amount to share. It is the poverty in the country that is aiding this, the banks doesn’t give loans for people to start business and there is no job, so the situation is frustrating for Nigerians.

Do you still believe in the anti-graft war?

The anti corruption war is on, as you see we cannot continue with the way we have been doing for years now. We need a change of mindset and orientation, I know there are challenges in the fight but I am sure they would get it right with time.

We have seen the former Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF) and Ayo Oke sacked recently, if this is continued it would discourage people, even if it mean naming them it would put them to shame.

I am not an APC member, not a politician.

Even when some people may be saying the war is selective, that is not the way I see it, but they can’t come to my house, your house or the reader’s house: It is the house of those who have been in elective positions before they would go to.

For me, the question is not if they are selective or not, it is if they are fighting corruption or not?

The President’s friends were investigated and a lot of people are returning their loots, of course they can’t touch the money due to constitutional issues, but everyone can see what is going on, there is increased awareness about corruption, if this is sustained it would reduce corruption in the country.

OGUNADE

Wale Ogunade, a lawyer and human rights activist is the president, Voters Awareness Initiative, Lagos. In this Interview with INIOBONG IWOK assesses the electoral process in the country and the increasing voter apathy in the country.

Are you confident that INEC as presently constituted can conduct a credible elections?

INEC would conduct a credible election because we want them to do that. It is the reason why we are out and engaging the media now too. INEC should conduct a credible election because they have the facilities and if they don’t have or lack anything they should ask the government.

But we have started talking, and advocacy also has started. We have said they should start preparing now, if you want to wait till this time next year it may be late. People are looking at INEC, if they have issues with card readers let them go to the National Assembly to promulgate the necessary laws and sort it out now before it is late.

There is the debate about restructuring of the country, what is your view?

Yes I believe in restructuring. Nigeria is a federal state, but we are practicing unitary system, it won’t work. We need to operate like a federal state, that is what I have been saying for years now; let us have a true federal system. I think the call for restructuring is louder now because election is around the corner, Nigerian politicians when it is election period they bring an issue to use to get votes from the electorate and win election, and after wining you don’t hear anything again.

Restructuring could mean different things to different people, but I believe if we want

What we need to do now is to make the registration and collection of PVC accessible: a situation where someone go there more than three times and spend several hours without any result, it discourages the person and they may not want to continue with such process because they would feel their time and effort have been wasted. Another one is violence during election; it discourages people from coming out to vote because they are concerned about their safety, especially in violence prone areas. to restructure let us do it based on true federalism and allow democratic tenet to take its course.

Let’s restructure and Nigeria should practice true fiscal federalism, the state can control their resources, the local government can have autonomy and we have mid- term election just like it is done in America this would help our democracy process.

As the 2019 election approaches what are your plans for your NGO? We are working and we are having meetings, infact we would be having one in the next one hour. And we have been talking to the people through the media, we begin to create awareness and carry out advocacy programmes especially about voters register, and that people should try and register, the voters register should be a continuous process, and it should be sustained. We would also be holding seminars and debates in which we would be tasking the candidates on why they want to contest for elective positions, it is not just to campaign on the streets and win and run to Abuja till the next election and you don’t fulfill your campaign promises, while the people remain poor. We would want to hold these candidates accountable to the people.

How do you assess female involvement in politics in the country, amidst the recent rejection of the affirmative action bill by the National Assembly?

The statistics are getting better. I think it is about 10 Percent. We may not have gotten there when you compare Nigeria to the advanced world, but in the last presidential primaries of the PDP we saw Sarah Jubril contesting for the office of the president and I know in several states of the federation women contested for several positions, including governor. In Lagos State we had many women governorship candidates and there was also one in Taraba State she is a minister now.

I have interacted and spoken with big time female politicians, their response is that the field is murky and dangerous, as a woman you have to be careful. Here in Africa you know women as wives and mothers, they have to take care of the home and you know this meetings are held in the night, it is only a singe woman or a women who is lucky to have an understanding husband that would allow her to attend meetings at such hour and be involved. But how many men would allow their wives attend these meetings at such time? Obviously it is getting better and things are changing, we hope in the coming elections we would see more women contesting.

Politics 12

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

37 political parties commends ENSIEC for peaceful conduct of council poll Moses Oyediran, Enugu

A group of 37 political parties in Enugu State, has commended the Enugu State Independent Electoral Commission (ENSIEC), over the conduct of last Saturday’s local government election in the state.

While addressing journalists, the political parties described the exercise as peaceful, free, fair and credible and in line with international best practices.”

The position of the group was endorsed by chairmen of the 37 out of 40 registered political parties in the state, who signed the statement.

In the statement read by the Chairman of Social Democratic Party (SDP) and leader of the group, Barr. John Nwobodo, they said “from our first hand observation of the election in every part of the state and the interim report, we adjudge the election free, fair and credible and confirm that it met the minimum requirements of international best practices.”

While noting that there were cases of nonarrival of election materials on time in some places, the group said, “the commission, however, took immediate steps to remedy the challenge it posed to the exercise of franchise by the electorates and extended the period of voting to 5 pm to enable every eligible accredited voter to cast their votes.

“There were few skirmishes and isolated cases of attempts to hijack electoral materials, yet these incidents are too infinitesimal and not

UGWUANYI widespread or substantial to affect the outcome of the election.

“We commend the commission for its neutrality and impartiality throughout the period beginning with the issuance of notice of election on August 1, 2017.”

They further stated that “never in the history of local government elections in Enugu has there been a commission that leaves its doors open to the political parties. The Commission was accessible to the political parties and

much more they were receptive to superior arguments.

“We acknowledge that the commission yielded to all the demands of political parties, including removal of payment of nomination fees by candidates, reversing the disqualification of candidates for non-payment of tax or presentation of tax clearance and on other grounds.

“Enugu State stands out as a reference point in Nigeria where parties have a level playing field to contest local government election without any form of encumbrances such as nomination fees, tax, and screening as opposed to what is obtained in other states of the federation.

“We want to place on record our gratitude to the governor of Enugu State, His Excellency, Rt. Hon. Dr. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi who gave all the needed support and funding to the commission to discharge its constitutional mandate without any interference whatsoever.”

They congratulated the winners as well as the losers, noting that “election is a process and structured in phases; we have passed the pre-election stage, the election stage proper and now we are at the post-election stage to complete the cycle.

“Aggrieved candidates should express their grievances in accordance with the electoral law of the state by approaching the local government election tribunal to ventilate their dissatisfaction if any.”

Rivers APC lauds Buhari over promise on more ministers, appointment of Mustapha as SGF Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja The Rivers State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC), has commended President Muhammadu Buhari over his resolution to expand the Federal Executive Council (FEC) with the appointment of more ministers and appointment of more supporters of the ruling APC into the government with the constitution of the boards of government agencies.

The party, in a press release by its State Chairman, Dr Ibiamu Davies Ikanya expressed the optimism that if this is done, the re-election of the APC led government in 2019 will be a foregone event The Rivers APC equally lauded the President over the appointment of Mr. Boss Mustapha as the new Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), stressing that his appointment is what is needed at the moment to reinvigorate both the economy, restore stability and direction for governance in Nigeria.

The party however pleaded with all Nigerians to exercise patience and give President Buhari the opportunity to take the country to the desired destination that will make her the envy of most advanced countries in the world.

According to the press statement, “the appointment of Mustapha as the new SGF is the tonic needed by the APC led Federal Government to reinvigorate the fight against corruption, revive the economy, restore hope to Nigerians

BUHARI

MUSTAPHA

and provide the elusive dividends of democracy to all and sundry.

“In view of the sensitivity of the office of the Secretary to the Government of the Federation being the engine room with the core responsibility to ensure the success of the policies of this administration, what the APC government needs at this point is not only a patriotic, seasoned and sound bureaucrat, but a detribalised Nigerian who is well versed in the politics of Nigeria and one who contributed and witnessed the inputs of party members for the success of APC during the 2015 polls and we are happy that Boss Mustapha fits that bill.

“Mustapha’s track record of great feats was demonstrated during his short slot

as the Managing Director/CEO of the National Inland Waterways Authority (NIWA), an agency under the Ministry of Transportation.

“Apart from this, his outstanding inputs as the Secretary of the APC presidential campaign organisation in 2015 that worked for Buhari’s election with Rt. Hon. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi as the Director General that brought the APC government into existence need not be overemphasized,” the party said.

It added, “Finally, the party pleads with all Nigerians to exercise patience and give President Buhari the opportunity to take this country to the desired destination that will make her the envy of most advanced countries in the world.”

Fasehun, OPC commiserate with Tinubu Patrick Okohue Founder and President of the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), Dr. Frederick Fasehun, has extended commiserations to the family of Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu over the death of the APC leader’s first son, Kazeem Olajide Babajide Tinubu, saying that, Nigerians’ solidarity with the family over the unfortunate incident spells hope for the nation’s unity.

Fasehun said the outpouring of emotions and sympathies since the demise of Jide showed that Nigerians would put aside primordial sentiments and politics to share in their neighbour’s moment of grief.

“It means there is hope for Nigeria to become a strong, united country,” he said, in a press statement issued at the weekend, following a private letter to the Jagaban Borgu.

Fasehun said he understood that the death of the young man was harrowing and traumatic for the parents and the entire family.

He bemoaned the fact that Jide was such a promising young man who, although from a privileged background, chose to chart his own way through the rough and narrow path.

“And he showed by dint of his personal success that he was a true son of such a highly resourceful professional and ingenious politician as Senator Bola Ahmed Tinubu,” he said.

The OPC founder urged the family to take solace in the fact that although living a short life, the deceased left behind a good legacy, including three sons capable of carrying forward the family lineage.

In a letter he wrote on Saturday to the APC leader, Fasehun said: “On behalf of my family and the Oodua People’s Congress, I hereby express my profound sympathy over the death of your son, Mr. Jide Tinubu.

“On behalf of my family and the Oodua People’s Congress (OPC), let me express profound regrets over the unfortunate death of your beloved son, Jide.

“May God grant you and the family the strength to shoulder this inestimable loss.

“Please, take consolation in the fact that Jide lived a fruitful life and shared with you the goodness of God in the land of the living.

“Please, do extend our condolences to his widow and his three boys, your grandchildren. Our prayer is that such a sorrow shall never befall your family again.”

According to him, the priority, going forward, should be to ensure that the deceased’s widow and children would neither suffer nor feel the brunt of their father leaving at such a tender age

Page Thirteen

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

s

Editorial

13

PHOTO TIMES

Return of national carrier

T

he federal government has begun efforts to re-establish the national carrier, some 13 years after it liquidated the former national carrier, Nigeria Airways.

The former national carrier was liquidated following its mismanagement, government control and undue interference in its affairs, resulting in huge debts and depletion of its fleet. This time around, the government has appointed transaction advisers for the establishment of the national carrier, a facility maintenance company and an aircraft leasing company. The transaction advisers have also swung into action.

When he was briefed on the state of the aviation industry on assumption of office in 2015, President Muhammadu Buhari rightly observed that the nation’s airports were the windows through which people saw the country and that people coming into the country were likely to come through the airports. Thus, if the nation cannot secure and maintain its aviation infrastructure, it will reflect very badly on the country. In other words, the state of a country’s national carrier also impacts on the image of the country in people’s minds.

With well over 170 million people, Nigeria has the largest population in the country. In other words, the state of a country’s national carrier also impacts on the image of the country in people’s minds. Nigeria has the largest population and the largest economy in Africa.

It is also one of the most endowed with resources by nature. Unfortunately, in spite of these resources, the country does not have any national carrier that can effectively compete with major carriers across the world in operating international destinations. These, among others are plausible reasons that make it imperative for Nigeria to have a robust and well managed national carrier to fly its flag at this point

Publisher/Editor in Chief

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

Chairman, GAC Motors, Chief Diana Chen (2nd left); CEO/Group Managing Director of Access Bank Plc, Herbert Wigwe (3rd left) and Chairman, Lagos State Sports Commission, Deji Tinubu (left), during the joint press conference on the forthcoming Access Bank Lagos State City Marathon in Lagos… on Tuesday.

L-R: President Muhammadu Buhari; President of the Senate, Abubakar Bukola Saraki and Speaker, House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara, during the joint session of the National Assembly for the presentation of the 2018 Appropriation Bill in Abuja… on Tuesday.

L-R: Former President, Olusegun Obasanjo; Ebonyi State Governor, David Umahi and Benue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, during the inspection tour of the agricultural facilities in Ebonyi State… on Tuesday.

Words On Marble :

– Fidelis Anosike

Folio Group Group Managing Director Noel Anosike

in its history.

Also, the establishment of a national carrier will provide the necessary platform for a strong and well developed aviation sector in the country. In particular, the need for a strong aviation sector in the country is why the government is establishing Maintenance, Repair and Overhaul (MRO) facility and an aviation leasing company in tandem with the establishment of a national carrier. MRO services are very costly but few in Africa and most airlines in Africa take their airplanes overseas for mandatory checks and maintenance. Consequently, the MRO facility will attract local airlines and other airlines from across Africa for patronage, while the establishment of an aviation leasing company will solve the problem of inadequate access to capital and the high cost of funds in the country.

However, in re-establishing the national carrier, the government must ensure that it is free from government control and interference as these were the seeds of the mismanagement and neglect that led to the failure and eventual death of the former national carrier. Also, granting that in Nigeria, whatever belongs to the government belongs to no one, and that government does not have a history of successful management of any enterprise, the ownership of the new national carrier must be well distributed with the government having not more than 10 percent of its shares and the rest shares sold to private individuals across the country.

Going forward, such a PPP arrangement in the ownership and management of the proposed new national carrier will free it from government control and undue interference. Above all, the airline must have a competent technical partner who will bring expertise, knowledge and fund into the airline and make it a successful enterprise.

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George Washington

Napoleon Hill

Odumegwu Ojukwu

It is far better to be alone, than to be in bad company.

If you cannot do great things, do small things in a great way.

Since oppression is maintained by force, it is only possible to remove that oppression by a counterforce.

14

Opinion

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Turning frustration into opportunity in Nigeria

T

Kunle Somoye

he adage that “tough times do not last, tough people do’’ is fast becoming the experience of Nigeria in its fight against economic recession.

It is also relevant to confirm the saying that “God is a Nigerian’’ in the sense that the speed at which the nation is coming out of recession remains unprecedented, indicating that the hand of the Almighty is on the country.

When Muhammadu Buhari took over as President in 2015, he inherited an economy that would have made a faint hearted abandon a duty post. At that time, Nigeria was plagued with myriad of challenges which included disruptions in the oil sector as occasioned by fall in global price of oil and disrupted supply.

The developments caused an acute drop in supply of foreign exchange which plunged the nation’s economy into a recession.

On assumption, President Buhari’s first action aimed at attacking recession was to insist that Nigeria and Nigerians produce what they consume and consume what is produced locally. This position formed the philosophical base of the Federal Government’s diversification policy.

Not too long after the pronouncement, results started

manifesting in the agricultural sector. Latest figures shows that the sector is leading Nigeria’s non-oil export by $105.06 billion and this stands out as a strong indication that Nigeria has started raising its head above the water of recession and that productivity as against sharing revenue from oil, is fast becoming the order of the day.

Between 2015 and 2017, Nigeria witnessed the establishments of its largest rice processing mill, the second largest single line petroleum refinery, second largest urea fertilizer plant and the second largest chemical complex. Tax incentives for three years have also been given to local industries to enable ease the process of doing business as well as provide opportunities for the creation of new jobs.

With the establishment of the largest cement producing complex in Africa, foreign investors are encouraged to buy stakes from Dangote cement. So far, private investors have subscribed to about 2.1 per cent stake in the company which amounts to about $236 million. This is an indication that the confidence of foreign investors in the Nigerian economy is on the path of growth.

Furthermore, with the Olam group investing $150 million in the establishment of the largest poultry farm coupled with an integrated feed mill in sub-Saharan Africa in Kaduna as well as another $120

million investment in Vicampro potato farm that has the prospect of generating 30,000 jobs, all is now set for Nigeria to record a quantum leap in its economic growth.

Another proof of investors’ confidence manifested when a company with French parentage, Lafarge Nigeria, the second largest cement producing factory in Nigeria, converted the loan it granted the local arm of the company into equity. This is also an indication that foreign investors are no longer in a hurry to leave Nigeria.

Economic recovery also is on upward movement with the Manufacturing Purchasing Managers’ Index (PMI) standing at 54.1 per cent. This means that Nigeria recorded expansion in production. On the other hand, there is a strong indication of growth in the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) and the Financial Markets Dealers Quotations (FMDQ). A N10,000 investment in the NSE in January 2017 is capable of yielding N3,300 in six months.

Such capital gain cannot accrue as interest rate when same amount is invested as deposit.

The simple deduction from these activities is that the nation is exiting from economic recession while at the same time growing rapidly. It demonstrates that the government has developed and is implementing concrete plans to attain a set target.

With a 4.3 per cent growth rate as

against the 2.8 % growth projection from the World Bank, it means that the big deal is on the way.

The recession has proved that the never-say-die-attitude of Nigerians to challenges should be emulated by other nations as all intents and purposes point to the fact that the nation is not wobbling out of its economic challenges but buttresses that good and implementable strategy, clear focus and an enabling environment are the necessary ingredients to pull such tough strings.

The feat achieved so far proves that it takes a disciplined government to take Nigeria out of a mono economy and conquer the world through economic diversification.

To further cement and improve the current achievements, the government can do more by creating business clusters, mechanic workshops and industrial estates in order to deepen the expansion of the productive sector. By the time the expansion of the productive sector has been deepened, Nigeria will once again prove to the world that converting a frustrating condition into an opportunity is its stock in trade.

Kunle Somoye, a Public Affairs analyst, wrote from Abuja and can be reached via kunle321@ gmail.com ( shared with Simon Ateba News)

How govt can create millionaires from entertainment sector

F

Nosa Eweka

unding is the most critical component in growing any business, the entertainment business is no different. Entertainment entrepreneurs are the most disadvantaged of all Entrepreneurs in Nigeria because banks, Private Equity and Venture Capitalist Firms in Nigeria refuse to put their capital in the entertainment space.

A huge majority of Entertainment Entrepreneurs in Nigeria turn to illicit business people to get funding for their businesses or projects. It’s time Financial Institutions (Banks, Private Equity and Venture Capitalist Firms) in Nigeria get involved in the entertainment business. The global entertainment industry is valued at over $2tr.

The Bank of Industry (BOI) is the only financial institution in Nigeria currently providing capital to Entertainment Entrepreneurs.

BOI have given loans to a few Movie Makers for one off projects.

The effort of BOI is commendable but a huge majority of Movie Makers, Musicians, Entertainment Entrepreneurs and Entertainment Startups do not have the type of collateral needed to access capital from BOI. I stand to be corrected but I don’t think BOI has given capital to any record label in Nigeria to grow its business, no Bank has.

Financial Institutions and the Federal Government need to provide Entertainment Startups and viable entertainment companies with capital to grow their businesses in exchange for equity. The Americans, Qataris, Emiratis and

Chinese have adopted this strategy and currently own equity in very successful multi million dollar entertainment companies.

Financial Institutions and the Federal Government have to invest in entertainment companies with an experienced management team and a great business plan. Companies that are going to put out great content, create jobs, generate a great return on investment (ROI) and make an impact in the entertainment space for decades.

The Federal Government and Financial Institutions can create a lot of millionaires from this sector than any other in Nigeria. Multimillion naira companies, multimillion dollar companies and a lot more naira and dollar millionaires also equates to more revenue from taxes for the Federal Government.

Financial Institutions (Banks, Private Equity and Venture Capitalist Firms) in Nigeria have dropped the ball in the past by not investing in entertainment companies, a great example is IROKO Partners. IROKO is currently the world’s largest digital distributor of African movies. IROKO’s funding did not come from the Federal Government, any Bank, Private Equity Firm or Venture Capitalist in Nigeria but today IROKO is arguably Africa’s number one entertainment company with a market value in the hundreds of millions of dollars.

Tiger Global Management, a hedge fund in New York gave IROKO the capital it needed for its business. Wealthy Nigerians, Financial Institutions and the Federal Government missed out on owning equity in a multi mil-

lion dollar business that continues to grow.

“Fela The Musical” was another missed opportunity. Will Smith, Jada Pinkett Smith and Jay Z made “Fela The Musical” a reality with $11M. Fela grossed over $33M the 3 years it was on Broadway, a $22M return on investment (ROI).

Americans created, financed and made a great financial return on a Broadway project about our own.

No Nigerian was involved in creating or financing “Fela the Musical”, isn’t that sad.

Just take a look at what our Musicians have accomplished. I have so much respect for Nigerian Musicians, they have done beyond amazing, selling their music and selling out arenas all across the world with no help from Nigerian Financial Institutions or the Federal Government.

Nollywood is doing beyond amazing as well, so much has been accomplished and Nollywood hasn’t even peaked yet. Nollywood is currently the 3rd largest movie industry in the world. This feat was attained way before Bank of Industry (BOI) started giving out collateral backed capital to our Movie Makers.

Just imagine what can be achieved if the entertainment industry has the financial backing of Banks, Private Equity, Venture Capitalist Firms and the Federal Government.

Former President Goodluck Jonathan and the Former Coordinating Minister of our Economy, Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala had great intentions to grow the entertainment industry but mistakes were made. The stakeholders

engaged by President Jonathan’s administration lacked experience in matters of finance, they were unable to properly articulate what kind of funding they wanted from the Federal Government. $200M was set aside for the entertainment industry by Former President Goodluck Jonathan and Mrs. Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala.

The $200M sits at Nigerian Export and Import Bank (NEXIM Bank) but it’s almost impossible for any entertainment company to access capital from this fund. It’s actually a loan facility with more than a few stringent conditions attached to it.

The $200M was provided by the African Development Bank (AFDB) backed by a sovereign guarantee from the Federal Government. The Buhari administration and the National Assembly need to thoroughly examine the books of NEXIM Bank in regards to this fund.

President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo have commended the entertainment industry on multiple occasions for what has been accomplished thus far with no help from Financial Institutions and the Federal Government. The Duo have also stated on multiple occasions that they are committed to helping grow the entertainment industry exponentially, it’s time to make good on that promise. I am going to quote our Vice President “ We will not make promises that we won’t keep, we keep our promises”.

Nosa Eweka is an entrepreneur and a member of the Benin Royal Family, (nosaeweka@ yahoo.com).

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

15 Column

Buhari and the allegation of Northernization Times Columnist REUBEN ABATI

‘

The Presidency has offered a so-called list of appointees, but the forensic analysis of that list that has been attempted has shown that the best positions in the most strategic sectors are in the hands of the core Hausa-Fulani.

That is how the game is played, sadly. And let me add this: it is a pity the list did not disclose the identity of the cooks and closest aides in the Presidential Villa. These are very strategic positions too, but which Nigerian President would allow a man who does not speak his language to cook for him or enter his bedroom? Nigeria is a country that is ruled and driven by fear and insecurity even at the highest levels. Nigerian leaders are as scared and as insecure as the people they lead.

While struggling to be Nigerian, and nationalistic, they don’t ever forget their ethnic roots and the burden of Nigerian history. We have a list which says President Buhari has appointed persons from across Nigeria but how inclusive is that list?

’

P

erhaps the biggest news this week so far, has been the attempt by the Presidency to debunk the allegation that President Muhammadu Buhari has been kinder to Northerners and Muslims in the recruitment of persons into his administration.

The published list, itself a response to an earlier indictment by the BusinessDay Newspaper, has been dismissed as incomplete, selective and misleading but all of that draws attention to a crisis at the heart of Nigerian politics, nay African politics.

Matthew Hassan Kukah once described this in our context as “the-myonisation-of-power”.

That is when a Nigerian from a particular part of the country becomes President, his people including his kinsmen and his friends and associates from his community and other parts of Nigeria see his ascendance as their own opportunity to have a taste of the national cake. They fight over the proverbial cake. Invariably, they benefit from what is called the politics of proximity. They get appointed to the best positions. They gain better access to the seat and the man of power than everyone else. Nigeria is not alone in this regard.

The same politics plays out in other African countries. In Kenya, John Githongo, their onceupon-a-time anti-corruption czar, in a book on him, the author, Michela Wrong complains that what prevails in Kenyan politics is the syndrome of “it-is-ourturn-to-eat.” In that country, the emergent politics is not even just about what to eat, it is about ego, elite contestation, dynastic rivalry and power. Wrong is right in many ways. That drama has been played out in the recent elections in Kenya but here in Nigeria, we have also been dealing with the same crisis since independence.

The question has been and remains: who gets the better share of the Nigerian national cake?

Nigerian political actors do not see their country as a country that is structured for progress, sustainable development and unity. They see it as a cake to be shared. In their imagination and consideration, the cake is so big, it is more than enough for everybody, but they have seen that since independence, some people get a bigger share of it, and the more access a particular group gets to power, the more advantage it procures for its people.

Thus, any person who occupies a position - be it in the public or private sector space is subjected to instant, accustomed suspicion and harassment. No matter how well-meaning the person may be, the person is monitored closely to see if his appointees or associates would be persons from his church, mosque, community, ethnic group, or old school network. Ethnicity, religion and other social indicators are often the alarm signals. This is the background to the allegation and

Buhari accusation that President Muhammadu Buhari is systematically reNorthernizing Nigeria.

The prefix re- is instructive because one of the biggest fears in Nigeria is that the political North, for there is no such thing as a monolithic Northern Nigeria, or a strictly binary Nigeria, as the Western press assumes, is determined to dominate the South, the entire South according to a script written and acted out by the British colonialists and sustained by their local successors. Indeed, the Nigerian military did not help matters by practically Northernizing Nigeria with the politics of vendetta and imperialism that propelled the Nigerian military establishment in power. The myth and reality of Northern domination has nonetheless also done much damage to the idea of national unity in Nigeria, even if there is enough evidence to establish the sad fact that, every ethnic group in the country is involved in a struggle for dominance.

The dominant truth is that Nigerians do not trust one another. It does not matter where they are, or whatever the level of their education or exposure, or the opportunities they have, they are all ethnic gladiators at heart and should they struggle to be nationalistic, their kith and kin will continually remind them of the need to obey and serve the tribe.

I use the word tribe here, deliberately against current convention.

It is for the foregoing reason that I consider the attempt by the Presidency to write off the allegation of Northern domination under President Muhammadu Buhari as futile.

Ethnic politics in Nigeria is both a matter of fact and perception. I offer four seemingly simple explanations of the phenomenon. It is the fact first, that whenever a President from a particular ethnic extraction arrives in Abuja, the fashion mode of the city changes overnight. Under President Olusegun Obasanjo (1999-2007), the various watering holes of Abuja adjusted their fashion codes. Even to the night-clubs, people wore the Yoruba attires and caps. The people of the South West including the Yoruba taxi drivers of Abuja became very voluble. It was their time. It was their turn. The moment President Obasanjo left, the Mallams returned, that is the power-brokers of the North, with the emergence of President Umaru Yar’Adua. Hausa language became the language of Abuja. President Yar’Adua died in office and his deputy succeeded him. President Goodluck Jonathan, Nigeria’s first Ijaw President also changed the face of fashion in Abuja. His kinsmen and their colourful robes and walking sticks became the new face

of Abuja. I recall in those days, the security people insisting that walking sticks would not be allowed inside the Villa because according to them, a walking stick is a weapon! I doubt if anybody these days is still swinging any such weapons around Abuja.

Two, when a Christian President is in power in Nigeria, the most active part of the Villa would be the Chapel. By the same token, if it is a Muslim President, the mosque in the Villa gains special focus. There is never any doubt about the locus of affinity in Nigerian politics. In an extremely superstitious society such as we have, our leaders don’t joke with their spiritual well-being.

Every big man’s wife is a prayer warrior. “My wife is a prayer warrior”, is a common refrain in the corridors of power. The people that pray for the big man, from his wife to her relatives and the spiritual consultants eventually become so influential they could in fact influence appointments and state policy.

African leaders are so insecure, we must someday attempt an intellectual assessment of the damage they have done to the governance process in Africa, with their insecurity and fears.

Three, cronyism is a strong factor in African politics. Our leaders are only comfortable with the people that they know. Whoever is not known personally must have a Godfather or a minder that can be consulted. When people win power in Nigeria, they don’t hand it over to other people that easily. Everything is transactional. There are no big or average men – they are all looking for what is in it for them. And this is what has held Nigerian down.

If anyone investigates the real underbelly of Nigeria, there will be no country anymore because it is Nigeria that feeds all the big men. It is in reality an unproductive country with the rich depending on oil revenue and deceiving the poor and the underprivileged. Our big men appoint cronies. They are afraid of tomorrow.

Four, democracy was meant to help and advance our society. But we do not have properly organized political parties. We also do not have politicians in the sense of having people who are committed to the common good. Nigerian politicians don’t owe allegiance to any body of ideas. They are here today.

They are there tomorrow. I recently accosted a Nigerian politician who was quite prominent in the PDPJonathan administration. He has since realigned and he is speaking up, loudly and boldly for the APCBuhari administration. I asked him how it is so easy for him to change camp so smoothly. His answer is

that when you move from Manchester United to Chelsea, your job is to score against Man-U. This is the most apt description of Nigerian politics that I have ever heard. Politics, like governance in Nigeria, is a game, a play, a profitable illusion.

We, the ordinary people are the ones who put so much weight on it.

So when anyone accuses President Buhari of favouring his own people, such a person misses the point about the way Nigeria is. Let me just drop this one here: in the First Republic under Aguiyi-Ironsi, as short as that period was, Igbos, with their man in power, dominated the Federal Civil Service. The Hausa-Fulani, whenever it was their turn in power, lowered the standards and the admission scores and positioned themselves. There is now a Federal Character clause in the Nigerian Constitution, but Nigerians know that they stand a chance to benefit more only when their kinsman is in charge at the centre. It is Buhari’s turn today. It is the Hausa-Fulani’s time.

The Presidency has offered a socalled list of appointees, but the forensic analysis of that list that has been attempted has shown that the best positions in the most strategic sectors are in the hands of the core Hausa-Fulani. That is how the game is played, sadly. And let me add this: it is a pity the list did not disclose the identity of the cooks and closest aides in the Presidential Villa. These are very strategic positions too, but which Nigerian President would allow a man who does not speak his language to cook for him or enter his bedroom? Nigeria is a country that is ruled and driven by fear and insecurity even at the highest levels. Nigerian leaders are as scared and as insecure as the people they lead. While struggling to be Nigerian, and nationalistic, they don’t ever forget their ethnic roots and the burden of Nigerian history.

We have a list which says President Buhari has appointed persons from across Nigeria but how inclusive is that list?

We need, therefore to deal with the big issues, not givens. We must insist that Nigeria needs such a leader who can break the ceilings.

For us that will be the true definition of change, and the extension of transformation; in the process, imagined and extant givens will fail and the country can be transformed. What Nigerians want when they complain about marginalization and the absence of federalism is that they want a country that is based on a foundation of merit, justice and equity. They want a meritocratic society where the best and the brightest can aspire to the highest levels in society regardless of their ethnic, religious or geographical extraction. It is possible to interpret change otherwise as infrastructure, but a developing country will always need infrastructure, depending on the commitment and discipline of succeeding administrations. We need now and later, a value-driven leadership, which also adds value in space and time.

To be sure that we are on the same page, our obsession with ethnicity and nepotism is a poor reminder of how poorly our country continues to turn out. The day a Nigerian can serve his or her local government, state, Senatorial district, state and the Federal Government without anyone asking where he or she comes from, but strictly on the basis of merit and accomplishments, then may be, indeed may be, then we would have a country again. For now, we are at best, a possible country in search of a nation.

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Education Times

s

FG pledges access to quality education through open, distance learning The Federal Government has reiterated its commitment toward improving access to quality and lifelong learning through its open and distance learning (ODL) initiative.

The Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, said this at a one-day symposium on policy and practice in open and distance learning in Abuja on Tuesday.

The symposium was a collaborative effort of the National Universities Commission and the University of London.

Adamu, who was represented by the Director, Tertiary Education, Mr. Joel Ojo, underscored the provision of universal access to education as essential to developing the nation at large.

He said that globally, ODL has been embraced as a panacea to inadequate access to quality education as well as promoting lifelong learning.

According to him, we are putting in place adequate learning support that will facilitate equitable quality education by 2030.

“Of priority to government is its commitment to the attainment of the 2015 UN Sustainable Development Goals, which challenge developed and developing nations of the world over.

“It is also to ensure inclusive and equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning opportunities for all by the year 2030.

“The government’s commitment to providing equitable quality education and promote lifelong learning for all has been clearly stated in the National Policy on Education of 1977 reiterated in the NPE of 2004.”

Adamu added that the govern-

L-R: Member, Department of Languages, Linguistics and Literary Studies, Federal University Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo Ebonyi State (FUNAI); Prof Akachi Adimora-Ezeigbo; Guest Speaker and Professor, Marquette University, USA, Prof. Chima J. Korieh; Dean, Faculty of Humanities, FUNAI, Prof. GMT Emezue; CEO, Heirs Holdings, Emmanuel Nnorom, representing the Guest Speaker and Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Tony O. Elumelu; and Director, School of Foundation Studies, FUNAI, Prof. Michael Onuu at FUNAI’s 2017 Faculty of Humanities International Conference held at the university’s auditorium in Ndufu-Alike, Ikwo Ebonyi State ...recently

ment was also lending its support to the ongoing efforts of the National Universities Commission mandated to promote the widespread acceptability of the ODL mode of education.

He also reiterated government high expectations of the National Open University (NOUN) and other universities offering degree programmes via the ODL to improve all facilities that would enhance and support flexible teaching mode.

Adamu also urged Nigerian universities to comply with regulatory guidelines for the qualitative development of the Nigerian University system as laid down

by government through NUC as this would internationalise world best global practices.

Also, Prof. Abubakar Rasheed, Executive Secretary, NUC said the ODL would help ameliorate the problems of inadequate access to university education.

Rasheed said based on the inundated applications from conventional universities desirous of becoming dual mode providers of university education, the commission was in the process of assessing and mentoring 15 additional universities.

He said nine organisations had applied for licenses to establish private open universities; all this,

he said was in a bid to meet the need of inadequate access to university education.

He added that the collaboration between NUC and University of London would provide and promote global best practice and assist in a more dynamic way to promote university education in the country.

He added that NUC was also concerned with quantity as well as quality of education.

He said that despite the fact that quality was paramount, the quantity cannot also be ignored, noting further that skills development was the solution to tackling inadequate access to education.

UniAbuja Council seeks FG’s intervention on abandoned projects

Augustine Okezie, Abuja

The Pro-Chancellor and Chairman of Governing Council University of Abuja, Alhaji Sani Maikudi, has disclosed that the Council will seek the intervention of the Federal Government and other interventionist agencies involved in the construction of projects at the university to facilitate the completion of the projects.

He regretted that most of the projects on the university campuses had now stopped for one reason or the other and were far behind their completion periods with serious consequences for the planned development of the institution.

Alhaji Sani, who dropped the hint while addressing staff of academic departments and units during a facility tour of the university by members of the Governing Council recently, said that there was a serious fa-

cility deficit which must be addressed if the institution was to realize its full potentials.

He commended agencies like the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), TETFund, and others for the great work being undertaken in the university and regretted that work had temporarily stopped on some of the intervention projects which the Council will seek continuation of.

The Council chairman said that university of Abuja was the foremost public institution in the nation’s capital and the first port of call for foreign visitors wanting to acquaint themselves physically with the country’s education at that level which makes it imperative for its managers to strive to raise its status beyond the current level.

The Council chairman also noted that most of the complaints by the academic units would be drastically reduced if the efforts of Council to have

the uncompleted projects functional and get more private sector involvement in the provision of infrastructure and services paid off.

While commending the university staff for their commitment to the system, he called on

them to rededicate themselves towards the drive by Council to widen to the horizon of the university through a guided partnership with the private sector where all stakeholders will feel the impact of the institution.

Augustine Okezie, Abuja

forms would quicken development and reposition democratic institutions which were necessary for the support and collaborations of all.

Sultan Abubakar, who was represented by the Emir of Keffi, Alhaji (Dr.) Shehu Usman Chindo Yamusa III, also charged the Sultan Maccido Institute for Peace and Development Studies, University of Abuja, which instituted the lecture series, to be at the vanguard of providing stable proactive strategies capable of achieving results on all aspects of crimes and ethno-religious challenges in the country.

He further called for support to the institute to position it well to enable it provide opportunities for

Basic education in focus as EWAN holds 2nd national summit In an effort to address the shortcomings in Nigeria’s basic education sector, the Education Writers Association of Nigeria (EWAN), will tomorrow, November 9, 2017, hold its second national education summit with the theme, ‘Whither Basic Education?

The summit which comes up at 10am and holds at WAEC International Centre at Agidingbi, Ikeja, Lagos, will have the Executive Secretary of Universal Basic Education Commission (UBEC), Dr. Hammid Bobboyi, as the keynote speaker while Nigeria’s former Representative to UNESCO, Emeritus Professor, Michael Omolewa, will chairman the occasion.

The Chairman and Secretary of the Local Organising Committee of the programme, Mr. Kayode Olanrewaju and Mrs. Kikelomo Oduyebo respectively said in a press release, that the summit will also feature presentations from the NUT President, Comrade Michael Alogba, Registrar of National Examination Council, Prof. Charles Uwakwe, and former Commissioner for Education in Edo State, Professor Ngozi Osareren, among other key stakeholders in the education subsector.

They said the belief of EWAN as agenda setters is that recommendations from this year’s summit will help accelerate the development of basic education in Nigeria so that government, regulators, operators, parents, students, civil society groups can continue to collaborate for improved standards in this critical sector of the education which is often neglected.

They noted that the first edition of the summit with former Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission, Prof. Peter Okebukola, as a keynote speaker and held in 2016 was with a focus on: “The Integrity of Public Examinations and Admission in Nigeria”.

The outcome of the summit, they pointed out, resulted in the reinstatement of the Post-UTME screening.

EWAN is an affiliate of the Nigerian Union of Journalists (NUJ) and a professional body comprising journalists in print, broadcast and online media covering education sector.

Sultan wants reforms to speed up national development

The Sultan of Sokoto, His Eminence Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, has charged leaders in emerging democracies to introduce policies that will deepen democracy through effective administrative reforms aimed at galvanising all stakeholders towards achieving national development goals.

A press release signed by the University of Abuja Deputy Director, Information, Malam Garba Waziri, said the Sultan, who spoke in a message to the inaugural lecture instituted in honour of the late Sultan Muhammadu Maccido at the University of Abuja, noted that such re-

best administrative practices in the country. He expressed the hope that the maiden lecture series on management and leadership challenges in Nigeria will be galvanised to further enhance peace, quality leadership and development in Africa.

The guest lecturer, Professor Eghosa E. Osaghae, Vice-Chancellor, Igbinedion University, Okada, Edo State, observed that the first set of African leaders had the vision and intellect to transform the circumstances of our backwardness, underdevelopment, and despair on the continent but that some of the leaders squandered the people’s goodwill.

19 Education Times

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

First girls-only science, tech fair debuts in Lagos today

L-R: General Ma nager, Human Resources, Pacific International Drilling West Africa Limited, Timothy Oyeniyi; Chief Executive Officer, Atayeshe Oil and Mar ine Services Limited, Adeyemi Olaoye; Author of the book ‘Heaven’s. Economy’, Nelson Oruh; President, African Economic Mandate Project, Lanre Olaleye; Miss Al-Royal, Nelly Nene Eche; Chief Editor, Pan African International Magazine, Prince David Anyia and Director, Danniis Entertainment Studios, Hawawu Jumau Ajagu, during the book launch of the book, ‘Heavens Economy’ ( Last Hope for Global Reforms} in Lagos...recently

Pay more attention to leadership in education sector, ex-minister urges FG Stories by Esther Taiwo Former Minister of Education, Prof. Chinwe Obaji, has urged the Federal Government to pay more attention to leadership in education as this will go a long way to revamp the sector into a core vibrant sector.

Obaji said this while fielding questions from journalists at the send-off/pen down ceremony of former principal/director of the Federal Science and Technical College (FSTC) Yaba, Rev. Chris Ugorji, where she tasked the government to look for a credible successor that will carry on the good legacy the principal is leaving behind.

According to Obaji, it is high time government got serious with technical education in its quest for technological development and stop paying lip service saying there have not been new laboratories, technology labs built in any technical college across the country stressing that it is not just playing to the gallery but taking the Bull by the horn.

“This College will be 70 years by 2018, by now the school should have been producing simple technologies such as cell phones but they are not well equipped. There is need for synergy between organised private sector and the public sector to take care of research works coming out of our institutions”, she said.

She lamented that many of the Unity Schools are no longer operating in accordance with the vision of their establishment due to lack of accommodation and staff quarters to accommodate students and teachers from all over the country such that a Northerner for instance can come and teach or learn in any of the Unity Schools in the West or East.

The former minister urged the Ffederal Government to amend the UBE Act of 1994 to take care of the Unity Schools in order to take them to what they should be.

On his own part, former Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, Abuja, Dr. MacJohn Nwaobiala, said policy makers have failed the country in its quest for technological ad-

vancement.

He said this is because much emphasis have been placed on paper qualification with little attention given to skill acquisition through TVET. “Government should be careful in terms of investing in education as more attention is needed in monitoring how any budget for education is being spent”, he said.

Outgoing Principal, Rev. Chris Ugorji said he came to the College on purpose adding that without purpose abuse is inevitable saying he knew what he was sent to the College to do and he went straight for that purpose.

He said he was able to achieve his feats through discipline and commitment as the College witnessed a lot of transformation during his tenure in terms of students’ academic performance, infrastructural development among others.

He said some of the challenges confronting the school is the issue of electricity supply which made him spend millions of Naira on diesel because without power, technology cannot be driven.

the late Shofoluwe a befitting burial, the former President Goodluck Jonathan on May 29, 2012 announced the purported change of the name of the university which was followed by various protests from students and other stakeholders thus throwing the campus into serious crises.

He said his administration set out to make strong impression on the overall development of the university and despite seemingly insurmountable challenges, they were able to make remarkable achievements in physical planning and infrastructural development.

“In terms of academics and research, the university made some significant strides in the areas during the period under

review. Among the remarkable ones are the curriculum development and the introduction of new programmes, resuscitation of the Graduate Assistantship Programme, establishment of the Quality Assurance Unit, enhanced e-result processing among others”, he said.

He also noted that his administration was able to graduate a total of 50,785 students in the last five years accounting for about 25 percent of the total number of graduates produced by the University in its 55 years of existence.

“Not just that, about half of these are post graduate students making us slowly becoming a postgraduate institution.

We now produce averagely 100 highly qualitative Ph.Ds. annually”, he said.

Outgoing UNILAG VC solicits unalloyed support for successor In his valedictory speech delivered to journalists at a media chat organised as part of activities to mark his sendoff ceremony, outgoing Vice Chancellor of the University of Lagos, Professor Rahaman Bello, has urged the university staff, students and other stakeholders to give full cooperation to his successor, Prof Oluwatoyin Ogundipe.

Giving scorecard of his five year tenure, Bello said he came into the office as the acting Vice Chancellor at a moment of crises having lost his predecessor, the late Adetokunbo Shofoluwe, who died in office as the 10th Vice Chancellor on May, 12, 2012.

He recalled that as the university was preparing to give

The first-ever Girls-only Science and Technology Fair in the country will be staged in Lagos today, November 8, 2017 according to the organisers, the Christopher Kolade Foundation (CKF).

The theme of the fair is “SHE 2017 Science & Amp Technology for Girls by Girls”.

It will feature exhibitions of SHE Initiative clubs from six public schools in Lagos State.

A consultant to the Foundation, Mrs. Omobola Lano, said in a statement on Monday that the Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Idiat Oluranti Adebule, would give a keynote address at the fair.

“The Fair is designed to showcase the technology proficiency of girls in state public schools as well as motivate them towards exploring the exciting world of science and technology.

“The initiative is also to offer girls from low and middle-income families a unique opportunity to experience science and

technology in “relatable and interactive ways,” she said in the statement, a copy of which was obtained by the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN).

The statement added:“ The programme is designed to stir participants’ curiosity and interest in exploring the world of science and technology, change the stereotypes around girls and science.

“It will equip them with life-long skills in the realms of science and technology, while also offering personal development, leadership and ethics education.

“It is absolutely imperative that we connect young girls and women to a career pipeline, and it begins with overcoming gender stereotypes around science and demystifying science and technology education.”

Dr. Christopher Kolade, erstwhile Chairman of Cadbury Plc, served as Nigeria’s Ambassador to the U.S. under ex-President Oluegun Obasanjo-led administration between 1999 and 2003.

Author offers panacea to economic recession Author of the Book, “Heavens Economy” (The Last Hope for Global Economic Reforms), Mr. Nelson Oruh, has proffered solution to global economic crises in his book which he recently launched at the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry, Events & Exhibition Centre in Alausa.

According to him, it is not by accident that the world is going through global economic recession because God has plans for this present economic era.

“I have the assurance that economic recession is not heaven’s culture because heaven’s economy is built on divine royalty and it does not suffer deficiencies around the world economy so many factors are coming together to make this happen, the quest for economic rebirth may prove a little bit difficult because most of our political leaders don’t know why the economy is in its present state because what is happening is beyond them. For example our foreign reserves are in Dollars and the Dollar is at the edge of crashing, there are many entities involved that are working hard to crash Dollars”.

He also advised the church to know that it is their era of wealth and should be ready to take the bull by the horn, because Psalm 23 and Isaiah 42:5 are coming to play.

“Christians are being taken back to the wilderness experience where God will feed them with Manna, this is spiritual and that is what is happening to churches

now, which is why you see churches going into the forests to buy expanse of land to develop because that is where they can serve God better”.

“Democracy in Nigeria is still being tested, it is still milatarised and being taken off the context, change for me as a strategist is a total turn around.

We should look out for government that will follow the evolution of Biblical principles to rule, we should look out for leaders who will humble themselves before God because our Land is sick politically, and we need visionary, transformational leaders to achieve this”.

On the issue of restructuring he said government should address giving opportunities to people to display their prowess which should not personal but should be based on democracy in its true sense which is giving power to the people.

“We need leaders that understand democracy in its true sense and are willing to practice it. The entire world is grappling with the effects of the present days’ economic crisis which has remarkably struck millions of people around the world and destroyed their dreams for the future. Many people who enjoyed the affluence of developed countries have suddenly found themselves cast onto the rocks of financial ruins. Millions have lost their jobs, homes and livelihoods and their prospects for the future seem bleak”, he said.

News 20

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

C&S Lagos chapter holds 4th conference Trade Fair: Dangote ÏÏÏThe relative peace pledges commitment to

L-R: China Civil Engineering Construction Corporation (CCECC), Site Project Manager, Mr. Xukuncon Ponaldo: Minister of Transportation, Mr. Chibuike Amaechi; Managing Director, Nigerian Railway Corporation, Mr. Fidet Okhiria and Director of Rail Transport Services, Federal Ministry of transports, Mr. Mohammed Babakobi, during the inspection tour of ongoing Lagos –Ibadan Railway Modernisation Project at Ewekoro in Ogun… on Monday.

Lagos–Ibadan railway line commencement date sacrosanct - Amaechi Idu Jude, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

December deadline for commencement of the Lagos-Ibadan railway line as promised by the Federal Government remains sacrosanct, just as the present administration has shown commitment and determination to complete the project in good time.

Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Amaechi, stated this during the monthly meeting of the Project Steering Committee set up for Lagos-Ibadan Railway Modernisation project on Monday in Lagos.

The minister stated that President Muhammadu Buhari’s directive to ensure that the whole county is connected with rail lines must be obeyed without wavering.

According to Amaechi, President Buhari ‘s desire

to connect Nigerian states by rail is on course. “Mr. President is very passionate about the rail projects and has insisted on his directive that the whole country must be connected by rail and so,

by December 2018, the Lagos-Ibadan Standard Gauge rail line must be completed and delivered to Nigerians,” he said.

The monthly Project Steering Committee was set up by the Minister of Transportation immediately the Lagos-Ibadan Rail line Grand breaking ceremony was performed. The committee members are to oversee construction work on the Lagos-Ibadan rail line, effectively monitor and review on monthly basis the progress of work done by the contractor, China Construction Engineering Company Corporation (CCECC), handling the Lagos-Ibadan rail project.

Members of this committee comprises of the Minister of Transportation, Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi, who is the chairma;, NRC Board Chairman, Engr. Usman Abubarkar; MD, NRC, Engr. Fidet Okhiria; Director (Rail Transport Service), Federal Ministry of Transportation, Engr. M. T. Babakobi; Lagos-Ibadan Project Manager, Tang Xiao Dong (CCECC); representatives of Lagos, Ogun and Oyo states, and CCECC Consultant (MD Team), Yoris Visinoni.

Amaechi immediately after the meeting and accompanied by some senior officials from the Ministry and Nigerian Railway Corporation (NRC) embarked on a tour of some project’s sites in Papalanto communities in Ogun State along the Lagos-Ibadan rail line.

The almost two and half hours ride aboard the train from Ebute-Meta, Lagos to

Globacom unveils new data plans, subscribers to enjoy free video streaming Kehinde Akinpelu, Ilorin

ÏÏÏNigeria’s

biggest data network, Globacom, has again raised the bar in the telecoms industry, this time in the area of internet service and data offerings with the biggest offer ever to data subscribers in the country and an exclusive partnership with iflix, the world’s leading entertainment services for emerging markets.

While launching the super-size offer, which it calls the New Data Revolution on Monday at the Mike Adenuga Towers in Lagos, Globacom’s Regional Director, Planning

and Technical, Mr. Sanjib Roy, said the new offer gives an unfair advantage to Globacom subscribers and unmatched data packages to new subscribers and existing subscribers who renew their data subscriptions before expiration on both 3G and 4G. With the new offer, both new and existing subscribers who renew their subscriptions before expiration will get up to 4GB of data for just N1,000.

This 4GB data, for example, translates to about 4,000 pages of web browsing.

Similarly, 12.5GB is given for a N2,500 data bundle. This, for example could be used for 250

hours of content broadcast. In a similar vein, subscribers stand to gain 24GB for N4,000 and a massive 30GB for N5,000.

The 30GB for N5,000 can enable the subscriber enjoy videos for over 600 hours, for instance.

Roy also revealed that for small plans, new subscribers and those who renew, a N100 subscription will give the customer 90MB bundle; while for N200, they will get 250MB with which they can send 400 emails for example.

For N500, the customer gets a whopping 2GB of data, which the subscribers can use to do 10 days of unlimited chatting, if need be, he explained.

Papalanto in Ogun State did not only give the minister and his team the ample opportunity to see for themselves the level of work done but also to reassure Nigerians about the prompt and adequate delivery of the project in December, 2018.

being enjoyed in Lagos State has to be sustained and that can only be achieved through prayers for political office holders as well as seeking the face of God and hearkening to His commandments.

This position was part of a statement issued by the Lagos State chapter of the Cherubim & Seraphim Unification Church of Nigeria, and signed by its General Secretary, Evang. (Dr.) Rotimi Odugbesan, ahead of the 4th Annual General Conference of the chapter scheduled for Faith in Christ International C&S Church, at Akesan, Lagos State, between tomorrow, November 9 and Saturday, November 11, 2017.

The conference is themed: “For Zion’s sake, will I not hold my people.”

Odugbesan, in the release, maintained that a healthy society only needed to sustain it by seeking the face of God in prayers and putting in place series of workshops and seminars for its members, which he said would help to bolster their unity of purpose and commitment to the achieving a peaceful society.

building a stronger economy Alhaji Aliko Dangote, President, Dangote Group, has restated his commitment to adding value to the nation’s natural endowment, to build a virile economy for Nigeria and Africa.

Dangote made the statement on Tuesday in Lagos during the Dangote Group’s Special Day at the ongoing Lagos International Trade Fair.

Dangote was represented by Mr. Mansur Ahmed, Executive Director, Stakeholders Management and Corporate Communications, Dangote Group.

The fair is an annual event organised by the Lagos Chamber of Commerce and Industry (LCCI).

He said that the conglomerate was committed to a diversified economy of Nigeria by exploring opportunities in different sub sectors.

Dangote said that what Nigeria and Africa needed was to add value to its natural resources toward improving its competitiveness in the global economy.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017 IFEJEH UGO CHINYERE VICTORIA

Formerly known and addressed as ANEKE CHINYERE VICTORIA, now wish to be known and addressed as IFEJEH UGO CHINYERE VICTORIA. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MRS OGUNLANA OLAMIDE OLUFUNKE

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OSIDELE OLAMIDE OLUFUNKE now wish to be known called and addressed as MRS OGUNLANA OLAMIDE OLUFUNKE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MRS OLADESELU MARY OLUWATOYIN

I formerly known and addressed as MISS OLADIPO MARY OLUWATOYIN now wish to be known called and addressed as MRS OLADESELU MARY OLUWATOYIN. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

MR. MULERO SOLOMON ALANI

Formerly known and addressed as MR. ABRAHAM TEMITOPE ALANI, now wish to be known and addressed as MR. MULERO SOLOMON ALANI. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

GABRIEL FRANKLIN ADARA NWABUEZE

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AJIMUDA AMINAT TOLULOPE

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ESHO OLUSOLA OMOLARA Formerly known and addressed as AKERELE OLUSHOLA OMOLARA, now wish to be known and addressed as ESHO OLUSOLA OMOLARA. All previous documents remain valid. General public take note.

CORRECTION OF NAME

This is to certify and confirm that my name was wrongly written as AYOTUNDE OLUWATOYIN DORCAS instead of OSUNWOLE OLUWATOYIN DORCAS. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

Public Notice 21

SOPEIN OLUWABUNMI GRACE

Formerly known and addressed as OLAOYE OLUWABUNMI GRACE, now wish to be known and addressed as SOPEIN OLUWABUNMI GRACE. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

ESTHER OCHADU

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FAMAKINWA TOSIN IBIYEMI ADEBIMPE

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JOSEPH FOLARIN BESTMAN

Formerly known and addressed as JOSEPH CHRISTOPHER BESTMAN, now wish to be known and addressed as JOSEPH FOLARIN BESTMAN. That my date was wrongly written as 9th of June, 1971 instead of 9th of June, 1964. That my correct date of birth is 9th of June 1964. All former documents remain valid. General public take note.

MUKAILA OLUWAFEMI AKEEM

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OJUKWU ONYEBUCHI OGOCHUKWU

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MRS ABIOLA ABIODUN AKINKUADE

MRS ADEKUNLE ADEPEJU SEKINAT

MRS BAKARE ABOSEDE AFOLASHADE

MRS EMIANTOR MAGDALENE

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MRS.OKECHUKWU FAVOUR CHINWENWA

NWOKORIE CHINWE NKIRUKA

AZEEZ ALIMAT AJOKE

DORIS DORCAS IMODE OBAIKA

ASIBELUO UWEM

I,formerly known ,called and addressed as JOSIAH CHINWENWA; JOSIAH CHINWENWA FAVOUR;JOSIAH FAVOUR CHINWENWA as well as STELLA MARIS FAVOUR CHINWENWA JOSIAH ; now wish to be known,called and addressed as MRS. OKECHUKWU FAVOUR CHINWENWA. All former documents remain valid.;EMBASSIES, BANKS and General public take note.

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IJEGA ALICE ENE

MRS OLUSHOLA EMMION TETEDE

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AKANDE JENNIFER

AKANDE OJE ALAN

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SALAMI FATAI AYINLA

OLUWATOYIN MARY ODEWOLE

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PUBLIC NOTICE

This is to notify the geneal public that the land situated at ONIREKE village opposite trade fair complex in Amuwo-Odofin Area of Lagos.

With measurement of 2142.477 Sq mts is owned and belong to SULEIMAN KABUSU. That the said land has the Certificate of Occupancy that bears Suleiman Kabusu and was issued by Ministry of Lands, Ikeja.

And it has been investigated by Zonal Intelligence Bureau and confirmed from Ministry of Lands, Ikeja that the certificate of Occupancy is GENUINE and owned by Suleiman Kabusu.

The public are hereby warned not to deal with ODAN PARAPO’s FAMILY, Mr. ADAMSON or anybody concerning the said land.

Anybody that wish to sell the land is a FRAUDSTER (419).

For enquiries or more information contact: Suleiman Kabusu 09092168100

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AINA BISOLA FLORENCE

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FAYOMI AYOTUNDE OLUWAYOMI

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CHANGE OF NAME/CORRECTION OF BIRTH DATE

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CORRECTION OF NAME

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IBRAHIM SADIYA

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OGENNAMAKA ANIEMEKA-MMEREM

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Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

PREMIUM BREADMAKERS ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA 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. TOSAN GREGORY JEMIDE - PRESIDENT 2. KENE MBUBA - SECRETARY 3. ONUORAH EKENE EMMANUEL 4. BOSE LADI OFOLU 5. OLUYINKA AKINOLA 6. SUNDAY DARAMOLA 7. YETUNDE ADEYEMI 8. ADEGBENRO OYEKAN AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF THE MEMBERS. 2. TO BRING UNITY 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: SECRETARY

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

22 Public Notice

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: THE TRUSTEES ARE AS FOLLOWS: 1. GOODLUCK ADEGBOYE 2. OSABHOHIEN OMOZOKPIA 3. GODDY ATHOJA UMUGHELE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO FIGHT AND BRING AND BRING TO AN END CHILD ABUSE, PROSTITUTION, EARLY CHILD MARRIAGE, CHILD SOLDIER PHENOMENON, HUMAN TRAFFICKING, HARMFUL TRADITIONAL PRACTICES, DOMESTIC VIOLENCE AND UNLAWFUL DEPORTATION AND ASSIST DEPORTEES, REFUGEES AND VICTIMS OF GOVERNMENTAL AND SOCIETAL ABUSES. 2. TO NETWORK WITH LOCAL, REGIONAL AND INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATIONS IN PROMOTING, SAFEGUARDING AND DEFENDING HUMAN RIGHTS AND THE DIGNITY OF THE HUMAN PERSON. 3. TO ORGANIZE PROGRAMMES, SYMPOSIA, LECTURES, SEMINARS AND WORKSHOPS TOWARDS SENSITIZATION AND ENLIGHTENMENT OF THE GENERAL PUBLIC ON THEIR SOCIO - ECONOMIC AND POLITICAL RIGHTS. 4. TO PROMOTE HUMAN RIGHTS AND CIVIL LIBERTIES THROUGH RESEARCH, POLICY WORK, LITIGATION, EDUCATION, AND TO PROVIDE LEGAL ADVICE, ASSISTANCE AND REPRESENTATION ON CIVIL LIBERTIES AND HUMAN RIGHTS. 5. TO ESTABLISH, MAINTAIN AND OPERATE TRAINING CENTERS, CAMPS, RESOURCE CENTRES AND LIBRARIES FOR THE PURPOSE OF GROWING, EQUIPPING, DEVELOPING AND RAISING FUTURE LEADERS. 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.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEDGE 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: ERDOO ASEMA ESQ.

THE GREAT RIGHT HAND OF GOD

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 : 1ADEDEJI MOTUNRAYO OJUOLAPE.- GENERAL OVERSEER (2) ADEDEJI ABIODUN ADEMOLA. - SECRETARY (3) AFOLABI FOLASHADE OLUWARANTIMI. AIMS AND OBJECTIVE 1 TO PREACH THE WORLD OF GOD 2 TO PROPAGATE THE GOSPEL AND EVANGELIZE THE WORD THROUGH ELECTRONIC MEDIA 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: SECRETARY

BIOLA LONGE FOUNDATION NOTICE IS HEREBY GIVEN TO THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE-NAMED FOUNDATION WHICH IS LOCATED IN LAGOS STATE, HAS APPLIED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA, FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART C OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DR ADETEJU BAMIDELE OGUNRINDE 2. MRS. ADUNOLA AKINYEMIJU 3. MISS. OMOTAYO TAIWO LONGE 4. MR. OLAYIWOLA OGUNRINDE 5. MR. GBADEBO OGUNRINDE 6. MR. BIODUN CHRISTIAN OGUNRINDE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO ASSIST LESS PRIVILEGED PERSONS IN THE SOCIETY ON HEALTHCARE MATTERS ESPECIALLY BREAST CANCER AWARENESS. 2. TO BE A VIABLE PLATFORM FOR HEALTH CARE SUPPORT, PROMOTIONS AND ADVANCEMENT IN THE SOCIETY. 3. TO HELP LESS PRIVILEGED PERSONS IN THE SOCIETY TO ENJOY GOOD HEALTH AS WELL AS FREEDOM FROM DISEASES. 4. TO CARRY OUT AWARENESS ON HEALTH, FOOD, EDUCATION, WOMEN EMPOWERMENT, AND HEALTHCARE SUPPORT PROJECTS. 5. TO SUPPORT OR RUN ORPHANAGE HOMES. ANY OBJECTION TO THE REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, MAITAMA, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. J N ENAJEDU ESQ J N ENAJEDU & CO

COMMUNITY INTERMONITORING ASSOCIATE OF NIGERIA

INDIGENES OF ABAK-ETIM EKPO-IKA LOCAL GOVERNMENT AREAS FORUM

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

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREVENT CRIME AT ALL LEVEL. 2. TO ASSIST ALL NIGERIANS IN SECURITY AREA. 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: BOBBY SAMUEL O. BANJOKO BOBBY KONSULTS 08035346166, 08021236257, 08058323166, 08098434535

HEAVENLY MINDED PEOPLES ASSEMBLY 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) NWAOGO JONATHAN OKEZUONU (2) MMEREM PETER OBI (3) NWAOGO VICTOR EMEKA (4) NWAOGO ELIZABETH OLOHIER (5) NNADI VICTOR OGUERI AIMS AND OBJECTIVE: TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: (SECRETARY)

SIGNED: CHAIRMAN 08027433593

FLAMING TOUCH DELIVERANCE MINISTRY INT’L THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT NO. 1 OF 1990 PART C. THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OZABOR GABRIEL AFEMOKIKE – CHAIRMAN 2. OSIZEMOBOR MARY OMONEGHO - VICE CHAIRMAN 3. OMOLE UYOYO ANDY - SECRETARY 4. OZABOR MERCY IGHUGHI - TRESURER 5. ELOGBAMIEN EROMOSELE - TRUSTEE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL TO ALL NATIONS OF THE WORLD IN ACCORDANCE WITH THE WORD OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. 2. RAISING A GENERATION OF CHRISTIANS THAT WILL BUILD A BETTER CHURCH FOR THE COMING OF OUR LORD. 3. TO PREACH AND BRING DELIVERANCE TO THOSE WHOSE JOY HAS BEEN TAKEN AWAY BY THE ENEMIES AND RESTORE HOPE TO THE HOPELESS, JOY TO THE SORROWED AND LIGHT TO THOSE IN THE DARK 4. TO PREACH AND TRAIN CHRISTIAN TO POSSESS THE GOOD CHRISTIAN VIRTUES AND SHINES AS LIGHT IN THE WORLD AND SALT OF THE EARTH 5. TO REACH THE UN-REACHED THROUGH EVANGELISM ANY OBJECTION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION. NDOLA SQUARE, ZONE 5, WUSE, ABUJA, WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: J. K. NANA CROWN KINGS CONSULTANCY CO. 08037769526

NORTH WEST AFRICA PROVINCE OF THE SOCIETY OF JESUS

THE GRACE ABOUND FOR WOMEN FOUNDATION

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

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE; 1. REV. FR. EMMANUEL UGWEJE (SJ) 2. REV. FR. JUDE ODIAKA (SJ) 3. REV. FR. ISIDORE BONABOM (SJ) 4. REV.FR. SAMUEL OKWUIDEGBE (SJ) 5. REV.FR. CHIDOLUE IKECHUKWU PETER (SJ) 6. REV. FR. CHIOMA EMMANUEL NWOSU ( SJ) 7. REV. FR. KEVIN ODEY (SJ) THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE; 1. REV. FR. CHUKS AFIAWARI (SJ) - CHAIRMAN ( PROVINCIAL) 2. REV.FR. CHIKERE UGWUANYI (SJ) - SECRETARY) 3. REV.FR. CHIOMA NWOSU (SJ) - MEMBER 4. REV. FR. ITUA EGBOR (SJ) - MEMBER 5. REV. FR. EDMOND AGORHOM (SJ) - MEMBER 6. REV. FR. KEVIN ODEY (SJ) - MEMBER. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS NOTIFICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR - GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

LIVING BRANCH PENTECOSTAL CHRISTAIN CENTRE INTERNATIONAL

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.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF 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: SECRETARY

OLURANI OLUMOROTI FOUNDATION

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1 TO PROVIDE FREE FINANCIAL SUPPORT OR UNDERPRIVILEDGED CREATIVE ARTS 2. TO DO ANY OTHER THING INCIDENTAL TO THE OBJECTIVES OF THIS FOUNDATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BENJAMIN PAULINUS MARCEL - CHAIRMAN 2. EPHRAIM JOHNSON UDOFIAH - SECRETARY 3. OKOKON OKON ETOABASI 4. ADLINE UDUAK PHILIPS 5. PAUL DOMINIC AKPAN 6. USOROH BONIFACE DICKSON

SIGNED: K.C IKHINMWIN & CO.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MR AKINNOLA MODELEAYO ADEWAKUN 2. MR ADEWALE OLUBUNMI AWOLESI 3. MR OLURANTI OLUMOROTI

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: 1. TO PROMOTE SINGING TALENT BOTH IN INDIAN & NIGERIAN COMMUNITY 2. TO RAISE FUNDS FOR CHARITY TO HELP THE UNDERPRIVILEGED IN NIGERIA 3. TO PROMOTE NIGERIAN CULTURAL INTEGRATION THROUGH THE MEDIUM OF ART AND MUSIC 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: BARR TAYO OLOYEDE ARCHON SOLICITORS 08035064333

LEGAL PRACTITIONERS, TEL 08023132360

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. MR. SANJEEV BAJAJ - CHAIRMAN 2. MR. SHIVENDER GARG - SECRETARY 3. MR. DEEPAK MOTIRAMANI - MEMBER 4. MR. PANDURANG SHETTY - MEMBER 5. MR. JHANVI MOTIRIMANI - MEMBER 6. MR. RAVI SANKON - MEMBER 7. MRS. HEMAMALINI RAVISANKAR - MEMBER 8. MRS. GEETAJALI BAJAJ - MEMBER 9. MRS DEEPALI SHETTY - MEMBER 10. MRS. SHILPA GARG - MEMBER

SIGNED BY ATHOJA UMUGHELE ESQ.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OBI FRIDAY JOHNSON 2. APANISHILE S. OBAFEMI 3. THOMAS ONU EZE 4. AKINOLA ASHIMIYU OLAYEMI 5. IBRAHIM TAIWO WASIU 6. ADETOYE J. ADEMOLA 7. OBI JAHNSON NWADISHI JOHN 8. PRINCE AYUWU SOLOMON 9. ESSIET AKPAN UDOH 10. BOBBY SAMUEL O. BANJOKO

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BOLANLE ADEJUMO 2. FATIMA BABA 3. TEMITATO TELLA BARAKAH 4. ISMAILA LAH 5. MURTALA MOHAMMED BABA 6. AMINA MOHAMMED BABA 7. BOLANLE ELEJA 8. IDRIS LAH

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR MICHAEL ADEDAYO ADEDIRAN - SENIOR PASTOR & SPIRITUAL HEAD. 2. PASTOR (MRS) ESTHER OLUWABUNMI ADEDIRAN -SECRETARY 3. PASTOR OLAOYE JONATHAN ABIOLA - TRUSTEE MEMBER 4. PASTOR ADEYERI JAMIU OLAKANMI -TRUSTEE MEMBER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO RECONCILE THE WORLD OF HUMANITY BACK TO GOD, THROUGH THE PREACHING OF GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO HELP PEOPLE OF GOD DISCOVER & RECOVER THEIR GOD’S GIVING DESTINY THROUGH THE PREACHING OF GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. 3. TO PREACH REPENTANCE, RIGHTEOUSNESS & HOLINESS AS A CONDITION FOR ACCEPTABLE CHRISTIAN WORSHIP. 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 BY BAR: ABIOYE KEHINDE

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. IKEPO AMANDA OSAWAYE (CHAIRPERSON) 2. TOLULOPE ADEGBITE, 3. JOKO AYOADE, AIM AND OBJECTIVE: TO PROVIDE SUPPORT AND CARE FOR WOMEN WHO ARE IN DISTRESS. 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: LUCY BABAFEMI ESQ

NEW COVENANT, MIRACLE & GRACE MINISTRY 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. ONI, OLUSOLA ABOSEDE 2. OMONIYI, ISAIAH IFE 3. ALO, SAMUEL OLABAMIJI 4. OLUFEMI, ELIJAH SUNDAY 5. OLAOYE, OLUSEGUN OLUSOLA AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE: (I) TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO THE WORLD. (II) TO PREACH AND PROMOTE PEACE AND PEACEFUL COEXISTENCE IN OUR 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. ANNOUNCER: MR OLUSOJI EMMANUEL

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

MODERN ERA TRUCK OWNERS & DRIVERS ASSOCIATION 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 TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OMOTOSHO ADEAYO AYOOLA - CHAIRMAN 2. OSENI SIKIRU - VICE CHAIRMAN 3. OSAGIEDE SAMUEL IYEORIKE - SECRETARY 4. GANIYU FATAI - FINANCIAL SECRETARY 5. EYITAYO OLANREWAJU JAMIU - TREASURER 6. OLUTOYIN GEORGE AWOFE - EX-OFFICIO AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO ENGAGE IN CARRYING OF GOODS AND SERVICES WITHIN THE COUNTRY.

PRINCE AND PRINCESS KEN INDIGENT PEOPLE CARE FOUNDATION 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 TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ONONUJU NRUMEZE KENNETH 2. ONYIAOKWU EDWIN IFEANYICHUKWU 3. ONONUJU CHIKA GEORGENA AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGE IN THE SOCIETY.

23 News

BAPTIST HIGH SCHOOL, PORT HARCOURT OLD STUDENTS ASSOCIATION 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 TRUSTEES ARE: 1. DR. URIAH STEPHEN ETAWO 2. KOBANI JOSEPH MGBO 3. SIR JIMMY NATHANIEL COKER AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE THE INTEREST OF THEIR MEMBERS 2. TO HELP IN THE INDIGENT STUDENTS

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

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

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

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

UGOEJIMARAMBA SOCIAL CLUB OF NIGERIA

BLESSED GOLDEN FOUNDATION

ETERNAL HOPE GLOBAL FOUNDATION

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.

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.

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 TRUSTEES ARE: 1. SIR PATRICK OGBOSO - PRESIDENT 2. OGBONNA CHIJIOKE ALOYSIUS - SECRETARY, 3. OKPECHI LAWRENCE NWACHINAEME

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. CHIMA IKECHUKWU MARTINS 2. CHIMA NGOZI FLORA 3. IHEKWOABA NELSON NNAMDI 4. ASIEGBU CHIGAEMEZU JERRY 5. CHIMA KENNETH OKECHUKWU

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. MR. PRECIOUS CHINADINDU GODWINS 2. MR. PROMISE UKAEGBU 3. UGOCHUKWU WILLIAMS 4. MARGARET KELECHI OKOROHA

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES; 1. TO ASSIST AND SUPPORT THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY 2. TO EMPOWER AND ENLIGHTEN YOUTHS, WOMEN AND CHILDREN IN RURAL COMMUNITY BASED HELP PROJECT

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO EMPOWER THE POOR, ORPHANS AND THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY 2. TO UPLIFT THE LIFE OF THE RURAL WOMEN THROUGH EMPOWERMENT AND ACQUISITION OF SKILLS PROGRAMMES.

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

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

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES; 1. TO FOSTER UNITY AMONG BROTHERS AND FRIENDS 2. TO CONTRIBUTE AND ENCOURAGE DEVELOPMENT IN OUR COMMUNITY. 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

SIGNED: BARR. IFEANYI ONWUZURIKE

SIGNED: BARR. IFEANYI ONWUZURIKE

CHRIST HARVEST DELIVERANCE INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY

MERCY GROUND OF GOD GOSPEL MISSION

CHRIST FOR BETTER LIFE GLOBAL MINISTRY

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.

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 TRUSTEES ARE: 1. AKANNI SAMUEL OLATUNDE 2. MORKA ONYEKA ANNABEL 3. AKANNI EMMANUEL FASHOLA 4. ABIODUN OLUFEMI ABODUNRI

THE TRUSTEES ARE: (1) PASTOR (MRS) GODSENT OMOSEFE -PRESIDENT. (2) MR. LUCKY OMOSEFE -SECRETARY. (3) MRS MABEL ISIRE

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOOD NEWS OF JESUS CHRIST TO THE WORLD. 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

HOPE SECONDARY SCHOOL WARRAKE, STUDENTS ALUMNI ASSOCIATION 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. YAHAYA NURUDEEN - PRESIDENT 2. CELINE DANIA - VICE PRESIDENT 3. MUHAMMAD KABIR MUSA - SECRETARY GEN 4. MOHAMMED O. IDRIS - AUDITOR 5. BIOWEI EYOROWARI - TREASURER/PRO 6. EZOMO BLESSING AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE PEACE, UNITY AND TOGETHERNESS AMONG MEMBERS, TO ENHANCE NETWORKING AND ATTENDING TO THE NEEDS OF ITS 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: TRUSTEES

LOSS OF DOCUMENT THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT CHRISTIANA ABOLAJI FAGBEMI OF PLOT 95, KADO NASKO ROAD, KUBWA, ABUJA ON 21ST OCTOBER, 2017 WHILE WITHIN KUBWA JUNCTION WHERE SHE PARKED HER LEXUS RX300 WITH REG. NO: RBC453MQ, WITH CHASSIS NO: JT6HF10UXX0016833 . SHE DISCOVERED THAT UNKNOWN PERSON(S) FORCEFULLY OPENED HER CAR AND MADE AWAY WITH HER LEXUS RX300 PARTICULARS.( GOT MISSING).

ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACED THE SAID MISSING VEHICLE PARTICULARS PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND, PLEASE RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION. ALL AUTHORITY CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: BARR. CHIDI EZIHE ( 08055381384)

AONU RAHMAN SOCIETY OF BADAGRY

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 TRUSTEES ARE: 1. PASTOR, OKPE PIUS 2. PASTOR, OKPE DANIEL OBANJE 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 MAITAMA ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: BARR. INNOCENT OKWORI

CHARLES NWADIANI FOUNDATION

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ALABI FOLASHADE KACLIMOT 2. ONI ABIODUN IGE 3. MUSA MOHAMED OLANREWAJU 4. ZAKARIYAH MUDASHIRU

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. NWADIANI CHARLES IKECHUKWU. 2. IKE-NWADIANI OLUKEMI OLUSHOLA. 3. UBA NGOZI MISTY 4. BAKARE NURUDEEN 5. BABADE NIYI.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF ISLAM 2. TO PROPAGATE THE GOOD TEACHINGS OF PROPHET MUHAMMED 3. TO PROMOTE THE HABIT OF QURANIC RECITATION. 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.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE ENTREPRENEURSHIP AMONG WIDOWS, YOUTHS, ARTISANS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: TRUSTEES

SIGNED BY SALLY ODIANAH (SECRETARY)

YOUTH ASSISTANCE FOR THE NEEDY INITIATIVE

CHANGE OF MAIDEN NAME

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

I FRANCISCA OBIAGELI NWABUZOR OF NO. 32 BISHOP STREET SURULERE LAGOS WAS FORMERLY BEARING EZEOFOR AS MAIDEN NAME BUT NOW CHANGED TO EKWUNIFE FOR OFFICIAL AND FAMILY TIES IDENTIFICATION IN AGREEMENT WITH THE AFFIDAVIT OF FACTS DATED 8/9/17 DEPOSED TO BY MRS HELEN OGBONNE EZEOFOR. ALL PREVIOUS DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1.

AISHA SAGIR MAHMUD 2.

ABUBAKAR IBRAHIM ALIKOTE 3.

AYSHAH KWAJAFFA 4.

ALIYU YUSUF 5.

GATAWA MARYAM IDRIS 6.

AUWAL ABUBAKAR 7.

SA’ADATU ABDULRAHMAN MAISHUNKU 8.

MUSTAPHA HODI ADAMU 9.

YAHYA MUSA SHUAIBU 10.

DAUDA MOHAMMED AIM AND OBJECTIVE 1. TO ASSIST THE YOUTH FOR THE NEEDY 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: ZAINAB M. KWAJAFFA

24

Public Notice

KUMAPAYI MUSLIM COMMUNITY, OLODO, IBADAN. 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.

The Trustees are : 1. OLOSO WAJEEH SABIQ. 2. ONAOLAPO MUNIRU ALANI. 3. BADMUS ISMAILA OYEGOKE. 4. JIMOH TAOFEEK OSUOLALE .

5. RUFAI ABDULWAHID. 6. ASIFAT MOSHOOD EYITAYO. 7. ISMAILA BELLO ADIO. AIMS: To propagate the religion of Islam.

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

Signed : Trustees

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

ONU IGBO PROGRESSIVE FORUM The general public is hereby notified that the above named Forum has applied for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Chief (Sir) Gerald Mbamalu 2. Chief (Sir) Donatus Uchechukwu Anozie 3. Chief Vincent Chibueze Anyabulu 4. Chief (Sir) Basil Onochie Okafor 5. Chief Frank Chinedu Uba THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1. To sensitize its members on the essence of good governance.

2. To be a watchdog for the pursuit of good governance in Nigeria.

3. To be in the vanguard of probity and accountability in governance.

Any objection(s) to the registration of the above named Forum should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 565, Ndola Square, Wuse, Zone 5, Abuja within 28 days of this publication.

SIGNED BY: Obiora Atuegwu Egwuatu, Esq Atuegwu Egwuatu & Associates 84 Lewis Street, 2nd Floor,Lagos Island, Lagos.

CHRIST HARVEST DELIVERANCE INTERNATIONAL MINISTRY The General public is hereby notified that the above named MINISTRY has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. AKANNI SAMUEL OLATUNDE 2. MORKA ONYEKA ANNABEL 3. AKANNI EMMANUEL FASHOLA 4. ABIODUN OLUFEMI ABODUNRI THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE IS: To preach the good news of Jesus Christ to the world.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, 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

OREOLUWA ODUYOYE FOUNDATION

JUNUDU AHABABU RASULLU SAW FOUNDATION

SIMON CHIAZOM FAVOUR

UDUAK ANIEDI UDO

This is to inform the general public that the above named Foundation has Applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja for registration Under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ODUYOYE Oreoluwa Modinat 2. ODUYOYE Adewale Oluwole 3. AMUSA Oyindamola Rukayat 4. OLAGUNJU Abayomi Maxwell AIMS & OBJECTIVES 1.To train on income generating activities, by empowering individuals who are ready to be empowered.

2.To prepare and develop individual, to appreciate and imbibe the values of honesty, creativity, innovation, hard work and appreciation of environment.

3.To be a resource, to empower at -risk individuals who complete program by presenting them with tools.

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

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

I formerly known and addressed as UJUNWANNE CHIAZOM KEZIAH FAVOUR now wish to be known and addressed as SIMON CHIAZOM FAVOUR . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, UDUAK ARCHIBONG THOMAS now wish to be known and addressed as, UDUAK ANIEDI UDO. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

133, HERBERT MACAULAY BY MCCULLUM, EBUTE-METTA, LAGOS.

JOY OF LIFE CHRIST AMBASSADORS MISSION 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.

TRUSTEES: (1) PASTOR, ONOJA EMMANUEL OMALE (2) SIS. EMMANUEL MARY MAINA (3) SOBANDE, TOPE GBENGA (4) OCHEME CECILIA. (5) ADUKWU JOHN 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, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION SIGNED: INNOCENT OKWORI

THE GRAND ASSEMBLY FOR FAEDAT TIJANIYYAH OF SOUTH-WEST NIGERIA 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.

TRUSTEES: 1. ADENEKAN SALISU ALAO 2. YUSUF MOSUIDI ALANI OLAIYA 3. AKINTAYO MURITALA OLAJIRE ADEGBOYEGA 4. ABDUL RAUFU RAJI ORELOPE 5. AZEEZ AHMED ADEBAYO 6. MOHAMMED RAJI KEUYEMI 7. LAWAL BASHEER 8. ADEBOYE HABEEB ADEDOKUN 9. MURITALA BUSOERI 10. SULAIMAN MUDATHIR KOLAWOLE OFFICE ADDRESS: LADEINDE STREET, ONIKOLOBO, ABEOKUTA, OGUN STATE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. TO BE UNRESERVEDLY COMMITTED TO THE PROJECTION AND PROMOTION OF ONENESS OF ALLAH AND THE IDEAS OF ISLAM. 2. TO FOSTER UNITY, CO-OPERATION AND COLLABORATION AMONGST MUSLIM, ESPECIALLY IN THE SOUTH WEST NIGERIA AND TO PROJECT THE BEAUTY OF ISLAM. 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

PHYSICAL REHABILITATION FOUNDATION

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Alhaji Abubakar Dauda -Chairman 2. Mallam Ahmed Bello -Vice Chairman 3. Alhaji Abdullahi Sarriki -Treasurer 4. Alhaji Saidu Halidu -Secretary 5. Alhaji Musa Shehu -Assistance Secretary THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE:1.To promote excellence and foster unity among its members 2.To Propagate the teachings, practice Of Islam and Promote better Understanding Of Islam among Muslims 3.To carter for the well-being and welfare of its members 4. To help the poor, assist the physically Challenged and donate to the sick and the aged 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 District, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication Signed by:ANTHONY BANJO ESQ. (SOLICITOR)

MORENIKE ONI

EWEMOJE VICTOR OLATUNJI I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OLUTADE VICTOR OLATUNJI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS EWEMOJE VICTOR OLATUNJI ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID AUTHORITY CONCERN AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT MORENIKE ONI FELICIA AND MORENIKE ONI IS THE SAME NAME AND SAME PERSON ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS WITH THESE NAMES REMAIN VALID AUTHORITY CONCERN AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

EMIKE OSILAMAH IDOGHO

AKINLABI OLUWASEUN

OLUWAYEMISI MODUPEOLA

TOLULOPE MARVELLOUS

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED MISS LAURENTTA OSILAMAH EMAILS NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS LAURENTTA EMIKE OSILAMAH IDOGHO ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AKINLABI NELSON NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AKINLABI OLUWASEUN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS MISS OLUSOLA OLUWAYEMISI MODUPEOLA NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND ADDRESS AS MRS ALABI OLUWAYEMISI MODUPEOLA ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID AUTHORITY CONCERN AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MISS OKE TOLULOPE MARVELLOUS NOW WISH TO BE CALLED AND ADDRESS AS MRS ADEWUSI TOLULOPE MARVELLOUS ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID AUTHORITY CONCERN AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

UMARU EMMANUEL BABAT

AWOKE MONDAY ALOM

STEPHANIE ONYEKURU

OMOTOLANI ANIFAT

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EMMANUEL BABAT NOW I WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS UMARU EMMANUEL BABAT. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AWOKE MONDAY CHUKWUEMEKA NOW I WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AWOKE MONDAY ALOM AND MY CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH IS OCTOBER 15 1975 . ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. UNION BANK AND ZENITH BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MISS. IJEOMA STEPHANIE ANI NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MRS. IJEOMA STEPHANIE ONYEKURU . GENERAL PUBLIC, NIGERIAN BAR ASSOCIATION, AND OTHER INSTITUTIONS BOTH GOVERNMENTAL AND PRIVATE SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTICE OF CHANGE OF NAME.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESS AS OLORUNOSEBI TOLANI ANIFAT NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS RAHEEM OMOTOLANI ANIFAT ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID AUTHORITY CONCERN AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLACE TAKE NOTE.

RALIAT ANAKO ABDULSALAM FOUNDATION

NICOLE AJIRI UNIVERSAL CHARITY FOUNDATION

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.

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 TRUSTEES ARE: 1) RALIAT ANAKO ABDULSALAM 2) TIJANI ABDULSALAM-OGUEYI 3) HON. SIKIRAT ANAKO 4) DR. AMINAT ANAKO ODOFFIN

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ULOMA NICOLE AJIRI 2. CHIEF MRS.NNENNA IRENE AJIRI

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO TAKE CARE OF THE LESS PRIVILEGED, THE POOR, THE NEEDY, THE ORPHANS AND THE WIDOWS IN THE SOCIETY. 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

YOUNG KINGS INTERNATIONAL CLUB

AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO TAKE CARE OF THE LESS PRIVILEGED, THE POOR, THE NEEDY, THE ORPHANS AND THE WIDOWS IN THE SOCIETY. 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

ABOUNDANCE TAGE BIBLE CHURCH

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.

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.

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 TRUSTEES ARE: 1. MBAMALU CHIBUIKE CHIZOBA - CHAIRMAN 2, OLAREWAJU TINUADE ADERIMPE - SECRETARY 3, SUWA BARTHOLOMEW POLIT 4. IYINOLAKAN ABOLAJI 5. OKOR DOUGLAS EMEKA

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. NWAKOR ABUCHI PETER 2.OBINNA AGUINAM 3.OKENWA MONDAY EMMANUEL 4. IZUEGBU ABUMCHUKWU CHRISTIAN 5. CHINEME UGWOKE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BISHOP DR ANTHONY ADAJI ALEXANDER 2. PASTOR DR (MRS) EDITH EHI ALEXANDER 3. BRO. PETER OMAFU

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO REDUCE PHYSICALLY CHALLAGED IN THE SOCIETY

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PROTECT THE INTEREST OF MEMBERS

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. 2. TO ESTABLISH GOSPEL CHURCHES AND TEACH STANDARD DOCTRINE OF CHRIST.

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

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

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

SIGNED: BARRISTER GEORGE

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Public Notice

Jailbreak: 10 suspects escape in Bayelsa Akam James, Yenagoa

ÏÏÏThere

was pandemonium on Monday night at the headquarters of the Special Anti-Robbery Squad of the Bayelsa State Police Command in Yenagoa, following the escape of 10 detained suspected criminals in the police custody.

But five of the escaped suspects have been re-arrested on Tuesday in Yenagoa and Agbura areas of the state after a man-hunt ordered by the Commissioner of Police, Bayelsa State Command, Mr Asuquo Amba.

The Daily Times gathered that some inmates of the SARS makeshift detention centre led by one “Touch-Touch” cut through the iron protector at the toilet and came out through the ceiling of the building without the notice of operatives on duty.

The Incident, which occurred at about 10pm on Monday night, was discovered when a security guard of the Yenagoa Local GovOBADAKI EMMANUEL ADEIZA

I formerly known and addressed as ONIMISE EMMANUEL OBADAKI now wish to be known and addressed as OBADAKI EMMANUEL ADEIZA . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

SAN protests AGF’s takeover of murder case Andrew Orolua, Abuja

2017, the incident duty officer of Special Anti-Robbery Squad (SARS) while on routine cell check discovered that 10 suspects escaped through the ceiling of SARS detention facility”.

“Policemen immediately cordoned off the SARS detention facility and rearrested three out of the 10 suspects that escaped.

The profile of the suspects has been circulated to our intelligence sources and efforts have been intensified to re-arrest the remaining suspects”.

AJAYI MICHAEL ADESOLA

INI-AKPAN GLORY ITORO

UADIALE ALICE PATRICIA

SIMON CHIAZOM FAVOUR

I formerly known and addressed as INI-ABASI GLORY ITORO now wish to be known and addressed as INI-AKPAN GLORY ITORO. I was born on 27/03/1970. All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

EJIOFOR EMMANUELA IFEYINWA

I formerly known and addressed as UADIALE ALICE OMOZUWA now wish to be known and addressed as UADIALE ALICE PATRICIA. I was born on 14/06/1944.

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

. I formerly known and addressed as OJIAKOR EMMANUELA IFEYINWA now wish to be known and addressed as EJIOFOR EMMANUELA IFEYINWA .

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

I formerly known and addressed as UJUNWANNE CHIAZOM KEZIAH FAVOUR now wish to be known and addressed as SIMON CHIAZOM FAVOUR . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

OKOPI JESSICA

ANOKE OBIOMA PERPETUAL . I formerly known and addressed as NKWONTA OBIOMA PERPETUA now wish to be known and addressed as ANOKE OBIOMA PERPETUAL . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

TEMIDIRE ROFIU

SUORO GODWIN

I formerly known and addressed as ROFIU AWEDA now wish to be known and addressed as TEMIDIRE ROFIU . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

. I formerly known and addressed as GODWIN UDOH now wish to be known and addressed as SUORO GODWIN . All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

AJANAKU FOLASHADE FELICIA I formerly known and addressed as OLUWASEUN FOLASHADE FELICIA now wish to be known and addressed as AJANAKU FOLASHADE FELICIA . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

WATCH TOWER CHRISTIAN ASSEMBLY This is to inform the general public that the above named “MINISTRY” has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under the part C of Companies and Allied Matters Acts 1990.

BOARD OF TRUSTEES ARE 1 OLAYINKA SAMUEL ADELEKE 2. OLAYINKA MARY COMFORT 3. ENYEH JULIUS AKPOVIRE. 4. AGBASI REGINA CHIDIMA: AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1. To preach the gospel of our lord Jesus Christ.

Any Objection(s) to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, Maitama, PMB 198, Garki, Abuja within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Signed by: TRUSTEES.

ÏÏÏA

senior lawyer, Mr Jibrin Okutepa (SAN) has protested the move by the Attorney General of the Federation (AGF) and Minister for Justice, Abubakar Malami (SAN) to take-over the trial of Delta politician, Charles Umukoro, who is facing trial over the murder of his wife.

Okutepa, who is prosecuting on behalf of the police, raised the alarm after the defence lawyer midway in the trial introduced another lawyer as the prosecution lawyer.

Umukoro was in May arraigned before an Abuja High Court over the alleged murder of his wife, Louisa Eni Umukoro, a former director of the Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC. At the resumed hearing, Peter Okhokhai, a defence lawyer in the matter, introduced A.B. Mamman as the lawyer brought in from the AGF’s office to take over the case.

On his part, Mamman said he was mandated by the AGF to take over the matter, citing Section 174 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended). He said he has written to the Nigeria Police over the issue.

He accused Okutepa, who was authorized by the office

AGBENEM AGNES AKPANA

ADEGBOYEGA JERRY BOBOYE

I formerly known and addressed as ENEJI AGNES AKPANA now wish to be known and addressed as AGBENEM AGNES AKPANA . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

. I formerly known and addressed as OLUWAKIYESI JERRY GBOYEGA now wish to be known and addressed as ADEGBOYEGA JERRY BOBOYE . All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ABAH JESSICA FATI now wish to be known and addressed as OKOPI JESSICA . All former documents remain valid.

General public to please take note.

IKENNA IFEOMA GLORIA I formerly known as OBENNEBO IFEOMA GLORIA wish to be known and addressed as IKENNA IFEOMA GLORIA . All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

IKENNA DAVIDSON ARIZE

CORRECTION OF NAME

I formerly known as OBENNEBO DAVIDSON ARIZE wish to be known and addressed as IKENNA DAVIDSON ARIZE . All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

OLAMIPOSI OLAMILEKAN LUCKY

In some of my documents my name was wrongly written as SOYODE OLUYOMI OWOLABI instead of SOYODE ORIYOMI OWOLABI. I was born on 03/07/1959. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

OGUCHUKWU MALIO IGWILO

I formerly known and addressed as AKPOS OLALEKAN LUCKY now wish to be known and addressed as OLAMIPOSI OLAMILEKAN LUCKY. The reason for the change is that AKPOS is my mother’s father name while OLAMIPOSI is my father’s name. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

I formerly known and addressed as CHARLES SOLOMON now wish to be known and addressed as OGUCHUKWU MALIO IGWILO. I was born on 14/12/1975. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

ADELEKE FUNMILAYO

OFUONYEADI CLARA

ETATUVIE SHERIDA OKOTIE

OKOH NDIDI REBECCA

of the Inspector General of Police, IGP, to prosecute the case, of hijacking the case from the IGP. But Okutepa told Justice Maryanne Aninih that he is rather perturbed by Mamman’s claim to have written a petition to the office of the AGF which he neither copied the court nor him as the prosecuting lawyer.

He described the application as ‘strange’ because it did not conform to due process, maintaining that he has not received any letter from the AGF or the police in respect of the take-over.

Okutepa said, “Why would the defence insist on who should prosecute for the IGP, and why would the defence said prosecution counsel be in unholy alliance? So this application is strange”.

In her ruling, Justice Aninih said the matter has to continue before the court, explaining that, “cogent reasons constituting sufficient grounds for an adjournment has not been made out by the defendant justifying an adjournment of this case at this point. If thereafter there is any relevant application necessitating the suspension of this matter, this court will definitely take cognizance of same.”

ernment Council, raised the alarm on noticing strange persons jumping into the council premises from the SARS headquarters.

It was gathered that two of the fleeing suspects were arrested at the Agbura community where they were hiding while three others were arrested in an open field of a company. The security guard of the abandoned company called the emergency number of the Police and the suspects were promptly arrested.

But some stakeholders have blamed the incident on the poor condition of the detention facility located along the Road Safety Road in the state capital and called on the High Command of the Nigeria Police and the Bayelsa State Government to re-locate the SARS office for effective operations.

The spokesman of the State Police Command, Asimin Butswat, confirmed the development.

He said, “At about 0200hrs, 7th November,

I formerly known and addressed as AJAYI OLUWASHOLA MICHAEL now wish to be known and addressed as AJAYI MICHAEL ADESOLA . All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

“The Command assures members of the public not to panic and to volunteer useful information that may assist the Police in arresting the fleeing suspects.”

Three of the suspects, who were arrested in Yenagoa, Theophilus (22) New Year (21) and Jamilu Buhari (27) told newsmen at the SARS headquarters that they were sleeping at about 10pm on Monday when they heard detainees escaping and they took advantage of the situation.

25

OJO EDWARD

I formerly known as Okoh Ndidi Bolanle wish to be known and addressed as Okoh Ndidi Rebecca. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

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

AZEEZ IDRIS SUNBO I formerly known as LASISI IDRIS SUNBO wish to be known and addressed as AZEEZ IDRIS SUNBO. All former documents remain valid General public please take note.

That I OGUNLANA IBIDAPO TOBI is the same person bearing these names OGUNLANA IBIDAPO ADERINOLA OLUWATOBI and OGUNLANA IBIDAPO ADERINOLA TOBI wish to be known and addressed as OGUNLANA IBIDAPO TOBI. All Documents /Credentials bearing these names remain valid, general public please take note.

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

I formerly known as AJOBOYE FUNMILAYO wish to be known and addressed as ADELEKE FUNMILAYO. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I formerly known as Okoh Clara wish to be known and addressed as Ofuonyeadi Clara . All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

CHANGE /CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

I formerly known as BILIKIS OLUWATOYIN ONASANYA wish to be known as ONASANYAAFOLABI BILIKIS OLUWATOYIN and also AFOLABI OLUWATOYIN BILIKISU as written on my BVN is the same person as ONASANYAAFOLABI BILIKIS OLUWATOYIN. All Documents /Credentials bearing these names remain valid, general public please take note.

That I Princess Emiabata-Adesanya Kudirat Yetunde my name was wrongly written as Princess Adesanya-Emiabata Kudirat Yetunde. Married to Prince Adesanya Sunday Adelaja on the 6th May, 2017 wish to be known and addressed as Princess EmiabataAdesanya Kudirat Yetunde . All Documents /Credentials bearing these names remain valid, general public please take note.

I was formerly known and addressed as OKOTIE SHERIDA But now wish to be known and addressed as ETATUVIE SHERIDA OKOTIE. All former documents remain valid.

General public take note.

SUNDAY NDUBISI OGBONNAYA I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SUNDAY NDUBISI SUCCESS, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SUNDAY NDUBISI OGBONNAYA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

SHUAIB ABDULMALIK OLUWAKEMI

BURUJE NDUDU ISAIAH

I formerly known as SAIBU ABDUL OLUWAKEMI wish to be known and addressed as SHUAIB ABDULMALIK OLUWAKEMI. All former documents remain valid, general public please take note.

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS ISAIAH JOHN, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS BURUJE NDUDU ISAIAH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. GENERAL PUBLIC TAKE NOTE.

26 Public Notice

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

CHUKWUWUZIE ADAKU

OLUMEGBON IBRAHIM BABAJIDE

OPARINDE TUNDE ADENEKAN

I Formerly known and addressed as BELLO OLUMEGBON IBRAHIM now wish to be known, called and addressed as OLUMEGBON IBRAHIM BABAJIDE. All documents

I Formerly known and addressed as Adenekan Tunde now wish to be known, called and addressed as Oparinde Tunde Adenekan

wish to be known and addressed

Authorities and the General public Please take note.

Relevant Authorities and the General public Please take note.

documents remain valid. General public please take note.

AMAONYENGEZE IHEONU LUCY

ORJIAKO GRACE OGECHI

MRS. ELEMIKE LILIAN NKIRUKA

General public please take note.

CHIDIMMA SANDRA IBEKWE NZEWUNWAH

SHORINOLA BABATUNDE GANIU

IWUNZE OBIOMA EVELYN

OBIOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as

to one and the same person, but

remain valid. General public please take note.

public should please take note.

SANUSI SULAIMON OWOLABI

addressed as BABALOLA

NOTE.

OLAJUMOKE ABIOLA DALMELDA

DALMELDA. Former documents remains valid.

General public should take note.

CHIME OKECHUKWU ISAAC

take note.

ERIBA JOB OGAGA AJA JOE now ERIBA JOB OGAGA) AND

name remain valid. General public, please take note.

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

MRS UDE RUTH IFEOMA

IFEOMA, now wish to be known

documents remain valid. Diamond

public should take note MARK TOCHUKWU MICHAEL

now wish to be known

FERDY IKE OBIEGBU

MRS EZEH MODESTA ELOCHUKWU

now wish to be known and

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EKEJIUBA NORAH

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OBI BLESSING OLUEBUBECHI

MRS OZIBO NGOZI JULIET

and General public should please take note.

UCHE UCHECHI HOPE

addressed as OBI

addressed as AMADI NNAMDI

should please take note.

be known and addressed

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UGO JOY ONYINYECHI

should please take note.

be known and addressed as

now wish to be known and addressed as OBI

be known and addressed as

valid. General Public should please take note.

valid. General Public should please take note.

valid. General public should please take note.

AJOGWU MARY UCHENNA

MRS OHANUZUE AUDREY CHINONSO LORRAINE

MRS EKUHELU ADAMMA BESSY

MRS. ALLISON ADEBISI MODUPE

Adebisi Modupe, Now wish to be known called and

wish to be known called and documents remain valid. UBA

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

be known and addressed as

NORAH IJEOMA, now wish to be known and addressed as

to be known and addressed

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documents remain valid. Banks and General Public should please take note.

should please take note.

documents remain valid.

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CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CORRECTION OF NAME

xx ADDITION OF NAME

xx

same person now wish to be known documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

This is to inform the general public that my name UDECHUKWU MICHAEL IFEAN was wrongly written in my account but now wish to be corrected and addressed as UDEH MICHAEL IFEANYI. All former documents remain valid. General public should please take note.

That I was formerly known and addressed as OKONKWO NGOZI, that I now wish to add OGOCHUKWU to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as OKONKWO NGOZI OGOCHUKWU. All former documents remain valid. ENUGU STATE , PENSION BOARD, BANKS and General public should please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

GOD’STIME ITA BEN

CHANGE OF NAME AND CORRECTION OF DATE OF BIRTH

take note

SEGUN ADESANYA

called and addressed as documents remain valid and note ORAGWU JUDITH OJIUGO

JUDITH OJIUGO, now wish to be known and addressed as

should please take note.

FRIDAY OKEWU now wish to be known and

remain valid. General Public should please take note.

valid. Banks and General Public should please take note.

ZAINAB SANUSI

OBI ADAEZE MARY

I, formerly known and addressed as MISS CHIKAODILI PETROLINA EDOZIE, now wish to be known and addressed as MRS CHIKAODILI PETROLINA TAGBO. All former documents remain valid. General Public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as ZAINAB BAGUDU BALARABE, now wish to be known and addressed as ZAINAB SANUSI. All former documents remain valid.

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SHOMOTUN ADEWALE TOLANI

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

CONFIRMATION OF NAME

MRS CHIKAODILI PETROLINA TAGBO

That I was formerly known and addressed as OKONKWO DAVIDSON, that I now wish to add NWANNEBUIKE to my former name that I now wish to be known and addressed as OKONKWO DAVIDSON NWANNEBUIKE. All former documents remain valid. ENUGU STATE , PENSION BOARD, BANKS and General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, GOD’STIME U. ASUKWO, and GOD’STIME UMOH ASUKWO, now wish to be known and addressed as, GOD’STIME ITA BEN. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as ALIBA ENIOLA TAIWO , now wish to be known and addressed as ALIBA TAIWO CATHERINE. Wrong Date of Birth-11/02/1994 . My Correct Date of Birth is. 01/01/1992. All former document remain valid.

I, formerly known and addressed as, SHOMOTUN AINA TOLANI and SHOMOTUN TOLANI MICHAEL, now wish to be known and addressed as, SHOMOTUN ADEWALE TOLANI. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

FRANCIS EMERE AMASI

MRS. FAVOUR DANIELS I, formerly known and addressed as, EZEINE PATIENCE EDIRI, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. FAVOUR DANIELS. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

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MRS. BLESSING MFON ENYONGEKERE

JOSEPH CHRISTIANA NDIDI

I, formerly known and addressed as EMERE SUNDAY AMASI, now wish to be known and addressed as FRANCIS EMERE AMASI. All former document(s) remain valid. All relevant authorities concerned and the public should take note.

MRS. ORLU GLORIA CHINYERE

I, formerly known and addressed as, MISS. BLESSING IHIECHI NNOSIRI, now wish to be known and addressed as, MRS. BLESSING MFON ENYONGEKERE. All former documents remain valid.

General public should take note.

I formerly known and addressed as JOSEPH CHRISTIANA BLESSING now wish to be known and addressed as JOSEPH CHRISTIANA NDIDI. All former document remain vaid. General public should please take note.

I, formerly known and addressed as, AMARA FRANK, now wish to be known and addressed as, NWOSU DESMOND CHINAGOROM. All former documents remain valid. General public should take note.

ADEDEJI GBADEBO JEREMIAH

xx MRS MUSHIRAFAT OMOYISOLA SULAIMON

ISA TAYE HASSANAT

AMINAT OLANREWAJU MALIK

I formerly known and.

Addressed as ISA HASSANAT HAJARAT now wish to be known and addressed as ISA TAYE HASSANAT. All former document remain valid.

General public should please take note.

I formely known and addressed as AMINAT LAMIDI OLANREWAJU , now wish to be known and addressed as AMINAT OLANREWAJU MALIK. All former document remain valid. General public should please take note.

ADDITION OF NAME

JUMBO ABRAHAM

MORIAM MAYOWA PHILLIPS

MRS ULTHMAN CAROLINE OLUSOLA

My name was wrongly written as Adedeji Gbadebo with the date of birth 20 of May, 1988.

Instead of Adedeji Gbadebo Jeremiah with the date of birth 21 of March 1984. All former documents remain valid. general public please take note.

EMEKA ONYEBUCHI EMMANUEL

I formerly known and addressed as EMEKA EMMANUEL ELECHI now wish to be known and addressed as EMEKA ONYEBUCHI EMMANUEL .

I was born on 02/01/1985 not 26/11/1989. All former documents remain valid. General public to please take note.

Formerly known and addressed as , now: wish to be known and addressed as , all

OLOKO TAJWO JOSEPHINE

wish to be known and

I formerly known and addressed as Moriam Edeghonghon Momodu now wish to be reffered to as *Moriam Mayowa Phillips.*All former document still remain the same,corporate organisations and general public, kindly please take note.

I formerly known as MRS OJO CAROLINE OLUSOLA now wish to be reffered to as MRS ULTHMAN CAROLINE OLUSOLA. All former documents still remain the same, general public and other affected institutions kindly do take note.

person now wish to be known

same person now wish to be

documents remain valid. Banks and General public take note.

General public take note.

NWOSU DESMOND CHINAGOROM

wish to add DEBORAH to

addressed as JUMBO

be known and addresses as

wish to be known and addressed as JUMBO

Generall public should please take note.

document remain valid.

General public should please take note.

ABDULRAHMAN ABDULLATEEF

i formerly known and addressed as AJAYI ABDULLATEEF, now wish to be known and addressed as ABDULRAHMAN ABDULLATEEF,and my date of birth is NOVERMBER, 24, 1992, all former document remain valid general public take note

EHINMILORIN ELIZABETH FUNMILOLA I formerly known and addressed as FAYEMI ELIZABETH now wish to be known and addressed as EHINMILORIN ELIZABETH FUNMILOLA. All former document remain valid.

General public should please take note.

FEATURES

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

s

27

Broadcast Academy @ 60: The kudos, the knocks Theresa Tekenah History of Broadcasting in Africa will remain incomplete without the mention of an institution which stood as a melting pot for capital development in the broadcast industry. The National Broadcast Academy which started as the training arm of the first indigenous and Federal owned broadcast establishment, Radio Nigeria owned by the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria was established over 60 years ago.

As a melting pot, National Broadcast Academy had been, and still remains the centre of friendship, learning, and leadership qualities acquisition. Over the years, the likes of Sunny Erabor, Veteran Broadcaster and CEO of Channels Television were college mates at the proud National Broadcast Academy.

Renowned broadcasters and broadcast journalists always love to refer to their Alma matter - the National Broadcast Academy, as the “University of Shogunle!”; this is because way back in 1957 when the school was established, the only known community in that entire area of Lagos was the Shogunle community. Shogunle was very popular because of its contrasting phenomenon to the now popular Ikeja Government Reservation Area (GRA). Whereas Ikeja GRA houses the high and mighty on the right hand, Shogunle which is on the left side of Ikeja was a slum of a sort.

However, the National Broadcast Academy, though still small to this day, is still referred to as Shogunle, though no longer directly situated on today’s Shogunle community. It is precisely the first major property located on Adekunle Fajuyi way, hence its number is accorded No. 1A, Adekunle Fajuyi way.

The Director, National Broadcast Academy, Engr Ajibola Abiola recalled in retrospect: “When I came on board, I had to do a lot of rebranding so that people can know that the school has got a new image very different from what it used to be before.

“After the rebranding, a lot of institutions wanted to identify with us. We have collaborated with the United Nations Office on Drugs and Crimes (UNODC), the University of Ibadan and other agencies to train journalists on how to report flooding, environmental issues and others so that the masses can be properly enlightened,” he recalled with nostalgia.

Christopher Ebidualayefa, a student at the academy said he first heard of the academy on Facebook. “It is an institution that covers all aspects of broadcasting. It feels good to be here.”

Alumni of the school, Nancy Itohan, added, “I had great expectations going to NBA, and my expectations were met.

I learnt a lot and I have become a better presenter.”

Class in session

Mr. Aliyu Ayodele, deputy director, academics (left) some visitors and Mr. Ajibola Abiola the Director, NBA (fifth) from left and Dr. Quassim Akinreti, (eight) NUJ Chairman Lagos chapter and others

Broadcasting and media have a critical role to play in the development of a nation. No doubt, the academy is living up to its name, mission, and standard already attained in raising broadcast professionals. There is, however, a flipside to every success story: “When you walk into the broadcast school, the environment doesn’t really impress you,” said Jennifer Obuseh, a student studying presentation. “But like the saying, “Never judge a book by its cover.”

Former student, Glory Brown, frowns at the state of the school and said government should upgrade some basic structures in the school. “Really, Gov-

The anniversary cake

ernment should improve the academic structure and make classes more conducive for learning.”

Stakeholders agree with her that the prestigious institution deserves more attention than it is getting from the government, management, and those who had benefitted from the premier broadcast training institution.

Media is the engine room of a nation’s image making and public enlightenment.

With the ease and convenience that digital technology brings, more youths have become media entrepreneurs through online journalism, Radio, Television, YouTube channels, and other social networking sites and apps.

But there are rules which the growing media population is oblivious of: National Broadcast Academy serves as a breeding ground for media professionals and it has to keep pace with the developments in the progressive world of digital technology.

To achieve this, Deputy Director (Academics) and lecturer at the Academy, Mr. Ayodele Aliyu, said more funds should be provided to equip the institution with more laboratories, studio equipment.

“There is need to at least expand the infrastructure such as classrooms, library, halls of residence, as well as other community services,” he said.

News 28

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Septuagenarian remanded for selling fake Dangote Sugar Peter Fowoyo, Lagos

ÏÏÏFor

Director- General, Cross River State Emergency Management Agency, Mr. John Inaku(right); One of the Cameroonian Refugees, Mr. Francis Ewera (middle) and others, during the presentation of relief materials to the Refugees in Ikom, Cross Rivers State… recently.

CBN boosts Forex supply with $195m Mathew Dadiya, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe

Central Bank of Nigeria(CBN) has intervened in the inter-bank Foreign Exchange (Forex) Market with the injection of another $195 million.

Figures released by the apex bank on Tuesday, indicated that it offered a total sum of $100m to the Wholesale segment, while the Small and

Medium Enterprises (SMEs) segment received the sum of $50m.

The invisibles’ segment, comprising tuition, medical payments and Basic Travel Allowance (BTA) received $45m.

The Central Bank’s Acting Director, Corporate Communications Department, Mr. Isaac Okorafor confirmed the figures, noting that the inter-

vention was in line with the CBN’s commitment to continue to ensure FOREX liquidity and meet legitimate demand.

Okorafor maintained that the CBN would continue to intervene in the nation’s FOREX Market in order to sustain the liquidity in the market and guarantee the international value of the Naira.

Meanwhile, the Naira

exchanged at an average of N360/$1 in the BDC segment of the market on Tuesday, November 7, 2017, maintaining its stability in the FOREX market.

Buoyed by the recent rising crude oil prices, which now notched to $62 dollars per barrel, the CBNhas been using part of the attendant accrual revenue to enhance FOREX.

Fashola flags off experts’ meeting on Abidjan-Lagos corridor highway development programme ÏÏÏThe Minister of Power

Works and Housing, Mr. Babatunde Fashola SAN, Tuesday in Abuja, flagged off the 9th Steering Committee & Experts Meeting on the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Highway Development Programme saying the highway would enhance rapid sub-regional integration and communication and other benefits among the stakeholders.

In his address at the Transcorp Hilton venue of the 3-day Meeting, Fashola named other benefits of the Highway to include improvement in socio- economic activities among the West African countries, creation of employment opportunities and reduction in social vices, adding that rapid integration would enable the sub-region keep abreast with other fast growing economies such as Asia and South America.

The Minister told the gathering of experts and professionals representing the five ECOWAS countries in-

volved in the project-Nigeria, Ghana, Cote D’Ivoire, Benin Republic and Togo- “With the development of this Corridor, we will enhance rapid integration that already exists in other economic blocs in other parts of the world”.

“It will improve socio- economic activities among the West African countries and it will lead to rapid integration, creation of employment opportunities and reduce social vices among our population”, he said adding, “It testifies to the strong bond among the African countries with common goals and aspirations to develop our sub-region both in terms of standard of living for our people and the level of communication between our countries”.

Commending the ECOWAS Heads of State and Governments for their vision leading to the development of the project, Fashola described the meeting of the Steering Committee and Experts on the project as “cru-

cial to the success of meeting the development of the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor project”.

The Minister told the Committee, “Let me say that when this Corridor is finished, very few people will see the work that you do; very few people will know how many hours you have spent preparing, planning, working and ultimately implementing the project. But I see that work, I acknowledge it and I appreciate it”.

“As you are well aware, road development drives economic growth which the West African Sub-Region must pursue to keep abreast with the fast growing economies in Asia and South America with a view to reducing the migration of our youths and also keeping our precious human capital on the Continent”, he said.

Expressing the commitment of President Muhammadu Buhari and the Nigerian Government to the realisation of the project as

a means to enhance trade and communication, Fashola declared, “This is why I am also happy to report at this Opening Session that Nigeria has now signed the financing agreement, which was one of the outstanding issues”.

The Minister, who also acknowledged the support of the Minister of Finance in signing the Financing Agreement, noted that the global Ease of Doing Business report which was published recently acknowledged that Nigeria made “some inspiring progress”. He added, “And there is still work to be done if we are to deliver on vision of economic prosperity that we have”.

“This is why I am very delighted and honoured to address this meeting of experts on the Abidjan-Lagos Corridor Development Project in preparation for the 9th Ministerial Steering Committee Meeting which will hold at this venue over the next few days”, he said.

allegedly selling adulterated Dangote Sugar, a septuagenarian, Esther Olufunmilayo Akinsanya, was on Tuesday arraigned by the National Agency for Food and Drugs Administration Control (NAFDAC) before a Federal High Court, Ikoyi, Lagos.

The 72-year -old businesswoman was arraigned alongside her company, Esther Olufunmilayo Akinsanya Nigeria Limited, on charges bordering on conspiracy, unlawful importation and rebagging of unregistered sugar, distribution and selling of sugar not fortified with Vitamin ‘A’.

According to the prosecutor, Mr. Umar Shamaki the offenses are contrary to sections 5(a), 1(1) of the Food and Drugs Act Cap l. F.33, Law of the Federation of Nigeria, 2004, and punishable under sections 17(1) and (2), 8(1) and (2), 17(1) and (2) and 6 (1) (a) and (b) of the same Act”.

The NAFDAC alleged that the businesswoman was caught at her shop located at 1, Tailor Road, Iddo, Lagos, on August 2, 2017, where she and her workers were rebagging some unfortified Brazilian sugars into Dangote Sugar bags.

Some of the unfortified Brazilian granulated sugar that were allegedly rebagged into the Dangote sugar bags by the accused are: Aqucar Crystal Sugar; Aqucar Special Crystal sugar; and Usina Belavista sugar.

The selling of the unfortified granulated sugars, were said to be contrary to NAFDAC Act. But when the charge was read to the accused, she pleaded not guilty to the offence.

Following the plea of the defendant, her lawyer, Fayehun I. N., pleaded with the court for a short adjournment to enable him file proper bail application before the court.

He said the previous bail application he filed for his client was filed in August, when she was first brought to court, in anticipation that she would be arraigned then.

He however, urged court not to remand the defendant whom he said is an aunty to him, in prisons custody due to her state of health.

Due to the failure of the businesswoman’s lawyer to convince the court in letting his client go, the prosecutor,

Mr. Shamaki urged the court to remand her at Kirikiri prisons where she could be attended to medically.

Shamaki also told the court that his agency, NAFDAC, did not have a facility to habour those that have been arraigned, saying that the statutory remand place is prisons.

But due to the inability of both prosecution and defence lawyers to agree on where the defendant should be remanded, Justice Ayotunde Faji, ordered that the 72 years old woman be remanded in Kirikiri prisons.

The judge also ordered the defendant’s lawyer to file his bail application by Wednesday and serve same on the prosecutor. He also ordered the prosecutor to file his counter-affidavit to the bail application.

The matter has been adjourned till Monday, November 13, for hearing of the defendant’s bail application.

NAFDAC had in the charge marked FHC/ L/293c/17, leveled against the businesswoman, her worker and firm, Femi Abraham Adebiyi, and Esther Olufunmilayo Akinsanya Nigeria Limited, alleges as follows : “that you Esther Akinsanya, Femi Abraham Adebiyi, and Esther Olufunmilayo Akinsanya Nigeria Limited, on or about August 2, 2017, at 1, Tailor Road, Iddo, Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court packaged various brand of unregistered Brazilian granulated sugar to wit: Aqucar Crystal Sugar; Aqucar Special Crystal sugar; and Usina Belavista sugar, into Dangote granulated sugar bags, in a manner that is false contrary to section 5(a) of the Food and Drugs Act Cap l. F.33, LFN 2004, and punishable under sections 17(1) and (2) of the same Act”.

“That you Esther Akinsanya, Femi Abraham Adebiyi, and Esther Olufunmilayo Akinsanya Nigeria Limited, on or about August 2, 2017, at 1, Tailor Road, Iddo, Lagos, within the jurisdiction of this honourable court did sell Aqucar Crystal Sugar; Aqucar Special Crystal sugar; and Usina Belavista sugar as Dangote Sugar, in a manner likely to create wrong impression as to its value contrary to section 5(a) of the Food and Drugs Act Cap l. F.33, LFN 2004, and punishable under sections 17(1) and (2) of the same Act”.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

News 29

Anxiety trails health status of Ekwueme Moses Oyediran, Enugu

ÏÏÏReactions have continued to trail the health status of second Republic Vice-President, Dr. Alex Ekwueme, following social media reports of his death on Monday night.

President Muhammadu Buhari had last week approved that the former VicePresident be flown abroad for

proper medical attention.

However, according to an official of Memfys Hospital for Neurosurgery, Enugu on Tuesday, the former VP is alive, stable and responding to treatment.

“Dr. Ekwueme is still in Memfys Hospital”, even though President Muhammadu Buhari has ordered he be flown abroad for better care”, he said.

The Daily Times recalls that Ekwueme reportedly collapsed two weeks ago at his residence at Independence layout in Enugu and was taken to Memfys Hospital for Neurosurgery, Enugu.

But reports of the death of Ekwueme went viral on the social media on Monday night causing anxiety among Enugu residents.

The family has however

doused rumour of the death of the octogenarian, describing it as “wicked” stressing that the elder statesman is alive and well and is yet to be flown abroad.

In a statement on Tuesday by the family spokesman, Mr. Uche Ezechukwu, who incidentally is the Chairman, Editorial Board of Authority newspaper, the Ekwueme family said: “The wicked rumour

making the rounds about the deterioration of the condition of Dr. Alex Ekwueme is totally untrue.

“The truth is that elder statesman is alive and well.

His condition is not only stabilising but improving considerably.

“In fact, the former VP has moved from a stage of unconsciousness to a state whereby he now receives visitors, sits

up and eats.

“It is also important to inform that Dr. Ekwueme is yet to be taken abroad, as the necessary documentation and preliminary are on course and arrangements are being completed.

“Any statement I make on the elder statesman are impeccable and have full authentication of the family,” Ezechukwu said in the statement.

LG poll: Plateau Govt urges political parties to be peaceful ÏÏÏThe

Plateau State Government has called on all political parties in the state to be orderly and peaceful towards the forthcoming local government elections.

Malam Mohammad Nazif, the state Commissioner for Information and Communication, made the call on Tuesday while briefing newsmen in Jos. Nazif said that the state government would not tolerate any activity that would puncture existing peace in the state.

“Government is working hard to ensure the sustenance of the existing peace in the state and would not allow anybody to puncture it.

L-R: Wife of the Chairman, Lagos Island Local Government, Alhaja Aminat Olusi; representative of Sen. Oluremi Tinubu, Hon. Wasiu Eshinlokun-Sanni; Council Chairman, Hon. Adetoyese Olusi; Head of Administration, Mr. Hakeem Disu and pupil of St. John Primary School, Aroloya, during the distribution of free school kits and learning aids to students of the school in Lagos… on Tuesday.

Rivers: Ex-LG boss decries neglect of Soku community Amaka Agbu, Port Harcourt

ÏÏÏFormer

Caretaker Committee Chairman of Akuku Toru Local Government Council, Hon. Christian Otiasah, has decried the alleged neglect of Soku community, hosting Soku flow station and Soku gas plant, Africa’s largest gas plant the in the council area by both the state government and the oil companies operating in the state.

Speaking with newsmen in Port Harcourt on Tuesday, Hon. Otiasah said the people have been suffering from environmental degradation without anybody, company or institution coming to their rescue.

He said that sometime in the past, pollution occurred in the area spreading condensate to the river around, which conflagrated both fishermen and even marine life.

He said: “Between 1994 and 2005, condensate oil polluted Soku environment with

a massive loss of vegetation and aquatic life. Fingerlings were destroyed. Fishermen came back home empty even during deep fishing periods.

The condensate caused surface fire. Innocent fishermen and periwinkle pickers were burnt and over 500 of them died.

“Not even one agency of government reported it apart from one Zabey that reported it in his Master’s work.

SHELL has remained quiet.

You can see the conspiracy of silence. Today, if you go to Soku, there is no roof that is not rusty. It is rusty because the deposition that falls on them are acidic”.

Otiasah said even the state government led by Governor Nyesom Wike did not like Kalabari people as he had allegedly bitterly complained about the boundary status of Soku ceded to Bayelsa State, which had left the people of the community suffering from hosting the oil exploration while the revenue and

benefits went to Bayelsa State.

“There is a boundary issue that has to be determined by National Boundary Commission but primarily it has to be propelled by the state government. The governor, Chief Nyesom Wike, has done nothing and from day one, we were afraid he does not have what it takes to fight for Soku oil wells and today he is proving us right. You can say there is no money to carry out physical projects. Do you need money to constitute state boundary committee that should be headed by the deputy governor?

“That is why I say this present government hates the Kalabari people. Ex-governor Chibuike Amaechi took the boundary matter seriously.

That was one of the reasons why he had problem with ExPresident Jonathan. Now, you have the Petroleum industry governance bill gradually being enacted and when it is enacted, one of the salient points of that bill is host community

right and the basis on which host community right should be distributed and allocated is boundary and what you own.

Today, Soku community does not own anything. They say we live on the land but everything we own belongs to Bayelsa and the Rivers State government is very comfortable.

“Maybe, the governor is waiting when 2019 approaches, he makes it a campaign issue. The state Assembly is silent. The chairman of traditional rulers’ council is quiet.

There seem to me there is a conspiracy against the Kalabari man.

They want a situation where if the Kalabari is balkanized, we become minority in Rivers and Bayelsa and we go into oblivion. That is what the Wike’s government wants to achieve.

“The Soku man is lost. The Soku environment has been rated as common environment that is owned by nobody and everybody can come and exploit it at will,” he said.

“Government will deal decisively with anybody that will foment trouble in the name of politics,’’ he said.

Alhaji Dayyabu Garga, the state Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs, assured the people that government would not interfere in the elections.

Garga said that the Gov. Simon Lalong administration would allow the people to choose who would lead them at the grassroots.

The commissioner said that the state government had given Plateau Independent Electoral Commission (PLASIEC) free hand to conduct the election.

He advised the commission not to allow itself to be used by any political party.

Ekiti Assembly okays death penalty for cultists Gbenga Sodeinde, Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏThe Ekit State House

of Assembly has passed a law prescribing death penalty for anybody found guilty of engaging in cultism, while also revising upward punishments for those aiding and abetting the practice.

The House also passed the 2017 Revised Appropriation bill into law at plenary on the floor of the House, at the Assembly Chamber in Ado Ekiti, the state capital, on Tuesday.

The Secret Cult (Abolition and Prohibition) (Amendment) Bill 2017 was introduced by the House Leader of Business, Hon. Akinyele Olatunji, who called the notice of the House to the incessant killing of students by cultists at the higher institutions in the state, especially the Ekiti State University (EKSU) in recent time.

He said Ekiti State was known for peace and that “we will not allow any group to turn it to death trap area.”

He expressed appreciation to “the peace-loving governor of Ekiti State, who has taken urgent steps to forward the bill to the House.”

Speaker of the House, Rt.

Hon. (Pastor) Kola Oluwawole, said the assembly cannot fold its arms while some people would constitute themselves to menace of eliminating the lives of innocent people of the state.

“It is an everlasting sorrow for someone to lose his child or relative. The bill will reshape the lives of our youths. It will touch those who intend to join any secret cults and those who have the intention to take another person’s life.

“Those people that we are representing will have peace of mind that their lives and those of their children are safe. The bill considers very seriously the negative consequences of such action because of the irreparable loss of lives,” he said.

Others who also spoke, including the deputy speaker, Rt. Honourable Olusegun Adewumi; Honourable Titilayo Akerele, Honourable Sina Animasaun, Honourable Dayo Akinleye, Honourable Cecilia Dada and Honourable (Dr.) Samuel Omotoso, agreed that it took a lot of efforts to raise a child from the cradle only to watch that killed in the name of cultism. They added that the bill was right as well as the House’s decision for its express passage.

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

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EXTRATIME

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total of 19 football teams have registered for the 2017 Under-20 Chief of Army Staff Peace Cup National Football Tournament in Kebbi State, an official said on Tuesday.

Ahmed Lawal, President of African Youth Sports Federation (AYSOF), told newsmen in Birnin Kebbi that talented footballers selected during the tournament would be absorbed into the national teams.

U-20 Chief of Army Staff Peace Cup football competition kicks off in Kebbi He said the screening of players had commenced on Monday and the competition would end on Nov. 25 at the Haluru Abdu mini-stadium in the metropolis.

He said the teams which qualify for the final of the competition would participate in an under-20 football competition in Brazil in March of 2018.

“The Chief of Army Staff believes that peace can be achieved through sports hence, and this

is why our Federation (AYSOF) decided to organise this tournament for peace and unity.

“The federation will use the competition to assist in identifying football talents.

“Also, the federation will encourage the young players to achieve their ambitions and place them in the limelight.

“We will disabuse their minds from

getting involved in seeking solution in all social vices and take them from unemployment to meaningful employment as professional players,’’ Lawal said.

Paul Odey, the chairman of the competition’s Technical Committee, while commenting also assured that AYSOF would ensure the best players were selected from the event.

“The federation will do this as its contribution to the replacement of ageing players in the national teams.’’

He disclosed that the next competition by AYSOF would be sponsored by the Lagos State Government, with former Super Eagles’ goalkeeper Peter Rufai expected to assist in the selection of goalkeepers.

Why swimming pool operation should be regulated — Obasa

T

he Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, Mr Mudashiru Obasa, said on Tuesday that the state must regulate activities of swimming pool operators to safeguard the lives of users.

He said this while declaring open a stakeholders’ meeting on “Lagos State Safety Commission Swimming Pool Regulations, 2017’’.

It was organised by the House Committee on Special Duties and Inter-Governmental Relations in Lagos.

Obasa, was represented by the Majority Leader, Mr. Sanai Agunbiade.

He said the regulation would help to prevent unnecessary death and injuries by users, especially teenagers.

According to the proposed regulation, it would be an offence to operate swimming pool service without official permission.

Various speakers at the event commended the house for initiating the meeting and stressed the need for proper legislation to regulate activities of swimming pool operators.

Mrs Omotola Sanusi, the Secretary and Legal Assistant of the Safety Commission, said there was a need for a law to ensure that no individual is allowed into a swimming pool without the presence of a lifeguard on duty.

She said this was necessary to ensure safety.

Another stakeholder, Mrs. Adeola Folarin, a legal officer from the state Ministry of Tourism, Arts, and Culture, advocated for the provision of first aid box in all swimming pools in the state.

She said this should be incorporated in the proposed legislation.

Obasa

MFM players before a match

MFM promises to deliver in CAF Champions League

M

FM FC of Lagos on Tuesday assured its teeming fans a good outing in the upcoming 2017/2018 CAF Champions League season campaign.

The assurance was given by the club’s Media Officer, Olawale Quadri, in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Lagos.

MFM secured a place to represent Nigeria in the continental competition, after taking the second position in the Nigeria Professional Football League season.

Plateau United surprisingly emerged as the NPFL’s champion, ahead of other renowned teams in the league.

In recognition of their good outing at the just-concluded league, players

and officials of the club were hosted by Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode at Government House, Alausa.

The governor promised to support the club with necessary logistics to enable it to prosecute assignments next season and outlined his government’s vision of providing a viable platform for youths to thrive.

“We need to use sports as an instrument to build the economy of Lagos State and also direct the energy of our younger ones to things that are positive as exemplified by what is happening today,’’ Ambode had said.

Speaking on the readiness of MFM for its maiden continental outing, Quadri said that the club was ready to justify the confidence placed on them by Lagos fans.

Longer duration leagues key to improving hockey standard- Atanda

F

atai Atanda, a Nigeria Hockey Federation (NHF) technical committee member, on Tuesday said longer duration league competitions were necessary for an improved and standard hockey sport in Nigeria.

Atanda told the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that hockey had gone professional globally, just like football and other top grade sports.

He said players needed there-

fore to be exposed to strenuous and long duration league competitions for fitness and expertise.

“We need to stop this idea of oneweek duration leagues in Nigeria.

“Other climes have longer and better league competitions to the advantage of their players,” Atanda said.

The official, who called for accelerated action to elevate Nigeria’s hockey, said international tournaments were imperative.

He noted that countries like Ghana had gone ahead of Nigeria in hockey with regular local, national and international tournaments.

Atanda restated the need to move hockey in Nigeria away from the amateur level it used to be to a professional level.

“We have to go back to the grassroots, start anew with younger players who play on synthetic field. Many of our present players started from grass fields.

“We so much appreciate the level of support we have received from Lagos fans since we gained promotion to the elite division even when we are in the lower league.

“Lagos fans are passionate about football and we respect them a great deal; having this at the back of our minds, we promise not to let them down in the continent.

“Our preparation towards our continental campaign is in top gear. Of course, we are shopping for some other good footballers to join us in our campaign at the CAF Champions League.

“We need to reassure our fans that we will deliver a good outing during the continental campaign, we are ready to take on the clubs from Africa,’’ he said.

On the issue of Stephen Odey who left

the club mid-season for Europe, Quadri told NAN that it would be difficult to replace the striker.

“Odey is an important player to us, considering his contributions towards our campaign in the league. He is the highest goal scorer and had since moved on to FC Zurich. “We miss him a lot and wish him well. It’s going to be hard to replace him, but we are trying to get a good replacement for him.

“We will also shore up other departments too and we are presently scouting for good players to join the team.

We have put the necessary machinery in place. “Some of the players are already aspiring to join the team, but we will ensure we pick the best out of them for the successful continental campaign,’’ Quadri said.

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

EXTRATIME

31

Kenya’s Sumgong banned for 4 years for doping offence

O

Luke Shaw

Man UTD in talks with Fenerbahce over departure of Luke Shaw

M

anchester United are currently in negotiations with Fenerbahce over the transfer of Luke Shaw, reports from Turkish outlet, Fanatik, said on Tuesday.

There was a lot of hype surrounding Luke Shaw when he joined Manchester United from Southampton for a whopping

£30million back in the summer of 2014 but sadly, the defender has not even come close to justifying such a huge price tag at Old Trafford.

Due to consistent injuries as well as poor form, Shaw has failed to establish himself as a regular in the Manchester United first-team and with manager Jose Mourinho being

Moyes named West Ham manager following Bilic exit

deal till the end of the season.

Fenerbahce are currently on the lookout for a new leftback and along with Shaw, the Turkish giants are also said to be looking at the possibility of signing Chelsea duo Abdul Baba Rahman and Kennedy.

Tennis: I won’t return until I’m 100% fit- Murray

B

W

est Ham United have appointed David Moyes as their manager to replace Slaven Bilic who was sacked on Monday, the English Premier League club said on Tuesday.

Croatian Bilic was sacked following a meeting with club officials.

West Ham had dropped into the relegation zone after a 1-4 home defeat by Liverpool left them with two wins in 11 league games.

“It’s a big job we have in hand now, but I‘m sure with everybody together we can get the right results between now and the end of the season,” Moyes said in a video posted on West Ham’s Twitter account.

Joint Chairman David Sullivan said the club would benefit from Moyes’ experience in the Premier League.

“We need somebody with experience, knowledge of the Premier League and the players in it, and we believe David is the right man to turn things around and get the best out of the players at the club,” Sullivan said in a statement.

“He is highly regarded and respected within the game, and will bring fresh ideas, organisation and enthusiasm.”

The former Everton manager coached Sunderland last season but stepped down following the club’s relegation to the Championship.

Moyes’ stock has fallen considerably in recent years, following an unsuccessful spell at Spanish side Real Sociedad and an ill-fated stint as Alex Ferguson’s successor at Manchester United in 2013/2014.

left unimpressed, the Englishman is now widely touted to be leaving United during the January transfer window.

A return back to Southampton had been mooted for Shaw but now according to reports, claims are being made that the 22-yearold could be set for a shock move to Turkish side Fenerbahce on a loan

lympic marathon champion Jemima Sumgong has been handed a four-year ban by Kenya’s anti-doping agency (ADAK) after testing positive for the banned bloodbooster erythropoietin (EPO), officials said on Tuesday.

Officials said Sumgong, who became the first Kenyan woman to win an Olympic marathon title when she struck gold in Rio last year, had failed an out-of-competition test in April.

This happened days before she was due to defend her London Marathon title.

Her four-year ban has been backdated to April 3.

The matter was taken to the Sports Disputes Tribunal by ADAK, as recommended by the World Anti-Doping Agency (WADA) code.

The ruling said the athlete owned up to her “unfortunate offence and unintended mistake’’.

She did not request that her B sample be tested after her A sample was returned from Lausanne.

The 32-year-old’s claim that she failed the test after undergoing treatment at a Kenyan hospital for an ectopic pregnancy was rejected as “not authentic’’ by the tribunal.

This was because the hospital in question denied treating the athlete.

Sumgong became Kenya’s latest high profile athlete to fail a drugs test after former Boston and Chicago Marathon champion, Rita Jeptoo.

She had also tested positive for EPO in 2014 and was banned for four years.

Bilic

ritain’s Andy Murray hopes to make his competitive return in Brisbane in January following a hip injury but only if he is 100% fit.

The Scot, 30, will play world number two Roger Federer as part of a charity event in Glasgow on Tuesday.

It will be the first time Murray has played in public since he lost to Sam Querrey at Wimbledon in July.

“I am in a significantly better place than at the end of Wimbledon and in the build-up to the US Open,” said Murray.

“Walking was a big problem for me,” he told BBC Sport.

Murray, who slipped to 16th in the latest world rankings, said he was confident of getting back to full fitness, but admitted that it could take time for him to find his best form.

He will travel to Miami later in the year for his regular offseason training block and “hopes” to return to competition at the Brisbane International in January.

The tournament is held two weeks before the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of 2018, which gets under way on 15 January.

“When I get back on the court again my best form might not come immediately but there’s nothing that’s making me think I can’t find it,” Murray added.

“I’ll come back when I’m ready and 100% fit. I believe I will get back to that.”

Murray will also play a doubles match with brother Jamie against Tim Henman and Mansour Bahrami during Tuesday’s ‘Andy Murray Live’ event in Glasgow.

Murray endured a frustrating 2017 season in terms of both form and fitness. He was knocked out of the Australian Open in the fourth round and went on to miss a month with an elbow injury.

He fared better at the French Open, reaching the semifinals, but lost in the first round at Queen’s Club before visibly struggling with the hip as his Wimbledon title defence was ended by Querrey in the quarter-finals.

Still ranked number one, Murray travelled to New York for the US Open but pulled out two days before the tournament began having failed to recover sufficiently.

“I made, probably, a bit of a mistake trying to get ready for

Murray the US Open but it was the last major of the year,” said Murray.

“I’ve been training for a few weeks now.

Some days I’ve felt great, some days I’ve felt not so good, but I’m getting there.”

Federer, who missed the latter half of the 2016 season with a knee injury before winning the Australian Open and Wimbledon this year, said it was “wise and worthwhile” to take time to recover.

“When you come back, you want to be at 100%. Otherwise you feel like you can’t beat the best and can’t win the major tournaments,” said the 36-year-old Swiss.

“I’m sure Andy has a lot of years left. You need to have goals but sometimes they need to be postponed.”

Murray said his “goals have changed” after the second lengthy injury break of his career, following back surgery in 2013 that kept him out for several months.

“I just want to play tennis again. It’s my life and my job, and that’s my goal just now,” he said.

Murray became world number one for the first time at the end of 2016 but having not played since July, he has now dropped out of the top 10 for the first time since October 2014.

“Last year, I played a lot of tennis, especially at the end of the year. My goals have changed now,” he said.

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The Abuja Times

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

FCT Transport secretary orders immediate re-opening of AT4 Nyanya Motor Park

Communities urge FCTA to upgrade healthcare centres

AT3

FCTA to partner NTDC on tourism dev’t ÏÏÏFCT

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello (middle), with a delegation from the Nigeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR), FCT chapter, led by the Chairman, Dr. Tayo Haastrop, (4th left) when the members of the institute visited the minister in Abuja…recently

Abuja Streetlights: AEDC assures FCT minister of improvement Stories by Idu Jude, Abuja

ÏÏÏ Hope for a significant and im-

The Abuja

T E A M

mediate improvement on power supply for Abuja Streetlights was kindled recently when the Managing Director of the Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC), Engr. Ernest Mapwaya, paid the FCT Minister, Mallam Muhammad Musa Beloo, a courtesy call in his office.

The FCT Minister had at the occasion given guarantee of a steady and regular cash flow to the company because of the strategic importance of streetlights for security, commerce and tourism in the city.

The FCT Minister, who had paid up to N1 billion to the company since assumption of office, also indicated that the bills have to be metered so that the Administration knows what

it is paying for.

He said: “As long as consumption is estimated based on subjective criteria, it is not going to be helpful to us. There is no need to spend unnecessary man hours just going over bills that can simply be done by leveraging the metering technology.”

Alluding to the 21 generating sets already installed by his administration as standbys, the Minister expressed concern over the negative implication of strewing major streets with backup power sources which he noted could cause pollution as well as disrupt the aesthetics of the Abuja city landscape.

FCT Minister used the occasion to reiterate his appeal to the electricity distribution company to meter all the streetlight facilities in the terri-

Special Projects Editor Sam Nseh

Correspondents Lateef Ibrahim Idu Jude

tory so as to ensure that government is billed fairly for its electricity consumption and to remove any ambiguities.

In his remarks, the AEDC boss revealed that FCT had paid N1 billion as part of the debt owed the company by past FCT administrations, while commending the Administration for the gesture.

Mr. Mapwaya, while agreeing that it was necessary to prioritise power supply to the FCT, assured that the company will give special attention to the streetlights.

He however expressed concern over the activities of vandals in the territory, saying that 11 out of its 21 power substations were currently not powering electricity having been put out of service by vandals.

He said: “We will work on an emergency plan to ensure that 11 of the 21 substations which are not powering light now, because they were vandalised, are going to be restored on the strength of the assurances given by the Honourable Minister.”

He solicited the collaboration of the FCT Administration in the arrangement that would be made to secure the facilities, once they were repaired, stressing, “The last thing we want is for somebody to go there again and vandalise them.

“In going forward, we will ensure that as our biggest customer, we will give you the desired priority, as it is from your revenue that we can actually change the outlook of our balance sheet. Anytime we receive payment from FCT, it changes our working capital. We are able to do a few things which we are always constrained from.”

“We are committed to bringing an improvement in the streetlights and will start this evening as soon as we leave this office. There are some things that we can do. It is true that the status of light in the streets speaks volumes of us as a company.

If we cannot demonstrate that we can power the streetlights, it will tell on our image, because the streetlights are very visible,” Mapwaya added.

Minister, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, has given insight that other low hanging fruits expected from the Abuja light rail system, would include a boost to domestic tourism.

According to him, the rail station system traverses important scenes of the Abuja eco-system and landmarks and will, among other qualities, unveil to tourists, the beautiful reliefs and panoramic landscape of the territory. Some of these include the national stadium, a national park and the Wupa Waste Treatment Plant – the largest in Nigeria.

The minister gave this insight while receiving the management team of the Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) led by its new Director General, Mr. Folorunsho Coker, on a courtesy call.

FCT minister revealed that the network of 12 metro station has five already completed. He thus expressed joy that the Administration has met a partner in its comprehensive plan to reposition Abuja as a conference destination in Africa and secondly as a hub for domestic tourism and investment.

He said: “Within the next two to three months, the Abuja Light Rail system phase one will be functioning. Phase one is a municipal rail system that will emanate from the airport, right to the centre of the city and terminating at what we call the metro plaza station. That gives people coming to Abuja or leaving Abuja option of coming to the city by light rail without having to drive the 45km expressway distance, even though, on its own, the expressway offers a beautiful window on the city.”

The minister noted that commuters have the option of moving from the city centre to the airport.

Other qualities that makes Abuja a preferred destination, the minister disclosed include quality infrastructure, beautiful weather, strategic road networks and more importantly, its status as a diplomatic and government centre.

Bello expressed belief that most of these plans will be accomplished by leveraging private sector investment because of the poor record of the public-sector interventions in the sector.

In his remarks, the NTDC DG stated that the Corporation plans to reverse the drifts out of Abuja during weekends and holidays, stating that it is unacceptable that a city that is one of the best in terms of tourism assets in the country, should empty out during these periods.

The Abuja Times 2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Press corps seeks review of FCT master plan ÏÏÏJournalists covering activities

of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) have set an agenda to the present administration on the urgent need for the review of Abuja Master Plan, which is due every five years.

This was the highlight of the 2017 retreat for the Press Corps of the Federal Capital Territory Administration which took place at Kaduna recently.

The theme of the retreat was “The Role of the Media in the Review of Abuja Master Plan”.

The retreat which was declared open by the Minister of the FCT, Mallam Muhammad Musa Bello, represented by Hajia Amina Abubakar, had the Special Adviser, Media and Communications to the Kaduna State Governor, Mr. Muyiwa Adekeye, representing his boss, Governor Nasir el-Rufa’i.

Others were the Director of Information and Communications in the FCT, Mrs. Stella Ojeme who gave a welcome address; Deputy Director and Chief Press Secretary to the FCT minister, Mr. Cosmas Uzodinma; and Head, FCTA Call Centre, Mrs. Jumai Ahmadu among other top staff of the FCT Administration and members of the Corps led by its Chairman, Mr. Ikharo Attah.

Resource persons were Mr. Christian Okeke, a Lecturer and Doctoral candidate at the Nnamdi Azikiwe University (UniZik), Awka; Tpl (Dr.) Yahaya Yusuf, former Director, Department of Development Control FCDA, now a Lecturer at the Baze University, Abuja; and, Tpl Muktar Galadima, Director, Department of Development Control, and cur-

rent Chairman, Nigeria Institute of Town Planners, Abuja.

At the event, participants appreciated the FCT minister for his interest in seeing to the development of the capacity of members of the Press Corps.

Participants noted that Abuja has been a planned city right from the beginning and the theme of the workshop was therefore apt in view of observed distortions of the master plan.

They noted also that Abuja continues to increase in both human population and other activities way beyond what was envisaged by its founding fathers and the need to review the master plan becomes all important.

The participants further noted that there is some sort of population explosion in the territory, a development that has greatly stretched facilities as designed in the master plan and that most of the times, the problems that keep recurring is due to ignorance of the provisions of the master plan.

They called on the FCT Administration to simplify the master plan and make copies available to the media as well as make the plan easily accessible by members of the public so that they can have a clear understanding of the city they live in.

The FCT master plan, according to records, has remained unattended to for 38 years now and had resulted to major distortion of the original design of the entire master plan, also resulting to misplacement of urban plan and the springing up of shanties and slums within the city centre.

Land encroachment: Jisalo, Candido assures Iddo community of justice ÏÏÏChairman of the Abuja Munici-

pal Area Council (AMAC), Alhaji Adamu Candido and the House of Representatives member representing the Federal Capital Territory, Hon. Zaphania Jizalo, have assured Iddo community in the FCT of doing everything within their power to return mass land illegally occupied by the Nigeria military back to them as the matter is already before the National Assembly.

Alhaji Candido and Honourable Jisalo said this during a community familiarisation tour of the town and meeting the people visit.

According to the AMAC Chairman, his administration has vowed to ensure that the people within his jurisdiction are not denied of their due rights but fully enjoy dividend of democracy. He said that most disturbing now is the issue of mass land being occupied by the Nigerian soldiers, promising that he will not rest on his oars to ensure that justice is done.

Adamu Candido reminded that since the people are predominantly farmers, any occupation on the lands must be adequately compensated and due process followed to achieve that.

His words: “Our job is to ensure that our people get good representa-

tions at all levels as far as democracy is concerned. And what we need from our people is their support and we will ensure that every necessary avenue is followed to seek justice. If it means meeting the minister and other relevant heads that allocate lands in the FCT we will do that”.

Also speaking, member representing the FCT in the House of Representatives, Honourable Zephaniah Jizalo, who till recently decamped to the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), told the people that his office has actually received the peoples complaint with good efforts to alert the entire House of Representatives of the military invasion of the mass lands at Iddo community of the FCT. He said: “I can assure you that the matter has been reported to me which I had already presented to the leadership of the House as well as the office of the FCT minister for immediate action. The minister has asked me to tarry a little bit while he look into the matter. You will get your lands back, your farm lands cannot be taken like that without full negotiation and compensation if the need be. You will get adequate compensation and I will ensure that adequate measures are put on ground to ensure that your sons and daughters does not look for lands when they grow”.

FCT disburses N1.942bn for Sept to Area Councils Stories by Idu Jude, Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Federal Capital Territory

(FCT) Joint Account Allocation Committee (JAAC) has distributed the sum of N1, 942,579,416.12 to the six Area Councils in the territory and statutory stakeholders for the month of September, 2017.

The Secretary, Area Councils Services Secretariat (ACSS), Mallam Adamu Abubakar Bappah, made the disclosure during the JAAC meeting recently.

According to him, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) received the highest share of N149, 091,908.42, followed by Gwagwala-

da Area Council, N141, 944,920.12.

Kwali Area Council received the sum of N119,450,595.99, Kuje Area Council got N116,011,997.02, and Bwari Area Council took home N115,361,359.72, while Abaji Area Council received N106,552,156.34.

In addition, the Secretary stated that stakeholders such as Primary school teachers received N1, 005,783,084.68 while 15% Pension Funds got N95, 040,159.75 with 1% Training Fund receiving the sum of N19, 425,794.16. The 10% Employer Pension Contribution (21st installment of 23 months) banked N73, 917,439.85.

Bappah also disclosed that the

sum of N93, 899,132.63 was 10% FCT’s share of Internally Generated Revenue (IGR) was also distributed to the Area Councils.

Consequently, AMAC and Bwari received N35,681,670.40 and N13,400,098.66 respectively, while Kuje, Gwagwalada and Kwali each got N12,226,399.65, N11,484,062.20 and N11,224,303.75 respectively, while Abaji went home with N9,882,597.97.

He said the total money distributed to the stakeholders, therefore, summed up as N1,194,166,478.44 , with Area Councils receiving the sum of N748,412,937.64 with10% IGR N93,899,132.63.

R-L: FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello; FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Christian Ohaa; the FCT Commissioner of Police, Sadiq Abubakar Bello, and others when the FCT Minister visited the FCT Police Command in Abuja...recently

ICT: FCTA Transport Secretary urges MDAs, agencies to empower staff

ÏÏÏSecretary of the FCT Transpor-

tation Secretariat, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, has called on Federal Government ministries and agencies to increase maximum productivity by empowering the staff on Information Communication Technology (ICT) as a tool to move with globalisation trend.

Comrade Kayode, who was represented in the occasion by Engineer Wilson Unogwu made the call Monday during the opening ceremony of specialised training for road traffic personnel and the commissioning of ICT modern training center in Lugbe traffic area command.

He said that the initiative is the efforts of the management of the Directorate of Road Traffic Service, who thought outside the box to set up a befitting world class training centre in the city of Abuja and also for organising a specialised training for the staff of the Directorate for better service delivery.

The secretary emphasised on the ability to maximally utilise the knowledge and skills acquired in order to ensure that trainees are abreast with

international best practices.

His words: “I therefore call on other SDAs and Federal Government agencies to take advantage of this worldclass facilities to update themselves in order to drive their vision and mission”.

Speaking on the specialised training for staff, the Secretary urged the staff to be serious with what would be the best opportunity in life to effectively make use of the experience while serving the public.

Also speaking, Assistant Director, Directorate of Road Transportation, BRT in the FCT, Mr. Wadata Aliyu Bodinga, noted that “it was also worthy to say that the in-house training which commences today and run for the next few days is also funded courtesy of the partnership between the FCT Administration and Messrs Temple Resources Limited through the DRTS. Temple Resources is our partner in delivery of the FCT Computerised vehicle inspection scheme and as part of their corporate social responsibilities have jointly packaged this training for our work force to engender professionalism and better

service delivery to the members of the public”.

According to the Acting director of DRTS, the year 2017 has witnessed a number of 8 staff trained overseas in the area of vehicle inspection, urban traffic management and intelligent transport system to mention few as a result of the same initiative of collaborative relationship that exist between the FCTA (DRTS) and public private partnership and the multinational aids.

Wadata further explained that his office relies heavily on information and communication technology in delivery of its mandates, hence ICT training cannot be neglected if the Directorate must be effective in performance of its duties.

He said however that competing priorities have overtime made it impossible for the directorate to depend on budgetary provision in delivery of training facilities and the requisite training to its workforce.

About four hundred and fifty personnel are involved in the ongoing training which is a continuous exercise.

The Abuja Times 3

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

FCT Education secretary tasks staff on use of resources ÏÏÏThe

Secretary Education Secretariat of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Senator Isa Maina, has tasked officials of the secretariat to be more prudent with resources and avoid extra-budgetary spending in order to move the sector forward.

Senator Maina was emphatic on the lack commitment to duties and penchant to lack of judicious use of government funds for developmental purposes.

Maina made this call while making his opening remark at a one-day management consultative meeting at the Education Resource Centre, Abuja recently.

The meeting had in attendance heads of the various agencies and boards of the secretariat and heads of specialised divisions and units.

According to the Secretary, the aim of the meeting was to engender “building of synergy and evolve new strategies, and orientation towards actualising the mandate of the Education Secretariat.”

He urged the stakeholders “to be ready to make sacrifices in the face of lean financial resources from government” and to “suggest implementable strategies by thinking outside the box.”

The Secretary therefore commended the stakeholders for winning both national and international laurels for the FCT. A communique issued at the end of the meeting revealed that necessary observations were made in order to reposition the

education in the FCT, including avoidance of extra-budgetary expenditure by being accurate in preparing budgets by agencies under it; early submission of transcripts on financial transactions and the dire need to quickly rebrand the perception of the public about education delivery in FCT. Other observations by the meeting include the imperative for training and retraining of teachers; rehabilitation of dilapidated school facilities; as well as the need to enhance generation of revenue from private schools, among several others.

Some of the major decisions taken at the meeting as contained in the communique include directives that all boards and departments to be meticulous in preparing their budgets so as to meet implementation targets; prioritisation of capital projects in future budgeting; vigorous reorientation in service delivery for the enhancement of positive image of the secretariat and expedition of procurement of critical projects in the education sector.

The secretariat also decided that it would institutionalise award mechanism in relation to performance; liaise with FCT Sports Council for the revitalisation school sports across the territory, address personnel gap in the FCT Education sector and encourage partnerships for the provision and maintenance of critical school facilities, to mention a few.

Communities urge FCTA to upgrade healthcare centres

Stories by Idu Jude, Abuja

ÏÏÏResidents

of Idu, Gwagwa, Karmo and Jiwa communities in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have urged the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) to upgrade the three primary healthcare centres in the communities to general hospitals.

Some of the residents told correspondents of the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja that the centres were being operated without adequate personnel and drugs for patients.

Mrs. Blessing Osita lamented the acute shortage of facilities and personnel in the centres to meet the increasing demand for healthcare services in the area.

According to her, the centres need to be upgraded, equipped with drugs, medical facilities and as well as commence 24 hours operation.

She said the idea was to reduce incidences of death resulting from referral cases during odd times from the centres to the General Hospital in Gwarimpa.

Mr. Iheoma Udozurumba ex-

pressed dismay over the attitude of some medical personnel in the centres to patients.

“The last time I took a patient to the hospital, I was not happy about the kind of treatment she got.

“They should equip the clinic; get qualified doctors and nurses that know what they are doing.

“Not nurses that when you get to the place, everybody will feel less concerned because when the month ends, they will get their salaries.

“I believe access to medical care will be easier when they upgrade the centres to General Hospitals,” he said.

Mrs. Maria Boniface NAN that most residents of the communities preferred to patronise private hospitals instead of government owned health facilities in the area.

She blamed the decline in the patronage of government owned facilities to high cost and the unfriendly character of some health personnel in the facilities.

“When we go there, they will not like to take care of us and the nurses there take delight in abusing us, especially as I am now pregnant.

“If I am in labour for instance, they

will insist I must get everything before they will attend to me but it is not like that in private hospitals.

“When you go to private hospitals, whether you have money or not, they don’t care, they will deliver you before telling you the amount to be paid,” she said.

An official of one of the healthcare centres who spoke under condition of anonymity blamed the non-availability of drugs on inadequate funding.

She told NAN that the availability of drugs in the centre depended on the level of patronage.

The official said the centre was fully responsible for the monthly payment of its 19 causal workers, adding that the hospital relied on revenue it generates internally.

According to her, we have a regular programme where members of staff are trained on proper ways of relating with patients.

When NAN contacted the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) Head of Information, Mrs. Patience Olaloye said that the council was doing everything possible to provide essential services to residents.

FCT hospitals urged to be proactive ÏÏÏThe

Secretary, Health and Human Services of the Federal Capital Territory Administration, Barr. Amanda Pam, has called on FCT hospitals to be more proactive in the discharge of their duties.

He made the call at Kubwa General Hospital in continuation of her familiarisation tour of FCT General Hospitals.

She implored the management of the hospitals to think outside the box in other to tackle the challenges of space for expansion and over stretched facilities in the management of government hospitals within the FCT. Pam noted that the biggest challenge facing government hospitals in the territory was inadequate space for expansion, following the daily influx of patients seeking medical care in the territory.

She pointed out that the planners of the FCT did not envisaged that the population would grow rapidly within this short period.

The Secretary expressed satisfaction with the activities of the hospital, urging the management to put in more efforts in improving the health services being rendered to the FCT residents.

She commended the management and the entire staff of the hospital, noting that in spite of the high number of influx of patients to the hospital from neighbouring states, the hospital still gives the best medical care to the teeming patients.

Conducting the Secretary round the hospital, Medical Director of the hospital, Dr. Ahmed Danfulani, stated that other projects successfully executed by the hospital management include online medical record, expansion of the laboratory, modern intensive care unit (ICU), one stock pharmacy and a wellness clinic among others.

Highlight of the Secretary’s visit was the commissioning of a borehole sunk by the management of the hospital to boost water supply to the facility.

FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello (middle), cutting the tape to commission the Buhari Support Organisation (BSO) Secretariat in Utako, Abuja recently. With him are the Senior Special Adviser to the President on National Assembly Matters, Senator Ita Enang (2nd right), Kogi State Governor, Yahaya Bello (4th right), Bauchi State Governor, Mohammed Abdullahi Abubakar (2nd left) and others.

AEA empowers staff on ICT management ÏÏÏAs part of Abuja Enterprise

Agency’s (AEA’s) resolve to develop and equip its manpower on business development and management skills, the company has given staff members training on HP life online to enable them overcome challenges encountered in discharge of their duties.

The agency is saddled with the responsibility of galvanising and business entrepreneurship to the residents of the FCT as well as ensuring economic empowerment among the people for economic growth.

The training is a free online programme for students, teach-

ers and entrepreneurs to gain business and Information Technology (IT) skills that help create job and stimulate economic growth.

The training was structured in two parts, the e-learning (online platform) and the one-on-one interaction (offline platform). The modules that were handled during the training include Marketing Benefits vs Features, Unique Value Proposition, Target Audience, Basics of Finance, Sales Forecasting, Profit and Loss, and Cash flow.

During the training, participants were requested to complete series of interesting activities

with guides for each of the modules on the Hp-life platform. The programme, on completion, has authoritative certificate issued to participants by Hp-life.

Earlier, the agency trained two of her staff on UNIDO Hewlett Packard – Learning Initiative for Entrepreneurship (Hp-life), Training of Trainers (TOT) on Business Management skills that held in Calabar, Cross River State from July 24-28, 2017.

Upon completion of the programme, the staff members became certified Hp-life trainers to facilitate the training programme and integrated into the agency’s training curriculum.

The Abuja Times 4

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Group trains 261 youths, women on FCT Transport secretary orders immediate energy saving stove in FCT re-opening of Nyanya Motor Park

ÏÏÏTwo

hundred and sixty one (261) women and youths in Chukuku Community in Kuje Area Council in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) have been trained on the construction of energy-saving stove.

Executive Director, Foundation for Economic Empowerment and Educational Development (FEED), a non-governmental organisation, Mr. Kelvin Dzeremo, made the disclosure to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Abuja on Tuesday.

FEED’s Executive Director said that the beneficiaries were given a year training by the organisation from February 2016 to February 2017.

He explained that the construction of the stove had made a difference in the lives of the women living in the community.

He said that the stove was constructed in a manner that it reduced smoke emission thereby making it to be environmental-friendly.

“The stove does not have any negative effect on the environment. ‘‘It (stove) does not cause land degradation or desertification, the

aim of the training is to improve the well-being of the people in the community.

“We are extending the project to other communities in the FCT, because the efforts will help to reduce a lot of environmental challenges in the country,’’ he said.

Dzeremo added that the organisation had trained the people on the importance of dry season farming to increase their income.

“We encourage them to embrace dry season farming and we tell them through this that they can harvest crops three times in one year.

“So as they are planting, they are also planning how to harvest the previous crops they have planted.

“We taught them how to practice irrigation regularly to enable the crops to grow. ‘‘They irrigate their farms during the dry season period and within three or four months the crops are ready for harvest.

“They plant crops such as maize, melon, beans, tomatoes, among others and the crops are really producing bountifully,’’ he said.

ÏÏÏSecretary of the Transport Sec-

retariat of the FCT, Comrade Kayode Opeifa, has ordered the immediate reopening of the Nyanya motor park partially shot down by the independent operator in protest to low patronage and no government compliant to the agreement reached before the project commenced early 2017.

Comrade Opeifa gave the order in respect to the urgent need to return free operation of the temporary bus terminal in Nyanya, which its reopening brought normalcy on the easy flow of vehicles at the axis after Boko Haram bombing in 2015.

Comrade Opeifa, while addressing journalists on the reasons leading to the sudden closure, said that his administration has ordered for the immediate reopening of the terminal to resume bus and taxi loading operation without delay.

He said that his office will soon embark on a policy that will ensure a good working relationship and possible revenue generation by the operators, while other issues leading to the protest will be looked into.

He said: “The operator, who is an independent investor, suddenly closed the park without official communication to the FCT Administration, nor the Transport secretariat.

Let me tell you that the investor closed the terminal in protest to the lack of revenue generation and he also complained of sudden springing up of illegal motor-parks thereby reducing the amount of patronage, as against the original plan which was designed to ensure sanity and possible revenue generation for the investor”.

Opeifa further said that his new administration will soon address the issues by holding meetings with the people involved and such actions, and will bring lasting solution to whatever problems that may have been elicited at Nyanya Park.

“Ordering for the reopening of the park is what we need for now, we have already ordered for the immediate reopening and business has begun pending the time we solve the problem”.

While responding to the issues

raised, the private operator of the Nayanya temporary motor-park, Alhaji Baba Nagode, accused the FCT administration of failure in honouring some of the agreements reached before he assumed operation of the motor terminal.

According to Baba Nagode, his business has suffered major setbacks in terms of low revenue record orchestrated by day to day springing up of illegal motor-parks along NyanyaKeffi road, rendering his terminal useless.

His words: “My major problems now is the ministerial task force led

by Major Emmanuel Niengi, who is currently aiding the illegal park operators as rivalry motor-parks. I have written several letters to the minister, and to the DSS over the security concerns in Nyanya because the company as well as other passengers are afraid that Nyanya is no longer safe due to the apathy people have about Nyanya after bomb by Boko Haram.

We are afraid that that might put us out of business”.

UniAbuja teaching hospital contract staff protest non-payment of salary ÏÏÏContract

staff comprising cleaners, security guards and potters at the University of Abuja Teaching Hospital (UATH) on Monday staged a peaceful protested over non-payment of their six months’ salary arrears.

The protest led to gridlock on Dobi road connecting the hospital with the main town as both doctors and patients were stranded outside.

The protesters carried placards with different inscriptions: “Pay us our money’’ “Are we not Nigerians,’’ “some of us are widows, “our children are out of school’’.

Speaking to newsmen, leader of the protesters, Mr. Leonard Mbanile, said several talks with the management demanding payment of the back-load of the salaries yielded no positive result.

“This is why we have embarked on this peaceful demonstration to show our grievances over unpaid six months’ salary arrears.

“We have not been paid for over six months and some of us can no longer eat or take our children to school any longer.

“The salary is just N15, 000 per month and yet they find it difficult to pay the little stipend to their workers.

“We will give them a one day ultimatum after which the gate will remain locked until they pay all the salaries and allowances,’’ he said.

Reacting to the development, Dr. Nicholas Baamlong, the Chairman Medical Advisory Committee (CMAC) of the hospital said efforts were under way to clear the backload of salary arrears owed.

He said that the Chief Medical

Director (CMD) of the hospital has gone to the Federal Ministry of Health to fast track the payment of the back-load of salaries.

“It is not about ultimatum, but peaceful dialogue, I can’t assure you what will be done between now and the next twenty four hours until we dialogue.

“Our CMD has gone to the Ministry to see how he can fast track the payment of the salaries.

“Their services are on contract basis and very important to the hospital but the fault is not from our management,’’ he said.

FCT Permanent Secretary, Mr. Christian Chinyeaka Ohaa (right) with the Governor of Kogi State, Yahaya Bello, during the 2017 – 2018 legal year celebration in Abuja…recently

STDD coordinator urges monarchs to promote inclusive dev’t ÏÏÏAs the Federal Capital Territory

Administration embarks on supervision of priority projects around the six area councils, the traditional chiefs had been advised to contribute in furtherance of efforts targeted at promoting inclusive governance and development.

Coordinator, Satellite Towns Development Department (STDD), Tanko Yamawo, said that this has become important as such is part of meet-thepeople project geared towards building according to the peoples wishes.

The coordinator said this while visiting paramount rulers of Abaji and Kuje Area Councils respectively, in order to ensure rapid delivery of democratic dividends to the people.

Among traditional rulers visited within Abaji and Kuje to ascertain their contribution in the ongoing projects wer Ona of Abaji- Alhaji Adamu Baba Yunusa, Esu Yaba- Abdullahi Adamu, Esu Sai’ Rubouchi- Mohammed Ibrahim Ladan, and Agabe of Gwargwada Councils, during

which the monarchs spoke passionately about critical developmental needs of communities within their domains.

Also, the projects inspected included the 6km Yaba-Kpache road project and feeder roads network at Senior Staff Quarters in Abaji, where the team assessed the quality and progress of the projects.

As expected, the STDD coordinator and his team first paid courtesy visit to the Abaji and Kuje chairmen, who in turn took them round the palaces and project sites.

At the places, the STDD Coordinator told the monarchs and their subjects that his team were there to inspect ongoing projects in the Councils, and also to know priority projects that should be captured in the FCT 2018 Budget proposal.

In particular, the Coordinator reiterated commitment of the present FCT Administration to deliver the dividends of democracy to the people especially rural populace in the terri-

tory.

Yamawo however stressed the need for robust collaboration with all stakeholders in the FCT as the FCTA alone cannot drive rapid development of the territory.

This, according to him, would ensure that people will relocate from the densely populated city centre to the satellite towns of the territory.

Yamawo while inspecting ongoing projects, expressed satisfaction with their status, and assured the people that the government would do everything required to ensure rapid completion, to pave way for their enjoyment.

Also speaking, the Ona of Abaji, and Chairman of FCT Council of Chiefs, Adamu Baba Yunusa, who described the visit as laudable, specifically thanked the FCT Minister for the wisdom to ensure inclusive governance and development of the Territory.

He however told the STDD officials that there are no good access roads

linking many communities within the council, a situation he said negatively affects the people especially farmers.

The monarch also lamented the absence of pedestrian crossings and interchanges on the major highways traversing the area, saying the development has caused untold hardship and death in the council.

He appealed for improved employment opportunities for their children who are qualified but are not employed, even after leaving school.

On his part, Abaji chairman, Abdulrahman Ajiya, expressed delight over the visit, saying that of all the six councils, Abaji has suffered a lot of underdevelopment because of its location.

According to him, there are many abandoned and poorly executed projects in Abaji which need the urgent intervention of the FCTA. He assured the delegation of the support of the council in the quest to develop satellite towns in the FCT.

Business Times Daily Times Nigeria

Naira gains, as Buhari presents 2018 Appropriation Bill Page B5

Lafarge Africa commits to Q4 completion period of capital raising Page B4

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Maritime safety, key to industry, national growth - Amaechi Page B6

Motor dealers cry out over harsh government’s policy

By Bassey Willie

L-R: Member, Senate Ad-Hoc Committee on Planned Concession of the Port Harcourt Refinery to AGIP/ENI and OANDO, Matthew Urhoghide; Chairman of the Committee, Abubakar Kyari and another Member, Sabo Mohammed, during the Committee’s Public Hearing at the National Assembly in Abuja… recently.

FG saves N24.7bn through ICT, BVN- Buhari . As new policy reduces ghost workers, saves N20bn monthly

Ganiyu Obaaro, with Agency report President Muhammadu Buhari says Federal Government’s leveraging on Information and Communication Technology (ICT) and the enforcement of Bank Verification Number (BVN) has saved the nation of N24.7 billion monthly.

The president disclosed this when he declared open the 2017 eNigeria Conference, organised by National Information Technology Development Agency (NITDA) at the International Conference Centre, Abuja, on Tuesday(yesterday).

According to the News Agency of

BUSINESS TIMES Business Editor Ganiyu Obaaro

Deputy Business Editor Azubike Nnadozie Asst. Business Editor Simon Ugwu Capital Market Editor Bonny Amadi

Nigeria (NAN), the president also revealed that the implementation of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and Bank Verification Number (BVN) had eliminated ghost workers and reduced waste, thereby saving the nation N20bn monthly.

He said that the consolidation of 20,000 accounts had saved the nation N4.7 bn.

According to him, the TSA policy has also facilitated transparency, accountability and ease of transactions and payments between government and businesses as well as government and citizens.

“We have done a lot to transform our government, especially in the areas of strategy, policies and digital infrastructure investments.

“You may recall that on assumption of office, we enforced the policy on Treasury Single Account (TSA). Today, we are all witnesses to the impact it has made on our financial management.

“We have so far consolidated over 20,000 accounts, resulting into about N4.7 billion monthly savings.

“In addition, the policy facilitated

transparency, accountability and ease of transactions and payments between government and businesses as well as government and citizens.

“Another initiative leveraging on ICT and making huge impact on the economy is the introduction of the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System (IPPIS) and Bank Verification Number (BVN).

“Its implementation has helped to eliminate the menace of ghost workers, thereby reducing waste in the system by saving government over N20bn monthly.

President Buhari described his presence at the event as a demonstration of his commitment and strong belief in using ICT as a major driver of developmental governance and economic reform plans aimed at bringing about the true CHANGE his administration promised Nigerians.

According to him, ICT is strategic in driving productivity and efficiency in all sectors of the economy.

He noted that currently, almost all sectors of the nation’s economy leverage on ICT to increase efficiency, productivity and performance.

President Buhari commended NITDA’s efforts on fostering the patronage of indigenous IT products and services through continuous engagement with indigenous OEMs, relevant stakeholders and other laudable initiatives.

Lagos Trade Fair: FirstBank set to fete customers with bouquet of products Adesola Afolabi First Bank of Nigeria Limited has announced its participation at the 2017 Lagos International Trade Fair, scheduled for November 3 – 12, 2017 at the Tafawa Balewa Square, Lagos.

The fair, themed: “Promoting Industrialisation for Economic Recovery and Sustainable Growth,” would bolster the current efforts at creating a diversified economy needed for the stimulation of economic growth and development.

FirstBank would be live at the event with its bouquet of bespoke products and services to support the business needs of its customers and other participants during the ten-day fair; the bank’s broad clientele and prospects are encouraged to benefit from FirstBank’s famous financial advisory services, on-line-real-time banking, Internet banking, Automated Teller Machine (ATM), cards products, consumer finance products and Money Transfer Services.

FirstBank, which was recently named the first financial institution in Nigeria and the West-Africa sub-region to issue 10 million cards to customers across the country, has also committed to issuing ATM cards at the event.

Motor dealers in Akwa Ibom state have decried the policies of the Federal Government for stopping importation of cars through land boarders, thereby putting their businesses in danger.

President Mohammadu Buhari had in 2015 after assuming office, ordered a stop to all importation of cars into the country through land borders.

The state chairman of motor dealers’ association, Pastor Godwin Eduok, who spoke with Daily Times correspondent in Uyo, on Tuesday, said that the policies of the FG has not helped their business in any way, rather, it brings untold hardship to them and other citizens who would have loved to owned a means of mobility.

According to him, “Closure of land boarders has not only affected us in car importing business, but also the generality of Nigerians, though government may have good intention in doing that, but they would have liaised with the stakeholders in the business before such action is taken.”

Edouk said if the government can review the policy of closing land boarders, it will be beneficial to all Nigerians, because the current government under Buhari is very harsh on our business; adding that car dealing business entails a lot of foreign exchange components.

He said, “Even the customs are not making things easy for us, it is not easy to clear goods these days; and when you want to pay, the charges are too hard, and they will delay the cars for months before you take delivery.

Our business is in the verge of collapsing, government should help us.”

Also, the state secretary of the body, Mr. Robert Bob solicited with Akwa Ibom State Government to invest funds in the car business in form of soft interest loan, so that they can stay in the business and continue to service Nigerians living in the state.

He said if the state government can invest into the business by giving them (car dealers) grants to add and boost their business, it would help in stimulating the economy of the state, and create more investment opportunities.

“Car business is capital intensive, but unfortunately, the current Federal Government’s policies make us run a business that we don’t even make profit from it.” Bob added.

Business News B2

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

NACCIMA, MSMES set for agric-agro summit Edward Nnachi Members of the Nigerian Association of Chambers of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) and the Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) in the country are fully determined to make Federal Government’s diversification of the economy into agriculture a huge success, President of NACCIMA, Iyalode Alaba Lawson has said.

The NACCIMA President said that towards this end, an agriagro summit will be held in Abuja from November 29 to December 1, in conjunction with the Nigeria’s Incentive-Based Risk Sharing System for Agricultural Lending (NIRSAL), backed by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture and Rural Development, among others.

Lawson, who stated this in an exclusive interview with The Daily Times on Tuesday, said the summit would also be supported by the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Corporation (NIAC), Bank of Industry (BoI), Bank of Agriculture (BOA) and Infrastructure Concession Regulatory Commission (ICRC), among others.

“We are also partnering with some embassies such as the Brazilian Embassy. We know that Brazil is very good in agriculture and agriculture is keeping their economy going. We are doing this so that we can garner as much knowledge and ideas as possible so that our country too can prepare fully to swing into action in its agriculture diversification initiative,” Lawson said.

Electricity consumers decry estimated billings, non-metering system

By Simon Ugwu Consumers in Edo State have urged the Benin Electricity Distribution Company (BEDC) and other DisCos in the country to provide prepaid meters and end estimated billings.

The electricity consumers, who decried non-metering and estimated billings as exploitative, said the disaffection between them and the DisCos is largely due to issues of non provision of prepaid meters.

They spoke in Benin City, during a town hall meeting organised by Stakeholder Democracy Network (SDN) with support from MacArthur Foundation, with theme:” Electricity Metering Gap in Nigeria: Challenges and Prospects.”

Assistant Programme Manager of SDN, Olumide Oyebamiji, described the differences among the electricity consumers, stakeholders and the DisCos as unhealthy.

Oyebamiji said the disaffection of electricity consumers with the DisCos in the country is borne out of the inability of the companies to adequately supply prepaid meters to consumers for effective metering.

Oyebamiji explained that until the DisCos fully commenced the supply of meters to every consumer, a lasting solution is not in sight.

Governor Rauf Aregbesola of Osun, commissioning one of the seven transformers at Ife North Local Government. With his the Chairman of the council, Oresanya Taiwo Hassan, General manager, Osun Community and Social Development Project (CSDP), Mrs Abokede Aderonke and others, during the commissioning of Rural Electrification projects in seven communities in Ife North Local Government, held in Ipetumodu... on Tuesday

Baru assures of hitch-free petroleum products supply during festive period

Ïj ƈ ƄƑ ^^L Ƃ ƍƕ Ƌƍ ƅƆƎ ƂƆƉƆƎƓ Simon Ugwu As the festive periods draw near, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has assured that it would ensure a hitch-free supply of petroleum products nationwide during the season.

Group Managing Director of the Corporation, Dr. Maikanti Baru, who made the commitment yesterday during the inauguration of the Board of Directors of the Petroleum Products Marketing Company, PPMC, a subsidiary of the NNPC, charged that the company must ensure steady supply of petroleum products even

well beyond the festive periods hitherto often characterized by supply hiccups. “The festive season is fast approaching, a period when almost always, people expect queues to happen. If last year you had a queue-free festive season, we want this year’s to be a season where fuel station attendants will be inviting motorists to their stand for fueling,” the GMD charged.

Baru urged PPMC’s management to re-strategized to ensure leaner operating cost that would enable it continuously add value to the NNPC Corporate entity, adding that the company was not expected to make

losses.

Also speaking at the occasion, Chief Operating Officer, COO, Downstream, and alternate Chairman of the Board, Engr. Ikem Obi, declared the downstream was the face of NNPC, assuring that the country would never return to the era of products scarcity.

On his part, the Managing Director of the Company, Engr. Umar Ajiya, thanked the GMD for his commitment and support, especially the resuscitation of depots in parts of the country, which he noted had contributed immensely to the steady supply of products nationwide.

He assured that the company would be placed on the part of profitability, adding that other petroleum products would equally be made available alongside PMS (petrol).

PPMC is one of the three new companies that emerged from the old Pipelines and Products Marketing Company (PPMC) after the recent reorganization of the NNPC. It is mainly saddled with marketing of petroleum products.

The other two companies are the Nigerian Pipeline and Storage Company (NPSC); and Marine Logistics; while NPSC is charged with the responsible of managing storage and distribution assets of the corporation, marine logistics executes petroleum products haulage for the NNPC.

M9L d Ƅ ƆƎƆ Ƅ ƃ ƊƊƏ ƆƎƆƄ ƂƍƄ Ǝ ƃ ƃƄƍ

Babajide Okeowo

The Director General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Dr. Dakuku Peterside has urged Nigerians, especially women to ensure frequent Breast Cancer screening stressing that early detection will make a lot of difference in tackling the scourge.

According to a statement by NIMASA, Peterside made this known recently when he led a 2.5 Kilometer walk through streets of Lagos, tagged: “Taking Action Together Against Breast Cancer”, with the aim of creating awareness for the early detection of the menace.

Speaking shortly before the walk commenced, the NIMASA DG noted that as an Agency of the government that is alive to its corporate social responsibilities, this walk

aimed at taking action together against breast cancer has become desirable considering the rate at which ignorance has led to avoid-

able deaths.

“It is a known fact that prevention is better than cure, never again should any of our relatives or loved

ones die because of ignorance. Our goal is to raise awareness and reduce the stigma of breast cancer through education on symptoms and treatment. We hope knowledge will lead to earlier detection of breast cancer which is associated with higher long term survival rates,” Dakuku said.

While noting that the agency’s health advocacy is part of NIMASA corporate social responsibility actions, Dakuku announced free preliminary examination for breast related diseases at the Agency’s search and rescue base clinic.

Our mission is to ensure NIMASA staff and Nigerians in general are aware that with adequate education and early detection, this generation can conquer breast cancer.

NIMASA will provide support services such as mammograms test for early detection.

Business News B3

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah (left); Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (middle); President of the ECOWAS Commission, Marcel Alain de Souza (3rd right); Director-General , World Trade Organisation, Mukhisa Kituyi (3rd left) and other members of the World Trade Organisation, during the opening of the High-Level Policy and Private Sector Trade and Investment Facilitation Partnership Forum, in Abuja… recently.

Fidelity Bank to reward customers at Lagos Trade Fair

Motolani Oseni

Fidelity Bank Plc is set to reward loyal customers at the 2017 Lagos International Trade Fair holding at the Tafawa Balewa Square (TBS), Lagos.

As part of the financial institution’s ongoing loyalty scheme for its teeming retail customers, 10 lucky beneficiaries – 5 FPSS account holders and 5 SWEETA account holders – will be presented with cheques of N500, 000 extra income and N150, 000 school fees support respectively.

The amount totaling N3, 250, 000million will be given out on the Fidelity Special Day at the fair, taking place on Wednesday November 8, 2017. In total, N192m will be given out to 471 beneficiaries in this quarter.

“There is always a reward for banking with Fidelity”, said Mr. Nnamdi Okonkwo, Managing Director/Chief Executive Officer of Fidelity Bank Plc. He urged Nigerians to take advan-

Bonny Amadi One of topmost Africa’s tourist destinations, Cape Verde has sustained effort to position the country as global trade hubs and first investment destination in the continent, with ongoing plans to connect the country and rest of the world.

Prime Minister Jose Correia e Silva of Cape Verde recently in Sal Island, Cape Verde, announced to global and African business community

tage of the Bank’s customer loyalty and rewards system which ensures that customers benefit immensely.

In addition to giving out monies in its customer loyalty and rewards system, Fidelity Bank is providing free business and financial advisory services to SME operators at the fair in demonstration of its long-standing commitment to supporting small and medium enterprises in Nigeria. “The Fidelity SME Advisory clinic at the Fair is anchored by a crop of qualified SME Business Advisors whose mandate is to help SMEs address challenges associated with setting up and running a growing business in Nigeria” he stated.

The clinic he further revealed, will provide all-round capacity building support services in the following areas: Free Tailored Business Management Capacity Building, Market Access, Tailored Financing, MSME-focused Liability Products and Non-Oil

NSE President, CEO wish Bajomo, Jalo well in new endeavours

Ogunbanjo

Bonny Amadi The President, National Council of the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Mr Abimbola Ogunbanjo, and Chief Executive Officer of the NSE, Mr Oscar Onyema have commended Mr. Ade Bajomo, Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology and Mr. Haruna

Jalo-Waziri, former NSE’s executive director business development for their tireless contributions to the development of the Nigerian capital market and the NSE. The commendation was given as the NSE, also confirmed today that Mr. Ade Bajomo, Executive Director, Market Operations and Technology has resigned his appointment effective December 31, 2017, to pursue other challenges.

The exchange also confirmed that Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri, in light of his recent appointment as the Chief Executive Officer of CSCS Plc, has resigned his position as Executive Director, Capital Markets at The Exchange effective October 31, 2017.

Lauding the two for their contributions to growth of the Exchange, NSE in release made available to Daily Times Nigeria quoted the council president as saying “their meritorious stew-

Cape Verde to emerge world trade centre that the country was determined to emerge an international trade center.

He disclosed this while declaring open, the Advanced Structured Trade Finance Seminar and Workshops organized by the African Export-Import Bank (Afreximbank).

“Cape Verde intends to be an international market,” the Prime Minister told Seminar participants. “We

have developed a specific agenda to achieve that objective.” Correia e Silva stated that, in order to address inadequate transportation lines among African countries, Cape Verde had introduced a plan to connect Africa and the rest of the world, using Cape Verde Island as a hub. That plan involved the inauguration of flights to Lagos and Accra next month and

to Abidjan, Dakar and many other African cities thereafter, in order to increase intra-African trade.

Finance Minister of Cape Verde, Olavo Correia, said that it was critically important to use the Structured Trade Finance seminar to strengthen the link between the financing of trade and fostering of intra African trade.

ardship characterized by their innovative ideas and most importantly, fully executing on the NSE’s strategic growth plans.”

Further commenting on their departure, he said “Ade and Haruna are consummate and dedicated professionals and I am confident that they will both excel in their future endeavours and on behalf of the National Council I wish to thank them for their dedication and accomplishments during their term in office.”

The NSE CEO , Oscar Onyema was also quoted as lauding the two Executive directors that retired “we thank Ade and Haruna for their immense contributions to the transformation of The Exchange and the Nigerian capital markets over the past few years. They led various significant projects and initiatives to improve efficiency and drive sustainable growth of the market.

The seminar and workshops, the 17th in the series, was attended by more than 200 high-profile participants, including chief executive officers, managing directors and senior managers representing banks, other financial institutions, and entities involved in promoting trade.

About 1,600 African trade finance professionals have taken part in the seminars and workshops since they were introduced. This year’s event will end on 9 November.

Capital Market B4 Erratic policies, bane of companies’ weak result- Stakeholder Stories by 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, non- 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, 715,473bn in the preceding period of 2016, drop in Profit for the period weakening by 25.0 per cent to N1, 358,002bn. 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.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Lafarge Africa commits to Q4 completion period of capital raising Lafarge Africa Plc, indicated commitment to the timetable for its rights issues planned to be completed by the end of the fourth quarter (Q4) 2017, as it has submitted application on the proposed rights issues to the Nigerian Stock Exchange, (NSE).

The NSE, in its weekly market report for the week ended Friday, 3rd November, 2017, on the theme: “Proposed rights issue “revealed that Lafarge Africa Plc through its Stockbrokers; Pilot Securities Limited during the week, submitted an application for approval and listing of a Rights Issue of 3,097,653,023 Ordinary Shares of 50 Kobo each at N42.50 kobo per share on the basis of 5 new ordinary share for every 9 ordinary shares held.

The Qualification Date for the Rights Issue, according to the re-

lease, was Wednesday, 1st November, 2017. Daily Times Nigeria recalls that the board of directors of Lafarge Africa Plc, on 26TH September, 2017 held an extraordinary meeting and considered the terms of the firm’s new capital raising.

Shareholders of Lafarge Africa on 7th June, 2017 at its Annual General Meeting in Lagos, endorsed the board of director’s proposal to raise new equity capital of N140 billion in a major move to enhance operations and take new business opportunities.

Lafarge Africa is raising the new equity fund through a rights issue, from only existing and qualified shareholders.

Following shareholders’ approval given to the board, towards end of Q3 2017, precisely on 26th September, 2017, the board met and endorsed the rights strategic

steps, including terms of rights issue as it approved to raise N131.65 billion by way of rights issue at N42.50 naira per share, through the rights offer of 5 new shares for every 9 shares held by investors.

It noted that the rights price represents about 17.44 per cent discount on Lafarge Africa’s closing price at Sept N22, as it waits regulatory endorsement.

Lafarge Africa had planned to launch its rights issue later this month and finalise the offer by the fourth quarter.

LafargeHolcim, which holds the majority equity stake of 72.59 per cent in Lafarge Africa Plc, has indicated it will subscribe fully to its rights. LafargeHolcim will pick up its rights under a debt-for-equities deal that will see conversion of LafargeHolcim’s dollar-based loan to equities.

2018 to face weak budget shortfall

Fortis links Q3 result filling delay to change in banking application The board of management of Fortis Micro finance bank has announced its inability to still submit to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) its unaudited financial statement for the third quarter period ended 30th September 2017.

The company in a statement signed by its Secretary and chief legal officer, Victor Emersion, released by the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) on Tuesday, the micro finance bank revealed that delay in filing its Q3 result was caused by recent change affected in its banking applications.

“The reason for delay in filling the Q3 2017 accounts is due to the fact that the bank has recently switched over to anew core banking application which in turn occasioned the delay in preparation and presentation of the accounts to the board of directors for consideration” The company however said that the board has met and given consent to the result and approved the accounts, expressing confidence that the result would be delivered to the NSE on or before Friday 10th November 2017.

However, many Nigerian shareholders raised objections to the debt-for-equities deal, which they said could give the majority core investor undue advantage to increase its controlling equity stake in the company.

Chairman, Lafarge Africa Plc, Mr. Mobolaji Balogun, said decision of LafargeHolcim to convert existing loans into equity demonstrates the core investor’s continued belief in the Nigeria story, pointing out that the rights issue is the largest so far in the Nigerian capital market and the largest investment in a listed company by an investor.

He added that the recapitalization would help to reduce the group’s exposure to adverse foreign currency translation losses as experienced in 2016 following a 40 per cent depreciation of the Naira against the Dollar.

L-R: Head, International Primary Markets, The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE), Oluwafemi Onifade; General Counsel/ Head, Regulation, NSE, Ms. Tinuade Awe; Managing Director, Prestige Assurance Plc, Dr. Balla Swamy; and ED, Risk Operations, Prestige Assurance Plc, Mr Sarberswar Sahoo at the Facts behind the Figures presentation...on Tuesday.

Stock market rebounds 0.22% . Diamond Bank tops gainers, top traded Adesola Afolabi Equities trading activities rebounded by 0.22 per cent on Tuesday, as the All-Share Index added 82.7 points to cross the 37,000 mark, a feat last achieved in August 2017.

The ASI closed at 37,013.57 points on the day Nigeria’s President, Muhammadu Buhari presented an N8.6 trillion budget for the 2018 year.

The recorded growth in the stock market on Tuesday was preceded by

significant increases recorded in the Banking and Industrial goods indices that appreciated 0.45 and 0.46 per cent respectively. The consumer goods and the Oil&Gas Indices however recorded declines of 0.66 and 0.21 per cent, respectively.

Boosting the Banking index was Diamond Bank that emerged the day’s highest gainer. It gained 5.17 per cent to close at N1.22 per share. This was followed by UPL that added 4.80 per cent to close at N2.84 per share

and NEM emerged the third highest gainer with a 4.58 per cent growth to close at N1.37 per share.

On the other hand, international Breweries recorded the highest decline of 9.29 per cent to close at N41 per share. linkage assurance and Morison Industries was next with a decline of 5 per cent each, to close at 76 Kobo and 57 Kobo, respectively.

The volume of shares transacted in 4,399 deals however dropped to 305.2 million units from 466.52 million units sold on Monday in 4,274 deals, while the value traded closed flat at N2.905 billion.

Experts have said that the country’s budget implementation shortfall for the prevailing year may not differ from what will be seen in the coming year; hence government appeared not to have found a way out of it.SBM Intelligence report released recently and made available to Daily Times Nigeria pointed “By now, it should be clear that there is lack of political will in the current government to take tough decisions, so, expect 2018 to be no different from 2017.”

According to the report, the country’s revenue generation problem has been well documented and discussed.

Over the years’ the report hinted that, “Successive administrations have promised to diversify the economy but they rarely do more than make verbal pronouncements” Cautioning against raising taxes under weak economy, the report said, “It is difficult to ask the large informal sector to pay up on taxes owed when the government has not shown sufficient accountability in dealing with the shared oil wealth. By now it should be clear that there is a lack of political will in the current government to take tough decisions, so expect 2018 to be no different from 2017.

The analyst’s report took into cognizance that, the FG recorded a 49 per cent shortfall in non-oil revenue needed to finance the 2017 budget, according to new figures obtained from the Budget Office of the Federation and contained in the Medium Term Expenditure Framework prepared by the Budget and National Planning Ministry, and approved by the FEC. The document showed that both oil and non-oil revenue performed below their target within the first six months of this year.

About $2.43 trillion out of the total projected H1 revenue of $2.54trn was realized. From the realised revenue, it added that oil revenue was $960.87 billion against the target of $1.06trn, a shortfall of nine per cent. Customs revenue was the best performing nonoil revenue category with $132.97bn.

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

B5 Money Market

L-R: Acting Director, Custom, Prison and Immigration Pension Department, Pension Transitional Arrangement Directorate (PTAD), Mrs. Bilkisu Rimi; Head of Service, Kwara State, Mrs. Susan Modupe-Oluwole and Principal Officer, PTAD, Mr. Mohammed Abubakar and other officials, during the on-going Pension Verification Exercise in Ilorin, Kwara State... on Tuesday.

Sterling Bank educates students on savings Sterling Ban Plc, has educated students in Lagos on the importance of developing the habit of saving from a very early age as part of the 2017 World Savings Day (WSD), which was celebrated recently across the globe.

The main focus of the programme, which was organised by banks in Nigeria at the instance of the Central Ban of Nigeria (CBN), is to increase awareness of the importance of savings as a path to financial empowerment amongst Nigerians.

Senior officials of Sterling Bank facilitated the programme at Our Mother Mary Schools (OMMS) located in Ejigbo in the Alimosho Local Government of Lagos State with about 200 students participating in the programme. This was also replicated at Broadway Schools located in Surulere, Lagos, with about 50 students in attendance.

Mrs. Eniola Obe, regional business executive of Sterling Bank, (Ikeja and Beyond), who led the team, noted that savings could be defined in different ways: income not spent or set aside, the act or instance of cutting costs, excess income not spent, income minus consumption and money that is kept in a bank or similar financial institution.

Obe, who was represented by Mrs. Shola Ogudiji, Branch Manager, Dopemu Branch of Sterling Bank, also explained that there are several reasons why people save money. They include the need for financial independence, unforeseen circumstances, for accommodation, to get out of debt and for retirement among others.

She said saving money in a box or wallet or money box at home was a good starting point, but sadly, this method does not increase the value of money.

The branch manager said in order to grow money, students should keep a percentage of their money in a safe place that earns interest,

which is known as a savings account.

Also speaking, Mrs. Folake Ferreira, regional education officer in charge of Ikeja and beyond; told the students that the first thing they should do when they get paid/ get allowance from their parents or guardian is to set aside their savings.

They should also decide how much to save each time and stick with it and also ensure that their money was kept in safe place that earns interest. Besides, she said they should avoid expensive items and live within their means.

Mrs. Ferreira encouraged them to make use of their skills to earn money, stressing that they should be entrepreneurial in nature, make out their budgets, open personal accounts in banks and also form and belong to savings clubs in their schools.

She said that the earlier they start saving, the easier it would be for them in the future because it would not only help them to become financially responsible but also make them to financially stable.

The founder of OMMS, Mr. Emmanuel Njokanma, who has been a customer of the bank for more than 20 years, appreciated Sterling Bank for always coming to impart financial knowledge in his students.

In both schools, during questions and answers after the lecture, majority of the students exhibited appreciable knowledge and understanding of savings while some of them opened their personal accounts.

Other members of the Sterling Bank’s team that facilitated the training include: Mrs. Biola Olanipekun, Business Manager, Idumu Branch; Mrs. Temilola Onasanya, Business Manager, Ikotun Branch, Mrs. Motunrayo Smith, Regional Education Officer ( Ikeja and beyond), Mrs. Maria Awosika, Business Manager, Fadeyi Branch and David Kolawole, Relationship Manager, Fadeyi Branch.

Naira gains, as Buhari presents 2018 Appropriation Bill

Stories by Motolani Oseni

The Nigerian currency, Naira, on Tuesday, extended its gaining streak over the Euro to close at an appreciable rate of 420 against 421 traded on Monday and 425 exchanged over the weekend, even as the President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja, yesterda,y presented N8.612 trillion as the 2018 Appropriation Bill to a joint session of the National Assembly, saying, the projected expenditure would drive rapid economic recovery.

The local currency, also, recorded significant increase at the close of yesterday trading activities at the Investor & Exporter FX (I&E) widow, with total daily transactions of $169.63 million compared to $149.90 million sold the previous day.

The I&E FX window, however, began trading at stronger trading rate of 359.66 to the US Dollar, against 360.15 declared on the first trading

day of the week, represented 0.14 per cent gain, but closed low at 360.46; while compared to Monday 360.05, and 360.57 sold over the weekend.

But the Naira at the unofficial segment of the forex market did not react positively to the new budget presented, rather, remained stabled at a buying rate of 360 and closed at 363 to the dollar, while Pound was bought at 470 before closing at 475.

At the official forex market, the Naira traded at 305.90 the same rate it was sold on Monday and a he close of last week trading activities.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari, said at the session that with a benchmark of 45 dollars per barrel at an exchange rate of N305 to a dollar in 2018, the budget would consolidate on the achievements of previous budgets to aggressively steer the economy to the path of steady growth. “With the economic recovery made so far, it is clear that we made

the right decisions.

“And I urge you all to support the Federal Government’s policies towards economic recovery,’’ he said.

Buhari said that the government would continue to develop infrastructure and increase investments in agriculture to attain food security and reduce importation.

He added that while the FG was committed to identifying alternative means of funding new projects, there was need to continue to pursue public private partnership, to provide more infrastructure in the country.

According to him, the government has been able to construct or rehabilitate about 776-kilometer roads in 2017.

The president said that the construction of Abuja metroline had attained 98 per cent completion, adding that work had commenced on the Ajaokuta-Itakpe rail line, which was abandoned for 17 years.

Budgit CEO, Onigbinde, wants budget re-tooled

The Chief Executive Officer, BudgIT, a civic organisation, Mr. Seun Onigbinde has described Nigeria’s annual budget as a ‘contract vending machine,’ rather than a planning document.

Onigbinde, who said this during a presentation at the ‘Meet-the-Executive’ forum organised by members of the Finance Correspondents Association of Nigeria (FICAN) in Lagos yesterday, expressed concern over the poor state of budget implementation in Nigeria.

“Nigeria’s budget is a contract vending machine rather than a planning document. This is because a typical budget will first bring all the arms of government today and follow the goals of the ruling party.

“Then, everything you will see in the budget in terms of allocation will follow that pattern. But here, every arm wants to stuff things into the

budget, so that its becomes a legal opportunity to procure.

“So, that is the problem. If we see the budget as a planning tool, part of the problem we have with the budget will not be coming up,” he added.

According to Onigbinde, after a country’s constitution, the second most important document is the budget that stipulates allocation of resources to members of the public.

“People would tell you that after the constitution of a country, the most important thing is the budget.

Gradually, we are moving to a point where every single person would be able to have a conversation on the budget,” Onigbinde added.

He urged states to desist from going for foreign loans because of currency risks. He added: “We are warning states to be careful of external debts.

If it is a local debt, there could be a bailout by the federal government to

reschedule your debt. But external debts, you don’t have the luxury of the federal government that receives oil in dollars.

“So, if you borrowed at N167 to a dollar and you are now paying back at N315 to a dollar, you are going to be more hit by the currency risk. It is a thing that we try to warn states about. So, you don’t see cheap loans and start jumping into it.”

Onigbinde argued that zero-budgeting system which the current administration promoted at the beginning of their regime can’t work in Nigeria, “because you have thousands of abandoned projects.”

“Zero-based budget is that you are going to start as fresh. But we are in a phase of development where most of our projects are rolled over. I think what we need more is the same envelop budget we have been doing, but we need to make it clearer.

Maritime B6

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

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Maritime safety, key to industry and national growth- Amaechi

Stories by Babajide Okeowo

The Minister of Transportation, Mr. Rotimi Chibuike Amaechi has affirmed that the dictates of and total adherence to Maritime Safety and Security imperatives in the nation are critical ingredients of both industry and national growth.

He said this on the occasion of the World Maritime day celebration held in Lagos; while assuring stakeholders in sub-sec-

tor of government’s cooperation in all concerted efforts towards the safety and security of the national waterways.

The event, with the theme: “Connecting Ships, Ports and People,” the minister stated that it is a wakeup call; and that all hands must be on deck to ensure that the maritime sub-sector is effectively prepared to attract foreign direct investment, (FDIS), which in turn would impact positively on the growth of the nation’s economy and an increase standard of living

of the people.

The minister told stakeholders that government is in collaboration with professional concerning the safety of the country’s waterways; adding that the action is in line with best practice with technology transfer and mentorship being the variable accruable to the nation in the long- run when Nigerians would be welltrained on the subject. On the intermodal system of transportation, he stated that plans have reached advanced stage for the use of rail in the evacuation

of cargoes to commence.

He pointed out that Government is interested in boosting activities in the sector in order to guarantee employment and empowerment of the teaming Youths who are leaders of tomorrow.

Similarly, Amaechi encouraged information sharing and synergy amongst key players in the industry. This, he said, would create the enabling environment for The Tincan Island Port maritime growth, which Command of the Nihe considered to be in tandem with the tenets of the geria Customs Service, NCS has generated a total of N237, ease of doing business.

265,538,567.88bn between January and October, 2017.

This figure is against the sum of N207,934,704,906.23 The CAC emphasized that generated in the correspondthe Customs powers to inter- ing period of 2016.

Presenting the giant strides cept any suspected container or goods anywhere is legally- of the Command, the Controlbacked by provisions of rel- ler of the Command, Compevant sections of the Customs troller Bashar Yusuf emphaand Excise Management Act sized that the command has been repositioned for greater (CEMA).

He said, “We will impound functionality while pointing any suspected container; be it out that the command relied on the highways or in a ware- mostly on capacity building, house, the law empowers us to training and re-training to extract reasonable level of prodo that.”

He used the occasion to ad- fessional integrity from the vise truck owners to do thor- officers, which ultimately led ough character checks before to the increase in revenue.

“You will recall that the engaging drivers for their business concerns. “Owners must command alone has recorded know the drivers they want three different seizures of a to employ to be driving their large cache of arms and have trucks because any truck used recently seized two containers for smuggling will be impound- load of suspected controlled drugs (Tramadol) falsely deed.

Mohammed reiterates commitment to trade facilitation

Ïz Ə ƈ Ɛ ƌƑ Ƌƈ The Customs Area Controller, The Federal Operations Unit Zone ‘A’ Lagos of the Nigeria Customs Service,GarbaUba Moham-

med has reiterated the commitment of the service towards trade facilitation.

This is even as he read the riot act to smugglers to desist from any activities that would jeopardise the safety of the country while robbing the government of revenue through smuggling saying that he will leave no stone unturned in ensuring that every revenue due to the government is recovered.

Mohammed added that, “if you consider the number of containers being released daily from the ports and the number of containers we have intercepted for necessary investigation, you will know

that we have high regards for trade facilitation. Our activities will not affect the ease of doing business initiative of the Federal Government,” he said.

Mohammed noted that antismuggling operations of the unit would not only increase revenue for the government by way of duty payment but also secure and businesses that are operating legally within the nation.

Speaking on the recent seizures of choice cars from some car marts in Lagos, Mohammed said: “Our operations are intelligence-based, and if the owners have evidence of duty payment they should forward, and the vehicles will be released for them.”

Tincan Island generates 237bn in 10 months

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He said, “Our new strategic focus has strengthened not only statutory responsibility of Revenue Generation but also the safety of lives by decimating the tendency of unscrupulous importers who bring in unwholesome drugs, particularly Tramadol, which consumption would naturally have a consequential effect on our large population of youth, thereby ultimately affecting their educational pursuits and socio-economic wellbeing amongst other negative effects.

“Just recently our president was in Turkey with the Comptroller General of Customs alongside other top government functionaries on a diplomatic visit; and the issue of arms was discussed after which a memorandum of understanding was signed with a view to ensuring that such illicit imports are curtailed.”

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

B7 BIZ INTERVIEW

FG’s oil, gas reforms fasttracking private sector-led investments – Osinbajo The Vice President Professor Yemi Osinbajo Solicits private sector cooperation in the realization of FG’s clean energy economy initiative. He also solicits the cooperation and support for the clean energy economy efforts as well. He made this request at the 55th anniversary celebration of oil producers’ trade section (opts) of the Lagos Chambers of Commerce and Industry (LCCI ) held in Lagos, Simon Ugwu reports Theme of the anniversary The theme: Nigeria: An Investor Friendly Destination, aptly describes Nigeria’s current journey of transiting to the next chapter, of maximizing our resources for the development of our nation, and the OPTS platform is an important sounding board for government and several regional non- state actors interested in the oil and gas industry.

Petroleum products supply and distribution to the nation is fairly stabilized since the giant leap of May 2016 market liberalization.

Change in the macroeconomic conditions However, with the prevailing change in the macroeconomic conditions, this is being achieved at higher cost, especially to NNPC as the supplier of the last resort.

We continue to channel more energy towards resolving our downstream issues, once and for all and we have also made tremendous progress in fulfilling the repayment terms of the new sustainable funding framework for Joint Venture cash call operations. This will not only sustain our JV operations but is also a key enabler for incremental production from our JV operations and a pathway towards incorporating our JVs. In the area of Local Content, in the year 2016, the country witnessed a steady increase in participation of Nigerians in oil and gas contracts by about 180%, and we expect that the numbers will increase in 2017 and beyond.

When all these highlights of the industry are taken together, we can see both progress and challenges.

Challenges Our challenges include that of security & environment, institutional capacity, funding of investments, high industry technical costs, obsolete legislation & fiscal regimes, downstream sector issues and infrastructure constraints.

There are often various factors that contribute to create these challenges. These factors obviously underpin our own approach and considerations we have made in reforming and repositioning our oil and gas industry.

Reforming the industry

Osinbajo Reforming the Industry, you are well aware, His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari launched in October 2016, the road map for the repositioning of the Nigeria Oil and Gas Industry. The road map has very specific timefocused targets and like the many other steps taken in the sector since the inception of the present administration, we remain focused on making necessary, even if dramatic policy shifts in this sector to grow, deepen and open up the business and opportunities in Nigeria’s oil and gas sector.

All studies conducted on the Nigerian petroleum sector since 1999, agree that the issue that the role of Government in the oil and gas sector needs to be better clarified whilst the policy, regulatory and commercial institutions need to be given a refocused mandate to ensure better sector governance, transparency of regulations and operations, accountability of the institutions, and removal of opaqueness around the industry.

For these reasons, we have begun to address these issues with an overhaul of sector policies.

We have developed and obtained the approval of the Federal Executive Council for a new National Oil and Gas Policy, and a new fiscal policy has been developed and its approval by FEC is underway.

We have taken a root and branch effort to reform, which is the basis of these policies

and in order to ensure the sustainability of the policies, Nigeria is in the process of legislating these critical policy positions within the next few months.

The strategic objective of the new oil policy aims to i Create a market driven oil and gas industry, ii Maximize production and processing of hydrocarbons, iii Move away from oil as a source of income, to oil as a fuel for economic growth, iv Minimize the environmental footprint of oil exploration and production, v Manage the balance between depleting oil resources vs renewable energy, vi In the gas space, our policy interventions aspire to move the economy from oil to gas, vii Diversify the gas supply options within Nigeria, to ensure security of supply, viii Extend gas penetration in the domestic market in order to facilitate the growth of the electric power, agricultural, and industrial sectors gain a presence for Nigerian gas in international markets, ix Operate a gas industry with a clear division of roles between private and public sectors, x Public sector policy making; implementation and regulation, xi Private sector investment and operations, xii End and commercialize gas flaring and address environmental issues, xiii Provide an enabling environment for increased private sector participation in the gas sector.

Clarifying rules guiding investment in the gas sector To clarify the rules guiding investment in the gas sector, the new fiscal policy sets out to address Nigeria’s energy trilemma of addressing energy availability, enhancing energy accessibility and promoting energy availability It will enhance fiscal neutrality, create a fiscal basis that will encourage investments and market developments, while emplacing competitiveness and cost efficiency for the benefit of both government and the industry operators.

Hitherto, the Nigerian downstream infrastructure had been solely financed by government because of the social and economic impact, high investment requirements and long

gestation period.

Due to competing needs for government resources from other public sector services, most oil and gas infrastructure development projects should be financed and managed through private sector participation.

It is in the light of this, that comprehensive reforms are ongoing to fast track the development of private sector led downstream infrastructure, for effective competition and efficient service delivery.

We will continue to address Niger Delta issues and build a peaceful and prosperous Niger Delta, with emphasis on job creation for our teaming unemployed youths, investment in infrastructure, energy and promotion of sustainable livelihood.

Other key areas in our focus include; hydrocarbon tracking, cost reduction and restructuring our parastatals. All in all, if our government’s orientation and doctrinal positions are anything to go by, the future portends even greater private sector leadership and participation in the oil and gas sector.

Benefit from ease of doing business The oil industry stands to benefit greatly from our on-going Ease of Doing Business reforms. On Tuesday, the World Bank released its latest report, in which Nigeria achieved the unprecedented step of climbing 24 places in the rankings, and earning a place on the list of ten most improved economies in the world.

This is fantastic news, but by no means an excuse for us to slow down. Instead we’re taking it as the very reason why we need to ramp up our reforms, for the benefit of Nigeria. There is still work to be done in reducing bureaucratic bottlenecks in the award of contracts and generally in obtaining approvals – in your case from National Petroleum Investment Management Services (NAPIMS).

It is for this reason – the creation of a business environment that catalyzes business activity and investment –that this year alone we have issued an Executive Order focusing on improving the business environment, and launched two National Action Plans designed to be short-term interventions aimed at implementing specific business environment reforms. The second National Action Plan is on-going, and we expect that it will yield results across every sector of the economy, including the OPTS.

Aviation B8

Daily Times Nigeria Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Nigeria to host IWAF Nigeria will play host the International Civil Aviation Organization, ICAO World Aviation Forum (IWAF), from 20-22 November, 2017 Although this is the third edition, this is the first held by any country as ICAO has held the first two editions at its headquarters in Montreal, Canada in 2015 and 2016.

This year’s edition is a special forum because the global aviation communities will be gathered in the Federal Capital Territory of Nigeria, Abuja, to discuss the forum’s theme: “Financing the Development of Aviation Infrastructure.”

Nigeria’s Minister of State for Aviation, Senator Hadi Sirika in his comment, said the country is more than delighted to play host to this all-important forum as the first country in the world to do this. “This is a rare opportunity for Nigeria being the first time the forum is being held outside Montreal and we are more than delighted to host it”.

According to a publication from ICAO projecting the event, “The third ICAO World Aviation Forum will explore how development of aviation infrastructure plays a key role in the achievement of the visionary United Nation’s Agenda 2030 and African Union Agenda 2063 prosperity objectives, with a special focus on funding and financing of airport, air navigation, and other aviation infrastructure projects.”

“Stressing the importance of aligning policies and planning for air transport with the national development planning, this high-level event directly supports the ICAO No Country Left Behind initiative and will be of key interest to ministers and other senior government officials responsible for civil aviation, transport, infrastructure, finance, and tourism, as well as key industry and financial partners.”

During the event, a day will be dedicated fully to Africa aviation development financing.

“The second day of the forum will focus specifically on financing challenges facing aviation infrastructure and capacity development in Africa,” said ICAO.

L-R Alhaji Fatai Okanlawon,Technical Adviser To Director of Aerodrome and Airspace Standard (DAAS).NCAA, Capt Rabiu Yadudu, Director, Airport Operations FAAN and Abdullahi Lawal of planning department, FAAN at the just concluded African Airshow in Accra, Ghana..recently

African airshow : Lesson for Nigeria’s aviation industry Chukwuemeke Iwelunmo

For Africans, and non -African aviators alike, Kotoka International Airport Accra, Ghana, was a beehive of activities recently. That was the venue of the first ever Airshow held on the African soil.

The event, which began on the 24th, ran through 25th and ended on a colourful note on the 26th of Oct, 2017, after a dinner organized at the State House, by the organizers, was unique. it was a roll call of who is who in African Aviation business.

Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA), and Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB), were fully represented there. What is more,they saw things themselves!

Declaring the event open, the Ghana’s President, Nana Addo

The Regional Arrival Hall of the terminal with some of the abandoned facilities after BASL was disallowed from commencing regional flight operations

Dankwa Akufo-Addo in his opening address, thanked the cream of African aviators and their counterparts from around the globe for identifying with his country on the occasion of First Aerospace and Aviation Exhibition in West Africa.

He, however, emphasized that the primary objective for organizing the Airshow was to provide an opportunity for the convergence and engagement of major players within the African and Global aviation space with the singular purpose to positioning the African Aviation industry at the forefront of regional and global interest.

He said,”I am confident that the Airshow will open up various investment opportunities in the aviation sector, which has the potential to stimulate growth in other sectors of the economy. I also believe this interaction will provide the platform for experienced industry practitioners to make presentation and provoke debate and discussions that will offer sustainable solutions to some of the challenges confronting the aviation industry.

“It is my expectation that, this airshow will create opportunities for aircraft fleet modernization, aviation investment opportunities, aircraft financing, and networking so as to ensure the continuous growth of air transport business across the globe.

My government is committed to working with the private sector to offer modern, attractive air transport infrastructure, building the capacity and establishing an institutional policy framework to enhance safety

and security.

The president, who had a kind words for the exhibitors also said: ”To our exhibitors, I must commend you for the confidence reposed in Ghana. I am convinced that this will be a successful airshow. I laud your efforts in promoting and connecting aviation with the rest of the world. Your decision to come here will certainly be the beginning of investment opportunities for you here in Ghana and Africa. My government is committed to working with the private sector to offer modern, attractive air transport infrastructure, building the capacity and establishing an institutional policy framework to enhance safety and security of air services in the country.’’

With over 2, 300 attendees, 165 exhibitors and 600 journalist across the globe that covered the Airshow, the Minister For Aviation, of the Republic of Ghana, Hon. Cecilia Abena Dapaah, who could not hide her feelings at least for the fact that her name will go down in history as the first African Minister of aviation to have successfully packaged a world- class Aerospace and Aviation Exhibition on the African soil, charged everyone present, especially ministers of aviation from other African countries to see the Ghana Airshow as a wake up call to promote the development of the aviation industries on the continent.

Emirates resumes Abuja operations, promises special offers on Dubai route Emirates has announced it will reinstate its second daily service to Lagos and resume operations to Nigeria’s capital city, Abuja, with four weekly flights from 15 December 2017. Similar to the current daily service between Dubai and Lagos, the added frequencies to Lagos will be operated with Emirates’ Boeing 777-300ER aircraft, offering eight private suites in First Class, 42 lie-flat seats in Business Class and 310 spacious seats in Economy Class. The reinstated service to Abuja will be served by a 360-seat Boeing 777300 in a three-class configuration. However, Emirates will be offering Nigerian travellers the opportunity to visit Dubai with a special Economy and Business Class return airfare that includes a free third piece of luggage of up to 23 kg.

Under the special offer, an Economy Class ticket from Lagos to Dubai costs USD899 and Business Class USD3499.

The fare offer is for a limited time only and tickets must be booked between 1st November and 17 November 2017.

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TIMES Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Funmi Ajila-Ladipo: Fashion consultant expert L2

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Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

If not fashion, I would have been a singer –Funmi Ajila-Ladipo everybody. What we want government to do is fund Being successful in business may come with a couple of challenges which, the industry whereby a designer does not need to

start making clothes by himself or herself. What you do is produce a sample and take it to the production something, you cannot have an industry for it.

Ajila-Ladipo, the CEO of Regalia, whose so much fame that she seats as the

success in business, the challenges and To start with, how was growing up for you?

That was like every other child. I was brought up by very loving parents and grew up in a supportive environment. I grew up in Lagos but I was born in

How does it feel combining motherhood with business?

I just place priority on what I have to do and I do one thing at a time. I also concentrate on it to make make sure that when I have to attend to something, I take my time. I work with a time-table and I make sure I adhere to it. My family members understand that this time, this is what mummy will have to do and I take care of it very well to ensure it comes out well.

If you were not a designer, what would you have been?

Hmm! Maybe I would have been a singer, an artist or a lawyer. I think I would have been a singer because I sing as well. I do that in the church and I, probably, would have been a doctor or a lawyer

Being a household name in the fashion world, what are the challenges?

The challenges are relative to every other fashion designer. You have the issue funding, power and

that trait in me and they helped me out. My mother

make may not give you the returns to develop your business. Practically, the challenges are common to

What do you attribute to your success in life?

encouragement. I think I would have been one crazy lawyer somewhere (laughs).

being passionate about what you do and being steadfast. It is also about giving priority to what you do. Life is a learning ground and it goes from one stage to the other. The moment you understand that there are always new grounds to be broken into in life, then you will have a great life. We have different stuff and we can learn from each other and you just have to be humble enough to learn from each other.

Passion, humility and persistence and keep you on

think of chasing money, money will chase you by itself. Your work will always speak for you and that will eventually put money in your pocket. It is only unfortunate that a lot of people who pursue money do not grow and at the end of the day, they kill their job. Passion is what it basically requires to succeed in this business. You also have to be technically knowledgeable. For me, I am still growing and still learning.

How about your core values in business?

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run our individual races in life.

What are your distant goals in business?

Despite all I have achieved, I feel I am not there yet and I hope that one day, I will get there and be able to give back to the society. I want to be able to help the younger ones in the industry so they can grow a very great fashion industry. People have to stop to patronize Dubai so that we can grow the economy. There is nowhere that is more homely than your home. I am looking forward to a time when we will grow this country. We are the agents of change of our own generation.

You are beautiful at your age and you are even a grandmother already. What do you do to keep yourself youthful, despite the stress that comes with your business?

anything. I also try as much as possible to do my exercise. My daughter is a nutritionist and apart from that, from the inside of me, I am a little child.

Despite that I am over 50, I still act like an 18 year old girl. I am still growing and I have not arrived yet. I have this feeling in me that makes me feel that I am still learning and growing.

Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Curvy Life Collective defies fashion norms at Heineken Lagos Fashion and Design Week 2017 For the second time in a row at Heineken Lagos Fashion

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Daily Times Nigeria

Wednesday, November 8, 2017

Mutiat Alli

Abstract symmetrical obsession Black and white is known to be constant staples in the fashion world and is sometimes hardly notable as trends. But when you put them together into bold, graphic, geometric patterns, they end up becoming eye catching.

Tips on pulling off this trend The key to wearing the graphic black and white trend is to be bold, Your body shape is of utmost importance when considering this trend.

Look for eye-tricking patterns to slim certain areas and draw attention to others.

Be a master of the trend by mixing and matching contrasting patterns Add eye catching accessories for a well put together look.

Play with print sizes Add a pop of color, think of a bright pair of pumps or an eye catching bag

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