DTN 23 3 15

NSE GAINERS AND LOSERS AS AT 20th March 2015.

EXCHANGE RATES AS AT 19th March 2015.

Currency

Buying(NGN)

Central (NGN)

GAINERS

Selling(NGN)

LOSERS

US DOLLAR

196

196.5

197

NESTLE

829.5

29.50

3.56%

PZ

24.43

-1.27

POUNDS STERLING

291.844

292.5885

293.333

FO

190.05

9.05

4.76%

ZENITHBANK

16.49

-0.51

-3.09%

9.01

-0.47

-5.22%

18.33

-0.46

-2.51%

EURO

209.6416

SWISS FRANC

210.1764

197.9598

198.4648

210.7112

7UP

156.01

1.00

0.64%

UBN

198.9698

GUARANTY

22.9

0.90

3.93%

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MONDAY, MARCH 23, 2015 VOL. 1. NO.71

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Amaechi’s deputy dumps APC for PDP 4

Monday, March 23, 2015

Patrick Nnemeka Okorie Poster boy for dancehall music L2,3

P

Moringa: the miracle food L6 P

Ï RƑƏ ƍƋ Ƈ Ə Mƈ ƆƏƈ è Ƅƕ ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛè Ɛ ƆƏ Celestine Okafor æ ƑƏƆ Ƒ ƈƆƇè M ƏƐ ƆƏ RƍƆƏ Ɛƈ ç

NMA may join Lagos doctors’ strike

ÏÏÏWithin

the next four years, corruption will be wiped out from Nigeria’s

25

oil and gas sector.

That was the pledge of CONTINUED ON PAGE 4

Pro-PDP US ‘envoy’ bought – APC

7

Monday, March 23, 2015

Monday, March 23, 2015

I am so pleased to be joining Arsenal, a club I have admired for a long time. Coming to Arsenal will give me the opportunity to work with world-class players every day and play football at the highest possible level. It is a strange day because I am also very sad to be moving from Southampton. I am leaving many friends and some great coaches who have been so important to my career so far, but I leave with many great memories from the club. I am now really looking forward to meeting my new teammates and working hard as an Arsenal player.

—Theo Walcott

THEO

Southampton Arsenal

X4,5

WALCOTT

QUOTES BY

“ ”

THEO WALCOTT X3

I was shocked and surprised as everyone was. My first thoughts were that I can’t believe this, really. The move to Arsenal and then this, it is just unbelievable. My eyes were coming out of my head.

EXTRATIME Money’s never been an option for me so I don’t pay much attention to that. I like the youth set-up here and I think they get a chance to play. It’s all about my development as a youngster and just to train with world-class players is what I’m most looking forward to.

EXTRATIME

THEO WALCOTT

X4

Poster!

England U-16 England U-17 England U19 England U-21 England

NPFL:

Udoh earns Enyimba first win

Theo Walcott Theo James Walcott March 16, 1989 (age 26) Stanmore, London, England 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) Forward / Winger Arsenal 14

XT Exclusive

Newbury Swindon Town Southampton

I’ll wipe out oil sector corruption in 4 years – GEJ

INSIDE National team 2004–2005: 2005–2006: 2006: 2006–2010: 2006–Present:

TIMES

Troops foil fresh attack 4 on Bama

Amaechi

Name: Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth: Height: Playing position: Current team: Number:

Life&

Ikuru

Youth career 1999–2000: 2000: 2000–2005: Senior career 2005–2006: 2006–Present:

INSIDE

It’s regrettable that he has chosen the dishonourable path of bare-faced lies and name-calling – Amaechi

PERSONAL INFORMATION

APC is founded on ƗƆƅƆƍƐƈ è unholy propaganda.

I wash my hands off this treachery – Ikuru

Monday, March 23, 2015

Premiership Results Liverpool 1 - 2 Man United Hull City 2 - 3 Chelsea QPR 1 - 2 Everton

CAZNEOWR‘KLINAG EPL’S OF ASSISTS’ ODUAMADI, others hit target in Europe X7

X8

Moses

fears return to Chelsea X7

2

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

Politics Page Three

3

s

Editorial Opening railway to private sector participation

I

f all goes according to plan, the Nigerian railway system will soon be open to private sector participation. The first step towards this revolutionary development is being taken by the Federal Government, which has sent a bill to the National Assembly to this effect.

The bill provides for private operators to own, construct and operate railway lines. When passed, the Act will help to give the railway the much-needed boost to reinvent and transform itself from the present stodgy state to a modern transportation system like what obtains in other advanced and developing countries of the world.

We know that the President Goodluck Jonathan administration has set for itself a target of developing an adequate, safe, environmentally sound, efficient and affordable, integrated transport system within the framework of a competitive national and international market economy. But over the years, the railway has suffered neglect, due to the lack of investment required to bring it up to date through the purchase of state-of-the-art equipment including modern coaches, locomotive engines, rail buses, motorised trolleys, among others.

Poor management of the rail system, which has led to deficient and erratic service delivery in the movement of goods and commuters, has exacerbated this. Part of this problem is traceable to the outmoded narrow gauge rail lines being operated in the country. Curiously, the narrow gauge system has since

been abandoned in all major economies and replaced with the standard gauge.

Such lack of progress has left Nigeria at the mercy of Chinese and Indian rolling stock companies, given that they are now the last frontiers for the building of coaches and engines for narrow tracks. This is where private-sector investment comes in handy to engender competition for the building and operation of alternative rail systems.

Definitely, no government has all the resources to optimise capacity in the rail transportation sector. It should therefore allow for Public Private Partnership (PPP) to leverage on the synergy this will bring. It is a fact that a modern rail transportation system would bring the much-desired efficiency in the movement of goods and commuters from one part of the country to another. The time has come for Nigeria to emulate the examples in Europe and Asia where private investors run railways with ease and stress-free efficiency not matched by any other mode of transportation.

Government should emulate the success story of the previously privatised Public Enterprises, such as banking, power, telecommunications, marine, steel sectors and bring such foresight to bear on rail transportation. We expect that with the passage of the bill, competent private enterprises willing to invest in the rail system would be encouraged to do so. This way, people and organisations can make informed choices on the best ways to travel and transport their goods and services.

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Is Gov. Amaechi-Police relationship jinxed?

Sam Nzeh ÏÏÏThe relationship between the Rivers State Governor, Chibuike Amaechi, and the Nigeria Police Force further nosedived last week, making many to wonder if things will ever be normal again between both parties.

Amaechi had, in response to the withdrawal of police security to politicians last week, alleged that the action was to facilitate the assassination of the All Progressives Congress (APC) governorship candidate in the state, Dr. Dakuku Peterside.

Addressing a press brief-

ing, Amaechi also said that he had lost confidence in the Police to be unbiased in thecoming elections.

Responding via a statement last Thursday, the Police Commissioner in the state, Mr. Dan Bature, described the allegation as spurious, adding that the “vituperation were frustrating signs of the government’s inability to pressure the police to release hardened criminals involved in sundry heinous crimes.”

Those were strong and unacceptable words from both parties.

No doubt, this latest allegation by Amaechi has worsened the already strained relationship between the governor and the Force.

Words On Marble :

dailytimesng

It would be recalled that the governor had had a running battle with former Police Commissioner in the state, now Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 2, Mr. Mbu Joseph Mbu. His successor, Tunde Ogunsakin, now Assistant Inspector General of Police Zone 6, could not be said to have truly fared better with Amaechi.

Something, many say, must be wrong. It is either that the Police Commissioners have ‘refused to be pocketed’ by the governor as many allege, or that the Police commissioners are deliberately looking for trouble.

Whatever may be the case, the cat and mouse relationship between the governor and Police chiefs must stop.

STATEMENTS BY THOSE WHO MATTER

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Publisher

Fidelis Anosike

Group Managing Director

Editor, Standard, Archives and Special projects

Chief Commercial Officer

Deputy Editors

Noel Anosike

Doyin Awomosu

Group Managing Editor Gabriella Osamor

Editor

Yinka Olujimi

Tunji Okegbola

Yemi Ogunsola Sam Nzeh

Bureau Chief, Northern Operations Celestine Okafor

Group News Editor

Online Editor

Editorial Page Editor

Business Editor

Segun Adio Okay Osuji

Sports Editor

Andrew Ekejiuba

Head of Operations Innocent Nwankwo

Adetayo Adelaja Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

Head ICT (Shared Services) Banjo Ayorinde

Head Graphics King Ododoru

The opinions expressed in the articles published in this newspaper are solely those of the authors. Articles may be reproduced, provided that the original source is indicated.

Booker T. Washington

George Washington Carver

Nikki Giovanni

A life is not worth much of which it cannot be said, when it comes to its close, that it was helpful to humanity.

How far you go in life depends on your being tender with the young, compassionate with the aged, sympathetic with the striving and tolerant of the weak and strong.

Because someday in your life you will have been all of these.

I really don’t think life is about the I-could-have-beens. Life is only about the I-tried-to-do.

I don’t mind the failure but I can’t imagine that I’d forgive myself if I didn’t try.

News 4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

Amaechi’s deputy dumps APC, joins PDP Dan Bassey, Port Harcourt, Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

ÏÏÏ“Ever since, as the true nature

and motives of APC are unveiled, I have continued to twist and turn in extreme mental and emotional agony. The more I struggle to belong, the more the Rivers man in me rejects the APC.” With those words, the Rivers State Deputy Governor, Engineer Tele Ikuru, at the weekend dumped the All Progressives Congress (APC) and returned to the

Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

The defection drew applause from the PDP’s presidential campaign organization, and criticism from the state Governor, Mr. Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi.

Ikuru, while resigning from the APC at his Andoni community in the state, also described moves against the reelection of President Goodluck Jonathan from Rivers State as treacherous, from which he waxed Biblical by washing off his hands.

He declared: “After carefully

studying, interacting and analyzing the leadership of the party, I have come to the sad conclusion that the APC is a party of rebels, insurgents and anarchists, clothed in robes of pretense and deceit.”

He continued: “We of this generation will not in good conscience expect forgiveness and compassion from our forebears, posterity, and the spirit of our unborn generations if it is recorded in the annals of history that after 48 Years of Rivers people support-

ing leaders from all other parts of this country with our votes and resources, we were the same that witch-hunted and hounded down the very first ever President from this region, granted us by Providence. I wash my hands off this treachery.”

His principal, Governor Amaechi, is the Director General of the Buhari Campaign organization in the APC. Ikuru was deputy to Sir Celestine Omehia who was ousted on the orders of the Supreme Court om October 26, 2007, paving the way for Amaechi to be sworn in as Governor.

Sources told the Daily Times that Ikuru would be received officially by President Jonathan, at a PDP stakeholders’ meeting in Port Harcourt, the state capital, on Monday (today).

In a press statement released by the Rivers State Commissioner for Information and Communications, Ibim Semenitari, the Governor declared: “The Rivers State

Governor Rt. Hon Chibuike Rotimi Amaechi has only this evening received the news of the resignation of his Deputy Governor Engr Tele Ikuru from the All Progressives Congress.

“Whilst the news remains unofficial at this time, as the Deputy Governor is yet to notify His Excellency the Governor of his move, Governor Amaechi however wishes Engr Ikuru all the best in his future political endeavours.”

The statement continued: “He (Amaechi) however wishes to note that the reasons adduced by Engr Ikuru are shocking as Deputy Governor lkuru has consistently been the one driving political activities in his local government area of Andoni. He has also been the second in command driving politics and governance in Rivers state.

“On a personal note, Governor Amaechi has accorded Engr IkuContinued on page 6

Troops foil fresh attack on Bama Ï Ɨƈ ƌƈƋƈƐ Əƕ Ƅ ƌƄ ƈ ƑƏ Ɔ Ɛ ô ƍ ƈƐƈ Andrew Orolua Abuja Vice President Nnamadi Sambo, President Goodluck Jonathan and National Chairman of the PDP, Adamu Mu’azu at the party’s Presidential Campaign in Daura, Katsina State. .. at the weekend

How we’ll tackle graft, insurgency – Jonathan others Continued from page 1 President Goodluck Jonathan at a forum of Nigeria’s young professionals, held in Lagos, on Sunday evening.

Earlier in the day, Jonathan and his challengers from some other parties, outlined their blueprints on how to tackle some of the country’s challenges at the presidential debate in Abuja.

President Jonathan is the candidate of the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

In Lagos, Jonathan who responded to a request that he access the impact of corruption in the country, spoke about how his administration had been able to tackle the menace in the agriculture sector as well as in the payment of workers’ salaries.

He recalled that even while he was Deputy Governor of Bayelsa State, previous administrations made several unsuccessful efforts

to end corruption in the distribution of fertiliser. But, he added, his administration’s e-wallet system has ended the menace in the distribution of fertiliser, just as his government’s e-payment scheme has eliminated thousands of ghost workers, thereby saving the nation billions of Naira.

Those who unveiled their plans, alongside Jonathan at the presidential debate were Dr. Chewas Okorie of the United Progressive Party (UPP), Prof. Oluremi Sonaiya (KOWA Party), Mr. Godson Okoye (United Democratic Party, UDP) and Chief Martins Onovo (National Conscience Party, NCP).

The presidential candidate of the All Progressive Congress (APC), General Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) was conspicuously absent out of the six Presidential candidates slated to feature in the second and final phase of the Presidential Election Debate held on Sunday at the International

Conference Center (ICC) Abuja.

Jonathan in his response to a question on how he would tackle corruption and insurgency during the Abuja debate, said he would focus on instituting strong measures that would prevent corrupt activities. He stated that his regime has actually began this process especially in the current electronic payroll system and the Agric sector reforms which he said, has helped to ensure that local farmers were not deprived fertilizer supplies and other basic farming needs.

He also said that he would strengthen the anti- corruption institutions and seek ways of ensuring that the legal process is enhanced in order to get the courts to respond to corruption cases as quickly as possible.

The PDP standard bearer however urged that citizens can help Continued on page 6

ÏÏÏNigerian troops at the week-

end foiled a fresh attack on Bama

by Boko Haram terrorists.

The terrorists on Saturday morning attacked parts of Bama with intent to retake the town but their attempt was frustrated by the Nigerian troops who dealt with them decisively.

Troops had reclaimed Bama on March 12, months after it fell to the insurgents in September 2014.

A statement by the Director of Defence Information, Major General Chris Olukolade, said over a score of the terrorists died while others fled with wounds. “Many more of the attacking terrorists also died as the airforce patrol went after the fleeing ones.

“Pursuit is still ongoing while calm has been restored and troops maintain firm control of Bama town,” he stated.

“A Hilux vehicle as well as other equipment and some weapons were captured from the attackers.

One soldier died while seven were wounded while repelling the attack. They have been evacuated from the combat area by air and are already receiving medical attention.” Olukolade added.

According to him, “With most of the towns slated to be cleared of terrorists already covered, the

campaign to rid the rest of the communities of them is continuing with air and land operations now stepped up in the remaining designated locations in the mission area.”

Cordon and search of cleared communities are also ongoing with some discoveries of weapons and other atrocities committed by the terrorists while they held sway in some locations, he added.

The military last week cleared the whole of Adamawa and Yobe states of the terrorists’ camps.

The terrorists had camps and took over towns and villages in the North East States of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa until the military began an operation to recover all of the region about six weeks ago.

Meanwhile, two Chadian army helicopters bombed Boko Haram positions on Sunday, killing dozens near a village on the border with Niger, a senior Nigeren military official told Reuters.

Nigerien and Chadian soldiers have been fighting the Islamist militants in a joint mission with Nigeria and Cameroun since March , in a bid to end Boko Haram’s six-year insurgency in northern Nigeria.

The helicopters destroyed several vehicles and motorcycles carContinued on page 6

Daily Times Nigeria L Ɨ ƕè L Əƅ ƾƢè ƾƠơǀ

Gé`ë L ƈ #ƈƏƆƅƐ Əƃ &Rè dƐ Ɨ ƏƗ ƏƐƆƏƆƗ Ɗ ^Ƌƅè LƏ ê Ƌ ƗƆ Ƌ ì ^ƏƆ ƈƗƆ Ɛè Mƈ ƆƏƈ dƐ ƅƊ &Ɣƅ Ɔè LƏê ƈ Ƅ ƉƆ ƈ é9ƌ Ƒ ƊƑƆƗƆ Ɨ ƈƏƍƆƏ è LƏ ê R ƕƈ ƋƈƋƆ ƗƑƏƈ Ɛ Ɔ Ƒ Ƌ ƋƆƅƐƑƏƆ ƐƈƐƋƆƗë j Əƈƒƈ ƈ j Ƒ jƈƌƆ è M ƒƈ Ɛƈ è ƋƋƆ Ɔ & ƒƈƏ ƌƆ Ɛè Ɛ LƑ Ɔ ƐƏƆè R ƈƊ è G ê

dƐ ƐƆ Ɛ Ɔ ƆƏ ƐƆ Ɠ ƆƋƆƅƐƏƈƅƈƐƕ ^M ƅ ƗƈƗ ƐƆ Celestine Okafor

(Bureau Chief, Northern Operations)

ÏÏÏThe presidential candidate for

the Allied Congress Party of Nigeria, (ACPN), Ganiyu Galadima, has said that if elected as the President of the country, he would do away with the national grid, by ensuring that every state generates its own electricity.

Galadima said this on Sunday while responding to questions on how he would improve the nation’s power sector, if elected President,

We’ve been vindicated over presidential debate boycott – APC Ï ƋƋƆ Ɔ C Ɛ Ɛ ó&Ɣƍ ô

ÏÏÏThe

All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO), has said that it had been vindicated on its position of not participating in the presidential campaign debates, owing to the outbreak of rumpus among the organisers, the Nigeria Election Debate Group (NEDG), has been compromised.

A press statement signed by the Director of Media and Publicity of the organisation, Mallam Gar-

ba Shehu, on Sunday, noted that sordid details about the debate would have tainted the credibility of the APC candidate, General Muhammadu Buhari, had he participated.

A civil society group, Value and Integrity Group, with the knowledge of the workings of the NEDG, had alleged at a press conference last Friday, that a First Bank account, opened for NEDG, had the founder of a private tele-

vision network, as its sole signatory, although, he was not listed as one of the directors.

The group also alleged that the television network’s address was used for the documentation of the First Bank account, instead of NEDG’s office address.

According to leaders of the Value and Integrity Group, Sina Odugbemi and Popoola Ajayi, Co-ordinator and Secretary, respectively, “an initial deposit of

N1 million was paid into the said First Bank account, and on March 28, 2011, another N20 million, belonging to the NEDG, was paid into the personal account of the said founder of the leading private television network.

“We, at the APC Presidential Campaign, got the eye-opening news of the press conference by the Value and Integrity Group, accusing the Nigeria Election Debate Group, the crux of the allegation being that some members of NEDG have been monetarily influenced.

Minister lauds coalition forces on Boko Haram Wale Akintunde Yola

ÏÏÏThe

coalition of multinational forces of Cameroun, Chad, Niger and Nigeria, coupled with the purchase of more military hardware, are responsible for the defeat of the Boko Haram insurgents in the North Eastern part of Nigeria.

Minister of Youth Development, Mr. Boni Haruna, made the observation during his assessment tour of Michika and Madagali Local

0Ɔ Ə Əƈƍ R Ƒ Ɠ ƏƊƆƏ ƒƆƏ ƋƋƆ ƆƗ ƌ ƅƊ

Government Areas of Adamawa State.

He spoke to newsmen at the weekend, against the backdrop of insinuations that the insurgency, which had existed for almost five years, was being curtailed under six weeks, thereby, prompting people to castigates the government.

He said that no responsible government would contribute to the killing of its citizens and the wanton destruction of their property, under the guise of politics.

“When Nigeria had not entered

into an agreement with Chad, Cameroun and Niger, the Boko Haram terrorists were, virtually, operating from the territories of our neighbours. They attacked here and returned there, thereby, making it, extremely, difficult for our military to get a full grip of the situation”, he explained.

Speaking further he said, “even as an individual, if you run into an attack of armed bandits in your compound and your immediate neighbour co-operates with you, surely, you would overcome the sad

experience, but the situation was different with the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents that have international collaborators. If not for the co-operation of our immediate neighbours, it could have taken much longer time to deal with the situation”, Haruna maintained.

The Minister, who stated that he was not speaking for the Nigerian military, said, however, that as a victim of the insurgents’ attack and a major stakeholder in Adamawa State, he was speaking on the issue without any bias.

Sodiq Adekunle

years.

The workers alleged that the state government would sack them after the general election. One of them who spoke to our correspondent on Sunday said, “Everyone is scared.

We heard that Governor Aregbesola is planning to sack us. We still don’t know what to do and he is still owing

us.”

In its reaction, Osun State chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) debunked the report that Aregbesola, wanted to sack the senior civil servants.

The party’s Director of Publicity Research and Strategy, Barr. Kunle Oyatomi, in a statement, described the report as a wicked lie.

Osogbo

ÏÏÏSome workers in Osun State

have expressed fear over alleged plan by the administration of Governor Rauf Aregbesola to sack civil servants on grade level 12 and above, including others above the age of 50

5 News

during the presidential debate held at the International Conference Center Abuja organised by the National Election Debate Group (NEDG).

Speaking on the problems bedevilling power generation in the country and the consequent adverse effect on the economy, Galadima said that allowing states to generate their power supply, would put the economy back on track.

On oil theft, the presidential candidate for the African Democratic Congress, (ADC), Nani Ahmad, said that Nigeria had lost a lot of money, because most powerful people in the country were involved in the nefarious oil bunkering, but, that as the President, he would start a process that would trace the stolen oil from the country, with the support of the international community.

ƌ Ɔƅ ƈ ƅƅƑ Ɔ ^#^ Ƈ ƒƈ Ƌ Ɛƈ `ƈƒƆƏ ƍƆ ƅƆ ƅƅ ƏƗ

ÏÏÏFollowing the wave of politi-

cally-motivated violence in Rivers State, Governor Rotimi Amaechi, has accused the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) of violating the peace accord, facilitated by the Nigeria Police Force, ahead of the 2015 general election.

Amaechi, who was reacting on Saturday, to the attack on an APC ward-to-ward rally in Obio/Akpor Local Government Area, where several people sustained machete cut injuries, said the PDP had made nonsense of the peace agreement.

The Assistant Inspector General of Police, Zone 6, Calabar, Mr. Tunde Ogunsakin, had in February, 2015, organised a peace meeting with major political parties in the state, including the PDP and APC. But Amaechi, who spoke to about 15 members of his party, who were injured by suspected PDP thugs, explained that the attacks on APC members were becoming unbearable.

Amaechi, who spoke through the Chief of Staff, Government House, Port Harcourt, Chief Tony Okocha, described the peace accord as a ruse, adding that the Police were not investigating the attack against APC members in the state.

ƌ Ɔƅ ƈ

News 6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

Ikuru defects from APC to PDP Continued from page 4 ru all the privileges and respect due the office of the Deputy Governor and has treated him with love as a friend and brother.

“Though the Governor had hoped that the numerous rumours of Engr Ikuru’s doublefaced membership of the APC and open romance with the PDP were not true, he however appreciates the fact that every individual has a right to pursue his political dreams, as he deems most appropriate “It is however regrettable that

Engr Ikuru has chosen the dishonourable path of bare faced lies and name calling rather than the more honourable path of simply retracing his steps to where he has always been.”

The PDPPCO called on other leaders of the APC to emulate Ikuru, by decamping to the PDP. The Director of Media and Publicity of the campaign organization, Chief Femi Fani-Kayode said in a statement in Abuja that the PDP was happy to receive Ikuru back into its family.

He said: “We are glad to hear about the return of the deputy governor of Rivers state, Tele

Ikuru, to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) family.

“This was a deeply courageous step and we welcome with open arms.”

His resignation speech, entitled: “A call on the conscience of the people of Rivers State,” read: “My dear People of Rivers State, I bring you honest and sincere greetings.

Today, I address you out of the fullness of my heart.

“Recall that in December 2013, out of extreme loyalty to my Boss and friend, I joined the All Progressives Congress (APC) along with other then disillusioned Rivers People. Ever since, as the true

nature and motives of APC are unveiled, I have continued to twist and turn in extreme mental and emotional agony.

“The more I struggle to belong, the more the Rivers man in me rejects the APC. After carefully studying, interacting and analysing the leadership of the party, I have come to the sad conclusion that the APC is a party of rebels, insurgents and anarchists, clothed in robes of pretence and deceit. APC is a party founded on deception and it thrives on unholy propaganda and falsehood. “I therefore, on behalf of my teaming supporters, and my humble

self-denounce the APC and we all jointly and severally resign our membership of the APC. My dear people of Rivers State, we of this generation will not in good conscience expect forgiveness and compassion from our forebears, posterity, and the spirit of our unborn generations if it is recorded in the annals of history that after 48 Years of Rivers people supporting leaders from all other parts of this country with our votes and resources, we were the same that witch hunted and hounded down the very first ever President from this region, granted us by providence.”

Troops rout insurgents in Bama Continued from page 4

L-R, Akwa Ibom State Chairman, Civil Liberties Organisation, Mr Clifford Thomas; Administrative Officer, Herbert Macaulay Institute for Public Policy, Lagos State, Mrs Vivian Awana; and National Coordinator, Coalition for Democracy and Credible Election, Mohammed Atta; during the inauguration and public presentation of the Coalition for Democracy and Credible Election in Abuja ... at the weekend.

rying Boko Haram fighters in the Nigerian village of Djaboullam, which lies east of the border from the Nigerien town of Diffa, the Nigerien officer said.

“Niger and Chad had received intelligence that a group of Boko Haram fighters had gathered in the border village,” the officer said.

The Nigerien military officer, who requested anonymity, said Boko Haram fighters had moved to Djaboullam after they were chased from other towns by the Nigerian army. Militants were also gathering in other border towns

from where they routinely launch mortar rounds into Niger, he said.

“We know they are massing in Malam Fatori, waiting for us to come,” he said, referring to another northeast Nigerian town about three kilometres from Bosso, the nearest town across the border in Niger.

The regional offensive launched this year comes as Nigeria prepares to hold elections on March 28.

The offensive has succeeded in driving the militants from several towns and districts they previously held. Chad and Niger forces captured the town of Damasak from the militants last week.

How we’ll tackle graft, insurgency – Jonathan, Okorie, others Continued from page 4 the government in the war against corruption by shunning individuals whose sources of wealth were questionable and also by refusing to recognise and honour them.

UPP presidential candidate, Chekwas Okorie, blamed the rising cases of corruption in the land on what he described as weak laws.

He stated that since his party is passionate about anti-corruption, he would, if elected president, ensure a continuous asset declaration on annual basis by all cadre of officials in his government so that the citizens will be able to monitor the assets of functionaries of government.

Okorie, who frowned at what he described as the misuse of security votes by executive public office holders, maintained that he

would equally tackle corruption by enduring that the immunity clause does not cover corruption cases.

Godson Okoye of the United Democratic Party (UDP) blamed the system inherited from the colonial rule as the reason for the upsurge of corruption, saying that it is “defective”. He said if elected president, he would fight corruption through the instrument of merit recognition and competence.

Prof. Comfort Sonaiya of KOWA party blamed corruption on “misplaced priority”. She stated that money earmarked for development is diverted into private pockets, which she said, was the attraction of most less qualified individuals into public governance.

Martins Onovo of the National Conscience Party (NCP) argued

that as long as people privileged to be in public office continued to “pocket desperately”, corruption would be on the increase. He said the Federal Government under his presidency would employ the twin formulae of “education and enforcement” of the relevant laws to pummel corruption.

On the issue of insurgency, President Jonathan stated that his regime had already embarked on counter-offensive measures to rout the insurgents in territories where they held sway a few weeks ago in the North-East part of the country. He assured that his government, if re-elected, would consolidate action on the on-going war against insurgency.

The President revealed that government had currently deployed drones in the remote areas where the insurgents were operating to help find out what was on-going

in those areas.

Jonathan equally assured that the current efforts would pay off in the quest to rescue the Chibok girls. He also stated that the victims of insurgency were now being rehabilitated through the National Emergency Management Authority (NEMA) and the presidential rehabilitation and intervention initiative headed by former Defence minister, General Theophilus Danjuma (rtd).

In his presentation, Chekwas Okorie said a UPP government at the centre would focus on the rehabilitation of internally displaced persons and also ensure that those who lost their loved ones had their conditions ameliorated. He maintained his regime would consider seriously the contentious issue of community policing to ensure citizens’ participation in securing their envi-

ronment.

Prof. Comfort Sonaiya said the nation’s Armed forces should be first commended for the gallant effort so far in fighting the intractable insurgency. She maintained that the priority of her government, if elected into power, would be to ensure that the Chibok girls were brought back, as according to her that is the only way the nation would claim to have made progress in the war against insurgency.

She also said that her regime would equally ensure that the families of the combatant soldiers were well taken care of “so that their children don’t go to the streets begging.”

Sonaiya pointed out that her regime would ensure adequate management of information regarding or relating to insurgency “so that it does not backfire”.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

Buhari meets S’East traders in Onitsha Doris Nnabuenyi Awka

ÏÏÏThe presidential candidate

of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in this week’s election, General Mohammadu Buhari (rtd), will begin the second leg of his South East meet-the-people Tour, today.

The tour would take him to Anambra and Imo states on the first day, when he would meet the

organised private sector at the Sharon House in Onitsha.

According to the chairman, APC Presidential Campaign Council for Anambra State, Barr.

Chima Okafor, who spoke to reporters in Awka on Sunday, the town hall meeting would address critical policy issues regarding business and industry in the South East and its strategic importance to Nigeria.

The event, he said, would afford

the gathering to know about Buhari’s policy thrust with regards to business and industry, the favoured sectors of the Igbo.

“For the purpose of educating our people, from the five South East states, on the economic agenda of General Muhamadu Buhari, we have planned this event in the commercial town of Onitsha, in order to ensure that our candidate bares his mind on how he intends to restore the manufacturing ca-

pacity and the industrial glory of the South East region of Nigeria.

“We want the businessmen and industrialists, who have been bearing the brunt of poor infrastructure, insecurity, poor micro and macroeconomic policies and, finally, the rapid drop of Naira’s value against the Dollar, to come and engage General Buhari and see how his policies will transform the South East region into becoming the tiger of Africa.

1,000 children die daily from diarrhoea, says UNICEF Lara Adejoro

ÏÏÏAs

the world marked the World Water Day on Sunday, the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF) has said that about 750 million people around the world still lack access to drinking water.

“The story of access to drinking water, since 1990, has been one of tremendous progress in the face of incredible odds,” according to the Head of UNICEF’s global Water, Sanitation and Hygiene programmes, Sanjay Wijesekera, in a statement.

“But there is more to do. Water is the very essence of life and, yet, three-quarters of a billion people, mostly the poor and the marginalized, still, today, are deprived of this most basic human right,” Wijesekera said.

The statement added that “Some 2.3 billion people have gained access to improved sources of drinking water, since 1990. As a result, the Millennium Development Goal target of halving the percentage of the global population without access at that date was reached five years ahead of the 2015 deadline.

There are now only three countries; Democratic Republic of the Congo, Mozambique and Papua New Guinea, where more than half the population do not have improved drinking water.

Youths mobilise for Jonathan as First Lady visits Onitsha

Governor of Kaduna State, Mukhtar Yero; Vice President Namadi Sambo ; PDP Chairman, Kaduna State Alhaji Abubakar Gayya Haruna and PDP National Organising Secretary, Abubakar Mustapha during Vice President meeting with religious leaders from Zone 2. Kaduna… On Sunday

APC berates PDP over article by ex-US ‘envoy’ ÏÏÏThe

All Progressives Congress Presidential Campaign Organisation (APCPCO) on Sunday berated the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for being behind an opinion article in Washington Times by a one-time US ambassadorial-aide-turnedmedia-manager, Richard Grenell.

The article, according to the APC, implied that the APC presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd) is an Islamic fundamentalist prone to terrorist

Dilionye Dilibe Onitsha

ÏÏÏAbout 5,000 youths, drawn

from the 21 Local Government Areas of Anambra State, at the weekend, staged a solidarity rally on major streets of Onitsha for the re-election of President Goodluck Jonathan.

leanings, and therefore, should not be elected to power on March 28.

In a reaction in Abuja, Mallam Garba Shehu, APCPCO’s Director of Media and Publicity, punctured the article as the handiwork of President Goodluck Jonathan and the PDP to tarnish the hard-won credibility and integrity of Buhari.

“The PDP is a troubled-cannon; firing salvos in all directions, accidentally and incidentally, without caution, care or conscience. With the stark reality of defeat staring them in the face on March 28 and

April 11 general election, a reward for their maladministration, incumbent President Jonathan and his co-travellers have intensified their global campaign of calumny and outright fallacy --- their wellknown stock in trade.

“Nigerians are yet to forget the phoney phone call to the King of Morocco that never was or the futile effort to stop Buhari from speaking to the world at UK think-tank at Chatham House, where their rented crowd confessed to being paid for a hatchet job,” Shehu said.

The youths who wore white tee-shirts with the inscription, Youths of Today for Jonathan, marched through Upper-New Market Road, Oguta and Owerri Road chanting pro-Jonathan songs and some of his achievements.

The solidarity march, preceded the visit of wife of the Presi-

dent, Dame Patience Jonathan, who was scheduled to visit Onitsha on Monday to campaign for her husband’s re-election.

Speaking to the press during the rally, the sponsor and Member, representing Onitsha North/South Constituency in the Federal House of Representatives, Hon. Cyril Egwuatu,

7 News

Fayose to APC: Take your defeat in good faith Gbenga Sodeinde Ado Ekiti

ÏÏÏThe Ekiti State Governor,

Mr. Ayo Fayose, has advised the All Progressives Congress (APC) and its presidential candidate, Gen. Muhammadu Buhari, to take their impending defeat in next Saturday’s election in good faith.

According to him, President Goodluck Jonathan and the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) will through the election send Buhari on political retirement.

Fayose, who stated this through his Chief Press Secretary, Idowu Adelusi, in AdoEkiti on Sunday, added that the APC would, by the election, be taught a political lesson that elections were not won on pages of newspapers or through sheer propaganda.

The governor said the defeat would put an end to propaganda, bad-mouthing and the noise of the APC, “because lies will always fail, while truth will stand the test of time.”

He said, “The reason why APC will fail, woefully, is because people have come to know it as a party peopled by liars and hypocrites, who should not be entrusted with the leadership of this country.

“Even leaders of thought in the North have, since, withdrawn their support when they realised the agenda of certain APC leaders against the North.

Fayose

who spoke through his aide, Comrade Iyke Ozobia, said that the rally was in support of Jonathan’s re-election bid.

He assured the people that the group, Youths of Today for Jonathan, would continue to work towards mobilising Anambra youths to vote for the President’s second term in office.

8

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

Politics Okezie Ikpeazu

s

Politics Editor: Akinjide Akintola E-mail: akinjide.akintola@dailytimes.com.ng

IKPEAZU

Candidate to beat in Abia

Sunday Nwakanm, Madubuko Hart, Umuahia When other gubernatorial candidates in Abia State are finding it very hard to be accepted in the forthcoming election, the candidature of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) for the Abia State governorship election, Dr. Okezie Ikpeazu is enjoying massive endorsement.

If Ikpeazu is to be a movie, he is a sizzling, heart-pounding urbane fantasy that thrills and fas-

cinates peoples cutting across all divides. From farmers to civil servants, from traders to footballers, from clerics to students and so forth, Ikpeazu appear to be the answer in the state.

The All Farmers Association of Nigeria (ALFAN) Abia State chapter in conjunction with the Youths in Agriculture Programme (YEAP), recently endorsed him. Ikpeazu has endeared Abia people to love him because he has a special ability, not only as an academia, but

also as a straight forward person, to get Abia people to trust and believe in him.

Much as it is known, he is a man who does not believe in dichotomy, but in the strength of togetherness. Abia people’s belief today is that they have tied the highest ideals around Ikpeazu in the philosophy that they can achieve great things with him. Ikpeazu is what is possible in Abia State since he CONTINUED ON PAGE 9

Disquiet in the Senate over Abaribe’s comments Akinjide Akintola All appears not to be at peace in the upper legislative chamber of the National Assembly following tension generated over the drama that attended the Senate clearing of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro as a Minister.

The tension is in connection with the comments of Senate’s spokesman, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe who alleged that since many of the opposition senators had criminal cases pending against them in the courts, they should not rake any muck against Obanikoro’s clearance.

The comment by the senate’s spokesman, a former deputy governor of Abia State, is being seen in some quarters as a sort of threat against the opposition ahead of the National Assembly election coming up on Saturday.

Jega

Following the comment, the usual united front of the senators is said to be impaired as Senators now view thremselves with suspicion.

Mostly affected and in fear of any possible backlash from the ruling PDP are those who dumped the PDP for the opposition party.

Senate Minority Leader, Senator George Akume, on Tuesday gave indication that senators of the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) must have been hit where it really hurts.

Akume, a former governor of Benue State, and his APC colleagues on the floor of the Upper Chamber, fought vehemently but in vain to stop the confirmation of Obanikoro, returning as a minister.

The APC senators particularly queried what special qualiCONTINUED ON PAGE 10

2015: Confusion as Jega, IGP give conflicting directives on Presidential Polls

Abaribe

Ahead of next Saturday’s Presidential election, there is confusion in the land over conflicting directives emanating from two different agencies involved in the conduct and management of the polls.

The Inspector-General of Police, (IGP) Mr. Suleiman

Abba, and the Chairman, Independent National Electoral Commission, (INEC) Prof.

Attahiru Jega, are in serious disagreement following the police chief ’s “vote and go home order”.

This is in direct contrast to the INEC’s boss earlier directive that voters can stay

around the polling units, monitor and protect their votes even with cameras and their phones.

However, the IGP warned voters to go back to their homes after casting their votes on election day stating that they are not allowed to protect or CONTINUED ON PAGE 10

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

9

Politics

ABIA: All eyes on PDP’s Ikpeazu CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

came along to contest in the election.

The people have put aside every animosity in order to support this rare breed. The ideal thing is that he is a balancing act where necessary and humour where it is needed. At an interactive session with Civil Servants in Abia State held at the Michael Okpara Auditorium in Umuahia, the Head of Service, Abia State, Barr. Godson Adiele, represented by the Permanent Secretary, Bureau of Service Monitoring, Dr. Vivian Umah, praised Ikpeazu for the idea of the interactive session. Ikpeazu discussed with the civil servants on their key challenges and areas of improvement from all sides.

Ikpeazu does not in any way represent the quote by Michael Bassey Johnson, which states that when no power is vested in a turbulent man, he behaves sorrowfully like a nearly killed Christmas goat, but when fully endorsed, without considering his level of insanity and evil gestures, he cuts everyone in the society into pieces. Ikpeazu’s endorsers and the entire Abia electorate have seen that Ikpeazu is not that brute who would cut his society into pieces for the love of power.

The Chairman of ALFAN in Abia State, Chief Dunlop Okoro can attest to this fact, when his organisation took the resolution

Ikpeazu

and endorsed Ikpeazu. The Coordinator of YEAP, Abia State Chapter, Mr. Obinna Ndukwe Ibiam is also a living witness that Ikpeazu will be the best governor that Abia State will be much proud of in this century.

As a lover of progress, Dr. Ikpeazu who was a farmer too, having worked in his parents farm while growing up, will never let all and sundry in the state down, as he had promised to pay unique attention to the needs of farmers and disclosed that he had commissioned a team to study the Abia Palm Plantation in Ukwa, the Ulonna Farm Settlements, the Abia Rubber Plantation and other agricultural concerns in the state with a view to ensuring that they are revived to produce at most-favorable power when he assumes office.

Mr. Kingsley Emereuwa, the Assistant Director, Media, Okezuo Abia campaign Organization describing Ikpeazu in an article in This Day, March 15, 2015, said that on Friday March 13, 2015, the academic community of one of the nation’s highly revered citadels of knowledge, the University of Calabar, Cross River State, honoured among some deserving Nigerians as well as recognised some of its own products, in what was called distinguished Alumni Award, as part of activities marking its 28th Convocation and 40 years anniversary of its establishment.

Ikpeazu was given the deserved honour of a distinguished

Ikpeazu

“Emereuwa further stated that ... Ikpeazu had without prompting, shown more than enough interest in the development of the school.”

Alumnus of the University in recognition of outstanding contributions towards uplifting the image and standard of his alma mater which he left about two decades ago. According to the University, the choice of Dr. Ikpeazu is beyond the present and predates his current political aspiration.

Emereuwa further stated that in the words of Professor Eyong Eyong, Dean, Student Affairs of the University, “apart from distinguishing himself through rare achievement in career aspiration in the academic world, Ikpeazu had without prompting, shown more than enough

interest in the development of the school”. He noted that years back, the PDP flag bearer had made donations of books and other academic materials to the university and has consistently identified with the university in terms of projects and manpower development. In his words, “the honour is the university’s modest way of appreciating the contributions of Dr. Ikpeazu”.

The endorsement processes of Dr. Okezie Victor Ikpeazu (PhD), which is an evolution, will continue, because Abia people, friends and well-wishers believe in him; because their ideas and their solutions align with his.

As a lover of progress, Dr. Ikpeazu who was a farmer too, having worked in his parents farm while growing up, will never let all and sundry in the state down, as he had promised to pay unique attention to the needs of farmers and disclosed that he had commissioned a team to study the Abia Palm Plantation in Ukwa, the Ulonna Farm Settlements, the Abia Rubber Plantation and other agricultural concerns in the state with a view to ensuring that they are revived to produce at most-favorable power when he assumes office.

Politics 10 CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

fications that Obanikoro possessed to be confirmed by the Senate for a second time under President Goodluck Jonathan Administration.

But to counter the opposition senators’ action, the Senate’s sokesman alleged that some of the senators, who questioned the qualification of Obanikoro, still have cases to answer with the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC).

Speaking last Tuesday, the APC lawmakers, through Akume, invoked orders 42 and 53 to condemn Abaribe’s statement.

Akume noted that Abaribe, by that statement, had deviated from the proceedings on the floor, which the Senate spokesman was not supposed to convey to the Press.

Akume claimed that Abaribe has always spoken for himself, and not for the Senate, which he represents.

“Actually, I rise to make a very brief comment on the event we had here last week. I want to say that as a family, we have been working very closely in the interest of the country.

We were surprised that because of our disagreement over one of the nominees, the Senate, through the Chairman on Information, went to the Press and said that we have no right whatsoever to question the confirmation of the nomination of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro because many of us have cases pending with EFCC. “That was not what was discussed here. I want us to take very judicious notice of this.

I do not want us to castigate ourselves. We are in a position to speak more on this because of the integrity of the Senate, which has refused to make comment on this.

“The Senate, through Abaribe cannot say that that was what we discussed here. We have observed repeatedly that CONTINUED ON PAGE 11

Jega, Abba lock horns over Saturday Polls

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

ABARIBE

Opposition senators apprehensive

Abaribe

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 8

stay by their votes after the election, as only policemen are sadled with the task of monitoring and safeguarding the process.

But Jega replied the IGP saying the Police boss erred as the electoral law did not state that voters could not or should not wait to watch and ensure

that their votes count.

Abba, however said: “we will go on to protect the electorate.

Every eligible voter should feel safe enough to cast his votes.

We will be there to protect the votes and make sure no one disrupts the process”.

Jega, explained to the IGP that there is no part of the Electoral Act that forbids voters from waiting at the

polling booths, adding that the law was only against loitering.

Jega’s Chief Press Secretary, Mr. Kayode Idowu, also stressed the position of the commission’s boss, adding that no law bars voters from staying around polling centres.

As a result of this development, voters are now at a loss on whom to obey on Election Day.

Abba

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

11

Politics

Abaribe stirs the hornet’s nest...

“We were surprised that because of our disagreement over one of the nominees, the Senators...went to the press and said that we had no right whatsoever to question the confirmation of the nomination of Senator Musiliu Obanikoro because many of us have cases pending with EFCC.” Obanikoro

Akume

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 10

the Senate, you would not want to say much; you should not.

So, I have noted your observation. Thank you”.

While addressing the National Assembly correspondents, after last Wednesday’s Plenary, Senate spokesman, Abaribe, quickly reminded the APC senators, who have cases with the EFCC that they are still in the Senate because of the privilege of being innocent until proven guilty.

whenever Abaribe speaks, he speaks for himself. Mostly, he does not speak for the Senate.

Mr. President, we are calling on you to call Abaribe to order. What he said has no basis whatsoever. If we want to talk about ourselves, we are free to say so,” Akume said.

But in his remarks, Senate President, David Mark, said: “Akume, I thought you made a point already that because of

Abaribe “As a mater of fact, there are allegations against Senator Musiliu Obanikoro, but in our law and the Constitution of Nigeria, anything that is a mere allegation that is not a court decision is nothing, but a mere allegation.

“Everyone in Nigeria is deemed to be innocent until proven guilty and even the senators, who addressed the press conference and spoke about the qualification or otherwise of

Senator Obanikoro, are enjoying this privilege because some of them have EFCC cases, and they are still in the Senate because of this privilege of being innocent until proven guilty.

“And so, they cannot go to a press conference, and try to convict somebody when the person has not been convicted by a court of law. And they cannot enjoy that privilege themselves and sit in this Senate, and then turn around, and now

say that somebody else cannot enjoy that privilege. And the laws of Nigeria is very clear: you are innocent until proven guilty.

“So, that is what played out on the floor of the Senate. And the Senate, having known that this is the law of Nigeria, and this is the Constitution of Nigeria that every Nigerian is entitled to this privilege, went ahead to do what it is supposed to by law,” Abaribe said.

Consequent upon this, opposition senators are now apprehensive that perhaps the ruling party is planning to unleash the anti-corruption agencies against them ahead of the polls.

It would be recalled that the senate, after two earlier delays finally cleared Obanikoro after a heated debate which saw the opposition members walking out of the senate in protest.

The development saw two core senate rules in conflict with each other with necessitated several executive meeting to resolve the crisis without success as the senators were sharply divided over their positions.

One was that any member of the national assembly seeking clearance would not be subjected to questions but would mainly take a bow while the other was that any nominee who has all the senators from his state opposing his nomination would not be cleared.

Candidate promises to empower shop owners The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) candidate for Ajeromi Federal constituency, Lagos State, Barrister Rita Orji has promised that if elected, she would empower shop owners in Ajeromi Local Government Area with interest -free loans to enable them expand their businesses.

At an interactive forum with shop owners in Ajegunle, the PDP candidate said that multiple taxation, levies and other punitive measures against the traders would be abolished immediately she is

elected, while business -friendly policies will be instituted to give them the desired sense of belonging.

Mrs Orji decried the constant harassments, brutalisation and killing of traders by miscreants, even as she vowed not to rest until justice is done in the case involving the murder of one Emeka Ibekwe in January 2013 by suspected hoodlums.

The PDP candidate therefore promised to bring the activities of the union to the notice of the authorities for official recognition as a national trade body. In

his address, the chairman of Shop Owners Welfare Forum,(SOWF),Comrade Chidi Onu lamented that members of the organisation are daily facing security challenges brought about by the activities of ‘Area Boys’ who are always attacking their members and shops while forcefully extorting money from them, even as he frowned at the non-challant attitude of the local government authorities to this life threatening menace.

He therefore called on the government to immediately create an agency for the welfare of traders in the state.

Markets in Ariaria, Abia state

Africa 12

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

Hundreds of child soldiers freed in South Sudan, says UNICEF

Boys with their rifles sit at a ceremony of child soldier disarmament, demobilisation and reintegration in Pibor, Jonglei State, South Sudan, overseen by UNICEF and partners, Feb. 10, 2015.

ÏÏÏ

The U.N. Children’s Fund has said that one of South Sudan’s armed groups, the Cobra Faction, released up to 250 child soldiers on Sunday. The group of children released in the remote village of Lekuangole, in Jonglei state, included four girls -- one as young as nine.

This is the third release of child soldiers by this group. It is part of a larger demobilization

effort to free some 3,000 child soldiers held by the Cobra Faction.

In late January and early February, 660 children were set free in the Jonglei villages of Pibor and Gumrok.

The U.N. Children’s Fund reported it expected another 400 child soldiers would be released over the next two days. The agency said some of the child soldiers have been fighting for up to four

years and many have never attended school. UNICEF representative in South Sudan Jonathan Veitch said the morale of the children released remained good despite the tough situation on the ground. He said the agency was providing them with food, shelter, clothing and basic health care.

Veitch said they were also receiving psychological counseling

sions as rival governments lay claim to the National Oil Company, further deepening divisions in the volatile North African nation.

The latest row erupted this week as UN envoy, Bernardino Leon, who is mediating between Libya's warring factions, warned the country was heading towards destruction unless a political deal is found.

It also comes as the jihadist Islamic State group, which has made huge profits from illegal oil sales in Syria and Iraq where it has seized chunks of territory, has gained a foothold in Libya.

The once lucrative oil industry has fallen victim to the unrest that has gripped the country since dictator Muammar Gadaffi was toppled and killed in the 2011 Nato-backed uprising.

Militants have stepped up attacks on the industry which had a pre-revolution output of about 1.6 million barrels per day (bpd), accounting for more than 95% of exports and 75% of revenues.

The economy has been reeling since December, when production fell to around 350,000 bpd as the Fajr Libya militia alliance, which includes Islamists, attacked oil terminals in the east.

Fajr Libya seized Tripoli in the summer and installed a government and parliament opposed to the internationally recognised government and legislature elected in June.

On Monday, the recognised government, which sits in the remote east between the cities of Tobruk and Baida, severed ties the Tripoli-based National Oil Corporation.

"The legitimate Libyan government... is the only legitimate channel that has the right to deal and to contract companies to authorise gas and oil sales," it said in a statement.

To be valid, such sales must be made via the new NOC headquarters in the eastern city of Benghazi and approved by company chairperson Al-Mabrook Abu Seif, it said.

on how new contract payments should be made, but anyone who violates its decisions will be prosecuted.

On Thursday, the NOC board in Tripoli hit back.

"The NOC's position is neutral and receives no directives from either the Tripoli- or Baidabased governments and operates in complete independence from both sets of authorities," it said in a statement in English.

to help them come to terms with the trauma they have endured.

“UNICEF stands ready to provide the necessary support for children to be reintegrated when they are released. … We are tracing the families of these children so that they can be assisted to return to their communities. We believe most will be able to find their way back to their communities," Veitch said.

"But, the most critical phase in the reintegration has yet to begin. Education and skills training programs need to be set up long term to help with the integration of the children,”he said.

Veitch said 200 children who previously were freed have been reunited or were about to be reunited with their families.

The release of the child soldiers follows a peace deal between the Cobra Faction and the South Sudanese government.

While he welcomed freedom for these children, Veitch said he was deeply disturbed by the hundreds of children being abducted in Upper Nile and Unity states.

He said boys were being targeted and rounded up by both government and opposition forces and many were being sent to the frontline to fight.

Sixteen Camerounians kidnapped near CAR border

ÏÏÏSixteen

Camerounians have been kidnapped in northeastern Cameroun in an alleged attack by armed militia from the Central African Republic (CAR), security sources said at the weekend.

The attack took place on Thursday night in Gbabio village, near the border with the CAR, and is thought to have been led by rebel chief Abdoulaye Miskine.

"The kidnappers opened fire before driving off in a bus," a Cameroonian security source told AFP. All those abducted were residents of the northern Cameroonian city of Lagdo, another security source told AFP, adding that two traditional chiefs and the mayor of Lagdo were among those kidnapped.

"We suspect Miskine's rebels to have carried out the kidnappings," the source said.

Abdoulaye Miskine is a former ally of the Seleka rebels, an armed coalition of Islamist groups who seized power in the CAR capital Bangui between March and December 2013.

Twenty suspects Libya rivals fight for control of oil wealth Plot to impeach arrested over Sierra Leone Tunisia holding ÏÏÏ The battle for Libya's oil Ties severed with National Oil The statement, published on its president Facebook page, did not elaborate wealth has taken on new dimen- Corporation attack

Leon

thickens

ÏÏÏSierra

Leone's opposition party is considering impeachment proceedings against the president and said it will refuse all co-operation with the government since the vice president was fired.The Sierra Leone People's Party said after an emergency meeting on Saturday that it will also ask the Supreme Court to review Vice President Samuel SamSumana's removal from office.

President Ernest Bai Koroma fired Sam-Sumana last week, citing his expulsion from their political party. Several groups have called the move unconstitutional and Sam-Sumana is challenging it in court. The removal has raised tensions in Sierra Leone, which is fighting Ebola and only recently recovered from years of civil war.

The Sierra Leone Association of Journalists has warned that the police are using emergency measures meant to help contain Ebola to stifle dissent.

ÏÏÏ Tunisian authorities have

arrested over 20 suspected militants following the Bardo museum attack when gunmen killed foreign tourists, leading to a nationwide security crackdown, the government said on Saturday.

Hundreds of Tunisians gathered for a mass in the cathedral in Tunis on Saturday, lighting candles to remember the victims - 20 foreign tourists and three Tunisians - in a ceremony attended by government ministers.

Outside, there was a heavy police presence along the capital's central Habib Bourguiba boulevard. But the city was calm with a music festival planning to continue with its concerts in the city centre.

Wednesday's assault - the most deadly attack involving foreigners in Tunisia since a 2002 suicide bombing in Djerba - came at a fragile moment for a country just emerging to full democracy after a popular uprising four years ago.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

13 Foreign

EU pledges 2bn euros for Greek humanitarian crisis

Millions of Greeks have been affected by tough budget cuts by Greece's previous government

ÏÏÏ The EU has pledged 2billion

(£1.45bn; $2.15bn) to ease what it calls Greece's "humanitarian crisis" - echoing a term used by Greece to describe the results of its financial crisis.

European Commission president Jean-Claude Juncker said the money would be spent on growth and "social cohesion".

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras welcomed the move, stressing a common need to tackle the humanitarian crisis.

EU leaders say Greece is due to produce a reform plan to fend off bankruptcy. Mr Juncker's announcement came after mara-

thon talks between Greek PM Alexis Tsipras, German Chancellor Angela Merkel and other European leaders in Brussels, on the sidelines of an EU summit.

Mr Tsipras needs EU support for reforms to unlock vital funds, avoid possible bankruptcy and a eurozone exit. The leftist leader has pledged to end austerity - but his plans have met resistance from Greece's EU creditors.

Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras speaks with the media as he arrives for an EU summit in Brussels on Thursday, 19 March 2015 Greek Prime Minister Alexis Tsipras needs EU support for re-

forms to unlock vital funds for his country Separately, EU leaders at Brussels said they would travel to Tunisia at the end of the month to show their support for the country's fight against terrorism, after a gun attack at a museum in Tunis killed 23 people, including 20 foreign tourists, many of them from Europe.

EU officials also discussed a response to the growing instability in Libya, and a crisis prompted by the flow of boats carrying migrants from Africa.

Speaking in Brussels, Mr Juncker said Greece had a serious

social problem.

"Humanitarian crisis it has been called and it is indeed a humanitarian crisis," he said.

He said the EU would provide Greece with 2bn worth of development funds to boost economic growth, cut youth unemployment and help the poor. "It was recognized that there is a humanitarian crisis in our country and that there must be a common effort against it - because it was not the result of some natural catastrophe.'' The funds promised by the EC are not linked to the international loans that Greece has been discussing with the EU.

US, Iran cite progress in nuke talks ÏÏÏWith 10 days to a nuclear

deal deadline, top US and Iranian officials spoke on Saturday of substantial headway, and Iran's president proclaimed that agreement was within reach. But America's top diplomat said it was up to Tehran to make the decisions needed to get there.

Iranian President Hassan Rohani said "achieving a deal is possible" by a 31 March target date for a preliminary accord that is meant to lead to a final deal by the end of June that would crimp Tehran's nuclear programmes in exchange for sanctions relief.

US Secretary of State John Kerry was more circumspect,

as he spoke to reporters after six days of negotiations in the Swiss city of Lausanne. The talks, made "substantial progress" he said, but "important gaps remain".

"We have an opportunity to get this right," Kerry said, as he urged Iran to make "fundamental decisions" that prove to the world it has no interest in atomic weapons.

In a reflection of the delicate state of negotiations, other officials differed on how close the sides were to a deal.

Top Russian negotiator Sergey Ryabkov and Iran's atomic energy chief Ali Akbar Salehi said in recent days that technical work was

nearly done. But French officials insisted the sides were far from any agreement.

Kerry was departing later on Saturday to meet with European allies in London, in part to ensure unity, before returning to Washington. Kerry said the US and its five negotiating partners - Britain, China, France, Germany and Russia - are "united in our goal, our approach, our resolve and our determination."

But France, which raised last minute objections to an interim agreement reached with Iran in 2013, could threaten a deal again.

It is particularly opposed to providing Iran with quick relief

from international sanctions and wants a longer time frame for restrictions on Iran's nuclear activity.

Rohani

Clashes in Pakistan claim militants, seven soldiers ÏÏÏPakistan’s

military said it has killed at least 80 Islamist militants and lost seven soldiers in fierce fighting near the mountainous Afghan border.

The clashes have been taking place in the remote Tirah Valley in the insurgency-plagued northwestern Khyber tribal district.

Army spokesman Major General Asim Bajwa reported “steady progress” in the counter-terrorism operation with the code name Khyber-II, saying it is aimed at clearing areas close to Pakistan’s border with Afghanistan.

“In Khyber, terrorists being dislodged from bases fleeing to border. So far, 80 terrorists killed, approximately 100 injured in this phase,” Bajwa said in a Twitter post.

The militants, officials said, belonged to the outlawed Pakistani Taliban, an alliance of extremist outfits waging an insurgency against the state. Army jets have also pounded suspected militant positions in the areas over the past two days.

US withdraws all personnel from Yemen ÏÏÏThe United States has with-

drawn all its personnel from Yemen, one day after suicide bombers killed at least 137 people at two mosques in the rebel-controlled capital, Sana’a.

The U.S. State Department said in a statement Saturday that the temporary relocation was due to “the deteriorating security situation in Yemen.”

About 100 U.S. special forces had been stationed at al-Anad air base in the south, from which the U.S. has launched drones against al-Qaida targets inside Yemen.

The State Department said the U.S. would “continue to actively monitor terrorist threats emanating from Yemen and have capabilities postured in the area to address them.”

On Sunday, Shi'ite Houthi rebels seized the airport in the southern city of Taiz. Yemini security officials say the rebels were backed by supporters of former President Ali Abdullah Saleh.

The U.N. Security Council will hold an emergency meeting on Yemen Sunday.

News 14

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

We’ll ensure Nigeria remains intact after 2015 polls - NSCDC boss Chijioke Kingsley Jos

ÏÏÏThe Nigeria Security

and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) Skipper, in Plateau State, Bature S. Vincent, has reiterated the commitment of his command to ensure that Plateau State and, by extension, Nigeria, would have a hitch-free polls on March 28.

He made this statement in an interaction with reporters in Jos, the state capital.

He said the readiness of his command to ensure untrammelled polls was evident in the strategic meetings being organised alongside other service chiefs with critical stakeholders in the state. “We are adequately ready for effective conduct of this election that has generated a lot of tension in the state and, by extension, Nigeria.

I have organised training and lectures on election matters for our officers.

“We have also synergised with the State Electoral

Commissioner (REC) and other security outfits to marshal out plans for the conduct of the elections.

“We have also spoken to politicians, telling them not to parade thugs. Part of our effort also includes holding a round table meeting with all stakeholders, such as politicians, royal fathers and service chiefs,” he said.

Bature also said that the NSCDC was proactive in combating crime and, were it not for that, there would have been more bomb-

ings in Jos. He added that the eagle eyes of his men, whom he posted among the State Task Force (STF) and the Nigeria Police, had helped in averting the evil plans of suicide bombers in Jos, as many of them were arrested and handed over to the Police.

He, however, emphasised the robust relationship he enjoyed with the Nigeria Police and STF, stating that such relationship had brought about the relative peace being enjoyed by the people of Plateau State.

L-R: National coordinator, Society Empowerment Advancement for Development (SEAD), Mr. Olukunle David-Sotade; President, SEAD/former Woman Leader, Bayelsa State, Madam Esther Ebiere Gbonkumor and Administarative Secretary, Mrs. Stella Abiodun Oboko, at a press briefing on sentisation of the electorate towards free, fair and credible 2015 general election, held in Eko Hotels and Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos… recently.

PHOTO: OLAWALE ROTIMI

Benin

ÏÏÏMajority

Leader of the Edo State House of Assembly and House of Representatives candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in Etsako Federal Constituency, Mr Philip Shaibu, has accused the Inspector General of Police, Suleiman Abba, of being a stooge of the Peoples Dem-

NICE elects new chair

Osogbo

ÏÏÏThe

Akinrun of Ikirun, Oba Rauf Olayiwola Adedeji, has called for the establishment of a university in his domain for the social and economic development of the ancient town.

The monarch spoke in his palace, while receiving a renowned Christian cleric, Dr. Sam Zusa, who paid him a courtesy visit .

Oba Adedeji noted that the university would improve the social wellbeing of the people of the town and its environs and called on the renowned evangelist and medical doctor to assist the community in transmitting to fruition its expectation of

Osun community demands own varsity a varsity.

Zusa, who was in the town on evangelism and free medical mission pledged to do his best to ensure that the expectations of the monarch was met.

He assured the monarch and the entire people of the community that he would do his best to ensure that the town was placed on the world map to enhance economic and social benefits of its inhabitants.

Abia NUT lauds Gov Orji over TSS Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏThe

ocratic Party (PDP) and should, therefore, resign.

He said the IG’s comment that Nigerians should cast their votes and leave the polling units was an indication that the IG was allegedly working with “enemies of democracy to rig the election.”

According to Shaibu: “The Inspector General of Police should leave politics alone and face his work as

the head of the police, particularly catering for the welfare of the rank and file of the police. The IG should make sure that the police should get their pension as at the right time. He should ensure welfare of police officers and leave politics alone.

“If he wants to be a politician, he should resign as IGP and come and face election. Nigerians should

disregard him, because he is acting out the script of Jonathan and the PDP. Nigerians should remain at the polling units after voting, everybody should be peaceful and ensure that their votes were counted before they go home.

“Those that have the energy must ensure that they monitor their votes at the collation centres,” he advised.

Nigeria Union of Teachers (NUT) in Abia State, at the weekend, expressed their happiness with Governor Theodore Orji over his implementation of the agreement with them, concerning the enhanced Teachers’ Salary Scale, TSS. In his address, read by the union secretary, Comrade Blackman Ubani, the state Chairman of the NUT, Comrade Akparanta Chizobem, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promises, as primary school teachers in the state have started enjoying salaries based on the TSS scale, which was suspended from their salaries eight years ago, and for his pronouncement that teachers are not directors who should retire after eight years on the job.

The union used the opportunity to pledge their support for the governor’s senatorial bid in the forthcoming election.

He, however, pleaded with the governor to direct the appropriate government au-

Joy Ekeke

Towers in Ikeja, Lagos.

The outgoing National Chairman, Engr. S. A. Lawal, FNSE, FNICE, in his address, said that he had fulfilled the promises made before he was elected.

“With a deep sense of humility, I would like to state

categorically that I have been able to deliver substantially on all the promises that I made, on my honour when I took over has the 13th National Chairman, to the effect that I will take NICE to a new level, which I did,” he stated.

The guest lecturer at the occasion, Engr. James O. Akanmu, spoke on the subject: “The Civil Engineers In Democratic Government: A Sine Qua Non for National Development.”

Owivry charged civil engineers to be a good ambas-

Edo lawmaker tackles IGP over election comments Titus Akhigbe

Michael Bamigbola

ÏÏÏThe

Nigerian Institution of Civil Engineers (NICE) has a new National Chairman. He is Engr. Robbie James Owivry.

His investiture took place at the Sheraton Hotel and

thorities to document it for implementation, so that incoming governments would not reverse it. He also pledged total support and votes for the peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the coming election.

Responding, Governor Orji said his administration had, to a large extent, ensured that teachers in the state are happy through the implementation of friendly policies that enhanced their welfare.

Governor Orji, who was receiving the executive of the NUT, which paid him a ‘thank you’ visit at the Government House, Umuahia, said that apart from promoting teachers in the state to the next salary grade level on assumption of office, “it is only in Abia State that teachers are promoted to grade level 17, among other gestures towards them.

He, however, regretted that teachers in the state have not been fair to him, as they have been in the vanguard of castigating his government for non-payment of their salaries, noting that many of them have become campaign managers of the opposition.

sador of the institution.

Said he: “To my fellow civil engineers, always think of yourself as a good ambassador of the institution in your conducts. Civil engineers do not brag, but we rule the world, from the physical to the natural environment.”

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

15 Opinion

Are we really better off now than in 2011?

A

Nnanna Ude

child will be born in a rural village in Nigeria today. The mother of that child will hold, feed, comfort and care for her new baby – just as any mother would do anywhere in the world even if the long-awaited presidential election in Nigeria is finally around the corner. So, as Nigerians prepare to the head to the polls, it is safe to begin closing arguments. President Goodluck Jonathan has been in office since May 5, 2010, first to complete the tenure of late President Umaru Yar’Adua and then he commenced his own term on May 29, 2011. In his quest for re-election, the President must face the ultimate test of an incumbent – an anatomy of his 5-year presidency. In carrying out this, three questions come to mind: What did he meet as President?

Jonathan What did he do as President? What kind of progress have we made during his presidency? tion (according to data from the Without a doubt, the emotions World Bank, United Nations and that swept President Jonathan their subsidiary institutions), into office in 2011 raised expectathese statistics can be contentious tions that spanned from wall to especially in developing countries wall. But if we were to tame these such as ours. So, since I am not an expectations, a fit and proper economist, I would rather use pedesapproach would be to wrap them trian means to assess the Jonathan around the economy, governance presidency on the economy. and security. But this election In a normal country, the easiest season offers Nigerians an optest of the economy is to measure portunity to shift our paradigm so production and consumption. Prothat we can discuss our nation as duction, especially as it relates to the a whole because countries develop real sector – agriculture and manuby building and strengthening facturing. We know that as at 2010, institutions in order to advance Nigeria was spending about N1.3 progress. According to America’s trillion per annum on importation President Barrack Obama, nations of rice, wheat, sugar and fish alone. need strong institutions not strong Indeed the Nomura Index ranked individuals. So my anatomy of the Nigeria as the 4th most vulnerable Jonathan presidency’s testimonial country in the world to food price on the economy, governance and increases. But as at June 2013, local security will be viewed in large production of rice paddy was 1.76m part from the prism of the primacy metric tonnes and there are now 14 of institutions because they unlock new large-scale integrated rice mills binding constraints to progress. established by private investors.

In the words of former Brazilian During the 19th Nigerian Economic President Fernando Cardoso, “it is Summit, I met a number of young only institutions, and not indiagribusiness entrepreneurs – naviduals, that can reliably sustain gropreneurs – that are spinning democracy over the long haul.” I prosperity through agriculture. also acknowledge that reasonable One of them, Mafindi Isa Tafida is people tend to switch off when they partnering with his father in their hear exaggerated claims, either Famag-Jal Farms to produce Halalabout failure or success. certified beef that is good enough to I want to begin with the econogo international. Overall, an addimy, which is the bread-and-butter tional 15m metric tonnes of food has of any society because it concerns been added to our domestic food supthe affairs of the belly. No adminis- ply in just 2 years. How do all these tration should remain a day longer affect the average Nigerian? Apart in office if it is not addressing the from the hundreds of thousands of wellbeing of the citizenry. Over jobs created, it is noteworthy that the years, economists have devised the prices of staple food such as rice, a number of indices to measure yam, garri, vegetables, fruits, poulthe economic performance of try, fish, beef, etc. remained stable countries and governments. Even and maintained previous year’s though most of them are favourprices during the last festive season. able to the Jonathan administraThis is a very rare occurrence in our

clime especially given the turbulent exchange rate volatility in December, a clear indication that local production has increased. Also, you are more likely to buy Made-in-Nigeria products in stores now than in 2011.

Don’t take my word for it, visit one out there and see for yourself.

Now this takes me to consumption, let us look at consumer spending because it will reveal something. Since we are not able to measure it in naira terms, a few indicators can suffice.

Between 2011 and 2014, large retail outlets for the middle class such as Shoprite have increased in number extending away from the traditional Lagos and Abuja to such places as Enugu, Illorin, Ibadan and Kano while building new stores in Owerri, Benin, Effurun, Onitsha and Umuahia. Online shopping platforms like Jumia and Konga which opened in 2012 are making record sales and creating thousands of jobs in just 2 years. PayPal has just reported that in 2 years, Nigeria has become its second largest market in Africa. Also many more middle-income earners are buying their own homes through mortgages now than in 2011 just as many more middle-income earners are buying brand new cars with increased access to auto-loans due to stronger financial system stability, and thanks to the new Automotive Policy, they are more likely to buy a brand new Nissan car rolled out in Nigeria than one rolled in from Japan. These are economic activities powered by the middle class. They are the outcomes of deliberate policies put in place to deliver the right results.

To underpin positive developments in the economy, a country needs infrastructure, especially power, transportation and ICT. Apart from

its domestic use, electric power permits the use of modern technologies and processes, especially in the services and real sector.

The Electric Power Sector Reform (EPSR) Act which unbundled the National Electric Power Authority (NEPA) into 18 separate entities: 6 generation companies, 11 distribution companies and 1 Transmission Company was passed into law in 2005. For 5 years, the tenets of the Act were not implemented and that sector remained under the stranglehold of inefficient state control. In August 2010, President Jonathan launched the Roadmap for Electric Power Sector Reform and just 3 years later in October 2013, the unbundled companies were fully privatized despite great resistance from vested interests and the process received accolades from the international community. Just 1 year ago, in February 2014, they were handed over to their new owners. Today, even though the megawatts are not yet in their desired tens of thousands, we know that quality investments by the private sector and the implementation of the gas masterplan (thank goodness it is now in place) will deliver those megawatts in the kind of exponential increase we saw with phone lines.

In a short while, Nigerians will not only begin to see improved power supply in their homes, they will see its effect in the real sector that will deliver cheaper goods and services to us. This will surely happen because the binding constraints have been removed.

On transportation, we know that by efficiently moving people, goods and services, the railways add value and spurs further growth. The Western Narrow Guage Line has been fully rehabilitated and the trains now run from Lagos to Kano more frequently and efficiently passing through Ibadan, Osogbo, Illorin, Minna, Kaduna and Zaria while the standard guage line is under construction. The Eastern Narrow Guage Line now runs more frequently and efficiently from Port Harcourt to Gombe through Aba, Enugu, Makurdi, Lafia and Bauchi. The first phase of the Central Standard Guage Line, the first in West Africa, has been completed to run from Kaduna to Abuja. It will ultimately go all the way through Itakpe and Ajaokuta to Warri. In the roads sector, Nigeria has about 35,000 km of federal highways.

–Nnanna Ude is Deputy Director (Civil Society) in the PDP Presidential Campaign Organisation TO BE CONTINUED TOMORROW

16

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23 2015

Business Times Minister warns farmers of extreme weather, need for agric insurance Charles Okonji Minister of Agriculture and Rural Development, Dr. Akinwumi Adesina has warned farmers of the possibility of extreme weather conditions and the need for them to upscale their investments in agricultural insurance to protect them from unexpected losses.

Adesina, stated this at the opening of the Lagos Zonal Headquarters of the Nigerian Agricultural Insurance Company, (NAIC) stressing that the devastating floods of 2012 was a wake-up call for the need to develop policies and risk transfer systems to protect government and farmers from effects of climate change.

He noted that to address the challenge posed by the floods, President Jonathan approved the launch of the flood recovery food production policy to immediately swing into action and produce food massively in the dry season. The national dry season policy, the first in Nigeria’s history, allowed Nigeria to rapidly recover from the impacts of the flood.

The minister who was represented by Mr. Lekan Quadry, the south-west regional director, in the ministry said: “As we continue to modernise the agricultural sector, we will ensure that farmers are protected from the effects of climate change.

“But as we go forward we must recognise that extreme weather effects are likely to become more common due to

climate change. To ensure that farmers and agribusinesses are protected there is need to scale up agricultural insurance programs.”

Agriculture has saved the Nigerian economy. Despite the depreciation in the value of the Naira and the collapse in the price of crude oil, food prices have been largely stable, which has provided fiscal buffers and helped to strengthen fiscal and macro-economic stability.

He stated that in acknowledgement of the importance of risk management in agricultural investment, the Federal Ministry decided to reposition NAIC in order to build its capacity and prepare it to more effectively meet the insurance needs of the agricultural sector.

“Our focus is to promote affordable crop and livestock insurance products for farmers and insurance products for agribusinesses. Government is supporting the development of weather index insurance products for farmers, improving access to climate information and expansion of Agro-Metereological stations. Both agricultural insurance and reinsurance are being rapidly developed. Our goal is to ensure that in the next three years over 15 million farmers are covered by crop and livestock insurance.

“I have given directive to the National Agricultural Insurance Company (NAIC) to totally reform and reposition agricul-

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

s

17

Business Editor: Emmanuel Ogbonnaya Email: emmanuelogbonnaya@dailytimes.com.ng

This is best time for investment, NSE president tells WIMBIZ Judith Frank-Edet The president of the Nigerian stock Exchange, (NSE) Aigboje Aig-Imoukhuede, has urged Women in Management and Business (WIMBIZ) to sustain efforts geared towards raising the level of women participation in the economy, as this was the best time for making investments in the country.

Aig-Imoukhuede made the call at the WIMBIZ 14th Annual Lecture held at Shell Hall, Muson Centre Onikan, with this year’s theme as ‘’Thriving in Tough Times: Navigating Challenging

Continued on page 19

Adesina

tural insurance. To ensure this, I have directed the release of $ $5 million to NAIC to support its institutional reforms, strengthening of its operations and roll out of agricultural insurance products. I have also directed that NAIC ensures that it works with global reinsurance companies to make agricultural insurance in Nigeria of global standard.

“Presently, NAIC is undergoing a restructuring exercise under a new MD/CEO, Mr. Bode Opadokun, supported by hard working and Energetic Board of Directors. The aim is to ensure that it delivers flawless and efficient risk management services to all the participants in the agricultural sector.

“I am very pleased to note that the Corporation recently designed a crop insurance distribution channel that has been adopted by the Federal Ministry of Agriculture. Government is rolling out this insurance products via the electronic wallets on mobile phones of farmers. Under the program called “Planting with Peace” farmers will be insured for every bag of seed and fertilizer purchased, following payment of a modest premium,” Adesina said.

He assured that the Corporation has the full support of his Ministry in fulfilling its statutory mandate of the provision of adequate risk management services to the agriculture sector in Nigeria.

Dangote raises stake in refinery, to become world’s largest Charles Okonji The Dangote Group has announced plans to raise its initial proposed refinery capacity from 450,000bpd to 650, 000bpd, to make it the refinery with the largest capacity in the world.

On completion, Nigeria would be listed as having the largest petroleum refinery in the world, Africa’s richest man and president of the Pan-African conglomerate, the Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote disclosed that he was increasing his refinery capacity to process 650, 000 barrels per day, thus making it the single largest stream in the world.

Dangote said that though the initial plan was to have 450,000 bpd refining capacity, but that he has since gone back to the drawing board to have a bigger plant because he believes that Nigeria as a leading producer of crude oil should also be credited with local refining capacity.

Describing the present situation where Nigeria produces crude but goes abroad to buy refined products as unacceptable, Dangote who spoke through his Group Executive Director, Devakumar Edwin said that Dangote refinery was ready to reverse the trend just as it has successfully done in other sectors like sugar and Cement.

His clarification came even as the Company’s Executive Director in Charge of Stakeholders Management and Corporate Corporation, Engr. Manure Ahmed told stakeholders in South Africa that the Refinery would run full swing from 2017.

Edwin, who spoke while receiving on behalf of Dangote, a group of oil and gas stakeholders who paid him a visit in Lagos at the weekend, also disclosed that the petrochemicals which is being developed alongside the refinery also has its capacity increased from 750,000 to 3.6 million.

Said he: “The entire petrochemical industry is history. Nobody has started with a 3.6 million tonnes capacity anywhere in the world. We are doing two million tonnes of polypropylene and

Continued on page 20

Dangote

Money 18

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

Osunkeye to make way for new Lafarge Africa chairman Emmanuel Ogbonnaya

Jalo-Waziri

NSE appoints new primary market maker Adesola Akindele The Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) has announced the appointment of Chapel Hill Denham Securities Limited (CHDS) as one of its Primary Market Makers.

The appointment of CHDS follows the resignation of WSTC Financial Services Limited, one of ten Primary Market Makers appointed in September 2012.

The Executive Director, Business Development, NSE, Mr. Haruna Jalo-Waziri, described the appointment as a positive step towards the improvement of market liquidity and depth. He added that, “Chapel Hill went

through a rigorous selection process and met the minimum net capital requirement, as well as compliance history and operational standards, as set by The Exchange”.

According to The Exchange, the Market Making scheme is an initiative aimed at providing liquidity through the establishment of best prices and the narrowing of spreads. There is one Primary Market Marker and two Supplemental Market Makers assigned to every listed equity. Market Makers provide liquidity for their assigned stocks by quoting at and improving upon the national best bid and offer (NBBO).

Lafarge Africa Plc has named a new chairman for the company pending the effective retirement of Chief Olusegun Osunkeye, on May 23rd 2015.

From the conclusion of the 2015 Annual General Meeting, Lafarge announced that Osunkeye will retire voluntarily as Chairman of the Board of Directors of Lafarge Africa Plc, having served as a Director for fourteen years, five out of which he was Chairman.

“The Board of Lafarge Africa is pleased to announce that Mr. Mobolaji Balogun will succeed Chief Osunkeye as Chairman effective. Mobolaji Balogun, a Nonexecutive Director of the Company is also Chairman of the Board Finance and Strategic Planning Committee and a Member of the Audit Committee,” the company said in an official statement.

Mr. Balogun is the Chief Executive Officer of Chapel Hill Denham, prominent independent investment bank in Nigeria and a Director of Lafarge Africa Plc and NAHCO Aviance Plc. He was appointed to the Johannesburg Stock Exchange, Africa Advisory Board in September 2009. Mr. Balogun is the immediate past Chairman of the Association of Issuing Houses of Nigeria, the investment banks’ trade group. He was a member of the Committee that drafted the first Nigerian Code of Corporate Governance.

Commenting, Chief Osunkeye, said, ‘I am delighted that the Board has appointed Mobolaji Balogun to succeed me as Chairman. He has a breadth of experience across Finance, Strategy and Management and is very familiar with Lafarge’s business in Nigeria and Africa and I am sure he is the right person to chair the Board going forward, after the 2015 AGM.

“We have made considerable progress to create a stronger and more diversified building materials company but there is still work to be done. Bolaji is very well equipped to lead Lafarge Africa Plc through the next stage of its growth. His experience and expertise will be invaluable and I wish him every success in the future.”

Mr. Guillaume Roux, Lafarge Africa’s Group Managing Director said that ‘the Company had set out clear strategies to create the number one building materials business in Africa for customer solutions, innovation, and trust and shareholder value creation. “I look forward to working closely with Mobolaji Balogun as the new Chairman of the Board effective May 23rd 2015 to deliver on the strategy.”

In his response, Balogun commented “I am deeply honoured to be appointed Chairman of this great Company and to have the privilege to succeed Chief Osunkeye.

Mobolaji

AshakaCem concludes MTO, Shares conversion Emmanuel Ogbonnaya The Board of Ashakacem Plc have announced the successful completion of its Mandatory Tender Offer to minority shareholders. Majority of the shareholders accepted the offer and converted their Ashakacem Plc shares to Lafarge Africa Plc shares.

The company noted that through this process, the shareholders will tap into the value proposition provided by the benefit of the transaction.

“Lafarge Africa Plc considers this successful transaction, which has been approved by the Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC) as a significant milestone for all shareholders, within the context of very strong Lafarge Africa Plc operations providing innovative and market leading building solutions. Sequel to this successful transaction, the Company also announced changes to its Board composition following notification to the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

Commenting on the completion of the transaction, the outgoing Chairman of Ashakacem Plc, Alhaji Umaru Kwairanga stated that ‘’With this milestone transaction, it is with a strong sense of accomplishment with the support of the Board and key stakeholders that l wish to move on to a new responsibility within the Lafarge Group and continue to support Group objectives, including its ambitious development plan. I seize the opportunity to wish the new Board led by Chairman, Alhaji Suleiman Yahyah and the other Board members continuous success in their endeavors and l want to thank one more time my fellow colleagues on the Board for their unabated support.’’

Business developers seek alliance with stockbrokers Adesola Akindele Professional business developers under the aegis of Institute of Business Development (IBD) has identified a synergy between the institute and stockbrokers as critical to the growth of the Nigerian economy.

Pushing for the partnership, the institute prescribed the enhancement of business development strategies and long-term investments as veritable tools for improving the nation’s economic

well-being.

According to Mr. Paul Ikeye, Registrar and Chief Executive Officer of the Institute of Business Development, who led a delegation of members of the institute on a courtesy call to the Nigerian Stock Exchange (NSE) House in Lagos, a collaboration between the Institute and the Exchange promises positive benefits.

He stressed that these benefits can be gained from tools used to decipher when and how investments ought to be handled,

thereby enriching the capacity that currently abounds in the Nigerian Stock Exchange.

“The institute is a professional body in the area of business development, and we know that stock broking has a lot to do in business development and with business development being a key factor, it can further promote the current activities of the Nigerian Stock Exchange to better enhance the Nigerian economy,” he said.

He disclosed that the institute

which is a membership based professional body, comprises of students, associates, fellows, council, and membership can be gained through admittance after writing exams which comes up twice a year in May and November.

Ikeye urged business owners, especially the Small, Medium Entreprises SMEs to also join up on membership as trainings and tools for top goal scoring on categories such as business development planners.

Ikeye

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

19 Energy

NNPC, NLNG partner host communities to check vandalism Tony Nwakaegho The Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, (NNPC), and Nigerian LNG Limited, (NLNG), have extended various incentives to their host communities in order to nip the growing scourge of pipeline vandalism in the bud.

Both companies have resolved to involve the various communities in their areas of operation to provide security for their infrastructure.

While the NNPC announced the renewal and extension of the pipeline protection contract to some of its host communities, the NLNG said their host communities have been made critical stakeholders through provision of amenities, contracts, scholarship and training programmes for the youths.

According to NLNG source, “Our 120 kilometres of pipeline are intact because in our host communities, we identify owners of the land, families give us their representatives.

“We empower them; give them contracts so that they will be busy. We grant them scholarships, electricity and water, so as to give them sense of belonging. They become stakeholders in the NLNG and protect our facilities.”

Commenting on the basis behind the renewal of the contract which was first awarded to communities in 2011, the NNPC spokesman, Mr. Ohi Alegbe, said that there has been a noticeable increase in the spate of attacks on crude oil, products, and gas pipelines since the expiration of the first community-based contract in 2012, adding that the attacks have led to frequent production shut-ins and deferrals of gas supply to power plants.

“The pipeline protection contract is part of our community engagement programme across our host communities aimed at getting community members to help in the task of protecting the pipelines around their communities,” he said.

According to him, “It would be recalled that while the earlier pipeline protection contract to the communities which lasted from 2011 to 2012 subsisted, breaches to our pipelines were minimal which contributed to the rise in production.”

“The recent rise in the frequency and intensity of willful attacks on our pipelines dictates

that we step up our community engagement programme to help stem the tide of the pipeline vandalism scourge.

“In the current programme, we have not only renewed the contracts for the three initial community-based companies involved in the 2011 contract, we have extended the programme to five other community-based companies in other states where we have a high concentration of pipelines stretching from the Niger Delta to the Ondo, Ogun, Oyo and Lagos States.

“The contracts do not in any way obviate or undermine the responsibility of the police and other security agencies to protect the pipelines. They are actually designed to complement the work of the security agencies by raising the alarm and drawing the attention of security agencies to any suspicious movements around the pipelines right of way.”

It will also be recalled that the Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke, had earlier disclosed that Nigeria is losing about 160,000 barrels of oil daily due to activities of pipeline vandals.

The Minister further said that the saboteurs go as far as under the water to puncture pipelines in order to disrupt the economy.

Nigeria looks to Asia as US ends crude import Tony Nwakaegho The federal government has disclosed that it has turned its main focus to Asian markets as the United States has stopped buying crude oil from Nigeria and other African oil producers, having attained self-sufficiency.

The Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr Joseph Dawha made this disclosure in Abuja while making a presentation at the ongoing 2015 Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference and Exhibition.

Dahwa who was represented by the corporation’s group executive director, Corporate Planning and Strategy, Dr Tim Okon, said Nigeria, like most other oil producing countries, is looking towards Asian markets to sell its crude.

According to Dahwa, “The US increased its reserve from about 29 billion in 2006 to 44 billion barrels in 2014. For the last nine years, American oil production has climbed steadily from five million barrels per day (mbpd) in 2005 to 8.6mbpd last year.

“Unconventional resources that had in the past, unimaginable costs, has seen production costs decline significantly and therefore changed the landscape, leaving little doubt that the US is on the verge of self-sufficiency and potentially, if they get the permit, an exporter of oil.”

Vandalised pipeline

Women can be better managers of investments Continued from page 17 Environments.”

In his address, the guest speaker recalled that the idea behind the Annual lecture was to discuss a broad range of issues centered on a cutting edge theme that is topical and relevant, stressing that women needed to see this time as the best time for investment.

Aig-Imoukhuede advised women to set goal for themselves and have a clear cut vision. He said women should not be perturbed by the ongoing economic challenges but use the opportunity to develop more streams of income for themselves instead of giving up.

‘What I am not flexible about is that when challenges scale up, I then abandon my plans. When challenges become more serious,

Aig-Imoukhuede

I have to build up myself to match my challenge,” he said.

Aig- Imoukhuede said sometimes women are better in management jobs but lose focus due to fear.

“I have noticed and observed in life that many at times women

that are definitely more capable than men to achieve some certain goals, but choose to opt out because of the size and nature of challenges that we are facing.

Fear of the unknown, fear of micro support system, I am a woman I cannot do this.” He said.

During the question and answer session, the guest speaker briefly dwelled on the Nigerian economy and the reason for the high inflation. Imoukehuede explained that the reason for the high exchange rate of naira to dollar is due to the crash in the price of crude oil. Noting that it was impossible for Nigeria to escape inflation because 90 per cent of Nigeria’s income is dependent on oil. He stated that Nigeria would have to increase exportation of agricultural commodities and reduce importation.

When a delegate asked his

vision for the stock exchange, Imoukehuede stressed that his position in the stock exchange is that of the president, more like a board chairman and not the director general. He however said that he hoped that more Nigerians would participate in the stock exchange.

He also disclosed plans to begin a foundation that empowers women who have good business idea. He commended WIMBIZ for organising the lecture which attracted over 700 delegates from Nigeria.

Also present at the event were, the commissioner of commerce and industry Lagos, Mrs. Olusola Senapon Oworu, the managing director of access Bank, Herbert Wigwe, founder and CEO of terra KultureBolanle Austen-Peters.

Managing director of Accenture.

Energy 20

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

Solve electricity theft to save power sector Mr. James Agada, the Chief Technology Officer, CWG Plc

The Federal Government has taken vital steps in resuscitating the electricity sector - from privatisation, intervention funds, meter procurement, and investment in new power plants to mention a few. It is understandable that these fundamental changes will take time to fully turn the sector around and assure Nigerians of constant power supply.

As the Honourable Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo has recently pointed out however, with technical and commercial losses running at 75 per cent in some areas, the entire system will struggle to make the necessary investment to ensure a sustainable and reliable power system. A large percentage (perhaps, 50-60 per cent) of these losses can be attributed to energy theft - people consuming power without paying for it. This can happen either inadvertently or deliberately. Inadvertently, because the power companies are not metering and collecting the payment.

This is usually a smaller percentage because the power companies simply use estimated billing

to cover for the unmetered consumers. The deliberate stealing of electricity is widespread and happens through various schemes including - direct connection to the overhead low tension distribution cables, bypassing the meter so that only a small load is connected to it while the rest are connected directly to the supply behind the meter or tampering with the meter to make its reading inaccurate.

The deliberate stealing of electricity is more often than not aided and abetted by experienced (current or past) technicians who understand how the systems work. In these instances, the use of smart meters which are able to send their status readings to a central server are easily outfoxed. The smart meter will only have records of the electricity passing through the network it is connected to. If it is bypassed, or the connection is directly to the distribution line, the smart meter is unable to detect and report the anomaly.

When the meter is itself tampered with by experienced technicians, they may also be able to fool the meter into not reporting the breach. Smart meters depend on being able to communicate their status to a central server which can then analyse the information and hopefully be able to infer thefts using different algorithms.

Considering the amount of data each meter produces, few organisations can afford the computing power needed to execute these algorithms in near real time. For instance in the case of Austin Energy in the US with 500,000 meters, the utility’s yearly data storage needs grew from 20,000MB to 200,000MB in a relatively short

period (each meter producing in excess of 140MB a year).

It is of very little use detecting theft once a month.

If done in real time, perpetrators can be caught and prosecuted.

If done in real time, the theft can also be stopped. Analysing the large quantity of data to detect theft in real time using data from smart meters in one central server soon exceeds the cost of the theft.

Working with technical partners around the globe, Computer WareHouse Group (CWG) Plc has developed a solution that makes it possible to detect theft and alert the power companies with the precise location where the theft is happening in near real time, not more than 3 minutes after it occurs without requiring large computers and complex expensive algorithms.

This system uses distributed microcomputers mounted on pole top units, continuously applying Kirchokoff’s laws of electricity flow to determine when the energy flows do not balance and using that to detect energy losses most likely due to theft. Once a theft is detected, the central server is alerted and the alert is passed on to line men or other dedicated technicians who can be mobilised to investigate. This system is far cheaper and more robust than the ‘smart meter and super computer combo’ being promoted by most other vendors.

We can very quickly reduce the losses due to theft by more than 80 per cent within a few months. In addition our system is able to carry out metering or integrate with the meters now being deployed by the DISCOS.

Dangote refinery targets 650,000 bpd in 2017 Continued from page 17 1.6 tonnes of polythene which is approximately 3.6 million tonnes which is a huge petrochemical complex.

“The consumption of petrochemical products in Nigeria and within Saharan Africa is quite limited today but in the future there will be growth. if the cement industry has not developed like this today, if we were still living with a 3.4 million tonnes per annum capacity, today we would have imported about 16 million tonnes of cement and with that

you can imagine if we had imported this, it would have cost the country two billion dollars of foreign exchange.

“So that much of foreign exchange has been saved by the country and we can imagine how much of billions of dollars the country is spending in importation of products. That much of enormous foreign exchange has been conserved and the petrochemical products are exported, it will yield a huge amount of foreign exchange for the country even for us today, we are so happy

and relieved that our external investment in cement has started to yield returns this year we will be able to bring back foreign exchange in terms of our earnings from these investments.”

He also dismissed fears that change in government policy could affect the business saying “we have witnessed so many political upheavals and never had any negative impacts on our business as such because our business is not dependent on any government contracts or any linkage to the government.’’

Droll

Shell has warned that fiscal stability is crucial to survive the current low oil price climate, else investments could dry up fast with production levels declining shortly afterwards.

Vice President, Nigeria and Gabon Shell Up-stream, Markus Droll, made this assertion in his presentation on at the on-going Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) conference in Abuja, adding that what is required to grow the sector is fiscal stability and predictability.

Droll, however gave assurance

Fiscal stability crucial to surviving low oil prices – Shell that the company was hopeful about the economy of the country, as long term trends showed that it would continue to grow and diversify.

In his words: “The current $50 per barrel oil price is obvious evidence that the economic environment around us is volatile.

With plummeting oil prices and rising industry costs, we need to review the fiscal environment in order to maintain an attractive investment climate for all the stakeholders in the industry.”

FG confident of PIB passage before May 29 The Federal Government has expressed confidence that the Petroleum Industry Bill, (PIB), before the National Assembly will be passed before the end of the current political dispensation which terminates by May 29.

Minister of Petroleum Resources, Mrs. Diezani Alison-Madueke who was represented by Group Managing Director, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, Mr. Joseph Dawha, expressed the confidence while speaking at the Nigeria Oil and Gas (NOG) Conference and Exhibition in Abuja, stressing that the Nigerian Spirit will come to play in ensuring the passage of the Bill in the few days remaining.

According to her, “Everybody is excited about the passage of the PIB, unfortunately, it got stuck somewhere, but I believe it will be passed in the next few days. The Nigerian spirit will work in ensuring the Bill is passed despite the fact that we have only few days remaining. The Nigerian

spirit is there any time and the spirit is very strong. At the end of the day, it will come to play. Everybody I talked to is optimistic about the passage of the Bill. Nobody is opposed to it, it is just the timing, I believe.”

She restated the commitment of the Federal Government to the passage of the Bill, adding that it wants to entrench a clear and transparent fiscal rule of general application with appropriate incentives to the investor and commensurate economic rent to the state.

Alison-Madueke

Total to raise Nigerian output by 60,000bpd in 2015 Tony Nwakaegho The Chief Executive Officer of Total’s Nigerian producing unit, Elizabeth Proust has said that the French oil firm plans to see to the completion of two major projects in Nigeria this year that will add 60,000 barrel per day (b/d) of oil output to its portfolio despite the fall in oil prices.

Proust said on the sidelines of an industry conference in Abuja, adding that “the projects are the

upgrade of our OML 58 and Ofon phase two. They will add around 60,000 b/d to our oil production.”

The two projects are among the $20 billion investment plans in Nigeria announced by Total in 2010.

She disclosed that the third major project, which is the development of the Egina deepwater field located in OML 130, was also progressing and remained on track.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

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Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

Today in History Compiled by ‘Tunji Okegbola

s

Cartoons from our Archives

1919 Mussolini founds the Fascist party Benito Mussolini, an Italian World War I veteran and publisher of Socialist newspapers, broke with the Italian Socialists and established the nationalist Fasci di Combattimento, named after the Italian peasant revolutionaries, or “Fighting Bands,” from the 19th century. Commonly known as the Fascist Party, Mussolini’s new right-wing organization advocated Italian nationalism, had black shirts for uniforms, and launched a program of terrorism and intimidation against its leftist opponents.

In October 1922, Mussolini led the Fascists on a march on Rome, and King Emmanuel III, who had little faith in Italy’s parliamentary government, asked Mussolini to form a new government. Initially, Mussolini, who was appointed prime minister at the head of a three-member Fascist cabinet, cooperated with the Italian parliament, but aided by his

1994 Luis Donaldo Colosio, Mexico’s ruling party’s presidential candidate, was gunned down during a campaign rally in the northern border town of Tijuana.

As a member of the Institutional Revolutionary Party (PRI), the political party that held power in Mexico for most of the 20th century, Colosio became the protÝgÝ of future Mexican president Carlos Salinas de Gortari and was elected to the Congress and Senate. In 1988, he was the campaign manager of Salinas’ successful presidential campaign and the same year was named PRI party head. In 1992, President Salinas appointed Colosio social development secretary. He became increasingly reform-minded in this capacity; although his promises to reduce Mexico’s widespread poverty failed to stop anti-government guerrilla activity in the state of Chiapas. Salinas designated Colosio his successor in late 1993, making him the PRI candidate and thus the favourite

brutal police organization he soon became the effective dictator of Italy. In 1924, a Socialist backlash was suppressed, and in January 1925 a Fascist state was officially proclaimed, with Mussolini as Il Duce, or “The Leader.”

Mussolini appealed to Italy’s former Western allies for new treaties, but his brutal 1935 invasion of Ethiopia ended all hope of alliance with the Western democracies. In 1936, Mussolini joined Nazi leader Adolf Hitler in his support of Francisco Franco’s Nationalist forces in the Spanish Civil War, prompting the signing of a treaty of cooperation in foreign policy between Italy and Nazi Germany in 1937. Although Adolf Hitler’s Nazi revolution was modelled after the rise of Mussolini and the Italian Fascist Party, Fascist Italy and Il Duce proved overwhelmingly the weaker partner in the BerlinRome Axis during World War II.

Leading Mexican presidential candidate assassinated to win the presidential election scheduled for August 1994.

Colosio campaigned as a man of the people and often appeared without the protection of bodyguards. On March 23, 1994, he was assassinated at a campaign rally in Tijuana. Mario Aburto Martinez, a factory worker, was arrested at the scene and later convicted as the sole shooter. During the next few years, however, evidence was uncovered suggesting a conspiracy that may have led all the way up to President Salinas’ office. Colosio had promised to fight Mexico’s rampant political corruption, of which Salinas, who had ties to organized crime in Mexico, was guilty.

In the wake of the assassination, Salinas appointed Ernesto Zedillo the PRI presidential campaign. Zedillo was elected in an election unusually free from fraud, and served as Mexican president until 2000. Salinas spent the late 1990s in exile but returned to Mexico in 2000.

Daily Times March 23, 1961

1994

Wayne Gretzky scores number 802

On March 23, 1994, Wayne Gretzky scored his 802nd goal, breaking his childhood idol Gordie Howe’s National Hockey League record for most goals scored in a career. Gretzky, known to hockey fans as “The Great One,” broke a total of 61 offensive records in his NHL career, including many previously held by “Mr. Hockey” Gordie Howe.

Wayne Gretzky began to skate at the age of two on the Nith River in his native Ontario. As a young child, he showed a tremendous aptitude for sports, especially baseball and hockey. Gretzky’s father, Walter Gretzky, built a skating pond in the family’s backyard every winter on which his son could conduct drills to improve his skills. When Gretzky was just six years old, he was advanced enough to play on a team with 10 year olds. At the age of 10, Gretzky scored 378 goals in one season of pee wee hockey. His output was so astonishing that his games were played in front of sold-out

crowds and often broadcast live on television. At 16, Gretzky was drafted third overall into the Ontario Hockey Association (OHA), a major league for amateur and youth players. Despite a naturally slight build and average speed and strength, Gretzky quickly proved that his dominance in the pee wee league was no fluke by scoring six goals in his first OHA game. He turned professional the next year at 17, signing with the Indianapolis Racers of the World Hockey League. The Racers sold Gretzky to the Edmonton Oilers the next year; when the WHL folded, the Oilers, and Gretzky, became part of the National Hockey League (NHL).

Outsized by many in the NHL, Gretzky learned to use his vision and wits to his advantage, and went on to become the most dominant player in the league’s history.

In 1979-80, he set an NHL record for points by a first-year player with 137, winning the first of eight consecutive Hart trophies, the NHL’s most valuable player

award. In his second year, Gretzky scored 164 points, setting a record for most points in a season. The following year Gretzky became the first player to score 200 points in a season, an achievement he matched three times. Upon retiring after the 1999 season, Gretzky’s record of 2,857 career points gave him 1,000 more career points than Gordie Howe, who had previously held the record.

Gretzky was not just a goal scorer: His 1983 career assists were more than any other player’s career points, which are tallied as goals plus assists. Behind “The Great One,” the Oilers won the Stanley Cup in 1984, 1985, 1987 and 1988. Gretzky was then traded to Los Angeles, a highly unpopular move among Canadian fans, who hung in effigy Edmonton owner Peter Pocklington. Gretzky led the Los Angeles Kings to the finals in 1993.

Wayne Gretzky wore number 99 throughout his career in tribute to Gordie Howe, who wore number 9.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

23 News

Polls: ALGON endorses Jonathan Sunday Isuwa Abuja

ÏÏÏThe Association of Local Gov-

ernments of Nigeria (ALGON), on Sunday, endorsed President Goodluck Jonathan’s second term reelection bid.

Speaking at a press conference shortly after a meeting of chairmen of the 774 local councils in the country, National President of ALGON, Mr. Micah Jibah, said

they were satisfied with President Jonathan’s performance and have unanimously endorsed him for another term of four years.

“We have taken cognizance of the achievements of President Goodluck Jonathan, especially at the grassroots, including his support for local government autonomy. Also in Agriculture, farmers in the rural areas now have value chain for their agricultural products.

“President Jonathan is making the local government administration work. We also applaud him for establishing Almajiri schools and the additional 14 federal varsities in the country,” Jibah said.

ALGON condemned the proliferation of small fire arms and urged all security agencies to carry out a mop up exercise. “We appreciate the president and the Nigeria soldiers for quelling the insurgents.

We also commiserate with the

families that lost their loves ones,” ALGON said.

The association also commended the FCT Minister, Sen Bala Mohammed, for making Abuja a dream city for all. “This implies that the Jonathan administration has performed, and is still performing. We, therefore, endorsed Mr. President for another term, so that Nigeria would remain on the path of prosperity. Come March 28, Jonathan will be return,” ALGON declared.

Jonathan

Minister of Special Duties, Barr Kabiru Tanimu Turaki, said at the conference that as elected chairmen, who know the yearnings of the people at the grass root, ALGON has respected the wishes of the people.

Crisis looms in Enugu Assembly over Ijaw youths threaten Chevron over sacked workers approval of N11bn secret loan Moses Oyediran Enugu

ÏÏÏTension is heightening in

Enugu State, following an allegation that some members of the House of Assembly have secretly conceded to a fresh request by the outgoing government of Sullivan Chime to obtain N11 billion loan from a first generation bank purportedly for payment of debts owed to some government contractors.

Concerned Citizens of Enugu State, through a petition signed on their behalf by one Barrister Omega, raised an alarm that the loan, which had earlier been stopped by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) for being unnec-

essary, was being reintroduced by the state government, which tenure would elapse in the next few weeks.

Daily Times recalled that the controversial loan, which the Enugu government had claimed was for the settlement of outstanding debts owed contractors handling her projects, was cancelled following public outcry against the decision of the government to throw the state into perpetual debt, more so when its tenure is at the eleventh hour.

The loan controversy, which has attracted increased public outrage against the outgoing administration, is coming on the heels of secret concession of the services of the Enugu State

ENVIRONMENTAL ADVOCACY AND POLUTION AWARENESS INITIATIVE

Water Corporation, by the state government, to a private company for a period of 25 years and the approval of over 600 percent increase in water tariff for the firm, without the knowledge of the state House of Assembly.

The news of the water concession contract drew the ire of majority of the state law makers, last Tuesday, when petitions brought against the deal were being deliberated as the Managing Director of the Water Corporation, Chinedu Akah, admitted that he was compelled to sign the document after he was summoned to the Government House, Enugu, without knowing the content.

Akah made a startling rev-

Abiodun Taiwo

THE TRUSTEES ARE:1. Okonkwo Isioma Irene - President 2. Okereke Nneamaka Jenife - Secretary 3. Okonkwo Janet Omono - Treasurer.

ÏÏÏA few days to the general elec-

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the registrar- general, corporate affair commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguyi Irosi Street, Maitama, Abuja, within 28 days from the date of this publication.

Warri

ÏÏÏAngry

Ijaw youths have, again, threatened to disrupt operations of Chevron Nigeria Limited in Delta State, over the alleged unwarranted sack of three of its workers.

Daily Times learnt that Comrade Okeoghene Timmy Okirika, alongside two others, were relieved of their posts by Chevron about two years ago, in a manner that had sparked wide protests in Ijaw communities.

Estranged youths, under the auspices of Graduates of Egbema and Gbaramatu kingdoms in the Warri North and Warri SouthWest Local Government Area of the state, said they would disrupt

Chevron operations, if the sacked workers were not reinstated.

The group claimed that Chevron had refused to heed the decision of the National Assembly and the Ministry of Labour, which waded into the matter to have the dismissed employees reinstated.

The angry youths, in a statement, claimed that Chevron had refused all peaceful avenues at resolving the matter, which had lingered on.

The group expressed surprised that “Chevron bluntly refused to reinstate him (Comrade Okirika Timmy Okeoghene) and pay him all his entitlements, as ordered by the National Assembly and Ministry of Labour, after a fair hearing that Chevron participated in.”

Ogun Hausa community endorses SDP candidates

The general public is hereby informed that the above named initiative has applied to the Corporate Affair Commission for registration under part “C “ of the companies and allied matters act 1 of 1990.

The Aims and Objectives are:1. To create awareness on environmental pollution.

2. To educate people of all socioeconomic background on ways to actively participate in environmental matters.

3. To ensure a clean and sustainable environment.

Joe Ogbodu

Abeokuta

tion, the Arewa Youth Forum in Ogun State said it had thrown its weight behind the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Senator Akin Odunsi, and all the candidates of the party in the state, in the coming general elections.

The forum vowed not to support the re-election bid of Senator Ibikunle Amosun, describing him as an ethnocentric dictator that does not take the Hausa community into consideration.

The Chairman of the forum, Hadi Sanni, disclosed this at a media briefing in Abeokuta, saying that the endorsement was done, having critically examined all the political parties and their candidates in the state.

Sanni, who further explained that the Hausa community was indebted to the former governor of the state, Aremo Segun Osoba, following his efforts at enhancing the life of the community, when he held sway as the governor of the state and after.

According to him: “We are supporting the SDP because of Chief Olusegun Osoba, due to the outstanding support he had given to our community.

SIGNED BY: - President

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public that the original

This is to inform the general public that the

offer letter of occupancy, Sir Emma Obi Anosike M’ of

original Cerificate of Occupancy, belonging

National Assembly reported missing on. 20/ 09 / 2014

to Stirling Civil Engineering Nig. Ltd. Plot

while on transit situated at Plot No. 5117 of about

number 945, file number MISC 53302. District

1,000sqm2 located at CKC Extention Gwagwalada Area Council Abuja Dated 30th April 2001 bearing Babagida Sanni got missing. All the effort to trace the

Gwarimpa 1, Cadastral Zone C02., got missing.

All the effort to trace the said document proved

said document proved abortive AGIS, and the general

abortive AGIS, and the general public should

public should please take note. If found please contact

please take note. If found please contact the

the nearest police station

nearest police station.

GLORIOUS VESSEL OF GRACE INT’L ASSEMBLY The General Public is hereby notified that the above named assembly has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission Abuja, for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act of 1990.

Trustees.

1. Mrs. Yodina West.

2. Pastor Somina West.

3. Emordi Kingsley.

4. Aneh Etekpi- Kanu.

5. Pastor Abiodun Idunro.

Aims and objectives.

To preach the gospel of the lord Jesus Christ.

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

News 24

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

Zamfara top, Ogun least in PVC collection Obiano signs N250m Ogbunike Cave MoU -Isiaka urges extension of distribution in Ogun Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja, Abiodun Taiwo, Abeokuta

ÏÏÏThe

collection of Permanent Voters' Cards (PVCs) formally came to an end on Sunday with Zamfara State recording the highest and Ogun State the lowest.

A total of 56, 431, 255 or 81.89 per cent of total PVCs produced were distributed.

However, the Chief Press Secretary to the Chairman of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), Mr. Kayode Idowu, who released the latest figure on the distribution the PVCs on Sunday, ruled out further extension of the exercise. The table released showed that Zamfara State has 1, 435, 452 or 95.97 per cent of 1, 495, 717 registered voters, while out of Ogun’s

Ex-gov Daniel, Bishop, others pray for peaceful polls Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏFew

days to the 2015 general election, former governor of Ogun State, Otunba Gbenga Daniel, and the Bishop of Remoland Anglican Diocese, Rt. Rev. Michael Fape, have called on Nigerians to continue to pray to God for the country to witness a peaceful conduct of election.

Daniel, who reiterated religion as the agent of socialization that has put the church in a vantage position to change the society by feeding the people spiritually and guiding them to elect credible leaders into positions of authority, also called on religious leaders to take active interest in the socio-political development of the country.

Daniel, who is the Asiwaju Onigbagbo (Okunrin) of Remoland, Ogun State, said this during an interdenominational interactive session held at the Asoludero Court residence of the former governor in Sagamu at the weekend.

1,829,534, registered voters, those who got theirs were 1,125,657, meaning 61.53 percent. It was followed by Edo State with 1, 230, 566 or 68. 81 per cent out of 1, 779, 738 registered voters.

Zamfara State was followed by Bauchi State with a total 1,907,081 or 95.76 per cent of 2, 054, 125 registered voters. Meanwhile, the governorship candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ogun State, Mr. Gboyega Nasir Isiaka, has called for the extension of the collection of the cards in his state.

He also canvassed the use of Temporary Voters Card (TVC) by those that were unable to collect their own PVC in the state so as not to disenfranchise thousands that had not collected theirs.

The PDP governorship hopeful said in a press statement issued in Abeokuta, the Ogun State capital, on Sunday, noting that the call became imperative so that the elections may be free from litigation from those unable to vote due to their inability to collect their PVCs. His words: "I had cause to mention the above subject matter at a press conference I addressed last week during which I raised the issue of the inadequate or deliberate exclusion of eligible voters that had turned in their Temporary Voters Cards (TVCs) hoping to collect the Permanent Voters Cards (PVCs).

Unfortunately, nothing appreciable has been done to substantially ameliorate the situation".

Doris Nnabuenyi

"I have been inundated with several calls and complaints from a lot of our people in various local governments across the state, especially in Yewa North, Ijebu East, Imeko-Afon, Ipokia, Abeokuta North and Obafemi Owode have yet to receive their PVCs with just a week to the Presidential and National Assembly elections.

Isiaka

4 ANAMBRA 5 BAUCHI 6 BAYELSA 7 BENUE 8 BORNO 9 CROSS RIVER 10 DELTA 11 EBONYI 12 EDO 13 EKITI 14 ENUGU 15 FCT 16 GOMBE 17 IMO 18 JIGAWA 19 KADUNA 20 KANO 21 KATSINA 22 KEBBI 23 KOGI 24 KWARA 25 LAGOS 26 NASARAWA 27 NIGER 28 OGUN 29 ONDO 30 OSUN 31 OYO 32 PLATEAU 33 RIVERS 34 SOKOTO 35 TARABA 36 YOBE 37 ZAMFARA

Total

1,183,127 1,381,571 1,587,566 1,658,967 1,967,081 548,585 1,607,800 1,407,777

84.74 88.62

983,968 1,939,952 848,392 1,230,566 522,107 1,223,606 569,109 1,070,725 1,707,449 1,757,658 3,174,519 4,112,039 2,620,096 1,372,630 926,013 889,067 3,799,274

83.70 85.26 78.97 68.81 71.32 85.61 64.56 95.60 94.70 95.98 93.17 82.64 92.65 93.34 68.55 77.83 65.25

1,495,717

1,048,053 1,682,058 1,125,657 1,118,479 1,033,229 1,639,967 1,508,585 2,127,837 1,527,004 1,270,889 824,401 1,435,452

84.34 83.51 61.53 73.36 73.43 67.89 75.36 83.85 94.73 94.80 74.95 95.97

68,833,476

56,431,255

81.98

1,396,162 1,559,012 1,680,759 1,963,173 2,054,125 610,373 2,015,452 1,934,079 1,175,623 2,275,264 1,074,273 1,779,738 732,021 1,429,221 881,472 1,120,023 1,803,030 1,831,276 3,407,222 4,975,701 2,827,943 1,470,648 1,350,883 1,142,267 5,822,207 1,242,667 2,014,317 1,829,534 1,524,655 1,407,107 2,415,566 2,001,825 2,537,590 1,611,929 1,340,652 1,099,970

ÏÏÏIn

his commitment towards developing the Tourism sector, create jobs and attract huge revenue from local and foreign tourists, Governor of Anambra State, Chief Willie Obiano, has signed a Memorandum of Understanding (MoU) with Africa Project Finance and Development Limited for the development of Ogbunike Cave into a world-class Theme Park and Resort at the cost of N250 million. While signing the MoU at Governor's Lodge in Amawbia, Obiano noted that the company will

design, develop and finance the cave to an international tourist centre.

According to him, the equity distribution of the agreement allocates 75 percent to the company, 15 percent to the State government, 5 percent to Oyi Local Government Area and another 5 percent to Ifite-Ogbunike, while 3 percent will be used for the development and social responsibility projects in the area.

Gov. Obiano further said the project would provide comprehensive entertainment centre and facilitate total exploration of the Cave and make it attractive for tourism.

Niger NGO empowers 500 youths, women

INDEPENDENT NATIONAL ELECTORAL COMMISSION DISTRIBUTION OF PERMANENT VOTERS VOTERS CARDS CARDS AS AT ASMarch AT 6, 2015 21-Mar-15 S/N States Number of Number of Cards Remarks Registered Voters Collected by Voters % (a) (b) (c) (d) (e) 1 ABIA 2 ADAMAWA 3 AKWA-IBOM

Awka

94.46 84.50 95.76 89.88 79.77 72.79

Pita Chikwem

Minna ÏÏÏNot fewer than 500 youths and women have benefited from the skills acquisition empowerment programme in Ijah, Tafa Local Government Area of Niger State from a Non-Governmental Organisation.

The training which was coordinated by Arewa Transformation Empowerment Initiative (ATEI), an NGO, was sponsored by the State Ministry of Local Government and Chieftaincy Affairs. The Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Alhaji Musa Ijah, said on Sunday that the gesture is to reduce idleness among the youths in the society.

Accordingly, he said “the

motive is to reduce youth restiveness and to reposition their minds for them to be able to stand on their own". He disclosed that the participants were trained on beads making, liquid soap, air freshener, satellite installation, tailoring, and generator repairs.

Others are juice making, mobile phone repairing, barbing, shoe making, Vaseline making and computer engineering.

According to him, the initiative cuts across the three zones in Tafa Local Government Area, adding that "139 graduands that performed excellently during the training have been empowered with starter kits and given capital".

93% voters collect PVCs in Kaduna – INEC Commissioner Victor Jibrin Kaduna

ÏÏÏ Less than one week to

the rescheduled Presidential and National Assembly elections, close to one hundred per cent of registered voters in Kaduna State have collected their Permanent Voter’s Cards (PVC), Daily Times checks revealed.

Similarly, while about 30,000 ad-hoc staff have been engaged and trained preparatory to the elections, delivery of card readers including other materi-

als needed for the conduct of the democratic exercise have been taken from the National Headquarters of INEC, Abuja and distributed to the 23 local government areas of the state. In an interview at the weekend, Kaduna State Resident Electoral Commissioner, Alhaji Hussaini Ahmed Mahuta, disclosed that while a total of 3,414,250 voters were registered in Kaduna State, INEC in the state had received 3,382,186 PVCs for distribution to their owners.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

2015 Polls: Ondo PDP members resolve differences ‘Tosin Ajuwon

Akure

Ă?Ă?Ă?Barely a week to the

presidential election, aggrieved members of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in Ondo State, last weekend, resolved to sheathe their swords and work for the re-emergence of President Goodluck Jonathan.

At a stakeholders meeting, convened by leaders of the party within the Northern Senatorial District of the state and hosted by Senator Bode Olajumoke, Hon. Kingsley Kuku, and Barr. Olusola Oke, held in Owo, the members promised to

deliver the state for the president and all other PDP candidates.

They vowed to put aside their differences, remain formidable and mobilise support for all the candidates of PDP, contesting both the State and National Assembly elections in the state, in order to emerge victorious.

Speaking at the meeting, the Special Adviser to the President on Niger Delta Affairs and Chairman, Presidential Amnesty Programme (PAP), Hon. Kingsley kuku, said the PDP has now become one family in Ondo State, after the aggrieved members from the northern

Delta PDP drags APC, AP, LP candidates to court

Ogboru

Monday Osayande Asaba

Ă?Ă?Ă?The Federal High Court, sitting in Asaba, Delta State, has fixed today for the hearing of the case, filed by Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) against the candidates of three opposition partiesAll Progressives Congress (APC), Accord party, and Labour party -challenging their eligibility in the forthcoming general election in the state.

Joined as defendants in the suit, are the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), APC governorship candidate, Olorogun Ortega Emerhor; Labour Party gover-

norship candidate, Chief Great Ovedje Ogboru, Accord Party Senatorial candidate for Delta North, Hon Victor Ochei and 95 others.

Mr. Akinlolu Kehinde (SAN), who filed the suit on behalf of the party in a suit no (FHC/ASB/CS/28, 29, 30/2015), want the court to disqualify them on the ground that their parties violated sections 85(1) of the Electoral Acts, 2010 (as amended).

The section reads: “Every registered political party shall give the commission at least 21 days’ notice of any convention, congress, conference or meeting, convened for the purpose of electing members of its executive committees, other governing bodies or nominating candidates for any of the elective offices specified under this act.�

The plaintiff said the three political parties breached the constitutional provision, having held their primaries less than 21 days after the notices they gave to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), for the holding of their primaries to choose candidates for the 2015 election.

district of the state resolved to work together for the party’s success in next Saturday’s election.

Hon. Kuku said PDP, apart from ruling at the federal level, is the giant party in Africa, noting that it is the best to reckon with, due to its friendly policies initiated by President Goodluck Jonathan.

He was however optimistic that President Goodluck Jonathan would win Saturday’s presidential election in at least 21 states of the country. “In the South West, Ondo, Ekiti, Oyo States belong to the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), and we shall have a large

votes in Ogun and even take over Lagos. We will win in five states of the South East, while the six South- South states, will be taken over by PDP�, he boasted The presidential aide predicted that the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC), might only secure 25 percent of vote in Ondo State and would never be a threat to PDP in the Saturday’s election.

Hon. Kuku revealed that he and the State APC Chairman, Mr. Isaac Kekemeke, were from the same Arogbo Ward 1, in Ese Odo Local Government Area, but vowed to defeat at the ward level.

25

NMA may join sympathy strike with Lagos doctors Lara Adejoro

Ă?Ă?Ă?As

the strike by the doctors in the employ of Lagos State government lingers, the Nigerian Medical Association (NMA), Lagos branch, may join the strike, in sympathy with the cause of their colleagues. Speaking in an exclusive interview with our reporter on Sunday, the Deputy Secretary of the NMA, Dr. Peter Ogunnunbi, said, “We are strongly considering a sympathy strike. We don’t actually like to go on strike as doctors but we are being pushed. However, we will still wait for the response from the state government on this issue.� Meanwhile, the state government had in a statement said, the

6

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strike by the doctors is illegal and threatened a ‘no work, no pay’. Though, the doctors had been attending to emergency cases, Daily Times gathered that the state government has told the doctors that, whoever does not work fully should not come to work. It would be recalled that the recent strike was embarked upon on Monday, March 16, in protest against the continued appointment of doctors as casual (contract) workers, in place of the aborted residency training programme, unpaid arrears for the months of May 2012 and July, August and September 2014, due to the application of the state’s ‘no work, no pay’ policy to members of the Medical Guild.

APC deserves Nigerian’s votes – Adamawa guber candidate WALE AKINTUNDE YOLA

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Adamawa State All Progressives Congress (APC), gubernatorial candidate, Senator Mohammed Jibrilla Bindo, has said that the party deserves the votes of all Nigerians in the forthcoming general election, based on the credible way all its candidates emerged.

Bindo, who spoke to newsmen in Yola last weekend, said Nigerians, particularly the people of Adamawa State, had suffered enough under the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP)-led government, adding that the only hope left among political parties offering change, is the APC. "The way APC primaries were conducted from the presidential to the House of Assembly, has proven to Nigerians that only APC represents democracy and means well for the country," Bindo said.

26

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

Our Heritage

s

Tribute to a forgotten bard This month marks the 29th year, since the shocking execution of the late General Mamman Jiya Vatsa, the soldier who made more social impact with his poetry, cultural documentary works and general contribution to the growth of Nigeria’s modern literature than his equally outstanding military career. AGOZINO AGOZINO, takes a retrospective look at the one-time Nigerian Army chief, whose passion for writing was as enduring as his love for life, despite being trained in the art of war: NOT always do figures like the late Gen. Mamman Vatsa feature in the arena of literature. He was a well- garlanded soldier with illustrious war front records, but he left behind feats in humane intellectual attainments and prolific in creative writing.

Interestingly, Vatsa largely worked himself up the intellectual ladder to attain the status of a recognised author, poet and key player in Nigeria’s intelligentsia during his short but active life time. Serendipitously, he caused flowers to sprout in the hitherto barren land of children literature. Vatsa was an accomplished poet and writer apart from being a soldier. He published eight poetry collections for adults and eleven for children. His titles comprised Back Again at Wargate (1982), Reach for the Skies (1984) and Verses for Nigerian State Capitals (1973) among others. He wrote about life among commoners, for ordinary people. His lines and prose were simple. He also wrote in pidgin language, as his collection Tori for Geti Bow Leg (1981), buttress his creative prowess. Beyond being a prolific writer he was equally vast in his literary scope. His culturalorientation picture book in Hausa language, Bikin Suna, establish him as an intellectual with passion for documenting lifestyle and tradition. There is also his pictorial storybook, Stinger the Scorpion (1979), which casts him as a witty and observant creative writer. In his short but eventful life time, Vatsa was a facilitator of several endeavours in the creative industry and pa-

Late Vatsa tron of the arts in Nigeria. He organised writing workshops for his fellow soldiers and their children and got their works published. He helped the Children’s Literature Association of Nigeria with funds, built a writers’ village for the Association of Nigerian Authors (ANA), and hosted one of the latter’s yearly national conferences.

Beyond being an avid writer and cerebral member of the intelligentsia, he was also a refined soldier with clear record of field and administrative experiences.

Born on December 3, 1940, Vasta attended Government Secondary School Bida, Niger State, before joining the Nigerian Army on the December 10, 1962. Following preparatory training at the Nigerian Military Training College, in Kaduna, he was sent

“His culturalorientation picture book in Hausa language, Bikin Suna, establishes him as an intellectual with passion for documenting lifestyle and tradition.”

to the India Military Academy.

He later attended many military courses inside and outside Nigeria during his career, comprising courses in Intelligence, Security, Policy and Strategic Studies, Equitation, Physical Training, among others. He ascended through the officer ranks of the Army from Second Lieutenant to Major-General.

Along the ladder, he handled several highly-challenging military responsibilities, including being, at one time, in charge of the Command and Staff College of Nigeria. He commanded the 21 Battalion during the Nigeria Civil War (1967 – 1970) and was one of the few officers, who actually wrote academic articles about the operational aspects of the battles. After the war ended in 1970, he was an instructor at the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA), Kaduna before he was posted to the Nigerian Army Headquarters (Army HQ) as a Principal Staff Officer. Subsequently, he commanded the 30 Infantry Brigade, in Ogoja, Cross River State, until July 1975, 13 Infantry Brigade, Calabar, until February 1976, and the Brigade of Guards, until 1979. It was during his tenure there that the headquarters of the Brigade of Guards was moved from Dodan Barracks to Kofo Abayomi, on Victoria Island, before subsequent transfer to Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Abuja. As an army Colonel, and Commander of the 13 Brigade in Calabar, Vasta was on, in opposition the February 13, 1976, bloody coup, led by Lt. Col Buka Suka Dimka, in which the Head of State, Gen. Murtala Mohammed was assassinated. During the Dimka coup investigation, Vasta was Secretary of the Court-Martial Tribunal. It was from that position that he became the Commander, Brigade of Guards, under the regime of then Lt. Gen. Olusegun Obasanjo. Vasta was Commandant of the Nigerian Army School of Infantry (NASI) from late 1979. Along with Lt. Col. Musa Bitiyong, he developed the Special Warfare Wing and established the doctrinal basis for the establishment of the 82nd Composite Division of the Nigerian Army in Enugu.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

27 Our Heritage

Adigun ruminates on Practical Journalism SOMETIMES, writers engage very big topics and make remarkable thesis of them from just writing their sincere personal views on it.

Most books written in this way, like Tajudeen Adigun’s Message Makers in Practical Journalism, come across as direct, down-to-earth fresh angle to issues.

Message Makers in Practical Journalism strives to summarise what it takes to be a successful journalist in an age of social media. But the author, who has honed his skill in many newspapers, concludes that the key secret of being a successful journalist is the ability to abide by the rules that guide the profession popularly known as the Fourth Estate of the Realm.

The book, which was presented, recently, focuses on how key flaws associated with basic new reporting can be overcome. It further attempts to equip practitioners with the basic knowledge of news writing and reporting which the author presents as key to successful media practice.

Message Makers in Practical Journalism has 219 pages.

Because of the importance attached to the subject matter, practical journalism, the author shows that he has media practitioners in mind as his primary audience. But, indeed, any other person, who is interested in learning how to be a responsible journalist, young or old, can benefit from the book.

In his approach to the book, the author’s background rubsoff on the book, Adigun, who is

a man of humble background with over two decades experience as a correspondent, chief sub-editor, production editor and member of editorial board, takes his reader through a voyage he deems to be the cotemporary trends that guides message makers or journalists. The book surely has a compelling message not only for cub reporters but also for veteran journalists, especially those who would like to build a successful career in the pen profession.

The author makes clear hints of how to go about goals in the age of social media, both for electronic and print media journalists that strike as not overtly theoretical but plausibly practical. And, almost like a constant note, Adigun equally dots on the inestimable essence of learning the job in every cadre of one’s career. The author stresses a need to always understand the rules by writers in every step as they endeavour to grow and inform public.

Through 34 chapters, which include, Biased Message, Regulatory Agency, Communication, Propaganda, Master’s Voice, News Agencies, Proprietorship, Control Mind, Pandering to Audience Test, The Editor-In-Chief, The Leader, The Editor, Genre of Newspaper, News Editor, Handling Big Stories, The Interview, Chief Sub-Editor, Production Editor, Electronic Editing, Interment: Threat to Newspaper, Reporters, Types of News, Factors that Make News, Quality of a Reporter, Sources, News Writing as Structure, Photo on Page, Taking the Shots, The Minefield, Adigun, advocates that it is only

FARAFINA hosts

Chimamanda in Lagos Nigeria born award winning novelist and creative director of Farafina Trust Chimamanda Adichie, will on June 16 to 26 hold a creative writing workshop in Lagos.

The workshop is sponsored

by Nigerian Breweries Plc. Guest writers who will coteach the workshop alongside Adichie are the Caine Prize Winning Kenyan writer Binyavanga Wainaina, National Librarian of Norway Aslak Sira Myhre, among others.

The workshop will take the form of a class. Organisers hints participants will be

assigned a wide range of reading exercises, as well as daily writing exercises. The aim of the workshop is to improve the craft of Nigerian writers and to encourage published and unpublished writers by bringing different perspectives to the art of storytelling.

Participation is limited only to those who apply and are accepted.

by first discovering what the reader wants that the journalist gets his key to overcoming and delivering good story. The book espouses lessons, spiced with occasional import of practical experience the writer acquired in his career. The book equally digs into the art of information management. It is a book that dwells heavily on practical experiences and information gathered from experience. The author has worked in different media houses. His ability to write, authoritatively, as he has done, stems, equally, from the advantage of his background.

A one-page Foreword written

by Femi Adesina, Deputy Managing Director, and Deputy Editor-in-Chief of Sun Newspaper effectively heralds the content of the book as fellows: “What a didactic and delightful book. Media Message Makers will kindle the joy kiln in the heart of every journalist who reads it. It is a compendium on the journalism profession, which addresses wide ranging areas, like electronic and print media, message of the media, how to communicate effectively, the future of the print medium, threat from the new media, and many more. It also dissects some fundamental lessons that distinguish between true journalists and fake ones, such as who is a reporter? What are his functions? What are his duties and how do they affect what is published or aired in electronic media? Apart from providing answers to this nagging issues, Adigun states the function of each of the message makers or gate-keepers. According to him”

“ T h e message in the newspaper, magazine, radio and television is not by accident; it is designed by experts for a purpose determined by the proprietor.

The plasticity of journalism affords every colour of publisher an opportunity to fashion out a message in pursuance of his goal,” Adigun writes.

The author’s thrust is that modern day journalists must get their act right. Journalists, both in the electronic and print media, in today’s world of new media, ought to be accustomed to modern journalism trends.

The book equally probes into who is doing what in the media – from the reporter to the editor, without leaving the roles of the editor-in-chief and the publisher in the production package.

In today’s new media world, Adigun argues the gate-keepers or message-makers still define or determine what news is and what news means.

Apart from its appealing cover and interesting contents, the book is also enriched with biographical materials of note. Though social media and online news seems the order of the day, Adigun argues that they have not taken the shine out print journalism. Journal-

ists should rise to

their calling. “The need for authentication of story, fairness and respect for privacy, in reporting news, still make learning of journalism’s basic tenets relevant.”

Connected to this, too, is the author’s perspective that conventional journalism, magazine, radio and television, would continue to be relevant.

Message Makers in Practical Journalism is written in simple and conventional prose style that makes for easy reading.

From its presentation, page and content, the book is set to capture the minds of its readers. It comes across as a resource for the ordinary nonacademic reader, as the stories can easily be understood.

In every chapter, the author offers both logical and practical angles to issues raised.

Beyond clarity of print and contemporary graphical presentation, the ease of coming in handy volume, adds some beauty to the book.

Sights and Sounds of Nigeria in Jewish museum In the next few months, Sights and Sounds of Nigeria take the prime attention in one of the world’s most renowned Jewish museum in New York.

Scheduled to begin with a conference, in June, in New York, Sights and Sounds: Global Film and Video; will feature a longterm presentation of new film and video works, made in the sphere of the visual arts. The series offers a rotating selection of vigorous works by contemporary artists from around the world. It introduces New York audiences to the latest developments in film-making within the art context and underlines the Jewish museum’s holistic

and global approach to the understanding and presentation of art and culture.

The exhibition takes advantage of the straightforward way film and video travel, shipped on discs or streamed online.

Organisers information hints that twenty-five international curators have selected new film and video work from their respective regions of the world to showcase at the event. The countries are Nigeria, Argentina, Vietnam, Romania, New Zealand and Egypt.

Their picks are screened for one month each in the museum’s media centre, which has been turned into a miniature cinema for the occasion.

28

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

Features JERRYMAN:

From civil engineering to hair dressing

A Ghanaian civil engineering graduate turned hairdresser in Lagos stirred the curiosity of RITA OWOLEOR enough to probe into some men thriving in the business in an exclusively woman’s world. Her report.

Jeremiah Ihionu Mbama’saccount is not the usual story of necessity pushing agraduate into doing just about anything to survive. No. He confided to Daily Times that the passion came to him while rounding off his engineering

s

Features Editor: Gbubemi God’s Covenant Snr. E-mail: gbubemi.godscovenantsnr@dailytimes.com.ng

course just to please his father.

An indigene of Accra, Ghana, Jeremiah is a graduate of civil engineering from the University of Science and Technology in Kumasi, Ghana. He did work with his degree with an engineering firm --- Marubini Engineering & Construction Company ---and was in the technical team that constructed a dam at Ijede back in 1984.

When he came to Lagos, Jeremiah also worked as a Technical Supervisor with Flour Mills, Apapa, Lagos,before he resigned of his own free will.

“I resigned of my own freewill, I knew what I was pursuing and in order to achieve this task, I had to quit Civil Engineering for hairdressing with a resolve never again to be subject to anyone.”

Something told our correspondent that there was something Jeremiah was not telling her, so she asked where his lines crossed between continuing as an engineer and becoming a hairdresser.

“Like every promising young CONTINUED ON PAGE 29

Jerryman on duty

MILE 2 – WHARF ROAD GRIDLOCK:

Solution not yet in sight JOY EKEKE and KINGSLEY NDIMELE spent several hours on the Mile 2-Apapa Wharf Road now undergoing rehabilitation and reports that the frustration and economic losses caused by the perennial gridlock remains a problem to be solved.

APAPA, the home of ports and marine services, and host to Nigeria’s maritime capital, is in the news again for all the worrisome reasons: sharp practices that have become customary and traditional, and bad roads compounded by the perennial gridlock on the major Mile 2-Apapa Wharf road that leads to the economic hub of the nation.

No thanks to the unrepentant attitude of tanker drivers who stubbornly prefer the Mile 2-Apapa Wharf road as their parking lot while waiting to load petroleum products from the busy port.

Everyone who has business plying that route is a victim of the gridlock. While commuter drivers lament the dreadful impact of the gridlock in their business, importers are groaning over the demurrage they incur daily because their trailers cannot access the port to clear their containers.

The economic loss of time and demurrage to port users on the one part, and frustration of commuters, motorists and the city’s workforce, students and trading population on the second part, cannot be quantified in terms of lost opportunities, business stagnation, inflation on all imported commodities,

morale, helath implications and liquid cash.

Mr. Chidi Obidiegwu, an importer of Completely Knocked Down (CKD) generator and other engine parts told Daily Times he losses millions every week to demurrage. “The problem has caused me to reduce the number of containers I import since last year. People importing other goods will put the demurrage on the goods and recover their money, but I can’t do the same.

Until the Naira started falling later last year, I had no way of raising the price of my goods.”

Daily Times visited the spare parts hub at Matori and Warehouse area of Toyota, off the Oshodi-Mile 2 Expressway and found that the Apapa Wharf demurrage is the challenge of stripped engines and vehicular parts. Dealers who spoke to our correspondent lament the rising cost of parts, but said that is only one part of the problem.

“Our containers are lying there at the Wharf, sometimes for months because of long queues of trailers waiting to enter Wharf,” Pius Ojinika, a block engine dealer, said adding: “The longer our containers stay at the Wharf, the more costs we incur, and there is no telling when this problem will be solved. We are tired of this palava.”

Ubong Okokon, a CKD and motorised parts dealer here told Daily times that the story didn’t start today. “If not that we have been old in this business we would have been discouraged because of Wharf problems. What Wharf road is costing our business is beyond what we can bear.

A gridlock on Apapa-Wharf road.

Tell government to deal with this tanker problem once and for all because it is a shame that a whole Wharf will create problems for us after we have managed the problems of importing and clearing our goods.”

Most business shops along that route from Sunrise, through Coconut bus-stop before Tin Can are merely struggling, hoping for a miracle to happen. Even car dealers under and around the bridge are worried at what the gridlock has

done to their businesses.

A restaurateur who put up her shop for rent when she could no longer manage the trickles of customers that stray in as a result of the gridlock said of the road in pidgin: “If na go-slow, e for better because go-slow dey move small small. This one na monster: e tie wrapper, e wear Bayelsa hat and carry walking stick, and e no gree waka.”

Some motorists and commuters told Daily Times that moving out of the ports is even a

greater problem than going in resulting in pain and frustration for businesses, motorists and residents.

According to Ibrahim Salam a commercial bus driver who ply Apapa Wharf, the experience is a daily nightmare. “Most of the tankers are empty, waiting to load at Tin Can Island. Why they occupy the major road knowing they are causing road users much problems is what I can’t unCONTINUED ON PAGE 29

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

29 Features

‘Patience is the only way to handle a woman’ CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

man, my initial dream was to become a Lawyer, but my father thought that was going to make me a radical. Secondly, a lawyer had once deceived his grandfather, taking over his piece of land, leaving him with nothing.

So, he has vowed that none of his children would become a lawyer and insisted I read engineering.

“After graduating in civil engineering, I handed the degreeto my father and told him the certificate belongs to him; that what was left was for me to fulfillwhat my heart has always longed for, which is becoming a hairdresser.”

What would pass as his headquarters is located along the roadside of mammy market in Signal Barracks,Mile 2. There you will find the elderly man wearing curly hairdoas a brand of his trade and the steady flow of his clients who fondly call him ‘Jerry man’ attests to his success.

But Daily Times found that it has not been all smooth sailing for the Ghanaian. The now bubbling business area was a dumpsite and unmotorable about 22 years ago.

“I used my bare hands to clear the bush and also employed labourers I was paying 5kobo per day for five days. When my colleagues in Flour Mills saw me at

the site, they were dumbfounded.”

One of his clients who spoke with Daily Times said Jerryman is one among many who does a perfect finishing to jerry curls.

She said, “I come here regularly from Ikorodu not considering the distance because my hair does not undergo breakages with the method and treatment employed by him.”

On the flow of business, Jerry said there is never an idle moment. “My customers patronize me from far and near within the state, and I welcome both the young and the old.

“In fact, I once opened a new place around Waterside at Apa-

A typical day on Apapa Wharf road.

“I have been in the traffic for the past three hours and the worst part of it is that there is no alternative exit that leads to my house.”

Fashola

CONTINUED FROM PAGE 28

derstand. Every business on this route have been in trouble, many have given up or relocated.”

In a small container shop, our correspondent found Mrs. Kemi Ojo, a 35 year old woman who sells female wears along the Mile 2-Apapa road. She told Daily Times the traffic gridlock has made a lot of people to move out of many shops.

“I don’t really get enough

goods like before since there is traffic in the area, so I get little materials that I can sell and even the materials will be in the shop for almost three months before l will be able to sell them, so it is very difficult for businessmen and women to make money here.” She lamented.

The pains of the traffic congestion hit harder on the residents who are crying for help.

Our Correspondent who experienced the gridlock at night

found that the entire road had fuel tankers and containers parked on both lanes of the dual carriageway, leaving no room for other road users.

Some of the residents and corporate workers, who spoke to Daily Times, said hoodlums take advantage of the situation to rob them, most especially in the night and early hours of the morning.

Ahmeed Abdulahi, who works in Apapa port narrates

pa in a warehouse that was given to me free, but my customers refused going there because I was not there. They continued to come all the way to mammy market in search of me to make their hair.”

Secret of his trade Jerrymansaid that the key to his success with women is patience.

“Patience is the only way to handle a woman, and if you can tame a woman, you can tame a tiger. Also, when dealing with a woman, you must tolerate a lot of nonsense; not only nonsense.

You have to come to their level in order to give them total satisfac-

his experience to our correspondent, “I have been robbed three times here by hoodlums; there was one night I was going back home around 10:00pm; suddenly I got a very dirty slap on my face and I was commanded to hand over my phone which I did and pleaded for my life. They collected my phone and all the money I had.

“The hoodlums were about 10 in number. So, since then I don’t go home late and if I work late I rather sleep in a friend’s house,” he added.

One Mr. Solomon who had been in traffic for three hours told a similar story: “I have been in the traffic for the past three hours and the worst part of it is that there is no alternative exit that leads to my house. I wake up 4:00 am so I can beat the traffic to reach my office at Ikeja before 8:00 am. What else can I do?” he said helplessly.

A car dealer, Tunde Babalola told Daily Times the gridlock has cost them their livelihood.

“You can see it yourself, there is no sale; to even come to the market here is difficult. Berger to West Minister is the worst hit. There is no movement for hours. If you’re mobile, you will regret putting your car on this road,” he lamented.

“We are short of words here,” another car dealer, Ike Nwachukwu said. “Every day begins and ends like this. If you come here at 12 midnight, it is like this; then come at 7 am, it is like this; we just hope God will intervene.”

The Apapa-Wharf road, Daily Times investigation revealed is a never ending story, with countless face offs between the state government and tanker drivers that failed to address the situation. A more stringent approach is required to give Lagos the Mega City status the ruling party has been aspiring to attain.

tion and value for their money.”

One of his clients, ‘Lady B’, told Daily Times Jerryman is a very humble person. “He is reliable and always patient. But one part of him we customers always like is his humorous nature. Jerry can make you laugh throughout your stay in this boutique.

Jerryman himself has this to say,“Comedy brings laughter to my face and it has helped in making me look younger than my age.

Also, whenever I am praising God, my customers usually join me and that gives food to my soul.”

A regular client told Jerry why she could never leave his boutique.

“She told me I am the remedy to her sickness. She said her children always provoke her at home, but whenever she comes here, she is always happy going back home, relieved by the jokes I share with them.”

A very satisfied client, Mrs. Abigail Ossai told Daily Times she makes her hair every two weeksand commended Jerryman for his sense of humor. “I always laugh my eyes out whenever I listen to Jerry’s jokes, and we don’t even pay for that!” she laughed, adding, “My husband always admires me whenever Jerryman makes my curls every Saturday, and you know what that means to a woman.”

Jerryman confided he has never regretted quitting his civil engineering job to hairstylist. He specifically said the era of Engineering is gone that he is now in the new era of hairdressing.

Besides giving him the joy of meeting new and interesting people always, Jerryman testified that hairstyling is a very lucrative business, especially when you are good at it. “The job gives great joy; especially because people search for me instead of me searching for them”, Jerryman said.

Furthermore, the old fellow said the job has blessed him abundantly, even with landed properties both in Nigeria and in Ghana. “The job meets all my needs and caters for the entire family, especially my old father whoinitially opposed the profession saying it was a waste of the hard- earnedmoney he spent sending me to school...”

Jerryman

News 30

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

Polls: Sultan advises corps members to be patriotic, neutral ÏÏÏ The Sultan of Sokoto,

Alhaji Muhammad Sa'ad Abubakar III, has advised corps members participating in the conduct of the March 28 and April 11 election to resist any form of material inducement that would compromise them, even as he asked them to be patriotic and non-partisan agents of the electoral body.

The Sultan gave the advice in his palace, when the Director General of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), Brig. Gen. Johnson Olawunmi, paid him an advocacy visit, last weekend, in Sokoto.

The Sultan, however,

asked that, corps members who would participate in the electoral process as adhoc staff, should be provided with adequate security by the security agencies and members of the communities, even as he suggested compensation to any corper who suffered damage during the polls.

The royal father also expressed confidence that traditional rulers would not be induced into supporting any party or candidates in the general election, stressing that politicians trying to influence them would not succeed.

Speaking further, he stressed that traditional

rulers would remain neutral and unbiased. “We, traditional rulers, we are fathers to all. We don’t and we can’t belong to any political party. But you know politicians, they try to induce our children to persuade them to their sides, but I think we should stand firm on our belief,” the sultan maintained.

He expressed concern that politicians were taking the March 28 and April 11 elections as a do-or-die affair, forgetting to discuss the future of this country after the election, while noting that this has accounted for the unnecessary tension growing now in the country.

He stated that their peace committee, would soon meet with the major contenders to ensure that they uphold the Abuja Peace Accord, and urged security agencies to give adequate protection to all and sundry.

Speaking earlier, Brig.

Gen Olawunmi, warned corps-members participating in the election saying that any member found wanting during the polls would be made to face the consequence of his own sins.

The NYSC D-G said they were meeting prominent Nigerians to appeal to politicians, to renounce violence, adding that parents

Sunday Nwakanma Umuahia

ÏÏÏThe Nigeria Union of

Jonathan, Ribadu won’t have my votes – PDP stalwart

Yola

ÏÏÏOne

of the strong voices in the People's Democracy Party (PDP) in Adamawa State, Hon.Musa Kamela, has said that he will never cast his vote for President Goodluck and the state PDP gubernatorial candidate, Malam Nuhu Ribadu, in the forthcoming election.

Kamela, who is a top

Sultan Abubakar III

Abia NUT lauds Gov Orji over TSS

L-R: Deputy Executive Secretary,Mosan Okunola L.C.D.A, Hon.Tajudeen Kareem; Executive Secretary,Mosan Okunola, L.C.D.A,Hon. (Mrs) Akindele Opeyemi and Council’s Manager, Segun Omoloju,at the International Women’s Day celebration in Lagos... at the weekend PHOTO: OLAWALE ROTIMI

Tom Garba

of the corps members have begun to express fear and apprehension over the safety of their children.

He, however, took his advocacy visit to, the Army Commander in Sokoto, the Sokoto Police Command and other relevant agencies in the state.

notcher of the party, lambasted the administration of President Jonathan of achieving nothing, describing the transformation agenda of his administration as "vague and meaningless without achieving any result".

He further accused the ruling party of breaking the norms enshrined in the party’ constitution and introducing all forms of imposition which do not

respect the values of internal democracy in the party, adding that he would vote against PDP and do everything possible to support opposition party to win in Adamawa State.

"President Goodluck Jonathan and Ribadu will never get my votes, I will rather work against the party I hold its membership card. If they like, let them expel me or accuse me of any anti-party activi-

ties", Kamale said.

Kamale also said that the recent second coming of President Jonathan to Adamawa State, has further polarised PDP into wider faction as many of the members who were disenfranchised at the previous "Kangaroo" primaries, held in Abuja, categorically told the President that they would not vote for PDP until serious reconciliation is carried out.

Teachers (NUT) in Abia State, last weekend, expressed their happiness with Governor Theodore Orji over the implementation of the enhanced Teachers’ Salary Scale (TSS).

In his address, read by the union secretary, Comrade Blackman Ubani, the state Chairman of the NUT, Comrade Akparanta Chizobem, thanked the governor for fulfilling his promises, as primary school teachers were already enjoying salaries based on the TSS scale, which was suspended from their salaries eight years ago.

The union used the opportunity to pledge their support for the governor's senatorial bid in the forthcoming election.

He, however, pleaded with the governor to direct the appropriate government authorities to document it for implementation, so that incoming governments would not reverse it.

CYFI graduates fresh set of Fellows Opeoluwani Akintayo The Carrington Youth Fellowship Initiative, has graduated a new set of Fellows for 2014.

The 2014 CYFI Fellows were sent forth at the 3rd annual closing ceremony, held on Friday, March 20, at the U.S Consul General, Jeffrey Hawkins' residence, in Ikoyi.

CYFI is a dynamic youthbased initiative that brings together Nigerian youths of exceptional vision to design and implement projects that will have a positive impact in Nigeria.

Past CYFI Fellows have made meaningful contributions to diverse communities across Nigeria in education, public health and sustainable development.

They have also engaged local leaders and visiting dignitaries in discussion during CYFI forums and networking events.

Ogun Hausa community endorses SDP candidates Abiodun Taiwo Abeokuta

ÏÏÏA few days to the gener-

al election, the Arewa Youth Forum in Ogun State, has thrown its weight behind the governorship candidate of the Social Democratic Party (SDP), Senator Akin Odunsi, and all the candidates of the party in the forthcoming general election.

The forum vowed not to support the re-election bid of Senator Ibikunle Amosun, describing him as an ethnocentric dictator that does not take the Hausa community into consideration.

The Chairman of the forum, Hadi Sanni, disclosed this at a media briefing in Abeokuta last weeknd saying that the endorsement was done, having critically examined all the political parties and their candidates in the state.

Daily Times Nigeria Monday, March 23, 2015

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March 28 is Yoruba census

Yinka Odumakin

ÎÎÎThere is a peculiar mess going on in Yorubaland today that is galling but not totally shocking.

It is the sheer opportunistic attempt by some people to misinform our people on the outcome of the 2014 National Conference.

In the worst face of cant and sophistry, these few delegates to the conference have resorted to blatant lies to sway the unwary from the path of freedom for a fluke change promised by Nigeria’s largest assembly of the greedy in the history of party politics.

When Goodluck Jonathan announced he was going to take the boldest decision by any leader of Nigeria since 1960, the naysayers said it was a “diversion” by the “clueless”. They didn’t reason that it takes a construction company that has got clues to “DIVERSION” sign when there is danger ahead of motorists.

By the time the conference took off, they said it was not going to work as the Convener lacks the will to see it through.

They were shamed when the conference was successfully concluded with

623 resolutions all by consensus.

They quickly composed another silly song: Jonathan has no record of implementing any report and this would be no exception. They were she’llshocked when the Federal Executive Council on the 18th of March on a memorandum to it by Mr President approved the 2014 confab reports 100%.

They became dazed. When they recovered from the stupor, there was no trick left in their bags except to resort to desperate lie to the effect that the conference report rejected the demands of the Yoruba nation.

By telling such cheap lies, these people have shown themselves as unworthy men who cannot be trusted by our people for falsifying the truth before our very eyes.

I assert with all sense of responsibility that contrary to the propaganda of APC and its allies, the Confab adopted all the

issues Yoruba delegates took to the conference, either in full or in part.

We went to the conference with a demand that Local Governments should no longer be a federal issue but a residual matter for states to determine their numbers, funding and operations. The conference

multi-level policing as obtains in every proper federation. This was accepted by the conference to redress the challenges of a unified police.

The conference substantially devolved powers to the Federating units by altering the revenue sharing formula with 58% to the states and 42 % to the centre, taking items like railways, solid minerals, electricity, airports etc away from the exclusive list to the concurrent list with each state having its constitution.

In deepening our federalism, the conference recommended parity of states in each of the six geopolitical zones and rotation of the presidency among them.

The two items Yoruba took to the conference that were not taken in full were p a rl i a m e n t a r i a n i s m and regionalism but we achieved them in parts.

The conference accepted a hybrid form of parlia-

These are what we have pursued within Nigeria for over 60 years and

the neo-Afonjas want

us to turn our backs on

them at a time they are within our reach approved this and what it means is that the lopsided creation of LGs would no longer be a basis for sharing revenue.

One of our major demands is the need for

mentary and presidential system. It also gave rights to states to merge or demerge with conditions precedent.

The full recommendations are available at :ww w.2014nationalconference report.com.

These are what we have pursued within Nigeria for over 60 years and the neo-Afonjas want us to turn our backs on them at a time they are within our reach.

Senator Tony Adefuye, who was striped naked by Yoruba youth in 1998 at MKO’s funeral for his perfidy in the Abacha years, is among these Afonjas and he has said that only “Yoruba bastards” will vote for autonomy which Jonathan has committed to with the conference reports.

Yoruba people will line up on March 28 to make their choice and the postmortem would show the corner where “Yoruba bastards” are herded.

Just reminds me of the late Orlando Owoh’s lines: “e je ka se census, ka mo mo ale ka mo Omo Oko (let’s have a census to determine bastards and the freeborn”.

Our census cometh!

Published by FOLIO COMMUNICATIONS LTD, Lateef Jakande Road, Agidingbi, Ikeja. website: www.dailytimes.com.ng; email: info@dailytimes.com.ng. Tel: 018447948. EDITOR: YINKA OLUJIMI News Hotlines: 08138773277, 08173901838. Advert Hotlines: 08169118913, 08075038528

Life&

TIMES Monday, March 23, 2015

Patrick Nnemeka Okorie Poster boy for dancehall music L2,3

P

Moringa: the miracle food L6 P

Interview L2

I’m

Daily Times Nigeria Monday March 23, 2015

single

and ready to

Patrick Nnemeka Okorie

mingle

Opeoluwani Akintayo He is the poster boy for dancehall genre of music in Nigeria. Known by his stage name, Patoranking, the dancehall artiste and song writer who is the MTV Base artiste for the month of March opens up about his life and how it has changed tremendously from what it used to be.

who see me on stage with Tiwa Savage, Seyi Shay and Chidinma and saw the way the ladies twerked for me, would probably think I was having some sort of relationship with them and that maybe I felt some stimuli from the way we danced together. But no, nothing extra ordinary happened between us. It was mere stage performance.

what they seem like. Most people

decide to dress in another unique

Life&

T E A M

Since your single, Girlie O was released, every girl now considers you sexy. How do you feel about this?

You just have to give the people what they want and make things

What informs your dressing up like a school boy during some of your performances? Do you miss school, plan to go back or what?

I dress the way I feel at every point in time and not because I miss

Editor Nkarenyi Ukonu n.ukonu@dailytimes.com.ng 08029030427

Music Correspondent Akintayo Opeoluwani o.ogunjimi@dailytimes.com.ng 08126223784

way another time. I see art as I just have to present to people the way I see it and make them believe in it.

Before now, not many could relate with Dancehall music but your emergence sort of resurrected it. Why do you prefer that genre of music? in all I do. One of the major reasons why I chose dancehall is because of girls. Besides like I earlier mentioned, I like to stand out and I just want a situation where people will fall in love with dancehall again You had quite a number of collaborations last year.

Any plans to do more this Movie Correspondent Mutiat Alli m.alli@dailytimes.com.ng 08115557378

year?

Yes, I have plans for more colreally want to let the cat out of the some of the big dancehall acts How do you get inspirations for your songs?

My inspirations come from above.

Most dancehall acts smoke weed for inspiration....

Like I said, my inspiration comes from above.

pace?

So much has been put into my brand. My name is already everytistes and others are still looking forward to working with me. So many other good news are coming my ally hard. I remember when I sang Alubarika and said “I went to nothing to something�. After that song was released, everything changed. God just started blessing me

dream. How do you plan to

Last year, you allegedly left Dem Mama records and everyone felt that there must have been a reason why you left abruptly.

yourself?

My career is only about 16 months

Timaya is like a father, a boss and a mentor to me. What happened was that I got singed to an international

that has some of the biggest intergetting really close to that dream.

You won the next-rated artiste award at The Headies awards last year. What are some of the things you plan on doing in other to maintain that

Society Correspondent Isaac Oguntoye i.ogundoye@dailytimes.com.ng 08069489893

Photography Quadri Olowolagba q.olowolagba@dailytimes.com.ng 08029745478

from South Africa and everything was done accordingly So why was there so much fuss record label? anything. But I am telling you as

Graphics Austine Agbovi a.agbovi@dailytimes.com.ng 07060402397

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday March 23, 2015

Patoranking and I am speaking for Timaya too, there was no issue. If Dem Mama Records is like family to me.

Is it not an offence to leave a label before the expiration of your contract?

Did you sign any contract with Dem Mama record label?

saw my father shed tears. The second time was when I called them to Who is your girlfriend?

comes with a record deal How many album are you signed to produce?

Two albums and we are working

perception international artistes have about Nigerian acts. How well do you think you will be accepted abroad? who are being looked down on abroad, it affects all African acts. International acts feel superior but, the to try to make them see the real me and do my things the way I like. I grew up on the streets and sometimes, I could still stop and buy some roasted plantain if I chose to.

would love to change about the music industry?

I would want to change the way ple. Also, artistes and media relationrelationships with the media and there ought to be unity between us.

being used by politicians to gain votes during the election period?

Shout out to all politicians who are trying to make our country a betmeditations are clean and because want to soil it.

Any marriage plans?

So if I come out and announce

meditation is clean then, you are a Did you drop out of school?

artistes travel to different countries for shows, they end up sleeping with different girls.

Is it true?

locks in the world but when your man.

go back to it someday.

-

Were your parents opposed to your music career?

In the beginning, yes. They were scared, my mother was always crying.

-

Music.

What are you getting from the Foston contract?

A record deal, a distribution deal

dreadlocks?

was no money. be my girlfriend? (General laughter).

doing their own thing. What happened is that an international label came for me, to take me to an international stage. Dem Mama records

L3 Interview

You call yourself a musician.

Do you know how to play any musical instrument?

Yes, I play the keyboard and piano

Who helped you as you struggled with your music career? people who played different roles. If I Slanky, I met K-Solo and then Ti-

How well do you play them? thankful for the chain.

How would you describe your style?

Did you attend any music school to learn to play them? street.

your wealth on social media.

Why? the better and my family is happy.

Did you move your family from Ilaje?

Yes. How do you give back to the Ilaje community?

a clothing line soon like your contemporaries? grace What else are you looking at doing?

I intend to set up a record label Are you still close to your old friends or have you dropped them for new ones?

-

-

year, I went to celebrate with them.

truth from me. They tell me how it is

ate to their satisfaction. I know what it feels like coming from the ghetto.

Trust me, anybody that stays in that

Patoranking. They see me as Patrick decisions

because I grew up in a compound where there was no toilet. The only toilet we had was under the bridge bridge that leads to Apogbon and Costain.

Are you thinking of building mobile toilets for them? as well. I want to build schools, a

Still on Patoranking

football pitch because those are the things that will put smiles on their my career is still young too.

like bricklaying Patoranking started his performing arts career as a

still single and ready to mingle be-

What was growing up like?

is my music and family.

rat poison was one of the few things

But will you eventually settle for your baby mama when you are ready for marriage?

Growing up, that memories bring you close to tears?

mama! That boy you all think is my son is my younger brother, Raphael

school. I was nine and got admis-

whom he met at Alpha Beach in Lagos

matter of fact, I am still too young to

the school because the money was

dancehall.

He started his music career doing underground collaboReggie Rockstone.

Mama Records

Fashion & Style L4

Daily Times Nigeria Monday March 23, 2015

Monday man style crush:

Mai Atafo Nkarenyi Ukonu

Even though he began his career in Guinness Nigeria PLC, as a brand manager, Ohmai Atafo has made his mark in the fashion industry as a bespoke fashion designer through his brand, Mai Atafo Inspired switch careers because of the glitz and glam associated with high fashion, he further honed his skill at famed Savile Row Academy, known principally for its traditional bespoke tailoring for men. With over ten awards recognizing his amazing creativity, he is our man style crush today for his great sense of style.

Mai Afafo

Rules to wearing your socks Nkarenyi Ukonu

At some point or the other, men have been faced with a fashion conundrum: what tie to wear with that patterned shirt; does my brown shoe work better with the grey trousers; what is the right length for my tie, etc. Sometimes the simplest of things can cause you the most frustration, the socks, being one of them. But it is heart-warming to

for the unknown, and embracing bold coloured and patterned socks. Fashion has since evolved, and more men are beginning to come out of their closet to embrace the evolving trends in socks.

Arthur George socks by Robert Kardashian

Before you dip in your feet

The proper way to wear power socks with power-suit

The general rule dictates that your socks should be of the same colour or darker than, your trousers. For example, blue trousers will go with navy socks Mid tone grey trousers go hand in hand with charcoal socks.

You should never match your socks with your shoes. If the temptation is too strong, opt for boots.

You should never be caught dead wearing ankle length socks For trousers with patterns, stripes or checks, choose socks that will highlight the less dominant colour on your trousers or suit. nitely go with deep red or burgundy socks. For patterned socks, use the dominant colour as the anchor. For example, a navy socks with pink stripes will work best with blue trousers.

Alternatively, you could do contrasting colors. For instance, if you are wearing a brown pair of trousers, a green, or blue pair of socks will work nicely. For a pair of blue trousers, opt for a pink, orange, red or green sock.

If in doubt, use the color wheel as your guide.

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday March 23, 2015

L5

Living & Decor

Grommet curtains:

Switch up your home with window covers Tab top curtains

Sash curtain

Different types of window blinds Vertical blind:

Sash curtains:

-

-

Thermal curtains:

or

Different types of curtain

-

Flat panel curtains: Persian or slat blind: -

Mutiat Alli

-

-

Tab top curtains:

Venetian -

Usage of window covers and Blinds

blind: -

-

Roller solar blind:

Flat panel on rings

Things to consider when choosing window coverings Color and fabric

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Off-the-Shelf vs. Custom window treatments

Length and lining -

Blackout curtain

blackout

Nutrition L6

Daily Times Nigeria Monday March 23, 2015

The ultimate healing food:

Moringa

value as a food. To cap it all, Moringa is also grown in Nigeria and is relatively cheap.

The powder is found almost everywhere in public markets but must be bought with caution because some are not prepared under hygienic conditions and may contain some sand.

Moringa has been recommended by the World Health Organization in developing tropical countries because of its ability to combat malnutrition. FAO, UN, UNESCO, World Health Organization and many others have programs promoting the use of Moringa to treat infants, children, pregnant and lactating women, people suffering from HIV and other ailments.

Health benefits of moringa

Every part of the moringa tree is valuable; from the seeds that are used for purifying water or producing rich cosmetic oils, to the bark, course, the leaves. As soon as the leaves are cut, they must not be touched by sunlight, which is why they are harvested in moonlight. The leaves are then washed in shade-dried. At this stage of the process, the nutritional value of the leaf increases times that of fresh leaves.

The leaves are then turned to powder by grinding. The leaves of the moringa tree has no rival in the plant kingdom. moringa leaves are the most medicinal part of the tree and they can be eaten raw in salads, tossed into blender drinks, steamed or consumed as dried powder without the loss of nutritional value. Rich in protein, beta-carotene, vitamin C, potassium and calcium, the leaves make an excellent green vegetable, and

Moringa juice

Judith Frank-Edet

impressive range of medicinal uses with high nutritional

It could be said without any doubt that the most powerful food on earth is Moringa. With

The tree is more potent than other antioxidant rich super foods and contains: seven times the vitamin C in oranges, four times the calcium in milk, four times the vitamin A in carrots, two times the protein in milk and three times the potassium in bananas. Simply put, there is no other tree on earth that does as much. Scientists are calling it the most nutrient packed plant ever discovered. There are literally hundreds of uses for this tree.

judithjudith463@yahoo.com

its ability to prevent over 300 known diseases, little wonder it is also called the miracle complete, nutrient dense plant on Earth which offers nutritional wonders as well as an enjoyable fresh, pleasing taste, then Moringa is your best bet.

Known by its botanical name, Moringaoleifera, it offers an

Also called the drumstick tree and the horseradish tree, Moringaoleifera, is a droughtresistant tree that grows in the foothills of Africa and northern India where it is treasured for In fact, Moringa is nicknamed “The Tree of Immortality” and “The Miracle Tree” due to its remarkable healing properties and its ability to grow in the harshest of conditions. Although there are 13 species of Moringa; 11 from Africa and 2 from India, MoringaOleifera is the most popular and the most studied due to its multiple

ther bitter nor sweet. It is mainly used as a supplement and it is not strikingly pleasant but okay if thought of as a medicine rather than cuisine.

The powder can be mixed with your foods to make them more enjoyable. The pods are extremely nutritious, containing all the essential amino acids along with many vitamins and other nutrients.

Baby pods can be eaten raw or prepared like green peas or green beans. The pods also yield 38-40 per cent of non-drying, edible oil known as ben oil. This oil is clear and odorless, and never becomes rancid. Overall, its nutritional value is similar to olive oil.

The moringa is more or less a sleeping giant; its properties are largely unrealized. Some cultures eat the seeds roasted, sautéed or raw. They are known internationally for purifying dirty water. It has been shown to be effective enough

to purify the water of the Nile River - which was quite phenomenal! The seeds are considered to have antibiotic properties and can treat fevers. There are numerous effectiveness against most common bacteria, and there is evidence to suggest that the seeds are anti-fungal, anti-viral, antiseptic, and antibacterial.

The roots of the moringa tree can be eaten only after the bark has been removed and then only with much caution as safe eating levels have not been established.

Moringa heals

them to your smoothies and baby milk... it is subject to your food, not a medicine so there is no recommended dosage.

Moringa pods could be boiled, steamed, fried, essentially, eaten in any way that one might use or eat green beans and the seeds can be eaten when they are immature as green peas. Moringa leaf powder can also be used to make moringa tea, however, the hot water poured upon the leaf powder will result in the loss of some important nutrients, especially the ones that are destroyed by heat! It is better to ingest the whole leaf powder.

This super food is said to

a major way. Some of the health concerns that moringa may improve include anemia, asthma, arthritis, constipation, cancer, diabetes, epilepsy, diarrhea, stomach ulcers, gastritis, intestinal ulcers, heart conditions, headaches, high blood pressure, thyroid disorders, infections, warts, dandruff, snake bites and gingivitis. Additionally, it is said to stimulate immunity and breast milk production.

Moringa leaf boosts your energy in a natural manner, and is a remarkable source of nutrition. This energy promotion does not happen because of sugar, so it is lasts for a long time. Individuals ingesting it say that their ulcers are healed, tumors restricted, there are reduction in the arthritis pains and inpressure, the skin problems have stronger defenses against diseases.

Moringa is rich in a variety of health-enhancing compounds, including moringine, moringinine, the potent antioxidants quercetin, kaempferol, rhamnetin, and various polyphenols. The leaves seem to be getting the most market attention, notably for their use in reducing high blood pressure, eliminating water weight, and lowering cholesterol. It has been used in Europe as a liver tonic and whole range of liver and gall bladder conditions, including hepatitis and cirrhosis. It may also have value in the treatment of chronic uterine problems.

How it is cooked

As stated earlier, the dried leaves are more nutritious than the fresh leaves and are not heat friendly and so cooking it or putting it under heat devalues it. The leaf powder can be added to just about anything you eat as it is extremely versatile; salads, rice, pasta or any other dish.

The list is endless. You could juice the Moringa leaves, add

Recipe for moringa vegetable salad Ingredients

Freshly picked moringaoleifera leaves or power Medium size cabbage 4 medium size carrot, Lettuce leaves 2 cups of green beans Half cup peas (optional) one can baked beans 2 big size of cucumber 4 eggs (optional) Salad cream (optional if watching your weight)

Preparations

Chop the green beans, cucumber and carrot and set aside in different bowls or plates.

Slice the cabbage and the lettuce leaves and add the moringa leaves. Boil the eggs and remove the shell.

You then need to soften the cabbage, green beans carrot and peas, You have to boil carrot, green beans and peas together and soak the cabbage in hot water for a minute.

Add the carrot, green beans and peas to boiling (small) water, and steam for 3 to 5 minutes just to soften them a little. Boil hot water and pour into the sliced cabbage in a bowl, allow for a minute then sieve out the water.

Also sieve the water out of the carrot/green beans and peas and set on a bowl.

Now you are ready for the mixing part.

At this point, you mix the ingredients. Sprinkle a handful of cabbage on the tray, and then sprinkle the carrot/ green beans/peas, also the lettuce leaf and moringa leaf.

Slice the egg and drop on the top of the mixture. The egg is mostly for garnishing. people dish out the salad; you add the salad cream and baked beans. This is because when the two are mixed early, it could make it sour after a while.

The salad could be served with any rice recipe.

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday March 23, 2015

L7 Buzz Bytes

Opeoluwani Akintayo

What is wrong with Yinka Ayefele for Festival of Julius Agwu?

Praise We have tried to look past Ju-

Ibadan is getting set for Yinka Ayefele tomorrow, Tuesday, March 24, as he storms Sceptre Ministries in a live stage performance. Evang. Remi Aderoju

a tinge of fear for him. Having met him severally, it is obvious that all may not be well with the comedi-

their quarterly praise night/festival of Praise at Shiloh always been on the big side, but each time he appears in public, he always looks emaciated. This is his most recent picture of him in a celebratory mood with the publisher of Hip Hop world and the chief organizer of The Headies, Ayo Animashaun. What do you think? Is he trying to look it or could it be as a result of the rigours of politics?

the chief host, Evang. Remi- Aderoju, who is also the praise night/festival will “prove that members of his congregation appreciates the creator (God) for His mercy, blessing, help, victory, protection, salvation, promotion, favour, power and His presence in their lives and His calling to His Kingdom of God”.

Julius Agwu and Ayo Animashaun

New act to watch!

Song title: Bonjour Monseiur (an Afro Dance music which will be released alongside visuals by April) Name: Adesola Opeoluwa Age: 19yrs Stage Name: Educational background: National Diploma in Music Technology from The Polytechnic Ibadan Artistes inspirations: 9ice, Tuface, Sound Sultan, FelaAnikulapoKuti Kind of Music: Afro Pop and RnB International inspirations: Chris Brown, Lil Wayne, Demian Marley, Bob Marley, Nicki Minaj

alert!

Yinka Ayefele

Tee Blaq- Freestyle

Blaq teams up with indigenous music acts, Q-Dot and rapper Seriki a follow up on the already growing in many quarters as Street Royalty. The single is also coming on the rial anniversary where TeeBlaq will be leading a pack of Nigerian acts to celebrate the legacy of the late Hiphop act who is incidentally, TeeO’Brain

ON Set Mutiat Alli

Uru Eke turns producer

NewMusi

Bleaching no big deal - Mide Martins

Movie title: Sijuade

Producer: Fathia Balogun Director: Abbey Lanre Cast: Muyiwa Ademola, Adebayo Salami, Yinka Quadri, Fathia Balogun, Fali Werepe, Tope Adebayo amongst others.

Location: Abeokuta, Ibadan and Lagos Fathia plays the role of a female herbalist that no one dares toy with within and outside the community.

Fathia balogun Uru Eke Star actress Uru Eke is ready produced movie titled Remember

Olaitan, Anthony Manjaro, Femi Jacobs, OC Ukeje, Uru Eke, Chigul (Chioma Omeruah) and several others. Remember me is however written by Uru Eke and directed

by Izu Ojukwu. According to the actress, the movie is inspired by corruption concerning illegal land leases.

Mide Martins Actress and proud mother of two, Mide Martins disclosed in a recent interview that she sees no offence in changing skin colour otherwise known as bleaching. She said, “It is not a crime to change your skin color.

One thing I believe is that when you are fairer it brings out the beauty in you, so there is nothing wrong in lightning your skin it. At least it is not a legal offence.”

Fathia balogun flanked by other warriors in the movie

Beverly Naya getting prepared for her roles

Adebayo Salami playing a role

Daily Times Nigeria

Monday March 23, 2015

Showing on

L8 Television Showing on

103 M-Net Movies Premiere

135 BET

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Mon, 23 Mar | 16

Mon, 23 Mar | 16 VSNL -

101 M-Net West

120 BBC Entertainment

118 Telemundo

124 E!

tion prise

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253 AIT

128 SONY MAX -

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Udoh earns Enyimba first win

THEO WALCOTT

X3

ODUAMADI, others hit target in Europe X7

X4,5

A L R CA’SZNO G N I K ‘ W E

EPL ’ S T S I S S A OF

Moses

X7

England U-16 England U-17 England U19 England U-21 England

X8

fears return to Chelsea

THEO

I am so pleased to be joining Arsenal, a club I have admired for a long time. Coming to Arsenal will give me the opportunity to work with world-class players every day and play football at the highest possible level. It is a strange day because I am also very sad to be moving from Southampton. I am leaving many friends and some great coaches who have been so important to my career so far, but I leave with many great memories from the club. I am now really looking forward to meeting my new teammates and working hard as an Arsenal player.

—Theo Walcott

Money’s never been an option for me so I don’t pay much attention to that. I like the youth set-up here and I think they get a chance to play. It’s all about my development as a youngster and just to train with world-class players is what I’m most looking forward to.

I was shocked and surprised as everyone was. My first thoughts were that I can’t believe this, really. The move to Arsenal and then this, it is just unbelievable. My eyes were coming out of my head.

THEO WALCOTT

“

QUOTES BY

Poster! ”

WALCOTT

Southampton Arsenal

Newbury Swindon Town Southampton

National team 2004–2005: 2005–2006: 2006: 2006–2010: 2006–Present:

Theo Walcott Theo James Walcott March 16, 1989 (age 26) Stanmore, London, England 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) Forward / Winger Arsenal 14 Youth career 1999–2000: 2000: 2000–2005: Senior career 2005–2006: 2006–Present:

Name: Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth: Height: Playing position: Current team: Number:

NPFL: PERSONAL INFORMATION

XT Exclusive X4

EXTRATIME

Monday, March 23, 2015

EXTRATIME

Monday, March 23, 2015

Monday, March 23, 2015

Premiership Results

Liverpool 1 - 2 Man United

Hull City 2 - 3 Chelsea

QPR 1 - 2 Everton

X2

Monday, March 23, 2015

EXTRATIME

CORRUPTION: C

orruption is one major problem that have continued to hinder the development of Nigerian football. From the administrators, referees, coaches and even the players, the story remains the same, as this hydra-headed monster continues to torment and eat deep into the foundation of the beautiful game in Nigeria.

The most annoying aspect of this monster is that the relevant antigraft agencies are not doing much to stop the cankerworm.

On record, despite all the huge cry from stakeholders of Nigerian football to end this greed among our football administrators, not a single person has been convicted.

For example, during the Sani Lululed Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), the sum of $236,000 disappeared from the secretariat of the federation.

The then Secretary General, Dr. Bolaji Ojo-oba, in whose office the money grew ‘wings’, feigned ignorance of the incident, by denying having knowledge of how the money got missing.

Today Ojo-oba is a free man, as

THE BANE OF NFF!

he recently retired as the director of Grassroots Sports Development in the National Sports Commission (NSC) in Abuja.

To say the least even FIFA, under whose umbrella NFF is affiliated to internationally, is not helping matters.

The world football ruling body does not care about how all the grants it gives to the NFF is being spent, especially in the development of the game and any attempt to probe them, using government anti-graft agencies, is seen as an interference.

This scenario once prompted the Senate President, David Mark, to take a swipe on the NFF in early 2012, describing the body as the most corrupt government agency in

the country.

HT recalls that Mark made the claims during the consideration of a motion on the dwindling trends of sport in the country, sponsored

by Senator Adamu Gumba and 15 others, in which it was revealed that the NFF embezzled over N2.16 billion proceeds given to Nigeria by FIFA. Mark added that corruption in NFF was responsible for the total decline in football, lamenting that Nigeria, which was once the football giant of Africa, now quivers before smaller football nations during matches.

The Senate president even went further to advice the Federal Government to shut-down football for a period of time to allow for better planning.

According to him: “The fact that FIFA says we cannot touch NFF does not mean we cannot disband football; we can forget football, lock ourselves in a room for many years so as to get it right.”

From the foregoing, it is clear that NFF deserves total sanitation, beginning from how funds are utilized for football development.

The Amaju Pinnick-led NFF must commence this process by allowing independent auditors to come into the Glass House to audit the accounts of the federation without further delay.

HT gathered that one of the major issues, which led to the recent impromptu resignation of Musa Amadu as the general secretary of

the Federation, last Wednesday, was in relation to how funds, both from FIFA and the NSC, were spent.

It is the stand of HT that the present NFF must show commitment towards sanitising the football house…for a stitch in time saves nine.

Next week we shall be taking a look at the travails of one of Nigeria’s ageless boxers, who is currently being incarcerated in Kuje Prison. What did he do to warrant this treatment?

Keep a date with us next week for details!

NFF President, Amaju Pinnick

Monday, March 23, 2015

EXTRATIME

N

igeria U-23 team, Dream Team, must rue missed chances after Zambia on m to a Sunday in Abuja held the match ng goalless draw in a qualifyi es Gam ca Afri for the 2015 All qualifier. reThe overall winners after the to e anc adv turn leg in Zambia will ca Afri All the for the football event Games holding in Congo. nings Nigeria created several ope shing fini ir in Sunday’s game but the and ior Jun yi Aja h let them down wit rits. culp rst wo the o kar Etebo Oghene o kar By half hour mark, Oghene ile wh s, nce fluffed three clear-cut cha from on 25 minutes, Ajayi missed am Dre eria Nig as ds yar only four rch sea in re ssu pre the on d pile Team of an opening goal.

Dream Team midfielder, Usman Mohammed.

AAG:

A I B M A Z HOLDS M A E T M A E DR IN ABUJA

NPFL: Udoh earns Enyimba first win

Hotshot! Mfon Udoh (right) evades a hard tackle

Int’l friendly: Cranes arrive Nigeria today!

N

Mike Otanwa

A

head of Wednesday’s international friendly against the Super Eagles of Nigeria, the Cranes of Uganda will arrive Nigeria today, the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) has confirmed.

Players and officials on the

igeria League all-time top scorer, Mfon Udoh, opened his goals account of the season on Sunday as he helped Enyimba record their first win of the season courtesy of 1-0 win over Bayelsa United.

Enyimba now have five points from three games.

Udoh, who scored 23 goals in, Nigeria league last season, broke the deadlock in the 50th minute when he tapped in Daniel Etor’s corner.

The former Akwa United striker

had another effort in the 30th minute cancelled.

Chinonso Okonkwo failed to score for Enyimba when he headed over the bar in the 35th minute.

Enyimba goalkeeper, Chijioke Ejiogu, then stopped Anthony Abawula’s goal-bound shot from 40 yards.

In the 39th minute, Daniel Etor had his 25-yard shot turned away for a corner.

Bayelsa United striker, Musa Najere, was sent off in the 82nd minute after he received his second booking.

delegation are expected to fly into the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport in Abuja via Addis Ababa, and will then connect to Uyo aboard a local flight from Abuja.

The Cranes, as the Ugandan senior men’s national football team are known, who gave Ghana’s Black Stars a scare in the qualifying race for the 30th Africa Cup of Nations

and had a chance to make the finals until they lost their last match in the race to Guinea, will be aiming for a first–ever victory on Nigerian soil.

They have replaced Bolivia, who were initially scheduled to be Nigeria’s opponents in Wednesday’s fixture, after the South Americans pulled out due to ‘security reasons’.

Eagles will then play the

X3

Yola shocked at Pillars 4-0 whitewash

by MAT

A

member of the Kano Pillars continental committee and former chairman of the club, Alhaji Abba Yola, has expressed shock after a 0-4 thrashing at the hands of Moroccan club, Moghreb Athletic de Tétouan (MAT), on Saturday.

“I am in shock. It was not a good game for us at all and no one saw this coming,” he told supersport. com.

He however chose to look at the optimistic picture in the shape of a ‘miracle’ in the return fixture in Kano.

“Miracles happen and if there are any group of fans who will cheer their side till the last minute irrespective of the consequences, those fans are the fans of Kano Pillars.

“It will be difficult but the players, coaches, fans and everyone involved with Kano Pillars must believe it is possible to overturn the deficit. The fans must turn out in their numbers and cheer the boys to victory in the second leg,” he said.

Mouhcine Iajour fired a 21-minute hat-trick with clinically taken goals on 13, 26 and 34 minutes with Zaid Krouch adding a late fourth to literally ram the final nail on the Pillars coffin.

The Nigerian champions must now show unreal grit and score five times without reply from MAT in the return fixture at the Sani Abacha Stadium in Kano on April 4.

Pillars suffered a complicated build-up to the game. Five of their players, including Gambo Mohammed were hospitalized just days to the first leg following a robbery incident that left the affected individuals with bullet wounds.

It necessitated a postponement of the fixture by a week but things got worse when arguably Pillars’ best striker, Christian Obiozor was “reported missing” a few days to the game with MAT. Desertion was the last thing the Pillars coach, Okey Emordi would have contemplated and in the absence of the proven marksman, Sai Masu Gida were always going to struggle for goals.

Bafana Bafana of South Africa in Rustenburg three days later, also in another international friendly.

The last time both countries met was during the 2015 Africa Cup of Nations qualifier in Uyo, with the game ending 2-2, which ended Nigeria’s chances of defending the title they won in 2013 in South Africa.

Southampton Arsenal

England U-16 England U-17 England U19 England U-21 England

National team 2004–2005: 2005–2006: 2006: 2006–2010: 2006–Present:

Newbury Swindon Town Southampton

Theo Walcott Theo James Walcott March 16, 1989 (age 26) Stanmore, London, England 1.76 m (5 ft 9 in) Forward / Winger Arsenal 14

Youth career 1999–2000: 2000: 2000–2005: Senior career 2005–2006: 2006–Present:

Name: Full name: Date of birth: Place of birth: Height: Playing position: Current team: Number:

PERSONAL INFORMATION

“

I am so pleased to be joining Arsenal, a club I have admired for a long time. Coming to Arsenal will give me the opportunity to work with world-class players every day and play football at the highest possible level. It is a strange day because I am also very sad to be moving from Southampton. I am leaving many friends and some great coaches who have been so important to my career so far, but I leave with many great memories from the club. I am now really looking forward to meeting my new teammates and working hard as an Arsenal player.

—Theo Walcott

Money’s never been an option for me so I don’t pay much attention to that. I like the youth set-up here and I think they get a chance to play. It’s all about my development as a youngster and just to train with world-class players is what I’m most looking forward to.

I was shocked and surprised as everyone was. My first thoughts were that I can’t believe this, really. The move to Arsenal and then this, it is just unbelievable. My eyes were coming out of my head.

THEO WALCOTT

QUOTES BY

X4 Monday, March 23, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

THEO

WALCOTT

”

Monday, March 23, 2015

X5

X6

Monday, March 23, 2015

EXTRATIME

INTERVIEW

Ancelotti

: I T T O L E C AN I ENJOY

RONALDO’S SCORING PROWESS!

Having tasted major silverware success with some of Europe’s biggest clubs - AC Milan, Chelsea, Paris Saint-Germain and Real Madrid - Carlo Ancelotti is, above all else, a winner. Indeed, most recently, the former midfielder, who represented his country at the 1990 FIFA World Cup on home soil, guided Los Blancos to victory in the Copa del Rey, the UEFA Champions League, UEFA Super Cup and the FIFA Club World Cup Morocco in a trophy-laden 2014. It was therefore inevitable that Ancelotti made the final three-man shortlist for the FIFA World Coach of the Year in Men’s Football award. At the FIFA Ballon d’Or Gala 2014, held on 12 January this year in Zurich, he told FIFA.com he saw his inclusion as “recognition of the work we at Real Madrid put in over the course of the whole year”. Ancelotti also touched on a wide range of topics including his working methods, how he handles top players and whether or not he will ever be Italy coach. Excerpts:

Carlo, there’s a lot that has been said about you and your working methods but, in your view, who is the real Carlo Ancelotti?

I’m just a coach who really likes his job, who still has fun, and who tries to have a good, close relationship with his players. Someone who, by working alongside them, aims to achieve the goals the club expects of us.

In the ultra-professional modern game, how hard is it to have fun with your players?

It isn’t hard. Over the course of my career I’ve worked at the very highest levels with the most respon-

sible and professional players around. I’d say that the higher the level (they play at), the more responsible and professional they are.

That makes everything pretty simple, especially at Real Madrid. Here I’ve found a group of very focused, very motivated players, who work well as a team. They get on really well with each other and that makes everything more straightforward.

What do you place most importance on: the mental, tactical or technical side of the game?

I think that in football, at this moment in time, the mental side of the game is most important. It’s vital to keep everyone in the squad motivated, even those who aren’t playing. Then comes the tactical side too, building a team that puts the idea of playing as a unit, as a group, first, and then comes convincing great players that they need to harness their individual qualities for the good of the team.

You have answered the call of clubs such as AC Milan, Chelsea, PSG and now Real Madrid, with the pressure to win trophies ever-present.

What’s the hardest thing about tackling challenges of this size?

For a coach, the most important thing is the relationship he can forge with his players. You might come in with your ideas in mind, but then it comes down to them to put them into practice on the pitch. If you’ve a good relationship, then footballers take on board your ideas more easily. So, that’s the hardest part. Then of course, at Real Madrid you have to win, at PSG you have to win… but

it’s also the case that every team has its objectives: whether it’s avoiding relegation or winning the European Cup. That’s why I feel that, whatever level you’re at, coaches all face similar problems.

too, which was the Club World Cup. It’s a major trophy which only the champions of each region compete for. I’d say it crowned a fantastic year and of course we really wanted to win it.

If you had to pick out just one moment of a success-packed 2014, what would it be and why?

I think that the key clash of our season was the final of the Copa del Rey against Barcelona, in Valencia Madrid won 2-1 via a late Gareth Bale strike.

Although the most beautiful moment was, without a doubt, the Champions League final in Lisbon where, after such a long wait, we claimed La Décima (a tenth European Cup/Champions League title) for Real Madrid.

Changing the subject somewhat, how would you describe Cristiano Ronaldo?

A lot of people would be really surprised by him. As I’ve said many times before, he’s a player who’s a one-off in terms of professionalism and responsibility, even at this level. He was born with extraordinary talent, but he squeezes the juice from and works on that talent thanks to a level of drive I’ve seen in few other players.

In that final Madrid overcame Atletico Madrid, whose coach Diego Simeone was, like you, a finalist for the World Coach of the Year award.

What can you tell us about El Cholo?

He’s had an incredible season. He had a fairly unheralded team and, thanks to his ability, determination and character, took them to the top of the Spanish league. Fortunately he didn’t win the Champions League too (laughs), but he’s able to instill his strength of character into his team and that’s what enabled them to go all the way to the final.

The continental title earned Madrid a place at the FIFA Club World Cup in Morocco. What was your verdict on victory at that competition?

In Italy we’d say it was “la ciliegia sulla torta” (the cherry on the cake).

The cake was winning the Champions League and then we took the cherry

You once said that Zinedine Zidane was the player you most enjoyed watching, but is Cristiano up there too?

That’s right! (Laughs) Zidane was the player I most enjoyed in training, but Ronaldo’s the one I enjoy most in matches – he scores in virtually every game!

One final question before you go, will we ever see you take charge of La Nazionale?

In Italy the story goes that we reach the World Cup Final every 12 years: we did so in 1970, ’82, ’94 and in 2006.

If that continues then we’ll reach the final again in 2018, though I think Antonio Conte will still be in charge then.

Then we’ve another story: we play the Final every 12 years but only win it every 24. We did it in 1982 and 2006 so, following that pattern, Italy will win it next in 2030. I’ll be 71 then, so I’ve still got time.

Monday, March 23, 2015

EXTRATIME

NIGERIA PLAYERS ABROAD

With Mike Otanwa

, I D A M A ODU OTHERS ON TARGET IN

EUROPE I

n what was a bleak weekend for the strikers called up to the Super games, friendly Eagles and Oduamadi Nnamdi their for d score rs four othe respective sides.

Oduamadi scored his first goal of the season for his on loan side Latina, although they lost 1-2 to Spezia in an Italian Serie B game.

Also, forgotten Super Eagles forward Bartholomew Ogbeche playing for SC Cambuur in the Dutch Eredivisie grabbed a goal, his

Oduamadi

SIMON

G

ent striker, Moses Simon, is attracting huge interest from two Bundesliga powerhouses, according to sources close to the player.

Gent snapped up the pacy striker from AS Trencín in the January transfer window on a three-and-a-half year deal after lighting up the Slovak Super Liga and it is likely that the 19-year-old could depart the Ghelamco Arena when the transfer window reopens.

Simon has impressed Gent’s power brokers since his arrival, and they are not prepared to part with the Nigeria youth international except the interested clubs from Germany meet their 20 million euros asking price.

Before agreeing a move to Gent, he had been courted by Tottenham, ADO Den Haag, Heerenveen and an unnamed team in France.

The Golden Boot Soccer

monitored by Bundesliga powerhouses

12th of the season, though his team conceded late to lose 1-2 to AZ Alkmaar.

In Slovakia, former youth International, Rabiu Ibrahim, scored once and his Nigerian Emmanuel compatriot, Edmond at AS Trencin also scored as they defeated DAC 3-0 in a Slovakia topflight league game.

Tony Nwakaeme, playing for Hapoel Ra’anana in the Israel league relegation playoffs, scored twice as they secured a 4-0 win over MS Ashdod.

Injured Brown Ideye (middle)

Moses

Moses

fears return to Blues

O

n loan Stoke City forward, Victor Moses, reportedly rejected a chance to return to Chelsea during the January transfer window.

Moses has revived his Premier League career with the Potters and Stoke are ready to open talks with Chelsea over a potential £5 million summer move.

His return to form has been so impressive that Mourinho offered him the chance to join Chelsea’s title challenge in the New Year.

According to report, Mourinho wanted to terminate the seasonloan arrangement prematurely and bring him back to Stamford Bridge, as he moved to strengthen his titlechasing squad.

However, Moses had fears of being put on the bench if he goes back to the Blues, rather than getting a regular run of games he is currently enjoying at Stoke and his refusal forced Chelsea to sign Fiorentina’s Juan Cuadrado.

A £9 million signing from Wigan in August 2012, Hughes will target Moses for a permanent move at the end of the season and Stoke are hopeful of reaching an agreement.

Ndukwu stars in England’s win over Norway

Academy product could make his international debut on Wednesday when the Super Eagles take on Uganda.

L

Injury rocks

IDEYE

B Simon

X7

rown Ideye’s joy of being handed a recall to the Super Eagles is in jeopardy, as he might end up missing the friendly games against Uganda and South Africa.

West Brom manager, Tony Pulis, speaking in a pre-match interview confirmed the Nigerian was left out of the team to take on Manchester City due to an injury.

“Ideye has been playing with an injury, he has trained regularly with it the last three to four days and he

was in contention to play but he felt it again,” he said.

“After a test we decided its best we leave him out of the team” The severity of the injury was not confirmed by the manager but West Brom faithful’s are claiming he might need two weeks rest to fully recover from the injury.

Ideye earned a recall to the Super Eagles after rediscovering his form at West Brom following a failed move away from the team in January.

eicester City superkid Layton Ndukwu put England in a strong position to qualify for the UEFA European U-17 Championship after scoring in their 3-1 win over Norway at the Pirelli Stadium on Saturday.

Along with fellow Anglo-Nigerians Tayo Edun and Ike Ugbo, Ndukwu was named in the starting line-up, and he repaid manager John Peacock’s faith by scoring the third goal for the Young Lions in the 62nd minute.

Before his goal arrived, the winger had also hit the post two times in the first half while Chelsea striker Ike Ugbo saw his attempt blocked by Norway shot-stopper Kjetil Haug.

Ndukwu was delighted to score for the England U-17s in their opening game of the Elite Qualifying Round.

X8

Monday, March 23, 2015

EXTRATIME

EXTRATIME

ARSENAL WENGER plays down Gunners title hope

Cazorla

A

Wenger

A L R O Z CA G N I K ‘ W E N THE

W

hen Mesut Ozil arrived at Arsenal for a reported fee of £42.4 million, he was labelled as the ‘King of Assists’.

Since then his stock has fallen considerably, but luckily, the Gunners have found someone to sit on his thrown called Santi Cazorla.

The Spaniard is one of the most consistent players in the Arsenal squad and has thoroughly impressed since joining from Malaga.

According to the stats, he is also the most creative player in the Premier League.

Since arriving in the summer of 2013, Cazorla has assisted more goals (27) than any other player in the Premier League.

His latest came against Newcastle United on Saturday, allowing Olivier Giroud to score the decisive goal in a 2-1 win.

Unlike Ozil, who struggled to impress in his debut season for the Gunners, Cazorla was named player of the season by Arsenal fans. That season he scored 12 goals and assisted 13 in all competitions.

This season he has scored eight and assisted ten and many fans have called on Arsene Wenger to bench Ozil in favour of playing the 30-year-old in the No.10 role.

However, the diminutive playmaker has proved just as useful in a deeper midfield role and has also impressed whilst playing out wide.

While they may be team-mates, Cazorla is certainly making Ozil’s job of becoming the main man at Arsenal harder.

’ S T S I S S A F O

rsenal’s 2-1 win at Newcastle United moved them to within four points of Premier League leaders Chelsea, but their manager Arsene Wenger believes that another statistic is equally relevant.

Even after Chelsea complete their next match at Hull City on Sunday, Jose Mourinho’s team will still have played one match fewer than Arsenal and that is a significant factor, according to Wenger.

“Chelsea have good security at the moment. I feel they have enough of a cushion to be quite serene,” said the Frenchman.

“We have Manchester City in front of us and behind us it is tight as well.

The only thing we can do is to win our games.

“I think Chelsea have too much security. I just think at the moment we are not concluding, we are in a fight.

You have seen the game on Saturday - in every game, we need to turn up and fight until the last minute to get the points.

“That’s what we have to do: just go for the next game and win it. Look, the players want to do as well as they can.

We know we have a fight first to be in the top four. We will go step by step, game by game.”

Arsenal plot raid on Slattery

A

rsenal are plotting another raid on Southampton – this time for promising midfielder Callum Slattery.

Having already snapped up Callum Chambers and constantly linked with Morgan Schneiderlin in recent months, the Gunners are now keen on taking the England U-16 international to the Emirates, according to reports.

This is on top of also plucking Theo Walcott and Alex Oxlade-Chamberlain from the south coast club over the years.

However, any move for Slattery is likely to be countered by Bayern Munich, who are also keen on the player and are understood to be ready to test Saints’ resolve in the summer.

Slattery

Akpom

Teammates hail Akpom’s heroics

A

rsenal striker Chuba Akpom has laughed off comparisons with Thierry Henry. Alexis Sanchez has dubbed the youngster ‘Titi’ after the Gunners legend.

“One day in training with the first team I scored a Henrytype goal, cutting inside and finishing,” Akpom told said.

“I could see Sanchez jumping, he’s an enthusiastic guy at the best of times and he’s going: ‘Titi, Titi, Titi, Titi!’. The next morning he came to me and said ‘Titi.’

“Then the next morning he came to me and said ‘Titi’. Akpom asked: ‘hold on is this my new nickname?’ That’s how it came about and it’s stuck since then.

“Now the lads just call me Titi or Thierry Henry - I’ll take that.

It’s not a bad comparison to have.

“He was my idol growing up. Playing for the academy and watching Arsenal’s first team I used to see players like Henry scoring every week and it really inspired me.”