Wednesday, January 2, 2019 Edition

Wednesday, January 2, 2019/ Rabi’u Thani 25, 1440 AH

Vol. 30 No. 060 N150

Aisha Buhari leads APC women, youths presidential campaign team >>>page 15

@pmlonline

1717 Days after

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

Minimum wage:

peoplesdailyng

. . . putting the people first

Atiku challenges Buhari on ‘Election not a do-or-die affair’ >>>page 5

Mobilise for prolonged strike, NLC tells workers

>>>page 5

Fun seekers, during the New Year Celebration, at Millennium Park, yesterday in Abuja.

NAF chief tasks Girl, 9, walks again personnel on optimism, 12 months after road courage accident pAGE 3

pAGE 4

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Boko Haram: Gov. Shettima cautions against blame game pAGE 7

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

News CONTENTS News 2-14 Editorial Op.Ed

11 12-13

Politics 15-17 Stockwatch Business Feature

18 19-20 21

World Analysis 22 Africa News

23

World News

24

2019 election: Cleric predicts Buhari’s victory

By Ese Awhotu with agency report

A

renowned cleric, Prophet Christopher Owolabi, has predicted that the tenure of the present administration headed

by President Muhammadu Buhari would extend beyond 2019.

Owolabi, General Overseer Christ Apostolic Church, Ori-Oke, Irapada, Omu-Aran, made the prediction during the Church’s crossover night service tagged: “Seeking for Nigeria’s Democratic Sustenance Beyond 2019” in Omu-Aran, Kwara yesterday.

He said the prediction was not borne out of any personal or political interest whatsoever, but God’s divine guidance and direction for the country.

Owolabi also predicted a rapid socio-economic recovery for the country in the New Year, adding

that the leaders needed the urgent intercession of the citizens through prayers to consolidate on the gains of the government’s anti-corruption fight. “it is based on God’s interest in directing the affairs of the country at this critical period of its history as it is revealed to me,” the cleric said.

He noted that election of leaders in the country presently has gone beyond personalities or individuals but through a divine intervention.

“No matter any act of political commission or omission, God is the one presently in control and directing the affairs of the country,” he said further.

Owolabi, who was known to have made many predictions as regard the nation’s current affairs including the emergence of Sen. Bukola Saraki as the leader of the 8th Senate, urged politicians to play according to the rules.

He said: “the present leadership in piloting the affairs of this great nation as was revealed to me will extend beyond 2019 and there is going to be a brighter light at the end of the tunnel socially and economically.

The cleric who decried the incessant killings, kidnappings, armed robbery and backbiting that had pervaded the land, urged Nigerians to learn from their past mistakes, misdeeds and shortcoming by embracing righteousness in the New Year.

Owolabi also used the opportunity to advise government to urgently formulate a clear cut policy toward stemming the negative trend associated with social media platforms, especially as it concerned the youthful age bracket.

“It is very glaring that the country is dangerously heading to a halt as far as hate speech, intolerance, religious

and ethnic bigotry being perpetrated through social media platform are concerned.

“Such needs to be treated by government as a matter of urgent national importance to move the country forward,” he said.

He urged religious leaders, traditional rulers and parents in the country to use their preaching, counseling and parental advice in ensuring a reliable and productive future for the youths whom are regarded as the leaders of tomorrow.

“The future of our nation depends largely on the readiness and preparedness of our teeming youths in terms of quality educational background, information and technological advancement in taking over the mantle of leadership.

“This to me should be the major preoccupation of our religious leaders, traditional rulers and parents alike,” he said.

R-L: Wife of Bauchi State Deputy Governor, Hajia Amina AuduKatagum; mother of the 2019 Babyof-the-Year in Bauchi State, Hajia Rabiatu Abdullahil and Bauchi State Commissioner for Women Affairs, Rukaiya Ibrahim, during the visit of Hajia Audu-Katagum to the Baby-of-theYear at Bauchi State Teaching Hospital, yesterday in Bauchi.

Boko Haram: Gov Shettima cautions against blame game

Photo: NAN

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Sports 30-31 Back Page

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News

Prayer, fasting panacea for peaceful polls, says Catholic Priest

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

T

he Catholic Priest of St. Sylvester, New Nyanya in Nassarawa state, Very. Rev. Fr. Lawrence S. Anyembugu has identified prayer and fasting as the panacea for peaceful polls in the country.

Anyembugu stated this during a Cross Over Mass at his Parish to usher in the New Year.

According to him, Nigerians need to urgently return to God and abstain from their evil ways.

He said: “We should seek the face of God and always pray especially now that we are in the election year. Based on this, the Church is commencing prayer and fasting from 2nd to 31st of January, themed; “My Year of Devine Intervention”.

He said the 30 days prayer and fasting “will help us to be closer to God, and seek his face towards free, fair and credible polls in the country.

“We should ignore the rumours that the killings are religious and political. The killings have been there long before now. Don’t allow people to instill fear in you. You should be steadfast and hold on to God to deliver our land”.

The clergy added that the killings in Nigeria are man - made and had nothing to do with the elections.

“Niger-Delta militancy, Odudua Peoples Congress (OPC), violence in the west, Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra (MOSSOB) in the east and Boko Haram in the northeast have been in existence long before issues of elections; people should not be attributing such violence to the 2019 general elections.”

He also called on Nigerians to “come out in mass and vote wisely for candidates that will develop the country and ensure positive change”.

News Editor, Ese Awhotu

Kaduna Electric assures of steady power supply in 2019 From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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he board and management of Kaduna Electric have assured its customers that it would redouble efforts in the New Year to ensure that they maintain the steady power supply being currently enjoyed in various neighborhoods in franchise states.

This was contained in a

statement signed by the Head, Corporate Communication of the organization Abdulazeez Abdullahi and made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

The statement wished Kaduna Electric esteemed customers a prosperous and rewarding year, thanking them for their steadfastness in settling their electricity bills promptly which had helped in no small measure

in enhancing operations and efficient service delivery efforts.

It said: “ We also appreciate them for their patience at those times when we were unable to meet their expectations. We reiterate our commitment to redouble our efforts in the new year to ensure that we maintain the steady power supply being currently enjoyed in various neighbourhoods in our franchise

states.

“While we count on the unwavering support of our loyal customers, we call on those customers who are reluctant to settle their bills, have outstanding debts and indulge in energy theft and meter bypass to stop these acts of sabotage and have a rethink and work with us to deliver uninterrupted power supply to all. “

The Bishop of Kaduna Anglican Diocese, Rt. Revd. Timothy Yahaya (centre) and the Sub-Dean of the Cathedral, Venerable Gabriel Sedemogun (left) during the church service to mark the beginning of 2019 New Year celebration at the Cathedral of St. Michael, yesterday in Kaduna.

Photo: BASHIR BELLO

New Year: NAF chief tasks personnel on optimism, courage

Property 25 Health

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

Desist from anti-party utterances, Enugu APC warns Ken Nnamani

D

r Ben Nwoye, the Enugu State Chairman of All Progressives Congress, has warned one of the leaders of the party in the state, Senator Ken Nnamani to desist from anti-party utterances.

Nwoye on Tuesday urged Nnamani to clarify a statement he made while commissioning a fourroom building with the Peoples Democratic Party Governor, Chief Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi.

Nwoye also asked Nnamani to explain why he did not campaign openly for his party’s governorship candidate instead of telling the PDP governorship candidate that “a good product markets itself’’.

He also accused Nnamani of promising that when the time comes he would say where his “people belong’’.

“This is very misleading. Could it be that Sen. Nnamani is so ashamed of his political party that he could not

canvass openly for the party?” Nwoye wondered.

The party chairman said the APC in Enugu State had observed Sen. Nnamani’s double standards for too long, adding that the party could no longer fold its arms and watch him de-market the APC in the state.

“We deplore this attitude of being APC in Abuja and PDP in Enugu State,’’ the chairman said.

“How can the Vice-Chairman, South of APC Presidential Campaign Council feel more comfortable in the midst of candidates of the PDP than among APC candidates almost on the eve of an election?”

Nwoye said that Nnamani was surrounded at that event by candidates of the opposition PDP for various offices, and wondered what signal he was sending to APC supporters in Enugu State.

“This is a man who has just been unveiled as the vice-chairman of the

APC Presidential Campaign Council romancing and hobnobbing with the opposition party and making insinuations that his people would vote for the opposition.’’

The party chieftain noted that it was the same people that go to Abuja to mislead the authorities that the PDP governor in Enugu State is working for Buhari. Nothing can be farther from the truth.

“How can the PDP governor work for Buhari when he is still busy campaigning for PDP Presidential and National Assembly candidates?’’

He said that APC was strong in the state and the South-East zone and urged the authorities in Abuja to ignore the self-serving misinformation being propagated by PDP. Nwoye said that people like Nnamani who market the story that the APC needed some help from PDP in the South-East in order to re-elect

Buhari.

“How can people who are so scared of their impending loss of election be the same people being touted to help the APC? “We want to say it loud and clear that the APC will sweep the polls in Enugu State. We don’t need anybody to help us. Buhari will score over 90% of the votes that will be cast in the South-East,’’ he said.

He warned Nnamani that the party would not hesitate to commence disciplinary action against him should he persist in his anti-party utterances and activities, urging him to retrace his steps forthwith.

“Nnamani has a choice to make; to remain in the APC or to return to the PDP where it seems he feels more comfortable. He can’t belong to both parties at the same time,’’ Nwoye said.

NAN, however, could not get Nnamani to react to the accusation as of the time of filing the report.(NAN)

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he Chief of the Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, has enjoined personnel of the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) to march into 2019 with optimism.

Abubakar urged the personnel to enter the New Year with a rugged determination to perform their professional and constitutional duties.

Abubakar made the call in his New Year message to the NAF personnel on Tuesday in Abuja.

He congratulated them for entering into the New Year full of

hope and expectations.

Abubabkar also expressed gratitude to them for their patriotism, dedication to duty, commitment and hard work, “as well as your countless sacrifices made in service to our great nation”.

He noted that 2018 was marked by challenges and opportunities, saying the NAF, with vital support from stakeholders, was able to exploit the opportunities and overcame the challenges encountered.

“In the fight against Boko Haram, we saw the emergence of new tactics

as well as the introduction of highly experienced and skilled fighters and technology, as ISIS elements, dislodged from Syria, relocated to the North East of our country.

“Our gallant fighter and helicopter gunship pilots are adapting creditably to these emerging nuisance and making good progress, despite recent setbacks.

“The Year 2019 similarly promises to be filled with challenges and opportunities and we must gear up to make the most of the opportunities for greater service delivery, whilst

leveraging our collective resolve to surmount the inherent challenges.

“I, therefore, enjoin all NAF personnel to march into the future with the rugged and optimistic determination for which we are known.You should remain professional in the discharge of your constitutional duty of ensuring the security of our beloved nation and its good people.You must be courageous, take the battle to the terrorists and fight them to the finish, not minding the malicious propaganda of the terrorists and their sympathisers.

“You must also remember, in the course of your duties, to always show compassion and respect for all law-abiding citizens.Furthermore, as the 2019 general elections draw near, I urge you all to remain apolitical in your professional duties, and firmly resist any entreaties to be used against the interest of our beloved nation by any unscrupulous elements./ Nonetheless, you are encouraged to exercise your legitimate rights to vote for the candidates of your choice on election day,” he said.

2019 UTME: JAMB warns candidates against fraudsters

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he Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board has called on prospective candidates to disregard advertisements in the social media announcing sales of registration documents with some illegal centres and subject combinations.

The board’s Head, Media and Information, Dr Fabian Benjamin, gave the warning in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria on Tuesday in Lagos.

He said:“It has come to the notice of the board that some fraudsters have listed out centres for the examination and in the process, inserted some illegal ones.

“Let me state here that all the processes concerning the board can only be done by approved Computer Based Centres.”

According to Benjamin, over 700 centres have so far been accredited for the conduct of the 2019 Unified Tertiary

Matriculation Examination scheduled to commence on March 16.

He said JAMB would soon publish the list of all approved centres in all its state offices nationwide to guide prospective candidates in choosing centres nearest to them.

He announced that the sales of registration documents for the examination would commence on January 10.

“Already the list of over 700 accredited centres for this examination has been uploaded on our website.

“But we have not published any advert concerning all the processes, we are hoping to do so soon.

“Precisely before the commencement of the sales of the forms just as we will paste the list of all the accredited CBT centres at all our state offices nationwide.

“This is to guide the candidates towards the examination processes in order not to fall prey to these fraudsters who are bent on finding ways of causing pains to innocent Nigerians,” Benjamin said.

He said candidates can also go to the “playstore app” on their mobile phones and download “jambibass” to get authentic information especially as regards subject and course combinations among others.(NAN)

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N EWS

Lagos gov’s wife presents gifts to first baby of the year

By Ese Awhotu with agency report

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ife of the Governor of Lagos State, Bolanle Ambode, has yesterday presented gifts to the first baby of the year, calling on pregnant women in the state, to patronize government health facilities for safe delivery.

She also called on the women to always immunize their children against killer diseases.

Mrs Ambode made the call at the annual celebration of the first baby of the year in Lagos State, at the Island Maternity Hospital, Lagos Island yesterday.

The first baby in 2019 for Lagos State was a boy, born at 12am to Mr and Mrs Adegbesan, weighing 3.7Kg. The second baby at the same hospital was a girl born to Mr and Mrs Taiwo at exactly 12.01am and weighed 2.8kg.

The Lagos first lady said the huge government expenditure on infant and maternal health infrastructure, could only be justified by commensurate use of the modern facilities, by the women, their babies and the children.

According to her, government’s efforts at stemming maternal and infant mortality would be slow in materialising, if expectant mothers did not go to the centres to use the facilities.

Her words, “I wish to note that Lagos State Government has continued to strengthen the health sector with the provision of neonatal care units, equipment and resources to our state hospitals, to enhance the quality of maternal and child care services in our state.

‘The workers in the PHCs and General Hospitals are committed and determined to provide quality care, but you have to go there and use the facilities. Mother and Child Centres are also being located in nearly every neighbourhood of the state, for excellent infant and maternal health care delivery.”

Stressing the need for immunization, she said: “My passionate appeal to mothers therefore, is to ensure they complete the full course of immunization for their children, to prevent childhood killers like measles, diarrhea, pneumonia, tuberculosis, tetanus and hepatitis, to mention a few. In addition, parents must avoid the use of contaminated water, malnutrition and poor sanitation, as they also contribute to childhood mortality.”

The governor’s wife commended the National Population Commission (NPC) for registering newborns at Lagos hospitals, urging parents to always cooperate with the agency, for accurate data compilation.

She urged expectant mothers to maintain good hygiene and healthpromoting lifestyle in pregnancy, to ensure the well-being of their expected babies.

Also speaking, the Commissioner for Health, Dr. Jide Idris, said the Ministry placed more emphasis on efficient and qualitative healthcare services.

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

Girl walks again, 12 months after road accident – FRSC

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he Ogun Command of the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) says a nine-yearold girl, Ajadi Islamiya, now walks again a year after being crippled by a fatal road accident in 2017.

Islamiya, whose mother died in the crash on the Lagos-Ibadan Expressway on December 31, 2017, walked exactly a year to the crash.

Clement Oladele, the Ogun Sector Commander of FRSC,

disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday in Ota, Ogun.

NAN recalls that an overspeeding commercial bus with 18 passengers had on that day while heading to Lagos from Ekiti State, rammed into a stationary truck due along the Ogere axis on Lagos-Ibadan Expressway.

Five people were killed in the crash, including the mother of the girl, while 13 others sustained

various degrees of injury.

According to Mr Oladele, Islamiya sustained multiple fractures from the auto crash and was taken to Victory Hospital, Ogere, Ogun, for an intensive treatment by the Ogere FRSC teams led by Maxwell Lede.

The sector commander commended the Chief Medical Director of the Hospital, Victor Emmanuel, for treating the girl without being sure of recovering his money for the past one year.

“I want to thank and give glory to God because she can now walk on her own without any artificial support.

“Only God who preserves her from the valley of the shadow of death on the Dec. 31,2017 is worthy to be praised,” he said.

Mr Lede, who is the Ogere Unit Commander of FRSC, told NAN that he was excited to see that the command’s efforts in the timely rescue of the accident victims were not in vain. (NAN)

National Publicity Secretary of All Progressives Congress (APC), Malam Lanre Issa-Onilu (middle), addressing the journalists on the Failure of a Desperate Opposition Party, yesterday in Abuja. With are Assistant Director, Media and Publicity of APC, Mr. Edegbe Odemwingie (right) and Special Adviser on Media to National Publicity Secretary of the Party, Mr. Remi Adelowo (left).

Photo: Mahmud Isa

APC candidate pledges 50% of salary for constituents’ empowerment

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he candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) for Ovia Federal Constituency of Edo state, Mr Dennis Idahosa, has pledged 50 per cent of his salary to the empowerment of his constituents if elected.

Idahosa, a former Edo Commissioner for Foreign Investments under former governor Adams Oshiomhole, made the

promise in Benin on yesterday.

“It is not going to be a new thing for me because I did exactly the same thing when I was a commissioner.

Even without holding any political position, I have been trying in my own little way to empower my people.”

Idahosa explained that he was contesting an elective position in order to render selfless service to

his people.

According to him, as a businessman, he supported his people but it was not enough to carry majority of their challenges, stressing that venturing into politics would offer him more opportunities to empower more people.

“I am so passionate about helping people because I prayed

to God, when I was 11, to bless me so that I will be a blessing to my generation.”

On APC’s chances at forthcoming elections, he expressed optimism that the party would win all available seats.

“We are comfortable that we will win all available seats in Edo South senatorial district. In Ovia, we are getting 73 per cent of the votes.”

Niger govt re-engages 500 Green Guards From Yakubu Mustapha Minna.

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iger state government has finally absolved about 500 Green Guards into the state civil service after five years of engagement for effective policing of the state forest reserves by the immediate past government.

The Commissioner of Environment, Alhaji Idris Jibrin Amin disclosed yesterday at a press briefing in Minna in organized to

reel out stewardship by Ministry of information and strategy on the achievements of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello administration.

He informed that the ministry had renovated and furnished Zone B Zonal Forestry Office in MaitumbiMinna the state capital and had embarked on the sensitization and awareness campaign to the emirate councils on the effect of deforestation, indiscriminate waste disposal, flood, erosion control and other aspects of

environmental degradation.

Jibrin Amin added that government had carried out survey and baseline study of all the ecological sites in the state in order to create a data bank while re-edification, renovation and maintenance of the existing roundabouts within Minna metropolis.

He maintained that despite paucity of funds available for its numerous projects and pogrammes the welfare of staff tops its priority

and had paid parts of the N300 million counterpart fund for Nigeria Erosion and Watershed Management Project (NEWMAP) to take off in the state.

He said the ministry had commenced plans to review forest laws banning the production and sales of charcoal and other forest products and also hosted 2018 28th National Conference and Annual General Meeting of the Nigerian Environmental Society at Minna.

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

News Minimum Wage: Mobilise for prolonged national strike, NLC tells workers

By Ese Awhotu

T

he Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has directed workers across the country to fully mobilize for a prolonged national strike and enforce their right.

The NLC, which pledged its commitment to workers welfare, described year 2018 as the most traumatic year for workers following the failure of government to enact and implement the new national minimum wage of N30,000.

“This is in spite of the unimpeachable tripartite process leading to the agreement by the social partners on the new national minimum wage,” NLC president, Ayuba Wabba, stated in his New Year message yesterday in Abuja.

Recall that, the Nigeria Governors’ Forum (NGF) has said it can only pay the sum of N22, 500 as new minimum wage for workers, as against the existing N18,000.

Chairman of the Forum and Zamfara State Governor, Abdul’Aziz Yari, disclosed this in a statement on Monday in Abuja.

He explained that the decision followed an emergency meeting of the governors where they deliberated on the new minimum wage after a briefing from the forum’s representatives at the Tripartite Committee.

The governor noted that the welfare of the people was the ultimate concern for the forum, lamenting the deteriorating economic situation experienced by the vulnerable segment of the populace.

Before agreeing to a figure, he explained that the governors considered the stride of development in their states, particularly in health, education and infrastructure.

Governor Yari added that the meeting did not take a position that would only reflect a figure, but also a sustainable strategy based on the ability and capacity of the states to pay.

The organised labour had demanded N30, 000 as new minimum wage but the NGF said most of its members do not have the capacity to pay the sum.

As series of negotiations and meetings between the government and labour leaders ended in a deadlock, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) and the Trade Union Congress (TUC) threatened to embark on a fresh nationwide strike.

The unions explained that the decision was necessary following

what they described as the government’s unwillingness to implement a new minimum wage for workers in the country. ong other things, led to a meeting of the NGF with the Federal Government, presided over by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo.

The meeting had also ended inconclusively, prompting an emergency meeting of the state governors.

The labour leader appealed to the Federal Government to urgently transmit the bill on the new national minimum wage to the National Assembly.

According to him, “It is unfortunate that the Federal Government is yet to transmit to the National Assembly an executive bill for the enactment of N30,000 as the new national minimum wage.

Government’s dilly-dallying on the issue has strained GovernmentLabour relations with a potential for a major national strike which could just be days away.

“Accordingly, we would use this opportunity to appeal to the Government to do the needful by

urgently transmitting the bill on the new national minimum wage to the National Assembly.

“We also would like to use this same opportunity to urge workers to fully mobilise for a prolonged national strike and enforce their right,” he further said.

Wabba explained that the strike became the inevitable last option for labour, while calling on all Nigerians and businesses to understand and support it.

He assured workers that their labour, patience and diligence would not be in vain.

Wabba said the NLC leadership remained committed to giving all that it takes to ensure that workers get just and fair wages in a decent work environment appropriate to their well-being. He said the leadership was also committed to ensuring there is social protection for workers.

The labour leader also described the use of the “No Work, No Pay” policy by government as aimed at hounding and victimizing workers.

Mr. Wabba said the NLC would continue to resist such unjust,

draconian and insensitive policy and insist that workers’ salaries, pension and gratuity be paid.

“In furtherance to this, the Nigeria Labour Congress will intensify the struggle for regular, predictable and appropriate payment of salaries, pension and gratuity.

“We will continue to insist on accountability. The NLC will continue to promote workereducation and mobilisation through Congress education programmes and other union training programmes. These activities will be religiously held with the objective of positive impact on workers.

“Therefore, we urge government at all levels to consider workers as assets and partners in development rather than liabilities,” he said.

On the 2019 elections, Wabba said the NLC would continue to insist that the elections are clean and that the congress focus was particularly trained on the 2019 general election.

He said the NLC would continue to demand that both the election umpire and political actors play by

the rules of the game.

“This is by shunning violence, election malpractices, vote buying, and manipulation of election rules and politics of bitterness. We will also deepen our campaign for good governance and fight against corruption in the same manner that we sustained the campaign for tax justice and illicit financial flows.

“We also demand that the recovered loot be invested transparently for the benefit of all Nigerians.

“We say no to the wanton killings under any guise in our country. It also shows a dearth of social justice and the reign of abject poverty. This is a serious setback to the fight against terrorism in our dear country.

“We wish to remind our political leaders that the security and welfare of the people must be the chief priority of any government’s policy and programmes,” Wabba said.

He however reiterated NLC’s resolve to continue to push for the prioritization of the welfare, security and wellbeing of all Nigerians, especially workers of all categories.

Children celebrating New Year at Magic land, yesterday in Abuja.

2019: Atiku challenges Buhari on ‘election not a do-or-die affair’

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

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he presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar said yesterday that though he welcomes President Muhammadu Buhari’s New Year message in which he said the 2019 election should not be a do-or-die affair, he wants the president to walk his talk through example.

Reacting to the President Buhari’s message, Atiku said leaders should lead by example by preaching peace at all times.

The PDP presidential candidate, in a statement by his media adviser, Mr Paul Ibe, yesterday in Abuja, noted that it is not enough for the President to condemn “do-or-die politics” if he cannot control the activities of overzealous aides, including

the country’s security chiefs, especially the Inspector General of Police whose activities lately gives him away as a partisan player, in negation of his constitutional role.

He advised President Buhari to “go beyond lip service and urge security chiefs to be politically neutral during the election” adding that “their loyalty to the constitution doesn’t include

putting themselves at the service of the ruling party, at the expense of free and fair elections.”

The PDP presidential candidate also reminded Buhari that it is not enough to preach peace when “he cannot publicly condemn the violent behaviour of his supporters who harass, molest and publicly humiliate his opponents and their supporters.”

Atiku also counseled

President Buhari to follow the example of former President Goodluck Jonathan, who, in 2015, walked the talk by insisting that no election is worth the blood of any Nigerian.

According to Atiku, “Jonathan lived by his noble words and statesmanship when he conceded defeat without hesitation; thereby contributing to peaceful conduct of election.”

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

PAGE 6

News 2019: Pan-Igbo group calls on Ndigbo to vote Buhari

By Paul Efiong

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he Ndigbo Unity Forum (NUF), a panIgbo socio-cultural group, has urged Ndigbo to vote wisely by voting for the re-election of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The President of NUF, Augustine Chukwudum, made the call while speaking on Tuesday in Enugu.

Chukwudum also enjoined Ndigbo, all over the country, to come out en mass to vote for Buhari second term, “so that 2023 will be Ndigbos’ turn to produce the next President of Nigeria.”

He also called on Ndigbo to “say no to political slavery which PDP had subjected Ndigbo into since 1999.

He said: “PDP party and its members are now claiming to be angel; we will not accept their Greek gift, Buhari is our candidate. NUF wishes to call on Igbos to ignore former President Olusegun Obasanjo and some jobless pploticians who want to sell Ndigbo at any kobo offered to them by political enemies of the zone.

We, Ndigbo, must not allow this cheap sell out to happen, because President Buhari has done well for Igbos.

“That explains why great Igbo leaders like former Gov. Ogbonnaya Onu; former Gov. Jim Nwobodo; former Gov. Orji Kalu and former Gov. Sullivan Chime are ardent members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) and supporters of Mr President.Others are: Sen. Chris Ngige; Sen. Ken Nnamani; Chief Osita Okechukwu.”

He urged Ndigbo to reflect and check the past and know the kind of people they had been associating with before now because “all that glitters is not gold”.

“PDP has been going about to promise Igbos heaven and earth.

“Ndigbo should ask PDP and its members on what happened from 1999 to 2015 when the party was in power,” he said.

New Year: Nigeria will not be consumed, says Pastor Adeboye

By Miriam Humbe

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eneral Overseer, Redeemed Christian Church of God (RCCG), Pastor Enoch Adeboye, has prophesied that Nigeria would not be consumed this year despite the hype concerning next month’s presidential election.

Adeboye spoke at the Crossover Service of the church held at the Redemption Camp, Shimawa area of Ogun State early Tuesday morning.

Adeboye said he would not prophesied openly because this was an election year and that politicians would twist his words and misquote him, but he decided to prophesy “codedly,” using passages in the scriptures.

For Nigeria, Adeboye said what God told him was embedded in Lamentations 3: 22,23, which said “It is of the Lord’s mercies that we (Nigeria) are not consumed, because his compassions fail not. They are new every morning: great is thy

faithfulness.”

Adeboye is saying from the scriptures that Nigeria would not be consumed and that it was the mercies of God that had been keeping the nation and that God would continue to renew His mercies for the nation daily because He is always faithful.

“For those of you who are praying for God to be merciful, continue praying, you are on the right track.”

To individuals, Adeboye prophesied through the scriptures in Isaiah 3:10,11 that it shall be well with righteous people in the nation as they shall eat the fruit of their doings.

He pronounced woes unto the wicked, saying it shall not be well with them as the reward of their evils would be given to them.

For the international scene, Adeboye foresaw darkness, earthquakes, hurricanes, volcanoes and the rest as he read from Joel 2:28-32; but noted that whosoever would trust in God would be saved.

Police confirm arrest of 4 suspected kidnappers in Akwa Ibom

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Mother of Oyo State first Baby-of-the-Year, Mrs Esther Olaoke (L), with representative of the Wife of Oyo State Governor, Mrs Atinuke Osunkoya, carrying the first baby Olaoke, born 12:01a.m. at the Nigeria Police Medical Centre, Eleyele, yesterday in Ibadan.

Photo: NAN

Relatives of burnt corpses in Anambra mortuary want speedy identification

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ome relatives of the dead whose bodies were burnt at an inferno in EnugwuUkwu General Hospital, Anambra on December 29 have called for speedy investigation and identification of the corpses.

They made the call in separate interviews with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in EnugwuUkwu, Njikoka Local Government Area of the state on Monday.

A 90-year old community leader, Elizabeth Okafor, who lost her son-in-law, urged the Anambra government to give quick attention to the burnt corpses for burials.

According to her, the state government should urgently conclude the identification process of the 50 burnt corpses to enable the relatives of the burnt bodies commence burial rites so as to calm the minds of the people.

Mrs Okafor said that her first daughter, Bessie Akabuike, lost

her husband, Geoffrey Akabuke in late November and his remains were deposited in the burnt mortuary and had fixed January 4, 2019, for the burial.

“The remains of my first sonin-law has been desecrated. I am not interested in knowing the cause of the fire at the moment but they said government has taken over the remains of the burnt corpses for investigation. I want the process done fast,” she said.

She said that the quicker the government released the remains to their owners for final respect, the better before more people die as a result of heartbreak.

Mrs Okafor said that she had visited her daughter in her country home in Mimima village in Nwafia, Njikoka LGA adding that her condition was worrisome.

Also, Austin Agu, who lost his eldest brother, Benson Agu, who was among the burnt corpses,

said that the government should save the relatives of the deceased lots of agony by speeding up the process of identification.

Mr Agu said that though they fixed the date for the burial rites of their brother for January 18, 2019, but would like to speed up the rites with the recent happenings so as to continue with their lives.

John Okafor, a relative of one of the burnt corpses, Nathanial Agu, alleged that the story of the burnt mortuary was a proof of professional incompetence.

NAN reports that forensic experts had been engaged by the state government to help in the identification of the corpses as they were burnt beyond recognition.

NAN also reports that owners of the corpses were seen at the hospital premises making consultations with the officials of the hospital mortuary, as officers

and men of the Nigeria Police were also on ground to maintain law and order.

Josephat Akabuike, Anambra Commissioner for Health, told NAN in a telephone interview that compilation of names of the people that deposited the corpses was ongoing.

He said that all the relatives had been directed to submit their receipts for easy confirmation and possible claims once they were confirmed.

He said that some of the corpses cleared had been taken to Chukwuemeka Odumeguwu Ojukwu Teaching hospital, Awka for final confirmation before releasing their remains to their relatives.

The commissioner assured that the state government would launch an investigation into the cause of the fire disaster at the mortuary and appealed to affected relatives to calm down.(NAN)

PAGE 7

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

he Akwa Ibom Police Command on Monday confirmed the arrest of four suspected kidnappers and two notorious cultists terrorising Eket Local Government Area and its environs.

Odiko MacDon, the State Police Public Relations Officer, disclosed this to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Eket Local Government Area of Akwa Ibom.

Mr MacDon said that investigation was ongoing on the matter and that the suspects were arrested between last week and December 31.

“There was an attempted kidnap in Eket sometimes last week, and the victim luckily escaped and four suspects have been arrested and presently in police custody,” Mr MacDon said.

He said that, “the story making the rounds is true, investigation is still ongoing to ascertain the extent of their culpability, but they were found with the kidnapped materials.”

Also speaking, a source who claimed anonymity told NAN that the suspected kidnappers abducted their victim at Mountain of fire road in Eket, while the two notorious cultists were apprehended by some youth after they had beaten up their victim on Sunday and collected his phone along hospital road in Ikot Ebok community in Eket.

“The cult kingpins named Jonny Monday and Victor Udosen were apprehended along hospital road and handed over to the police in Eket.

“The suspected cultists were beaten up by some youths at hospital road and in the process, one suspected cultist gun fell off his hand.

“The youths held and beat them and quickly informed the police who arrested them and took them to Eket Police Headquarters.”

NAN reports that the police had earlier declared the duo wanted.

The then commissioner of police, Adeyemi Ogunjemilusi, now the AIG Zone 6 Calabar, had accused Mr Monday of killing a staff of a multinational oil company in Ibeno local government area of the state.

He alleged that Mr Monday killed the staff, known as Bello on June 12, 2018, at Atai Ndon in Eket Local Government Area of the state.(NAN)

CRIME News

Boko Haram: Gov Shettima cautions against blame game T he Governor of Borno State, Kashim Shettima, has cautioned against blame games as it appears Boko Haram insurgents are stepping up their attacks in recent times.

He also explained that he had refrained from blaming President Muhammadu Buhari on the attacks because unlike in the previous years, he had been treated as a friend since 2015 and had unfettered access to the President.

He stated this at an

extraordinary security meeting to discuss the worsening security situation in the state.

At the meeting, the governor admitted that the security situation in the troubled state was getting worse of recent, he however, said he could not blame President Muhammadu Buhari for the situation unlike how he blamed ex-President Goodluck Jonathan.

The meeting was convened by the state government on the heels of recent coordinated

attacks and capture of territories, including military formations, by Boko Haram insurgents.

Shettima delivered a lengthy remark at the opening of the meeting that held at the multipurpose hall of Government House, Maiduguri, detailing why the security meeting was expedient.

He specifically admonished the attendees not to engage in blame games over the perceived

failure of the soldiers which he said would be unfair giving the enormous sacrifices they have made in the last seven years.

He also explained why he refused to condemn President Muhammadu Buhari’s handling of the Boko Haram crisis. “…unlike in previous years when I was treated as an enemy of the Presidency, I have from 2015 to date, gained unfettered access to the President,” Mr Shettima said.

Angazi Community Traditional Dancers Troupe performing during the 2018 Zuru Community Festival, recently in Kaduna. Photo: NAN

New Year: El-Zazzaky’s group attends church service

By Usman Shuaibu with agency report

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embers of the Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) attended the 2019 New Year Church Service in Zaria, Kaduna State, to strengthen inter religious harmony and enhance national cohesion.

The group attended the service at St. Mary’s Parish Church, Samaru, Zaria, Kaduna State.

Speaking on behalf of the group, the leader of the delegation, Prof. Isa Mshelgaru of Building Department, Faculty of Environmental Design, Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria, said the visit was to strengthen relationship between the two faiths.

Mshelgaru said the visit was

meant to further boost the bond of relationship between the followers of two faith toward fostering national unity.

He observed that going by the tenets of the two major religions in Nigeria, none of them preached violence, adding that they both preached peace, love, unity and joy.

The don described Christians as the closest people to Islam but lamented that Nigerians were divided by selfish politicians who hide under religion to achieve personal desires.

“Killing one another is an imaginary life; in the actual sense it doe not exis; we are all created by one God, we must therefore, endeavour to live together in peace with one another. We should share joy, happiness and sorrow together.

Our leader, Sheik Ibrahim El-

Zazzaky said we should learn to live together in peace. When we are united as Nigerians, nothing will break us apart and nothing will go against the peace of the nation, not even Boko Haram nor militants or any other thing else.”

Responding, the Parish Priest, Rev. Fr. Michael Ibrahim-Bazai, expressed appreciation for the visit, describing it as the first of its kind.

He said: “We are happy to receive our brothers and sisters from Islamic faith here in our Church to celebrate with us today on 1st January 2019. It is true that sometimes we are scared of each other, this is because some of us are ignorant of the religion but we are all one.”

Ibrahim-Bazai stressed the need for followers of the two

religions to always practice their religion according to its tenets to pave way for peaceful and harmonious relationship.

He encouraged the two faith to respect, accommodate, embrace and tolerate one another towards building a stronger society and by extension, a stronger nation.

The priest lauded the frantic efforts of the movement for rescuing and providing medical treatment to some Christians during religious crises in Zaria and urged them to sustain the tempo.

He sought for consideration of Christians in areas of admission quota, especially in some professional courses in ABU as well as consideration for job vacancies.

The visitors were hosted to a lunch and refreshment at the Church premises

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

PAGE 8

N ews Abducted pregnant woman ‘freed’

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umayya Abubakar, a pregnant woman who was abducted in Dauran town in Zamfara State, has been released by her kidnappers.

A close associate of the family, Ibrahim Garba, confirmed this to PREMIUM TIMES on Tuesday morning.

The abductors threatened to kill Mrs Abubakar after her family said they could not raise the N20 million ransom the criminals demanded.

Perhaps to show their determination to carry out their threat, the kidnappers told Mrs Abubakar’s father in a telephone conversation that they killed 20-year-old Surajo Umar, a neighbour to Mr Yusuf, who was also in their custody.

Mrs Abubakar and Mr Umar were abducted in October alongside four others in a village in Dauran town, Zurmi local government area of Zamfara State.

But, according to Mr Garba, the ransom was later reduced to N10 million.

Mr Garba said Mrs Abubakar’s parents paid the N10 million and she was released. He added that Mrs Abubakar was unhurt.

Ms Abubakar and Mr Umar were abducted in October alongside four others, (including the twins) in Zurmi, a village in Dauran town in Zamfara State.

The four others have been released after payment of ransom by their relatives, PREMIUM TIMES learnt.

PREMIUM TIMES reported how two of the victims, twin sisters, were released in November 2018 after payment of ransom to the kidnappers by the victims’ relatives.

The abductors threatened to kill them after the girls’ family said they could not raise the N15 million ransom the criminals demanded, but reports said the kidnappers later reduced the amount.

In an audio clip that went viral, one of the twins was heard pleading for help from both the government and the general public, saying some kidnapped victims, whose families could not pay the ransom to free them, were slaughtered in their presence.

Efforts to reach the Zamfara police spokesperson, Mohammed Shehu, to confirm the release were unsuccessful, as at press time on Tuesday.

Zamfara govt donates N8.5m to families of fallen Niger troops T he Zamfara State Government has donated N8.5 million to families of deceased and injured Nigerien soldiers during an ambush by bandits during a joint operation by the Nigeria Army and Nigerien soldiers at Dumburum forest in Zurmi Local Government area of the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the incident happened when the criminals laid an ambush against the soldiers during which five of the Nigeriens were killed.

The donation was presented to officials of the Government of Niger Republic by Governor Abdul Azeez Yari on Monday when he visited Maradi to commiserate

with the Nigerien government and families of the victims.

Mr Yari was received by the Nigerien Minister of Defence, Kalla Muktari, Governor of Maradi State, Zakiri Umar, and other Niger government officials.

Mr Yari said the donation was to support their families.

NAN further reports that each of the five families of the deceased soldiers would be given one million Naira; N500,000 would be presented to each of the five injured soldiers, while N1 million would be given to the commander of the soldiers who was also injured during the incident, he said.

He described the incident as unfortunate and prayed to

Almighty Allah to give their families the fortitude to bear the loss.

He pledged to sustain a long and good relationship between Nigeria and Niger Republic, particularly between Zamfara and Maradi states.

He said the collaboration between Nigeria and Niger Republic, especially tackling insecurity challenges, was necessary and should be improved.

“We will cooperate and work together to ensure effective interborder security to protect the lives and properties of our people,” he said.

Responding, the Governor of Maradi State, Mr Zakari, thanked

the Zamfara government for the visit and described it as a timely and welcome development.

He said Maradi had a long existing good relationship with Zamfara. “We will continue and work with Zamfara State, particularly in the areas of security and border control,” he said.

NAN also reports the governor and his entourage attended the funeral prayer for the Nigerien soldiers.

The governor’s delegation comprised Emir of Zurmi, Abubukar Atiku; Speaker of the State House of Assembly, Sanusi Rikiji; Secretary to the State Government, Abdullahi Shinkafi; commissioners and local government chairpersons.(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

Page 9

News

Deepening geo-political divisions hampering conflict resolution, says UN scribe

By Ese Awhotu with agency report

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nited Nations SecretaryGeneral Antonio Guterres has reiterated one of his clarion calls during 2018 over climate change, saying that it was still “running faster than we are,” and that deepening geo-political divisions are making conflicts more difficult to resolve.

Record numbers of people are moving in search of safety and protection, inequality is growing and “people are questioning a world in which a handful of people

hold the same wealth as half of humanity,” he said in a statement

by UN News.

Moreover, he stated that intolerance was on the rise while trust is declining.

“But”, Mr. Guterres continued, “there are also reasons for hope”, notably in Yemen where breakthrough talks have created an opportunity at least, for peace.

According to the UN News, the Secretary-General also cited the September agreement signed in Riyadh between Ethiopia and Eritrea, which has eased longrunning tensions and brought

improved prospects to an entire region as cause for optimism.

Likewise, he pointed to the agreement between warring parties in South Sudan which has revitalized chances for peace, “bringing more progress in the past four months than in the previous four years.”

The UN was also able to bring countries together in Katowice, Poland, to agree on a programme to implement the Paris Agreement on climate change.

“Now we need to increase ambition to beat this existential threat,” asserted Mr. Guterres.

“It’s time to seize our last best chance” and “stop uncontrolled and spiraling climate change.”

In recent weeks, the UN also oversaw landmark global agreements on migration and refugees, “that will help to save lives and overcome damaging myths.”

And people everywhere are mobilizing behind the Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), which he called “our global blueprint for peace, justice and prosperity on a healthy planet.”

“When international cooperation works, the world

wins”, the UN chief stressed.

He maintained that in 2019, the UN “will continue to bring people together to build bridges and create space for solutions”, keeping up the pressure for change.

“As we begin this New Year, let’s resolve to confront threats, defend human dignity and build a better future – together,” concluded the Secretary-General, wishing the world a peaceful, prosperous and healthy 2019.

The UN chief spoke over the weekend in his message for the New Year.

Scavenger jailed for stealing church property

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Children having fun, during the New Year Celebration at Millennium Park, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Bauchi: Guber candidates urge investment in water, sanitation From Ahmad Bauchi

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Mohammed

ubernatorial candidate under the platform of Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM) in Bauchi State, Alhaji Ahmed Iliyasu, has said that investing on water and sanitation would improve Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of the state.

Illiyasu made the claim during signing of citizen engagement pledge card for governorship candidate when vote4Wash campaign team visited him in Bauchi on Tuesday.

He said: “Investing on adequate drinking water,

sanitation, and hygiene are all essential ingredients for economic viability that will ensure human health and improve Gross Domestic Product of any state or nation. Water is life, therefore water provision is one of my cardinal programme to the people of Bauchi state. If God willing I become governor of Bauchi state,Therefore provision of portable water, sanitation generates substantial benefits for public health, economy and the environment, improving upon water and sanitation services will bring economic gains will also help in building resilience and increasing climate variability.

“To generate significant

benefits for public health, the environment and for certain economic sectors such as fisheries, livestock, tourism and property markets.”

Iliyasu stressed that by providing portable water and hygiene environment would reduce intestinal worm infections, diarrheal diseases, environmental enteropathy which lead to a poor nutritional status and cholera which is transmitted via contaminated water.

Gubernatorial candidate saidthey had also plans to provide Dams across the state for the use of domestic animals, livestock and irrigation farming that will boost the economy, through

exporting cash crops outside the country from the state.

He regretted that that poor sanitation and inadequate water supply play a role in keeping the state and the nation poor.

“The burden of water-related diseases curtails efforts to improve public health, such as diarrhea – most often related to unsafe drinking water, poor sanitation and inadequate hygiene – is one of the leading causes of death among children under the age of five.”

Iliyasu commended vote4Wash campaign team and WaterAid Nigeria for engaging candidates on improving water sanitation policies in the state.

Grade One Area Court in Karu, Abuja, on Monday, sentenced a 25-year old man, Umar Hamisu, to one-year imprisonment for stealing church property worth N250,000.

The convict, who resided at Nyanya Pantaker, Abuja, had pleaded guilty to a twocount charge of criminal trespass and theft.

The judge, Sani Mohammed, however, gave the convict an option of fine of N40,000.

The prosecutor, Vincent Osuji, told the court that one Pastor Excellence Sambo of ‘Believers in Christ Training Assembly, Karu,’ reported the matter at the Karu Police Station, Abuja on December 13.

“The complainant alleged that the defendant criminally trespassed into the church and stole its property valued at N250,000.

“The stolen items included power amplifier, valued at N100,000; a cordless microphone with receiver, valued at N30,000, a Panasonic Keyboard worth N95,000 and an OX Fan valued at N25,000.

“During police investigation, the stolen items were recovered, except the cordless microphone,” Mr Osuji said.

The prosecutor said the offences contravened the Penal Code.(NAN)

L-R: Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu; Chairman Technical Committee on Nigeria’s Space Programme, Prof.

Clifford Teme and member of the committee/ former President, Nigerian Academy of Science, Prof. Oye Ibidapo-Obe, during the visit of the committee members to the minister’s office, recently in Abuja.

Fun-seekers besiege national theater for New Year celebration

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he National Theatre, Iganmu in Lagos on Tuesday, witnessed large turnout of fun seekers marking the New year celebration.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that many of the fun seekers, who came with family members, engaged in recreational activities like horse riding, while others preferred watching movies.

Some of the fun seekers, who spoke in separate interviews with NAN said that they came to ease off tension and expressed gratitude to God for sparing their lives to see another year.

Chioma Okpara,

businesswoman, said that she came to the theatre to relax and have fun with her family.

“I always looked forward to New Year day like this, for me and my family to catch fun.

This is a season when I forget my sorrows and stress and enjoy myself.”

“I came with my three children to relax, I consider it wise to bring them here to celebrate with others who are here,” she said.

She said that she had every cause to thank God for making her see another year.

Bode Ajayi, a teacher, said he always looked forward to the first day in the New Year

because he used it to have memorable outing with his family.

“I have come to relax and have fun with my loved ones, for me, it is a great relief and I am enjoying every bit of it.

“There is every reason to thank God for seeing the new year and no matter how difficult things are, I just have to ensure that I take my children out.”

Abimbola Ojo, civil servant, said she took advantage of the holiday to catch fun due to her busy schedule.

She said: ”I rarely have time to have fun due to the nature of my job, so I use holidays like

this to relax and catch fun and watch some movies.”

She expressed hope for a more prosperous 2019.

“Last year was very tough but I thank God that I was able to survive all the challenges in one piece, that is why I came here with my family to relax and meditate,” she said.

A soft drink seller, Aisha Momoh, said that her business had been booming due to the large turnout of people.

“Business has been booming because of the large turnout. ” I have to get more drinks because the ones I have were not enough for the customers,” she said. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

PAGE 10

News

2019: Don’t intimidate voters, Onaiyakan cautions FG

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he Catholic Archbishop of Abuja, John Cardinal Onaiyekan has advised the Federal Government to ensure proper use of security agents during the election to avoid intimidation of electorate.

Onaiyakan gave the advice in Abuja on Tuesday while celebrating the New Year mass at SS Peter and Paul Catholic Church, Nyanya.

He said President Muhammadu Buhari had promised to ensure a free and fair election and so prayed for God’s intervention to make it come

true.

“It is the government that is responsible for free and fair election in any country, the government has all the necessary things to make it free and fair,” he said.

“The use of security agents should be handled properly to ensure that voters are not intimidated during election,” Onaiyakan said.

He prayed that Nigerians would elect good leaders in the coming election that would address the challenges of the country.

Onaiyakan said that the country was faced with corruption, unemployment and poor infrastructure.

“Nigeria needs leaders that will carry everybody along to make the country a better place,” he said.

According to him, other African countries have moved ahead leaving the giant “Nigeria” behind.

The Cardinal said that most countries suffer from national disaster while Nigeria was faced with human disasters and urged Nigerians to serve God more than

ever before.

He further called on Nigerians to pray that peace, progress and unity would pervade the length and breadth of the country.

Onaiyakan said that great exploits would only be achieved through unity of purpose, brotherhood and peace.

“We should do all we can to realise that we are all children of the same God irrespective of our difference in religion, language or ethnic background,” he said.

Commenting on the Pope’s new year message, he said that it should be practice in Nigeria

during the election.

“Political office and political responsibility thus constantly challenge those called to the service of their country to make every effort to protect those who live there and to create the conditions for a worthy and just future.

“If exercised with basic respect for the life, freedom and dignity of persons, political life can indeed become an outstanding form of charity,” he quoted the Pope.

He further admonished politicians not to practice “do or die” politics.(NAN)

Teenager killed in firework mishap

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n Austrian teenager died trying to set off a powerful firework on New Year’s Eve, police said Tuesday.

The 17-year-old sustained fatal head injuries while he attempted to light the fuse, which malfunctioned and exploded at a party in Eberschwang in Upper Austria.

Police said they have launched an investigation to determine the origin of the device, which may not have been obtained legally.

Across Austria, around a dozen people were wounded in fireworkrelated mishaps, according to officials.(AFP)

L-R: Force Medical Officer AIG Kaumi Ahmadu, AIG Finance Admin Force Maigari Dikko and Deputy Force Medical Officer Dr. Modupe Obembe, during the Opening Ceremony of two-day Workshop by Nigeria Police Medical Services, recently in Abuja

Succour as aged persons get centre in Edo

By Osaigbovo Benin

Iguobaro,

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recreation and counselling centre for Senior Citizens has been commissioned in Benin, throwing up relief for persons suffering from Alzhemeimer.

The centre which is located at Oloke Drive, off Aikhionbare Street in Benin City, is expected to cater for a significant number of aged people and alleviate the

burden of persons suffering from dementia (memory loss).

Proprietress of Alzhemeimer disease Foundation (ADF) and former Minister of women affairs, Mrs. Josephine Anenih, assured that the gesture would help to promote the well beings of Nigerians and offer enlightenment on the management ailments associated with old people.

Alzheimer is a progressive disease where dementia

symptoms gradually worsens over a number of years. It is also a medical condition that can happen to anybody getting old depending on his or her genetic composition and some other factors.

She said her motivation was to put smile on the faces of aged people, informed the act of philanthropy, adding that “most Communities in Nigeria tend to find it very difficult to understand what is going on with people

suffering from dementia”.

Mrs. Anenih, assured that the foundation will help to dismiss the myths associated with Alzhemeimer and affected individuals are eroneously described as people who have mental disorders and are so mistreated and tagged witches and wizards.

“The good news is that it appears the Federal Government seems to be thinking along the line of having policies in place for

the aged following the launching of the National policy on aging and aged by the Federal Ministry of Health in conjunction with the chairmen of Federal Teaching Hospitals in Abuja recently”, she said.

The centre attracted large number of senior Citizens in Benin City, started with nine Lessons and Carols after which the old men and women present on the occasion, dance to Pop music.

KWIRS emerges first ISO certified state revenue service in Nigeria From Oluseyi Dasilva

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he Kwara State Internal Revenue Service (KWIRS) has received two international certificates for standard, quality and continuity, the first by any state revenue service in Nigeria. They are ISO 9001: 2015 Quality Management System which implies that the service has demonstrated commitment towards continual improvements in customer

satisfaction, productivity, and efficiency, while the ISO 22301: 2012 Business Continuity Management System (BCMS) Certification indicates that the service is resilient and secured towards disruptions, incidents and threats.

Speaking during the presentation of the certificates to him by the Executive Chairman of KWIRS, Dr Murtala Awodun at Government House, Ilorin, the Kwara State Governor, Alhaji

Abdulfatah Ahmed said the outcome of the evaluation was a strong pointer that the state and indeed KWIRS are in the right direction in its revenue drive.

Governor Ahmed emphasised the need for a nexus between tax collection and application, stressing that the government would ensure efficient utilisation of revenue to drive growth and development in the state.

He said the certificates

would serve as an incentive to drive revenues further, explore other untapped areas and ensure efficiency in collection.

Alhaji Ahmed commended Awodun, the management and staff of KWIRS for the feat and charged them to sustain the tempo.

Earlier, Awodun explained that the service embarked on the certification having recognised the need to scale up its performance despite its recent achievements in revenue

generation and management.

In his remarks, the representative of Canada-based Professional Evaluation and Certification Board (PECB) an international organization for standardization, Mr Olumide Ajibawo said the KWIRS had been appraised twice and found operating within the international best practices by building resilience and reducing risk in business and had demonstrated that it could stand the test of time.

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

PAGE 11

EDITORIAL

2019 is Nigeria’s political watershed

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oday, we are two days into the new year of 2019. Undoubtedly, it is with a huge sigh of relief that Nigerians are transiting to the New Year. Their hope is that it will be, indeed, a “happy and prosperous” 2019. We pray that this will not remain just a traditional wish but a reality. The previous year ended on a rather happy note. It was a year that saw the country emerge from a terrifying economic recession brought about by the free spending of the previous Peoples Democratic Party government led by President Goodluck Jonathan. The recession was also aggravated by the fall in price of crude oil, the country’s main revenue earner. It was the first meltdown in the nation’s 57year history.

Growth dipped below zero.

In other words, it was negative. Inflation rose to an unprecedented 17 percent high; job losses doubled in the period between 2015 and 2017, hitting almost 30 million over all in a population of supposedly 180 million. Hunger, caused by scarcities and high prices stared millions of Nigerians in the face. In the midst of this mass frustration, some top government officials were doing their damnedest best to undermine Buhari’s anti-graft campaign that has struck a cord with the majority of Nigerians across the political divide.

threatened by fuel marketers over unpaid subsidy before Christmas was halted by the government’s quick response to the demand of the marketers and NNPC building sufficient stock through to the New Year.

As we celebrate the New Year, we must be mindful that it is a watershed, speaking politically. General elections are due in a month’s time, February, that is. Candidates in the elections, including Buhari who is seeking reelection, on Dec. 11 2018, signed a peace accord promising a free, fair and credible vote. They committed themselves to adopt the same principles that guided the very successful 2015 elections, which include: to run issuebased campaigns at national, state and local government levels; a pledge to refrain from campaigns that will involve religious incitement, ethnic or tribal profiling both by themselves and by all agents acting in their names.

“

The depression that many had predicted was avoided. The international price of crude rose marginally; They also pledged to from making or inflation fell “refrain causing to make in our significantly names or that of our party, public statements, to 14 percent. any pronouncements, or speeches These were declarations that have the capacity gains of tough to incite any form of before, during decisions taken violence and after the elections; However, President

by Buhari’s commit ourselves and parties to Muhammadu Buhari, economic political the monitoring of the whose economic policy adherence to the accord was criticized by the team by a National Peace opposition as lacking direction, managed to redirect the economy back to the path of growth. The depression that many had predicted was avoided.

The international price of crude rose marginally; inflation fell significantly to 14 percent. These were gains of tough decisions taken by Buhari’s economic team, with his approval, of course. They included ending the importation of luxury goods and those that could be produced at home.

Previously, those banned imports consumed a lot of scarce foreign exchange. Much to everybody’s relief, 2018 ended without the painful fuel scarcity of previous years. A strike

OUR MISSION

Committee made up of respected statesmen and women, traditional and religious leaders”. The accord again commits the presidential candidates to “support all the institutions of government including INEC and security agencies to act and be seen to act with impartiality; forcefully and publicly speak out against provocative utterances and oppose all acts of electoral violence, whether perpetrated by supporters and/or opponents.” So far, they have kept their word and the campaign largely has been incident-free. We pray it remains so during and after the polls.

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Letter to the Editor

Anxieties from Ndigbo Muslims’ summit in Enugu

By Muhammad Ajah

T

he Ndigbo Muslims of Nigeria are getting twitchy and itchy. The recent summit of prominent Ndigbo Muslims at Enugu, penultimate week, was an opener with the shocking revelations and anxieties it raised. It was the first national summit, therefore, it was like an awaited opportunity for the Muslim minority faithful to physically see themselves together under one roof and interact with name bearers some had heard for long. They used the forum to also offload their heavy-hearts of itching matters concerning their status in Igboland. Some of them shared personal experiences that were quite touching, though revealing of a forlorn people who have groped aimlessly for comforters that are essentially exclusive.

There was hardly the assurance that the summit would hold. Several attempts had been made in the past to no avail to bring them together. There had even been such planned event by non-Ndigbo Islamic organizations but which recorded low turnout from the locals for fear of the unknown. This is in addition to the growing suspicion on the sincerity of purpose of some of the organizations whose lip services to the Ndigbo Muslims have proven quite unreliable. Such experiences portrayed some of the Ndigbo Muslims as victims of circumstances or parochial infliction. Some of them saw themselves between the lion and the red sea for accepting Islam. Some wondered how they have become people rejected by their own people of ancestral proclivity and deceived by their own people of the same devotion. Some of them, however, pointedly expressed gratitude to God Almighty that they accepted Islam before knowing Muslims, an expression of depression amidst abundance in divine mercy and defence.

The chairman of the occasion, Muhammad Obiahu Ajah Jr. began to trace the origin of Islam and its challenges in the Southeast. Expressing optimism over the survival of Muslims amidst the challenges, he observed that unlike in the past, Ndigbo Muslims today have experts in all fields of life endeavior: in the academics, politics, socio-political activities, traditional institution, Islamic scholarship and creative art. He praised Ndigbo Muslims for their continuous struggle for excellence and string belief in Nigeria’s unity peace and progress. “Being a minority group does not mean that we must be subjected to discrimination, political exclusion, as well as high degree of religious antagonism”, he cried out, and warned the Ndigbo Muslim faithful never to get involved in any socio-religious and political activities that portend insecurity to Nigeria and the people of Nigeria, even while continuously demanding for legitimate rights as citizens of Nigeria.

The federal commissioner of the South East on the Board of the National Hajj Commission of Nigeria (NAHCON), Alhaji Ibrahim Ezeani, frowned at the description of Ndigbo Muslims as Hausas by their people and government. “It is very unfortunate that our own governments do not recognize us because they do not want us to be Muslims. That is why they will give nine shares of any gift whenever they feel like to the Hausa and Yoruba residents in our states”. He regretted the attitude of the Southeast state governments but appealed to the faithful to remain focused, calm and resolute in Islam and in pursuit of collective set goals.

As for the executive secretary of Enugu State Pilgrims’ Welfare Board and deputy national secretary (South) of the Nigerian Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs (NSCIA), Sheikh Adam Abdullah Idoko, the struggle for the liberation of Ndigbo Muslims had started long ago but the successive governments of the region have made it difficult for the minority religious group to thrive. According to him, the challenges which Ndigbo Muslims face and conquer often resurface after every new government comes to power and perfect their plots to keep the minority at base.

He expressed displeasure over the manner the majority have been treating matters relating to Ndigbo Muslims in Nigeria, though he was upbeat that they will overcome at the destined time by Allah. “Ndigbo Muslims should not hide their faces anywhere. They must be bold amidst their challenges”, he charged the participants.

Narrating how a friend took offence for being referred to as Hausa Muslim, he wondered why Islam is deteriorating in the South while Christianity is fast growing in the North.

On his part, the 2019 gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples Party of Nigeria (PPN) in Ebonyi state, Chief Haroun Ogbonnia Ajah, said efforts to bring Ndigbo Muslims together started in the year 2000. He asserted that the present Ndigbo Muslims are the 4thor 5th generation of the Muslims in the Southeast, an assertion that revealed the length of time Islam has existed in Igboland, though with sluggish growth and improvements. According to him, the systemic marginalization of Ndigbo Muslims by governments is deliberate even as unity and identity are in the forefront of the challenges.

“We should be united and defend our identity.

We must play politics to be identified at the local, state and federal levels”.

HRH, the Offor of Umuofor Kingdom and chief Imam of Oguta in Imo state, Dr. AbdulFattah Emetumah who was represented, urged for peace amongst the Muslims of the region especially the resident faithful who are supposed to protect the interest of their brethren of the Southeast states. He called on Ndigbo Muslim scholars to lead the cause of unity and leadership for the minority group. The senior special assistant (SSA) to the Abia state governor, Hon. Musa Iheakaram said that the governments of the area were not very difficult or inaccessible but everything bore down to the disunity amongst the Muslims which the governments capitalize upon to marginalize them. “We are blessed with men and women of substance.

We have no reason to be deterred. Rather, we must eschew the pull-him-down syndrome that is inherent in us. We are lagging behind in the requisite mode of Islamic propagation”.

While Dr. Suleiman Ogah, a senior lecturer of the Federal University, Lafia, was of the opinion that foreigners who came as traders are becoming stumbling blocks between Ndigbo Muslims and their state governments, the South East Director of National Directorate of Employment (NDE), Arch. Zubayr Usman Ugwu, sought the advancement of Islam through any little position available. “Our struggle has just begun. We must remain focused and bold.”

The Southeast coordinator of Federation of Muslim Women Associations of Nigeria (FOMWAN), Hajiya Ruqayyah Ahmad Mika’il who was represented, expressed joy that Islam was advancing to the next level irrespective of the challenges. She sought for the separation of religion from politics, refrain from hate speech, support for the less privileged, encouragement of family ties through intermarriages and promotion of education and scholarly prospects amongst Ndigbo Muslims.

The guest speaker, Alhaji Suleiman Afikpo recounted Islam entry in the area, saying that Southeast Nigeria did not have direct contact with the early heralds of Islamic religion in Nigeria, neither was the area influenced by the religion until 20th century. Ibagwa in Nuskka north was the first Igbo town to receive a sizeable number of Muslim migrants early 19thcentury traced to the influence of the Nupe, Igala and Hausa/Fulani settled traders and the intermarriages that occurred between the migrants and their Igbo host communities. This is in addition to the Igala conquest of parts of Ibagwa and the imposition of a Nupe Muslim warrant chief by the colonial masters on the Nsukka division.

Muhammad Ajah wrote in.from Abuja.

E-mailmobahawwah@yahoo. co.uk.

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

The onslaught against fake news: Can we trust fact checkers

By Ayobami Ojebode

O

ne of the major worries which Nigeria faces as it approaches the 2019 elections is the widespread use of fake news by politicians and their aides.

As a result, the federal government, scores of Non-Governmental Organisations, journalism schools, media organisations, and journalists’ unions have waged a huge war against fake news in the country through campaigns and training.

However, the weak point in these campaigns and training is that they seek to promote a culture of fact checking among Nigerians, believing that if people factcheck, they would defeat fake news. But how much trust should we repose in a fact checker? Brazil provides a clue.

The Brazilians were warming up for their general elections when shocking news broke out: “Pope Francis sends emissary to former President Lula in prison”. The emissary was said to have delivered to Lula a rosary blessed by the Pope as well as some comforting words in the Pope’s own handwriting.

This bordered on the scandalous and the government of Brazil was alarmed.

How could the Holy Father identify with a former president jailed for corruption and money laundering? Lula was in April jailed for 12 years. He had appealed for permission to contest the presidency again from prison in the October elections and the Brazilian Clean Slate law had been evoked to disqualify him. Meaning, though Lula was in prison, he was giving the

government some measure of nightmare.

In fact, from prison, Lula had continued to beat the ruling government in most opinion polls. It was thus rattling that the Pope would reach out with his blessings to someone branded as an enemy of state and current administration.

Lupa, a Brazilian fact-checker swung into action. Lupa describes itself the Number One fact-checking agency in Brazil, and this may not be an empty boast.

Being a Facebook partner, it has access to huge information and enjoys the respect of Brazilians. After ploughing the cyberspace back and forth, Lupa declared that the story of the Pope’s emissary visiting Lula in prison was fake news.

As one would expect, insult and boycott descended on the websites that had shared the story in the first instance. But Lupa was wrong. Days later, the Vatican confirmed that a former consultant of the Pope did

visit the jailed president and had with him a blessed rosary as well as the Pope’s thoughts on social movements in Brazil.

How much trust should we repose in a fact checker? The Lupa story strongly suggests the need to exercise restraint in trusting fact checkers.

Two important questions should be asked before trusting a fact-checking organisation. First question: is this a solo fact checker or a partnership? Solo fact-checking sites are lone-ranging organisations that lack the roundedness of partnerships of fact checkers.

The importance of partnership has been grasped by fact checking organisations worldwide and this has led to the emergence of networks and collaborations.

For instance, global partnerships are emerging such as the International FactChecking Network (IFCN) complete with codes of conduct for fact checkers. In

“

Lupa describes itself the Number One fact-checking agency in Brazil, and this may not be an empty boast. Being a Facebook partner, it has access to huge information and enjoys the respect of Brazilians

Nigeria, we have dubawa.org that works with AfricaCheck, and has been nurturing partnership with media organisations in order to provide reliable fact-checking services to citizens and organisations.

Dubawa.org takes a step further by inviting citizens to be its partners in the process of de-faking the society especially in electoral seasons. Facebook is also partnering with others for third-party fact-checking services in Nigeria. Such organisations in collaborations should attract greater trust than solo fact checkers.

Second question: is there a chance that the fact checker is biased? Often, we forget that fact-checking organisations are made of humans – not just of algorithms. In fact, probably only a few can contemplate the possibility of a fact-checking site being wholly set up to foster a hidden agenda. If politicians and their aides set up whole news website for the purpose of propaganda, why can they not set up a “fact checking” site for the same purpose? As a matter of fact, such an act would be in perfect alignment with politicians’ declivity to discredit and dismiss as “fake news” every piece of information which does not massage their ego and support their ambition.

Training journalists and citizens to fact-check is offering them an incomplete package. There is the need to alert them to the possible existence of weak, mischievous or fake fact checkers, and equip them with that it takes to check the checkers.

Ayobami Ojebode is a Public Affairs Analyst.

2018, A deadly year for journalists

By Labaran Yusuf

E

ven though the journalism profession has always been a risky one, the year 2018 is so far the worst year on record for journalist killings, new reports indicate. This comes as journalism watchdog groups warn of the increasingly worrying trend face by journalists around the world including growing threats, intimidation, detention and violence.

Reporters Without Borders, a Parisbased media watchdog that advocates for political freedoms found out that at least 80 journalists were killed this year.

A further 348 are currently imprisoned – with more than half held behind bars in Iran, Saudi Arabia, Turkey, Egypt and China, the world’s biggest jailer of journalists – often on charges of opposing the state, while another 60 are being held hostage, according to a report released by the watchdog earlier this month.

Although slightly lower, data from the New York based organization defending the freedom of the press, Committee to Protect Journalists (CPJ), corroborates that of the report.

Journalists on the frontline in areas of long-running conflicts like Afghanistan, Iraq, and Syria remain the most vulnerable – as they are usually caught in the line of fire. War-torn Afghanistan predictably was perhaps the world’s deadliest country for journalists in 2018, with 15 killed. In one militant attack alone, nine reporters including AFP’s chief photographer in Kabul Shah Marai were killed in the Afghan capital back in April.

Afghanistan was followed by Syria (11 killed) on the list and Mexico (9 killed), the deadliest country for journalists outside a conflict zone. Reporters who expose organized crime are often killed in the country in acts of gruesome

violence perpetrated by drug cartels and corrupt government officials. Yemen in the midst of civil war came fourth with eight journalists killed while the United States, with six journalists killed in 2018, for the first time ranked among the top five deadliest countries in 5th position alongside India.

In turn of events this year, journalists in the US and Europe – traditionally safe for journalism practice – have fallen victim to targeted killings. In the US, five employees were shot dead in a June attack on The Capital Gazette newsroom in Annapolis, Maryland, by a gunman who accused the paper of defamation. In Europe, Slovakian investigative journalist Jan Kuciak and his fiancée were shot dead in his apartment earlier this year. Kuciak covered tax evasion and fraud and had been investigating the links between the Italian mafia and Slovakia’s governing party.

But Jan Kuciak wasn’t the only journalist killed in Europe for doing his work. In October last year, prominent investigative reporter Daphne Caruana, who had written reports about the Panama

Papers tax avoidance scandal, was killed in a car bombing in Malta. While in October this year, Bulgarian presenter Viktoria Marinova was beaten, raped and murdered. Her colleagues say they believe her investigation into corruption of officials led to her death.

The most brazen act of violence against journalists this year – that sparked international condemnation – came in the murder of prominent Saudi journalist and insider-turned-critic Jamal Khashoggi. He entered the Saudi consulate on October 2 to obtain divorce papers and never reemerged. After weeks of silence, lies and conspiracy theories, Saudi Arabia finally admitted he was murdered by what it called “rogue agents”. But evidence presented by Turkish authorities detail how the journalist was tortured, killed, dismembered and then his body dissolved in acid by a 15-man murder squad on orders of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

A former royal court adviser, Khashoggi fell out favour and left the Kingdom in June 2017 fearing retribution to live in self-imposed exile in Washington – where

“

But evidence presented by Turkish authorities detail how the journalist was tortured, killed, dismembered and then his body dissolved in acid by a 15-man murder squad on orders of Crown Prince Mohammed Bin Salman.

he began writing critical columns of the new Crown Prince’ policies such as the war in Yemen for the Washington Post.

Other journalists around the world suffered different fates. According to the CPJ, two Reuters’ reporters Wa Lone and Kyaw Soe Oo are imprisoned in Myanmar, after they’ve been set up by the police and later charged under the obscure colonial-era Official Secrets Act with “illegally acquiring information”. The pair reported extensively on last year’s military campaign of violence and expulsion – or what the United Nations called a “textbook example of ethnic cleansing” against the country’s Rohingya Muslim minority.

In Nigeria, where investigative reporting can be a life or death affair, Jaafar Jaafar, the publisher of online publication Daily Nigerian has to go into hiding in October, following alleged threats to his life. Jaafar released videos allegedly showing Kano State governor Abdullahi Ganduje receiving bribes from contractors. Other Nigerian journalists have reported harassment by security forces.

Although Khashoggi, the slain reporters at The Capital Gazette, and the imprisoned Reuters journalists were featured as Time Magazine’s Person of the Year, anti-press rhetoric and vilification by leaders like president Trump – that creates more pressure and an environment where the killings of journalists flourish – must stop, as the CPJ noted.

Journalists must be able to practice their profession without threats, pressure and intimidation. They should be allowed to remain what they are: a voice for the voiceless – that tells truth to power.

Labaran Yusuf is a freelance writer, and researcher based in Jos, Plateau State.

PAGE 13

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

Comment

Inter religious harmony for national development

By Tufa Arasu

W

ith the economic downturn, infrastructural malaise and other challenges facing the country at this material time, religious disharmony has remained a difficult hurdle holding us back from collectively and constructively forging a path out of our unfortunate predicaments. Nigeria’s need for a religious rebirth should thus be seen as a goldmine that must be given the seriousness it deserves. Building a religiously intelligible society where religion shall not be used by those who see it as a potent tool for divide and rule is one of the effective answers to some of the maladies being experienced in this country. Though it may seem unattainable given the present realities, however, reverse is the case since once upon a time it was practiced in this country.

At this writer’s present age of above 40, there was a time in this country when religion was practiced for the sake of harmony. Back then, the two major religions co-existed with mutual respect in a national brotherhood where the prestige of an individual was weighed against how industrious and well-mannered they were within their communities. What did our fathers do right to have enjoyed this feat in national integration?

Let me here give a brief insight to what I mean by religious harmony and national integration during my childhood years. This writer recollects that as we were growing up, the only difference we knew that existed between Christians and Muslims in my community was that on Sundays, we must leave our Muslim friends for some hours in order to attend Church service while they eagerly await our return. Whereas on the part of our Muslims friends, they must proceed to their makarantan allo (today referred to as Islamiyya school) in the evenings thus making us suspend play time.

I recall that whenever we went to church and to Sunday school, our Muslim friends became time keepers, monitoring by the minute; awaiting our arrival. As for us Christians, sometimes even their Qur’anic school does not keep us apart because of its informal setting and we would hang around waiting for them to take their lessons so that we

all rush home to continue playing together. It got to an extent that some of us could recite some Qur’anic verses simply from accompanying them and our parents were not scared of our being Islamized.

I also recall with nostalgia how during Christmas and the Eids, a stranger in our community will not be able to differentiate a Muslim child from a Christian’s among us. They used to wear their newest cloths and we would all go out for Christmas outings jumping and playing innocently. It was the same during Sallah festivals.

In fact, we used to await religious festivities with an eagerness in order to wear new cloths and planning on where next to go for the celebrations.

Our advantage was that we had more religious festivals to enjoy and our parents did not stop us. Ramadan was one time we cherished because of the customary tashe that we used to engage in from the 10th of Ramadan. It is a night-time entertainment concert carried out mostly by children and few adults who visit people’s homes singing and dancing in return for cash. At the end of the tashe period, we would break our piggy bank and share out whatever amount we were able to raise.

How did we allow all this to change? How did we end up depriving our children the kind of childhood our parents allowed us to enjoy and instead raised them with fear, insecurity and mutual suspicion? Our societies have been torn apart by marauders wearing the garb of religious custodians. Unfortunately, many Nigerians fail to see them for what they really are; wicked opportunists; instead rush gullibly to their defense in the name of religious solidarity. We have turned the concept of religion into a rivalry and competition where the winner takes the glory. The question is, has there been a winner so far or losers with unquantifiable losses of lives and properties?

Is this what religion is supposed to represent?

From my modest understanding of logic of religion, it is supposed to be like a personal philosophy guiding adherents to a higher moral pedestal of existence such that, even in primitiveness, man shall enjoy self and community well-being; against beastly inclinations. Religion

should be a fundamental ground for moral decency and national growth where man should be able to lift his fellow man up when he is down and not the other way round. This, in fact, is similar to that style of living we enjoyed during our childhood. This was the kind of religious teaching we received in the past because this is what the Prophets taught. And nothing has changed from the messages the Prophets bequeathed to the world except for the crooked misinterpretations by some of their misguided preachers who turned this doctrine on its head by promoting the direct opposite.

Truth is, most of our new generation preachers are nothing but shrewd communal politicians and business men who disguise as clerics to misguide and misuse the ignorant poor and desperate among their followers for the clerics’ egotistic ends. By politicians here, I do not mean those who stand on the podium seeking for our votes.

Politicians here refer to those cowardly community leaders who mobilize irate youth to settle their personal, ethnic or commercial scores for them in the name of religion. Unfortunately, it is these same poor followers of theirs that suffer the most in the face of any form of violence. But for naivety of most of these followers, how many times have the families of these so called clerics suffered in the face of communal conflicts? Unless the poor and ignorant flocks among the people begin to search for the truth on their own instead of waiting to be fed with all sorts of gospel and da’awah from their politically disguised clerics, Nigeria may yet enjoy the benefits of a religiously harmonious society.

Government on its part should not fold its arm and leave religious practices without regulations.

This is foolhardy bearing in mind the level of damage this stance has caused the country so far. Indeed, government must step up effort to monitor and regulate religious activities including preaching, purchases, locations of physical structures and what are stored therein. While surfing the internet, I stumbled on an Indonesian religious regulatory document and found it both interesting and worth emulating.

The Indonesian constitutionally recognized religious regulation declaration took off with the

establishment of a ministry of religious affairs way back in 1947 whose responsibility was to promote religious harmony in diversity. Since then, its boundaries have grown to include monitoring and restricting any volatile religious activity capable of inciting rivalry not to talk of violence. Some major steps taken to ensure this include a bill in 1965 on prevention of religious abuse or desecration.

This was followed by a directive from the office of the then head of government stipulating that invitations to join any religion should be extended only to those who were not already adherents of any particular religion be it Buddhism, Islam, Christianity, Hinduism etc. To that effect and for the sake of national stability, government banned coaxing into conversion from one religion to another whether through distribution of pamphlets, money, clothes and newsletters whether on the streets or house to house of religious faithfuls with the intention of persuading religious conversion. Foreign aids to religious bodies were also regulated while government worked in tandem with NGOs in implementing its policies.

Undoubtedly, trust building is one of the basic foundations for overcoming religious disharmony in our society and the world over. That is why the role of proper communication and dialogue cannot be overstressed. Resultantly, erudite clerics should drum to their followers the desirability of having mutual respect for one another’s religious beliefs and at the same time the necessity of eschewing hate speeches which often is the spark that ignites avoidable bloodletting. Government must treat the issue of religious disharmony in this country with the seriousness it deserves seeing that it has plundered some of the progresses we have made as a nation. Religion has always been a delicate fragment of societal cohabitation with the potency of causing immeasurable damage. That is why it must not be left in the hands of miscreants, be they the so called clerics or the gullible idiots in our midst, who deplore religious sentiments to our collective detriment whether out of frustration, lack of ideas or sheer dogmatism.

Arasu is Dean, Collective of Patriots (CoP), writing from Abuja.

The Mis-Education of Nigerians

By Ayo Adéné

W

hen I was an eight-year-old child in the Staff School, University of Ibadan, I was taught that there are two types of education: formal and informal. While formal is obtained through schools, informal is acquired passively through society and family. Both types are important for the formation of a complete person.

I grew up on a world-class education system, acquired entirely in Nigeria. In the 50s, 60s, 70s, 80s and 90s, getting educated in Nigeria made you as good or better than anyone anywhere in the world. The standards were serious. However, I’m beginning to think I was lucky, because today, education in Nigeria is a farce. If you don’t know what farce means, you are part of the problem.

After the 90s, it seems there has been a remarkable downturn in the quality of education in Nigeria.

An introspective appraisal of 5 sectors of public life will provide insight into how our persistent dysfunction can be traced back to negligence of education and maladaptive training of Nigerians.

1: Education in schools & youth unemployment Youth unemployment is a huge problem in Africa. One reason is that during recruitment, companies often find that candidates with traditional management skills—such as the ability to drive change or build teams—are in short supply.

This was the conclusion of a December 2015 report on finding executive talent by Russell Reynolds Associates, which surveyed 230 senior leaders and recruiters in Africa. To their dismay, recruiters and researchers realize that nurturing talent is hard in Africa. They say the scarcity of a reliable pool of local business leaders can be traced back to a lack of top quality schools.

The quality of education in Nigerian schools, in particular, is diminished by a culture of fear and repression. From primary to secondary schools to universities, overt and covert bullying are the norm. Seniors assert their power over juniors in brutal ways, and teachers are no different. The severity of bullying varies from school to school, but it is a commonly accepted part of going to

school. This bullying continues after graduation, in workplaces. Bosses exert their power over employees. All this culture of fear results in a lack of critical thinking capability as children grow up in Nigeria. By default, they are trained to be afraid, to show respect for seniority. By extension, the cycle is perpetuated and successive generations experience the same meanness.

Lack of critical thinking leads to subsequent unemployability. Rather than becoming mentors, teachers and bosses become oppressors. This is in sharp contrast to the way that children in western society are encouraged to question everything and break free of mental barriers to discover their unique identities. In addition to this culture of fear, school curricula are still largely stuck in the eighties, and need to be updated to reflect the employable skills of the future.

2: Religious indoctrination That Nigerians are highly religious is no secret. Commonly among Nigerians, every 2nd or 3rd sentence is punctuated by a reference to God or faith: “God will help us”, “Amen”, “By God’s grace” or “Allah”. While this state of mind seems completely natural to the average Nigerian, it becomes clear how unique it is when one steps out into more secular cultures. Faith is not a bad thing, but when combined with low enlightenment and a culture of fear and repression, it can be toxic.

In Nigeria, religious faith is both a positive outlet for emotional pressure and a limitation to critical political reform. The unquestioning nature of religious belief leaves Nigerians as sitting ducks while their murderous leaders and greedy elite plunder their resources and misgovern them.

Religion provides perpetual hope that things will get better without any active intervention. On the other hand, religion also breeds intolerance. As fundamentalist culture becomes more mainstream in Nigeria, religion is less of a social glue and more of a unique identifier that breeds unhealthy rivalry and sometimes violence. Secular freedoms are obscured through conservative religious lenses and rationalization of debates is often impossible.

These are challenges for building a modern democracy. Democracy thrives on critical thought

and a degree of amorality: Not immorality, just amorality. The principle of “separation of church and state”.

In January 2016, world leaders gathered in Davos, Switzerland to discuss the Fourth Industrial Revolution: a new global economy which will be driven by the changing applications of digital media and the use of the Internet. The steam engine, electricity and the computer drove the first three industrial revolutions, from the 17th century onwards. Africa did not participate in any of those revolutions. The industrial revolution is the reason why Europe and America are technologically and economically ahead of Africa.

The industrial revolutions were preceded by a period known in history as the European enlightenment. This period was marked by the advance of philosophical thought. There was a breaking away from religious ideas and the interference of the church in the affairs of the state. To an extent, such freedom to think and rebel against the existing order was necessary for growth. However in religious environments such as Nigeria, to think differently from the majority may imply that one has been possessed by devils. What people should not forget is that any type of mass orientation or belief system, including religion, is always limited by human weakness and hypocrisy.

Like my mother used to tell me, “all lizards crawl on their belly therefore it is difficult to tell which one truly has stomach ache.”

Building the hearts and minds of people is important, because people sustain things, and education of people drives development. In the 1960 and 70s during the 1st oil boom, Nigeria built most of the infrastructure and cities we now have. Where are all those things now? The people have destroyed them. We might also argue that we needed to have built more to keep pace with development. However once the people and politicians that should build more are miseducated, they will either destroy what they have built or fail to build more.

The antidote for Nigeria’s miseducation is social reengineering. It means engaging the hearts and minds of people through both formal and

informal education, and seeking to change their values. It takes place over time. It is not fast, but it is gradual. It is not cheap. It costs money and mentorship, both of which Nigeria has in short supply. Now Nigeria has a lot of religion and that should make us all good and wise people but it can’t. And too much religion can be like too much salt. It loses its value. Nigerians can’t eat tasteless food. Just like tasteless food, eventually, people throw out salty food and it gets trampled upon in the streets. Likewise, when religion is excessive, people trample on other peoples human rights.

Religion cannot take the place of reengineering because religion is subjective. While religion focuses on the heart, social reengineering focuses on the heart and mind. Religion may affect the mind but it tends to close it, not to keep it open.

Religion is personal, but reengineering is public.

Religion is the responsibility of the individual but social reengineering is the responsibility of the state. Otherwise we’d have a theocracy. Religion focuses on morals, but social reengineering considers the total man and focuses on values and the public good. Again these are subjective and depend on personal interpretation. Now there are at least 3 religions in Nigeria – and for change to encompass the entire nation social reengineering has to be primarily the responsibility of the state.

So it is never enough to focus on the construction of physical infrastructure alone.

Social reengineering, which consists of the building of values, like patience, kindness, love and unity, is just as important for the sustenance of democracy.

It is not that we don’t know what ought to be done: it is written on Nigeria’s coat of arms: unity and faith, peace and progress. But writing is not the same as doing. The same way we are investing in modern infrastructure, it will take time, money, mentorship and deliberate effort to reclaim the hearts and minds of Nigerians from years of torture, unintended malfeasance and deliberate abuse. We have to build the nation we need to get the nation we want, which is a modern Nigeria where peace and justice reign.

Ayo is a medical doctor and he writes from the Netherlands.

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

News

Youth forum vows to end enforcement of incredible candidates N From Mika’il Tsoho, Kano

ew Chairman of a nongovernmental organization, the Youth Forum for Change and Development, Kura local government chapter of Kano state, Comrade Umar Saminu Abubakar, has promised to do all his utmost to stop politics of imposition and forced candidature in

the area.

He disclosed shortly after his inauguration yesterday at Collage of Islamic education Kura area of Kano state.

Comrade Abubakar who was the pioneer chairman of the Forum said, with the support of members and entire people of the area the Forum would do all its best and ensure that the

qualified and competent representation at all level of political offices in the area for a better future.

According to him, the Forum would use all tactics through awareness campaign and woe the teeming youths in the area to know their constitutional right of vote and who to vote base on competency, experience.

He then urged the elders to support

the move with prayers, guide and counseling the new excos to achieve the desired goals.

Those elected as new excos are Umar Saminu abubakar as Chairman of the forum,Abdul Aziz Isyaku Gundutse vice chairman, Idris Mahmud Danhassan secretary, Abubakar Lawan Abubakar chairman board of trustee and Ahmad Usman as secretary to

board of trustees.

While making his remarks at the ceremony, the executive chairman of Kura local government Alhaji Mustapha Abdullahi, commended the organisers and promised to support the move for a betterment of Kura and its people in general.

2019: Aisha Buhari leads APC women, youths presidential campaign F

People selecting fairly used wears (Okrika) at Pantami Stadium on Sunday in Gombe State.

Photo: NAN

PAGE 15

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

Orji Kalu, Modu Sheriff named advisers

irst Lady Aisha Buhari has been appointed the chairperson of the All Progressives Congress Women and Youths Presidential Campaign team for the 2019 election.

The wife of the Vice-President, Dolapo Osinbajo, was also appointed as the co-chairperson of the campaign team.

This is contained in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Tuesday by Mrs Buhari’s spokesperson, Suleiman Haruna.

The statement said the campaign team would be inaugurated on January 3 by President Muhammadu Buhari at the Banquet Hall of the Presidential Villa at 2 p.m.

The appointees are expected to campaign for the re-election of Messrs Buhari and Osinbajo in the February poll.

The list of the appointees also has the APC national woman leader, Salamatu Baiwa, as the national coordinator.

Other executive team leaders include Adejoke Adefulire as vice chairman (south), Mairo Al-Makura as cice chairman (north), and Juliet Ibekaku-Nwagu as deputy national coordinator (south).

According to the statement, Binta Muazu would serve as the deputy national coordinator (north), with Rashida Yahaya Bello as zonal coordinator for north central, Hadiza Mohammad Abubakar for north east, Zainab Atiku Bagudu for north west and Nkechi Rochas Okorocha for south east.

Florence Abiola Ajimobi would coordinate women and youth from the South West zone while Judith Chibuike Amaechi would coordinate the South South women and youth for the exercise.

The statement added that the senior special assistant to the president on administration, Hajo Sani, would serve as the administrative secretary of the team.

Other members of the campaign team include artists from Nollywood and Kannywood as well as technocrats, politicians, academicians and the business class.

Similarly, the statement announced an advisory council for the campaign team, comprising serving and exministers, governors, legislators and security officers as well as top public officers.

Those that made the list include the Minister of Youth and Sports, Solomon Dalung; Comptroller General of Customs, retired Hameed Ali; Suleiman Abba; Jafaru Isa, Buba Marwa; Orji Ozor Kalu; Sullivan Chime, and Ali Modu Sheriff.

Others are Mohammed Mahmud; Pauline Tallen; Naajatu Mohammed; Pat Utomi; Nasiru Ladan; Tonye Princewill; Festus Keyamo; Muniz Banire; Muhammadu Dodo; Baba Jidda; Deborah Iliya; Suzanne Aderonke Folarin; Ayuba Ngbako; Terry Waya; Mahmud Shinkafi; and Ibrahim DasukiNakande.

The statement further announced the appointment of a directorate of operations consisting of all APC Women Leaders at all levels; all APC Women/Female Heads of government agencies and parastatals; all APC female candidates; all APC Youth Leaders at all levels; and all elected officials of APC at all levels, among others.

The directorate of Contact and Mobilisation is to be led by Nasiru Ali Ahmed, while the directorate of Strategic Planning would be headed

by Garba Abari, the director-general of

National Orientation Agency (NOA), it said.

The statement said the directorate of Youth Mobilisation is to be led by Mohammed Jibirilla; with AbdulMumin Jibril as the director of a 71-member Media and Strategic Communication of the team, and Sony Marshal Harry as the director of special duties.

It added that the directorate of logistics for the campaign team would be led by Mohammed Jibril, while the directorate of Creativity and Entertainment has about 170 members comprising majorly Nollywood and Kannywood representatives.

According to the statement, volunteers of the team comprise representatives from all President Buhari’s Supporters, Women and Youth Presidential Campaign Team members and APC Presidential Campaign Office.

(NAN)

I will create innovative economy – Ezekwezili

T 2019: Prayer, fasting panacea for peaceful polls - says Catholic Priest

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

T

he Catholic Priest of St. Sylvester, New Nyanya in Nassarawa state, Very. Rev. Fr. Lawrence S. Anyembugu has identified prayer and fasting as the panacea for peaceful polls in the country.

Anyembugu stated this during a Cross Over Mass at his Parish to

usher in the New Year.

According to him, Nigerians need to urgently return to God and abstain from their evil ways.

He said: “We should seek the face of God and always pray especially now that we are in the election year. Based on this, the Church is commencing prayer and fasting from 2nd to 31st of January, themed; “My Year of

Devine Intervention”.

He said the 30 days prayer and fasting “will help us to be closer to God, and seek his face towards free, fair and credible polls in the country.

“We should ignore the rumours that the killings are religious and political. The killings have been there long before now. Don’t allow people to

instill fear in you. You should be steadfast and hold on to God to deliver our land”.

The clergy added that the killings in Nigeria are man made and had nothing to do with the elections.

“Niger-Delta militancy, Odudua Peoples Congress (OPC), violence in the west, Movement for the Sovereign State of Biafra

(MOSSOB) in the east and Boko Haram in the northeast have been in existence long before issues of elections; people should not be attributing such violence to the 2019 general elections.”

He also called on Nigerians to “come out in mass and vote wisely for candidates that will develop the country and ensure positive change”.

Niger Gov’t reiterates its support to all youth programmes From Yakubu Minna

T

Mustapha,

he Niger state Government has reiterated its commitment to continue to support any initiative by individual groups and associations geared towards making the youth valuable to be self-reliant through entrepreneurship development.

The State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello,. gave the assurance at the second edition of annual Paigokni cultural fiesta

held in Paiko Local Government Area of the state.

Represented by the Commissioner of Water Resources and Dams Development, Alhaji Mamman Musa, he stressed the need for people of the state irrespective of ethnic and religious differences to unite and learn to live in peace with each other to enhance rapid development of the state.

Governor Bello expressed delight that the concept of the festival was for the typical Gbagyi to rediscover his

historical background that is full of positive activities and advised others to emulate same.

The President of the Association, Amb. Zubairu Dada, emphasized that the PaiGokni Development Association was non political targeted at promoting the cultural values as well as safeguarding the Gbagyi language from extinction.

Amb. Dada who enumerated various educational assistance and support rendered to some schools and the youth by the Association in the area and

implored parents to enroll their children especially girl child in schools.

He appreciated the state Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello and Mohammad Sani Musa 313 and other people for their support towards making the event successful.

The former Niger state Governor Dr Muazu Babangida Aliyu, in his remarks explained that without culture people will not appreciate who they are.

He said: “For example if you go to other countries even

in Africa they have been so colonized that you dont see their cultural values in them but only the European values thus the important of the gathering.”.

Among those who graced the occasion were the Chairman of Paiko Local Govt Mr John Mai karfi state Chairman of PDP Bar. Tanko Beji, Alh Umar Khadi Kuta former HOS, Vice Chancellor IBBU Lapai Prof Nasiru Mai turare while the Emir of Minna Dr Umar Faruk Bahago was represented at the occasion.

he presidential candidate of the Allied Congress of Nigeria (ACPN), Dr. Obiageli Ezekwesili, has notified Nigerians of her plans in the new year, one of which is to make Nigeria’s economy the most innovative in the entire Africa as soon as she emerges President.

In a press statement on Tuesday, she said that if wellmanaged, Nigeria’s economy would outshine that of its contemporaries in Africa.

The ACPN presidential candidate said that this was achievable through the creation of a special fund for science and technology and reformation of key financial institutions.

She said, “We will be creating a $1bn Science, Technology and Innovation fund to ensure that science, technology and innovation becomes the enabler for socio-economic development and structural transformation.

“The goal is to kick-start the process of becoming Africa’s number one innovation and knowledge economy. ¬The STI fund will support the building of a robust national innovation system, carry out reforms and re-organisation of existing institutions, and fund the scale-up of Small and Mediumscale Enterprises and startups in the technology space, research and development, knowledge transfer, among others. ¬The fund will function as a partnership between the

government and the private sector.”

Ezekwesili also said policies that would ensure increase of technology start-ups in the country by at least 500 per cent in the next four years would be designed and implemented.

“We will set up an Information and Communications Technology programme with a focus on ensuring Nigerians are growing in the remote working and outsourcing global market. ¬The plan will be to create centres of ICT advancement in all states with a focus on an average of 10,000 developers in each state,” the presidential candidate said.

“Simultaneously, a group of technology ambassadors will be engaging global sourcing centres, providing them with comparative advantage of opening or expanding current operations in Nigeria. Th¬e ICT programme will partner the private sector in investing in real estate that allows remote tech workers involved in tech development, data science, Artificial Intelligence and emerging technologies to comfortably work.”

Ezekwesili added, “360,000 persons will be impacted directly through this programme; N1.5m Nigerians will be indirect beneficiaries.

This plan is costed at N100bn, which will be financed by the STI Fund, which is in turn financed from the oil subsidy savings.” (NAN)

L-R: APC National Chairman Comrade Adams Oshiomhole discussing with Former Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of Africa Affairs and leader of the delegation, Amb. Linda Thomas-Greenfield, and Regional Director for Africa at International Republican Institute (IRI). Mr John Tomaszewski during visit of European Union and Democratic Institute to National Working Committee of APC, recently in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Why I defected to PDP – Gov Ortom

G

overnor Samuel Ortom has said that he chose to pursue his governorship ambition on the platform of the PDP because it was a more credible alternative for him to achieve his policies.

Mr Ortom stated this on Monday in Makurdi, during the flag-off of his governorship campaign.

The governor, who won his election on the platform of the APC where he defected to, after losing the PDP governorship ticket in 2014, returned to the PDP some months ago.

“We had to abandon that platform in search of one that offers more accommodation and support for our policies, especially the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law 2017,” he said.

He regretted that highly placed officials in the APC-led federal government made various attempts to frustrate an imperative legislation aimed at finding a lasting peace between farmers and herders in the state.

“Such frustrating efforts by highly placed members of the federal government necessitated my exit from the party to one that will not compromise our stance on a matter so key to the Benue people.

“This is the platform on which we seek the renewal of our mandate. No one will bend us as far as the Ranching Law is concerned because we draw consent and sustained support from the Benue people,” he said.

Mr Ortom, while reacting to critics’ allegation that he had not performed, declared that he had done well “given the circumstances of our economy and unwarranted aggression and attacks on Benue”.

“I may not be a genius, but I perfectly know what I wanted as a governor. I cannot lie to the people that trust me. Take this truth from me; my government has done well, and statistics don’t lie.”

Commenting on the issue of nonpayment of salaries, the governor said that funds were being sourced to pay outstanding arrears of salaries,

gratuities, and pensions.

Also speaking, the former Senate President, David Mark, appealed to the Benue electorate to vote massively for all candidates seeking elections on the party’s platform to secure a better future for the state.

The immediate former governor of the state and a senatorial candidate of the party, Gabriel Suswam, accused the APC of being insensitive to the plight of Nigerians.

He, therefore, urged the people to vote for the PDP and reject the APC. Earlier, in his remarks, former Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, also a senatorial candidate, assured Mr Ortom that the people from Benue South Senatorial zone would vote for the PDP. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that dignitaries at the event included the National Deputy Secretary of the party, Emmanuel Agbo; an ex-Senate president, Iyorchia Ayu; PDP board member, Margaret Icheen, and Mr Ortom’s appointees. (NAN)

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POLITICS

2019: PDP technically out of race before election starts – APC

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has said the main opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and its presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, were technically out of the race even before the election starts.

Briefing newsmen in Abuja yesterday, National Publicity Secretary of the APC Malian Lanre Issa-Onilu said considering the level of disdain and apathy being demonstrated by voters across the country towards the party, the PDP campaign has crash-landed before it reached any threatening altitude.

APC, while welcoming Nigerians to the New Year, also alleged that PDP and its presidential candidate paid a huge sum of money to some foreign con men in Dubai who posed as strategists, ditching out fake news and

making spurious allegations against President Muhammad Buhari, his family members and other government officials which also failed.

“They began to spurn daily fake news and make spurious and unsubstantiated allegations against our President, the family members of our President, the Vice President, the APC national chairman, notable government officials, and public institutions to deceive Nigerians.”

Issa-Onilu, also said the strategists employed did not tell PDP and it presidential candidate that such would not work when the allegations could not be proven.

He said, “Their Dubai-made strategy has collapsed like a pack of cards. The plan was to recreate the 2014/2015 scenario when APC pilloried them for their crimes, which woken (up) the electorate to the reality of the disaster we were headed (to) under the

PDP government.

“PDP, led by their discredited presidential candidate, Alhaji Abubakar Atiku paid huge sums of money to some foreign con men in Dubai who posed as strategists.

“Their strategists did not tell them that such would not work when the allegations cannot be proven. Unlike in 2015 when the APC allegations were based on facts, which have been validated by revelations upon revelations of heist committed during the inglorious 16 years of PDP rule, the opposition’s disgraceful recourse to false alarm as a campaign strategy this time is a wrong approach.

Facts are sacred. Falsehood, no matter how fleet-footed, would be overtaken by the truth in no time.

“The reality has dawned on the fortune seekers in PDP that it is not possible to tag a label of corruption on President Buhari as a

de-marketing strategy. Neither is it possible to campaign based on issues of governance as the achievements of this administration have shown. It is obvious that the PDP has found itself in a fix.

“Many in the leadership of the main opposition party are finding it difficult to identify with a character like Atiku and many of the charlatans running the PDP campaign are unsellable. It is worthy of note that a few of the PDP leaders, with some residual credibility, are battling with their conscience as they are increasingly becoming uncomfortable with the level of immorality that underlines the PDP’s politics. Anyone with a modicum of decency cannot be proud of the odious reputation of PDP. “When this is added to the fact that the PDP campaign has failed to present any programme to Nigerians, we can see clearly why the party’s campaign

New Year: APC urges reflection on Buhari’s achievements

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has felicitated with Nigerians as they celebrate the coming of the year 2019 and urged them to reflect on the tremendous progress made as a nation in the last three and half years.

The party, in a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary, Lanre Issa-Onilu said: “The significant leap towards recovering our country from the abyss would become obvious when we look back at the precarious state our country was in 2015 due to the preceding 16 years of irresponsible leadership.

“It is, however, heartwarming to note that Nigeria has now turned the corner, moving away from the years of waste towards a stable and prosperous future.

“As citizens, we must play our part by continuing to support ongoing efforts by the President Muhammad Buhari administration to rebuild the nation.”

The ruling party said the forthcoming general elections in 2019 provides great opportunity to consolidate on the progress made under the APC administration.

“We reiterate our stand that candidates that should be elected at all levels must be those that can pass the integrity test and be adjudged to be above board in positions of responsibility they have held in the past.

“Our NEXT LEVEL campaign provides a clear roadmap to further deliver on our promises and the Change Agenda largely harped on fighting corruption, improving the economy and tackling insecurity.

“We remain solidly committed to good governance and a participatory democracy which allows for peaceful, free, fair, credible and transparent elections.

“As a nation, we urge all to kick against unpatriotic practices such as hate campaign, spurious and unsubstantiated allegations and deliberate inciting statements being directed at critical state institutions and public officials by the desperate leaders of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP).”

The party said it remains committed to deepening internal party democracy, unity and cohesion and to provide a strong and united political platform to ensure the success of the Change Agenda at the federal, state and local levels.

“We must shun divisive elements in our private and public spaces who exploit sentiments to sell hate and intolerance amongst us in the name of religion, politics and other leanings.

Despite our perceived differences, our strength remains in our diversity.”

The APC called on Nigerians to look forward and regard the New Year with great optimism and positive possibilities, as President Muhammadu Buhari leads the charge to establish the Nigeria of our dream.

has become a stillborn. Like a lion, PDP roared, but it didn’t last. It has joyfully ended up as the bleating of a goat.

Perhaps, the pun is intended as PDP is actually a goat that spent 16 years eating our yams.”

While calling on Nigerians to continue to keep faith with the current administration, Onilu said: “The graphs are on the positive upward swing. President Buhari is laying a solid foundation for a prosperous future. We must endure and be steadfast.

“We have already turned the corner, leaving behind the years of the locusts under the PDP. We are headed towards a future that guarantees stability, economic buoyancy, world class infrastructure, reward for hard work and for honesty, and the security of our nation.

“PDP remains our collective national vomit. We shall never go back to it.”

L-R: Commissioner for Agriculture, Oyo State, Prince Oyewole Oyewunmi; Onijaye of Ijaye, Oba Lasisi Akamo; Oniroko of Iroko, Oba Lasisi Akinola; Chairman, Akinyele East Local Council Development Area, Mr Joseph Akinpade; Onikereku of Ikereku, Oba Olasunkanmi Akinyosoye and representative of the Governor of Oyo State, Mr Toye Arulogun, during the inauguration of rural access road pilot project, at Ikereku, Akinyele East LCDA, recently in Ibadan.

Photo: NAN

Zamfara APC primaries: Pressure groups vow to douse public tension From Ibrahim Sidi Muh’d, Gusau

T

he Civil Society Network and Northern Youth Assembly have jointly called on the Zamfara State High Court Judge, Bello Shinkafi who is currently handling the case of APC primaries to be fair and just in the cause of delivering his verdict, considering the political tension in the state.

The two pressure groups made the call at a joint Press Conference held in Gusau, the Zamfara State capital yesterday, expressing fear that the contending parties involved in the ongoing court case are anxiously waiting for the verdict in their favour.

The leaders of the two groups Malam Anas Sani Anka and Comrade Munnir Haidara Kaura explained that since the withdrawal of Justice Mukhtar Yusha’u from handling the case, it became apparently clear that, “ the politics of interest among the political power players have shifted toward possibly influencing their ways toward getting the verdict of the court in their favour.”

They, however, said: “Despite the tension and political apathy among the parties, we are hopeful that the presiding judge, given his antecedent, will be so careful in handling this very sensitive matter by resisting any attempt by anybody to smear his name and

reputation and also efforts to tarnish the good image of judiciary.”

The group further said they will “curiously watch the development in the case as they unfold and will not relent in making sure that justice and fairness is achieved in the long run and also promised to never to allow unpopular will to prevail over the popular will of the people.”

Anka and Munnir also affirmed that “as Civil Society Organizations, we are non partisan; but we side by the law, the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria, the Electoral Act and preservation of the general security of the state.”

Kwara APC guber candidate rates PDP low on dividends of democracy

By Oluseyi Dasilva Ilorin

T

he governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kwara State, Abdulrahman Abdulrazaq has berated People Democratic Party (PDP) led government in the state for lack of quality deliverances of dividends of democracy to the good

people of the state.

AbdulRahaman said this in his New Year Message to the people of thestate saying, the Almighty God had blessed Kwara State; and as such its citizens have no reason to be tagged poor and underdeveloped.

“Across the three Senatorial Districts, our people have been forced to endure enormous infrastructure

deficit and decay; it is a case of needless suffering in the midst of plenty.

“I believe the New Year 2019 is an appropriate time for us to say ‘Enough is Enough’ (O to gee) and put an end to such anomalies using the progressive platform of our great party, APC. “That, in a nutshell, is part of the

reasons I am seeking your full support and looking forward to the privilege of serving you as the next Governor of our State.

“2019 is the appointed year for the total liberation of Kwara State and the enthronement of Participatory Governance where the people and their government will plan, work and achieve the central goal of a better

society together.

“2019 is the year, Kwarans must join hands with President Muhammadu Buhari to eradicate corruption and all forms of political and economic enslavement from our society. we must use our votes to rescue Kwara from the vice grip of a parasitic clique that treats our State as their private patrimony.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

How we will deliver Adamawa 100% to Buhari — Ribadu

F

ormer EFCC chairman, Nuhu Ribadu, said he was committed to mobilising Adamawa people with other stakeholders to ensure that President Muhammadu Buhari wins in the state by landslide.

Ribadu made the commitment in Yola while inaugurating 40 vehicles donated by his support group, Black Cap Revolutionary Movement, for the mobilidation of voters in Adamawa.

“Adamawa is 100 per cent for Buhari; we will make sure Buhari is reelected, because he deserved it. “Let’s help Buhari so that he can continue to work for Nigeria,” Mr Ribadu said.

Ribadu, who is the Director of Field Operation of the Presidential Campaign Council of Buhari/Osibanjo, said Mr Buhari would get double of what he got in 2015 in Adamawa.

“If Buhari won Adamawa by over 600,000 votes in 2015, by the grace of God we are going to give him over one million votes in 2019.”

He listed series of Federal government projects completed and ongoing in Adamawa, adding that the only way to reciprocate that was to vote Buhari again, massively.

Mr Ribadu also lauded the ongoing fight against corruption by the Buhari administration, pointing out that over N400 billion had been recovered by EFCC. “Under Buhari abled leadership, this country’s foreign reserves has risen to about 45 billion dollars,” he said.

(NAN)

POLITICS

Why Buhari is best choice for 2019 — Obaseki

G

odwin Obaseki, the governor of Edo State, has called on Nigerians to sustain the achievements and progress recorded by the President Muhammadu Buhariled administration in the past four years with their votes, come February 2019.

Mr Obaseki made the call while worshipping at the Cathedral Church of St. John, Diocese of Sabongida-Ora Anglican Communion, Owan West Local Government Area of the state on Tuesday.

The governor said when the people cast their votes for the All Progressive Congress (APC) in the general elections, it would enable the president continue his good work of developing the nation. ”We must understand that Nigeria faces major challenges, but we are on course as we have done quite a lot of work in the last four years,” he said. “We need to sustain the work we are doing by voting enmasse for APC to ensure that the development continues.”

The governor said the

demographic growth of the population of the nation was alarming with the attendant challenges.

He, however, said the president was equal to the task in creating opportunities and empowering people to make life meaningful for Nigerians Mr Obaseki said his administration was investing in basic education, Primary Health Care and agriculture to attract industries to the state. ”I want to assure the people of Edo that I will make life possible

for the people.”

In his sermon, entitled ”Our year of divine expansion,” Augustine Ohilebo, Diocesan Bishop, Diocese of SabongidaOra, said Christians would not enjoy God’s blessings without personal relationship with Him. ”If you are outside the camp of God you are prone to danger. Sin hinders your relationship with God and limits your expansion. ”For you to experience divine expansion, you need to get in contact with God,” the Bishop admonished. (NAN)

L-R: Oyo State PDP Governorship candidate, Mr Seyi Makinde; Chairman, Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Oyo State, Pastor Benjamin Akanmu and Chairman of Pentecostal Fellowship of Nigeria, Oyo State, Bishop Taiwo Adelakun during a Christmas Carols organised by Makinde, recently in Ibadan.

Photo: NAN

People’s Trust Party presidential candidate vows to establish National Guard From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

P

residential candidate of the People’s Trust (PT) in the 2019 election, Mr. Gbenga OlawepoHashim, has said he would establish a national guard to bolster internal security in Nigeria if elected into office.

Olawepo-Hashim said in an interview with the media in Kaduna.

According to him the All Progressives Congress (APC)-led Federal Government had not done much to strengthen internal security.

He stated that he would overhaul the nation’s security architecture to ensure adequate security of lives and property.

“It’s time for Nigeria to have a National Guard. I have a fantastic idea on how to use it to quell insurrections.

“One of the problems that we’ve

had is that some of these insurrections are perpetrated by well-trained militias who, perhaps, have more training than the Police; but then, we may not need full scale military action to handle them.

“That’s what a National Guard job is, an intermediate force between the regular armed forces and the police.”

He explained that the guard could be deployed on a full scale to handle both basic issues and counter insurgency operations.

He explained: “We don’t need to expose the regular Army who are not trained in counter insurgency, on a daily basis, in activities that are supposed to be purely civic.”

Olawepo-Hashim said he would also support community policing as part of the overall effort to secure Nigeria and Nigerians.

According to him, “We are going to amend the Police Act and also do the requisite amendments in the relevant sections of the Constitution, sponsoring an executive bill, to allow for State Police while the Federal Police will continue to exist to protect fundamental human rights of Nigerians.

“So, no governor can prevent lawful assembly because he doesn’t like the face of the leader of the assembly. Permit can be obtained from the Federal Police if the governor says a permit is needed. But, then, under the Nigerian constitution, you may not need any permit. Your right to assemble is your right.”

He declared further, “But these are some of the issues adjudicated upon by the Federal High Court. The enforcement of such issues would be mostly in the hands of the Federal Police

and we can make a clean demarcation with this.

“So, with police at the local level, we can see more proactive initiatives in terms of controlling security.”

The presidential hopeful assured that he would ensure that he doubled down on improving the psychological aspect of security by ensuring that those who perpetrate rascality and bloodletting are promptly punished.

He pointed out that “security is not just a question of spending bigger budgets; it has also got its own psychological aspect. One of the things that has encouraged a lot of rascality and bloodletting under this government is that people are not promptly punished when they murder other people.

“We see and read long statements

made by public officers, giving excuses, telling us why some people were killed.

That’s not what we should be hearing and reading from law enforcement officers.

“When people commit crime, they need to be punished promptly. And as you make example of a few people, it acts as deterrent to others.”

Olawepo-Hashim observed that the lives of Nigerians would become so cheap as long as murderers and arsonists escape punishment.

He promised that from the first day in office, “we would act decisively so that people would know there is a new Sheriff in town.

“Under us, every Nigerian would be assured that his life really counts, and that there are no special Nigerians who have license to kill other Nigerians.”

2019 Elections: Play by the rules, Bishop tells Politicians From Kaduna

T

Femi

Oyelola,

he Bishop of Anglican Communion Kaduna Diocese, Most Reverend Timothy Yahaya has called on Politicians to ensure they play by the rules of the game and avoid actions that will jeopardize the security of the nation.

He made the assertion while speaking to the media after the

New year service in kaduna yesterday.

According to him the onus of a peaceful 2019 Elections lies with the Politicians because the ways and manners they go about their campaign will determine the general atmosphere during the Elections.

The clerics said if they chooses to engaged in hate speech they will be putting the nation on the part of violence which is not good for everyone.

“You can only govern People who are alive and if all Nigerians are killed for anybody to assume Office then who is he going to govern?

“I therefore advised that campaign should be issues based . Tell the people what are the problems on ground and the blueprints for solving them.

‘I also want to advice the voters that voting is not fighting , they should only perform their Civic responsibility and

not get themselves involves in any acts of violence.

“These Politicians you are staking your lives for are living in their comfort zone and their children attending better institutions across the globe while your own are out of schools because of strike.

“It is also time for the electorates to keep records of Politicians promises and ready to confront them if they are derailing “ He said

Speaking on the General insecurity in the country he said it is time for the commander in chief and his services chiefs to map out a new stategy because the nation cannot continue to do things in the old ways and expect good results.

Bishop Yahaya said 2019 is a year of laughter for Nigerians because God has decided to heal the land of the present problems bedeviling the country.

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

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Stock Close Gain FGS201916 1000.00 300.00 FGS201918 1000.00 189.87 FIRSTALUM 0.33 0.03 JBERGER 23.70 2.15 UAC-PROP 1.77 0.13

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0.66 0.66 0 0.66 0.66 LINKASSURE 0.00 0 0.52 0.57 0 0.52 0.52 LIVESTOCK -0.05 0 1.90 1.90 0 1.90 1.90 MANSARD 0.00 0 2.35 2.35 0 2.35 2.35 MAYBAKER 0.00 0 0.28 0.28 0 0.28 0.28 MBENEFIT 0.00 0 0.41 0.41 0 0.41 0.41 MCNICHOLS 0.00 0 175.00 175.00 0 175.00 175.00 MOBIL 0.00 0 28.55 28.55 0 28.55 28.55 MRS 0.00 0 0.20 0.20 0 0.20 0.20 MULTIVERSE 0.00 0 3.30 3.30 0 3.30 3.30 NAHCO 0.00 0 18.50 18.50 0 18.50 18.50 NASCON 0.00 0 88.00 92.50 0 88.00 90.00 NB -4.50 0 0.54 0.54 0 0.54 0.56 NEIMETH 0.00 0 2.96 2.96 0 2.96 2.96 NEM 0.00 0 1,380.00 1,380.00 0 1,380.00 1,380.00 NESTLE 0.00 0 0.28 0.28 0 0.28 0.28 NIGERINS 0.00 0 5.35 5.90 0 5.35 5.35 NNFM -0.55 0 1.45 1.45 0 1.45 1.45 NPFMCRFBK 0.00 0 5.10 5.10 0 5.35 5.35 OANDO 0.25 0 79.80 79.80 0 79.80 79.80 OKOMUOIL 0.00 0 2.52 2.80 0 2.52 2.52 PORTPAINT -0.28 0 53.00 53.00 0 53.00 53.00 PRESCO 0.00 0 0.56 0.56 0 0.56 0.56 PRESTIGE 0.00 0 11.50 11.50 0 11.50 11.50 PZ 0.00 0 4.25 4.25 0 4.25 4.25 REDSTAREX 0.00 0 0.22 0.22 0 0.22 0.22 REGALINS 0.00 0 0.22 0.22 0 0.22 0.22 ROYALEX 0.00 0 0.38 0.38 200 0.38 0.38 RTBRISCOE 0.00 0 644.90 644.90 0 644.90 644.90 SEPLAT 0.00 0 0.20 0.20 0 0.20 0.20 SOVRENINS 0.00 0 46.00 46.00 0 46.00 46.00 STANBIC 0.00 0 102.00 102.00 0 102.00 102.00 STANBICETF30 0.00 0 1.35 1.50 0 1.50 1.50 STERLNBANK 0.00 0 1.99 1.99 100 1.99 1.99 STUDPRESS 0.00 0 0.20 0.20 0 0.20 0.20 SUNUASSUR 0.00 0 198.00 198.00 0 198.00 198.00 TOTAL 0.00 0 6.10 6.10 100 6.10 6.10 TRANSCOHOT 0.00 0 1.26 1.30 0 1.26 1.30 TRANSCORP -0.04 0 0.65 0.65 0 0.65 0.65 TRANSEXPR 0.00 0 9.80 10.00 0 9.80 9.80 UACN -0.20 0 1.77 1.64 0 1.77 1.77 UAC-PROP 0.13 0 7.95 8.00 0 8.00 8.00 UBA 0.00 0 5.05 5.00 0 5.05 5.05 UBN 0.05 0 3.05 3.00 0 3.05 3.05 UCAP 0.05 0 43.00 43.50 0 43.00 43.00 UNILEVER -0.50 0 0.30 0.30 0 0.30 0.30 UNIONDAC 0.00 0 0.20 0.20 0 0.20 0.20 UNIVINSURE 0.00 0 8.10 9.00 0 8.10 8.10 UPDCREIT -0.90 0 2.17 2.17 0 2.17 2.17 UPL 0.00 0 0.27 0.30 0 0.27 0.27 VERITASKAP -0.03 0 3.46 3.46 0 3.46 3.46 VITAFOAM 0.00 0 18.00 18.60 0 18.25 18.65 WAPCO -0.35 0 0.41 0.44 0 0.42 0.42 WAPIC -0.02 0 0.59 0.60 0 0.59 0.59 WEMABANK -0.01 0 23.90 24.00 0 24.00 24.05 ZENITHBANK 0.00 0 Copyright © 2018 NgTradeOnline

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Nigeria records 9% Daily Crude Oil Production Upward Swing in 2018

By Etuka Sunday

N

igeria’s crude oil daily production recorded an upward swing of about 2.09million barrels in outgone 2018, translating to a 9 per cent increment, compared with the 2017 average daily production of 1.86million barrels.

Pitched against the low-level daily crude oil production in 2016 and what obtains now, Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) Group Managing Director, Dr. Maikanti Baru, said the nation had maintained a line of consistent year-on-year improvement.

For the crude oil increment and other milestones recorded by NNPC in the outgone 2018, Dr. Baru, who made the submission in a comprehensive end of year message to staff of the corporation, touted the new business models his team has emplaced in the national oil company’s old and new business entitles as raison d’être for the giant strides.

A release in Abuja by NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs Division, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, said the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), Nigerian Gas Company (NGC), Petroleum Products Marketing Company (PPMC), Duke Oil, NIDAS and Integrated Data Services Limited (IDSL), were among the re-engineered companies listed by the NNPC GMD in his statement.

Ughamadu said Dr. Baru singled out NPDC, the corporation’s Upstream flagship company, as the major contributor to the Industry’s success story in 2018, expressing enthusiasm on the 52 per cent daily crude oil production growth by the company vis-à-vis its 2017 performance.

Dr. Baru in the end-of-year statement explained that the average production from NPDC’s operated assets alone grew from an average of 108,000 of oil per day (bod) in 2017 to 165,000bod in 2018, describing the feat as the strongest production growth within the Oil Industry in recent times, even as he added that it was worth being celebrated.

The GMD said NPDC’s equity production share which stands at 172,000bod, representing about 8 per cent of national daily production, was no less impressive, saying the desired results are outcomes of initiatives his Management team emplaced, among which, he noted, are the Asset Management Tea (AMT) structure, Strategic Financing, Units Autonomy and security architecture framework.

Of the Industry milestones in the outgone year, Dr. Baru described the 200,000bop addition which the

Egina Floating Production Storage and Offloading (FPSO), completed and sailed away to location in August last year, added to nation’s daily production, even as he disclosed that the project achieved First Oil at 11.20pm on 29th December, 2018.

In end-of-year statement, the release by the NNPC spokesman stated the NNPC GMD relayed to staff, a save of $1.7billion dollars by NNPC, with corporation’s Joint Venture (JV) partners over a five-year tenor repayment plan, saying already the corporation has defrayed $1.5billion of the arrears.

Dr. Baru made the promise that NNPC would stick to the Repayment Agreement with the JV Partners while transiting to self-funding IJV modes with the corporations partners, saying that tiding up the Cash Call issues has led to increased commitment and enthusiasm to invest in Nigerian Oil and Gas Industry even as it has also boosted NNPC’s credit profile internationally.

Dr. Baru concluded the achievements of NNPC in the Upstream sector by listing other milestones achieved by his team to include: reduction in contracting cycle for Upstream Operations to nine months from an average of 24, even as the corporation targets a six months cycle; lowering of production cost from $27/ barrel to $22/barrel; and improving on the security situation in the Niger Delta through constructive engagement and dialogue with relevant stakeholders.

Dr. Baru revealed that in the frontier basins, NNPC has intensified explorations activities in the Benue Trough, with the expected spudding of Kolmani River Well 2 on 19thJanuary, 2019.

He explained that activities would resume in the Chad Basin as soon as there is a greenlight on the security situation in the enclave.

In the Midstream, the NNPC GMD stated that in 2018, Nigeria achieved an average national daily gas production of 7.90bscf, translating to 3 per cent above the 2017 average daily gas production of 7.67bscf.

He said out of the 7.90bscf produced in 2018, an average of 3.32bscfd (42%) was supplied to the Export market, 2.5bscfd (32%) for Reinjection/Fuel Gas, 1.3bscfd (16%) was supplied to the domestic market and about 783mmscfd (10%) was flared.

The GMD stated that out of the 1.3bscfd supplied to the domestic market, an average of 71mmscfd went to the Power Sector, while 470mmscfd was supplied to the Industries and the balance of 69mmscf delivered to the West African Market through the West African Gas Pipeline (WAGP).

Fresh tomatoes display for sale at Wuse Market, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Dr. Baru said NNPC would bridge the medium-term domestic gas supply deficit by 2020 through the corporation’s Seven Critical Gas Development Projects (&CGDPS), adding that a reputable Project Management consulting firm is collaborating with an NNPC team to achieve accelerated implementation of the projects.

He assured that full implementation of the project would boost domestic gas supply from about 1.5bscf/d to 5bscf/d by 2020, with a corresponding 500 per cent increase in power generation and stimulation of gas-based industrialization.

Dr. Baru said all existing power plants in the country now had a permanent gas supply pipeline infrastructure, even as he stressed that the corporation would continue to expand and integrate its gas pipeline network system to meet increasing domestic gas demand.

He listed key gas pipeline infrastructure projects on which, he noted, significant progress had been made in their execution to include: Escravos-Lagos Pipeline System (ELPS II), Obiafu/Obrikom-Oben (OB3), OdidiWarri Expansion Pipeline (OWEP), Trans Nigeria Pipeline Project (TNGP) – Ajaokuta-Kaduan-Kano (AKK) Pipeline, Trans Nigeria Pipeline Project (TNGP) and Nigeria-Morocco Gas Pipeline (NGMP) Project.

In the Midstream Refinery Subsector, Dr. Baru regretted that the nation’s three refineries had not undergone Turn Around Maintenance (TAM) for an aggregate of 42 years combined.

Despite the challenge, he explained that major rehabilitation works were carried out in all the three refineries, saying, WRPC has its Distribution Control

System (DCS) successfully upgraded, PHRC had major interventions in Fluid Catalytic Cracking Unit (FCCU) and Power Plant Unit (PPU) fixed, while KRPC was undergoing major repairs of its FCCU, Catalytic Reforming Unit (CRU) and Crude Distillation Unit 2 (CDU2).

He noted that efforts were afoot to get the original builders of the refineries to carry out TAM on them after securing favourable private funding for the exercise.

In the Downstream Sector, Dr. Baru noted that even though 2018 was riddled with some supply shortages, he was delighted that the corporation rose to the occasion with the support of President Muhammadu Buhari and the resilience and hard work of NNPC staff, saying as at today, there is fuel availability in the nook and cranny of the country. “…It gladdens my heart to hear the positive comments made by motorists and filling-station owners during my routine checks on some filling stations at the eve of Chrismas”, Dr. Baru stated.

The GMD disclosed that NNPC imported a total of 15,874,734.82 MT of Premium Motor Spirit (PMS) otherwise called petrol through the DSDP and the NFSF arrangement in 2018, representing 62% increase over the 2017 supplies of 9,807,264.61MT, saying that as at today, the national oil company has 2.98 Billion litres, equivalent to over 59 days sufficiency at 50 Million litres daily evacuation rate.

Dr. said the corporation’s depots had been resuscitated and put to use through decanting of over 140 Million litres of PMS nationwide, explaining that systems 2B and 2E pipelines supplying

petroleum products to South West, SouthSouth and South East Regions have been resuscitated.

GMD assured that NNPC was on track in respect of the corporation’s Twelve (12) key Business Focus Areas (BUFA), and the vision of President Buhari to improving the status of oil and gas infrastructure through ensuring products availability to support national economic recovery and growth.

He lauded the contribution of the corporation’s Downstream outfit, NNPC retail, saying it played a significant role in ensuring continuous supply of petroleum products to Nigerians through its Mega, Affiliates and Leased stations.

Dr. Baru touted the company’s sale of 1.2 billion litres of petroleum products in 2018 as against 1.1 billion litres in 2017, representing a 7% increase.

He said the feat was achieved through an addition of 40 new Affiliate and Leased stations, which he said, brought the company’s network to 618 stations nationwide.

He enthused NNPC Retail had transformed from loss making to profitability.

“We are currently planning for a better performance and achievement in 2019 especially with the continuous innovations and creativity in the downstream sector and the performance bond signed by all the relevant heads of our operating units.

Continuous improvement as one of the principles of World Class Organizations is going to remain our key word in 2019.

2018 was empirically better than 2017, we believe, plan and strive to achieve a better performance come 2019, by God’s Grace”, Dr. Baru concluded in his end-of-year statement.

NGO commends Dana Air on efficient service delivery From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

A

Non Governmental Organisation, the Royal Circle of Friends International RCFI has commended Nigeria domestic carrier, Dana Air for it efficiency and on-time performance across the airline’s destinations in the country.

RCFI, at a Cultural and Award ceremony held in Uyo, the Akwa Ibom state capital described the airline as among individuals and companies that have contributed to the development

of the state and have also impacted it positively with their services and activities.

Presenting a certificate and award to Dana Air, President of the Uyo branch of RCFI, Royal Uduak Okokon JP said, ‘as part of our yearly rituals of always meeting to review our score card, the Royals present you this certificate and award as the Best Airline of the Year 2018.

This is in recognition of your efficient customer service, good customer relations, passenger

handling, and timely day–to-day flight operations which has been observed over time to be in strict compliance with the International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) and International Air Transport Association (IATA).’’

Dana Air Uyo Station Manager, Ms Anthonia Aneke said ‘Dana Air will continue to do its best to offer excellent services and safe flight operations in accordance with standard and recommended practices.’’

She said “ the people of Akwa Ibom are time-conscious and despite

the upsurge in traffic across our destinations at the moment, we have maintained our operational efficiency with an excellent on-time performance and amazing customer and in-flight service. This has endeared us to the good people of Akwa Ibom state making us their choice for air travel.’’

Ms Anthonia said ‘Uyo is home to Dana Air considering the number of years we have been flying to the state and our longstanding relationship with the government and good people of Akwa Ibom state speaks volumes.

‘As the official airline of Akwa United and having been the preferred airline of one of the biggest Christmas Carols in the world- The Akwa Ibom Christmas Carol festival, we are committed to only offering the best and we promise not to disappoint.

We thank the good people of the state particularly, the Royal Circle of Friends for this recognition’’ The airline recently extended its multi-million naira sponsorship deal for the state owned club –Akwa united FC.

Page 20

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

METRO

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

Local Drummers entertaining fun seekers, during the New Year Celebration at Millennium Park, yesterday in Abuja.

Page 21

Photo: Mahmud Isa

High expectations as residents observe New Year celebrations

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

here are high expectations among residents of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), as they expressed hope for a better living conditions as the new year entered its second day.

This coming as residents especially christians went about celebrating the successful crossover into 2019, an election year.

A cross section of the residents and fun seekers spoke yesterday in their separate interviews with this reporter on their expectations for the New Year. while many expressed high expectations for improved economic development, a few were not too optimistic about the new year.

A resident, Saint Akinyele, said the season otherwise

called yuletide period, remains a special time in the lives of people, as it offers ample opportunity for sober reflection of their lives and workings of the society.

He noted that at the moment, his expectation in 2019 is to celebrate it in peace and unity, even as forthcoming general elections draw near.

“As we enjoy the dawn of a new year, we should maintain peace in our various environment and avoid violence.

In fact, the government is doing a lot to safe guard the society, so we just need to contribute our quota.

“Yuletide season is a period of celebrations, so as residents, we should try and maintain high hopes as we show love to one another irrespective of our religious or political affiliations.

“And as we approach the

general elections, our hope for a better life is getting very close to being actualised,” he stressed.

For one Mrs Laraba Musa, this year is a special one because of the forthcoming elections, which presents Nigerians with the opportunity to better the chances of meeting their many expectations.

She however cautioned residents especially against getting involved in violence before, during and after the elections.

“We should thank God for sparing our lives to witness another new year, and hope for better days to come,”she stressed.

Similarly, another resident, Josiah Ike said: “My expectation is that as a people we will keep celebrating the new year peacefully just like the previous ones.

“For me, security agencies are doing their best to see that no one will involve him/herself in any form of violence. I’m highly hopeful that this year will be exciting period especially for the masses.

“I’m excited to usher in the new year, which promises to be a busy and decisive time for Nigerians, because of the opportunity to participate in the forthcoming elections next month.

“Although, during Christmas I had to travel to the village, but I returned to the nation’s capital city on New Year’s Eve, just to celebrate 2019 with family and friends in the city.

“I’m very delighted to witness entry into this new year as it is going to be one of it’s kind.

Prior to this period, I had made proper arrangements towards this great celebration.

“I was able to participate in a crossover service in my church, and afterwards, I joined friends for outdoor funfilled activities and merriment, as a way of be celebrating the new year.

“I have equally set aside money for some other things like foodstuffs, school fees and transportation for my family and I throughout the first quarter of the year. And I expect other residents to do same,” he explained.

Also, another resident at a recreational spot in the city, James Ike, say: “I must celebrate New year to the very last.I pray for it to be free of violence and economic hardship.

“We had peace during this festive period. So, I enjoined everyone to be hopeful, even as ask the government to do the needful, in order to better the society.”

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

Page 22

world news

T

he US space agency’s New Horizons probe has made contact with Earth to confirm its successful flyby of the icy world known as Ultima Thule.

The encounter occurred some 6.5bn km (4bn miles) away, making it the most distant ever exploration of an object in our Solar System.

New Horizons acquired gigabytes of photos and other observations during the pass.

It will now send these home over the coming months.

The radio message from the robotic craft was picked up by one of Nasa’s big antennas, in Madrid, Spain.

It had taken fully six hours and eight minutes to traverse the great expanse of space between Ultima and Earth.

Controllers at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory in Maryland greeted the reception of the signal with cheers and applause.

“We have a healthy spacecraft,” announced Mission Operations Manager Alice Bowman.

“We’ve just accomplished the most distant flyby.”

This first radio message contained only engineering information on the status of the spacecraft, but it also confirmed that New Horizons executed its autonomous flyby observations correctly and that the probe’s onboard memory was full of data.

A later downlink on Tuesday will see some choice images returned to give scientists and the public a taster of what New Horizons saw through its cameras.

Ultima is in what’s termed the Kuiper belt - the band of frozen material that orbits the Sun more than 2 billion km further out than the eighth of the classical planets, Neptune; and 1.5 billion km beyond even the dwarf planet Pluto which New Horizons visited in 2015.

It’s estimated there are hundreds of thousands of Kuiper members like Ultima, and their frigid state almost certainly holds clues to the formation conditions of the Solar System 4.6 billion years ago.

The vast separation between New Horizons and Earth, coupled with the probe’s small, 15-watt

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

New Horizons: Nasa probe survives flyby of Ultima Thule

A good, clear signal was picked up by the radio antenna system in Spain transmitter, mean data rates are glacial, however.

They top out at 1 kilobit per second. To retrieve all of the imagery stored on the probe is therefore expected to take until September 2020.

What’s so special about the Kuiper belt?

Several factors make Ultima Thule, and the domain in which it moves, so interesting to scientists.

One is that the Sun is so dim in this region that temperatures are down near 30-40 degrees above absolute zero. As a result, chemical reactions have essentially stalled. This means Ultima is in such a deep freeze that it is probably perfectly preserved in the state in which it formed.

Another factor is that Ultima is small (about 30km across), and this means it doesn’t have the type of “geological engine” that in larger objects

will rework their composition.

And a third factor is just the nature of the environment. It’s very sedate in the Kuiper belt.

Unlike in the inner Solar System, there are probably very few collisions between objects. The Kuiper belt hasn’t been stirred up.

New Horizons’ chief scientist Alan Stern says: “Everything that we’re going to learn about Ultima - from its composition to its geology, to how it was originally assembled, whether it has satellites and an atmosphere, and that kind of thing - is going to teach us about the original formation conditions in the Solar System that all the other objects we’ve gone out and orbited, flown by and landed on can’t tell us because they’re either large and evolve, or they are warm. Ultima is unique.”

What does New Horizons do next?

The team working on the probe is going ask Nasa to fund a further extension to the mission.

The hope is that the course of the spacecraft can be altered slightly to visit at least one more Kuiper belt object sometime in the next decade.

New Horizons should have just enough fuel reserves to be able to do this. Critically, it should also have sufficient electrical reserves to keep operating its instruments into the 2030s.

The longevity of New Horizon’s plutonium battery may even allow it to record its exit from the Solar System.

The two 1970s Voyager missions have both now left the heliosphere - the bubble of gas blown off our Sun (one definition of the Solar System’s domain). Voyager 2 only recently did it, in November.

This occurred at a distance of 18 billion km from the Sun. New Horizons’ power system could probably run to about 15 billion km, said Prof Stern.

“That’s less than the Voyagers’ distance but the interesting game is that the heliosphere breathes in and out by tens of astronomical units because of the solar cycle,” he explained.

“No-one is good enough at predicting the solar cycle to tell you where the edge of the heliosphere will be in the mid-late 2030s when we go powercritical.”

And in case you were wondering, New Horizons will never match the Voyagers in terms of distance travelled from Earth. Although New Horizons was the fastest spacecraft ever launched in 2006, it continues to lose ground to the older missions. The reason: the Voyagers got a gravitational speed boost when they passed the outer planets. Voyager-1 is now moving at almost 17km/s; New Horizons is moving at 14km/s.

Jair Bolsonaro: Far-right president takes office in Brazil

A

far-right former army captain has been sworn in as Brazil’s new president in the capital Brasilia.

Jair Bolsonaro, 63, won the presidential election by a wide margin against Fernando Haddad of the left-wing Workers’ Party on 28 October.

Mr Bolsonaro was propelled to victory by his campaign promises to curb Brazil’s rampant corruption and crime.

But he has proven a deeply divisive figure whose racist, homophobic and misogynistic remarks have angered many.

On a day filled with pageant, he travelled from Brasilia Cathedral to Congress in an opentop vintage Rolls Royce escorted by cavalry on white horses and jogging security guards, as crowds of supporters cheered.

“I came here just for the inauguration,” supporter Antonio Vendramin told AFP news agency.

“I made a lot of money and saved money to buy the ticket, to be able to buy the plane ticket because it’s a long way to come by car but we managed to make it all the way to be here on this day for President Bolsonaro’s inauguration. We’re full of pride.”

Secretary of State Mike Pompeo is representing the US at the inauguration, and Prime Minister Benjamin Netanyahu is there for Israel. Hungary’s Prime Minister Viktor Orban is the only leader from the European Union due to attend.

Mr Bolsonaro has been scathing in his criticism of the left-wing governments of

Mr Bolsonaro arrived at Congress with his wife Michelle Cuba, Nicaragua and Venezuela, and cancelled invitations to their leaders.

Who is he?

Despite portraying himself as a political outsider during his campaign, Mr Bolsonaro served seven terms in Brazil’s lower house of Congress, the Chamber of Deputies, before being elected president.

He has been a member of several political parties but is currently in the Social Liberal Party (PSL), which has grown from having a tiny presence in Congress to becoming the party with the second largest number of deputies in the lower house.

Before becoming a politician, Mr Bolsonaro served in Brazil’s military, where he was a paratrooper and rose to the rank of captain.

During the election race in September, he was stabbed by a knifeman at a rally and seriously injured, taking more than a month to recover.

How close are his ties to the military?

Very. During his time as a lawmaker, Mr Bolsonaro represented the interests of the armed forces and since his election he has named seven former military men to key ministries.

He has also expressed nostalgia for the time when Brazil was under military rule and the hard-line policies enforced during the period in which thousands were jailed and tortured.

He has praised that era as a “glorious period” in Brazil’s history.

Why has his election caused such a stir?

Brazil only returned to democracy in 1985 after more than 20 years under military rule and some critics see his election as a threat to the country’s democracy.

Since being elected, Mr Bolsonaro has repeatedly stated that he he is committed to democracy and that he will abide by Brazil’s constitution.

But previous comments he has made endorsing the use of torture and disparaging women, gay people and Afro-Brazilians have left many Brazilians worried.

Media cap The election campaign which brought him to power has left the country deeply divided into those who see him as the man to put Brazil on to the right track after massive corruption scandals rocked the country and those who fear he could lead Brazil into an authoritarian future.

What are his key policies?

Mr Bolsonaro’s key campaign promises were to drive down crime and to stamp out corruption, which has seen scores of top businessmen and high-ranking politicians, including former President Luiz Inácio Lula da Silva, In order to achieve the former, he wants to loosen laws on gun ownership so that “honest citizens” can carry arms and “protect themselves”.

On Saturday, he tweeted that he would issue a decree to allow citizens who do not have a criminal record to own guns. BBC NEW

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

Page 23

N e w s F r o m A f r i c a Beyoncé, Bashir and Big Brother to dominate 2019

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n our series of letters from African journalists, media and communications trainer Joseph Warungu writes about what he will be looking out for in 2019.

After consistently losing out in football bets last year, I have little confidence in predicting anything for 2019 beyond the fact that the sun will rise and set in Africa.

But this much I know without a shadow of doubt: Africa in the coming year will be focused on the beast, the ballot and Big Brother.

The African version of the famous reality TV show, which started 16 years ago in South Africa, will be launched in Sierra Leone in 2019.

And it is promising to be big. Already 2,000 application forms for Big Brother Sierra Leone have been sold.

With a top prize of about $12,000 (£9,400) and the chance to be really famous, it is already the talk of the town, following the success of Big Sister last year, the country’s first-ever reality TV show.

Africa Cup of Nations For six weeks starting in February, Sierra Leonean TV viewers will be pinned to their seats watching 20 men and women stuck in a house, with nowhere to go and nothing much to do.

What Sierra Leoneans will sorely miss are their 11 men fighting to become African football champions.

The world football governing body, Fifa, disqualified the West African state from the 2019 Africa Cup of Nations campaign due to government interference in the national football association.

Ghana and Kenya were the beneficiaries of Sierra Leone’s exit from Group F. For the first time, the tournament will shift from its traditional January and February slot to June and July. The number of teams will also rise from 16 to 24.

Pressure mounts on Sudan’s leader My money will be on one country that has qualified for the finals for the first time in 15 years.

It is Kenya. The East African state produces people who are very good at running. In Africa’s premiere football tournament, the challenge will be for the Harambee Stars to run well with the ball.

If they are kicked out, they could always find consolation in the other major sporting event on the continent in 2019 - the All Africa Games.

It takes place in Morocco from August and will also serve as an Olympic qualifier for 2020, the games taking place in Tokyo, where temperatures will be hot.

In Sudan it’s the bread that’s proving too hot to handle.

Its price rose from 2 to 3 Sudanese pounds about two weeks ago, triggering protests in the capital, Khartoum, and other parts of the country.

The protests about the rising cost of living quickly turned into demands for President Omar al-Bashir to resign.

Big election in Nigeria and South Africa But the ruling party has other plans.

It has called for an amendment to the constitution so that he can contest the 2020 election.

The current constitution bars Mr Bashir - who took power in a coup in

He says he is the real Buhari, and will be asking Nigerians to vote him back into power in February.

Mr Buhari is among several African presidents who will be fighting to remain in power in elections in 2019.

In South Africa, Cyril Ramaphosa, who inherited the political crown from the scandal-hit Jacob Zuma, will lead the governing African National Congress (ANC) in its bid to extend its 25-year rule.

Beyoncé will voice the role of lioness Nala in the remake of Disney’s The Lion King

Kenyan fans are hoping their team will perform well in Africa’s biggest football tournament

Sudan has been hit by a wave of protests to demand the president’s resignation 1989 - from seeking re-election.

His future is bound to heat up the political oven in Sudan in the coming year.

Early last month, President Muhamadu Buhari denied rumours spread by his critics that he had died and was replaced by a Sudanese impostor.

‘Not scared of ghosts’ Although few expect the ANC to lose, it may not be an easy fight as its reputation has been damaged by corruption, high levels of unemployment, and the slow pace of land reform - an issue which is bound to raise emotions ahead of elections.

The ANC has promised to amend the constitution so that it will be easier to expropriate white-owned farms without compensation, but its opponents to the right of the political spectrum have vowed to resist the plan.

In Malawi President Peter Mutharika will be battling a strong opposition which hopes that voters fed up with electricity blackouts, drug shortages and corruption will propel them to power.

The fact that Mr Mutharika is running for office again means he has not been put off by stories that the presidential mansion, Kamuzu Palace, is haunted.

Ghosts were alleged to have tormented a former president who called in clergymen to “exorcise evil spirits” from the palace, named after Malawi’s founding leader, the late Hastings Kamuzu Banda.

Mr Mutharika’s only torment will be the ballot box in 2019.

Disney in trademark row In countries like Zambia and Kenya, government critics fear a nightmare of a different kind - being more and more in debt to China.

With signs of the Chinese currency, the yuan, visible all around them through the building of infrastructure projects, they want to know exactly how much is owed and how will the loans be repaid.

Some worry that the love affair between Africa and China will have an unhappy ending.

Meanwhile, Africa’s biggest film festival, Fespaco, will mark its 50th anniversary in February in Burkina Faso.

Although it is a very important platform for African filmmakers and brings together hundreds of thousands of participants, critics of the festival argue that it needs some changes, including greater transparency in its film selection criteria.

And still on films, a word about that beast in the jungle known as Simba.

The world will be waiting for the remake of The Lion King.

The Disney movie, scheduled to be released in mid-2019 and whose big stars include Beyoncé, Donald Glover and Chiwetel Ejiofor, will find an African audience that has not been too happy after the company trademarked the phrase “Hakuna Matata”, which means “no problem” in the Swahili language spoken across East Africa.

So might Disney now also trademark Smba, which is Swahili for “lion”?

I anticipate roars of protest.

Happy 2019!

Source: BBC

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

Yemen war: WFP accuses Houthi rebels of diverting food aid

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he World Food Programme has demanded Yemen’s rebel Houthi movement stops diverting desperately needed food aid from people in areas under its control.

A survey by the UN agency said people in the capital Sanaa had not received rations to which they were entitled.

The WFP said lorries were illegally removing food from distribution areas, with rations sold on the open market or given to those not entitled to it.

There was no response from the Houthis, but they have denied diverting aid.

The UN says some 20 million Yemenis are food insecure and that 10 million of them do not know how they will obtain their next meal.

Yemen has been devastated by a conflict that escalated in 2015, when a Saudi-led coalition intervened after the Houthis seized control of much of the west of the country and forced President Abdrabbuh Mansour Hadi to flee abroad.

At least 6,800 civilians have been killed and 10,700 injured in the fighting, according to the UN. Thousands more civilians have died from preventable causes, including malnutrition, disease and poor health.

The WFP said the misappropriation of aid came to light in a review conducted in recent months, prompted by an increasing number of reports of humanitarian food for sale on the open market in Sanaa.

Checks unearthed fraud being perpetrated by at least one local partner organisation tasked with handling and distributing food assistance, according to the agency. The local organisation is affiliated with the Houthi-run education ministry.

Media captionYemeni children rummage through rubbish for food “This conduct amounts to the stealing of food from the mouths of hungry people,”

Ten million Yemenis do not know how they will obtain their next meal

The Houthi rebel movement took full control of the capital Sanaa in 2015 said WFP Executive Director David Beasley

in a statement.

“At a time when children are dying in Yemen because they haven’t enough food to eat, that is an outrage. This criminal behaviour must stop immediately.”

The WFP said its monitors had amassed photographic and other evidence of lorries illicitly removing food from designated food distribution centres.

They also found that the selection of beneficiaries was being manipulated by local officials and that food distribution records were being falsified.

Some food relief was being given to people not entitled to it and some was being sold for gain at markets in the capital, according to the WFP. Mr Beasley warned the Houthi authorities in Sanaa that unless they took immediate action to end the diversion of aid the WFP would “have no option but to cease working with those who have been conspiring to deprive large numbers of vulnerable people of the food on which they depend”.

Earlier on Monday, the Associated Press reported that factions and militias on all sides of the conflict had blocked food aid from going to groups suspected of disloyalty, diverted it to combat units or sold it for profit.

On 13 December, the rebels and Yemen’s government agreed to a UNbrokered ceasefire in the key Red Sea port and city of Hudaydah, which is crucial for the delivery of aid supplies.

On Saturday, the Houthis said it had withdrawn its fighters from the port and handed over control to the coast guard.

But UN spokesman Stephane Dujarric questioned the claim, saying such steps could only be credible if all other parties could observe and verify them.

Mr Dujarric also said the Houthis had failed to honour an agreement to open a humanitarian corridor along the Hudaydah-Sanaa highway by Sunday as agreed.

Kim Jong-un warns of change in direction on denuclearisation

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orth Korean leader Kim Jongun has said he is committed to denuclearisation, but warned he will change course if the US continues its sanctions.

He made the remarks during his closelywatched annual New Year’s address.

Last year’s speech set the country on an unprecedented path of international diplomacy with South Korea and the US. Mr Kim met US President Donald Trump to discuss denuclearisation in June 2018 but with few results so far.

Last year’s rapprochement came after a turbulent 2017 marked by North Korea testing missiles that could reach the US mainland and an escalation in rhetoric between Pyongyang and Washington with both sides trading insults and threats of nuclear destruction.

The annual New Year’s address is a tradition Mr Kim picked up from his grandfather, Kim Il-sung, founder of the communist country.

The speech is aimed primarily at a domestic audience and, as in previous years, focused largely on the economy - but international observers scan every line for clues to Pyongyang’s international agenda as well.

In this year’s speech, broadcast on state television early on Tuesday, Mr Kim said, “if the US does not keep its promise made in front of the whole world... and insists on sanctions and pressures on our republic, we may be left with no choice but to consider a new way to safeguard our sovereignty and

This was a historic moment in June, but Kim and Trump have grown further apart since interests”.

The BBC’s Laura Bicker in Seoul says this could mean that North Korea is waiting for the US to act in 2019 and unless it does, the current pause on nuclear weapons testing could be over.

North Korea is subject to various sets of United Nations Security Council sanctions related to its banned nuclear and ballistic missile weapons programmes.

Mr Kim said that North Korea had already pledged not to make, use or spread nuclear weapons and had taken concrete

steps to implement this.

He also said he was ready to meet Mr Trump again at any time.

“The tone was what many had expected,” Oliver Hotham of news site NK News, told the BBC. “In all, a speech that boosts his standing at home on key issues while sending a conciliatory but firm message to the US, all the while continuing to woo Seoul with the prospects of renewed cooperation.”

It was in last year’s New Year’s message that Mr Kim announced North Korea would

take part in the Winter Olympics hosted by the South, which led to a thaw in relations.

After a flurry of diplomatic activity, in April Kim Jong-un met South Korean President Moon Jae-in for a summit at the inter-Korean border.

They met twice more after that, but the most historic summit of 2018 was the North Korean leader’s meeting with US President Donald Trump in Singapore in June.

In the first meeting between a North Korean leader and a sitting US president, the two signed a vaguely-phrased agreement to improve ties and work towards denuclearisation.

Since the Trump-Kim summit though, less progress has been made than at least optimists had been hoping for.

While the North has stopped missile and nuclear testing, there’s been little indication that Pyongyang is working towards complete and verifiable denuclearisation as the US has called upon it to do.

The North has dismantled some testing facilities but there are allegations it is continuing its weapons programme.

President Trump has said he expects a second summit to take place as early as February, but there has been no confirmation yet.

There are also plans for Kim Jong-un to travel to the South’s capital Seoul for another inter-Korean summit but again, those plans have not been confirmed yet.

Source: BBC

Strange World

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, january 2, 2019

25

When tattoo removal goes WRONG: Customers share horrifying images of their skin ‘blistered and burning’ after laser treatment

Ms Gordon said: ‘The blisters popped and it went into holes. There was gunk coming out’

John Westby shared an image of his ‘burns’ around a love heart on his arm tattoo after one session of treatment. He said he paid £35 but it was hard-earned money By Vanessa Chalmers Health Reporter For Mailonline

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ustomers who were treated for laser tattoo removal by the same business have shared their horrifying photos of when the procedure went wrong.

Toni Gordon, John Westby, Bee Clark and Paul Ellis were treated by Invisible Ink Mcr, a tattoo removal business in Manchester.

They claim to have experienced blistering and burning sensations, after paying as little as £35 and up to £400 for the treatment.

But the tattooist who removed all of their inkings, Steven Anthony Prophet, said he is ‘safe’ and the reactions are normal.

There is no licensing regime or specific legislation dealing with the use of lasers for the removal of tattoos.

Mr Prophet began treating people in June this year after setting up his business on Facebook.

He has since closed his operation down, and is trying to get the money together to

refund the angry customers.

Toni Gordon, from West Didsbury, paid £230 to remove two tattoos on her hands ahead of a wedding she was attending. She said: ‘I expected it to hurt and it was stinging afterwards. It was the next day when it started to blister - I thought maybe that’s not what it’s supposed to do.

‘It just got worse and worse. The blisters popped and it went into holes. There was gunk coming out.

‘I was ready to go to the doctor - my partner wanted me to but I think I was just embarrassed because it was him who paid for it.

‘I didn’t have any other symptoms so I ended up going to the chemist and buying dressing and cream.’

Ms Gordon’s blistering began to heal although she believes she will be left with permanent scarring. John Westby, 26, shared an image of his ‘burns’ around a love heart on his arm tattoo after one session of treatment.

He said: ‘This is what he did to my arm but it was worse than that, as this was when I spotted it.

Toni Gordon, from West Didsbury, paid £230 at Invisible Ink Mcr to remove two tattoos on her hands ahead of a wedding she was attending. Pictured, after the treatment ‘As you can see, where the holes are and the love heart, I didn’t want touching as me and the missus have matching ones and I wasn’t happy at all.

‘I know I only paid 35 quid but that’s not the point I work hard for that money and spent it on my arm to get this tattoo lasered.’

Another customer, Bee Clark, shared images of the blistering on her arms that she paid £175 to have three sessions on.

She said: ‘It was painful and now it’s in a bit of a mess. I’m waiting to speak to a specialist because I have psoriasis anyway.

‘I would say if you’re thinking about laser tattoo removal, make sure they are professional and qualified.’

Paul Ellis paid £400 for ‘as many sessions as required’ for two tattoos to be removed - one on each arm around the bicep area.

He said the first session left him ‘blistered and burnt’ and took six weeks to heal.

Mr Ellis assumed this was normal for the process, although he claimed there were no medical questions asked before he had the treatment.

Mr Prophet said he treated some people while working at a premises but mostly operated as a mobile business.

He insisted he completed a day’s training course with professionals and further training online prior to using the laser machine.

Asked about the images of Ms Gordon’s arm, he said this was a result of her not carrying out proper aftercare.

He said: ‘Blistering is 100 per cent normal. You have to keep the area clean and keep it moisturised - it’s your own personal hygiene.

‘I’ve got a whole lot of happy customers, it’s only a small minority [who are making complaints].

‘Everybody blisters, people react to it differently. Every time I go to a house I would always ask if there’s any health issues I need to be aware of. I

am safe.’

Mr Prophet concedes that he has been forced to close partly due to the images shared by unhappy customers.

He said: ‘I fully accept some people want refunds. Anyone who wants a refund, or to continue their treatment, I will do that.

‘I’m trying my very best to raise funds, I’ve already tried to get a loan. I’m not hiding, far from it.’

Tattoos were once considered permanent, but advances in ‘Q-switched lasers’ led to complete or partial removal becoming possible in the 1990s.

The industry is now a fast-growing market, and a recent survey by the British Association of Dermatologists found as many as one in three people now regret a tattoo and would like to have it removed.

The laser works by breaking down the ink particles and allowing them to be absorbed by the body’s natural healing system.

Depending on the size and complexity of a tattoo, it can take between six to ten sessions to be completely removed.

In the UK, private clinics charge about £150 a session to remove a small tattoo and up to £800 for a larger one.

Experts say the procedure isn’t gentle, regardless of which laser system is used, and you should expect some degree of scarring.

Officers at Trading Standards are now assessing if there has been any wrongdoing by Mr Prophet.

The Health and Safety At Work Act does apply if the work was carried out in a premises as businesses have a duty to ensure that customers do not face unacceptable risks resulting from their work activity.

If the work was taking place in a domestic premises then the enforcement responsibility would be the Health and Safety Executive.

The NHS advise to take time ‘to find a reputable practitioner who practices in a clean, safe and appropriate environment’.

Councillor Rabnawaz Akbar, Executive Member for Neighbourhoods, said: ‘Individuals who practise laser tattoo removal are obliged to adhere to the Health and Safety at Work Act and must ensure their customers do not face unacceptable risks as a result of their work.

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, january 2, 2019,

26

Feature

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICE

Why wealthy sports stars get passionate about charity

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ew year, new ideas, time to broaden your horizons? For sporting stars, this might involve participating in a high-profile charitable campaign. After all, nothing announces your arrival as a sporting legend quite like attaching your name to a good cause.

Former top footballers such as David Beckham and Didier Drogba have been involved in widely publicised ventures in Africa, while boxer Tyson Fury recently vowed to donate his substantial purse from the Deontay Wilder fight to the homeless.

“When I go home I’m going to build some homes for the homeless and set up some funds for drug addicts and alcoholics,” he said in the US last month.

Others, such as athlete Dame Kelly Holmes, have established their own foundation or fund, to assist chosen causes such as social inclusion or literacy.

Indeed in the modern world it is hard to find a sporting celebrity - from Cristiano Ronaldo to Serena Williams - who has not dipped into their resources of money or time for charitable causes.

The former has helped earthquake victims and the latter has help establish educational centres in east Africa, among their varied philanthropic ventures.

What’s the motivation?

But why would high-earning and highprofile sporting names who seem to have it all - jet-set lifestyles, adulation and huge material wealth - choose to get involved with altruistic initiatives?

Are they merely PR and brandbuilding exercises, a means of countering public perceptions that sportspeople are pampered and overpaid?

Prof Jen Shang is a philanthropic psychologist at Plymouth University, and says that the reasons for getting involved can be complex, and are not usually driven by cynical concerns such as monetary gains or fame.

“Looking at philanthropy in sport, and other professions, one may start out in one’s career being motivated by external factors such as money or honours. But after a period of time it is unlikely that people are motivated so much by external rewards, and more by internal drives,” she says.

“Top sportspeople might say to themselves, ‘I am achieving so much in my regular role, I would like to branch out and see what is out there in the wider world.’

“And when they become involved in philanthropy, they then find the same sense of reward that they experienced when they started their careers.”

‘Wellbeing’ Prof Shang adds: “The reason people choose to give money to a cause that is not materially benefitting them is because it is meeting some need.

“By ‘need’, in my research I use the definition of psychological wellbeing. One’s philanthropy can make a major difference, not just to others but to one’s self.”

Prof Shang says that, if they so desire, sportspeople can eventually become “fluent in philanthropy” by using skills learned in their sporting careers - attributes such as risk management, business management and people skills.

She adds: “They are faced by challenges they would not get in their normal environment. Often they have to provide money, time and a lot of tenacity if they are to make their ventures sustainable.

“Problems can be more complex, which

is why they often need time and space to develop their philanthropic identities.”

James Milner officially launched his charitable foundation in the 201112 season, and since then has donated around half a million pounds to charitable causes including leukaemia organisation Bloodwise, the NSPCC and Help For Heroes.

Two recent high-profile events have included a Celtic v Liverpool legends Match for Cancer at Celtic Park in front of 20,000 fans, and the foundation’s annual ball, attending by Liverpool teammates and manager Jurgen Klopp.

Some £170,000 was raised at each event.

“He is fairly quiet and not usually in the news, but it is good to see him now getting some recognition as a model professional and highly respected player,” says PFA players’ union official John Hudson, a trustee of the player’s foundation.

“Off the pitch he has been a massive advocate for putting something back.

James has been really passionate about wanting to go along this road.”

‘Sustained commitment’ Footballers can often set up charities as an after-thought to a benefit year, or as a way of attempting to manage the many charitable requests put to them by different causes.

“I get a lot of calls from agents saying, ‘My player wants to set up a charity,’” says John Hudson, director of corporate social responsibility at footballers’ union the PFA. “I tell them to get the player to call me, and that it is about doing things for the right reason, because you are interested in a cause.”

But as Mr Hudson, who for the past five years has been offering advice to players about charities and wider social responsibility issues, says, it is not something to be done lightly.

“Charitable foundations might not always be the right thing for a player.

Often they don’t realise it involves trustees, company guidelines, Charity Commission guidelines, financial and legal frameworks.

“It is really important that it is set up the right way. We help with funding for players who want to set up a charity, we pay the legal costs to establish the proper regulatory framework.

“If they do want to go ahead I tell them they will need the right people as trustees. There then needs to be sustained commitment. There is nothing worse than a charity that is dormant.”

‘Raising awareness’ He points to charitable organisations that are run by footballers doing good work away from the glare of the spotlight, but which have highly committed backers.

These include the Russell Martin Foundation run by the Walsall player and former Scotland international, and the

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Obele, Glory Nne - CHAIRMAN 2.Dibiah, Golden Nnana - SECRETARY 3.Otu, Nkechi Patience - MEMBER 4.Saloka, Selina Aken - MEMBER 5.Dibiah, Benson Sunny - MEMBER THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To engage in the treatment of diabetic patients in our society.

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

PUBLIC NOTICE

Serena Williams has supported a number of causes including education in Africa

Vouchsafe youth empowerment foundation

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Osuofia Emmanuella Udonna - SECRETARY 2.Osuofia Victor Ifeanyi 3.Ogbuehi Daisy Ihuaku 4.Chukwuma Chukwuemeka Osaro.

5.Osuofia Chinonso Lilian - CHAIRMAN THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.For welfare of members.

2.To encourage youth for education, and to their welfare in general.

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

Juventus star Cristiano Ronaldo has been an ambassador for Save the Children

Former player Jason Roberts assists causes in Grenada and London Jason Roberts Foundation, run by the exGrenada international and West Brom,

“

James Milner officially launched his charitable foundation in the 2011-12 season, and since then has donated around half a million pounds to charitable causes including leukaemia organisation Bloodwise, the NSPCC and Help For Heroes.

PAGE 27

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

Portsmouth and Blackburn star.

The PFA is now working with former Liverpool, Bradford and Bolton player Stephen Darby, whose career was brought to a halt at the age of 29 after being diagnosed with motor neurone disease.

“We are looking to set up a foundation with him, as he wants to raise awareness of the illness,” says Mr Hudson.

“As well as getting the message out there he wants to do something practical, such as raising money for things like specialist physios.”

Source: BBC

PUBLIC NOTICE

EL-GIBBOR CARE FOUNDATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.EZE NONYE IFEYINWA 2.EZE CHINEDU HUMPHREY 3.REV. OWHOR NNEBUCHI ANDERSON FESTUS 4.NWOKEJI IZUCHUKWU EMMANUEL 5.DR (MRS) ONUIGBO FIDELIA NEBECHI 6.OKOLI IFEOMA EMMANUELLA 7.OKONKWO LOVE OZIOMA ESQ. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO PROVIDE ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND EDUCATION TO THE WIDOWS, AGED PEOPLE AND INDIGENT IN RURAL COMMUNITIES IN NIGERIA. TO SAFEGUARD, PROVIDE AND PROMOTE FOR THE WELBEING OF THE VULNERABLE IN THE RURAL AREAS IN NIGERIA. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE THE ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIAN PROFESSIONAL WOMEN IN THE BUILT ENVIRONMENT THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. OYELAMI CLEMENTINA ADERONKE OLATOKUNBO 2. MORADEKE OKUNRINBOYE M. 3. AGUBATA FELICIA NNENNA 4. ADEGBONMIRE CHRISTIANAH OPEYEMI 5. BABAB OLA MORENIKE 6. ADAMA LAMI KAWO 7. NJAR GERTRUDE NNANJAR 8. SIMPLICE YETUNDE ADEBIMPE 9. IYORTYER MERCY TORKWASE 10. ARABA ADEBOLANLE OLUBUNMI THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO ENABLE COLLABORATION AND NETWORKING AS WELL AS PROVIDE OPPORTUNITIES FOR INTERACTION AMONG MEMBERS. 2.TO CREATE A POSITIVE IMAGE OF STRONG, PROGRESSIVE AND MUTUALLY SUPPORTIVE WOMEN COLLABORATION BY DEVELOPING FORWARD THINKING, EFFICIENT POLICIES AND PROGRESSIVE PROCEDURES FOR POSITIVE ACTION SUCH AS DEVELOPING MONITORING AND EVALUATION TOOLS AND SYSTEMS FOR IMPACT MEASUREMENT, AND UPHOLDING MUTAUL RESPECT, SUPPORT AND COOPERATION AMONGST THE PROFESSIONS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_ GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. CHIDI, JONATHAN OSIMRI. 2. OKEBATA, AZUBUIKE AUSTIN 3. ANYAIBE, CHUKWUJINDU ISAH 4. MAURICE NNABUGO 5. BENSON, BERTRAM EMEKA. 6. BENSON, BENJAMIN UCHENNA. 7. NWOSU, DAVID CHIJIOKE 8. ANYAIBE, UCHENNA OBED. 9. NWANEBI, UGOCHUKWU LEONARD THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO PROMOTE PEACE, LOVE AND UNITY AMONG MEMBERS 2. TO PROMOTE THE PROGRESS OF MEMBERS OF THE ASSOCIATION 3. TO ADVANCE THE SECURITY OF MEMBERS’ LIVES AND PROPERTY IN LIASION WITH APPROPRIATE AUTHOURITIES. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

SAINT ENOCK THEOLOGICAL SEMINARY MINISTRY

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.EVANG.ENOCK OLUWADARE AJIBADE 2.BISHOP.CLEMENT ABIFADE 3.REV.EMMANUEL OLAJIDE OLUWADARE 4.PROF.FELIX ADERIBIGBE 5.PROF.JOEL ADEKUNLE ADEGUN THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : --TRUSTEES.

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MUYIWA OLUMILUA FOUNDATION

CENTER FOR AID INFORMATION AND KNOWLEDGE

THE CHURCH FOR RIGHT LEADERSHIP INITIATIVE NIGERIA

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Olumuyiwa Micheal Olumilua- CHAIRMAN 2. Olufunke Omotunde Olumilua - SECRETARY 3. Aramide Michelle Olumilua 4. Prince Abdulsalami Adesegun Ladigbolu THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To contribute towards the realization of UN SDG goals in Nigeria.

2.To synergies with relevant Stake Holders both local and International for a sustainable peace and Developed Society.

3.To act has centre to proffer solutions through programs inline with the nations priorities and aspiration.

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

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Grace Uadia, 2.Luke Ejembi Onu, 3.Obinna chukwuezie.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. REV. (DR.) OKAH SAMSON .C. - PRESIDENT 2. REV. (BARR) OKPEKE GABRIEL- GEN. SECRETARY 3. BISHOP DESMOND IKEH 4. PST. MRS CHINYERE LOVELYN OKAH 5. REV. PRINCE MICHAEL .S. 6. BISHOP SIMEON OGBONNA 7. PROPHET MICAH SALIFU .O. 8. EVANG. LADY QUEEN EZIKE THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. To cater for the welfare of the members.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To provide development related information, to provide capacity building/support to development practioners and organisations, to connect individuals and organisations working in aid sector.

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

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

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THE REGIME OF GOD CHURCH

SALVATION VICTORY CENTRE

KINGS CITY BELIEVERS CHAPEL

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

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1) SPLENDOR IFEOMA NWACHUKWU 2) GOODNESS NWACHUKWU.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. DUNU KEMES ALVAN - CHAIRMAN /SECRETARY 2. KUNUBOH MICHEAL ENEOGIREN 3. BERESIBO BLESSING. 4. OKPUNIPRE EMMANUEL LONDON

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Pastor Tayo Michael Ayorinde 2.Pastor ( Mrs) Abiola Hannah Ayorinde 3.Pastor Ololade David Oladimeji.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To preach the Gospel of Our Lord Jesus.

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

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To preach the gospel of our lord Jesus Christ.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To preach the gospel of Christ.

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

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

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

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LAMB OF LIBERATION MINISTRY INT’L

FRESH OIL GLOBAL IMPACTS CHURCH

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

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

ALPHA AND OMEGA DIVINE SOLUTION FIRE MINISTRY WORLDWIDE

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Aluko Benjamin Adeniran 2. Olufisayo Gbenga Elijah 3. Olufisayo Bolaji Esther

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ADOYE PETER JUNIOR- CHAIRMAN 2. JOSEPH FAVOUR ATIM-SECRETARY 3. MBA OBIAGELI COLLETT-TREASURER.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To preach the Gospel of Jesus Christ.

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

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

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

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INITIATIVE FOR AFRICAN CHILDREN CAC /6/INCT/8183

ZONAEMPIRE FOUNDATION

MOUNTAIN OF RESURRECTION AND DELIVERANCE MINISTRY

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. PROPHET IKECHUKWU PROSPER NWACHUKWU 2. PASTOR MRS. MAUREEN NNAEMEKA NWACHUKWU 3. MR. NWAIGWE CHRIS KELVIN 4. MR. BONNIE EMENIKE NWOSU 5. HON. OKOYE IFEYINWA NASIAH (MRS) THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : C. N UDENGWU ESQ 08039302589.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED ThAT THE ABOVE named has applied to the coperate affairs commision for CHANGE OF ITS TRUSTEES and ammendment of its constitution under part c of the company and allied matters ACT 1990.

Trustees 1 mrs maria Ajiman removed 2 DR WALE OKEDIRAN REMOVED 3 HARUNA RENNY REMOVED 4 IBRAHIM SHEME REMOVED 5 ONUS SUZANNA RETAINED NEW TRUSTEES ARE 1 OKONKWO ANTHONY CHUKWUNWIKE NEWLY APPOINTED 2 OKONKWO SUZANNA EKATA RETAINED Ammended constitution are in line with article 4 section 7D of the constitution the cessation Amendment of article 7 section 14 (1 )( 2) Aims and objectives remain the same Any objection to this APPLICATION should be forwaded to the registra genetral coperate affairs commision plot 420 tigris crescent maitama abuja withing 28 days of this publication Signed: Secretary

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ARINZECHUKWU OBIORA UZOETO - chairman 2. CAROLINE CHIAMAKA NWANGWU 3. TINA CHINWE DILIBE - vice chairman 4. CHIDINMA BLESSSING UKAEGBU - secretary THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. To assist the needy in the society .

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : BEM ATETAN, ESQ O8O6564O6O4

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1 Adebimpe Moses Ayodele- Chairman 2. Miss. Balogun Alice- Secretary 3. Mr Olowo Idowu Simon-Treasurer 4, Mr. Olaleye Iyiola Paul 5. Mr. Aremu Sunday Moses THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. To preach Deliverance to those in captivity 2. To depopulate the kingdom of darkness through Deliverance 3. To build an aggressive end-time army for the Lord.

4. To teach and emphasize holiness as the greatest prerequisite for entering into the Kingdom of God. .ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

Sports

PEOPLES DAILY

CLASSIFIED

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

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29

Giwa sneezes at Amaju led board over N140m claim sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

wednesday, january 2, 2019

SIGNED : Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

NIGERIA CURLING ASSOCIATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. MR. DANIEL DAMOLA 2. MRS. HENRIETTA ONYINYE DANIEL THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To promote Curling in Nigeria and beyond. .ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

Eagles at the World cup

By Albert Akota

T THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

he legitimate President of the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF), Ambassador Chris Giwa has sneezed at Amaju Pinnick board NFF over allegedly N140m claimed spent while in control of the Glasshouse.

The Pinnick board had been directed by the Ministry of Sports has asked Amaju to account for the funds released to them for the prosecution of the 2018 World Cup, which they had been unable to do as they had different stories to tell at different times.

In a surprise twist, rather than address

the issue of retiring the World Cup fund, the board alleged that Ambassador Giwa spent N140m when he held sway at the football house.

Ordinarily, we would have allowed this bare-faced lies to roll away as the facts speak for it because the Ministry of Sports did not hand over any World Cup money to Ambassador Giwa, but we are compelled to make this rebuttal in order not to deceive the general public.

Setting the record straight, Giwa explained that all he did at the NFF was giving approvals for all the programs he met on ground, which includes the execution of the Flying Eagles game in Mauritania.

According to the budget made for it, gulped about N25 million naira, and of course, the return leg in Lagos, which had its own budget of about N30 million.

Special intervention before flight ticket could be arranged for the Flying Eagles to travel to Mauritania because of the backlog of money being owed the travelling agency by the NFF and about N25 million was paid to the flight agency.

Giwa stressed that for the Flying Eagles game in Lagos, Nigerians will recall he paid the team backlogs of winning bonuses for the first time in a long while, which he paid from his pocket to be refunded to him by the NFF, which has not been repaid till

date.

He also executed the foreign training camp of the country’s U-20 women national team, the Falconets, which was looking uncertain at some point because of alleged sabotage by the same Pinnick board.

The team eventually travelled to Austria, where about 50,000 US Dollars was given to them on their departure.

Giwa has further challenge the Amaju Pinnick board to come out with the breakdown of how he spent the N140 million they mentioned in their doctored documents, while advising the board to be circumspect in dragging his name into all their failings.

Dalung urges religious leaders to dwell more on youths

>>pg >>pg 30 30

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PEOPLES DAILY, wednesday, january 2, 2019

p

r

t

Federer, Williams Dalung urges religious leaders meet in court in to dwell more on youths Australi

R

oger Federer’s Switzerland beat Serena Williams’ USA as the two tennis greats met on court for the first time at the Hopman Cup in Perth, Australia.

Federer and Belinda Bencic beat Williams and Frances Tiafoe 4-2 4-3 (5-3) in a mixed-doubles contest to secure a 2-1 win in the round-robin tie.

Federer and Williams, both 37, earlier won their respective singles matches. I was nervous returning because people talk about her serve so much. I know

31

How Christmas and New Year are bad for your cholesterol: Levels are 20% higher after the festive period because of ‘too much brandy butter, cream and Stilton’

why they say it now, she has a wonderful serve.

Federer and Williams have won a combined 43 Grand Slam singles titles, and have spent a combined 621 weeks at world number one.

The match had been described as the most anticipated contest involving a male and female player since the ‘Battle of the Sexes’ in 1973, when 39-time Grand Slam champion Billie Jean King beat former men’s world number one Bobby Riggs in straight sets.

By Albert Akota

T

he Minister of Youth and Sports Barrister Solomon Dalung has urged religious leaders to emulate the Believers’ Love World in improving the lives of vulnerable young people on the continent.

Barrister Dalung made the statement on New Year’s Eve at the Future Africa Leaders Awards FALA held at Love World Convention Arena, the International Headquarters of Christ Embassy Church Ikeja Lagos.

“It is worthy of emulation and I think this is the right way to go.

What is lacking in Africa is the absence of a mentoring system where young people will derive a practical hope in the future they believe in and the Believers’ Love World is laying that foundation for young people.

“If other leaders hold similar events, it will touch the lives of a lot of young people not only in Nigeria but in Africa. Our leaders must create a political and economic space to accommodate the young people.

We must move from

sermonizing this to demonstrating it practically and the church has taken the lead. I challenge all leaders including past, present and future ones to get involved practically in securing the future of our young Africans”.

The Future Africa Leaders Award is aimed at empowering selected young Africans who have contributed to the development of their country.

The star prize went to 19-year old Taonga Ngoma of Zambia for her passion in working with orphans.

Nigeria to play Seychelles, Egypt in Asaba

T

Digest

PEOPLES DAILY, WEDNESDAY, january 2, 2019

he Nigerian Football Federation (NFF) is reportedly close to agreeing a deal for their upcoming matches against the Seychelles and Egypt to be held at the Stephen Keshi Stadium in Asaba.

Nigeria will face the island minnows in their final 2019 Africa Cup of Nations group stage qualifier on March 21, before taking on the Pharaohs in an international friendly five days later.

The Super Eagles’ clash against the Seychelles is a dead rubber (Nigeria have already secured top spot and qualification for the finals, while their opponents cannot reach the AFCON), while the meeting with the Pharaohs (who have also secured qualification) is seen as a tune-up for the continental finals in June.

Nigeria’s This Day quotes an unnamed NFF source, which claims that the Federation is closing in on an agreement to take the games to Asaba, with the Delta State Government agreeing to put up 70 percent of the costs.

“We have reached the final phase of discussion and all seem to be done deal as the Asaba stadium will stage the matches all things been equal,” said the official.

“When Asaba hosted the African Athletic Championships, cynics lampooned the governor for the huge amount spent to stage the five-day event that was engulfed by many flaws but the presence of top athletes in the continent at the event boosted tourism not only in Asaba but Delta State as a whole.”

Should the matches be awarded to the Stephen Keshi Stadium, it will go against the wishes of manager Gernot Rohr, who has complained about the poor state of the playing surface and the unusual position of the changing rooms in the past.

Scientists have warned that indulging in too much cream over Christmas raises a person’s cholesterol level come January, which is associated with heart disease (stock)

By Alexandra Thompson Senior Health Reporter For Mailonline

C

elebrating Christmas is associated with higher cholesterol, scientists have warned.

A study of more than 25,700 people found their cholesterol levels are up to 20 per cent higher in January.

Researchers say this could be because they indulged in fatty foods like brandy butter, cream and Stilton over the festive season. Scientists have now warned doctors they should not diagnose people with high cholesterol in January.

And any patients who are told they have the condition at the beginning of the year should be retested before taking medication.

The research was carried out by the University of Copenhagen and led by Dr Signe Vedel-Krogh, from the department of clinical biochemistry.

The study, ‘The Christmas holidays are immediately followed by a period of hypercholesterolemia’, was published in the journal Atherosclerosis. ’Our study shows strong indications that cholesterol levels are influenced by the fatty food we consume when celebrating Christmas,’ study author Dr Anne Langsted, who also specialises in clinical biochemistry, said.

‘The fact that so many people have high cholesterol readings straight after the Christmas holiday is very surprising.’ High cholesterol occurs when fatty deposits

build up in the blood vessels, which make it difficult for blood to flow through the arteries.

This is often the result of a poor diet that includes too much red meat and fullfat dairy.

If the heart does not get enough oxygenrich blood, you may have a heart attack, while lack of blood to the brain can cause a stroke. Such conditions are responsible for one in four deaths in both the UK and US. The researchers looked at the cholesterol levels of 25,764 people, aged 20 to 100, from the Copenhagen General Population Study, over the course of a year.

Results suggest a person’s overall cholesterol level in December or January is 15 per cent greater than in May to June. And their amounts of so-called ‘bad cholesterol’, known as LDL, is 20 per cent higher during the festive season.

Cholesterol is measured in units called millimoles per litre of blood, or mmol/L. The researchers defined high cholesterol as having an overall level of more than 5mmol/L and an LDL reading of above 3mmol/L. The NHS also recommends healthy people keep their levels below 5mmol/L and 3mmol/L, respectively.

Of those whose cholesterol levels were measured in January, 77 per cent had LDL levels above 3mmol/L and 89 per cent had levels of more than 5mmol/L. And an astonishing nine out of ten of the study’s participants had high cholesterol in the New Year - six times more than in the

“

The fact that so many people have high cholesterol readings straight after the Christmas holiday is very surprising.’ High cholesterol occurs when fatty deposits build up in the blood vessels, which make it difficult for blood to flow through the arteries

other 11 months.

‘Celebrating Christmas is associated with higher levels of total and LDL cholesterol and a higher risk of hypercholesterolemia in individuals in the general population,’ the authors wrote.

They stress people should not panic if they are told they have high cholesterol in the New Year.

‘There is a greater risk of finding that you have elevated cholesterol if you go to the doctor and have your cholesterol tested straight after Christmas,’ Dr Vedel-Krogh said.

‘It is important to be aware of this, both for doctors who treat high cholesterol and those wishing to keep their cholesterol levels down.’

WHAT IS HIGH CHOLESTEROL? Cholesterol is a fatty substance that is vital for the normal functioning of the body.

But too much can cause it to build up in the arteries, restricting blood flow to the heart, brain and rest of the body.

This raises the risk of angina, heart attacks, stroke and blood clots.

Cholesterol is made in the liver and is carried in the blood by proteins.

The first - high-density lipoprotein (HDL) - carries cholesterol from cells to the liver where it is broken down or passed as waste. This is ‘good cholesterol’.

‘Bad cholesterol’ - low-density lipoprotein (LDL) - carries cholesterol to cells, with excessive amounts then building in the artery walls.

High cholesterol can be genetic but it is also linked to a diet rich in saturated fat, as well as smoking, diabetes, high blood pressure and a family history of stroke or heart disease.

Blood cholesterol is measured in units called millimoles per litre of blood, often shortened to mmol/L. A healthy adult’s overall level should be 5mmol/L or less, while their LDL level should be no more than 3mmol/L. An ideal level of HDL is above 1mmol/L. Cholesterol can be lowered by eating a healthy, low-fat diet; not smoking; and exercising regularly.

If these do not help, cholesterol-lowering medication like statins may be prescribed.

Source: NHS

QUOTABLE QUOTE “We have already turned the corner, leaving behind the years of the locusts under the PDP. We are headed towards a future that guarantees stability, economic buoyancy, world class infrastructure, reward for hard work and for honesty, and the security of our nation. PDP remains our collective national vomit.

We shall never go back to it.”

. . . putting the people first

Wednesday, january 2, 2019

APC National Publicity Secretary, Malian Lanre IssaOnilu, briefing newsmen in Abuja yesterday

SPORTS Minimum wage: Presidential latest electioneering and workers’ votes I underrated T Mayweather, says Nasukawa

J

apanese kickboxer Tenshin Nasukawa has said that he “underestimated” Floyd Mayweather but that he had “concerns” before his defeat in an exhibition boxing match.

American former fiveweight world champion Mayweather, 41, needed only 140 seconds to beat Nasukawa in Tokyo.

Nasukawa, 20, was knocked down three times and ended the fight in tears.

“The days since the fight was confirmed have been enjoyable but with concerns,” Nasukawa said.

Arsenal beats Fulham at Emirate

A

rsenal bounced back from their thrashing

by Liverpool to beat Fulham and move two points behind fourth-placed Chelsea.

The Gunners suffered their heaviest defeat of the season on Saturday when they lost 5-1 at Anfield, but goals from Granit Xhaka, Alexandre Lacazette, Aaron Ramsey and Pierre-Emerick Aubameyang helped them to only their second win in six games.

Advert: business: news: lagos:

he staff strength of the Federal Public Service, in 2014, was put at 1.2 million. This was announced before the House of Representatives’ Committee on Health, by the Budget Office of the Federation. But the Association of Senior Civil Servants of Nigeria had dismissed the figure as over-bloated. The association did not only insist that the actual figure was 870,000, according to available records but had also doubted the humongous N1.8 trillion being purportedly spent annually on the federal workers on salaries and allowances.

Any responsible government in Nigeria should be worried about the huge payout. That should compel a sense of obligatory accountability in terms of ascertaining the exact population of workers and the wage bill. Government should declassify the number of people in its workforce.

It is a piece of information that any interested body should get from the relevant government agency or via the relevant government information website.

But because the finger of guilt had pointed at some cabals, who had over the years juggled the figures of both the workers and the payout for personal benefit, the Federal Government had been made to pay huge sums as salaries and allowances to “ghost workers”, which a thieving cabal had consistently cornered. The problematic issue of ghost workers in successive administrations underlines this fact.

Although, former Minister of Finance Kemi Adeosun had announced that the nominal roll of the Federal Government had been cleansed of ghost workers and that a princely sum had been saved in the process, yet the exact figure of workers in the employ of the Federal Government and the specific salaries/allowances payout remain an official secret.

Such information is critical both for government and other stakeholders in the Nigeria Project to make assumptions and perhaps deploy as a basis for projecting the economic outlook to meet certain obligations and promises made. This is the context within which the Federal Government, the labour force and presidential candidates who aspire to administer the political economy must exercise circumspection in making demands and promises.

For instance, the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC) has, on behalf of the Nigerian workers, begun negotiation with the Federal Government on the upward review of the minimum wage.

The current minimum wage of N18, 000 came into force, via the National Minimum Wage Act, 2011. Workers who receive this wage live on $1.67 per day, while the global benchmark for the extremely poor is $1.90 or less per day.

This is heartbreaking. In Nigeria, demanding an increment in minimum wage is like a catch-22 situation.

0806 564 8620 0704 385 9705 0814 292 9046 08074420617

GUEST COLUMNIST By

By Sufuyan Ojeifo Though desirable, any increment that takes the wage sharply above the $1.90 per day global poverty benchmark must be subjected to the risks of inflationary pressure, tighter labour market conditions, which, according to the presidential candidate of Young Progressives Party (YPP), Professor Kingsley Moghalu, might include large worker-layoffs across the public and private sectors, slower job creation and labour market upheaval from general strikes.

Yet, despite the concomitant hazards stated supra, minimum wage increment is an imperative, not in isolation but in synergy with other fiscal reforms, which Moghalu insisted must be adaptable by the state governments.

This brings us to the total number of workers in the employment of the 36 states, the FCT and the 774 Local Government Areas which must be staggering. The minimum wage agreement entered into by the Federal Government and the NLC provides a frame work for governments at the state and local levels.

Consider Edo State Government, under Governor Adams Oshiomhole, which approved a minimum wage of N25, 000 in the state, though the Act specifies N18, 000. So, whatever figure is agreed to, this time round, represents the level below which no government can anchor, but above which it can maneuver to accommodate higher payment levels as Oshiomhole did. It is, however, on record that many states had accumulated salary in arrears due to their inability to pay their wage bill occasioned by the 2011 increment in minimum wage from N7, 500 to N18, 000.

But as the nation approaches another general election, the NLC has

“

confronted the Muhammadu Buhari government with the critical demand.

The administration is understandably under pressure. The economy is in a bad shape as the president recently admitted. The question then is: how will prostrate states, which have been unable to pay salary for months, pay a higher minimum wage?

The NLC has asked for N30, 000 minimum wage payout. Government has counter-offered N25, 000 while State governments had reluctantly tabled N22, 500, which many of them said they could not even pay spawning tension in the polity. Coming at the threshold of a crucial general election, the issue is capable of having far-reaching implications for the reelection of the incumbent President Buhari of the All Progressives Congress (APC), in the scheduled February 16 presidential poll.

The prospects of a nationwide strike in January are worrisome. The Academic Staff Union of Universities, whose members are expected to play some critical roles in the election at the behest of the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), has yet to reach an agreement with the Federal Government to call off its protracted strike. A strike by the NLC is bound to exacerbate national anxiety.

Understandably, presidential candidates of other political parties are dangling juicy carrots of minimum wage increment before the Nigerian workers. The workers’ bloc is formidable if it decides to speak with a voice. If the about 870,000 federal public service workers are added to the number of state and local governments’ workers, the total figure should be going to between 1.5 million and 2 million.

That is enough to either determine the

The NLC has asked for N30, 000 minimum wage payout.

Government has counteroffered N25, 000 while State governments had reluctantly tabled N22, 500, which many of them said they could not even pay

margin of victory or cancel out the same, depending on which side they weigh in.

Interestingly, the carrots being dangled by presidential candidates underscore the importance attached to the support by the labour force.

However, it is easy to see through the promises being bandied. While some were impulsive, others were prudent, analytical and pragmatic. Candidate of the Action Democratic Party (ADP), Engineer Yabagi Yusuf Sani promised to pay N100, 000 as minimum wage without as much outlining the “HOW” of achieving it. His counterpart in African Action Congress (AAC), Mr. Omoyele Sowore, said he would pay the same amount (N100, 000) because Nigeria had the capacity to pay it.

While Mr. Gbenga OlawepoHashim of the People’s Trust, who said he would grow Nigeria’s economy to a $4 trillion GDP in the next ten years upon his election, promised to pay N50, 000 as minimum wage on the first anniversary of his government, after he must have widely consulted with relevant stakeholders on the workability of the payout; Professor Moghalu said that a new minimum wage should be closer to double the current N18,000, stressing that “the rationale for this is the need to start pushing back on the growing number of extremely poor (87 million) Nigerians.”

The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) presidential candidate, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, did not directly commit himself to a specific figure but said he paid N33,000 as minimum to workers in his private companies. One is left to conclude that if he could achieve that figure in his private business, he would do more in government. He assured that he would pay Nigerian workers a living wage. The workers have a good opportunity to force the government to deal or consider other credible alternatives. Let the electioneering continue.

Ojeifo is journalist.

an

Abuja-based

DAN GAYE

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