Monday, March 2, 2020 Edition

Monday, March 2, 2020/ Jumadal Thani 26, 1441 AH

2140 Days after

Boko Haram kills 10 in Borno >>page 3

Vol. 33 No. 064 N150

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peoplesdailyng

. . . putting the people first

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

CBN: Dangote Refinery to employ 70,000 workers page 5

Coronavirus: 4 Chinese, 43 others quarantined in Jos page 5

As China cures 41,000 of 79,000 infected persons

Prayer and Penance Procession by the Catholics Bishops and other parishioners for Peace and Security in our country, yesterday in Abuja.

Guber primary: PDP rejects Kogi court judgment pAGE 17

39,000 Nigerians die from road crashes annually-Labour pAGE 8

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

FG shuts Lagos Independence Bridge for one month pAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

PAGE 2

News CONTENTS News 2-10,14 Editorial 11 Op.Ed 12-13 Politics 15-17

Routine maintenance: FG shuts Independence Bridge for one month

T

he Federal Ministry of Works and Housing on Sunday announced a partial closure of the Independence Bridge in Lagos for routine maintenance till May 2 to replace damaged expansion joints.

A statement by Federal Controller of Works in Lagos,

Mr Adedamola Kuti, appealed to road users to use alternative routes.

“As part of the National Bridge Maintenance Programme of the Federal Government, the Federal Ministry of Works and Housing has embarked on the maintenance of Independence

Bridge, the bridge linking Bonny Camp and Onikan in Lagos.

“The maintenance has reached the stage of replacement of worn-out expansion joints and laying of Asphaltic concrete wearing course between March 1 and May 2, 2020.

“To accomplish this phase

of work, there will be a partial closure of the bridge. This may lead to a delay in travel time.

“Motorists are advised to plan their movement and make use of alternative route such as Falomo Bridge. All inconveniences are highly regretted,” Kuti said.

(NAN)

Business 19-20 Metro

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World News

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Africa News

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World News

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Gov. Ahmadu Fintiri of Adamawa State (L) with the Minister of Humanitarian Affairs and Disaster Management, Hajiya Sadiya Farouq (R) and others during the presentation of relief materials for victims of insurgents attack, yesterday in Garkida Town of Gombi LGA, Yola State.

Photo: NAN

Bauchi govt to empower local hunters Page 7 Feature 25 Sports 29-31 Back Page

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Focus on repositioning NDDC, Akpabio tells Presidential Monitoring C’ttee

By Miriam Humbe

M

inister of Niger Delta Affairs (MNDA) Sen. Godswill Akpabio has tasked members of the Presidential Monitoring Committee (PMC) to brace up to deliver on their mandate by keying into President Muhammadu Buhari’s committment of repositioning and refocusing the Niger Delta Commission (NDDC) in providing meaningful and lasting infrastructural development for the people of the Niger Delta region.

Senator Akpabio who gave the charge during the inauguration of members of the Presidential Monitoring Committee in Abuja said it was a landmark effort on the part of Mr. President to address the gap in terms of government oversight of the operations of the NDDC that has been lacking over the years.

The Minister said the appointment and inauguration of the PMC is in compliance with

the provisions of the law as stated in part 6 sections 21 of the NDDC Act 2000 as amended. Therefore, the PMC is a Statutory body recognized by law.

According to the Minister, the Act empowers the PMC to not only monitor the management of funds allocated to the NDDC and implementation of its projects, but also grants the PMC access to the accounts and other records of the Commission while it is also expected to submit periodical reports to the President.

Akpabio also said the PMC has been saddled with a lot of responsibility ; it is therefore obvious that the task before them is enormous but not unachievable and urged members to ensure that the confidence reposed in them was not misplaced.

“As a Ministry , we are conscious of the desires of President Mohammadu Buhari for the accelerated development of the Niger Delta Region as contained in the 2019-2023 Ministerial Mandate and scope

of responsibility assigned to be achieved by the present management of the MNDA. “In specific terms, we have for real commenced the harmonization and implementation of the Niger Delta Action Plan and Niger Delta Regional Development Plan developed by NDDC and MNDA respectively to help achieve rapid socio- economic development’’ he said.

Akpabio disclosed that the NDDC headquarters which has been under construction in the last 23 years will be completed and commissioned by President Buhari in April. He said the PMC will consider priority projects, in implementing developmental projects and also empowerment programs for youths and women adding that, ‘’We must plan towards the Post- Amnesty Era of the Niger Delta region and also Post -oil Era by training our people to acquire the necessary skills and engaging them in various

Agricultural Programmes”.

Earlier, the Permanent Secretary (PS) , MNDA Mr. Olusade Adesola noted that the inauguration was in fulfillment of a long journey to the establishment of the PMC .

He said attempts have been made in the past to constitute the Committee but was not successfull. It took the doggedness of the Minister and his concern for the people of the region to ensure that the dividend of democracy is delivered to realize this feat.

The Acting Managing Director of NDDC, Prof. Kemebradikumo Pondei promised that the management team of the NDDC will give maximum support to the PMC. He disclosed that the 2019 NDDC budget will soon be passed and hopefully contractors who have done their job to specification will be paid when money is available. He noted that the NDDC is also under going some form of reorganization to strengthen it to function optimally.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

News

Why we invited Italian who brought coronavirus to Nigeria – Lafarge

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he Industrial Director of Lafarge Plc, Mr Segun Soyoye, has said “the Italian who brought coronavirus to Nigeria came to inspect some installations of machines bought from a Swedish firm”.

He said this during an onthe-spot-assessment by Ogun State Government, Nigeria Centre for Disease Control, and World Health Organisation teams to Lafarge facility at Ewekoro on Saturday.

Soyoye added that the Italian didn’t go behind Lafarge the guest house at Ishofin Estate before he was evacuated, having developed abnormal temperatures that suggested he had been infected with Covid-19.

He added, “The Italian came for a business visit. He was in Lagos on Monday and slept at Airport Hotel, Ikeja. Our driver took him there.

“When we observed abrnomal temperatures and symptoms, we quickly instituted an Emergency Response Team which is led by the Company CEO. We have to find a way of analysing and identifying not only the Italian but also the other contacts.

“The contacts are now 39 and we have quarantined them, the house and clinic as well as the vehicles. We don’t take chances that is why they are put there.

“They will be there for 14 days. We will continue to observe them, we have their database, showing their biodata and other information.

“The doctor is here and what he is doing is to check them on a regular basis. So far, everybody is stable. They are not symptomatic, we are providing everything for them over there.

“The other thing that I have not said is that the clinic that was used for the infected person is closed, disinfected and we moved everybody out.

“All the guys on duty that day, they were also quarantined, so they will be there for 14 days as well.”

He also said its production lines were not shut as the guest house where the Italian was lodged is 5km to the manufacturing plants in Ewekoro.

The Team Leader of World Health Organisation in Nigeria, Mr Ibrahim Mamadu, commended the internal processes undertaken so far by Lafarge Africa to contain the deadly disease.

He however advised the company and others to acquire digital thermometers to check body temperatures instead of infrared thermometers for accurate body temperature readings.(NAN)

Page 3

News Editor, Ese Awhotu

How to restore peace, unity,

by Rep From Ahmed Idris Birnin Kebbi

T

he Deputy House Committee Chairman on Justice and Chairman Young Parliament in the National Assembly Hon. Kabir Ibrahim Tukura has asked President Muhammadu Buhari to disengage service chiefs in order to restore peace and unit in the country.

He made the call weekend in his country home Zuru

while fielding questions from journalists, adding that the dismissal of service chief will be another way in solving the problem of the persistent security challenges facing the country as their tenure has expired.

The federal lawmaker who represents Zuru, Fakai Danko Wasagu and Sakaba Federal Constituency at the House of Representatives expressed dismay over the inability of the security agents to curb the

persistent cases of insecurity in the country.

“We House of Representatives members and Senate have resolved recently that the President should remove service chiefs and put another set of people, the security architecture should be changed and it cannot be changed on till the new people have been put in place with new methods,” he said.

He also commended them for their efforts in reducing the menace but more need to be

done and ensure that the lives of Nigerian are protected.

Hon. Tukura who also applauded the Kebbi State Governor and Senator Bala Ibn Na Allah for their support toward the upgrading of the College of Agriculture Zuru to Federal University of Agriculture Zuru.

“We also thank the Governor for handling over the College of Agriculture Zuru to the Federal Government for the successful take off of the university,” he added.

Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina, middle, his Deputy Alhaji Mannir Yakubu, left and the Chief Justice of Nigeria, Hon. Justice Ibrahim Tanko Muhammad during a State Dinner in honour of former Judge of the Supreme Court, Justice Amiru Sanusi (rtd) at the Presidential Lodge of the Katsina Government House, yesterday.

KCCN holds Korea - Nigeria drawing competition March 10

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

K

orean Cultural Center in Nigeria (KCCN), an affiliate of the Korean Embassy in Nigeria, at the weekend disclosed that the 10th edition of the Korea - Nigeria drawing competition will hold on the 10th of March in Abuja, on the theme ‘Harmony’ to emphasize need for peaceful coexistence.

In preparation for the bilateral arts competition co-hosted and organized by the two Asian and African countries, the Korean Cultural Center in Nigeria has commenced a training session for about one hundred and fifty arts teachers, drawn from about thirty different primary schools in Abuja.

The arts teachers from the participating schools were told to allow their pupils develop a piece of arts which will reflect “Harmony”, being the theme of this 2020 edition of the Korea Nigeria competition.

According to the Arts

instructor who trained the arts teachers, the pupils must be made to ensure strict adherence to the basic guiding principles of the competition, including getting the symbols of both Korean and Nigeria flags properly.

Debriefing the Arts teachers who will in turn train the pupils in their respective schools, the Administration Manager of KCCN, Olivia Kim, urged the teachers to allow their pupils freely express themselves through their works of Arts.

She commended the teachers to taking the training serious, expressing hope that the drawing competition will explore and improve the creative potentials of the pupils.

Speaking on the factors which the screening panels consider before selecting the participating pupils, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Universal Basic Education Board (UBEB) Arts Coordinator, Okafor Irene Isioma, said the drawings must reflect the theme of the competition, adding

that the flags must reflect the symbols they represent.

She said the Korean arts competition is an annual event in which one hundred and fifty pupils are gathered from the six area councils to draw for competition, after which awards are given to outstanding pupils.

The Arts coordinator further said the teachers are being guided on what to train their pupils to reflect a pictorial exhibition of harmony between Nigeria and Korea.

She pointed out that the theme ‘Harmony’ is chosen as a measure to sustain the love and friendship between both countries, given that it has waxed stronger since the inception of a bilateral tie of both countries.

She further explained that the emphasis is on primary school pupils given that at secondary school levels, most students have lost interest in Arts, hence the decision to go at the grassroots and catch them young.

Meanwhile, the screening

is multidimensional, as the five pupils per school, drawn from thirty schools in the six area councils of Abuja, will be screened by the arts teachers, after which the FCT UBEB will also screen, then the KCCN will screen for the third time and also screen for the 1st, 2nd, 3rd and for the consolation prices.

Speaking on the importance of the competition, Adeoye Yohanna Adeolu, who is an Arts teacher in Wuse V Primary School, Zone 1, said the theme of the competition points to the need to allow peace to exist in Nigeria, saying that where there is peace, there is coexistence in joy in which people are willing to do things with each other.

He said the pupils have a lot to benefit from the drawing competition as those who are arts incline will be willing to learn more, while those who are not will be gingered to have interest in it, adding that Arts teachers will be encouraged to teach arts more to their pupils.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

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News

COVID-19: Buhari should address Nigerians, says PDP

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

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he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has expressed worry at President Muhammadu Buhari’s delay in addressing “heightening national anxieties” since the detection of the deadly COVID-19 in Nigeria.

The PDP said this in a statement yesterday in Abuja by its National Publicity Secretary, Mr Kola Ologbondiyan.

The leading opposition party described as absolute leadership failure that Mr. President has not considered it imperative to show concern by “directly addressing a panic-stricken nation even in the face of escalated national trepidations and conflicting reports”.

The PDP charged President Buhari to wake up and treat the COVID-19, deservedly, as a looming national disaster, which requires a prompt and full Presidential involvement at the top level.

The party noted that at a critical time like this, Mr. President ought to be at the forefront in shouldering responsibility.

“A Presidential address would have reassured the people, reinforced government direction and multi-sectoral intervention for concerted effort to contain the scourge’, it said.

The PDP declared that the quickest expectation of the average Nigerians is that the Federal Government should immediately step its emergency response system to calm the pervading fear among Nigerians.

Sokoto to replace Almajiri system with Indonesian Pondok -Tambuwal From Raji Bello, Sokoto

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okoto State government is planning the adoption of the Indonesian Pondok Pesantren Madrasah system of education as an alternative to the existing Almajiri system in the state.

The state governor, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal stated this Sunday when he received the Indonesian Ambassador to Nigeria, AVM Usra Hendra Harahap during his courtesy visit to Sokoto.

In a statement made available by the governor’s Special Adviser on media and publicity, Muhammad Bello explained that the Pondok system employs mosques and langgar (a blend of Islamic and Western education)

as well as adopt existing local institutions such as surau (Islamic assembly buildings) and pesantren (a Muslim school in Indonesia operated by religious leaders) as the places for Muslims to study Islam.

Tambuwal further explained that for the state government to have a home grown system similar to the Pondok, it will consult the Sultan of Sokoto and other stakeholders in order for them to have a buy-in.

The state government, the governor noted, is not in a hurry to ban the Almajiri system as some states had done without providing an alternative.

He expressed confidence that the Pondok system once adopted “can serve as an alternative to the Almajiri system.”

“We are intensifying efforts to ensure that the Pondok system is adopted before banning the Almajiri system. This is because we are desirous of ensuring that Sokoto children are exposed to both Western and Islamic education,” Tambuwal emphasized.

While expressing gratitude to the Indonesian government for taking interest in Sokoto, he assured the Ambassador that his visit will deepen Indonesia’s relationship not only with the state but also the country, with which it shares religious, cultural and climatic similarities.

He said that the state was already pursuing further ties with Indonesia in the areas of healthcare, economy, Islamic models of business and economic enterprises.

Tambuwal further applauded the Indonesian government for agreeing to send experts to share knowledge with the state on economic inclusion derivatives.

Earlier, Amb. Harahap, had explained that his visit to the state “is to increase the bilateral relations and cooperation between Indonesia and Nigeria, especially in Sokoto state in the areas of education and agriculture, including animal husbandry.”

Giving reasons why it is feasible for the state to have a good relationship with his country, Ambassador Harahap said his country will “be glad to share its best practices and most advanced scientific knowledge” with the state “to boost animal production.”

. L-R: (Front Row) Apostolic Nuncio to Nigeria, Arcbishop Antonio Filipazzi . Vice President, Prof, Yemi Osinbajo President Catholic Bishops Conference of Nigeria (CBCN), Archbishop Augustine Akubeze , ), Minister of Science and Technology, Dr Ogbonnaya Onu , Archbishop of Abuja Catholic Diocese Emeritus , John Cardinal Onaiyekan ), Minister of Transportation, Hon. Rotimi Amechi and his wife Judith Amechi and Imo State Governor, Sen. Hope Uzodinma, during the opening mass of the first 2020 plenary meeting of the CBCN, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Benue govt sets up emergency response C’ttee on coronavirus From Uche Makurdi

Nnorom,

B

enue State government has set up an Emergency Response Committee on Coronavirus (COVID-19).

The Committee is to proactively monitor, supervise and coordinate Benue State Government’s response to the

dreaded disease.

A statement signed by Chief Press Secretary to Governor Samuel Ortom, Mr. Terver Akase said the committee is to be headed

by Commissioner for Health and Human Services, Dr. Sunday Ongbabor as chairman and Dr Samuel Ngise as Secretary, the Commissioner for Information, Culture and Tourism, Rt. Hon.

Ngunan Addingi, Commissioner for Water Resources and Environment, Engr.

Dondo Ahire, as well as Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, Dr. Timothy Ijir.

Other members of the committee are Mr. Apir Ityu, Dr. Terna Kur, Mr. Agwaza Iorkpiligh, Mr. Matthew Uyina, Mr. Moses Leva, Dr. Edward Amali, Mr.

Claude Bitaronga, Dr. Peteru Inunduh, Professor Terrumun Swende, Dr. Alli Cornelius, Dr. Patrick Echekwube and Mr. Micheal Adejo.

He said Governor Ortom has directed that surveillance on coronavirus be stepped up in the 23 local government areas of the state. Already, a treatment centre has been established at the

Benue State University Teaching Hospital and a location identified to be used as quarantine unit in the event of any outbreak of the disease.

The Governor urged Benue people to adhere to preventive measures and assist health workers in their various communities to succeed.

Gov. Lalong boosts transportation in Plateau with 80 new vehicles From Yusuf Mairiga Shekarau, Jos

T

he Plateau State Governor, Simon Lalong has commissioned 80 units of Ford Galaxy vehicles procured

by Plateau State government in partnership with National Union

of Road Transport Workers (NURTW) Plateau State Council.

The event which held at the Plateau State Vehicle Inspection Officers (VIO) testing ground, Old Airport road, was graced by a mammoth crowd and dignitaries.

Governor Lalong, in his

remark at the occasion said “it is with earnest joy and sense of fulfillment that I address you today as we commission the 80 units of vehicles procured through partnership between Plateau State government and the NURTW, plateau state chapter.”

He stated that “this landmark event speak volumes of our determination to boost transportation in the state, which is undoubtedly the backbone of economic activities and a great facilitator of business and human interactions”.

Lalong enjoined the beneficiaries to imbibe maintenance culture as his administration stay more determined to offer much more in upgrading transportation facilities in the state and even beyond.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

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News

News Editor, Ese Awhotu

Coronavirus: 4 Chinese, 39 others quarantined in Jos

As China cures 41,000 of 79,000 infected persons

From Yusuf Shekarau, Jos

Mairiga

T

he Plateau State government said it has quarantined 43 persons including 39 Nigerians and 4 Chinese citizens who came into the state for business reasons suspected to be infected with Corona Virus (Covid-19).

The State Commissioner for Health, Dr. Nimkong Ndam, at a press briefing held Sunday in Jos revealed to newsmen that “the Chinese citizens who arrived Plateau State Thursday, 27th February 2020 from Ethiopia for mining activities were quarantined in isolation center at Bakin Kaya town of Wase Local Government Area of the state, stating that they were isolated because they were suspected to be infected with the disease.”

He said the state government’s decision to isolate them came as response to communications received by the Plateau state governor, Simon Lalong, from the Nigerian Immigration Service upon their arrival at the Nnamdi Azikwe Airport Abuja and their subsequent departure to Plateau State.

He said when they arrived the mining site, their peers refused to associate with them for fear of getting the epidemic transmitted to them and immediately drew the attention of the state government.

The commissioner also disclosed that the additional 39 persons quarantined are Nigerians working with the Chinese in the mining site.

The commissioner said, “On receipt of such information, the Plateau State government had already provided two quarantined wards in Jos University Teaching

Hospital (JUTH) and Plateau Specialist Hospital for victims who would test positive to Covid-19.

According him, “they are suspect now for the fact that they are coming from a country with the highest number of victims of Covid-19 worldwide.”

He said the state has already taken critical measures of preventing possible outbreak or spread of the endemic within its jurisdictions as it works closely with the Federal Ministry of Health and the Agency for Disease Control.

Meanwhile, China’s National Health Commission said it has received 79,824 reports of

confirmed cases and 2,870 deaths in 31 provincial-level regions on the Chinese mainland and the Xinjiang Production and Construction Corps, and in all 41,625 patients had been cured and discharged from hospital.

However, it said there still remained 35,329 confirmed cases (including 7,365 in serious condition) and 851 suspected cases. So far, 660,716 people have been identified as having had close contact with infected patients.

51,856 are now under medical observation.

On Feb 29, Hubei reported 570 new cases of confirmed infections

(including 565 in Wuhan), 64 new cases of suspected infections (including 50 in Wuhan), and 34 deaths (including 26 in Wuhan).

2,292 patients were released from hospital after being cured, including 1,675 in Wuhan, the commission said.

It said as of 24:00 on Feb 29, Hubei had reported 66,907 cases of confirmed infections (including 49,122 in Wuhan) and 2,761 deaths (including 2,195 in Wuhan). In all, 31,187 patients had been cured and discharged from hospital, including 19,227 in Wuhan, adding however that there still remained 32,959 confirmed cases (including

27,700 in Wuhan), with 7,107 in serious condition (including 6,393 in Wuhan), and 646 suspected cases (including 393 in Wuhan).

According to the Commission, as of 24:00 on Feb 29, 144 confirmed infections had been reported in the Hong Kong and Macao special administrative regions and Taiwan province: 95 in Hong Kong (2 had been dead and 33 had been cured and discharged from hospital), 10 in Macao (8 had been cured and discharged from hospital) and 39 in Taiwan (1 had been dead and 9 had been cured and discharged from hospital).

L-R: Director, Afriland Properties, Plc, Mrs. Olayinka Ogunsulire; President, Heirs Holdings, Mr. Emmanuel Nnorom; Director, Afriland Properties Plc, Mrs Agatha Obiekwugo; Executive Director, United Bank for Africa(UBA) Plc, Mr. Ayo Liadi; Chairperson of Avon Healthcare Limited, Dr. Awele Elumelu; Group Chairman, United Bank for Africa(UBA) Plc and Founder, Tony Elumelu Foundation, Mr. Tony Elumelu; Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu; Governor of Lagos State, Mr Babajide Sanwo- Olu; Managing Director, Afriland Properties Plc, Mrs Uzo Oshogwe; and Chairman, Afriland Properties Plc, Erelu Angela Adebayo, during the commissioning of the remodeled Afriland Tower by the Governor, on Friday in Lagos

CBN: Dangote Refinery to employ 70,000 workers

By Our Reporter

G

overnor of Central Bank of Nigeria, Mr Godwin Emefiele has expressed optimism about reduction in the high rate of unemployment in the country, stating that Dangote Refinery alone will employ more than 70,000 able Nigerians when it becomes operational.

He said the various policies of the Federal Government will ultimately reduce unemployment in the country.

The apex bank governor who spoke to the press after the tour of the Refinery over weekend said the Dangote Refinery and Petrochemical Plant is expected to increase the number of employees from the present 34,000 to over 70,000 when it becomes operational.

In the same vein, Aliko Dangote, said he is on a mission to aggressively reduce the unemployment rate in the country.

Apart from job creation, the plant will also retain foreign exchange in Nigeria, as the country becomes self-sufficient in petroleum refining.

“Besides, we are going to help in terms of not only creating jobs but also in reducing the outflow of foreign exchange not only in petroleum products but also in petrochemicals, and in fertilizers. We would be one of the highest foreign exchange generating company going forward”, Dangote added.

Dangote said its $2 billion Granulated Urea Fertiliser plant located at Ibeju Lekki, Lagos will begin operations in May. He said the Fertiliser Plant would make Nigeria the only Urea exporting country in Sub-Saharan Africa, and biggest producer of polyethylene, which is capable of generating $2.5 billion annually.

He said: “Nigeria will soon become the biggest and only urea exporter in sub-Saharan Africa for the first time. And we are not only exporting, we would be exporting big time.

“We are also going to have polyethylene which is about 1.3 million tonnes annually. These two products would bring in something like about $2.5 billion annually in terms of foreign exchange. A lot of

Forex would now come in and that $2.5 billion is only about 10 per cent of remittances.

Dangote said a pre-testing of the fertiliser plant has already began, adding that the project would be the largest fertiliser plant in the world with its three million tonnes per annum capacity.

According to him, the refinery project which is 48 per cent completed will make Nigeria the largest exporter of petroleum product in Africa.

He said the size of the project necessitated the need for the company to construct a jetty to take care of the over dimensional cargoes. “It is a huge project and that is why we have built a jetty and the pipeline through which we are bringing in the crude”, he said.

He said: “ One of the reasons the CBN is supporting us is that by the time we become operational, we will not only be creating jobs but we will reduce the outflow, of foreign exchange not only in petroleum products but in petrochemicals and fertilisers.

“We will be one of the highest foreign exchange generating

companies going forward.

“I must really confess that without the government’s support there is no way we could have done what we have done so far.

“I think we must thank Mr President for his policies. I thank the CBN governor and management for bringing down interest rates to encourage more entrepreneurs to go into mega projects like this.

“We should not wait for foreign investors to come and develop our economy. It will never happen so we have to do it ourselves and the only way to do it is to take advantage of the low interest rates and the banks being forced to loan money out.”

On his part, the CBN governor commended the Dangote Group for its commitment towards bringing the project on stream as planned and expressed satisfaction with the facilities on site.

He said: “The reason that I am here today is to see what is going on on site.

“This time that the economy is going through its own challenges there is need for us to diversify the Nigerian economy from oil to other

areas where we have abundant resources. “ Emefiele said the fertiliser plant would stop importation of fertilisers as about 25 per cent of its products would be used for domestic consumption to boost agriculture in the country.

According to him, the plant will also generate a minimum of $750 million through export annually.

“The 650,000-bpd capacity refinery when operational will not only satisfy local consumption but will also position Nigeria as a major exporter of petroleum products.

“Nigeria is so central and this refinery will serve almost the whole of Africa which will lead to cheap cost of freight.

“This project is so strategically positioned that it will even make the final price of petroleum within Nigeria and even outside Nigeria to be lower than those imported outside the African continent.

“We need to encourage other Nigerians and we will keep saying this. Nigerians must stand tall and be ready to come out and support their country,” the CBN governor said.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

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News

Coronavirus: Nigerian military takes measures to halt spread in barracks, communities

A

s Nigeria heightens preparedness and response to Covid-19 (Coronavirus), the Defence Headquarters (DHQ) has assured that measures have been put in place by the Armed Forces of Nigeria (AFN) to halt the spread of the virus particularly to barracks and military communities.

This is just as Nigeria recorded its first confirmed case of Coronavirus in Lagos. The index case is an Italian businessman who arrived in Nigeria from Milan, Italy on February 25 and was confirmed at the Virology Laboratory of Lagos University Teaching Hospital on February 27, 2020.

The Director of Defence Information (DDI), Onyema Nwachukwu, on Saturday told PRNigeria that medical services of the AFN are on alert and are daily monitoring patients who report sick in any of the medical facilities for detection of any probable carrier, in addition to awareness campaigns.

“Just as we are already doing to prevent outbreak of Lassa fever in barracks communities, the

Armed Forces of Nigeria has since commenced vigorous sensitization and awareness campaign in military cantonments and barracks to enlighten personnel and their families on preventive sanitary and hygienic measures to halt the spread of coronavirus.

“Hand sanitizers are already being installed for use by guests as well as personnel in office complexes,” Nwachukwu said.

Meanwhile, Nigeria’s Minister of Health, Osagie Ehanire, has assured all Nigerians that the country has the capacity to respond to the disease and called for calm.

Mr Ehanire explained that the inability to detect the Italian citizen at the port of entry was not due to the failure of screening but because the virus was still at the incubation stage when he arrived.

The minister said there will be no travel restrictions whether on Nigerians going out or foreigners coming into the country.

He confirmed that the government was tracing all the people who made contact with

the Italian, who is currently being treated in a Lagos hospital.

He said the Italian patient has already been isolated and is stable.

Also, the Nigeria Centre for Disease (NCDC) on Saturday issued a new advisory. According to the fourth advisory, travellers to Nigeria without symptoms on departure but become unwell in transit are advised to self-report to the Port Health Services on arrival, while travellers from countries with ongoing local transmission, but who show no symptoms on arrival should self-isolate at home for 14 days after arrival.

Travellers from countries with ongoing local transmission who feel ill with fever, cough or difficulty breathing within 14 days of arrival in Nigeria, are advised to observe self-isolation immediately by staying indoors, avoiding selfmedication and contact with People or Call the NCDC 24/7 toll-free line immediately on 080097000010.

Travellers from Nigeria to China and other affected countries are advised to avoid contact with sick

people.

The NCDC strongly advised that all non-essential travel to countries with ongoing local transmission be postponed until the outbreak is contained.

The NCDC stated that the current situation in the country does not warrant a shutdown of daily activities, adding that additional measures may be instituted if the transmission is sustained in Nigeria.

But, businesses and schools are however advised to circulate NCDC’s public health advisory and related materials on COVID-19 to all employees, clients, visitors, staff, students and parents; Encourage sick employees and students to stay at home; Ensure routine cleaning of high contact areas such as toilets, door handles, and telephones amongst others as well as provide facilities and emphasise the importance of hand washing.

All health workers are advised to maintain a high index of suspicion for COVID-19 and all health officials are advised to call 07032864444 for sample transportation and related

advice if a case that fits the national case definition is identified.

To reduce the risk of spread of COVID-19, members of the public are again advised to adhere to the following measures: “Wash your hands frequently with soap under running water or use alcohol-based sanitizer if water is not available “Cover your mouth and nose properly with a tissue paper when sneezing and/or coughing. Dispose of the tissue properly immediately after use. You may also cough into your elbow if a tissue is not available.

“Avoid close contact with anyone showing symptoms of respiratory illness such as coughing and sneezing.

“Healthcare workers are always advised to observe standard infection prevention and control measures when attending to patients and take a travel history.”

The NCDC said screening has already been heightened at Port health services in Nigeria.

(PRNigeria)

Perm-Sec to assist EHORECON resolve internal challenges

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Environment, Dr. Bakari Wadinga has promised to assist the staff of the Environmental Health Officers Registration Council of Nigeria (EHORECON) to resolve lingering issues in the Council.

A statement issued yesterday

by Kehinde A. Openibo, Head, Press and Public Communications for Registrar of the Council, said the permanent secretary made the disclosure while addressing members of staff and management team on Wednesday at the Council’s conference room in Abuja.

Dr. Bakari Wadinga requested to know the linkage between the Council’s functions as it relates to the current issues of Lassa fever in the country, while charging the Council to forward a detailed report of all the issues enunciated for possible solution.

Earlier, the head of Human Resource Mr. Victor Mba who also doubles as overseer of the Council enunciated some challenges the Council is presently being faced with, which also affects the running of the Council, as the inability of government to reconstitute the Council’s board and also the challenges of Council relying on rented apartments across the country.

Mr. Mba, however, informed the Permanent Secretary and his team that the Council has offices in the Six Geo-political zones of the country and that there are 12 liaison offices across the country to assist the council in carrying out its mandates, he posited.

PAGE 7

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

Bauchi govt to empower local hunters

News Uproar in Delta school as teacher allegedly flogs student to death

From Ahmad Mohammed, Bauchi

From Nosa Akenzua, Asaba

B

P

auchi State Government has declared its interest to support local hunters in the state to ensure lasting peace in the society.

Governor Bala Abdulkadir Mohammed made the remark over the weekend at the Annual Salala festival day organized by Baushe Hunters held at Ibrahim Badamasi Babangida Square Bauchi.

The governor said empowering them will enable them compliment the efforts of security agencies in the protection of the lives and property of the citizens.

He said the current insecurity in the country required the support and intervention of local hunters in order to assist in overcoming the challenges.

Represented by the Chief of staff Government House Bauchi, Governor Bala Mohammed pledged to provide the necessary support to the local hunters to ensure crime free society.

Earlier, the National Chairman, Hunters Association, Malam Mohammed Usman Tole said the event is to enable the members share ideas among them on the new methods of their operations.

Tole assured the governor of their support in order to rid the state of criminals.

rotest over the death of a student allegedly flogged at Ekiugbo Grammar School in Ughelli North Local Government Area of Delta State by the school teacher has continued to unsettle management of the school.

It was gathered that trouble erupted last week in the school following the death of one of the students identified as Kelvin Ogheneogaga after he was allegedly flogged by his teacher for sundry offences, a situation that led to his death as a result of suspected complications.

Angered by the situation, sources said that the students, many of whom at the Junior

Secondary School took to protest to press home their pains including allegedly destroying the office of the principal while their protest lasted But some of the students who spoke to journalists on condition of anonymity described the incident as unfortunate, adding” we were begging the teacher ( name withheld) not to flog him because, Kelvin was not too fine but the teacher refused, before he was flogged and we don’t know if the flogging was what led to his death.”

The school principal, Mr F. Okpako, when contacted refused to make comments on the issue, saying that it is only the Commissioner for Basic and

Secondary Education that has the right to speak to the press.

Confirming the death of the student, the Police Commissioner in the state, Hafiz Mohammed Inuwah said that investigation was ongoing in the matter, adding that the teacher in question had been invited for interrogation as details would be provided on the completion of investigation.

Unconfirmed sources said that the teacher had on the 26/2/2020 flogged the student for misconduct after which it was reported that the student on getting home developed some complications and was later rushed to the Ughelli Central Hospital by his family members where he gave up the ghost.

But the state Commissioner for

Basic and Secondary Education, Chief Patrick Ukah when contacted by journalists in Asaba, said he was yet to get details of the incident, adding that investigation was ongoing with a view to bringing the fact to the public, while none of the victim’s family members were ready to speak on the matter as they said they were awaiting the police investigation on the incident but however regretted the death of their son.

It was further gathered that the intervention of the police drafted from”A” Division, Ughelli returned normalcy to the school after the police vehicles were allegedly pelted with stones by the rampaging students who had beaten up the teacher to a pulp.

Minister of Environment Muhammad Mahmud(R) with the District Head of Rigasa Community Aminu Shehu, during the inauguration of the National Environmental Response Campaign to Eradicate Lassa Fever in Nigeria, at Rigasa Community, yesterday in Kaduna. Photo: NAN

Terrorism: Stop statements undermining Nigeria’s efforts, group cautions French envoy

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

L-R: Gmd, Dangote Group, Olakunle Alake; President, Dangote Group, Aliko Dangote; Governor, Central Bank Of Nigeria (Cbn), Godwin Emefiele; Cbn Deputy Governor, Financial System Stability (Fss), Aisha Ahmad; And Group Executive Director, Dangote Group, Devakumar Edwin During An Assessment Tour Of The Dangote Refinery, Fertilizer Plant And Petrochemical Company In Ibeju-Lekki On Saturday In Lagos.

Niger govt urges Nigerlites to embrace child spacing From Yakubu Minna

T

Mustapha,

he people of Niger State have been advised to embrace child spacing so as to leave a better life and ensure good health of their families for the overall development of the society.

Commissioner of Information and Strategy, Alhaji Muhammad Sani Idris gave the charge at a

3-Day Training of Media Personal on Media Advocacy for Family Planning in Niger State by TCI/ The Challenge Initiative held in Minna.

He reiterated the determination of the state government in supporting Family Planning related issues to bring to the appreciable level the maternal and maternity rates in the state and nation, while charging the participants

to pa much attention to every aspect of the training.

In his presentation, the facilitator, Mr. Onche Odeh harped on the need for child spacing and family planning for better healthcare, education for all.

He said that Nigeria is witnessing population explosion with high rate of population leading to the current insecurity while blaming governments and

citizens for not playing their part well in providing the necessities of live to the society.

He further challenged the media to be up and doing in passing out accurate information, enlightened the populace on the benefits, its methods, where to get the services, dispel the misconception and rumors of accepting family planning aimed at ensuring developmental journalism

T

he National Democratic Front (NDF) has cautioned French Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Jerome Pasquier to quit making utterances capable of undermining Nigeria’s progress against terrorism.

The warning is following the French envoy’s recent comments that Nigeria isn’t doing enough in the war against the insurgency.

In a statement signed by Secretary-General, Dr. Abdulkadir Bolaji, NDF berated France not to overstretch its liberty by consciously inciting Nigerians against the Federal Government.

Dr. Bolaji described Pasquier’s claims as an assault on the sensibilities of Nigerians, especially knowing the role played

by European nation in the crisis in the northeast; arming and funding terrorists.

The NDF, therefore, demanded that “the French Ambassador

to Nigeria should immediately withdraw the statements and apologize to the Federal Government of Nigeria and the Nigerian people for deriding their dilemma in the hands of terrorists.”

The statement reads in parts; “Nigeria is a country at peace with herself despite a catalogue of internal challenges. Nigeria cherishes international relations and the global community as defined by the principles of the United Nations (UN).

“But Nigeria shall not condone acts from other countries, which seem to undermine her sovereignty as nation. France is unjustifiably attempting to test the patience of Nigeria with reckless and injurious public comments.

“France has no reason to deliberately provoke Nigeria. Even under colonial era, Nigeria was colonized by the Britons and not France. And so, there is no reason why France will make Nigeria

her enemy and keep using her former colonies to make Nigeria uncomfortable by heightening lyrics of insecurity.

“The French Ambassador to Nigeria Mr. Jerome Pasquier freely assaulted the sensibilities of Nigerians by public statement at a workshop in Abuja to the effect that the efforts of the Nigerian Government in addressing insecurity particularly in the Northeast are not enough.

“Nigeria is aware of the behind the scenes schemes France has playing in the Northeast. Nigeria knows of France’s vested interest in the crude oil reserves in the Lake Chad Basin. It is suspected of using some dubious elements in Niger and other neighbouring countries to deprive Nigeria of this natural resource.

“Nigeria’s quietness in the face of this glaring injustice does not mean the French envoy should carelessly confront and assault the sensibilities of Nigerians. Any

attempt to puncture the patience of Nigerians as France is has staged out will be resisted.

“That Mr. Pasquier had the courage and effrontery to tell Nigerians at a workshop in Abuja that the Nigerian Government under President Muhammadu Buhari, the authorities and stakeholders should “step up actions and devise new approaches” is the height of heartlessness. It smacks of mockery and abuse of diplomatic privilege.

“France should rather ask itself how much it has contributed to ending Boko Haram insurgency in Nigeria, hence its former colonies directly bear the brunt of any crisis in Nigeria. France has none. It has never issued a public statement condemning the atrocities of Boko Haram in Nigeria probably because it is excited by the blood they shed.

“Nigeria wishes to appeal to the UN, the European Union

(EU), the African Union (AU) and the global community to investigate the festering Boko Haram terrorism on the fringes of Nigeria’s Borno state and the Republic of Niger. France cannot be this nice by offering an advice, while it does nothing to help the country dismantle the barriers of Boko Haram from Nigeria to Niger.

“Nigeria can accept any trash from foreign countries.

But it should not transmute into mocking of the sanctity of Nigeria’s statehood as done by the French ambassador.

“It punctures the ethics of diplomacy that France should seek to provoke and incite Nigerians against the Federal Government over an issue its role is still suspect. Seeking to rubbish the efforts of the Nigerian state in curbing terrorism is the least thing France should have ever contemplated. This is condemnable and unacceptable.”

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

PAGE 8

News

39,000 Nigerians die from road crashes annually-Aremu

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

T

he General Secretary, National Union of Textile, Germent and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria (NUTGTWN) Comrade Issa Aremu has said every year, over 39,000 Nigerians die from road crashes which he termed as road-terrorism, or better still road virus.

He stated this during a condolence visit to the NUJ Kaduna State Council on the death of its former Treasurer and Secretary, Chief Dominic Uzu According to him, Nigeria today qualifies as an unofficial global capital of “road accidents”.

Every year, over 39,000 Nigerians die from road crashes.

“In the 2018 Global Status

Report on Road Safety, the World Health Organization (WHO) estimated road traffic fatalities in Nigeria at 39,802, while the estimated rate per 100,000 deaths stood at 21.4. Nigeria losses more humans on road accidents than 11,310 deaths reported in Guinea, Liberia, and Sierra Leone due to Ebola epidemic!

“The Zaria Unit Commander, Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC), Abubakar Murabus-Tata, said the accident which killed Dominic was as a result of overspeeding, involving two vehicles, (a DAF truck and a Toyota Hiace commercial Bus) and bad road (potholes).

“Most roads are unmotorable.

Drivers are reckless and often our road safety officials are not on duty.

“When accidents prove addictive as they are in Nigeria, they are no more “accidental”.

Addictive accidents mean incidents for which the governments at all levels must be held accountable.

“These “accidents” are certainly not inevitable. It’s time President Muhammadu Buhari declared emergency on Federal roads. There must be a time frame to fix all major highways and halt the ongoing road-murders,” he said.

He described late Chief Dominic Uzu ss a tested Journalist, saying his tragic death was a great loss to the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) and his family and all of us his comrades and friends.

Comrade Aremu commended

the Supreme Court, which last Wednesday, upheld its earlier judgement and went further to fine Chief Afe Babalola (SAN) and Chief Wole Olanipekun (SAN) N30 million each for agreeing to file an application for the review of the apex court’s judgment on Bayelsa election.

“It is commendable that for once Supreme Court damned what I see as an increasing dictatorship of some lawyers and desperate politicians which if not checked might undermine democracy.

“I also hailed the ousted governor-elect of Bayelsa State, David Lyon, for his statesmanship for accepting the final ruling of Nigeria’s highest court, Supreme Court that nullified his victory at the November 16th, 2019 governorship election in the State.

Coronavirus: Kebbi organizes workshop for the health personnel From Ahmed Kebbi

Idris

R-L: Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adeshina, Former Governor of Nassarawa State , Sen. Tanko Almakura, Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, Minister of State for Science and Technology, Barr.

Abdullahi Mohammed and the Author “Inside Tomato”, Comrade Idris Ojoko, during the Public Presentation of the book “Inside Tomato”, the “Role of Science , Technology and Innovation for sustainable Tomato production in Nigeria”, held recently in Abuja.

Birnin

F

ollowing the outbreak of coronavirus and Lassa fever in Nigeria, the Kebbi State Government has organised a protections workshop for the all health workers in the state.

Addressing pressmen in his office on Friday, the Permanent Secretary and Medical Director incharge of Sahyah General Hospital, Dr. Aminu Bunza said that the training which was held in Birnin Kebbi was aimed at enlightening all the medical professions on how to handle the two cases if the need arises.

He explained further that Kebbi State Government has also mapped out a staunch strategy by equipping all the health facilities to ensure the protection of lives of the people and improved on how to end the menace.

“I always advice the people to wash their hands before eating as well as cleaning the kitchen and houses,” he added.

Bunza who is a medical consultant lamented over the negligence of the parents for leaving their houses dirty despite the government’s effort in bring succor and changes to the communities.

“Anyway we only recorded two cases of Lassa fever hear in Kebbi State and the state government has also put people on the borders in Kebbi State being shared with Niger Republic and Benin Republic in order to ensure that the disease will not transmitted to the state,” he said.

“Democracy tasks all stakeholders to abide by the rule of law if democracy would be sustainable. Some lawyers are turning courts as temple of justice into arena of transactions of market place.

“Lastly politicians must be serious about democratic process but not too serious such that they can be serious again.

“Democracy is about compromises. The idea of demonstrations at EU and American embassies to resolve electoral matters is not only ill informed but unacceptable and must be discouraged. “ Americans would not go to Nigerian embassy in Washington to perfect their electoral processes which indeed are full of imperfections,” he stressed.

Photo: Justin Imo-owo

Kaduna: Commissioner urges women to form cooperative groups From: Femi Oyelola, Yusuf Idris Kaduna

T

he Kaduna State Commissioner for Agricultural and Rural Development, Hayiya Halima Lawal has urged women and youth to engage themselves into cooperatives and associations in order to benefit from government programmes.

She gave the advice at a formal launching of Kakaki/Albarkawa Alheri Women Multipurpose Cooperative Society, Zaria City yesterday Hayiya Halima Lawal represented by her personal

assistant, Bashir Ja’af said she is behind any women and youth groups who move under an umbrella of a society with the view of assisting themselves in skills acquisition and other developmental programmes to enable them become self-reliant The commissioner reminded the people that government alone can’t provide jobs for all but with the community engagement in a self-sustainable project such as Kakaki / Albarkawa cooperative depending on government to provide jobs will be reduced even it will be over.

She also adviced women to visit Kaduna Agricultural

Development Agency (KADA ) office nearest to them to find out programmes going on for women and youth in agriculture so that they can benefit in that aspect .

In his message, the Emir of Zazzau, Alhaji Shehu Idris through Sodangin Zazzau, Alhaji Mukhtat Sambo emphasized the importance of skills acquisition for women and youth in the socity and various forms of crimes will be reduced drastically.

Emir Idris encouraged the Alheri Women Multipurpose Cooperative Society not to relent on this giant effort despite the challenges they are facing.

He assured them of his full

support whenever the need arises, they shouldn’t hesitate to meet him for his contribution .

Also in his remarks, the Chairman Board of Trustees, Dr. Shehu Saidu expressed appreciation for the efforts put in place by the members of the society in going this far by producing many products by themselves .

Dr. Saidi said the society is in need of support of not even the catchment area, but to the whole Nigeria so that their products can be exported to other nations.

He advised them to provide a shop or office where their contacts can be located easily.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

PAGE 9

News

NIGER STATE Peace building: IPCR takes campaign to Kaduna, MINISTRY OF FINANCE HEADQUARTERS, BLOCK ‘B’ ABDULKAREEM LAFENE meets traditional rulers SECRETARIAT, MINNA

By Ochiaka Ugwu

T

he Institute for Peace and Conflict Resolution (IPCR) at the weekend continued with its peacebuilding campaign to Zango Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency, in Kaduna state.

The campaign which was led by the Director General of IPCR, Dr Bakut Tswah Bakut, who represented President Muhammadu Buhari was in partnership with Hon. Amos Gwamna Magaji, a member representing Zango Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency Kaduna State.

In a statement released in Abuja at the weekend and signed by IPCR Head of Media, Mr. Musa Mato, it noted that Bakut met with four traditional rulers of Zango Kataf/Jaba Federal Constituency which include, Agwam Bajju, Nuhu Bature, Ngbair Fadan Kamantan, Mr. Adanu Alkali, Agwam Kamuru, Mr. Yohanna Sidi Kuka and Agwam Atak-Njei, Mr. Dominic Gambo Yahaya.

Underscoring the importance of IPCR established in the year 2000, Bakut told the traditional rulers that the objective of the Institute is to address conflict not only in Nigeria, but in other Africa countries.

He told the traditional rulers that it’s only the agency that has the mandate to look into issues of conflict and also advised

federal government on the way forward.

His words, “The Institute is established as an intellectual base to support government in its task of promoting a culture of peace and peaceful conflict management.”

The DG added that the Institute is charged with the mandate to provide relevant information and regular advice to government in peace negotiation and settlement of conflict.

Bakut pointed out that without peace there would be no meaningful development, noting that conflicts have led to the destruction of lives and properties.

He said government gave the Institute the task to preach peace, “That is why we have to talk to our people about peace.”

Responding, Agwam Bajju, Nuhu Bature appreciated President muhammadu Buhari, the Director General and the Honourable member for working towards ensuring there is peaceful co-existence in their area.

Ngbair Fadan Kamantan, Mr. Adanu Alkali, also said if there is anything the nation needs at the moment is peace.

A nation without peace, will not have meaningful development. “We need peace in this nation, nothing can be more appreciated than peace” he said.

FG seeks to resolve UniAbuja, JUPEB crisis

By Usman Shuaibu

T

he Federal Government of Nigeria has waded into the lingering crisis between the University of Abuja and the Joint Universities Preliminary Examinations Board (JUPEB).

This statement was made when the National Coordinator/CEO, SERVICOM, Mrs Nnenna Akajemeli, made and an advocacy visit to the Vice Chancellor, University of Abuja.

According to Mrs Akajemeli, parents/ guardians of students who enrolled on the JUPEB programme forwarded complaints to SERVICOM that registration fees were paid and processed for their wards to be admitted into the institution but were denied admission into the school.

She stated that the purpose of her visit was to appeal to the university management to look into its complaints/ grievance redress mechanism with a view to renew standards and proffer lasting solution to the crisis.

The Coordinator called on the management of the University to also take a look at issues of delay in transmitting students transcripts on time and efficiently. She further solicited the support of the Vice Chancellor and his management team to take service delivery to the next level that will make them stand out as one of the best tertiary institutions in Nigeria.

Akajemeli further called for strengthening of the SERVICOM unit since the Unit serves as catalyst in service delivery chain of the University of Abuja for smooth operations and customer

satisfaction.

She advised Management of the University to ensure that UNIABUJA Service Charter is reviewed, published, relaunched and implemented in line with global best practice.

The CEO, also commended the efforts and innovations of Management and urged the Vice Chancellor to keep up with the good job.

The Vice Chancellor of Abuja University, Professor Abdul-Rasheed Na’Allah in his remarks said that University of Abuja is the face of Nigeria and a pace setter, He informed the SERVICOM CEO that the University have reviewed some of its commitments to ensure that it adds value to the system.

He further informed her that the University Senate is the only governing body charged with a legal mandate to make laws and establish programs in the University, explaining that the school management have carried out thorough investigations on the issue and discovered that there were no binding documents between the school and JUPEB and this has been communicated to the parents.

He advised that JUPEB as a program can be accepted by any other Nigerian University that have indicated it as a criteria for admission into their Universities, adding that the students can apply to these schools to run the program of their choice.

He pledged that a world class integrated portal would soon be put in place in the University for enhanced efficiency in the process of service delivery process and systems in the school.

INVITATION FOR PRE-QUALIFICATION IN RESPECT OF PROJECTS UNDER 2020 BUDGET Niger State Ministry of Finance in furtherance to its statutory mandate intends to implement capital projects under various works, goods and services in line with the budget of the 2020 financial year and in accordance with the Public Procurement Law, 2010. The Ministry therefore invites bids from all interested and competent contractors, suppliers and consultants with relevant experience for the execution of the following projects.

ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA CATEGORY ‘A’ GOODS Lot No Project Title

A1

4 x4 Wheel Drive SUV A2 4 x4 Wheel Drive Utility Va A3 32 Passenger Seat Bus A4 Sedan Vehicles A6 V6 Capacity Engine Jeep A7 V4 Capacity Engine Saloon Car A8 Motor-Bikes R1200 RT-P A9 I.T. Equipment e.g. laptops, desktops, printers, photocopies, routers, intercoms, etc A10 Office equipment, office furniture and electronics A11 Office Stationeries and Consumables CATEGORY ‘B’ CONSULTANCY Lot No Project Title

B1 Comprehensive Cover on Vehicles METHOD OF SUBMISSION All prequalification documents are to be submitted to the office of the Permanent Secretary, Niger State Ministry of Finance, Block ‘B’ Abdulkareem Lafene Secretariat, Minna

Interested Suppliers/ Consultants should submit the following documents in fullscarp envelope marked “Prequalification Tender” properly addressed to the OFFICE OF THE PERMANENT SECRETARY, NIGER STATE MINISTRY OF FINANCE, MINNA. i. Evidence of Registration with Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) ii. Evidence of Registration with Niger State Public Procurement Board (NSPPB) iii. Audited Account for the last 3 years (2016, 2017, 2018). iv.

Evidence of tax clearance for the last three years (2016, 2017, 2018) v. Evidence of financial capability supported with bank reference vi.

Evidence of VAT Registration vii. Evidence of award and completion certificate for general and specific experience viii. Compliance with PENCOM and Evidence of Remittance in respect of staff contribution ix. Complete company profile with comprehensive information and any other document that might give the contractor/consultant an edge

SIGNED: PERMANENT SECRETARY NIGER STATE MINISTRY OF FINANCE

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

PAGE 10

N ews

Gombe maths competition: Don awards outstanding students From David Hassan, Gombe

A

University don Dr. Mohammed Gazali Abdulhamid has organized 2019 mathematics competition for public primary, junior and senior secondary schools across the 11 local government areas in Gombe State.

The competition which was organized by the university don was to test students’ knowledge in area of mathematics.

According to him, no fewer than 400 students participated during the competition where good ones were carefully selected to occupy the first, second and third positions.

Performing the function at the weekend, Abdulhamid said with the fear of knowledge in mathematics there is need to organize competition to actualize the best students in mathematics.

Abdulhamid who is the pioneer of Northeast School of Technology Gombe called on the government to do as much as possible to ensure that children in schools should engaged themselves in mathematics.

Our correspondent reports that the event was attracted with Academia, politicians, traditional rulers Among others.

They were presentation of certificates, trophies to winners after the competition.

T

he principal of Government Secondary School Gwagwalada in the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), Mr Kreki Francis Bitrus, has appealed to the FCT Secondary Education Board to deem it necessary to provide teaching staff in some subjects in order to enhance learning.

He also urged the FCT Secondary Education Board to construct a concrete perimeter

Boko Haram kills 10 in Borno

J

ihadists have killed 10 people in a raid on a village in northeast Nigeria’s restive Borno State, burning homes and looting food supplies, civilian militia sources said Sunday.

Suspected Boko Haram insurgents in trucks fitted with machine guns stormed into Rumirgo village in the Askira Uba district at 1740 GMT on Saturday, shooting indiscriminately and

sending residents fleeing into the surrounding countryside.

“They killed 10 people in the indiscriminate shooting which made residents run into the bush” civilian militia member Adamu Galadima said.

The militants burnt a dozen homes, carted away food supplies and two “trailers loaded with foodstuffs,” another militiaman, Peter Malgwui said.

Askira Uba lies close to the Sambisa Forest where Boko Haram enclaves dwell and has suffered repeated attacks.

Yet in recent months an Islamic State group-aligned faction of Boko Haram has been waging attacks.

Last month three Nigerian soldiers were killed in clashes with fighters from the Islamic State West Africa Province (ISWAP)

K

faction in Askira Uba town.

A decade of Boko Haram violence has killed 36,000 people in the northeast and displaced around two million from their homes, creating a severe humanitarian crisis.

The conflict has spread to neighbouring Niger, Chad and Cameroon, prompting a regional military response to combat the jihadist groups.(AFP)

Letter to the Editor

C

This Lenten season

hristians all over the world are observing the season of Lent, which began on Wednesday, Feb. 26th. Lent is a 40-day period, marked by fasting, prayers, penance, repentance, self denial and works of charity ahead of the death and resurrection of Jesus Christ. It is also a time for sober reflection and positive action. Christians end Lent with the celebration of Easter, which is the triumph of Jesus over sin, death and his taking over the burdens of their own sins.

another for genuine renewal to come.

spiritual

Through prayers that allow us to give up ourselves, we can seek and open ourselves up before God and hear anew the call. We can seek to recognize and respond afresh to God’s presence in our lives and in our world. We can seek to place our needs, our fears, our failures, our hopes, and our lives in His hands again. And we can seek by abandoning ourselves in Jesus’ death and by recognizing God again.

We need to allow His transforming grace to work in us once more and to come worship him in victory and hope that go beyond new clothes and the happy music.

At Lent, eating of meat and associated products are traditionally prohibited as a mark of self discipline, and a form of spiritual cleansing. Most times, they are expected to deny themselves What our nation We urge Christians only a favourite item of to mark the season needs at this with all sense of consumption, such as time is love, selflessness alcohol. and sacrifice and supplicate God for the In Nigeria, the season has traditionally been forgiveness, we peace and prosperity marked by penitential our land. We must all pray of prayers, fasting, and admonish the faithful alms giving. Many focus and join hands to imbibe the lesson on charitable deeds, with our security of the Lent,.a time especially helping those agencies so when some Christians in need with food and for Easter by that God can, prepare clothing or by simply observing a period of in His infinite fasting, repentance, giving money to charity mercies on organizations.

Most moderation and Christian churches that spiritual discipline. the occasion observe Lent focus on it as is the need of Lent, help There a time of prayer, especially to set aside time the country to reflect on Jesus penance - repentance for conquer failures and sins and as a Christ, his suffering way to focus on the need and his sacrifice, insurgency for God’s grace. his life, death, resurrection and, above all, his love For Christians, it is a time to for humanity. place self under God in humility. It is a way to confess total inadequacy What our nation needs at this time before Him; a way to strip self of all is love, sacrifice and forgiveness, pretenses to righteousness; a way we must all pray and join hands to come before God in “dust and with our security agencies so that ashes”. It is a way to empty self of God can, in His infinite mercies false pride, rationalizations that on the occasion of Lent, help the prevent one from seeing himself as country conquer insurgency that is a needy creature and perfectionist. ravaging parts of the country. We task our Christian brethren to use It begins on Ash Wednesday this season of spirituality to preach in ashes. And it journeys through and practically demonstrate love darkness. It is a spiritual pilgrimage for other faiths so as to promote that you must make one way or religious harmony in the country.

“

Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed (middle), Governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Abdullahi Sule (right) and a former Registrar of JAMB, Prof. Bello Salim (left) at the 70th Anniversary of Government College, Keffi on Saturday in Nasarawa State,

fence around the female students’ hostels to arrest the security situation there.

Bitrus who made the appeal while reading his speech at the 24th inter-house sports competition of the school, held on Thursday, further charged the FCT Administration to provide electricity supply in order to put to rest the problem of epileptic power supply facing the school.

He then pleaded with the FCT Administration to

provide pipe borne water to boost potable drinking water in the school, pointing out that boreholes were only source of water supply.

He, therefore, expressed with dismay the manner at which the school’s perimeter fence was destroyed by herdsmen for the purpose of cattle grazing in the school environment, and called on the FCT Administration to do something about it.

The principal, however,

requested the FCT Administration to employ more security men and cooks in the school, urging the FCT Administration also to do something about the landscaping of the school compound as the erosion had become a threat to the school.

In an interview at the occasion, the Secretary/ Director at the FCT Secondary Education Board, Mrs Nanre Emeje said the plans are underway to provide

manpower to some schools in the territory by the FCT Administration.

Emeje commended the leadership of PTA in Government Secondary School Gwagwalada for purchasing a bus in the school for the use of the students.

At the end of sports competition, Katampe House took the 1st position, Lower Usman House maintained the 2nd position and the 3rd position went to Zuma House.

Coronavirus: Kaduna sets up emergency centre

aduna State has constituted an Emergency Operational Centre (EOC), following the announcement of the first case of coronavirus (COVID -19) in Lagos last Thursday.

A press statement issued by the Ministry for Health on Friday, stated that committee will be chaired by a commisoner, Amina Baloni, adding that it

PAGE 11

EDITORIAL

FCT: Principal appeals for teaching staff

By Usman Shuaibu

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

was set up to respond quickly, in the event of an outbreak of the disease.

The statement further reiterated that the general public should observe preventive measures as advised by the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC).

According to the release, “people should regularly and thoroughly wash hands with

soap and water or alcohol based hand sanitisers, maintain at least three to five feet distance between individuals and anyone who is coughing or sneezing.’’ ‘’In addition, the general public is also advised to follow good respiratory hygiene by covering the mouth and nose with a handkerchief or tissue paper, or cough and sneeze into the sleeve at the bent elbow.”

The ministry further said that such handkerchiefs or tissue papers should be disposed off immediately after use.

The statement also advised patients who have a history of travel to China, Italy and other countries with confirmed cases of COVID-19, to “selfisolate for two weeks and report any symptoms of fever, cough, sneezing and difficulty

in breathing to medical personnel.’’ ‘’Above all, residents of Kaduna State are encouraged to remain calm while people with such symptoms are to seek medical attention as the State Government is pooling all resources together to ensure readiness to contain the disease in the event of an outbreak,’’ the commissioner assured.

OUR MISSION “To be the market place of ideas and the leading player in the industry by putting the people first, upholding the truth, maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards while delivering value to our stakeholders”

OUR PEOPLE Chairman Malam Wada Maida, Oon, Fnge

Chief Operating Officer Editor, Daily Hameed M. Bello, PhD Manager, administration Hassan Hammanyaji

OUR VISION

“To be a reputable, profitable, innovative and technologically reliant media company offering world class services and products”

A sense of ownership of the Abuja projects by citizens

By Jamila Musawa

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he recent call by the minister of the FCT, Mallam Bello Mohammed on residents of the territory to take ownership of the Abuja projects is apt and the need can never be overemphasized.

A sense of ownership is defined for the sake of this write up as a concept to assess whose voice is heard,who has influence over decisions to be taken and those affected by the process or outcome. The minister’s call for the application of the concept of ownership is to determine how the strategic interests and actions of individuals or organisations contribute to the Abuja developments efforts. In addition,he emphasized that this is the time that the people should wake up from their slumber and take true ownership of the many projects sited in their domain to make it work.

Through this concept by the amiable minister of the FCT. He has emphasized to the public that now that the government is playing its parts through the provision of infrastructural projects and incentives to the people, the people themselves through the concept of citizen participation and responsibilities have a major role to play which is taking ownership of these projects so that our city will work better.

The minister must be commended for this call because over the last four years of his appointment as the minister overseeing the federal capital territory, he has worked on and implemented an initiative which has incorporated the regular, systematic feedback of citizens into the design and execution of governments projects in Abuja. He is on record to be the originator of the concept of participatory rural appraisal which approach is to put the people first.

This introduced concept of the minister in administering the territory has without doubt been an inspiration to many of the residents who have joyfully keyed into the citizens ownership of Abuja projects project initiative and this has made Abuja worked.

Something very important has changed undeniably in the administration of the FCT because there has been an increasing demand by the citizens and indeed civil society groups for a greater say in public decision making because of the desire by the mallam Mohammadu Bello,s administration to be more inclusive and responsive to the people,s need. Indeed,this changes has positively improve the line of communication between

his government and the led to unprecedentedly engage. This new approach and unprecedented opportunities to directly engage policy makers at all level provided by the minister to the people,has help developed the potential by government to closing the feedback loop between the citizens and the government. It is on record that since he came into office as the minister,Mallam Mohammad Bello has recommended for the Abuja resident the need for them to take ownership of his governments projects as it was executed to better them. Citizens engage has indeed became a strategic priority of the minister. His goal is to move the citizens engagement priority forward and he has.

Civic values are actually valuable to a citizens participation in taken ownership of governments projects at our disposal. The minister knows the importance of the symbiotic relationship between the citizens and the government.

We have all the responsibility of protecting governments assets and projects anywhere they may be. In governance,accountability has expanded beyond the scope of being called upon to come and account for once action. The minister recognise that now it is most frequently described as an account given relationship between the government and the led.

The minister has always known and acknowledged that at this era of change,political accountability is the watch word. He has always emphasized that when the people rewards you or sanctions any politician when he made choices on behalf of the people,then political accountability has taken place. Today, in the FCT the minister has through reminding the residents of the need to take ownership of projects in their domain,deliberately called for the people to also be accountable for the numerous projects sited in their localities in order to attract more. The era where projects and infrastructures sited in the domain or localities of residents are vandalised and dilapidated by the residents is over. The minister shall not hesitate to sanction the citing of projects in such areas as the case may be.

This administration in the FCT. led by the minister, Mohammadu Bello is willing to do more in the area of project initiation and implementation to areas and communities that took upon itself the citizen,s obligation of taken ownership of projects cited. The call by the minister is therefore timely and valid.

Jamila Musawa Abuja

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Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

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Comment

The best way to fight corruption in Nigeria

Nigerian youth: Living in a time of magic and taking advantage of it

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By Jide Ojo

he corruption epidemic in Nigeria is real. The challenge is very endemic and it has permeated every sector and strata of the society. The contestation now is about which sector is most corrupt, not the one untainted by the malaise. When Transparency International released its 2019 Corruption Perception Index and reported that Nigeria has slipped two steps from 144 in 2018 to 146 in 2019, our Attorney General and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, SAN, as well as anti-corruption agencies, namely, the Independent Corrupt Practices and other related offences Commission and the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, issued strong statements to rebut TI’s report.

Unhappy with Nigeria’s rating on TI’s corruption perception index, Malami, condemned the 2019 CPI, stating that there was no evidence to back the country’s rating. On his part, the acting spokesman of the EFCC, Tony Orilade, punctured Nigeria’s poor rating on the index, questioning the bogus and ambiguous criteria that TI used to arrive at what it described as a “jaundiced and illogical rating.”

The ICPC in a statement also accused TI of not recognising President Muhammadu Buhari’s effort in the fight against corruption. According to the anticrime agency, there is an increase in the number of cases filed in courts and jail terms against persons found to be corrupt.

What these people and institutions do not know, or choose to ignore, is that despite their yeoman’s efforts at curbing the ugly phenomenon, the crime is not abating. Instead, it is increasing.

Sadly, even among the anti-corruption agencies themselves, corruption is pervasive. The police and courts, for

instance, are supposed to be anticorruption institutions, but they have been fingered by many researches as leading in terms of bribery and corruption.

In August 2017, acting EFCC chairman, Ibrahim Magu, during an interactive session with journalists in Abuja, admitted that some members of the staff of the commission were corrupt. He was quoted as saying, “Recently, we had to discharge about nine cadet officers because they have problems with their certificates from various institutions. We are also prosecuting a lot of officers. Some of them are already in court.”

Could you believe that spiritual corruption is also thriving in Nigeria? Many of our religious leaders are using their knowledge of the Holy Books to exploit and plunder their congregation. False prophesies and visions are being peddled in order to milk worshippers. Endless contributions that are unaccounted for are sought and proceeds from these solicitations are mismanaged. An outright pilfering of church fund by respected church leaders and administrators was reported by the founder of the Living Faith Church, better known as Winners Chapel, Bishop David Oyedepo, last month.

“We had no choice but to dismiss them. You can imagine top church officials engaging in doubling figures and other dubious practices. After we dismissed them, we discovered more fraud. Those who should discover the fraud were the ones involved in it. One of them refused to confess until the last minute. Can you imagine accountants perpetrating fraud in the house of God?”Oyedepo said.

Truth be told, there is enough evidence to show that corruption has assumed an epidemic dimension in Nigeria. Just last week, the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation said the nation lost about

$750 million to oil theft in 2019 alone. The NNPC Group Managing Director, Malam Mele Kyari, reportedly disclosed this in a statement signed by the Acting Spokesman for the corporation Mr Samson Makoji in Abuja.

Kyari said this when members of the Executive Intelligence Management Course 13 of the National Institute for Security Studies visited him at the NNPC Towers. How could the nation have lost such a large sum of money to oil theft, if there were no corrupt elements aiding and abetting these economic saboteurs?

Imagine the negative impact of this leakage on our economy.

Last August, the British Broadcasting Corporation reported that the US authorities had charged 80 people, most of whom were “Nigerian nationals”, with participating in a conspiracy to steal several millions of dollars. They were accused of using business email fraud schemes and romance scams to con victims – many of them elderly. This Internet scam is what we call 419 in the local parlance.

The FBI reportedly started investigating the case in 2016 in a single bank account, but it later extended to cover multiple victims in the US and around the world. All the 80 defendants have been charged with conspiracy to commit fraud, conspiracy to launder money and aggravated identity theft, the US Attorney’s Office in the Central District of California said in a press release.

There are many push factors that have made many Nigerians to get involved in grand or petty corruption. They include unemployment, poverty, peer pressure, non-payment of workers salary and other emoluments as and when due, loss of moral values, weak anti-corruption laws, inadequate funding of anti-corruption agencies, lack of diligent prosecution of suspects and impunity. Until these triggers

are dealt with, our anti-corruption crusade will be like shelling maize at the back of a calabash or attempting to use sieve to store rainwater. Even if these factors are addressed, corruption won’t be wiped out.

However, the phenomenon will be reduced to the barest minimum.

I’ve said time and again that it is the environment that promotes corruption that we need to deal with in order to win the war against this cankerworm, which has exposed our citizens to international opprobrium. Once the atmosphere for selfactualisation pervades the country with ordinary citizens being able to afford the basic things of life, namely, food, clothing and shelter without stress, majority of the citizens will shun corruption and embrace decent life.

Otherwise, if the aforementioned push factors are thriving, not even death sentence will scare people away from engaging in corrupt practices. The truth is that self-preservation is the first law of nature and as the saying goes, “water must find its level”.

Not many people are long suffering as to wait endlessly for miracle jobs or enduring persistent hunger pangs. Nonpayment of workers remuneration and entitlements of retirees is a recipe for corruption. Watching politicians live in opulence, while majority of Nigerians live in misery, triggers the people’s ingenuity to make money by hook or crook and when the attorney general and minister of justice files a nolle prosequi to discontinue the prosecution of VIPs indicted for corrupt practices, based on political expediency, it gives room to a culture of impunity, which reminds many Nigerians of George Orwell’s classic novel, ‘Animal Farm’ where all animals are equal, but some are more equal than others.

Follow me on twitter @jideojong

Who will salvage Bauchi APC?

By Salisu Muhammad Sani

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y way of introduction, I consider it important for me to begin this write up by doing a reference to a popular, even if inaccurate, saying that “politics is a dirty game.”

If we are to trace the way politics is being played in the country, we would almost certainly be left with the grim realisation that politics over here is, indeed, a dirty game. Of course, this is without prejudice to the few ones who have played the game fairly.

But despite our not-so-complimentary perceptions about politics in Nigeria, citizen participation is no less crucial and imperative.

It is imperative because one of the very immediate implications for failing to participate in politics is that we all end up being governed by individuals with whom the requisite capacity and desire to lead are not inherent.

In advanced societies where the practice, campaign and advocacy of democracy and democratic ideals are found, the principles of distinct political ideology is the fundamental undergird for both the key players in the game and the political platforms to which they belong, and on which they aspire to contest for elective offices.

It is depressing that decades after embracing democracy as a system of governance in Nigeria, chiefly in the second dispensation where the country had enjoyed over 20 years of uninterrupted civilian rule, our politicians still visibly lack political principles and ideologies.

This is clearly explicable in the rather loose nature of party loyalty and allegiance.

In many states, party members are being discovered to be clogs in the wheels of progress.

and albatrosses to the successes of their own parties. This, according to findings, they do for egotistical reasons. For example, prior to the 2019 general elections, the party that was riddled with shilling self-destructive orchestrations by its own party stalwarts is the Bauchi state chapter of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) under the leadership of the former Governor of the state, Barrister Muhammed A. Abubakar.

The man was reportedly being fought by his own party men who were based in Abuja. They were said to have conspired with the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to wrestle power from the APC in the state.

Let me go down memory lane a bit. Due to his growing popularity and widening political capital, M A Abubakar was elected at the party’s primary election to be its governorship standard bearer in the 2015 general elections. As expected, he led the party to win all the contested seats in the state. In fact, the APC won the highest votes in the entire North-east geo-political zone for President Muhammadu Buhari who polled 931,598 against PDP’s then President Goodluck Jonathan 86,085.

Capitalising further on MA Abubakar’s political clout as leader of leader Bauchi APC in the 2019 presidential election, President Buhari polled 798,428 votes to defeat Atiku Abubakar, which polled 209,313 votes more than Adamawa and Taraba states combined by well over 200,000 votes. It is also worthy of note that in all the 36 states of the federation and the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), apart from Kano, Katsina and Kaduna, no other state scored as many votes as Bauchi in the 2019 presidential election; not even Lagos state could garner as

many votes despite its huge population.

APC in Bauchi state is also reputed to have produced the entire three Senators in its fold. This in itself is an unmistakable verdict on the capacity and performance of the party.

Similarly, the Bauchi APC produced nine out of 12 House of Representatives seats. Meanwhile, as a reminder that the opposition stood no chance in the contest, it must be noted that even the two of the three lost by the party were ‘won’ by the People’s Redemption Party (PRP) in active connivance with the renegade members of the APC. Given these wins, and in addition to his overwhelming victory in 15 out of the 20 local government areas of the state, the foes of Abubakar and party contracted a fraudulent alliance with the PDP and convened same to rig the gentleman out of the remaining local government areas.

For the sake of history and all that matters to the growth and sustainability of our democratic processes and, indeed, our body polity, it is instructive to note that Abubakar’s most significant ‘offence’ was that he denied the proverbial wolves the access to the state’s coffers.It was customary in the pre-Abubakar administration to siphon funds for selfenrichment to the mortification of the larger society.

Another classical example of Abubakar’s ‘undoing’ is a recent report that their preferred candidate, Governor Bala Muhammed, was accused of awarding a whooping N3.6 billion contract to his personal company. It is a clear vindication of his predecessor who attributed the animosity against him on his stands against wanton stealing of the state’s funds under his

watch.

Today, observers insist that without M.A Abubakar, the APC as a party is virtually doomed in the state because those who fought him from their comfort zones in Abuja cannot win election even at their wards. The recent bye-election, where APC lost in Katugum zone despite parading hitherto influential personalities like the Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu, and Capt. Bala Jibrin, is a clear indication that the duo and others are, as matter of fact, mere political opportunists, who do not necessarily value the supremacy of their party and are not in touch with the political realities in their state.

Sadly, they succeeded in their unholy quest to overthrow their very own candidate in favour of the opposition. But the worry of every party faithful now is on the future of the party. Certainly, President Buhari and the APC national leadership must realise that the party can only be salvaged when the M.A Abubakar led leadership in the state are given all the necessary support to enable them sustain and reposition the party ahead of the 2023 general elections.

As it stands, the wolves in sheep’s clothing, most of whom hold federal appointments from the state, are clearly not concerned about the future well-being of the party. It is the honest view of yours truly, therefore, that Abubakar’s men should be considered for federal appointments to strengthen them with the clouts necessary to sustain the party in the state. This includes the need to appropriately empower them to be able to discharge their social and financial obligations to the party.

Sani writes from Bauchi.

By Yemi Osinbajo he next few decades will present tremendous opportunities for getting well-paying jobs and lucrative entrepreneurship opportunities all over the world.

Anyone will be able to access many of those jobs without even having to move from your own country, in some cases even without leaving your home.

There will be a truly international market place of ideas, talents and opportunities, but to access that market place, you need to become, in many senses, a global citizen by your own effort. Self-education and self-development will be important.

Second, technology in its various iterations and applications will be crucial in all and every aspect of human existence. The greater our access to technology, our adaptation and application of the ideas we have, the more successful we are likely to be.

The third is that we are today in the most advanced moment in human history, and on a daily basis, knowledge and its applications grow in leaps and bounds. For the first time in human history, anyone of us can be heard or seen all over the world by live-streaming without owning our own satellite TV station. We can share ideas with millions of people in seconds on Facebook or Instagram.

It was Arthur Clarke, the British science fiction writer, who said that “any sufficiently advanced technology is not different anymore from magic.” If you follow some of the trends in technology over the past years in particular, much of his statement appears true, as the coming years look set to be some of the most spectacular magic shows ever.

Last year, DeepMind, which is a learning outfit, announced that one of its healthcare algorithms could detect over 50 eye diseases as accurately as a trained doctor. Only recently, we witnessed the trial run of an Artificial Intelligence (AI) newsreader on the Chinese Xinhua News station, and the unveiling of a digital assistant that can mimic the voice of humans with uncanny likeness. It is called ‘Google Duplex’.

There are provinces in China that are now trying out AI teachers in remote villages, where graduates and young people are not likely to stay in. In 2018, there was a world-first recording of an Artificial Intelligence system engaged in a twoway debate with a human opponent!

Fourth, and perhaps most importantly, the abundance of natural resources such as we have in Nigeria – oil and several minerals, even talents – mean little or nothing unless we are able to creatively, and by using innovation and expanding value, add to whatever it is that we have in terms of talent or resources.

Let me put it differently: The difference between poverty and wealth or mediocrity and high achievement is creativity, or the capacity and willingness to add value. This is the reason why Apple, manufacturers of the iPhone and iPad, makes more money in four months than Nigeria earns from oil in one year.

Apple sells the product of the ingenuity of the human mind, ideas translated to products, services and solutions that

millions are prepared to pay for. And because the capacity of the human mind for creativity, the generation of ideas and for innovation and invention is limitless, the source of wealth of innovative companies and individuals is literally limitless. On the other hand, oil drilling and selling, and other extractive activities without adding value by refining and developing a whole petrochemical ecosystem, cannot yield optimal profit or create sustainable jobs and wealth.

Similarly, the mere fact that you have large tracts of arable land for agriculture does not mean you will succeed in agriculture or become wealthy, or even as a nation, feed yourself. Anybody can plant a seed and expect a harvest, but the reason why most farmers, our subsistent farmers, remain relatively poor is that they add no value to what they produce through processing, packaging or making other products out of the raw harvest.

And also because many times they do not have access to cutting-edge innovations and inventions in farm inputs and farming techniques. Those who can add value to the farmers’ harvest become wealthier than the farmer. So the growers of the raw materials are the weakest in the value chain, and the poorest.

For example, the man who makes chocolates from cocoa is bound to be richer than the cocoa farmer. He has added value to the raw cocoa by processing and designing and packing the chocolates in appealing forms. By adding value, he will create more jobs and more wealth. So, while we will always need the traditional professionals – the doctors, lawyers, accountants and bankers – those adding value to their services will make more money than they can. As such, those developing Artificial Intelligence for giving legal advice or medical diagnoses, or for accounting or banking will be more successful than the professionals themselves.

Hence, the future of banking and financial services doesn’t belong to banks or bankers as we know them today, it may well belong to the FinTechs and other technology-enabled solutions. For example, today we have KiaKia, which uses Artificial Intelligence and algorithms, to process loan requests in minutes and grant credit without the hassles of regular banks. Besides, there is Kuda Bank, for example, without a single physical branch, and with all its features built into a mobile application. There is also Eyowo, another example of a payment services company designed for identifying, enumerating and paying to, and collecting repayments from 2.2 million TraderMoni and MarketMoni beneficiaries.

These innovations have revolutionised financial inclusion, making and receiving payments to and from the farthest parts of Nigeria. There is also another company called Paystack, whose founders are just over (the age of) 30.

They have developed applications that make it easier to make payments across the world. There is also InvestBamboo, for example, which was started by two 26-year-olds, and offers new ways for you to save money and invest in stocks, all from a single application.

Others have developed technologies that make it possible for you to invest in a farm without ever seeing the farm. Two Nigerian companies again, ThriveAgric and Farmcrowdy, set

up by young Nigerians under the age of 35, are great examples of the service providers that help small-scale farmers scaleup, and access valuable training; and all of these done through crowdfunding.

In the world of medicine and healthcare, there is LifeBank, owned by a young Nigerian lady. This is a health tech startup, which also uses drone technology to facilitate blood delivery to various health centres. We could highlight another called 54gene, a firm that is harnessing genomic data from African DNA to revolutionise the drug industry, and change the future of medicine. Even in the usually conservative legal profession, which I am the chairman, entrepreneurs are disrupting old trends. There is a digital legal research company called Law Pavilion. The company’s digital tools help lawyers to do legal research quickly and efficiently and even answer legal questions. Judges and lawyers subscribe to it and the usage is a very lucrative value addition to legal practice. Yet the founder and CEO of the company is not even a lawyer.

As such, today there are opportunities for entrepreneurs to build their businesses around traditional professions without being professionals themselves. The most widely read online publications are neither owned nor run by trained journalists. Some of us are familiar with the news aggregation platform called Nairaland, which was started by two Obafemi Awolowo University students while still in school. Today it is one of the most successful online platforms we have. Even many of the most successful online advertising or PR companies have no formal training in these disciplines, and most are self-thought. My nephew, who is a lawyer, is establishing an organic farm and poultry, after taking lessons online. His only knowledge is derived from taking a few classes from someone in Kano State offering online training for people interested in poultry farming.

But let me direct your minds to the new areas for job opportunities being created today. Data science is one big area. Currently, we leave vast amounts of personal data online and in the near future, companies will need data scientists to go through it all to generate answers to business questions and make recommendations on the basis of their findings. Many businesses already spend time and money going through people’s data in order to they can sell their products. This is a new area of opportunities for jobs.

A big area today is content production – 3D/2D animation, virtual effects and special eEffects, as well as augmented reality and virtual reality. The use of animation in education, entertainment and media is growing in leaps and bounds. Those who can create content with animation are being and will be much sought after in the years to come.

According to a recent survey by the U.S. Bureau of Labour Statistics, multimedia artists and animators are among the highest-paid within the U.S. workforce. This has translated into more jobs for animators in emerging economies such as India, Vietnam and now Nigeria. The average pay of a 3D animator in Nigeria, who has just started out after learning his trade, could be in the region of N300,000 – N500,000 monthly. In our training of N-Power beneficiaries, we set aside a fair amount of money to train animators. We have

carried out two sets of training – one in the North and one in the South of Nigeria. In total, we have trained over 25,000 young men and women in animation.

Also, remember that content is becoming more in demand with the streaming wars that have engulfed Netflix, Apple, Disney Plus, HBO; and only recently, Airtel, the telecommunications provider, launched its own streaming service in Nigeria.

Then we have the whole range of cybersecurity, another big area of opportunity. Today, there are new opportunities for cybersecurity specialists. How is that? With each technological advance comes the implied addition of more security risks just to store and keep the information secure. Therefore, cybersecurity will continue to be a growing sector. In this sense, each country will have its own specific regulations, just as we have, and many other international regulations, which will ensure that professionals with an advanced technological background capable of nullifying new threats posed to both technology and people, will be in demand all the time.

How about 3D Printing? This is becoming an area of great need. It will become even more relevant and fundamental in the future when compared with Artificial Intelligence and Robotics. Experts in 3D printing must possess creative skills with the ability to improve the profitability and applicability of models. Also, they must have computer skills and knowledge of 3D printing tools.

The federal government established a humanitarian hub in Adamawa State about two years ago. In that hub, young Nigerians are making artificial limbs with 3D printers for people who lost their limbs in the conflict in the NorthEast. This is a growth area which will continue to grow because 3D printing can be applied in different ways and for many purposes. It doesn’t take a year to learn how to use 3D printers.

The technical revolution from the last few decades have considerably changed the business and cultural world. Currently, we live in an “application economy” as a result of the amount of technology and mobility that surrounds us with our smartphone applications that we depend on for everything, from mobile banking to even health monitoring. As such, it is difficult to find a reason why one shouldn’t try to find a career related to technology, especially when we consider that it is already present in everything we do; from our professions in our companies to our personal lives as consumers. This means computer programming, in one shape or form or the other, will continue to be an important skill for those seeking viable employment and a decent pay.

So today, the most successful businesses are those able to As such, our university curricula must be versatile and dynamic. The focus must be on innovation, critical thinking, interdisciplinary thinking, design thinking, synergising and collaboration with others across the world to solve problems.

Yemi Osinbajo is the vice president of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Urban slums in Nigeria and its health problems

By Akinyinka Omigbodun

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n Nigeria, access and quality of health care services are a challenge, particularly for disadvantaged populations. While health services are far better in the urban, compared to the rural areas, there remains a significant variation in health care services across the various strata of the urban settlements, with the urban slum at the lowest rung of the ladder. The quality of health care in the urban slum is sometimes worse than what obtains in some rural areas.

According to UN-Habitat, over 880 million people live in urban slums globally. A sizeable proportion of this figure is in sub-Saharan Africa, with Nigeria having the largest number. Ibadan in Oyo State, is a huge metropolis in one of the most urbanized parts of the nation. Several factors have aided the rapid and poorly planned urbanization of the city, right from the colonial period until now. One of the visible outcomes of the unplanned urbanization of the city is the emergence of slums.

Slums are neighbourhoods, either in the traditional city core or at the edge of the city, which are often highly populated, have poor access to basic amenities such as water and sanitation. They are filled with poor quality of buildings due to the low quality of housing materials used for construction.

There are currently not less than 12 clearly identifiable slums in Ibadan metropolis. The health of the slum dwellers is a source of concern because they are often marginalised, in terms of access to health facilities and the allocation of resources. In this article, we share the findings of a study funded by UK National Institute for Health Research on health status and access to care in two slum communities in Ibadan (Idi-Ikan and Sasha). The University of Ibadan Urban Health research team which comprised Prof Akinyinka Omigbodun, Prof Eme Owoaje, Dr Funke

Fayehun, Dr Olalekan Taiwo, Dr Doyin Odubanjo and Dr Motunrayo Ajisola executed the project.

Idi-Ikan is a homogeneous indigenous Yoruba community with an older population. It has 1,617 households, with an average of nearly six children per household. There are only 36 health facilities in this slum, of which three are primary (public) health centres, 14 herbal and spiritual centres, 15 patent medicine stores and one maternity home. This implies that 12 health centres are to service 539 households.

Sasha, on the other hand, is a migrant community inhabited by people mostly from the northern part of Nigeria. It has 1,755 households, also with about 6children per household. Sasha has 32 health facilities consisting of one public primary health centre, one maternity home, two private clinics, five herbal and spiritual centres, one optical centre and 23 are patent medicine stores.

The gross inadequacy of health facilities available to inhabitants in both of these slum communities is clearly evident. The residents of these slum communities reportedly utilised the available health facilities for their health care needs. The majority of the service providers were unskilled, and the quality of care obtained could not be ascertained. The danger of this scenario is the inability of the inhabitants to discern the quality of health care provided.

Considering that only 62 percent of those in Idi-Ikan and 52percent of those in Sasha had at least some secondary school education, their ability to discern what appropriate health care service is might be suboptimal.

Why do the in habitants of these settlements need quality health care services to be provided for them?

The study findings demonstrate that communicable diseases are highly prevalent in both communities.

This is understandable considering the poor status of environmental sanitation evidenced by lack of potable

drinking water, lack of toilets (with the attendant open defaecation), and poor waste disposal system in the communities.

These poor sanitary conditions increase risk of infection disease epidemics such as cholera in the communities. Maternal health problems and perinatal conditions were also commonly reported as conditions for which health care was sought in the communities.

However, the study sites lack sufficient health centres and the skilled personnel to handle these conditions.

Hypertension, chronic pain and arthritis are other prevailing health challenges reported by the residents in these Ibadan urban slums.

Since majority of the health services needed are not available in these communities, a substantial proportion (71 per cent in Idi-Ikan and 73 per cent in Sasha) moved out of their location on various occasions to access health services outside the communities where they lived. Only a few (29 per cent in Idi-Ikan and 27 per cent in Sasha) made use of the health facilities located within their slum environment. This demonstrates that what is needed to keep the residents healthy is not available within their environs, adding to the health and financial burdens they are compelled to bear.

Health service utilisation in the slum communities of Ibadan is affected not only by access, but also by the cost. The preventive and medical test facilities needed are very limited in these slum communities, creating an opportunity for quacks to make an inroad and send many to untimely graves.

The study findings show that while adult employment is high in both study sites, average monthly earnings are below N23,000 and N21,500 in Idi-Ikan and Sasha respectively. They could also spend more on healthcare because the residents use private facilities more often than the few public health facilities available. When access is limited by cost/

affordability, it may lead to a recourse to dangerous alternative sources or self-medication, a recipe for increased likelihood of disability, or even death.

Provision of health services in urban slums is critical to the growth and development of cities and it is important to assess the health of urban dwellers in order to ensure that they gain access to needed healthcare services that would make their lives better.

One of the main problems causing early deaths among Nigerians is a dearth of functional health facilities.

The NIHR data provide an insight into the precarious health care situation in Ibadan urban settlements and can help in the formulation of the right policies by the Oyo State Government and the authorities in the Local Government Areas where the slums are.

Of the sum of N213, 788,332.97 budgeted for fiscal year 2020 by the Oyo State Government, 23 percent was allocated to infrastructure, 22 percent to education and only a paltry 5.1 percent to health.

Only a fraction of this amount will go into developing facilities and programmes to benefit the health of people living in the state’s urban slums, since other segments of the population also require attention.

The findings presented should provide some guidance on the most effective ways of distributing the health expenditure so that those in urban slums are not neglected.

Going forward, the government needs to increase the number of public primary health centres in these urban settlements and staff them with qualified health personnel. Maternal and child care services deserve special attention because of the vulnerability of this segment of the population. The problems of long waiting time and cordiality of staff will be reduced if more health facilities could be accessed within these communities.

Dr Tade, the media expert on the project, sent in this piece via dotad2003@yahoo.com

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

PAGE 14

News NGO flags off widows’ care programme in FCT

APC slams PDP for seeking political gains with COVID-19

By Paul Effiong

A

Non-Governmental Organization, FEED ONE INITIATIVE has flaggedoff its maiden care for the widows programme with over 50 beneficiaries.

Speaking during the flag off at the weekend in Mpape, FCT, the Founder and CEO Feed One Initiative, Comrade Nsikan Paul said the they embarked on this with the support of spirited individuals and groups that keyed into the organization’s vision of giving to the needy in our society.

According to him, this collaboration with groups and individuals will be of the best benefit to Nigerians that daily look for help. “We are poised to changing the narratives’ of people living in our communities through this platform and we will not back down in working and assisting the less privilege with all our strength and resources available to us,” Comrade Paul added .

In his remark, the Chief Host of the event and the Councilor representing Dutse Ward in Bwari Area Council, Hon Julius Adamu, expressed joy with the Founder of the organization for such wonderful gesture of care for the down trodden in the rural places like Mpape.

He promised to collaboration with NGO’s like Feed One Initiative in areas of training the youth and widows and people with special need within the ward.

According to the Councilor, “As the representative of the people, we are doing our best and we will continue to do more for our people.”

The donor , the Chief Executive of Shepherd Group, Hon. Friday Etimbuk, said they are partnering with Feed One Initiative because of the track record of carting for the vulnerable in the communities and their painstaking work for the common man in our society with honesty and diligence in whatever they are doing.

He therefore pledged continued working relationship with them, urged Individuals , groups and government agencies to support the NGO.

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

T L-R: Chairman, FCT Chapter of the National; Association of Nigeria Theatre Arts Practitioners (NANTAP), Mr. Kayode Aiyegbusi, National President NANTAP, Mr. Israel Eboh, The Director General , National Council for Arts and Culture (NCAC), Otunba Olusegun Runsewe, Fellow of the Theatre, Mr. Dotun Osunsanya and the Secretary General of the Association, Ngozi Duru, during NANTAP courtesy visit to the Director General NCAC, recently in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Military will win insecurity war, Archbishop assures Nigerians

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

T

he Archbishop of the SouthSouth Pentecostal Churches in Nigeria, Archbishop Julius Ediwe, yesterday expressed optimism about Nigerian Army winning the war of insecurity in the country, in no distance time.

Bishop Ediwe stated that Nigerians will soon have a cause to celebrate the efforts of the Nigerian Army in the fight against terrorism.

The clergy, who is known for his many predictions on the state of affairs in Nigerian as regards the Boko Haram/ISWAP insurgency, Wiggle speaking with journalists recently.

He emphasized the fact that there has been a strategic alliance against Nigeria by neighboring francophone countries, and this has been aiding and abetting the Boko Haram/ISWAP fighters in launching offensives in Nigeria.

“The war against terrorism in Nigeria has assumed a dangerous dimension that has seen to the fact that some of our neighbors have been carrying out acts that undermine the efforts of the Nigerian Army is ensuring that the remnants of the terrorist group are wiped out.”

“This is a serious endeavor

that requires not only the physical effort but also the spiritual efforts in praying and fasting for God in his infinite mercies to come to the rescue of Nigeria in this critical point of our existence.

“France and its allies must realize that they have not been good neighbors of Nigeria for whatever reason. A situation where the Boko Haram group have found solace in their territories from where they launch attacks in Nigeria is ungodly and against every known form of being one’s brother’s keeper.”

“In the book of Romans 14:19, the bible stated that “So then let us pursue what makes for peace and mutual up building.” They must understand that there been neighbors to Nigeria should be for good and not for evil. The instruction in the bible is explicit.”

The clergy added that the South-South Pentecostal Churches have been interceding on behalf of Nigeria, and there are signs that the end of the Boko Haram/ISWAP group is near.

“As we know, there is currently some in-fighting in the Boko Haram/ ISWAP camp, and this is as a result of the relentless prayers offered by wellmeaning Nigerians, as well as the

tremendous efforts of the Nigerian military against the insurgents.

“Remember that I mentioned earlier that with the way things are going, it is now a combination of both physical and spiritual efforts that are required to win this war completely.

I am glad about the results so far and return all the praises.”

“They are tired of perambulating in the bushes because they do not have any base due to the constant pressure been mounted by the Nigerian Army in operation. This is indeed a sign that their end is indeed near, and Nigerians would have cause to celebrate their defeat by the grace of God.” The fiery cleric added that there are several revelations from God concerning Nigeria, and one of them is the fact that in the coming days and weeks, many more Boko Haram members would drop their arms and surrender.

“We have heard from God concerning Nigeria and the fight against the forces of evil that have conspired against our peace and unity. God revealed to us in the book of Deuteronomy 20:4 “for the Lord your God is he who goes with you to fight for you against your enemies, to give you the victory.”

“I wish to tell Nigerians that indeed great victory is coming our way because God is not a man that he should lie. He has promised, and he will never fail.

Further in his speech, he called on Nigerians not to relent in prayers in fulfillment of the prophecy of God concerning Nigeria as regards the imminent defeat of the Boko Haram group.

“I call on all Nigerians regardless of the religious or ethnic affiliations to continue to pray for Nigeria because God has revealed that the end of Boko Haram is near” “I heard from God that Boko Haram would be defeated under President Muhammadu Buhari and what we owe him is our constant prayers and support in this regard.

I call on all of us to play this allimportant role that would ultimately be beneficial to all of us as Nigerians.”

Concluding, he assured Nigerians that God is involved and doing great things. The military must remain focused on this final push in the fight against terrorism in Nigeria. He also stated that in no distant time, Nigerians would begin to see and appreciate the efforts of the Nigerian military in the quest to keep Nigeria safe and secure.

Foundation provides free medical service to 500 women, children in Kaduna From Kaduna

T

Femi

Oyelola,

he Al-Ihsan Foundation, has provided free medical services to 500 men, women and children in Kaduna, under its Medical Outreach programme.

The Chairperson of the

programme, Dr Zainab Muhammad-Idris, disclosed this while speaking to the media in kaduna yesterday.

According to her, the goal was to render service to humanity by giving back to the society.

Muhammad-Idris explained that the outreach programme

tagged, “Heal with the Love of a Mother” was in collaboration with the Medical Women Association of Nigeria (MWAN), Kaduna State Branch.

She further said the move is to touch the lives of the people, particularly the common people in communities who cannot afford basic healthcare services.

She added that those found with serious health issues would be referred to appropriate health centres for appropriate attention.

Also speaking, the President of the Foundation, Aisha Mujaddadi, described the outreach programme as a “service to humanity’’, that

impact on the lives of people at the bottom of the society.

On her part, Dr Hassana Yakasai, Assistant Secretary, MWAN, said that the collaboration with Al-Ihsan Foundation was born out of a concern to provide healthcare services to the poor in communities.

PAGE 15

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

he All Progressives Congress (APC) has expressed disgust over what it described as ‘crass irresponsibility’ on the part of the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to play politics and seek political gains with the outbreak of Corona virus, warning that it affects every Nigerian irrespective of political affiliation.

APC also commended the proactive work and coordination being carried out by the Federal Ministry of Health, National Centre for Disease Control (NCDC), Lagos and Ogun State Governments, along with other health institutions, personnel and states to contain the virus from spreading across the country.

In a statement issued by the National Publicity Secretary of APC, Lanre Issa-Onilu, the party said the feat of discovering the country’s first case within 24 hours and result of test within 4 hours is pointer to the capacity of this government to manage and deal with the outbreak.

He said this feat has also been recognised and commended by the World Health Organisation (WHO) at a news conference for an update on the global outbreak.

“In managing outbreaks such as the coronavirus, transparent and effective communication is key and this government has demonstrated this in no uncertain way through delivery of up-to-date and timely information on developments, measures being taken and progress made.

“In observation of world standard protocol on prevention and cure of coronavirus, screening and surveillance measures at the airports, seaports and designated entry points are in place.

Medical facilities to deal with any eventuality are also in place and in top gear. We call on all citizens to stay alert but confident”, the statement from APC said.

The party said this is a time when real patriots put in their own positive shifts, in conjunction with the government, adding that it is not a time to spread fear and rumour.

It therefore called on all Nigerians to ignore people seeking to create panic through fake news, saying that all should rely only on the official sources of information on the coronavirus “We have observed with disgust the utterances of some partisans following the report of the country’s first case of coronavirus. It is irresponsible of any political party to seek political gains from an issue that bothers on the health and well-being of all of us.

“Among other treatment successes being recorded in cases of coronavirus, China has shared its treatment procedure of coronavirus with Nigeria as disclosed by the health minister, Dr. Osagie Ehanire.

“Our handling of the Ebola outbreak was exemplary. We call on all Nigerians to remain upbeat and confident that this too will be another good outing for us”, the statement said.

Adamawa PDP faction begins own membership registration From Umar Dankano, Yola

T

he Adamawa state factional Chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (rPDP), Alhaji Jauro Hammanjoda Girei, has described the new party membership registration ongoing in the state as a huge success considering the massive turn out by aggrieved members.

Hammanjoda Girei said this at his ward (Ward one, Unit 004) in Girei local government area of the state shortly after being registered on the PDP register, saying that reports coming from most councils and

wards have revealed that the exercise commenced peacefully.

Girei therefore charged party members to visit their wards where these registration centers are stationed to be registered and collect their new party membership cards duely signed by the National chairman, Chief Uche Secondus.

Girei, who registered at around ten O’clock Friday morning, expressed optimism that his faction of the party is doing the needful in the interest of their followers who felt sidelined by the Barrister A.T Shehu faction in the scheme of things in the party.

The chairman told journalists on monitoring exercise that his local government was having over 6000 membership cards in custody for the exercise.

Adding his voice on the exercise, chairman of the rPDP of Girei local government area, Honourable Gabriel George stated that what is happening in the party in the state is nothing more than democracy in action where divergent interests are at play.

George expressed satisfaction with the turn out of the people for the registration, urging them to be conducting themselves calm up to the

last day of the exercise.

Our correspondent who visited some registration points in Girei, Yola South and Yola North local government areas, reported that the exercise was observed under calm atmosphere.

Recalls that the party is experiencing internal crisis due to alleged high handedness and impunity mated on some aggrieved members of the party who resolved to form a faction within nicknamed rPDP led by a chieftain,Dr Umar Ardo.

R-L: Chairma, Nigeria Governor’s Forum (NGF)/Ekiti state Governor, Dr. Kayode Fayemi, his Deputy, Aminu Waziri Tambuwal of Sokoto state, Gov. Nasir Ahmed el-Rufai of Kaduna state, Gov. Ifeanyi Okowa of Delta state and Gov. Godwin Obaseki of Edo state, during the Nigeria Governor’s Meeting on national issues in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

PDP rejects Court annulment of Kogi guber primaries

By Lateef Ibrahim

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has rejected Thursday’s judgement of the Kogi State High Court, which voided its primary elections for the State governorship election.

The PDP has thus resolved to send a petition to the National Judicial Council (NJC) against the trial judge, Justice John Olorunfemi, stressing that his (the judge’s) conduct amounted to gross misconduct, “which our judiciary must not condone”.

The National Publicity Secretary of the PDP, Kola Ologbondiyan, who addressed journalists on the issue yesterday, described the judgement in question as a classical example of judicial rascality and scandalous travesty of justice which cannot stand.

He made it clear that the PDP will stop at nothing in exploring all legal avenues over the judgement.

The PDP pointed out that the judgment has heavily detracted from the integrity of the Kogi High Court and capable of threatening the reputation of the entire institution of the judiciary if not immediately quashed.

According to Ologbondiyan, “The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) completely rejects the judgment of the Kogi State High Court, which

unlawfully voided our validly conducted primary for the Kogi State Governorship election.

“The judgment is a classical example of judicial rascality and scandalous travesty of justice which cannot stand, and for which our party will stop at nothing in exploring all legal avenues to immediately set it aside at the appellate courts.

“The PDP holds that the judgment has heavily detracted from the integrity of the Kogi High Court, threatens the reputation of the entire institution of the judiciary if not immediately quashed.

“It is completely unimaginable that a court of law will allow itself to be railroaded into a voyage to the void, to the extend that it stood the law on its head by importing and pronouncing reliefs on matters that were not before it or even pleaded by any of the parties; to wit, a declaration on the validity of PDP Kogi state governorship election primary.

“The conduct of the judge only confirmed widespread stand that the court had been externally induced, ethically challenged and politically compromised to undermine the case of the PDP at the Kogi governorship election tribunal.

“Already, our party has been fully made aware of how the All Progressives

Congress (APC) and agents of Governor Yahaya Bello administration had mounted pressure on the Court to corrupt itself by twisting a matter, which had nothing to do with the validity of our primary, to assist the APC in its obnoxious plots against the PDP. “For the avoidance of doubt, Nigerians are all aware that our great party, on the 5th of September 2109, duly conducted our primary for the Kogi governorship election, which was monitored and certified by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) and which produced our candidate, Engr. Musa Wada, who fully participated in the November 16th 2019 governorship election.

“It is therefore instructive to state that the pre-election suit filed in the Kogi High Court by only one of our many aspirants in the primary, Alhaji Abubakar Mohammed Ibrahim, only sought the court to declare him the winner of PDP primary election.

“All the parties agreed that the primary was valid and concluded.

“The only contention between Engineer Musa Wada and Abubakar Mohammed Ibrahim was to determine who the actual winner was and nothing more.

“In determining the matter, the

judge found that Abubakar Mohammed Ibrahim did not establish his case that he won the primary.

“Instead of stopping at that, which is within the ambit of the reliefs sought and opposed in the court, the judge strangely went ahead to sacrilegiously deliver the script of the APC, to wit; declaring that the PDP Kogi State Governorship primaries was invalid and that PDP had no candidate for the Governorship election of 16th November, 2019.

“This is indeed another sad commentary for the judiciary. How on earth can a judge engage in a deliberate public rape of the Lady Justice, in her own temple, just to please the pillagers of our democracy?

“The conduct of the judge is completely unethical, a direct abuse of the law and powers of the court to satisfy the interest of the APC and Governor Yahaya Bello, in their failed bid to frustrate the retrieval of our governorship mandate at the tribunal.

“The PDP will take this matter to the very legitimate end and get redress at the appellate courts and we have instructed our lawyers accordingly.

“Our party believes that the ignoble conduct of the trial court does not represent the overall attitude of our judiciary. He acted on his own and must be seen in that light.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

PAGE 16

Politics

CNPP declares war on NASS over immunity Bill

By Musa Adamu

T

he Conference of Nigeria Political Parties (CNPP) has warned the two chambers of the National Assembly “to immediately suspend the bill seeking to extend constitutional immunity to presiding officers of legislative institutions” after it scaled second reading in the House of Representatives.

The bill which was sponsored

by Hon. Odebunmi Olusegun was supported by some lawmakers who

said it is important to safeguard the sanctity of the National Assembly.

However, the CNPP in a statement issued in Abuja by its Secretary General, Chief Willy Ezugwu, warned that “in the event that the Bill was not stood down, a coalition of civil society groups and ordinary Nigerians who are at the receiving end of the current hardship and insecurity in the land will be mobilised to occupy the National Assembly throughout the public hearing to register the displeasure of the citizens over the Bill.”

“We urge President Muhammadu Buhari not to assent to such insensitive and selfish bill if it was forcefully passed into law by the legislature as the bill shows how indifferent the lawmakers are to the plight of the ordinary citizens.

It proves that the legislators are too selfish to understand what should be the priority of the country at a trying time like this.

“Having carefully studied the circumstances surrounding the introduction of the immunity bill by the legislators, we fully align

with the House Minority Leader, Hon. Ndudi Elumelu who asked the lawmakers to place the interest of their constituents above personal interest.

“How can the lawmakers be more interested in protecting its principal officers from prosecution at a time Nigerians a dying in dozens in the hands of bandits and terrorists?

“The country should at this time be thinking of altering the constitution to remove immunity clauses for the president and vice

president as well as that of the governors and their deputies.

“It is absurd for the lawmaker to be thinking of protecting themselves and indirectly providing cover for corrupt governors and other politicians who find their way into the national assembly immediately their tenure end.

“If the bill eventually becomes law, it will ultimately alter the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and expand cover for treasury looters in the country”, the CNPP stated.

Insecurity: Niger APC stalwart seeks more police recruitment From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

A

ll Progressive Congress (APC) stalwart and Coordinator Inter Governmental Affairs to Niger State Governor, Muhammad Awaisu Kura, has advocated for the recruitment of more police personnel and synergy among security outfits if Nigeria must succeed in fighting insecurity.

Awaisu Kura made this known while speaking to journalists in Minna on the insecurity situations in the country, where he called for concern, just as he said the needed equipments should be provided for the security personnel to be able to fight bandits, Boko Haram and kidnapping in Nigeria.

He explained that the security personnel needed to be trained on the new methods of detection to forestall the current insecurity challenges confronting the nation, adding that 3,070 police officers was grossly inadequate to provide the required security for the lives and properties of almost 200 million people.

Awaisu however suggested for a synergy amongst the security agencies if security of lives and properties most be achieved in Nigeria, while lamenting that different security agencies saddle with the safety of the citizens are operating independently, which he said does not mean well for the situation of the country.

The APC stalwart blamed the federal government for not doing enough as promised by President Muhammadu Buhari in terms of providing security, hence the escalation of insecurity in Nigeria.

He challenged the federal government for not been able to procure sophisticated weapons for the teaming security agencies to over power the insurgency, alleging that security operatives were perpetually in fear of attack from the bandits, calling for the reversal of such trends.

Awaisu who explained that a situation whereby the subordinates in security agencies does not tell their bosses the true picture of happenings during operations is hindering the war on insecurity, added that the reinstallation of toll gates in Nigeria would help in providing security.

He backed the call for community policing, but said it must be adequately equipped to be able to counter any unforeseen circumstances if it must achieved its set objectives. He urged the citizens to give their maximum support and understanding to the security agents, warning that they cannot do it alone.

L-R: Deputy speaker House of Representatives, Rt. Hon. Ahmed Idris Wase in a condolence visit to the Minister of women affairs and social development, Dame Pauline Tallen over the death of her brother late Miskoom Albert Kattiyam, yesterday in Jo’s.

Photo: DS media team

Group cautions politicians agains desecrating S/Court

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

I

n the wake of recent attacks by politicians over some judgements by the Supreme Court, a Non Governmental Organization (NGO), Patriots For the Advancement Of Peace and Social Development, has cautioned politicians against demeaning the apex court, even as it charged the Justices to remain undaunted.

In a statement in Abuja at the weekend, the group commended the Supreme Court Justices for their courage in the discharge of their duties with the barrage of cases coming up for review before the court, noting that the decision of the court remains final.

According to the statement signed by its Executive Director, Sani Abdulahi Shinkafi, the group recalled that on May 24 2019, the Apex court Justices did a thorough housekeeping in Zamfara State.

The statement said “Your Lordships upheld the decisions of the lower Courts to the effect that the All Progressives Congress (APC) did not nominate

candidates for the House of Assembly, National Assembly and Governorship elections in Zamfara State in the 2019 general elections.

“Consequently, the purportedly elected candidates of APC in Zamfara State were swept into the abyss of oblivion. It was a landmark judgment that elevated the tenets of our democracy above unbridled partisan politics.

“The judgment elevated the provisions of Section 87 of the Electoral Act 2010 (as amended) above the reckless shenanigans of the political class. For enriching Nigeria’s jurisprudence and deepening our democracy regarding the acute necessity of conducting primary elections; the Supreme Court deserve enormous commendation, not condemnation, over the Zamfara decision of May 24 2019”.

Shinkafi stated that “the year 2020 has seen Your Lordships, in two landmark judgments, yank the seat off the purportedly elected Governors of Imo and Bayelsa States.

The Imo judgment is significant because it installed

as Governor the candidate of APC who came 4th in the results purportedly declared by INEC. He said however, the appeal before justices revealed to Nigerians and the world at large that 388 Polling Units results were unlawfully excluded and suppressed by INEC in a bid to declare PDP and its candidate winner of the election.

“Your Lordships dutifully collated these 388 Polling Units results and rightfully returned the APC and Senator Hope Uzodimma as winner of the election. Since then, all hell has broken loose.

“Aggrieved PDP politicians have held rallies and protests in streets, embassies and market places. Even the residence of Your Lordships have not been spared.

The Supreme Court as a hallowed institution, ably manned by Your Lorships, has been ridiculed and abused, simply because a politician lost his seat.

“A tenured seat of merely 4 years. The Bayelsa judgment arose from a pre-election matter.

The trial Federal High Court nullified the joint ticket of the

APC Governorship and Deputy Governorship candidates because the Deputy presented forged certificates.

“Being a joint ticket as contemplated by Section 187 of the 1999 Constitution (as amended), it is elementary that any virus that afflicted the eligibility and nomination of the Deputy Governorship candidate will also blight his Principal’s eligibility and nomination.

Shinkafi said “We urge Your Lordships to remain steadfast, stoic and undaunted as the apex and policy Court of the nation.

The orchestrated attempt by politicians to review Your Lordships’ decision in Zamfara, Imo and Bayelsa is a knee-jerk reaction propelled by desperation and tomfoolery.

“It is quite sad and unfortunate that this is the 2nd attempt to review the Zamfara decision.

We understand that on July 22 2019, Your Lordships struck out the Application for Review filed by APC and its candidates in Zamfara. Why will a 3rd Application for Review be filed again over the Zamfara decision?

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

Reps to grill Julius Berger, Fashola over 2nd Niger bridge

By Christiana Ekpa

H

ouse of Representatives yesterday resolved to investigate Julius Berger, Federal Ministry of Work and Housing over contract monopoly on Lagos-lbadan Expressway, Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Expressway and the 2nd Niger Bridge.

The investigation will determine if the amount disbursed so far on the projects has a commensurate value with the job done till date.

The House equally urged its Committee on Works to investigate and determine the contractors capacity to deliver the contracts awarded as Scheduled.

Also expected of the committee is to determine if there is a potential conflict of interest in awarding the contracts to a single contractor, as well as to determine if the contract sums have been inflated.

The resolutions of the House followed a Motion sponsored by Ifeanyi Momah (APGA, Anambra) during Thursday plenary, precided over by the Speaker of the House, Rep. Femi Gbajabiamila.

Moving the motion, the Anambra Lawmaker disclosed that there are evidence of slow pace of work on these 3 critical projects across the country.

According to him, the Lagos Ibadan Expressway, AbujaKaduna-Zaria-Kano expressway and the 2nd Niger Bridge have suffered set back which resulted in traffic congestion; fatal accidents being recorded daily and a downturn in the economy of the States bordering these projects.

He said “these critical projects were designated to be funded under the Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund (PIDF) domiciled at Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) so as to ensure proper and prompt funding.

“Despite the prompt release of funds by Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) the projects are lagging behind schedule. As of December 2019, Nigeria Sovereign Investment Authority (NSIA) has released the following amounts N19, 520,949,317.16 to Section 1 of Lagos Ibadan Expressway N80,242,079,039.46 to the 2nd Niger Bridge N50,856,044,301.27 to Abuja-Kaduna-Zaria-Kano Road Totalling the sum of N150,619,072,657.89 He noted that there is also a potential conflict of interest in Julius Berger’s involvement in the 2nd Niger Bridge.

PAGE 17

Politics

Big politics starts at grassroots Ekeremadu tells LG aspirants

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi

F

ormer Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has counseled the Chairmanship candidates of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the forthcoming Local Government Council polls in Enugu State to see their prospects to serve at the grassroots as opportunity to make or mar their political careers, noting that he equally started off as a Council Chairman.

Ekweremadu enjoined the candidates to address the basic needs of the people, when elected, in order to continue to earn their trust for higher political service.

The lawmaker spoke on

Thursday during the PDP mega rally at Orba, Udenu Local Government headquarters to round off the party’s campaigns ahead of the February 29th Council polls.

“Enugu is a PDP State and by the grace of God, the 17 of you will be massively voted in and returned as duly elected Council Chairmen on Saturday. So, on behalf of the Enugu State Caucus of the National Assembly, I Congratulate you in advance.

“However, let me also put you on notice that it is an opportunity that could make or mar your political careers, depending on what you make of it, because I was once a Council Chairman.

“Nobody expects you to build flyovers or to shoulder the responsibilities of the State Government and Federal Government. Just keep it simple and be sincere and accessible to the people.

“Address their basic needsprimary education, security at your level, basic rural infrastructure and in fact primary needs of the communities.

“Luckily for you, we have a rural-centric governor in Enugu State, who is not leaving no stone unturned to touch the lives of the rural communities. It is up to you to effectively augment his efforts and the people will be happy with you”, he said.

The Senator, who was flanked

by the host Senator, Chukwuka Utazi; Deputy Minority Leader, House of Representatives, Hon. Toby Okechukwu; Chairman, House Committee on Aviation, Hon. Nnoli Nnaji, among others; Hon. Denis Amadi, among other serving Members of the National Assembly, also enjoined the people of Enugu to the PDP en-masse in the Council polls, noting that the PDP Government in Enugu State had justified the confidence reposed in it by the people.

Meanwhile, Ekweremadu was voted the best Local Government Council Chairman in Enugu State in 1997.

Governor of Niger state, Dr. Abubakar sani Bello clearing up refuse, during the reintroduction of monthly environmental sanitation exercise on Saturday in the state.

Corona Virus: Senate orders quarantine of China travelers

By Musa Adamu

A

s the scourge of Corona virus continues spreading across the globe, the Senate Thursday, ordered quarantining of any Traveller from China to Nigeria either through the Air or Seaports.

The Upper legislative Chamber also called for thorugh screening of travellers from any part of the world into the country as a way of preventing any carrier of the deadly disease from entering the country.

Senate’s resolution to this effect was sequel to submissions made by the Deputy Leader of the Senate , Senator Robert Ajayi Boroffice (APC Ondo North) on lack of preventive measures against the virus in Nigeria at all stages.

Senator Boroffice who rose through order 43 of the Senate’s Standing rules to call the attention of the Senate to the looming danger of the Virus entering Nigeria if required mesures are not put in place , cited the examples of thorough screening he was subjected to , in South Africa and make belief one, he experienced in Nigeria few days back.

He said “I was in South Africa on Friday last week. I came back Wednesday this week. Because of the issue of coronavirus, every country in the world is taking preventive measures because the wisdom is that prevention is better than cure.

“In South Africa, we were not allowed to leave the aircraft for good 30 minutes. Officers of the medical corps came into the

aircraft and screened everybody before we were allowed out but when I arrived on Wednesday at the Nnamdi Azikiwe airport, there was no screening.

“All we were given is a sheet of paper to indicate whether we were sick and whether we have been to one country or the other and how we will be contacted if there is an emergency.

“This to me is no screening and baffling because how will they trail me? How we they know if I have fallen sick or not. This is very frightening.

“Something has to be done to ensure that we do not give way to a situation which we will not be able to control.

“Countries that have adequate medical facilities are working hard to ensure that they contain the spread of coronavirus. From what

I saw on arrival on Wednesday, nothing is being put on ground here to ccontain anything”.

Consequently the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan , in his remarks said “We must be prepared. We must take all the necessary measures at our ports - airports, seaports. If someone is coming from China, he should be quarantined, not self isolation.

“While the federal ministry of health and the associated agencies may be doing their best, with this explanation. This best is not good enough and we should not take anything for granted.

“I want to urge the committees on primary healthcare and health to engage with the federal ministry of health once again, We want to see every possible effort done in our airports or seaports”.

Page 18

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

AEDC wants FG to cut 45% import duty on meters

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Abuja Electricity Distribution Company (AEDC) yesterday appealed to the federal government to help cut the 45 percent import duty imposed on meters.

This, the company said would help it achieve the installation of 867,291 units by 2022.

The Managing Director of AEDC, Engr. Ernest Mupwaya made the appeal in Abuja during a customer consultation session on the proposed tariff hike in April 2020.

Engr. Mupwaya said, AEDC deployed 170,239 meters in 2019 and targets installing 330,377 in 2020. It will install 257,373 meters in 2021 and 109,302 in 2022 to close the metering gap in FCT, Kogi, Niger and Nasarawa State.

The MD said, “As at today, we have installed 81,155 meters since the Meter Assets Providers (MAP) started. There is a 45 percent import duty on meters which is reducing the influx of meters along with the low capacity of local companies.”

He urged the customers to join their voices with AEDC so the federal government can reconsider the high import duty on meters, saying with lower rates, the DisCo will flood the networks with meters to ensure accurate power consumption and payment.

He said part of the improvement in AEDC is the purchase of N114 million high technology laboratory vehicle that detects underground cable faults.

He also assured that issues of over estimation will be resolved as the DisCo will spend N1.6 billion to buy bulk power meters and install them across transformers.

Explaining the implication of the new tariff, Mupwaya said customers who consume lower quantity of energy will pay lower tariff.

“For the first time, the DisCo is linking its tariff level to performance. We are saying that we cannot give the same tariff of those with 18 hour supply to those getting 12 hour supply.”

Although the planned tariff rose by 35%, Mupwaya noted that customers on single phase meter will pay 5% less than those on the three phase. “This is because the three phase is more costly to maintain in terms of the cables and fault clearing.”

Fielding questions about improvement plans, the AEDC boss said Jikwoyi area of Abuja is an underserved area but will be boosted with the planned 92 power projects.

Page 19

Covid-19: FG to prosecute merchants hiking prices of protective apparel

By Miriam Humbe

T

he Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission (FCCPC) has frowned at the activities of certain suppliers and retailers who are taking undue advantage of citizens and engaging in unconscionable trade practices regarding to basic safety and protective apparel such as face masks and latex gloves, as well as personal hygiene products like sanitizers and anti-bacterial wipes, because these products are relevant and necessary in preventing infection or spread of COVID-19 (Coronavirus).

Considering the circumstances and the vital national interest/security this illegal conduct undermines, the Commission intends to strongly enforce the full letter of the law, including the fullest extent of penalties associated with this conduct. The FCCPC encourages consumers to be

vigilant, and report such unreasonable or arbitrary exploitative price increase or trade practices to the Commission by telephone on 08056002020, or 08056003030, or by email atcontact@ fccpc.gov.ng.

A statement signed during the weekend by FCCPC’s Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Babatunde Irukera said this unusual and inordinate practice of unreasonably increasing the price of these products in an indiscriminate manner, on account of the national public health concern (Coronavirus) violates both moral codes and extant law.

Irukera said: “Abusing citizens’ sensitivity, apprehension, anxiety and vulnerability, especially during emergencies that could adversely affect national security is a violation of law.

Specifically, S. 17(s) of the Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Act (FCCPA) prohibits “obnoxious

trade practices”, or the “unscrupulous exploitation of consumers”.

“The Commission’s surveillance efforts have revealed that some otherwise reputable pharmacies and department stores are engaging in price gouging and manipulating supplies in a manner that distorts the market, or temporarily restricts availability in order to unreasonably/unfairly increase prices. Any conspiracy, combination, agreement or arrangement to unduly limit or manipulate supply, in order to unreasonably enhance price or otherwise restrain competition is a criminal offence under S.108(1)(b) and (c), FCCPA. “Any exercise or exploitation of undue pressure in selling or the sale of goods or services, or price manipulation between displayed, and selling price are also serious violations of the FCCPA under Sections 115(3) and 124(1).

Taking advantage of the possibility of

infection by a dangerous communicable disease to control supply, or unilaterally increase prices is predatory as it preys on the desperation of citizens.

“Meanwhile, the Commission is in continuing communication with the Nigeria Centre For Disease Control NCDC) and understands that Nigeria’s readiness to address this discovery of COVID-19 and prevent wide-spread infection is sufficient and effective.

“Consumers should however proceed in abundance of caution and follow all respiratory and hand-washing hygiene practices that have been published by NCDC, W.H.O, U.S. CDC, LASG, FCCPC and other official and authoritative sources. Where described symptoms or adverse events are observed in self or others, please follow the instructions provided and notify the authorities and the telephone numbers also provided in the published materials previously identified”.

R-L: Managing Director/CEO, Abuja Electricity Distribution Company Plc (AEDC), Engr. Ernest Mupwaya, Chief Risk Officer, Collins Chabuka, Director/Company Secretary, Mrs. Olajumoke Delano and General Manager FCT Central of AEDC, Hajia Aminat Ibrahim, during a special engagement and consultation with customers on the tariff review, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

FIRS to elite: Show good example, pay your tax

By Etuka Sunday

E

xecutive Chairman, Federal Inland Revenue Service (FIRS), Mr. Muhammad Nami, has charged the Nigerian elites to be exemplar taxpayers to the rest of the population by making full disclosure of their taxable incomes to the Service for accurate tax assessment and prompt payment of their fair share of tax to the government in order to engender rapid national development.

The Director, Communications and Liaison Department,FIRS, Abdullahi Ismaila Ahmad in a statement said, Mr. Nami made this appeal during an interaction with a select group of newsmen following his appearance before the House of Representatives’ Public Account Committee (PAC) on Thursday at the National Assembly Complex, Abuja, chaired by Hon. Oluwole Oke. Nami, who only assumed duty at the FIRS three months ago, furnished

PAC with the audited accounts of the FIRS for 2014 and 2017, and pledged to forward the up-to-date FIRS audited accounts to the committee without delay, stressing that the FIRS on his watch will show good example to other government entities by auditing its accounts promptly and forwarding same to PAC and other relevant supervisory authorities.

The PAC sympathized with Mr. Nami over the failure of his predecessors in office to submit their audited accounts to the National Assembly for oversight purposes as and when due, which created the backlog that Nami is now working to clear.

Urging him to forward the outstanding audited accounts to the Committee as quickly as possible, PAC said it expects the FIRS helmsman and his Board to finish up their on-going concurrent audit of the FIRS accounts for the years 2018 and 2019 and submit them to PAC promptly.

According to Mr. Nami, “the

Nigerian elites must work to change the masses’ perception of us as tax dodgers.

When it comes to tax matters, our image out there as elite in the society is that of unpatriotic privileged people who resort to all sorts of tax avoidance and tax evasion schemes despite making good money or returns in their businesses.

To the man on the street, the typical Nigerian elite makes so much from the system in terms of taxable income, yet he or she does not pay his or her fair share of tax to the government.

“The belief out there – which is not without some validity and it is not mere elite bashing – is that the typical Nigerian big man plays the system and does not pay the correct tax on his income. That it is the less-earning population like the civil servants and other members of the working class in both the public and private sectors who pay tax, which is typically and compulsorily deducted from their salaries.”

The FIRS boss added: “Going

forward, this should change. The upper echelon of society must see tax avoidance and tax evasion as unpatriotic act, and stop it forthwith. The era where the Nigerian big man shirks his tax responsibilities to the nation is gone. It is a thing of the past as the FIRS under the current Board and Management will press everyone, especially the tax dodging elites, to pay their fair share of tax for the overall benefit of all in the nation-building process.

“Those of us in the public eye like the distinguished members of the National Assembly have a leading role to play in this regard, especially in their private businesses and in companies where they are shareholders. They need to show good examples by paying their correct assessment of tax and very promptly too in order to promote voluntary tax compliance across all strata of the Nigerian society. The elites must take the lead in this patriotic national duty to pay tax as and when due.”

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

Page 20

BUSINESS ‘SEC’s initiatives to reduce time to Market’

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Securities and Exchange Commission, SEC has embarked on a number of initiatives to address time to market and promote ease of doing business.

This was stated by the Acting Executive Commissioner Operations, Mr. Isyaku Tilde during a meeting with issuers in Lagos, Thursday.

He stated that the aim of the engagement was to obtain the view of the Issues on transaction costs and time to market to aid the Commission in understanding what steps to take to improve the process adding that the Commission was looking to automate its processes.

Tilde said the Commission has introduced the initiatives in the capital market because it is committed to the Present administration’s ideals of promoting the ease of doing business.

These initiatives Tilde said, includes the introduction of a framework to facilitate electronic offerings of securities; the checklist review regime which minimises the time spent reviewing transaction documents and which is expected to facilitate the introduction of the deemed approval regime; the introduction of an option to the filing of fourth quarter returns subject to filing the financial statements within two months of the end of the financial year; and Rules in respect of gift distributions at General Meeting and prohibition of meetings with select investors before a General Meeting.

According to him, “we also have other initiatives like the ongoing review of the code of conduct for shareholders’ associations, all these are geared towards ensuring that we address the issue of time to market.

There is also ongoing engagement with the exchanges on addressing the issue of ease of doing business and minimising duplication of efforts with the regulator and the Exchange in a bid to reduce time to market”.

Tilde confirmed the ongoing engagements with PENCOM, CBN and other agencies on several issues including margin loans, especially now that the finance act has provided tax incentives for security lending.

“The Commission has its input into the macro-economic policy and also held a budget seminar which determines how the capital market can play a role in financing the budget; The Commission is part of the FSRCC (Financial Services Regulation Coordination Committee) which discusses relating to the stability of the financial market and the economy,” he said.

On Sustainability he said the Commission has developed a framework for the capital market which listed companies and market operators are expected to comply with which is principle based and not rule based and therefore requires disclosures.

NNPC rolls-out high performance Engine Oils

By Etuka Sunday

F

ollowing the unveiling of its range of lubricants late last year, the NNPC Retail Ltd, one of the Downstream subsidiaries of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), has commenced the roll-out of its Nitro and Rhino range of engine oils into the market.

Group Managing Director of NNPC, Mallam Mele Kyari, disclosed this at the formal launch of the products which held Friday at the International Conference Centre, Abuja.

Addressing marketers, distributors, managers of NNPC Retail’s affiliate stations and other stakeholders at the event, Mallam Kyari urged Nigerians to embrace the Nitro and Rhino range of engine oils as they were specially designed to meet the needs of Nigerian motorists.

He certified the quality of the products, adding: “They are not in competition with any product, they are a replacement for any other product in the market”.

Also speaking at the event, Chairman of the NNPC Retail Ltd’s Board and NNPC Chief Operating Officer, Gas and Power,

Engr. Yusuf Usman, said the idea of NNPC lubricants was conceived long ago but it took time for the products to be designed and perfected in order for them to meet the company’s brand-characteristics of integrity and quality.

He assured that the introduction of the Nitro and Rhino range of engine oils into the market would mark a turning point for Nigerian motorists.

On his part, the NNPC Chief Operating Officer, Downstream, Engr. Adeyemi Adetunji, said the products were designed to stem the tide of prevalence of substandard engine oils in the Nigerian market which had been a cause for concern among motorists.

He said there was huge potential for the products as Nigeria was the third largest lubricant market in Africa, stressing that even with the introduction of electric cars, lubricants would still be required.

Speaking earlier at a pre-launch press conference, Managing Director of NNPC Retail Ltd, Sir Billy Okoye, urged Nigerians to see the Nitro and Rhino range of engine oils as their own as they were the

shareholders of the company and its parent company, NNPC. He assured that in keeping with the company’s strategic objective of making high quality petroleum products available to Nigerians at the right quantity for the right price, the Nitro and Rhino range of engine oils would be available at the over 600 NNPC Retail petrol stations, as well as accredited distributors and mechanic workshops across the country.

He explained that the Nitro range of engine oil which comes in four variants – Nitro Diamond, Nitro Gold, Nitro Super 40, and Nitro 2T - is for petrol engines, with the Nitro 2T specially designed for two-stroke engines like motorcycles.

The Rhino range which has two variants (Rhino X and Rhino HD), he explained, is designed for diesel engines.

“NNPC brings to bear its wealth of experience in birthing the Nitro and Rhino ranges, hence the connection with the slogan, “Na My Papa Born Me”, in the product adverts we are rolling out in the media. The message is that the products are truly Nigerian, truly National, truly World Class”, the NNPC Retail boss stated.

R-L: Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Otunba Adeniyi Adebayo, declaring open the 41st Kaduna International Trade Fair and Kaduna State Commissioner of Business, Innovation and Technology, Mr. Idris Nyam, with others, yesterday in Kaduna.

Photo; BASHIR BELLO

Capping of Estimated Billing: Amount determined

by Tariff Class, Location -KEDCO

K

ano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO) has clarified the insinuation that electricity consumers will henceforth be paying N1, 800 for their monthly power consumption.

The management says such is a clear misrepresentation of facts.

The management further noted that following the order of the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) on the capping of estimated billing in the Nigerian Electricity supply industry, Kano Electricity Distribution Company (KEDCO)

is permitted to charge up to N5, 500 and N8,500 on Residential and Commercial customers respectively, depending on the location of the Customer.

According to the management, the order on the capping concerning KEDCO is to take effect from March bill. Thus, with this capping regulation, customers are now expected to pay 100 per cent of their monthly bills to move the industry forward.

This will help to improve power supply and resolve the liquidity challenge in the sector.

“The claim that all DisCos are now

to charge only N1, 800 is not true as it being circulated, as N1,800 is the industry average which include customers in the rural areas. “ We believe that the move by NERC is for the growth of the sector knowing full well some of the challenges in the electricity supply industry. We wish to put it in clear perspectives that we are permitted to charge beyond N1,800” “We are using this medium to assure our numerous customers that we will continue to improve our services to ensure

that customers get the needed satisfaction from all our services.”

It will be recalled also that we have given a marching order to all meter vendors handling deployment and installations to speedily ensure that all our customers are metered for the overall good of all stakeholders.

In this regard, the management charges all KEDCO customers to continue to pay their bills as and when due to ensure the sustainability of reforms in the power sector.

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

FCT Minister halts illegal construction on Venezuela Embassy land

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, has given a directive for the immediate stoppage of illegal construction work on a piece of land allocated to the Embassy of the Republic of Venezuela in Abuja.

Bello gave the directive following a complaint from the Venezuelan government forwarded by a three-man delegation on a courtesy visit to his office.

A statement from the Minister’s Special Assistant (Media), Malam Abubakar Sani said the delegation had complained that the piece of land allocated to the Embassy of the Republic of Venezuela in Abuja in 1991, was illegally sold out to a private company by the former Head of Chancery at the Embassy.

It added that Bello explained that records of the FCT Administration show that the land in question remained that of the Embassy of Venezuela as the law does not permit the endorsement of sale of land belonging to a country to a private company or individual.

“Information in the files indicate that some officials of your Embassy brought documents in August, 2018, for registration and transfer of title.

But the FCT Administration cannot transfer land title from a country to a private company”, the Minister said.

According to him, Nigeria and Venezuela enjoy a very strong and friendly diplomatic relationship which is highly cherished. He assured the delegation that all necessary steps would be taken to ensure the restoration of the land to its original status.

Speaking earlier, leader of the delegation, Mr. Konrath Moreno, Director-General of Legal Consultancy in the Venezuelan Ministry of Foreign Affairs, said the purported sale of the land was not authorised by his government.

He, therefore, appealed to the Minister to help in the recovery of the land which is meant for the building of a Diplomatic residence.

“Other members of the delegation include the Ambassador Mr. David Velasquez, Madam Marisol Awarado and a representative of the Nigerian Ministry of Foreign Affairs,” the statement stated.

METRO

Page 21

AMAC tackles poverty with revolving loan for women, others

By Stanley Onyekwere

A

part of efforts to eradicate poverty, the Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) has launched a sustainable interest free revolving loan facility for residents across all the twleve Wards of the Council.

Our correspondent reports that the loan scheme which is designed in batches, kicked off with the disbursement of N40,000 and N50,000 respectively to no fewer than 120 women, with a 6-month window to return the funds.

Performing the official unveiling of the loan facility, AMAC Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu Candido revealed that the scheme will be facilitated and operated by the AMAC Microfinance Bank Ltd, one of the Council’s business outfits.

Candido cautioned the beneficiaries not to see the disbursed funds as handouts, but empowerment tool for impacting on their business, urging them to embrace the scheme and ensure that it works.

“What we are asking for the beneficiaries to be more concerned with the little businesses they do, believing in God that within a little time, they will be on their own. So we are taking people out of poverty, by trying to teach them how to catch fish, instead of giving fish.

“And our desire to continue finding ways and means of eradicating poverty among our women in particular, being the custodians of our homes.

“We believe that when we are able to take some of them out of this situation, we are helping the society to be independent, instead of being dependent unnecessarily on little thing that may not even be of assistance,” he stressed.

On the sustainability of the scheme: Candido explains” we are going to sustain it effectively. For instance, the 120 beneficiaries are the first batch, and in the next six months we are coming to ensure that after the loan has been given back , then we look for additional men.

“In this next six months, if you ask of thesevpeople, they who have been already getting stabilised, so we will get another additional men and continue with them, this is how we intend to do it, until the last day of my tenure.”

He therefore urged stakeholders to ensure the successful operation of the scheme, as it’s one of the legacies that his administration want to leave behind for the people.

Earlier, in his remarks, Managing Director, AMAC mfb, Barrister Michael Nzegwu, noted that the loan facility is to make sure that it bridges gap to accessing finance especially in micro economic areas, thereby empowering people especially to be able to do specific economic activities across twelve wards within the Council.

He opined that it is a pilot test of the scheme, starting with Karshi and about two other Wards, as it’s supposed to be a revolving loan facility across all the AMAC Wards.

“What we intend to do is to make sure that the first batch of recipients

(beneficiaries of this scheme) will have access to this funds, and afterwards, it revolves. Because it should be able to empower them to do their business. And when they pay back, other people who are next in line should also have access to finance.

“It’s something that is going to be revolving, and continuous, so it’s not a one-stop thing, so that eventually everybody will have a touch and feel of what the AMAC Chairman wants to do,” he explained.

Not left out, some of the beneficiaries while thanking Candido for the gesture, noted that even though they don’t deserve it, but because of his love and the way he wants to improve lives of AMAC women.

They said: “We are not taking this for granted and we promise that we are not going to let you down, we are not going to fail you.

“And at the appropriate time or even before it, the money will be returned back for us to seek for more.”

L-R: Founder and Convener, Feed One Initiative (FOI), Comrade Nsikan Paul, Councilor representing Dutse Ward in Bwari Area Council of FCT, Hon. Julius Adamu, the Chief Executive of Shepherd Group, Mr. Friday Etimbuk and the Chief Executive , delight medical laboratory, Mr. James Ozaime, presetting Food items to the one of the widows, Mrs Ruth Robo, during the FOI Food Items distributions for Widows in Katampe 1 Mpape, at r the weekend in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imoowo

FCTA ups raid on ‘Okada’ Riders on AYA-Nyanya road

By Stanley Onyekwere

I

n continuation of its reinforced effort to reduce vehicular gridlock on major roads, the Federal Capital Territory FCT Administration has announced its decision to intensify clampdown on commercial motorcycle operators plying the ever busy AYA-Nyanya road.

Accordingly, the FCT

Administration warned that any motorcycle impounded during the intensive raid exercise would not be released to anyone.

Making this assertion, Chairman, FCT Ministerial Taskteam on Traffic Management, Comrade Ikharo Attah in a statement issued at the weekend, in Abuja, disclosed that the operation would commence today, March 2.

Attach opines that, “the

rate at which commercial motorcycle operators ply the road has reached an alarming proportions.

“While they are permitted to operate at Nyanya and Karu, They are not expected to reach Abacha barracks and AYA in Asokoro District”.

He added that the commercial motorcyclists often ride against traffic; and at a very high speed, a development that

has continued to endanger the lives of other road users.

He also expressed concern over the rationale “some residents would choose to ride on a commercial motorcycle at a great financial cost and safety risk even when traffic time on the road stretch has been reduced to between 12 and 20 minutes due to the activities of the Traffic Management Team.”

Page 22

world news

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

COVID-19: Hardship Reveals True Friendship

By Zhou Pingjian

T

he COVID-19 outbreak is a major public health emergency that has spread in the fastest speed, caused the most extensive infection and is the most difficult to contain in China since the founding of the Peoples Republic on October 1, 1949.

The WHO declares COVID-19 public enemy number one.

Containing the epidemic at the source is of essence. Guided by the vision of a community with a shared future for mankind, China is fulfilling its responsibility for the life and health of its own people and for global public health security.

Under the strong leadership of President Xi Jinping, the 1.4 billion Chinese people are making all-out efforts in fighting the epidemic.

The government has taken the most comprehensive, rigorous and thorough measures, many of which have far exceeded what WHO and International Health Regulations required. Through arduous efforts, the epidemic is generally under control, and the positive trend in the prevention and control work is now expanding. Chinas effective response and sacrifice have averted the further spread of the virus in the world. We have the full confidence, capacity and determination to not only win a full victory against the epidemic but also meet Chinas economic and social development goals.

Hardship reveals true friendship. Ruthless as the epidemic, we are deeply touched by the compassion shown to us from the international community. Recently, the Embassy has been inundated with heartwarming sympathies and good wishes from Nigerian brothers and sisters. We highly appreciate that the government and good people of Nigeria firmly stand by us in this difficult time. As President Muhammadu Buhari noted in his statement of solidarity on February 2, Chinas efforts to contain the spread of the coronavirus have been exemplary, as well as the countrys collaboration with international agencies and other countries on the matter, With all the efforts being put in, we know that it is only a matter of time before this nightmare passes.

Indeed, together we shall prevail.

Foreign nationals are safe in China. According to the professional evaluation of WHO Director-General Dr. Tedros, the safest way for foreign nationals in Wuhan is to stay put and ensure effective self-protection. He has cautioned against hasty movement as it will add more uncertainties.

The Ambassador, Dr Zhou Pingjiang delivering an address during a meeting with parents and guardians of Nigerian student studying in China to brief them on the progress report of China’s efforts to tackle and resolve the COVID-19 on Tuesday in Abuja.

We still suggest that countries to follow WHO recommendations and educate their nationals to ensure sound protection in accordance to local health regulations.

The Chinese government attaches great importance to the safety and well-being of foreign nationals, including foreign students. The Foreign Ministry of China has directed relevant local departments to take the protection of foreign nationals in China as a high priority and to work hard to address their difficulties. Please be assured that we will take all necessary and effective measures to protect the safety and health of Nigerian nationals in China.

We have enhanced information disclosure. Local departments have kept local foreign nationals informed in an open and

“

transparent way via websites, WeChat, Weibo and e-mail, posting updates on the epidemic situation through public letters, releasing information on self-protection, opening 24-hour multilingual hotlines. The host provinces and municipalities of consular missions have held news briefings or video conferences to share updates on the latest development of the epidemic and answer questions. Guangdong Province compiled and circulated a Handbook on the Epidemic Prevention and Control for the consular missions.

We have worked to guarantee the life needs of foreign nationals.

Ensuring the well-being of foreign nationals has been made a priority in the work of local governments and community-level bodies, who have worked hard to meet the needs

of foreigner in daily life, epidemic prevention and treatment, and resolve their legitimate concerns to the best of their ability. Consulates have been provided masks, sanitizer and other preventive materials to solve their difficulties.

We have done our best to treat foreign patients. Local authorities are making their best efforts to see that foreign patients are treated in a timely manner and well taken care of. As of February 19, 29 foreign nationals in China had been diagnosed with the COVID-19.

Among them, 10 were in Hubei province, there were 18 recovered and discharged cases, 2 deaths and 9 cases under treatment in isolation.

No reported cases of Nigerian being diagnosed with COVID-19 in China.

We have tried our best to provide services for international

We have done our best to treat foreign patients. Local authorities are making their best efforts to see that foreign patients are treated in a timely manner and well taken care of. As of February 19, 29 foreign nationals in China had been diagnosed with the COVID-19

students. The Chinese government cares about the life and health of foreign students just as we care for our own children. Leading local officials have either visited foreign students in person or talked to them through video links.

For example, Party Secretary of Jiangxi Province visited the more than 500 international students in Nanchang University to offer his support. Many universities have launched online courses to provide diverse means of study for international students. All of them have distributed masks and other personal protective supplies to their international students and worked to ensure that they can have meals in canteens or through food delivery. Local government agencies have coordinated to complete visa and residence permit procedures for international students. Those who are confirmed to be infected with the virus are under good medical care.

In Hubei Province, there are 5400-plus international students, including 50 Nigerian students in Wuhan. All universities in the province have taken thoughtful measures. For example: they have launched 41 special hotlines to provide 24/7 counseling for international students; assigned staff to provide free food delivery and buy stuff for students staying in dorms; created WeChat groups consisting of faculty members, volunteers and international students to learn about their needs and situations; provided psychological counseling to ease loneliness, anxiety and fear; with regard to the difficulties reported, school authorities have tried to resolve problems after verifying the situations with the students concerned.

Having said that, facing such an unprecedented outbreak, it is impossible to have been perfect in our work. There are areas where we are not doing good enough. We welcome opinions and suggestions and will make improvements accordingly.

The COVID-19 comes and will go. The outbreak is just temporary, but friendship and cooperation are forever. China will always remember the sympathy and support given to us in this battle against the virus.

Our heartfelt appreciation goes to all the countries, international organizations and people across the world who have stood with us in tackling the epidemic.

(Dr. Zhou Pingjian is Ambassador of China to Nigeria)

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

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Hosni Mubarak: Egypt holds military funeral for ousted president A

military funeral has been held in Egypt for former President Hosni Mubarak, who died on Tuesday aged 91.

The current President, Abdul Fattah al-Sisi, walked alongside Mubarak’s sons, Alaa and Gamal, in a procession behind his coffin as it was taken to the Field Marshal Tantawi mosque in Cairo.

The government has declared three days of national mourning.

Mubarak was forced out of office by an Arab Spring popular uprising in 2011, after 30 years in power.

He spent the next six years in prison or military hospitals while standing trial on various charges.

In 2012, Mubarak was sentenced to life after being convicted of complicity in the murder of protesters during the uprising. But he was eventually cleared on appeal.

He was also given a threeyear jail sentence for embezzling public funds.

State media reported that he died at a Cairo hospital after undergoing surgery.

Egyptians divided over Mubarak’s legacy

By Sally Nabil, BBC News, Cairo Dozens of Hosni Mubarak’s

supporters, many dressed in black, gathered outside the mosque where the funeral was held. They held signs expressing gratitude for Egypt’s “greatest leader”.

“He was a wise man who kept this country stable for 30 years,” a middle-aged man told me.

Stability was Mubarak’s watchword. He took pride in keeping everything under control

during his long autocratic rule.

But this came at a massive price, according to his critics.

Egyptians who took part in the 2011 revolution say he was a corrupt dictator. They hold him responsible for the problems Egypt is suffering at the moment.

“It’s all part of his terrible legacy,” one young man said.

Some people on social media asked why Mubarak was given

such a funeral when he had been convicted of corruption. They also compared his treatment to that of his ousted successor, Mohammed Morsi, who died last year while in court and was buried overnight with only a few members of his family in attendance.

Morsi was an Islamist, however, while Mubarak belonged to the military - an

institution that has dominated Egypt’s political scene for more than six decades.

While some Egyptians consider Mubarak a figure from the past, a considerable number believe the time when he was in power was better than it is now.

They say he left a small space for freedom of expression, unlike the current president.

President Sisi has expressed “deep condolences” to Mubarak’s family.

A statement paid tribute to his military service during the 1973 Arab-Israeli war. But it did not mention his time as president. “[He was] one of the heroes of the glorious October war, when he led the air force during the war that restored dignity and pride to the Arab nation,” it said.

Mr Sisi served as Mubarak’s military intelligence chief and led the military’s overthrow of his democratically elected successor, Mohammed Morsi, in 2013.

Since then, he has overseen an unprecedented crackdown on dissent, in which tens of thousands of people have reportedly been detained, hundreds have been handed preliminary deaths sentences, and hundreds more have gone missing.

War of words as Nigerian English recognised by Oxford English Dictionary

N

igerian English words have recently been added to the Oxford English Dictionary (OED), but there is still a debate in the country about what constitutes proper English, as the BBC’s Nduka Orjinmo writes from Lagos.

“Come to an all-night prayer vigil to welcome the ember months,” read a text from my mother.

It was an August ritual she had reminded me about severally.

“I have something to do next tomorrow,” I texted back from the barbing salon.

“You sef,” came her instant reply, half-irritated, half-rebuking.

What I considered to be a conversation in perfect English between my mother and me would have been regarded as wrong by the self-appointed language police here.

But now I have something with which I can defend myself, thanks to the OED, which calls itself “the definitive record of the English language”.

The Oxford lexicographers have updated the dictionary with 29 Nigerian words, recognising the “unique and distinctive contribution to English as a global language” of Africa’s most populous country.

OED definitions • ember monthsThe final four months of the calendar year • severallyOn several occasions; repeatedly • next tomorrowThe day after tomorrow • barbing salonA barber-shop • sefUsed for emphasis after a statement or rhetorical question Source: Oxford English Dictionary I wish I could show the list of new entries to my former boss.

Once, when I was a radio presenter, he came rushing into the

studio after I had used “severally” on air, which I had always thought was “proper English”.

He saw himself a stickler for what was correct and gave me an earful about my education that left me flummoxed.

But it is unlikely that he, and others like him, will be satisfied with the OED’s intervention.

‘I don’t care what Brits think’ The OED’s move has divided opinion in the former British colony of 200 million people, who between them speak more than 250 languages.

English is the official language in this polyglot nation and the one used in schools.

There are those who think the idea that an expert sitting in Oxford can define how it is spoken is outmoded.

“I don’t care what the Brits think of Nigerian English,” one writer curtly replied when I asked his opinion. He declined to be interviewed, as did two other writers.

OED definitions • chop-chopBribery and corruption in public life • gistIdle chat or gossip • mama putA street vendor, typically a woman, selling cooked food • okadaA motorcycle which passengers can use as a taxi service • to rub mindsTo consider a matter jointly; to consult and work together • send-forthA celebration or event to mark a person’s departure Source: Oxford English Dictionary But there are the fundamentalists befuddled by what they consider “street words” having made it into the dictionary.

“What we expected was a formalisation of Pidgin,” said Uzoh Nwamara, chairman of a local authors’ organisation.

Pidgin, a mix of local languages and English, has become the lingua franca here and is gaining respectability, not least from the BBC, which has its own Pidgin service.

“But to leave Pidgin and go tamper with the [colonial] master’s language... well,” Nwamara hissed as we spoke over the phone.

I imagined he shrugged his shoulders in that typical Nigerian way that means “What nonsense!”.

‘Last word on words’ Some of the words now included in the OED, for example “sef”, “chopchop” and “gist”, have derived their meaning from the way that Pidgin speakers use them.

The OED has described most of the 29 new entries as “either borrowings from Nigerian languages or unique Nigerian coinages”.

The publishers say its dictionary has been the “last word on words for over a century” and entries are considered on the basis of widespread use and published evidence.

But Nigerian historian, Timi Soleye, thinks the OED may have gone too far.

“It is possible that in an attempt to be inclusive, they have made wrong calls,” he said.

He told the BBC that he had no problem with the nouns, such as “okada” and “danfo”, but he had issues with the addition of some of the verbs and adverbs.

“They added ‘sef’. ‘Sef’ is like a verbal exclamation to add emphasis but you go to the dictionary entry, ‘sef’ has no etymological roots,” he said.

“It doesn’t mean anything. It is completely useless. It is not even a corruption from another language.

What is ‘sef’?

“This amounts to accepting the debasement of English grammar,” he

added with a deep sigh.

He described it as the “Pidginification” of the English language and that the OED has gone down the wrong path for the wrong reason.

“People should feel free to speak Pidgin but Pidgin isn’t English.”

For the record, the OED cites the use of “sef” by author Ben Okri in his 1980 book Flowers and Shadows.

But in accepting Nigerian words, along with past inclusions from the rest of the English-speaking world, the lexicographers have recognised what this country’s literary giant Chinua Achebe wrote in 1975.

“The price a world language must be prepared to pay is submission to many different kinds of use,” he said in a passage about how an African writer should use English.

English here has evolved to incorporate the rhythms and accents of indigenous languages and developed new pronunciations.

‘I write how I speak’ Nigerian writers began to reflect this in their published works from the middle of the last century, and that has continued to this day.

“When I wrote my novel, I wrote in the language I knew how to speak which I later learnt was Nigerian English,” author and publisher Eghosa Imasuen said.

Words not yet in the OED • konkTo knock on the head using the knuckles • ruggedityPidgin noun deriving from rugged • parte after parteNon-stop partying • akaraDeep-fried balls of ground beans • moi-moiSteamed and flavoured cakes of ground beans Source: Nigerian English

Imasuen’s book Fine Boys, which was published in 2012, is about freshmen in a Nigerian university who got embroiled in gang fights.

He used “okada” and many other Nigerian English words such as “konk” (meaning knock) and “ruggedity” (a Pidgin noun deriving from rugged).

“The fact that some of these words are only just being included in the dictionary does not mean that people have not been using them,” Imasuen said.

And more Nigerian English words are being considered for inclusion, Kingsley Ugwuanyi, the Nigerian consultant who worked with the OED on the 29 words, told the BBC. This “has put Nigeria on the map of the English-speaking world. [But] Oxford is not validating Nigerian English, only recognising previous efforts made by researchers,” he said, trying to correct the impression that the OED is telling people how to speak.

And can I suggest a couple of words to be added?

• Akara: Deep-fried balls of ground beans • Moi-moi: Steamed and flavoured cakes of ground beans It is about time the rest of the English-speaking world had the actual names for things I have heard called “bean cake” and “bean puddle”, neither of which sounded right to me.

And as for my mother and her ember months’ all-night prayer vigil, I never did make it.

We rubbed minds over Sunday dinner where, as the wine and gist flowed, I failed to convince her that parte after parte was the ultimate allnighter for millennials.

Source: BBC

PAGE 24

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

EDUCATION

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

CLASSIFIED Public Notice

STARDOM HEART OF LOVE FOR THE LESS PRIVILEGED

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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Enwesi Sylvester.

2. Enwesi Paulina.

3. Nwachukwu Felix Nnonyelum.

4. Ejiofor vitalis Eromaka.

5. Enwesi Onyeka Efemena

6. Obiosio Anietie Asuquo 7. Yusuf Emmanuel.

8. Enwesi Favour, Chukwuechezonam 9. Ikogho Ewomazino David.

10. Enwesi Onorode Nkiruka.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO CARE FOR THE NEEDY AND LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : Donatus C. Ugwu Esq. Viva Chambers 08036743610 .

Public Notice Daniel Anyanwu Aid 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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Anyanwu Uchechukwu Daniel 2.Chigozie Ubani 3.Zainab Wamu Dogara

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1)Mr oluwagbenga sonupe 2)George Patricia eruore 3)Okoro Nduka Steve 4)Omoobabirin iretiola adegoroye 5)oke babatunde Abel

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. TO HELP THE LESS PRIVILEGED. 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.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

This is to inform the general public of the Loss of Original Right of Occupancy (R of O), in respect of plot No 313, Cadastral Zone B02 of Durumi District Abuja, with new file No. PL 20005, dated 12/08/2004, bearing OMA MOHAMMED got missing. All effort to trace this said document prove abortive.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL OFFER OF TERMS OF GRANT/CONVEYANCE OF APPROVAL IN RESPECT OF PLOT 519, CADASTRAL ZONE A04, ASOKORO ABUJA, MEASURING 2174.91 SQM, BELONGING TO GROUP CAPTAIN SAMPSON EMEKA OMERUAH. GOT MISSING. HE IS THE ADMINISTRATOR OF THE ESTATE OF LATE SAMPSON EMEKA OMERUAH. ALL EFFORT MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENT HAVE PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND PLEASE, KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION.ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

if found please return to the nearest police station. General public take note.

SIGNED : BARR NDUBUISI A.N OF OBINNA AJOKU & Co NO6A GOBA CLOSE WUSE II 07039860886.

Public Notice

Public Notice

PEACEMIND EMPOWERMENT INTERNATIONAL

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. MR. EMMANUEL IYIOLA OGUNSOLA 2. MR. OLUJIMI JAMES OGUNSOLA 3. MR. MAKINDE OLAOLU 4. MR. FASOLA NOAH BABATUNDE

GATHERING OF THE BRETHREN MIRACLE MINISTRY INT’L 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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Ada OJa Linus 2. Akahaotu Linus Boniface 3. Akahaotu John Chimankpa

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To Work Towards Increasing The Capacity Of The Economically Disadvantaged Nigerians Through The Provisions Of Various Forms Of Grants And Aids 2. To Work Towards Narrowing The Huge Gap Between The Rich And The Poor Through Various Empowerment Programs Aimed At Exposing The Downtrodden To Productive And Fruitful Ideas And Empowering Them To Take Advantage Of Them.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To propagate the gospel of our Lord and Saviour Jesus Christ.

2. To organise outreaches and crusades for the purpose of reaching out to the poor, orphans, widows, distressed and the downtrodden as instructed by 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 : BARRISTER PHILIP UDUIMHO OKOGIE .

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

Public Notice MEKONG SYNERGY LTD RC-1615231 1, Isioma Onyeobi Way, Asaba, Delta State

THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 2004 COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF MEKONG SYNERGY LTD RC-1615231 Pursuant to section 457(8) of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 2004 At an extra ordinary general meeting of MEKONG SYNERGY LTD RC-1615231 held at its office, it was unanimously resolved and passed: 1. That MEKONG SYNERGY LTD be wound up by a voluntary winding up of the affairs of the company.

2. That a liquidator be appointed in that regard to oversee and conduct the voluntary winding up of MEKONG SYNERGY LTD. 3. That A.B Daramola, Esq of AB DARA & ASSOCIATES, Suites 6/7, Trinity House, Mabushi District, Abuja FCT, be and is hereby appointed the liquidator of MEKONG SYNERGY LTD. 4. That all creditors of the company are hereby requested to forward their claims to the liquidator at the address above written within 30 days of the publication of this resolution. Similarly, all debtors of the Company are advised to pay up the amount owed to MEKONG SYNERGY LTD. 5. That the Corporate Affairs Commission be and is hereby notified of the winding up of the company.

Dated 2nd day of March, 2020 ...................................... .........................................

DIRECTOR DIRECTOR

Concerned citizens development and empowerment 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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

Public Notice

3.To provide an avenue for biblical discipleship and training.

Public Notice Arab African Foundation For Education And Development 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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ABDULMUHSEN ABDELAZIZ ALESHEKH 2. ABDULJABAR TALATA ABUBAKAR 3. DOCTOR RAFIU ADISA BELLO. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. Assisting the less privileged and the economically disadvantaged to achieve their Educational dreams.

2. Forestalling every barrier and hurdle that might impede development within 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 : SECRETARY.

SPACE FOR SALE

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To promote peace and unity among members.

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

Public Notice HELPLINE INITIATIVE INTERNATIONAL 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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. BARRISTER PHILIP UDUIMHO OKOGIE 2. MRS. BOSEDE ABIGAIL OKOGIE 3. MR. AKINBOLA STEPHEN AKINOLA 4. MRS. JOVINA CHIDI SPERLING 5. ENGR. MOSES ABAYOMI ANJORIN 6. ENGR. PHILIP-EDIDIONG UDO INEM THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. Work Towards Ensuring Equal Access To Education By All Children Through The Sponsorship Of The Education Of Brilliant But Needy/Deprived Children In Schools And Colleges.

2. Undertake The Continuing Mentorship, Guidance And Counselling To Youths At Various Levels Of Education.T 3. Establish Educational Research And Training Institution Towards The Attainment Of The “Educate A Child” Goal.

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 : BARRISTER PHILIP UDUIMHO OKOGIE

Public Notice THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA, ABUJA FCT. FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT 2004 PRIVATE COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES NOTICE OF APPOINTMENT OF LIQUIDATOR FOR MEKONG SYNERGY LTD RC-1615231 1, Isioma Onyeobi Way, Asaba, Delta State

I, A.B DARAMOLA, Legal Practitioner of A.B DARA & ASSOCIATES, Suites 6/7, Trinity House, Mabushi District, Abuja FCT, hereby give notice that I have been appointed Liquidator of MEKONG SYNERGY LTD by virtue of a Special Resolution of the Company.

Dated this 2nd day of March, 2020 Yours faithfully, A.B DARAMOLA, ESQ. 08037384441

Public Notice THE MALLAM WELFARE HOME

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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Alhaji Saadu K. Lawal 2. Aisha AbdulKareem 3. Alhaji Sulaiman A. Adangba 4. Idayat Olajumoke Nasir-Mallam 5. Lateefah Abdulkareem THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To provide a conducive and safe environment to orphans and vulnerable children.

2. To provide clothes, food and other tangible needs to orphans and vulnerable children.

3. To encourage and inspire orphans and vulnerable children in their daily lives.

4. To provide quality life skills to orphans and vulnerable children through quality education and recreational activities.

5. To educate the public about the care and needs of orphans and vulnerable children.

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

Foundation earmarks N100m for renovation of Kwara school Maryam Abeeb

T

he Gobir Foundation, a Kwarabased Non-Governmental Organisation (NGO), has earmarked N100 million for the development of Oke Suna Primary School, Ilorin, the first elementary school in the state.

The Initiator of the Foundation, Malam Yakub Gobir, disclosed this at an event to adopt the school on Friday in Ilorin.

He said the money would be expended on the school in the next five years.

The school, which was founded in 1915, a year after the amalgamation of the Southern and Northern protectorates of the country, had produced several eminent personalities such as the 9th Emir of Ilorin, Alhaji Zulukarnaini Gambari.

Similarly, some of the Gobirs produced by the school was Abubakar Gobir, father of the initiator of the foundation.

Malam Yakub Gobir, a Pharmacist and entrepreneur, said his family’s very strong affiliation with the school explained the interest in adopting the school.

He expressed delight in complementing the efforts of the State Government as an illustrious son of the Ilorin Emirate.

According to him, the intervention will be a life time approach, blaming the failure of other educational interventions in the country on lack of continuity.

“Primary education is the basis of future academic excellence in every child.

Whatever level attained in education will definitely be affected, if the primary level is faulty,” he said.

Gobir commended the teaching and non-teaching staff of the school, for sustaining the academic excellence that the school was known for over the years.

Earlier, the Secretary, Ilorin East Local Government Education Authority, Alhaji Abdullahi Hassan, identified provision of furniture and toilet facilities as the areas of urgent attention in the school.

“There is no single toilet for both students and teachers in school B, since its establishment,” the scribe said.

According to him, other areas of urgent attention in the school include the repair of school borehole, equipping the computer room, science kits, supply of ceiling fans and structural repairs.

PAGE 25

JAMB warns varsities against portal admission Maryam Abeeb, Abuja

T

he Joint Admissions and Matriculation Board said it has registered over 2.1 million for the 2020 Unified Tertiary Matriculations Examination and the Direct Entry, a record number in the 41-year history of the board.

The board said on Monday in its weekly bulletin that while it registered 1,949,983 for the 2020 UTME, it registered 160,640 for the Direct Entry.

The registration ended on February 17, with no extension of deadline.

“A total number of 1,949,983 registered for UTME, while 160,640 registered for

Direct Entry,” the board said.

Meanwhile, JAMB also warned universities to desist from conducting admissions on their school portals, noting that such was a “flagrant abuse of the Central Admission Processing System.”

The board said, “The CAPS is an automated platform for all institutions to conduct their admissions. This system engenders transparency, accountability and inclusiveness devoid of human interference.

Institutions are the major actors with the sole authority to recommend candidates for admission while the board supervises by ensuring that all candidates are fairly, equitably and transparently treated.

“Consequently, the conduct of admissions by institutions on their portals is a flagrant abuse of CAPS which is the only credible avenue for institutions to conduct admissions.

“Any admission into the First Degree, National Certificate of Education, and others not on the official letterhead of the board or outside CAPS is null and void, it will not be condoned by JAMB. “Institutions are to note that admitting candidates outside CAPS will jeopardise candidates’ participation in the compulsory National Youth Service Corps mobilisation exercise or any job placement which requires the certification or endorsement of the board.”

R-L: Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, Permanent Secretary Federal Ministry of Education and President Nigerian Institute of Architects (NIA) , Arc. Sonny Echono and the Minister of Water Resources, Engr Suleiman Adamu, during the investiture ceremony of Arc Echono as the 28th president of NIA, recently in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imoowo

202,817 Adamawa pupils get UNICEF bags, learning aids

Maryam Abeeb

A

total of 202, 817 children schooling in five local government areas of Adamawa State have benefitted from school bags, books and other instructional materials provided by the United Nations Children’s Fund (UNICEF).

The materials were handed over to the benefitting LGAs Tuesday during an inaugural distribution ceremony organised jointly in Yola by the Fund and the Adamawa State Universal Basic Education Board (ASUBEB).

UNICEF Education Consultant in the state, Mr Isaiah Joel, said during the handing over of the materials at the

Mahmud Ribadu Square, that 5,070 teachers would also benefit from the intervention in the five LGAs, namely Fufore, Girei, Guyuk, Mubi North and Yola South.

He explained that the school materials would be distributed across the LGAs in this initial phase of the project tagged UNICEF School Supply which is planned to extend to all the 21 LGAs of the state in the near future.

Each of the targeted 202, 817 pupils and students in the initial benefitting five LGAs is to get school bag, a set of notebooks, pens and pencils, crayons, and other writing materials the beneficiaries require.

“We call our package ‘School in a

Carton’ because each carton of our supplies contains materials that a teacher and 40 children would need for a school term,” Isaiah Joel said, adding that the UNICEF School Supply comes with teaching materials for use of teachers.

Earlier during the UNICEF School Supply distribution flag-off ceremony, the Acting Executive Chairperson of ASUBEB, Hajiya Fadimatu Alfa, said it was the first time that the state would receive such large consignment of instructional materials as donation.

She thanked UNICEF for both the School Supply project and other projects that the UN body had done for the state in the past.

32, 349 candidates pass 2019 NABTEB examination-Registrar Maryam Abeeb

A

total of 32, 349 candidates scored five credits and above including Mathematics and English Language out of the 49, 309 candidates that sat for the Nov. 2019 National Business Certificate(NBC)/ National Technical Council (NTC) examinations.

Prof. Ifeoma Abanihe, Registrar, National Business and Technical

Examination Board (NABTEB), disclosed this while announcing the release of the the 2019 November/ December NABTEB examination on Wednesday in Benin.

Abanihe disclosed that 32, 349 candidates represented 72.91 per cent of the candidates that sat for the NBC/NTC examinations.

She said that a total of 40, 605 candidates representing 91.52 per

cent, scored five credits and above with or without English Language and Mathematics in the examinations.

According to her, 603 candidates were allegedly caught in various forms of examination malpractices during the examination.

Abanihe added that the candidates registered for a total of 66 trades at both ordinary and advanced levels during the examination.

She, however, called on authorities to develop new curricular for various Technical and Vocational Education and Training (TVET) prgrammes that are relevant to national skills and industrial needs.

The Registrar also appealed to the National and State Houses of Assemblies to legislate on the need for more modern, well-equipped technical colleges in all the local government areas in the country.

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

CLASSIFIED Public Notice KAFUR DISTRICT DEVELOPMENT FORUM

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : TRUSTEES 1. Alh. Abdulrahman Rabe 2. Alh. Labiru Musa Kafur 3. Alh. Khalil Bako 4. Alh. Isa Salahu Abdullahi 5. Alh. Umar Mohammed Yari 6. Alh. Abdu Halliru Abdullahi 7. Alh. Othman Adamu Shehu Masari 8. Dr. Abba Yakubu Abdullahi 9. Mr. Mazadu Juji Dandada 10. Alh. Mohammed Aminu Halilu 11. Alh. Muhammad Sanusi Wada.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.To defend the development, security interest and peculiarities of the district.

2. To unite the elites, professionals, political and traditional leaders of the district towards the establishment and sustenance of long-term security, educational growth and development, effective health care delivery, community development, empowerment, job and wealth creation in the district.

3. To optimize the environment for the growth of productive and employable youth in the District through counselling, mentoring, instructions and training on entrepreneurship, trade, vocational and technical skills.

4.To require the elected representatives of the district to source employment for qualified youth and contribute towards the general development of the district.

5. To create harmonious coexistence through helping and supporting the poor, unprivileged and the destitute of the district, including but not limited to women, children, women, orphans, people with special needs and the disadvantaged.

6. To formulate a work and implementation plan with set goals and targets towards the achievement of the above objectives.

7. To enter into partnership, liaise, coordinate, collaborate and cooperate with the Local, State and Federal governments, national and international Government and Non-governmental organisations on the attainment of any or all of the above objectives 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

ZAMFARA INDIGENES DEVELOPMENT 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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Bature Maikalwa 2. Ibrahim Aliyu 3. Aminu Bala 4. Usman Abubakar 5. Aliyu Bello 6. Adamu Lawal

(Chairman) (Secretary) (Member) (Member) (Member) (Member)

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.To foster unity among Zamfara indigenes residing outside the state 2. To facilitate mutual assistance, cooperation and understanding among its members 3. To serve as an avenue for skills acquisition, education and training of members on different businesses, artisanship and other means of livelihood 4. To come to the aid of its members in the event of an emergency or some other harzadous situations such as ill-health, fire accident, loss by theft etc 5. To defend the constitutional rights of its members in the event of actual or imminent breach 6. To assist in the economic upliftment of its members by granting them financial assistance to start up business of their choiceTRATION 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

CLASSIFIED

Public Notice THE OWORO FOUNDATION

Notice is hereby given to the general public that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration of its Trustees under part ‘ C’ of the Companies and Allied Matter Act, 1990.

The Trustees Are: 1. Elder Timothy Orugbami Mni - Chairman 2. Chief Hammid Taju 3.Alhaji Oladejo Ehimony 4.Mrs Bose Naomi Musa 5. Mr Kolade Umoru - Secretary AIM AND OBJECTIVES amongst others: 1. To promote intellectual advancement and excellence through research, documentation and public presentations, 2.To advocates in all issues of development in the interests of Oworo people and Oworoland.

Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Headquarters Maitama, Abuja within 28 days of this Publication.

INTERNATIONAL ORGANIZATION OF CHURCH IN AFRICA

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS OBI NWABUNDO ALEXANDRA. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS OBI ALEXANDRA ADA . ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Incorporated Trustees of Majesty Care Initiatives

DADDY’S HOUSE 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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.charles emeka okenwa - Chairman 2.Ebenezer chisom Amadi - Secretary 3. Jennifer ozaram obikaeze - P.R.O THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1-criminal justice reform foundation.

2-providing legal services to people who can’t afford a lawyer.

3,providing rehabilitation and skills acquisition for offenders.

4,providing legal services to people who are physically challenged whom Rights has been abused.

5,organization of workshop and sensitization of the fundamental human rights of the people.

6, feeding and providing aid to physically challenged people.

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

OGUDU GRAMMAR SCHOOL 1984 SET OLD STUDENTS 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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : (1) Pastor Binde Lafum -Chairman (2) Pastor Danjuma Adashu- Secretary (3) Pastor Maurice Napkur Mark (4) Engr. Binde Solomon Seltim (5) Luka Fwagunda (6) Alti Adamu (7) Rebeca Iliya.

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Michael Paul Idugie 2. Itodo Emmanuel Joseph 3. Irole Charles Chukwunenye 4. Sanni Joseph Onobume 5. Omozuapo Sarah Imoitesemhe 6. Ogwuche Ochanya Glory

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.ADEBAYO ADAMS OLU 2.MISTURA AFOLASHADE SHITTU-GIWA 3.BOB BABABOWALE OLUKOYA. 4.OKOROMA JAMES OTUMBADI

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. TO DO RELIGIOUS WORK AROUND THE WORLD. 2. TO RENDER HUMANITARIAN SERVICES 3. TO ERADICATE POVERTY AND FACILITATE SOCIO-ECONOMIC GROWTH AND DEVELOPMENT OF AFRICA 4. TO PROVIDE FOOD SECURITY AND SHELTER FOR THE POOR/LESS PRIVILEGED AND DESTITUTE.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To create a world of hope, tolerance, security, social justice, 2. To alleviate poverty to a barest minimum among all persons in the society especially women, children and the youths 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

OBI

BEATRICE

Public Notice

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

Public Notice

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.

I formerly known as SANDAH GRACE, now wish to be called and addressed as SANDAH PAULINA SHETIMA, all former documents remained valid, FCMB and general public to take note.

Public Notice

This is to inform the General Public that, Sales Agreement and Grant Offers NCL/5614 in the name of S.M.B. Alfa which was issued by Ministry of Land and Survey Kaduna is missing.

All efforts to trace the said documents prove abortive.

The General public and relevant Agencies should please take note.

Signed Hakeem Abubakar, Sheri Abubakar and Sadiq Abubakar

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. To provide platform(s) for the youth to make meaningful contributions to the peace and progress of the world, starting from the country 2. To support the youths to attain fulfilment in life 3. To harness the youth’s resourcefulness as in an emerging world 4. To empower the youth unleash their potentials towards the building of a better society 5. To identify, help and speak for the youth, the down-trodden, the weak and the less privileged in the society

SANDAH

Public Notice

This is to inform the General Public that, Sales Agreement and Grant Offers NCL/11940 in the name of Jibrin Salihu which was issued by Ministry of Land and Survey Kaduna is missing.

All efforts to trace the said documents prove abortive.

The General public and relevant Agencies should please take note.

Signed Hakeem Abubakar, Sheri Abubakar and Sadiq Abubakar

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Izuakor Jude Okwuchukwu 2. Joshua Joseph Echezona 3. Nsofor Juliet 4. Andrew Joy Idara 5. Joshua Samuel

I formerly known as Aisha Labaran, now wish to be called and addressed as Ummi A. Labaran, all former documents remained valid, FCMB and general public to take note.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

UMMI

I formerly known as BEATRICE NNEDINSO OTTI, now wish to be called and addressed as BEATRICE NNEDINSO EZE, all former documents remained valid, FCMB and general public to take note.

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

YOUTH OF ALL NATIONS EMPOWERMENT ASSOCIATION

PAGE 27

PEOPLES DAILY, MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

NIGHTINGALE WELFARE INITIATIVE NGURU THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Obida Daniel 2. Yahaya Yamta 3. Hajara Ali 4. Babagana kachallah.

(Chairman) (Financial Secretary) Treasurer) (General Secretary)

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : (1) To promote cooperation as well as to build spirit of mutual self help among nurses of FMC Nguru.

(2) To Encourage it members to adopt better saving and investment culture.

(3) To assist members through loan for self development and or empowerment.

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.

MRS. ABIOYE I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Miss. Ayorinde Oluwasayo Mosunmola. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Mrs. Abioye Oluwasayo Mosunmola.

ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

- Founder - Chairman BoT - Member - Member - Member - Secretary BoT

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR-GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. Itodo Emmanuel Joseph Chairman BoT SIGNED

LEGAL Notice IN THE HIGH COURT OF JUSTICE PROBATE DIVISION BIRNIN KEBBI, KEBBI STATE Whereas the person whose name is set out in the first column here under died date and place stated in the said column. Whereas the person whose address had claimed relationship with the said deceased is set in the second column here under has applied to the High Court of Justice for GRANT OF LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION of the personal property.

Notice is hereby given that the said LETTER OF ADMINISTRATION will be granted to such person unless a notice to prohibit the grant there of is filed in the Probate Registry High Court of Justice Birnin Kebbi, within TWENTY ONE DAYS from the date of publication of this notice.

SCHEDULE

Name and Address of Deceased Applicant Name and Address KABIRU LADAN ALIYU BAWA MALAM NIGERIA POLICE FORCE INNA NAGAJI (SHAMAKI) ZAMFARA STATE COMMAND NO. 64 KANTA ROAD MARADON DIVISION ARGUNGU OPP. MTO ZAMFARA STATE. POLICE STATION ARG. LG

KEBBI STATE

Who died on the 30TH JANUARY, 2020 Dated at Birnin Kebbi on the 18TH FEBRUARY, 2020 HUSSAINI ABDULLAHI Probate Registrar

LOSS OF DOCUMENT THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY ( R OF O) IN RESPECT OF PLOT NO. 659 WITH FILE NO KW 10331 MEASURING ABOUT 770.60SQM LOCATED AT CADASTRAL ZONE C04 DAPE DISTRICT ABUJA. BELONGING TO SOLOMON ADEDAYO DARE. THE SAID DOCUMENTS GOT MISSING WHILE ON TRANSIT FROM WUSE ZONE 4, TO GWARINPA ABUJA. ALL EFFORTS MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENTS PROVED ABORTIVE IF FOUND KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION OR AGIS. GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

UMEH I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Njoku Nkemjika Livina. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Umeh Nkemjika Livina. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.To support pupils and staffs of OGS in achieving excellent academic standards .

2.To support the efforts of government in ensuring modern learning and sporting infrastructures are established and maintained in the school.

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 Salma Mother’s Heart Foundation

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL OFFER LETTERS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS IN RESPECT OF PLOT 845, FILE NO. MISC 57860 DATED 9th OCTOBER, 2001. ISSUED TO MAIRIGA IBRAHIM ABDO IN GUZAPE DISTRICT AND PLOT MF551, FILE NO. MISC 57859 DATED 05/09/2001. ISSUED TO M/S MAGIN NIG LTD IN GUZAPE DISTRICT GOT MISSING. ALL EFFORT MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENT HAVE PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND PLEASE, KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION.ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL OFFER LETTERS AND ACKNOWLEDGMENTS IN RESPECT OF PLOT 845, FILE NO. MISC 57860 DATED 9th OCTOBER, 2001. ISSUED TO MAIRIGA IBRAHIM ABDO IN GUZAPE DISTRICT AND PLOT MF551, FILE NO. MISC 57859 DATED 05/09/2001. ISSUED TO M/S MAGIN NIG LTD IN GUZAPE DISTRICT GOT MISSING. ALL EFFORT MADE TO TRACE THE SAID DOCUMENT HAVE PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND PLEASE, KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION.ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

KAREEM I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS AYOBAMI KAREEM IKOTUN. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS KAREEM SHAKIRAT AYOBAMI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Public Notice

INTEGRITY MINISTERS INTERNATIONAL 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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. OBA DR. ADEDAPO ADEWALE TEJUOSO (CON) 2. BISHOP KAYODE WILLIAMS 3. HON. JUSTICE OLUSEUN SHOGBOLA 4. EVANGELIST NIYI ADEDOKUN 5. PROPHET ISAIAH ADELOWOKAN 6. REVEREND LAWRENCE OLUKAYODE DARAMOLA 7. REVEREND AKANBI OLUSEGUN. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF CHRIST.

Public Notice THE ENGRAFTED WORD TEACHING MINISTRY

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Akinola Adedoyin Olanrewaju 2. Olabosinde Oladipo Oluwaseyi.

3. Ghada Hatim Eltahir Mudawi.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

SIGNED : SECRETARY

OPTIMIST DREAMS ACTUALIZATION GLOBAL FOUNDATION

Elolam Freedom Ministry

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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE : 1. REV. EKENYERE FESTUS 2. OSHINUBI OLUWOLE OMOTAYO

Public Notice

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.

Public Notice

Impactful Message Making as avenue for Progress

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.Provision of resourceful information for decision makers in the field of humanitarian services in situations of violence, post disaster and conflict recovery.

2. To harness the power of information towards facilitating evidence-based decisions to improve people’s lives, especially the world’s most vulnerable populations.

3.To support humanitarian actors to solve operational and strategic challenges .

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.

Public Notice

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.FOCUS ON YOUTH EMPOWERMENT.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.ARCHBISHOP ARCHIBONG ESEM ARCHIBONG (CHAIRMAN) 2.PASTOR ARCHIBONG ANTAI ARCHIBON (SECRETARY) 3.ARCHBISHOP SYLVANUS UCHECHUKWU OFILI 4.BISHOP MRS OFONMBUK ARCHIBONG ARCHI 5.BISHOP NUEL CHUMA IKEAKANANAM 6.BISHOP ETIETOP UDO UDOH 7.BISHOP MRS MARGARET ENEITA MINIKA 8.BISHOP EFFIONG BASSEY EFIOM 9.BISHOP JUDE SUNDAY IFEANCHO 10.BISHOP SAMUEL TOLUWA BADA 11.REV. JOHN UZOCHUKWU EZE 12.REV. ARCHIBONGESO ARCHIBONG 13.PASTOR HARRISON EHIS ANYANHUM

SIGNED : SECRETARY

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE : 1. REV. DR. ADELAKUN ADEBOWALE AKANDE (CHAIRMAN) 2. AIYELABOLA JOHN ADEBOLA(SECRETARY) 3. ADEBOYE BENJAMIN 4. ADEDOTUN BOSEDE ADERONKE 5. OLALUSI JOHN OJO 6. ALADE CORNELIUS OLAOLUWA 7. PASTOR AWODIRAN SAMSON OLUSEGUN 8. PASTOR ADEBOYE ABIODUN AREMU

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. OKO IHEREMELAM OGBONNIA. 2. EKUMA FAVOUR UGOMMA.

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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

SIGNED : SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Okonkwo Salma - CHAIRMAN 2. Okonkwo Anahid Nwamaka - SECRETARY 3. Rev.Fr. Okonkwo Kenechukwu

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

Public Notice

ASSOCIATION OF INGENIOUS MINISTERS

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.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR CHANGE OF TRUSTEES UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

SIGNED : Barr.Anyanele Darlington.

08037591305.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS HELEN OGWA ONOJA. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS HELEN OGWA AKOR. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TAKING SERVANTHOOD LEADERSHIP IN OUR DOMIAN, ENTHRONING JESUS IN OUR COMMUNITIES AND THRONES. 2. TO STRENGTHEN, INTER FAITH RELATIONSHIP IN OUR COMMUNITIES. 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.

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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To support the less privileged in achieving the basic necessities of life.

2. To provide basic education, promote gender equality, and empower women through education and training.

3. To provide support in health care.

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.

HELEN

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED MINISTRY HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Prophet Ifeanyichukwu Favour.

2. Mrs. Vivian Ifeanyichukwu 3. Pst. Stephen Nwaokolo Okafor.

4. Mr. Ernest Chiejine Otunkor 5. Mrs. Rose Emordi THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To spread the word of God through Bible, seminars, healing schools, outreaches,media ministry, publication of tracts, books and other form of literature for the spiritual socialization and reorientation of the individual and for the promotion of the objectives of the organization.

2. To nuture and educate people of all ages on the christian faith through prayer, studying the word of God, worship, fellowship and evangelism outreach.

3. To conduct local churches by the direction of the Lord Jesus Christ and under the perfection leadership of the holy spirit in accordance with the tenets.

4.To establish a Bible Training School or School of theology for the preparation of the sons of the prophet interested in the acquisition of such knowledge and for the pursuit of Ministerial calling.

5. To proclaim the sole Lordship of Jesus Christ and to seek to fulfil His programme in the life of the community, the nation, and the wider world beyond.

6. To encourage the use of God’s call on believers’ talents, gifts and time in the service of the Lord Jesus Christ.

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

Public Notice Intellectual Excellence Leadership Organization

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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Garba Shekwonuchie yahaya (TRUSTEE) 2. Adejumobi Johnson 3. Adekunle (CHAIRMAN) 4. Alonge Christiana DAMILOLA (SECRETARY & TRUSTEE) THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To raise awareness and promote the understanding of the core values of leadership qualities.

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.

CLASSIFIED Public Notice

KARIS WIDOWS INITIATIVE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1) Halima Ikuji Alfa 2) Blessing Egbokom Idajili 3) Endurance Aboje 4) Sylvester Momoh Onoja 5) Joyce Ileagu

Public Notice CHARLES OAMEN OKOEBOR FOUNDATION FOR EXCELLENCE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR AMMENDMENT OF AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF INCORPORATED TRUSTEES (I.T.) UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES REMAIN THE SAME. AMMENDMENT OF AIMS AND OBJECTIVES OF INCORPORATED TRUSTEES (I.T.)

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. Provide widows basically late (Army) wives with support, resources and vital tips for total dependence on God. 2. Give psychological support professionally and otherwise to help widows stabilize mentally, emotionally, socially and communally.

3. Provide guidance for small and medium scale enterprises of their choice for succor.

4. Offer vocational training and skill acquisition through empowerment programs to be organized from time to time 5. To organize periodic lectures, retreats seminar, symposia and other public gatherings for the purpose of sharing ideas and information on the subject matter of human rights, poverty reduction and social justice.

6. Educating widows on health matters and modern developments on female health related matters.

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 : CHUWANG DUNG GYANG

Public Notice HOUSEHOLD OF LOVE FOUNDATION

THE NEW AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To support and promote the attainment of excellence in all human endeavour from the family to the societal level.

2. To encourage hard work and attainment of excellence in all human endeavour through the sponsorship of vocational training programs, award of grants and scholarships to deserving individuals irrespective of tribe or religion.

3. To encourage and motivate the less privileged in the society to be interested in hard work and pursuit of excellence through the sponsorship of vocational training programs and award of grants and scholarships.

4. To support and advocate against all forms of malpractice in administration and service delivery of Government and Private Establiments.

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

Public Notice ABIMBOLA IRETIOLUWA EDUN FOUNDATION

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.KOLA-EDUN IYIOLUWA TELEOLA - CHAIRPERSON 2.EDUN KOLAWOLE RASHEED - 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.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To cater and look after the elderly and sick persons in the society.

2. To do and give charity.

3.T o promote and sponsor educationally less privileged and indigent persons 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 : BARR. AGUGOESI VICTOR TEL: 08035757908.

SIGNED : BARR. AGUGOESI VICTOR TEL: 08035757908.

Public Notice

Public Notice

DREAM AND PATHWAY AID FOUNDATION

HOLY CHILD SECONDARY SCHOOL AFIKPO ALUMNI ASSOCIATION

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PROMOTE AND SUPPORT WOMEN IN FORMAL AND INFORMAL JOB IN FACTORIES, BUSINESSES AND SELF EMPLOYMENT. 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.

AUCTION SALES PUBLIC AUCTION: In order to decongest Toro Division, of found, recovered, abandoned, unclaimed and properties which have overstayed in Police custody and are due for public auction in accordance with section 31, CAP 2 Vol. 13 Police Act and Regulations LRN, 2014. Approval was obtained for the disposal by the way of public auction the under listed properties to interested members of the public as follows: S/N Description of items Reg No. 1. One Blue Jincheng Motorcycle Reg. No. SQ7755HM Date and time for the auction are as follows:Date: 05/03/2020 Time: 10:00AM Venue: The Nigeria Police Force,Toro Divisional Police Headquarters.Toro L.G.A, Bauchi State.

Interested members of the public to note, please.

ASP ALHASSAN UMAR MAGAJI For: Police Public Relations Officer, Bauchi State Police Command.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. promoting the peaceful coexistence amongst nigeria youths regardless of tribe,religion culture and tradition.

2. Raising,Nurturing and reforming credible youth s for the political,economics and social development of nigeria.

SIGNED : SECRETARY. R.C NO: 120915. ADDRESS: No.4, ALHAJI MOMODU STREET, IRRUA, EDO STATE.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.AKINLAWON ANTHONIA TITILOLA - CHAIRPERSON 2.ATULUKU FLORENCE - SECRETARY 3.KOLA-EDUN IYIOLUWA TELEOLA 4.EDUN KOLAWOLE RASHEED

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. LEENA KHADIJA 2. MR. NATHAN UCHECHUKWU GODFREY 3. ONYEKWERE ANGELA NWAKAEGO 4. DR. AKHTER AYESHA 5. HAQUE KAZI LUTIFUL 6. DR. SHIRMIN TAUHIDA 7. AHMED REBEYA 8. DR. ENAM ABDULLAH 9. MRS UCHECHUKWU EBELECHUKWU HELEN 10. TOAHA ABU SADAT MOHAMMED 11. HASANZZMAN MD 12. ANIKPE AUGUSTINE CHUKWUKPE 13. AKPA ODINAKA JULIET 14. OKAFOR UCHECHUKWU VICTOR 15. AGU CHINENYE IFEYINWA

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. MOHAMMED ABDULMUMIN. 2. AFFIONG BASSEY ESHIEY. 3. SHANGOTOLA OLALEKAN JEREMIAH. 4. DENNIS OKPLEWU.5.SIMEON EBEBE.

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.

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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION 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.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED FOUNDATION HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.To have a home for street boys where they can be loved and catered for.

2.To train the boys in the home in any vocation of their choice or educational institutions if they have the ability.

Public Notice TRANQUIL YOUTHS ORGANIZATION OF NIGERIA

Public Notice

The Global Holy Ghost Evangelical 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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. AKPUMA LABOARD. 2. AKPUMA EUNICE 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. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

Public Notice BOLATITO MARCAULEY 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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. AGHA NNENNA 2. ABAH-CHINEDU NNEKA 3. CHIBUEZE QUEEN EZECHINYERE

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.MARCAULEY TITILOPE BOLATITO 2.DADA OLASUNMBO OPEYEMI

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To protect the interest of the members.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To help the less privileged.

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.

MARY I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Mary Owakoyi Ogbu. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Mary Andrew-Enenche. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

ILIYA I formerly known as Iliya Rebecca now wishes to be known as Iliya Rebecca Eze all former documents remain valid general public take note.

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Public Notice ZAMANI ALL STARS FOOTBALL CLUB, KADUNA 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, (CAP C20, LFN 2004).

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Aliyu Mohammed Abdullahi 2. Dasuki, Khadir Abba 3. Abdulla hi Imam Tukur 4. Yar’adua, Muhammed Buhari 5. Hamma, Mohammed Madugu 6. Abubakar, Isa Hamidu

-Chairman

-Secretary

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. To promote the spirit of football in Kaduna State.

2. To Promote and ensure peaceful co-existence among its members.

3. To encourage & support well-being of its members.

4. To promote and support young talented footballers by way of organizing series of competitions at different categories.

5. To Introduce football competitions among other all stars in Kaduna State.

6. To fight against all form of discrimination among fellow football lovers in Kaduna State and Nigeria 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. Sign Kabir S. Runka Esq

Sports

PEOPLES DAILY

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sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Siasia to raise N36.4m to appeal FIFA lifetime ban

I

n a few months time, it would be 14 years since Nigerian sprinter Olusoji Fasuba set an African record in the 100m event.

The 9.85s mark achieved by Fasuba in Doha on May 2006 makes him the fastest African runner ever.

While he understandably enjoys this great honour, Fasuba who has since joined the British Royal Navy reveals he is pained others are finding it difficult to surpass his impressive mark several years after.

He also speaks on why he quit athletics abruptly and other issues around the sports…

Excerpts: It’s been some years that you retired from athletics, what have you been up to and do you agree in any way with those that argue that you left the sports quite prematurely I would truly admit that I stopped running quite early. As at the time I stopped, I was angry and frustrated and just wanted to forget all about athletics so I could pursue a career in the Royal Navy where I am now.

My retirement did come early and I admit it because I knew I still had a lot left in me when I chose to retire.

When I look back at most of my achievements and the sacrifices I made for the country (Nigeria), it hit me hard that I had done a lot with virtually nothing to show back from the country in terms of what I can fall back on when I want to retire.

So I decided I had to secure my future and that was why I started another career (in the Royal Navy) while I was still young.

Proudly you remain Africa’s fastest man ever, how does that make you feel I feel very proud but sad at the same time because if my record after almost 14 years has not been matched or broken, it means we as African nations are not progressing the way we should.

Though some of have come quite close, your record is still standing, why has it been so difficult to equal or break your record?

Things are changing now and we now have more 9-sec runners with more coming from our great Nation Nigeria.

It is quite hard to predict the circumstances affecting the athletes because of the generation changes that would have happened as well as the current problems they are having in the athletic world.

Looking at the present crop of athletes in Africa, who do you tip to break your record soonest?

Fasuba Olusoji in British Navy training

Fasuba Olusoji Samson Siasia I have a lot of faith and believe in our current sprinters both at home and abroad. To pin point any one of them as the likely candidate to break that record is really hard because they are all improving greatly and I see better days to come and the record falling soon.

That said, I think the athletes should be preoccupied with getting medals in the championships ahead of record or no record.

After a long wait, Nigerian sprinters are now running sub 10 in 100m. How do you feel about that and what can be done to sustain the tempo With the quality of athletes around, what I can say is that these athletes don’t

run on pure water in their body. The country needs to invest in its assets and this is the time to do it.

In summary, these athletes need the money and not just peanuts to keep improving.

The crisis in Athletics Federation of Nigeria; what is your advice especially as we are in a crucial year for Olympics The crisis is unfortunate and should not have happened at all in the first place.

For now, I believe the new president will now do a good job in trying to bring athletics back to the glory days.

Any plans to go into coaching or administration in athletics anytime soon I see myself in the distant future

trying to go into administration but for now, I have no immediate dream to do that.

What do you miss most since quitting Athletics Fasuba: I miss the thrill of standing at the start line not knowing what I could do that day but hoping a surprise would happen so I could make my country and family proud.

What do have to say to your fans across the globe?

To all my fans out there, I want to thank them for the support I got from them when I competed, for the support I got when I finally retired till date. They have been wonderful.

FG commends Edo state readiness to host NSF

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Wilder to re-fight Fury before FG commends Edo state readiness to Olympics Games- promoter host NSF

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CLASSIFIED Public Notice Old Name: GOD’S HEART INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY New Name: GODSHEART INTERNATIONAL CENTRE This is to inform the General Public that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for its Change of Name under the provisions of part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

That the Old Name GOD’S HEART INTERNATIONAL ASSEMBLY is now being changed to GODSHEART INTERNATIONAL CENTRE.

D

eontay Wilder will fight Britain’s WBC heavyweight world champion Tyson Fury for a third time this summer, according to promoter Bob Arum.

The pair drew their first fight in 2018 and last weekend Fury stopped Wilder in the seventh round to win the title.

The American had 30 days to call a rematch and Arum, Fury’s US promoter, says he has been “formally notified” by Wilder’s team that they are doing so.

Arum told Ringside Reporter the bout will be “before the Olympics -

July”.

On Thursday, Anthony Joshua’s promoter Eddie Hearn said talks for a heavyweight unification fight between his fighter and Fury were under way.

But with the rematch clause triggered, Briton Joshua, who holds three belts, is now expected to fight Bulgarian Kubrat Pulev in a mandatory IBF bout in London in June.

And Arum said he could “guarantee Pulev will knock out Joshua like Fury knocked out Wilder”.

“I will look at a Pulev/Fury fight to unify the belts at the end of the year,” he added.

Minister hits Anambra for opening ceremony of Nigeria Police Games

Dare and other officials

By Albert Akota

T

he Minister of Youth and Sports Development Mr. Sunday Dare is in Anambra state for the 12th edition of the Nigerian Police Games which will run till the 7th of March, 2020.

In his address, the Minister said he was excited to be in the State for the Biennial sporting event and expressed optimism that the competition would discover talents as it had done in the past for the country.

“I am pleased to be in Anambra State to witness the biennial games of Nigerian Police. It is really a laudable achievement to see the Police who who are charged with the security of lives and property, finding time to organize sporting activities.

“It is s quite commendable and I want to urge other sectors to emulate this because it

promotes unity, culture, values, and community safety.

“We do hope new talents emerge from the Police Games so that we can have talents who can take over from our sports men and women who are ageing,” the Minister added.

It could be recalled the Nigerian Police Games has produced the likes of Chioma Ajunwa who is presently an Assistant Commissioner of Police.

Others discovered through the Police Games are former Super Eagles player Julius Aghahowa, the late Sunday ibada, as well Samuel Peter A K A Nigeria nightmare.

Notable dignitaries in attendance were the host Governor Chief. Willie Obiano, Deputy Governor of Ebonyi Dr. Kelechi Igwe, Commissioner of Police Garba Baba Umar and the NFF president represented by ex international Chikelue Iloenyosi.

TRUSTEES: 1.

OWOLABI OLUSHOLA EZEKIEL 2.

AKOLADE JOSEPH OLALERE 3.

ONIFADE MOSES IDOWU 4.

ABEGUNDE JAMES OMOTAYO 5.

ORUNDUYILE JOY IRETIAYO

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES remains the same.

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

SIGNED: OLAGBAYE OLASUNKANMI C. ESQ 08037734907

Mr Gabriel Tanimu Aduda and other officials during the inspection

By Albert Akota

T

he Federal government through the Ministry of Youth and Sports Development has commended the Government and good people of Edo state for their readiness to host a hitch free and successful 20th National Sports Festival in Benin-city, come March 20th to April 2nd when the games village will be open and closed.

The Minister, Mr Sunday Dare while on the final inspection facilities tour represented by the Permanent Secretary, Mr Gabriel Tanimu Aduda, who also doubles as the chairman of the Main Organising Committee ( MOC ) alongside the Deputy Governor of Edo state Philip Shaibu, who is ably piloting the affairs of the Festival’s LOC, went hand in hand through all the

facilities for use during the games to ensure its perfect condition and to plug in any necessary holes before the commencement of the games.

Earlier, the Governor, H.E, Mr Godwin Nogheghase Obaseki who has not left any one in doubt of his promise of giving the festival the utmost attention it deserves, goes round the facilities to hasten contractors to tidy up work in these facilities, his visit to the Samuel Ogbemudia stadium is one of such visit, this has endeared him to his Edo people who now refers to him as “wake and See”.

The FG is confident that the assurance of Edo state to host a memorable 20th festival with facilities comparable with other internationally renowned competition, there shall be no

renege on that promise. It is also hoped that the over eleven thousand, five hundred ( 11, 500 ) athlete and officials shall be housed in a conducive Games Village equally meeting the internationally accepted standard which will greatly enhance the required Podium Performance of our athletes both home and abroad.

The facility inspection was rounded off in a round table meeting of the MOC and LOC which thereafter resulted in reports from the secretary of the MOC, Mr Peter Nelson, the Director Planning Monitoring and Information of the Ministry and that of LOC, Dr Emmanuel Igbinosa and further necessary actions are expected to be taken to truly ensure a laudable 20th NSF tagged “ Edo 2020 “ in Benincity, the Edo state capital.

63 year old man participate in Tito marathon in Benue ...As Plateau, Nasarawa, Kaduna cart away prizes

By Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

A

63years old man, John Igbokwe at the weekend participated in the second edition of the Tito Marathon in Makurdi, Benue State capital Mr. Igbokwe started and finished the 32km race though he did not win, but received high commendation from the organizer, Tito Group of Companies Asiwaju Isaac Akinkunmi for his efforts.

Athletes from Kaduna, Plateau and Nasarawa States carted away majority of the prizes.

Adamu Shehu Muazu from Kaduna State, won the national men’s category in a time of 1 hr 30 mins to take home the cash prize of N100 ,000, while

Raymond Simon and Daudu John all of Kaduna state, clinched second and third to win cash prizes of N50,000 and N30,000 respectively in the same category.

Elizabeth Nuhu of the Nigeria Customs Service, Abuja emerged winner in the female national category returning a time of 1 hr 46 mins to win N75,000 cash prize with Jamila Aminu and Lovina Audu from Nasarawa State winning the second and third prizes of N50,000 and N30,000 respectively in the same category.

Speaking during the presentation of prizes to the participants, the organizer of the event and Managing Director Tito Group of Companies, Asiwaju Isaac Akinkumi, explained that the aim of organizing the athletics activity,

was to build a sense of competitive mind amongst athletes so that they could win laurels and make positive names for themselves.

Chief Akinkumi passionately appealed to Benue state government to take keen interest in sports development and encourage youth participations to keep them out of crime.

Also speaking, the Benue state director of sports, Philip Nongu represented by the Head of Coaching and Training Jonathan Wombo commended the management of Tito Group of Companies for consistently putting the event together for Benue and Nigeria athletics, saying it would encourage the participants to compete for other major marathon race.

Public Notice DEPARTMENT OF ECONOMICS CLASS OF 2000 UNIVERSITY OF CALABAR ALUMNI ASSOCIATION. This is to inform the General Public that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. IDIONG, OTO-OBONG SILAS

- CHAIRMAN 2. AJUNWA, OYEKACH POLYCARP 3. IHEANACHO, EMEKA JOHNSON 4. ETIM, ANIEKAN AKAN 5. EZEDINIRU, CHIDINMA QUEEN - SECRETARY AIMS AND OBJECTIVES I. To create an opportunity for Social and Professional networking and Career development amongst the Members of the Association.

II. To promote and foster mutually beneficial relationship between the association and the University.

III. To assist the University in whatever way possible in its development and in its drive to establish and maintain a tradition of excellence in all its endeavours.

IV. To organize and establish funds to build a project and help the needy e.g Less Privilege, Orphanage homes, Old people’s homes e.t.c.

V. To raise funds voluntarily and receive donations from members and the general public for financing any of the above objectives and most specially to organize such fund-raising activities as may be decided upon by the Executive Committee VI. To foster and promote the spirit of oneness amongst members.

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

SIGNED: OLAGBAYE OLASUNKANMI C. ESQ 08037734907

TOLANI I FORMERLY KNOWN AS KUDIRAT OLAJIDE OTTAN NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS TOLANI KUDIRAT OLAJIDE-OTTAN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

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MRS. ZAKIYA I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ZAKIYA ALIYU OWUSOWOSE NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MRS ZAKIYA ABBAS LADAN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

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MOUNTAIN OF SUCCESS & COMFORT IN CHRIST MISSION.

PROJECT 360 EXPRESS FOUNDATION

Teens Think Africa initiative

This is to inform the General Public that the above named Foundation has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Prophetess Mojisola Adenike Adeleke 2. Mr. Adeleke Lukmon Adedapo 3. Mr. Adeleke Taiwo: Secretary4. Mrs Adio Afusat Anike 5. Mr. Adeleke Kehinde AIMS AND OBJECTIVES TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST..

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

Signed: Barr Albright.

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

TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OMORUYI JOY. 2. THOMPSON ADDEH

This is to inform the general public that the above named Association has applied for change of some of it Trustees under Part C of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990.

The Trustees to be retained are: 1 Kalu Ogechi Christine 2 Onwuka Blessing Chiukpai The Trustees to be removed are: 1.Origa Francis Anthony 2 Ezenwa Emilia Nwadinma 3 Chukwuemeka Nnenna Ugonna

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES. 1. TO CREATE POSITIVE AND PERSONAL DIFFERENCES IN THE LIVES OF VULNERABLE PERSONS SO THEY CAN ACHIEVE PRODUCTIVE LIVES, LIVE WITH HEALTHY HABITS AND MAINTAIN PEACEFUL ATTITUDE TOWARD THEMSELVES AND OTHERS BY PROVIDING VALUABLE SUPPORTS TO THE VULNERABLE. 2. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT OFF AGUYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS FROM THE DATE OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

The New Trustees to be appointed are: 1.Grace Emmanuel Okpanachi 2.Kale Chukwudi Churk 3 Uganden Teryila Mimi Aims and Objectives 1 To raise passionate and change oriented leaders all over Nigeria and Africa through Volunteer Teen Programmes 2 Teen Mentorship 3. Girl Child inclusive Education especially for teenagers in low income communities 4 Women and girl empowerment and skill acquisition 5 Gender campaign and advocacy to help sensitize the public and women themselves about their right.

Any objection to the change of the above named trustees should be forwarded to the Registrar General Corporate Affairs Commission,Maitama Abuja, Within 28 days of this publication.

Signed: Barr.Anthony Idanosi Eruaga.

Tell:08065961797,08023358748

. . . putting the people first

MONDAY, MARCH 2, 2020

SPORTS latest

Kipkemoi suspended for failed antidope test

F

ormer Africa Games 10,000m champion Kenneth Kiprop Kipkemoi is the latest elite athlete to be banned for failing an anti-doping test.

Athletics Integrity Unit (AIU), an independent body of the World Athletics, which is in charge of the fight against doping said Kipkemoi had prohibited substances in his sample and has effectively issued a charge against him.

In the meantime, he is not eligible to compete in any race as he faces a provisional suspension.

Over 60 athletes have been nabbed in the last four years.

Kenya is among the top four countries which have runners with the highest cases of doping; others are Ukraine, Ethiopia and Venezuela.

Watson wins Mexican Open for fourth WTA Tour

B

ritain’s Heather Watson has won the Mexican Open by beating Canada’s Leylah Fernandez 6-4 6-7 (810) 6-1.

Watson, 27, claimed victory with her 10th championship point, having withstood a second-set fightback from the 17-year-old, to win her fourth career title and the first since 2016.

Victory for the world number 69 will see her reenter the Top 50 of the WTA singles rankings on Monday.

Watson lost her first five championship points in the second set tie-break before regaining her composure to only lose one game in the final set.

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Almajiri– Time for action Emmanuel Yawe

T

he grave insecurity situation that has engulfed the whole country has once again redirected our attention to the almajiri scourge.

Late last year, the most competent person in government to draw our attention to the correlation between almajiri and insecurity, the National Security Adviser, Major-Gen Babagana Monguno warned that the country can no longer afford to sweep the fact that almjiri is a source of national insecurity under the carpet. nguno, who spoke at the launch of the National Security Strategy, 2019 by President Muhammadu Buhari, said the Almajiri issue must be addressed as part of the solution to insecurity in the country.

At the event, Buhari said that a safer, secure nation was the main objective of the Federal Government’s new security strategy.

Monguno disclosed that embedded in the new strategy was a comprehensive approach to address poverty, healthcare delivery challenges and out of school children, particularly the Almajiri system.

He stated, “It addresses the current threats faced by the Nigerian nation as well as those threats that are anticipated to emerge in the near future.

Citing how the Almajiri system could overwhelm Nigeria in the future, the NSA spoke in detai: “Rooted in the strategy are issues that may not be visible to the naked eyes, but have tended to be malignant to cause greater problems to this society.

“The issue of illiteracy is directly linked to the issue of children not going to school.

This Almajiri phenomenon, which we have been talking about, we cannot continue to push it under the carpet.

Eventually, it will come back to bite us in the butt, big time; we need to deal with this issue and it is the responsibility of all of us to try and take care of this issue without any inhibition.

Since then many prominent Nigerians, particularly from the North have come out to back the NSA’s call for an urgent action on the Almajiri system.

The Emir of Gusau in Zamfara State, Alhaji Ibrahim Bello has strongly condemned the system.

The Emir, in an interview with newsmen said the Almajiri system was a terrible situation that needed to be controlled before it went out of control.

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He said, “If the system is left to continue will come to a time when those children will turn out to be hardened criminals, thereby causing security threat to the country.”

The emir said the system was an avenue of breeding criminals because children, who left their parents and came to urban areas for Quranic education, ended up learning all sorts of criminality.

The emir said Islam did not encourage the Almajiri system.

He stated, “There is nowhere in the Holy Quran or teachings of Prophet Mohammed (PBUH) where the Almajiri system is allowed. It is against the religion of Islam to send children away from their parents to become Almajiri. It is a bad practice,” the emir said.

Only last month, The Emir of Kano, Mohammed Sanusi, and Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Enitan Ogunwusi advised that parents of Almajiri children should be arrested and not their children, for constituting a nuisance to the society. Sanusi also called for enactment of laws by state governments to tackle injustices in marriages.

Sanusi who spoke as the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar at the Joint National Conference of Nigerian Conference of Nigeriann Supreme Council on Islamic Affairs NSCIA and Future Assured Initiative on Repositioning the Muslim Family for National Development, at the State House, Abuja said government and the courts would answer to Allah for refusing to grant justice Future Assured Initiative is a pet project of the First Lady, Aisha Buhari.

In his remarks, Sanusi tacked the roots of the problem saying that everyday wives were complaining about their husbands who claimed their rights but abandon their responsibilities of marriage.

He also said that women complained being divorced, with their husbands not taking care of

the children and those children ending up on the streets, doing drugs, political thuggery and violent extremism.

He said: ‘’There was no law that talks about consent in marriage, the rights of wives and husbands, domestic violence, rights of women divorced, the responsibilities of husbands under divorce situations. If a child is found on the streets, it’s the father that is responsible and can the state hold him accountable? These are Shariah and they are all more important than cutting off the hand of a thief.”

Asking rhetorically whether men could marry and have children without any responsibilities, the Emir said: “The reason Allah send His Prophets is that there should be justice in this world. Justice in our relationship with our maker and in our relationship with our fellow human beings.

“Justice means that everyone is given his rights. If a man takes the privilege of being the head of the family, he takes the responsibilities of being the provider of the family. You cannot take that privilege and abandon the responsibilities.

“Is it a fact that a father has the right to force his daughter into a loveless marriage? That you have the rights to batter your wife? You have the right to have children and push them to the streets to beg? That when you divorce your wife, you ask her and her children to pack and go back to her father’s house and that is the end?

“I can spend 100 years saying that it is wrong and un-Islamic for a man to beat his wife, but it is the governor and the State House of Assembly that should pass the law, it is the Courts and the Police that will make sure that the woman gets justice. The Scholars and Emirs cannot do that.

“It is only the governors who can pass the laws to say that when a man divorces his wife, it is his responsibilities to provide for

the children, it is the courts and security system that will enforce. “ So, the problem is these groups of human beings are those who will stand to answer to Allah if there is no justice. ‘’Traditional and religious leaders have an obligation to ask for justice, but those with the political powers have an obligation to put in place the processes that will make sure that these justices are complied with.”

Concurring with Emir Sanusi, the Ooni of Ife, EnitanOgunwusi, said: “It is not only about roads, we have to give (Almajiri) that exposure, that orientation and let them know that they have a very solid impact to make in nation building. .On his part, the Sultan of Sokoto, Muhammadu Sa’ad Abubakar, said: “Nigeria of over 200 million people, there is no way we can divide ourselves.

The conference was designed to bring every one together.

“We are not short of recommendations and resolutions, what we lack is implementation. Give marching orders to the governors to implement resolutions reached, you have the big stick as the Commander-in-Chief. Nobody will come and solve this problem for us. No matter how big a person is, it is not bigger than Nigeria.

It is thus clear from the views of top government, religious/ traditional leaders and security officials that almajiri is an evil that must be eliminated from our society. What is left is action by government. The government must act fast. One way of doing so is to pay more attention to the almajiri school system that was introduced by the Goodluck Jonathan government.

DAN GAYE DAN GAYE

39,000 Nigerians die from road crashes annuallyLabour - News

Are the drivers licensed?

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