Monday, December 10, 2018 Edition

Monday, December 10, 2018/ Rabi’u Thani 2, 1439 AH Vol. 29 No. 057 N150

Osinbajo addresses German business leaders on economy today >>>page 2

1586 Days after

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

@pmlonline

peoplesdailyng

. . . putting the people first

Strike threat: Private depot owners sabotaging FG -IPMAN >>>page 5

Buhari moves to grant autonomy to states legislature, judiciary AGF heads presidential implementation committee

page 5

President Muhammadu Buhari (M) flanked by Minister of Foreign Affairs, Mr Geoffrey Onyeama, Dean of Diplomatic Corp and Cameroonian High Commissioner to Nigeria, Salaheddine Ibrahima, African Union Advisory Board on Corruption. (AUABC) Chairperson, Hon Begoto Miarom, Representatives of the African Union Commission Chairperson and AU Commissioner for Political Affairs, Hon Mrs Minata Samate Cessouma, Minister of Justice Abubakar Malami, Minister of Information Alhaji Lai Mohammed, Acting EFCC Chairman, Mr Ibrahim Magu and Afric Youth Congress against Corruption Campaigners at the opening ceremony of the 2018 Africa Youth Congress Against Corruption (#AYCAC2018) held at the Presidential Conference Hall, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: State House

Gunmen abduct Kano has 3m politician, businessman out-of-school in Kebbi children - Govt pAGE 7

pAGE 2

Alleged N1.4bn fraud: I’m ready for arraignment –NBA president pAGE 3

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

News

CONTENTS News 2-14 Editorial Op.Ed

11 12-13

Politics 15-17 Feature Business Metro

18 19-20 21

World Analysis 22 Africa News

23

World News

24

Economy: Osinbajo addresses German business leaders today

By Lawrence Olaoye

V

ice President Yemi Osinbajo will today address a group of notable German business leaders in Berlin, Germany.

According to a statement made available to newsmen yesterday by his spokesman, Laolu Akande, Osinbajo will be speaking on the potential of the Nigerian market and the gains recorded by the country through its Ease of Doing Business reforms.

He stated that Buhari administration’s Ease of Doing Business reforms has helped in improving the country’s ranking in the World Bank’s Doing Business Index 2017,

where Nigeria climbed up 24 places and was listed among the 10 most reformed economies globally.

Also, the World Bank noted that Nigeria made significant progress across several indicators; including starting a business, dealing with construction permits, getting electricity, registering property, getting credit, protecting minority investors, paying taxes, trading across borders, enforcing contracts, and resolving insolvency.

The Berlin business interactions with the VP is being organised by the Nigerian Embassy in Berlin, in conjunction with the GermanAfrican Business Association (Afrika-Verein), and the meetings

will consolidate on the outcome of the German Chancellor, Angela Merkel’s visit to Nigeria in August, earlier this year.

During the trip, the Vice President will, among other engagements, meet with key German financial sector executives with interest in investing in Nigeria, and others business leaders in sectors, including agricultural seeds production, technology and renewable energy.

Also, the Vice President will be in London tomorrow where he will feature at the Royal Society at an investment forum hosted by Jeune Afrique Media Group themed “Investing in Africa”.

From there he would proceed

to Cairo, Egypt, where he would be representing President Muhammadu Buhari later in the week at the First Intra-African Fair (IATF), which will be taking place in Cairo from 11th – 17th December, 2018.

At the IATF Nigeria Day programme, the Vice President will be delivering the keynote address.

The Fair is being organized by the African Export and Import Bank (Afreximbank), in collaboration with the African Union (AU) to boost intra-African trade.

The Vice President will be accompanied on the trip by government officials of relevant agencies. He is expected back on Thursday.

Speaker,House of Representatives,Rt. Hon. Yakubu Dogara(right), Imo State,Governor,Owelle Rochas Okorocha(left),his wife Nneoma Nkechi Okorocha(2nd left),Ang. Bishop of Owerri,Rt.Rev. Prof.

Chukwuma Opara(3rd righ) and Mrs. Chukwuma Ekomaru, at a Church Service for Anlican Annual Women Guild Conference in Owerri , Imo State on Sunday 9thDecember,2018.

Buhari accords African youth strategies to fight against corruption

Photo: Speaker’s Media Office

Page 4

Education Feature

25 26

Sports 30-31 Back Page

32

We want to hear from you The Peoples Daily wants to hear from you with any news and pictures you think we should publish.

You can send your news and pictures to: adverts@peoplesdailyng.com pictures@peoplesdailyng.com contact@peoplesdailyng.com

Phones for News: 08142929046 08024432099

FCT: Runsewe commends designers of Wuye ultra-modern market

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Director-General of the National Council for Arts and Culture, Otunba Runsewe has praised the designers of the Wuye ultra-modern market in Abuja.

Runsewe who was special guest of honour made the disclosure during the opening ceremony of the 3rd Wuye annual trade fair held in Abuja He said, “the market has a friendly environment for business with over 1600 number of lockup shops, a well- furnished fire station which will serve the whole of Wuye

district and its environs’.

Speaking at the event, the former Director-General of the National Orientation Agency, Mr. Mike Omeri, appreciated the market management, All-Purpose Shelters limited and Abuja Investment Company limited for making the idea a reality and even sustaining the event for three consecutive years.

Omeri said this trade fair focused basically on fashion and arts exhibition asserting that promoting our own made in Nigeria goods can only be enhanced to compete at the

international platform.

In his words, “this edifice has generated employment opportunities to so many youths from the security personnel to the artists all of who deserved to be commended. He said this market is the network of new opportunities for entrepreneurships.”

Consequently,, Arch. Yemi Suswam wife of the former Governor of Benue State, thanked the personalities that graced the occasion promising to ensure that the market facilities are treated with utmost care and maintenance.

“To ensure the internal security of the market, there is an existing police post within the market. In like manner, the clinic is strategically positioned to cater for the health challenges in the market and indeed the entire Wuye district,” she noted Meanwhile , facilities in the market includes; crèche, laundry, meat stall, chicken stall, Farmers’ Market, GMS/Computer repair, cool room, warehouses, Business Centres, Banking Halls, public toilets and workshop centers for the general public.

Kano has over 3m out-of-school children- Commissioner

From Edwin Olofu, Kano

K

ano state has over three million out-of-school children, which is the highest in the country, according to the state Commissioner for Education, Aminu Aliyu Wudil.

Wudil who spoke at the commencement of the 2nd Basic

Education Week in Government House Kano, said the embarrassing statistics exist despite concerted efforts being made by the state Governor, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje to ensure that every child in the state acquire basic education.

Represented by the Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Education,

Malam Danlami Garba, Engr.

Aminu appealed to communities, philanthropists, corporate organizations, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGOs), international donors and other stakeholders to complement the efforts of the state government in the provision of quality education for the school-age children.

“Even at this very embarrassing statistics, Kano State Government records the enrolment of over 4.4 million children into 8, 280 primary schools in the state.”

He equally hinted that the state government spends over N2.8 billion for the payment of salary to about 60, 000 primary school teachers.

Page 3

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

News

President mourns Senator Aruwa

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has condoled with government and people of Kaduna State over the passing away of Sen. Muktar Ahmed Aruwa, who represented Kaduna Central Constituency in 1999 (APP) and 2003 (ANPP).

According to a statement made available to newsmen yesterday by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, the President commiserated with the National Assembly, family, friends and political associates of the deceased, recounting the many contributions of the senator to the growth of democracy in Nigeria, especially during his days at the legislature.

He affirmed that Sen. Aruwa lived to serve the country in many facets, including sports, noting that his founding of Ranchers Bees Football Team, Kaduna, provided a platform for grooming youths for the national team and international clubs.

Buhari believed Aruwa’s life and times were memorable, and most remarkable for his love for humanity, which saw him sponsoring many charitable causes to support the poor and vulnerable, and speaking up for a more equitable society.

The President prayed that the almighty God will grant Sen. Aruwa’s soul eternal rest and comfort his family.

News Editor, Ese Awhotu

Buhari lauds Nigerians over $21bn saved on food importation

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has lauded Nigerians for curbing excessive taste for foreign products, which has positioned the country for food self-sufficiency, and resulted into savings of over $21 billion.

According to a statement made available to newsmen yesterday by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, the President said the humongous savings will be deployed to other critical areas like infrastructure, education, health care, and many others.

Buhari was reacting to recent disclosures by the Central Bank of Nigeria governor, Mr Godwin

Emefiele, who spoke at the 2018 Annual Bankers’ Dinner, where he said: “Noticeable declines were steadily recorded in our monthly food import bill from US$665.4 million in January 2015 to US$160.4 million as at October 2018, a cumulative fall of 75.9% and an implied savings of over US$21 billion on food imports alone over that period.

Most evident were the 97.3% cumulative reduction in monthly rice import bills, 99.6% in fish, 81.3% in milk, 63.7% in sugar, and 60.5% in wheat. We are glad with the accomplishments recorded so far.”

He said with the commitment

of Nigerian farmers, and the support given by the government, “in no distant future, food importation will be completely alien to us, and we will even export actively, thus reversing our position as a mono- product economy.”

The CBN governor equally spoke on the number of jobs created in the agriculture sector: “In the agriculture sector, the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme (ABP) has ensured that Nigeria emerged from being a net importer of rice to becoming a major producer, supplying key markets in neighbouring countries. As at October 2018, a total number of 862,069 farmers cultivating

about 835,239 hectares, across 16 different commodities, have so far benefited from Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, which has generated 2,502,675 jobs across the country.”

Describing the development as “heart-warming,” the President said it was just a matter of time before a significantly positive impact would be made in the statistics of the unemployed in the country, particularly from the agriculture sector.

He asserted: “We are on a productive voyage, which would see the ship of state berthing at the harbour of food self-sufficiency, gainful jobs, peace and prosperity for Nigerians.”

Sheikh Ahmed Abubakar Gumi, lead the funeral of late Ahmad Mohammed Aruwa, at Sultan Bello Mosque yesterday in Kaduna. Photo; BASHIR BELLO

Alleged N1.4bn fraud: I am ready for arraignment - NBA President

By Vivian Okejeme, Abuja

T

he President, Nigerian Bar Association (NBA), Mr. Paul Usoro SAN, has expressed readiness to appear for his arraignment today (Monday), over alleged money laundering charges against him.

The Senior Advocate, was dragged before Justice Muslim Hassan of a Federal High Court sitting in Lagos, by the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC), over alleged N1.4bn fraud.

In a charge marked FHC/ L/418c/2018, the prosecution agency claimed that Usoro laundered N1.4 billion in connivance with the governor of Akwa Ibom State, Udom Emmanuel.

Meanwhile, in a press conference, unvailing its communiqué issued at the end of NBA’s National Executive Council, (NEC) meeting held in Abuja, the association said the

EFCC has no locus to meddle into client- lawyer contractual relationship.

The body insisted that the fees that are paid by a client to his lawyer was not only a matter of privilege but also contractual.

Reading the communiqué to newsmen in Abuja, Usoro revealed that the NEC deliberated and adopted as its resolution, a report he forwarded to the EFCC in respect of criminal charges filed against him by the Federal Government.

In the communiqué, the NBA said that Usoro was investigated by the EFCC based on a Zenith Bank N300 million inflow into his law firm’s account on March 14, 2016.

He further reveled that, he was investigated based on the subsequent outflows from the account to various senior counsels between March 22 and 23, 2016.

According to NEC observation, the inflow was payment by

Gov. Udom Emmanuel of Akwa Ibom state in respect of an Election Petition Appeal that was determined by the Supreme Court, of which Usoro served as the coordinating counsel.

NBA NEC said it observed that the EFCC appeared to be straining hard to criminalise the fees that were earned by lawyers for their legitimate work.

“Usoro’s case is not the first of these intrusions; we all recall the case of Mike Ozekhome, (SAN) when the EFCC attempted to forfeit his fees on the pretext that the funds came from illegal sources.

“If these EFCC incursions are not checked, the Bar and the practice of our profession are doomed.”

According to the NBA, the practice of law is founded on the independence of the legal practitioner and his courage to advocate on behalf of his client to the best of his ability and conviction.

“That independence and the courage of the advocate are now being threatened and trampled upon by the EFCC. “Lawyers now have to work and walk on tip-toe, looking over their shoulders to determine whether the EFCC would be coming after them solely on account of their courage and independence in advocacy.

“That does not bode well for the profession or for legal practice generally.”

The association held that client-lawyer privilege had judicially and historically acknowledged that issues of fees, as between a lawyer and his client, was a matter of privilege.

“The recent decision of the Court of Appeal that was delivered on June 14, 2017 between Central Bank of Nigeria v Registered Trustees of the NBA affirmed this position.

“By questioning lawyers on the legitimate fees that they have earned from clients, the EFCC

is breaching the lawyer-client privilege and showing complete disregard for the judgments of the courts in this regard,” NBA said.

“As we all know, non-parties to a contract are complete strangers thereto and lack the locus standi to question and/or determine the propriety of such contract(s).

“The EFCC stands in that position in this and other matters of this nature; it lacks the locus standi to question the basis for the fees.”

On the 2019 general elections, NBA averred that several actions of government and its agencies continued to threaten and undermine the rule of law in the country and must be resisted.

Moreover, the senior lawyer condemned what he described as “media trial” by prosecuting agencies, says, it destroys the individual involved.

He therefore, called on the National Assembly to make a legislation against media trial.

PAGE 4

N EWS

70 percent of Nigerians are poor From Ahmed Idris Birnin Kebbi

A

former Kebbi State Governor and senate committee chairman on custom, Senator Adamu Aliero has said that 70 percent of Nigeria are poor and the high rate of poverty is alarmists.

He dropped this hint on Saturday at the National Directorate of Employment Disbursement of Micro Credit and Cosmetology Starter Packs loan program to 500 women across the State held at the Waziri Umar Federal polytechnic Birnin Kebbi.

He also pointed out that the high rate poverty is becoming an issue that lead to some family who cannot afford three squalls Meal in a day.

“You see some people meet him and complain of money adding that they don’t have money to feed their families and also pay for their children school fees, I became worried and shocked” he lamented.

Aliero who is a present senator and former Governor and Minister called on the state and local Governments to paid attention on the poverty issue because is their responsibility as they are closer to the people’s at the grass roots level.

“Is the responsibility of the State and Local Government to embarked on the poverty reduction program and there is need to empowered Local governments because they are the one that is closer to the people’s” he added.

He then commended the Kebbi State government for collaborating with the NDE in reducing poverty in the state by empowering women and men to become self-employed.

He also urged people and individual to complement the Government effort by initiating programme that will benefit the people.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

Buhari accords African youth strategies to fight against corruption

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has accorded African youth strategies for the fight against corruption in the continent.

Buhari, who is also the Champion of the 2018 African AntiCorruption Year, at the launch of the Africa Youth Congress against corruption (AYCAC2018) at the Congress Hall of the Presidential Villa gave the ABC to include “A” stands for ACTION. Let us all move from talk to action. I urge you to develop tangible projects in your community to instill transparency and accountability of the highest standard. I look forward to receiving

your Creed of Transparency from this Congress with a view to forwarding the recommendations to the next Summit of the African Union in February next year.

“B” stands for BUILDING BRIDGES. The youth have a unique opportunity to spearhead the building of inter-generational and cross-sectoral bridges in our various communities.

Often, fighting corruption requires partnerships with unlikely allies. Be open to exploring constructive partnerships with a wide base of actors. Again, I look forward to all of you joining the Transparency Champions Network that was created following the Regional Youth Consultations.

“C” stands for CULTURE. So, let us cultivate and equip ourselves with African culture, right attitude and mindset change that will enable us to stand firmly against corruption. By so doing, accountability and change will begin with you and me.”

The President noted that as Africa promotes regional integration and global prosperity, corruption remains a major stumbling block to the realization of the seven (7) aspirations of the African Union Agenda 2063 and the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs).

“We must therefore fight it from all angles and avenues without

ceasing. And only a united front led by the African Youth can change this present narrative to a great story of African transformation,” he stressed.

Buhari said the onus of eradicating corruption in Africa rests in the youth to lead.

He said “The Youth of Africa must pool their energies to effectively ensure that our natural and mineral resources remain on the continent for value addition, job and wealth creation as well as to create affordable health-care and quality education for our people. Winning the fight against corruption is very much in your hands!

A

Non-Governmental Organisation, Nigeria Professional Working Women, NPWW, has stressed the need for professional women in the country to support, celebrate one another and share experiences amongst themselves so that they can take their rightful place in the country and contribute more to national development.

Speaking at the groups launching and inaugural conference, in Abuja, the President

C

ommunity Action for Popular Participation (CAPP) in collaboration with (UNICEF) has successfully sponsored the enrolment of 100 less privilege girls to primary and secondary school level in Katsina through the Girls for Girls scheme.

Buhari moves to grant autonomy to states legislature, judiciary AGF heads presidential implementation C’ttee

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has constituted a Presidential Implementation Committee on Autonomy of State Legislature and State Judiciary in accordance with the 4th Alteration to the 1999 Constitution.

According to a statement made available to newsmen yesterday by his spokesman, Femi Adesina, the panel, to be chaired by the Minister of Justice and Attorney General of the Federation, Abubakar Malami with the Senior Special Assistant to the President on National Assembly Affairs (Senate), Sen. Ita Enang, as the Secretary, is to drive

the actualization of the autonomy granted to the legislature and judiciary at the State level.

Terms of reference of the committee include, among others; to assess and review the level of compliance by all the 36 States of the Federation with Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended); to monitor, ensure and cause the implementation of Financial Autonomy across the Judiciary and Legislature of the 36 States; to consult and relate with the appropriate Federal and State MDAs; to ensure and where necessary enforce the implementation of constitutional provision; and to come up with

appropriate modality or model to be adopted by all the States of the Federation for implementation and/ or compliance with Section 121(3) of the 1999 Constitution (as amended).

The membership of the panel is as follows: Representatives of State Judiciary include: Hon. Justice N. Ajanah, Chief Judge of Kogi State; Hon. Justice K. Abiri, Chief Judge of Bayelsa State; Hon. Kadi Abdullahi Maikano Usman, Grand Khadi, Gombe State Sharia Court of Appeal; and Hon. Justice Abbazih Musa Abubakar Sadeeq, Ag. President of the FCT Customary Court of Appeal.

State legislatures are to be represented by: Rt. Hon. Mudashiru Obasa, Chairman, Conference of Speakers of State Legislatures of Nigeria and Speaker, Lagos State House of Assembly, as well as Rt. Hon. Abel Peter Riah, Speaker, Taraba State House of Assembly.

The Judiciary Staff Union of Nigeria is to be represented

by Marwan Mustapha Adamu; Parliamentary Staff Association of Nigeria, Comrade Bala Hadi; Body of Chairmen of Houses of Assembly Service Commissions, Musa Mustapha Agwai; Senate Committee on Judiciary, Human Rights, and Legal Matters, Senator David Umaru; House of

Representatives Committee on Federal Judiciary, Hon. Aminu Shagari; the Accountant General of the Federation, and the Secretary of the National Judicial Council.

Others include the DirectorGeneral of the Nigerian Governors Forum or such other representative as the Forum may wish to nominate; Chairman of the Forum of Finance Commissioners in Nigeria; President of the Nigerian Bar Association, Paul Usoro, SAN; and Chike Adibuah Esq, representing Civil Society Organizations.

Formal inauguration of the committee by President Buhari will be done in due course, said the statement.

A

Founder, Hepsibah Mommies Initiative (HMI), Violet Olalekan-Alabi (3rd,R); Village Head, Gui Community, Abdulrahman Sarki (R), and others at the presentation of Grinding Machines to some beneficiaries during the HMI’s empowerment program to assist widows and less privileged children, yesterday in Gui Community, Abuja . Photo: NAN

and Founder of NPWW, Adenike Jennifer Emiola Iyiola expressed the resolve of her organization to tackle obstacles and hindrances against women in the country, especially as it concerns Nigerian professional women and entrepreneurs by sharing experiences and networking extensively.

According to her, “the purpose is for female professionals and entrepreneurs to come together under one umbrella, to discuss the obstacles that often stand in the way of our future, aspirations,

goals, and success.

“This launching and inaugural conference, deliberated and designed plans on not only to confront them, but find lasting solutions into overcoming them.

This we believe, can be achieved, by sharing our business and leadership experience collectively from our hard-earned lessons.

“This can be accomplished by collectively harnessing our career and personal ambitions to develop and attain our personal and professional goals. This hopefully will initiate and build

life-long relationships, friendships and networking, that will turn our dreams, into functional and productive realities,” she concluded.

She listed the goals of her NGO to include, to decrease isolation, provide role models, and create consistent support structures.

Create a goal-oriented network that takes into consideration women’s professional uniqueness and support needs. According to her, “what works for me may not work for others.” She equally want provide each woman with a

roadmap for personal advancement and career objectives based on her own definition of success.

She added that “women are the future. We are the nation.

We are the oxygen that sustains the world. We are the builders of homes, souls of ministries and corporations. We are managers of skills and achievers of goals.” She further expressed her readiness to provide a unique platform for Nigerian women to come together in order to strengthen and enhance their professionalism and entrepreneurship skills.

NGO sponsors 100 girls school enrollment in Katsina From Lawal sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

News

128 dead, 2,254 others injured in road crashes in September – FRSC

Women professionals urged on synergy to boost contribution to national devt

By Paul Efiong, Abuja

Page 5

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

The Katsina state programme officer Girls for Girls education Hajiya Aisha Abdullahi revealed this over the weekend at a two day state transition monitoring session.

According to her, all the 100 benefitting girls were selected based on the need from the three senatorial zones, added that six local government areas were selected for the girls for girls enrolment.

She said, 16 girls each were selected from Kankia, Faskari, Baure, Kankara while 18 girls were each selected from Rimi and Batsari local government areas.

Abdullahi said, after the successful enrolment of the girls into secondary school level the two organization embarked on monitoring and assessment on the girls.

She said the CAPP camped the entire 100 girls for a 2 days’ workshop in the state capital to assess their performance.

She said the workshop intend to provides the girls to tap into the benefits of peer learning and support as well have the understanding of championing one in their immediate community.

The programme officer also said

the aims of the workshop was to envision the girls with knowledge and information especially practical steps to setting goals planning the present and future as well.

She said the girls were put to know why education became a gateway to their future accomplishments learning about the barriers and ways of overcoming it.

total of 128 persons died, while 2,254 others were injured in 673 road crashes across the country in September, according to the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC).

FRSC disclosed this in its monthly Road Traffic Crash (RTC) report signed by the Corps Marshal, Boboye Oyeyemi, and made available to the News Agency of Nigeria on Sunday in Abuja.

The September figures indicated a general reduction in all parameters with 31 per cent and 17 per cent reduction in crashes and fatality cases respectively as compared to those of August.

The report said the Federal Capital Territory (FCT) had the highest number of crashes and fatality cases in September with recorded 81 crashes and 22 fatalities.

“Kaduna, Niger, Ogun, Yobe and Oyo followed in order of magnitude,’’ the report stated.

Analysis based on crash-prone routes revealed that Kaduna-Abuja road recorded the highest number of crashes in the month under review.

“Lagos-Ibadan road followed with 48 cases and Abuja-Lokoja road recorded 37 cases,’’ the report said.

It also revealed that speed violation accounted for 359 cases or 51 per cent of the total road accidents in the month under review.

“Out of the total of 1,099 vehicles involved in road crashes in September, cars accounted for 366 representing 33 per cent.

“Mini buses followed with 224 representing 20 per cent while motorcycle with 209 represented 11 per cent,’’ it stated.

It said further that the number of crashes in September when compared with that of the corresponding month in 2017 showed two per cent reduction in fatality.

The report also showed a 11 per cent increase in crashes and a 15 per cent increase in the number of persons injured.

It, however, noted that road crash injuries could be prevented through a holistic involvement and synergy from multiple sectors such as transport and police, among others.

The report urged the federal government to take steps to ensure that the National Assembly provided an effective legislation capable of ensuring safety on roads.

“This is as our existing traffic laws do not reflect contemporary safety needs of the public,’’ the report said. (NAN)

L-R: President Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade. Ayuba Waba; President Medical and Health Workers of Nigeria(MHWUN), Comrade Biobelemoye Josiah with others Members of MHWUN welcoming Comrade . Waba back to Abuja, yesterday after been Elected as President of the International Trade Union Confederation(ITUC) in Copenhagen, Denmark.

Strike threat: Private depot owners sabotaging FG – IPMAN From Yakubu Minna

T

Mustapha,

he Independent Petroleum Marketers Association of Nigeria (IPMAN) Minna depot, had disassociated itself from the threat to embark on strike by Major Petroleum Marketers and Private Deport Owners, revealing that the threat was targeted at sabotaging federal government development efforts in the sector.

The Chairman of IPMAN in Minna, Alhaji Ahmed Adamu Erana, stated this in an interview

with newsmen in Minna.

Erena said that the threat to embark on strike, two months to election, was suspicious and untenable, adding that “it is the handiwork of those who want to cause confusion and disrupt the election.”

He lamented that it was unfair for the depot owners to claim that federal government has not paid subsidy since inception, saying that “We should be reminded that federal government paid us subsidies but there were some outstanding balances”.

According to him, the private

depot owners ought to have known that they were not the importers of the products but were only engaged in the storage of the products in their facilities, adding that “what subsidy are they now asking for?

“The best they can do is to go on dialogue with the federal government, not just creating issues that will cause chaos and hardship to the people.

“There is clear indication that some people are using the depot owners to sabotage government. If you look at it critically, you will discover that all the products the depot

owners are selling are imported by government. The depot owners do not import even a liter of fuel” he stated.

Erena charged the National Assembly to quickly intervene in the matter, advising that the lawmakers should take the position of mediators instead of taking sides with any of the parties. He, however, advised the private depot owners to shelve the idea of the strike.

Comrade Erena said that IPMAN does not see the imperative of such strike in the prevailing circumstances; and will, therefore, not be part of it.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

PAGE 6

News Six in trouble for destroying campaign posters in Lagos

T

he police in Lagos State said they had arrested six persons allegedly involved in the destruction of campaign posters of an undisclosed political party and replacing them with another.

The Spokesman of the Police Command in the state, CSP Chike Oti, confirmed the arrest in a statement, stressing that the suspects were arrested on Sunday at about 2.30 a.m. by the Anti Crime Patrol Team of Ikeja Police Division.

According to Oti, the suspects who belong to ‘TAKE IT BACK Movement’ were found tearing posters of other political parties and replacing them with that of African Action Congress (AAC).

He said that their action was contrary to Lagos State Signage and Advertisement Agency (LASAA) laws that forbade advertisers from pasting posters at no other hour than during the day time.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that last Wednesday, an agreement was reached by political parties in Lagos not to deface campaign posters of other political parties nor destroy their billboards.

The agreement was reached at a meeting held by the Commissioner of Police in the state, Imohimin Edgal, at the Police Officers Mess, GRA, Ikeja, where political stakeholders, including INEC and parties flag bearers were present.

Oti said that exhibits recovered from the suspects include a poster bearing the picture of the presidential candidate of the African Action Congress, (AAC) Mr Sowore, brush, buckets containing gums and turn off posters of other political parties.

“The CP has directed that the suspects be charged to court on Monday for malicious damage and conduct likely to cause a breach of the peace to serve as a deterrent to others,” he said.

Ooni, Soyinka takes Nigerian cultural to Brasil Y inka Oduniyi, Member, Nigeria-Brazil Culture and Business Initiative, says the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi and Nobel Laureate Wole Soyinka, have indicated willingness to support the establishment of cultural museum.

Oduniyi said this at a reception hosted by Lagos State Ministry of Tourism, Arts and Culture for the Brazilian cultural delegation visiting the South West states.

He explained that the cultural museum would be established in Brasil in collaboration with Brasil’s Ministry of Culture.

According to him, the Ooni has offered to send a 30-member delegation of experts to Brasil

to help create the visual for the project. ”This delegation will consist of historians, professors, artisans, curators and a couple of others who know so much about our cultural tradition,“ he said.

NAN recalls that the Ooni of Ife, Oba Adeyeye Ogunwusi Ojaja II, embarked on a 10-day historical visit to Brazil in June to strengthen the cultural ties between both countries.

The visit was aimed at strengthening the cultural affinities between the blacks in Brazil and Yorubas in Nigeria with a view to using culture to harness economic partnership to benefit the two countries.

Oduniyi added that Prof.

Soyinka also agreed to be on the

advisory council of the museum. ”Soyinka has volunteered to use his resources and connections to ensure the narrative remains as authentic as possible. ”The narrative will be controlled by Africa itself. ”Our dream is to liberate and showcase the full riches of our culture to all,” he said.

Oduniyi told NAN that the essence of the project was to establish lasting relationship between Nigerians and AfroBrazilians. ”There is a need to preserve the culture that Nigerians and Brazilians share. ”It will help address and correct the narrative of our history so that we can map out our future

”There is a need to bring the authentic custodians of the culture to visit Brazil to show that culture is still alive and being practiced,” he said.

The Brasillian delegation, led by the Culture Secretary of Rio de Janeiro, Mrs Nilcemar Nogueira, sought ways to promote cultural exchange and business between Nigeria and Brazil.

Other members of the delegation were Desirree Rers, Director, Samba Musuem in Rio, Carolina Osunleye, a journalist from bistonian Ojaja TV, Iyalorisa Edelzuita and Babalawo Ifadele.

NAN reports that the delegation comprised of AfroBrazilians and were descendants of Yoruba race in Brasil.

Minister of Health, Prof. Isaac Adewole(L); Chairman, Nigeria Health Institutions Chairmen Forum and Chairman of University of Abuja Teaching Hospital, Dr Sam Sam Jaja (R); representative of the Secretary to the Government of Federation, Dr Amina Shamaki (2nd,L) and others, during the 1st National Summit on Health Ageing in Abuja.

Ogun Guber: You’re APC agent, iImpostor, PDP tells Buruji

By Lateef Ibrahim, Abuja

T

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has exposed the senator representing Ogun East, Senator Kashamu Buruji as a desperate paid agent of antidemocratic forces working to cause confusion, trigger violence and bloodletting in the 2019 general election and derail our hardearned democracy.

The party says Senator Buruji is an interloper and impostor, who would soon face prosecution for printing and selling fake PDP nomination forms to members of the public, in violation of the provisions of the Electoral Act and

the PDP constitution, which vest such powers only on the party’s National Working Committee.

Senator Buruji would also face the law for conducting phony governorship primary in Ogun state, with the name and colors of the PDP, an activity which only the National Working Committee has the powers to conduct and which it had done after which it submitted the name of our Ogun governorship candidate, Ladi Adebutu to the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) at the stipulated time.

It is instructive to note that under the Electoral Act and the PDP constitution, only the National

Working Committee, and no other organ of the party at the national or state level, is empowered to submit a governorship candidate to INEC. This function has been duly carried out by the PDP national leadership, under the Chairmanship of Prince Uche Secondus, upon which strength he handed Ladi Adebutu, our party’s official flag.

Apparently in the desperation to pacify his paymasters and benefactors, Senator Buruji, in violation of the law, has been going around, causing confusion, parading himself as the candidate of our party, even when he did not stand for our

primaries, and threatening our leaders, particularly, Prince Uche Secondus, with violence, as he even alluded in his press statement of December 9, 2018, for giving our flag to our candidate, Ladi Adebutu.

The PDP has received reports from very high quarters that Senator Buruji has been under pressure from his benefactors at the Buhari Presidency, who reportedly reached a pact with him to destabilize and distract our party with a promise to let him off the hook on his pending fraud case, for which he is risking imminent extradition from Nigeria.

Senator Buruji has lost all

electoral value and cannot be a march for our governorship candidate, in popularity and acceptance by the people, as darkness has no comparison to the light.

The PDP, therefore, urges all security agencies and Nigerians in general to note that Senator Buruji is the aggressor and directly hold him responsible for any breakdown of law and order, since he has given a hint into such inclination by his violent outbursts and threats.

For us in the PDP, our candidate, Ladi Adebutu, is already coasting to victory with the people and there is nothing the Buhari Presidency can do to stop him.

PAGE 7

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

B/Haram: Saudi donates 140,468 food items to displaced victims

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Kingdom of Saudi Arabia through King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre has donated 140,468 bags of food assistance to displaced victims of Boko Haram in Borno and Yobe states.

In his remarks at the flag off of distribution in Teacher Village displaced camp, Maiduguri Borno state, the Director General of the National Emergency Management Agency, Engr.

Mustapha Maihaja disclosed that 125,317 basket of food items will be distributed by the Center to 33,343 Households in designed camps and communities in Borno state for the next four months.

Maihaja commended the effort of Minister of Defence Retired Brigadier General Mansur Dan Ali who facilitated food assistance to the north east.

This was contained in a statement signed by Head Media and Public relations,Sani Datti said in Borno, a total 125,372 bags 25kg of Rice and bean and 62,686 Cartons of condiments and each contains; 4kg Semovita, 2 litres of Vegetables Oil, 29 sachets of Tomotoes, 1kg of Salt and 2 Sachets of seasoning are to be distributed directly through combined efforts of NEMA, SEMA and critical stakeholders using vouchers system. Each household of six persons will get a food basket of 59.8kg for the period of one month.

While in Yobe a total of 15,096 bags of 25kg of rice and bean with 7, 548 condiments are to be distributed to 3,774 households who have been identified to benefit from the gesture where the total food basket to be distributed was put at 225, 685.

Consequently, leader of the team an Assistant Director of Emergency Aid From King Salman Humanitarian Aid and Relief Centre, Nasser Alsubaie said the generous donation will benefit more than 840,000 Internally Displaced People in North East as the donation was a testimony of humanitarian commitments by the center.

It will be recalled that early this year Saudi Arabia pledged to donate the sum of $10m for capacity building to NEMA and relief assistance to Federal Government in addressing the food crisis and resultant malnutrition caused by the Boko Haram insurgency in North East.

News

Gunmen abduct politician, businessman in Kebbi From Ahmed Idris Birnin Kebbi

U

nknown gunmen have abducted a politician and businessman, Alhaji Dan Musa Ribah in Ribah Danko Wasagu Local Government Area of Kebbi State.

An eye witness account who spoke to our correspondent yesterday on phone, Mohammed Ribah said that the incident happened around 3a.m on Sunday

when some unknown people with police uniform invaded the house and took Alhaji Dan Musa away to unknown destination.

He further explained that Alhaji Dan Musa who is a strong politician and former Chieftain in APC has defected to PDP because of the injustice meted on him during and after the party primaries.

He added with dismay that families of the abducted man were worried and disturbed over

their father.

He urged the security agencies in the state to investigate the matter as people of Ribah are living with fear.

Our correspondent gathered that Ribah who is sharing border with Zamfara and Kebbi States had been in surveillance by the security agencies , adding that recently the area was invaded by suspected members of Boko Haram.

A family source who spoke to

our correspondent on phone, Issa Musa said, “We don’t know where they came from, but they look like government security agencies, we want justice and they should rescue our father for them.”

Confirming the incident to our correspondent on phone, the Police Public Relations Officer in the State, DSP Danjuma Possi said that the Command is not aware yet, but hope d that by today, signal will reach the Command.

Jordan’s King, Abdullah, consoles Buhari over military losses

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has received a condolence message and assurance of support in the fight against terrorism from His Majesty King Abdullah II bin AlHussein of Jordan, who prayed for peace and calm in Nigeria, and throughout African region.

According to a statement

made available to newsmen yesterday by his spokesman, Mallam Garba Shehu, King Abdullah, who is from the Hashemite family of Jordan, in a telephone conversation with Buhari commended the Nigerian army for their courage and resilience in the face of challenges in fighting extremist terrorism.

The President thanked King Abdullah for his concern on the

Peace restored in Zamfara community attacked by bandits – Police

T

he Police Public Relations Officer in Gusau, Mohammed Shehu, confirmed that the command had deployed a combined team of mobile police and Counter Terrorist Unit (CTU) to ascertain the incident.

He said that peace had been restored in the area while details of what happened would be provided as soon as the team returned.

He confirmed that some people lost their lives.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) gathered that the bandits might have come on a reprisal, following an alleged killing of three women earlier in the week.

NAN also gathered that the attackers, who invaded the village between 10.30 p.m. and 11 p.m. on Friday, opened fire on members of the community, leaving some casualties.

Rayyahi Abubakar, a son of one of the victims, Ibrahim Kuryan-Madaro, told NAN that his father was killed by the bandits who severed his head.

Rayyahi said his late father, an Islamic scholar, was in the community on their invitation when he was killed.

According to him, one of the bandits called him on his father’s phone to tell him “we have just killed your father, come to Dogon Maje tomorrow and take his corpse”.

He said the deceased was buried in Zawuyya area of Gusau on Saturday.(NAN)

recent setbacks that led to the loss of military lives in the North East.

He assured that several measures had been discussed and were being implemented to steer the country from the unfortunate occurrence.

Buhari told King Abdullah that he would continue to work towards total elimination of terrorism in the Lake Chad basin area.

He commended King Abdullah for his support and steadfastness for the global effort against terrorism, describing the collaboration between Jordan and Nigeria, and the rest of Africa, through the platform of Aqaba Counter Terrorism Retreats, as very beneficial.

The Aqaba Counter Terrorism Retreats is convened by His Majesty King Abdullah.

FEDERAL COLLEGE OF EDUCATION (TECHNICAL) GOMBE, ASHAKA ROAD, P.M.B 60 GOMBE, GOMBE STATE PMB 60 GOMBE

CORRIGENDUM RE: Invitation to Tender for the Proposed Construction of Student Lavatory: ‘Block A’ and ‘Block ‘B’ (Lot 1) and Proposed Procurement of Student Vehicle (Lot 2) With reference to our earlier advertisement placed in the Federal Tenders Journal of Monday, November 12- Sunday November 25, 2018, the Blue Prints and People’s Daily Newspapers of Monday, October 29, 2018 in respect of Year 2017 Tetfund Zonal Intervention Projects; we wish to notify all prospective bidders as follows: 1. That the dateline for submission has been extended to Monday, January 7, 2019 at 11:30am. All submissions of responded bidders would be open immediately in the College Academic Board Room of the New Administrative Block of the College.

2. That all other requirements for the advertisement remain the same.

Signed, Management

PAGE 8

news Aisha Buhari inaugurates nomadic school in Maiduguri

T

he wife of President Muhammadu Buhari, Aisha, has inaugurated the Aisha Buhari Integrated School for Nomadic Community in Maiduguri.

The school, which was built and equipped by the Borno administration of Governor Kashim Shettima, is meant to provide an atmosphere conducive for learning to the children of nomads.

The school was named after Aisha Buhari by the Borno State Government in appreciation of her efforts towards providing humanitarian services to the victims of insurgency in the State.

While inaugurating the school, the wife of the president expressed optimism that the school would provide a good atmosphere for learning.

Mrs Buhari also expressed the hope that the school would go a long way in ensuring a better future for the girl child, especially the children of the nomadic families.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the school, which commenced operation on October 15 2015, has 24 classrooms with 525 students.

NAN also reports that the nomadic school was established by the Borno Government to cater for the educational needs of children of Hanagamba, Mbororoji and Fulani ethnic groups who were displaced by the activities of insurgents in their various communities.

During the visit, the wife of the president also inaugurated the model orphanage integrated school built by the wife of Borno Governor, Nana Shettima, for orphans whose parents died due to the activities of insurgents in the state.

While in Maiduguri, Mrs Buhari also visited the Government Girls College where she commissioned a newly constructed two-storey building of eighteen classrooms.

Mrs Buhari ended her working visit with the inspection of the Orphanage Centre being built by the Aisha Buhari Foundation.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

Textile workers excited as Wabba emerges ITUC president From Femi Oyelola, kaduna

T

he textile workers of Nigeria have congratulated President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Comrade Ayuba Wabba on his recent election as the President of the International Trade Union Confederation (ITUC) by the ITUC General Council.

The General Secretary of the Union, Comrade Issa Aremu stated this in a statement made available to the media in Kaduna yesterday.

According to the statement, the singular historic victory for Comrade Ayuba Wabba in year of 40th anniversary of NLC and all its affiliate unions shows that

Nigeria Labour movement has come of age in the service of working women and men of the world.

Aremu added that in June last year (2017), the NLC President, Comrade Wabba was also elected into the Governing Council of International Labour Organisation at the 106th session of International Labour Conference in Geneva, Switzerland.

“It is remarkable that Nigerian trade unionists are taking up leadership roles in the global labour movement. It will be recalled that the pioneer President of Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Alhaji Hassan Sunmonu was the elected General Secretary

of the Organisation of Africa Trade Unions Unity (OATUU) for many years.

‘Some Presidents and General Secretaries of Industrial Unions in Nigeria serve at International Centres which their unions are affiliated to. The General Secretary of National Union of Textile Garment and Tailoring Workers of Nigeria, Comrade Issa Aremu is the elected Vice Chairman of IndustriALL Global Union with headquarters in Geneva, Switzerland, representing 50 million workers in 140 countries in the mining, energy and manufacturing sectors.

“The ITUC’s primary mission is the promotion and defence of workers’ rights and interests,

through international cooperation between trade unions, global campaigning and advocacy within the major global institutions.

“Comrade Ayuba Wabba is the first African to be elected President of the ITUC. The election is for a term of 4 years. ”The challenge before the new leadership of ITUC is to deepen the struggle for decent work through minimum and living wage, the challenge which NLC under Comrade Ayuba Wabba has been creditably pursuing.

“ITUC must also through engagement with the Africa Union (AU) champion the struggle for the re-industrialization of Africa and creation of sustainable decent work for African youths.“

H

is Excellency, the Executive Governor of Kano state, Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje has been conferred with an honorary award as the Sports Loving Governor of the Year 2018 by the Arewa Sports Personality Award Association held at Kano.

Present at the ASPAA

news

Mishap: Niger govt procures N7.9m boats to monitor rivers From Yakubu Minna

Mustapha,

T

he Niger State Government has procured two boats at N7.9 million to ensure effective and efficient monitoring of activities on its two major rivers at Shiroro and New Bussa to curb sharp practices and indiscriminate fishing by the fishermen.

The Commissioner of Livestock and Fisheries, Alhaji Bawa Bala made this known in a press briefing organized by the Ministry of Information and Strategy to showcase the achievements of each ministry of

Governor Abubakar Sani Bello led administration.

Bala told newsmen that the laws of the ministry is obsolete hence it needed to be reviewed for reality as efforts are ongoing through the state House of Assembly to affect them soon next.

He noted that because of the current government concerned about the wellbeing of the citizens has commenced the renovation of its abattoirs with already released of N8.8 million for the completed Kontagora abattoir to the improvement of Livestock Public Health Services.

The commissioner said that the ministry had conducted a statewide vaccination in 2017 where about one million cattle, 200,00 sheep, 200,000 goats, 300,000 poultry and 10,000 dogs among others were vaccinated.

He pointed out that it has embarked on training of 125 butchers from the 25 local councils on quality hiegine standards compliance for hides and skin processing and provision of 78 bellows and pump for easier processing of hides and skin.

Bala further revealed that Niger state has 22 grazing reserves with only two gazetted

while government is working out modalities to gazette the remaining ones to achieve peaceful coexistence between the farmers and herdsmen in the state and Nigeria.

He emphasized that the state government has keyed in to Federal government Ranching Programme in an efforts to encouraged the settlement of pastoralist.

Meanwhile, a blueprint for the development of Bobi grazing reserve has been developed by the state government estimated to cost about N13 billion as N198 million has been approved for

the first phase just as N10 million was released out of N23.125 million to begun infrastructural development.

He applauded the state government for the foresight and efforts thus far to reposition the grazing reserves in Niger state which will surely go along way in curbing the consistent clashes between herdsmen and farmers.

He further said that in 2017 the state constructed earth ponds and rehabilitated concrete ponds at Tagwai Fish Hatchery to promote hatchery development and boost fish fingerlings production in the state.

Yelutide: Muslim woman gives wrappers, foodstuff to Christian widows From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

A

Chief Press Secretary to Niger State Governor, Jibrin Baba Ndace (left), receiving award of Outstanding Chief Press Secretary from President, Nigeria Institute of Public Relations, NIPR, Alhaji Muktar Sirajo assisted by Chairman, NIPR, FCT Chapter, Dr Tayo Hastrup recently in Abuja.

Buhari greets ex-Chief of Naval Staff, Ayinla, at 70

By Lawrence Olaoye

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has sent warm greetings to former Chief of Naval Staff, Vice Admiral Jubril Ayinla, who turns 70 today.

According to a statement made available to newsmen yesterday by his spokesman, Femi

Adesina, Buhari congratulated Vice Admiral Ayinla for his outstanding military career, with many decorations for gallantry and outstanding leadership, and his contributions to the development of Nigeria, which include serving as Minister of Commerce and Tourism, and Minister of Health.

He joined family, friends and professional colleagues of the former Chief of Naval Staff in celebrating the many years of hard work, sacrifice and discipline that culminated in his reaching the peak of his military career.

Buhari believed the wealth of knowledge and experience Admiral Ayinla gathered from

service remain useful to the country, urging him to continue to inspire younger officers to imbibe the enduring legacies of integrity, loyalty and patriotism.

The President prayed that God will bless Vice Admiral Ayinla and his family, and grant him more years of good health and wisdom to keep serving the country.

Ganduje bags ASPAA sports loving governor of the year award From Salim Umar Ibrahim, Kano

Page 9

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

Award, the Deputy Governor, and President Youths Sports Federation of Nigeria (YUSFON), Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, who represented the governor also got away with an honorary award for outstanding performance as sport administrator of the year 2018.

Speaking at the ceremony, Gawuna, commend the efforts of the organizers of the ASPAA Award for gathering courage and having a unique thinking

by bringing together sports personalities and administrators from all nooks and crannies of the northern region in other to celebrate them.

He charged all nominees, awardees and all sports loving people to keep contributing to sporting activities which he describes as one fundamental activity that promotes unity.

He said, “it is only in sporting activities you see people

irrespective of ethnic or religious background coming together to have fun, it really promotes unity.

So, I urged you all sport loving people to keep it up”.

He further charged prospective and young sportsmen and women to always be the ambassadors they are known to be by making their communities proud.

Among host of awardees and special guest of honor is the Emir

of Machina, Garkuwan Chindo, Sarkin Shanun Kazaure among others.

Arewa Sports Personality Award Association (ASPAA) is a non-profit and non-governmental association that identifies and celebrates sporting achievements

by Nigerians within the Arewa region, organizing an annual sports award in other to unite sports stakeholders within the Arewa region.

s part of efforts at strengthening good relationship, boost peaceful co-existence and religious tolerance among Muslims and Christians in the country, a Muslim woman Hajiya Ramatu Tijjani, has donated new wrappers and other food items in a large quantities to Christian widows for Christmas celebration.

The presentation was done at the Church of Christ Evangelical and life intervention Ministry, Sabon Tasha in Chikun local government Area of kaduna state yesterday.

In her speech ,Ramatu Tijjani promised more wrappers and foodstuff will also be shared to other churches in kaduna and other neighboring states.

She said the gesture is her own effort which is aimed at strengthen peaceful co-existence among different faiths the country, and also to boost religion tolerance, forgiveness, love and better understanding among muslims and Christians .

She added that the reason for this is to support the Christian widows in other to celebrate the seasons with joy and happiniess with their orphans with enough food and news clothes like any other Christians world-wide

L-R; National Secretary Powa, Hajiya Hadiza Abdulkarim; Wife of AIG Research Planning Hajiya Saliha Muhamed; Wife of Inspector General of Police Hajiya Asta Ibrahim Idris; Wife of DIG Training Mrs. Bilkisu Sani; Wife of DIG Logistics Supply Mrs.Kikelomo Oshodi.

During the POWA National end of the Year party, yesterday in Abuja.

Fredrick Fasehun to be buried January 10 - Family

T

he family of the late founder of the Oodua Peoples’ Congress (OPC), Fredrick Fasehun, says the late sage will be buried on January 10, 2019.

Kayode Fasehun, son of the late activist, announced this in Lagos on Saturday.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that Mr Fasehun died on December 1 after a brief illness.

The family said he would be

buried in his hometown, Ondo, Ondo State.

“The funeral arrangements for our patriarch, Dr Frederick Isiotan Folabora Fasehun, who passed onto eternal glory on the 1st of December 2018 as announced by the family are as follows: “Monday 7th January 2019: Service of Songs at St Peter’s Church 3, Ajele Street, Lagos Island, Lagos. Time: 5 p.m.

“Tuesday 8th January 2019:

Lying in state at the Century Hotels, Ago Palace Way, Okota, Isolo, Lagos. Time 12 – 7 p.m.

“Wake Service/Night of Tributes at same venue. Time 5 p.m. Wednesday 9th January 2019: Commendation Service at St. Peter’s Church, 3, Ajele Street, Lagos Island, Lagos. Time 9a.m.

“Lying in State at 17-19 Oke Dibo Street, Ondo, Ondo State.

From 5p.m. Wake Keep Service at 17-19 Oke Dibo Street, Ondo,

Ondo State. Time 5:00pm.

“Thursday 10th January 2019.

Funeral Service at the Cathedral of St. Stephen, Oke Aluko, Ondo, Ondo State. Time 10a.m.

Internment follows.

Reception of guests: Civic Centre Ondo. From 2 p.m.

“Sunday 13th January 2019.

Outing Service the St Peter’s Church Faji. 3, Ajele Street, Lagos Island, Lagos. Time 10 a.m.(NAN)

$100m needed to tackle malnutrition in Yobe, Borno, Adamawa - Experts

By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

N

utrition experts yesterday revealed that over $100 million is need to stamp out the rampant cases of malnutrition in northeastern states of Yobe, Borno and Adamawa states.

The experts made the revelation in Yola, Adamawa state, during a media dialogue with journalists/interface with OAPs on child malnutrition in northeast.

The dialogue was organized by the Child Rights Information

Bureau (CRIB) of the Federal Ministry of Information and Culture in partnership with the United Nations Children Funds (UNICEF).

Specifically, Nutrition Consultant, Davis Bamidele, said children malnutrition in Nigeria is prevalence in the northern region, with over 25 million under 5 children suffering from malnutrition while over 10 million affected by stunted growth.

He said “The situation and indices of malnutrition in the North Eastern part of Nigeria

remains precarious, the underfive mortality rate in these areas exceeds the threshold of 10,000 deaths recorded among children under the age of five daily”.

He further identified insurgency, poverty, lack of education, gender issues amongst others as the drivers of malnutrition in the region.

“Insurgency in the region may be seen as the major driver of malnutrition as it has over the years led to high good insecurity, negative coping strategies, increased spread if endemic diseases and destruction of access

to quality water and optimal sanitation”, he added.

Bamidele said that lack of care and show of love is also an important factor to consider in the fight against malnutrition, saying that most infant deaths results from lack of care from parents.

On his part, the Deputy Director, CRIB in the ministry of information, Olumide Osanyinpeju, stressed that combating malnutrition is imperative to the control of infant mortality in Nigeria, adding that concerned effort is required

to ensure total eradication of malnutrition in Nigeria.

According to him, “Malnutrition is a large burden to a country, and tackling malnutrition entails empowering and educating the people.

Also, improved nutrition is the key to improved National and human development”.

“Addressing nutrition is one of the ways sustainable development goals can be achieved, therefore investment in nutrition will help reduce the trend of malnutrition which had been ensured by the creation of this dialogue”.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

PAGE 10

education

Out-of-school-children: Fear of rising child labour

By Maryam Abeeb, Abuja It is no longer news that many Nigerian children have become breadwinners of their families instead oft heir parents and guardians being the breadwinners. In Nigeria, millions of children are sent out by their parents and guardians to do any kind of job or trade in the name of making money.

One of the negative effects and implication of having large number of out of school children is child’s labour particularly the Northern part of the country.

A 9-year old Muhammad Idris, in one of the biggest markets in Kano. On his head was a bowl of sachet water. Every day, Muhammad, the second son from a family of eleven defies the rain and the scorching sun AljazirahNigeria chatting with Muhammad, but speaks in Hausa language said that he does not want to go to school even when being ask what about if he sees someone to sponsor is education. ‘’ I am not ready to go to school. With this sachet water am selling at least I can get something to eat and take care of myself. If I go to school who will feed and provide for me’’ ‘’I have been struggling for myself since when I was five years old. I sleep on the street most of the times. I and my friends do different kind of job just to take care of ourselves,’’ he narrated.

Similarly, Hadiza Aliu from Nassarawa state , who is twelve years was brought to Abuja for a domestic help job, speaking to our reporter.

Hadiza is one the victims of circumstance who has never attended any formal education, but had been into child labour. ‘’I am from a family of six; my mother is into petty trade. Before coming to Abuja, I sell groundnut and sachet water in the market. I am the first child of my parent. My father has two wives but he does not take responsibilities. ‘’I was brought to Abuja buy one of our neighbor , who told my mother that when I work as a domestic help , I will be able to get money and send to her every month to take care of my sibling.

Despite government interventions, the number of out of school children has been on the rise, which has made child labour been the order of the day.

A report by the Federal Government states that Nigeria has 10.5 million out of school children aged 6-14 with about 69 percent of them said to be in northern states.

Also the latest Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICs) data shows that 11.5 million out of school children are in northern part of Nigeria.

According to UNICEF/ILO 2012 – 2016 Global Estimates, entitled: “Child labour: Results and Trends”, indicate that these ambitious 2025 targets may not be

Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu

met as the pace of decline in child labour has slowed considerably in the last four years.

The report shows that the world remains far from achieving the targets as 152 million children are still engaged in child labour, almost half them in its worst forms.

According to the report, 64 million girls and 88 million boys are in child labour globally, accounting for almost 1 in 10 of all children worldwide.

The report also shows that 73 million children, in absolute terms, are in hazardous work that directly endangers their health, safety and moral development. Nigeria, among others, it says, must move much faster if it must honour the commitment to ending child labour in all its forms by 2025.

The report further shows that the business-as-usual scenario would leave 121 million children still in child labour in 2025, of which 52 million would be in

“

hazardous work.

The National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) 2017 Multiple Indicator Cluster Survey (MICS) says about 50.8 per cent of Nigerian children, ages between five and 17, are involved in child labour.

Education Experts say poor political will in government is a threat to equitable access to quality education in Nigeria.

Dayo Ogundimu, Education and development consultant said that poor political will, corruption, poverty amongst others remains a threats to the equitable access to quality education in Nigeria.

Our reporter in an interview with the expert, he stressed that the issue of poor and inequitable access to education remains an issue of urgent national importance.

He said “The universal declaration of human rights stipulates that every child should have access to education.

The declaration does not only prescribe equitable access but also quality

These children who work suffer from fatigue, irregular attendance at school, lack of comprehension and motivation, improper socialization, exposure to risk of sexual abuse, high likelihood of being involved in crime

education”.

“Access to education by millions of Nigeria remains hindered diet lack of political will, poor planning and infrastructure, corruption, irregular payment of teachers’ salaries “, he added.

Speaking further, Ogundimu said that everyone needs to be involved in ensuring sustainability in the education sector as the consequences of poor and inequitable access to education are gradually unfolding in all aspects of the Nigeria society today.

The Education Specialist Development, UNICEF, Azuka Menkiti speaking on the topic “Gaps in Education in Nigeria, revealed that within the huge numbers of out of school children , girls are in the majority especially Northern Nigeria.

She noted that the education indicator for northern Nigeria is different from the southern part of the Country.

According to her, gender is also an important factor in the pattern of education marginalization.

Mrs. Maureen Zubie-Okolo, UNICEF’s Monitoring and Evaluation Specialist, in an interview said the figure of childs labour was alarming and worrisome in spite of all legislation. she also noted that North West as accounting for 41.9 per cent of children working in hard conditions, followed by South-South 37.9 per cent; South- East 36.1 per cent; North-East 34.1 per cent and South-West 25.4 per cent in that order.

According to her, the major causes of child labour as poverty, rapid urbanization, and breakdown in extended family affiliations, rate of high school drop-out and lack of enforcement of legal instruments meant to protect children.

She identified one of the most common practices of child labour as the use of children as child domestics.

“The high level of diverse and tedious jobs that children execute in dangerous circumstances is particularly worrying.

“These jobs include being street vendors, beggars, car washers or watchers and shoe shiners. “Others work as apprentice mechanics, hairdressers and bus conductors, while a large number work as domestic servants and farm hands.

“Traditionally, children have worked with their families, but today children are forced to work for their own and their family’s survival. “The money earned by child family members has become a significant part of poor families’ income.

“These children who work suffer from fatigue, irregular attendance at school, lack of comprehension and motivation, improper socialization, exposure to risk of sexual abuse, high likelihood of being involved in crime.

“These children who are mostly young girls, should be in school but instead, they are in the market hawking food items because their families need the extra income,” she said.

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

PAGE 11

EDITORIAL Crime fighters vs inducers to enable it meet the nation’s A majority of Nigerians have always expectations. We also accept other suspected a very high level of sources of funding to be explored. corruption in the Nigeria Police Force.

However, what we want to say is But when the allegation comes from that even the little the force receives the very top echelon of the police it is from the government is not used indeed a serious matter. Mr. Musiliu judiciously. Much of it is pocketed by Smith, a former Inspector General of top officers of the force.

Police, now chairman of the Police Service Commission, told the Senate It is not uncommon to see pot-bellied officers these days. Contrast this last Wednesday that corruption in picture with that of the rank and the force had worsened to the extent file in torn uniform and worn out that dealers in illicit drugs and other boots. Men and women of the force criminals give gifts of houses to go without salary for months. There serving police officers. He spoke have been cases of officers posted to during a public hearing on a bill to fight the Boko Haram terrorists in the repeal the Police Act CAP 19, 2004.

North-east deserting their duty posts, Mr. Smith appeared to attribute the cause complaining of poor welfare and lack of this endemic corruption to poor of equipment. This is not because funding of the force. This, according funding of the force is inadequate to him, is responsible for its inability though, as we said, it is a problem. “to discharge its constitutional The main reason is that responsibility of senior officers often maintaining law and order pocket a huge chunk and protecting life and of funds the force property”. He compared gets from what Smith the police of his time with the force of today. Firstly, we commend described as the “ritual of annual budgeting”.

“We met a police when Mr. Smith’s Unless that orientation all the training schools forthrightness and is changed, giving the were working. We met a courage to admit force more funds will not police where you could not be promoted without what others before improve its performance writing an examination. had been reluctant significantly. The money will still go into the We met a police where every policeman lived to confess. It is also private pockets of those instructive that the thieving top officers. in the barracks”. The Some time this year, situation today, however, present Inspector a very senior officer is different, such that General of Police was accused of owning “policemen are given Ibrahim Idris did not several mansions in houses by criminals and hard drug bandits. That attempt to contradict Dubai in the United Arab needs to change. We Smith on the rot in the Emirate. He admitted he had property in that part should think of additional police of the world but claimed funding source for the it belonged to his wife. police.

The matter has not been investigated “In Lagos State, a governor came into and the officer is still on his seat. office. He didn’t like what he met on the ground. He invited some of us to We now consider the implications of Smith’s admission that armed bandits change what was on the ground. That and drug barons give “gifts of houses” was what gave birth to Lagos State to police officers. It means that such Police Trust Fund. We can’t tackle officers are badly compromised. It insecurity without this. Let us think makes the transition from a crime of that. The annual yearly budget fighter to a criminal very likely. We ritual can’t help. It will not take heard of officers who have put away us anywhere. If you want a highly their uniform to rob on highways. motivated Police Force, we should The number may be small but we are adequately fund it”. unaware of the adage that a soiled Firstly, we commend Mr. Smith’s finger passes the dirt to the other forthrightness and courage to admit fingers. That finger must be quickly what others before had been reluctant washed before it spreads the dirt. to confess. It is also instructive that Unfortunately, in the case of police the present Inspector General of officers who accept “gifts of houses” Police Ibrahim Idris did not attempt from criminals Smith did not say to contradict Smith on the rot in the what is being done about them. We police. This said, we wish to agree dare suggest the obvious: they should again with Smith that the force’s be found and taken out of the force. annual budget is indeed inadequate

“

OUR MISSION

OUR PEOPLE

Chairman “To be the market Malam Wada Maida, place of ideas and Oon, Fnge the leading player in the industry by putting the people first, upholding the Chief Operating Officer (Ag) Editor, Daily truth, maintaining the Hameed M. Bello, PhD highest professional and ethical standards while Manager, administration delivering value to Hassan Hammanyaji our stakeholders”

OUR VISION

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

Letter to the Editor

Ebonyi 2019: Between Umahi and Ogbuoji

By Muhammad Ajah

T

he gubernatorial race in Ebonyi state is going to be very tough because the two major contenders are from the same senatorial zone. It is going to be a fight between two brothers tied together by the Ebonyi Equity Charter (EEC) of “Egbe beri Ugo beri”.

They are the incumbent governor, Engr. Dave Umahi of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and a serving member of the Red Chambers of the Federal Republic, Distinguished Senator Soni Ogbuoji of the All Progressives Congress (APC). Umahi is seeking reelection for a second term; Ogbuoji dumped the PDP to clinch the APC flagship. Both are from the Ebonyi South senatorial zone. Ogbuoji hails from Afikpo South Local Government Area; Umahi is a native of Ohaozara Local Government Area.

According to the Ebonyi equity charter, each of the three senatorial districts should produce a governor of the state. It simply means that the governorship position should unconditionally rotate amongst the three senatorial zone of the state. The state has been under the rule of the Peoples Democratic Party since 1999. The opposition had struggled in the past to no avail to unseat the PDP in the state. Umahi was so powerful that he used the party to defeat his former boss, Martin Elechi who defected to another party when Umahi frustrated him out of the PDP. Strictly to that chart, both the north and central senatorial zones have had their turn of eight-year uninterrupted leadership – that is two tenures of four years each.

Though likely unwritten just as the north-south political dichotomy in Nigeria is prevalent, the Ebonyi North represented by former governor and now senator, Dr. Sam Ominyi Egwu had its uninterrupted turn of eight years, just like the Ebonyi Central, represented by Chief Martin Elechi did. Martin had planned not to favour his then deputy, Umahi, thus received the biggest shock of his life. By this, May 29, 2019 will be the end of the first four years of Ebonyi South under Umahi.

Is the second tenure to be completed by the same representative, Umahi, or by another son of the zone, Ogbuoji?

Ebonyi state has been a stronghold of the PDP since 1999. Umahi has been a strong member of the party and had rescued it from collapse when former governor Elechi tried it. If not, Ebonyi state would have been an APC state like Imo state. Umahi is believed to be doing well. He seems to be in the good book of President Buhari as he has often proclaimed that he is in support of Buhari’s good leadership style, despite their party differences. Whither the genuinely of the proclamation, Buhari has reciprocated by specially visiting Ebonyi state to commission projects built by Umahi for not only Ebonyi people but for the benefits of Nigerians dwelling within or in neighbourhood with Ebonyi.

Senator Ogbuoji was a strong member of the PDP through which he secured the senatorial slot he still enjoys. It was a big shock to the PDP family when he waved goodbye to them and embraced the APC. In short, the chairman of the PDP in Ebonyi state, Barr.

Onyekachi Nwebonyi could not believe the defection news for a long time. The strong senator did not stop there. He struggled hard to win the governorship candidate of APC in the state, defeating other aspirants in open primaries that took place at Pinnacle Hotel in Abakaliki, the state capital.

While Umahi had no opposition at the PDP primaries, the 64 year senator-graduate of the prestigious University of Nigeria (UNN) defeated eight contenders pulling 785 votes against his closest challenger, Bernard Odoh, who polled 519 votes. Ogbuoji had been in good rapport with the Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu, who hails from Uburu, Ohaozara country home of Governor Dave Umahi. Onu, a founding father of the APC, has always been in the opposition to any Ebonyi governor but has never succeeded in controlling the state government. According to Ogbuoji, the APC was the best option for the Southeast geopolitical zone, especially as the zone eyes the Presidency by 2023. “I am one of those who believe that the issue of

Igbo marginalization cannot be corrected by shouting in the media”, he once burst out.

The first time I meet Senator Soni Ogbuoji was at Sokoto House in Abuja when he came with his Senate Committee on an oversight function. So blunt to the truth and passionate about Ebonyi people and Nigerians, it required no further explanation what he would be capable of doing whenever any position of trust is handed over to him, as he is doing for his people as a senator. He believes that the Igbo people have a responsibility to determine what should happen about marginalization.

“I believe that by joining forces; sharing ideas with those who are already in APC, we have a better chance of improving what we have”, he once proclaimed, noting that the level of governance received from PDP governors was not going to help the case of the PDP and the Igbo, as the Igbo have continually been offending themselves that PDP is an Igbo party. “As we speak today, APGA may lay claim to being an Igbo party; but certainly, PDP cannot lay claim to be an Igbo party,” he said.

He described Umahi’s leadership of Ebonyi state as years of unfulfilled promises, suffering and hopelessness predicated upon deceit and intimidation of citizens. While explaining to journalists in Abakaliki about “The New Ebonyi all Ebonyi people desire”, he chronicled the failed electoral promises of the Governor since 2015 and his lackluster administrative method and submitted that the State has descended into the abyss of hopelessness and despair. “Individuals who belong to different political associations have had their businesses closed down.

Government cannot be a terror to its citizens…

If we allow this to continue, someday we may begin to pay taxes from the dowries of our daughters, but I say God forbid.”

As for Umahi, there were rumours of his plan to defect to APC, though he debunked that on the grounds that he can never be in the same political party with those he described as “failed leaders” in the state. Apparently referring to his own townsman, Onu and other big- weight politicians from Ebonyi south, it was alleged that all attempts he made to join the APC was frustrated.He cautioned people not to mistake his relationship with President Buhari as an indication that he loved APC, not to talk of joining it, adding that his relationship with Buhari is personal.

Frowning at such speculations, he said that neither the President nor APC chieftains have ever asked him to join APC ahead of the 2019.

“As for today until Christ comes, there is no crisis in PDP. Even if there is a need for me to leave PDP, I can never leave PDP to join the kind of APC in Ebonyi state.”

Umahi described himself as a focused governor. He insists that party politics should be left to party men and women so as to focus more on governance. According to him, the fever that has been griping him since the day he was elected was for him to do his job, to deliver the dividends of democracy and solve the plight of Ebonyi people. “So, they should leave me alone with their dirty politics. I am focused; I am in PDP. As a member of PDP, I have benefited on the platform to be a party Chairman, a deputy governor, and now a Governor. I am a man of character,” he stated.

It is normal in politics to change the goal post at any time. Umahi and Ogbuoji are sons of Ebonyi senatorial zone. It is not the zone that will decide who wins. It is the other two zones. There has been the consistent political dichotomy between Abuja-based Ebonyi politicians and the state governor. It has never worked except for Umahi who was assisted by the Abuja political bloc. He is now being faced with the situation. The two zones have left it for the two brothers to log out. Ebonyi state must have a governor after the March 2019 governorship election. The governor is going to be Umahi of the PDP or Ogbuoji of the APC. But the spirit of inclusiveness of all socio-political and religious groups in Ebonyi must be considered. It is reportedly lacking in one. May God bless my dear Ebonyi state, the salt of the nation.

Muhammad Ajah is reachable via E-mail mobahawwah@yahoo.co.uk.

PAGE 12

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

PAGE 13

PAGE 14

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

PAGE 15

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

PAGE 17

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

PAGE 19

PAGE 20

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

PAGE 21

PAGE 22

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

PAGE 23

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

Opinion

Impact of Ministry of FCT in health sector

By Musa Musawa

T

he ministry of the federal capital territory, is the institutional agency charged by the federal government to provide incentivised services to the residents of the federal capital in all the sectorial areas of human developments.

Sectorially, The Ministry of the FCT has made tremendious impacts on the residents of Abuja through the provision of qualitative services, regulations and infrastructural needs of the health sectors in the FCT. Today, Abuja is ranked as one of the fastest developing cities in the sub-saharan sub region because of the tremendious impacts recorded by this administration in the provisions of health services in the FCT. Five FCTA hospitals including Maitama, Bwari, Asokoro, Kubwa and Gwarimpa have been computerised, while the Radiology units at Gwarimpa, Wuse, Kubwa, Asokoro and Maitama hospitals have been upgraded after a CT scan monogram fluoroscopy Digital X-ultra sound scan with cardiac activity was procured in a bid to make the hospitals up to date in hospitals equipments and infrastructures.

The Zuba cottage hospital and the Karu General Hospital have commenced health services since their reoppenings by the Minister of the FCT.For the Karu and Zuba

hospitals to be reopened, The health secretariat had to take from the already critically low staffing from other hospitals and send them down there so that the said hospitals becomes operational and commenced full operations.

The Minister has also given approvals for speedy recruitments of qualified health personnel for various vacancies to be filled so that the hospitals are not starved of manpowers.some renovations were carried out in the hospitals and they are now fully operationals.

The FCT health secretariat has always been asked by the Minister to always be proactive in the administration of health in the FCT and in keeping with this directive the health secretariat has started employing qualified individuals into the health sector through vacancies and areas of needs.The FCT health secretariat has also secured full accreditations of FCT hospitals for residency training in obstetrics and gynaecology for the period of five years,a major leap in the health sector. Computerizations of five FCT hospitals,establishments of 265 HIV sites in the health facilities within the six area councils,upgrading of one of the Abuja central medical stores to the status of state drugs distributions centres to aid the speedy equiping of hospitals with needed drugs.

Others are upgrading of the radiology

units in the five general hospitals within the FCT as well as registration of 72 private health services and closure of 66 facilities due to failure to comply with the regulatory guidelines.

There is therefore the urgent need to keep the pace in the provision of health facilities in the FCT. A situation whereby the residents of the FCT travelled to other states and abroad for medical treatments and tourism leaves a lot to be desired in a country that is as endowed as Nigeria.Our reputation is always at stake because the FCT mirrors our standard in almost all facets of life in our country.

It is sad that a city that is well endowed as the FCT is ranked very low in the provision of health services and this is a clarion call on the FCT administration to immediately improve the pace of developments in the health sector.

It is however gratifying to acknowledge that the FACT authorities have conceived a properly implementations strategy for the FCT which involves a road map strategy that will make the residents witness in the short time a quick fix improvements in the administration of the health sector to curb the incidences of medical tourism and in the long term in making Abuja a city that has all the accolade in being the best health care centres in the world.

The FCT administration should be commended for its giant stride in the

implementation of the National health care act passed by the national assembly and assented to by the president as a deliberate law to incentivise the provision of heath and medical infrastructures in the country.

The act implementations has potentially improved the health sector in the fct by improving the practice of health professionals in the FCT.The minister has approved the coverage of the National health insurance in the fct to cover all and sundary in the FCT.He sees it as the only way for the mantra of health for all can be achieved.

The dawn of this administration has led to the improved training and retraining of the workforce to meet the ever changing methods and ways in the health sector all over the world.This has also guaranteed the provision of an enabling environment for health practitioners to give their best at all time, optimise their potentials to deliver quality services to the residents at all time.

The authorities have done so much for the call doctors by frequently and regularly paying them their duty call allowances as an incentive to spur their performances.Staff welfare has received the attention as a first line action plan of the authorities as they say health is wealth.

a meaning that is embedded in immorality.

For the defunct P Square brothers, they are calling people to come and taste their money as part of their testimony. Of course, many youths would also want to make so much money that they would call people to come taste of their own money. For Wizkid, he wants to show everybody the money so that they won’t go funny with him. As for Olamide, he is ‘Omo abulesowo’(son of the land seller) and if anybody should mess up, he would put them in their place. Who wouldn’t want to get enough money so as to silence his critics and trespassers by putting them in their place? It is worth saying that Olamide has degenerated in what he now release as songs to be heard by the public since his mother died and there is no hope that he would get better. For 9ice, money is a living thing that he would do anything to get. From my personal judgement about the song, it means the singer would do whatever, fair or foul, to get money in his pocket. Many of these songs abound daily on the radio, on the streets, on university campuses and in the homes and party. Unfortunately, many youths listen to this and they dance to them with enthusiasm. As it has been proven from age to age, music is powerful and it has a way of exerting itself on the mind of people. Many could not be said in favour of contemporary songs in Nigeria other than to say they are a reflection of declining desire for what is good and the love for the things that are not right that locked their selves in the heart of many.

Music mirrors the soul. When the soul is not right, the music coming from it cannot be right either. A man cannot be greater than his words is what my people say.

Even though some of this songs come with nice dancing albeit rigorous, their lyrics are nothing to boast of especially looking at Africans as a place where culture and tradition flows into everything. That culture and tradition are what made old songs stood ahead of contemporary ones. This is not to say old school songs are a million times better than what now have. It is rather to say that when the music of a contemporary music star like Davido or WizKid is juxtaposed with that of King Sunny Ade or Orlando Ekemode, the difference in their lyrical content are readily clear. Lyrics is what make a song a song.

When a song is bedeviled with bad lyrical

contents and has no way it could be applied to real life issues except negatively, then such a song is for me a bad song. Unfortunately, most of the youths in Nigeria feed their minds daily with these songs without content. Even radio stations play more of these songs than the good songs either from old schools or the new schools. Our society has not faired better with our youths listening to songs that would make them want to act in an unruly way.

What would a youth do when he switched the television on and the first sight is that of his favourite music star smoking a long stick of tobacco and fondling naked girls? And what he would a youth do when he sees his best hip-hop artiste posing with a car that is way beyond his means in a musical video or adorning himself with the latest brand of shirts? Most youths would want to be like their like their musical idol for they tend to represent to believe they both represent the same thing. So our youths continue to live by what is alien to our culture. Well, it could be said listening to many of the songs is a good way to take their minds off the myriads of problems that abound everywhere around them, many of which there are no hope of ever going away from ravaging them.

Apart from entertainment, I believe music should also be something that gives us insight about life from the point of view of a creative mind. The lyrics are supposed to carry life-oriented meanings. But it is with great surprise that money and women body parts such as breasts and buttocks are now elements of musical composition.

They are described and alluded to in music with vigour and rigour that shows how morality had grown into oblivion among the youths and we seem helpless in helping the situation. Nigerian women that I was brought up to know are very decent people who respect their bodies and dress to cover their nakedness. But it is very bad that many of our women are now exposing their body shamelessly while dancing to a song they could not even pick out its meaning or have a reflection on. Because most women no longer respect their bodies, most songs have now moved from singing about life issues to singing about women’s facial appearance, their breasts and buttocks. It is surprising that it is only the ladies that open the reverred parts of their bodies in musical videos and

not the guys. Dressing is supposed to cover our nakedness and not expose them. Most of the immoralities and the many profane words we have in use in the society today are part of the things that poor lyrical contents of our music have done to us. Plato was very right when he said new style of music should be guided against because with it comes a different lifestyle and culture.

Songs no longer carry the meaning they used to carry when I was growing up.

However, this is not to say that there are no singers that still have some elements of quality in their songs. Of course, singers like Asa, Timi Dakolo, 2face, Bez, Darey Art Alade, Brymo, Adekunle Gold, and some others still sing with sense that has always been found in Nigerian songs. But the problem is the number of youths that want to listen to them. An hip-hop artiste like Terry G after singing “you can only run, run, run till you run mad” came out to tell us that’s what the people wanted. The question then would be to know when our people degenerated to such a state where the type of song they want to listen to is Olamide’s Wo or Lil Kesh’s Iranu abasha.

But one thing is sure. If Sunny Ade was singing Ukwu in his active days, I am sure nobody would have bothered to call him King of Music. And if Chief Ebenezer Obey sang about bum bum, there’s no way he could have been called Commander of Juju music. With this, I am left without doubt that our grandfathers are more intelligent than we are in terms of the type of songs they feed their minds with.

This is not to say youths should not sing, no. Rather, their lyrical contents should be improved upon. We are Africans, and most of all Nigerians and we are known as people with values and I believe our songs should reflect that. Maybe, just maybe, if our current crops of hip-hop artiste could give us meaningful lyrics, we could have an improved society as their current songs are not doing Nigerian youths any good but rather raises their consciousness about immorality and materialism as their songs no longer reflect our traditional values.

Nigerian music gone bad

By Segun Ogunlade

T

he music industry in Nigeria has witnessed a change in recent times from what used to be to what we have now. This is true when one look at the music industry towards the end of the last century and especially the turn of this century. The indigenous genres of music like highlife, juju, apala, goje, in Nigeria have been relegated to the background. It is difficult in this contemporary Nigerian society to see five out of ten people listening to the juju music of King Sunny Ade and Evangelist Ebenezer Obey, the highlife music of Sir Victor Uwaifo, the fuji music of Chief Ayinde Barrister and Kollington Ayinla, or the Afro-juju music of Sir Shona Peters. This is not because they are not good musicians but because these genres of music are no longer in vogue. The genre of music in vogue in Nigeria today is the Nigeria hip-hop. Many of the lyrics coming from the artistes under this genre of music are often without meaning that one begin to wonder where the sense in our music has travelled to.

Gone are the days when you would listen to songs from people like the late Orlando Owoh or Christy Essien Igbokwe and you would have to think deeply about the message they carried. You would listen to many of the songs produced before the turn of the century such as those of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti and Oliver De Coque and the beauty of their message would attract you that you would sing along with the singer.

For example, the horse and the man by the Commander of Juju music, Chief Ebenezer Obey, taught me that there is no way you can please everybody. Therefore, what is best for one is to do one’s best and leave the rest.

What about the song of Fela Anikulapo-Kuti that is reflective of the blame game that has enveloped Nigerian politics where political parties blame one another for being corrupt and do nothing about developing the country like other nations around? Many of these songs that have rich lyrical contents are now being classified as old school music even when their messages fit perfectly well into our new school life and society.

Compared to what we have in the past, one of Davido’s popular song goes thus: “Banana fall on you”. This banana in his lyrics is not the one that we eat but rather has

Musa Musawa is a Public Affairs Analyst

Segun Ogunlade is of the department of Religious Studies, University of Ibadan, Ibadan.

PAGE 24

Comment

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

PAGE 25

The alarming increase in Yahoo Boys amongst the youths

By Sodiq Shittu

C

ybercrime in Nigeria is largely perpetrated by young people and students in tertiary institutions, and are socially tagged yahoo yahoo or yahoo boys. Yahoo boys rely on their computer dexterity to victimise unsuspecting persons in cyberspace. It’s no longer a new thing that people are been cheated online. Some lost their money,goods etc in the process of engaging in an online business without knowing the people they are dealing with are internet fraudsters.

Internet provides a lot of commercial, educational and social opportunities. Examples of computer assisted crimes in Nigeria and the world as a whole includes, hacking, impersonation, scams e.t.c. For most of these fraudsters, greed is the name of the game. But as these examples abound and the economic climate worsens, more young people are seeing Internet fraud as a viable means of survival.. While it has mainly gained notoriety in the Internet age, the origins of Yahoo date back to a time when the main tools were a pen, paper, and a very vivid imagination. As far back as the 1970’s, young Nigerian men would use false personalities to create long-distance friendships with ‘pen pals’ in better off countries like the United States and England. Nwude had committed one of the biggest scams in the world.

Specifically, his fraud was the third largest banking scam in the world after the Nick Leeson’s trading losses at Barings Bank, and the looting of

the Iraqi Central Bank by Qusay Hussein. Nwude was a former director of Union Bank of Nigeria and this position made him privy to some links, information and documents that other persons would not be aware of. He impersonated the then governor of the Central Bank of Nigeria, Paul Ogwuma, and connected with Sakaguchi informing him of a mouthwatering deal of Nigeria’s plan to build an airport in Abuja. Cyber crime is increasing astronomically and one of the reasons for the vast increase of internet fraud in Nigeria is poverty.

Most Nigerians lack means of subsistence and they barely have a place to lay,food to eat,cloth(s) to wear etc and this makes individuals engage in such cyber crimes as listed above for sustenance. This is because life seems to be survival of the fittest and the poor sees internet frauding as a means of making life meaningful to them. Another causes of cyber crimes in Nigeria is greed. Most people actually involve in cyber crimes not because they don’t have what it takes to live a normal life but because they are never contented with what they have and the desire to have quick and more wealth without having to go through the right process of acquiring wealth. Research has shown that the more reason people involve or engage in cyber crimes is as a result of greed. If individuals see the little they have to be enough for them, there won’t be any need going into cyber crime or scamming others in order to get rich. In addition, unemployment is one of the

major reasons people get involved in cybercrimes.

After all the educational qualifications one seems to have obtained In Nigeria, jobs are still not available for them and this lead to frustration and for them to live an average life,they see internet frauding as a means of survival. Come to think of it,even the employed are not been paid for months sometimes years and this can also lead to individuals engaging into cyber crimes.

Lack of confidence is one of the reasons people engage into cyber crimes. Some people believe they can no longer make it in life,they feel disappointed and they think the only way to make up their mistakes and to move forward is by making quick wealth,in this case they fall back on internet fraud. Internet fraudsters or as everyone calls them, Yahoo Boys keep themselves awake and creative through the long night with the necessities of weed and alcohol, often more expensive varieties to reflect the degree and strength of their ‘hustle’. One or two ladies may be scattered around; a loyal girlfriend whose partner is fulfilling one part of her Bonnie and Clyde fantasies; a scantily clad leftover from the escapades of the previous night; sometimes, there’s a young friend of the family who wants to try her hands at the trade and become a boss lady.

These people play their part; motivation, sustenance in bad weather, the kind of momentary pleasure that becomes validation for sleepless nights like this one. But the most important people in this place are the young men.

After all, it is them who have created an entire subculture around conning foreigners out of hundreds, thousands, and in often celebrated circumstances, millions of dollars. Nothing defines a successful yahoo boy like luxury. Contrary to popular belief, the most basic forms of Internet fraud often require little more than a laptop, a mobile phone, and an internet connection. It is why in recent years, more young people have turned to Internet scams. The reality is that it is more accessible. There is also the role that our society plays in gratifying success regardless of its origins. Nowadays, fraudsters have been elevated to the status of celebrity, thanks to social media and the vibrant activism of platforms like Instablog9ja and its ilk. In the end, regardless of what form it takes or the extent to which it is perpetrated, internet fraud is a crime that has far-reaching implications beyond the fraudster and his immediate environment. Whatever reasons or explanations may be given often pale in comparison to its effects on the individual, his society, and the victim. There is little hope of paid employment for the hundreds of thousands who leave tertiary institutions every year and this in itself, can be enough explanation for the choice that these young men have turned to. There is no justification for criminal activity, regardless of degree, extent, reason or time. Circumstance has never been an excuse for crime; it will never be.

Sodiq Shittu is a Public Affairs Analyst.

Creative Communications and Political Campaign in Nigeria

By Femi Amosun

T

he disappointment explicitly expressed

by Nigerian marketing communications stakeholders, particularly PRCAN, AAAN and some notable advertising practitioners, should not be dismissed as negligible. If truth must be told, the issues raised are central to our national orientation, attitude and patriotism.

As a well-trained and experienced practitioner, l find it extremely nauseating that our Political Parties, public Office holders and politicians are pertinacious in promoting foreign firms. I often wonder why this narcissistic mind-set is the preferred modus operandi. Perhaps, it is their way of expressing self-aggrandizement or monomaniac predisposition. This attitude may also be as a result of ingrained or compulsive obsession with foreign goods and the Oyinbos. After 58 years of Independence from the colonial masters, an overwhelming majority of Nigerians are yet to discard their “Colonial mentality”. l cannot over-emphasis the consequential effects of such customary mentality on our national progression.

It is almost inconceivable that foreigners or foreign Political Parties and Governments will hire Nigerians to handle their communication in their own countries. Even when you’ve studied in their country and live in their country, such opportunity or opportunities will not be extended to you. As a living witness, permit me to share my personal experience with you because it is germane to the bone of contention here. Early in my career and as a fresh MBA graduate bubbling with knowledge and fresh ideas, l attended a job interview organized by a Branch Chairman of a highly-respected Professional body who also happened to be conducting a recruitment exercise for an Engineering company based in Richmond, London UK. The first part of the Interview tested my computer abilities, which involved carrying out daily routine tasks using different computer software. I was also given the task of analyzing and interpreting the Company’s forecast data using Spreadsheet software. Having done extremely well in the first part, l was invited to the second stage of the Interview that involved presentation of my Credentials and oral interview.

The Interviewer (highlighted above) meticulously examined my academic and professional Qualifications; Passport and my Status (the Right to Live & Work in the UK); and my NI Card. He then asked me series of questions bordering on the outlined skills-set for the job. After all the rigour of the Interview, the Interviewer/Branch Chairman turned around and said “You’ve done exceptionally well during the Interview process, you have excellent and highvalued academic and professional Qualifications and your command of English language is remarkable. Although you don’t have strong accent, but you have a foreign accent” I did not get the job. (It may interest some readers to know that “having foreign accent” is tantamount to racial undertone, an unspoken basis for discrimination

and racism). At the time of the Interview, l had thought that one’s accent is not a prerequisite or barrier to job opportunity. I thought the ability (as l demonstrated during the interview process) would supercede any form of discriminatory sentiment.

As a Commonwealth citizen, like many Nigerians, who have lawfully invested own money (what they termed as “Without recourse to Public fund”) and time in education and training in the country, l would’ve thought that l should have been given the opportunity to make valuable contribution.

As l moved on from the initial setback, l would experienced several form of discriminatory treatments with racial undertone. I would later learn that racism is deeply ingrained in their systems; similar to the way Corruption is embedded in our country. The only slight difference is that racism is targeted at black and foreigners while Corruption is perpetrated against our own country by the privileged few.

The advent of BREXIT; the introduction of Hostile Environment Policy; and the well documented malevolent treatment of the Windrush Generation (Offspring of the Caribbean migrants who came to Britain in 1948 upon the invitation of the UK Government. The Ship that brought the Migrants was named Windrush) reinforce the highest level of intolerance and disdain for foreigners, harsh treatment, and generational racial undertone in Western societies.

For the benefit of some readers who may be uninitiated, let me turn to Communications strategy with the view to enrich our understanding of this very important mechanism.

Marketing Communications, as a set of powerful tools, directly or indirectly affect the society at large. It acts as the strategic medium to change or alter attitudinal disposition, behaviour and perception, purchasing decisions, voting intentions, wealth creation etcetera. It can also be used to raise awareness, enhance image and corporate identity. In practice, it serves as a coordinated set of activities to communicate with the marketplace or identified target audiences.

Marketing communications can also be perceived as an embodiment of an enlightened society where individuals are respected as responsible agents who are capable of making their own decisions.

(It’s what they called Existentialist theory in Philosophy). Without marketing communications, a company or organization may struggle to survive and the society will be reminiscence of the Dark Ages in Ancient History.

In practice, Communications strategy is a systematic process by which a company or an organization connect with key target audiences and differentiate its offerings from competition.

The process provides insights into brand identity and awareness, perceptions and associated values.

This process is quickly followed by the creation of a dynamic, attention-grabbing and campaign including concept formulation, planning and development, media selection, advertising, and timeframe for the agreed Campaign. The primary purpose, therefore, is to connect with key target

audiences. To achieve effective communication, the communicator need to gather, process, interpret and understand the complex issues that may impact on the lives of the target audiences.

This could include the external factors of current and/or projected PESTLE (Political, Economic, Social, Technology, Legal, and Environmental). A detailed SWOT (Strengths, Weaknesses, Threats, Opportunities) analysis will also identify important factors.

The Economic: Income levels, employment levels, rate of inflation, rate of economic growth and the Social & Culture: Demographics (population growth/distribution, age), lifestyles and cultural values (changing beliefs, skills, family values) will also present valuable information and deep insights which can be harnessed to develop coherent communication strategy. The principal task, therefore, is to favourably position the organization’s offerings in the mind-set of its target audiences.

Furthermore, the task of formulating Concept may evolve around using Functional Needs (related problems, potential problems, or conflicts) to highlight specific attributes or benefits that will solve consumers’ problems. Symbolic Needs (involving psychological needs such as the desire for self-enhancement, role position, or group membership) may also be used. Think about your personal beauty products, alcoholic drinks, and cigarettes, which frequently appeal to symbolic needs. There are other methods that are beyond the scope of this piece to enhance our understanding of Communications strategy.

Specific Appeals that could influence consumer behaviour includes: Fear appeals (invoking fear appeal, by identifying the negative consequences of engaging in unsafe behaviour e.g., unsafe sex, drinking and driving, drug abuse). The underlying logic when using fear appeals is that fear will stimulate audience involvement with a message and thereby promote acceptance of the message arguments.

The appeals may take the form of social disapproval or physical danger.

Humour can also be used to create desired reaction. Think about the actions of politicians, actors or actresses, professors etcetera. Advertisers also turn to humour in the hopes of achieving various communications objectives – to gain attention, influence attitudes, and ultimately, to trigger positive actions. Music and Sex appeals are also commonly used to influence behaviour.

It is also pertinent to point out that the Sender and Receiver (target audience) plays a twin role in the communication process. In planning the marketing communications strategy, the identified benefits or attributes will then be translated into communication messages aimed at the target audience. The Advertising element of communications strategy is valued because it performs a variety of functions including informing; persuading; reminding; adding value (by altering consumers’ perceptions); and enhancing results of other marketing communications efforts. The

advertising process involves four major groups: Companies and organisations that advertise – Advertisers Advertising Agency –responsible for creating and placing Ads for their clients Advertising production companies–i.e. independent businesses that photograph, film, and produce advertisements Advertising media – Channels media e.g.

Newspaper, TV, Radio, Social Networks etc.

Enhancing local Expertise and the Beneficial Effects A strong and stable Political Party may use communications strategy to highlight its Cardinal Programmes and notable achievements. As part of the Strategy, the Party may consider attracting more new supporters; creating or raising awareness of its Policy; and making voters buy-in into their Programmes. To achieve these strategies, they may consider: Developing an educated-based sets of initiative to synthesize the public Continually suggesting ways and communitybased services that will impact positively on the lives of local people Establishing ongoing communication with the voters, e.g., in a regular newsletter that presents compelling reasons why the Party should be trusted Tracking voters and voting patterns to deduce meaningful data/information Local Sponsorships to generate a lot of goodwill in the local community Follow up with Voters’ surveys to gauge the level of popularity and important feedback At a time when many countries around the world are protecting their national interests and valuable assets, a form of protectionism agenda, our privileged politicians should begin to look inward and show genuine interest in developing our country. In an open and transparent society, elected governments and appointed public Office holders are inclined to protect their National interests; develop and preserve resources including the Economy; Trade; National wealth; Human resources; Political system and evolution; Social system; Physical infrastructures; Education system; Security and Safety; sustainable Healthcare and Welfare; Commerce & Industry sectors; Public institutions; Power supply; Jobs creation; and above all improve the lives of their Citizens.

All these important rudiments are preponderance enough to occupy the minds of any serious Politicians and Officials as opposed to the plethora patronization of foreigners who may not even be well-educated and qualified when compared with their Nigerian counterparts.

Yoruba legend has it that Ile lati nko eso ro de.

Eniti o ta ara ile lopo, ko le ri ra lowon.

To access the full Paper double click on Creative Communications and Political Campaign in Nigeria Femi Amosun is an acclaimed Business Adviser, marketing & communications expert and management practitioner.

Appeal Court orders INEC to include prisoners in voter register

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

T

he Benin City division of the Court of Appeal has affirmed the right of prisons in the country to vote in all elections to be conducted by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

The ruling followed an appeal filed by five inmates on behalf of all inmates of prisons across the Country, directing the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to include their names in its voter register.

The court, however, did not grant a declaration that INEC should liaise with the Nigeria Prisons Service to create a registration centers across the various prisons formations in the Country.

The appellants are Victor Emenuwe, Onome Inaye, Kabiru Abu, Osagie Iyekekpolor and Modugu Odion.

Justice S. Oseji, who read the lead judgement on behalf of Justice Helen Ogunwumiju, said the appellants could appeal the other side of the ruling not granted.

Counsel to the appellants, President Aigbokhan, of the Initiative for Rural Development, Information and Legal Advocacy (IRDILA), urged INEC to commence immediate registration of inmates across the country to enable them participate in the 2019 general elections.

Aigbokhan said they would appeal part of decision of the Court of Appeal.

According to him, “Prison inmates have their community. Polling units should be located there.

“One of our clients is the inmates in prisons. We believe they have a right to vote in an election so as to decide those who ultimately decide their future.

“When franchise is given to them, attention will be focused there. Their situation and health conditions will be improved.

“In 2014, the Federal High Court granted our prayers that prisoners can vote but narrowed it to the four applicants in the suit even though it was stated there that those applicants were representing other inmates.

“We went to the Court of Appeal and the court agreed that the judgement represent all inmates in the country.

“That INEC should with immediate effect, collage the names of inmates and allow them to vote in 2019.

“The judgment has disagreed that INEC should create polling units inside the prison. In 2015, the inmates are over 550,000.

“All INEC need to do is to update their voter register and liase with NGO as volunteers go help them. It is victory for Nigeria’s democracy.”

PDP meeting stalled Senate discussion of crucial economic matter – Lawmaker

A

hmad Lawan (APC-Yobe) says the November 29 National Executive Council (NEC) meeting of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) stalled the consideration of the Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and the Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

Mr. Lawan, Majority Leader of the Senate, who made this known in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria(NAN) in Abuja, said though the matter was scheduled on the Order Paper, it was stepped down.

MTEF and FSP is a threeyear planning tool that defines the government’s economic, social and development objectives and priorities.

It also details the strategies to achieve the government’s defined objectives and

highlights the key assumptions behind revenue projections.

It also highlights strategic objectives behind the expenditure framework and fiscal targets over the medium term.

It further articulates the nature and fiscal significance of the government’s debt and measures to reduce such liabilities.

The Fiscal Responsibility Act, 2007 makes statutory provisions requiring the federal government to prepare the Medium-Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP).

It is expected to be considered before presentation of the 2019 Budget

by President Muhammadu Buhari.

Mr Lawan noted that the Senate planned to take it on another legislative

day but that did not happen due to other developments.

“It is unfortunate it has not been considered.

“It was scheduled, unfortunately, we could not take it because the day it was scheduled was the day the PDP held its NEC meeting.

“We had thought that we will take it the next week but then again something happened,” he said.

The lawmaker expressed optimism that the MTEF and FSP would be considered shortly.

He said, “I want to believe that we will take it between Tuesday and Wednesday.”

On the level of implementation of the 2018 Budget, Mr Lawan said while he could not say categorically the level of

implementation, the government could not do much due to the paucity of funds.

He said that much could not be done in the implementation of capital allocation until recent passage of the Euro Bond by the Senate for foreign borrowing.

He said,” I believe that the implementation of the 2018 Budget will pick up very fast now that there is fund.

“This administration has done a lot in a short while and with so little.

“Devoting 2.8billion dollars to capital projects is something previous administrations failed to do.

“My expectation is that now that the funds are available, the implementation will jump to catch up with the time we have spent, ” the majority leader said.

(NAN)

L-R: Member of the House Representatives Hon. Mohammed Umaru Bago, Niger State Deputy Governor, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso, Niger State APC Chairman, Engineer Jibril Imam and Acting Chief of staff to Niger State Governor, Adamu Aliyu, at grand rally and distribution of100 campaign vehicles in support of President Muhammadu Buhari and governor Abubakar Sani Bello, organized

by Hon. Bago, at the weekend in Minna Niger state

PDP should concentrate on apologizing to Nigerians not zonal rallies, campaigns - APC

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he All Progressives Congress (APC) said the People Democratic Party (PDP) should have seek forgiveness of Nigerians for the damage done to the Nation for 16 years, rather than embarking on campaign and zonal rallies.

Speaking with newsmen on Sunday in Abuja, APC National Publicity Secretary, Mallam Lanre Issa-Oniru, said his party expected PDP leaders to first of all visited all the zones and apologize instead if jumping into rallies.

When asked on reason why his party is yet to constitute National Campaign Council, Onilu said: “Well, we don’t have any problem at all and we are very okay; because campaign as you may know is just one aspect of it. There are many other platforms to engage with the people. Rally, is just one.

“And it is actually the impact of rally, not that we are not going go

round the country because what we expect the PDP to do in this rally is to go to the zones and apologize profusely.

Demonstrate remorsefulness which they have failed to do; and they keep going to those zones for rally to insult people.

“When we go out for campaign, we will be doing two things; because this campaign for APC is about two issues.

Character of persons who have come forward to say they want to rule us. We are going to bring character into focus.

And for the candidates of the PDP we won’t go too far stressing to review who you are but the person you work with under whom you work.”

According to Onilu, firmer president Olusegun Obasanjo is the best person to review the character of former Vice President, Atiku Abubakar.

And he copiously did that in his book already and they will bring that into focus.

“He (Obasanjo) told us he found

him to be very unreliable person; somebody that is not trustworthy; that he found him to be somebody who compromises the system for personal gain. And we have evidence to that; and we must bring that to focus. We must continue to thank President Obasanjo for being so patriotic to have alerted the country to the danger inherent in bringing somebody like former Vice President Atiku close to Nigeria’s assets and resources.

“The second leg of our campaign will be stewardship. We have been in government for three and half years. We are going to give stewardship. For every kilometer of road that we have done is a reminder to the systemic years of waste under the previous governments.

“For every rail track that we have laid is a reminder to the systemic wastefulness under PDP. The continuous increase in enrolment of students across the nation, because of our school feeding programme, is a

reminder to the 13.5 million pupils who were out of school under PDP. “So, the campaign will be on stewardship and what we have used the 3 and half years to do and all the abandoned projects that we have fixed.

“The issue of diversification that for four decades, and the 16 years of PDP, became mere mantra and a reality.

“Check our GDP. It is no longer a mono product economy. It is now an economy in which you have contributions from Agriculture and from solid minerals, making solid impact in our GDP. That is diversification.

“Nigerians are going to move by this December for Christmas and the new year. We are alerting them about the roads that were un-passable before.

They will see progress that has been made over the country. And Christmas after Christmas, they will continue to see improvement.”

PAGE 26

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

POLITICS Benue PDP Primaries: Federal High Court to decide on jurisdiction From Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

A

Makurdi Federal High Court presided over by Justice Mobolaji Olajuwon at the weekend adjourned sitting to Wednesday to decide on the issue of whether it has jurisdiction to entertain the suit filed by Mr. Joe Ojobo challenging the victory of former Minister of Interior, Comrade Abba Moro, in the Benue South senatorial primary election of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP).

Ojobo, a Benue state lawmaker dragged Comrade Moro, the PDP and the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to court over the outcome of the PDP poll held on October 4th to 7th.

During the hearing, counsel to the lawmaker, Dr. Joshua Musa argued that his client should have been declared the winner of the delegates’ election based on the outcome of the poll conducted on October 4th where delegates from six (6) out of the nine local government areas in the senatorial zone voted.

“We urge the court to hold that the primary election of October 7 was a nullity by reason of over voting,” Musa said.

However, counsel to the defendant, Mr. Ken Ikonne asked the court to discountenance the affidavits of the plaintiff in support of the matter and dismiss the main suit.

“The case is misconceived.

It is incompetent because there are no corresponding affidavits supporting the case. Witnesses written evidences were verbatim in contravention of section 115(3) of the Evidence Act.” Ikonne said.

In her ruling, Justice Olajuwon who adjourned hearing to Wednesday December 12, directed the counsels to file their respective written addresses to enable the court rule on whether it has jurisdiction to entertain the suit in the first place, in view of the fact that no relief has been sought by the plaintiff against INEC which is an agency of the federal government.

2019: Rep donates 100 vehicles for Buhari, Gov Bello campaign

By Umar Muhammad Puma

L

awmaker of the House of Representatives, Rep Umar Bago, has donated 100 vehicles to support President Muhammadu Buhari and Niger State Governor, Abubakar Sani Bello’s reelection bids.

Bago, who represents Chanchaga Federal Constituency, is Chairman of House Committee on Maritime Safety, Education and Administration.

He presented the vehicles at the event which has representative of Governor Bello and other stakeholders in attendance.

Speaking at the occasion, Governor Bello, represented by his Deputy, Alhaji Ahmed Mohammed Ketso described Niger State as a core APC state and pledged the support of the people of the state to the re-election bid of President Muhammadu Buhari, saying that PMB is a gift to Nigeria.

He said Niger State was ready to move to the next level and that with people like Hon. Bago in its fold, the party remains unbeatable and formidable in all fronts, as he appreciated the lawmaker for his constant show of loyalty and support to the party, describing the donation of 100 vehicles as an unprecedented gesture.

Expressing appreciation for the goodwill and support of the Niger people to his administration and that of President Muhammadu Buhari, the governor charged the citizens to ensure that they collect their permanent voters card ( PVCs) and use same to elect APC candidates at all levels.

“Our PVCs are our power, those of you who have not collected your cards should endeavor to do so within the allowed period. And the best way to translate our love for PMB and APC is to use our card to reelect him and all candidates of our party”, he said.

Bago in his remarks said his decision to galvanize support and donate the campaign vehicles was owing to his belief that incumbent President and Commander in Chief of the Armed Forces has performed far above expectations and therefore deserves another term in order to consolidate and advance on his remarkable change agenda, that has drastically reduced institutional corruption while improving the socioeconomic indices of the nation for the better.

“I want to make it categorically clear that this gesture is stemmed out of my genuine love and commitment to the course of governance of our dear country and my state in particular. There is no gainsaying the fact that President Muhammadu Buhari has in the last three years and a half done what other presidents did not achieve within a similar period.

No ADP member in Niger State Assembly - APC From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

T

L-R: APC Oyo State Assembly Candidate for Afijio Constituency, Mr Seyi Adisa (2nd, L) a graduand, Miss Bose Ogunsola, APC Chairman, Afijio Local Government Area in Oyo State, Mr Aderemi Adeniyi; and others during Adisa’s empowerment program, on Saturday in Awe, Oyo State. Photo: NAN

2019: NIPR to partner stakeholders for strengthening democracy From Ahmad Mohammed, Bauchi

N

igeria Institute of Public Relations (NIPR) is to work in active synergy with relevant stakeholders for strengthening of the country’s Democratic system.

The National President of the Institute, Muktar Zubairu Sirajo, gave this indication while addressing a Press Conference at the NUJ Press Center Bauchi on his official visit to the State.

Sirajo said the Institute would use all the Public

“We are all witnesses to the massive infrastructural development going on in different parts of the country, especially construction and rehabilitation of roads, power and other infrastructure. We are also witnesses to the unprecedented development that Gov. Abubakar Bello has brought to Niger State within these few years that he got the opportunity to govern our dear state. I feel that these two leaders should be supported by every well-meaning Nigerian that has genuine love for the country”, he said.

Highlights of the event were the distribution of over 100 branded vehicles to various groups and trade associations, launching of campaign hash tag #NigerNaBuhariDaLoloNe, as well cultural displays and musical entertainment by famous artistes, including Rarara and MC Tagwaye.

Relations strategies to ensure peaceful conduct of next Year’s General elections in the country.

On the challenges facing the zones of the country and North East in particular, the NIPR National President called for the use of Public Relations strategies as a means of providing lasting solutions to the challenges.

He identified illiteracy as one of the factors responsible for the involvement of people of the northeast sub region into insurgency activities and

assured to intervene.

Sirajo said to this end, the National body of the Institute would soon organize an interactive session involving all the stakeholders in order to assist towards restoring the lost glory of the country.

On the challenges facing the Institute, the National President said already, the Council has taken measures to prosecute anyone practicing the profession without being fully registered with the NIPR. Sirajo therefore expressed satisfaction for the cordial

relationship existing between NIPR and NUJ in Bauchi State and called for it’s sustenance.

The State NUJ Chairman, Comrade Ibrahim Muhammad Malam Goje had earlier said NUJ is working with NIPR for professionalism among working Journalists in the state.

Also speaking, the State NIPR Chairman, Alhaji Kabir Ali Kobi had requested the National Council of the Institute to look into the challenges affecting the non participation of members in the National event.

he Niger State chapter of All Progressives Congress (APC) has said that there is no ADP member in the State House of Assembly, declaring that Hon. Abdulmalik Mohammed Kabiru representing Paikoro local government only breached the trust reposed on him.

This was contained in a statement issued yesterday in Minna by the State APC Legal Adviser, Barrister Khaleed Aliyu, saying that the party sponsored him to the assembly but the member and his cohort breached the responsibility of trust bestowed on him by the APC. Barrister Aliyu regretted that the said member representing Paikoro local government paraded himself as a candidate of the ADP in the area hence he remain as a member of the APC. He explained that the member has no base in ADP while the party will be seeking for a redress to nullify his candidature from that party due to lack of due process hence for its illegality implications.

The Legal Adviser noted that “it’s established fact that before one can decamp from any political party, it must be on divisional or factional bases but Kabiru Mohammed failed to take cognisance of Section 109 (1)(g) 1999 of Federal Republic of Nigeria or he has never written to the party (APC) that produce him, that he is leaving the party” he stated.

He added “at this point Kabiru Mohammed is still a member of the party (APC) and he has no base in ADP and the party is going to seek redress to nullify his candidature from ADP” he said.

It could be recalled that the member currently representing Paikoro local government in the state assembly Hon. Abdulmalik Mohammed Kabiru, however lost out in the just concluded party primaries hence could not secure his second term bid to fly the party flag in the forthcoming general elections.

Page 27

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

POLITICS 2019: Buhari will defeat Atiku in his home, Jada - APC chieftain Excerpts:

W

ith few months to the 2019 elections, how would you assess the chances of presidential candidate of the All Progressives Congress (APC), President Muhammadu Buhari?

A lot of people will come in from the angle of being the incumbent, but I don’t think power of incumbency really matters, especially when you know what you have done.

Actually, President Muhammadu Buhari has tried. We have never had a President like this before.

But the problem with Nigeria is that they want immediate and physical gain.

President Buhari inherited a lot of probkems from the past administration and solving all those problems is not easy. The major problem they had in the past was the issue of corruption.

Yes, the PDP created the anticorruption agencies, the ICPC, EFCC and others, but corruption thrived even under Obasanjo.

It went down briefly under Yar’adua then it entered into full gear under former President Jonathan. Hiwever, the most high God, not people, brought in Buhari, because if he had not come in when he did, possibly a lot of people in Abuja would have gone back to their villages because of hunger. The nation’s economy would not have only be in recession, but depression and total collapse. That was exactly what this man inherited.

When you also look at the number of billions this president and his administration have recovered and the loopholes that he has blocked, you will agree with me that Buhari has done well. Also look at N-power programme, we had something similar to this in the past administration, what did they use it for? They just shared the money to members of their political party. But under President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, nobody ask you of your party, you just go online and register and they pay your money directly into your account. Then, only members of PDP were getting SURE-P money This man has done a lot of things. If Nigerians permit him to come for the second term, definitely he is going to consolidate on this.

Let Buhari continue and before the next two years, Nigeria will be joyful. He stands a very good chance of winning.

Don’t you think that the candidate of the leading opposition party, PDP, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar poses threat to Buhari’s chances?

Mr. Jackson Lekan Ojo is a chieftain of the All Progressives Congress, APC and security expert who believes strongly that with the various achievements recorded so far by the APC administration in the past three and half years, Buhari will defeat Atiku hands down, even in his (Atiku’s) home in Jada, Adamawa State.

In this interview with Lateef Ibrahim in Abuja, the APC chieftain from Osun State also dismissed the claim of crisis in the ruling party, saying such was simply a disagreement among family members that will be sorted out amicably.

Former Vice President Atiku Abubakar

President Muhammadu Buhari President Muhammadu Buhari faces no threat from anybody because when you have a very week opposition then you don’t have a threat. Atiku is not a threat to Buhari’s chances, Atiku cannot even defeat Buhari in Jada, where Atiku hails from. Buhari has the weakest opposition so far.

Atiku is never a political threat to Buhari, especially when you talk about anticident, integrity.

Some persons will collect Atiku’s dollars, but the intellectuals, the right thinking persons respect integrity more than dollar. Good names are better than gold and riches, and Buhari has a superlatively good name, I doubt if Atiku has anything like that.

Atiku has a great political name with no electoral value.

The political campaign has commenced, but your party, APC, is still in crisis, what do you make of that?

Well journalists, political paper weights, political wrong calculators may see crisis in APC, but there is no crisis in APC. Your father is your father even if he flogs you, denies you a meal, you cannot deny him as your father, he is your father. APC has no crisis what is happening now is just temporary. They are problems related to transition, that comes with the party’s primary and it will fizzle out.

How can you say there are no crisis when all these governors are aggrieved and using all manner of words to described your party’s National Chairman?

This are disgruntled elements, they are satanic elements within the ranks and file of APC. Go to Imo state,is it a monarchical system that you want to revolve within your family? You heard what Uche Nwosu, that is the son in-law to Governor Rochas Okorocha said few days ago. He said the crisis that is rocking APC in Imo state will not affect the APC chances in the state and in the South East. I sympathize with these people, because they are heading for retirement.

Immediately they work against the party, the party will do the needful. But if somebody like Asiwaju Tinubu is fighting with APC, it could be worrisome to people like us. if somebody like Wammako is fighting APC, it could also be worrisome, not all these irrelevant outgoing governors that are retiring from politics. They don’t have any value anymore, because they have used this issue to destroy the value they enjoyed and that people place on them. Go to Ogun state, because of this behavior Ibikunle Amosun means nothing again. What is the importance of Yari that led APC to its condition in Zamfara state, that if care is not taking APC may not field a candidate in Zamfara state?

What if they defect to other political parties?

It does not matter. That is never a threat. These people enjoy little sympathy from members that are loyal to them.

We are talking about a state, not about a single person. If

they want to walk away, it is at their own detriment and their political future, immediately they walk away or engage in anti party activities, clearly they have retired from politics.

Don’t you think the President needs to improve in areas like insecurity, economy and fight against corruption?

See, all these man-made security challenges that we are facing will soon fizzle out. Before some people decamped it used to be every day attacks by herdsmen, but when some people decamped, attacks by herdsmen went down and during the primary no attack by herdsmen. Buhari is trying, there is no government in the history of Nigeria that has been confronted with these high level of insecurity and that have been able to handle it better than him.

Before Buhari’s emergence, some territory and local governments were already taken over in the North East by the Boko Haram insurgents. There are a lot of thing so he is already working on.

Buhari knows what he is doing, we all should just be patient with him.

APC has just existed for four years, what future do you see for the party?

Most of the players today in APC were formerly in PDP. But at a particular time, a new child was born and they all saw it that his a child that will lead us to the promise land, that child is APC. A few progressive elements in PDP crossed to APC, some of them that just crossed into APC to go

and hide their heads, have now discovered that this house is not built for robbers and that was why most of them moved back. Like I have been saying, a particular Senator decamped from APC to PDP in Benue state, when he looked at it, to come back to APC was difficult and he has to cross to SDP. I know many PDP governors that will vote in favor of President Muhammadu Buhari, they are PDP governors driving PDP vehicles, but they will certainly tell most of their passengers to drop in the compound of APC. Most of them are not comfortable with Atiku, because Atiku is an autocratic leader. So the only thing they need to do is to vote against him.

But PDP is also claiming that many APC governors will work for Atiku.

Well, you know that PDP is very good in propaganda. Most of them are autocratic leaders, they can say a lot of things. The only area they are good at is when it comes to the issue of telling lies.

Some of them are pathological liars. And some of those that says some APC governors are working for them, are even the ones working for APC, but they are saying that for people not to suspect them. Most of them are already crossing to APC. Before May 2019. I doubt if PDP will have up to five governors that will be left in the party. Some of them have started loosing, the Director-General of their presidential campaign council has started loosing his base.

Page 28

METRO

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

Bello tasks residents on prompt loan repayment as AMAC-MFB begins operations

By Stanley Onyekwere

R

esidents of Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), have been implored to imbibe financial prudency, by always ensuring prompt repayment of loans taken from financial institutions, aimed at empowering entrepreneurs in the society, in order to sustain their survival.

In particular, residents especially small scale entreprenuers in the nation’s capital city are advised to cultivate the habit of taking and repaying loans within agreed repayment timeframe, so as to keep the banks in business.

The advice was handled down by FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello when he officially commissioned the world class Micro Finance Bank established by Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), signalling the commencement of banking services.

Bello, represented by Mandate Secretary, Area Council Services Secretariat (ACCS), Senator Isa Maina, described the AMAC Mfb initiative as another

milestone achievement by the current AMAC administration, because of its visionary leader.

While expressing joy that Candido is keeping the flag of the APC flying very high, the Minister urged residents patronise MicroFinance Bank in the territory for the socio-economic development of the Coucil and Abuja in general.

He pledged to provide an enabling environment that would encourage micro finance to boost small and medium enterprises in the Territory.

He enjoined other area Councils in the FCT to emulate the gesture and be able to provide soft loan to the residents to start small business.

He noted that such act will go a long way to uplift the standard of living of the active poor and the vulnerable groups such as women, youths, artisans, the physically challenged and other low income earners.

Similarly, AMAC Chairman, Abdullahi Adamu Candido recalled that when they came on board two and half years ago, part of their yearnings was to lay the path of the Council

on economic progress, and to restore her to financial stability and sustainability.

He noted that to achieve the mandate, they envisioned several strategies to developing structures that are economic based institutions through Public Private Partnership model.

“One of these is the establishment of Microfinance bank in Abuja Municipal Area Council which by the grace of God is being commissioned”, he stated.

Candido noted that, the aim was to open a door of opportunity to the teeming small business owners to access loans without collateral and with little or no interest to boost their businesses, to support economic empowerment among the less income AMAC residents, among other benefits in line with the banking regulatory policy.

The Chairman assured the residents that the Microfinance bank is purely an independent financial institution and would be run on that note devoid of political interference. ”The bank has constituted a Board of seasoned professionals

drawn from both the public and private sectors to run the institution.

“Our projection is to have branches across the Council for closer financial services to our people in a convenient and affordable manner ,” he added.

Candido further reassured the residents of fhe safety of their monies, noting that all necessary steps pertaining to the regulatory and supervisory guideline for Microfinance Bank in Nigeria have been followed.

The Chairman, who directed that his salary and that of his Vice should be paid through the Microfinance bank, urged other political office Holders and Members of Staff of the Council to open account with the Bank so as to tap from the enormous benefits the bank has to offer.

Also speaking, the Board Chairman of the Microfinance bank, Mr. Emmanuel Ohakim said that the AMAC Micro Finance Bank came at a time when the Federal Government of Nigeria , in line with the United Nations Sustainable Development Goals (SDGs), had taken a firm resolve to fight hunger and poverty in the

country.

He said that the bank wass coming with a strong and versatile Board of Directors and well as experience management and staff.

Ohakim said that the idea was to complement the far reaching programmes of the “Talk and Do” Chairman of AMAC in the area of economic empowerment, job creation and socio development.

He explained the bank will partner with him and the Federal government in Nigeria and create financial products that will puts smile on the faces of the residents of the Area Council and the FCT in general.

The Board Chairman added that as time goes on, they would open branches and cash centres in all the wards, markets of the Area Council and beyond, begining with the Gwagwa Market branch.

It could be recalled on June 12, 2017, a Committee was inaugurated by the AMAC Chairman to go all out and conceptualize his idea of establishing a microfinance bank that will partner with investors in line with CBN regulatory policies.

Vocational skills: Youths trained on satellite installation

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he FCT Administration through the Social Development Secretariat (SDS) has facilitated the training of no fewer than one hundred youth in the FCT have been drilled on satellite installation technology, aimed at empowering them economically.

The youth drawn from various community and faith based orgnisations in FCT actively participated in the training, which was held at the FCT Ultra-modern Youths Support Centre, in Nyanya-Abuja.

Declaring the skill acquisition training open, SDS Secretary, Barrister, Barrister Amanda Pam, said the free training was organised in partnership with Dafio V-Sat Tech.

Represented by the Director in the Secretariat, Pam stressed the need called youth to always learn a skill of their choice to avoid roaming the streets

for non-existing jobs.

“The essence of the programme is to motivate young people to take to vocational skills, which will be fetching them income, to make them self-reliant and be gainfully employed, thereby helping to tackle the challenges of unemployment in the society.

“From time to time, we organize skill acquisition programmes for young people and other members of the society, in order to widen their capacity in terms economic empowerment, we will continue to do so once there is fund,” she stressed.

On the criteria used in picking the beneficiaries, the SDS boss said there is an existing structure such as community faith based youth organisations, voluntary groups in SDS, through which youth are selected and mobilized for any empowerment programme in the FCT. She therefore advised the trainees to ensure to make the best use of the

opportunity that has been provided to them, so that it would not be a waste of time for themselves and the government.

Earlier in a welcome address, the Deputy Director, Youth Development, Mrs. Hajarat Alayande, called on participants to make maximum use of the opportunities provided by the administration to better their lives, and so contribute to the wellbeing of FCT and Nigeria at large.

Alayande disclosed that the centre, which is hosting the event, is one of the numerous expressions of the administration’s committed towards equipping youths to actualize their dreams, create jobs and positively contribute to national growth.

On his part, the Managing Director of Dafio V-Sat Tech, Daniel Effiong, opined that the training would enhance the earning capacity and create a better platform of business networking for the life ofparticipants.

Relief as FCT residents get grains at 50% subsidized rate

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

here is a sigh of relief for residents in Abuja, the capital city, as the Agriculture and Rural Development Secretariat (ARDS) of the FCT Administration yesterday commenced the sales of subsidized grains under

the Secretariats Buffer Stock programme.

Flagging off sales at the FCT Agro-Service Centre in Gwagwa, ARDS Secretary, Stanley Nzekwe, revealed that the produce be sold to resident at 50% subsidized rates.

Nzekwe, who was represented by the Deputy-Director Agric

Services, Dr. Nkem Akamegbu, said the release of the grains was aimed at ensuring that residents have access to grains at affordable rates.

He commended the FCT Minister, Malam Muhamad Musa Bello for approving the revival of the exercise in the Territory.

Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi

Hospital Road Off Yandoka Street, PMB 0117, bauchi. Email;atbuth28@gmail.com A CORRIGENDUM TO INVITATION TO TENDER/REQUEST FOR EXPRESSION OF INTEREST FOR THE EXCUTION OF 2018 CAPITAL/ZONAL INTERVENTION AND CONSTITUENCY APPROPRIATION PROJECTS

1.0 PREAMBLE The Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University Teaching Hospital, Bauchi hereby issues a corrigendum to the advertisement placed in the Federal Tender Journal (Vol 14 No 24) of 12th November 2018 as well as The Nation, and People's Daily.

1) OPENING OF BIDS The submission deadline of 17th December, 2018 (for category A and B) has been extended to 24 December, 2018 to comply with the Six weeks minimum reguirement as stipulated in Section 25(2)(ii) of the Public Procurement Act PPA, 2007.

2) All Othern Conditions and requirement in the Original advert remain valid.

3) The Hospital regretted any inconveniences this changes may cause.

Signed: Head of Procurement ATBUTH

Page 29

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

We acted rightly by withdrawing $1.05bn from NLNG Dividend Account -NNPC

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has said that there was nothing illegitimate about the withdrawals made from the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas (NLNG) Dividend Account.

A release by NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs, Mr. Ndu Ughamadu, said the clarification was made by the corporation’s Chief Financial Officer (CFO), Mr. Isiaka Abdulrazaq, at an interactive session with the media over the weekend in Lagos.

The release stated that in a detailed presentation, the CFO clarified that the Senate probe was not about missing money as was being insinuated in some quarters, but rather an investigation into whether NNPC acted legally in withdrawing the sum of $1.05bn from the NLNG Dividend Account to support fuel importation.

According to the release, while granting the statutory right of the legislators to carryout oversight functions, NNPC CFO said that relevant extant laws such as the Appropriation Act 2018 defines revenue from NNPC as net of cost, indicating that NNPC has the right to defray the cost of its operations from earnings.

He also cited the NLNG Act which explicitly provides that NNPC could defray its cost from the dividends, as one of the legal grounds relied upon for the expenditure without recourse to appropriation by the National Assembly.

Expatiating further on the matter, Mr. Abdulrazaq, according to the release, cited the case instituted by some state governments in 1999 seeking the interpretation of revenue on account of their contention that all accruals from oil and gas operations amount to revenue and should be swept into the Federation Account.

The ruling on that case by the

Supreme Court in 2002, according to him, was in tandem with NNPC’s position that revenue is accruals net of cost.

“We have provided the legal authority on which we rely to use funds from the NLNG Dividend Account to the Senate. We believe they will reason with us. But if need be, we will seek legal opinion on it”, the CFO stated.

On the general impression that NNPC and indeed the entire Oil and Gas Industry is opaque, Mr. Abdulrazaq contended that in the light of efforts made by the Management of the NNPC since the inception of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration to entrench a culture of transparency, nothing could be further from the truth.

“NNPC is very open and transparent. We publish our NNPC Monthly Financial and Operations

reports in the media. No one does monthly reporting, not even the international oil companies or the publicly quoted companies. The best they do is quarterly reports. But we do monthly reports of revenue (profit and loss for the entire corporation, including the subsidiaries). We do operations report on how much oil and gas was produced, sold and the monetary value; how much products the refineries processed and how much was imported and sold by PPMC. We do all these to defuse the perception of opacity. Yet some people still say we are opaque, and I think that is not fair”, he argued.

Abdulrazak disclosed that as part of the stewardship accounting designed to make NNPC’s operations transparent to the public, the inherited six-year unaudited accounts of the corporation have been audited up to date, stressing that the account for 2017 has been fully

audited, approved and forwarded to relevant authorities.

On fuel supply and efforts to ensure zero-scarcity throughout the end of year festivities and beyond, the CFO disclosed that NNPC has 2.6 billion litres of premium motor spirit (petrol) in offshore and onshore storage that could last for 52 days at 50 million litres per day consumption.

Also speaking at the event, the Chief Operating Officer, Upstream, Mallam Bello Rabiu, said the major focus of the Upstream Autonomous Business Unit of the NNPC was to drive down the cost of crude oil production and link the Oil and Gas Industry with the economy.

According to him, bringing down the cost of production would lead to cheaper energy cost which would in turn boost industrial and economic growth.

He said security and funding

that used to be the bane of Upstream operations have been largely taken care of by the corporation through practical engagement with stakeholders in the Niger Delta region and the cash-call exit programme.

The COO said that as part of efforts to drive down cost, the NNPC was looking at extending the Escravos-Warri crude oil evacuation pipeline surveillance contract model to downstream pipelines to guarantee efficient crude supply to the refineries post-rehabilitation.

“Before now, it was not possible to get crude to Warri and Kaduna refineries. But with the kind of security contract in place for the Warri-Escravos Pipeline, we now have 99% crude oil recovery rate. The balance is paid for by the contractor.

That is why we have replicated that model for the Trans-Forcados Pipeline to guarantee security”, Mallam Rabiu explained.

(R-L) Executive Director/ CEO of Nigerian Export Promotion Council Olusegun Awolowo presenting the NEPC World Trade Promotion Organization 2018 Award for ‘Best Initiative to ensure that trade is Inclusive and Sustainable’ to Managing Director/CEO of Fidelity Bank Plc Nnamdi Okonkwo recently in Abuja. The Award was given based on the Zero to Export programme of NEPC supported by the bank.

FG hails Firm over $600m Investment in Iron Ore, Steel Production

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Federal Government at the weekend, expressed joy over firm’s $600 million (N183 billion) investment in an integrated iron ore mining processing and steel production.

This was disclosed by the Minister of Finance, Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed, during a meeting with the firm, African Natural Resources and Mines Limited, in Kagarko Local Government Area of Kaduna State, led by Mr Raj Gupta.

According to a statement by the Minister’s Spacial Adviser on Media and Communications, Mr Paul Ella Abechi, the investment

....to generate 36MW of power will boost the solid minerals sector and the entire economy, which will lead to increased revenue generation and job creation under the diversification policy of the Federal Government.

She said, “In a bid to diversify away from oil and increase government revenues, I met this evening with African Natural Resources and Mines Limited led by Mr. Raj Gupta who are investing $600m in an integrated iron ore mining, processing and steel production project in Kagarko Local Government, Kaduna State.

“This is about the first major investment in the mining sector in more than two decades. The project will have a capacity of 5.4 metric tonnes per annum and will create 3,500 direct jobs and thousands of indirect jobs.”

According to her the steel plant will generate 36 megawatts of electricity to the national grid that would boost the already generated megawatts of power for other economic activities.

“About 36 megawatts of electricity is to be generated from the waste heat which will increase power supply to Kagarko Local

Government to help develop other industries and urbanize the local area. The surplus will also be added to the national grid.”

The Minister further explained that the company’s steel will carry out beneficiation, pelletizing and convert iron into direct used iron for steel manufacturing and that it will galvanise the industrial space into a hub of production of finished goods for local consumption and export.

“The integrated steel manufacturing project has its focal point in mining iron

ore, beneficiating, pelletizing and transforming into Direct Reduced Iron (DRI) which is the primary raw material in steel manufacturing.”

Expressing optimism the Minister said the project will massively impact on the local people and the nation at large based on the potential it has to transform the socio-economic life of Nigerians.

“This project will drive industrial and community development, generate more power, create employment for locals, substitute imports, crude steel production, royalties and reposition the mining sector”, she stated.

Page 30

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

Page 31

Stock Watch: Friday, December 7, 2018 Low

OPEN Volume Close High

Symbol CHANGE

Trades

0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 ABCTRANS 0.00 12.50 12.60 0 12.97 13.23 ACCESS 0.37 4.40 4.55 0 4.42 4.55 AFRIPRUD -0.13 0.66 0.66 0 0.66 0.66 AGLEVENT 0.00 0.61 0.62 0 0.62 0.63 AIICO 0.00 5.66 5.66 0 5.66 5.66 AIRSERVICE 0.00 10.08 10.08 0 10.08 10.08 BERGER 0.00 59.38 56.56 0 59.38 59.38 BETAGLAS 2.82 15.50 15.81 0 15.99 16.44 CADBURY 0.18 38.86 38.86 0 38.86 38.86 CAP 0.00 2.25 2.33 0 2.44 2.44 CAVERTON 0.11 17.33 17.99 0 17.37 17.90 CCNN -0.62 3.04 3.19 0 3.04 3.04 CHAMPION -0.15 1.57 1.57 0 1.57 1.57 CILEASING 0.00 41.38 41.38 0 41.38 41.38 CONOIL 0.00 1.50 1.52 0 1.50 1.59 CONTINSURE -0.02 0.50 0.50 1 0.50 0.50 CORNERST 0.00 4.17 4.00 0 4.17 4.20 CUSTODIAN 0.17 2.16 2.27 0 2.20 2.27 CUTIX -0.07 273.00 273.00 0 273.00 273.00 DANGCEM 0.00 15.00 14.97 0 15.40 15.40 DANGFLOUR 0.43 19.88 20.00 0 20.00 20.00 DANGSUGAR 0.00 0.50 0.50 1 0.50 0.50 DEAPCAP 0.00 3.40 3.57 0 3.40 3.73 DIAMONDBNK -0.17 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 DUNLOP 0.00 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 EQUITYASUR 0.00 5.76 6.04 0 5.76 6.04 ETERNA -0.28 19.55 19.66 0 19.55 19.90 ETI -0.11 13.21 13.90 0 13.75 14.00 FBNH -0.15 3.47 3.65 0 3.59 3.65 FCMB -0.06 87.28 91.60 5 87.28 87.28 FGS201910 -4.32 88.81 87.68 0 88.81 100.00 FGS2019S1 1.13 87.56 73.81 100 87.56 87.56 FGS2019S4 13.75 100.00 70.24 14 100.00 100.00 FGS202011 29.76 100.00 102.35 15 100.00 100.00 FGS2020S5 -2.35 100.00 100.00 48 100.00 100.00 FGS2020S7 0.00 102.88 70.12 150 102.88 102.88 FGS2020S9 32.76 3.80 3.99 0 3.93 4.00 FIDELITYBK -0.06 4.53 4.76 0 4.75 4.90 FIDSON -0.01 0.54 0.54 0 0.54 0.54 FIRSTALUM 0.00 29.50 30.00 0 30.00 30.00 FLOURMILL 0.00 50.00 51.78 0 50.00 50.00 FO -1.78 0.50 0.50 1 0.50 0.50 FTNCOCOA 0.00 20.90 20.90 0 20.90 20.90 GLAXOSMITH 0.00 6.33 6.33 44 6.33 6.33 GSPECPLC 0.00 53.00 54.71 0 53.51 57.00 GUARANTY -1.20 118.00 120.25 0 120.25 120.25 GUINNESS 0.00 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 HMARKINS 0.00 3.01 3.16 0 3.01 3.09 HONYFLOUR -0.15 63.00 63.00 0 64.00 64.00 INTBREW 1.00 1.18 1.18 0 1.23 1.23 JAIZBANK 0.05 32.00 32.00 0 32.00 32.00 JBERGER 0.00 0.50 0.50 820 0.50 0.50 JOHNHOLT 0.00

Top Gainers

Stock Close Gain FGS2020S9 102.88 32.76 FGS202011 100.00 29.76 FGS2019S4 87.56 13.75 PZ 23.10 1.10 BETAGLAS 59.38 2.82

Low 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0 0

OPEN Volume Close High

Symbol CHANGE

Trades

1.67 1.67 1 1.67 1.67 JULI 0.00 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 LASACO 0.00 0 0.96 0.97 0 0.96 0.96 LAWUNION -0.01 0 0.95 0.92 0 0.96 0.96 LEARNAFRCA 0.04 0 0.80 0.80 0 0.80 0.80 LINKASSURE 0.00 0 1.01 1.04 0 1.03 1.09 LIVESTOCK -0.01 0 2.94 2.94 0 2.94 2.94 MANSARD 0.00 0 2.87 3.01 0 2.87 3.00 MAYBAKER -0.14 0 2.17 2.07 0 2.17 2.17 MEDVIEWAIR 0.10 0 0.61 0.61 0 0.61 0.61 MEYER 0.00 0 216.00 216.00 0 216.00 216.00 MOBIL 0.00 0 27.46 27.46 0 27.46 27.46 MRS 0.00 0 4.27 4.38 0 4.27 4.27 NAHCO -0.11 0 19.51 19.00 0 19.51 19.90 NASCON 0.51 0 142.00 142.19 0 143.00 143.00 NB 0.81 0 0.88 0.92 0 0.96 0.96 NEIMETH 0.04 0 1.82 1.83 0 1.92 1.92 NEM 0.09 0 1,470.00 1,500.00 0 1,470.00 1,470.00 NESTLE -30.00 0 5.70 5.70 0 5.70 5.70 NNFM 0.00 0 1.63 1.71 0 1.63 1.63 NPFMCRFBK -0.08 0 5.99 5.99 0 5.99 5.99 OANDO 0.00 0 71.62 71.62 0 71.62 71.62 OKOMUOIL 0.00 0 68.69 68.69 0 68.69 68.69 PRESCO 0.00 0 23.10 22.00 0 23.10 23.10 PZ 1.10 0 6.00 6.00 0 6.00 6.00 REDSTAREX 0.00 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 RTBRISCOE 0.00 0 675.01 675.01 0 675.01 675.01 SEPLAT 0.00 0 1.36 1.35 0 1.41 1.41 SKYEBANK 0.06 0 45.03 46.00 0 46.00 46.12 STANBIC 0.00 0 2.18 2.29 0 2.18 2.38 STERLNBANK -0.11 0 1.99 1.90 0 1.99 1.99 STUDPRESS 0.09 0 231.00 231.00 0 231.00 231.00 TOTAL 0.00 0 7.20 7.20 0 7.20 7.20 TRANSCOHOT 0.00 0 2.27 2.38 0 2.27 2.49 TRANSCORP -0.11 0 0.78 0.75 0 0.78 0.78 TRANSEXPR 0.03 0 17.10 17.70 0 17.10 17.10 UACN -0.60 0 3.00 3.00 0 3.00 3.01 UAC-PROP 0.00 0 12.50 12.99 0 12.89 13.10 UBA -0.10 0 7.65 8.00 0 8.00 8.00 UBN 0.00 0 3.93 3.93 0 4.12 4.12 UCAP 0.19 0 43.16 44.65 0 44.20 44.20 UNILEVER -0.45 0 1.18 1.24 0 1.30 1.30 UNITYBNK 0.06 0 2.38 2.50 0 2.40 2.40 UPL -0.10 0 9.09 9.09 0 9.09 9.09 VANLEER 0.00 0 10.33 10.41 0 10.33 10.33 VETGOODS -0.08 0 2.90 3.00 0 3.03 3.03 VITAFOAM 0.03 0 51.99 51.99 0 52.00 53.97 WAPCO 0.01 0 0.53 0.55 0 0.57 0.57 WAPIC 0.02 0 1.27 1.22 0 1.28 1.28 WEMABANK 0.06 0 32.00 32.00 0 32.75 33.00 ZENITHBANK 0.75 0 Copyright © 2018 NgTradeOnline

Top Losers

Stock Close Loss STERLNBANK 2.18 -0.11 DIAMONDBNK 3.40 -0.17 HONYFLOUR 3.01 -0.15 FGS201910 87.28 -4.32 CHAMPION 3.04 -0.15

PAGE 32

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

world news

N international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Yellow vest protests ‘economic catastrophe’ for France

T

he “yellow vest” protests have been “a catastrophe” for the French economy, the finance minister says.

France has seen four consecutive weekends of demonstrations against fuel tax rises, high living costs, and other issues.

About 125,000 protesters took to the streets on Saturday, with more than 1,700 people arrested.

Several tourist sites, including the Eiffel Tower and Louvre Museum, are closed this weekend.

Finance Minister Bruno Le Maire called the situation “a crisis” for both society and democracy.

“It’s a catastrophe for commerce, it’s a catastrophe for our economy,” he said during a visit to shops in Paris that had been damaged during the protests.

The capital was particularly badly hit, with windows smashed, cars burned, and shops looted, as 10,000 people took part in demonstrations.

Why the ‘yellow vests’ won’t stop protests French students ‘humiliated by police’ “There was much more damage yesterday than a week ago” because Saturday’s protests were more dispersed, deputy mayor Emmanuel Gregoire told local radio.

However, he added that there had been fewer injuries compared with last week.

Meanwhile Foreign Minister Jean-Yves Le Drian responded angrily to US President Donald Trump, who on Saturday in tweets appeared to suggest the Paris Climate Agreement was the reason for the unrest.

“I say this to Donald Trump and the French president says it too: leave our

widely used by French motorists and has long been less heavily taxed than other types of fuel.

Diesel prices have risen by about 23% over the past 12 months - and Mr Macron’s decision to impose a tax increase of 6.5 cents on diesel and 2.9 cents on petrol from 1 January enraged protesters.

Mr Macron had blamed world oil prices for three-quarters of the price rise, but said higher taxes on fossil fuels were needed to fund renewable energy investments.

Who are the ‘gilets jaunes’?

Will the environment be the true victim of France’s riots?

The “yellow vest” protests have been “a catastrophe” for the French economy, the finance minister says. nation be,” Mr Le Drian said.

President Emmanuel Macron - who many protesters want to stand down - will address the nation in the coming days.

He is expected to meet trade union and business leaders on Monday morning, according to union sources.

Mr Macron has kept a low profile so far during the protests.

How bad is the economic damage?

It is too early to calculate the full economic cost - but it’s clear the damage is severe.

Le Parisien newspaper reported that in the capital about 50 vehicles had been burnt and dozens of businesses vandalised, with some of them looted.

On Friday, the French retail federation

told Reuters news agency that retailers had lost about 1bn euros ($1.1bn; £900m) since the protests first began on 17 November.

Mr Le Maire said last week, before the most recent protests, that the restaurant trade had declined by between 20% and 50%.

Meanwhile, the authorities in Paris say that riots have caused millions of pounds of damage.

There are concerns that the protests could lead to a drop in tourism. Paris was visited by a record number of tourists in 2017 - more than 40 million, the Paris Tourism Office said last month.

What is the yellow vest movement?

The movement began as a protest against a rise in duties on diesel, which is

Who supports the protesters?

The rallies became known as the “yellow vest” or “gilets jaunes” movement because protesters took to the streets wearing the high-visibility yellow jackets that are required to be carried in every vehicle by French law.

The government has since agreed to scrap the fuel tax increase and has frozen electricity and gas prices for 2019.

But protests have also erupted over other issues, including calls for higher wages, lower taxes, better pensions and easier university entry requirements.

The movement’s core aim, to highlight the economic frustration and political distrust of poorer working families, still has widespread support.

An opinion poll on Friday suggested a dip in support for the protests, but it still stood at 66%.

Meanwhile, President Macron’s ratings have fallen to 23% amid the crisis, polls suggest.

Trump chief of staff John Kelly to leave White House job

P

resident Donald Trump has announced that his chief of staff John Kelly will leave his job by the end of the year.

There have been persistent reports for several days that Gen Kelly was under pressure to go.

Some reports said that the retired Marine Corps general’s relationship with Mr Trump had deteriorated.

But Mr Trump described Mr Kelly as a “great guy” and said a replacement would be named “over the next day or two”.

The White House revolving door: Who’s gone?

The people around Donald Trump “He’s been with me almost two years now, between two positions,” Mr Trump said. “I appreciate his service very much.”

John Kelly came into the job promising to bring military discipline to an administration riddled with leaks and palace intrigue. He can claim some success but the leaks never completely disappeared and, by the end, the chief of staff was as deep into the back-stabbing and personnel drama as anyone.

A White House job is never easy, but

Some reports suggest Mr Kelly’s relationship with Mr Trump has deteriorated this administration has chewed through senior staff at a record pace. Donald Trump is on his third national security adviser, fifth communications director and soon to be third chief of staff.

The one constant is the man in the Oval Office. He likes to say his administration operates like a well-oiled machine, but

the grinding gears are amassing quite a professional body count.

In total, 28 people have resigned or been fired from the White House during Mr Trump’s administration.

Last month Reuters news agency quoted a source as saying that Vice-President Mike Pence’s chief of staff Nick Ayers was a

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

possible contender for the chief of staff role.

Earlier this year Gen Kelly was forced to deny that he had called Mr Trump an “idiot” after the quote was included in a book about Mr Trump by the veteran investigative journalist Bob Woodward.

Gen Kelly is said to have used the description repeatedly and also allegedly said that “it’s pointless to try to convince him of anything”.

Woodward on Trump - the explosive quotes Why the Woodward effect damages Trump Mr Trump initially nominated Gen Kelly to oversee Homeland Security before promoting him to chief of staff last July, replacing Reince Priebus.

On Saturday, the president also announced that his highest-ranking military officer, Gen Joe Dunford, would be retiring as chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff.

He tweeted to say Gen Mark Milley, the current Chief of Staff of the US Army, would replace Gen Dunford.

Source: BBC

e w s

F

Road accidents biggest killer of young people WHO

R

oad injuries are now the biggest killer of children and young adults worldwide, according to the World Health Organization (WHO).

The organisation published figures that also reveal Africa has the worst rate of road traffic deaths in the world.

Its report says many African and South American countries still do not have sufficient speed limit laws.

But it also highlights that global road death rates relative to the size of the world’s population are stabilising.

Car accidents are now the leading global cause of death amongst children and young adults aged five to 29 years old, the report says.

It contends that says more people die from road-related injuries than from HIV/Aids, tuberculosis or diarrhoeal diseases.

“These deaths are an unacceptable price to pay for mobility,” said Tedros Adhanom Ghebreyesus, the WHO’s director-general.

“There is no excuse for inaction. This is a problem with proven solutions.”

‘No limits’ The WHO report says that at 26.6 deaths per 100,000 people, Africa’s road fatality rate is nearly three times that of Europe, which has the lowest globally.

It says nearly half of the 54 countries in Africa have no speed laws or speed limits in place.

Botswana, Ivory Coast and Cameroon have all seen death rates increase. Egypt, Angola, Burkina Faso and Burundi are among those that have seen a reduction.

Africa also has the highest rate of pedestrian and cyclist mortality.

Rises - and falls According to the latest data, about 1.35 million people were killed in car accidents around the world in 2016, up slightly from previous years.

The risk of road deaths is said to be three times higher in low-income countries.

South-East Asia trails Africa as the secondmost dangerous region, followed by the eastern Mediterranean.

But despite an increase in the number of deaths, the WHO says the global death rate from road accidents has stabilised in recent years.

Source: BBC

PAGE 33

A f r i c a Sudan helicopter crash kills officials r o m

A

helicopter has crashed in eastern Sudan, killing a state governor and at least four other officials.

The helicopter exploded in flames after it hit a communications tower as it tried to land in the remote Al-Qadarif state, witnesses are quoted by AFP news agency as saying.

No official reason has yet been given for the crash.

A number of people were taken to hospital for treatment, state media reported, without giving more details.

Among the dead are Al-Qadarif governor Mirghani Saleh, his cabinet chief, the local police chief and agriculture minister, the reports added.

Sudan’s military fleet includes many aircraft bought from the former Soviet Union.

Eight people were injured in October when two of its planes collided on the runway at the airport in the capital, Khartoum.

In September, two pilots were killed when a military jet crashed near Omdurman, Khartoum’s twin city.

Helicopter crash kills state governor and at least four other officials in Sudan

Thousands walk on Ethiopia Car Free Day

Amir Aman, in glasses, wants Ethiopians to lead a healthy lifestyle

T

housands of people have marked Car Free Day in cities across Ethiopia by walking and exercising.

Major roads were shut as Health Minister Amir Aman led the walk in the capital, Addis Ababa.

This was the first Car Free Day held in Ethiopia to promote healthy living,

Roads were temporarily closed for the mass walk

and to reduce pollution on roads usually clogged with traffic.

Tents were also set to offer free health checks to those who were walking and exercising.

Generally, city-dwellers in Ethiopia are not in the habit of exercising, the BBC’s Amensisa Negera reports from Addis Ababa.

Mr Amir is trying to change that and Car Free Day will be held on the last Sunday of each month, he adds.

Mr Amir hailed the event, held in seven cities, a success.

“Thank you for everyone who participated and supported the event.

We shine when we walk together and build a healthy Ethiopia,” he said.

From revelry to tragedy on Uganda’s party boat

S

ix survivors of a day of fun and revelry that turned into a tragedy after a Ugandan party boat capsized on Lake Victoria tell the BBC’s Catherine Byaruhanga what happened.

“The DJ kept irritating us, telling us to balance the boat,” says Tashobya Nsubuga.

“A good song would start playing and then you would hear, ‘Balance the boat’. That was a red flag already,” she says about the moment she knew something was not right on the boat, which capsized 200m (656ft) from the shore a fortnight ago.

The mother of three was lucky to make it out of Lake Victoria alive together with her younger sister.

But many families have been left broken with more than 30 people confirmed dead following the boat disaster.

The MV Templar was recognisable because of the shark mouth painted on the bow Ms Nsubuga and her sister Esther Batahi recently met up with four other friends and survivors - Prince Arnold Simbwa, Brian Jjuuko, Sharifah Mbatudde and Francis Ssenkezi - at a hotel in the Ugandan capital, Kampala.

In search of comfort, understanding and camaraderie, they have found themselves gravitating towards each other in the days after the

accident.

One thing they all remember is that they were having a great party.

On board the boat, known as the MV Templar name after one of its owners Templar Bisaase, was an elite circle of people mostly from the Buganda Kingdom of central Uganda.

Party excitement “There were three groups of people: one was a group of guys from the Buganda Kingdom, the other group was traders, then there was a group of royals,” says Mr Jjuuko, a 30-year old marketing manager, who received his invite personally from Prince David Wasajja, the younger brother of the King of Buganda.

Ms Mbatudde, a young businesswoman who sells jewellery from China, was excited to get her invite from a friend who knew she loved boats.

On the day, the excitement about the party and taking a boat trip masked the signs that things were not right.

The revellers had a relatively early start for a party. They were told they would depart on the MV Templar from Kampala’s KK Beach at 11:00 local time (08:00 GMT), sail 12km (7.5 miles) to the K Palm Beach resort and then return to the capital by the evening.

But the boat was late and by mid-afternoon

guests began to wonder if it was ever going to turn up.

A call was made to its owner, according to Mr Jjuuko.

“We decided to call Templar, he said he was fixing another engine on the boat. He said, ‘It would take about 30 minutes.’”

Free food, free drink But this did not put people off and the party was already in full swing at KK Beach. Whiskies and cream liqueurs were served by the bottle and platters of food kept on coming. All of it was free.

Some talked of pulling out of the trip or hiring different boats instead, but when the MV Templar finally showed up five-and-a-half hours late everyone cheered.

It was a thrilling moment Ms Mbatudde tells me: “We were excited. People were shouting, ‘Let’s go, let’s go!’”

And the revelry notched up a level once everyone had boarded.

No-one knows exactly how many people got on the boat as a manifest was never completed.

But Mr Ssenkezi remembers one of the organisers saying they had planned for 90 guests.

Pictures and videos being shared on social media as trip got under way show that people were having a good time.

Ms Mbatudde was sitting towards the front of the boat along with most of the younger guests and remembers a “hyped” atmosphere.

With the older partygoers at the back, Ms Nsubuga says: “We were seated, looking at revellers, eating. Everyone was happy.”

Tashobya Nsubuga (R) posed for a selfie with her sister, Esther Batahi, as the party was in full swing.

The survivors all burst out laughing when Mr Ssenkezi jokingly asks the group, “So where was I on the boat?”

“You were everywhere! He was all over the place. He mixes with everyone,” Mr Jjuuko responds.

Mr Ssenkezi acknowledges that “it was a great party”.

‘Ferocious waves’ The DJ’s shouts for the revellers to “balance the boat” not only irritated some, but also turned into a rhythmic chant that accompanied the music.

The problem was that many did not know exactly where to go to balance it or were too drunk to pay attention to the instructions.

And the signs that all was not well kept coming.

Ms Nsubuga and Ms Batahi noticed their bags on the floor were getting wet as the boat started to take on water.

PAGE 34

N

e w s

F

r o m

A SI A

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

China helping Africa build development track over debt trap Now with the China-built Madaraka Express, a 472-km standard gauge railway (SGR) put into operation in May last year, it is a breezy five-hour train ride between the pair of Kenyan hubs.It is not just the commuters and tourists who are reaping the benefits. More importantly, the Chinafunded project, which epitomizes the Asian country's win-win partnership with Africa, is helping lay the track for Kenya -- and the broader continent -- to bypass the so-called "debt trap" and achieve selfreliance and sustainable development.

Commerce along the SGR is revving up, and the Kenyan economy is also getting a lift. The constructor of the modern railway, China Communications Construction Company, said in its 2017/2018 corporate social responsibility report that the SGR project has boosted Kenya's GDP by some 1.5 percent, a prediction Kenyan President Uhuru Kenyatta made in 2015.

In addition, by creating tens of thousands Kenyan jobs, significantly reducing logistic costs and facilitating an upgrade in the local workforce's skills, it has helped the African country firm up the foundation for future growth, which is essential to repaying the debt from development financing.These facts stand as eloquent testimony to the commitment of the world's largest developing country to cementing its equality-based, mutually beneficial partnership with the continent with the largest number of developing countries, and give the lie to allegations that China is ensnaring African countries in predatory debt.

Indeed, Chinese investment in Africa has been rising notably over recent years.

At the end of 2009, the total sum was 93.3 billion U.S. dollars. Now it is more than 100 billion dollars, covering almost every single country on the continent. And as ChinaAfrica cooperation grows broader and deeper, the Asian country has become an important source of financing for African nations thirsty for funds to fuel their development.But that in no way means China is luring any country into any kind of "debt trap." Few would disagree that funding is the lifeblood of development.

China has been infusing badly needed blood into Africa's development. And by building infrastructure and improving Africa's labor force, it will eventually help the young continent create enough of its own blood cells to sustain healthy development.

A closer look at Africa's debt picture also helps prove that such accusations are pure fabrication. For starters, Africa

owes far more debt to Western countries and institutions than to China.According to a study by the China Africa Research Initiative at the Johns Hopkins University School of Advanced International Studies, China provided 114.4 billion U.S. dollars in loans to Africa from 2000-2016, which accounted for a mere 1.8 percent of Africa's total external debt. Today, around 36 percent of African debt is owned by the International Monetary Fund and the World Bank.Secondly, Chinese loans are mostly concessional, with long maturities and low interest rates. They are primarily aimed at helping power the continent's economic take-off and long-term development, rather than pursuing short-term steep returns.

Thirdly, Africa's debt issue is to some extent overblown. Although it is certainly right to be cautious, it is unnecessary and counterproductive to exaggerate it.According to a UN report released in April, the average debt-to-GDP ratio among the countries of Africa is 32 percent. In comparison, the index in some developed countries and emerging-market economies is 70 percent to 80 percent; in Japan it is a whopping 250 percent.Thus there is no need to scare the countries of Africa away from reasonable borrowing, especially from lenders like China. The Asian country understands Africa's needs better than most because of similar historical development phases, attaches no political strings to its loans, and treats African countries as equals.Given that, these "debt trap" assertions are either ill-informed or ill-intended. They might make headlines in some newspapers, but they have no market among those with clear eyes and sober minds.

At the 2018 Beijing summit of the Forum on China-Africa Cooperation (FOCAC) held last week, African leaders dismissed claims of a debt trap. South African President Cyril Ramaphosa said FOCAC "refutes the view that a new colonialism is taking hold in Africa, as our detractors would have us believe." Rwandan President Paul Kagame, who also holds the rotating chair of the African Union, said the "debt trap" hype is an attempt to discourage Africa-China interaction.Thus it is time to stop smearing China-Africa cooperation. Should those finger-pointers really care about Africa's future, they need to abandon their bias and join China to help the land of hope -- with good faith and concrete action -- to chase its development dream.China is Africa's true development partner. As Chinese President Xi Jinping said at the

Pakistani gov’t opens President House to public Tahir Khushnood, spokesman for the President House, said the public can enter the government building by showing their national identity cards from 9:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. on Saturday. Khushnood said the decision of opening the President House is in line with the ruling Pakistan Tehreek-e-Insaf's promise that common people will be allowed to enter stateowned buildings, adding that governor's houses of the country's eastern Punjab, south Sindh and northwest Khyber Pakhtunkhwa provinces had already been

opened to the general public. Located in the highly-secured Red Zone area of Islamabad, the President House, which was once a no-go area for the public, represents a modern step pyramid architectural style and is flanked by the Prime Minister House on the one side and the parliament building on the other.

People were allowed to visit a mini-zoo, green front and rear lawns and the historic halls, where oath-taking ceremonies of several heads of governments and states, ministers have taken place.

FOCAC summit, not only has China always respected and supported Africa, but it also welcomes and backs all initiatives that meet the continent's interests.Without a doubt, Africa will, with sincere and strong support

from China and the broader international community, be able to manage its balance sheet and create its own economic miracle.

BEIJING, Sept. 11 (Xinhua)

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

WINDING UP POLARIS TRADE & LOGISTICS LIMITED. RC 1174933 THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990 NOTICE OF SPECIAL RESOLUTION

FAMILY ECONOMY SUPPORT FOUNDATION

Save the Soul Spring 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.

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.

IN THE MATTER OF MEMBERS’ VOLUNTARY WINDING-UP OF POLARIS TRADE & LOGISTICS LIMITED (RC 1174933) (“THE COMPANY”) AT THE EXTRAORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF THE ABOVE-NAMED COMPANY DULY CONVENED AND HELD AT THE REGISTERED ADDRESS ON THE 15TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2018, THE FOLLOWING SPECIAL RESOLUTION WAS PROPOSED AND DULY PASSED: “THAT THE COMPANY BE WOUND UP VOLUNTARILY PURSUANT TO SECTION 457 OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED NATTERS ACT CAP C20 LFN 2004 AND THAT MR. PETER SHOBIYE OF NO. 115 PALM AVENUE, LAGOS, NIGERIA BE APPOINTED AS A LIQUIDATOR FOR THE PURPOSE OF WINDING UP OF THE CONWAY “ DATED THIS 15TH DAY OF AUGUST, 2018.

NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY

PMB 2109 KADUNA INVITATION TO TENDER FOR THE EXECUTION OF NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY 2018 CAPITAL PROJECTS

1. INTRODUCTION The Ministry of Defence through the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA) wishes to invite competent and reputable Companies/Contractors to bid for the Execution of Capital Projects Under the 2018 Financial Year.

2. PROJECT DESCRIPTION The projects are: Lot 1.

Furnishing of Radio Diagnostic Unit and Laundry at New NDA Medical Centre.

Lot 2.

Provision of Education Teaching Aids for Department of Electrical Engineering.

Lot 3.

Provision of Education Teaching Aids for Department of Mechanical Engineering.

Lot 4.

Provision of Education Teaching Aids for Department of Civil Engineering.

Lot 5.

Construction of Staff Sergeants Accommodation at NDA Permanent Site (Phase 1).

Lot 6.

Construction of Corporal Accommodation at NDA Permanent Site (Phase 1).

Lot 7.

Construction of Privates/Aircraftsmen/Ratings Accommodation at NDA Permanent Site (Phase 1).

3. GENERAL ELIGIBILITY CRITERIA/REQUIREMENTS Interested Contractors/Suppliers are expected to submit the following documents/information for assessment/consideration in the order as listed below: a. Evidence of Certificate of Incorporation with the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC) including Form CAC2 and CAC7; b. Evidence of Company Income’s Tax Clearance Certificate for the last three (3) years valid till 31st December, 2018; c. Evidence of current Pension Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2018; d. Evidence of current Industrial Training Fund (ITF) Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 31st December, 2018; e. Evidence of current Nigeria Social Insurance Trust Fund (NSITF) Compliance Certificate valid till 31st December, 2018; f. Evidence of Registration on the National Database of Federal Contractors, Consultants and Service Providers by submission of Interim Registration Report (IRR) expiring on 1/1/2019 or valid Certificate issued by BPP. g. An original Sworn Affidavit addressed to NDA disclosing: - disclosing whether or not any officer of the relevant committees of the Nigerian Defence Academy or the Bureau of Public Procurement is a former or present Director, shareholder or has any pecuniary interest in the bidder and to confirm that all information presented in its bid are true and correct in all particulars; - That the Director(s) has/have never been convicted by any court of Law; - That the Firm’s Directors or the Company is not bankrupt h. Company’s Audited Accounts for the last three (3) years - 2015, 2016, 2017; i. Evidence of financial capability to execute the project by submission of Reference Letter from a reputable commercial bank indicating willingness to provide credit facility for the execution of the project when needed; j. Company Profile with the Curriculum Vitae of Key Staff to be deployed for the project, including copies of their Academic/Professional qualifications (in case of construction: COREN, QSRBN, ARCON, CORBON etc.); k. Verifiable documentary evidence of at least three (3) similar jobs executed in the last five (5) years including Letters of Awards, Valuation Certificates, Job Completion Certificates and Photographs of the projects; l. List of Plants/Equipment with proof of Ownership/Lease (where applicable); m. All documents for submission must be transmitted with a Covering/Forwarding letter under the Company/Firm’s Letter Head Paper bearing amongst others, the Registration Number (RC) as issued by the Corporate Affairs Commission (CAC), Contact Address, Telephone Number (preferably GSM No.), and e-mail address. The Letterhead Paper must bear the Names and Nationalities of the Directors of the Company at the bottom of the page, duly signed by the authorised officer of the firm.

4. COLLECTION OF BID DOCUMENTS Interested companies are to collect the Standard Bidding Document (SBD) from the office of the Directorate of Logistics, NDA Headquarters between 9.00am to 1.00pm Mondays to Fridays except on public holidays on evidence of payment of a non-refundable fee of N10,000.00 per Lot, paid into the Nigerian Defence Academy‘s Remita account in any reputable commercial bank in Nigeria.

5. SUBMISSION OF TENDER DOCUMENTS Tender documents (Technical Bids) together with the priced Financial Bids (one original and two photocopies respectively) should be submitted in two separate envelopes sealed and clearly marked as TECHNICAL and FINANCIAL respectively, indicating the Lot(s). This is to be deposited on or before 12:00 noon on Monday, 21st January 2019 in the Tender’s Box at the address below: THE SECRETARY NDA TENDERS BOARD DIRECTORATE OF LOGISTICS HQ NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY 6. PUBLIC OPENING OF BIDS The Technical bids will be publicly opened at the Navy Wing Auditorium NDA Permanent Site, Kaduna immediately after the deadline for submission at 12:00 noon on Monday, 21st January 2019. Companies/Contractors or representatives are invited to witness the opening of the Technical Bids. Only technically qualified Companies/Contractors will be invited to witness the opening of the “Financial Bids” documents at a later date that will be communicated to successful pre-qualified contractors/suppliers.

7. ADDITIONAL INFORMATION i. This advertisement should not be construed as a commitment nor shall it entitle any Company/Contractor to make any claim whatsoever and/or seek any indemnity from the Nigerian Defence Academy (NDA)/the Ministry of Defence by virtue of such Company/Contractors respondent to this advertisement. ii. Non responses to the Tender requirements and the tender instructions shall lead to outright disqualification. iii. Any document not signed will be rejected. iv. Late submission of document will be returned un-opened. v. Contractor/Companies may be required to show originals of all submitted document. vi. Presentation of Company Technical Documents must be arranged in the exact order as it is listed in the above General Eligibility Criteria/ Requirement. Non - adherence to this will lead to outright disqualification.

Signed: SECRETARY TENDERS BOARD For COMMANDANT, NIGERIAN DEFENCE ACADEMY

PAGE 35

.........................................

SONU .S. SHEWAKRAMANI DIRECTOR

..........................................

PARIMAL .P. VIPANI DIRECTOR.

PUBLIC NOTICE

Hopemandate 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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1) Eshiet Paddy Okon 2) Ulaeto Gloria Enobong THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ worldwide.

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 TRUSTEES ARE : 1. UGWU OLIVER VALENTINE 2. OLIVER THERESA VALENTINE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To provide aids support and empowerment to the less privileged and individuals in the society.

2. To provide training, business support and to encourage self sustenance to the individuals and promote developmental projects in our society.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Oluwatosin Fredrick Ogunkuade -- President 2. Oluwatobi Abiion Oluwatoba Ogunkuade -Secretary THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To care for the less privilege 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.

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 : Barr Solomon Oyakhilome 08036411184.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE GREEN ETHIOPE PEACE FOUNDATION

GREAT GOD REVIVAL MISSION

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

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

THE NEW TRUSTEES ARE : 1. OER STEFAN ANTON - APPOINTED

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. EVANG. (MRS) OJUKWU COMFORT U. 2. PASTOR OJUKWU MATTHEW C. 3. PASTOR UFONDU ISAAC. E. 4. OKOYE IKECHUKWU SAMUEL

THE OLD TRUSTEES ARE : 1.OTADAFERUA NOBLEMUDIAGA CHARLES 2.OSAJIVBE OGHOGHO FELICIA 3.OBRIKI ONOSIA JAMES 4.NANI JOHN OBUKOHWO -

-

-

RETAINED RETIANED RETIANED RETAINED

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

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.

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 : BARR. UDENGWU N. CHIDIEBERE.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PLATEAU WRITERS SOCIETY

DEPENDABLE LEAGUE OF EXTRAORDINARY FRIENDS OF NIGERIA

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.

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. SULAIMON PRINCE BUHARI - CHAIRMAN 2. AKINMUKOMI OPEYEMI OLUMU- SECRETARY 3. GBADAMOSI YUSUF OLATUNJI 4. GBADAMOSI DAUDA ADEYEMI 5. AKINSON OLANREWAJU KAZEEM THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO FOSTER FRIENDSHIP AND THE SPIRIT OF UNITY AMONG THE MEMBERS. 2. TO PROMOTE THE WELFARE OF THE MEMBERS. 3. TO PROMOTE AND MAINTAIN THE SPIRIT OF BROTHERHOOD, FRIENDLINESS AND LOVE 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 : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Food Agriculture Nutrition Network

UDOBODO OLOKORO WOMEN WELFARE ASSOCIATION

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.prof. Lashel Dul Johnson.(chairman).

2.Mr. Gomwalk Lengshak Sati(secretary) 3. Dr. Mangvwat Solomon Elisha.

4.Mrs.Sambo Lohna Stanley.

5.Kaze Douglas Eric.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.to stimulate reading culture in plateau state and beyond.

2.to promote and encourage aspiring writers in plateau state and beyond.

3.to enable members encourage and develop one another.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ONADIPE AFOLABI JOSEPH 2. PHORBEE OLUWOLE ISAAC 3. PHORBEE OLAPEJU OLUBUSOLA 4. SAMUEL FOLAKE OLUKEMI 5. LATEEF OLADIMEJI THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.Building local capacities to sustainably address food, agriculture and nutrition 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. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. angela ogbonne ifeanacho - (chairperson) 2. florence ukachi okorie - (secretary) 3. eunice ifeoma ezebuiro 4. kate chioma umuzurumba 5. DOROTHY NWANYIBUIHE EZEBUIRO 6. mercy adanma umesi THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To promote peace, unity, mutual understanding and orderliness in Olokoro Communities.

2. To provide love, care, charity and welfare for indigent widows, youths and children in the community.

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.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Ms. PRAISE, MERCY CHIMMUANYA (CHAIRPERSON/ PRESIDENT) 2. MRS. EGBADON STELLA NKEMDILIM (SECRETARY) THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PROMOTE THE WELL BEING AND RIGHTS OF A WOMAN. 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. KHADIJAT MUSA-SULAIMAN

PUBLIC NOTICE

GOD ALONE MALL OWNERS ASSOCIATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ALHAJI ADEREMI AKINOSO 2. BARR. EZE IFEANACHO 3. ENGR. ADEMOLA ADEDAPO 4. PRINCE OGUNTOYINBO OLUTAYO 5. MRS. ADA ONAZI THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. TO PROMOTE AND PROTECT THE INTEREST OF MEMBERS ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED :PRESENTER: JUDE ONYEKACHI APEH.

PAGE 36

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

PUBLIC NOTICE

rigasa future youth development initiative

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. the TRUSTEES are: 1. ahmad bello ayingba 2. umar abubakar 3. idris s 4. sulaiman abdullahi 5. auwal salis 6. sulaiman isah 7. aliyu abubakar umar 8. ayuba mustapha AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To create an opportunity for development 2. To create an avenue for financial liberation 3. To settle conflict beween residents 4. to protect legitimate right of members Any objection to this Registration should be forwarded to the Registrar General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Plot 240 Tigris Crescent, Off Aguiyi Ironsi Street, P.M.B.198, Maitama, Abuja within twenty-Eight (28) days of publication.

Signed.: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

HABITAT FOR HUMANITY FOUNDATION

Blessed Regent 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.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Alhaji, Amina Yakubu- Chairman 2. Alhadi, Abba Tahir- Secretary 3. Sajoh, Aisha Ahmad 4. Ocheni, Hawa Ajanigo

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Balogun Cyril Bright 2. Akhagbokhai Timilehin Sunday 3. Onah Peter Ejhke 4. Balogun Celestine Enomosele 5. John Uche.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. Impacting Lives of women and children.

2.To provide motivational, emotional strategic support and mentorship for young girls to succeed in life and to promote girl child education.

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.

PURE FIRE GLORY MINISTRY

DESTINY AND INCREASE FOUNDATION

JESUS GLORIOUS SALVATION OF SOULS CHAPEL

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

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

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. To assist 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.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : (1) MUSA HUSSAIN AL-BADRI (2) IBRAHIM KAYODE AHMAD (3) HUSSAIN SALIHU BADARI (4) LAWAL ABIODUN MUTIU (5) SADIQ MUJIDAT (6) BUSARI MOSHOOD BALIKISU. (7) ISIAKA KAFAYAT. AIMS AND OBJECTIVES (1.) To teach, preach, pray and propagate Islam among the member and society.

(2.) To organise prayers and lectures on religion of Islamic activities.

(3.) Women empowerment, vocational training and Islamic guild.

(4.) Islamic media and publishing, Islamic accessories services and charity foundation. .

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 : ABDULWASIU LAWAL.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : (1.) IYOHA LOVE AYEMHERE (.2) OKAFOR CHINEDU MIRACLE. AIMS/OBJECTIVES (1) TO ENSURE GOOD AND EFFECTIVE MAINTENANCE OF PHONES AND COMPUTERS. .

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. REVD EVANG DAVID ERORO ONOTASAMIDERHI - PRESIDENT 2. PASTOR MRS SILVER OTAROGHENE ONOTASAMIDERHI-VICEPRESIDENT 3. EVANG OGHENEKEVWE EDEKI MORRISON-SECRETARY GENERAL 4. EVANG MRS EDITH OKOJIE-TREASURER 5. EVANG MRS OLUFEMI RANTI ADEOLA-FINANCIAL SECRETARY 6. EVANG SAMSON USIAYO ONORIODODE-MEMBER 7. EVANG FELIX EMUVOKE ENAMUOTOR-PRO 8. EVANG GODWIN OKOJIE-MEMBER 9. EVANG EFE KPALADJO-MEMBER 10. EVANG DAVID LAFUA-MEMBER THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIR COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

YADAH RESTORATION MINISTRY

DIVINE FAITH SHALOM POWER ASSEMBLY

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.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : (1.) Egharevba Elisabeth nosa.(chairman) (2.) Idiogbe temitope osarosemwen( secretary) (3.) falaiye toyin osayamen .

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 TRUSTEES ARE : (1.) Apostle Dr. Sower favour Israel-(president) (2.) Rev. Dr. Mrs Blessed Israel.

(3.) Israel osehimimien Israel.

(4.) Jordan osagie Israel.

(5) Andrew Gideon Israel.

AIM/OBJECTIVES (1) To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ..

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

SIGNED : Secretary

SIGNED : Secretary

PUBLIC NOTICE

ZAINAB I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ZAINAB ADAM. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ZAINAB ADAM AWAISU . ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

AIMS/OBJECTIVES (1) To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

IZMA DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : (1). MOMOH NURUDEEN. (CHAIRMAN/PRESIDENT ) (2). ANDY-ISITUA MINTY AMINA. (SECRETARY).

(3). MOMOH AMINATU. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. To profer assistance to young persons through advancement of basic education, skills development and self exploration for them to be useful to 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 : Barrister Mohammed Attahiru.

Tel. 08036492700.

Sweet drinks put people at GREATER risk of developing type 2 diabetes

SIGNED : Elakhe Joe Esq, 08034379222.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To preach the gospel.

Digest

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 TRUSTEES ARE : 1. INCREASE CYNTHIAN IFESINACHI 2. ANI INCREASE.

PAGE 37

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To cater for the welfare of it’s members.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. EFEMETAKE ANDREW 2.AVWOKENI EMMANUEL OMOEFE 3. EFEMETAKE OGHENETEGA PEACE 4. BAKARE EJIROGHENE .

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

ADEOSUN I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ADEOSUN EZEKIEL SAMUEL. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ADEOSUN SAMUEL ADENIYI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. G.T BANK AND SKY BANK AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE. SUNDAY I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ALABI HENRY EKUNS. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS SUNDAY HENRY EKUNDAYO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

Researchers found that products with added fructose introduce excess ‘nutrient poor’ energy into our diet - and can have a harmful effect on blood sugar levels

By Dailymail.Com Reporter

A

rtificially sweetened drinks put people at a greater risk of developing type 2 diabetes than other sugary foods, a new study warns.

Products with added fructose introduce excess ‘nutrient poor’ energy into our diet, researchers found inflicting a harmful effect on blood sugar levels.

The Canadian research team found no risk associated with food and drinks that have naturally-occurring fructose - such as whole fruits, vegetables, natural fruit juices and honey.

However, sweet drinks do something different: they are made with ingredients that powercharge the fructose, sending our blood sugar levels wild. Previously, it was unclear whether avoiding food where free

“

Researchers at St Michael’s Hospital and Toronto University in Canada compiled results from 155 studies that looked into how different foods containing fructose sugars affects blood glucose levels in people with and without diabetes

ABDULLAHI I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS BALARABA GARBA. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ABDULLAHI NA-GANYE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE. MBAH I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MBAH PETER CHUKWUEMEKA. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MBAH CANDY CHUKWUEMEKA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

sugars occur naturally could also be beneficial.

The current advice is just to reduce the amount of foods such as soft drinks, breakfast cereals, baked goods, sweets and desserts where ‘free sugars’ are added.

Researchers at St Michael’s Hospital and Toronto University in Canada compiled results from 155 studies that looked into how different foods containing fructose sugars affects blood glucose levels in people with and without diabetes.

The team found that most foods containing fructose sugars do not have a harmful effect on blood glucose levels as long as they do not provide excess calories. Fruit and fruit juice may even have beneficial effects on blood glucose and insulin control - especially in people with diabetes.

But foods that add excess ‘nutrient

poor’ energy to the diet, especially sweetened drinks and fruit juice, seemed to have the most harmful effects on participant’s health.

The researchers explain the higher fiber content of fruit may help explain the improvements in blood glucose levels as it slows down the release of sugars.

Study lead author Dr. John Sievenpiper said: ‘These findings might help guide recommendations on important food sources of fructose in the prevention and management of diabetes.

‘But the level of evidence is low and more high quality studies are needed.’

He added: ‘Until more information is available, public health professionals should be aware that harmful effects of fructose sugars on blood glucose seem to be mediated by energy and food source.’

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL LAND DOCUMENT LOCATED AT PLOT 2003 AND 2007, MEASURING 463.54sq AND468.95sq, BELONGING TO JUDE MBAH GOT MISSING. ALL EFFORTS TO TRACE THE SAID MISSING ORIGINAL LAND DOCUMENTS PROVED ABORTIVE. IF FOUND KINDLY RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

This is to inform the general public and FCDA/ AGIS the LOST OF ALLOCATION PAPER (R OF O) 1 PAYMENT RECEIPT OF C OF O of a property right of occupancy dated 15/12/06, with file No KW (plot 1039) in the name of JOSHUA JIMMY OLAYEMI with address at No7 Olunoyi Crescent, GRA okene, kogi State, has been declared missing.

The plot measuring about 693.46sgm situated at cadastral Zone F02 of bwari FCT, Abuja.

All efforts to trace the document proved abortive, if found please contact the nearest police station Sign= BABA ABDULKADIR 08036200069

PEOPLES DAILY

Sports

monday, december 10, 2018

Page

38

S

p

Ezenwa quits Enyimba

S

S

Udoh, who flew into France from the United States of America and attended the ceremony as a FIFA Ambassador for Women’s Football, opined: “This is a tough one for us. But I think the Federation should do everything to ensure adequate preparation of the team.”

The 8th FIFA Women’s World Cup finals will take place in nine French cities between 7th June and 7th July 2019.

Nigeria’s first match of the finals will be against Norway in Reims on 8th June, before they play Korea Republic in Grenoble on 12th June. Their last match of the group phase is against hosts France in Rennes on 17th June.

“If you have to make real impact at the FIFA World Cup, you have to beat the strong teams. That is what we have to prepare for. I am looking ahead to an interesting tournament in France in the summer of next year,” Dennerby added.

The opening match of the tournament is between France and Korea Republic, and will hold at the Parc des Princes in Paris on 7th June 2019.

All the groups GROUP A France Korea Republic

Supersand Eagles thrashes Libya, sets for Tanzania clash

I’m going to play for them.

“A man must have a plan B. As I’m talking to you Ikechukwu Ezenwa is a free agent and I’m looking forward to moving on with my career in Europe and I know that if I’m to play in the NPFL in 2019, it has to be for Katsina United.”

Speaking on the Super Eagles and their chances to conquer Africa next year, Ezenwa who stood in between the post for Nigeria in the 2019 AFCON qualifier against South Africa on November 17 took a cautious route.

“I feel great playing in the team that qualified Nigeria for the World Cup and the AFCON because it’s something that makes me happy.

“We’ve not been there in the last two editions of the Nations Cup and now we’ve qualified.

We’re going to take it one at a time because everybody wants to reach the final of the tournament.

“It’s a new format with 24 teams so we hope to make Nigerians proud,” Ezenwa concluded.

Supersand Eagles

By Amaechi Agbo

S

upersand Eagles of Nigeria yesterday thrashed Libya 6-3 on to brighten her chances of a place in the semi-finals of the ongoing CAF Beach Soccer Cup of Nations in Sharm El Sheikh, Egypt.

The win was imperative after the two-ime African champions lost 0-2 on penalty shoot –out to Senegal, after both teams ended it 4-4 after regulation and extra time.

Emeka Ogbonna, best player of the last edition of the competition held in Lagos in 2016, contributed two of the goals to add to the lone strike he secured against four –time champions Senegal on Saturday, to take his tally to three at this tournament.

Abu Azeez, another star player on the Nigeria side, also netted a brace, while Emmanuel

Ohwoferia and Suleiman Ogodo got one goal each as the Supersand Eagles handed the North Africans the same treatment they got in the hands of the Super Eagles in two 2019 Africa Cup of Nations qualifiers in October.

With the Supersand Eagles having regained their buoyancy and marksmanship, debutants Tanzania are in the firing line as they take to the sands against Nigeria on Monday starting from 2.30pm Egypt time (1.30pm Nigeria time).

Coach Audu ‘Ejo’ Adamu is likely to throw another star player Victor Tale into the fray on Monday to ensure a baptism of fire for the East Africans, while paving the Nigerians’ route to the last four.

The two finalists in Sharm El Sheikh will represent Africa at the 2019 FIFA Beach Soccer World Cup scheduled for Paraguay.

C

Norway Nigeria GROUP B Germany China Spain South Africa GROUP C Australia Italy Brazil Jamaica GROUP D England Scotland Argentina Japan GROUP E Canada Cameroon New Zealand The Netherlands GROUP F USA Thailand Chile Sweden

Supersand Eagles thrashes Libya, sets for Tanzania clash

t

Chelsea ends Manchester Chelsea, police investigate Sterling racial abuse allegation City’s unbeaten run

Super Falcons celebrating their AWCON triumph last week physical strength, ability and pace of our own and we have a great chance in there. I know the Norway team, more than they know us or can hope to know us. At the end of the day, it would come down to preparations. We must prepare very hard and then take it one match at a time during the finals,” the Swedish tactician said at the mixed zone following the ceremony.

President of the Nigeria Football Federation, Mr. Amaju Melvin Pinnick, who attended the event as the 1st Vice President of CAF and Member of the Organizing Committee for FIFA Competitions said the draw throws up a challenge to the federation and the team to work hard in order to come out of the group “It is a draw that tells us that we have to do everything we can to prepare the team well for the competition.

“Presently, we have firmed up two tournaments in China and Cyprus for the team, and we are talking with a few countries and organizers for matches and tournaments.

We will give the Head Coach and his team the necessary support to prepare the team adequately for the competition,” Pinnick was quoted Former Super Falcons’ star Mercy Akide-

r

Ikechukwu Ezenwa uper Eagles second choice goalkeeper, Ikechukwu Ezenwa, has disclosed that the need for regular game time and enhancement of his career are reasons why he is leaving Enyimba FC of Aba. The former FC IfeanyiUbah custodian spoke with Smooth FM on Saturday on his decision to quit the People’s Elephant.

“I needed to play regularly. It’s a very important decision in my career. Although I had a good time at Enyimba but as a player you have your decisions to make and I’ve taken the decision to play for Katsina United,” Ezenwa said.

Interestingly Ezenwa did stress that the agreement with Katsina United is a verbal agreement with nothing official finalised.

“The deal has not been done but Ikechukwu Ezenwa is there to play for Katsina United in 2019. There is a possibility to play in Europe, it’s just a (verbal) discussion that I had with them (Katsina United) that they’re interested in having me play for them and I said yes,

uper Falcons Coach, Thomas Dennerby has expressed optimism on the chances of the Nigerian ladies to scale the hurdle in the draw for the FIFA Women’s World Cup released over the weekend.

Following what football aficionados the world over saw as a tough draw for the Super Falcons ahead of the 2019 FIFA Women’s World Cup finals, Head Coach Thomas Dennerby has declared that Nigeria will work to prepare hard and take it one match at a time in the finals next year summer.

The African champions were on Saturday evening drawn with hosts France, Norway and Korea Republic in Group A of the 24 –team championship, at a colourful ceremony inside the La Seine Musicale on the River Seine in Paris.

“There is no easy group here. I am okay with the draw because I always knew that we would have to play the best teams. That is what you do at the World Cup. The French team is, of course, world class, and I know we would have to fight very hard against them.

“The Koreans are very technical and have pace but we will confront them with our

sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

FIFA WWC draw: Dennerby confident despite tough group

By Amaechi Agbo

PAGE 39

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, december 10, 2018

David Luiz celebrates with teammates, Rose Barkley after scoring agaist City on Saturday

C

>>pg 39

helsea bounced back from the disappointment of losing at Wolves in midweek to end Manchester City’s 21game unbeaten league run stretching back to April, and a sequence of 14 unbeaten games away from home.

The defending champions paid for a lack of ruthlessness as they dominated the first half, only to be struck by a smash-and-grab right on half-time as N’Golo Kante fired high past Ederson from Eden Hazard’s pass.

Chelsea gained confidence and momentum and improved after the break, securing the win with 12 minutes left when David Luiz’s glancing header following a corner bounced in off the far post.

They closed out the win to give Sarri his first triumph over Guardiola, whose team are

replaced at the top of the table by Liverpool.

Despite slipping a point behind the Reds, the Spaniard rejected the notion his team had an “off day”.

“In general, we were fantastic. I don’t have any regrets. We came and showed we wanted to win. We created chances. They had one in 44 minutes and we conceded a goal. Sometimes that happens,” he told reporters.

Chelsea boss Maurizio Sarri said “I am very happy with the win because it is not very easy to win against Manchester City or Pep Guardiola. I am happy with the mentality of the team in this match.

“It is difficult for us to find motivation but when we have it, we are a very strong team. We played with a very good level of application, determination and the right level of aggression.

helsea and the Metropolitan Police are investigating allegations Manchester City forward, Raheem Sterling was racially abused by a member of the crowd during Saturday’s Premier League match at Stamford Bridge.

Social media users posted a video of an incident during the first half of Chelsea’s 2-0 victory during which the 24-year-old England international was shouted at as he collected the ball from behind the goal.

Chelsea promised to “take the strongest possible action where necessary”.

The Met said no arrests had been made, adding: “We are aware of a video circulating online in which it is claimed racial abuse was

Raheem Sterling allegedly directed at a player.

“We will review the footage to determine whether any offences have been committed.”

Warri Wolves recruits players for 2018/19 NNL

N

igeria National League (NNL) contenders, Warri Wolves FC will kick start preparation ahead of the 2018/2019 with the screening of new players on Monday.

In a statement released by the Media Officer of the team, Jahrock Ujewe, says the screening exercise, which will take place at the Warri City Stadium, will last for four days, beginning from Monday 10 December, 2018.

It adds that the screening will be done under the watchful eyes of the team’s newly appointed coaches, Tajudeen Lamidi and Kester Osagie-Ojo.

The statement further states that Warri Wolves new Chief Executive Officer, Etu Moses, and members of his management team are very determined to return the Seasiders to the Nigeria Professional Football League, NPFL, at the end of the 2018/2019 NNL campaign.

The statement calls on all the club supporters and stakeholders to stand behind the team in their quest to gain promotion to the NPFL next season.

Meanwhile, the new management team of Warri Wolves have effected some changes at the media unit of the side.

QUOTABLE QUOTE

. . . putting the people first

monday, december 10, 2018

SPORTS latest

CAFCL: Idoko calls for fans’ support

L

obi Stars Chief Executive Officer (CEO), Mike Idoko, has pleaded with soccer fans in Benue state not to be deterred but continue to pray for the team despite missing the opportunity to watch this year’s CAFCL in their domain.

Idoko, who promised to reward the teeming fans made the appeal on Friday while speaking sports journalists.

Idoko’s reaction followed the worries being expressed by the home fans who feel neglected by not watching Lobi Stars play against their opponents after the club’s recent decision to play their games in Enugu.

Lobi Stars Played their second leg Caf Champions League preliminary match against Us Mdeloun on Wednesday in Enugu, a situation that denied the Benue fans the opportunity to cheer their team to victory.

Voting scandal rocks 2018 Ballon d’Or

T

he 2018 Ballon d’Or has been hit by a scandal with reports claiming that one of the journalists registered to vote does not actually exist.

Spanish paper, Ok Diario claimed that an irregularity has been found within the voting.

They cite local publication named Al-watman as saying that a journalist from the small island of Comoros, located north of Madagascar, does not exist.

The journalist in question is Abdou Boina.

A journalist from the island, Toiminou Abdou, is quoted as saying that Boina’s publication, albaladcomores.com, closed in 2012.

The newspaper closed six years ago and there was never a journalist named Abdou Boina. The paper had two sports reporters - Abdoul Youssouf for the French edition and Sharif Ousseine for the Arabic edition.

Stepahne Ahamadi, the president of Comoras’ journalists’ association also affirmed that there was no record of anyone called Abdou Boina.

It is not the only Ballon d’Or controversy to plague the ceremony.

Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi

Advert: business: news: lagos:

“I believe that the implementation of the 2018 Budget will pick up very fast now that there is fund. This administration has done a lot in a short while and with so little. Devoting 2.8billion dollars to capital projects is something previous administrations failed to do. My expectation is that now that the funds are available, the implementation will jump to catch up with the time we have spent.”

— Sen Ahmad Lawan, Majority Leader of the Senate

Timawus Mathias at 70 W

hen I first set foot on Yola in 1980, the list of professional journalists in the town was very short; so short you could script all on the backside of a post office stamp.

I joined the short list as a cub reporter for Nigeria’s lone news agency - NAN. Towering above all of us even in physical height was a tall, huge, handsome man. He was a dapper dresser and loved sleek Honda cars. He was a bundle of talents.

At a moment he was out there in the field as a reporter, at another, he was reading the news as a news caster at the local NTA station and then you also saw him play the guitar or some other musical instruments during the weekend entertainment segment of the station. Call him a role model if you care.

They called this man Timawus Mathias.

He was part of the team that set up the television station known as NTA Yola. At the time of my arrival in Yola, he was a principal officer, I think. Those of us just signing up then all wanted to be like him.

Gifted with unlimited humor, we often shared jokes at the Yola Club or he came down from his high horse to split drinks with us at the decrepit press centre in Jimeta, Yola. Personally, it was through him I had an inroad into the Bachama nation. We often drove down to Numan at weekends. At first it was fun. I found the Bachama to be one of the most free spirited, friendly, civilized and cosmopolitan group you can find anywhere in Nigeria.

Timawus himself is a typical Bachama man. He believes in Christ but he has an endless chain of Muslim friends. Engage him in an argument about Islam and he will quote the Quran and Hadith for you. His wife is an Ibo lady.

As a free young man, I was soon no longer interested in following him to Numan again.

All the young “available” girls in Numan called him “Uncle Tima”.

As long as I was in his company, there was no deal. The way out was to avoid going to Numan with him, switch camp and join the “Uncle Tima” choir group; I called and still call him “Uncle Tima”. I have been in good business in Numan since this new discovery.

In the days of Governor Abubakar Barde he was brought over from NTA to be the Director of Information for Gongola State.

It did not last long. His talents soon saw him climbing to greater heights at the headquarters of the NTA in Lagos. Those of us who have followed his career can say that he was at his professional

0806 564 8620 0704 385 9705 0814 292 9046 08074420617

Monday Column

Emmanuel Yawe royawe@yahoo.com 08024565402

Timawus Mathias best at this point.

As the anchorman for the Verdict 83 political programme, his performance was simply excellent. Working with Patrick Ityohegh, Emeka Maduegbuna and Walter Ofonagoro, they pioneered the ‘on the spot live reporting’ that was later aped and popularized by the CNN. It was invented in Nigeria by Timawus and co at NTA. The CNN merely copied them.

Tragically, when the military came to power at the end of 1983, they disbanded the set up. Instead of encouraging the initiators of what was by all standards an excellent pace setter programme, some of the initiators were kicked out of the NTA. Timawus was already the General Manager of NTA Yola after the 1983 elections so he was saved the massive purge which caught up with his colleagues who were still in Lagos and subjects of scurrilous media and military onslaught.

He later retired voluntary.

Since then, he has deployed his talents to news reporting, media consultancy and television programming. He played an immodest role in setting up the

“

Jigawa State owned television station and a private radio station in Gombe. A professional broadcaster, his transition into the print media as a feature writer and columnist is amazingly seamless. And he is now giving the young generation a good run for their money with his inevitable daily contributions in the social media.

But his Biblical three score and ten years on earth have not been a life of roses as I have portrayed.

Uncle Tima has been beset by a set of mishaps especially after retirement that could shatter anybody. First was the death of his first child - the lovely, intelligent and hardworking daughter – Altine. A graduate of ABU Zaria, she was married to a young man from the Plateau with one child.

Suddenly and without warning, she died.

Uncle Tima picked the son and the duo became very close before he, just like the mother, without any serious sickness dropped dead one day. Next was the death of his immediate senior brother, Chief Mathias; the man we used to call “Abiola” in those days when he had so much money that

Tragically, when the military came to power at the end of 1983, they disbanded the set up. Instead of encouraging the initiators of what was by all standards an excellent pace setter programme, some of the initiators were kicked out of the NTA

we thought it was without limit.

By the time we met after the brothers’ death, it was apparent that the serial misfortunes were taking their toll. There was every sign of a partial stroke on his face.

But a bigger disaster was waiting in the wings. In 2010, he was on his way back to Yola from Abuja when a reckless man, driving a truck loaded with cattle at a suicidal speed decided to use the Mercedes salon car in which Uncle Tima was travelling as a speed breaker. His driver was killed on the spot. Bibi, his last born who was also in the car escaped without a scratch.

Anybody who sees the wreck of the Mercedes will not believe that somebody ever came out of it alive.

I was at Bima Orthopedic Hospital in Jos soon after the accident to see how he was coping with yet another tragedy. He was in bed with one broken arm and one broken leg. His broken leg was strapped to his bed and he was made to lie with his head pinned down and his legs raised; not a very comfortable position for a man of his size. But it was good news that I found my role model alive and kicking. Good old Uncle Tima had his humour intact even in that precarious and uncomfortable situation. He still maintained his weekly column with the Trust newspapers.

Timawus Mathias is a journalist who has contributed greatly to the development of his profession, his home state and the Nation. His Bachama ethnic group has recognized his contributions by naming him Nzobyalata, literary meaning he who speaks the Kings wish and commands.

At 70, he deserves better recognition from a country he has served very selflessly.

DAN GAYE

NIPR to partner stakeholders for strengthening democracy

...And getting a slice of the cake?

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Kano office: Plot 3, Zaria Road, Opposite Kano State House of Assembly. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos. Tel: +234 814 292 9046. Cell: +234 802 443 2099; 803 7007 759. e-mail: contact@peoplesdailyng.com; pmlnewseditor@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141