Tuesday, March 13, 2018 Edition by Peoples Media Limited

Tuesday, March 13, 2018/ Jumada Thani 25, 1439 AH

1426 Days after

Vol. 28 No. 048 N150

@pmlonline

peoplesdailyng

. . . putting the people first

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

Sokoto: Woman strangles own son, throws corpse in pit toilet pAGE 7

GenCos playing politics with power supply - Fashola >>>page 5

Buhari to Tillerson:

Why we canâ&#x20AC;&#x2122;t use force in search of Dapchi, Chibok girls page 5

â&#x20AC;˘Sues for peace, unity in Benue

R-L: Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina state, in a handshake with his Deputy, who is also the 2017 Amirul Hajj for the state, Alhaji Mannir Yakubu shortly after submission of 2017 Hajj report, yesterday in Katsina

Dogara decries difficulties in accessing bank loans pAGE 8

Lassa fever treatment free -FG pAGE 14

OPEC splits over differing views on oil prices pAGE 3

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

News CONTENTS News 2-14 Op.Ed

12-13

Politics 15-17 Stockwatch Business Metro

18 19-20 21

World Analysis 22 Africa News

World News

Right of persons in Africa not negotiable - AGF

By Albert Akota Abuja

he Attorney-General of the Federation and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami has said that rights of persons in Africa are not negotiable. He said that every country must put mercenaries in place to ensure their safety. The minister who stated this yesterday in Abuja while declaring open a three days capacity building workshop on state reporting under the African charter on human and peoples’ rights and the protocol to African of women in Africa

(Maputo protocol), said that the workshop would afford the state parties the opportunity to reflect reporting processing, compliance and recommendations on issues treaty bodies. He noted that, the obligation of state parties to reports are in line with article 62 of the African charter and article 26 of the protocol to the African charter on human and peoples’ rights of women in Africa in each state party by undertaking submission yearly as well as report on the legislative or other measures taken with a view to give effect to

the rights, freedoms recognized and guaranteed by the charter. The minister who was represented by the Director of the International and Comparative Law Department in the Ministry, Mrs. Stella Anukan said Nigeria is up to date with her periodic report, adding that Nigeria has forwarded its report to the commission last year and it would be presented hopefully at the forthcoming 62nd ordinary session of the commission scheduled for April 2018. Speaking earlier, director, protection and investigation

in the National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) Mr. A Yakubu said the only way the international and regional bodies to monitor the implementation of these treaty are through the periodic state reporting processing. Yakubu who was represented by Executive Secretary of the Network of the National Human Rights Institution, Mrs. Yemisi Akhile said that the treaty means taking measures to ensure it domesticated and implemented in all its territory as it enshrined in their treaties.

Road construction: Kebbi govt releases N984m compensation to land owners Pgae 4

Feature 25 Sports 30-31 Back Page

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R-L: President Muhammadu Buhari receives The U.S. Secretary of State. Mr Rex Tillerson, during a visit at the State House, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Photo: State House

N1.1bn fraud: Court adjourns trial of ex-FCT minister’s son to April 24

he Federal High Court, Abuja, on Monday fixed April 24 to continue the trial of Shamsudeen Mohammed, son of former Minister of the Federal Capital Territory, Bala Mohammed. The Economic and Financial Crimes Commission, (EFCC), is prosecuting Mr. Mohammed and others for alleged N1.1 billion fraud. At the resumed trial on Monday, the prosecuting counsel, Ben Ikani, informed the court that the matter

was for continuation of cross examination of the first prosecution witness, Ishaya Dauda. Mr. Mohammed’s counsel, Gordy Uche (SAN), however, informed the court of his application asking the prosecution to furnish him with some documents. Some of the documents sought by Shamsudeen’s counsel included, a statement made to the EFCC by one Jack Fara in October 2016 and a statement of Shamsudeen’s bank accounts

obtained by the agency. The documents were tendered and admitted in evidence in spite of Mr. Ikani’s objection to their admissibility on the grounds that they were not in line with the evidence act. However, the absence of another documents from the Corporate Affairs Commission, which the defence counsel also demanded from the prosecution led to the adjournment of the matter. Shamsudeen was arraigned together with four companies

on an alleged 15-count charge bordering on money laundering to the tune of N1.1 billion. The EFCC is accusing the exminister’s son of making cash payments above statutory limits for construction and purchase of properties in various parts of Abuja. He is alleged to have paid various cash sums of money beyond the limit set by the Money Laundering Act for the purchase of houses without going through a financial institution. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

News

By Ese Awhotu with agency report

he Organisation of Petroleum Exporting Countries, OPEC, is breaking down into two camps after more than a year of unity, reason being differing views on oil prices. MarketWatch the source of this source of this story reports that, on one side is Saudi Arabia, which wants oil prices at $70 a barrel or higher, and on the other is Iran, which wants them around $60. According to the online medium, the split is driven by differing views

News Editor, Ese Awhotu

OPEC splits over differing views on oil prices

over whether $70 a barrel sends U.S. shale companies into a production frenzy that could cause prices to crash. At stake is the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries’ production limits, which are among factors helping the oil market’s

months long recovery. Iran wants OPEC to work to keep oil prices around $60 a barrel to contain shale producers, Oil Minister Bijan Zanganeh told The Wall Street Journal in a rare interview. That is a little below Friday’s

prices LCOK8, -1.21% of $65.49 a barrel for Brent crude, the international benchmark, and $62.04 in the U.S. CLJ8, -1.53% “If the price jumps to around $70…it will motivate more production in shale oil in the United

States,” Zanganeh said. The report notes that Shale producers are more nimble than big OPEC producers, using techniques that allow them to increase or decrease production depending on the oil price.

6m admission seekers rejected by varsities in 5yrs - NUC By Ikechukwu Okaforadi and Musa Adamu

he National Universities Commission (NUC) yesterday said not less than six million admission seekers in Nigeria were denied admission to universities in the last five years due to shortage of space and capacities by the existing 161 universities in the country. Executive Secretary of National Universities Commission (NUC), Abubakar Rasheed, made the disclosure yesterday in his office when he hosted a delegation from Kogi West lobbying who came to bobby for upgrade of Federal College of Agriculture, Kabba to a full fledge university. According to him, between 2013 and 2017, out of 7.8m university admission seekers that sat for Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination ( UTME) , only 1.9million gained admission , leaving the remaining 5.9 million admission seekers in the cold . “The surest way out of this problem largely created by yearly increase in population is for government and private individuals or corporate bodies to establish more universities . “As at today, Monday 12-032018, there are 161 universities comprising 41 Federally owned, 46 states owned and 74 owned by private individuals or corporate bodies with attendant inadequate space, capacities and facilities for admission of up to 2m admission seekers “, he said . He however assured the Okun people led by Senator Dino Melaye ( APC Kogi West) and Nigerians that the NUC is currently working

with the varsities to find solutions to the problems. Recommendations to that effect according to him, would be submitted soon to the various authorities including the executive and legislature. Senator Melaye in his request from the NUC boss on behalf of Okun people said Okun land, specifically Kabba

as its headquarters deserves a university. “The college of agriculture Kabba is as old as the ABU zaria but it is yet to become a fullfledged university even though it has most of the facilities required to become a university. “We need this university because it’s as important to us Okun people as the breath of air,

so we have come to lobby you so that you can lobby the Education Minister, and President Buhari so that a university can be established in Kabba. “A Bill seeking to establish the university in Kabba is currently in progress in the National Assembly. We appeal to you that when the Bill gets to the President and

your advice is sought, give good words for us the Okun people,” he requested. He added that Okun land is notable for farming, and the people produce maize three times a year, while yam is produced twice yearly because of the conducive climate for farming a variety of crops.

L-R: Minister of Education, Mallam Adamu Adamu, Minister of Youth and Sport, Barrister Solomon Lalong and the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education, ARC. Sunny Ochonu, during the 2018 Commonwealth Day celebration, Theme: “Toward A Common Future”, held yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Kano: Gunmen snatch N16m from NNPC mega station employees

ome suspected armed robbers on Monday in Kano attacked employees of NNPC mega filling station in Hotoro area and made away with N16m. An eyewitness told the News Agency of Nigeria in Kano that the incident happened at 8a.m. when the employees were conveying the money to one of the commercial banks in the area. The suspects were said to have attacked the vehicle conveying the money and snatched one of the sacks containing N16m. According to the eyewitness, one of the

…Police arrest 3 suspects two sacks contained N16m and the other, over N10m. “All in all, there was over N26m in the two sacks when the incident happened. ‘’The suspected robbers took away one of the sacks containing N16m, ”he said. NAN gathered that soon after the suspects snatched the money, they shot continuously into the air to scare people and fled.

When contacted, the Police Public Relations Officer for the Command in the state, SP Magaji Majiya, confirmed the story. He, however, said the incident happened around Kwanar Mashaya when the vehicle conveying the money was negotiating a bend and suddenly, two suspected armed robbers attacked it. The police image maker said in the

process, the suspects snatched one of the bags containing N16m. He said three suspected staff of the NNPC mega station have been arrested in connection with the robbery, saying that the money was for Friday, Saturday and Sunday sales. “As I am talking to you now, cashier one, two and their supervisor have been arrested in connection with the robbery. ‘’Investigation into the matter has commenced. with a view to arresting the fleeing suspects,’’ he said.(NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

News

Lagos: Deceased corps member did not commit suicide – NYSC

he National Youth Service Corps (NYSC) has ruled out suicide in the death of a corps member, Nneka Odili, who was killed in a train accident on Thursday in Lagos. The NYSC Coordinator in Lagos State, Mohammed Momoh, told journalists in Lagos on Monday that there was no trace of suicide in the tragic incident. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that the deceased, Nneka Odili, was allegedly hit by a train on March 8, at Ikeja Train Station. She died at 6.55 p.m. at the Lagos State University Teaching Hospital (LASUTH) on the same day. According to the NYSC

coordinator, the late corps member did not exhibit any sign of depression or anxiety that could lead to suicide. He expressed shock and dismay at the mysterious circumstances leading to her death after receiving her acceptance letter at her place of primary assignment. Mr. Momoh said she was posted to the 9th Brigade, Ikeja Cantonment, Maryland in Lagos. “There is no way the late corps member would have committed suicide, considering events that preceded her death,” he said. According to him, late Ms. Odili, with NYSC code number 17B1169, was a graduate of Health Education from University of Port-Harcourt. She was born on July 11, 1988 in

Rivers “The late corps member was posted to the 9th Brigade on March 6 and was given acceptance letter on March 8. “She was said to be on her way to complete her documentation at Onigbongbo Local Government, when she was hit by a train, at the Ikeja Train Station. “There is no way she could have committed suicide, considering what transpired less than 24 hours to her death. “A search on her Facebook page, in the early hours of March 8 when she died, revealed that she uploaded 39 pictures, titled `happy mood`. “There is nothing like committing suicide; it is equally

erroneous for people to say that she was wearing a headphone when the incident happened. “She was with her small phone and nothing like headphone or earpiece was found at the scene of the accident,’’ Mr. Momoh explained. According to him, the remains of late corps member has been buried on March 11 at Ndoni, Onelga Local Government, Rivers. The coordinator described late Ms. Odili as a nice, loving and very active corps member during the orientation course. He said she was the best volleyball player and her team was billed to represent the Lagos State at the NYSC sports festival coming up later in the year.

NUC approves Zamfara University By Usman Shuaibu Abuja with agency report

he National Universities Commission (NUC) has granted approval for the establishment of the Zamfara State University, Talata-Mafara, as the 162nd university in Nigeria. The approval for the stateowned institution was granted Monday in Abuja. Reports says that the Executive Secretary of NUC, Abubakar Rasheed, announced the approval during a meeting with the governor of the state, Abdulaziz Yari, and his technical committee. Mr. Rasheed said the university is the 47th state university in the country. While presenting the strategic document for the establishment of a state University, Mr. Yari lamented that Zamfara state had been the only state in Nigeria without a state university since its creation in 1996. He said the university will kick off for the 2018/2019 session soon.

Road construction: Kebbi govt releases N984m compensation to land owners

L-R: Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Rear Adm. Adeniyi Osinowo; former Commandant of Siri Lankan Navy, retired Vice Adm. Travis Sinnah; Team leader of members of Rwandan Defence Force that visited NDC, Maj.-Gen. Innocent Kabandana and Deputy Commandant of the National Defence College (NDC), Maj.-Gen. Peter Dauke, during the former Commander’s visit to deliver lecture to participants of NDC course 26, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NAN

New boards task on mining sector growth, accountability By Musa Adamu

he Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Dr Kayode Fayemi, on Monday inaugurated Boards of agencies under the ministry with a charge on members to embrace the culture of transparency, accountability and inclusion in the governance of the mining sector. Fayemi who reinstated the commitment of the Federal Government to transparency and accountability in corporate governance, urged the new Board members to provide effective oversight and strategic advisory to the management of their respective agencies. This, he said would aide government’s work towards ensuring that the country’s God-

given endowments advance her sustainable growth. The short but colourful event was witnessed by the Minister of State for Mines and Steel Development, Hon Abubakar Bawa Bwari, a former Minister in the Ministry, Alhaji Sarafa Tunji Isola; and the Permanent Secretary in the ministry, Dr Muazu Abdulkadir, as well as families and well wishers of the new board members. Fayemi said: “The Mining sector remains crucial as one of the frontiers of the Federal Government’s recently launched ‘Economic Recovery & Growth Plan (2017-2020)’, in which the Minerals and Metals sector was duly recognised as one of those to drive Nigeria’s recovery. “The Ministry has been selected

as one of the critical players in the ERGP Focus Labs about to be launched by Mr. President this week. “Other targets for the sector include the facilitation of Coal to Power Plants to contribute to our energy mix towards bridging our energy deficits; the production of geological maps of the entire country by 2020 on a scale of 1:100,000; as well as the sustainable integration of artisanal miners into the formal sector.” Four agencies in the Ministry had their Boards inaugurated including the Nigerian Geological Survey Agency (NGSA); National Steel Raw Materials Exploration Agency (NSRMEA); National Metallurgical Development Agency and Council of

Nigerian Mining Engineers and Geoscientists (COMEG). Speaking at the event, the Permanent Secretary of the Ministry, Dr Muazu Abdulkadir, reminded the appointees of the major thrust of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration, which include fight against corruption, securing the nation and revamping the economy. He said: “The key strategy of revamping the economy is to restore growth and promote economic development through economic diversification”, Dr Muazu stated, adding that the mining sector, if properly rejuvenated has the potential to drive industrialisation, create wealth and provide employment for millions of people.”

overnor Atiku Bagudu of Kebbi State has approved the release of N984 million as compensation to property owners affected by ongoing township road construction projects in eight major towns in the state. The governor disclosed this in a statement by his Press Secretary, Abubakar Muazu, made available to journalists in Birnin Kebbi, the state capital on Monday. Giving a breakdown of the amount, he said N137 million would be paid as compensation to land owners in Karaye, Maiyama Local Government Area. He said N136 million would be paid to owners in Kalgo; N50 million in Augie and another N50 million to owners in Dirin Dajin Sakaba Local Government Areas. He said N186 million would go to Kaoje in Bagudo Local Government Area, N110.5 million in Birnin Kebbi and N273.5 million in Gwadabgaji. He also quoted said the Commissioner for Lands, Housing and Urban Development, Abubakar Ladan, as saying the government had started the payment to identified land owners in the affected areas. (NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

By Lawrence Olaoye, Abuja and Uche Nnorom, Makurdi

resident Muhammadu Buhari has said that his government did not apply military force to secure the release of the adopted Chibok and Dapchi secondary schools girls by the Boko Haram insurgents in order to rescue them alive. The President made this clarification while receiving the American Secretary of State, Rex Tillerson at the Presidential Villa yesterday. He told Tillerson that he, instead, opted to negotiate the release of the girls with their captors About 217 girls were abducted from Government Secondary School, Chibok, Borno State by the dreaded Boko Haram insurgents while they were writing their West African School Certificate (WASC) examinations in 2014. While the government had secured above 100 of them through negotiations, about same figure has yet to be released by the insurgents. As the nation awaits the return of the remaining Chibok girls, remnants of same group of Boko Haram abducted other 110 girls from Government Girls Technical College, Dapchi, Yobe state, this year. In a statement made available to newsmen by Buhari’s Spokesman, Femi Adesina, after close door meeting with Tillerson, the President gave the assurance that Nigeria is working in concert with international organizations and negotiators, to ensure that the girls are released unharmed by their captors. “We are trying to be careful. It is better to get our daughters back alive,” the President said. He thanked America for assistance rendered in the fight against insurgency, noting that Nigerian forces are good, “but need assistance in the areas of training and equipment.” President Buhari promised that his administration would continue to do its best to secure the country, adding that he would be in Yobe State, from where Dapchi schoolgirls were abducted, later this week “as part of my condolence and sympathy visits to areas where we have had unfortunate events.” The President pledged free and fair polls in 2019, recalling that the then American Secretary of State, John Kerry, had visited before the 2015 polls, “and he told the party in government then, and those of us in opposition, to behave ourselves, and we did.”

News

Buhari to Tillerson: Why we can’t use force in search of Dapchi, Chibok girls

•Sues for peace, unity in Benue The visiting Secretary of State commended President Buhari on his strides in the anti-corruption war, to which the Nigerian leader responded that moneys recovered are being invested on development of infrastructure. Mr. Tillerson said Nigeria is a very important country to the U.S, stressing: “You have our support in your challenges. We will also support opportunities to expand the economy, commercial investments, and peaceful polls in 2019.” Asked specifically what America intends to do to assist Nigeria to ensure the rescue of the Dapchi girls, Tillerson said “First, we respect the responsibilities of the government of Nigeria and the territorial integrity of Nigeria. But the way we support is in providing them capability capacity with equipment, and also, training of the personnel of special operations and sharing intelligence, to ensure that they have all the information available to carry out the recovery effort. “But I think it is also important to put this in a broad regional context as well. Boko Haram is a threat to other region, and this has been the subject of my meetings elsewhere and in Africa as well. In my discussion with President Derby in Chad earlier today, we spoke about the threat of Boko Haram; and

I think it is important, and it’s really been powerful, the collaboration between the joint task force which Nigeria is a part and Chad is a part, to respond to this threat of terrorism which Boko Haram is one of the organizations. There are other threats that the leadership of this country has to deal with. “So, the United States is ready to engage and coordinate efforts as well. But we have been supporting, equipping, training and when we can provide information. I think that is the best way we have been helping the government of Nigeria secure the release of the girls, which we hope will be done in a peaceful manner. We hope that something can be worked out, and they can secure the release of these girls quickly.” President Muhammadu Buhari also, yesterday, sued for restraint by all Nigerians to ensure peace and unity of the country. He cautioned stakeholders and leaders in Benue state to show restraints and allow the security agencies handle the incessant herders/ farmers crisis. President gave the advise while responding to various remarks by various stakeholders during his Town Hall meeting at the Government House in Makurdi during his one day state

visit to commiserate with the victims of herders/farmers clashes in the state. The President also appealed to the leaders to convince their constituents that the Federal Government is doing its best to end the recurring attacks by armed herdsmen in various parts of the country. According to him, “The governor and I, and others here know that we will leave one day, but the relationship between farmers and herders will continue. I urge you to keep in touch with them and advise them to live peacefully. Nigeria has over 250 ethnic groups with different cultures and nobody can question God for putting us together.” The President while noting that he was not in the habit of publicly rebuking his appointees as many would desire, said that he preferred to quietly “read the riot act” as he did to the Inspector General of Police (IGP) when the Benue attacks began. He disclosed that he even shared the IGP’s security report on the Benue crisis with Senators George Akume and Barnabas Gemade from the state. Recalling his Civil War era memories with military officers from Benue State, he noted that his nostalgic experience with such persons would never allow him to do harm to the state. “I have friends from here, and there

is no way I can deliberately overlook what is happening here and other parts of the country,” the President said. Reacting to what he called a “shopping list” by some stakeholders, the President enjoined them to pray for the economy to improve, noting that he would not make any promises during this trip. He, however, stressed that, “When coming back on campaign, if coming back on campaign, I may promise.” Governor Samuel Ortom had thanked President Buhari for visiting and listening patiently to the representatives of socio-cultural groups, farmers, herdsmen, national and state legislators, former leaders and elder statesmen, among others, described him as “a father known for his integrity and fight for justice.” Noting that the attacks by armed herdsmen predated the current administration, the governor said the recent attacks had displaced 170,000 people with children of school age constituting 60 per cent. He called for support for ranching, compensation for victims of the attacks and rebuilding of destroyed houses and farms, as well as the upgrading of the current military exercise to a “military operation.” Governor Ortom also appealed to the Federal Government to fix some major roads in the state and take over the state polytechnic and college of education among other demands. L-R: Secretary to State Government, Mr Tunji Bello; APC National Women Leader, Lagos State, Mrs Kemi Nelson; Deputy Governor of Lagos State, Dr Idiat Adebule; Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode; his Wife, Bolanle and Chief Judge of Lagos-State, Justice Opeyemi Oke, at the Protest by Lagos-State Domestic and Sexual Violence Response Team, yesterday in Lagos. Photo: NAN

GenCos playing politics with power supply -Fashola By Musa Adamu

inister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, has raised alarm alleging that some Generation Companies (GenCos) are out to disrupt progress in power supply for political capital. He however said these GenCos, which he did not mention their names, would be “scathingly, unkindly, and enduringly” judged by the court of public opinion. Fashola spoke at the 25th monthly meeting of power sectors operators in Uyo, Akwa Ibom State. He said he was aware that many clandestine meetings were being held with a view to disrupt supply for political capital. He spoke against the background of reports that some Generation Companies (GenCos) (not Ibom Power) have gone to court to file

claims against the government. Emphasizing that it was their right and prerogative, he however cautioned that they should be mindful of the “court of public opinion” which “is a court of conscience and morality.” He said the litigating GenCos must also disclose to both courts that they held a meeting with government and tabled their demands, which government promised to look into, one week before they went to court. “They must, in good conscience, tell the two courts whether one week was enough time to go to court, and whether this action at the time when the sector is making progress does not suggest an intention to blackmail government and hold the citizens hostage.” Fashola implored “those that are truly ready to run the business they have acquired voluntarily to continue to do so with the

assurance of government support and partnership. “As for those who entered the business without understanding it, please brace up for hard work and help us rebuild this country. “Those who choose to hide temporarily in the courts of law, can do so; but the court of public opinion will scrutinize you and its verdict may be very scathing, unkind, and enduring.” Speaking on the achievements recorded in the last one month in the industry, Fashola disclosed that approval for $486 Million World Bank funding for the TCN transmission expansion had been secured. He also disclosed that progress was being made with the same Bank for the Rural Electrification and Distribution expansion funding. He further disclosed TCN had completed some sub-station transmission expansion -

including Uyo, Calabar, Keffi, Karu, Abeokuta, Nasarawa - to improve their capacity to supply power to the DisCos. On the meter supply, he announced that NERC had concluded the regulations to provide the framework to license a new class of meter asset providers to complement the efforts of DisCos to supply meters to citizens. “Government decision to pursue an out-ofcourt settlement on a meter contract awarded since 2003, which was held up in Court until 2017, has made available about N39 Billion to kick off this process. “I am aware that Yola DisCo is already positioning to take up 400,000 meters once the contract and process formalities are concluded. I am told that Abuja, Ibadan, Kano, Ikeja and Benin DisCos are also embracing the initiative, which has reserved a 30% local content for the meters to be supplied under the Regulations.”

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

PAGE 6

News

Candidates writing the 2018/2019 UTME Joint Admission and Matriculation Board examination, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NAN By Abba-Eku Onyeka Abuja

he Director-General, Consumer Protection Council (CPC), Babatunde Irukera has underscored the need for additional scrutiny and precaution in the aviation sector in order to ensure safe operations and passenger satisfaction. The DG made the assertion in a statement issued following an emergency landing of Arik Air Flight W3304 at Kotoka International Airport, Accra (ACC), Ghana last Tuesday evening. He said that he acknowledged the efforts of the sector regulator, the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA) in that direction, insisting that the efforts should be reinforced to avoid incidents in the sector and to sustain consumer confidence, adding that the Council encourages relevant aviation authorities to ensure full compliance with local and other applicable consumer protection laws, regulations and protocols particularly, but not limited to the Nigerian Civil Aviation Regulations Part 19. Acknowledging that there had been reported accidents in world aviation in recent times, and incidents in Nigeria, the Council, however, hailed NCAA for its excellent performance and urged them to continue to ensure safe operations and passenger satisfaction. The DG disclosed that on Tuesday March 6th, 2018, Arik Air Flight W3304 departed Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos (LOS) for Kotoka International Airport, Accra (ACC) at approximately 19:15hrs for a 55-minute flight. The flight, according to him was operated by a Dash 8 Q400 turbo propeller aircraft, informing that close to arrival and approximately 81 miles from ACC, passengers reported smoke in the cabin of the aircraft. The DG also informed that the captain confirmed that there was smoke in the cabin from an unknown source, but secured the operation of the aircraft. He consequently declared an emergency and landed the aircraft in accordance with emergency landing procedures. All passengers and crew, he went on disembarked safely and ultimately received their baggage. The DG said that

Arik Air: CPC makes case for passenger safety CPC understood that Ghanaian aviation authorities have been notified and (in partnership with NCAA) were in charge of inquiring into, and investigating the incident.

The aircraft, according to him has remained on ground in Accra accordingly. The DG also commended the Federal Executive Council (FEC)

for its unprecedented attention and action in directing what he saw as a safety audit of a domestic airline involved in an incident, even as he advised consumers to always

exercise their rights by demanding and insisting on appropriate services and providing timely information to relevant authorities in the event of irregularities.

By Usman Shuaibu

by Mr. Ngige, NAAT President, Sani Suleiman, NASU General Secretary, Peters Adeyemi, SSANU President Samson Ugwoke and Anthony Anwukah, Minister of State for Education. Ngige, also said part of the eight billion would also be used to pay members of the Academic Staff Universities (ASUU), University of Nigeria, Nsukka (UNN), and the University of llorin (UNILORIN), who were not paid at the last disbursement. He added that, the National Salaries Income and Wages Commission was to rework the December 15 Call Circular on University Staff Schools. “This is taking into consideration the observations of JAC of NAAT, NASU and SSANU with a view to ensuring that it complies with the National Industrial Court (NIC) judgment. He said that the Federal Ministry

of Education reported that the Office of the Accountant-General of the Federation has started payment of salary shortfalls, adding that the process was still ongoing. He said the Ministry of Education was to synergise with the concerned institutions to ensure compliance with Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA) requirements to facilitate payments of JAC members in the universities that are yet to comply. The minister, however, said on the issue of the non-implementation of CONTISS 14 and 15 for technologists, the Ministry of Education has made submissions to the Office of the Head of the Civil Service of the Federation. He said the submission was for onward transmission to the National Council on Establishment (NEC) meeting slated for March 18, in Owerri, adding that the Ministry of Education is expected to report the outcome in

five weeks.

FG to source N8bn to pay varsity workers, says Ngige T

he Minister of Labour and Employment, Chris Ngige, has disclosed that the federal government will source for N8 billion to pay the Joint Action Committee (JAC) of the Non-Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities. He said the money will be sourced within five weeks. According to the minister, the resolution reached at a conciliation meeting with the Non-Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities in Abuja. The Non-Academic staff Union of Nigerian are made of the Non Academic Staff Union of Nigerian Universities (NASU), Senior Staff Academic of Nigerian Universities (SSANU) National Association of Academic Technologists, (NAAT). The resolution was jointly signed

Ngige also said the Ministry of Education had put forward an application for the visitation panel to the presidency and that the main trust of the visitation was to re-energise the institution, unearth corruption, among others. He stated that it was also agreed that the Ministry of Education would set in motion appropriate machinery for the release of White Paper in respect of the previous visitation panel already with government. He also added that no worker would be victimised on account of the industrial action. The minister disclosed further, that government and JAC leadership have agreed that the ongoing strike would be suspended by March 14, after due consultation with their National Executive Councils. (NECs)

Buhari’s visit to Niger: Civil Defence deploys 1,500 operatives

he Nigerian Security and Civil Defence Corps (NSCDC) in Niger says it has mobilised over 1,500 operatives to ensure a hitchfree visit of President Muhammadu Buhari to the state on Thursday. NSCDC Commandant in the state, Philip Ayuba, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Monday. Mr. Ayuba said the command had made robust security arrangements with sister agencies to ensure a successful visit of the president to the state. He explained that security personnel would be positioned in strategic locations to ensure peaceful atmosphere before, during and after the visit. “I appeal to members of the public

to be law abiding as they come out massively to welcome the president who is visiting the state for the first time,” he said. Mr. Ayuba solicited the cooperation of the residents with the security agencies as they discharge their duties. Mr. Buhari is expected to inaugurate the multi-million naira Sunti Sugar Company, a subsidiary of Golden Flour Mill in Mokwa Local Government Area of the state during the visit. (NAN) 100 candidates missed UTME exam in Adamawa, says fficial No fewer than 100 candidates missed writing the ongoing Unified Tertiary Matriculation Examination in Adamawa. The Adamawa Zonal Coordinator of Joint Admissions and Matriculation

Board, Mr. Danladi Aliyu, confirmed the development to News Agency of Nigeria in an interview on Monday in Yola. Aliyu said that since the commencement of the examination last Friday, the affected candidates had not showed up and there was no official complaint from the candidates. “Since the examination commenced last Friday, a total of 3,115 candidates sat for the examination in five designated centres in the state. “Also, according to our records, about 100 candidates did not show up to write the examination,” Aliyu said. He said the examination was going on smoothly in all the five centres across the state without any problem regarding the network.

Aliyu said that the centres were located in Federal Polytechnic Mubi; Federal College of Education, Yola; American University of Nigeria, Yola; Aliyu Mustapha College Yola and the Modibbo Adama University of Technology, Yola. He, however, complained of lack of conducive atmosphere at American University of Nigeria centre, where candidates were writing the examination under excessive weather condition. “The excessive hot condition at the centre will likely affect the performance of the candidates,” Aliyu said. Meanwhile, security operatives were seen screening candidates entering the premises of the examination(NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

Benin monarch curse on human traffickers excites NCAHT By Osaigbovo Iguobaro Benin

he Network of Civil Society Against Human Trafficking, NCAHT, has described the intervention of Benin Monarch, Oba Ewuare II, invoking curse on human traffickers and their collaborators as a strong commitment that will check irregular migration and other social menace. A statement by the President, of the group, Jennifer Ero, assured that last Friday’s meeting of heads of the various deities in the kingdom convoked by Oba Ewuare II, will ease prosecution process of suspected criminals and those aiding and abetting trafficking in persons in Edo state. The development, clearly demonstrates that the monarch is indeed a unifying force in easing prosecution process of suspected human traffickers, according to he statement which was made available to journalists in Benin. According to the NCAHT: “I am indeed very grateful to the Oba of Benin for this new development to set our young ones free from bondage especially the female victims. “It’s obviously what the victims have been praying for. It’s indeed a liberation for all victims of Human trafficking. Their ultimate fear has been broken. For us, this is freedom at last.” “We will spread this great news to all the victims all over the world that they have been set free from the oath they have taken which would no longer kill them as the traffickers made them believed”, she said. Jennifer Ero has being an advocate against human trafficking, illegal migration, violence against women and children, a feat which has earned her international recognition.

CRIME News

Sokoto: Woman strangles own baby, throws corpse in pit toilet A

businesswoman in Sokoto, Rabiat Mustapha, 30, has been remanded in prison custody over alleged murder of her baby born out of wedlock. Mustapha, who resides at Asada area of Sokoto, is facing a two-count of criminal conspiracy and preventing a child from being

borne or causing it die after birth. The accused pleaded guilty to the charge. The Chief Magistrate, Abubakar Adamu, however, said the court lacked jurisdiction over the matter but ordered that the accused be remanded in prison custody.

Adamu adjourned the case until April 9 for a mention and possible transfer to a court of competent jurisdiction. Earlier, the prosecutor, Cpl. Umar Rabiu, told the court that the accused committed the offences on March 3 at Asada area of Sokoto.

Rabiu said that the woman conceived out of wedlock and gave birth to a baby boy which she strangled to death and threw the body into a pit latrine. He said the offence contravened Section 235 of the Penal Code.(NAN)

Students of Federal Government College Imiringi displaying Flags of Commonwealth nations, during the Commonwealth Day Celebration in Imiringi Ogbia LGA, yesterday in Bayelsa State. Photo: NAN

Herders, farmers’ clashes: 145 suspects in Police custody By Lawrence Olaoye

bout 145 suspects have so far been arrested by the Nigeria Police following recent herdsmen/farmers clashes in some parts of the country especially in Benue, Plateau and Nasarawa states. President Muhammadu Buhari who had given instructions to security agencies to fish out perpetrators of the violence, has been visiting some of the troubled spots and is expected in Benue State today. Investigations reveal that out of this number, 124 have been charged to court, while 21 suspects are currently under investigation and waiting to be charged to court. About 106 suspects were arrested for criminal conspiracy and inciting disturbance of public peace in Wadata, Makurdi, Benue State. It would be recalled that on March 5, at least 24 persons were killed and 20 others feared missing in two communities in Okpokwu Local Government Area of Benue State following fresh

attacks by suspected herdsmen. Our correspondent gathered that early in the year, three suspects with Ak-47 rifles were also apprehended by the Police Intelligence Team in Benue, nine members of untrained Civilian JTF/Livestock guards with prohibited firearms were arrested by the military in Arufa, a boundary town between Benue and Taraba with five AK-47 rifles who confessed that they were employed as Livestock guards by a state government on a N150,000 monthly salary. Similarly, 16 suspects were arrested in Gboko LGA and investigations are ongoing, while several members of armed militia and unknown gunmen were killed or apprehended by the police. Other arrested include 6 suspects on January 1, 2018 following the police response to the killings in Akor Village in Guma LGA on December 31, 2017. Exhibits recovered from the suspect include 3 cutlasses, charms and other items. All the suspects were charged to court for culpable homicide. Concerted efforts are being

made by the police to apprehend all culprits in the conflict, a police source said. The Nigerian Police have had their fair share of attacks while trying to fish out the culprits, our correspondent gathered. On January 25 this year, two visiting Police Mobile Force (PMF) from 20 and 32 led by their respective unit commanders were ambushed by a group suspected to be pastoralists while they were on patrol at Sati village in Guma LGA of Benue State. During the ambush, one inspector Abdullahi Isiaka was shot and wounded, while one Sergeant Solomon Dung was reported missing. “We are doing our job diligently to ensure safety of lives and property in these flashpoint areas. So it is unfair when some people say we are being partial in how we are handling the conflict,” another police source said. Further findings reveal that the Police has lost several of its officers, while one is still missing in action in the course on restoring peace in Benue state. “About 30 of our colleagues

have been killed in the line of duty, while Sergeant Dung is still missing in action,” the source said. Also, our correspondent gathered that the disbandment and disarming of the livestock guards and militia groups in the state are ongoing so as to forestall further violence. Early in the year, the IGP team commenced an on-the-spot assessment of situations in Benue with a visit to the flashpoints of the crisis, places such as Logo and Guma LGAs in Benue and Tunga in Awe LGA in Nasarawa State. Security analysts say that one of the root causes of the crisis in Benue has been the implementation of the AntiOpen grazing law by the state government. On January 4, the IGP met with Benue State governor and the state’s religious leaders, traditional rulers, CSOs, and other stakeholders, where the open grazing and establishment of ranches were mooted. It would be recalled that following several clashes between herdsmen and farmers in some

parts of the country, the Federal Government deployed mobile police forces, the army and Air Force to troubled areas. Security has also reportedly been beefed up in affected communities in Benue State and in other states affected by herdsmen/farmers clashes. Our correspondent gathered that to support the Police in restoring peace, Army formations and units in Benue State are said to be maintaining Forward Operating Bases in flash areas covering Guma, Logo, KatsinaAla and Agatu Local Government Areas of Benue state in an operation nicknamed Operation Zenda. Similarly, the Nigerian Army recently deployed troops flashpoints in Nasarawa State, to forestall further attacks in routes where armed herdsmen reportedly use to attack communities in Benue State. Also, recently, the Nigerian Army kicked off Exercise AYEM AKPATUMA, to checkmate the activities of armed bandits and militias in Benue, Taraba, Nasarawa and its environs.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

PAGE 8

News

Dogara decries difficulties in accessing bank loans Kaduna CP harps on community S policing By Umar Muhammad Puma Abuja peaker of the House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, has called for action to be taken concerning prevalent banking practices which have adverse effects on business growth and entrepreneurship in Nigeria. Speaking at the launch of a book on banking reforms by a member of the House of Representatives Dr. Bode Ayorinde, representing Owo/Ose Federal Constituency, Dogara highlighted issues such as high lending rates and difficulties in accessing loans; and compared prevalent practices in the country with what is obtainable in other climes. “The challenge in the banking in-

dustry in Nigeria is such that it is organized in such a way that it creates buoyancy and development in other jurisdictions, not in Nigeria. I have had cause to say this before, that unless you have assets or equipment, there is no way you can take loans or access loans from Nigerian banks to do the business. If you are not careful in taking loans from Nigerian banks, one will just end up in the poverty gap.” “I don’t think our citizens are supposed to do their businesses with money they already have in their pockets. Businesses elsewhere are executed by loans by the banking industry in those countries. I don’t know why the interest rate in Nigeria is so high. What is it that we can do to lower the cost of funds in Nigeria, so that our young men, women and entrepreneurs can

risk taking money from our financial institutions in order to realize their dreams?” He queried the likelihood of success of business reforms in the country, in light of the fact that loans remain largely inaccessible to those who most require such financial aids to grow their businesses. “I love the fact that the Vice President is chairing the council on the ease of doing business in Nigeria but in dealing with most businesses, you are forced to ask what business are we doing? How do we fund these businesses?” The Speaker, who lamented that the political will to tackle the challenge has been lacking, called on all stakeholders to work together to strengthen the various institutions

within the country in line with international best practices. “That has been the challenge, from the point of view of the Executive down to the Parliament, the political will to address this has not been there. And the answer has always been that just one opinion cannot solve the issue, all hands need to work at it. We cannot afford to continue having weak institutions in Nigeria, not after so many years of having balance.” “So I believe that concerning some of these borrowing voyages such as been embarked upon recently can be avoided by applying the required formulas that work even here in Nigeria. The sharp parallel that is drawn between the practice here in Nigeria and the practices in over 20 other jurisdictions of the world.”

From Femi Oyelola Kaduna

aduna State Commissioner of Police CP), Austin Iwar has said for the police to succeed in effective and efficient protection of lives and property of citizens, it must work with all stakeholders; saying police cannot solve crimes and disorder problems alone. He stated this during a Community Policing Training Programme for Area Commanders and Divisional Police Officers held in Kaduna yesterday. According to him, the police cannot be everywhere but communities exist everywhere. He added that it is obvious to actively engage communities to reduce, prevent and detect crime and antisocial behaviours. CP Iwar said findings have shown that strong, self-sufficient communities that work with and trust the police do not suffer from a high level of crime and public disorder.

Prayer key to Nigeria’s survival -Archbishop Idahosa By Osaigbovo Iguobaro Benin

R – L: Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Yakubu Dogara, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, Author of the Book, Hon. Bode Ayorinde, his Wife, Mrs,Adejoke Ayorinde and Vice Chancellor, Obafemi Awolowo University Ife, Prof. Eyitope Ogunbodede at a Public Presentation / Launching of the Book: Banking Reform in Nigeria, yesetrday in Abuja

4 die as Lexus SUV, commercial bus collide in Lagos-LASEMA

he Lagos State Emergency Management Agency (LASEMA) has said that four people died as a Lexus Jeep plying one way rammed into a commercial bus on Lekki/Epe Expressway. The General Manager of LASEMA, Adesina Tiamiyu, said in a statement in Lagos that the accident happened at the First Gate inward Oriental Hotel, along Lekki/ Epe Expressway. Mr. Tiamiyu said that the agency was alerted at about 6.49 a.m. on a distress call

via the emergency toll free line 112/767 regarding the accident. He said that this prompted the immediate activation of the agency’s Response Team, other emergency responders and the security operatives to the scene of the incident. According to him, investigation carried out by the agency’s response team at the scene of the incident reveals that a Lexus Jeep GX470 with registration number KJA615DF was plying one way. ”The Lexus Jeep ran into a commercial

bus (KRE-302XA) that was just cleared by the ticketing officers at the toll gate. ”A total of four fatalities were recorded which includes three adult male and an adult female. ”Sixteen casualties with severe injuries were recorded, including four adult female and 12 adult male. The driver of the jeep was transported to the General Hospital, Marina. ”The LASEMA Response Team alongside LASAMBUS, RRS, Nigeria Police Force, State Environmental Monitoring Unit (SE-

HMU) and LCCI were responders present at the scene of the incident,” he said. Mr. Tiamiyu said that emergency/security operatives were involved in traffic management measures to forestall the occurrence of a secondary accident and crowd control. He said that the operatives gave medical care to the casualties and subsequently moved them down to the General Hospital at Marina and Trauma Centre, at Toll Gate for further treatments..(NAN)

he Archbishop, Church of God Mission International, Margaret Benson Idahosa has identified prayer as the bond which has held Nigeria together. The Cleric stated this during the second edition of the Benson Idahosa five Kilometer Legacy Road Race which was part of activities to mark the 20th remembrance of late Archbishop Benson Idahosa. She declared that no power of the enemy will destroy Nigeria despite secessionist agitations calling for the dismemberment of the nation. According to her, “There is nothing that God cannot do and I want to let you know that it is because we are here that is why Nigeria is still intact. If we were not here praying, Nigeria would have been a thing of the past.”

Foundation begins free hepatitis screening, treatment in Niger From Yakubu Minna

Mustapha,

he Lapai Emirate Foundation has started free screening and treatment exercise for viral hepatitis for people leaving with the disease across Lapai local government area of Niger State.

The exercise which was in conjunction with Shamras Health Diagnostic Centre targets over 4000 people across the local government area. While flagging off the first phase of the exercise at the Comprehensive Health Centre, Lapai at the weekend, the Emir of Lapai, Alhaji Umaru Bago III,

applauded the Foundation for prioritizing its activities around critical sectors. The royal father urged publicspirited individuals, cooperate organization and governments to collaborate with the Foundation to achieve its objective of economic empowerment, poverty reduction and social transforma-

tion in the emirates and the state in general. In same vein, speaking at the occasion, the Chairman of the Foundation Working Committee , Malam Mahmud Ndatsu said the first phase of the free hepatitis screening targets seven communities of Lapai, Gulu Emiko, Gulu Vatsa, Muye, Gupa, Sami-

naka and Shaku. Ndatsu said those who were positive at the screening centre would be referred to Shamras Health Diagnostic Centre in Minna for further laboratory test, while family members of those with established chronic cases would be tested to ascertain their status.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

Court adjourns pre-trial conference on Ojukwu’s property dispute to May 7

n Awka High Court on Monday adjourned until May 7, the pre-trial conference in the sharing of late Sir Louis Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s estate. The Judge, Justice Dennis Mmaduechesi, adjourned the case, following the failure of Counsel to the first defendant, Mr. Okwuchukwu Ugolo (SAN), to comply with the court rules with respect to change in counsel. The court also observed that the earlier order of hearing notice on the third defendant, Ambassador Bianca Ojukwu was not properly served. It further noted that the fourth defendant, the Probate Registrar of Awka High Court, was similarly, not served at all. Mmaduechesi, therefore, adjourned until May 7, for the pretrial conference to enable parties to put their houses in order. The News Agency of Nigeria reports that the first defendant, Dr. Joseph Ojukwu was formerly represented by Mr. Gerald Ezeuko (SAN). Mr. Ebuka Ogwu and Mr. Christopher Ezeoka entered appearance for the second defendant, Mr. Lotanna Ojukwu, and the fifth defendant, Ojukwu Transport Company, respectively. When the matter was called up on Monday, Mr. Chuka Osianatogu, Counsel to Chukwuma Ojukwu and Ikemefuna Ojukwu, pointed out the mix up in the appearance to the court. Osianatogu told the court that Ugolo had not complied with Order 48 of the High Court (Civil Procedure) rule to warrant him to appear in the case as counsel. Ugolo in his response said he would file processes to put their house in order and applied for an adjournment to enable him to comply and also file pre-trial conference. NAN reports that OdumegwuOjukwu, who died in 1966, was the father of late Dim Chukwuemeka Odimegwu Ojukwu, the founder of the All Progressives Grand Alliance, who led Biafra’s secession bid in the late 1960s. Ikemefuna Ojukwu and his brother, Chukwuma Ojukwu, had instituted the suit in 2014, against Joseph Ojukwu, Dr. Ike Ojukwu, Bianca Ojukwu and Lotenna Ojukwu. The plaintiffs, among other reliefs, are seeking that they are entitled to 25 per cent of the share in the compound of their father at No. 73, Owerri Road, Nnewi area of Anambra State. “A declaration that the plaintiffs are entitled to 25 per cent shares of their father’s company, Ojukwu Transport Company.” They also sought an order of the court, compelling the defendants to account to them the management of Odumegwu-Ojukwu’s property over the years. The duo further asked the court to grant an order for the will of Odumegwu-Ojukwu to be resealed. (NAN)

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News

Gov. Ambode wants 25 years jail for rapists From Ayodele Samuel Lagos

n support of the continuous war against domestic and sexual violence in Lagos state by the Lagos State Domestic Violence Response Team (DSVRT), Nigeria’s foremost Media Institution, RedAce Company alongside Executive Governor of Lagos State, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, on Monday walked against the age-long menace of sexual and gender-based violence. The solidarity walk which attracted media organizations in the state, also saw in attendance other top shot personalities from Nollywood, Nigeria Police, traditional

ruling sector, and chieftains who also lend their presence to ending the different domestic and sexual abuses faced by residents of Lagos. Ambode said that the punishment for rape cases should not be less than 25 years while he affirmed that the executive arm of the state closely with the judiciary and legislative will enact nonlight sentence for offenders. Speaking at the walk’s end, Ambode reiterated that there is a need for the review of the laws to safeguard women and other vulnerable groups from being unduly exploited. Speaking, the RedAce’s Head of Media, Publicity and Digi-

tal Engagement, Mr. Olubunmi Adeyera, stated that the walk and awareness has become necessary at this time in Lagos and that it is a welcome development as all hand must be on deck to ensure that the menace becomes a thing of the past. “As I speak to you, I can assure you that as one of the leading media institutions in Nigeria, we are partnering with the Lagos state government and other media institutions in the area of media advocacy and awareness. The people of Lagos and by extension Nigeria must be sensitized about dangers of sexual and domestic violence as well as the position of the law

about it”. Adeyera added. While the Lagos state Attorney General and Commissioner for Justice of Lagos State Mosediq Adeniji Kazeem also expressed his satisfaction that the three arms of government collaborating for this single cause, he disclosed that sexual offenders will not be lightly dealt with. In addition, the Lagos State Commissioner of Police, CP Imohimi Edgal also stated the Lagos Police Command being the first responder will not deal with offenders with just a slap on the wrist but will be prosecuted and be made to face the full wrath of the law.

Some of the awardee, Hon. Gaza Jonathan (left), Hon. Ossai Nicholas Ossai (3rdleft), Hon. Zakari Mohammed (3rdright) and Hon. Golu Thimoty (right), with others, during the maiden edition of House of Reps Press Corps award night, at the weekend in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Edo Libya returnees protest alleged bias in disbursing N1m resettlement fund

ome Libya returnees in Edo, on Monday, reportedly disrupted the town hall meeting organised by the State Task Force on Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration. The aggrieved returnees reportedly protested the alleged discrimination in the disbursement of the N1m resettlement fund which each of them was promised by the state government. They reportedly alleged “discrimination in selecting victims participating in the empowerment programme.” Accosting to the News Agency of Nigeria, the protesting returnees in large numbers stormed the venue of the empowerment programme, destroying some items, including the tents, chairs and six ceiling fans. The protesting returnees allegedly accused the task force of dis-

crimination in its selective method of victims chosen to participate in the rehabilitation and reintegration programme organised for the victims of human trafficking and illegal migration by the state government. NAN reports that it took the intervention of the men and officers of the Edo Police Command to calm the protesting returnees. Jude Ikuenobe, who spoke on behalf of the protesting returnees, told NAN that new returnees were being selected ahead of those who had returned much earlier to participate in the programme. “They have given some of those that just returned N1m, while those of us that came before them are yet to get anything from the government. “We know that Governor Godwin Obaseki is trying; but we are sorry to say that members of the

task force are busy enjoying themselves with what is meant to be for us (returnees). “To make things worse, they have resorted to treating us selectively, depending on who you know. “I am aware that even those who have been trained in various aspects of agriculture are yet to get the grant and land promised by the governor. “With this in mind, how then do you rationalise the method of selecting and giving those who only arrived in December N1m as empowerment, leaving those of us who had returned months back stranded? “While we remain grateful to the governor, however, we want the task force to be upright in its duty by doing the right thing,” he said. Reacting to the incident, Senior

Special Assistant to the Governor on Human Trafficking and Illegal Migration, Mr. Solomon Okoduwa, who condemned the protest, denied the allegation. Okoduwa, who said there were civilized ways to express grievances, noted that every returnee that had been screened was enlisted into various empowerment programmes. He explained that the empowerment programmes were in phases, noting that those yet to benefit in the ongoing phase would benefit later. “There is no delay in the empowerment programme; the state government did not envisage the large number of returnees. “And that is why the governor has accepted it as a challenge but requires the support and collaboration of all stakeholders,” he said. (NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, monday, tuesday, march 13, 2018

PAGE 10

News

CBN to partner Niger govt in cattle grazing reserves dev

From Yakubu Mustapha Minna

he Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani-Bello said that the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has concluded plans to support Niger State to develop

cattle grazing reserves in the state. The Governor made the disclosure while interacting with the Niger State chapter of the National Sheep and Goat Development of Nigeria, (NASHGODAN) at the Etsu Nupe Palace, Bida. Bello stated that the CBN has

written to the state government on their willingness to support the state in developing their grazing reserves. According to him, the fight between herdsmen and farmers was unnecessary and needed to be checked once and for all and noted

that some of the grazing reserves have been encroached said “the state government is doing everything possible to salvage them”. He said that out of the 23 grazing reserves in the state only two were gazetted adding that the state is ready to accommodate genuine

L-R: Director, Heath Palladium USA, Iryud Resherskd; representative of Secretary FCT Hospital Management Board, Alhaji Surajo Faskari and General Manager of the Board, Dr Aminu Mai, during the inaugurations of FCT Health Financing Technical Working Group, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: NAN

Edo varsity warns students against cultism, prostitution By Osaigbovo Iguobaro Benin

uthorities of Edo state University, Iyamho, have warned the newly admitted undergraduate students of the Institution against cultism, prostitution and other vices that could truncate their career. Vice-chancellor of the University, Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor, gave the advice at the orienta-

tion/sensitization programme for the 2017/2018 undergraduate students of the Institution at the University Campus in Etsako West Local Government Area of the state. He charged the 2017/2018 academic session students to be well behaved and maximise the stateof-the-art facilities in the school in order to get the best of education. Aluyor, stressed that the Uni-

versity will neither bend its rules anyone nor compromise its standard in order to rank among the best ivory tower in the world. “We always encourage our students to do well. And in doing well, it must always be within the rules and regulations of the University and where there are infractions, appropriate sanctions will be melted-out on students. “The essence is not to punish anyone, but to ensure that

the product is worthy not only in learning, but in character”, he warned. Addressing the students, the Registrar of the University, Dr. (Mrs) Isoken Ogboro, challenged the inductees to be ambassadors of the Institution, while, the Deputy Vice-chancellor of the school, Prof. Steve Omondia, offered enlightenment on bothering on culture, health and religious harmony.

NJI plans capacity building workshop for justices, judges Coy to empower 3,000 women, youth in Niger From Yakubu Mustapha Minna A multinational Company Longrich International has said that it will empower 3,000 youths and women in Niger state as it has expended over thirty million US dollars ($30million) in Nigeria. Speaking at the Mega Business Summit in Minna, the General Managing Director, Longrich International, Africa, Alex Jia said the company is set to invest over One hundred million US dollars ($100million) in Nigeria and other African countries to boost

the continent’s economy within the next three years. “We know many Nigerians love Longrich products and the company is very popular in Africa and Nigeria in particular. We are ready to bring in all the technology to support and boost the Nigerian market. “We will empower over 3,000 youths and women in this state. In the next three years, we are going to invest $100 million to cover to the whole of Africa. We have already invested $30millon in Nigeria with the construction of Africa’s Research and Development Institute in Lagos” he

stated. Speaking also, one of the leading Star Directors in Africa, Udeme Etibensi assured that, the Company will raise and empower entrepreneurs in Niger state that will become independent. She added that “despite the recession experienced, the country’s population and the proactive measures taken by the government, things have normalized for better business flow. We are ready to support Niger state by empowering youths and women.” Also, the Governor of Niger state, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello disclosed that arrangements

have been put in place to donate hectares of land to the company as part of effort to boost investment in the state. The Governor who was represented by the executive Secretary, Niger state One Stop Investment Centre, Hamza Bello assured that, the state will partner with the company to empower women and youths. He said that, one of the policies of his government is to attract foreign direct investment to strengthen investments. “The youth and women empowerment is a welcome development,” he added.

cattle rearers. Earlier, the state coordinator, Husseini Abdulkhadir Yero who disclosed that the body was registered with the Corporate Affairs Commission of Nigeria added that NASHGODAN was endorsed by the Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment in conjunction with Federal Ministry of Agriculture. He said that Niger State was among the first states to put NASHGODAN government structure on ground and that it has also acquired land in the local area councils for goat and sheep rearing scheme.

Sokoto: Goronyo residents task FG on construction of bridge By Usman Shuaibu

ome residents of Goronyo Local Government Area of Sokoto state have called on the Federal Government to as a matter of urgency construct Goronyo Bridge which links to Illaila Local Government and other communities in the area. Speaking on behalf of the residents in Abuja, the Director of Goronyo H.D Motor Nigeria Limited, Alhaji Halidu Idrisu, said that if the Goronyo Bridge is constructed, it would boost the socio-economic growth of the state and the country at large. He also charged the Federal Government to rehabilitate the dilapidated roads in Goronyo Local Government for the sake of motorists who come from different parts of the state. He further appealed to the APC – led government to deem it necessary to provide potable drinking water for the people in the area, noting that residents of Goronyo had been facing the problem of water for so many years now. He therefore, pleaded with the APC – led government to provide the needed infrastructural facilities in the state, pointing out that most of the past state governors had failed to provide basic amenities for their people. Halidu Idris, who is a strong members of PDP and one time the gubernatorial candidate in the state, however, commended Alhaji Kan Giwa as well Alhaji Attahiru Baferawa for their contributions towards the development of the state when they were governors.

Edo LG records mileage in agric By Osaigbovo Iguobaro Benin

rhionmwon Local Government Area in Edo state has recorded mirage in agriculture that would boost its revenue profile and better the lots of rural dwellers.

The Local Government has already disclosed plans to acquire 20, 000 hectares of land for the cultivation of arable crops such as cassava, cocoyam and maize. The Chairman of Orhionmwon Local Government Area, Mr. Okoro Sylvester who dropped the hint at an interactive meeting

with senior staff of the Council, assured that the existing 10, 000 hectares of palm and plantain plantations will be revived for optimal production. Okoro who promised to make agriculture his priority, promised to procure milling machines and installed to process the products

for the Communities and Abudu, headquarters of Orhionmwon Local Government Area. He charged rural people in the locality to leverage on the comparative advantage of the Council, which is agriculture, adding that his government will provide an enabling environment for business to thrive.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

PAGE 11

EDITORIAL

nited States’ Secretary of State, Mr. Rex Tillerson, has completed a five-countries African shuttle. The countries he visited are Chad, Djibouti, Ethiopia, Kenya and Nigeria. It is the first African tour by a top U.S government since President Donald Trump took office in 2017. Tillerson held talks with the leaders of the five nations, including Nigeria’s Muhammadu Buhari. During a background briefing over the weekend, the U.S. Department of State said the Nigerian elections, though still a year away, were of interest to Washington. “That really is a major priority focus because that is going to be the third most populous country in the world by 2050. It has really very complex political issues, ethnic and security issues. And that is an area we really are focusing on - how to do a peaceful democratic transition. But more important Is how to hold government accountable to the people.” The Dept. of State noted that the pace of democratisation that has taken place in Africa, however, saying that most of emerging democracies are “still fragile” and that the U.S. is “trying to strengthen them”. It commended the election that brought George Opong Weah OUR MISSION “To be the market place of ideas and the leading player in the industry by putting the people first, upholding the truth, maintaining the highest professional and ethical standards while delivering value to our stakeholders”

to power in Liberia. “It was the first free, fair, and peaceful transiton of government in over 75 years. It’s a good thing.” The department said the Tillerson visit would focus on mainly “building insitutions and holding governments accountable”. “How do we advance political and economic reform that

“

As Tillerson rounds off Africa visit...

However, there is the bright side too. In January, Trump lifted the ban his predecessor President Barack Obama placed on arms sale to Nigeria will help in the transition process? There are issues too that we are working on in Zimbabwe with the transition between Robert Mugabe and Emmerson Mnangagwa.” Welcome as it is, the African visit is coming at a time when Africa/U.S. OUR PEOPLE Chairman Malam Wada Maida, Oon, Fnge Chief Operating Officer (Ag) Editor, Daily

Hameed M. Bello Manager, administration Hassan Hammanyaji

relations are sour. Behind this is a snide comment President Trump made in February this year about immigrants heading for the U.S. from African countries. He described those nations as “shithole countries”. That comment caused a storm across the continent. In Nigeria, the Buhari government summoned the U.S. Ambassador to explain what exactly Trump said. This dark cloud has not quite lifted. Mr. Tillerson, therefore, should expect a cautious, not too enthusiastic, welcome in Abuja. However, there is the bright side too. In January, Trump lifted the ban his predecessor President Barack Obama placed on arms sale to Nigeria. Trump approved the sale of state of the art fighter planes worth over $500 million to Nigeria. The purchase papers were signed last month. Built into the contract is a training programme tailored toward improving the fighting capability of government troops against Boko Haram insurgents in the northeast. Trump promised that the U.S. would everything necessary to help Nigeria defeat Boko Haram which has been branded by Washington as an international terror group. It is this point, more than the 2019 elections, Mr. Tillerson will emphasize when he meets President Buhari in Abuja, we believe. OUR VISION

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PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

The case for local police By Bukar Usman

aybe the best way to start making my case for local police is to remind us that local and independent police formations once existed in Nigeria before their integration into the Nigeria Police Force (NPF). And going by the low rate of crime and the communal peace generally experienced across the nation in those days, the local police formations, from the benefit of hindsight, can be said to have performed better than its unitary replacement, the Nigeria Police Force. The NPF is one of those experiments Nigeria embarked on as an extension of her interpretation and application of the uneasy concept of federalism. Several years after, with corruption and criminality threatening the peaceful co-existence we once took for granted during the era of the local police, isn’t it time we jettisoned the NPF experiment? As an experiment, the NPF has outlived its usefulness. The time is ripe for Nigeria to reintroduce the local police. Please note that I use the term “local police” for lack of a better expression as “state police” currently seems to evoke considerable anxiety in the minds of some people. Such people can’t imagine how such awesome coercive instrument as state police could be reposed in the hands of our powerful executive governors. Whichever name we give it, let us decentralize the policing of the country by reintroducing local police forces as they are naturally in a better position to police their familiar environment. I must confess that I am somewhat nostalgic about the local police as I cast my mind back to the days of the Native Authority police of the 50s and 60s. As a primary school pupil in my home town, Biu, I had admired, from a distance, the strict duties of the “Charge Office,” the revered name the local divisional police headquarters in Biu was called by the local folks. The “Charge Office” occupied one end of the “Central Office,” which was simply a mud building with only a couple of offices to house the police establishment. Only the Chief Warder, the local police head, had a secluded office; the other ranks merely reported to the Duty Room to be deployed to their beats. “You are not obliged to say anything but whatever you say may be taken into evidence and may be used against you.” Those words were written in chalk on the blackboard in the charge office, a practice in human rights awareness one hardly sees these days in NPF police posts. The local police considered themselves members of the community they were policing. Indeed, those were the days of community policing in the real sense. The police went out of their way to add value to the community. For instance, in emergencies such as fire outbreak or escape of prisoners, they blow the eerie bugle alarm and the whistle to alert the people

of danger and mobilise communal assistance. The police constable on duty also doubled as the timekeeper for the township as he hourly struck the iron gong once, twice or thrice... according to the hour. The sound resonated throughout the town and helped those who had no time piece to be mindful of the time. Many people found that police iron-gong sound more helpful than the alternative practice of relying on the movement of the sun to know the time of the day. The police were only a handful. Every Monday morning, neatly dressed, they mounted parades, inspected by the royal father, in front of the Emir’s palace. I saw no barracks. Every one of them was accommodated in their houses among other members of the community. Their operational tools were also simple and bare. The main ones appeared to be a baton and a shield made from bamboo-like material with which they practised crowd control. They had no vehicle. Police expenditure was minimal; yet, the local police was effective in policing the community. We slept literally with our eyes closed. We had mainly petty thieves. We also had occasional cases of burglary, assault and elopement. There were a few daring robbers, the most notorious of whom was Malam Gulani. He operated in the style of the legendry Robin Hood, but he was tracked down by the local police. News of the police nabbing that elusive robber brought relief to the community. That was the era of community policing at its best: simple, inexpensive and yet effective. Some of the dare-devil crime-busters among them operated with so much bravado. They struck terror in people to believe they were bullet-proof and ironproof or even invisible and invincible. The local police operated largely in that manner until they were fully integrated in 1972 into the country-wide force called the Nigeria Police Force. Subsequent developments saw the NPF structured into zone, state, area and divisional commands, with the smallest administrative units being the local police stations. This arrangement subsists today, but is it serving the nation well? In view of the general state of insecurity in the country, there have been calls for a review of the current manner of policing the nation. The suggestion for the creation of state police, which for long has been on the card, has been revived. Apparently in response to this, during a recent visit to Kwara State, the president was quoted as saying that it was the consensus at the National Council of State that state police should not be allowed until our political development reaches the stage it would not be abused. Shortly after, the Governor of Yobe State reportedly said that only 2 of the state governors voted for state police when the proposal was put before the Nigerian Governors’ Forum. The position of the state governors was particularly surprising. I am of the strong opinion that in spite of these

high-level reservations, there is need for a serious review of the current policing arrangement in the country. Population is growing by leaps and bounds. There is no way effective policing can be assured by the current unified system which, to a large extent, violates the principle of federalism we all profess. And it is questionable to say that state or local police will be more open to abuse than the current unified system. Nor should the state or zone structure of the NPF be considered alternatives to local or state police. The present zone structure of the Nigeria Police Force, which incurs heavy administrative overheads, merely provides promotion posts, as decision-making is still largely centralised. There are two main arguments against state police: the fear of political vendetta; and the natural resistance to loss of territorial power by the NPF police establishment. But it is high time these and other excuses advanced over the years gave way to effective policing at the grassroots, the lack of which is responsible for the proliferation of armed groups across the country. Putting a high premium on the vital place of “local knowledge” in any effective fight against crime, the Babangida administration initiated the practice of deploying certain levels of policemen to their ethnic, linguistic or cultural areas. I am not sure the police sustained that initiative. State police should be instituted and the sooner the better. For sure, some interests may be inconvenienced. However, on balance the security of the generality of the community will be better assured, and the risk is worth taking now. Delay would result into greater loss of lives and properties as our security situation deteriorates further. Given its current revenue challenges, the federal government’s ability to provide adequate decent barracks as well as the logistic needed to sustain the unified police structure appears to have significantly diminished. Today’s local or state police, I must observe at this juncture, would necessarily be a modification of the local police structure of my childhood days. Population has increased and the social environment has become much more complex. Today’s criminals are very mobile, sophisticated, and use very dangerous and mass-destructive devices. But our modern criminals generally succeed in their hide-and-strike games because the average NPF policeman is often a stranger to the community the criminal is very familiar with. “Local knowledge” is vital and it is the absence of this which is at the root of the failure of the police to deal effectively with criminal activities across the nation. Nigeria needs to re-introduce local policing. It could be by the creation of state police or some other local structure. We need to do this now as failure to do so means continuing to live with the menace of barbaric militias and vigilantes of all

shades and pretentions. For sure, we can’t make headway with the current police structure which is not only unbearably costly but also largely operates without the full benefit of “local knowledge.” Equipping and motivating the Nigeria Police Force, as is being advocated by some people, will not make any fundamental difference. The Nigeria Police Force is not fundamentally a community police force which can match criminals in the use and application of “local knowledge.” This is the main problem, and this is why we need local police. It is the local police, when re-introduced, we should equip and motivate, not the Nigeria Police Force. At independence, fired by the zeal to build a strong united nation, we had unified armed forces, unified prison service, etc. So, in that nationalistic mood, we also mistakenly created a national police force which had under-performed over the years. It is high time we corrected that mistake and decentralised this troubled Nigeria Police Force whose serious handicap has made our armed forces to operate routinely as the “first line of defence,” and militarise the society. Naturally, the NPF hierarchy may not favour a break up of its “empire” while others may have genuine fears of political abuse of the state police. But who says there is no political abuse under the present arrangement when even the EFCC, a federal civil agency, was able to coerce some legislators into impeaching some state governors a few years ago. We must sacrifice political expediency in favour of effective crime fighting to usher in the much needed peace and security under which the welfare of our people can be stabilised. Our ongoing constitutional reviews must give serious consideration to the state/local police and bring it about immediately as a compliment to our security arrangements in the country. The issue should be considered along with devolution of powers to the States and allocation of revenue to go with it. The power to the States to establish state police should be granted by law stipulating conditions and standards the breach of which could warrant the withdrawal of such license. The federal government should institute a supervisory authority or inspectorate whose periodic reports may be placed before the National Assembly. This is in addition to the federal power to declare a state of emergency where there is any abuse or action which threatens peace and stability in any state. “Distant hose can’t put out local fire.” This truism is enough reason for those in authority to re-examine the issues and authorise the establishment of state police which, naturally, will be better placed to fill the huge vacuum in intelligence and crime fighting capability at the grassroots and our metropolitan centres. The time to act and save this nation is now! Dr. Bukar Usman, a retired Federal Permanent Secretary in the Presidency lives in Abuja.

Benzoic Acid and Nigerian regulators By Simbo Olorunfemi

s we all know, on account of the loopholes and laxity on the part of some of the regulators, a number of multinationals in Nigeria tend to get away with a lot they would not even dare dream of in other places. While some are experts at compromising the system, many simply take advantage of our lackadaisical attitude to the issue of standard, even when it comes to health and safety. It is no surprise that Nigeria has become a dumping ground for all sorts of inferior goods, fake products, e-waste and even toxic waste, simply because we are unable to secure our own interest, police our borders and take the issue of safety of the people seriously. It is against that backdrop that I immediately took interest in the unprecedented judgement by Justice Adedayo Oyebanji, in the suit filed Dr. Emmanuel Fijabi Adebo, and his company, Fijabi Adebo Holdings Limited, against NBC Plc and NAFDAC. Reviewing excerpts from the judgement, I was particularly intrigued at the statement of defence by Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC), exonerating itself from responsibility on the grounds that its products were only meant for local distribution and consumption. I was particularly glad that Justice Oyebanji rebuffed that argument in these words: “It is imperative to state that the knowledge of the Nigeria Bottling Company that the products were to be exported is immaterial to its being

fit for human consumption. The court is in absolute agreement with the learned counsel for the claimants that soft drinks manufactured by Nigeria bottling company ought to be fit for human consumption irrespective of colour or creed.” But it was even the response from the Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) after the story broke in the press that compelled my intervention on the matter, within hours, that it was published by PREMIUM TIMES. I had doubts about the logic in NBC’s argument that the singular reason why the standard for Benzoic acid level is lower in the United Kingdom was simply on account of its temperate climate. I could not make sense of why the level would be expected to be lower than in a tropical region. But being no expert, I could not push it further. I only queried that position and sought to know what the permissible standards are in other tropical countries like Nigeria so we can have a comparative analysis. I equally wondered aloud what the case must be like for countries exposed to different climatic conditions, asking if products there are region-specific in production and distribution. But I became worried when I noticed that a few people who I would expect to be more scientifically-inclined than this layman increasingly weighed more on the side of the manufacturer on the basis of what they claimed to be ‘hard science’, summarily dismissing the concerns raised by the judgement, with some

even querying the competence of the learned Judge in this matter, being no Scientist. Someone dismissed the judgement, at best, as ‘legal superstition’. Yet the more I looked at it, the more difficult for me to find legs for the argument they adduced. I equally noticed that the Federal Ministry of Health in its statement seemed to have fallen short of a categorical position on the matter, beyond declaring the products safe for consumption, when, in fact, the court never declared it unsafe. It cleverly refused to frontally address the issue of the likelihood of benzoic acid, at some level when exposed to ascorbic acid and other elements, becoming carcinogenic, which is the burning issue at hand. It chose to plat safe, choosing to only advise “all Nigerians to take medicines with potable water (as) this would help to prevent unexpected drug-food interactions.” Perhaps, it is because it is still conducting its own investigation. I was left with the same lingering questions, not answered by the statement from the Federal Ministry of Health. It claims that “Standards Organisation of Nigeria (SON) as the standard setting body in Nigeria in consultation with technical experts and relevant stakeholders elaborated the standard of benzoic acid in soft drinks to be at 250mg/kg based on the national climatic and storage conditions – this standard has been in existence since 1997 and revised in 2008.” In other words, the standard for Nigeria appears to have been last revised

nine years ago! That, for me, is disturbing. I felt compelled to find out what really is it with this preservative that would make the standard once set by Codex Alimentarius Commission (CAC) as high as 600mg/kg to be reviewed in 2016 to 250mg/kg? What prompted that sharp cut? What could have prompted UK and other European countries to set their own standard at 150mg/kg? Is it just because of the temperate climate? Can we really be sure that the peculiar circumstance of Nigeria has been taken care of in this matter? I decided to do a bit of study on the subject. What did I find? 1. A reaction occurs when sodium benzoate is used in beverages that also contain ascorbic acid (vitamin C). “The two substances, in an acidic solution, can react together in the presence of light to form small amounts of benzene, a chemical that causes leukemia and other cancers. Though the amount of benzene that forms is really small, leading to only a very small risk of cancer, the risk can be real. Benzene, which is carcinogenic, can be formed at very low level (ppb level) in soft and fruit drinks containing both benzoates and ascorbic acid. Exposure to heat and light was found to further stimulate the reaction in a 2006 study by the Food Standards Agency (FSA) in UK. Simbo Olorunfemi works for Hoofbeatdotcom, a Nigerian Communications Consultancy.

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

Comment

How jobs, stronger economy can unite Nigerians, stem sectarian strife By Atiku Abubakar

ver the last few months, our nation has had to reopen a fresh chapter in the conversation on internal security, peace and unity in the wake of renewed violence in the North Central and North East of our country. These sad episodes have not only led to questions by Nigerians (and Nigerians as a whole) around the effectiveness of our security structure, but also questions about the integrity of Nigeria’s unity. Unity is not something we just have because we are Nigerians, or because someone like me or any other weighs in asking Nigerians to be united. Unity is something we must deliberately work for. In order to unite Nigeria, me must consciously define the fundamentals of our nationhood, to ensure everyone feels safe, secure and carried along. To build a truly united nation, we must address the issues which lead to insecurity at their roots. We must pay more than lip service to “poverty alleviation”, and truly get Nigerians working again. A person who has a job has less time for ethnic bickering. Let truth be told, the people in the upper classes of our country rarely engage with each other with ethnicity in mind. When people have food to eat, they are less suspicious of each other and begin to focus on creating value. People who have food to eat and good homes to live in do not worry about the ethnicity of their business partners or co-workers. They are more worried about what value their business partners bring, rather than where those partners come from. There is this joke which I get to hear often – when a small car hits another small car, the drivers come out to shout, because they don’t know which of them has money to fix the damage, but when two big cars hit themselves, the big men come out, shake hands and exchange cards. As people get better quality of life, they begin to place more value on life and wellbeing of others. This obviously means that

if our people have better lives all-round, there will be fewer suspicion and confrontations between groups of people. Now let me share a bit of experience with building unity. I come from Adamawa State, made up of almost an equal number of Christians and Muslims, Fulani and disparate people’s collectively called Chamba. In many ways, Adamawa is like Nigeria. I grew up as a Fulani boy. My grandmother and uncle were tradespeople, so it was not uncommon to have a lot of Christians and people of different ethnicities and religions in our home. Our neighbours were Christian and Muslim, so I grew up really not exposed to tribalism until I went to secondary school. There were two sociopolitical organizations then, one for Chamba people and the other for Fulani. I was a popular student, so was promptly invited to join the Fulani organization. But privately I had been speaking with both my Fulani and Chamba friends about unifying both organizations before the invitation came, so it was difficult for me to go and join the Fulani organization. I publicly refused to join the organization, and instead worked with both sides to create the Adamawa Students Union, an umbrella union which collapsed both the Chamba and Fulani organizations into one. This was the inspiration which would later lead to the creation of the Adamawa Peace Initiative, a non-governmental organization which brings together all the stakeholders in our state to work for peaceful coexistence. The API brings together scholars, clerics, youth, market women, businesspeople (many of whom are of Igbo extraction), representatives of security organizations, and co-chaired by Muslim and Christian leaders. This organization helps defuse conflicts in Adamawa communities, organizes entrepreneurship classes and sports events for young people, as well as coordinates relief projects whenever and wherever the need arises in Adamawa. API was the first organization to coordinate the absorption of internal displaced

people from around the North East into Yola and surrounding towns. A few years ago, the API heard rumours that certain groups were spreading fake news that another group was planning attacks on the other from out of state. The organization quickly got together, assembled both Christian and Muslim leaders to address the issue. That Friday, the imams around the state had been briefed to speak about the issue to reduce tension, while the Christian churches did same on Sunday. Crisis was averted. This has been the template with which API has addressed issues since then. The experience here shows that building peace and unity goes beyond goodwill messages. We should not be in denial about the weaknesses in our communities. We must actively pursue peace and unity by coordinating grassroots organizations. Fake news did not begin on the internet – rumours have led to unfortunate incidents of bloodshed in our communities around Nigeria. Inter-group grassroots organizations can provide a trustworthy partner in keeping everyone assured of their safety. But the tasks of NGOs like API are only secondary. The primary needs of Nigerian communities are jobs and opportunities to build sustainable ventures. Our economy needs to grow to accommodate the population which has been growing faster than our GDP. I was having a conversation about Nigeria’s population growth rate, and a friend of mine joked that I am probably not the right person to have this conversation with, seeing as I have a really large family. This is true in many ways. Many people in my generation grew up in large families, it was all we knew, but must we continue in what we knew, in the face of new information and reality? It is also often the case that the elite families can afford to train their children, so large families become a resource, but the reverse is the case with poorer families. It is easy to see how income inequality will grow even wider as our population grows further, especially in rural communities. For the avoidance of doubt, there’s nothing

wrong with huge population. It can indeed be an asset if properly harnessed, especially in situations where the citizens are exposed to good education and skills, ensuring that they get a head start in life, like it is the case with China. The challenge however is where population growth far outstrips GDP growth as is currently the case with our country. In this instance population becomes a liability by default. It is important that we grow our economy at a rate to cope with our population growth. Our current population growth of 3 per cent when compared with our GDP growth of 1 per cent in 2017 and the expected 2.5 per cent in 2018, will see us ending up with a lower per capita income and becoming even poorer at the end of 2018. Our GDP growth needs to outpace our population growth to make the latter an asset and not a liability. As a father (and one with a large family) on one hand and a promoter of education on the other, I will counsel that on a scale of balance that parents have children that they can train to acquire good education and skills that will give them a head start in life and make them productive members of society. An alumnus of American University of Nigeria, Mr. Muhammed Zanna is a daily reminder of the nexus between education and job creation. The young man could not wait to graduate before venturing into the entrepreneurial world. He bought over a business that had served as a practical for their business management class. Today, the young man runs a personal business, a testimony that education can indeed be a tool for creating small businesses. The Zanna experience, incubated at AUN in Yola, is an apt reminder that when our young people are taught how to create small businesses, their creative energies are unleashed to the betterment of the individual, our economy and society. Atiku Abubakar is a former Vice President of Nigeria and PDP chieftain.

Not-Too-Young-To-Run: Are we ready to run? By Opeyemi Oriniowo

y week started with an early Monday morning phone call from a vibrant and promising family friend who is still licking his wounds from the defeat he suffered after a rigorous bid for the local government chairmanship ticket in one of the States in SouthWest Nigeria. He was in an in-house competition with his father’s peers who could be considered as part of the party establishment in power, so it made it quite easy to predict how things would pan out. I gave him all the support I could and after the dust settled, I admonished him, that for me, it wasn’t about him winning the primaries and the election, but more about his audacity to run, the momentum it gathered and the hope it raised in a generation that has largely surrendered. I guess that helped put his loss at the primaries in perspective, as we both went on to dissect the process, his approach and sieve out the lessons. Moving forward, his call this morning was to discuss an offer of a State Assembly ticket by one of the newly formed political parties laying claim to Nigeria’s youth demography as singularly for us by us. Our conversation went along the lines of me advising him by sharing my thoughts on Nigeria’s youth development and youth political participation landscape with the hope that a broader understanding from my standpoint will provide him the necessary insight to make the decision to either leave his long-standing, statelevel incumbent but relatively unpopular political party, for the new alluring party with not much to offer than potential. First, let me state that as Nigeria’s youth, we have come a long way, especially with the recent passage into law of the Not-Too-Young-To-Run Bill by 34 state assemblies in Nigeria. This effort was largely driven by civil society organisations using a movement model that resonated with

virtually every Nigerian youth, perhaps more for loftiness of the idea. It is without doubt a great precedent and template for policy and legislative advocacy through movement-building, and we must commend every one of us that was involved, particularly organisations like YIAGA that played a coordinating role at the national level. I am aware that March 14, 2018 has been set aside as the national day of action to push for presidential assent to the Not-Too-YoungTo-Run Bill. I particularly look forward to my involvement in this mobilisation effort at Unity Fountain, Abuja. However, I don’t need a crystal ball to predict that the president will waste no time in assenting to this bill, especially at this critical juncture of his presidency that is on and off life support. I trust the president’s handlers to see how jumping in front of this youth wave benefits him as yet another gift, albeit tokenistic, for the teeming youth that were instrumental to his victory at the polls in 2015. It is the least he can do vis-à-vis the four million jobs that were lost last year and the increase in youth un-employment rate from 14.2 percent to 18.8 percent in 2017, to say the least. Besides, it makes for good optics for the 76-year-old leader, who might get a second term in office as president of a country where youth account for over 63 percent of the electorate, to identify with the Not-Young-To-Run bill. The joke is on us! My friends, I hate to burst your bubble but it is evident that it took more than our advocacy to get the movement to this final stage of the president’s assent. Where in the world or particularly on our continent have we seen power given up so easily? They know a bill reducing the age we can run for office is not a potent threat to the establishment, so they might as well join us in the charade and milk it for all that it is worth. So while we celebrate this milestone, let us not suffer fool-hardy. The process to the actual change we seek is a marathon and must

be seen as resilient, vigilant and equipped to go the long haul. So far, our collective disposition is of a people only prepared for a hundred-metre race. We are presently the generation with the potential of rising above the parochial interest of self that manifests as ethno-religious divide, which is at cross purpose with our collective well-being. Without mincing words, we are presently failing to live up to expectation, as some of us who should know better are carrying on as if our intention is to be recruited into the status quo as an exception, and to continue with the usual oppression. Within the youth civil space, there is a distasteful penchant for titles, such as those of ‘Coordinator’, ‘Founder, ‘Leader, or ‘Executive Director’ of one youth movement or the other, as against striking partnerships and building networks where the collective goal is bigger than any individual ego-feeding habit. Our singular strength is in our numbers and our numbers won’t amount to much if we are unable to aggregate our voices. To do this, we must understand that those of us at the forefront of the struggle with decent education from within and outside of the country, whose parents started us up with a middle-class and upward standards of living are not the representation of the average Nigerian youth. The foundation of democracy is choice and its benefit can only be realised when the people have the capacity to make the right choice. The greatest injustice done to the generality of us is the systemic denial of our right to good education. This has hindered our collective choices and we must move the NotToo-Young-Run advocacy to a movement aimed at waking our demography up across all social strata. Secondly, we do not deserve a shot at the helm of affairs of this country just because we are young, so I will advise that we end such crass opportunism. So far, there are at least

three registered political parties claiming to be representing the youth of this country without any corresponding grassroots movement in any part of the country; they are not even in any serious talks with existing socio-political youth groups across the federation. We need to understand the age long principle that you only reap where you sow. I was expecting that by now we would have a grand roll-out of plans to build structures across geo-political zones. We need to begin a volunteerism drive targeted at secondary schools and higher institutions of learning. We might as well rule out the 2019 presidential election that is only 11 months away. Thirdly, we must be frank with ourselves and ask each other what we have to offer that is better than the status quo. What business have we run? What is our track record of public service? Are we responsible in our immediate families and communities? You can’t be seen as running from your old student’s association and also shying away from estate meetings, yet want people to entrust a local government in your hands. As a rule of thumb, I will advise we young people that we collectively decide not to vote any of us, or anyone for that matter, into a political office, who has no primary occupation. We need professionals in politics, not professional politicians. The Not-To-YoungTo-Run movement can only be sustained beyond the presidential assent against the backdrop of a paradigm shift that is rooted in a new socioeconomic order for Nigeria. We must not allow the movement become a recruiting ground for the sustenance of the old order. We must not end up becoming the justification of the old cultural narrative where age is synonymous with leadership capacity. This is food for thought! Opeyemi Oriniowo is a youth advocate, international development practitioner and analyst.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

PAGE 14

News

Lassa fever treatment free -FG By Tobias Lengnan Dapam

he federal government has said that Lassa fever treatment in the country was free. It stated this while debunking report in a national daily, not People’s Daily, that the high cost of treating Lassa fever was responsible for the high mortality rate recorded so far in the country. The statement issued by the Nigeria Centre for Disease

Control, NCDC, and signed by its Chief Executive Officer, Chikwe Ihekweazu, stated that Federal Government of Nigeria has ensured that Ribavirin, the major drug used for the treatment of Lassa fever has been provided free-of-charge to patients, “for every single case of Lassa fever reported in Nigeria.” The agency expressed worry over the report which stated that the prohibitive cost of treatment is engendering high mortality from Lassa fever. “While we

acknowledge the high cost of treating Lassa fever cases in Nigeria, especially the cost of the drug Ribavirin, we want to state unequivocally that the Federal Government of Nigeria has ensured that Ribavirin has been provided free-of-charge to patients, for every single case of Lassa fever reported in Nigeria in 2018. “Despite the significant costs, there has not been a single day of stock-out of Ribavirin in any of the treatment centres in Nigeria.

In addition to this, the Nigeria Centre for Disease Control has ensured that every state in Nigeria has an emergency stock of Ribavirin available to manage cases. “In addition to Ribavirin, the treatment centres have been provided with other essential commodities required for the prevention, diagnosis and treatment of Lassa fever cases. The Nigeria Centre for Disease Control (NCDC) has had rapid response teams, supporting the state governments of Edo, Ondo and Ebonyi for six weeks supporting all aspects of the response,” the statement said.

Remains of a former Governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma, during the funeral rites in Doma, at the weekend in Nasarawa State. Photo: NAN

Smoking, drinking can make you go blind, Optometrist warns

Benin-based optometrist, Dr. Ozor Ibhade, has warned that excessive smoking and drinking are likely to cause visual impairment in humans. Ibhade told the News Agency of Nigeria on Monday in Benin that about 253 people in the world had visual impairment out of which 36 million of them were actually blind. She said, “Many people suffer from visual impairment as a result of ignorance of the ways and methods of taking care of their eyes.” She explained that the eye,

being one of the sensitive organs of the human body, needs to be given special attention. The expert listed some of the causes of visual impairment to include excessive smoking, drinking habits, and inherited genes. The optometrist explained, “In spite of these factors, one can still prevent becoming visually impaired if you know who to take care of your sight. According to Ibhade, WHO statistics shows that about 253 million people globally have visual

impairment out of which 36 million of them are actually blind. “For people leaving with visual impairment, between 80 per cent and 81 per cent either have an uncorrected refractive error or unoperated catarrh. “Statistics have also shown that people in the rural areas or low income are susceptible to visual impairment,” she said. The optometrist said that for any human to live a better life, that person must have healthy eyes, being one of the body organs that interpret

messages sent to the brain. She said that lack of awareness and knowledge of what to do was the reason they either “become blind or suffer one form of visual impairment’’. The physician urged governments at all levels to pay more attention to eye care, saying “governments usually pay attention to general healthcare to the detriment of eye care. “This needs to be corrected as the eye is too sensitive an organ to be neglected either by individuals or government health institutions,” she said. (NAN)

South-East govs plan connecting road

overnors of the South-east geo-political region have undertaken to construct a ring road that will link the five states in the zone for ease of transportation and economic growth. This was contained in a communiqué read by the Chairman of the South-east Governors’ Forum, David Umahi of Ebonyi, at the end of their meeting in Enugu on Sunday.

Mr. Umahi said that the ring road which would cover an area of 430 km was part of strategies for the economic development of the zone. He said that the forum also took presentation on the South-east gas pipeline and advised the consultant to follow up on the details of implementation especially as it related to right of way. “The forum commended the presentation on the Aba

Independent Power Plant Project by Prof. Barth Nnaji and asked him to liaise with the secretariat of the forum for further implementation with the presidency. “A private business enterprise presented to the forum a lottery business proposal in the South-east states. After much deliberations, the forum asked him to reach out to the respective states,” he said. The governor said that the

forum resolved to invite to the next meeting the chairmen of the traditional rulers’ council in the five states for the amicable resolution of their face-off. Mr. Umahi said that the forum appreciated the solidarity shown by the people of the zone during the burial of former Vice President, Alex Ekwueme, adding that “such spirit of oneness was needed to move the zone forward”.

Kaduna community rejects renovated health centre over shoddy job From Femi Oyelola kaduna

he Ninte community in Jema’a Local Government Area, Kaduna State, has rejected a renovated Primary Healthcare Centre located in the community because of what they described as “a shoddy job”. The community rejected the facility during a Town Hall Meeting organised by an NGO, Connected Development (CODE), to discuss issues surrounding the status of the health centre. The Village Head of the community, Mr Hassan Jatau, said that the centre, renovated by Seramon-T Concept Ltd., was of low standard befitting a healthcare centre. Jatau explained that the quality of paint used was poor while the electrical cables and the wiring were bad. “And the doors were made with ceiling board that we had to stop the contractor from installing them. “The toilets were also in bad shape and the soakaway was dug and left open, including the staff quarters left with no doors and toilet facility uncompleted,” the traditional ruler. According to him, the facility, if accepted will not last long before it will require another renovation which will not be good for the community having suffered for about two years without health centre. He explained that the health facility was burnt in May 2016 during an attacked on the community by gunmen that left seven people death and several persons injured. He said that after the incident, the community of over 7,000 people was left without a health facility and were forced to travel about 37 kilometres to nearby facility in Godogodo. Jatau also said that the health centre was renovated with no water facility, adding that only one borehole serves the entire community, forcing women to queue as early as 2 a.m just to get clean water. “Most of our people, particularly women and children are down with typhoid fever and other waterborne related diseases due to lack of access to clean water. “Besides, most health centres are built along with water facility, but our case is different. How would a health facility function with no water?’’ he asked rhetorically. He called on the local government council and the state government to intervene and put an end to their misery. On his part, the community Youth Leader, Mr Adamu Habu, who also noted the shoddy job, said: “The renovation of the health centre was badly done because we are villagers and as such, don’t deserve the best. But we know our right.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

ADP to Gov. Bello: Account for N481 you received from FG

he Action Democratic Party (ADP) in Niger State has challenged Governor Abubakar Sani Bello to come out clean on how his government spent N481 billion it allegedly received from the Federal Government as monthly statutory allocations, the Paris Club Refund, among others. ADP’s state Chairman, Alhaji Tanimu Sarki Kwamba, threw the challenge at the party’s

stakeholders’ meeting which held in Minna, according to DAILY POST report. Kwamba said: “ADP and indeed Nigerlites are worried that despite receiving the whooping sums, the state government had not been able to provide basic infrastructure across the state. The people needed to know how the monies were spent.” Kwamba said the inability of the state

government to judiciously utilize the accruals from the Federal Government brought to question the commitment of the governor to the ongoing fight against corruption. He also asked the governor to explain the, “scandal” which led to the removal of heads of the School Feeding Programme (SFP). Reacting, the Senior Special Assistant on Media to the Governor, Mr. Jide Orintunsin,

said the state government had been effectively utilizing all the funds it so far received from the Federal Government. “The document guiding the state’s financing is the budget and the governor has always implemented the budget to the latter through infrastructural development and other projects that have direct bearing on the people,” he explained.

IPAC dormant in Bauchi – Parties cry out From Ahmad Mohammed, Bauchi

olitical Parties in Bauchi State have decried nonfunctioning of the Inter-Party Advisory Council (IPAC) in the state like the way it’s functioning in other states in the country. The State Chairman Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Hamza Akoshe Akuyam, told reporters that “IPAC is not functioning in the state, because the essence of establishing IPAC was to collate or bring all the parties together, ruling and opposition. Unfortunately, he lamented, the chairman of IPAC is from the ruling party, unlike other states where the chairmen are from opposition party, “So, you don’t expect it to be effective in this state.” Akoshe alleged that the Chairman never called for a meeting. “Since he was elected as the IPAC chairman, no meeting was held in the state ever since; and no any invitation has reached us. We could not reach him because there is no IPAC office in the state, and everyone knows that it’s through the Inter-Party Advisory Council we would sort out many issues that affect the state such as the fellowship and how to bring harmonious relationship between the parties. In Bauchi, IPAC is just the extension of APC.” The State Secretary of New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Mahmood Babamaji said the InterParty Advisory Council only exists at the National Level, but is not working in Bauchi, “ because the leadership would not oppose any state policy or any form of opposition, and if it’s being led by the opposition parties they would have make a difference.” However, State IPAC Secretary

Musa Mato told reporters that IPAC has full structure with all the leadership on ground. Mato, who is also the chairman of United Nigeria People’s Party in the state, said that IPAC is not truly functioning because its being led by the ruling APC Party chairman, adding if the needful is to be done, the Council is supposed to be led by one of the

opposition parties. He said: “The leadership doesn’t have time to look into the democratic activities in the state. They don’t see any mistakes in the government’s day to day activities.” Defending the State Chairman of IPAC, the All Progressives Congress (APC) State Organizing Secretary, Abdulkakdir Gyang Gyang, said the

ruling party and IPAC leadership is doing what is desirable for the state; that is why it’s quite, no much noise among the political parties, “The leadership of IPAC, which I am a member, is working. Election was conducted; all the parties in the state are present, and it was supervised by INEC that gave mantle of leadership to APC chairman, who is doing well in

terms of bringing all parties together to work towards development of the state.” He however said those making accusations their allegations are baseless and unfounded, urging them to come and join hand with the IPAC leadership and move the state forward, instead of making noise behind the scene.

Nasarawa LG polls: Al-Makura inaugurates state electoral body

overnor Umaru Al-Makura of Nasarawa State on Monday inaugurated the State Independent Electoral Commission(NASIEC) ahead of the May 26, local government elections. The seven-member electoral body, has Henry Omaku as its chairman. Five of the members, including the chairman, were, however inaugurated because the remaining two are still in service because their tenure had not expired. The others inaugurated are Ibrahim Musa, Abdullahi Yahaya, Isa Yusuf and Godwin Makeri. Inaugurating the body at the Government House in Lafia, the governor commended the state assembly for the speedy consideration and screening of the members, whom he described as worthy and experienced individuals, to do the job. “This, no doubt, further demonstrates our enduring partnership towards fulfilling our collective responsibilities to the people. It is my hope that this relationship continues to flourish.” He charged the members of the electoral body to justify the confidence reposed in them.

“I urge you to exhibit honesty and integrity in your conduct and ensure to organize a free, fair and credible election in line with the law and best practices,” Mr. Al-Makura added. Mr. Al-Makura pledged that the

state government would not interfere with the independence of the state electoral body in the discharge of its responsibilities. He, therefore, called on all political parties to participate in

the electioneering process without fear of partisanship as government would provide the necessary enabling environment to facilitate the preparation and smooth conduct of the polls. (NAN) Gov. Ibrahim Gaidam of Yobe State (left) receiving a completed handwritten copy of the Holy Qur’an from Alhaji Lawan Abb Shettima, coordinating chairman of the committee on ‹Khattul Barnawy› project, recently in Damaturu.

Akeredolu killing APC in Ondo State - Senator Boroffice From Ayo Oloye, Lagos

enator representing Ondo North Senatorial District of Ondo State, Professor Ajayi Boroffice has said all is not well with the state chapter of the All Progressives Congress (APC) because of the manner Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu is handling issues in the party. The senator accused the governor of polarizing the party in the state. In a statement made available to newsmen on Monday by his media aide, Kayode Fakuyi, the Chairman, Senate Committee on Science and Technology, accused Mr. Akeredolu of threatening leaders who hold contrary opinions with expulsion rather than embrace them in the

interest of the party. Part of the statement reads: “Today, the attitude of the governor to other party leaders in Ondo State, who do not see issues from his perspective, has unfortunately polarized the Ondo State chapter of the party and alienated a critical mass of the party leadership and supporters as well. “Based on the above referenced developments, Senator Boroffice is of the view that all is not well with All Progressives Congress in the Sunshine State. Rather than embrace the challenges of leadership and reach out to every leader of the party, the governor preferred to run the government of Ondo State and the party with his trifling followership. He continues to erroneously lay claim to the ownership of the party. He

continues to threaten other party leaders with threat of expulsion from the party. “The National Leadership of our great party cannot forget in a hurry the road we had to travel to reach where we are; it is our collective will and unity of purpose that have taken us this far. To destroy the legacy is to destroy the great bond that binds us together as members of the All Progressives Congress. “It is our unshakable article of faith that moral justice is an armament of political and socio-economic progress. There can be no justice when someone appropriates our common wealth and violates our common law (APC Constitution, 2014 as amended) that binds us together. “We therefore call on the National

Leadership of our great party to urgently intervene in the crisis plaguing the Ondo State chapter of the party. We cannot afford to sweep under the carpet issues polarizing the APC in Ondo State, as we move into another round of congresses and general elections. “It is for this reason that His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari has called for reconciliation of leaders and resolutions of disputed issues. This is the wise road to travel and we cannot dissent. “Therefore, Senator Boroffice wishes to express full confidence in the Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu-led presidential committee. We fully support our National Leader, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu on this course.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

POLITICS F

ormer Minister of Education, Prof Tunde Adeniran has disclosed that the fact that Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was incurably lacking in internal democracy forced him and other progressive-minded politicians out of the party. Adeniran said he and others, particularly ex-Minister of Information, Prof Jerry Gana strived had to make the party comply with the ideals of true democracy, but failed in their mission. The duo had recently defected to the Social Democratic Party (SDP) due to irreconcilable differences and over alleged hijack of the party’s structures by ‘moneybags’. The former National Chairmanship contender expressed confidence that his new party, Social Democratic Party (SDP) will carry out radical restructuring in Nigeria that would stamp out inequality among Nigerians and give room for each state to grow at its own pace. Speaking in Orin Ekiti in Ido/ Osi Local Government during an interaction with party officials and members in Ekiti State, Adeniran exhumed confidence that the party will win the 2018 governorship poll in Ekiti State. Adeniran said this in a statement made available to newsmen in Ado Ekiti by the SDP’s National Publicity Secretary, Yemi Akinbode. He said the party had embarked on aggressive membership mobilization that would make Ekiti a launch pad for the party to gain

Lack of internal democracy pushed us out of PDP – Ex-minister, Adeniran national prominence and bring the determination to defeat President Muhammadu Buhari in 2019. Adeniran said: “PDP lacks internal democracy and that has been the party’s greatest challenge and may end up being its undoing. We tried to correct them, we tried to put them on the path of sanity, but they refused. “We believed in change and transformation of the democratic system , where human dignity and other virtues can be protected. “SDP is a third force and evolving coalition of progressive forces that has become a force to reckon with. Nigerians are yearning for change, because so much has gone wrong in

this country. Nigerian youth have seen the party as an appropriate vehicle and they are embracingit. “What we intend to do is to give effect to what we believed in, I mean to sanitise the political system where the rule of law, justice and fairplay can be embraced to promote internal democracy. “Let me say this, no political party can bring the desired change when the internal democracy is tampered with , because you can’t build something on nothing”. Adeniran disclosed that SDP was coming to restructure the country and allow true federalism to take the centre stage to end the reign of nepotism in the country’s body

polity. “We are going to restructure this country because it was built on a defective and lopsided foundation. Our own restructuring in SDP will bring healthy rivalry among states and break the yoke of unitary system. “In an attempt to restructure, we won’t promise what we can’t do. We have seen our people going hungry in the midst of abundance, but we will revamp the agricultural sector through commercial farming to make Nigeria the food basket of the nation. “We are going to make education free and compulsory up to the secondary level while the health

sector will be made affordable for all Nigerian citizens”, he added. Expressing confidence that the PDP and the All Progressives Congress(APC) will be hit with gale of defections, Adeniran said many of the gladiators in the two political parties are already fraternizing with the party. “What we intend to do is to make Ekiti a litmus test to what is going to happen in the larger Nigeria in 2019. “After winning Ekiti, we are going to win in Osun banking on the supports of the youths who are seriously in need of paradigm shift to make the country a great nation that we all desired”, he said. (DAILY POST)

L-R: Chairman, House of Representatives on Media and Public Affairs, Hon. Abdul Razak Namdas receiving his award from the Chair. Of occasion Hon. Eseme Eyibo, at the maiden edition of House of Reps Press Corps award night, at the weekend in Abuja.

You are marginalizing us – Opposition parties tell Gov. Yari

o fewer than 10 opposition parties in Zamfara State have accused the administration of Governor Abdulaziz Yari of marginalising them in the appointments of Special Advisers. The joint Chairman of the aggrieved parties and Chairman of African Democratic Congress (ADC), Badamasi Bello, while addressing journalists in Gusau said, “In the last seven years, preferential treatment was being given to some opposition parties while others were sidelined.” Some of the aggrieved parties include Accord Party (AP), African Democratic Congress (ADC), Democratic People’s Party (DPP), New Nigeria Peoples Party (NNPP), Action Alliance (AA), Peoples Democratic Movement (PDM), among others. Bello said all the marginalized parties had participated fully in the 2011 and 2015 elections, including the 2016 local government elections, and that none of them challenged elections results in court. “The aggrieved parties have tremendously and positively helped in reshaping politics in the state. It is our fervent hope that Governor Abdulaziz Yari will look into our complaints with a view to making necessary adjustments and corrections,” he added. (DAILY POST)

2019: S/West strategic to PDP’s victory, says party spokesman By Lateef Ibrahim

he Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) has described the South-West geopolitical zone as particularly strategic to its “inevitable victory” at the 2019 general election. The party said the SouthWest remains a major support base adding that this accounts for why it will never treat matters concerning the zone with levity. The PDP National Publicity Secretary, Mr. Kola Ologbondiyan, who stated the party’s position when the leaders of the Federation of South-West professionals in politics paid him a courtesy visit in Abuja recently, said the value of the zone to the PDP cannot be dismissed. Ologbondiyan said the party holds the leaders and party members in the zone in very high esteem, just like other zones, for their dedication and sacrifices

towards the stability and growth of the PDP not only in their zones but also at the national level. According to him, “the southwest zone is a major support base of the PDP. It is very strategic to our party and we hold our leaders and members in the zone in very high esteem for their untiring efforts in ensuring that the PDP flag continues to fly high in spite of daunting challenges. “Due to their resilience, our party held forth, so much so, that despite the manipulations and intimidations by the All Progressives Congress (APC), in 2015, the difference in votes won by the APC and our great party in the southwest was very minimal. That shows that PDP commands the genuine followership of voters in the region. “In Lagos state, the home of the national leader of the APC, the PDP won six House of Representatives seats and nine

state assembly seats. We have continued to have the majority support of the voting population in Ekiti state and our structure in the southwest in general remains formidable. “In Oyo State, our party is waxing stronger while our victory at the last senatorial election in Osun West has shown that we shall retake the state. “Similarly, in Ogun and Ondo states, our leaders and members are working very hard in repositioning our party and expanding our support base, for which we are confident of victory in any election. “There is no way the PDP will treat such a zone that is so strategic and known for progressive politics with levity. “It is therefore imperative to emphasize that the PDP holds the southwest in great respect and we will continue to work with the leaders of the zone and those

of other zones to ensure a clear victory in 2019”, he said. On the on-going reconciliation in the PDP, Ologbondiyan assured that the effort has been yielding dividends, adding that the party has emerged stronger from its challenges. He further commended the PDP governors, other elected and appointed leaders and all members for their commitment to the party. Earlier, the National Convener of the organization, Dr. Olu Bamidele, commended the PDP leadership for achieving rapid repositioning and rebranding of the party as well as the moves to ensure total reconciliation in its fold, particularly in the southwest. Bamidele praised PDP’s constructive opposition adding that Nigerians are looking up to it to salvage the nation from the misrule of the APC, come 2019.

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

POLITICS

2019: More women will contest elective positions – APC Bauchi Women Leader From Ahmad Mohammed, Bauchi

auchi State All Progressives Congress (APC) Women Leader, Hajiya Sa’adatu Mahmuda has expressed optimism that many women will come out to contest elective positions in Nigeria in 2019, in order to contribute more to the nation’s building. Hajiya Sa’adatu stated this yesterday in Bauchi while enlightening some women groups about the importance of acquiring voters card. She said, “All eligible voters will not have right to vote if they don’t get their voters card; even those who already have their permanent voters card should please check and make

sure it is available. Where it’s not available, you can go to the electoral body officials and report before they conclude the ongoing registration exercise.” She said women who were married from another area to the area where their husbands reside should also inform the electoral officials, so that they will transfer them to the nearest polling stations where they reside. The Woman Leader assured that more women are coming out to contest elective positions in all parts of the country. “In 2019, more women will contest, because our party APC gave women more opportunities to contribute in nation’s building. And

when you observe today you will see that more women are in active politics; but our number in elective positions is not enough, especially in Northern Nigeria where we have only one female senator, Senator Binta Masi. But in other parts of the country, there are more women senators across the geo-political zones. “With the encouragement we have been receiving from the wife of President Buhari, Hajiya Aishatu Buhari, and Wife of Bauchi State Governor, Hajiya Hadiza Abubakar, who is the chairperson of Northern Governors’ wives, we have hope that more women will contest.” She said “let me clarify that we are not competing with men; we

know men are our fathers, they are our husbands, we respect them and remember it’s in their own wisdom that they even allow us to participate in active politics; they even appoint us in different positions - like in Bauchi State, our Governor Mohammed Abubakar appointed three women as Commissioners. Look at the number of women at the Federal Executive Council. This is to show you that our leaders always encourage us; they allow us to hold different offices at our party level, APC; and by the grace of God, they will graciously open space for women and allow us to contest for more elective positions in 2019. “We are not contesting against them; and we have high hope that they will allow us generously to contribute

our quota for nation’s building.” The Woman Leader also noted that even though it’s not time for politicking, she was sure that APC will come out of all its challenges, and appoint credible candidates who will win elections in 2019, considering the numerous achievements recorded in the country. “All the challenges you have been seeing in APC is part of democracy. We will unite ourselves as one family. Remember when we were not together; we came from different family, we united ourselves in the interest of the country. We will still burry our differences in the interest of the country; and we will not let Nigerians or Bauchi State people down.”

Obi tasks Deltans on 2019, says Okowa deserves 2nd term From Osakhare Erese, Asaba

usiness magnate, Linus Obi has thrown his weight behind Delta State Governor, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, saying there is really no alternative. “Okowa reflects the views of Deltans. They will vote for him in 2019,” he said. Obi, in an interview in Lagos, urged Deltans to judge Governor Okowa on the basic of his performance. He described the All Progressives Congress (APC) Delta State chapter, as a party in disarray. “A house divided against itself cannot stand. Election is not decided on social media but among members of the voting public. APC is in disarray in Delta State. There are about five factions in the state,” he said. Obi, a strong supporter of Okowa, said it was not easy ruling a state like Delta, most especially because of the number of ethnic groups, adding that the executive governor is on course and determined to turn the state around. He expressed satisfaction with the quality and progress of work done on various projects in the state. “Okowa deserves re-election in 2019. If you go round Delta State, especially Sapele, you will see ongoing and completed projects. He needs second term to complete most of the programmes” The leading member of Team Okowa also praised the chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Delta State Chapter, Olorogun Kingsley Esiso for shaping democracy in the state, strengthening the unity of the ruling party and guiding the actions of elected officials. “Barrister Kingsley Esiso is a bridge builder and a man of integrity. Olorogun Esiso believes in internal democracy and fairness. He does not believe in imposition of candidates. His word is his bond. He is carrying every party member along. The ordinary members of the party are important as the leaders. He is creating a sense of unity among members of the PDP in the state” the business magnate said. He also praised him for mobilizing potential voters ahead of 2019, recruiting new members for the

party and effectively organizing and coordinating PDP members in the state.

Obi said the party’s next task was the 2019 elections, which he said would not be difficult.

“Barrister Kingsley Esiso will lead the party to victory in 2019. He will insist on the best candidate for any

position. Okowa will defeat anybody nominated by the APC for the 2019 election in the state” he added.

L-R: Deputy Governor of Imo, Mr Eze Madumere; Governors Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu; David Umahi of Ebonyi; and Okezie Ikpeazu of Abia, during Southeast Governors Meeting, yesterday in Enugu. Photo: NAN

PDP chieftain declares for AMAC chairmanship By Stanley Onyekwere

chieftain of the Peoples’ Democratic Party (PDP) in Gwagwa ward, Alhaji Ja’afaru Alhassan Gwagwa, has declared his intention to contest for Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC) chairmanship position in the forthcoming 2019 council elections. Gwagwa, who made his intention known in Gwagwa community, recently, told his numerous supporters that if elected, he would provide empowerment programmes for youth in the council. The PDP chieftain added that

his cardinal mantra is for a positive change for the overall advancement of the council. He stated that his declaration was informed by the yearnings of his people, who saw leadership qualities in him and urged him to contest for the number one position in the area council. The PDP chieftain equally explained that if elected into office, as the AMAC chairman next year, his first priority would be education, noting that education has always remained the bedrock of every development in any society. According to him, “If elected as

AMAC chairman next year, my first priority will be education. This is because education is the backbone of development all over the world. “You will agree with me that without education, we might not be speaking the way we are speaking today. “So, I believe that education is the future for our generation. So I must give more emphasise to education.” He however advised his supporters to avoid hate speeches and name calling, or utter any bad word against other parties in their campaigns, but to be constructive in

their messages, adding that it is only God that gives power to whom He desires. “I will advise my supporters to be peaceful in their campaigns. We are going play politics with maturity, understanding and without bitterness. “Whatever we are doing with other parties, let peace prevail. Peace is everything and with peace you can gain everything. “Without peace you cannot gain anything. So, for that reason, I believe that peace is the most important thing, especially in politics,” he stressed.

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PEOPLES DAILY, march 13, 2018

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2.57 2.57 0 2.57 2.57 MANSARD 0.00 0 2.71 2.85 0 2.71 2.72 MAYBAKER -0.14 0 0.48 0.48 0 0.48 0.48 MBENEFIT 0.00 0 1.20 1.20 0 1.20 1.20 MCNICHOLS 0.00 0 2.17 2.17 0 2.17 2.17 MEDVIEWAIR 0.00 0 199.50 199.50 0 199.50 199.50 MOBIL 0.00 0 0.53 0.53 420 0.53 0.53 MORISON 0.00 0 27.00 27.00 0 27.00 27.00 MRS 0.00 0 0.38 0.40 0 0.38 0.38 MULTIVERSE -0.02 0 3.71 3.88 0 3.71 3.71 NAHCO -0.17 0 21.00 21.00 0 21.00 21.00 NASCON 0.00 0 133.00 140.00 0 133.00 135.00 NB -7.00 0 0.90 0.90 500 0.90 0.90 NEIMETH 0.00 0 1.89 1.89 0 1.89 1.89 NEM 0.00 0 552.20 552.20 5 552.20 552.20 NESF 0.00 0 1,360.00 1,360.00 0 1,360.00 1,360.00 NESTLE 0.00 0 5.70 5.70 0 5.70 5.70 NNFM 0.00 0 1.95 1.95 0 1.95 1.95 NPFMCRFBK 0.00 0 5.99 5.99 0 5.99 5.99 OANDO 0.00 0 72.50 72.50 0 72.50 72.50 OKOMUOIL 0.00 0 70.00 70.00 0 70.00 70.00 PRESCO 0.00 0 0.56 0.58 0 0.56 0.56 PRESTIGE -0.02 0 24.00 24.80 0 25.40 25.40 PZ 0.60 0 5.80 6.00 0 5.80 5.80 REDSTAREX -0.20 0 0.50 0.50 0 0.50 0.50 REGALINS 0.00 0 0.40 0.40 0 0.40 0.40 ROYALEX 0.00 0 685.00 685.00 0 685.00 685.00 SEPLAT 0.00 0 1.07 1.12 0 1.07 1.16 SKYEBANK -0.05 0 100.00 100.00 190 100.00 100.00 SKYESHELT 0.00 0 0.48 0.48 10 0.48 0.48 SOVRENINS 0.00 0 0.50 0.50 10 0.50 0.50 STACO 0.00 0 45.10 46.00 0 45.45 45.45 STANBIC -0.55 0 2.25 2.36 0 2.25 2.37 STERLNBANK -0.11 0 230.00 230.00 0 230.00 230.00 TOTAL 0.00 0 2.04 2.14 0 2.04 2.14 TRANSCORP -0.10 0 0.92 0.92 0 0.92 0.92 TRIPPLEG 0.00 0 16.75 17.55 0 17.45 17.45 UACN -0.10 0 2.99 2.95 0 3.00 3.00 UAC-PROP 0.05 0 11.80 12.40 0 11.80 12.00 UBA -0.60 0 8.00 8.25 0 8.00 8.05 UBN -0.25 0 4.25 4.30 0 4.25 4.27 UCAP -0.05 0 49.00 49.45 0 49.00 49.00 UNILEVER -0.45 0 1.74 1.83 0 1.92 1.92 UNITYBNK 0.09 0 2.14 2.25 0 2.14 2.20 UPL -0.11 0 5.51 5.70 296 5.51 5.68 VETBANK -0.19 0 9.82 9.93 10 9.82 9.82 VETGOODS -0.11 0 19.55 20.41 250 19.55 20.43 VETGRIF30 -0.86 0 22.93 23.39 10 22.93 22.93 VETINDETF -0.46 0 3.11 3.27 0 3.19 3.19 VITAFOAM -0.08 0 50.00 52.00 0 50.00 52.00 WAPCO -2.00 0 0.61 0.64 0 0.61 0.67 WAPIC -0.03 0 1.29 1.35 0 1.32 1.41 WEMABANK -0.03 0 29.40 30.90 0 29.40 30.00 ZENITHBANK -1.50 0 Copyright Â© 2018 NgTradeOnline

Top Losers

Stock Close Loss FBNH 11.40 -0.60 GUARANTY 45.60 -2.40 MULTIVERSE 0.38 -0.02 NB 133.00 -7.00 ETERNA 5.42 -0.28

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

Why regulator body sanctions NBC, others, explains Ag Director By Abba-Eku Onyeka Abuja

he Acting (Ag) Director, Weights and Measurements Department (WMD), a regulatory body from Federal Ministry of Industry, Trade and Investment (FMITI), saddled with the responsibility

of regulating all weighing and measuring equipments uses for trade in all sectors, Engr Sidi Sada Mohammed has explained why they sanctioned Nigerian Bottling Company (NBC) and others while carrying out heir duties in Abuja recently. Addressing journalists at the end of

the excise, the Ag Director said: “In CocaCola Bottling Company where, among others we intend to verify the accuracy of their weigh bridge which we couldn’t do, due to the obstruction by the staff and as a result of that and non payment of statutory fees in respect of weighing and measuring

Staff of Gongoni Company, Staff attending customers, during the 39th Kaduna International Trade Fair, recently in Kaduna. Photo: BASHIR BELLO

equipments used in that premises to the tune of N3.3 million, we successfully sealed and detained the weigh bridge unit in that company, pending further investigations to actually ascertain wether or not, we are taking them to court to answer for whatever we are suspecting.” When contacted, the Director, Public Affairs and Legal Department of the company, Sade Morgan debunked the the Ag Director’s information by saying: “We are very open to regulators coming to our facilities as a responsible and compliant company. On the said date, the plant management met with five officials of the agency led by their director and were taken on a full tour of the plant. They sealed one new weighing machine during inspection which was undergoing installation by a contractor and requested that he meet them for certification before commissioning.” She also informed that the N3 million had already been processed for payment, adding that the officials were shown the document which according to her the officials treated with satisfaction. The Ag Director went further to inform that they went to Julius Berger, tested their weigh bridge and other equipment and gave them credit for meeting up with the expected standard. Engr Sidi also informed that the same thing went for Dangote Group. At Oando Filing Station, he said that they gave them credit where they met the standard and sanctioned them where they erred. The treatment was meted out to NNNPC Mega Filing Station. At the rice Depot, he said that they would investigate the source of some of the bags of rice that didn’t meet up to their weights, just as he assured Nigerians that the regulatory agency owes them the duty of ensuring that that they are not cheated.

CBN releases additional $210m to boost Forex Market By Etuka Sunday

he Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN), yesterday released additional sum of $210million into the inter-bank Foreign Exchange Market. This, according to the apex was in furtherance of its quest to guarantee the availability of forex for customers’ needs in various segments of the market. Figures obtained from the Bank,

indicate that the CBN offered $100million to authorized dealers in the wholesale segment of the market, while the Small and Medium Enterprises (SMEs) segment received the sum of $55 million. Customers requiring foreign exchange for invisibles such as tuition fees, medical payments and Basic Travel Allowance (BTA), among others, were also allocated the sum of $55 million. The Bank’s Acting Director, Corporate

Communications Department (CCD), Mr. Isaac Okorafor, confirmed the figures and reassured the public that the Bank would continue to intervene in the interbank foreign exchange market in line with its desire to sustain liquidity in the market and maintain stability. He added that the steps taken so far by the Bank in the management of forex was paying off, as reflected by reduction in the country’s import bills and accretion

to its foreign reserves which stood at $46 billion as at Friday, March 9, 2018. It will be recalled that last Friday, the Bank injected the sum of $355.43m into the Retail Secondary Market Intervention Sales (SMIS). Meanwhile, the naira continued its stability in the FOREX market, exchanging at an average of N360/$1 in the BDC segment of the market on Monday, March 12, 2018.

Diamond Bank moves to end endometriosis ...Says over 100, 000 women suffer from it By Etuka Sunday

ith over 100, 000 Nigerian women suffering from Endometriosis every year and a general - but sorely harmful - lack of awareness for the condition, there has never been a more important time to keep motivated and#PressforProgress in the awareness and treatment of Endometriosis.

Last weekend, as part of its activities for its #BankOnHer campaign, Diamond Bank’s expression of Women’s History Month, carried this mandate in Lagos by walking Five Kilometers from City Mall, Lagos to Muri Okunola Park, Victoria Island, sharing information on the condition. The Head, Corporate Communications, Diamond Bank, Chioma Afe said the

walk became necessary in order to raise awareness for the condition. She went on to further say that Diamond Bank will always support women as this is the 5th year the bank is organizing this walk Endometriosis is a widespread uncomfortable disease affecting tens of thousands of girls and women in Nigeria and a sweeping lack of awareness by both

sufferers and health care providers delay diagnosis. This lack of awareness is often due to a normalization of symptoms and it was to this end that Diamond Bank took to the streets. This year’s walk was held in partnership with the Endometriosis Support Group Nigeria (ESGN) and Nordica Fertility Center.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

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Business Feature Dangote Academy trains, employs 700 engineers By Etuka Sunday

angote Academy has trained over 700 engineers and Technicians between 2011 and 2018, of which most of them have been employed. This was disclosed yesterday when 100 new students were inducted at an event attended by state functionaries, directors of Dangote Group, community leaders from Obajana and Ibese, staff and the new students. This is coming as traditional leaders from Obajana, Kogi State and Ibese, Ogun State spoke glowingly of Dangote’s Corporate Social Responsibilities (CSR) in their various communities. Monday’s inauguration of 100 new students under the Junior Technicians Scheme (JTS) Batches 3 and 4, further supports host communities of Obajana and Ibese as 50 of the newly inducted trainees were drawn from the two communities. “The Dangote Academy was established in 2010 to serve as the talent pipeline for the Dangote Group while filling the industrial skills gap in Nigeria”, Group Executive Director Capital Projects, Strategy and Portfolio, Mr. DVG Edwin said at the inauguration ceremony. He added that the Academy has become necessary in view of the fact that the Group and indeed most industries in Nigeria cannot rely solely on Universities and Colleges of Technology to provide the specialized technical and managerial training required running major (modern) industrial factories. According to him, the newly admitted Junior Technicians Batches 3 & 4 who will be undergoing the eighteen (18) months training programme in the hands of perhaps the most experienced Engineers in the world and in Cement Plants having modern equipment and using advanced technology. “It is therefore expected that at the end of the 18 month training programme, these 100 young Nigerians being admitted today will become master technicians in any one or more of the following areas, namely Electrical Installation and Maintenance,Welding and Fabrication, Machining and Fitting, Mechanical Maintenance, Automobile Maintenance, and Instrumentation. All of these are critical skills area for the development of any community or nation”, he added. He said the Group through the Dangote Academy trained about 10, 000 employees in 2017 through delivered and supported training programmes! In the execution of its academic programmes, the Dangote Academy, he said, is partnering with the German Association of Equipment Manufacturers (VDMA), National Office for Technology Acquisition & Promotion (NOTAP), Technical Vocational Education and Training (TVET), and the National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), among others. Speaking, the traditional leader Iwaa Land, Eleso of Iwaa, Oba Francis Migbole said with the inauguration and training of youth, the Dangote Group is by extension addressing the issue of insecurity in the country. The Bajana of Obajana, Oba Idowu Isenibi said the Obajana community was proud of Alhaji Aliko Dangote while describing him as the son of Obajana.

The Olu of Akpata Oba Federick Balogun said his community is hospital and will continue to protect the business of the Dangote Group, just as he prayed fervently for the Dangote Group. The Olu of Imasayi Land, Oba Adesola Gbadebo described the inauguration a huge contribution to the development of the Nigerian economy. He said Dangote Group was the most important thing that ever happened to his land, even as urged the students to be hardworking and reciprocate the gesture, and the confidence reposed on them. Speaking, the Head of the Academy, Mr. Hassan Salisu said: “During the period 2011 –2017 more than 600 Trainees were admitted into different Technical Training lasting 12 – 18 months at the Dangote Academy and most of them were employed by the Group at the end of their training.” He said the “phenomenal expansion of the

Group’s business all over the world, especially in Africa has also created opportunities for the Dangote Academy to expand both in geography and scope”. According to him, this is part of the Group’s Corporate Social Responsibility and contribution to the employability of Nigerian Engineers and Technicians. The JTS Batch 3 is a regular run with candidates drawn from the whole country while the JTS Batch 4 is a special intervention by the Group to support the Obajana and Ibese Communities through provision of technical and entrepreneurial skills and invariably empowerment. The Group has contributed immensely to the educational development in Nigeria. The category of engineers being trained and employed by the Academy include: Mechanical, Electrical, Chemical and Mining. The Group Chief Human Resources

Officer, Usen Udoh, urged the inductees to be hardworking and visionary. He said it was a golden and rare opportunity for them to have been chosen for the training. Royal fathers present at the inauguration were: Oba Solomon Obahawu, the Baalo of Oyo Kogi State, Bajana of Obajana Kingdom Oba Idowu Isenibi, Oba Francis O. Migbole, the Eleso of Iwa, Oba Frederick Balogun, Olu Lagedu, Oba Adesola Gbadebo Oni, Olu of Imasayi Land, Oba Kayode Adio Kusoro, Aga Olowu, Oba Mathew Ajibulu, Oni of Onigbedu Land and Mr. Ajibola Ogunbona, Youth leader among others. Only recently the Dangote Foundation donated a World Class Dangote Business School worth N1.2bn to the Bayero University Kano and building another one in University of Ibadan worth N250M. The Group had earlier expended over N1billion in the rehabilitation of some of Nigerians universities.

The newly inducted technicians into the Junior Technician Scheme of the Dangote Academy Obajana Kogi State...yesterday.

Sterling Bank seals deal with CILT to boost transport sector From Ngozi. Onyeakusi, Lagos

terling Bank Plc is set partner the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport ( CILT in order to develop Nigeria’s transport sector. Disclosing this while addressing executive members of the institute who paid a courtesy visit to the corporate headquarters of the lender in Lagos, the Group Head, Strategy & Innovation, Sterling Bank Plc, Mr. Shina Atilola, stated that the transport sector remained a major contributor to the economy . According to him, without effective transportation, businesses will not attain their true potential adding that they will be denied the opportunity to connect with supply chain partners and customers. We recognise the important role the

transportation sector has played and is playing in the growth and development of the Nigerian economy, hence our engagement with the CILT.” Atilola also said, “Our partnership with the Chartered Institute of Logistics and Transport will ensure we provide more effective support to the profession and industry in line with our pioneering work in the sector.” He added that the partnership would provide the bank with solid knowledge, which would ensure technology transfer, innovation and sustained impact for the overall benefit of Nigerians and the economy. “This partnership will ensure that we understand the language of the transport sector, making it easy to develop financial products that will suit its needs,” Atilola explained. The Chief Human Resource Officer, Sterling Bank, Mrs. Temi Dalley, commended the

institute for its robust curriculum, advancing the improvement of the local logistics, transport and supply chain. She said the bank was open to exploiting the curriculum of the CILT to further strengthen the capacity of the bank’s employees. Earlier in his remarks, the Acting National Executive Director of the institute, Mr Paul Ndibe, said the organisation started in 1919 in the United Kingdom while it became operational in Nigeria in 1958 and had been contributing in various ways to the development of logistics and transport industry of the Nigerian economy. He said the visit was to intimate the bank with the activities of the institute, the forthcoming African forum and how Sterling Bank could leverage the institute’s network to further its growth.

Adeosun, MTN Foundation provide succour for Olive Blooms Orphanage

By Etuka Sunday

he MTN Foundation has donated food and household items under its Orphanage Support Initiative to Olive Blooms Orphanage Home in Lagos. The Special Adviser, Media & Communications to the Minister of Finance, Oluyinka Akintunde in a statement said, the Minister of Finance, Mrs. Kemi Adeosun, handed

over the goods on Friday in Lagos to the Founder of Olive Blooms Orphanage Home, Mrs. Ngozi Ken Ugochukwu. The Minister commended the MTN Foundation for upholding its tradition of providing support to the less privileged residents of orphanages and hospices spread across the country by donating household items to them. Adeosun said, “This is a worthy cause by the MTN Foundation and will go a long way

in providing succor to the vulnerable and less privileged children in the orphanage homes. “I will also like to commend the Founder of Olive Blooms Orphanage Home for the great work and her genuine passion for the less privileged children. I am very proud of this great project by the orphanage home.” The Executive Secretary of MTN Foundation, Ms. Nonny Ugboma, explained that the Orphanage Support Initiative was established as

part of the organisation’s expression of love to orphaned and vulnerable children. She added that food and household items would be delivered to orphanages across the country under the MTN Foundation Orphanage Support Initiative. Among the items handed over to the orphanage home were bags of rice and beans, and cartons of groundnut oil, detergents, soaps, sugar, spaghetti, beverages and powered milk.

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

Stories by Onyekwere

Stanley

takeholders have reiterated the need to always place a high premium on women, to enable contribution their quota to development of their immediate families and the society at large. The stakeholders made this clarion call at the annual seminar on Hazrat Fatima Az-Zahra (RA) organized by the Cultural Consulate of The Embassy of The Islamic Republic of Iran, in Abuja. Speaking at the event, the Iranian Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Morteza Rahimi Zarchi, called for the involvement of more women in leadership positions saying Islam recognizes the role of great and outstanding women in the Quran. According to him, great women like Fatima (daughter of Prophet Muhammad), Aisha (his wife), Mary (mother of Jesus) and Jochebed (mother of Moses) were mentioned in the Quran for their contributions to Islam and the society at large. Zarchi said Iran places a high premium on women and thus they are saddled with leadership and important positions like the vice presidents, ministers and others. He stated Iranian women are remarkably higher than men in science, social science and arts where they have been outstanding. Similarly, the guest lecturer, Professor Muhammad Mahmud, who spoke on the topic, “Rights and Status Of Women From The Islamic Perspective and Prophetic View Point”, said Islam promotes equity where the rights of men and women are clearly spelt out. He stated that Islam regards men and women as being of the same essence created from

Stakeholders harp on putting women in leadership positions a single soul while adding that a woman has a complete independence in Islam but needed to be guided properly by men around her. “There is no separation of gender in Islam and as such, there

is nothing like women equality in Islam. Islam has already spelt out the role of women in the society. “It is the religion of Islam that defines the freedom of women because before the advent of the religion, women are only seen as

mere objects and as properties. “In Islamic perspective, a woman has an honored position with special respect, love, affection and gentle feeling along with her legal and civil rights. “The reality is that women are

objects of pleasure in the West hence the promotion of feminism and gender equality over there. Islam has defined the role of women with utmost respect and put them in right perspective,”he stressed.

Scene of an Accident at Nyanya along Abuja- Keffi road that claims several lives and wounded many, recently in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Abuja rail: FCTA, Aviation Ministry collaborate for seamless operations

he Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has concluded arrangements to ensure that passengers connecting to or from the Nnamdi Azikiwe International Airport and railway terminals enjoy seamless flow and access to the facilities. FCT Minister Malam Muhammad Musa Bello and his counterpart, the Minister of State, Aviation, Engr. Hadi Sirika made this disclosure while addressing the media after a joint inspection

of the facilities. Mallam Bello who used the occasion to conduct his aviation counterpart round the facilities, expected to commence operations soon, expressed delight with the seriousness with which the Aviation Ministry is taking up the aspect of providing a concourse between the railway and the airport. He added that the entire project has been in fulfilment of the commitment of the FCT

Administration to completing critical ongoing infrastructure projects. He equally expressed his appreciation to the CCECC Nigeria Ltd for its dedication to duty and for commitment to ensuring a timely completion of the project. On his part, the Minister of State Aviation said, his Ministry will work to ensure a temporary access for passengers arriving the airport or departing to the city upon arrival.

This, he said has become necessary in view of the need to meet up with the target required for the commencement of rail operation in a few weeks times. According to him, will resolve likely human and vehicular traffics in the airport. He said the temporary access will give time for officials of Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN), and the FCT Administration to work together to harmonise issues affecting the

formal concourse that is designed to link up the airport and railway terminals. Sirika commended the FCT Administration for its dedication to completion of the facility saying the railway would greatly enhance the outlook of the city and give a modern transport facility to its residents. He underscored the immense benefits that the light rails will provide to both the airport passengers and residents.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

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world news

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Russian spy: May under pressure to take firm action

heresa May is facing mounting pressure to take decisive action against whoever was behind the nerve agent attack on a former Russian spy and his daughter. Ex-national security advisor Lord Ricketts said “firm action” was needed once responsibility was confirmed. Asked whether Russia was to blame, President Vladimir Putin told the BBC: “Get to the bottom of things there, then we’ll discuss this.” Sergei and Yulia Skripal remain in a critical but stable condition. The 66-year-old retired military intelligence officer and his daughter, 33, were found slumped on a bench in Salisbury, Wiltshire, on 4 March. Det Sgt Nick Bailey, who fell ill attending the pair, remains seriously ill in hospital but has been talking to his family. Earlier, Mrs May chaired a National Security Council meeting, held to discuss the latest information with ministers and intelligence and military chiefs. She is due to update MPs in the Commons on the investigation at about 16:30 GMT. Foreign affairs committee chairman Tom Tugendhat told BBC Radio 4’s Today programme evidence was mounting against Russia and he “would be surprised if she did not point the finger at the Kremlin”. Mr Skripal was convicted by the Russian government of passing secrets to MI6 in 2004, but given refuge in the UK in 2010 as part of a “spy swap”. Lord Ricketts told Today he had “little doubt that this had come from Russia”. “The really difficult judgement is who authorised it and why - was it some sort of rogue element or was it centrally authorised? I suppose that does have some impact on the kind of reactions that we need,” he said. However, Dmitry Peskov, press secretary to President Putin, said: “This incident happened

Vladimir Putin (third from left) on his visit to Krasnodar on British soil and it doesn’t have anything to do with the Russian Federation whatsoever, let alone the president.” Vladimir Putin was on the campaign trail today in southern Russia. He visited a grain centre in Krasnodar. There, I asked him: “Is Russia behind the poisoning of Sergei Skripal?” “We’re dealing here with agriculture,” he told me, “to create conditions for the lives of our people. And you talk to me about some tragedies. First, get to the bottom of what happened there and then we’ll discuss this.” These are President Putin’s first public comments on events in Salisbury. In recent days, Moscow has complained of what it sees as an “anti-Russian campaign” in the British media over the poisoning of the Skripals. Theresa May’s official spokesman said: “If we get to a position when we are able to attribute this attack then we will do so and the government

will deliver an appropriate response.” In an interview with the Evening Standard, Home Secretary Amber Rudd said she was not going to “enter into a kind of great big tit-fortat” with Russia “which is what they are longing I’m sure for us to do”. But she said the UK would consider strong measures if “a hostile state” were found guilty of the poisoning. Putin declines to discuss Salisbury precaution after trace amounts of the substance used to poison Sergei and Yulia Skripal were found on and around a table where they had eaten in Zizzi. The table has since been destroyed. Traces were also found at the Mill pub in the city, which like Zizzi remains closed. In a statement, Zizzi said it was “shocked and saddened by the events” and its priority was to ensure the wellbeing of its staff and customers. Diners at its Salisbury branch with concerns are being urged to call 0345 6022698.

The advice to wash clothing and disinfect items such as mobile phones applies to anyone in either venue between 13:30 GMT on Sunday 4 March to closing time on Monday. Prof Dame Sally Davies, the chief medical officer for England, said the advice was a “belt and braces” measure, adding: “I am confident none of these customers or staff will have suffered harm.” Some Salisbury residents have voiced concern that the instructions were not given sooner. Steve Cooper, who was at the Mill pub with his wife, told the BBC he was “outraged”, adding: “I’d like to know what are the long-term implications to me and my wife.” Former chief medical officer for England, Sir Liam Donaldson, said he had been a “little surprised that the communication with the public has been in such general terms and slow to get off the ground... in a situation when there are so many unknowns about the risk”. Military personnel continued to assist police in Salisbury over the weekend, and removed vehicles including an ambulance. On Sunday, up to 500 Salisbury pub-goers and diners were told to wash their possessions as a More than 250 counter-terrorism police are involved in the investigation, which so far has yielded 200 pieces of evidence and more than 240 witnesses. Meanwhile, a father-of-three from Salisbury who breached the cordon around the bench where Mr Skripal and his daughter was found and swore at and assaulted police has been jailed for 16 weeks. Jamie Knight, 30, who pleaded guilty to assault, criminal damage and racially aggravated public disorder, was said to have been drunk when he shouted out abusive remarks about Russians, Swindon Magistrates’ Court was told.

Hubert de Givenchy, French fashion icon, dies at 91

rench fashion designer Hubert de Givenchy, who created famous looks for Audrey Hepburn, Grace Kelly and Jackie Kennedy, has died at the age of 91. His partner Philippe Venet, a former haute couture designer, confirmed the news to the AFP news agency. “It is with huge sadness that we inform you that Hubert Taffin de Givenchy has died,” he said via the fashion house. The designer’s nephews and nieces, and their children, share Mr Venet’s grief, his statement added. Givenchy was perhaps most famous for creating the iconic “little black dress” worn by Audrey Hepburn in the opening scene of Breakfast at Tiffany’s. “It was... an enormous help to know that I looked the part... Then the rest wasn’t so tough anymore. Givenchy’s lovely simple clothes [gave me] the feeling of being whoever I played...,” Hepburn previously said of the designer. The friendship between Givenchy and Hepburn endured for 40 years, and helped cement his place in fashion - and cinema - history. She became his muse, and he

This Givenchy coat was made for Jacqueline Kennedy in 1959 designed her suits and woollen dresses for the musical Funny Face in 1957, and the lighthearted heist caper How to Steal a Million in 1966. Givenchy came from an aristocratic background, and worked alongside the then unknown Pierre Balmain and Christian Dior after World War Two. He was employed by the avant-garde designer Elsa Schiaparelli before leaving to found his own fashion house in 1952. There he introduced the concept of “separates” blouse, skirt, jacket and trouser combinations that could be mixed and matched.

Designer Hubert de Givenchy, pictured with the model Iman in 2002, was a giant of French fashion

‘The most aristocratic of French designers’ Hubert de Givenchy was the most aristocratic of French designers, renowned for his own personal elegance and impeccable manners. He was born into a noble French family, and destined initially for the law. But at the end of World War Two, he persuaded his family to let him pursue his passion for clothes. Fame came in the 1950s, and for three decades, he dressed some of the most beautiful women in the world. He’s credited with introducing the notion of separates to give women greater freedom to choose, and with being one of the

first clothes designers to create his own perfume. In 1988, he sold his fashion house to the luxury brand LVMH, and a few years later he retired to a life of comfortable discretion. He came from a world of fashion which he acknowledged has now all but disappeared - an age of elegance, where clothes were created out of a unique personal relationship between client and couturier. The designer, who stood at a towering 1.98m (6ft 6in), won instant acclaim for his first collection. “These dresses remind you of that first, best, glass of champagne,” one admiring British fashion writer declared.

He swiftly ventured into menswear, and moved to New York to consolidate his success. There his celebrity customers included US First Lady Jacqueline Kennedy, who wore one of his designs to President John F Kennedy’s funeral in 1963. Screen legend Grace Kelly, who would become princess of Monaco, was another famous client. In 1970, Givenchy branched out into furnishing fabrics, and designed interiors for hotels and even a Ford Continental car. His fashion house’s enduring popularity was clear on this year’s Oscars red carpet, where Black Panther actor Chadwick Boseman wore custom Givenchy, and Wonder Woman’s Gal Gadot chose a gown from the label’s 2018 Haute Couture collection. “Hubert de Givenchy was a symbol of Parisian elegance for more than half a century,” his label said on Monday. French business magnate Bernard Arnault, head of the luxury goods company LVMH which now owns Givenchy, called the designer “one of the creators who put Paris at the summit of world fashion in the 1950s”. Source: BBC

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

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Outrage as Ugandan MP Ethiopian military kills nine E says ‘beat your wife A

Ugandan MP has been told to apologise to victims of domestic violence after saying men should “beat” their wives. Onesimus Twinamasiko said on Ugandan television channel NTV “as a man, you need to discipline your wife. “You need to touch her a bit, you tackle her, beat her somehow to really streamline her.” His words have met with strong criticism from social media users, with one leading women’s rights group in Uganda saying he should seek therapy. “Mr Twinamasiko should make a public apology to all women who have experienced violence,” Diana Kagere of the Center for Domestic Violence Prevention (CEDOVIP) told the BBC. “He should do the honourable thing

and withdraw that statement. It’s really a shock that a member of parliament would justify violence in any way. This is about crime.” More than one in five women aged 15-49 have experienced domestic or sexual violence in Uganda, according to a government report published last year. Social media users were quick to react to a short clip circulating online, originally shared by an NTV journalist: In an interview with BBC Focus on Africa, Mr Twinamasiko attempted to clarify his comments with reference to his own marriage, saying: “I don’t mean beatings which cause injuries or death - but a slap - I would feel fine! Because it’s calling me to order. We would sit down and sort it out. “I was slapped once by my wife and

it was OK with me, because we sorted out our differences. I also slapped her once. She had wronged me.” But Ms Kagere said that Mr Twinamasiko’s attitude was damaging. “We believe there is no violent solution whatsoever. You never know how far a slap can go.” She says there are other ways to resolve conflict, including “time out, speaking out and finding amicable solutions. “As a couple they can go for couple’s counselling,” Ms Kagere says regarding the violence the MP describes in his own marriage. “Many men... their own inner pride stops them from seeking our services, but we want to encourage them that it’s OK to reach out for support in this matter.

Tillerson arrives in Nigeria for whistle-stop tour

he US Secretary of State Rex Tillerson has landed in Nigeria for what has become a flying visit. Mr Tillerson arrived in Abuja on Monday afternoon, having already made a brief stop in Chad after leaving Kenya this morning. Mr Tillerson had originally been meant to spend the night in Nigeria before flying home, but has cut short his visit. His staff said he had to return to Washington in order to deal with urgent matters back home. However, he has made an impression. In Chad, for example, he revealed the US was thinking about lifting a travel ban imposed by his boss, Donald Trump. Mr Tillerson praised the steps the US ally had made in strengthening control over its security and passports, according to news agency Reuters. “These steps I think are going to allow us to begin to normalise the travel relationship with Chad,” he told reporters.

thiopian military has opened an investigation after nine civilians were killed and 12 others injured during an operation against rebels in Moyale border town with Kenya, state media reported on Sunday. Several soldiers have been suspended over the incident, the military said. The Ethiopian News Agency said that the soldiers were deployed to the town in the Oromia region to pursue Oromo Liberation Front (OLF) fighters who had crossed into Ethiopia from three locations. OLF is a secessionist group which the government has

Six children die in Mozambique boat accident

ix children - five of them from the same family - have died when a fishing boat overturned close to a Mozambican tourist resort. According to the privatelyowned television, STV, the vessel went under in bad weather on its way to Vilankulos town from the island of Magaruke in the Indian Ocean. The maritime authorities

Rex Tillerson, right, with Nigeria’s Foreign Minister Olukunle Bamgbose

igerians are reacting in shock after it was revealed each senator is given a budget of close to $40,000 (£29,000) a month to be used on expenses of their own choice. The money is on top of a salary of more than $2,000 a month - not to mention a yearly constituency budget of $5.5m. Nigeria’s minimum wage, meanwhile, is just $50 a month. Senator Shehu Sani, a governing party politician who

revealed the figures, is calling for the scrapping of the payments, saying they were a key reason why many people went into politics. Civil society groups in Nigeria have welcomed his decision to reveal how much they were receiving each month. Meanwhile, on social media everyday Nigerians - who, up until now, had little hope of discovering the financial arrangements of their MPs - are venting their anger:

Ghana ‘to ban’ shisha

Mr Tillerson with Chad’s Foreign Minister Mahamat Zene Cherif

hana is set to ban the smoking of water-pipe tobacco, commonly known as shisha, by the middle

According to Mr Kwitega, 333 schoolgirls became pregnant in his district - of whom 81 were still in primary school - in 2016 and 2017. But instead of suggesting better education may be the best way to reduce the numbers in future, Mr Kwitega revealed his frustration lay

with the police. “Despite reporting the matter to the police, no legal action is taken against a majority of the students,” he said. Last year, Tanzania’s President John Magufuli said teen mums should not be allowed to return to school.

A law passed in 2002 allows for the expulsion of pregnant schoolgirls, justifying the decision on the grounds the girls had committed “offences against morality” and “wedlock”. Men who get the girls pregnant face a possible 30 years behind bar, Mr Magufuli has also warned.

Malema rejects ANC recall

ulius Malema, the firebrand leader of South Africa’s Economic Freedom Fighters (EFF), has scoffed at an invitation by President Cyril Ramaphosa to rejoin the ruling party.

in the southern Mozambican province of Inhambane say the boat was carrying 20 people at the time. The local maritime authorities blamed bad weather for the accident. Accidents are common on Mozambique’s rivers, lakes and sea waters, with most due to bad weather or overloading.

Shock as Nigerian senators pay outs revealed

Police must deal with pregnant schoolgirls, says Tanzanian official n official in Tanzania has called for a police crackdown against pregnant schoolgirls. Arusha Regional Administrative Secretary Richard Kwitega told The Citizen newspaper the authorities were not doing enough about rising pregnancy rates.

branded a terrorist organisation. Ethiopia has been experiencing anti-government protests since 2016, mostly in the Oromia and Amhara region, where residents say they are being marginalised. Ethiopia’s parliament voted in February to impose a six-month nationwide state of emergency. The ruling Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front is currently engaging in talks to choose a leader to replace Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn, who resigned last month. Mr Hailemariam said he resigned to allow reforms that “would lead to sustainable peace and democracy”.

In a tweet, he referred to the African National Congress (ANC) as “thing”, calling it “dead”: He was expelled from the party, where he had been the head of the national youth

league, in 2012. President Ramaphosa had said during a voter’s drive that he would love to see Mr Malema return to the party and that “he [Malema] is still ANC down, deep in his heart”,

eNCA reports. Mr Malema has been a vocal critic of ANC and was especially a thorn in the side of former President Jacob Zuma. Source: BBC

of this year, a health official has said, Citifmonline reports. According to the website, Divine Darlington, from the health ministry,says research by the Ghana Health Service had shown one puff from shisha tube was the equivalent of a whole cigarette. He said the research revealed the rate of smoking shisha and e-cigarettes among young people has shot up to 5.3%, higher than the traditional use of tobacco which stands at 2.8%, Citifmonline reports. . Kenya’s health ministry banned shisha in December, citing health concerns. Its health ministry said that violators of the ban would be held liable for a minimum fine of $490 (£346) or imprisonment of up to six months. Tanzania and Rwanda have also banned shisha.

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

A SI A

Kathmandu airport crash: 49 dead as US-Bangla plane veers off runway

The plane reportedly hit a fence before touching down and crashing

plane carrying 71 passengers and crew has crashed on landing at Nepal’s Kathmandu airport, killing 49 people, according to police. Rescuers pulled bodies from the charred wreckage of the plane, operated by Bangladeshi airline US-Bangla, after a raging fire was put out. The airline has blamed air traffic control, but the Nepali authorities say the plane made an “unusual” landing. Flight BS211 veered off the runway while landing on Monday afternoon. One survivor who managed to break through a window says the aircraft gave a violent shake, followed by a bang. Offering his condolences, Nepalese Prime Minister KP Sharma Oli promised an immediate investigation. Nepal has a poor air safety record. Twenty-two people are being treated in hospital for injuries, police

spokesperson Manoj Neupane told the BBC’s Nepali service. He said eight people earlier reported to be missing are now presumed dead by the authorities. The plane, which was flying from the Bangladeshi capital Dhaka, was a Bombardier Dash 8 Q400 turboprop and was 17 years old. How did the disaster unfold? The plane landed at 14:20 local time (08:35 GMT), according to flight tracking website FlightRadar24. “The aircraft was permitted to land from the southern side of the runway flying over Koteshwor, but it landed from the northern side,” Sanjiv Gautam, director general of the Civil Aviation Authority of Nepal, was quoted as saying by the Kathmandu Post. “We are yet to ascertain the reason behind the unusual landing.”

A survivor said the plane had begun to behave strangely as it approached Kathmandu However, US-Bangla Airlines violently and there was a loud bang chief executive Imran Asif has blamed afterwards,” he was quoted as saying by Kathmandu air traffic control. the Kathmandu Post. “There were wrong directions from “I was seated near the window and the tower. Our pilot was not at fault,” he was able to break out of the window,” told reporters at his office in Dhaka. he added. Airport general manager Raj “I have no recollection after I got Kumar Chettri told Reuters news out of the plane, someone took me agency that the plane hit the airport to Sinamangal Hospital, and from fence before touching ground. there my friends brought me to Norvic The pilot told flight controllers [Hospital]. I have injuries to my head that everything was OK soon before and legs, but I am fortunate that I landing, but did not reply when told his alignment was not correct, he said. One of the survivors, Nepalese travel agent Basanta Bohora, described from his hospital bed what he had experienced. After a normal take-off from Dhaka, the plane had begun to behave strangely as it approached Kathmandu, t least nine trekkers have trek to celebrate international he said. died in a forest fire in the women’s day with her friends. She “All of a sudden the plane shook southern Indian state of was rescued after she walked for more than a mile in the forest with Tamil Nadu, officials say. Authorities say they have her injuries, her husband Stalin rescued 21 people from the Shankar told BBC Tamil. “She was saved only because of Kurangini hills - a popular trekking destination - where the fire broke her will power,” doctors said. Another of those rescued, out on Sunday. Many of those injured have Vijayalakshmi, told BBC Tamil suffered severe burns and are that she had a “lucky escape”. “We were on the hill trail of the minutes after taking off the jet receiving treatment at a nearby Chennai trekking club and some rapidly gained altitude and then state hospital. The military was deployed of us were caught in the fires,” she dropped more than 3,050m (10,000ft) before disappearing off to help with rescue efforts after said. “I also got burned, but luckily the state government asked for we were able to escape.” the radar. Civilians from the area had also The Isan news agency cited assistance. Six people are still believed to been assisting in rescue efforts, Iranian civil aviation officials as local media said. saying the pilot had requested to fly be trapped in the blaze. The injured have been taken “It has been difficult to at a lower altitude due to technical rescue people since the incident to the closest government hospital problems. On Sunday afternoon, they occurred in the night and there in Madurai city and plastic boarded the jet belonging to are landslides in the region,” surgeons will provide treatment Huseyin Basaran’s company, senior official Pallavi Baldev told free of cost, state health secretary J Radhakrishnan told BBC Tamil’s reporters. Basaran “But the medical team is Pramila Krishnan. Kord, about 370km (230 miles) The trek was organised by a rushing to provide first aid to those south of Tehran. club in the state capital Chennai Photos of the scene of the crash already rescued.” One of those rescued, Illakiya (formerly Madras) and had begun published on Monday showed the wreckage of the plane spread over Chandran, 29, had been on the on 9 March. a mountainside. It also cited a local Red Crescent official, Reza Zaheri, as saying that all 11 bodies had been recovered from the scene after a 15-hour operation that involved 80 people. Turkey’s ministry of transport said it would send a team of investigators to the scene. The crash comes less than a month after a passenger plane operated by Iran’s Aseman Airlines crashed in the Zagros Mountains en route from Tehran to Yasuj, killing all 66 people on board. A witness told state television that the jet was on fire before it District Collector Pallavi Baldev talking to survivors and their families. crashed near the city of Shahr-e

Iran plane crash: Turkish business heiress ‘dies after UAE hen party’

Mina Basaran was reportedly on the board of Turkey’s Basaran Investment Holding ll 11 people who were on Irna cited an official as saying that board a private Turkish the aircraft’s “black boxes” had been jet that crashed in south- recovered. Mina Basaran, 28, flew to the western Iran on Sunday are dead, UAE with her friends last week for Iranian state media report. The jet was flying from Sharjah a hen party. She had been posting photos of in the United Arab Emirates to Istanbul when it came down in the their trip on her Instagram account, which has more than 65,000 Zagros Mountains. It had eight passengers, who followers. The last picture, which Turkish media identified as Mina was posted on Saturday, showed Basaran, the daughter of Turkish eight women posing in pink and businessman Huseyin Basaran, and white bath robes at a Dubai hotel. Investment Holding, at Sharjah seven of her friends. They had reportedly visited the International Airport. The two UAE to celebrate her forthcoming pilots and one flight attendant were also women, Turkish media said. marriage. Data from the FlightRadar24 The cause of the crash is not yet known, but Iran’s state news agency website shows that about 80

survived.” What do we know of the casualties? The plane was carrying 67 passengers and four crew. It is now known that 33 of the passengers were Nepalis, 32 were Bangladeshi, one was Chinese and one was from the Maldives. Among the 22 people injured, some are in a critical condition. Does Nepal have a bad aviation safety record? Its airline companies are banned from flying within the European Union. There have been many aviation incidents in Nepal but this is the deadliest since a Pakistan International Airlines plane crashed on approach in September 1992, killing all 167 on board. Earlier that same year, a Thai Airways plane crashed near the airport, leaving 113 people dead. Pilots say that landing at Kathmandu airport can be challenging because of the mountainous landscape. Recent aviation incidents in Nepal include: • February 2016: Twentythree people were killed when a small passenger plane crashed in mountainous western Nepal • March 2015: Lucky escape for passengers after plane skids off runway in fog in Kathmandu • February 2014: Bodies of all 18 people recovered after small plane crashes in western Nepal • September 2012: Plane heading for Everest region crashes on the outskirts of Kathmandu, killing all 19 on board

Nine trekkers dead in India Tamil Nadu forest fire

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

PAGE 25

Feature

A one-man rescue mission in Vietnam War

ick Swanson first went to Vietnam as a war photographer. James Jeffrey tells the story of Swanson’s return - on a rescue mission for his 12 Vietnamese family members. When American photojournalist Dick Swanson first set eyes on local reporter Germaine Loc in Saigon in 1966, he thought she was beautiful, but she seemed aloof, too busy for a relationship. She thought he looked like a scruffy hippie. Despite that shaky start, they got to know each other better during the 1968 Tet Offensive, when the People’s Army of Vietnam and the Viet Cong launched multiple attacks catching South Vietnamese cities by surprise. “We worked well together, almost as equals,” Swanson says. “After seeing me work in the field she seemed to respect me. What had it taken to impress a woman like this, to whom fighting was as normal as going to the office?” They married in South Vietnam in 1969 before moving back to the US in 1971, so Swanson could resume his career at Life Magazine’s Washington bureau. Germaine knew her family was strong they’d fled the communists in 1954 and felt safe in Saigon. But as the war raged on, she asked her new husband, would he rescue them if South Vietnam fell? “I said of course I would,” Swanson remembers. By early 1975 it was clear that time was running out. On 21 April, South Vietnam’s president resigned, amid reports of evacuations. It was time for the Swansons to launch their own rescue mission. On 26 April, Dick Swanson arrived on the last civilian plane landing in Saigon after a 26-hour flight via Los Angeles, Honolulu, Guam and Hong Kong. He was alone, having persuaded Germaine that it was safer if he travelled without her. “I didn’t have much of a plan,” he says. “But the situation was so chaotic a plan wouldn’t have been much good.” He met the extended family - 12 in all - at his mother-in-law’s Saigon home, as North Vietnamese mortar rounds exploded in the distance. The main hurdle was getting the family into the US air base, past security guards who were unpredictable and reluctant to admit Vietnamese. Germaine’s sister, Gabrielle, who was married to a colonel in the South Vietnamese air force, had the idea of calling the base to demand an official army truck pick them up the next morning during the curfew. With its military markings the vehicle would be let through, while Swanson, in order not to draw attention, travelled separately and met them at the base the next day. Dick got the chance to call Germaine to give her updates, but back in Washington, she struggled to keep busy, taking walks, cooking and watching television to distract herself. He awoke on 27 April to a city teetering on the brink. Saigon’s roads were cut off by invading soldiers, the sounds of missile explosions were getting closer. Stores were being abandoned and looted. Swanson found the family at the base, but they still needed proper exit papers. He was the only one who had them. The photographer ran to the US embassy’s temporary office on the base and pretended to have come to interview the man in charge for a

A photograph by Dick Swanson of a squad of men on a patrol in Vietnam in 1969

A photo by Dick Swanson of a deforestation mission outside the city of Ben Suc in Vietnam in 1966.

On the evacuation flight in 1975

When American photojournalist Dick Swanson first set eyes on local reporter Germaine Loc in Saigon in 1966, he thought she was beautiful, but she seemed aloof, too busy for a relationship. She thought he looked like a scruffy hippie. Despite that shaky start, they got to know each other better during the 1968 Tet Offensive, when the People’s Army of Vietnam and the Viet Cong launched multiple attacks catching South Vietnamese cities by surprise.

Life Magazine article. After the “interview”, he gingerly mentioned exit papers and how he was trying to get his entire family out. The man nodded but said he could do nothing, before pointing out the papers and the stamp, while saying he was going to the toilet. After stamping the papers, Swanson gathered the family and rushed them across the runway to US Air Force Evacuation Flight 202, headed for Guam. But South Vietnamese army officials were checking passengers for draft-age men - like Germaine’s brothers. So Germaine’s mother pretended to be ill to distract them, while the brothers kept their heads down and boarded the plane. As they took off, Swanson saw thousands of South Vietnamese standing outside the fence surrounding the runway, looking for planes that weren’t coming. The family was riding the last fixed-wing military plane out of the country. After arriving in California at a military base, the family faced three months of quarantine for unspecified health reasons. But Swanson said he “raised hell in front of the world’s press”, many of whom he knew, and “they kicked us off base”. As they left, a Marine officer who spoke Vietnamese wished them prosperity and a long life in the US. Friends from the Washington-area neighbourhood where the Swansons lived rallied to help, including President Gerald Ford’s chief of staff, Donald Rumsfeld, who offered his basement, and CIA director William Colby’s wife, who called to say she had two spare bedrooms. Having family already settled in the US also helped in finding work. At various points during its 20-year history, all of Germaine’s family members held jobs at her renowned Washington restaurant, Germaine’s, which she started after her Vietnamese cooking classes became wildly popular. Eventually the extended family spread across the US, finding love and moving to successful jobs. “From 12 refugee members of my family, we now have an additional 14 children, who went on to have 15 children themselves, with of course more to come,” Germaine Swanson says. Now in their eighties, the Swansons take life at a slower pace. Dick Swanson says he now considers his role as a photojournalist in the war “neither selfish nor altruistic”. “I grew into photojournalism in a healthy way for the most part,” Swanson says. “I attribute that health to early recognition of what I was doing and that I was not inflicting the pain, a process that Germaine helped me with.” Both Dick and Germaine have since returned to visit a changed Vietnam. “Vietnam is booming,” says Ms Swanson. “They build resorts, villas, hotels, shopping centres that go on and on, it never stops.” Despite all the economic development, none of the 12 that fled returned to live there. “They consider themselves as Americans,” she says. “My brothers and sisters left Vietnam where they were young and don’t have any regrets.” Source: BBC

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

PAGE 26

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National grammar sch. Nike, 1991set alumni 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. KING MOHAMMED O. ADAH 2. KING ODEH MOHAMMED 3. OCHACHO MOHAMMED ADAH 4. RAMATU MOHAMMED ADAH 5. MARIAM AJUNA MOHAMMED ADAH THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO ASSIST THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY . ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : BARR . TUNDE FALOLA

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. NWANKWO VERONICA NEBECHI 2. NWACHUKWU CHIJIOKE VIVIAN - SECRETARY 3. NWANKWO FRANK CHIEKEZIE - CHAIRMAN 4. NWANKWO NWAMAKA CHIAMAKA 5. USEN-NYOYOKO UJU HOPE 6. OPARA- NESTOR AMUCHE MARY JANE THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. To provide free education to destitute and vulnerable children in the society. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : 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) Joe Tochukwu ifeanacho. (2) Nwagu chinweuba Samuel, (3) Nwabunwanne chukwunwe. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To promote the welfare of the members of the association. 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

PAGE 27

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

PUBLIC NOTICE

TESTIMONY OF CHRIST PROPHETIC MINISTRY

NIGERIAN STUDENTS’ AND YOUTHS’ ASSOCIATION FOR DEVELOPMENT

CHRIST UNSEARCHABLE POWER APOSTOLIC 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.

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1)Mr Adebiyi Samson Olugbemiga 2)Mr Adebayo Lukman Adesola 3)Mrs Oyeyipo Florence Olufunke 4)Mr Oladitan Temitope Festus 5)Mr Olajinmi James 6)Mr Adetunji Adeshina Azeez 7)Mr Ajibade John Adewale 8)Mr Adenekan Sunday John THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ amongst the mankind. 2. To foster love, peace and Unity amongst the members and the general public. 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. AKA IFEANYI GIDEON 2. EKENTA OBIAJULU FOSTER 3. SHETIMA DAN AZUMI 4. NWANKWO MICHAEL C 5. ARUKWE ONUOHA NNANNA 6. MUHAMMAD MUHAMMAD USMAN THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO EMPOWER THE YOUTH AND STUDENTS THROUGH SKILL ACQUISITION. 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

STRATEGIC IDEAL DEVELOPMENT FOR AFRICA INITIATIVE

MBEN DEVELOPMENT AND EDUCATIONAL SUPPORT FOUNDATION

GOD OF ALL SAINTS PROPHETIC MINISTRY

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. TONY NNAJI O. 2. CHIKEZIE NNAJI O. AIM: TO SPREAD THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST THEAIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD JESUS CHRIST. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.CHIOMA ANNETTE OSUJI 2.ODINAKACHI AHANONU 3.DR.NAWANI ABOKI

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. MECHA UDO 2. BARR. EME KALU EKPU -

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO PROMOTE GOOD GOVERNANCE AND DEVELOPMENT AT GRASSROOT LEVEL. 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.

PRESIDENT SECRETARY

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO HELP IN THE COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT OF OHAOFIA 2. TO GIVE SCHOLARSHIP TO THE LESS PRIVILEGED. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : Chimdindu Onyedim 07061840398

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. EZELIORA NWAKAEGO FLORENCE CHAIRMAN 2. EZE EMMANUEL SUNDAY SECRETARY THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To propagate the gospel of Jesus Christ. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : TRUSTEES

SIGNED : BARR. EME KALU EKPU ESQ 08039549931

SIGNED : SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

BANDIRAKU FULBE YOUTH DEVELOPMENT ASSOCIATION

IGBO TRADITIONAL RULERS FORUM

IGBOAMAKA ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1) ILOMUANYA CLETUS IKECHUKWU - Chairman 2) NWAFOR EPHRAIM SOPULUCHUKWU - Secretary 3) NWOSU GIBSON NWABUEZE - Member 4) ONYEKWULUJE KRIS CHINEDU - Member 5) MBAKWE JOSIAH NZENWATA - Member 6) NWATU OGBU FIDELIS - Member 7) NZEKWE KELLY NKELI

THE TRUSTEES ARE : (1) NWAORGU FRANKLIN OZIOMA (2) UDEGBULEM BENJAMIN CHUKWUNARU (3) PAUL NGENE OKAFOR (4) ONYEGBULA BENJAMIN OGBONNA (5) NJOKU REGINALD SUNNY

Aim and Objective: 1. To foster Peace, Love and unity among members. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY

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 : 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. Abbas Jaafaru Julde - Chairman 2. Adamu Ahmad Bunkau- Secretary 3. Idris Saidu Adamu- Member. THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To promote peaceful co-existence among Fulani people all over Nigeria as well as their neighbours. 2. To preserve and promote Fulani socio-cultural heritage particularly the Fulani language, customs and values. 3. To facilitate full integration of the Fulani Nomads into the National life and education by way of public enlightenments and synergy with all relevant stakeholders in the educational system in Nigeria towards making education more affordable and accessible to the Fulani Nomads. 4. To meaningfully engage all stakeholders including Government Agencies, non-governmental organization (NGOs) and religious bodies towards providing humanitarian services to victims of violent conflicts in Nigeria. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY

LOSS OF DOCUMENT

PUBLIC NOTICE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC OF THE LOSS OF ORIGINAL DOCUMENTS IN RESPECT OF PLOT NUMBER 2771.CADASTRAL ZONE AO4, DATED 04/07/03. WITH NEW FILE NUMBER NG 10570 AND RIGHT OF OCCUPANCY, PLOT NO. 2771 WITHIN ASOKORO EXT. IV, MEASURING 2,500M SQUARE, A LOCATION OF PLOT NO. 14 MF WITHIN BAZANGO DISTRICT, BELONGING TO AISHATU H. BADEGGI IN POSSESSION OF HER LAWYER ABDULLAHI ABDULMUMEEN DURO. Got MISSING, IF FOUND PLEASE RETURN TO THE NEAREST POLICE STATION. GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CHRIST GOSPEL APOSTOLIC CHURCH. CAC/IT/ NO. 629

DIASPORA CANCER AND TRAUMA CENTER

change of name

this space is for sale

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REMOVAL AND ADDITION OF TRUSTEE (S) UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. APOSTLE PAUL OLADEJO OKEDOYIN - REMOVED 2. APOSTLE SAMSON ADEBAYO AFOLABI 3. APOSTLE EZEKIEL OYEDELE 4. PASTOR & EVANG. DAVID OLANIYI WOJUOLA 5. PASTOR & PROPHET DANIEL OLAYIWOLA OKEDOYIN 6. PASTOR FESTUS FOLORUNSO ADEDIRAN 7. PASTOR TIMOTHY OLADEPO ADENIYI THE NEW TRUSTEE : 1. PASTOR JOSHUA OLUSEYI ADEJOMO THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY

THE TRUSTEES ARE : (1) NWOBODO KINGSMAN OBINNA (2) LILIAN EZIAMAKA REMOND (3) UGWUOKE NNAMDI JOSEPH (4) BINTU OKEKE RAISA THE aim and objective : TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF ITS MEMBERS. 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.

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

PAGE 28

CLASSIFIED MUSTAPHA

AISHIDA

I FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS AYIWDEOLASUNBO MUSTAPHA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MUSTAPHA ISIAKA OLASUNBO. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. FCTA, AGIS AND GENERAL PUBLIC NOTE.

I, formerly known as MOFE-AISHIDA Arese Stephanie now wish to be known and addressed as AISHIDA, Agharese Stephanie. All former documents remain valid. all Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

ADAMU I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ADAMS JOSEPH. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ADAMU JOSEPH. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. all Authorities

concerned and the general public should please take note.

YILLA’A I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS YILLA’A SATI GOKUM. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS YILLA’A YUSUF JOHN. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. all

Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

NASIRU I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS NASIRU HASSAN. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS NASIRU HASSAN BALA AND MY CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH IS 12-12-1994. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. all Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

usman I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS usman shafiu shaaibu. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS usman shafiu. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. all Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

OGUEZE I, FORMERLY KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS KPADOBI ONYINYECHI IFEYINWA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS OGUEZE ONYINYECHI IFEYINWA. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

ELIZABETH I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ELIZABETH EZINNE ONYEAGOCHA. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ELIZABETH EZINNE OGBUEFI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE. CYNTHIA I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS CYNTHIA AKPORYERINBORE ODEDE. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS CYNTHIA AKPOYERINMO-ERE TORRU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE. MOGBOJURI I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS OGUNBODEDE OLUWAKEMI OMOLABAKE . NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MOGBOJURI ADEMOLA OLUWAKEMI OMOLABAKE . ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MOHAMMED I FORMERLY KNOWN AS MOHAMMED ZIMBAD OMAR BUT NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS MOHAMMED AUWAL OMAR. FORMER DOCUMENTS SHOULD REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

EZE Oluchi I FORMERLY KNOWN AS EZEH Bennedth Oluchi BUT NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS EZE Oluchi Blessing before date of birth 01-10-1987 now is 09-91984. FORMER DOCUMENTS SHOULD REMAIN VALID. THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE KONG’S MISSION INTERNATIONAL THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REMOVAL AND ADDITION OF TRUSTEE (S) UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. REV HENRY OKPAYI - CHAIRMAN 2. OMARI OKPAYI TINA (MRS) 3 AHINYOHE JUSTICE OKPAYI -SECRETARY THE aim and objective : TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD 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.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE COURT OF APPEAL ABUJA JUDICIAL DIVISION HOLDING AT ABUJA SUIT NO. FCT/HC/CV/1788/2015 APPEAL NO. CA/A/488/M/2016. BETWEEN : FIRST BANK PLC .... APPELLANT (S) AND MRS. THERESA MADUAKOR & ANOR..... RESPONDENTS (S) HEARING NOTICE TAKE NOTE THAT THE ABOVE MENTIONED MOTION, APPEAL /JUDGEMENT HAS BEEN LISTED FOR HEARING BEFORE THE COURT OF APPEAL ABUJA SITTING AT 3 ARMS ZONE, P.M.B 322, CENTRAL DISTRICT, CADASTRAL ZONE. COURT OF APPEAL COMPLEX ON THURSDAY THE 15TH DAY OF MARCH THE YEAR 2018 AT 9 O’CLOCK IN THE MORNING. DATED AT ABUJA THIS 9TH DAY OF MARCH 2018. TO THE 2ND RESPONDENT MR. EPHRAIM FEDERAL CAPITAL TERRITORY ABUJA.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE COURT OF APPEAL IN THE ABUJA JUDICIAL DIVISION HOLDEN AT ABUJA SUIT NO: F.C.T/HC/CV/1788/2015 APPEAL NO: CA/A/488/M/16 BETWEEN: FIRST BANK PLC........ APPELLANT AND MRS. THERESA MADAUAKOR............ RESPONDENT MR. EPHRAIM........... RESPONDENT APPELLANTS’ BRIEF OF ARGUMENT. Dated the 6th day March 2017. Settled by: Eko Ejembi Eko Esq. MCIArb. PP: Oakfield Consulting Chambers. (Appellant /Applicant’s Counsel), Suite 102, Chatti Plaza, Garki II, Abuja

SIGNED : SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

WAKE UP FOR SOCIAL RESPONSIBILITY INITIATIVE

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REMOVAL AND ADDITION OF TRUSTEE (S) UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. UMAR HANYA 2 LADI SMITH 3 OLAYINKA MORUFAT NOLA THE aim and objective : TO PROMOTE SOCIAL AND CIVIL ENGAGEMENT AMONG YOUTHS. 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.

PUBLIC NOTICE IN THE COURT OF APPEAL. IN THE ABUJA JUDICIAL DIVISION. HOLDEN AT ABUJA SUIT NO: FCT/HC/CV/1788/2015 APPEAL NO: CA/ 217B/16 BETWEEN: FIRST BANK NIGERIA PLC........... APPELLANT AND 1. MRS. THERESA MADAUAKOR 2. MR EPHRAIM ...............RESPONDENTS NOTICE OF APPEAL TAKE NOTICE that the appellant being dissatisfied with the decision of the FCT High Court 2, Maitama, Coram Honourable Justice Salisu Garba, delivered on 31st day of May, 2016 do hereby appeal to the Court of Appeal upon the grounds set out in paragraph 3 and will at the hearing of the appeal seek the reliefs set out in paragraph 4. TAKE FURTHER NOTICE that the names and addresses of the persons affected by this appeal are those set out in paragraph 5. 2. PART OF THE DECISION APPEALED AGAINST: The appeal is against the judgement /ruling of the Court in the garnishee proceedings. 3. GROUNDS OF APPEAL:

SIGNED : SECRETARY

Timothy

elias

PUBLIC NOTICE

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Sangogade Kunmi Aderemi. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Timothy Oluwakunmi Aderemi. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS prince collins elias. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS elias collins oguamalam. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

CIVIL APPEAL FROM F. C. T. HIGH COURT TO COURT OF APPEAL ABUJA. APEAL NO: CA/D/488/2016 FIRST BANK NIGERIA PLC.............. APPELLANT VS. 1. MRS. THERESA MADAUAKOR 2. MR. EPHRAIM............ RESPONDENTS RECORD OF APPEAL (CIVIL) FROM: F. C. T. HIGH COURT ABUJA TO: COURT OF APEAL (ABUJA DIVISION) TRIAL JUDGE: HON. JUSTICE SALISU GARBA APPEAL AGAINST : JUDGEMENT DATE: 31ST DAY OF MAY, 2016.

Timothy Damola

Bilyaminu

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Akinola Christiana Damola. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS Timothy Damola Christiana. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, formerly known as Bilyaminu Abdullahi Now wish to be known and addressed as Bilyaminu Abdullahi liman. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

ASJOHNSON

Usman

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS OKEREKE NKECHIYERE. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN ASJOHNSON AKINWALE NKECHI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Usman Mohammed Makura Now wish to be known and addressed Usman Mohammed Maikurata. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

PAGE 29

PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

Digest

Slim down, stress less and sleep better! How 5:2 diet guru Dr Michael Mosley plans to tackle Britain’s health problems with new exercise plan By Barney Calman

s Dr Michael Mosley the ultimate renaissance man? Doctor, television presenter, bestselling author and diet expert. An intellectual and polymath, he read politics, philosophy and economics at Oxford, went into banking, got bored with that – so trained in medicine and then took a job at the BBC, where he has devoted himself wholeheartedly to discovering the secrets to healthy living, with astonishing success. Even if you are not aware of Dr Michael Mosley, you will probably know of his work. Heard friends or colleagues talking about trying a weight-loss plan that involves cutting your calories on only two days of the week, and eating normally for the rest of the time? That was him, and his 5:2 diet. What about high-intensity exercise, which means working out for just three minutes a day? Dr Mosley again, with his Fast Exercise plan. Reversing diabetes with diet rather than simply controlling it with drugs? Thanks to Dr Mosley, you – and more importantly your GP – might well know about that too. With his simple, authoritative and easy-to-follow advice, he has enabled millions to lead healthier, more fulfilling lives. Now he will be sharing those secrets with you. Starting next week, exclusively in The Mail on Sunday, is Dr Michael Mosley’s Life Plan, in which, every week, he will be revealing the pioneering science that will help keep you healthier, fitter and feeling fabulous, and sharing his encyclopaedic knowledge of modern medicine, along with his lust for learning new ways to live better. His first instalment is a four-week plan that will help you get the best sleep of your life. Do you want to live longer, feel calmer and happier, get fitter with the least effort and stay free of diseases like diabetes, heart disease and

cancer? Dr Mosley has a hotline to scientists across the globe who may just have the answer. Ever wondered if cholesterolbusting statins really work? Or if you should take aspirin? Do you worry whether butter is bad for you, and what about sugar? Dr Mosley has spoken to leading experts. And – as has become his trademark – he has probably tried out the theories himself, on camera for shows such as the BBC’s Horizon. Mainstream medicine seems to be forever playing catch-up with Dr Mosley, who has built a career on being the first to sniff out cutting edge research. I meet him in the kitchen of his home in Buckinghamshire, where he has lived for the past 18 years with his GP wife Clare Bailey and their four children aged between 19 and 27. Michael is 61 this month, which is slightly unbelievable. He’s in great shape. ‘What can you do about ageing? You can wear decent clothes, but I’ve never been that interested. To be honest, it’s Clare who buys my clothes.’ Recently, his focus has been on type 2 diabetes – the blood sugar disease now revealed to be at almost epidemic proportions, with 3.7 million sufferers in Britain alone. The illness is of personal interest to Dr Mosley. His father, Bill, developed the disease in his 50s and died aged 74 from complications including heart failure and dementia. Back in 2012, when Dr Mosley was 55, tests revealed that he too had the disease, which can cause blindness, and can lead to amputations and kidney failure. It was this bad news that led him towards the first of his lifetransforming breakthroughs. ‘I thought it was interesting, but I was never going to do that in the long term. But I suggested we film a follow-up, and that’s when I

Even if you are not aware of Dr Michael Mosley, you will probably know of his work

came across the research going on in Chicago, California and Maryland which suggested you could get the same benefits by doing this kind of diet intermittently, rather than all the time.’ ‘I’d read Dieting Makes You Fat by Geoffrey Cannon, which was hugely influential. And I’d seen my dad struggle with a whole load of bonkers diets – the low-fat diet, the Atkins, and something called the Drinking

Man’s Diet. He’d never succeeded. But intermittent fasting seemed to really work.’ The method Dr Mosley tried, fasting by consuming just 600 calories for two days of the week and eating normally for the rest of the time, was a spectacular success. He lost more than 20 lb, and his blood sugar went into the normal, non-diabetic range. It’s still there. Source: Dailymail.com

PUBLIC NOTICE

IBRAHIM

KWANKWASO YOUTH TRAINING CENTER

GIFT OF GOSPEL GRACE PRISON MINISTRY INT’L

I, formerly known as IBRAHIM SULEIMAN now wish to be known and addressed as IBRAHIM SULEIMAN AGYO my correct Date of birth is 30th January, 1994. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

This is to notify the general public that the above named, has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission for Registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Act 1990 THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Ezebuilo Ifeoma Ada 2. Chinemere Ginika esq 3. Egbeneye Omolayo 4. Abubakar Nuruddeen 5. Dalhatu Ahmed 6. Ibeneme Ebelechukwu AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1.To train youths on various skills acquisition Any objection to this registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, Maitama Abuja within 28 days of this publication. SIGNED: SECRETARY

THIS IS TO INFORM THE GENERAL PUBLIC THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION (CAC), ABUJA FOR REMOVAL AND ADDITION OF TRUSTEE (S) UNDER PART ‘C’ OF COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990. THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1)John Kanyinebi Nwawuogor President 2. Mary Osemenkhian Omoregie - Vice President 3. Kanyinebi Nwawuogor Ben - Secretary. 4. Peace Kanyinebi- Nwawuogor - member THE aim and objective : TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF OUR LORD 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. SIGNED : PRESENTER UCHOHWO O. SHADRACH PRINCIPAL PARTNER SHUDY ADVOCATE 08066175757

nafisa I, formerly known as Nafisa sani, now wish to be known and addressed as nafisa abubakar. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

sahabi I, formerly known as danjuma Muhammed ikara now wish to be known and addressed as sahabi sani . All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

PEOPLES DAILY

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tuesday, march 13, 2018

League players in action during match

‘Synthetic pitches are old-fashioned’ -Rohr tells NPFL

uper Eagles’ coach Gernot Rohr on Sunday in Lagos expressed his preference for Nigeria Professional Football League (NPFL) matches to be played more on grass pitch stadiums. Rohr spoke after the NPFL Match Day 12 fixture between Lagos-based MFM FC and Heartland FC of Owerri at Agege Stadium. The coach said while he was impressed with the standard of the league he believed it would be improved more if games were played on grass as against synthetic pitches. “I am here to see MFM FC play once again after the CAF Champions League fixture which they won. I am also here to see the other team, Heartland FC. “What I also noticed is that the league is being played on synthetic pitches. That is old-fashioned because the sun is not favourable playing on such turf. “Synthetic pitches are hot during the sun and it is not the best for the players,’’

he said. Rohr said he would like to see other players outside the ones he had shortlisted for the upcoming Super Eagles’ matches, so as to see their level of commitment and play. “I am not here to see those players on my list, but discover more players and to see the level of the league, which is better for me. “I want to see those that are doing better and to discover other teams. This is where I can watch the team play because there are no NPFL clubs playing in Abuja. “The level of the league is interesting and I must commend the teams for their good spirit, though none of the players are in my list,’’ he said. MFM FC had defeated Heartland FC 3-0, with goals from Stanley Okorom (8th minute), Chuka Uwaga (88th minute) and Tchato Giscard (92nd minute).

NFF celebrates “hardworking” Abdulahi

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PEOPLES DAILY, tuesday, march 13, 2018

NFF celebrates “hardworking” Abdulahi By Amaechi Agbo

he Nigeria Football Federation, NFF, has celebrated Super Eagles defender, Shehu Abdulahi who marked his birthday yesterday. Celebrating the Bursaspor defendaer in its official Twitter account, the NFF described the Sokoto born defender as a hardworking player and wished him well. “Happy birthday to hardworking right back Shehu. Have a good one,” the Tweet read. Shehu Abdulahi was born in Sokoto State on 12 March 1993. He played with the Flying Eagles in 2012/13, played U23

Shehu Abdulahi

(Dream Team) in 2014/16 and joined the Super Eagles in 2014 under late coach Stephen Keshi during the CHAN tournament in which Nigeria won bronze. He started his professional career with Kano Pillars of Kano and had gone on to play for different clubs abroad In July 2014, Abdullahi moved from Kano Pillars to Kuwaiti Premier League side Qadsia SC in a deal worth $480,000, of which Abdullahi received $330,000 and Kano Pillars $150,000. He later joined newly promoted Primeira Liga side C.F. União on a two-year deal.Anorthosis Famagusta On 2 September 2016, Shehu joined Cypriot side Anorthosis Famagusta

on a two-year deal worth for the 20% of the player re-sale fee in other European club. In January 2014, Senior team coach Stephen Keshi, invited him to be a part of the Nigeria national football team squad for the 2014 African Nations Championship. He helped the team to a third-place finish after Nigeria beat Zimbabwe by a goal to nil. He was selected by Nigeria for their 35-man provisional squad for the 2016 Summer Olympics. Shehu Abdulahi currently plays for Turkish side, Bursaspor and wears jersy number 25

Serbia v Nigeria: Matic, Ivanovic top Krstajic’s lists of invited players

Bala to replace Obuh as new coach at Kwara United

Abubakar Bala ormer Niger Tornadoes tactician, Abubakar Bala, is set to take over as the head coach of Kwara United, according to report. Coach Bala, it is understood, has agreed personal terms with the Harmony Boys to replace John Obuh in the dugout. The report further claims that discussions with Bala have been fruitful and that he would be named soon. The report quoted an unnamed source as saying “Kwara United are in talks with an experienced coach in the person of Coach Bala to manage the team out of relegation waters and maintain their stand in the top flight. “Discussions have been fruitful so far and we hope to have him in charge of our team on Wednesday.” Recall that Coach Bala was axed on the eve of the season after guiding Niger Tornados to the 2017 Aiteo Cup final in Lagos. The Harmony Boys have endured a poor start in the Nigeria Professional Football League, with just three wins from eleven games and are at the base of the log with 11 points. Last week, news broke that Coach Obuh was sacked but the coach and the club issued disclaimers to the report. John Sam Obuh has managed several clubs in Nigeria including Kwara United, Sharks F.C of Port Harcourt, Enugu Rangers and one-time Golden Eagles coach (2010 to 2013). He was in charge of Nigeria’s under-17 team during the 2009 FIFA U-17 World Cup after leaving Kwara United due to a payment dispute. Obuh was appointed manager of Kwara United on 16 January 2016.

Nemanja Matic By Amaechi Agbo

anchester United midfield player, Nemanja Matic and former Chelsea defender, Branislav Ivanovic, are among top stars Serbian coach, Mladen Krstajic has invited ahead of the Russia 2018 World Cup warm up match against the Super Eagles of Nigeria in two weeks’ time. The coach of the senior national team of Serbia released the list of players who will be in action when they take on Nigeria in a friendly game later this month in Barnet yesterday. Head coach Mladen Krstajic named Manchester United midfielder Nemanja Matic in the squad which was released earlier today ahead of the March 27th game. The list consists of three goalkeepers, ten defenders, nine midfielders and two forwards lead by Fulham forward Aleksandar Mitrovic with Aleksandar Prijovic of PAOK Salonica, the other forward named in the squad. Former Chelsea defender Branislav

Ivanovic who now plays for Russian side Zenith St. Petersburg tops the list of defenders which also has Dusan Basta of Lazio and Roma defender Aleksandar Kolarov, who was once on the books of English Premier League leaders Manchester City. Bar Matic, Southampton midfielder Dusan Tadic was also listed alongside the likes of Sergei Milinkovic-Savic of Lazio, Adem Ljajic of Torino and on loan Liverpool midfielder Marko Grujic who is with Cardiff City temporarily. The home of English League Two club, Barnet FC will host the Super Eagles of Nigeria’s first warm-up friendly game ahead of the FIFA World Cup in Russia against Serbia. Both countries qualified for the World Cup after topping their respective groups in their various confederations and will use the match as a preparatory game. Nigeria and Serbia will be officially facing each other for the first time, with the previous fixture between both nations being also a pre-World Cup friendly in 1998 in Belgrade which was won 3-0

by the hosts, who were then known as Yugoslavia. The match will take place at the 5,176 capacity Hive Stadium at Edgware, England, on Thursday, 27 March by 8pm Nigerian time. Serbian Squard: Goalkeepers: Vladimir Stojkovic (Partizan), Predrag Rajkovic (Maccabi), Marko Dmitrovic (Eibar); Defenders: Branislav Ivanovic (Zenit), Antonio Rukavina (Villarreal), Dusan Basta (Lazio), Nikola Maksimovic (Spartak Moscow), Vujadin Savic (Red Star), Matija Nastasic (Schalke), Dusko Tosic (Besiktas), Milos Veljkovic ), Aleksandar Kolarov (Roma), Ivan Obradovic (Anderlecht) Midfielders: Nemanja Matic (Manchester United), Luka Milivojevic (Kristal Palas), Sergei Milinkovic-Savic (Lazio), Adem Ljajic (Torino), Mijat Gacinovic (Eintracht), Marko Grujic (Cardiff), Dusan Tadic (Southampton), Filip Kostic (Hamburg), Andrija Zivkovic (Benfica) Forwards: Aleksandar Mitrovic (Fulham), Aleksandar Prijovic (PAOK)

QUOTABLE QUOTE

. . . putting the people first

tuesday, march 13, 2018

“PDP lacks internal democracy and that has been the party’s greatest challenge and may end up being its undoing. We tried to correct them, we tried to put them on the path of sanity, but they refused. Let me say this, no political party can bring the desired change when the internal democracy is tampered with, because you can’t build something on nothing.”

—Former Minister of Education, Prof Tunde Adeniran on why he left PDP

SPORTS Adieu, ex Gov, Aliyu Akwe Doma latest

Djokovic crashes out at Indian Wells

ovak Djokovic crashed out of the India Wells following a shock defeat by world number 109 Taro Daniel of Japan as he was knocked out of the BNP Paribas Open The 30-year-old lost 7-6 (7-3) 4-6 6-1 in the second-round tie on his first appearance since an injury ended his Australian Open challenge in January. The defeat was just the fifth time in the past decade former world number one Djokovic has lost against a player outside the top 100 players in the world. Daniel was victorious after two hours and 30 minutes, and benefitted from 61 unforced errors from Djokovic, who has won 12 Grand Slam singles titles. Elsewhere, world number one Roger Federer booked his place in the third round with a 6-3 7-6 (8-6) victory over Argentina’s Federico Delbonis.

AC Milan ponders Wilshere move

C Milan are plotting a move for Arsenal and England midfielder Jack Wilshere contract runs out in the summer, and is no closer to agreeing a new deal, with both parties refusing to budge on a suggested 25 per cent pay cut. Arsenal wants to reduce Wilshere’s current salary of £120,000, but Wilshere is not prepared to accept the £90,000 on offer. That has put Milan on red alert, as well as fellow Serie A sides Juventus and Sampdoria who are also keen on the England international. The 26-year-old impressed in the Europa League first leg tie between Arsenal and Milan. Wilshere made a glittering start in Arsenal jersey before going a run of chronic injuries that nearly ruined his football career. Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi

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espite the fact that physical death is a certainty for all human beings on earth, it still comes to most of us as a shock, notwithstanding the circumstance of the passing on – whether through sudden death or after a long confinement due to ill health. And that was the case with the former governor of Nasarawa State, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma who bears the title, ‘Maduchin Doma’. He superintended over affairs of Nasarawa State as its second democratically elected governor from May, 29, 2007 to May 28. 2011. He is the second governor of Nasarawa State to pass on since it was carved out from old Plateau State, the first being the very first military administrator of the state who took over the reins of office from its birth in 1996, Wing Commander Ibrahim Abdullahi. There are at the moment two other governors of Nasarawa State still very much alive today, Alhaji Akwe Doma’s predecessor and successor respectively. They are Alhaji Abdullahi Adamu (Sarki Yakin Keffi), the first democratically elected governor of the state and who is also currently the senator representing Nasarawa West district and incumbent Governor Umar Tanko Al-makura who is eying the Nasarawa South senatorial seat upon completion of his tenure in May, 2019. Alhaji Akwe Doma was originally of the All Nigeria Peoples Party (ANPP) and had in fact contested against Senator Adamu for the governorship and lost. The Sarki Yakin Keffi, an astute politician, wooed him to the then Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) and made him win the party’s primary election that enabled him become the PDP’s governorship flag bearer for the 2007 election. Of course this elicited protests from some of Senator Adamu’s political associates – his then cabinet members et al – who argued that his (Adamu’s) legacy would be better served by picking one of his commissioners, an insider and younger person to succeed him rather than Akwe Doma who was largely considered an outsider and an elderly person. Indeed the protests got to the ears of then President Olusegun Obasanjo whereupon the concerned parties were summoned to the villa for a parley. And one of

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tuesDAY Column by

VICTORIA NGOZI IKEANO vikeano@yahoo.co.uk 08033077519 the other things his opponents complained about to Obasanjo as I gathered bordered on religion and ethnicism which I will rather not talk about in this write up. Anyway, Senator Adamu as the then incumbent governor campaigned vigorously for Akwe Doma as the PDP’s candidate. He did most of the talking at the campaign rallies that were held across length and breadth of the state’s 13 local government areas, introducing him to the crowd while the flag bearer himself spoke little. And the PDP and its candidate won the election, making Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma, the second democratically elected governor of Nasarawa State. But then incumbent Governor Doma could not return for a second and final tenure as he was defeated by the now sitting governor, Alhaji Umar Tanko Al-makura. The late Alhaji Akwe Doma like all governors left his own legacy in Nasarawa State, among which is the Federal University, Lafia which was established during his time. Reacting to his demise, the Nasarawa State government in a six paragraph statement signed by Secretary to the State Government, Mohammed Hassan Abdullahi said, “This is to inform the general public that in the late hours of Tuesday, 6th March, 2018 we received with shock and sense of bereavement but with total submission to the Will of Almighty Allah, the death of our father, His Excellency, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma, OON, (Maduchin Doma) the former Governor of Nasarawa State which sad event occurred in

“

Israel on Tuesday, 6th March, 2018 after a protracted illness. The death of Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma is a monumental loss, not only to Doma’s family, Doma traditional council but to all people of Nasarawa State and, indeed, Nigeria at large … During his reign as Governor, he transformed the state to the next level of development through his 13-Point Agenda that encapsulated various areas of socio-economic development. These included Agriculture, Education, Health, Urban Development, Rural Development, Industrialization, Economic Empowerment, Security, Tourism, Solid Mineral Exploration, Civil Service ReOrganization, Housing and Cultural Re-orientation. His legacies as a dynamic leader and astute politician exemplified pragmatism, modesty, integrity, accountability, humility, dedication and commitment to the service of the people of Nasarawa State and humanity at large. He would continue to be remembered by these virtues which have written his name in the sand of history. As we continue to mourn this gem we pray that Almighty Allah will grant the gentle soul of His Excellency, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma Al-jannatul Firdaus”. His predecessor, Senator Adamu also wished him Al-jannatul Firdaus. Former Nasarawa state deputy governor and also former Information Minister, Hon. Labaran Maku said of him, “Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma OON will be indelible in the history books of this country

This is to inform the general public that in the late hours of Tuesday, 6th March, 2018 we received with shock and sense of bereavement but with total submission to the Will of Almighty Allah, the death of our father, His Excellency, Alhaji Aliyu Akwe Doma, OON, (Maduchin Doma) the former Governor of Nasarawa State which sad event occurred in Israel on Tuesday, 6th March, 2018 after a protracted illness

and Nasarawa State for his exemplary statesmanship and patriotic sacrifices devoid of any parochial interest or agenda. In my early days I followed his track of sacrifice and commitment as Deputy Governor of the then (old) Plateau State towards a better Nigeria and Nasarawa State”. The State’s Attorney-General and Commissioner of Justice, Yusuf Shehu Usman gives a personal witness thus, “I knew and interacted with the late Aliyu Doma on many occasions since he was in the civil service of Plateau and I bear testimony that he was a man of honour, respect and integrity. He did his best as governor and he positively touched many lives. No human being is perfect and perfection belongs only to the Almighty. Aliyu Doma in his life time like any other human being had his faults, committed his mistakes and stepped on some toes knowingly and unknowingly. Today he is no more. We hope those he might have offended will have the largeness of heart to forgive him and pray for the repose of his soul”. In this connection I must say that I used to have a ‘personal grudge’ against the former governor. In fact sometime last year I had a strong urge to go meet him and pour out my mind to him so to speak. But somehow, my phone calls to him hardly got through and when they did, they were answered by his aides who promised to get back to me but never did. Now that he is gone, I have to expunge that from my heart. We do not speak ill of the dead in our culture. May he be guided to the luminous kingdom of the Almighty GOD.

DAN GAYE

You are marginalizing us – Opposition parties tell Gov. Yari

They want invitation to ‘come and chop’!

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