Friday, February 16, 2018 Edition

Friday, February 16, 2018/ Jumadal Awwal 29, 1439AH AH

Vol. 28 No. 30 N150

1401 Days after

We are committed to change, Buhari insists >>>page 2

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. . . putting the people first

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

Fire scare in Senate chamber disrupts plenary

>>>page 5

APC faction queries El-Rufai, suspends aide, Uba Sani, others

page 5

It’s all sham, laughable says Kaduna gov.

L-R: Minister of State for Aviation Hadi Sirika; Chief of Air Staff; Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar; Kaduna State Governor Malam Nasir El-Rufai; President Muhammadu Buhari; Minister of Defence Mohammed Dan Ali, and Minister of Science and Technology Ogbonaya Onu, during the Unveiling and Induction Ceremony of Tsaigumi Unmanned Aerial Vehicle, at the Nigerian Air Force Base, yesterday in Kaduna.

42 killed in Cyril Ramaphosa replaces Zuma Reps probe fresh Zamfara as S/Africa president, vows to NEMA over attack N19.4bn fraud tackle corruption pAGE 3

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PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

News CONTENTS News 2-14 Editorial Op.Ed

11 12-13

Politics 15-17 Business Metro

19-20 21

President Muhammadu Buhari (right) and Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina state shortly after the arrival of the President at the Umaru Musa Yar’adua International Airport yesterday in Katsina

World Analysis 22 Africa News

23

World News

24

We are committed to change, Buhari insists From Femi Oyelolakaduna

P Insecurity: Examining a consensus on state police Page 4

Sports

25-26

Feature

27

Back Page

32

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resident Muhammadu Buhari yesterday reiterated the commitment and determination of his administration to bring about the desired change for the country.

President Buhari, who stated this at the induction ceremony of the first indigenous Unmanned Aerial Vehicle (UAV) ‘TSAIGUMI’ held at the Nigerian Air Force (NAF) base Kaduna said, “Government remains determined, despite numerous challenges to bring about the muchneeded CHANGE that will lift our beloved nation to its rightful place as a major economic and political force on the world stage.

He said the successful launching of the UAV was a proof that his administration is interested in development of local contents not only in the military, but across other sectors of the economy.

The President, who spoke extensively on the UAV expressed his satisfaction with efforts of current leadership of NAF saying, the significance of the milestone of national technological development cannot be over-estimated.

According to him, the world is witnessing an ever increasing surge in the employment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicles in military operations because, while standard air weapons such as missiles, fighters and bombers work against well-defined targets

like conventional enemy forces or installations, they are not as useful in today’s complex wars that are fought against adversaries who are often hidden amongst innocent populations or in locations similarly sensitive or difficult to strike by normal conventional means.

“Unmanned Aerial Vehicle can loiter and maintain an ‘‘unblinking stare’’ over a chosen area for hours.

Thanks to the ability to ‘‘watch and wait’’, its operator, often miles away, can provide a continuous stream of vital information on enemy activities and if the platform is weaponised, it patiently chooses the best moment to engage.

“Thus the employment of Unmanned Aerial Vehicle capabilities for intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance and where possible, strike operations significantly increases the chances of success while minimising unwanted collateral damage.

“As I outlined in my New Year Day broadcast to the nation, this administration has designed series of key projects to dramatically overhaul national infrastructure and overcome the deficit in that vital area.

“Let me once more commend the gallant men and women of the Nigerian Armed Forces and other security agencies, for their tireless efforts towards defeating Boko Haram and all other threats to our nation’s security, thus ensuring that the government can proceed with

its developmental activity without hindrance.

“From the military perspective, the added capacity for Intelligence, Surveillance and Reconnaissance provided by the TSAIGUMI will boost ongoing and future security operations. As this project moves into the next stage, which is mass production, it would create employment and possibly generate revenue as Nigeria’s first military export product.

“We remain determined to overcome all challenges to our security and development as a nation. I enjoin all well-meaning Nigerians to join hands with us to make our collective dreams of greatness a reality”, he urged.

Earlier, Chief of Air Staff (CAS), Air Marshal Sadique Baba Abubakar said, the desire to have battle space dominance and awareness has increased especially with the increasing complexity of contemporary security challenges and the moral burden that has been placed on professional Armed Forces to conduct military operations with precision and minimum collateral damage.

He said, that was why the need for capacity development in the area of UAVs and other scientific and technological innovations has been foremost in his mind since he assumed the leadership of the Air Force.

“I therefore consider research and development as a fundamental enabler of capacity building,

hence ‘strategic partnerships with MDAs for enhanced research and development’ features as one of the key drivers of my vision. what we are doing in the NAF in terms of promotion of R&D is in line with the STI policy.

“NAF will continue to support mechanisms to harness, promote, commercialise and diffuse locally developed technologies for the production of globally competitive goods and services that intensively utilise Nigeria’s raw materials not only for the NAF and by extension the Nigerian Armed Forces but also for national development”, he added.

The CAS however highlighted some of the physical and performance parameters of the TSAIGUMI including wing span of 5.16 metres and a maximum takeoff mass of 95kg, Electro-Optic/ Infra-Red (EO/IR) camera system while its engine runs on a 50:1 MOGAS/Oil mixture.

It requires only 300 metres of runway for operation, with a mission range of 100km, a service ceiling at 15,000 feet and operational endurance of about 10 hours. The performance parameters and operational characteristics, would make this platform a critical component of NAF ISR architecture.

Consequently, the UAV would be mass produced and employed in theatres of operations across the country, added the CAS.

Police arrest man with fake N1m currency notes in Gombe

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he Police Command in Gombe have arrested one, Abbas Abdullahi, 32, in possession of fake N1,000 currency notes totaling N1 million.

The Police Commissioner in the state, ShinaOlukolu, disclosed this while briefing journalists in Gombe on Thursday.

“The man was arrested with about N1 million fake currency notes and I advise members of the public, market men and women to be careful in the way they deal with customers.

“Before you embark on any transaction, you should cross check the currency and ensure it

is genuine,” Mr. Olukolu said.

He also called on residents of the state to cooperate with the security agencies to ensure protection of lives and property.

The suspect, Abbas Abdullahi, said he was a spiritualist and that he hailed from Taraba.

Mr. Abdullahi said he obtained

the fake currency notes from a friend in Abuja with the intention of using his spiritual powers to change them to genuine ones, but that he could not succeed as luck ran out on him.

He said that he was arrested while trying to buy a cell phone in Gombe.(NAN)

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PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

News

Peace Corps office’ll be unsealed in 7 days -Police

By Christiana Ekpa Abuja

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he Nigeria Police yesterday appealed to the National Commandant of Peace Corps of Nigeria, Amb Dickson Akoh and members of the Civil Society Organizations to give them seven days for the unsealing of it National office located at number 57, IyaAbubakar Crescent, opposite Jabi Lake, Jabi Abuja The House of Representatives had on Tuesday ordered the Peace Corps of Nigeria to immediately take possession of their office which has been under siege by the Police since February 28th 2017.

The order was given on Tuesday, by the House Committee on Public Petitions, during the investigative hearing involving the IGP, the AGF, the Minister of Interior, Minister of Youths and Sports Development, the National Commandant of Peace Corps of Nigeria, Amb (Dr.) Dickson Akoh and members of the Civil Society Organizations.

Recall that, the Coalition of Civil Society Organizations for Justice and Equity had on 25th January 2018, petitioned the House, accusing the IGP of flagrantly disobeying subsisting court orders in favour of the Peace Corps, making the House to mandate its committee on public petitions to interface between the parties concerned.

At the public hearing on Tuesday, the Peace Corps Boss, Akoh, told the committee that his organisation had secured 12 court judgements against the Police from various courts of competent jurisdictions, stressing the most recent judgements by Justice Gabriel Kolawole on the 9th November 2017 and Justice John Tsoho on 15th January 2018, asking the Police to vacate his office.

Akoh affirmed that, the office of the AGF had written 5 different letters to the office of the IGP, advising that outstanding judgements in favour of the Peace Corps be obeyed, “but the IGP always pays deaf ears to the advice”.

However, the officers of the Nigeria Police on Thursday stormed the national office of the Peace Corps of Nigeria located at Jabi, Abuja, to prevent the corps from taking possession of the office.

The Police arrived in 5 Hilux Vans with Anti-Riot shields and other weapons.

But the Peace Corps said it came in peace and bare hands.

National Commandant Akoh told journalists that the Corps was only obeying the court orders and the directive of the House of Representatives.

However, the Police after seeing the determination of the PCN members to continue staying at the National Office resolved to persuasion means of handling the issue.

The Police Commissioner for Federal Capital Territory (FCT) Command, Sadiq Bello who put the call through to the PCN Commandant appealed to him for a change to do the right thing.

The spoke persons of the coalition Edward Omaga said, the organization is only giving the police that 7 days grace adding that, the coalition is expecting them to open the office in the next seven days.

News Editor, Ese Awhotu

42 killed in fresh Zamfara attack From Ibrahim SidiMuh’d Gusau

A

t least 42 people were killed while scores were fatally wounded when unidentified gunmen attacked Birane village in ZurmiLocal Government Area of Zamfara state.

A resident of Zurmi simply identified as Muhammad Bello told newsmen that, the dangerous group which carried out the attack on Wednesday, ambushed and attacked a truck loaded with women and children who left Birane village around 5:00pm to attend a wedding ceremony in a neghbouring village.

According to him, they slaughtered them all including the driver and set up the helpless corpses ablaze.

He further narrated that, a wife and three children from Zurmi town who arrived the scene on a commercial motorcycle were nowhere to be found, while the dead body of the Okada man who conveyed them was later discovered.

“Although, there was a report that the gunmen would launch an attack on the village but nobody knew when, our attention was just drawn by some people who retired from bush and witnessed the incidence, even before

we reached the scene, all the women and children on board were dead, while the gunmen proceeded to the market with sporadic shots on busy marketers”.

Another eyewitness accounted said that, “They asked all the women in the truck to come down after they already slaughtered the driver, they slaughtered them one after the other and reloaded the corpses back on the truck and set them ablaze”.

Contacted for comment, the state Police Public Relations Officer, DSP Shehu Muhammad confirmed the incident, adding that,

members of the vigilante group in partnership with local hunters had earlier launched an attack on the camp of armed bandits down the bush where many were killed in a fire trade.

“The Command has not ascertained the figure of casualties yet, but is working closely with sister agencies to ensure law and order are maintained, and that nobody is expected to take the law into his or her hands as there are competent agencies established to face and control situations of this nature, a joint task force have already been deployed to the area,” he said.

R-L: Chairman, House Committee on Tertiary Education, Hon. Aminu Suleiman, Minister of Education, Malam Adamu Adamu and the Executive Secretary, National Board for Technical Education (NBTE), Ma’sud Kazaure, during the official flag –off of Nigerian Education Skill Qualification framework, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Justin Imo-Owo

Reps want FG to make hypertension test compulsory

By Umar Puma

T

Muhammad

he House of Representatives has asked the Federal Ministry of Health and its Agencies to make the checking of hypertension compulsory to curtail the increasing deaths in Nigeria The House also urged federal government to include hypertension and related diseases in the existing programmes like HIV at the primary health care level.

In a motion sponsored

by Rep. Joseph Edionwele (Edo-PDP), expressed concern over the rising rate of sudden deaths as a result of cause (s) attributed to Hypertension and related diseases in the Country, and

the high proportion of the Nigerian populace afflicted by this disease.

He also said that one of the primary purpose of Government was to ensure the security, health and well-being of its citizens as provided in section 17(3)(c) of the 1999 Constitution.

“Informed by the latest medical survey on heart failure and hypertension in Nigeria which revealed that hypertension accounts for 44 per cent of sudden deaths or in lesser cases paralysis of the victims.”

Edionwele expressed worry that lack of awareness on the silent killer diseases when not diagnosed and or untreated was the major cause of heart attack, stroke and related effects on Nigerians and the attributed

increasing death rate.

“The problem which is said to occur in 30-45 per cent of adult population over the age 40 in Nigeria is becoming so worrisome that if the trend is not checked on time it may become endemic.

“Considering the age bracket of persons at risk which constitutes the active population, this is a potential threat to National development, since the greatest resource of any nation is its human resource.

“Also worried that according to the survey, global mortality due to hypertension is highest in Africa where Nigeria is having a sizeable number thereof and that this condition is more prevalent in men who most often are

the bread winners of their families.

“Patients died due to inability to buy their drugs and in other cases lack of awareness,” he said.

The motion was unanimously adopted by members when it was put to a voice vote by the Speaker, MrYakubuDogara.

The House therefore, urged the Ministry of Health and the National Orientation Agency to, as a matter of National public importance, carry out a sensitization campaign on the awareness of this silent killer disease.

The motion was referred to the Committee on Healthcare Services, Health Institutions and Information and National Orientation, Ethics and Values for further legislative inputs.

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PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

Villascope

with Lawrence Olaoye e-mail: lawrenceolaoye8@gmail.com Text: 08036236703 (SMS only)

Insecurity: Examining a consensus on state police

President Muhammadu Buhari

S

ince 1999, there have been fierce debates for the decentralization of the nation’s policing system to allow for the establishment of state cops that would be charged with the responsibility of providing security at the local level.

Every attempt to get the constitution amended to pave way for the establishment of state police in the past had met the brick walls until recently when there appeared to be a consensus on its inevitability considering the reality of pervasive insecurity across the country.

Incidences of armed robberies, kidnappings, assassination, insurgencies and lately herders/farmers clashes leading to untimely death of innocent Nigerians have made the people in authority to begin to have a rethink on the imperatives of decentralization of the nation’s police architecture.

The long overdue overhaul in the nation’s police system in relation to the prevailing security reality was adumbrated by no less a person than the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, who recently, at a security summit organized by the Senate in Abuja, pointed out that “We cannot realistically police a country the size of Nigeria centrally from Abuja. State police and other community policing methods are clearly the way to go.

“The nature of our security challenges are complex and known. Securing Nigeria’s over 900,000sq km and its 180 million people requires far more men and material than we have at the moment.

“It also requires a continuous reengineering of our security architecture and strategy. This has to be a dynamic process.

For a country of our size to meet the ‘one policeman to 400 persons’ prescribed by the United Nations would require triple our current police force; far more funding of the police

Inspector General of Police Ibrahim Idris force and far more funding of our military and other security agencies.”

With these words, the Vice President gave an indication of a paradigm shift in the thinking of leaders indicating that the clamour for state police may be close to realization.

Governors, under the aegis of Nigeria Governors Forum (NGF) chaired by Zamfara state governor, Abdulazeez Yari, equally gave its backing to the call for decentralization of the nation’s police.

The NGF had planned to nominate some of their members to interface with the National Assembly on the modalities and legislative framework for the establishment of state police.

Similarly, the Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan, who spoke to State House Correspondents last week also backed the suggestion made by the Vice President adding that going down to having community policing, like in the 60s, won’t be a bad idea.

According to him, this would go a long way in addressing the nation’s security challenges.

Proponents of state and community policing believed that having neighbour-toneighbour policing system would ensure close monitoring of strange faces in the society

with immediate capacity to nip criminality in the bud.

They held that since local men and women would be engaged, there would no hiding place for criminals and men with evil intentions. The menace of ritual killings, kidnapping and insurgencies would surely be addressed by local policemen who are adept in the culture and topography of their local communities.

Observers argued that the Boko Haram insurgents would have been tamed earlier before it metamorphosed into a monster had it been the local men who organised themselves to become the Civilian Joint Task Force (Civilian JTF), an equivalent of community police, had been engaged from the onset.

Members of the Civilian JTF were instrumental to the identification and arrest of of the blood suckers in Maiduguri township before they eventually relocated to Sambisa Forest.

Fighting the insurgents by the military became easier when they have their territory carved out unlike when they were ensconced among their kith and kins with no one ready to give information for their apprehension to the authorities.

The menace of the killer herders could also be stopped

“

by employing local policemen who would identify intruders and men of questionable characters when they begin to gather in their society. Ditto for kidnappers, ritual killers and pipeline busters.

As currently constituted, the central policing system in practice has a defective deployment system. In the spirit of nationalism, officers are deployed to unfamiliar territories where they find it difficult to operate. Sometimes before they acclimatize and get used to their new environments, they get posted out again to begin a new cycle.

Even though state governors have been designated as the Chief Security Officers of their states, this remains an empty appellation in practice as they have no control over those state commissioners deployed in their states.

There have been various instances where state governors, who fell out of favour with federal authorities, are left at the mercies of their commissioners who may decide to be uncooperative in tackling insecurity challenges.

But there have been arguments that decentralizing the Nigeria Police would come with its own challenges. Fears have been raised that doing so

For a country of our size to meet the ‘one policeman to 400 persons’ prescribed by the United Nations would require triple our current police force; far more funding of the police force and far more funding of our military and other security agencies

would make the governors more powerful as they could deploy the local police against their critics and political opponents.

Attorney General the Federation (AGF) and Minister of Justice, Abubakar Malami, had last year at a retreat organised by Southern Senators’ Forum in Calabar on the need for state police raised the fears of overt politicisation of police activities, arms proliferation and bias.

While acknowledging that state police may ensure deeper grassroots penetration and become a veritable means of mass job creation, he however cautioned against likely abuse by governors who would now be transformed into complete mini gods in their respective states.

The minister also raised the fears of possible negative possibility each state police operatives supporting their respective communities in cases of boundary disputes. This, of course could throw communities back into the dark ages of internecine wars among tribes even within the same state.

What to do? Modalities for the operationality of the law setting up the state police should be worked out by the National Assembly. This is where the collaboration between the governors and the lawmakers in the National Assembly would become important.

The federal police should reserve the supervisory roles over the local cops just as the judiciary must be strengthened to adjudicate where their functions overlap. Both state assemblies and judiciary should also act as checks on the excesses of any state governor who may choose to go berserk in the euphoria of his newly acquired power.

Having state police would, doubtlessly, be a fresh approach to the myriads of security challenges facing the country.

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PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

News

APC faction queries El-Rufai, suspends aide, Uba Sani, others • It’s all sham, laughable says Kaduna gov.

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna and Ali Alkali, Abuja

T

here seems to be no end to the crises rocking the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kaduna State, as the Shu’aibu Danladi Wada led faction of the party has suspended two El-Rufai’s aides and gave out query letter to the Governor to reply within 48 hours, failure of which will amount to disciplinary action against him.

The party stated this in a press statement issued at the State Secretariat, located at No.11B, Sambo Road, Kaduna and made available to the media yesterday.

The query letter dated February 15, 2018, signed by the Acting State Chairman, Shuaibu Danladi Wada, and addressed to Governor Nasir El-Rufai with caption: ‘Query and warning Letter on Your Activities and Actions Capable of Eroding the Confidence of Members and Followership of the APC’, reminded the Governor of the importance of discipline and respect for the principles of democratic norms for internal democracy, transparency and level ground as the platform/hallmark of all elections as enshrined in the APC Constitution.

The faction tagged, ‘APC Aspirant Forum’ urged the governor to respond to the query within 48 hours.

The Kaduna APC is currently divided into three factions, after the senator representing Kaduna North, Suleiman Hunkuyi, announced at a function last week that he was no more, ”in the same camp with the governor.”

There is the ‘APC Akida’, chaired

by Tom Mataimaki Mai-Yashi to which Senator Shehu Sani belongs, the ‘APC Restoration’ headed by Tijjani Ramalan and now the APC Aspirant Forum, headed by Mr. Hunkuyi.

The query letter reminded Governor El-rufai of previous written warning served on him, lamenting that it is aware of his recent roles and activities of leadership to the Ward and Local Government Congresses and the Primary elections of the APC leadership to the Local Government Elections, which are not anything transparent or democratic.

“The Party notes with pain, activities of your Government in Kaduna State on the above mentioned issues (Congresses and Primary Elections of the Local Government Council polls) which are capable of destroying the Party base and

creating disharmony, particularly as we stretch towards the 2019 general elections.

“Yourself and your led State Government machinery have for the past few months taken decisions and policy of Government to the limits of leaving the Party leadership at all levels in disbelief, despair and pain.

Some El-Rufa’i’s sins, according to the party, include demolitions of markets, houses and revocation orders he gave “recklessly without recourse to consultation with the Party.”

Other sins of the governor include dashing out party tickets to his cronies and friends for the upcoming Local Government Council Election primaries to who he desires on the ground of what he calls ‘Consensus’.

Lambasting the governor, the letter continues: “The Party is also aware of your pivotal role to assigning your Political Adviser to try to take roles that are specifically for the APC State Working Committee.

“You have also arrogated to yourself the powers of guaranteeing some members of the State House of Assembly and National Assembly their 2019 tickets to contest their seats on the platform of the APC at various meetings without recourse to the relevant provisions of the APC Constitution.

“Having earlier been served with the first warning letter and for which a seven-man disciplinary and fact finding committee was subsequently appointed on 29th December, 2017, as approved by the majority members of the State Working Committee to carry out investigation; and you failed to appear before the committee, you are by this letter required to address and explain why disciplinary actions recommended in the report received on the 3th day of February, 2018 should not be ratified against you by the State Working Committee, as provided for under Article 21(B) (iii) of the APC Constitution.

“Your reply should reach this Secretariat on or before forty eight (48) hours from receiving this letter, considering the State Working Committee is bound to act on the report of the disciplinary and fact finding committee within 14 days, elapsing on 17thFebruary, 2018.”

Some of the members suspended by the Party include: Suleiman Audu Kwari, Commissioner of Finance, Kaduna State; AlhajiYahaya Baba Pate, Assistant

L-R: Executive Director of Dangote Stakeholders Management Corporate Communication, Mr Mansur Ahmed; former Governor of Ogun State, Chief Olusegun Oshoba; Chairman, Police Service Commission, Mr Mike Okiro; IG Ibrahim Idris; representative of Gen. Theophilus Danjuma, Maj.-Gen. Tanko Nuhu; Chairman of the Occasion, Mr Aderemi Makanjuola; Oba of Lagos, Oba Rilwani Akiolu and former Inspector General of Police, Mr. Sunday Ehindero, during the Launch of a book “Security and Justice: The Pathway for Peace and Reconciliation in Nigeria, yesterday in Lagos.

Photo: NAN State Secretary, APC Kaduna State and Mallam Uba Sani, Political Adviser to Governor El-Rufai.

The governor in his response described the query as “sham and laughable”.

Governor El-rufai said he will not be swayed by ”drowning antics”, adding that no one will heed the ”attention-seeking gambits of desperate politicians who have steadily been demystified.”

In a statement signed by his spokesperson, Samuel Aruwan, Mr. El-Rufai called the action ‘rascally’ and described the Senator representing Kaduna North, Suleiman Hunkuyi as the man behind it.

“The government had been made aware of the boastful and pompous claims of Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi, that he will change the leadership of Kaduna State in 2019 by installing himself as Governor. The desperate Senator is seeking a lifeline, in the vain belief that ratcheting up rascally actions will bring him attention and relief from the mooted national reconciliation efforts. ”Senator Hunkuyi has further illegally created a faction, headquartered in his house, as a bargaining chip. This Senator has failed to understand that you cannot create party executives at your whim.

It is the party’s prerogative to consider

appropriate responses to this breach of discipline. But as a government, we view these actions as the needless drama of political traders.

“Hunkuyi has on three previous elections failed to get himself elected as governor. Yet he flaunts false claims that it was him that got Malam Nasir El-Rufai elected in 2015.”

The governor viewed his election into office as governor as a divine mandate, calling on Mr. Hunkuyi to shelve his ambition, ”to become governor at all cost.”

“In 2015, it was God Almighty and the good people of Kaduna State that made Malam El-Rufai Governor and Hunkuyi a Senator. It appears that Hunkuyi has forgotten how his previous attempts to be Governor in 2003, 2007 and 2011 failed miserably. With the Almighty’s gracious help, his association with the El-Rufai brand helped get him elected as senator in 2015.

“It is clear that he can’t be cured of his obsession to be governor of Kaduna State at all cost, whether through betrayal of trust, treachery, or deceit. But should know by now that Kaduna State is not for sale. Ordinary people, including in Hunkuyi’s Kudan local government area, now know that governance can work for them. The era of political traders is over.”

Meanwhile, the acting state publicity

secretary of the party, Tanko Wusono, in a statement, said ”the APC in Kaduna state did not recognize the Suleiman Hunkuyi faction.”

Mr Wusono said the party will not hesitate to punish those behind the formation of the faction(s).

“The attention of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Kaduna State chapter has been drawn to the purported opening of a factional office by the Senator Suleiman Hunkuyi led group of disgruntled elements within the party.

“Accordingly, the party has conducted an interim review of this ‘dastardly’ act hence the use of this medium to warn members of the general public to be wary of the activities of these imposters whose activities and plans are to destroy the goodwill of the party in the state so as to jeopardise the existing peaceful atmosphere in the state.

“We wish to assure our esteemed party members, supporters and admirers that there is no cause for alarm as necessary disciplinary actions will be taken against the culprits in due course just as security agencies across the state have been notified of this treacherous development,” the statement said.

The statement however did not comment on what the party was doing to mend the cracks within its folds.

Fire scare in Senate chamber disrupts plenary

By Ikechukwu Okaforadi and Christiana Ekpa

T

here was fire scare in the Senate yesterday during a maintenance works which resulted in the emission of smokes in the chambers, thereby forcing senators to scamper for safety.

Consequently, the Senate President, Bukola Saraki, quickly led the Senate to adopt the votes and proceedings of the previous day and adjourned plenary to next week to enable the contractors handling the maintenance of the facility in the National Assembly complete their jobs.

Moving for the adjournment of the plenary, the chairman of the Committee on Senate Services, Ibrahim Gobir, said the Senate Chamber was not conducive for the

senators to conduct the business of the day.

“The condition is not very conducive because our chamber is there; yesterday we engaged the contractors working in the Senate.

We believe it is on Saturday that they will be able to finish it. I, therefore, move that we adjourn the sitting till Tuesday next week, I so move,” he concluded.

In his ruling, Saraki said the suggestion being made by the Chairman of Senate Services is germane, admitting that the chamber is not conducive, hence the need to allow the members of the servicing team to finish up their works within the weekend and make the chamber conducive.

However, shortly after the plenary was adjourned over the fire scare, the National Assembly

Clerk, Sani Omolori, including the Clerk of the Senate, Nelson Ayeni, were sighted rushing to the Senate President’s office obviously after they were summoned.

The two clerks had earlier gone to the technical section of the Senate wing of the complex where the electrical faults that resulted into the fire scare had originated, which is at the basement of the Senate chambers.

In another development, there are insinuations that the hasty adjournment of the plenary was a continuation of the tension created by the passing of the 2010 Electoral Act Amendment, which resulted in walkout yesterday in the chamber by ten aggrieved senators.

According to sources in the Senate, many of the aggrieved senators had for armed themselves

with point of orders, determined to create a crisis in the Senate yesterday that will make it difficult for Saraki to preside over the plenary.

Sensing this development, the Senate President quickly adjourned plenary, as an only way to force the aggrieved senators to disperse without being able to implement their plots.

Our correspondents report that almost all the ten senators who had staged walkout in the chamber were seen earlier than usual in the chamber, including those of them who are hardly present on Thursdays.

Some of them are: Abdulahi Adamu (APC, Nasarawa), Abu Ibrahim (AP, Katsina), Ali Wakil (APC, Bauchi), Abdulahi Gumel (APC, Jigawa), Ibrahim Kurfi (APC, Katsina), Abdulahi Abubakar (APC, Kebbi), Andrew Uchendu (APC,

Rivers), Ben Uwajimogu (APC Imo).

Meanwhile, most of the aggrieved senators, including Abu Ibrahim, were sighted by our correspondents converging in the office of the Senate Leader, Ahmed Lawan, apparently in continuation of their plan to oust Saraki and reverse the passage of the amendment to the 2010 Electoral Act. Efforts to get reactions from the aggrieved senators on what next line of action they will take proved abortive as they were not forthcoming to speak with our correspondents.

However, one of the aggrieved senators, Ovie Omor Agege, who had promised to release the list of the 59 senators who the group claimed are against the amendment, could not release the list when contacted as he promised to call back but did not do so as at the time of filing this report.

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

PAGE 6

News Oil price slips below $64

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il slipped below $64 a barrel on Thursday as record U.S. production and rising inventories outweighed a weak dollar and Saudi Arabia’s comments that OPEC and other producers were committed to their pact on cutting supplies.

U.S. crude output hit a record 10.27 million barrels per day, the Energy Information Administration said on Wednesday, making it a bigger producer than Saudi Arabia. U.S. crude and gasoline inventories rose last week, U.S. data showed.

Brent crude LCOc1, the global benchmark, fell 78 cents to$63.58 at 1438 GMT, giving up an earlier gain that had extended Wednesday’s rally. U.S. crude CLc1 dropped 51 cents to $60.09.

“What we have now is a bit of a re-adjustment from the price rise we had yesterday, which was a bit overdone,” said Olivier Jakob, analyst at Petromatrix.

“I don’t think the data was that supportive,” he added, referring to the EIA’s inventory report.

Crude inventories rose by 1.8 million barrels in the week to Feb. 9, the U.S. Energy Information Administration said, an increase that was less than analysts’ forecasts.

Gasoline stocks rose by 3.6 million barrels, more than double the forecast.

Oil had climbed on Wednesday and early on Thursday after Saudi Energy Minister Khalid al-Falih said OPEC would do better to leave the market tight than end the deal on cutting output too soon.

“Khalid al-Falih gave his strongest hint yet that exiting the current supply agreement is unlikely to be on the agenda this year,” said Tamas Varga of oil broker PVM. Under the deal, the Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries agreed to cut output by 1.8 million barrels per day, almost 2 percent of global supply. The cuts started a year ago and will run until the end of 2018.

But the rebound in U.S. production, encouraged by the higher prices delivered by the OPEC-led cuts, is undermining efforts to curb supplies. The EIA expects U.S. production to top 11 million bpd in late 2018, a year earlier than projected last month.

Rising U.S. output also countered support from a weaker dollar, which fell to a 15-month low against the yen. A weaker dollar makes oil and other dollardenominated commodities cheaper for holders of other currencies.(Source: Reuters)

Buhari visits hometown, Daura From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua Katsina

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari, yesterday arrived at the Umaru Musa ‘Yar’adua International Airport, Katsina from where he moved to his home town, Daura in Katsina state on a

private visit.

The Presidential Jet touched down at the International Airport at about 4:33 pm, after exchanging pleasantries with Katsina State top government officials, the President joined an helicopter that conveyed him to Daura.

Although there was no official statement about the visit, but sources indicated that he was in Daura over the death of his two close relatives last week.

Those who received the president on his arrival in Katsina include, the State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari, the Secretary

to the State Government, Alhaji Mustapha Inuwa, Emir of Katsina, Alhaji Abdulmumini Kabir Usman, the state’s Head of Service, Alhaji Garba Sanda Mani, members of the state Executive Council and hundreds of party supporters.

Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr.Ibe Kachikwu, Permanent Secretary, Ministry of Petroleum Resources, Dr. Folashade Esan; Chief Operative Officer,Corporate Services,Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation(NNPC),Mr.Isa Inuwa and Director,Human Resource Management, Ministry of Petroleum Resources Ibrahim Mairiga, during a Press Conference on the Nigerian Investments Petroleum Summit (NIPS), yesterday in Abuja.

Reps c’ttee makes case for domestic tourism devt.

By Abba-Eku Onyeka, Abuja

T

he Chairman, House of Representatives Committee on Tourism, Information and Culture, Hon Ogbeide-Ihama Omiregie, has hailed the Director-General, (DG) Nigerian Tourism Development Corporation (NTDC) for his effort towards developing the sector through domestic tourism.

This was contained in a release from the corporation, which said Omiregie made the commendation at the 2018 budget defense, Hon. OgbeideIhama Omoregie, said the clear-cut vision of the NTDC boss and his focus on domestic tourism would go a long way to correct the anomalies in the tourism sector, this was just as Hon. Omoregie charged the Minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai

Muhammed, to take the campaign for better attention and funding for tourism to the Federal Executive Council meeting, which according to him, will enable to it actualize the progressive plans for the industry.

Hon. Omoregie, who described tourism as a veritable tool for enhancing national unity, generating huge revenue for government, creating jobs and drastically eradicates poverty in the nation, declared the support of the NASS for NTDC. “We will support and partner with NTDC to ensure tourism growth in Nigeria, to explore it’s potentialities in infusing unity among Nigerians, generate good revenue for government, create employment for our people, and put money in their pockets,” Omoregie declared.

Omoregie, however,

disclosed the decision of the House to kick against the sales of the National Theatre, while calling on the Minister of Information and Culture to wade into, and resolve, the internal crisis in the organisation.

The committee then made a case for an intense focus on domestic tourism, saying, “We have to develop our tourism assets, destinations, cultural heritage and festivals.

Mambilla Plateau, Ojude-Oba and National Parks, among innumerable others, are there for us to develop and explore to woo foreign tourists and better the lots of our dear nation good people.”

Folorusho Coker while defending the Corporation’s budget for 2018, described tourism as big business, disclosing his intention to focus on domestic tourism, “to make

the best use of what we have and consume more of Nigeria, while using technology as a pivotal tool.”

While describing global tourism revenues as over $8trillion and employment at over 300million, the NTDC boss revealed that over the years, Nigeria has been fortunate to develop new forms of cultural expression, “like our music, which is huge around the world; our Nollywood is number two in the world; our fashion is simply superb, with our fashion designers competing at international level; our food, our religion enjoy good attention globally.

These show how rich we are in tourism assets. It is now for us to decide what we want and the ingredients needed, then put them together to prepare a sumptuous tourism meal to be enjoyed by our nation.”

Groups endorse community interest projects in Edo By Osaigbovo Benin

A

Iguobaro

Benin-based human rights activist and the leadership of Junior Chamber International (JCI), Benin Metropolitan have agreed to partner on community interest driven projects in Edo state.

The resolution was reached when the President of JCI, Benin Metropolitan Amb. Bevy Efe paid a courtesy visit on the Executive Director, Foundation for Good Governance and Social Justice, Comrade Austin Osakue yesterday in Benin City.

Osakue challenged members of JCI to use their contacts and

name to reach individuals and Corporate organisations in operating in Nigeria to putting money into Community interest projects which could impact rural people either as part of their own Corporate social Responsibility (CSR) or as a way of building a reputable business society.

“Why should I move out here

to thousands of kilometres to look for funds elsewhere to sink a borehole in a Community that has produced millionaires.

“You should mobilise local people and multinationals to fund basic projects in rural Communities”, he said.

Earlier in a remark, President of JCI, Benin Metropolitan Amb.

Bevy Efe, gave a good account of the group, and listed in areas of interventions of the group under his watch.

He revealed that active Citizens has adopted some public schools in the state for renovation and provision of instructional materials.

PAGE 7

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

Police arrest man with fake dollars in Bauchi From Ahmad Bauchi

Mohammed

B

auchi State Police Command has arrested 20 suspects among them one Mustapha Auwalu in possession of seventy three (73) pieces of fake American Dollars, Parading the suspect before newsmen in Bauchi Police Public Relations Officer DSP Kamal Datti Abubakar said the suspect was arrested by Police attached to Gumau Division in Toro Local Government Area of the state Kamal said the suspect confessed that the currencies were fake and is also volunteering useful information that are assisting the Police in the investigation.

He said the command arrested four robbery and kidnapping gang and explained that the gang stormed the residence of one Dr. Abubakar Gambo “m” 40yrs of Liman Katagum of Bauchi LGA robbed him of the cash sum of three hundred and fifty thousand naira (N350,000:00), thereafter kidnapped him to Zungur Forest and kept him hostage for three (3) days before he managed to escaped. The syndicate also robbed one Usman Adamu of his Boxer Motorcycle and other valuables.

The Police spokesman said Following a discreet investigation by the operatives attached to Federal Special Anti-Robbery Squad/Anti-Kidnapping (FSARS/ AKU) the four suspects were arrested in connection with case.

He gave their names as. Idris Haruna “m” 27yrs,. Hassan Adamu “m” 30yrs, . Abubakar Jabbo “m” 20yrs, and . Salisu Umar aka Babangida “m” 32yrs, Both suspects confessed to the crime and are cooperating with Police in the investigation.

Kamal said operatives attached to State Intelligence Bureau (SIB) while on surveillance patrol around Yelwa/Rafin Zurfi areas of Bauchi LGA, arrested one Abdullah Buhari ‘m’ 24yrs and Abubakar Aliyu 26yrs m all of Zoo Road, Kano, the suspects specialized in tricking unsuspected passersby and dispossessed them of their valuables.

Kamal said all cases mentioned above are under investigation and will soon be charged be charge to court for prosecution and thank the public for their continuous support and cooperation in its quest to rid the State of crime and criminality.

C R I M E N EWS

Benue: 2 civil defense officers killed by suspected herdsmen N From Uche Nnorom Makurdi igeria Security and Civil Defence Corps, NSCDC has confirmed the death of two of its officers in Wanger Village in Kasseyo Council Ward of Guma Local Government Area of Benue State on Sunday 11th February, 2018 during an exchange of gun fire with suspected herdsmen that came to attack the village.

A press statement by Benue

State Command Public Relations Officer of the Corps, Assistant Superintendent of Corps, ASCI, Adakole John Peter and made available to our reporter gave the names of the officers as Adams Godwin and Abah Patrick According to Adakole, the late Adams joined the Corps on 14th July, 2010 with the rank of Assistant Superintendent of Corps, ASCII, and was later promoted to the rank of Assistant

Superintendent of Corps, ASCl on the 1st January, 2014, and gained another promotion to the rank of Deputy Superintendent of Corps, DSC, on 1st January, 2017.

He added that Patrick who was recruited into the Nigeria Security and Civil Defence Corps on the 26th October, 2007 as a Lance Corporal and later promoted to the rank of Senior Corps Assistant on 1st January, 2014, had written his promotion examination on

the 23rd December, 2017 and was awaiting result of the examination before his demise.

He maintained that the deceased officers were not recruited in 2017 as reported in some sections of the media.

“It should be noted that NSCDC never recruited in 2016 or in 2017, and that the two (2) officers killed were never in these category,” the statement said.

L-R: Governors Abdullahi Ganduje of Kano State; Tanko AL-Makura of Nasarawa State and Sani Bello of Niger State , during National Economic Council meeting at the Presidential Villa, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Minna College of Education begins crackdown on certificate forgery From Yakubu Minna

Mustapha

T

he Provost of College of Education Minna, Professor Mohammed Yakubu Auna has said that the Institution has put in place measures to curtail certificate forgery hence the statement of results would only last for two years.

Prof Auna made the disclosure while speaking to journalists in his office yesterday in Minna saying that an engineer has put in place software so as to easily identify forged results and

certificates from the Institution.

He, however, applauded the Niger State Government and TETFund effort in the provision of several structural developments and some interventions in the college.

He further said that the standard of the college will be improved upon despite the challenges facing the school just as plans are on going to improve the Internal Generated Revenue (IGR) instead of relying solely on the tuition fees paid by the students alone.

The Provost appealed to the State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar

Sani Bello on its overhead costs to be released and consistently to enabled the college took adequate care of its offices, water bills and electricity bill as at when due while the plight of the students and staff will be ameliorated.

He hinted that the college has staff strength of about 620 comprising 200 teaching staff and 400 non teaching staff with also about 9,000 students of the Institution including the nine centres in the State.

Auna was optimistic in the standard of the education of the college as one of the best in country while urging the

parents to be watchful of their wards because of the school environment and pea groups, new friends they make as well as their mixing with others to avoid adopting negative attitudes.

He noted that his administration have zero tolerance to corruption and cultism as well as other negative vices like drug abuse hence in partnership with Non Governmental Organizations NGOs to ensure sensitization of students and workers on drug abuse and effect of cultism to avoid their involvement in such acts.

Herders, farmers’ clash: Be security conscious, Police urge public From David Hassan Gombe

F

ollowing rampant killing of innocent Nigerians between the herdsmen and farmers, Gombe state Police Command has sensitized the public to be security conscious in their environment.

Gombe state Police Commissioner Mr. Shina Tairu Olukolu in a paper

presented with the theme: Community Policing Approach in a Challenging Environment, said security challenges have proved that the police and other security agencies must work with the community in order to protect the lives and property of the people.

While emphasizing the need of expanding critical security stakeholders forum in order to

enhance community policing, the commissioner called on farmers and herders as matter of urgency to identify and solve problems affecting them.

He said there is need to monitor cattle routes and criminal hideout in order to give useful information, adding that priority attention to be given in providing amenities along cattle routes to discourage

herders from straying into farms and cities to wreck havoc.

In his remarks, Gombe state Governor Ibrahim Hassan Dankwambo who was represented by his Deputy Mr. Charles Iliya assured of government’s commitment in taking its primary responsibility of protecting lives and property of the people.

Governor Dankwambo who

considered numerous security challenges facing the nation said there is need for the public to assist the security agencies to carry out their responsibility effectively.

He called on the participants to be open minded and contribute freely to enable the police re-strategize communities in a better policing service.

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News

African Business Roundtable gets new president

T

he African Business Roundtable (ABR) has inaugurated Samuel Dossou-Aworet as the new president of the group.

Mr. Dossou-Aworet took over from ABamanga Tukur at the Presidential Handover Ceremony and dinner at the Transcorp Hilton Hotel on Wednesday in Abuja.

The former president was applauded for his dedication and contribution to ABR and the private sector development in Africa.

The occasion was well attended by representatives from Africa Development Bank (AfDB), the Nigerian presidency, ambassadors of Côte d’Ivoire, Congo, Senegal, Germany, Burkina Faso, Benin Republic, Angola and South Africa.

Mr. Dossou-Aworet is also the President of Petrolin Group, the Pan Africa Oil and Gas Exploration Company.

As the former ABR vice president, he was unanimously elected as president and chairman of the board in September 2017.

The new president, whom Mr. Tukur described as “a passionate crusader for good governance, an advocate for regional integration and a very successful business personality” had a very successful career in the public and private sector.

The roundtable also made far reaching resolutions that would expand the frontiers of private African businesses in anticipation of an increasing stable political climate.

Ebrima Faal, Senior Director, Nigeria for AfDB, representing the President of the Bank, Akinwunmi Adesina, in his keynote address highlighted the historical ties between the Bank and ABR, which it helped to set up in 1990.

He further noted that ‘ABR was Africa’s foremost and continent-wide association of businesses and business leaders, and truly a successful Pan-African institution’.

He stated that the bank would work closely with the public and private sector to unlock new sources of growth for Africa.

Mr. Faal stressed the need to reduce inequality between countries working together to unlock the enormous potential of African economies and deliver on the Sustainable Development Goals for Africa.

The ABR held a minute silence in the memory of late Babacar Ndiaye, a former President of the AfDB and founder of the ABR, who passed on last year.

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

Rights commission to investigate alleged killing of Umar Sokoto by police

By Albert Akota Abuja

T

he National Human Rights Commission (NHRC) has told members of Islamic Movement of Nigeria (IMN) that it will investigate their petition alleging that the Police shot Sheikh Kasim Umar Sokoto, one of their members while protesting against the continued detention of their leader, Sheikh Ibrahim El-Zakzaky.

The Commission’s Director of Legal Services and Enforcement, Mr. Olaniyi Omodara who received the members of the Movement on behalf of the

Ag. Executive Secretary stated this at the headquarters of the Commission when he received IMN members who came to file a petition on the killing of Sheik Umar Sokoto.

Mr. Omodara urged the IMN members also known as Shiite group to ensure that their protests were always carried out in a peaceful manner adding that the Commission will investigate the circumstances behind the death of their member with a view to ensuring that justice is done in accordance with the law.

He also urged the Shiite group to attach all necessary

documents and evidence needed to substantiate their allegation against the Police on the killing of Sheik Umar Sokoto to enable the Commission arrive at an informed decision on the petition.

On the continued detention of Shiite leader, Mr. Omodara assured the groups to exercise patience as appropriate steps are being taken to actualize the release of their leader.

Earlier, a representative of the Shiite group, Sheikh Abdullahi Zango urged the Commission to carry out a thorough investigation into the alleged shooting of Sheikh Umar Sokoto by the Police

and ensure that the culprit is brought to book.

He alleged that Sheikh Umar Sokoto was shot by the Police with a poisoned bullet in January this year and he later died in the hospital.

The Islamic cleric restated that IMN believed in peaceful protests and that the members had always conducted themselves in the most responsible manner and therefore would never be deterred in their demand for justice and fairness in any of their matters including the demand for the release of Sheikh Ibrahim ElZakzaky.

L-R: Former Head of State, Gen. Yakubu Gowon, President of Ghana, Nana Dankwa Akufo-Addo, Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo, Chairman, The Kukah Centre; and the Catholic Diocese of Sokoto, Bishop Mathew Kukah, during the conference on How Democracy Work for Africa organised by Kukah Centre, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

NDLEA arrests 6 suspects, seizes 657.200kgs drugs worth N31m in Kebbi

T

he National Drug and Law Enforcement Agency (NDLEA), Kebbi Command, has arrested six suspects and confiscated 657.200kgs drugs worth N31 million.

The Commander of the agency in the state, Suleiman Jadi, disclosed this on Thursday in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Birnin Kebbi.

Mr. Jadi said the arrest

and seizure followed series of surveillance on the activities of the suspects who specialised in the distribution of Tramadol capsules and tablets in the state.

He said the two-day seizure comprised 421.100 kg of Tramadol and 30 kg of Cannabis Sativa (Hemp) on the first day.

“Also, on the same day, another 198 kg of Tramadol was seized in Kamba town of Dandi Local Government Area,” he said.

According to him, the drugs

were concealed in motorcycle empty cartons in order to beat suspicious security agencies.

Mr. Jadi said another notorious dealer was also arrested in Zuru Local Government Area with a total of 8.00kg of Diazapam and Benhexol psychotropic.

“From the figures of drugs seized, it will be realised that within two days, the command seized a total of 667.200 kgs of the drugs out of circulation – approximately 0.656 tonnes a

day.

“Put together, the total street value of all these drugs is about N31 million,” he said.

“Imagine, if we can make this achievement in just two days with only one vehicle, the level of achievements we would have recorded if we had enough logistics,” he said He thanked the public for their useful information toward the successful seizure of the drugs.(NAN).

Niger govt begins fertiliser supply to farmers in March

T

he Niger State Government says it will begin the distribution of fertiliser at subsidised rates to farmers in the state between March and April.

Nuhu Dukku, the Commissioner for Agriculture and Rural Development, said this in an interview with News

Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Minna on Thursday.

He said that the state government would partner with a private company to procure the needed quantity of fertiliser for the farmers, instead of relying on fertiliser supplies from the federal government.

“This year, we will not wait to purchase fertiliser from the federal government; this is because we want to ensure that our farmers get the fertiliser early enough to enable them to start farming early.

“Due to the early distribution of fertiliser, our farmers will be able to plant

their crops early,’’ he said.

Mr. Dukku said that distribution and monitoring committees would be set up in all the fertiliser distribution centres to ensure that the farm input got to only genuine farmers.

He said that the state government would also

purchase tractors and give them to the farmers as loan, at subsidised rates, so as to boost food production.

The commissioner commended the farmers for recording a bumper harvest in 2017 and urged them to strive toward greater food production in 2018.(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

News

Proposed Kano’s Falgore Grazing Reserve to cater for 5m cattle

T

he Kano State Government says the proposed grazing reserve in Falgore game reserve has the capacity to cater for over five million cattle.

Yusuf Gawuna, the state Commissioner for Agriculture and Natural Resources, made the disclosure in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Kano on Thursday.

Mr. Gawuna said that the reserve would accommodate the herdsmen and their cattle, thereby discouraging them from moving to other states in search of pasture.

According to Wikipedia, Falgore game reserve lies on northern guinea savanna ecological belt, adding that the ecosystem is bisected by River Kano.

Falgore game reserve started as Kogin Kano forest reserve which was developed since the British colonial period in 1940s.

The forest reserve was only upgraded into a game reserve in the 1960s.

The commissioner said, ‘‘Falgore Game Reserve can take care of millions of herdsmen and their cattle. ‘‘The location has been designed to accommodate markets, recreational centres, ultra-modern abattoir, tourism centre and factories that would make herdsmen transact their businesses without any hindrance.’’

The commissioner disclosed that the state government had engaged the services of a consultants and that a document had been submitted to President Muhammadu Buhari on the need to convert the forest to a grazing reserve.

He said from the assessment of the consultant the modern grazing reserve would gulp about $30 million to develop. ‘‘The place is too big, we are in talks with private organisations that are coming in to invest and see how we can develop the forest. ‘‘We are also in talks with professional partners from South Africa for Public Private Partnership (PPP) arrangement.

They will also assess the forest and submit their report to the governor,’’ Mr. Gawuna said.

He said that the modern grazing reserve would generate revenue to the state and create job opportunities for the people of the area.

According to him, a committee on farmers -herdsmen clashes, under his chairmanship, sits every month with traditional rulers, security agents, heads of agriculture departments and other relevant stakeholders to ensure peaceful co-existence.

The commissioner urged farmers and herdsmen in the state to always resolve their grievances amicably through dialogue.(NAN)

Page 9

Army places N3m reward for information on Shekau’s whereabouts

By Ese Awhotu Abuja

T

he Nigeria Army on Thursday placed a N3 million cash reward for credible information that will lead to the arrest of Boko Haram leader, Abubakar Shekau.

The army had declared Shekau whom they said was on the run disguised as a woman a fugitive.

Army spokesman, Sani Usman, a Brigadier General,

disclosed this yesterday in a statement issued in Abuja.

The statement said, “The Nigerian Army will give out Three Million Naira (N3,000,000.00k) cash reward for any credible information that leads to the arrest of Abubakar Shekau, the fugitive factional Boko Haram terrorists’ group leader.

“Anybody with such credible information can either contact the Military Command and Control

Centre, Operation LAFIYA DOLE, any military location, security agencies or call the Nigerian Army Information and Call Centre 193”.

The Theatre Commander Operation Lafiya Dole, Nicholas Rogers, a Major General, had at a press conference on Wednesday declared that the Boko Haram leader had been chased out of his hideout and has since been on the run disguised in a woman’s attire.

Shekau has continued to

evade arrest by the army despite diminishing his gang to the background.

Since 2012, the army has been placing cash rewards for information of the whereabouts of Shekau .

Recall that in 2012, the federal government offered a N290 million cash reward for any information that would lead to arrest of Boko Haram leader.

L-R: Representatives of Inspector-General of Police, Mr Esa Ogbu, presenting an award on peace to the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora, Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa, yesterday in Abuja With them is the Deputy Controller of Immigration, Mr Ekeoba Kelechi.

Photo: NAN

Fuel scarcity: NEC’s panel to interface with NNPC on appropriate pricing

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he National Economic Council (NEC) has mandated its committee interfacing with all federal government revenue generating agencies to engage the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to determine the appropriate price of fuel in order to stem the scarcity of the product in the country.

Briefing State House Correspondents after the monthly NEC meeting chaired by the Vice President, Yemi Osinbajo, the Bauchi state governor, Abubakar Mohammed, said the committee led by his Gombe state counterpart, Ibrahim Dankwambo, was mandated to consider the pump price of fuel in the nation’s neighbouring countries before arriving at the price.

The Council also recommended full deployment of military across the country to collaborate with the police and other security agencies in order to stem the rising spate of herders/ farmers clashes leading to death of the citizens.

On the scarcity of fuel and Council’s recommendation for its

resolution, Mohammed said “The second issue that was discussed was the issue of the scarcity of petroleum product. The problem was addressed by the Group Managing Director of the NNPC. The issue is of course caused by an inter-play of the exchange rate of the Naira and the Dollar and the price of crude oil at the international market which affects the landing cost of refined products in Nigeria. And in the process makes the operation of the current price regime almost impossible.

“As at today, most if not all independent marketers have stopped importing refined products into Nigeria. It is only the NNPC that has been doing it.

And the NNPC has been suffering a lot of set backs. The highest amount of under recovery. By under recovery it means the interplay between the landing cost of a liter of the PMS in Nigeria and the pump price of that product.

If the product lands at N170 for example and you sell at N145, immediately you know that you have an under recovery of about N25 for each liter of fuel.

So he submitted his report and the National Economic Council has a committee that

has been interfacing with all revenue generating agencies of the federal government under the chairmanship of the governor of Gombe State. That committee has been charged with the responsibility of interfacing with NNPC with a view to determining the correct price for PMS considering the price of the product in, especially, countries that are bordering Nigeria.

Because that is one of the reasons that encourages smuggling of the products to these areas.”

Neighbouring countries bordering Nigeria include Republic of Benin, Chad, Cameroon and Niger Republic.

On herders/farmers clashes, the governor said the Vice President reported to the Council that the sub-committee constituted to consult with stakeholders chaired by the Ebonyi state governor, Dave Umahi, was working round the clock.

According to the governor “They (Working Group) have recommended to Mr. President that in all areas where these clashes are prevalent, the military should be moved in to buttress whatever the Nigeria Police and other security agencies are doing

in forestalling the problems.

The committee has recommended strongly that the military should move into all forests or areas where the clashes are prevalent with the view to flashing out all bandits hiding in those areas.”

Lagos state Deputy Governor, Oluranti Adebule, who also briefed said the Council received the final report on the Forensic Audit of Revenue Accrued from Revenue Generating Agencies (RGAs) into Federation Account (FA), Excess Crude Account (ECA) and Consolidated Revenue Fund (CRF).

She added that the report was prepared by KPMG, and audited 18 Agencies including NNPC, FIRS, Nigeria Customs Services (NCS), NIMASA, NPA, NCC, CBN, DPR, NPDC and many others.

Special Adviser to the President of Social Intervention Program (SIP), Mrs Mariam Uwais, also disclosed that total Direct Beneficiaries from all the SIP Programme was 7,812,201 with Secondary Beneficiaries put at 1,500,000, mainly farmers and cooks. The total annual spending on the SIP 2016 and 2017 at 15.58% of the budget.

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

PAGE 10

News

Dangote’s Sokoto rice factory ready this year -Official

By Ese Awhotu

T

he Dangote Rice Processing Mill, with a production capacity of 250,000 metric tonnes per annum, will be ready in Sokoto State this year.

The Group Executive Director, Stakeholders Management and Corporate Communications of Dangote Group, Mr. Mansur Ahmed, made this known during a visit to Governor Aminu Waziri Tambuwal in Sokoto.

“We have already identified 27 hectares of land suitable for the project while our civil engineers are already on ground. Our plan is to start the construction next week which will take six months to be completed.

“Some components of the machinery needed have already arrived the country while others are expected within the next two to three weeks.

“We are hoping to commence production before the end of this year to the tune of 32 metric tonnes per hour and 250,000 metric tonnes per annum,” he added.

Ahmed said Dangote Industries will soon transport all the milling to Sokoto as installation process are quickened.

In his remarks, Governor Tambuwal assured the Dangote Group of his administration’s cooperation towards to successful take off of the project.

He said plans have been completed to pay compensation to land owners while the certificate of occupancy and other title documents will be ready in a matter of days.

“We are urging investors from far and near to come and invest in Sokoto because we have favourable policies and friendly population that will maximize return on investment,” he added.

No cracks in northern CAN, youth wing clarifies From David Hassan Gombe

T

he Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (YOWICAN) in the 19 Northern States and Abuja has distanced itself from a purported allegation by its immediate past leadership that the recently conducted peaceful election has caused different factions within the larger body.

Chairman of the YOWICAN in the nineteen northern states and Abuja, Evangelist Musa Misal, in a press statement made available to newsmen in Gombe yesterday said the allegations by the immediate past leader of YOWICAN Daniel Kadzai, in some media outfits (not Peoples Daily) that the

election was illegal and has caused divisions within the larger CAN family, is not only untrue, bizarre, ill conceived but also laughable.

Evangelist Musa explained in the statement signed by him and the Secretary, Sarafa Adekunle Oyewo, that all the five blocks including TEKAN/ECWA to which Kadzai belongs to, provided authentic delegates and even contested the elections adding that all the states and zones were dully and fully in attendance by the statutory delegates during the elections.

The statement said that YOWICAN is a living witness to what transpired before, during and after the elections that produced Apostle Andy Nyeneime

as the authentic and bonafide National President of YOWICAN. According to the statement, “Kadzai in his usual characteristics of mischief and dubiousness has failed to acknowledge the true fact that this organization is a faith based organization which should be purely guided by Christian doctrines. We no longer admit such attitude of him, such that his tenure started with court actions and ended with court actions.

This leaves much to be desired from a true believer much more a leader of a faith based body”.

While pledging its continued loyalty and support to the CAN leadership under His Eminence, Reverend Dr. Supo Ayokunle, YOWICAN therefore advised

Kadzai to tow the path of honour and cooperate with the newly elected and rebranded YOWICAN under the leadership of Apostle Andy Nyeneime to which they are all loyal to and supportive of.

“We in the nineteen Northern States wish to state without any iota of doubt that the election held on Saturday 27th January, 2018 was not only free, fair, and credible but also reflect our collective wishes.

“We call on our brothers from the South-East, SouthSouth and South-West to raise their voices in unison to condemn this unwarranted and provocative display of greed and power drunkenness by Daniel Kadzai and his sponsors,”

Nigeria Police denies members of peace corps of Nigeria entrance to their office despite the court order, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

Killings: Ortom talks tough, insists on justice

From Uche Nnorom Makurdi

B

enue State Governor, Samuel Ortom, has vowed to be vociferous over the invasion and ongoing killings in the state until justice prevails for the people.

Governor Ortom made the vow when a delegation of

the Christian Association of Nigeria, CAN, South South Zone, led by Archbishop GodDowell Oyibo Avwomakpa, visited him at the Government House, Makurdi.

He noted that if those saddled with the responsibility of protecting life and property had acted promptly on reports

of threats to invade the state, the invasion and subsequent massacre could have been averted.

Ortom reiterated his call for the resignation or sack of the Inspector General of Police, Mr Ibrahim Idris, accusing him of unprofessional conduct of

taking sides with the invaders and lack of capacity to stop the killings.

The Governor commended the people of the South-South for rallying support for the state in its time of need more than any part of the country and prayed that God would reward them.

I will die if I give my wife money, Man tells court

A

55-year-old fashion designer, Stephen Enebeli, told an Igando Customary Court in Lagos on Thursday that he would die if he gives money to his wife.

Mr. Enebeli said this when he responded to a divorce petition by his wife, Eunice, alleging lack of care for his children.

“I stopped giving her money for feeding and school fees of our children when she started living with another man.

“In my tradition, if a woman marries another husband legally or illegally and the former husband still gives her money for

the welfare of the children, he will die and I am not ready to die now,” he said.

The respondent said his wife sent him packing from their matrimonial home and he presently squats with friends.

“Eunice forced me out of her house because I always fight her for leaving the children at home to go to sleep with men,” he said.

According to him, Eunice lacks respect for him just because she has more money.

He begged the court to grant him the custody of the children so that he could train them.

“I don’t want another man to

father or train my children while I am alive,” he said.

Eunice had urged the court to terminate their 16-year-old marriage for alleged lack of care.

“My husband is an irresponsible husband and father.

“While he was still living with me, he refused to pay house rent, feeding or school fees of the children, I shouldered all the responsibility.

“I bought him a motorcycle in addition to his fashion designing work so that he can be supportive, but he is just lazy and abandoned the motorcycle,” Eunice said.

The 36-year-old food vendor

said that her husband was threatening to poison her.

“Stephen always tell me that he will kill me with poison if I make any attempt to divorce him and that he will marry another wife,” the petitioner alleged.

The mother of three, pleaded with the court to end the marriage that she was longer in love with him.

Delivering judgment, the court President, Akin Akinniyi, said the petitioner was adamant despite all mediation from the court and family.

“Since the petitioner insisted on divorce after several

interventions, the court has no choice than to dissolve the union in spite of the fact that the husband still claims he loves his wife.

“The court pronounces the marriage between Mrs Eunice Enebeli and Mr Stephen Enebeli dissolved today, both parties henceforth cease to be husband and wife.

“Both parties are free to go their separate way without any hindrances and molestation, the court wishes you well in your new journey.

“The custody of the children should remain with their mother,” Mrs. Akinniyi ruled.(NAN)

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

PAGE 11

EDITORIAL

L

Abuja school bus tragedy

complained that she called the school ast week, an 18-seater bus supposed to come for a renewal of repeatedly after she noticed the girl taking 14 children home from license but they didn’t, so they will be had not arrived home at the time she their school caught fire. Three sanctioned. If they had followed due should have. First, the staff she called of the pupils died in the burning process, the education management told her they would find out what had vehicle. The rest managed to leave would have inspected the school and happened and report back to her. But the vehicle but reported various their facilities to know if they were fit they never did, and her subsequent degrees of burns. The school, Je for operation”. calls were not answered. A father They were waitiing for the school owner ‘Nissi Little Drops International who lost 2 children narrated a similar Academy, is located in an estate in to report that he/she had breached experience. This is callousness at its Lugbe, a sprawling suburb of Abuja, the law before taking action against worst.

Nigeria’s fast growing capital. Its him/her! Was that failure to renew structures consist of a bungalow As for the government officials who the licence not a sufficient reason to ought to have done the right thing but apartment and a metal container. It suspect something fishy was going failed to act, we only marvel at their is said to be 7 years old. on? If the govrrnment officials reaction to the tragedy. First, Mr. Eye-witnesses said the bus developeed had been alive to their duty they Ayuba Didam, the Director, Quality a fault and was pushed into a nearby would have found out the condition compound . A mechanic was called of the school bus and prevented to repair the fault. It was while he the tragedy that occurred. We was working on the engine that strongly recommand the officials the bus went up in flame, trapping be reprimanded and the Secretariat the school pupils. A security man, overhauled.

When I rushed here, I heard employed by a private firm, saw With regard to parents, what what had happened. First, he happened in Abuja should “open children crying inside the revealed the school bus was always the eyes of their understanding” vehicle”, the man said.

“The breaking down and often had to to know that “not all that glitters driver was able to bring one be pushed to restart the engine. is gold”. One of the parents of the Secondly,he said the fire began in dead school children confessed he of the pupils out, but the two the driver’s compartment where the children remaining were in the showed greater interest in his boys’ engine is located and quickly spread homework than the condition of the middle of the vehicle; there to the passenger section. “When I bus that brought them home. If he was no way they could be rushed here, I heard children crying had learnt that the bus often broke inside the vehicle”, the man said. down on the way, he would have rescued “The driver was able to bring one of raised the matter with the school the pupils out, but the two children authorities. He found out rather too remaining were in the middle of the late and to his chagrin too.

Assurance Department of the FCT vehicle; there was no way they could We want to warn that the Little Drops Education Secretariat, refused to be rescued”.

International Academy tragedy speak with journalists. Second, Mr. We, at Peoples Daily, commiserate with should not be investigated as an Anthony Ogunleye, the spokesman the parents of the 3 children who isolated case. It should be the basis of the Secretariat, agreed to talk. died in the fire and the injured. As for a comprehensive review of the But what came out of his mouth for the owner and staff of the school, operations of private schools in was unbelievable. Yes, the school we offer unreserved condemnation the FCT, and stringent punitive was approved by government, but for their callousness. The mother measures must be taken in cases its operating licence had expired. of the little girl who lost her life where corners have been cut.

“The authorities of the school were

“

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OUR PEOPLE Chairman Malam Wada Maida, Oon, Fnge Chief Operating Officer (Ag) Editor, Daily

Hameed M. Bello Manager, administration Hassan Hammanyaji

OUR VISION

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

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

Ministry of Patrotism

By Ibrahim Dahiru Gambarawa

A

s Mahmud Jega once wrote in his usual Monday column of DailyTrust Newspaper entitled ‘Ministry of Happiness’ sometime in February 2016. “I know president Muhammad Buhari wants us to be happy so he should please, as part of amending the many potholes in his 2016 budget, create a UAE style Ministry of Happiness”.

Left to me, before Mr. President creates such Ministry of Happiness there is more urgent need to have Ministry of Patriotism. Added to that, patriotism as a subject in all our school curriculum should be considered as well, this will shape our minds toward love for our country and also enable us to have Nigeria at heart. There may be no way we can be as happy-country-men as we should be without having the conviction of being able to make sacrifice for our dear nation as citizens. Not quite long, patriotism of all qualities got missing in our lexicon and many Nigerians enjoy their disconnect with the nation without regret. Restoring it must be a priority at all cost because we started it and hence we are the only ones that can end it if we so desire.

At present, the geopolitical struggle of outdoing one another is increasingly manifesting itself in various forms with attempts to sabotage and undermine internal development as the economy seems to recuperate plus internal unrest and threats to national security from without.

Every story has two sides. And in the relationship between the state and its citizenry, caution must be exercised to ensure that both sides have their story not only told, but in the best accurate light possible. While your country –this country certainly needs you as a member if you are a genuine Nigerian– knows that reliance works both ways. What I want to do today is explain why I believe this to be true, middle men patriotism is sometimes viewed as an old fashioned concept. Old ideas of patriotism such as blind loyalty and unquestioning obedience do not sit well with us and there is a good reason to believe

that. History shows that powerful institutions like government ministries and agencies, business magnets, organized establishments, religious institutions must resolve to see this challenge as worth amending and parental upbringing must be redefined so as to work for common good and promote patriotism in all ramifications. Otherwise, we are preparing a recipe for moral scandal, corruption or dysfunctional national system that will continue to replicate itself in every generation.

However, states exist as a middle man in a world where empowered people are increasingly eager and able to act on their own behalf, often breeding skepticism of those same institutions originally set up for their benefit. What is obtainable at the moment calls for Nigerians to rise up and be patriotic citizens and deal with corruption, militancy, ethnicbigotry, religious fundamentalism and intolerance, sectionalism and so on. It is a time to rise up to development and economic independence for our common good.

It is timely to have this debate on what patriotism should mean to everyone of us as a nation, now and in the future. It may be unfair to begin judging this current administration’s performance especially on every pedestal. Even though our economic growth is reawakening and our confidence is slowly building but that is not to say that we are assured of our place in the world yet.

Despite the fact that PMB’s administration so far is working assiduously in getting the country back on track after long derailment and economic bastardization by some past ill-minded individuals, facing a very different world than that of few years ago is not an easy prey.

This is because more than ever before, our future as collective individuals and as a nation largely depends on the action of others, be they nations, conglomerates or individuals with power of a sort. We rely deeply on everything Western and of Western extract, America in particular and some Asian countries and a handful of Arabs

and African crafts for our continued prosperity.

This interdependency has only increased to our detriment even though with meagre benefits that doesn’t worth the symbiosis. At the same time it brings uncertainty, it equally offers opportunities and risk factors not without profound consequences on our daily lives.

Patriotism in 21st century Nigeria should see the state as a tool for carving the Nigeria of greatness that will prosper and make its stand in the comity of nations in a globalized world; a profoundly changing world. This is the contemporary rationale for supporting our institutions of state to attain success. And that will allow the state to fulfil its own part of the patriotism deal. A two sided patriotism where the institutions of state are something we can be proud of and where interaction with those institutions is something we see as being in our own collective interest especially in a changing and uncertain world.

However, coming to the individual level, more often we used to forget that it is our responsibility to radiate patriotism so that our children and the younger generation can learn from us, that is if we desire our succeeding generation to bring about the desired change we have been praying and hoping for. We get almost everything wrong in Nigeria especially family setting, which is suppose to be the foundation of uprightness. It is not too late to begin teaching ourselves hardwork and instill patriotism in the minds of upcoming generations, this will enable them to stand gallant for the nation with satisfaction, not having to steal which seems to be the norm these days. We must do away with the syndrome of “my children will not suffer as I did”.

It is common knowledge to find children who have never worked to earn for five minutes in their lives but fancy flying on business or first class while travelling and riding flashy cars fully paid by their loving parents.

Recently, I read an article online which narrates how Nigerian elites spoil their children with freebies, to me, that makes them unpatriotic

citizens as they grow and the story makes my heart to sober. The writer narrates his time in the UK as student, UK born whites at undergraduate level did holiday or weekend job to support themselves including the children of millionaires among them. It is the norm over there regardless of how wealthy their parents are. And he soon discovered that virtually all foreign students did the same,except status-conscious Nigerians. There was a time Richard Branson (owner of Virgin Airline) confessed to biography channel that his children travel in the economic class even when he and his wife are in the upper class. Don’t forget Mr. Branson is a billionaire in pound sterling, I am sure if he were a Nigerian, his narration would have been a practical impossibility.

We have seen the VW Golf car or something close to it that Kate Middleton (the wife of prince William) drives, even though there may be difference between us, frankly speaking, their billionaires work for their wealth, most of us stole from public coffers. A quick survey once shows that only children from Nigeria fly business and first class even while on studies trip to the UK. The same also applies to our elites and government officials when they fly abroad.

There is no aircraft attached to the office of the UK prime minister. He travels by commercial airlines (British Air) and the same applies to the British Royal household. The Queen does not have an aircraft for her exclusive use but in Nigeria it’s a different case, why? Are they more patriotic than us? Am speechless, you can judge for yourselves.

On a different tone, my heart felt condolences to Nigerian government, the army and family of Lt Col. Muhammad Abu Ali and other heroes who lost their lives last week in the battle field, may almighty Allah forgive your sins and grant u Aljanna Fir’daus. Amin.

Ibrahim Dahiru Gambarawa, wrote from Abuja. Can be reached at ibgambarawa@gmail.com

Examining role of traditional media in communication

By Florence Enejah

C

ommunication is the act or process of using words, sounds, signs or behavior to express or pass across information. It involves different forms which include the intra-personal and interpersonal group or mass communication. Animals can communicate among themselves, bees for instance communicate by a form of dancing and transmission of smells, wolves by the movements of their bodies, birds by quite a large range of methods such as their songs, bodily movement, displays and even preliminary nest building behavior.

Human beings however have developed the largest known range of means of communication which does not only involve speech and writing but also a vast repertoire of signaling devices from primitive drumbeats in the jungle or smoke signals to the sophistication of art ,literature and systems of telecommunications extending all over the world.

The aspects of communication both traditional and modern means has promoted peaceful co-existence, understanding and self awareness among humanbeings. They have certain common elements that together help define communication process. In any communication there must be an individual who is involved in the dissemination of the message and a receiver. It is done simultaneously in other to achieve a desirable result. Achieving the goals of communication simply signifies that there is an effective communication between the sender and receiver at the same level.

Traditional media of communication is the forms or means people in rural settings use in passing across information .The traditional media include the town crier, oral tradition, talking drum, smoke signals, ivory horn and long brass, the open market, music/lyrics, festival, drama amongst others.

The town crier: It is a potent force in information dissemination as it remains an authoritative voice of the traditional authority. The town crier is usually an eloquent individual who understands the community.

The town crier uses a metal gong which is of varying sizes and shapes. The Igbos call it ogene, the yorubas call it agogo and the Hausas, kuge.This instrument is particularly used to communicate information and at the same time can perform a rhythmic and melodic function. The town crier or village gong man is usually heard in the early hours of the morning preceded by the

sound of a gong. He announces important meetings, ceremonies, messages and imminent troubles .He is seen as a significant broadcaster who summons the elders for decision and policy making for the progress of the society. He relays the decision of the elders to the masses for implementation, usually loaded with information. Therefore, seen as the society’s journalist.

The effectiveness of the town crier usually lies in his oratory skills and thorough knowledge of the community norms, values and heritage.

Oral Tradition: This is one of the most important media through which Nigerians interact and communicate in the rural settings or the introduction of modern communication. The tradition in form of history, cultural values and heritage were passed on by word of mouth from one generation to another in form of songs, proverbs, legends, religion etc. Oral tradition dominates all other sources of information exchange in pre-colonial Nigeria. It helps in sharing knowledge of environment interpretation, transmission of social heritage from one generation to another, socializing new members and also entertaining the community.

Talking Drum: This is another form of traditional media. The talking drum is an extension of oral tradition.

It is regarded as the Ekwe–Ikoro among the Igbos ,Kelangu among the Hausas and Dundun or Gangan among the Yorubas.The talking drum speaks the language of their community, expresses their feelings, circumstances and event. It speaks without tongue and its audience hears and understands the message content. It reproduces the tonal pattern of a sentence and can be heard over a long distance. For many years, the talking drum has been noted as one of the symbols of the old African tradition and an instrument of music. It has over the years played an important role in communication. For instance, when danger approached a village, the talking drum is used to warn villagers using sounds plucked from the beat in tones that match the speech of the land. The drumbeat travels across the air with clarity and faster than a horse rider would, thus serving as an effective means of communication.

Ivory horn and Long brass: These are used to communicate messages and herald important event. It produces notes that vary in length and tones. The ivory horns are found in South Eastern part of Nigeria where they have also become state symbols of titled men.

The long brass on the other hand is found mostly in

Northern Nigeria. It is called kaakaki which is trumpet and Algaita which is the short trumpet. It is usually used by royal trumpeters who keep the villagers informed of the movement of titled men. Its function is associated with royalty. It is played only at events at the palace of the Emir or any title holder, during festive periods like Sallah or durbar.

Smoke signals/gunshots: Smoke signal is one of the earliest forms of long distance communication. It is a form visual communication. It is used to transmit signal of danger or gather people to a common area. Each village has its own signaling system and understanding.

The location of the smoke usually conveys the meaning.

Music: The traditional Nigerian society vibrates with music and music accompanies all life activities.

There is music for all occasions like social, ceremonial, religious, ritual etc. The early music in Nigeria was music performed in the court of the kings at various festivals. The musicians serve as the eyes and ears of their community, they sing praises of not only the kings and chiefs but also notable people. Their role however goes beyond that of praise singing, they are the ones who keep the families’ oral history and remind of those who bring dishonor to the family and the community, the musicians like computer have information on every member of the community, the name, parentage and history. Further remarkable feature of music is that it teaches morals.

The open market: This always remains an important means of passing across information among the rural dwellers. The village markets usually have a cycle which may be every four to five days interval. It is usually a beehive of all sorts of communication activities.

The open market serves as a natural infrastructure for multi directional dissemination of news, opinions and rumors.

Folklore/Drama: These are used to teach morals, create amusement and laughter, expose the follies of people and extol their virtues. Local drama groups provide opportunities to bring about a radical change in thinking on a subject matter brought to reality through drama. It helps to create awareness; correct certain negative impressions and improve the living standard of the people through the various lessons learnt .Awareness of specific developmental programmes can be built and incorporated into local drama.

The use of these means of communication in rural

areas in Nigeria cut across various ethnic groups. Most groups depend on one or more of these as a means of reaching out to its people and disseminating information.

However, in evaluating the present state of traditional media in Nigeria one would discover that its use has declined drastically because of the development in communication. The most visible effect of globalization is wide spread communication. The introduction of newspapers, mobile technology, television, radio, internet has contributed in the spread of information on a large scale with ease. From the comfort of your home you have information on happenings all over the globe.

Unlike the traditional media that can only reach a few people at a time. The influence of mass media has grown as the number of media outlet has increased.

The ease of the accessibility of these modern media has made information dissemination very fast and easy. The mass media has always played a very important role in our present society more of its usage which is in the urban settings has remained one of the methods of controlling people and their recreational time. Globalization of the media despite its advantages has its disadvantages especially as it affects our culture. Exposure to most foreign cultures influences the perception of people especially the youth. Most of them no longer appreciate our indigenous language, dressing, values and norms, food, etc. They copy most of the foreign cultures thus our culture is gradually fading away.

In conclusion, the traditional means of communication has been an effective tool for rural development. The various means of communication discussed above have contributed to the socio-cultural development of the region. Presently, a combination of the modern and traditional media is used in information dissemination among rural dwellers, although there is much limitation in the use of modern mass media, this limitation is as a result of the nature of the rural areas which is dominated by high illiteracy rate, poverty, inadequate power supply. These factors affect the accessibility of modern media in the areas. In spite of these challenges, traditional means of communication in Nigeria should be positively exploited and utilized to meet the needs of rural people.

Florence Enejah is of the National Commission for Museums and Monuments.

PAGE 13

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

Comment

Our chaotic democracy

By Abdul Mahmud

A

s many perceptive observers have correctly noted, chaos lies at the core of our democracy. They point to the madness or, more profoundly, the struggle over “who gets what, when and how”, of those who squeeze the civic out of our democratic order to gain political notoriety, as evidence. The madness that characterizes fraudulent party selections and the chaos and violence that often follow our general elections make the evidence irrebuttable.

Two points are implicit here: the first one concerns order as the nature of democracy.

The rooting of democracy is practically impossible in a polity reduced to chaos. The argument here is that how power is acquired is governed by rules and by the “principle of societal organization”. In effect, democracy must be rule-based in order to reduce or eliminate tension. The second one centers on representation as an essential character of democracy. For democracy to flourish the recognition of otherness and difference must exist to promote harmony and unity in the party political rank.

The evidence seems to point out the problem we are always confronted with when we elect folks who turn public offices into the wonderland of mad people, the asylum of those whom the gods have condemned to death by first making them mad with power.

Do I tar everyone with the same brush?

No. There are folks who unfortunately find themselves inside the insane asylum of the men and women of power and who, like

Alice in Lewis Caroll’s ‘Alice in Wonderland’, despise the stereotyping because they were voted to be among mad people. I enjoin these folks to Cat’s message to Alice: “Oh, you can’t help that…I am mad. You are mad.

You must be, or you wouldn’t have come here”. If the evidence truly exist, here it is: pugilists who turn the hallowed chambers of the legislature into boxing rings and their fellow colleagues into opponents or sparing partners. It doesn’t matter to them if the gavel, the symbol of legislative authority, becomes the hammer while the heads of their colleagues are the nails they hammer into nothingness.

No sane person undresses in the public and lashes at anything or everything in sight like the bull in a china shop. The emptying out of psychiatric inmates of the state asylum system into our national and states Houses of Assembly where they display animality is a yearly ritual in our part. Foucault describes this ‘emptying out’ as a voyage outside the city walls to where mad people become prisoners of their own departures. In our case, we don’t send our mad legislators outside the city walls; in fact, we send them with our votes to Abuja and the states capitals of our country to mock our collective unreason, conjure up images of our collective insanity, and create party political squabbles. No sane person undresses in the public only to put on rags of shame as our legislators have consistently done since the inception of civil democracy in 1999.

Politics makes things happen. In our

case, politics makes things happen in strange ways. Consider, for example, the ceaseless Boko Haram attacks on innocent citizens in the northeast and elsewhere, conflict over land ownership and grazing rights in the north-central, the increasing theft of crude oil in the Niger-delta, and homes riven by hunger and hardship.

To address these problems we need a programme of constitutional and legislative reforms and a stable legislature. How can all of this be possible when our legislators display a certain proclivity for laziness and utter disregard for the pain we endure? The problem I see here is the high purchase on power that huge pomp, emoluments, allowances, salaries and entitlement afford our political leaders that they repudiate the very essence of politics thereby making our democracy empty.

The appeal to force, might and power to resolve political conflicts, rather than seeking to mediate them through compromises and cooperation, makes our democracy chaotic.

It is this appeal that births the idea that the will of the godfather is supreme or that it is the will of the godfather that constitutes the supremacy of the party, regardless of other competing wills. Not true. The idea that a political party represents the collective interests and aspirations of all members quite rightly makes the party supreme.

The non-recognition of competing wills, otherness and difference, or “the difference of the other”, is most worrying. Yes, it is worrying, but I doubt if our politicians make sense of the destruction they unleash on our

democracy and the chaos that threatens it.

Bukola Saraki appears to make sense of this destruction when he tweeted recently, “it is time to remind ourselves of the solemn promise to deliver real change, which can’t be achieved in atmosphere distracted politics” (sic).

Will our politicians make sense of Saraki’s reminder and begin to act in a manner that makes politics less distractive or our democracy less chaotic? I doubt it.

Here, the politics of chaos merely allows our politicians to negotiate new terms and framework favorable to their pursuits and engagements and to enjoy new privileges and entitlements. Saraki’s reminder, though correct, is a curious one, which makes sense only if our politicians accept that representation is not about sharing “two hundred positions” as a certain Abdulmumin Jibrin gleefully let out as the odious carrots of reward at the disposal of his House principal, Yakubu Dogara.

Can our politicians redeem themselves?

Can we fix our politics? Can we bring order back to our democracy? Yes, but it appears already late. The bull is no longer in a china shop; it is rampaging through our quarters of governance. Consider this: two acting Directors-General were announced at the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA) within three days.

That too is chaos!

Abdul Mahmud is a Public Affairs Analyst

A renewed commitment to lift North out of poverty

By Idayat Hassan

N

orthern Nigerian governors, upon the invitation of the United States Institute for Peace (USIP), met for three days in Washington DC. The symposium was attended by the governors of Adamawa, Borno, Bauchi, Sokoto, Niger, Taraba, Kwara, Zamfara, Plateau, and Deputy Governor of Kano.

The governors were led by the Chairman of the Northern Nigerian Forum, Governor Shettima of Borno State, and they met with Senior US government officials, including US Secretary of State, John Kerry and, Head of USAID, Condoleezza Rice. The meeting was declared open by Deputy Secretary Anthony Blinkey, who emphasised the importance of local leadership and local solutions to national challenges. He charged the governors to work closely with President Buhari. According to him, Nigeria is not just important to West Africa but the world, and he promised that the Government of the United States would continue to partner with and support Nigeria. He called on the governors to partner with necessary stakeholders, in particular the civil society, and to harness Nigeria’s youth bulge positively. According to him ‘Nigeria can grow only when the states grow’.

In a very fruitful meeting, the governors had the opportunity to place a wish list before Secretary Kerry. At the top of the list was education, in particular education for the girl child, as well as agriculture, healthcare and electricity. They also had the opportunity to meet the National Security Adviser to President Obama; Head of USAID, Condoleezza Rice; and businesses in the US. My only hope is that the governors commence immediate follow up on all the promises made.

Aside the special meeting, the members of the Senior Working Group – a group of twelve set up by the USIP comprising Nigerian elder statesmen and women – had the opportunity to interact with

the governors. During the meeting, the governors demonstrated significant levels of commitment to the development of their states, Northern Nigeria, and Nigeria as well. I only hope this is matched with political will.

The governors identified poverty as the main unifier in the North. Therefore they all agreed that there is an urgent need to lift the North out of endemic poverty, which is also the driving force behind the incessant conflicts in the region. While violent conflict is prevalent in the majority of the states, conflict dynamics vary from state to state. They linked the conflicts to perceived marginalisation, alarming inequality, unemployment and low literacy rates.

Improving access and quality of education dominated the discussion throughout the three-day meeting. One of the identified challenges was the over 10.5 million children out of school, a number the governors believed to have increased by at least another million with the Boko Haram insurgency in the North-East.

According to the governors, if nothing is done immediately to improve enrollment and retention in schools, the prospects for the region over the next ten years will be bleak.

The governors agreed that all the states are working assiduously to ensure the girl child is at the top of their agendas. According to them “unless girl child education is prioritised, the human development indices of the North will continue to decrease”. They believe that education of the girl child will reduce child marriages and vesicovaginal fistula and lead to increased development outcomes, politically and economically.

One of the ways they identified to immediately improve educational outcome is cooperation: let states jointly establish and manage institutions.

What I found most fascinating about the discussion was the fact that the governors recognised that their citizens have little or no trust in them. They acknowledged that this is a result of the bad governance

previously experienced in several states. To redress this, some states are working very hard on building trust and accountability.

Some of the measures they mentioned are through radio town hall meetings, budget monitoring and implementation, passage of the Public Procurement Act, establishment of the Bureau for Peace and Reconciliation, and establishment of a Zakat (alms-giving) Board to collect and redistribute money amongst the poor.

The governors identified the Sustainable Development Goals (SDG) as a window of opportunity that they are keying into to bolster development.

The early part of the third day was dedicated to an open webinar on Northern Nigeria beyond Boko Haram; during this session, the public had the opportunity to ask the governor questions online. Two questions struck me the most: one on state police was answered with a general consensus that state police forces have become necessary considering the security demands in the country. Another question about women in politics was answered by several of the governors identifying culture as a challenge. However, they also explained that they are surmounting the challenges by reserving appointive positions for women in their cabinets.

In a meeting with civic business leaders, the governors had the opportunity to learn about initiatives which they can tap into immediately. One such opportunity is the U.S African Development Foundation (USADF), a five year MOU collaborative platform to economic development scheme for vulnerable communities. The scheme requires a $500,000 matching grant from the state. The governors were also advised to coordinate better with local and international partners.

The issue of improving the business climate for domestic and foreign investors also came up for discussion during the three-day forum. It was agreed that buying into the Federal Government Ease of Doing Business Agenda would engender much

needed economic opportunities for citizens.

The meeting didn’t end without focus on the North-East. The ongoing humanitarian situation in the region is dire, with 1,000 children dying on a weekly basis. If not urgently addressed, over 10,000 children may die by December. The governor of Borno displayed much dexterity and mastery of the matter at hand. According to him, over 1,450,000 IDPs are living in host communities in Maiduguri alone. He called for immediate attention to be given to IDPs in host communities to avert a humanitarian crisis.

A key take away from the meeting is the leadership question. Until good leadership is in place in the region, the North cannot develop and, without the states, Nigeria cannot develop.

On a lighter note, I was really impressed by the governors and their demeanour throughout the meeting. On arrival at Washinghton DC, I saw governor Tambuwal wheeling his own suitcases.

At the opening itself, the Chairman of the Governors Forum, Shettima, made it clear that it was a difficult decision to attend the meeting as Nigeria is in recession and citizens may not understand the need for governors to participate.

All the governors attended the meetings throughout: participating every day from 8amoften until as late as around 7pm. In a complete departure from previous years, the governors either attended alone or with just one aide. I also had the opportunity to arrive or depart from the venue with some of the governors, and nobody travelled in a limousine but instead used the everyday taxis of Washington DC. I can only hope the commitment displayed by the governors to lift Northern Nigeria out of poverty and ensure the region’s development are matched with equal action in their states.

Idayat Hassan is the Director of the Centre for Democracy and Development.

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

PAGE 14

News

Adamawa govt, UNICEF, WHO partner media on polio immunisation T From Umar Dankano Yola

he Adamawa state Primary Health Care Development Agency,ADSPHCDA in conjunction with United Nations Children’s Funds,UNICEF and World Health Organisation,WHO have established a new partnership with media practitioners for improved awareness on importance of polio immunisation in Adamawa state.

Inaugurating the new collaboration at a sensitisation workshop for media executives and journalists in Yola Thursday, executive chairman of the Agency (ADSPHCDA),Dr.Abdullahi Dauda Belel said the synergy has become

Edo varsity trains staff on manpower devt

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

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do state University, Iyamho, has begun the training of its staff on manpower development, innovation and global competiveness The initiative of the University which is yet to graduate its first batch of graduates, will among others, make the University technology-driven in learning and teaching.

Vice-Chancellor of Edo University, Prof. Emmanuel Aluyor disclosed this when the management of the Institution led members of Edo State House of Assembly, House Committee on Education on a guided tour of facilities in the school.

He told his guests that the University had trained some staff during the train the trainers programme.

Aluyor also pledged the University will not lose sight of its Corporate social Responsibility (CSR) to its immediate Communities.

The visit to Institution was part of the oversight function of the Lawmakers were led by the Chairman House Committee on Education, Mr. Foly Ogedengbe who was accompanied by other members of the Committee, are, Mr. Victor Edoro, Bright Osayande and Victor Aisien Ojo. Places visited by the guests, include, Faculty of Science, Faculty of Arts, Social Science and Management, Faculty of Law, Faculty of Engineering, Faculty of Medical Science and Centre for Entrepreneurship Development (CED) where students are on intents aretrained on tailoring, bead making and bags.

eminent due lack of enough awareness on the activities of the Agency especially immunisation and other health related exercises in the state.

Dr. Belel disclosed that one million children died yearly in Nigeria as a result of not been immunised whenever the exercise is being undertaken.

Belel explained that the economy of the country is negatively affected due to the disability suffered by children over their parents attitude towards polio vaccination.

The chairman also announced the formation of a group selected journalists in the state involving both print and electronic tagged

“Journalists Against Polio”(JAP) to handle the enlightenment and awareness campaign on polio immunisation in the state.

He urged journalists Against Polio to use their professional experience to mount massive campaign to enlighten the public about the health importance of vaccinating their children after birth.

Belel disclosed that UNICEF has established 226 health facilities in all the wards of the state to facilitates fast and entire immunization of children in the state before the end of 2018.

He expressed concern that north east region has the highest number of children not immunized ,pointing out that 42 percent are not

fully vaccinated and that journalists should take the led to mobilize the rural parents and educate them about the viability of the exercise.

While presenting a paper during the workshop,the Director disease control in ADSPHDA Dr. Amos Ujulu, said that the objective of the workshop is to update journalists about the challenges facing the non immunization of the children.

Ujulu who blamed lacked of enlightenment of the rural dwellers on the importance of vaccination of children, noted that ignorance about the exercise has contributed to the poor participation of parents.

He pointed out that with the efforts of media reports, last year

L-R: Former Vice Chancellor, Federal University Minna, professor Musbau Akanji, Vice Chancellor Federal University of Technology Minna, Professor Adullahi Bala, Executive Secretary Tertiary Education Trust Fund (TETFUND), Dr. Abdullahi Bichi Baffa and Director Executive Secretary office, Bar. Ufiok Ukim, during the commissioning of Tetfund projects, at the University, recently in Minna

Kaduna pilgrims undergo enlightenment on pilgrimage From Mohammed Kaduna

Ibrahim

K

aduna State Muslim Pilgrims Welfare Board is to commence enlightenment and education for its registered intending pilgrims for this year’s pilgrimage in all the enlightenment centres starting this

week end.

A statement signed by the spokesperson of the Board, Yunusa Muhammad Abdullahi said that the enlightenment is aimed at teaching the intending pilgrims basic principles of Islam, holy pilgrimage and other principles of Hajj operations as well as rules and regulations governing

pilgrims stay in Saudi Arabia.

The statement quoted the Overseer of the Board, Imam Hussaini Sulaiman Tsoho as saying that, the sensitisation will be conducted on Saturdays and Sundays, for five months and attendance is compulsory by all the registered intending pilgrims.

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He revealed that the Board has already registered more than 1,000 intending pilgrims for this year’s hajj and the registration is on-going and is to be closed next month, the statement added.

A total of 6,632 hajj seats have been allocated to the state by National Hajj Commission of Nigeria, Abuja.

Community berates Okowa over alleged interference with union election

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro

R

esidents of Ekakpamre Community in Delta State have appealed to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Inspector– General of Police, Idris Muhammed, and other relevant authorities to save them from the alleged harassment

by Delta state Governor, Sen. Ifeanyi

Okowa.

Outgoing President–General of the Union, Chief Mukoro Abraham, accused the governor of plotting to impose his stooges as executives of the union accounting for the delay in conducting the union’s election which would usher in new executives.

Chief Mukoro disclosed this while

fielding questions from journalists in Benin City, the Edo state Capital.

He said the alleged witchhunting, intimidation and indiscriminate arrest of perceived members of the All Progressives Congress (APC) was unbecoming of an elected governor who ought to concern himself with issues of governance and welfare of Deltans.

Former AIG backs creation of State police former Assistant Inspector-General of Police, Raimi Odofin, on Thursday said the country was mature enough for the creation of state police to strengthen machinery for tackling security challenges.

Mr. Odofin told News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in

1.98 million children were vaccinated in Adamawa state and that only two local governments ,Guyuk and Fofure have recorded 80 percent vaccination exercise .

He urged parents to always present their children for the immunization to avoid them becoming infected with diseases that can hinder their future.

While speaking at the occasion, chairman of Adamawa state chapter of the Nigeria Union of Journalists (NUJ) Mr. Umar Dankano, assured the organizers that media practitioners in the state will take it upon themselves to use their pen to dismantle the barriers militating against polio immunization exercise.

Ibadan that the number of policemen in the country was inadequate for the recurring security challenges across the nation.

Mr. Odofin said that it was time for Nigerians to accept the creation of state police in spite of the fear that state governors would abuse it.

“The state governors, too, must first look at the financial implication of having state police and should restrain from abusing the development.

“Creation of the state police is not a bad idea but the governors should be mature enough when the police will be under them,” he said.

He said national police was very effective in the past, but that due to poor management of resources it had began to face a lot of challenges.

“In the past, the police had so many vehicles, communication equipment, guns but now, these things are no longer there as it supposed to be.

According to him, “the Ughelli South Local Government Council, authority falsified the original list of delegates to the election in favour of his cronies which triggered massive protest by the people and eventual cancellation of the election by the Head, Personnel Management of the Council and security operatives”, Mukoro alleged.

“The police as a security agency should not depend on donation from individuals and corporate organisations,” he said.

The Nigeria Governors’ Forum had on Monday thrown its weight behind the Presidency on the decentralisation of police force in the country.

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PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

2019 election: Why APC will again – Buhari’s kinsman, Garba

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Political parties back NASS on new election sequence

lhaji Lawal Garba, the National Chairman, By Our Correspondent “The issue is not about lead to the party, which wins the Assembly are not only experienced Forum of Patriotic APC Presidential election sweeping politicians but major stakeholders President Muhammadu Buhari’s reelection bid. It is about Nigeria he Conference of Nigeria the polls at all level in view of the in the outcome of the elections.

Members, said the party will “You don’t put in place an after President Buhari”, the body Political Parties (CNPP) history of elections in the country. again in 2019.

CNPP also counselled all civil electoral process in place with one observed. has thrown its weight The kinsman of President The CNPP then tasked the society organizations (CSOs) man in mind because if another behind the National Assembly Muhammadu Buhari also​ expressed confidence in the ability on reordering of 2019 general “towing the path of INEC to person comes in, the process will electoral umpire on free, fair and very credible 2019 elections that retrace their steps as they are be inherited by the person. elections and beyond. of Sen. Bola Tinubu reconciliation “The the process should be to will surpass the legacy left behind They insisted that that the unwittingly aiding a rigging committee to make the party presidential election must come formula that will turn the country do the right thing and follow the by the last leadership of the stronger and more united at the last to save Nigerian democracy into a one party state. path that can deepen democracy Commission. end of its assignment.

Meanwhile, the Senate has “If INEC wants to conduct rather than a party that will and the country from nosediving “Asiwaju Bola Tinibu is into a one party state at any point free, fair and credible elections in ultimately destroy all democratic stated that it followed due process the country devoid of rigging, the tenets we have all labour to build. in the adoption and passage of the capable of reconciling aggrieved in our national life.

“For us, the reordered amendment to the Electoral Act. In its reaction on Thursday, Commission should listen to the members considering his political Its spokesperson, Senator Sabi clout and commitment to the the CNPP in a statement issued by voice of the representatives of the elections is the best thing the ideals of the party,” Garba ​told its Secretary General, Chief Willy Nigerian people, who are working current National Assembly has Abdullahi, also debunked claims Ezugwu, noted that proposal hard to reduce bandwagon effects done for Nigeria and democracy in that the change in the sequence NAN in Daura, Katsina State. the country. And anyone against it of elections was targeted at the by the Independent National in voting.

He noted that agreements president.

“Members of the National is a hater of Nigerian democracy.

Electoral Commission (INEC) will and disagreements were common futures of politics and appealed to aggrieved party members should sheath their swords and embrace the reconciliation move initiated by the president.

According to him, in spite of the internal wrangling, the All Progressives Congress (APC) has maintained its link with majority of the electorates.

“The mass of the electorate are still with us and they will vote for the party again in 2019.

“The three years of APC as the ruling party have been eventful, innovative, creative and inventive; the party has transformed various sectors of the economy.

“It has championed the ongoing anti corruption crusade, agricultural revolution and promotion of security nationwide.

“Theses are what we want the party to consolidate after the 2019 elections,” Garba, a former member of the House of R-L: Senate Leader, Sen. Lawan Ahmed, Member, Senate Committee on Interior, Sen. Clifford Ordia and Sponsor of the Bill, Senator Babajide Representatives said. (NAN) Omoworare, during a public hearing on a bill to re enact the Prisons act, at the National Assembly yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: Mahmud Isa

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2019: Stop misleading Kaduna people -Arewa youth group cautions Senator Hunkuyi From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

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ne of the leading northern youth civil society groups, Arewa Youth Consultative Forum(AYCF), has warned Senator Suleiman Othman Hunkuyi and “his co-travelers in the game of political deceit and confusion” to “desist from misleading “innocent Kaduna populace”.

The Forum stated this in a statement signed by its National President, Alhaji Yerima Shettima and made available to newsmen in Kaduna yesterday.

AYCF took exception to what it considered “the dangerous political inconsistency of Senator Hunkuyi, which is dividing the hearts and minds of innocent Kaduna electorate”.

The group noted that “it is fresh in the memory of Kaduna people,

that Senator Hunkuyi has become famous for shamelessly switching party affinities or turning against his closest political associates, in the form of openly back-stabbing them.”

It explained that since 1999, “no Kaduna politician has been doing merry-go-round with his supporters, from one party to another, like Senator Hunkuyi.

He was in ANPP with his supporters and suddenly moved to the PDP and back again, until they got frustrated and refused to be dragged into his merry-go-round.”

The statement noted that from the moment Hunkuyi was appointed Finance Commissioner in Kaduna State, “ he has been too full of himself and became vulnerable to unbridled ambition that turned into political desperation.

It is an open secret how the man who brought Hunkuyi to political limelight was turned into his arch enemy and political rival. Interestingly, Hunkuyi has never succeeded in any of his political back-stabbing missions and even in 2019, he will fail because we will mobilize other stakeholders to expose his dirty little antics.

The group noted with “deep disappointment, how Hunkuyi has made it a duty to damage the political calculations of his associates, who usually innocently bring him know board for positive contributions. It would appear that there is no end to Hunkuyi’s pedestrian political style as he has failed to change, lover the last 17 or more years.

We cannot fathom why politicians in Kaduna still attach Hunkuyi to their strategic think-tanks and all they get in

return is open political betrayal. But we are hopeful that our Forum would seize the opportunity of the 2019 elections to put an end to Hunkuyi’s ignoble role as political spoiler”.

“For the records, Hunkuyi has quarreled with all his political mentors by openly turning against them, at a time they needed his support and encouragement. This political inconsistency of the Senator should be tackled once and for all, so that he does not continue to divide the hearts and minds of innocent Kaduna populace.”

The AYCF also called on Karina voters to be “very wary of Hunkuyi’s lack of direction, empty rhetorical and self-righteous politics.”

The group then assured that with its underground moves to expose Hunkuyi’s deceptive, moneybag

politics and window-dressing, an end to his dirty political posturing may have been here at last.

“This is the time also, for the betrayed benefactors of Senator Hunkuyi to pay him back in his real coin, to serve as an exemplary move for checkmating the very rotten eggs in today’s Kaduna politics.

“All hands must be on deck, this time, to show the bad eggs among us the way out, through mass mobilization and effective use of the voters’ card.

“As stakeholders of the Nigerian project, we feel duty bound to fight against any movement by political predators like Hunkuyi, to hide behind their inordinate ambition in order to deceive, confuse, mislead and harm the cherished democratic interest of our people,” the group added.

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PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

POLITICS

Reps probe NEMA over N19.4b relief material fraud

By Musa Adamu

H

ouse of Representatives yesterday mandated its committee on Emergency and Disaster Preparedness to investigate National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) over alleged looting of N19.4 billion relief materials and funds for victims of disasters.

The motion was moved under matter of urgent public importance by Hon. Benjamin Wayo.

The funds, according to the lawmakers were for hunger intervention in the Northeast and food intervention across the country.

The lawmakers noted that the

funds were illegally siphoned by officials of the agency through dubious award of contracts without delivering relief items to the victims.

While leading debate on the motion, Hon. Wayo said that the agency had received more than N10 billion from the 20 percent National Ecological Fund in the last one year.

He accused the Director General of the agency, Mustapha Maihaja, of allegedly awarding contracts to the companies he had interest in.

According unaccounted are the N5 billion for hunger intervention in the Northeast, about N2 billion for food intervention across the country

and the N2.4 billion.

Hon. Wayo noted that agency was the only federal agency that had an Air Ambulance which had been turned into a commercial one without remitting the financial proceeds to government coffers.

The lawmaker explained that the mandate of NEMA was to coordinate the management of disasters across the country and to assist victims of such disasters, adding however, that in spite of the core mandate, several cases of disasters across the country have not been given necessary attention.

He said: “The hunger issue in IDP camps in the Northeast; the farmers/herdsmen conflicts; fire

disasters victims and many other such cases across the country have been neglected.

“The agency has received more than N10 billion from the 20% National Ecological Fund in the last one year, N5 billion for hunger intervention in the Northeast, about N2 billion for food intervention across the country.

“These funds were illegally siphoned by officials of the agency through dubious award of contracts without delivering relief items to the victims.

The Director General of the agency also awards contracts to companies he has personal interests in, and has violated his approval limits by awarding

contracts to a single firm without due process.

“Example, one company called Olam Nigeria Limited got a contract of N2.4 billion, which is against the agency’s approval limit as stated in Section 16 subsection 1 of the NEMA Act. It should be made clear that the section pegs the approval limit at just N30 million.”

He recalled that the inability of the NEMA DG to manage the affairs of the agency, prompted the staff to go on strike last year, adding that the staff were currently threatening to embark on another strike if there was no intervention to resolve lingering labour related issues in the agency.

Former commissioner dumps PDP for APC in Abia

F

ormer Commissioner for Information and Strategy in Abia, Dr. Anthony Agbazuere has defected from the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to the All Progressives Congress (APC).

The onetime Special Adviser on Public Orientation to Gov. Okezie Ikpeazu, and former chairman of Isiala Ngwa South Local Government Area of the state told the News Agency of Nigeria, NAN, that he left the PDP due to alleged impunity in the party.

Agbazuere alleged that the state chapter of the PDP was filled with anti democratic forces which had made it impossible for good governance to thrive in the state.

“As a democrat, I cannot continue to remain in a party that does not respect the wish of the people.

“There is impunity and imposition of candidates in the PDP and the only way to go is to join a progressive party,” Agbazuere said.

“I will soon address a news conference on my defection to the APC, but the fact remains that I am no longer in the PDP,” Reacting, the state APC Chairman, Mr Donatus Nwankpa, confirmed that the former commissioner had joined the party.

Nwankpa said, “The process of joining a party is from the ward. I can confirm to you that Abgazuere has joined our party from the ward and I met him yesterday as a member of the APC.” (NAN)

President, National Association of Nigerian Students (NANS), Comrade Kadiri Aruna (m), being assisted by the President, National Youth Council of Nigeria (NYCN), Comrade Murtala Muhammed (l) while presenting an award of The Grand Commander of Nigerian Students to the APC National Vice Chairman North, Alhaji Mustapha Salihu, at the APC Secretariat, yesterday in Abuja.

Police stop Niger PDP rally give nod to APC From Yakubu Minna

Mustapha,

T

he Niger State police command has refused to grant People Democratic Party (PDP) permission to hold its zonal rally, slated for tomorrow (Saturday) at Paiko, the headquarters of Paikoro local government area of the state, sighting security reason for its decision.

The Party Vice Chairman, Zone B, Mallam Adamu Jibrin gave the disclosure while

speaking to newsmen in Minna.

He said the police turned down the request by the party because the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) had already applied to hold its unity rally the same day in Minna.

The Zonal Vice Chairman explained that his party’s rally was slated for Paiko, while that of APC is slated for Minna, the state capital the police told them (PDP) that it does not have enough personnel to provide security for the two rallies at the same time.

According to him, the police

further sighted security reason for its action, expressing fear of the possibility of the two supporters who are expected to come from different parts of the state for the rallies, crossing each other. “we wrote to the police since on the 5th of this month, asking for their permission to enable our party hold its rally on the 17th of this month at Paiko but we only got their reply just this Monday, telling us that APC had already applied for the same date.

“The police told us that they don’t have enough personnel

to provide security for the two rallies at the same day. Thy asked us to put on hold our rally till further notice”.

“The police also said that even if they have enough personnel for the two rallies, there is the possibility of the two supports crossing each which might result to violence” he stated.

All attempt to get the police reaction failed as the police public relation officer, ASP, Mohammed Abubakar refused to pick his phone after several calls by our correspondent.

What becomes of Zuma’s statue – Nigerians ask Gov. Okorocha

I

mo state governor, Rochas Okorocha, has come under heavy attack following Jacob Zuma’s resignation as President of South Africa.

Zuma’s resignation is exactly four months after he was honoured with a giant statue, and the highest chieftaincy title in Imo. He also had a street named after him by Gov Rochas Okorocha.

Recall that Okorocha despite several criticisms insisted that he owes no one an apology for erecting

Zuma’s statue, saying it was erected to encourage business relationship between the state and South Africa.

However, some concerned Nigerians on social media have questioned Okorocha on what will become of Zuma’s statue erected in his state since Zuma has been thrown out of office.

Some have accused Okorocha of being as corrupt as Zuma while others urged him to take down the statue.

Here are some comments: @idreesyomi “Now that Jacob

Zuma has Resigned as the president of South Africa, someone should be please remind governor Rochas Okorocha to take down the president statue. Thank you. @yemifash ” Now that Jacob Zuma has resigned has the President of South Africa what will happen to his statue in Imo State? Okorocha may be planning to give him an appointment in Imo, abi how you see am? @jjeffphilips “Governor Rochas Okorocha’s Zuma statue has also decided to resign following Zuma’s

resignation in SA @alouibrahim ” I wonder what Gov Okorocha will do to the statue of Former President Zumba of South Africa. @olisa “Gov Rochas Okorocha should somehow feel ashamed the President of a country he erected a statue for resigned over corruption allegations. @AnnTommy ” Jacob Zuma of South Africa resign, Rochas Okorocha’s hero, a man the whole world knew as being deeply corrupt. Now his gone will Okorocha pull down the statute

and replace with the new president or he’ll just mold the new one beside it. #statutegovernor @sirdaveson ” Now that Jacob Zuma has resigned as SA President, can Rochas Okorocha of Imo see how stupid he was for that useless statue. @Yima ” I wonder how your MCM (Rochas Okorocha) feels now that his exemplary friend, Jacob Zuma has resigned as President on corruption charges, after building a huge stature and naming a street by his name in his state. (DAILY POST)

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

Okorocha threatens to prosecute parents over child hawkers

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arents who allow their children to hawk instead of sending them to school would not only be arrested but prosecuted henceforth, Imo State Governor, Rochas Okorocha, said on Wednesday.

Mr. Okorocha, who disclosed this in a statement by his chief press secretary, Sam Onwuemeodo, also said parents and guardians who for other reasons do not send their children and wards to school will also be sanctioned.

The governor said a law for the implementation of the policy has been passed by the State House of Assembly.

According to Section 30(2C) of Part III of the Child Rights Act of 2003, “A child shall not be used for hawking goods or services on main streets, brothels or highways”.

Subsection 3 of it further states that, “A person who contravenes the provisions of subsection 2 of this Act commits an offence and is liable, on conviction, to imprisonment for a term of 10 years without an option of fine.”

Although this law has been passed at the federal level, it is only effective in states whose assemblies have assented to it.

“Parents and guardians in the State have no reason to keep their children and wards out of School,” the governor noted He said his free education programme has boosted enrolment in the state from 280,000 in 2011 to more than one million in 2017.

“My greatest gift to Imo people is free education. Today, we have built three more universities, more polytechnics and colleges of education. We shall continue to invest in that direction so that hundreds of thousands of our children always denied admissions every year even when they meet all the requirements can be taken care of. (PREMIUM TIMES)

POLITICS

NASS election timetable: It’s unconstitutional, in bad faith -Buhari Support Organization

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he Buhari Support Organisation (BSO), Enugu State chapter, Thursday, condemned what it called the unconstitutional amendment of Section 25 of the 2010 Electoral Act by both the Senate and House of Representatives.

Recall that both chambers have adopted a re-ordered timetable for the 2019 election.

Reacting to the raging controversies surrounding the amendment, Mr. Eze Chibueze, Publicity Secretary, BSO Enugu chapter, said the amendment “no doubt infringes upon the constitutional powers vested on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC), by the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria as

amended.”

He said the group “views the amendment as one done in bad faith, hence erosion of INEC powers an electoral umpire which had already issued sequence and order of 2019 general elections – National Assembly/President, and State Assembly/Governor elections.

“Therefore, we are at a loss and yet to locate the economic, patriotic or any valid reason for infringing on the Constitution which in the Third Schedule, expressly bestows INEC with the powers to: – organise, undertake and supervise all elections to the offices of the President and Vice President, the Governor and Deputy Governor, and to the membership of the Senate, the House of Representatives and

the House of Assembly of each State of the Federation.

“The fact and the law is that sequence of elections is an integral component of organisation and supervision of elections, which are the primary functions of INEC. This is why since 1960, neither the 1960 parliament, the 2nd Republic nor the 3rd Republic National Assembly had ever inserted the sequence of elections in our Electoral Act. We stand to be contradicted.”

“BSO commends the Senators and House Members who opposed the unconstitutional act, especially the only APC Senator from the South East, Distinguished Senator Benjamin Uwajumogu.

“It’s our considered view that

obstacles or booby traps should not be planted to block President Muhammadu Buhari from firming the solid foundation he is laying in the provision of critical infrastructure – RAILS, ROADS, AGRO & POWER (RRAP) projects.

“Accordingly, we call on Mr President to veto the Bill and Distinguished Senators and House Members to support the veto. For if there were valid or altruistic reasons behind the unnecessary tampering with the sequence published by INEC, the National Assembly should have truly posited bottom-top model that of – the House of Assembly, the Governorship, the National Assembly and last the President”, he further stated. (DAILY POST)

L-R: Executive Director, Independent Service Delivery Monitoring Group (ISDMG), Dr Chima Amadi; Directors of ISDMG, Ezenwa Nwagwu and Faith Nwadishi, during the group’s news conference on underage voting, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Niger APC sets to receive defectors at mega rally From Yakubu Minna

Mustapha,

T

he Niger State chapter of All Progressive Congress (APC) have concluded arrangements to receive the opposition defectors including the state PDP Deputy Chairman Alhaji Aminu Yussuf in a slated mega rally on Friday 17th

February, 2018.

This was contained in a press release issued yesterday in Minna by the State Secretary of APC, Barrister Mohammed Alhaji Liman who said that the party will also received the House of Assembly member representing Suleja, Hon. Shuaibu Iya Liman who had dumped the PDP for the ruling

APC. The statement further said that the National Chairman of APC, Chief John Oyegun and six State Governor’s of the party were expected to witness the event that will be hold at the Trade Fair Complex, Minna.

It noted that the occasion would “further show that the party is widely accepted and

fully grounded in Niger State”.

The statement added that some of the decampees includes some local government and ward Chairmen of PDP as well as former local government council chairmen and councilors.

He therefore urged all the party faithfuls enjoined to mobilize for the event to

give their support to the state Governor Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello who is the chief host and event to be hosted by the State Party Chairman, Engr Mohammed Jibril Imam.

He assured that the present administration will continued to serve the interest of the people and bring positive change in all facets and sectors in the state.

Ekweremadu gives reason for clashes between executive, legislative arms in Nigeria

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he Deputy Senate President, Dr. Ike Ekeweremadu, has revealed why the executive and the legislative arms constantly clash in Nigeria.

The lawmaker said the constant frosty relationship between the two arms of

government is due to the highhandedness of the executive.

Ekweremadu spoke yesterday in Abuja at the formal launch of the Responsive Political Party Programme, RPPP, of the International Republican Institute, IRI.

He said executive excesses couched in party supremacy which strives to impose leadership on the parliament, is always the reason for the loggerheads.

According to him, “In the face of executive belligerence

that usually follows, the parliamentarians would naturally rally around their popularly elected leadership in defence of the principle of separation of powers.

“Even when such imposition succeeds, it hardly lasts, as the

history of the National Assembly in the current democratic dispensation clearly shows.

The DSP further admitted that there was often lack of synergy between the political parties and their members in the parliament. (DAILY POST)

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

ENTERNTAINMENT

Tobias Lengnan Dapam

Talk of a Spice Girls reunion tour ‘premature’

F

or fans of the Spice Girls, speculation has been rampant about a possible reunion tour ever since it was revealed that the five original band members – Victoria Beckham, Emma Bunton, Geri Horner, Melanie Brown and Melanie Chisholm – had gathered over lunch at Horner’s home earlier this month.

But those hoping to see Posh, Scary, Sporty, Baby and Ginger back on the road are likely to be disappointed, at least for now. While the former band mates acknowledged that they

S

ince the rise of the tentpole, movies increasingly have moved away from cultural specificity. Sure, the $100 million-plus studio gambles of recent years have featured plenty of actors of color, even as leads, like John Boyega in the Star Wars films.

Now along comes Marvel’s Black Panther, a $200 million movie co-written and directed

by Ryan Coogler, an AfricanAmerican man, starring an almost entirely black cast and featuring an Afrocentric plotline that eschews the prevailing tentpole formula of aiming for the broadest sensibility possible. With its domestic success all but assured (Black Panther is tracking to open in the $165 million range in North America), the question now is how much the film will alter the interest in so-called “black” studio films.

“I keep comparing it to Wonder Woman because we saw what a cultural

had met “to explore some incredible new opportunities together,” an insider told Variety that talk of a tour was “premature” and that the women were not even expected to be in the same city to meet about future plans until April. The source suggested that, while some sort of plan may be in the pipeline, it would not be a full tour and nothing has been booked by CAA, the Spice Girls’ long-time agency.

Beckham herself has played down any possibility of a tour.

phenomenon that movie became,” says comScore’s Paul Dergarabedian. “Black Panther is going to be a movie that is an important watershed moment.”

Still, the biggest hurdle for Black Panther will be its international showing. Movies that feature culturally specific storylines usually receive a cold shoulder abroad. Girls Trip in 2017 notched only 18 percent of its $140 million total overseas.

Straight Outta Compton did only slightly better in 2015, with 20 percent of its $202 million worldwide haul coming from abroad.

The success of Patty Jenkins’ Wonder Woman — with its $822 million global haul, it’s the top-grossing film directed by a woman — certainly changed the way studios think about the potential of female superhero movies. Several similar bigbudget films now loom, including a Wonder Woman sequel from Warner Bros. on Nov. 1, 2019 (which will make

Will ‘Black Panther’ be a “watershed moment” for black studio films?

Jenkins the highest-paid female director with a $7 million to $9 million payday and significant backend). Two others are dated for 2019 — Sony’s SpiderMan spinoff Silver and Black, featuring superheroines Black Cat and Silver Sable, and Marvel’s Captain Marvel — while Warners’ Batgirl and Gotham City Sirens are in the works.

But how exactly Black

Panther influences the major studios’ willingness to greenlight a black-focused movie at a significant budget remains to be seen. So far, only one film with an African-American director, a mostly African-American cast and a mega-budget awaits: Ava DuVernay’s A Wrinkle in Time, a $100 million-plus gamble for Disney that opens March 9.

Still, the dam may be poised to break. A Black Panther sequel seems all but assured, though Coogler does not have a deal to return, say sources (he’s poised to direct Warners’ Creed II next with Black Panther co-star Michael B. Jordan). The next wave of projects includes Sony’s $30 million SuperFly coming June 15 and New Line’s Shaft redo, with Samuel L. Jackson in the lead, set for June 14, 2019.

A Girls Trip sequel is being discussed at Universal, which hopes to reteam Regina Hall, Queen Latifah, Jada Pinkett Smith and Tiffany Haddish.

Black Panther also might accelerate the development at Warners of two of DC’s black heroes — Justice League’s Cyborg and the John Stewart Green Lantern (which already has Sterling K. Brown campaigning on Twitter for the role). And when the Solo: A

Star Wars Story trailer debuted during the Super Bowl, fans immediately began lobbying for a Lando Calrissian one-off for Donald Glover.

Whether Lucasfilm’s Kathleen Kennedy moves in that direction, Marvel’s Black Panther gamble already is inspiring a new generation of filmmakers who hope to be the next F. Gary Gray, perhaps the most courted black director in the wake of Compton and then The Fate of the Furious, which grossed $1.236 billion. “This film is a great example for young people of color that they can do anything — and that they won’t just be the only person of color doing it,” says Emerson College professor Miranda Banks, who teaches a class on race, gender and contemporary Hollywood.

“In the past, Hollywood studios would commonly enlist an actor of color or a director of color, but they were often surrounded by an enormous number of established white cast- and crewmembers.

What’s interesting here is that there are so many people of color in front of and behind the camera who worked together and created something that is specifically a black story. That’s what is exciting about it for my students and the way they talk about it.”

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PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

Gov Amosun commissions 85KWP solar power project

By Musa Adamu

T

he Ogun state Governor, Sen. Ibikunle Amosun, has commissioned the 85KWp Solar Hybrid Mini – Grid electricity project at Gbamu-Gbamu village in Ijebu – East Central Local Council Development Area of the State.

According to the Deputy Dierctor, Press, federal ministry of power, works and housing, Etore E. Thomas, the Governor said the project would supply electricity to 487 households.

It the Governor further stated that the project was in line with his administration’s rural infrastructure development agenda, saying it would be of great benefit to Small, Medium and Micro businesses in and around the community.

It said the enjoined the people to collaborate with investors to bring dividends of Democracy to the area.

It said while appreciating the Mohammadu Buhari led federal government for including Ogun state in the pilot scheme of the rural electrification project, he noted that the provision of stable power supply would improve the agricultural, educational, and economic and health sectors of the nation at large.

It said the Minister of state II for Power, Works and Housing, Suleiman Hassan Zarma, reiterated the commitment of President Buhari led administration to the achievement of incremental, stable and uninterrupted power supply to Nigerians as echoed in the road map designed by the Ministry.

He said: “our being here today is deliberate. It underscores the importance government attached to the provision of electricity in remote and underserved rural communities all over Nigeria through distributed power generation using locally available resource such as solar and wind”.

The Minister disclosed that the project was co – funded by the European Union and jointly implemented by the Federal Ministry of Power, Works and Housing and the German International Development Agency, Deutsche Geseuschaft (GIZ) through the Nigerian Energy Support Programme (NESP).

He said the NESP partnered with the Ogun state government and a private investor, Rubitech Solar, to provide clean energy for rural households, which would in turn improve the lives of the people through improved education, health care, water and job creation.

He assured that the federal government would continue to engage the private sector for the benefit of Nigerians.

Speaking further, Suleiman said “In 2018 we are making efforts to add incremental power from renewable energy from the Katsina wind farm (10MW), Gurara (30MW), Dadin Kowa (29MW) and Kashimbilla (40MW) project that had lingered for years before this administration.

Additionally, mega projects like 3050MW Mambilla Hydropower project that have been on the drawing board for 30 years has been contracted out by this administration and work will commence soon.”

NNPC to clear fuel queues ahead of Nigerian Petroleum Summit

By Mashe Umaru Gwamna

T

he Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr Ibe Kachikwu, has directed the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) to ensure that petrol queues are cleared in Abuja before Sunday.

Kachikwu gave the directive

yesterday at a press conference on the upcoming international oil and gas conference and exhibition “tagged the Nigerian International Petroleum Summit (NIPS)”.

The minister said the summit, which is patterned after the annual Offshore Technology Conference (OTC) which holds in Houston, Texas, is designed to attract new investments

and showcase the latest technologies that could be adopted for the upstream, midstream and downstream sectors to ensure cost management in the Nigerian oil and gas industry.

He said the maiden edition of the NIPS which is scheduled to hold from 18th to 22nd February, 2018, would provide a veritable platform for the international oil companies and other

Mr. Clement Baiye, Commissioner, Nigerian Communications Commission (NCC); Prof. Umar Garba Danbatta, Executive Vice Chairman/CEO, NCC; Senator Olabiyi Durojaiye, Chairman, NCC Board of Commissioners; and Mr. Felix Adeoye, Commission Secretary, NCC during the NCC Code of Corporate Governance Sensitisation Workshop in Kano yesterday.

relevant stakeholders to brainstorm on ways to move the Nigerian petroleum sector forward.

Dr. Kachikwu noted that Nigeria was endowed with a lot of requisite skill sets that contributed enormously to the actualization of the Egina Floating Production and Storage Offloading (FPSO) facility which, according to him, is the largest FPSO ever installed in Nigeria, adding that the FPSO would contribute its quota to national daily production.

He said President Muhammadu Buhari was pleased with the new feats being achieved in the petroleum sector, noting that Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was expected to declare the summit open next Monday 19thFebruary, 2018.

The Minister of State for Petroleum Resources informed that the NIPS would attract participants from OPEC member countries and other international stakeholders across the globe.

He said the summit which would be an annual event was being held at the instance of the Ministry of Petroleum Resources with the collaboration of all the Departments and Agencies under it.

Giving an update on the proposed refinery upgrade, Dr. Kachikwu informed that efforts were on to finalize on the private sector financiers for the three refineries in Port Harcourt, Warri and Kaduna, assuring that by 2019, Nigeria would become a net exporter of petroleum products.

NCC sensitizes Kano Stakeholders on Corporate Governance Code ...Says Code to address unethical Practices

By Etuka Sunday

N

igerian Communications Commission (NCC) yesterday took its Zonal Sensitisation Workshop on the Code of Corporate Governance for the Tecommunications Industry to the ancient city of Kano.

This, was to sensitise the industry stakeholders and general public of the existence of the code; efforts geared to rid the sector of existing sharp practices and reposition it on the part of sustainable growth.

With over 140 million subscribers as at December, 2017, out of which 98 million are internet subscribers, the Code becomes necessary to address the ethical issues in the industry.

Speaking at the Sensitisation Workshop in Kano, the Executive Vice Chairman/Chief Executive Officer, NCC, Prof. Umar Danbatta said, ‎the Code will lead to improvement in the sector growth trajectory and overall contribution to the GDP. Prof. Danbatta said, under the Federal Government’s Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) framework, pervasive Broadband deployment alongside other ICT infrastructure were duly recognized as key elements for the targeted

diversification of the economy beyond the current mono focus on oil and gas.

“Our target to achieve 30% Broadband rollout in the country by end of this year 2018 remains in focus.”

He said NCC is committed to deliver regulatory excellence and facilitate operational efficiency, geared towards making the sector attractive to drive the level of investment and capital inflow needed.

According to him, “current evaluation report of the state of the industry suggests that whilst not understating the impact of other external and fiscal issues confronting the sector, that most challenges negatively affecting the health of operators in the sector today are attributable to poor governance issues.

“The Commission is determined to provide needed regulatory interventions to ensure that the sector plays effectively the enabling role it is mandated to create by the Act, the NCA 2003. It is currently rejigging its regulatory oversights in the areas of ensuring that consumers get cost effective value for money spent on telecommunication services; and that service delivery by providers are qualitative and efficient,” he said.

The NCC boss said, “towards empowering the consumer, the

Commission initiated the Do Not Disturb (DND) facility and the short code 2442 as toll free portal to moderate incidences of unsolicited messages. It also hyped its second level consumer complaint toll-free line short code 622 towards addressing unresolved consumer complaints on service failures.

“Issues of Quality of Service and factors affecting it are being aggressively tackled including by means of engagement with the tiers of government to address issues of Security, Right of Way, Multiple Taxation and Multiple Regulation, etc.

“In pursuit of its defined goal of regulatory operational efficiency, it has initiated international consultancies for the review of the Mobile Termination Rate (MTR) and International Termination Rate (ITR); and also for the determination of cost based pricing for retail broadband and data services.

“All the above initiatives are geared towards ensuring transparency in all areas of the Telecommunications service value chain by ensuring that tariffs are competitive and fair.

“Emerging from the cost based study of Mobile Termination Rate a new rate regime is to come into effect 1st March, 2018,” he said.

Prof. Danbatta said, “the regulator is benchmarking its performance standards to international best practices as a means of bolstering sector and international confidence. It is our expectation that the sector would align fully to these operational standards to consolidate on the gains already attained and further position the sector for even more robust performance.

“The regulator through the corporate governance code seeks strategic collaboration and partnership, as a vehicle for building synergy and trust to boost investor confidence through accountability and disclosure policies. Optimal compliance level could ultimately lead to sector playersself-regulation in due course.”

He said, “ a regime of sanctions has been put in place to facilitate compliance. A regime of reward and recognition for best practices has equally been developed to recognize full adoption and consistent compliance.

“I therefore urge stakeholders to embrace the code and strive towards full compliance even as the regulator commits to constant review of the principles in consultation with stakeholders to ensure alignment with global best practices and standards at all times.”

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B u s i n e s s

Baru tasks Oil Marketers on N145 per Litre Fuel Price

By Etuka Sunday

G

roup Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti Baru, has called on petroleum products marketers to stick to the N145 per litre approved pump price for petrol in order to make life easy for Nigerians.

The GMD gave this charge in Abuja while presenting a commendation letter to the Managing Director of BOVAS & Company Ltd, an Ibadanbased petroleum marketing company, for consistently selling petrol at the approved price of N145 per litre.

He said NNPC was fully convinced that it was possible for oil marketers to sell petrol at the approved price and still make a decent profit, urging other marketers to emulate BOVAS. He said the Corporation decided to recognize BOVAS and its Managing Director, Mrs. Victoria A. Samson, for helping the government to make life easy for Nigerians by selling petrol at the regulated price.

“It is on record that you have consistently demonstrated not only your ability to supply products to the market, but also to do so within the government controlled price of N145 per litre. You are even matching the NNPC Retail price by selling at N143 per litre. That is quite commendable,” Dr. Baru stated.

“By doing what she does, Mrs. Samson has been making life much easier for Nigerians. That is why we gave her a Commendation Letter as well as a plaque to recognize her efforts,” he added.

He assured her of NNPC’s readiness to support her company with necessary interventions to keep the company well supplied with petroleum products in order for it to serve its areas of operation well.

Responding, Mrs. Samson thanked the NNPC Management for the kind gesture, adding that her filling stations nationwide have maintained the N145 regulated price for petrol even during periods of supply shortage.

“Without doubt, this gesture will spur me to further do my best and continue to supply products at affordable prices for the benefit of all Nigerians,” an elated Mrs. Samson said.

She said BOVAS would continue to work with the Managements of NNPC/ PPMC not only to provide petroleum products at approved prices to Nigerians without diversion but also to resolve the current fuel crisis.

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

Mining: Nigeria, Australia hold policy, capacity building workshop

By Musa Adamu

T

he Ministry of Mines and Steel Development, in partnership with the Australian High Commission, is hosting a policy and capacity building workshop on the mining sector.

The two day workshop, which holds between February 19th and 20th, in Abuja, will provide information on leading practice from Western Australia on building a sustainable mining

sector.

A Press Release by Speacial Assistant to the Minister of Mines and Steel Development, Media, Olayinka Oyebode, said the aim of the workshop was to build the Nigerian mining and mineral sector’s capacity to deliver enhanced mineral exploration and mining regimes and promote on going education and training in mineral policy governance.

It said the workshop would also foster partnerships for knowledge sharing and skills

transfer to ensure leading practice in Nigeria.

With the theme, “Policy and Capacity Building Workshop for a Successful and Sustainable Mining Sector 2018”, it said the workshop would be delivered by two senior officials from the Western Australian Government Department of Mines and Petroleum.

It said the Speakers at the workshop would include representatives from the Ministry, as well as officials from

R-L: President, National Association of Nigerian Traders (NANTs), Barrister Ken Ukaoha, Head of Agriculture Division, ECOWAS, Ernest Aubee, Grow Project Coordinator, Oxfam Nigeria, Saratu Abiola and Economist, International Institute of Tropical Agriculture, Dr. Manson Nwafor, during the NANTs Training and capacity building workshop on Agricultural Policy instrument for Media Organisations, held yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Justin Imno-owo

Ecobank delivering cashless Africa

M

illions more people in Africa now have access to financial systems thanks to cashless systems using digital technology, and more and more people are seeing the benefits of mobile banking, according to Ecobank, the leading independent pan-African banking group.

Ecobank is the main sponsor at the Africa Tech summit currently taking place in Kigali, Rwanda.

Today, Nshuti Lucy Mbabazi, Assistant Vice President, Push Payments for the Ecobank Group will take part in a panel looking at delivering a cashless society in Africa.

Ecobank has spearheaded the development of cashless payment systems in Africa through its mobile app and other products. Africa is now at the forefront of fintech with 57.6% of the world’s 174 million

active registered mobile money accounts (100.1 million) in SubSaharan Africa. Fintech in Africa is predicted to grow from US$ 200 million to US$ 3 billion by 2020.

Ecobank’s mobile app allows customers in any of the 33 African countries in which it operates to check balances, pay bills and merchants, and many other services.

The mobile app offers banking services at a much cheaper cost than traditional banking, thus making it much more accessible to millions of users thanks to the rapid growth in mobile phone use. Rwanda, where the summit is taking place, has the second highest use of mobiles in Africa, with more than 50% of the population unique subscribers.

Kenya has the highest penetration rate of almost 60% of the population.

As Ecobank works seamlessly across 36 countries in total, Ecobank

is also the only bank that allows customers to transact more easily across borders.

Speaking at the Africa Tech summit, Nshuti Lucy Mbabazi explained the importance of fintech and moving towards a cashless society: “Digital technology is central to what we do at Ecobank. Technology offers us great opportunities to open up new markets, increase choice and speed delivery of services.”

“For instance, Rwanda, where the summit is taking place, is seeking to move from a cash-based economy to a digital one. The number of digital transactions in Rwanda increased by 11 per cent in the first half of 2017 from 1.37 million the previous year to 1.53 million in the same period, and more and more merchants and dealers are becoming access points.”

“Rwanda has had a 26% growth in the volume of transactions from

AIB slams Delta Airline for flouting Aviation laws

From Suleiman Idris, Lagos

T

he Nigeria aviation accident investigative authority, Accident Investigation Bureau (AIB) on Wednesday condemned in strong term the adamant posture of the United State carrier, Delta Airline for refusing to report it emergency landing incident at the Lagos airport on Tuesday to the authority almost 24 hours after the incident took place as required by law whilst the airline immediately notified the United States National Transportation Safety Board

the 36 state governments.

It further explained that the workshop, which aims at exposing participants to the Australian mining operations techniques and international best practices, was a follow up to the earlier one that took place in November 2016.

It said: “Objectives of the workshop include provision of information on leading practice from Western Australia on building a sustainable mining sector; build capacity of the ministry staff for the delivery of enhanced mineral exploration and mining regimes.

“Others are the promotion of on going education and training in mineral policy governance; fostering of partnerships for knowledge sharing and skills transfer to ensure leading practice across inter-country jurisdiction and sharing of the 120 years of Western Australia’s experience in developing mineral resources industry.”

It also disclosed that Australia was one of the world’s leading mineral resources nations.

“We are the world’s largest refiner of bauxite, fourth largest producer of primary aluminium, the largest producer of gem and industrial diamonds, lead and tantalum, and the mineral sands rutile and zircon; and the third largest producer of gold and iron ore.”

(NTSB), AIB’s sister agency in the US moment after the serious incident took place.

It described the act as an affront to the laws and Regulations of Nigeria, in this case the country of occurrence, affirming that AIB has an obligation to notify the International Civil Aviation Organisation (ICAO), but cannot do so because Delta Airline whose aircraft N858NW has refuse to notify the agency. AIB establishing Act is derived from the ICAO Annex 13.

Commissioner of AIB, Engineer Akin Olateru at a press briefing at the

agency’s headquarters on Wednesday explained that up until 3pm on Wednesday, the airline did not deem it fit to inform it of the incident in which five passengers out of the 219 were injured while making frantic efforts to disembark from the aircraft whose engine was engulfed in fire.

Olateru said “ Yesterday night, (Tuesday) Delta Airline Flight DL 55, an A330-200 departed Lagos at 21.51UTC with 219 passengers on board. Registration number of the aircraft is N858NW. Aircraft reported fire warning on-board left engine and

made emergency landing at the time and that was at 21.19UTC. Passengers have been evacuated and fire put under control. Some passengers sustained minor injuries during the evacuation.

This is all we have at the moment.

As you are aware, AIB is an agency of government that investigates accidents and serious incidents.

The enabling Act of 2006 and all we do here is in accordance with our regulation which takes a cue from the ICAO Annexe 13.”

According to him “ Everything

8.6 million to 119 million in 2016/17, representing an increase of a third in value from Rwf 469 billion to Rwf 622 billion. Point of sale (POS) transactions in Rwanda have almost doubled in volume from 270,084 to 523,473, doubling the cash value to Rwf 32 billion.”

“Overall fintech in Africa will grow from around US$ 200 million currently to US$ 3 billion by 2020,” said Ms Mbabazi.

“Going digital provides not just better services and connectivity, but enables banks and businesses to unlock productivity and play a role in development.”

Ms Mbabazi will be joined by other panellists including Norman Munyanpunda, MTN Rwandacell’s Chief Business Officer, and Patrick Buchana, CEO of AC Group.

Bloomberg journalist Samuel Gebre will chair the session. (APO)

we do here is in accordance with ICAO Annexe 13. Unfortunately, up until 3pm, this afternoon, Delta as an airline has refused to notify AIB in accordance with the law of our country. But they notified the US NTSB but they refused as at 3pm today, there is still no notification from Delta as to this serious incident.

We have an obligation to notify ICAO on this serious incident but unfortunately, we cannot fulfil that obligation because we are still waiting for Delta to give us information as to this serious incident.

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PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

Village Head bemoans poor infrastructure in Dei-dei

V

illage Head of Deidei community in Abuja, the Federal Capital Territory (FCT),

Malam Saidu Hamza Sani has bemoaned the dearth of infrastructure in the area.

The community chief specifically lamented the situation whereby the only clinic within the

area operates without the desired health personnel and facilities.

He disclosed that the

entire community has no potable water, decent clinic and a well-equipped school.

A delegate of Sitting Volleyball Federation, Mr Muhammed Abdullahi voting during the 2018 National Para-Sports Federation’s election at the National Stadium, yesterday in Abuja.

Photo: NAN

Bwari mayhem: FCTA reiterates resolve to restore, sustain peace Stories by Stanley Onyekwere

I

n a bid to fully restore and maintain the prevailing peace in that Bwari Town, authorities of the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA) has reassured that it would get to the root of the 2017 Christmas mayhem in the area.

The FCT Minister, Malam Muhammad Musa Bello, gave this assurance during a second round of peace meeting with the stakeholders in Esu Bwari palace in Bwari on Tuesday.

“We have not slept since 25th December because we want peace to reign in this peaceful town.

Peace has returned, but that is not enough, we want action.

“We want the peace we have preached so much, which has caused us so much already, to be maintained and sustained. We want to see action.

“We may have preached peace, and talked peace enough,

we want you to act peace, sustain and maintain the current peace we have in Bwari.

“We should not tolerate any breakdown of peace in Bwari or anywhere else in the FCT and Nigeria. We want this peace forever,” the Minister said.

Bello, who was represented

by FCTA Secretary for Area Councils Services Secretariat (ACSS), Adamu Bappah, tasked all the groups to submit all relevant information to him that would enable him take informed decision on the matter.

According to him;”Let me have all the facts. Let me have all the problems, that can help the FCT Administration know the best decision to make.”

Equally, affirming that those who their property got burnt would be compensated, the Minister also charged them to “report any suspicious persons, elements to the nearest Police station.”

Similarly, Bwari Chairman, Hon. Musa Dikko, who also addressed the stakeholders lamented the incident, which he described as unfortunate.

According to the Council Chairman “there was no need for what happened to happen”, disclosed that he gave “early warning” two days ahead of the crisis, “but unfortunately, the event of 25thDecember took place.

“I came to Bwari with a vision for positive change, but I have been shortchanged.

“What I have expanded so far could have given us at least not less than 10 boreholes, but this crisis has prevented that.”

Wondering what could have been responsible for the violence, Hon. Dikko said it could not have been hunger because apart from Bwari being the food basket of the FCT, his government just carried out 100 percent increment of salaries of chiefs in the council

area.

Dikko further warned: “We shall not spare anybody. People of Bwari, wait for the Hon. Minister to attend to all the reports submitted to him.”

He also told the people to support the FCT Administration, as the current Minister has been magnanimous to Bwari, even as he revealed that important projects have been recently awarded in favour of the council, including Kuchiko-Niger, AkufoJaji and Mpape-Shere roads, among others.

On his part, Esu Bwari, Ibrahim Yaro, who called on all his subjects and Bwari residents to maintain the current peace, noted that Bwari was still the most peaceful in the FCT. He therefore prayed that the event of December 25th “should not happen again.”

The monarch who expressed belief in President Muhammadu Buhari, described him “a man of

due process” appealing to him to “do the right thing so that such a violent occurrence does not happen again.”

Representative of the security agencies and an Assistant Commissioner of Police, Alfa Jibrin who sounded tough warned that that “there must be peace in Bwari and FCT. “I told them the same thing at Sarkin Bwari palace last week; we are not here to say who is right or who is right.”

Warning against further occurrence, Jibrin said: “What happened on the 25thshould not repeat itself. Refrain from making inflammatory statements because we will get you.”

Several other speakers also called for maintenance of peace in the Area Council and the FCT, adding that it was only in an atmosphere of peace and tranquility that sustainable development take place anywhere in the world.

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world news

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

Florida shooting: Teachers ‘were warned’ about Nikolas Cruz

The school’s 3,000 students were almost at the end of their day when the attack broke out eachers were warned in advance about would do something like this.”

Some other students echoed that opinion the teenager who allegedly carried out a mass shooting at his former school in when interviewed.

“Everyone predicted it,” one told WFORFlorida, US media are reporting.

Nikolas Cruz has been charged with 17 TV. But police said they were not warned of counts of premeditated murder following the deadliest shooting at a US school since 2012. any possible attack by Mr Cruz.

Superintendent Robert Runcie told A teacher said Mr Cruz was not allowed reporters: “We received no warnings. on campus with a backpack.

“Potentially there could have been signs Seventeen people were killed in the attack and many more injured. Several people are in out there. But we didn’t have any warning or phone calls or threats that were made.” a critical condition.

According to reports Mr Cruz told the Mr Cruz, 19, apparently left the scene of the shooting by blending in with fleeing family he was staying with that he did students, but was arrested several miles away not want to go to college because it was Valentine’s Day. and is now in police custody.

What happened at the school?

What was the warning?

Reports suggest that a fire alarm at Maths teacher Jim Gard told the Miami Herald that school authorities had emailed Marjory Stoneman Douglas High School in Parkland, Florida, was deliberately set off at teachers about Mr Cruz’s behaviour.

“We were told last year that he wasn’t 14:30 local time (19:30 GMT).

The alarm caused some students and allowed on campus with a backpack on him,” staff to leave their classrooms.

Mr Gard told the Miami Herald.

Witnesses said that the gunman was “There were problems with him last year threatening students, and I guess he was deploying smoke grenades and wearing a gas mask. asked to leave campus.”

Students told US media they hid under School officials have not disclosed why Mr Cruz was expelled from the school, desks or in store cupboards or barricaded but student Victoria Olvera, 17, told the doors as loud shots rang out.

A teacher told WSVN that she hid in a Associated Press it was because of a fight with closet with 19 students for 40 minutes - and his ex-girlfriend’s new boyfriend.

She also claimed he had been abusive that the school underwent training for such a situation six weeks ago. towards the ex-girlfriend.

Caesar Figueroa, a parent, told CBS Former schoolmate Joshua Charo said Mr Cruz had been found with bullets in his News his daughter was hiding in a closet when she called him. backpack.

He told the news outlet that he told her “I can’t say I was shocked,” Mr Charo not to call him because he did not want the said.

“He seemed like the kind of kid who gunman to hear her voice.

T

Nikolas Cruz was arrested an hour after the attack “It’s the worst nightmare not hearing from my daughter for 20 minutes, it was the longest 20 minutes of my life,” Mr Figeuroa said.

Police and Swat team members swarmed the campus and began clearing students from the school, as parents and ambulances converged on the scene.

Mr Cruz was detained in the nearby town of Coral Springs. He was then treated in hospital and taken into police custody.

Who were the victims?

Details of the 17 victims are emerging as they are identified.

The school’s assistant football coach Aaron Feis was taken to hospital after jumping in front of students to shield them from bullets. His team tweeted that he had “died a hero”.

It is with Great sadness that our Football Family has learned about the death of Aaron Feis. He was our Assistant Football Coach and security guard. He selflessly shielded students from the shooter when he was shot.

He died a hero and he will forever be in our hearts and memories What else do we know about the suspect?

Broward County Sheriff Scott Israeli said Mr Cruz’s social media profiles were “very, very disturbing”.

Two separate Instagram accounts, now deleted, purport to show Mr Cruz posing with guns and knives.

Mr Cruz had been staying with a local family in recent months, following his adopted mother’s death in November.

He allegedly used an AR-15 rifle in the attack, which he had bought legally and

which he kept locked up in their house at their request.

The family’s lawyer, Jim Lewis, said: “They are heartbroken. The kid that lives here goes to that school and knows many of these kids. He is just as heartbroken and shocked as everyone else.”

What’s the reaction been?

President Donald Trump said the shooting showed that people must report their concerns about others’ erratic behaviour.

So many signs that the Florida shooter was mentally disturbed, even expelled from school for bad and erratic behavior.

Neighbors and classmates knew he was a big problem. Must always report such instances to authorities, again and again!

Just finished update from fed authorities on #FloridaSchoolShooting. It is clear attack was designed & executed to maximize loss of life But he said that it was too soon to debate whether tighter gun laws could have stopped it.

“You should know the facts of that incident before you run out and prescribe some law that you claim could have prevented it,” he told Fox News.

Florida Governor Rick Scott said the shooting was “pure evil”, but also refused to be drawn into a discussion about gun control.

“There’s a time to continue to have these conversations about how through law enforcement... we make sure people are safe,” he said.

Congressman Ted Deutch, the district’s representative, tweeted: “I’m sick about this news from home. Just spoke with the sheriff.

This is devastating.”

Oxfam scandal: Ex-director hits out at ‘lies and exaggerations’

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he former Oxfam director at the centre of a sex scandal that has engulfed the UK charity says some allegations of his use of prostitutes are “lies and exaggerations”.

Roland Van Hauwermeiren, 68, said some details were “correctly described” and vowed to share his version of events.

He has been accused of hiring prostitutes while delivering aid in Haiti after the 2010 earthquake.

A UK charity watchdog is investigating claims that Oxfam covered up the case.

Mr Van Hauwermeiren, who was director of Oxfam’s operations in Haiti, has been accused by UK newspaper The Times of using prostitutes at a villa rented for him by the charity.

“A lot of people - even in the

international media - will be blushing when they hear my version of the facts,” Mr Van Hauwermeiren told Belgian newspaper Standaard (in Dutch) from his apartment on the Belgian coast.

“Not that I deny everything. There are things that are correctly described. But I also read a lot of lies and exaggerations.

Party every week? Chic villas? Women paid with money from the organization?”

In his first comments since the claims emerged, he said “it was especially bad” that his family did not want to see him anymore, and that his lawyer would soon release an official statement.

After that, he said, he hoped to be left alone.

Since the revelations emerged, Oxfam - one of the UK’s biggest charities - has

confirmed that sexual misconduct occurred in Haiti, and that several staff members were dismissed or resigned after an internal investigation.

Mr Van Hauwermeiren left his post amid the inquiry in 2011.

Oxfam’s deputy chief executive Penny Lawrence resigned in the wake of the scandal, and the UK charity commission launched a statutory inquiry amid claims of cover-up.

The commission is also looking into claims that Mr Van Hauwermeiren was employed by Oxfam two years after he left another aid agency because of concerns about his behaviour.

The Belgian aid worker has also been accused of using prostitutes while working for British health charity Merlin in Liberia

from 2002-04, a former colleague told the IRIN website.

Merlin later merged with Save the Children, which says it does not have access to Merlin’s records.

He was then hired by Oxfam as a country director in Chad. Under his leadership there, in 2006, staff used prostitutes in the charity’s premises, according to UK newspaper Observer, claims that Oxfam said it could not corroborate.

From Chad he moved to the Democratic Republic of Congo and Haiti.

After he resigned his Oxfam post in Haiti, Mr Van Hauwermeiren ended up taking another high-profile position, as the head of mission for Action Against Hunger in Bangladesh.

Source: BBC

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

N e w s F r o m A f Ramaphosa succeeds Zuma as SA president, vows to tackle corruption

By Lawrence Olaoye with agency report

C

yril Ramaphosa has become South Africa’s president a day after embattled leader Jacob Zuma resigned.

He was the only candidate nominated by parliament, which is dominated by his African National Congress. MPs broke into song at the announcement.

In his first presidential speech, Mr Ramaphosa, 65, said he would tackle the corruption which allegedly became widespread under Mr Zuma.

The ANC had told Mr Zuma to step down or face a vote of no-confidence.

Mr Zuma faces numerous corruption allegations but denies any wrongdoing.

One allegation is that he allowed the wealthy Gupta family, who whom he has personal ties, to wield influence over policy, in an example of “state capture”.

An arrest warrant has been issued for Ajay

Gupta, one of the three most prominent Gupta brothers, officials said on Thursday.

This follows a raid by the Hawks, an elite police unit, on their home on Wednesday. The family has denied corruption allegations.

President Ramaphosa told parliament that corruption and state capture were “on our radar screen”.

He is due to deliver a State of the Nation address on Friday. This was delayed last week amid uncertainty about who should deliver it and Mr Zuma’s reluctance to step down.

One opposition party, the Economic Freedom Fighters, walked out of the parliamentary debate. It wants new elections, rather than the ANC deciding on the identity of the new president.

Dream finally realised It is often said that Mr Ramaphosa has had his eye on the position of president since the ANC came to power in 1994.

The story goes that he was so upset at not having

Ethiopia PM Hailemariam Desalegn in surprise resignation

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thiopian Prime Minister Hailemariam Desalegn has resigned unexpectedly, saying he hoped to end years of unrest and political upheaval.

In a televised address, he said his resignation was “vital in the bid to carry out reforms that would lead to sustainable peace and democracy”.

Mr Hailemariam, who has led the country since 2012, also stepped down as chairman of the ruling coalition.

Hundreds of people have died in three years of anti-government protests.

Demonstrations first spread across the country in 2015 amid calls for political and economic reform and an end to state corruption.

Most of the unrest has centred on Ethiopia’s two largest regions, Oromia and Amhara.

A 10-month national state of emergency ended last year.

“Unrest and a political crisis have led to the loss of lives and displacement of many,” Mr Hailemariam said.

“I see my resignation as vital in the bid to carry out reforms that would lead to sustainable peace and democracy.”

Leaders of the governing coalition - the Ethiopian People’s Revolutionary Democratic Front (EPRDF) - held an emergency meeting following the announcement, the Addis Standard website reported.

The BBC’s Emmanuel Igunza, in the capital Addis Ababa, says protests have continued despite the government releasing thousands of opposition supporters from jail last month.

Some of Ethiopia’s powerful elites have come to see the prime minister as weak and lacking in direction, she says.

A weak and turbulent Ethiopia is risky for the entire Horn of Africa, our correspondent adds, as this normally stable state is seen as key to holding the region together.

Mr Hailemariam said he will stay on as a caretaker prime minister until Ethiopia’s parliament and ruling coalition accept his resignation and choose a replacement.

Why did Hailemariam resign?

Since coming to power, Mr Hailemariam has been seen by the political elite as weak and lacking in leadership.

His resignation could be a move by the coalition to find a stronger leader, or it could signal divisions among the constituent parties along ethnic lines.

Particularly visible is the tension between the Tigrayan People’s Liberation Front, which has seen its dominance and influence wane, and the Oromo People’s Democratic Organisation, which is becoming increasingly more assertive.

Replacing Mr Hailemariam might also be one way to meet the demands of Oromo protesters who

Hailemariam Desalegn had been Ethiopia’s prime minister since 2012 have accused the authorities of marginalisation.

The coalition has repeatedly promised reforms over the past three years. Two of its member parties have already changed their leaders while the remaining two are expected to follow suit.

Getaneh Balcha, of the opposition Blue Party, said Mr Hailemariam’s resignation was “great news for Ethiopians”.

“This is the beginning. Other officials also need to follow this and transfer the power to the public,” he said.

Mulatu Gemechu, of the opposition Oromo Federalist Congress, said the EPRDF was not able to lead, to maintain peace or respect the rule of law.

Mr Hailemariam, a trained engineer, took office following the death of Meles Zenawi who had ruled since 1991.

However, while the former deputy prime minister was a close ally of Mr Meles, he struggled

Page 23

r i c a

Cheers and song as Ramaphosa elected South Africa president been chosen by Nelson Mandela as his successor that he left politics and went into business.

But Mr Ramaphosa has now finally realised that dream.

He has said his priority is reviving South Africa’s battered economy. But it won’t be easy: Unemployment is currently at almost 30%, a rate which rises to nearly 40% for young people.

Low growth rates and dwindling investor confidence were compounded by two credit agencies downgrading the economy to junk status.

One of the first steps in improving that investor confidence is addressing the persistent claims of corruption at the heart of government.

New hope for the economy There is a renewed sense of hope as Mr Ramaphosa is taking over the reins of Africa’s most industrialised economy.

The markets appeared to welcome Mr Zuma’s resignation. The South African currency, the rand, reaching its strongest levels in three years - at 11.6570 rand for $1 in early trading.

Some will miss him though, pointing to achievements like announcing the abolition of fees for higher education, says the BBC’s Milton Nkosi in Johannesburg.

Zimbabwe opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai dies aged 65

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imbabwe’s main opposition leader Morgan Tsvangirai has died in South Africa, a senior official in his MDC party has said.

Mr Tsvangirai, 65, a former prime minister, had reportedly been suffering from colon cancer.

“He died this evening. The family communicated this to me,” MDC vice president Elias Mudzuri told Reuters.

Mr Tsvangirai’s career was marked by a long political struggle against former President Robert Mugabe.

He had been beaten and imprisoned numerous times.

Announcing Mr Tsvangirai’s death, Mr Mudzuri said on Twitter that the MDC had “lost our icon and fighter for democracy”.

Mr Tsvangirai founded the MDC (Movement for Democratic Change) in 2000, repeatedly challenging Mr Mugabe during the

Libyan elections ‘one step closer’ as voters register

V

oter registration in Libya ends later today, as the country’s electoral commission makes a last public appeal for people to sign up.

No date has been set for an election in the conflict-ridden country yet, but there have been calls for one to be held by the end of the year.

The Election Commission says over 2.3 million people have registered so far.

Voter registration in Libya is seen as a first step towards eventually holding an election.

But there are still some political, military and legal obstacles for any nationwide vote, including the adoption of a new constitution and electoral laws.

Yesterday, a supreme court in Libya blocked all legal challenges against a draft constitution – which could allow a long-stalled referendum to be held on it.

Libya’s speaker of Parliament reportedly said that lawmakers would issue a new election law after the adoption of a constitution.

The international community has been

Mr Zuma, a former member of the ANC’s military wing in the days of apartheid, rose through the ranks of the party to become president. He led the country for more than a third of its time after apartheid.

But he leaves office with several scandals hanging over him, and with South Africa’s economy in dire straits.

Meanwhile, President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Mr. Cyril Ramaphosa on his election yesterday as the President of the Republic of South Africa.

According to a statement made available to newsmen by his Spokesman, Mallam Garbage Shehu, Buhari also felicitated with the African National Congress (ANC)), and the Government and people of South Africa, on the peaceful transfer of power that resulted in the election of President Ramaphosa.

The Nigerian leader saluted the leadership and statesmanship of former President Jacob Zuma, and wished him the best in his future endeavours.

Buhari looked forward to working with the new President of South Africa with a view to enhanced cooperation of the Governments of the two leading Africa’s economies.

pushing the country’s divided political actors to work towards a legislative and presidential election this year.

However, few believe it can be held without a legal framework, and enough assurances from the country’s bitterly divided armed groups to accept any election result.

Source: BBC

Rival governments have claimed authority in Libya since the results of a 2014 vote (pictured) were disputed

ex-president’s long grip on power.

A brave and charismatic man Morgan Tsvangirai was an incredibly brave man who risked his life to stand up to the authoritarian rule of Robert Mugabe.

He did not succeed in ousting Mr Mugabe - due to the intimidation of his supporters and some blatant rigging - but he did at least live to see the downfall of his long-time rival.

Although he was obviously very sick, he even travelled home from South Africa, where he was being treated, for the occasion.

But in purely political terms, Mr Mugabe always managed to get the better of the charismatic former union leader - especially when he was prime minister and they were supposedly sharing power.

Some of his ex-comrades in the MDC, which he founded, accused him of dictatorial tendencies and the party split several times.

Now, the MDC will have the formidable task of trying to unite and mount a credible challenge to Mr Mugabe’s successor Emmerson Mnangagwa in this year’s elections.

In the 2008 election, Mr Tsvangirai gained the most votes in the first round but not enough to win outright.

Before the second round of voting, Mr Mugabe’s security forces carried out a campaign of violence against opposition supporters, and Mr Tsvangirai withdrew.

Mr Mugabe was declared the winner, but an international outcry over allegations of violence and vote-rigging led to a power sharing agreement in which Mr Tsvangirai would serve as prime minister.

Mr Tsvangirai ran against Mr Mugabe again in 2013 but lost by a landslide.

The MDC is said to be divided over who should lead it into elections later this year against the governing Zanu-PF party, led by Mr Mugabe’s successor, Emmerson Mnangagwa.

PAGE 24

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

N e w s F r o m E u r o p e & A SI A Chinese woman joins handbag in X-ray machine

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orried about your bags being stolen at security? One Chinese woman joined her handbag through an X-ray machine to prevent just that.

Staff at Dongguan Railway Station in southern China were shocked to find the silhouette of the train commuter on their X-ray monitors.

An online video showed the bizarre incident took place on Sunday during

the Lunar New Year travel rush.

After climbing off the conveyor belt, the woman checked her bags and left.

Extraordinary X-ray images show the woman kneeling on all fours behind her luggage, still wearing high-heeled shoes.

It is unclear why the woman was so anxious about her handbag, but many people in China carry large amounts of cash when travelling home for Chinese New Year.

The commuter had earlier placed her suitcase on the conveyor belt before attempting to walk through the security scanner with a small handbag, footage from Pear Video shows.

She was then told all bags had to go through the X-ray machine, but she refused to part with her handbag.

Her solution was to join her belongings on the conveyor belt, and she climbed out the other side unscathed,

with one security guard laughing with surprise.

Rail station staff in Dongguan have since advised passengers not to enter the X-ray machines, as radiation given off by the scanners could be harmful, local media reported.

The woman was one of an estimated 390 million people expected to travel by train for the Chinese New Year holiday, which falls on 16 February.

Why the Jaws shark is not a ‘man-eating monster’

The great white shark is the most misunderstood fish in the world

Cage diving has becoming a thriving industry across the world

“When you’re on top of the water, and you just see the fin, I think it’s more scary because it’s the unknown. But when you are underwater and you see the shark it is much less scary.

When I saw him for the first time, he was bigger than expected and so much more colourful.”

This is what a 26-year-old woman, a tourist from England, told researchers after going down in an aluminium cage into the choppy waters off the coast of Bluff, a southern seaport town in New Zealand, to watch the great white shark, the largest predatory fish in the world.

Working in what they call one of the five great white shark “hotspots” in the world, two researchers, India-based Raj Aich and his British associate, Soosie Lucas, are studying how cage diving impacts human interaction with the great white shark.

Over the past year, the two have interviewed 150 cage divers - the youngest was 12 years old, and the oldest was 70 from some 20 countries. “Our research shows divers participating in the study return with a positive attitude towards the sharks after a cage dive,” Dr Aich says.

“This helps them demystify the great white shark.”

The great white shark has suffered from a crippling image problem ever since the release more than 40 years ago of Steven Spielberg’s Jaws, a horror blockbuster about a shark that repeatedly attacks beachgoers in a resort town in the US. “It is as if God created the Devil and gave him jaws,” a voice drones in the trailer about the film’s subject, the most maligned of the 500-odd species of sharks.

It is, the narrator says coldly, a “mindless eating machine” which “lives to kill”.

Since then generations have grown up with the image of a “man-eater” which

glides from the sea floor to the surface, searching for human prey to catch and tear apart with its serrated teeth. Decades after Jaws, scary images and stereotypes about the shark are again being perpetuated in rating-thirsty TV shows. Two years ago, a video of a diver escaping an encounter with a great white that smashed through the bars of a diving cage off the coast of Mexico went viral and provoked scary headlines.

So much so that the International Union for Conservation of Nature (IUCN) Red list has put the great white on its ‘vulnerable’ list because of this “typically exaggerated threat to human safety and almost legendary ‘Big Fish’ status”. The species, according to IUCN, is targeted as a source of sports-fishing, hunting (for jaws, teeth and even entire specimens preserved), sporadic human consumption or merely as the piscine whipping-boy of individuals pandering to shark attack paranoia”.

In real life, the great white shark - the fish can weigh up to two tonnes, grow to lengths of 20ft (6m), reach speeds of 40mph in water and live reasonably long - prefers seals, sea lions, tuna, salmon and small toothed whales as prey. “They are inquisitive, sharp and sentient beings,” Dr Aich says. “Sometimes I go down in the water after baits have been thrown, and the shark doesn’t come to the boat. Or she will come for a few seconds and go away.

The shark’s will to encounter humans is pivotal.”

The great white shark, according

to shark specialist Craig Ferreira, is also “capable of explosive violence, but is absolutely not a blood thirsty and aggressive animal, and its behaviour is centred on not becoming involved in conflict and combat, with combat being the last resort.”

Shark attacks have gone down over the years: there were 84 cases of unprovoked attacks on humans in 2016, according to the International Shark Attack File.

Between 2011-2016, there were 82 such attacks annually. More than half of the unprovoked attacks took place in the Continental north American waters.

Only 13 fatalities have been attributed to great white sharks in Western Australia since 1870, according to Leah Gibbs, a senior lecturer in geography at Australia’s University of Wollongong.

Every day, between December and June, two boats ferry hundreds of tourists who pay NZ$500 ($363;£262) each to climb into cages yoked to boats for a view of the undisputed ‘king of the ocean’ in 12-degree sea water. Attracted by tuna bait, the sharks swim to the turquoise blue waters where the Tasman Sea and the Southern Ocean meet.

When the researchers spoke to cage divers near Bluff, many of them reported a “great white epiphany”.

They found the shark “calm, peaceful and beautiful” to look at. Others found it “inquisitive and curious”. “It comes and looks at the cage just to see what is going on,” said one tourist.

Watching the great white, according

to a 60-year-old Canadian man, was a “moving experience, and there was no fear at all”.

“People say all scary things about sharks, and as a child you are moulded into certain beliefs. But I felt totally at peace with those animals,” he said.

“It’s a completely different experience for me than that I’ve seen on TV,” a honeymooning American couple told the researchers, “It seems they are much more docile”.

The jury is out on whether cage diving is a good way to improve interaction between humans and sharks. Ladling tuna bait in the water to attract the fish creates an “unnatural situation, leading to unnatural behaviour by the sharks,”, George H Burgess, shark expert at the Florida Museum of Natural History, told me.

‘Calm and peaceful’ In New Zealand’s Stewart Island, the country’s third-largest island and another popular shark diving destination, local fishermen have complained about sharks following and attacking boats.

In Jaws, Matt Hooper, a character who plays an oceanographer and shark expert, tells the the chief of police investigating the beach deaths, “There’s nothing in the sea this fish would fear. Other fish run from bigger things. That’s their instinct.

But this fish doesn’t run from anything.

He doesn’t fear.”

Not quite, as shark divers around the world are beginning to discover.

Source: BBC

PEOPLES DAILY

Sports

friday, february 16, 2018

Page

25

sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

Nwankwo wants Senate’s intervention over debt

By Christiana Ekpa

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Former football star, Kanu Nwankwo, has asked the Senate to quickly Intervene into the financial mess engulfed the Kanu Heart foundation over a Hotel loan debt.

The loan, it was gathered was obtained from an undisclosed bank by managers of Hardly Apartments, a hotel owned by Kanu Heart Foundation (KHF).

Nwankwo had raised alarm over the fate of his property, Hardly Apartments which has been put under the temporary possession of AMCON by an ex-parte order of a court on account of a purported indebtedness.

Kanu accused AMCON of inducing the protracted nature of proceedings “due to their refusal/inability to obey specific order of court to provide the full statements of accounts, by which they came to the position of the purported indebtedness.”

The Senate Deputy Senate leader, Bala Ibn’Nallah, yesterday raised the motion on the matter in plenary. Although the amount of the loan was disclosed, he informed that he was taken without Kanu’s consent.

According to Ibn’Nallah said, the sole aim of the Foundation established

by Kanu was done in appreciation of his successful heart surgery in order to assist the less privileged persons who are victims of heart related diseases.

He stated that it was in furtherance to cater for the less privileged that the foundation runs a hotel, where its proceeds are used to treat the victims. He hinted that managers of the bank secured a loan but has become non erforming.

“Mr. President, distinguished colleagues, Kanu Heart Foundation has a hotel that generates revenues used in the treatment of heart deasease victims.

The hotel secured a loan without the consent of its founder, Kanu Nwankwo and the Asset Management Commission of Nigeria (AMCON) is threatening to take over the hotel.”

Senate President, Bukola Saraki in his reaction said the matter is “dear to his (Saraki) heart because Nwankwo played for the best football team in United Kingdom and remembered to not just contribute to the development of sports in the country, but set up an establishment to provide intervention for the less privileged persons.”

Saraki however, referred the matter to Senate Committee on Banking, Insurance and Financial Institutions to seeks possible ways of redress and revert back to Senate in two weeks.

Nigeria will beat Argentina again, says Iwobi

>>pg 26

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

PAGE 26

S p

Bendel Insurance relaunch will change face of Nigerian football -Shaibu

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t

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do State Deputy Governor, Rt. Hon. (Comrade), Philip Shaibu, has declared that football in Nigeria will never be the same again when one of Nigeria’s foremost clubsides, Bendel Insurance FC is re-launched

by February 27 in Benin City, the state capital.

Reeling out the rich history of the club that shocked the football world in 1978, when it won Nigeria’s most prestigious National trophy, the Challenge against the then untouchable Rangers International of Enugu, Comrade Shaibu, said the re-launch seeks to give football and new face.

“Its not only about the government but Corporate Nigeria, ex-soccer stars like, Chief Segun Odegbami and indeed the might of ‘Old Bendel’ led by NFF President, Melvin Amaju Pinnick will be brought to bear on a new idea that Bendel Insurance has come to represent.

He revealed that he has the full support of the Edo State Governor, His Excellency Godwin Obaseki, to help reposition football and indeed sports through Bendel Insurance. “I want to listen to these names that we will mention, just a few, Sebastine Brodericks-Imasuen, the first coach to win a World Cup for Nigeria, a proud Bendel Insurance player, our father, Coach Alabi Aisien, Kadiri Ikhana, Humphrey Edobor, Friday Elaihor, Henry Ogboe, goalkeepers Agwo Nnaji and Alhassan Mohammed, legendary, Roland Ewere.

How many of Nigerians know today that Bendel Insurance is the firts clubside to have won the current CAF Confederation Cup back to back. Its time for re-discorery.

Bendel Insurance FC

Alexander-Iwobi against Javier-Macherano

Nigeria will beat Argentina again, says Iwobi

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igeria international Alex Iwobi is confident that they can secure another victory over South American giants Argentina.

The Super Eagles are scheduled to face Argentina in the 2018 FIFA World Cup Group D match at the Krestovsky Stadium in Russia on the 26th of June 2018.

Argentina will be looking to avenge their 4-2 defeat to Nigeria in an international friendly match which was played at the

Krasnodar Stadium last November.

Iwobi, who plies his trade in the English Premier League for Arsenal, scored a brace, while Kelechi Iheanacho and Brian Idowu also scored for the Super Eagles.

“Argentina were missing their star man (Lionel) Messi,” Iwobi said.

“But we were also missing some of our players (for the friendly). We are confident we can repeat that at the World Cup,” he continued.

“We were unbeaten in the World Cup qualifiers and we are confident and have young talent, who want to prove themselves any time they are on the pitch.”

Before facing Argentina, Iwobi and his Nigeria team-mates will face Croatia and Iceland in their first two Group D matches in Russia.

The group winners and runners-up will advance to the knockout stages of the global competition.

Lagos bubbles as first ever Falconets storm Yaounde AITEO/NFF Awards holds for World Cup ticket

By Albert Akota

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here is huge excitement and expectation in the Nigerian Football firmament as the inaugural edition of the NFF Football Awards, supported by partners AITEO as Sponsors and Lagos State as Host City, holds at the Eko Hotels & Suites, Victoria Island, Lagos on Monday, 19th February 2018.

It is the first time that the nation’s football –governing body is organizing an Awards ceremony to reward and inspire the major actors and actresses in the Nigerian Football space.

Gongs will be presented to winners in Player of the Year (men), Player of the Year (women), Coach of the Year (men), Coach of the Year (women), Young Player of the Year (men), Young Player of the Year (women), Team of the Season, Fairplay Award, Goal of the Season, Fans of the Season, NFF Development Award and Platinum Award categories.

There will be special recognition of a ‘Legends Eleven,’ a squad of outstanding former Nigeria international players.

The Awards ceremony will also be attended by a large selection of Nigeria football legends, including former captains Christian Chukwu, Olusegun Odegbami, Daniel Amokachi, Mutiu Adepoju, Uche Okechukwu, Garba Lawal, Austin Jay Jay

Okocha, Nwankwo Kanu and Joseph Yobo.

NFF 1st Vice President, Barrister Seyi Akinwunmi, who is also Chairman of the Organizing Committee of the Awards, he said yesterday that voting is presently ongoing by selected voters across the country, after nominations were compiled for the various award categories by a screening committee.

“I can tell you that all arrangements have been tidied up and we are looking forward to a truly big day. The NFF decided it was the right time to launch a project to recognize and reward excellence in Nigerian Football.

“Fortunately, we found a worthy partner in the Government of Lagos State and also our major partner, AITEO,” he stated, declaring that the NFF Awards will be an annual event.

FIFA President Gianni Infantino, due to open the FIFA Executive Football Summit in the same facility less than 24 hours later, is expected to grace the ceremony alongside CAF President Ahmad, FIFA Secretary General Fatma Samoura, the CAF top hierarchy and presidents of about 20 Member Associations of FIFA. Top officials of the Lagos State Government, Members of the NFF Executive Committee and Management, Members of NFF Congress, officials of the Lagos State FA, NFF partners and sponsors, former NFF Presidents, former NFF General Secretaries, Chairmen of NPFL clubs and members of the diplomatic corp are also expected.

By Albert Akota

T

he delegation of U17 women national football team, Flamingos, will today arrive in Yaounde, capital of Cameroon for their final round, final leg of the 2018 FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup qualifying fixture against their Cameroonian counterparts.

Officials confirmed that the team will fly aboard an Asky Air plane from Abuja for the game billed for Sunday.

Both teams ended the first leg, played at the Samuel Ogbemudia Stadium, Benin City penultimate weekend, 2-2 and the tie is delicately balanced considering Nigeria’s pedigree in women football in the continent.

The Flamingos dominated the first leg encounter but were unlucky not to win, and will look to shock the Cameroonians in their own backyard on Sunday evening.

Precious Vincent and

Osaretin Ikekhua got the goals for Nigeria in Benin City.

However, Coach Bala Nikyu says many more of his outfield players are capable of putting the ball in the net when the die is cast in Cameroon.

Nigeria has never failed to qualify for the FIFA U17 Women’s World Cup. The

Flamingos were part of the inaugural party in New Zealand in 2008, and also featured at the 2010 (Trinidad and Tobago), 2012 (Azerbaijan), 2014 (Costa Rica) and 2016 (Jordan) editions.

Nikyu coached the team at the two last editions of the FIFA World Cup.

Head Coach of the U17 women national team, Flamingoes, Bala Nikyu

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

PAGE 27

FEATURE

Austria’s plan to stub out smoking ban prompts health plea

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any Western countries have banned smoking in bars and restaurants, but Austria is bucking that trend.

Under a law passed in 2015, Austria was due to bring in a total ban this May, but now its new government of the conservatives and the far-right Freedom Party have scrapped the plans.

The move was spearheaded by the leader of the Freedom Party, Austria’s Vice Chancellor HeinzChristian Strache, himself a smoker, who told parliament last month that it was about freedom of choice.

He said restaurants should be free to decide if they want to have smoking sections, where “a citizen has the possibility to decide perhaps to enjoy a cigarette or a pipe or a cigar with their coffee”.

The move has horrified Austria’s medical establishment.

Dr Manfred Neuberger, professor emeritus at the Medical University of Vienna, says it is “a public health disaster”.

“The decision is irresponsible.

It was a victory for the tobacco industry. The new government made Austria into the ashtray of Europe.”

Dr Neuberger says Austria already has “shamefully high” smoking rates among young people, “particularly compared to other high income countries”.

A survey of 26 countries by the Organisation for Economic Co-operation and Development (OECD) in 2013 said Austria had the highest smoking prevalence of children aged 15, a position it held since 1994.

Now the Vienna Chamber of Physicians and Austrian Cancer Aid are launching a petition calling on the government to reconsider.

Dr Thomas Szekeres, the head of the Austrian and Vienna Chamber of Physicians, says

they “don’t understand why the government wants to step back and allow smoking”.

“We know smoking causes severe heart attacks, cancer and we know that in countries where smoking is not allowed in restaurants and bars, employees are protected and the whole population turned out to be healthier.”

Many of the famous cafes in the centre of Vienna have already gone smoke-free, partly in anticipation of the plans for a ban, and partly because of tourism.

But others remain smoky.

Large restaurants have to provide separate smoking and non-smoking areas - but the rules on keeping doors closed between the two spaces are widely ignored.

Small establishments can choose to be smoking or smoke-free.

At the Kleines Café, each marble-topped table has an ashtray and the air is blue with tobacco smoke.

Peter Noever, one of the guests there, says Vienna has a habit of turning back the clock.

“The Viennese believe that they are something super-special and smoking is a very strong part of culture.

“I was a heavy smoker, but I haven’t smoked for 15 years or more. I smoked so much, I can’t smoke any more. But I like smokers - they are more human.”

Split by the smoke Peter Dobcak from the Vienna Chamber of Commerce says he is in favour of overturning the ban, although he admits there are splits among restaurant owners.

“We have a lot of restaurants who prefer to let the guests smoke.

“The higher level restaurant business is in favour of the ban.

And the bars, the discos and the clubs are mostly in favour of smoking because the law forces people to smoke outside and then

“

A total smoking ban was due in May but the new government has scrapped the plans there is noise... late in the night.”

Café Hummel, in Vienna’s bourgeois eighth district, went smoke-free one year ago.

Its owner, Christina Hummel, says her business went down by about 5% after she banned cigarettes. But she says she is focusing on new, younger customers.

“We see, on the positive side, that more families are coming to visit us for breakfast with their children. We have the big challenge to change our business concept.”

Opinions among her guests were mixed. Gerhard Lammerer, a non-smoking regular, said he was against the ban.

“People will always smoke.

Why don’t we leave things the way they are? Why should we make things stricter and forbid it? In the past people smoked the strongest cigarettes until they were 90.”

But others strongly disagree.

“I think the smoking ban is the right thing,” Christoph Riemekasten said. “The air is better. In other countries there’s no problem with a smoking ban, just in Austria.”

Leo Lukas, a cabaret artist, agreed. He says he can breathe.

“I was a smoker myself for over 30 years, and still there are some nights when I am smoking.

“But I’m absolutely pro-ban, because the life quality is much better - even in a traditional coffee house like this. I love it. It is really better.”

Large restaurants have to provide separate smoking and non-smoking areas - but the rules on keeping doors closed between the two spaces are widely ignored. Small establishments can choose to be smoking or smoke-free.

At the Kleines Café, each marble-topped table has an ashtray and the air is blue with tobacco smoke.

Peter Noever, one of the guests there, says Vienna has a habit of turning back the clock.

Cafe owner Christina Hummel says she is now focusing on new customers after banning cigarettes

Peter Noever: “The Viennese believe that smoking... is a very strong part of culture”

Leo Lukas, a cabaret artist: “I’m absolutely pro-ban. The life quality is much better”

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

PAGE 28

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICE

loss of document

GREEN & WHITE YOUTHS VOICES INITIATIVE

I, Abdulrazaq Salihu of No 12, Third Avenue.

A Close, Runjin Sambo Federal Housing Estate, Sokoto wish to inform the general public of the loss of all the original allocation papers and payment recipts on House No 12, 3rd Avenue A Close, Road Sokoto the loss occured while relocaing to Abuja in November, 2003.

All efforts to trace said documents have proved unsuccesfull. FHA Abuja and the general public 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. ONWUKWE MARKSON FARASON 2. OLAGUNJU ABIDEEN ADEMOLA 3. MUSTAPHA LIMAN HAMZA 4. A-DELAW AV-PLACII 5. CHUKA JUDE OKAFOR AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1. TO PROVIDE PROFESSIONAL AND CONSTRUCTIVE SOLUTION S FOR THE UNITY AND SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT OF NIGERIA. 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

CHANGE OF NEMA

SPACE FOR SALE

ZULAIHATU I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS Zulaihatu abdulmumin NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS zulaihatu abdulmumin yusuf ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

UMAR I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS EJIKE ONYEDIOKPU. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS EJIKE UDECHUKWU. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

MARYAM I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS MARYAM IBRAHIM MIcHIKA, NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS MARYAM AHMAD NASIDI. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE. ALILO I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ALILO FIDELIS HIKUN. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS ALILO FIDELIS UKAFUABE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE. SARATU I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS SARATU IBRAHIM MAI UNGUWA NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AND ADDRESSED AS SARATU IBRAHIM AUWAL ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE. CHANGE OF NEMA

SPACE FOR SALE

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

PAGE 29

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

FRIENDS OF ADONAI

PROPAGATORS OF THE CROSS OF CHRIST INT’L MINISTRY

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Omolola Anthonia Fasanya 2. Chief (Mrs) Betty Abiola Are 3. Chigozie Udemueze Esq 4. Chioma Onyenucheya-Uko. - Secretary THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. Funding the setting up of SMEs for less privileged women.

2. To provide mentorship and professional business support to less privileged women.

3. Providing small scale basic education scholarships to indigent children 4. Providing support funding to orphanages.

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 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: Barr. Lorrita Ogu

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. SALAKO RASHEED OLUGBENGA 2. SALAKO ADENIKE ABOSEDE

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Prince Eze Ude 2. Daniela Adaobi Ude

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO PROPAGATE THE MESSAGE OF THE CROSS 2. TO PARTNER WITH GOVERNMENTS 3. TO REHABILITATE MISCRANTS.

Aim and Objective: 1. To foster Peace 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 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

WINDING UP

IMPORTERS AND EXPORTERS DEVELOPMENTAL SUPPORT FORUM

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES: 1. TO PROMOTE THE BUSINESS OF EXPORT AND IMPORT IN NIGERIA. 2. TO PROMOTE PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN NIGERIA EXPORTERS AND IMPORTERS WITH THE REST OF THE WORLD. 3. TO PROMOTE AND DEVELOP THE CAPACITY OF NIGERIAN EXPORTERS AND IMPORTERS THROUGH VARIOUS INITIATIVES. 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 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

KIYAWA WATER SANITATION AND HYGIEN ASSOCIATION

This is to inform the general public that, the above name 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 Abubakar Abdullahi 2. Ibrahim Sulaiman 3 Sabo Sulaiman 4 Auwalu Sani 5 Auwalu Yusuf 6 Rabiyu Isa 7. Kabiru Adamu 8 Abba Musa

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 28 days of this publication

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Cynthia Omolola Adepkun 2. Wonu Adefala 3. Akin Akinpelu 4. Opemipo Sotiloye (Secretary) 5. Awhinawhi Joseph Oghenetega (chairman)

DATED THIS 14TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2018

PUBLIC NOTICE

VINTAGE CENTRE FOR LEADERSHIP AND PROFESSIONAL DEVELOPMENT

The general public is hereby notified that the above named has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration in accordance with Companies and Allied Matters Act No.1 of 1990 Part C.

Aims & Objectives 1. To encourage and propagate, sensitize and create awareness in all citizenry to participate in leadership that will ensure the ascendancy of righteous rulers.

Any objection thereto 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.

Princess Stephanie

PUBLIC NOTICE

Mrs Nendirmwa

OKON I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS ENREST ATIMEDU OKON. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS OKON MAKSON UTAK. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To help the less privilege in Nigeria through spreading Education.

ANY OBJECTION TO FORWARDED TO THE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS

SIGNED : SECRETARY

Signed Secretary

I, formerly known as Miss Nendirmwa Peter Gonet now wish to be known and addressed as Mrs Nendirmwa Peter Ohah. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

KHAN FOUNDATION

AT THE EXTRA-ORDINARY GENERAL MEETING OF THE ABOVE NAMED COMPANY HELD AT ITS REGISTERED OFFICE ON THE 14TH DAY OF FEBRUARY 2018,THE FOLLOWING RESOLUTIONS WERE PROPOSED AND DULY PASSED PURSUANT TO SECTION 458 AND 464 OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT,2004: 1.THAT THE COMPANY BE VOLUNTARILY WOUND UP 2.THAT THE CHIEF NDUBUISI J. OKOH BE AND IS HEREBY APPOINTED AS LIQUIDATOR OF THE COMPANY. 3.THAT ALL NECESSARY DOCUMENTS REFLECTING THE CHANGES BE FILLED IMMEDIATELY WITH CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA.

Sign Secretary

I, formerly known as Princess Stephanie Nkem Chinwendu Adimonye. now wish to be known and addressed as Princess Stephanie Nkem Chinwendu Tochukwu. All former documents remain valid. Authorities concerned and the general public should please take note.

PUBLIC NOTICE 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.

Trustees are: 1. Ojubanire Olugbenga Ayo 2. Ajani Bless-me Oluwatobi 3. Adebusuyi Oluwatobiloba David 4.

Aims and Objectives 1 Acting as a forum for addressing collective challenges on WASH issues in Kiyawa local government area 2 A liaison between the community WASHCOMS and the local government council 3 To help community WASHCOMS in attaining O.D.F status and total sanitation

SIGNED: SECRETARY

THE FEDERAL REPUBLIC OF NIGERIA COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT,2004,COMPANY LIMITED BY SHARES SPECIAL RESOLUTION OF ADORABLE BRITISH COLLEGE LIMITED RC1239815

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: F. CHUKWUEZUGO UGWU .ESQ.

ADORABLE BRITISH COLLEGE LIMITED 18/20,CHIME AVENUE, GRA ENUGU,ENUGU STATE

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ALH. BAWA GURAMA. 2. DR. AHMED MOHAMMED GANA. 3. MR. USMAN YAKUBU ANTHO. 4. ALH. ALI MUHAMMAD ABDULRRAHAMAN MUSA. 5. MAL. AHMED SHUAIBU-GARA GOMBE

Lions Football Club Anambra 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.

PUBLIC NOTICE

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 THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, 1990.

PUBLIC NOTICE

COMFORTERS APOSTOLIC ACHIEVERS CHURCH

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : (1)KOMOLAFE SUNDAY (2) ASHAOLU EMMANUEL OLORUNSOGO (3) KOMOLAFE MERCY. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. To preach the gospel of our Lord Jesus Christ.

ANY OBJECTION TO FORWARDED TO THE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS

SIGNED : Azuamah ifeanyi Esq

PUBLIC NOTICE

GOD’S COVENENT PRAYING AND EVANGELICAL MINISTRY

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1 EVANG. JOSEPHINE OSITHEGBEME 2 DEACONESS SARATU AGBONLAHOR 3 DEACONESS CAROLINE ALHASSAN 4 EMMANUEL OSITHEGBEME AIMS: 1 TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD EVERY SOUL 2 TO BRING DELIVERANCE TO THE CAPTIVES. 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.

ORJI I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS EMOS UDE ORJI. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS EMOS ORJI NDUKWE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE. CORRECTION OF NAME MY CORRECT NAME IS JAMES ALI, MY NAME WAS WRONGLY CAPTURED AS CALEB ALI ON MY DIAMOND BANK PLC ACCOUNT. MY DATE OF BIRTH WAS ALSO WRONGLY CAPTURED AS 22ND JANUARY ,1980. MY CORRECT DATE OF BIRTH IS 1ST OCTOBER.1999. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

UZOERI I, FORMERLY KNOWN AS UMEH MARY CHINYERE. NOW WISH TO BE KNOWN AS UZOERI MARY CHINYERE. ALL FORMER DOCUMENTS REMAIN VALID. ALL AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND GENERAL PUBLIC PLEASE TAKE NOTE.

PAGE 30

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

HUMANITIARIAN SUPPORT FOR SUSTAINABLE ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

AFRICAN RESOURCE EMPOWERMENT FOR DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH

TOP ROUND CIRCLE DEVELOPMENT ORGANISATION

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEE ARE. 1. ILOZUE CHINELO OBIAMAKA - CHAIRMAN. 2. ALEX DIKE - MEMBER. 3. CHINAH SAMPSON CHIGOZILEM - SECRETARY. 4. OBIZI LUCKY NKPORDE - MEMBER.

THE TRUSTEE ARE. 1. HYACINTH-DIKE GIFT NKESI (MRS) - CHAIRMAN. 2. EMESIOBI UGO FIRST - SECRETARY. 3. ABLE JOHNJERRY LEBARI - MEMBER. 4. KPUNEE HENRY NEEKA - MEMBER.

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEE ARE. 1. GIADOM BARIYIMA FRED - CHAIRMAN. 2. EMEFIENA KENNETH ONYISI - SECRETARY. 3. OBIZI LUCKY NKPORDE - MEMBER .

4. CHINAH SAMPSON CHIGOZILEM - MEMBER.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO BRING DEVELOPMENT AND GROWTH IN THE SOCIETY .

2. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF THE MEMBERS.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO ORGANISE SEMINARS FOR THE TOP ROUND DEVELOPMENT OF THE MEMBERS. 2. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF THE 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.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

EXCEL HOSPITALITY-DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

HAVEN’S VESICO VAGINAL FISTULA FOUNDATION

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE 1. TO BRING HUMANITARIAN SUPPORT FOR ENVIRONMENTAL DEVELOPMENT OF THE SOCIETY .

2. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF THE MEMBERS.

SUSTAINABLE

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED INITIATIVE HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 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 TRUSTEE ARE. 1. NWANKWO THANKGOD IK - CHAIRMAN. 2. ADEYEMO JOHNSON BABATUNDE - SECRETARY. 3. JOHNSON EZE - MEMBER. 4. ROYAL KONE - MEMBER.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Abubakar Fatima Jummai - President 2.Abdulrahman Hauwa Nnami - Secretary 3.Wali-shafeeq Amina Laraba - Member 4.Abubakar Ahman Aliyu - Member 5.Abubakar Abubakar Aliyu - Member 6.Abubakar Yusufu Aliyu - Member

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO MAKE SURE THAT THE PEOPLE BE IN GOOD HEALTH. 2. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF THE SOCIETY.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. To give health empowerment to victims of vesico vaginal fistula.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED : SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

EXPLOSIVE FAITH MINISTRY

CHRIST EVANGELICAL AND LIFE INTERVENTION FELLOWSHIP

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.PST. BEGE MUSA WAZIRI 2.PST. HELEN WAZIRI 3.PST. ESTHER OLASEUN AKEKE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD. 2.TO HAVE BIBLE TRAINING SCHOOL CENTER FOR PASTORS. 3.TO CONDUCT CHRISTIAN MARIAGE IN CHURCH. 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

ASSOCIATION OLD STUDENTS OF MARIST COMPREHENSIVE ACADEMY CLASS OF 92

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.IHEANACHO CHIBUIKE OBI 2.CHIDI THOMAS EZEAKU THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO FOSTER CO-OPERATION, MUTUAL LOVE AND UNITY AMONGST OUR MEMBERS. 2.TO PROMOTE A COLLECTIVE ADVANCEMENT IN SOCIAL AND ECONOMIC WELLBEING OF OUR MEMBERS WITHOUT LEAVING ANY ONE BEHIND. 3.TO PROMOTE ACADEMIC AND SOCIAL WELFARE OF STUDENTS AND EXECUTE IDENTIFIED WORTH-WHILE PROJECTS IN OUR ALMA-MATER. 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. A. G. IBAH, 08036278218

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.PASTOR YOHANNA Y.D BURU 2.PASTOR MAXWELL SANDA UTEMA 3.PASTOR MRS. GRACE BURU YAKI 4.ELDER EMMANUEL BULUS TAKORI

5.DEACONESS MARY GAIYA JAMES 6.PASTOR TITUS ISHAKU JOSIAH 7.MRS. ESTHER USMAN MU’AZU MARI 8.MRS. SARAH S. HEDIMA

YAMALTU EDUCATION FOUNDATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.MALAM ABDULKADIR USMAN - CHAIRMAN 2.MAL. AYUBA USMAN - SECRETARY 3.MAL. IBRAHIM BAWA 4.MAL. ABDULLAHI IBRAHIM GWANI THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO CREATE AWARENESS ON EDUCATION. 2.TO PROMOTE EDUCATION FROM PRIMARY FOR ADULTS, WIDOWS AND ORPHANS. 3.TO RUN SKILLS ACQUISITION PROGRAMM FOR ADULTS, WIDOWS AND ORPHANS. 4.TO CREATE AWARENESS ON HEALTH AND ENVIRONMENTAL ISSUES. 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

LOVE AS OF OLD INT’L MINISTRY

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.RHODA YAYOCK SHAMANG PST. 2.IVY SAIDU MAIWADA PST. 3.RAPHEAL SAIDU MAIWADA PST. 4.SUNDAY SAIDU MAIWADA

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO PURSUE AND PROPAGATE CHRISTIAN REVIVALS IN WHICH THE TRINITY WILL BE ENTHRONED, HONOURED AND GLORIFIED. 2.TO ERADICATE BY PRAYER, TEACHING THE BELIEF IN THE POWER OF WITCHCRAFT SORCERY, CHARMS AND ALL OTHER WORK OF DARKNESS. IN ORDER TO KNOW AND EXERCISE SUPREME AUTHORITY OVER THEM ALL THROUGH CHRIST OUR LORD. 3.TO PROMOTE TRUE CHRISTIAN LOVE AND FELLOWSHIP AMONG ITS MEMBERS, AND TO BE AT PEACE WITH ALL MEN. 4.TO DECLARE THE TOTAL DELIVERANCE OF ALL MEN, SETTING THEM FREE FROM DEMONIC BONDAGE BY THE TEACHING OF GOD’S WORD.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO PREACH THE WORD OF GOD. 2.TO HELP DEVELOPMENT HUMANITY POSITIVELY MALL RAMIFICATIONS. 3.TO BRING HOPE TO HOPELESS SITUATIONS THE WORLD OVER. 4.TO WIN SOULS AS AN END PRODUCT OF EVANGELISM (BOTH PERSONAL AND MASS), OUTREACHES, REVIVALS, SEMINARS, WORKSHOPS, CONFERENCES CAMP MEETINGS, CONVENTIONS AND TEACHINGS ETC. 5.TO DEVELOP HUMAN THROUGH THE ESTABLISHMENT OF SCHOOLS FROM NURSERY TO TERTIARY, TO CARTER FOR THE EDUCATIONAL NEED OF THE SOULS WON AND THEIR NEIGHBOURS.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY

SIGNED : SECRETARY

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

CHURCH OF CHRIST HEALING MINISTRY CAC/IT/NO. 36048

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

THE ADDITIONAL TRUSTEES ARE : I. BANAWI ISHAKU 2.DR. NICHOLAS PROWEI OLOBIO 3.HEPHZIBAH IBRAHIM 4.NOEL OSUJI THE REMOVED TRUSTEES ARE : 1.OCHE ADAKOLE SOLOMON

NEW ERA FRIENDS SPORTS CLUB ONITSHA

THE GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED BODY HAS APPLIED TO CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, ABUJA FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT, NO. 1 OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. OKAFOR EKENENNA EMMANUEL 2. ONYEMENE CHUKWUDI FELIX 3. OLISAMEZIE CHINEDU .F. 4. ANUSI CHINEDU STEPHEN 5. ALI CHINASA CHARITY 6. OBIAJUNWA NNABUGO VICTOR 7. OKOLIE CHUKWUDI COLLINS 8. NWORIE REMIGIUS AZUBUIKE 9. IHEBIGHI KELECHI MARY BLESSING

CHAIRMAN

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES REMAIN THE SAME.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To cater for the welfare of the members

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS CHANGES SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420 TIGRIS CRESCENT, OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET, MAITAMA, P.M.B 198, GARKI ABUJA WITHIN 28 DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED : SECRETARY

SIGNED SECRETARY

PAGE 31

PEOPLES DAILY, friday, february 16, 2018

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICE

NO ONE LEFT BEHIND INITIATIVE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

BEACON OF A NEW DAWN FOUNDATION

THE NEW NAME:EVANGELICAL ELECTS GLOBAL ASSEMBLY THE OLD NAME: LAGOS EVANGELICAL CHURCH

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

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.Chairman - Paul Udolu OVUOKERIE 2. Secretary - Andrew Anyasi 3. Emeka Okoye 4. Clement Atutu 5. Rume Omuophu 6. Wilson Asekutu 7. Frank Esanubi 8. Florence Esanubi

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. MR. OKERENTIE KINGSLEY YEMI - CHAIRMAN 2. MR. OKONJI EUGENE CHUKWUDI. SECRETARY 3. MR. AKPOJOTOR OGENEWEWARE PATRICK 4. MR. AMEH CHARLES UGBEDE. 5. LAVIN AGHAUNOR 6. MR. OKUSI ESE 7. MR. FRANK UFUOMA ESANUBI 8. MRS. FLORENCE DIMMA ESANUBI.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE: 1.TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF THE LESS PRIVILEGED IN THE SOCIETY.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ALEX AGBO UGWU (REV) - PRINCIPAL TRUSTEE 2. EMMANUEL .O. OCHICHE- ASSOCIATE TRUSTEE 3. GABRIEL ADINYA- ASSOCIATE TRUSTEE 4. RAPHAEL UGWU (SEC) - ASSOCIATE TRUSTEE

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO PREACH CHRIST FOR REPENTANCE AND FORGIVENESS 2. TO PRAY TOGETHER FOR THE GOOD OF THE LAND, PEACE AND UNITY 3. FOR OPEN EVANGELISM AND MISSION 4. TO PRAY FOR GOOD LEADERSHIP OF THE CHURCH AND THE COUNTRY NIGERIA. 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: CHAIRMAN

SIGNED: CHAIRMAN

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

MOUNT OLIVET GRAMMER SCHOOL ALUMNI ASSOCIATION OF NIGERIA

Nigerian Tulip International College Ogun Parents Teachers Association

THE NEW NAME: KINGS LIBERATION FAITH GLOBAL CENTER THE OLD NAME : THE KINGS LIBERATION CHURCH

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. PRINCE RAPHAEL AITAFO OKOJIE- CHAIRMAN 2. MRS. OLUFUNKE ADEBAYO- SECRETARY 3. KOLAWOLE MODUPE 4. TUNDE BAWA-ALLAH 5. DR. IDOU SAMSON KEINDE THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.TO FOSTER UNITY AND COOPERATION AMONG OLD STUDENTS OF THE SCHOOL. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : LEXHABITAE LPs lexhabitaeng@gmail.com

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. MR. SUNDAY OLU FASUBAA 2. MR. ADAMU BELLO 3. ENGR. MISBAU OPEYEMI AMINU 4. MRS. HAFSAT OLUBUKANLA RUFAI 5. MR. OLAYINKA KAZEEM ADEROJU 6. MR. ADEBOWALE SULAIMON ADEBULE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO PROVIDE A CHANNEL FOR BOTH PARENTS AND THE SCHOOL TO EXCHANGE OPINIONS CONCERNING SCHOOL POLICIES FOR PROMOTING THE DEVELOPMENT OF THE SCHOOL. 2. FOSTER POSITIVE RELATIONSHIPS BETWEEN THE SCHOOL AND FAMILIES PERTAINING TO THE WELL-BEING OF THE SCHOOL, COMMUNITY (STUDENTS, PARENTS, STAFF, AND FACULTY) 3. TO PROMOTE CONNECTIONS AND COMMUNICATIONS BETWEEN PARENTS AND SCHOOL AND TO ESTABLISH A PARTNERSHIP BETWEEN THEM. 4. TO ELECT PARENT MANAGERS TO THE RELEVANT COMMITTEES TO WORK TOGETHER WITH THE OTHER SCHOOL MANAGERS IN THE MANAGEMENT OF THE SCHOOL ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_ GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1.PST. DAVID IHEJIETO CLIFFORD 2. PST./MRS. MAUREEN DAVID 3. PST. BENEDICT NWACHUKWU 4. PST. BRIGHT CLIFFORD NNAEMEKA 5. DEACON ROMANS OSIGWE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL OF JESUS CHRIST TO ALL NATION 2. TO HAVE BIBLE TRAINING CENTER SCHOOL FOR PASTORS 3. TO CONDUCT CHRISTIAN MARRIAGE IN CHURCH 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

SIGNED: PST./MRS. MAUREEN DAVID

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

ABUNDANT GRACE GOSPEL MINISTRY INT’L.

THE OLD NAME: THE ASSOCIATION OF COCONUT OIL EXTRACTORS OF NIGERIA. THE NEW NAME: THE ASSOCIATION OF COCONUT PROCESSORS OF NIGERIA CAC/IT/RC/ No. 99724

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

ALTERATION OF CONSTITUTION. That the number of trustees be increased from 2 to 10. The trustees are two (2) and we want to add 3 trustees i.e 5, but we want it to able to accommodate 10 even though we are adding 3 now.

ANY OBJECTION TO FORWARDED TO THE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, AGUIYI IRONSI STREET OF THIS PUBLICATION.

THIS APPLICATION SHOULD BE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS

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

THE TRUSTEES REMAIN THE SAME. 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.

NEW ERA OF PROGRESSIVE DEVELOPMENT PEOPLE’S INITIATIVE

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. HAJIA SHERIFAH OLUWAWEMIMO 2. CHIEF ARIBIDESI JIMOH 3. CHIEF TAIWO YUSUF 4. MADAM KEMI JAYEOLA 5. MR. ABDULAZEEZ ARIBIDESI THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO SUPPORT THE SOCIAL WELFARE OF THE COMMUNITY .

2. TO ASSIST IN THE ECONOMIC EMPOWERMENT AND DEVELOPMENT OF THE COMMUNITY. ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SECRETARY

SIGNED: SALAMATU ABUBAKAR, ESQ. 08036260206

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

Ya Kolo Indimi Foundation

NATVIEW FOUNDATION FOR TECHNOLOGY INNOVATION

ZION FOUNDATION FOR SUSTAINABLEGROWTH

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.

Ya Kolo Indimi Babangida 2.

Amina Indimi Fodio 3.

Rashida Saleh THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To help the less privileged in the community 2. To facilitate partnerships that will foster social and economic development programs that improves the standard of living of women and Children in Nigeria.

3. To initiate projects geared towards the provision of solutions to identifiable challenges in the areas of health, education, poverty alleviation and the environment as faced by African Communities in general.

4. To liaise or co-operate with any other Forum within or outside Nigeria having similar aims and objectives with this Foundation.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED: SECRETARY Address:C/o Plot 397 Muhammadu Buhari Way Central Business District Abuja

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 GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED THAT THE ABOVE NAMED HAS APPLIED TO THE CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION FOR REGISTRATION UNDER PART “C” OF THE COMPANIES AND ALLIED MATTERS ACT OF 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. Nuradeen Maidoki (president) 2. Abanga Abdulaziz Abubakar (Secretary) 3. Ibtihal Abdallah 4. Suleman Gimba Baba

THE TRUSTEE ARE. 1. KPUNEE HENRY NEEKA - CHAIRMAN. 2. ABLE JOHNJERRY LEBARI - SECRETARY. 3. NMEKELE VINCENT - MEMBER. 4. NDORKEKOR LEKUE JOSEPH - MEMBER.

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.Technology for Societal eradication.

Development

and

Poverty

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 AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO CATER FOR THE WELFARE OF THE MEMBERS. 2. TO BRING SUSTAINABLE DEVELOPMENT AMONG THE 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

QUOTABLE QUOTE “The agency (NEMA) has received more than N10 billion from the 20% National Ecological Fund in the last one year, N5 billion for hunger intervention in the Northeast, about N2 billion for food intervention across the country. These funds were illegally siphoned by officials of the agency through dubious award of contracts without delivering relief items to the victims.”

. . . putting the people first

friday, february 16, 2018

SPORTS latest

Ronaldo sets 100th Champions League goal record

C

ristiano Ronaldo has become the first player to score 100 Champions League goals for the same club.

This was when he found the net in Real Madrid’s last 16 clash at home to Paris Saint-Germain.

Real Madrid came back from a goal down to defeat PSG 3-1 at the Santiago Bernabeu.

Ronaldo reached the landmark when he converted a penalty on the stroke of halftime to equalise Adrien Rabiot’s opener.

He now has a career total of 115 goals in the tournament.

Three players in match-fixing probe

T

wo Malaysian football players and a bookmaker have been detained on suspicion of match-fixing after a shock loss in the country’s second-tier league, an official said yesterday.

The trio, who included a defender and midfielder playing for Sarawak on Borneo island, were arrested by anti-corruption authorities Wednesday, the Football Association of Sarawak said.

It came after Sarawak lost 3-2 against Felcra FC in suspicious circumstances during a Premier League game at the weekend.

Sarawak had been leading 2-0 but in the final six minutes, a Felcra player scored three headers to clinch victory for his team.

The match was played in Sarawak’s capital Kuching.

The Star news website reported that the trio had been remanded in custody for six days while the probe is ongoing.

Malaysian football has been plagued by matchfixing over the years, and betting syndicates from the country have also been active overseas.

In a major 1994 scandal, 21 players and coaches were sacked and 58 players suspended.

Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi Advert: business: news: lagos:

Hon. Benjamin Wayo, member House of Representatives, leading a debate probing NEMA over unaccounted N19.4bn at the House

Reasons Buhari Chose Tinubu to Head APC Reconciliation

P

resident Muhammadu Buhari has assigned a very difficult and challenging job to Asiwaju Ahmed Bola Tinubu- to resolve disagreements among party members, party leadership and political office holders in some states and the centre. The job is a challenging one because internal squabble and scrabble for who gets what are normal in political parties especially in a nascent democracy like that of Nigeria. But when such games get messier and personal; the ‘hands’ of a leader is needed to put a stop to it. Though, the All Progressive Congress (APC) is a political party that consists of different individuals with diverse ideologies and political backgrounds, harmony amongst members is still possible.

Tinubu, love or hate him, is a colossus in the All Progressive Congress (APC) and the Nigerian politics. Tinubu is the right person to head APC reconciliation committee.

Tinubu and Buhari are the foundations in the formation and membership drive of the APC, though, the New-PDP and the then 3 governors also made remarkable impact.

Tinubu commands respect in the APC, his mode of operations in politics is unique and ‘pungent’.

If the APC is a plc, Tinubu should at least own 40 percent stake. Apart from Buhari, Tinubu is the most senior individual in the APC, so there is no person in the APC that may not honour Tinubu’s invitation for reconciliation. From 1999 to date, Tinubu has been in the control of the southwest. As it is now, in Nigeria, only Buhari and Tinubu are undisputable regional powers with cultlike followership. As far as 2019 presidential elections are concerned, Tinubu holds some sort of ace, taking into cognizance the current permutations in the politics of the presidential candidate in both the APC and the PDP. Both parties may likely have their presidential candidates from the north. Whichever candidate secures the southwest’s nod, will easily win the presidential elections.

No political party in power

0806 564 8620 0704 385 9705 0814 292 9046 08074420617

GUEST Columnist

Buhari

Tinubu

can be crisis-free. There are five main problems facing the APC; first, ex-governors who want to control incumbent governors, second, governors in their last terms fighting incumbent senators for senatorial tickets.

Third, senators who want to become governors.

Fourth, parliamentarians unsure of a return ticket. Fifth, party faithful who feel they have been sidelined by state or federal government. In fact, the current

squabble in the APC revolves around 2019 elections. Most of these issues are surmountable.

Some bigwigs just need some ego-massage- a simple apology to them will do the trick, other people need an assurance of tickets for their seats while some individuals need government patronagecontracts or appointment. Tinubu will for sure bring revived cohesion within the APC as well as reconcile many aggrieved

“

President Buhari’s choice of Bola Tinubu to head the APC reconciliation efforts is based on a known fact, Tinubu has gone through the mills of politics, he has laboured enough to form the APC, he can do everything possible to keep the party strong, but some of the crises in the APC are normalthey are all about 2019 elections.

members of the party. He will face some stringent challengessome of the crisis in the APC has already turned personal and also it has become the only way for political relevance and a source of ‘income’ for some people. This is where President Buhari’s ‘hand’ is critically needed.

Tinubu should painstakingly choose his committee membersintegrity, ability to keep things confidential, understanding of intrigues of party politics and good command of respect from members of the party should be some of the characteristics Tinubu should look for. Tinubu also needs independent intelligent report on each of the cases before meeting parties. Tinubu should also if possible avoid a ‘fanfare’ visit to states for reconciliation’, a neutral ground should be a good choice, but if visit to states is necessary, it should be covert.

Furthermore, some young people should be part of the committee; it will bring dynamism, color and send a new message.

President Buhari’s choice of Bola Tinubu to head the APC reconciliation efforts is based on a known fact, Tinubu has gone through the mills of politics, he has laboured enough to form the APC, he can do everything possible to keep the party strong, but some of the crises in the APC are normal- they are all about 2019 elections.

Zayyad I. Muhammad Jimeta, Adamawa State, zaymohd@yahoo.com, www.zayyad.com.ng

DAN GAYE

What becomes of Zuma’s statue –Nigerians ask Gov. Okorocha

-We are waiting Mr. Governor!

Published by Peoples Media Limited, 35, Ajose Adeogun Street, 1st Floor Peace Park Plaza, Utako, Abuja. Kano office: Plot 3, Zaria Road, Opposite Kano State House of Assembly. Lagos Office: No.8 Oliyide Street, off Unity Road, Ikeja, Lagos. Tel: +234 814 292 9046. Cell: +234 802 443 2099; 803 7007 759. e-mail: contact@peoplesdailyng.com; pmlnewseditor@gmail.com ISSN: 2141– 6141