Thursday, December 27, 2018 Edition

Thursday, December 27, 2018/ Rabi’ul Thani 19, 1440 AH Vol. 30 No. 056 N150

1712 Days after

2019: Saraki canvasses support for Atiku

>>>pG 4

@pmlonline

peoplesdailyng

. . . putting the people first

The nation awaits rescue of the remaining abducted Chibok schoolgirls

Melaye’s allegation on planned arrest mischievous -Police >>>page 5

Elders to Buhari: Declare state of emergency in Zamfara >>>page 5

As president condoles victims, assures end to killings

L-R: Commander, 1 Brigade of the Nigerian Army, Gusau, Brig.- Gen. Kennedy Udeabgala, Air Officer Commanding Operation’s Command, Air Vice Marshal, Samson Akpasa, Chief of Air Staff, Sadeeq Abubukar, Secretary to the State Government Prof Abdullahi Shinkafi and Commissioner for Local Government and Chieftain Affairs, Alhaji Bello Dankande, during the Chief of Air Staff visit to Zamfara State over insecurity challenges, yesterday in Zamfara state, Photo: NAN

Oil prices rebound Boko Haram: NEMA Kano Hisbah after Christmas eve registers fresh 2,046 destroys 30 trailer sell-off loads of beer IDPs in Borno pAGE 2

pAGE 3

pAGE 7

PAGE 2

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

News CONTENTS

R-L: Sultan of Sokoto and President General, Nigeria Supreme Council for Islamic Affairs, Alhaji Muhammad Sa’ad Abubakar, Governor Aminu Bello Masari of Katsina State and the Provost of Muslim Community College of Health Sciences and Technology, Funtua, Alhaji Umar Aminu Imam unveil the model of the College, yesterday in Funtua

News 2-10,14 Editorial

11

Op.Ed

12-13

Politics 15-17 Business

19-20

Metro

21

World News

22

Africa News

23

World News

24

WHO launches technical guidance series on health of refugees, migrants Page 10

Environment 25 Feature 26 Sports 29-30 Back Page

32

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

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

Phones for News: 08142929046 08024432099

Insurgency: Police deny 167 officers absconded from North East operation

By Ese Awhotu

T

he Nigerian Police Force has denied a report by an online medium that One Hundred and Sixty Seven of its officers have absconded from the North East operation against Boko Haram insurgents.

The Police said yesterday that,” all 2,000 Policemen deployed by the Force to the North East have reported and are on ground on combat operation fighting along with the military in the front line against Boko Haram insurgency.”

It added that, “the 2,000 Police personnel deployed are in high morale and high spirit in the

operation. No Police personnel absconded as alleged in the report. “ The Police in a statement issued Wednesday, signed by Ag. DCP Jimoh Moshood, Force Public Relations Officer, Force Headquarters Abuja, said its attention has been drawn to a story by Premium Times Online media, captioned “167 POLICE OFFICERS ABSCOND FROM DEPLOYMENT AGAINST BOKO HARAM (FULL LIST)”.

The Police stated that the story is untrue, absolute falsehood and a deliberate attempt to cast aspersions on the efforts of the Nigeria Police Force in the

ongoing fight against the Boko Haram insurgency.

It said the insinuation in some quarters and as reported in the story that 167 out the 2,000 additional Police Officers recently deployed by the IGP absconded is not correct and should be disregarded by members of the public.

“These 2000 Police personnel are to complement the efforts of the military to add new impetus to the fight against the decimated Boko Haram insurgency,” the Police said.

It said the story was investigated and it was found out not to be correct, there

is no reason whatsoever that Police personnel deployed for the operations in the North East would abscond.

The Police, therefore implored members of the public to disregard the story in its entirety as a pure misinformation and hearsay.

This is even as it said, the Force would continue to hold the media in a very high regard as a veritable partner in ensuring adequate security and success of the fight against insurgency, however, the media are implored not allow their esteemed publication be used publish falsehood capable of misinforming and misleading the public.

Oil prices rebound after Christmas Eve sell-off

O

il prices rose on Wednesday on perceptions that a price slide to 2017 lows prompted by economic worries had been overdone amid an OPEC-led effort to tighten supply.

Crude has been caught up in wider financial market weakness as the U.S. government shutdown, higher U.S. interest rates and the U.S.-China trade dispute unnerved investors and exacerbated worries over global growth.

Brent crude oil futures, the global benchmark, was up $1.51, or 3 percent, at $51.98 at 11 a.m.

ET (1600 GMT). It earlier fell to $49.93, the lowest since July 2017, and posted a 6.2-percent slide in the previous session.

U.S. West Texas Intermediate crude futures was up $1.74, or 4.1 percent, at $44.27. WTI fell 6.7 percent to settle at its lowest level in a year and a half on Monday.

“I think there is a little bit of over-extension to the downside linked to global market fears,” said Olivier Jakob, analyst at Petromatrix. “It’s all about equities.”

“OPEC has shown it wants a higher prices and is working towards that goal.”

Still, the head of Russian oil company Rosneft, Igor Sechin, predicted an oil price of $50-$53 in 2019, a long way south of the four-year high of $86 for Brent crude reached earlier this year.

Sechin, an ally of Russian

President Vladimir Putin and a critic of OPEC, said the price slump was mostly linked to the U.S. rate hike announced last week.

Wall Street opened higher, lending oil some support. Asian stocks retreated on Wednesday while markets in Britain, Germany and France remained closed for Christmas holidays.

While economic worries have weighed, the outlook is not as weak as in 2016 when a supply glut built up, because OPEC this time is trying to prop up the market, Jakob said.

Concerned that a new glut could form, OPEC and its allies including Russia decided earlier this month to return to a policy of cutting production in 2019,

unwinding a decision taken in June 018 to pump more oil.

The producers’ alliance, known as OPEC+, plans to lower output by 1.2 million barrels per day, of which OPEC’s share is 800,000 bpd, next year, and some ministers have even suggested taking further action.

Stephen Innes, head of trading for Asia-Pacific at futures brokerage Oanda in Singapore, said some buying interest had returned after firmer trading in U.S. equity futures.

But, he added, economic worries will continue to weigh unless OPEC reassures the market as to the viability of the supply cuts and “even imposes deeper ones as some members have suggested.”(By CNBC)

Page 3

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

Shehu Sani donates N50m Unity Hall to community From: Femi Oyelola, kaduna

T

he Senator representing Kaduna Central in the Senate, Shehu Sani has donated a multipurpose hall to the Adara community in memory of the late Agom Adara.

Speaking during the handover of the hall to the community yesterday,Shehu Sani said the late Agom Adara, Dr. Raphael Maiwada Galadima, served his people diligently and was killed in a cool blood, hence the need to immortalised him for his service to the people.

“There is no better way to remember the late Agom Adara than to have a legacy project in his name.

“The Agom Adara has served the people of Kachia, Kaduna State and dedicated his life for the service of humanity. “ This building is not just a building but, a structure that will unify and cemented a peaceful coexistence among the people of the community. “ Tolerance is inevitable if we want to continue to live in peace”, Shehu Sani said.

The residents who in their numbers trooped out to witness the handing over lauded the foresight of the Senator Shehu Sani for donating a multipurpose hall to the community in memory of the late Agom Adara.

The Chairman of the Adara Development Association, Mumini Madogo said the people of the community will never forget the gesture, saying that it is a happiest moment for the people of the community. “ We are solely behind the senator, and we are thanking God for his life for thinking alone this line to give back to the society”, he said.

While handing over the property to the leadership of CAN and Adara Development Association, Shehu Sani said the building will serve as a convergence point for the people of the community. “ This multipurpose hall was built to assist the social economy of the people and to serve as a point where ideas can be shared amongst the people of different diverse”, the senator said.

The building which was 2000 capacity worth fifty million naira

News

Develop rural communities, Okonjo-Iweala tasks government

T

he former Minister of Finance, Dr. Ngozi OkonjoIweala, has called on the three tiers of government in Nigeria to pay serious attention to the development of the rural communities in the country.

Okonjo-Iweala made the call on Wednesday during the 12th biennial home-coming (Ejealo 2018) and N25 million fundraiser for the construction of a craft centre at Umuda Isingwu in Umuahia North Local Government Area of Abia.

She said that no country in the world could develop without giving attention to its rural communities.

She, therefore, urged Nigerians to go back to their

communities, saying “this is the only way we are going to develop the country.”

“It is not just from the federal level but we have to start from the grassroots to support the people in the village.

“Everyone, who belongs to a community has to help that community because the beginning of development in a country lies in a community,” she said.

The former minister, who was honoured on the occasion for her meritorious service to the community, expressed joy that her husband’s community recognised her.

She prayed for peace to reign in Nigeria as it geared up for the general elections, adding that God

should see the nation through its difficult political period.

She said, “We want peace in the country. We want things to go well. We want lives to improve for the average Nigerians.

“We are praying that 2019 will bring good things for Nigerians.”

In an address of welcome, Mr Emmanuel Onwuegbu, the President-General of Umuda Welfare Union, said “Ejealo Festival” was a period of stocktaking in terms of the community’s socio-cultural development as a people.

Similarly, Mr Dimkpa Agbara, Chairman, Organising Committee, said the fundraiser was meant to establish a skill acquisition centre to empower the

youths of the area economically.

Mr Hope Uwaga, a board member of the Abia State Oil Producing Area Development Commission also urged Nigerians to always identify with their communities.

Uwaga advised political office seekers to “first of all be part of grassroots development” by contributing their quota to the development of their communities.

News Agency of Nigeria reports that Mrs Rita Okengwu, Permanent Secretary, state Ministry of Education, and Justice Amaobi Agbara, Justice of the Customary Court of Appeal in the state, were also honoured at the event.(NAN)

Families celebrating the Boxing Day, at Millennium Park yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Insurgency: Air force to open Quick Response Unit in Sokoto

T

he Chief of Air staff, Sadiqque Abubakar, has said a Quick Response Unit of the air force would soon be established in Sokoto to support ‘Operation Diramikiya’ across the north western zone.

Mr Abubakar, an Air Marshall, made the disclosure when he visited Zamfara State’s

acting governor, Sanusi Rikiji, at the government house on Wednesday in Gusau.

He said he was in the state to access the situation of the men and officers of the Force in the troubled areas, to ensure lasting peace.

The chief of air staff commended the state

government and the residents for the support given to the security agencies in the fight against insurgency, especially on intelligence gathering.

Mr Abubakar, who urged them to do more, said intelligence report remain a critical means of winning war.

Mr Rikiji, who is also the

speaker of the State House of Assembly, lauded Mr Abubakar for the visit, saying that it showed the concern of the Federal Government to the problem bordering the state.

He assured that the state government would continue to support in all ways to see the success of the operation.(NAN)

Boko Haram: NEMA registers fresh 2,046 IDPs in Borno

A

bout 2,046 Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) had their personal biodata and other vital information officially documented by the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) in 24 hours in Borno State.

It was during the registration and profiling exercise of the IDPs carried out by NEMA on Tuesday.

The IDPs, PRNigeria gathered, are from Kukawa, Kauwa, Doro Baga, Kekeno and Bunduram Communities in Baga Local Government Area of the state.

The registered IDPs were from 204 households of the five communities, which have been affected by the deadly activities of Boko Haram insurgents.

Officials of NEMA, Borno

State Emergency Management Agency (BOSEMA) and International Organisation for Migration (IOM) received the displaced persons at the Teachers’ Village IDP Camp in Maiduguri.

Meanwhile, the Zonal Coordinator of NEMA in the North-east region, Bashir Garga, has called on motorists and the general population to be vigilant

in this yuletide season to prevent accidents on highways and ensure hitch-free celebrations.

Flagging off the EagleEye oration in Maiduguri, Mr Garga urged the communities to report strange individuals and suspicious movements to appropriate security agencies to avert terrorists’ attacks.

He called for care in this harmattan season and

provided fire safety tips as well as precautions to prevent fire outbreak in IDP camps and homes.

Operation Eagle eye is an annual event organised by NEMA in collaboration with other relevant stakeholders as part of preparedness and disaster risk reduction activities to ensure effective response during the yuletide.

PAGE 4

News

SDGs: Mrs Fayemi bags gender mainstreaming award

By Musa Adamu

W

ife of Ekiti state Governor, Erelu Bisi Fayemi, has received the “Gender Mainstreaming Award” presented to the state government by the UN Women.

According to a statement issued by Funmi Ajala, Special Assistant (Media) to the Wife of the Governor, the award is in recognition of the achievements of Ekiti State Sustainable Development Goals(SDGs) office in the area of gender mainstreaming.

It said the state SDGs Secretary and Focal Person, Mr Olukayode Adunmo, while presenting the award, had explained that one of the 17 sustainable goals, precisely, Goal 5, was to “achieve gender equality and empower all women and girls.”

He added that Ekiti state SDGs office had always been fully involved in making this goal a reality through the various policies and programmes introduced and executed by the administration.

He explained that UNWomen, in partnership with the office of the Senior Special Assistant to the President on SDGs (OSSAP-SDGs), invited the SDGs office in the 36 states of the federation to submit the summary of their works on gender mainstreaming.

He said out of the 36 states, Ekiti State and three other States were recognised for their outstanding performance and were presented with the plaque of Excellence.

The statement added that Adunmo had acknowledged the work done by Erelu Fayemi during the first tenure (2010-2014) as what made it possible to achieve the award.

He said: “Your contribution can be attested to your endless fight towards the enactment of the Gender Based Violence (GBV) Bill in November 2011. Ekiti State was the first State to enact this bill through your contribution and this is a lofty development.” We thank you ma for all your effort.”

It said Mrs Erelu Fayemi thanked the State SDGs team and stated that her office would continue to work with the MDAs that works on SDGs related issues, in the overall interest of the state.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

Buhari a visionary leader, says Masari From Lawal Sa’idu Funtua, Katsina

K

atsina State Governor, Alhaji Aminu Bello Masari has described President Muhammad Buhari as a futuristic and visionary leader The governor stated this while speaking during a courtesy call by the Buhari/Masari Sahu Ya daidaita, a political group led by the Senior Special Assistant for Special Services, Alhaji Haruna Musa at Government House, Katsina.

Governor Aminu Masari assured Nigerians that President Muhammad Buhari had initiated

various programmes and policies which in no distant future would take Nigeria to the next level.

Masari used the occasion to announce that more packages would be unfolded in the state to make people of Katsina to compete favourably with Nigerians in different fields of human endeavour.

He assured members of Buhari-Masari Sahu ya daidaita that they had taken the right decision for assisting towards the reelection bid of both him and president Muhammad Buhari.

Earlier, the founder of the movement and SSA Special Services,Alhaji Haruna Musa

said the movement was set up to assist in the reelection of President Muhammad Buhari and Governor Aminu Masari 2019Alhaji Haruna Musa revealed that a plan is in the pipeline to publish a book on the achievements of governor Aminu Masari in the last 3 and a half years.

Also speaking a member of the organisation Abubakar Mamman Gege who is also the director of ecological in the state ministry of environment spoke at length on the blueprint and working document of the organization.

Alhaji Gege assured that members have pledged to

financially contribute towards the implementation of the document.

Other speakers during the visit include chairman of Local Government Service Commission, Alhaji Maigari Salihu Danjuma, the Permanent secretary for higher education, Alhaji Rabiu Abdu Ruma, the chairman of forum of Heads of Local Government Administration, Alhaji Abdurahman Marafa, the women and youth leaders of the organization among others who all assured to work hard for the success of reelection bid of president Muhammad Buhari and Governor Aminu Bello Masari.

L-R; Methodist Archbishop of Abuja, Joseph Job, The Chaplain, State House Chapel Pastor Seyi Malomo, Anglican Archbishop Nicolas Okoh, President Muhammadu Buhari, SGF Mr. Boss Mustapha, FCT Minister Mallam Mohammad Musa Bello and Chief Imam of National Mosque, Sheikh Muhammad Kabir Adam during a Christmas Homage at the Residence, State House on Tuesday in Abuja.

Photo: State House

2019: Saraki canvasses support for Atiku From Oluseyi Dasilva, Ilorin

T

he Senate President, Dr Bukola Saraki, has lamented over the level of insecurity and poverty in the country.

He said that the untold hardship being experienced by the people under the government of the All Progressives Congress ( APC) was unprecedented and hence the need for a change to make the country work again.

Saraki who spoke on a joint live radio programme in Ilorin, Kwara state empathised with Nigerians, especially his people of Kwara state

over the sufferings and hardships they were going through particularly at this festive period.

He said the only antidote to the present precarious economic and security situation in the country is for Nigerians to vote out the APC led federal government and elect Atiku Abubakar of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) as the nation’s president during next year’s general elections.

“Times are very hard for the masses as a result of the level of poverty in the country. Without sentiment, the present government has failed Nigerians. They must therefore, ensure they vote for a

leader that will address poverty and revive the economy.” Saraki added.

“Nigerians will vote in February, 2019 but the business community has already passed a vote of no confidence on this present government. I therefore, urge Nigerians to vote out this government and vote a man (Atiku) that will restore investors’ confidence and get Nigeria working again. It is only one party that loves the common people and that’s our party, the PDP, “ he stated.

Saraki emphasised that “I’m in politics to serve my people. When I campaigned in 2015, I pledged

to Nigerians that my former party, APC will address the issues of insecurity, unemployment and poverty but unfortunately the party has failed on all these three score lines.”

“I thank God Almighty for the position that was given to Kwara as the number three citizen. We have cut across our zonal intervention projects in the state which wasn’t possible in the first four years as a floor member at the 7th Senate because ranking members add more value to the community/ constituency.

On the home front, the Senate

President urged Kwarans not to be deceived by absentee politicians who only come around about six months to election time.

Accusing the opposition elements in the state of insincerity, Saraki challenged them to come out with their programmes for the people of the state.

He listed his numerous intervention projects in the areas of education, power, road construction, water and empowerment schemes scattered across the four local government areas that made up his Kwara central constituency.

Page 5

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

News

Elders to Buhari: Declare State of Emergency in Zamfara * As president condoles victims, assures end to killings

By Ali Alkali

A

s security challenges in Zamfara State continue to deteriorate, concerned elders and stakeholders have called on President Muhammadu Buhari to declare State of Emergency in the state, arguing that the massacres of thousands of innocent citizens “indicate that there is a leadership vacuum” in the state “and that whatever security measures put in place have failed woefully.”

In a statement signed by five prominent academicians, yesterday, the elders lamented that the brutality with which massacres and the killing of thousands of innocent citizens, mainly rural folks, are carried out “are unprecedented in recent times in any part of Nigeria.

“This, therefore, calls for drastic measures to arrest the situation and prevent the descent into total anarchy, with dire consequences to Zamfara, Katsina, Kaduna states and the neighbouring states of Niger Republic.”

They urged President Buhari to take immediate and drastic action by declaring State of Emergency in Zamfara State.

They warned that “The destruction of the campaign posters of Mr. President shows the extent to which people are aggrieved against the efforts so far put in place to contain the problem. This has the potential of eroding the credibility of Mr. President in one of his strongholds.

“These developments have had a negative impact on the Federal Government’s agricultural policy of Anchor Borrower’s Programme (ABP), and other social intervention programmes.

“The reckless pronouncements and ineptitude of the government of Abdul Aziz Yari has further worsened the security situation in the state.”

After cataloguing series of killings by bandits that defied all security measures taken so far, the elders said, “We recommend as follows: “Immediate declaration of a State of Emergency in Zamfara State, to enable to Federal Government initiate a series of actions that would address the crisis; “The dispatching of special forces to the forests and affected villages to rout out the terrorists and kidnappers;

“Government should interact frequently with community leaders and other relevant stakeholders in the search for lasting solution to the crisis; “The renewed commitment of the leadership of the security agencies as part of a renewed effort to accelerate the war against terrorism, insurgency, mass kidnapping and mass murder.”

To back up their call with the most recent event, the elders recalled that “The outbreak of riots in Tsafe local government on Saturday 22nd December, 2018, which, according to some reports, have led to the deaths of over 100 people in the villages of Asaula, Kwadawa, Dogon Kawo, Mandaba, Yanza, Kulutu, Sakkya and Fegin Dakai, all in Eastern Tsafe, has again brought to the fore the issue of insecurity in Zamfara State.

“On Monday, December 24, thousands of scared citizens in the State came out en masse to protest, demanding that the Nigerian State protects them from killers and bandits who have killed over one hundred people in the past two weeks, burnt their houses and destroyed their farmlands and rustled their cattle.”

The statement was signed by

Prof Jibrin Ibrahim, Centre for Democracy and Development, Abuja, Dr. Abubakar Siddique Mohammed, Centre for Democratic Research and Training, Zaria, Prof Massoud Omar, Centre for Democratic Research and Training, Zaria, Dr. Saluihu Zubairu Mustapha, Department of History, Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria and Mal. Mohammed Abubakar Nasiru, Department of History, Ahmadu Bello university, Zaria.

They hope that “The Zamfara crisis should become a turning point indicating a renewed determination of the Nigerian State and its security agencies move from condemning such wanton killings to checkmating the activities of the attackers.”

Meanwhile, the Minister of Interior, Lieutenant General Abdulrahman Bello Dambazau has conveyed President Muhammadu Buhari’s condolence message to the entire people of Zamfara State, assuring them of formidable measures to tackle armed banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling in the state.

Dambazau, who was in Zamfara State yesterday under presidential directive with a view to expressing

Buhari administration’s worry over incessant killings of innocent people and the destruction of property, especially in rural areas, reiterated federal government’s commitment towards ensuring total return of peace in the state.

The Minister said, President Buhari is worried about criminal activities bedevilling the state, saying, “It is our responsibility to provide security of lives and property to all citizens of this country, among whom are Zamfara people. Necessary actions have been taken to ensure the return of legitimate living”.

He further informed the people of the federal government’s readiness in making the entire nation a paradise for citizens and investors, as all required machineries capable of getting rid of insurgence and other related criminal activities have been put in place, checkmating the conducts of security operatives at war front as well.

“Zamfara is one of the food producing states the entire nation is proud of. This is the reason the administration of President Buhari would not allow these criminal activities to cripple our food security,

as it would affect the entire country,” Dambazau said.

Responding, the Zamfara State Acting Governor, Right Honorable Sunusi Garba Rikiji, said the issues of armed banditry, kidnapping and cattle rustling are fast becoming devastating and getting out of hand, as incessant killings on daily basis were no longer news in the state.

Sunusi Rikiji said, investigations had it that there were infiltration of other forces aiding the activities of armed bandits, the development which was learnt to have worsen the situation.

He, however assured that “the state government is ready to continue assisting in providing all that are needed to compliment the federal government’s efforts in saving the situation.

“I must, on behalf of the state Governor, Abdulaziz Yari Abubakar and good people of Zamfara state, appreciate Mr. President for showing concern by making a personal call to one of our traditional ruler over the killings, and his show of worries through taking measures against armed bandits and their filthy activities in the state,” Rikiji said.

R-L: Vice President, Prof Yemi Osinbajo and His Wife, Mrs. Dolapo Osinbajo prays for the nation, during the RCCG Apapa Family Christmas Day Worship service themed: Lets-Go-AFishing; His Name is Wonderful, held at the Tafawa Balewa Square on Tuesday in Lagos.

Photo: VP Office.

Melaye’s allegation on planned arrest mischievous -Police

By Ese Awhotu

T

he Police has debunked an allegation by the senator representing Kogi West Senatorial District in the National Assembly, Senator Dino Melaye, that the Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris plans to arrest and inject him to death.

The Police, in a statement yesterday, said there is no such

order from the IGP or any plan by the Force to arrest Senator Dino Melaye and inject him to death.

However, the Police stated that,” if the Senator knows he had committed any crime or he is aware of his involvement in any crime, he should come out and confess and face the legal consequences, instead of whipping up sentiments to distract the public.”

The Force described that

statement credited to the senator as mischievous, malicious, capable of misleading the public and laughable, adding that there was no such order from the IGP or any plan by the Force to arrest Senator Dino Melaye and inject him to death.

The Force, said it sees such defamatory, mischievous, malicious and reckless statement

by Senator Dino Melaye as untrue,

ridiculous, mischievous and unfortunate.

It, therefore, enjoined members of the public to disregard and discountenance the statement by Senator Dino Melaye in its entirety as untrue and mischievous.

The Police called on Senator Dino Melaye to note that his statement constitutes a criminal defamatory offence, hate speech and hateful conduct.

“He should, however, as a law maker be law abiding and desist from un-senatorial and lawless utterances that cannot be substantiated with facts.

“The Inspector General of Police will not be distracted by statements from the likes of Senator Dino Melaye, but will continue to ensure that the rule of law prevails in all matters,” the Force said.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

PAGE 6

News

Sickle cell patients hold workshop in Edo

By Osaigbovo Benin

Emir of Gombe, Alhaji Abubakar Shehu-Abubakar (left) receiving a gift from the Christian community led by the state’s Christian Association of Nigeria, Youth Wing, during their Christmas Day courtesy visit to him on Tuesday in Gombe. Photo: NAN

Iguobaro,

A

one Day sensitization workshop on how to ease the burden of sickle cell disorder has been held in Benin City, Edo State Capital.

The Director of Clinical Services, Edo State Sickle Cell Club, Dr. Osamudiamen Iyawe, decried low awareness of hereditary nature of the disorder, especially among rural dwellers where 60 percent of Nigeria’s population live.

He listed poor access to diagnostic, treatment facilities and the problem of inadequate as well as inappropriate evaluation by some healthcare providers as the major threat against the survival of sickle Cell patients.

In his lecture titled, “The burden of persons affected by sickle Cell disorders in Nigeria: The way forward”, Iyawe called for sustainable enlightenment and advocacy by the government and Non-Governmental organisations (NGO’s) and establishment of special Clinics/ sickle Cell Centre across the Local Government Areas in Nigeria.

The Convener and President, Edicharson Foundation for sickle Cell, recalled his experience since he began to live with sickle Cell disorder in the lady 48 years.

He tasked sickle Cell patients on self-observatory and attend regular medical checkup as well as shun harmful health practices to mitigate the impact of the disorder and live a fulfilled live.

A Consultant Haemathologist with Delta State University Teaching Hospital, Abraka, Dr. Augustina Isioma Ikusemoro delivered a paper on “Sickle Cell patients and blood transfusion”.

Members of National Youth Service Corps (NYSC), medical students from the State School of Health Technology and medical students of University of (UBTH), as welll as marriage Counsellors attended the workshop.

@59, Kebbi gov’s wife urges Nigerians to pray more, eschew violence From Ahmed Idris Kebbi

Birnin

T

he wife of the Kebbi State Governor, Hajiya Aisha Bagudu has charged all Nigerians to use this festivities period and eschew any political, religion and ethnic violence and pray peace for the country.

She gave this advice at Government House Birnin Kebbi during the celebration of her 59 years birthday, adding that there

is need for persistent pray as the election is coming near.

She described the recent Zamfara state attacked by unknown gunmen as un-Islamic, urge people to shun any violence and embrace peace with one another irrespective of their religious and ethnicity difference.

“We are all one and we most leave as one family, am celebrating my New Year of age, I thank God, my late parents and my Husband who supported me

to this level, I pray for his success” she added.

Her excellency who also expressed satisfaction over the preparedness toward the forthcoming general elections in the state, admonish people to continue to support and conduct themselves without any crisis, pray for the success of APC Government in the state and Nigeria as a all.

“Kebbi State was known as a peaceful state and by God grace

will continue to leave in peace with one another even before and after the electioneering period” she said.

“My greatest regret in life it was when my father dead and I did not see his body, but I always pray for is souls, they brought me up with their blessings and my husband which is still in me, I thank God and my usual prayer is that May God let our children to become somebody in our live” she added.

Ensure 2019 campaigns are issues based, Bishop tells politicians From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

T

he Bishop of Kaduna Diocese (Anglican Communion) Most Reverend Timothy Yahaya has called on politicians in the country to ensure that their campaign for the 2019 elections are issues based.

He made the assertion while speaking to the media after the Christmas service held in Kaduna on Tuesday.

According to him, politicians

should tell Nigerians what is wrong with their health, education, security and industrial sectors and providing blueprints for the solution.

He warned the politicians to be wary of hate speech in their campaign, saying most of the political violence’s are because of hate speech.

The cleric also expressed dismay over the numbers of unemployed youth in the country.

He stressed that in a country that

10 million youth are unemployed is worrisome.

He linked the current security challenges in the country to the large number of unemployed youth.

Bishop Yahaya called on the Federal government to put in place mechanism to revive the comatose factories in the country in order to create more job opportunity.

Speaking on the insecurity in the country, he said that it is

becoming unpredictable because people who are supposed to be in charge of the security are now been targeted.

“If people like Barde and Alkali can be killed in the manner they were killed them what is the fate of the common man. The situation is disturbing. “ Our security apparatus needs total over hauling to address the problems and there must be justice in the land,” he said

Group: Why Zamfara killings must stop now

By Stanley Onyekwere

F

ollowing the alarming upsurge in banditry in Zamfara State, the Save Nigeria Coalition of Patriots has called the Federal government to ensure its immediate halt, by going after those behind the crisis.

The coalition of several civil society groups while making this known through its National Convener Comrade Yusuf Msheliza in a press conference, Wednesday, in Abuja, said it was rather unbelievable how swiftly the violence has escalated.

According to Mr Msheliza,

the recent spate of killings in the northwestern state is political motivated, with the state Governor as the number one culprit.

He said: “The turn of event in Zamfara state is as troubling as it is baffling. It is a state that was peaceful was set to becoming a replacement economic hub for what the country has lost in the Borno state axis where farming and fishing in the Lake Chad Basin have been disrupted by terrorists, but now metamorphosed into a killing field where unknown killers are now on rampage.

“We of course acknowledged that the state in the past had

occasional incidents of cattle rustling and incidents of robberies like any other part of the country or even other countries of the world.

The state graduating to banditry on an industrial scale was quite a surprise.

“But the surprise was only up till the time that information has now trickled out to provide details about how the political bigwigs in the state have been stoking the fire of banditry, especially upon their rejection by their party members as flag bearers in the 2019 elections.

“Nigerians will therefore not tolerate a situation where politicians, irrespective of whether

they lost primary elections, release killers in the guise of bandits to create another security threat for the country.

“Our Coalition will ensure that anyone that fails to heed this timely counsel and is later indicted would be dragged before all the courts possible on earth.

“They need to respect the sanctity of life and call off the killers they have contracted to cause mayhem in Zamfara state without further delay. They must also public renounce violence in any guise in addition to distancing themselves from acts that amount to endorsing violence as the answer when the

permutation does not favour them.

“The Governors of the neighbouring states must do their part, which would in a way reassure Nigerians that they are not part of the political syndicate that is encouraging bandits to launch attacks against communities in the area.

“We urge the Federal Government to step into the situation before ti gets out hand.

While the state governor presently enjoys immunity, his aides that do not enjoy immunity and found to be complicit in the banditry related killings in the state must be shown the full wrath of the law.

PAGE 7

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

NDLEA impounds 506kg of cannabis in Edo

T

he Edo Command of the National Drug Law Enforcement Agency says it has impounded 506 kg of a dried substance suspected to be Cannabis Sativa otherwise known as `Indian Hemp’.

The Commander of the Agency in the state, Mr Buba Wakawa, disclosed this in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria Benin on Wednesday.

He said the substance was intercepted during a special assignment code-named “Operation Narco X’’ on Wednesday.

Wakawa, therefore, pleaded with the Edo government to assist the Agency with operational vehicles, to enable it to effectively counter the activities of drug criminals in the state, particularly the movement of narcotics during the festive season.

The NDLEA commander said that a notorious drug trafficker had just been arrested and was helping the command in its investigations.

“We have intelligence that drug traffickers are targeting to move narcotics this festive season.

“All we did was to identify and cordon off the major entry and exit points in the state.

“Interestingly, we intercepted two vehicles conveying dried weeds suspected to be cannabis sativa.

“The first seizure was a minitruck that took off from Uzebba in Owan-West Local Government Area with 556 blocks of compressed cannabis, weighing 443kg, destined for Kaduna state.

“The second vehicle was a Toyota saloon car with 63kg of cannabis coming from Ondo state en route Anambra. The suspect with the Toyota car was apprehended, while the one with the mini-truck is currently on the run,’’ he said.

Wakawa said that whereas the drugs were cleverly hidden in the minitruck, the boot of the Toyota saloon was simply filled with sacks of cannabis.

The commander explained that it took the experience of the officers to detect the drugs intelligently concealed in a false compartment of the mini-truck.

“This is very encouraging as we discovered 506 kg of illicit drugs in just two seizures.’’

He said that the command was working very hard to sustain the mobile operation all through the festive season, adding that hard times awaited drug barons in the state.

Wakawa noted that the operation was highly demanding and, therefore, appealed to Gov. Godwin Obaseki to assist the command with operational vehicles..(NAN)

News

Kano Hisbah Board destroys 30 trailer loads of beer

T

he Kano State Hisbah Board has seized and destroyed more than 30 trailer loads of beer.

The board’s public relations officer, Adamu Yahaya, said this in a statement in Kano on

Tuesday.

Mr Yahaya said the cartons of beer were destroyed on Monday evening after interception at Kalebawa on Danbata Road in Dawakin Tofa area.

“The Kano State Law

No. 4 of 2004 has banned the manufacture and use of intoxicants in the state.

“Furthermore, an order was given by a magistrates’ court for us to go ahead with the exercise,” the official said.

Mr Yahaya warned those selling beer to stay within their limits.

He appealed to members of the public to be of good conduct and be one another’s keeper.

(NAN)

Children having fun, during the Boxing Day celebration, at Millennium Park, yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Killings: Group wants speedy provision of relief materials to victims From Ibrahim Gusau

Sidi

Muh’d,

T

he National Chairman of National Rescue Movement (NRM) who doubles as gubernatorial candidate under same party in Zamfara state, Senator Sa’idu Muhammad Dansadau has challenged Defense Minister over non provision of relief materials by the federal government to victims of incessant killings in the state.

Senator Dansadau, who spoke with newsmen at NUJ State Secretariat while declaring his gubernatorial campaigns suspended to register sympathy with the people of the state over merciless attacks by bandits said, there has not been a kilo of grains provided by the federal government aimed at cushioning the bitter feelings of victims of killings.

“Our party had decided to suspend all its political activities including campaigns for any political office in the state with a view to register concern and sympathize with victims who suffered lose of their loved ones to armed bandits, and to embark on campaign for the provision of relief materials from the federal government”, Dansadau has stated.

He further cried that, for over three years of Buhariled administration, the federal government had never through NEMA or any related agency, provide relief materials to victims of killings in the state, the development which according to him, the minister of defense, Brigadier General Mansur Dan Ali has to blamed. “The Minister of defense happens to be a son of the

soil to Zamfara state, and could not facilitate the federal government’s assistance in terms of relief materials to his people but, this is unexpected of Buhari-led administration, there were provisions of relief materials to victims during immediate past administration under Goodluck Jonathan”, Dansadau has complained.

According to him, Zamfara state is not fairly treated by the federal government on the issues pertaining show of concern especially on victims of the incessant killings, saying, “I don’t know whether we are not considered as Nigerians. I have been doing my best to meet with President Buhari so that I can dissect for him about true situation in Zamfara state but, people surrounding him had prevented”

Woman rescued 32 years after kidnap

A

n Argentine woman kidnapped 32 years ago as a teenager has been found alive and well in Bolivia following a joint investigation between the two countries, Argentine police said Wednesday.

Now 45, the woman was the victim of human trafficking at just 13 years old, police said.

Bolivian officers had been gathering evidence on the woman’s whereabouts for several months at the behest of their Argentine counterparts, before localizing her in a small town in the south of the country.

Once Bolivian authorities gave the authorization, police liberated the woman and her son.

The pair were transferred to Mar del Plata, her hometown some 400 kilometers (250 miles) to the south of Buenos Aires, where she was reunited with family, Argentine police said.

(AFP)

NEMA confirms one dead in Ogun State

T

he National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA) on Wednesday confirmed the death of one person around Redemption Camp and Sagamu Interchange in Ogun State.

Ibrahim Farinloye, the spokesperson for NEMA, urged anyone whose relation was missing to approach the Federal Road Safety Corps (FRSC) Mowe Unit Command, Ogun State, for identification of a recovered body.

“A body of a middle-aged man was found by the road side directly

opposite Christopher University before the Redemption Camp on the Ibadan-Lagos expressway this morning.

“The attention of the FRSC Mowe Unit Command was drawn to the body location by NEMA for recovery so that relations could have easy access to the body at the Unit Command,’’ he said in a statement.

In another development, Mr Farinloye said that two different accidents occurred on the long bridge and at Kara-Isheri in Ogun State.

“On the long bridge, a lorry with

registration number SMK 550XN laden with iron wire crashed on a 24-seater bus with registration number LSR 653 XT. “One middle-aged woman and a man sustained injuries but were treated on initial First Aid by NEMA and FRSC officials before being taken to Accidents and Emergency Medical Centre at Lagos Toll Gate, by 7Up. “Also another 14-seater Lagos painted commercial bus with full passengers with registration number SMK 349 XR lost break at Kara-Isheri, Ogun State and hit a commercial

motorcyclist.

“The cyclist sustained minor injury,’’ Mr Farinloye said.

He said that the agency was using this opportunity to appeal to beach revellers and other fun makers to exercise and observe utmost caution and keep an `eagle eye’ on the children for their safety.

“Beach and swimming pools’ operators are enjoined to be vigilant and ensure that their rescuers are on beach and swimming pools side at all times in case of emergencies,’’ he said.(NAN)

PAGE 8

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

News

Page 9

News

Water scarcity: Group gives succour to Edo communities

Police arrest 8 persons over murder of NYSC member

E

By Osaigbovo Iguobaro, Benin

L

atter Day Saint Charities Organisation (LDS) has intervened in acute water scarcity at Ugbegun and Efosa Communities in Esan Central Local Government Area of Edo State.

As part of its Corporate Social Responsibility (CSR), the religious group, yesterday donated five thousand literboreholes to the locality.

The project, which was executed and donated by the church in collaboration with Edo State Government for domestic use, followed years the communities had witnessed safe drinking water.

At the commissioning of the mult-million project, Edo State governor, Godwin Obaseki was passionate about giving water to the rural dwellers and the state at large.

Obaseki who was represented by Engineer Emmanuel Ofoedu of the Ministry of Energy and Water Resources, appealed to the communities to imbibe the maintenance culture and appreciated the efforts of the group in providing a generator set to power the boreholes.

He added: “The community must ensure the project does not fail. With the generator provided by you, we are optimistic that you will uphold its values.

The spokesperson for the donors, Latter Day Saint Charities, Elder Max Reynolds said they aim to alleviate poor water conditions in Africa and fulfill the needs of the people.

Responding on behalf of the beneficiaries, Mrs. Juliet Igabor who is a residence in one of the benefiting communities says; we are now happy that we will no longer search for water. She commended the goodwill of the donors.

The Secretary of Efosa Community, Aghahowa Obayuwana, said before now they had faced water scarcity while the paramount traditional ruler of Ugbegun Community in Esan Central Local Government Area, HRH Onojie Zarki Obade II, said his Community last received a similar intervention in 2014.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

L-R: Majority Leader, Kwara State House of Assembly (KWHA), Hassan Oyeleke; Speaker of the House, Dr Ali Ahmad; Gov. Abdulfatah Ahmed of Kwara; and State Attorney-General/Commissioner of Justice, Kamaldeen Ajibade, during the signing of 2019 Appropriation Bill into Law at Government House on Monday in Ilorin. Photo: NAN

Niger Govt, W/Bank in N500m pact to rehabilitate abandoned roads From, Yakubu Minna.

Mustapha,

T

he Niger state government has received the support of the World Bank to rehabilitate 88.6 kilometer roads at the cost of N500million in an effort to open up the rural areas in Niger South Senatorial District.

Chairman of Lavun Local Government Area, Alhaji Yakubu Isah Kashikoko disclosed while

speaking to journalists at Kutigi, the headquarters of Lavun LGA, said the roads have been abandoned for almost 50 years.

The funding which he said is a tripartite arrangement between the World Bank, state and local governments is for the completion of Kutigi-Tesan Hajia 56.6 kilometre road and Dabban 33 kilometer road.

“The people of the area have been suffering for the last 50

years until the coming of this administration, the government had during its campaign promised to fix the road and he has fulfilled it,” he stated.

Kashikoko explained that, the road project which started 2017 is estimated to be completed in 18 months.

He stressed that, the linking of the communities that successive administration could not do has come to reality, adding that “the

people of Kutigi will no longer go through the stress of travelling in the bushes because the road will connect the local government to the outside world.”

He however, commended the development strides of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello, the chairman said, Government Science College Kutigi and the General Hospital in the town have been given facelift to enhance the living standard of the people.

Pastor hosts Muslims, Christians at Christmas From: Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

T

he General Overseer Christ Evangelical Life Intervention Ministry and Ambassador of Peace, Rev Yohanna Buru, has condemned any form of campaign that is in conflict with the constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

Speaking to journalists during the annual Christmas celebration which attracted about 2,000 Muslims and Christians at his headquarters in ‘Sabo Tasha, Chikun Local Government area of Kaduna State on yesterday he said, “Any form of campaign for political office that is in conflict with the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria is the worst crime one can commit against his or her country.

“It is a national catastrophe to campaign on ethnic, religious or tribal sentiments, sectionalism or

bigotry.

“What so ever sentiments or reasons we are using to campaign is wrong. It will never promote peace rather it will divide the country and create more conflict in the country. “ So we are begging the politicians, more especially the youth not to allow themselves to used by anybody for a token, may be you die or be maimed for life. When we produce a leader, he or she is not for south-south, south-east, south-west, northeast, north-central. He or she is for all,” he said.

On the large turnout for the celebration of Christmas at his headquarters, he said, “Nigeria should celebrate Christmas in peace and harmony.

“They should share with one another. They should show love and try to understand each other.

You should treat others as it

should be done to you.

“Let’s preach the gospel.

Let’s promote peace in all ramifications. Let’s not allow sentiments to take the better part of us. Let us pray for the peace of this nation. Let us promote peace in all its ramification” He stressed Rev Buru said he was overwhelmed with the large turnout for the celebration of Christmas at the headquarters where Muslims and Christians feasted, prayed and danced, under one roof irrespective of religion or tribal sentiments.

He said, ,”There are so many people who came from different towns. About fifty from towns and local governments in Katsina State. I have seen the list. About 2,000 comprising hunters, local barbers, fishermen, non governmental organizations, blind peoples association. Some

people I did not even expect were here. I thank them all for coming.

“We are using this Christmas season to unite Christians and Muslims for a better understanding. My house today is filled with Muslims and this has made me the most happiest person on earth “Am pleading with the Christians and Muslims across the world to use this season to spread and promote peace and unity.

“We have counted over 500 Muslims youth, women, Imams, traditional title holders and various groups in attendance at this Christmas service in my house in order to build peace, harmony and religious tolerance across the state.

I am really happy to have Muslims from Niger, Cameroon and others from five states in Nigeria that have come to join us in this year’s celebration,” he said.

ight persons have been arrested by the police in connection to the killing of a corps member in Akwanga Local Government Area of Nasarawa state.

The Public Relations Officer, Samaila Usman, disclosed this to Channels Television via a telephone interview.

He said investigations are underway to unravel the incident surrounding the killing of Samuel Makene who was a 2018 batch ‘A’ corp member by some youths in the area after which those found guilty would be sent to court.

Samuel, was allegedly stabbed on the leg by an unidentified young man which resulted into severe bleeding after which he died in Akwanga general hospital.

The incident occurred at the residence of Mr David Ombugadu , the lawmaker representing Akwanga/ Nasarawa Eggon/Wamba federal constituency and PDP governorship candidate, where Samuel was staying until his demise.

Remain peaceful, united, Hausa community urged From Ilorin

T

Oluseyi

Dasilva,

he Hausa community in Ilorin, Kwara state have been urged to remain peaceful and united with a view to contribute to the growth and development of their host communities The Sardauna of Ilorin , Alhaji Shehu Zamanlafiya made the call while speaking with our correspondent in Ilorin.

According to him, it is only in an atmosphere of peace that people will begin to experience development in their various domains.

Alhaji Shehu Zamanlafiya who doubles as the chairman of all Hausa community association’s in the state assured that his members will continue to ensure peaceful coexistence and contribute to the development of their host community.

He explained that the community has been assisting accident victims traveling from the southern part of the country to the North as well as those in need

Benue impounds 105 cows over open grazing

T

he Benue State Livestock Guards has impounded 105 cows and four sheep caught grazing openly near Akawe Torkula College of Advanced and Professional Studies, Makurdi.

Confirming the development, Commander of the Livestock Guards, Mr Linus

Zaki, disclosed that one herder named Kunje Saija was also arrested in the course of the operation.

He explained that in accordance with the Benue State Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law, the impounded cows will be quarantined for seven days.

He added that the animals would be auctioned if the owners failed to pay the fines stipulated by the law.

He cautioned herdsmen against the consequences of flouting the law, stressing the need for ranching of all forms of livestock in the state.

The News Agency of Nigeria

recalls that Governor Samuel Ortom recently restated the commitment of the government to fully implement the Open Grazing Prohibition and Ranches Establishment Law. The governor had also emphasised that anyone who violated the law would be prosecuted.(NAN)

Children celebrating Christmas at Rafiu Jafojo Park, Shasha, yesterday in Lagos. Photo: NAN

Surgeon murders ex-wife, takes over her Facebook page

A

surgeon, Dr Dharmendra Pratap Singh, allegedly pushed his ex-wife, Rakhi Srivastava, off a cliff and then took over her Facebook page, which he updated for seven months to make it look like she was still alive, police

say.

Srivastava went missing in June after remarrying following her split up with Singh, reports Metro UK. Her new husband was a prime suspect in her murder until police found Srivastava’s

phone in October. Police have since detained Singh and two alleged associates, Pramod Kumar Singh, and Deshdeepak Nishad.

Police found out that Singh was allegedly sedated before her death.

Police also revealed that Singh regularly changed Ms Srivastava’s Facebook on her phone in the months after her death to avoid suspicion of murder.

A police source said, ‘This made Dr Singh a prime suspect.’

Indonesian rescuers struggle against heavy rain to reach Tsunami-hit villages

I

ndonesian rescue teams on Wednesday struggled to reach remote areas on the western coast of Java amid an “extreme weather” rain warning after a tsunami killed more than 400 people last week.

Heavy rain lashed fishing villages along the coast, muddying roads and holding up convoys delivering heavy machinery and aid to isolated areas while authorities urged residents to stay away from the shore in case of further waves.

Clouds of ash spewed from the nearby Anak Krakatau, or child of Krakatau, almost obscuring the volcanic island where a crater collapse at high tide on Saturday

sent waves up to 5 meters (16 feet) high smashing into the coast on the Sunda Strait, between Java and Sumatra islands.

Indonesia’s meteorology agency (BMKG) said the rough weather could make the volcano’s crater more fragile.

“We have developed a monitoring system focused specifically on the volcanic tremors at Anak Krakatau so that we can issue early warnings,” said BMKG head Dwikorita Karnawati, adding that a two-kilometer exclusion zone had been imposed.

The confirmed death toll is 430, with at least 159 people missing. Nearly 1,500 people were injured and over 21,000 people

have evacuated to higher ground.

A state of emergency has been declared until Jan. 4, which authorities hope will make it easier to deploy assistance, said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, spokesman for the national disaster mitigation agency.

Search and rescue teams were focused on the town of Sumur near the southwest tip of Java, but “the roads are damaged and clogged” and helicopters had to be deployed to carry out assessments and evacuations, he added.

Volunteers were having to piece together makeshift bridges out of concrete blocks after the waves washed away infrastructure along the coast.

Indonesia is a vast archipelago that sits on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”. This year, the country has suffered its worst annual death toll from disasters in more than a decade.

The latest disaster, coming during the Christmas season, evoked memories of the Indian Ocean tsunami triggered by an earthquake on Dec. 26, 2004, which killed 226,000 people in 14 countries, including more than 120,000 in Indonesia.

The Saturday evening tsunami followed the collapse of an area of the volcano island of about 64 hectares (222 acres), or about 90 soccer pitches.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

PAGE 10

News

By Ese Awhotu

A

s the World Health Organisation,WHO, marks International Migrants Day on 18 December 2018, the global health body is to launch a technical guidance series on the health of refugees and migrants.

Produced in collaboration with the European Commission, each publication addresses a specific aspect of the health of refugees and migrants by providing tools, case studies and evidence to inform practices and policies to improve their health.

According to WHO statement posted on its website, five publications are currently available, each with a special focus on one of the following: children’s

Group decries inadequacy of education facilities in Gombe

From David Hassan, Gombe

PAGE 11

EDITORIAL

WHO launches technical guidance series on health of refugees, migrants health, health promotion, healthy ageing, maternal and newborn health and mental health.

This technical guidance series complements the forthcoming “Report on the health of refugees and migrants in the WHO European Region”, which will be published online in the first quarter of 2019.

WHO said when considering health and health-care interventions for migrant children, areas that need specific attention include their diverse backgrounds, whether they are unaccompanied and separated from family, whether they have been trafficked, and whether they have been left behind.

This technical guidance, it said, presents policy considerations for promoting refugee and migrant children’s health and well-being, and particularly their mental health. It includes an intersectoral approach that targets risk factors at the individual, family and community levels.

WHO, added that, “It emphasizes the important role of national/local governments in fostering or hindering equitable living conditions for refugee and migrant children in the areas of housing, health-care services and education.

Health promotion for improved refugee and migrant health “This technical guidance outlines current best practices, evidence and knowledge to inform policy and programme development in the area of health promotion for refugees and migrants in the WHO European Region.

It highlights key principles, summarizes priority actions and challenges, maps available resources and tools, and provides policy considerations and practical recommendations to improve health promotion activities.

Health of older refugees and migrants “Population ageing caused by consistently low

birth rates and increased life expectancy is a major current trend across Europe.”

It said the technical guidance aims to inform the development of policies and practices related to improving the health of older refugees and migrants.

“Both ageing and migration are in themselves complex, multidimensional processes shaped by a range of factors over the life-course of the individual.

Responding to the needs of older refugees and migrants, therefore, must be integrated into all dimensions of policies and practices related to ageing.”

WHO noted that being a migrant can be considered a risk factor for poorer maternal and newborn health outcomes. This technical guidance identifies problems and entry points for interventions for maternal and newborn health among refugees and migrants in the Region.

It outlines policy considerations for 4 main areas

affecting refugee and migrant maternal and newborn health: Individual health status, accessibility of health care, quality of care; and health-care policy and financing systems.

Who said the complexity and stress of migration are related to events before departure, during travel and transit, and after arrival. Adding that, “ Consequently, refugees and migrants can suffer from mental disorders, although prevalence is highly variable across studies and population groups.

“This technical guidance reviews the prevalence of some disorders such as post-traumatic stress disorder and depressive and anxiety disorders. Based on the best available evidence regarding risk factors and areas for intervention, it identifies 8 priority action areas for consideration by policy-makers regarding the mental health of refugees and migrants.”

A

group known as Gombe North Unity and Development Association( GONUDA) has decried inadequacy of education in the zone.

The group noted that Gombe North has the largest number of Out-of-School children..

Chairman Board of Trustees of the Group, Alhaji Muhammad Musa Kafarati made this known yesterday in Gombe while briefing journalists in some of their achievements within the group.

He said due to scarcity of teachers in the zone has resulted a large number of children out of school and that lack of social amenities is another issue that affect the area.

According to him, state of literacy is worsen which he said parents remain sceptical to encourage school enrollment of their children in schools.

He called on Gombe state government to re-open the affected boarding Schools of GC Nafada, GSS Dukku, and GGSS Malala which was closed down due to security challenges, adding that the security situation has greatly improved in the area.

The board chairman while advocating for revamping and expansion of health facilities in the zone said medical facilities within the four local government areas in the zone are oversubscribed and stretched.

The endemic in the state has worst index and this scourge is a sign of under development and has negative impact the board chairman said.

He revealed that that Gombe north Senatorial district has the highest unemployment in the state noting that there is an ongoing rural-urban migration which according to him has course problem.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

L-R: Provost of the Cathedral Church of Christ, Rev. Adebola Ojofeitimi; Deputy Registrar, Olusegun Ajayi; Diocesan Bishop of Lagos, Rev. Bamisebi Olumakaiye; Legal Secretary, Mrs Folasade Adetiba; and Assistant Registrar, Lady-Joy Ebeledike, during the 2018 Christmas Service at Cathedral Church of Christ, Marina on Tuesday in Lagos. Photo: NAN

Paigokni Devt. Association holds cultural fiesta in Niger From Yakubu Minna.

A

Mustapha,

rrangements have been concluded for the hosting of the second edition of Paigokni Development Association cultural festival slated for this Saturday at UK Bello Primary School Paiko, in Paikoro Local Government Area of Niger State.

This was contained in a statement issued by the

Association’s President, Ambassador Zubairu Dada, who said that the festival was aimed at reviving the cultural potential and identity of Gbari people.

Dada further disclosed that the younger generation would be made to understand and appreciate their history and culture through the festival.

“It is our hope that the festival will serve as the instrument of fostering unity and cohesion amongst the Gbari speaking

people within the domain” he said.

The president noted that no fewer than twelve (12) cultural troops are to perform during the festival while it is expected that the exhibition of arts and crafts would be held at the venue of the event where some prominent sons and daughters would be honored.

The Niger State Governor, Alhaji Abubakar Sani Bello is expected to be the guest of honour while the Emir of Minna, Alhaji

Umar Faruk Bahago will be the Royal Father of the day.

While, the Provost of Justice Lami Abubakar College of Arts and Legal Studies, Minna, Dr Aliyu Busa will be the guest speaker and the former State Head of Service, Abdulhamid Khadi Kuta will be Chairman of the occasion.

The council Chairman, Mr John Maikarfi and seven (7) district heads in the domain are to be the hosts of the one day festival.

I

At last, MTN palaver is over

t is resolved, settled, finally, private placement remittances or so it seems. We are talking of 2008 were irregular having about the 10-year-old dispute been based on CCIs that were between Nigeria’s Central issued without the final approval Bank and South African of CBN. The CBN and MTN telecommunication giant, MTN, have mutually agreed that the over unauthorized repatriation aforementioned transaction be of $8.1 billion from Nigeria by reversed notionally to bring it the mobile carrier in 2008. News into full compliance with foreign reports Wednesday quoted MTN exchange laws and regulations. as saying it paid $53 million in “The parties have resolved that penalty as a final settlement of execution of the terms of the the matter and would engage the agreement will lead to an banks that helped it to illegally amicable disposal of the pending repatriate dividends in 2008 legal suit between the parties and so as to reverse it as part of the final resolution of the matter. The agreement reached with the CBN assures foreign investors CBN. that the integrity of On its own part, the the CCIs issued by CBN, in a statement, authorized dealers explained the minute remain sacrosanct. detail of the agreement.

Potential investors It reads: “The Central are encouraged to Bank of Nigeria (CBN) take advantage of the The parties have in August 2018 directed enormous investment resolved that MTN Communications opportunities that execution of Limited (MTN) to abound within the terms of the reverse repatriations Nigeria.” agreement will lead We note that before valued at $8.1 billion to an amicable done on its behalf by now, MTN had used disposal of the four commercial banks every subterfuge, between 2007 and pending legal suit including blackmail 2015 on the basis of between the parties and legal action Certificates of Capital and final resolution to retain what it Importation (CCIs) of the matter. The illegally took out of irregularly issued to CBN assures foreign Nigeria. It leveraged MTN. Following the investors that the its connections in keen interest shown by western business integrity of the CCIs the various stakeholders world to paint our sequel to the regulatory issued by authorized nation as one that dealers remain action, the CBN is not investment sacrosanct. committed to engage friendly.

However, further with MTNN if truth be told, with a view to achieving MTN understands an equitable resolution.

Nigeria’s culture of impunity, “Consequent upon the above, MTN, our disrespect for the rule of led by its Nigerian shareholders, law, only too well to miss the held intensive engagements with opportunity to take advantage the CBN in the course of which of it. Without the connivance of it supplied additional material banks in Nigeria, MTN could not information, not previously possibly have pulled off that huge offered to the Bank, satisfactorily fraud. This is why we propose clarifying its remittances. Having MTN’s local collaborators – now reviewed the additional the banks – be identified and documentation provided by the sanctioned. Secondly, there company, the CBN has concluded should be legislation in place, if that MTNN is no longer required none already exists, that compels to reverse the historical dividend foreign businesses in Nigeria to payments made to MTN Nigeria reinvest a half of their profits in shareholders. However, the CBN this country. We must take all identified that the proceeds from measures necessary to prevent a the preference shares in MTNN’s repeat of the sad MTN saga.

“

OUR MISSION

OUR PEOPLE

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

OUR VISION

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

Letter to the Editor

TFP: NNPC and triumph of national interest

By Sufuyan Ojeifo

T

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) announced its recent award of the 87-kilometre Trans Forcados Pipeline (TFP) surveillance contract to Ocean Marine Solutions (OMS) Limited, in a celebratory fashion, with good reason. The Corporation’s Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs, Mr. Ndu Nghamadu, adduced reasons, in a press statement, for awarding the contract to OMS. It was clear that the verdict was underpinned by the summative value of national interest and prudent management of public resources. Those were the overarching considerations in the consummation of the deal with OMS - certainly not lousy personal interests. It was also instructive that the NNPC was not going to compromise on competence, capacity and track-record in reaching the critical decision because of the high stakes involved.

The place of crude oil as the mainstay of the national economy clearly ranks very high.

Crude oil has been a prolific source of huge revenue earnings on which the nation survives.

Although very challenging, yet the task of providing security for pipeline infrastructure for crude oil evacuation to the nation’s refineries is imperative and inevitable.

In recent years, the annual federal budgets have been premised on crude oil production, oscillating between 1.9 million and 2.3 million barrels per day. At a particular intersection in the crude oil production trajectory, militancy and concomitant bombings of pipelines as well as force majeure declared by multinational oil companies in the Niger Delta had forced crude oil production down to about 900,000 barrels per day, thus affecting national revenue earnings.

As expected, the NNPC and its stakeholders have been, in the circumstance, obligated to do everything legally possible to protect their pipelines, cut losses, reduce downtime, improve crude production and, by extension, increase inflow of revenue to all the tiers of the Federation in line with their mandate.

The Corporation, apparently conscious and cautious of its supervisory role, ensured that good conscience did not allow extraneous considerations to sway sound judgments on what it considers “a straightforward commercial undertaking like the TFP surveillance project.”

The background supra is important in order to appreciate the context within which the NNPC recently contracted the TFP surveillance to OMS and, more particularly, against the backdrop of the umbrage by Eraskorp Nigeria Limited, the former contractor. Remarkably, the Corporation acted to avert further glitches in the value chain and eliminate or largely reduce revenue hemorrhage that is detrimental to the economic wellbeing of the nation.

The Corporation’s reaction to the loss of 60 days of production in 2018 caused by incessant breaches on the TFP despite having a security contract in place with Eraskorp was precipitated by the necessity to preserve national interest by curbing revenue losses.

The loss, in terms of production numbers, according to the Corporation, translated to over 11 million barrels of crude oil (about $800 million in revenue) to all the stakeholders in the environment, including the NNPC, its Joint Venture partners and the Nigerian Federation.

That was unacceptable. Conscionably, the NNPC did not shy away from pointing a finger at Eraskorp for failure to deal with the incessant breaches on the TFP, a facility which is said to account for daily throughput of over 250,000 barrels of crude oil. With an alternative that could provide uncommon values and absorb the risks, the NNPC looked in the direction of OMS because of its evident comparative advantage over other service providers.

Validation: OMS’ track-record under the proof of concept arrangement which, according to the Corporation, “is yielding great results in the Bonny-Port Harcourt and EscravosWarri crude evacuation lines” placed it at an advantage. OMS has pragmatically made a success of the crude evacuation lines. The Corporation thus decided to have the company replicate that success story on the TFP.

Besides, there is a new clause that distinguishes the new contract from the former one where the contractor, according to the NNPC, got paid for surveillance duties and was totally exempted from repair cost or any form of responsibility in the event of any breach to the pipeline. Radically, the new clause requires the contractor to pay for any damage to any inch of pipeline under its watch. This circumspect footing is good for the nation.

This clause is reportedly exciting to the NNPC because it offers it, its Joint Venture partners, the host communities and the entire Federation immeasurable benefits. All the stakeholders are said to be in agreement with the TFP contract to OMS. But then, the new clause places a huge burden on the contractor and it is only an audacious risk taker in such a difficult terrain and dicey business that would accept the terms of the contract whose cost is even said to be insignificant when placed sided by side and in terms of value for money with the old arrangement.

There is no doubt that the NNPC had struck a good deal in the national interest. That OMS decided to accept the terms of the new contract is a measure of its patriotic commitment to the preservation of national interest. It is also a clear indication of its capacity to deliver and accommodate losses. If it was under the OMS contract with the new indemnification clause that the NNPC and stakeholders lost over 60 days of production, it would have been responsible for paying the $32 million spent by the Corporation and its stakeholders on repairs, clean up and protection of the TFP. But they spent that whopping sum without liability by Eraskorp as contractor under the old order.

The NNPC is certainly interested in contractors with capacity to deliver in accordance with specified mandates. It ensures that due process is followed in engaging them.

The TFP contract satisfied the preconditions.

The Corporation said, “All Federal Government-approved procurement processes and procedures in the award of highly sensitive national security contract were followed to the letter.”

The same steps and procedures that were followed in the award of all pipeline security contracts, including the award of the TFP surveillance contract to the old contractor, were adhered to, according to the Corporation. It is also significant that host community youths on the pipeline’s right of way who are currently rendering services to the old service provider and perhaps many more, are accommodated by the OMS in obligatory execution of its mandate as it did with the community participation model on the Escravos-Warri and Bonny-Port Harcourt pipelines.

Consequently, the December 10, 2018, newspaper advertorial by Eraskorp, insinuating the NNPC was into fraudulent practices in the award of the TFP surveillance contract to OMS, detracted from decency and self-restraint expected as standard behaviour from operators in this sensitive hydro-carbon sector. Whereas, Eraskorp has the right to complain, it does not enjoy the latitude to characterize other entities, especially the NNPC, as dubious or fraudulent.

Such a quirky position can only be promotional of personal interest.

Calling on the Presidency and the National Assembly to wade into how the TFP contract was re-awarded is within the remit of Eraskorp, but declaring magisterially that the process of re-awarding the contract was corrupt amounts to making itself a judge in its own matter. But the OMS had shown its apparent reluctance to join issues with Eraskorp in the media. In its restrained media response on December 21, 2018, OMS was very concerned about its reputation that Eraskorp incalculably injured via its publication.

Indeed, resort to defamation and injurious falsehood by Eraskorp can only be promotional of personal interest. But then OMS appears ready to deny Eraskorp that indulgence by seeking to pursue legal remedies, with the overall aim of preserving its reputation and, by extension, NNPC’s, in the national interest.

The right things must be done.

Ojeifo, Editor-in-Chief of The Congresswatch magazine, contributed this piece via ojwonderngr@yahoo.com

PAGE 12

Opinion

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

Essential Yakubu Dogara @51

By Turaki Hassan “I would rather be hated for who I am than be loved for who I am not” - Rt Hon Yakubu Dogara t. Hon. Barrister Yakubu Dogara, Speaker of the House of Representatives, is 51 years old today.

Today, he has added another eventful year.

Another year of service to God and country. His is a life full of purpose. Indeed, a life of service to humanity.

The Speaker clocked 50 years last year and for the first time in his adult life, celebrated his birthday. Last year’s event was not a celebration of himself but an avenue to renew his commitment to serve humanity, assist the needy and re-dedicate himself to that noble cause of ‘being our brothers’ keepers’ with the launching of the Yakubu Dogara Foundation.

The man, Dogara, is a natural born leader whose sterling qualities are exceptional. He is one man who grew steadily through hard work, discipline, prudence, fear of God, honesty and can best be described as a bastion of hope, courage, and an epitome of humility to anybody who comes close to him.

The House which he leads has been peaceful and busy discharging it’s constitutional responsibilities effectively and under his able leadership, has achieved many firsts.

It has set unprecedented records of achievements in Nigeria’s legislative and political history since independence in 1960.

Notable among the many salient achievements; 300 Bills have been passed so far, over 1000 resolutions touching many aspects of our national life considered and passed, and hundreds of public petitions from ordinary Nigerians treated and addressed.

Outstanding among these are the North East Development Commission, Petroluem Industry Governance Bill, Federal Competition & Consumer Protection Commission Bill, among others.

Though by convention, presiding officers

R

don’t sponsor bill or motions, Hon Dogara waved it aside and personally sponsored more than 10 Bills and became the first speaker to sponsor a motion on the floor of the House in addition to his advocacy on independence of the local government from the claws of the states.

In the last three and half years, he has continued to offer succour to millions of Internally Displaced Persons visiting various camps across the country and used every opportunity to draw the attention of the world to the plights of the people of the region. Only last week, he reiterated the call for the convocation of an international donor conference for the reconstruction and rebuilding of the North East.

His brainchild, the North East Development Commission, though, legally created, retrogressive forces have been frustrating it’s constitution one-year-two-months after the Bill was signed into law by Mr. President. The speaker recently called on the President to constitute the commission so as to commence the work of rebuilding the violence ravaged region with immediate effect.

He was the first high ranking public officer to raise the alarm over the rising spate of insecurity in the country which saw to the deployment of military in 32 out of 36 states of the federation in a democracy instead of the Police, an anomaly which he argued, poses great danger and threat to the survival and sustenance of Nigeria’s democracy. Today, because those whose responsibility it was to act, ignored these warnings, the problem has worsened and insecurity has engulfed virtually every part of the country.

To his credit, the House also introduced the Sectoral Debate which was the first of its kind in our legislative history, held special sessions on urgent national issues, including but not limited to the revival of the moribund and abandoned Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited, which saw to the passage of two Bills in that regard.

Recall, he made history as the first sitting speaker to embark on an oversight tour when he visited Ajaokuta early in the year. The Ajaokuta

community came out in their numbers to receive Hon Dogara and his entourage where they rolled out the drums in celebration. But for his effort, Ajaokuta Steel Company Limited would have been gone by now because unpatriotic and undesirable elements in the government had already mortgaged it in return for a morsel.

The legislature, which is the nucleus of democracy, is hardly appreciated in Nigeria.

Many have adduced reasons for this which include prolonged military rule but primarily it is because the work of the parliament is intangible and as such many don’t see it but history and posterity will do justice to the 8th Assembly under the leadership of Yakubu Dogara.

One thing that keeps baffling me about him is his large heartedness. His spirit of forgiveness and accommodation is outstanding. I have never ever seen forgiveness at the level at which he does it and many a times, I do wonder, how?

Sometimes, when he takes a decision to let go or forgive; people around him would go away murmuring but later, things would happen and then the wisdom in his decision comes to the fore.

During the Speakership election, those who thought they control the power of life and death, the power to enthrone and dethrone; the power to give ‘crown’ and allocate positions, the power to whom they wish had vowed that he will never be the chosen one.

Infact, they rebuffed all efforts and attempts by well-meaning individuals to negotiate and reach a common ground but God, yes, the Almighty God, works wonders and He did it on June 9, 2015. Yet, instead of accepting and surrendering to the will of God, they continued to plot against him but the same God who neither sleeps nor slumber, the God of Abraham, Isaac and Jacob, the one and only God saved and protected him from the snares of fowler and noisome pestilence all the way.

I can recall that when the party requested that he concede the House Majority Leader and other principal positions, close associates, friends and aides alike resisted.

T

he art of betting has – since I was a kid – been regarded as the occupation of the vagabond. Then, whenever players sat and bet; folks seriously condemned any youngster found around their pool shops. I remember a certain man I knew who actually owned the pool shop and who much later translated his financial resources into the hospitality business and has been blazing the trail in that industry since.

A number of individuals in our country have benefited from this rather silent and noble system which unfortunately has been so vilified and ‘painted’ black and blue as though it was the Devil’s idea of talent hunt! Interestingly, while our beliefs and prejudices continued to condemn Sports Betting, we have made less and less effort at industrializing our economy or providing the needed vocational training that should engage our youths.

These folks forget that sports’ betting was not really the issue. They forget that when companies did their promotional, the scratching of card and/or crown cork in search of winning numbers or inscriptions were a part of the betting system. They applaud Beauty Pageantry, Big Brother Naija, Reality Shows and talent hunts without realizing that all these things operated under the betting principles/system which is: When 5000 youths bought forms at 3000 naira for beauty pageant each but one wins.

In the past, our mentalities of attaching sacredness unto everything prevented us from encouraging our kids as they showed talents for making folks laugh, playing football, singing and acting, fighting or talking endlessly. We saw those as extracurricular activities which must not be taken seriously. Today, we bite our fingers as we watch comedians, footballers and musicians become brand ambassadors for company products over and above unknown PR persons.

Now, between sports betting – which at least offers the youths solace in the face of vicious attempts by our politicians to keep

them unempowered – and the society that has promoted perversion and lawlessness as areas where the youths had to invest their energies; which should be blamed for under-developing the youths the most? See, it is time we broke away from this ‘bandwagon’ mindset of branding everything as ugly because it was unpopular or not status quo.

HENRIK IBSEN, in An Enemy of the People, wrote “The majority is never right. Never, I tell you! That’s one of these lies in society that no free and intelligent man can help rebelling against. Who are the people that make up the biggest proportion of the population — the intelligent ones or the fools?” If we continued to conspire against anything that’s intended to help society; we are destroying our chances to survive outside the already destroyed economic system in Nigeria.

They said that monies that came from betting don’t last and that it was against one’s faith to gamble. Well said. But what have we been able to give to the world from our so-called belief? How many technological innovations have come out of our beliefs? Folks believe a thing when it’s working for them. Our belief systems are at best; suitable for the Stone Era and not of contemporary importance! Every youth will like to be engaged in any legitimate vocation but when the desirable is not there; the available becomes the desirable.

Those that played football today or them that sang as musicians do not really concern themselves with the economic realities today nor do they have to steal public funds to survive.

Sometimes, in their old age or when they ran out of cash; they simply organized concerts or shows or even novelty matches in order to raise funds. But can the doctors, engineers and civil servants as well as those who are presently deriding sports betting; easily raise funds when in need?

Is corruption not a culture today because our needs are insatiable and because the government always found it difficult to raise the minimum wages to reflect current realities?

Every now and then, the politicians required

the NLC and the TUC to disrupt economic activities just to realize that it was time to effect a raise in salaries! And then instead of us to encourage our youths to channel their energies on what’s productive – like sports betting – we rather they thug for the politicians!

In the final analysis, what’s productive is productive with or without our Third World Mindsets and what’s destructive is destructive!

If the First and Second World economies suffered less of terrorism; does it surprise us that in Nigeria – a common Third World country – terrorism, kidnapping and organized crime was what engaged the youths and all we do is condemn indulgence that could profit the youths productively.

There is nothing wrong at all with Sports Betting. The snag seems to be that those who operated the system must be sincere enough and not let their greed rule them; if the system will endure. Let me say this: Nigerian youths; bet if you wanted, it’s your life! If the government gave a fuck about you; they would’ve made power outage a thing of the past in order to promote an industrial revolution that’ll benefit YOU. If they cared about your future; they would’ve provided you with jobs or encouraged your hustles to survive by granting you access to loans and grants.

If they believed you are the future of this country, they would’ve made health services accessible. From 1999 to 2019, they have continuously promised but failed to deliver ELECTRICITY! They have continually promised but failed to create jobs. They have promised but failed to deliver good roads, railways and affordable sea and air ports.

They have remained determined to pillage our patrimony as they furthered the economies of Dubai, the UK, the USA, the Caribbean and Asia.

If the political class actually believed in you, they would’ve seen that sports was a veritable hammer that is capable of breaking through the boundaries created by our religious and ethnic dispositions and, used it. Dr. Segun Odegbami made a very strong case for sports as a tool for

Comment

Agriculture: More than words, time for action However, it was his conviction that leadership is not a zero sum game and being the man of peace that he is, who believes in the politics of give-and-take and consensus building, the speaker obliged the request.

The day he announced the concession on the floor of the House, they were all sad. It was one singular decision that didn’t go down well with his supporters but he stood his ground and pleaded with them to sheath their swords and let peace prevail.

However, despite that concession, those who thought it was their birth right to be, continued to plot against him. To my knowledge, on at least three occasions, they plotted and failed woefully, which provided ample opportunity for their axing but he would not. He forgave and moved on. On one occasion, I overheard a close ally lamenting that if it were him, he will never let go because he is not Christ so he won’t forgive. But that is the man, Dogara, for you and today as they say, it is history.

Humility. Yes, humility is his defining character. Barrister Dogara is humble to a fault. God-fearing, gentle, peaceful, generous; yet unassuming and exceptionally intelligent, a natural orator and never pretentious. For anyone who knows Dogara, these things are easily discernible about his character-humility, intellect, courage and a calm spirit.

These same qualities were said of Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa of blessed memory and today Dogara who comes from the same place as the man who was referred to as “the golden voice of Africa” is following in his footprints but he would openly admit that he was no where close to the highly respected Nigeria’s first and only Prime Minister. I have come to learn and appreciate these qualities and characters and to this lawyer of high repute, erudite scholar, family man and a devote Christian, I say, happy birthday, Sir. Hassan is the Special Adviser (Media & Public Affairs) to the Rt. Hon. Speaker.

Sports Betting, Our Beliefs And Contemporary Global Economics Realities

By Ifeanyichukwu Mmoh

PAGE 13

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

economic development when he presented a paper in the PLATFORM organized by Pastor Poju’s Covenant Church every year.

For the first time, I could see that the division that our leaders lamented were impossible to mend (because it served them to remain in power) was very possible through sports. Sports, in short, was one art that was as powerful as religion and racial prejudices. In addition, about every aspect of sports could make millions of dollars for that country that understood how to exploit it.

If the giant economies in contemporary politics such as the USA had made sports a necessary part of their educational curriculum and had legalized betting and, we can count what they’ve gained so far; what was a Third World country like Nigeria hoping to gain by creating a system that made the youth dependent on the politicians for survival because it served them to access power and to continue to ruin everything that should be our assets?

What our economy needed was a system that made it possible for one to earn legitimate monies from sectors outside their vocations.

This way, the labor unions may have less and less occasions to quarrel with government for wage increase; if it was possible to earn some amount that helped them to cater for their needs and those of their loved ones. The decline of assent by the president for the Peace Corps bill is testament that government was in pains financially and instead of opening up the economy; they chose to be adamant.

But when you had a regime that questioned you because they found some 5 million naira in your bank account in the name of fighting corruption; does it tell we were still a democracy or indeed feudalism? Then, there is the question of the corrupt in our midst who will not hesitate to channel stolen monies into gambling. If we took a position against corruption in the manner it is currently going; our economy will simply remain a closed system.

Comrade Ifeanyichukwu Mmoh is an advocate for attitudinal change.

By Taiwo Odukoya

A

nd God said, “Behold, I have given you every plant yielding seed that is on the face of all the earth, and every tree with seed in its fruit. You shall have them for food – Genesis 1:29 When we think of the Indian economy and its place in the world, we think of a population stretching over a billion, of driven, highly educated young people doing amazing things in the global tech space, of call centres and a growing pool of talent that makes the country an attractive destination for investors and corporations in search of cheap skilled labour. What is not readily known is that most of what we see of India, as a growing industrial power, is underpinned by an agricultural sector that contributes 17.4 percent to the country’s GDP, employs 48.9 percent of the working population and is the principal source of livelihood for about 58 percent of the country’s population. Agriculture is the backbone of the Indian economy. And for any country serious about sustainable development, agriculture is a key policy consideration.

It was the British intellectual, Samuel Johnson who said, “Agriculture not only gives riches to a nation, but the only

riches she can call her own.”

Economic theorists have since agreed on the imperative of agriculture to boosting industrialisation. After all, the agricultural revolution preceded the industrial revolution. Agriculture is and has remained vital for reducing urban unemployment and income inequality, and if there is anything close to a silver bullet for the reduction of poverty and food sufficiency, it is agriculture. There is nothing revolutionary about this idea.

The question is: Why hasn’t Nigeria benefited from Agriculture as much as it should, in spite of decades of rhetoric?

We have the natural endowments, arable land and resources, to maximise our agricultural potential for food sufficiency, employment, increase of export earnings, diversification of the economy, and improvement of living standards. Currently Nigeria has 84 million hectares of arable land, with less than half of it being utilised. Outmoded machinery, lack of adequate storage, poor transportation infrastructure, etc, all account for an underperforming agricultural sector. Between 1962 and 1968, Nigeria was the biggest exporter of palm products, the second largest producers of cocoa, and she exported 47

percent of the global groundnut output.

But today we can barely feed ourselves, relying on imports instead. It is a shame that we produce 65 percent of the tomatoes in West Africa, while remaining the largest importer of tomato paste in the region. We spend over $11 billion importing rice, fish and sugar. What happened? Every government since the oil boom of the 70s, after agriculture took a downward spiral, has pledged to revamp the sector, beyond rhetoric, but little has been done beyond budget allocation.

We are still struggling to industrialise, yet neglecting agriculture, which is one of the key engine rooms of that industrialisation. We have to do things differently. China and India are amongst the biggest agricultural producers in the world because their huge populations make food security a priority. Nigeria is no different. To continue to pay lip service to agricultural production, to continue to focus on oil because it provides quick and easy money that are easily diverted into private pockets, is to court disaster.

We have not wanted for policies on how to improve the performance of the agricultural sector. Every government in the past has had one blueprint or the other. What has been lacking is

the will. We need champions from the federal government down to the local governments, across branches of government, to rise up and treat the sector with the much needed urgency.

We need audacious and selfless and forward looking leadership. One would have loved to see professionally run state farms in every area of the economy. We need public-private partnerships, multistakeholder platforms and collaborations to make a difference. According to a World Economic Forum report, “growth generated by agriculture in sub-Saharan Africa is estimated to be 11 times more effective in reducing poverty than GDP growth in other sectors.” Poverty is a big problem, men’s hearts are failing them, women and children are becoming beggars. It is high time something is done. God has been good to Nigeria, it is high time we became a little more responsible, to avoid impeding disaster.

NIGERIA HAS A GREAT FUTURE. Taiwo Odukoya, a leadership and relationship expert, is the Senior Pastor of The Fountain of Life Church.

The rise of ethnic nationalism in Nigeria

By Labaran Yusuf

N

igeria Sailing Towards Uncharted Water: The Rise Of Yugoslav-like Nationalism With the drums of ethnic nationalism growing louder by the day, the Nigerian society is facing an unprecedented level of polarisation within an already suspicious ‘fabric’ that make up Nigeria.

Ever since the Cold War ended, there have been a significant increase in ethnic conflicts across parts of Asia, Eastern Europe, the former Soviet Union and Africa, all of which had a disastrous effect on world peace and security.

Conflicts in the Balkans, Sri Lanka, Indonesia, Rwanda, Darfur, Zaire, Central African Republic, Burundi and lately South Sudan, are among the deadliest and most familiar conflicts of the late 20th and early 21st centuries – that are often accompanied by gross human rights violations, such as genocide and crimes against humanity, and by economic decline, state failure, environmental problems, and refugee flows. The aforementioned ethnic conflicts are usually not about ethnic differences themselves, but sometimes are over political, economic, social, cultural or territorial matters.

Nigeria, synonymous with deep divisions, an outlying factor, which since independence have cause major political matters to be vigorously and violently contested along – ethnic, religious and regional lines. Also, because of a complicated network of politically silent identities, coupled with a history of protracted and seemingly stubborn ethnoreligious wars and instability, Nigeria ranks top on the list as one of the most unstable states in Africa.

In this column, Nigeria will be compared and contrast simultaneously with the former Yugoslavia, the reason being that both nations are multiethnic in nature, with populations holding deep cultural,

religious, and social loyalty and identity towards their ethnic groupings. And also, both countries have experienced a tide of ethnic nationalism which is a major cause of suspicious and distrust among the respective populations.

Firstly, Nigeria and Yugoslavia are both heterogeneous societies. However, Nigeria is a populous country, with a population of over 180 million people. Nigeria also has a total number of over more than 250 different ethnic identities, of which three ethnic groups constitute somewhere between 60 and 70 percent of the population. The Hausa-Fulani ethnic group counts for 30 percent of the population, the Yorubas about 20 percent and the Igbos about 18 percent. These three major ethnic groups have dominated the Nigerian political spectrum since independence.

In Yugoslavia, for example, the ethnic groupings weren’t so much diverse compared to Nigeria’s. Former Yugoslavia was composed of – Serbs, Croats, Bosniaks, Montenegrins, Macedonians and Slovenes, which were all under the control of former statesman, Josip Tito, a communist that established an almost united Yugoslavia, after leading resistance to German occupation during World war II. Following his demise, ethnic nationalists were emboldened and eventually lead to the fracturing and later disintegration of Yugoslavia in 1991.

Just like Yugoslavia, in Nigeria, the religious factor cannot be ignored. The Hausa-Fulani and other smaller ethnic groupings that inhabit the North are Muslims while the Igbos and other smaller ethnic groups in South are primarily Christians. In the middle comprise a mixture of Christians and Muslims, while the Yoruba found in the Southwest are almost half Muslim and half Christian.

This Muslim North and Christian South cleavage enhances ethnic fractionalisations in Nigeria, especially in Northern Nigeria, where Islamic identity plays a dominant

role (Panden 2007:8; Okpanachi).

Also, in both Nigeria and Yugoslavia, identities have historically played a significant role in instituting and executing socio-economic strategies and applications.

The emergence and aggravation of “us” versus “them” syndrome, where Muslims were pitted against Christians, Northerners against Southerners, Hausa-Fulani, Yoruba and Igbo against each other, and so on. Just as Christian Serbs and Croats were pitted against Bosnian Muslims in the Balkans.

During his ascent to the dictatorship of Nazi Germany, Adolf Hitler mastered the art and use of propaganda, raising both the Public’s hatred of non-Aryans and its loyalty to himself and the Nazis, this is evident in his book Mein Kampf, the “bible” of the Nazi party. Events in the war-torn former Yugoslavia illustrate how propaganda can ignite ethnic fighting.

As Yugoslav-born religious studies professor Paul Mojzes writes,” Even the most cursory reading of the politicians statement, indicates that each [ethnic] side liberally provoke the other. The namecalling was belligerent, the speeches and articles untruthful and incendiary. All lie [d] massively” As a result of bitter ethnic hatred, hundreds of Croats, Muslims, and Serbs have been killed or wounded and more than three million have been left homeless.

Tragically, this brutal type of ethnic hatred and violence seems to be intensifying around the world. In Africa – Burundi, South Sudan, Central African Republic and Nigeria, ethnic nationalism is spiking, with high stakes and array of consequences. Little more than two decades ago, the Rwandan genocide, committed by the Hutus against the Tutsi population, of which more than a million people were killed and thousands more displaced, one of the most brutal acts on the African continent is off people’s minds. The same kind of ethnic rhetoric employed during the Rwandan conflict are

being used again. We here the infamous word ‘go-to-work’ that was used by the Hutus to order Tutsi killings in Rwanda being repeated in Burundi to stir up tensions and incite violence. Social media monitoring sites, have reported a surge in nationalistic sentiments and hate speeches across Nigeria. This is evident even on city streets and campuses in certain parts of the country.

It has been 50 years since the proclamation of Biafra, pro-secessionist voices are growing louder, calling for the secession of South-eastern Nigeria.

An adamant supporter of such a cause is Nmandi Kanu, leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), who was recently released from prison, have being a figurehead of the pro-Biafra movement. This in turn, have giving rise to a new nationalistic group, Coalition of Northern Youth Groups, whose recent ultimatum for the Igbos living in the North to leave within 3 months gave the group prominence and public notice.

Unity of Nigeria is what is most needed at this crucial time, not Milosevic-like nationalistic leaders calling for secession.

Let’s not forget the Srebrenica massacre, Rwandan genocide and the siege of Sarajevo, which all brought misery and brutal effects on humanity.

Finally, the government should use all possible initiatives to prevent the disintegration of Nigeria. And also the youths should play an important role in peace building and peace making for a better and prosperous Nigeria.

About the Author: freelance writer and researcher with expertise on European, Middle-eastern, African and the Americas politics. Also a student with University of Jos. A columnist with the Dailystream newspaper, my published works include: journey to Europe:jump into the Dark and Nigeria’s Health Sector in the 21st Century Labaran Yusuf writes in from Jos, Plateau state.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

PAGE 14

NEWS

PAGE 15

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

Sacked whistleblower reinstated after 18 months

A

bout a year and a half after his appointment was illegally terminated by the Federal Mortgage Bank of Nigeria (FMBN), Murtala Ibrahim, Head of ICT Process Audit and Special Investigation Unit at the bank has been reinstated, PRNigeria gathered.

It would be recalled that FMBN’s management board had on May 8, 2017, sacked Mr Ibrahim for blowing the whistle on a contract scam and the

2018 Calabar cultural carnival kicks-off with 25 states

A

t least 25 states of the federation have so far graced the 2018 Calabar Cultural Carnival which began in Calabar, Cross River State, on Wednesday.

Speaking at the inauguration of the event, the Governor of the state, Ben Ayade, said the 2018 carnival with the theme: ”Africanism”, would be used to tell the African story.

Mr Ayade said that Africa was not about poverty, adding that the organisers“, in conjunction with writers like Wole Soyinka and Ngugi Thiongo must tell the African story from our own perspective. ”Why should Africa wait for the Western world to tell its story and show its own heritage. ”When I see Africans cross the Mediterranean and deserts, I wonder why people would want to leave this continent that is so blessed with human and natural resources. ”Cross River wants to tell all young men and women that, the best place to be is Africa where there is rich human and natural resources,” he said.

The governor thanked God for giving the state government the grace to sustain the carnival.

Similarly, the Chairman, Cross River Carnival Commission, Gab Unah, said the event was significant because it brought the African culture to the front burner, especially the concept of hospitality which African were best known for.

According to Mr Unah, the ‘African man empathises with everything, both birth, death and other celebration that is how we share love.’ He said that he was extremely happy with the attendance, adding that 25 states out of the 29 accredited for the event were in attendance.

Some leaders of troupes from different states also commended the state government for sustaining the carnival but urged improved accommodation for the visiting states to make next year edition better.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that states such as Anambra, Imo, Kogi, Plateau, Osun, Ekiti amongst others graced the event.(NAN)

banks’ doctored 2016 Half-Year Validation Report.

In the wake of Mr. Ibrahim’s disengagement last year, African Centre for Media and Information Literacy (AFRICMIL), a civil society organisation working on building support for the whistleblower policy of the federal government, issued a statement condemning the unjustifiable sack.

According to the statement

by AFRICMIL Coordinator, Chido Onumah, the treatment of Mr Ibrahim by FMBN brought to the fore the recurring victimisation of officers who report wrongdoings in government offices.

“The persistent victimisation in any form of those who are courageous enough to blow the whistle must not be tolerated if the whistleblower policy of this administration must succeed.

We have said it repeatedly that whistleblowers deserve nothing more than full protection as this will further encourage accountability and enrich the

right of the public to know.

“We hereby call on the federal government to take decisive action on safety of whistleblowers.

If the government cannot protect internal whistleblowers, what more can be expected for outsiders and other Nigerians?

Instead of persecution or victimization, whistleblowers should be rewarded for their acts of patriotism,” AFRICMIL said.

The NGO called on the Power, Works and Housing Minister, Babatunde Fashola, to order the immediate and unconditional reinstatement of Mr Ibrahim.

Mr Ibrahim was first transferred from FMBN’s headquarters in Abuja to a branch in one of the states. This was followed up with a query which cautioned him for doing his official work. When Mr Ibrahim’s explanation couldn’t be faulted, the bank went on to dismiss him saying his service was no longer needed.

But in a report by the International Centre for

Investigative Reporting (ICIR) in October last year, Mr Fashola’s directive, following a committee investigation into the case, that Mr Ibrahim is reinstated was flagrantly disobeyed by FMBN authorities.

The flouting of the minister’s directive again drew the ire of AFRICMIL, as Mr Onumah described the bank’s refusal to obey Mr Fashola’s order as unfortunate and an act of gross insubordination. He added that the bank’s attitude constitutes a serious threat not only to the successful implementation of the whistleblower policy but also endangers the anticorruption campaign of the President Muhammadu Buhari administration.

However, the sacked Mr Ibrahim, on Tuesday, confirmed to PRNigeria via a telephone interview that he has been reinstated, and even received a letter to that effect.

Expressing his joy, the recalled FMBN staff, in a social

media post, said: ‘’The report of the Ministerial Investigative Committee (MIC) inaugurated by the Hon. Minister of Power, Works, and Housing, Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) is out. The Hon. Minister, who was the then supervising minister of the Bank, had earlier directed for a thorough investigation into the petition that I filed challenging the termination. The MIC extended invitations to parties involved in the matter and after several rounds of sittings, the committee concluded among other things that the recommendation of the Bank’s DC was flawed, null and void, and that I should be reinstated.

“I would like to thank the Hon. Minister Mr Babatunde Raji Fashola (SAN) for constituting the MIC. My sincere appreciation also goes to the Chairman, Executive Management Committee, and other members of the Governing Board for ratifying the findings of the MIC.”

A crosssection of participants, after the children service at Church of Christ in Nations (COCIN) in Yelwan Kagadaman on Tuesday in Bauchi.

Photo: NAN

Winners emerge at maiden ‘Golibe’ festival in Onitsha

T

he organisers of the ongoing maiden edition of ‘Golibe’ Festival in Onitsha, Anambra State have announced Giovanni Okagbue as the winner of the Mathematics Scholarship Award for primary six pupils of Onitsha origin.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Okagbue went home with a new laptop, mathematics textbooks and N150,000 cash prize to encourage and develop his skills in the subject.

NAN also reports that St. Michaels and All Angels Choir emerged champions in the choral competition of the festival with a cash prize of N250,000 while Magic Voices came second to grab N150,000.

Singspiration Choir came third to win N100,000 while Harmonious Choir took the fourth position with a consolation prize of N50,000.

Presenting the prizes on Tuesday, the chairman, Golibe Festival Planning Committee, Francis Anatogu, explained that the festival was inaugurated by the Obi of Onitsha, Alfred Achebe, to reposition Onitsha.

“The festival seeks to reengineer and reinvigorate the economy and culture of Onitsha for a 21st century development in all spheres including academics and social life of the people,” he said.

“With Golibe festival, we seek to, not only to create a fun atmosphere but, also introduce a

platform to promote community pride, stimulate economic activities and attract commerce,” the chairman explained.

He said that the mathematics competition instituted by Arinze Oranye, a U.K. based mathematics teacher, was for primary six and Jss3 students of Onitsha origin in government and mission schools.

Mr Anatogu commended Mr Oranye for sponsoring the mathematics scholarship award as well as other corporate organisations for their support to the event.

In an interview, Victor Enwezor, a member of the planning committee disclosed that 40 local music artists and 20 masquerades from Onitsha and

environs were participating in the week-long event.

Mr Enwezor said other programmes packaged for the event included street arts and carnivals, football, food and choral competitions.

He explained that the festival was also designed to position Onitsha as a fun-filled and friendly community with a rich cultural heritage.

For his part, Okagbue, a primary six pupil of Immaculate Conception Nursery and Primary School commended the organisers of the event and promised to further his mathematics skills.

NAN reports that the theme of the week-long festival is “Rejoice, for God’s blessings abound.”(NAN)

N1.22 billion donation: Read electoral act -Group advises PDP

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) has said that the call

by Alhaji Buba Galadima for the disqualification of President Muhammadu Buhari as the presidential candidate of All Progressives Congress (APC) in the 2019 general elections is a mere expression of frustration and crass ignorance.

Galadima, People’s Democratic Party (PDP) presidential campaign spokesman, at a world press conference on Sunday in Abuja, had called on the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) to disqualify President Buhari for receiving N1.22 billion from Nigerians farmers, which, according to him, contravenes the provision of the Electoral Act. In a statement signed by Niyi Akinsiju and Cassidy Madueke, Chairman and Secretary respectively, BMO said that Galadima is uninformed about the finer points of the Electoral Act which is why he is finding fault with N100 individual donation of members of an association.

“The association of farmers and fertilizer producers are not corporate entities and neither are they registered corporations, and certainly not captured in the Electoral Act. So for Galadima, a supposedly educated person and politician to ask for disqualification of president Buhari on the basis of their donation, is engagement in petty talks.

“Is Galadima rewriting the law on who and what to contribute to an electioneering campaign fund? He apparently forgets that President Buhari enjoys mass appeal and popularity among the Nigerian poor and downtrodden who he is feverishly elevating on to higher economic levels from the extreme poverty to which they were pushed into by the collective irresponsibility of the PDP governments of many years.“ BMO is of the opinion that Buba Galadima got himself mixed up, by equating individual donation to corporate donation. “We advise this gentleman to keep his anger under control so that such anger should not be allowed to contaminate the political space” The group also described the spokesperson’s allegation that security agencies were after the lawmakers who heckled president Buhari at the presentation of the 2019 budget proposal “as figment of his imagination and the product of a troubled mind.

“Obviously, PDP elements see defeat at the 2019 election staring them in face and they are jittery. The colossal failure of their presidential campaign flag- off in three geographical zones in the country, the groundswell of popular acclaim of President Muhammadu Buhari achievements all over the country have put the PDP under tremendous pressure and they have become desperadoes”.

BMO noted that President Muhammadu Buhari is a magnanimous person with a heart of gold that, despite Galadima’s rouble rousing, still keeps his (Galadima’s) daughter as one of his aides in the Presidency.

Aisha: PDP engaging in mudslinging -Presidency

By Lawrence Olaoye

T

he Presidency has said that the opposition People’s Democratic Party (PDP) lacked capacity to discuss issues but preoccupied itself with mudslinging.

Senior Special Assistant to the President on media and publicity, Mallam Garba Shehu, in a statement made available to newsmen yesterday said the PDP has reduced its campaigns to commenting on issues concerning President Muhammadu Buhari’s wife, Aisha’s comments instead of telling the people what it achieved in its sixteen years in power.

He however maintained that if the opposition PDP wants to make family the issue in the coming elections, the APC would gladly accept the challenge.

“Let this be the subject for 2019 election,” he said.

Reacting to various comments by several organs of the opposition party on remarks made by the President on views publicly expressed by his wife, Mrs. Aisha Muhammadu Buhari in an interview, the presidential spokesman said questions raised of the President by the PDP in regard to his wife only amounted to an own goal.

“The PDP leadership cannot afford to make family an issue in this campaign.

Need I say more? The only thing I want to add is that PDP is engaging in mud-slinging because it finds it easier than speaking on their despicable 16year record in the course of which they abused the trust of Nigerians.

“They made a mess of everything including the economy, security and infrastructure. It has come to the destiny of President Muhammadu Buhari to correct their mistakes.

“The PDP doesn’t see anything beyond grabbing power, power at all costs. As an opposition party, they have failed. They have remained disconnected with the masses of our people. It is an irony that a party that boasted as being the largest in Africa is now begging small parties for alliances. Even if they get all those paper parties behind them, they will still fail. A Presidential contest is more than the issuance of daily press releases containing falsehoods.

“They have launched a campaign for the Presidency, a campaign that has failed to get any traction. PDP members are themselves admitting that the campaign hadn’t made a good start, that attendance at rallies had unarguably been thin. The whole thing is not working; that President Buhari is unstoppable,” Garba Shehu said.

He continued, “rather than a so-

called cabal, an imaginary creation attached to all past governments of the country, President Buhari is remote-controlled by the 200 million-plus Nigerian people whose interest is uppermost in everything he says and does.

“The PDP doesn’t have the strength and support to fight President Buhari.

They don’t have the records in security, economy and the war against corruption to mount any meaningful challenge. They have no records of accomplishments in infrastructure. In the 16 years they held sway, they have nothing to show for the colossal oil revenues earned, including USD 16 billion doled upfront from the Central Bank for power, without a single megawatt to show for all that money. That is why they are dragging the President’s wife into their politics.”

Nasarawa state PDP Gubernatorial candidate acknowledging cheers from supporters, Hon David Ombugadu (2nd right), during the zonal rally, recently in Akwanga. With him are: PDP Board of trustees chairman, Senator Wali Jibrin, PDP chairman Nasarawa state, Hon. Francis Orogu, Deputy Governorship candidate, Hon. Ogoshi Onawo, and former deputy Governor Nasarawa state Chief Mike Abdul with others.

2019 budget: Atiku’s knowledge of economic principles questionable -BMO

By Umar Muhammad Puma

T

he Buhari Media Organisation (BMO) has taken a swipe at the Presidential candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) Atiku Abubakar over his stance on the 2019 budget proposal.

The former Vice President had given six reasons the budget won’t work and concluded, in a personally signed statement, that Nigeria had not exited recession. But BMO said in a statement signed by its Chairman Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary Cassidy Madueke that Atiku’s position has proved that his knowledge of economic principles is questionable.”How could a man described as one with economic know-how say a country whose Gross Domestic Product (GDP) stood at 1.81 % in the third quarter of 2018 compared to 1.17 % the previous year had not exited recession?“Even his statement that indicated that there was a 1.5% growth in the second quarter of 2018 is a clear pointer to a sure and steady growth backed by a non-oil GDP growth of 2.01% in the same quarter as

a result of the current administration’s faithful implementation of its Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP).

“In addition we have had three budget cycles since 2015 that have spurred massive infrastructural growth with 1,531 kilometres of roads constructed and 1,008 kilometres rehabilitated across the country as well as massive railway construction, yet the PDP Presidential candidate wants Nigerians to believe that the 2019 budget proposal and the previous ones were bad.

“We make bold to say that contrary to Atiku’s position, the budget will build on the sure and steady progress the country has witnessed in so many facets of life and attain the 2019 projection of 3.01% growth.BMO pointed out that all President Muhammadu Buhari has been doing since 2015 is to dig Nigeria out of the hole that PDP placed it for sixteen years.”It would be recalled that the party presided over what would go down in history as one of the worst times in the country’s political history.“After years of higher oil revenue, PDP ensured that over

100 million Nigerians were living on less than $1 a day in 2012 as confirmed by the World Bank.“Nearly 61% of Nigerians were living in extreme poverty at that time while an audit report by the Nigeria Extractive Industries Transparency Initiative (NEITI) showed that the country earned $62.9 billion (about N12.5 trillion) that same year.“It was around this time that over 800 companies shut down and tens of thousands of Nigerians were pushed into the unemployment market, and that did not include Governmentowned Enterprises (GOEs) that were privatised under the supervision of Atiku Abubakar as the then Vice President between 1999 and 2007.Incidentally these companies folded up, in the same PDP years, after their assets were stripped by their new owners.“President Buhari’s administration was now left with the task of paying off pensioners and giving interest-free loans to small business owners and farmers under the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) in order to take millions of people from the poverty threshold

that Atiku’s party forced many Nigerians into.BMO also expressed surprise at the manner an individual aspiring to govern Nigeria glibly dismissed the increase in the country’s foreign reserve under President Buhari’s watch.“In the President budget speech, he revealed that the reserves were up from a low of $28.57 billion in May 2015 to $42.92 billion in December 2018 but Atiku, the ‘economic expert’ said it had nothing to do with the government’s economic policies, but the grace of God.“How could he have said a $14.35billion increase in foreign reserves be simply by God’s grace? So how would he describe the failure by the previous government to add to the reserves in spite of higher oil sales for most part of its tenure? “That tells you all Nigerians needs to know about Atiku’s economic knowledge-Questionable” BMO added. It consequently urged Nigerians to disregard the PDP Presidential candidate’s stance on the 2019 budget as part of the tissue of lies the party has been dishing out in recent times to discredit President Buhari and his administration.

PAGE 16

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

POLITICS

B

auchi State Governor Muhammed Abubakar, is in high spirit ahead of the 2019 general election following his endorsement for re-election by the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Bauchi chapter.

CAN made this known in Bauchi on Wednesday through its Chairman, Rev. Joshua Maina when the Christian Communities of the state paid Christmas visit on the state governor.

“The essence of Christmas is to worship God Almighty and to thank him for the hope he has given us amidst our hopelessness.

“We are here today to worship the Lord with you and to thank God for the leadership we have in this state.

“Your excellency, you are the one that the Almighty has bestowed in Bauchi state as our only leader and we have come back to tell you that we appreciate what God is doing through you.

“This is devoid of politics but a clear reality from the word of God. “In essence, we once again want to declare the unquestionable loyalty and support of the Christian Association of Nigeria, Bauchi state to your governance,” Maina declared.

2019: CAN joins campaign train for Gov. Abubakar’s re-election in Bauchi The state chairman of CAN also appreciated the state governor for the priority given to security issues in the state, adding that Bauchi state remains the safest among the North eastern states and one of the safest in the entire country.

“All of us know what we were passing through in the past. But to an extent we have even forgotten that there had been massacres

and killings during worships.

“To the glory of God, it has become history now and that has become possible because some people became committed to the reality of securing the lives and properties of people.

“Your excellency, you are one of those people. And one evident example is the fact that Bauchi state is becoming one of the most populous states in the North East

because it is the safest and one of the safest in the country,” Maina said .

CAN pleaded with the governor to lift the curfew imposed on Nov. 20 on Yelwa Tsakani, Angwan Kusu, Angwan Ngas, Lushi and Yelwa Kagadama areas of Bauchi metropolis.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) recalls that the state government imposed the curfew

in the areas after three persons were killed, two cars and two buildings were set ablaze by rioting youths on November 18.

Governor Abubakar said he has forgiven the “transgression” in the areas and promised to consult the security chiefs before lifting the curfew. He assured the Christian leaders that the lifting of the curfew is imminent. (NAN)

POLITICS

Kwara: Abdulrazak, APC candidate’s billboards destroyed again

P

olitical miscreants have destroyed the billboards of Abdulrahman Abdulrazak, the governorship candidate of the All Progressives Congress in Kwara state.

It was the second time that the thugs would violate the candidate’s campaign billboards and it came hours after thugs prevented him from addressing Emir Sulu Gambari at the Ilorin Emirates Descendants Progressive Union, in Ilorin on Christmas Day. Abdulrahman tweeted about the destruction in some areas of the capital of Ilorin on Twitter Wednesday:”The orchestrated

attack on me at IEDPU yesterday has continued today but now with our billboards all over Kwara. What they don’t know is this: #OTOGE is not just words on a billboard, it’s now ingrained in the hearts of every Kwaran, and NO ONE can take it from our hearts”.

On Tuesday, he tweeted: “The pre-meditated disruption that was unleashed at the Emir’s Palace during today’s IEDPU shows how desperate the establishment is. Tell them, it’s already late. They can only stop me from speaking today, but they CAN’T silence the people’s voice”.

Otoge, the campaign buzzword of the candidate, means ‘Enough is

Enough’. The APC candidate said he is poised to topple the Saraki political dynasty in the state.

“The disruption of the event just when the Kwara APC governorship candidate AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq was about to give his speech exposed the shenanigans of the urchins and their paymasters whose uninspiring radio programme earlier in the day has drawn the scorn and condemnation of every Kwaran home and abroad. The disruption was probably a damage control for their insulting radio programme.”

The campaign team alleged that the intention was to damage the good image of the APC candidate and “slow

down the tsunami that is already consuming their unproductive political fiefdom in Kwara.”

Last week, two billboards erected by the APC and Abdulrazak were destroyed in Offa and abutting places by suspected thugs.

But days after, the billboards were re-erected by the Kwara South Concern Group, an affiliate of APC in the district, with the support of a large number of people.

The two billboards contained pictures of the alleged Offa robbery masterminds, with the word’ Otoge’, which the Governor Abdulfatah Ahmed of the ruling PDP, once described as ‘inciting’.

Why PDP will sweep governorship poll, others in Enugu -Rep Toby Okechukwu

From Femi Oyelola, Kaduna

C

Some Muslim women collecting their meal during a dinner organised by Pastor Yohanna Buru, The General Overseer of Christ Evangelical Life Intervention Church, Sabon Tasha, Kaduna, for both Christians and Muslims to celebrate Christmas at his residence on Tuesday in Kaduna. Photo: NAN

2019: Mariga LG declares support for Niger Gov’s 2nd term bid, says Chairman From Yakubu Mustapha, Minna

T

he Chairman of Mariga local government in Niger state, Bar. Abdulmalik Sarkin-Daji has reiterated the determination of electorates in his area to support the second bid of Governor Abubakar Sani Bello because of the positive changes recorded in the last three years.

He added that he have leaved to the expectations of his people considering the available resources hence had provided the required dividends of democracy to the electorates and assured to do more.

Sarkin-Daji made the disclosure in Minna while speaking to

journalists on his developmental achievements since he assumed office in the last over two years.

He emphasized that Hus administration focused on the areas such as education, health sector, security, water problems, social sector despite the paucity of funds as the most challenged.

The Chairman lamented to have inheritage complete dilapidated structures in almost all sectors of the economy hence the need for paying attention to especially education and health sectors.

Sarkin-Daji noted that his administration identified five (5) Primary Health Care (PHC) with high numbers of patronage and

renovated them to standard while reviving existing hard to reach ones.

He said to have gotten the governors nod to employ fifty (50) health worker which was insufficient in the area that have encouraged applicants to go to study health courses in the tertiary institutions at present.

He further told the reporters to awarded scholarship to 3,200 students to study in various higher institutions with 800 candidates in 2016, 1,000 in 2017 and 1,400 in 2018 who got N30,000 for professional courses and N15,000 for others respectively.

He explained that the council took into cognisance SUBEB

standard N5.3 million in award of contracts for the construction of its class rooms in collaboration with council works department at N3.5 million excluding VAT. The council boss had drilled 168 boreholes to alleviate the plight of the people while communities were urged to take ownership of the properties with maintenance unit.

He also procured 100 motorcycles distributed for vigilantees to compliment police in providing security in their over 300 settlements while the policy of N300,000 for any vigilantee that is able to arrest kidnapper enhanced sanity to the council of persistent kidnapping.

he member representing Awgu/Oji River/Aninri Federal Constituency, Hon. Toby Okechukwu has declared that the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, will repeat its feat in the State in 2019.

The PDP has remained in firm control of the Coal City State since the return to democracy in 1999.

Hon. Okechukwu, who spoke in Awgu Local Government Area of the State, said the visible achievements of the State Governor, Rt. Hon. Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi and the quality representation of the lawmakers at the various levels, would speak for the party during the election.

He spoke during an annual empowerment event organized by his wife, Mrs Uche Okechukwu.

At the event, which saw to the splashing of gift items to widows in celebration of Christmas, Okechukwu said the essence of the season was to share happiness with other people.

While making presentation of a wheelchair to a physically challenged person in the area, Mr Gabriel Chukwujike, Okechukwu said he was complementing the wife’s efforts in alleviating the plight of widows.

He noted that for the 2019 election, his party, the PDP “is certain of victory because it has since endeared itself into the minds and heart of the people.

“Our dear Governor, Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi has done so well in the State and this effort is being complemented by those of us at the National Assembly.

“So, it is a win-win situation for us in 2019. Our people are totally with us and that is why we will never stop to give back to the society.”

Earlier, Mrs. Okechukwu thanked the women for their support to her husband and urged them “to keep praying for him. We plead with you to continue to support, even as I assure you that we shall do our best to make the life of the people better.”

In a remark, a chieftain of the PDP in the area, Barr Eze O. Eze said Hon. Okechukwu had been representing the people creditably in the Green Chambers.

“His quality representation is evident across our constituency. The free medical outreach held recently at Nnewe cottage hospital Aninri, is one of such many ways he has touched the lives of the people,” he said. (DAILY POST)

The party’s adopted slogan had been a subject of friction between it and the ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the state with the government asking the state controlled signage agency to outlaw its usage.

The erection of the billboards at their various locations was witnessed by large number of party members and leaders in the area, including the APC Kwara South Senatorial Candidate, Arch. Lola Ashiru.

Ashiru, while condemning the vandalism, described the action of the perpetrators as ‘undemocratic.’

(NAN)

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

Photo: NAN

T

PDP Chieftains condemn vandalization of guber candidate’s bill boards hieftains of people Democratic Party PDP in Funtua Local Government of Katsina State Alhaji Bature Idiris Mai wake and Barrister Yazid Abdullahi has expressed dismay over the continued vandalization of the bill board of the PDP guber candidate, Senator Lado Dan Marke,in Katsina State by thugs .

This was contained in a statement made available to the media in kaduna yesterday The statement added that the thugs hired by menbers of the ruling party also destroyed the bill board of the senatorial Candidate Hon Shehu Inuwa Imam .

The statement added that it is very sad and disheartening that ruling party in Katsina State has engaged itself in intimidating and threatened opposition party “We called on the security agents to investigate and fish out the perpetrators of this undemocratic act and bring them to Justice “The opposition party in Funtua Local Government and Katsina State in general has face security challenges accusing ruling party and Katsina State government under Governor Aminu Masari for his moved to crush all the opposition party members,” the statement reads.

PAGE 17

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

PPCO to EFCC: Probe Tradermoni, Anchor Borrower, IDP funds, others

T

he PDP Presidential Campaign Organization (PPCO) charges the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) to investigate alleged looting of over N4 billion under the Tradermoni and the Farmers Anchor Borrower schemes, to fund President Muhammadu Buhari’s 2019 re-election campaign.

In a statement signed by Kola Ologbondiyan, Director, Media & Publicity, the PDP Presidential Campaign Organization also urges the EFCC to “open investigation into the alleged looting of the repatriated $322 million (about N115 billion), by the Buhari Presidency, under the cover of distributing the money to the poor.

“The EFCC should also commence the prosecution of all

those reportedly indicted by the House of Representatives, alongside Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, for alleged diversion of a huge part of the N33 billion, meant for food and other welfare items for Internally Displaced Persons (IDPs) in the North East.”

The PPCO insists that the investigation into the alleged looting, as well as the recovery of the stolen funds from the coffers of the Buhari Presidential Campaign must not be carried over into the coming year.

“It is rather despicable, after looting over N14 trillion in unremitted oil revenue, the Presidency cabal and the APC leaders are also hiding under the plight of innocent Nigerians to further siphon funds for their selfish ambitions

“Our party holds that President Buhari is being very unfair to Nigerians in asking them to get ready for more suffering in the coming year when trillions of naira meant for their wellbeing have been siphoned and stashed away in his campaign coffers, where APC leaders also fritter funds to finance their wasteful life styles.

“The EFCC should note that Nigerians are already aware that agents of the Presidency and the APC are involved in N1.2 billion roundtripping of public funds under the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme, for which they named a non-existent Anchor Borrowers Farmers’ Association as donors, in a bid to legitimize their siphoning of funds from public coffers to fund President

Buhari’s campaign.

“Nigerians are also in the know that agents of the Presidency, under the watch of Vice President Osinbajo, are being used to divert huge part of the budgeted sum for the Tradermoni scheme while handing out paltry sums to unsuspecting beneficiaries, who are further fleeced through 10 percent kickbacks by APC agents.

“On the repatriated N115 billion, we charge the EFCC to make public, its findings on allegation that 90 percent of the estimated 300,000 households listed as beneficiaries are phony family names supplied by fraudulent government officials, as conduit to channel the repatriated money to APC leaders and the Presidency Cabal.”

PDP National Treasure, his supporters dump PDP for APC From Ahmed Idris, Birnin Kebbi

F

ormer National Treasure of People’s Democratic Party (PDP) Bala Buhari with his supporters finally dumped the people’s Democratic Party (PDP) for the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Kebbi.

Delivering his speech at the Arugungu township stadium, venue of the party’s campaign flag off, the former PDP Treasure

said his defection was based on the consultation with the party stakeholders,adding that APC is the best party that has delivered the dividends of democracy to its people.

He explained further that PDP been is former party has failed Nigeria while he will not allowed such to happen now, “ Buhari and Atiku Bagudu has done well by given the people sense of belonging, the People in PDP has not integrity and they don’t have the interest of masses at

heart” he added.

He applauded the performance of APC Government in Nigeria as the best since the inception of the Nigeria Democracy, urge people to support Buhari and Governor Atiku Bagudu for their second term bids.

In his response while receiving the decamped, the State APC chairman Arc. Bala Sani Kangiwa assured him of play level ground, thanking him for making good decision coming to the APC.

Presenting his speech, the Kebbi State Governor, Atiku Abubakar Bagudu said that the flag-off campaigned has bring changes and unity to the state by receiving the National Treasure of the PDP to APC. He assured every party supporters that everybody will be carry alone, advocacy for peace and love in the state, “we are all one, we should embrace peace and eschew our political difference, let us develop the state and Nigeria as a all,” he added.

PAGE 18

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

Page 19

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

NNPC records trading surplus of 9.85bn in September

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC) has announced a trading surplus of 9.85billion for the month of September 2018, a figure which is higher than the previous month’s deficit of 3.90 billion.

Details of the report which is contained in the newly released September 2018 edition of the NNPC Monthly Financial and Operations Report indicated that the improved performance of ₦13.75 billion increase, relative to that of August 2018, is attributable to higher revenue by the Nigerian Petroleum Development Company (NPDC), the corporation’s upstream subsidiary.

NNPC Group General Manager, Group Public Affairs, Mr. Ndu

Ughamadu, in a press release stated that NPDC’s production has been on the rise as a result of success recorded in repairs of vandalized pipeline in the Niger Delta and the resumption of crude oil lifting activities at Forcados Terminal.

The statement said, a total crude oil and gas export sale of $626.62million was made in September, 2018 under the NNPC’s US dollar transactions which is 33.32 per cent higher than the previous month.

It stated that crude oil export sales contributed $508.54 million which is 81.16 per cent of the dollar transactions compared with $337.62million contribution in the previous month.

It also said that export gas sales amounted to $118.08 million in the

month, adding that the September 2017 to September 2018 crude oil and gas transactions indicated that crude oil & gas worth $5.45 billion was exported.

In the downstream sector, the report noted that during the period, NNPC continued to ensure increased petrol supply and effective distribution across the country, saying that during the month, 1.66billion litres of petrol, translating to 55.50 million liters/day, were supplied by the corporation.

It also stated that in the month under review, a total of 125 pipeline points were vandalized; out of which eight pipeline points failed to be welded and only one pipeline point was ruptured. The figure translates to a significant increase from the 86 vandalized points recorded last

month.

A further breakdown of the September, 2018 records indicates that Aba-Enugu and Mosimi-Ibadan accounted for 36 points and 33 points respectively or approximately 29 per cent or 26 per cent of the vandalized points respectively. While PHC-Aba and Zaria-Gusau accounted for 10 per cent each; Atlas Cove-Mosimi and other locations accounted for 14 per cent and 11 per cent of the pipeline breaks respectively.

Regarding natural gas off-take, commercialization & utilization, the report indicated that out of the 238.91 Billion Cubic Feet (BCF) of gas supplied in September 2018, a total of 142.09 bcf of gas was commercialized, comprising 30.36bcf and 111.73bcf for the domestic and export market respectively.

This translates to a total supply of 1,011.96mmscf/d of gas to the domestic market and 3,724.26mmscf/d of gas supplied to the export market for the month.

This implies that 59.47 per cent of the average daily gas produced was commercialized while the balance of 40.53 per cent of gas was re-injected, used as upstream fuel gas or flared.

The report gave gas flare rate for the month at 8.60 per cent i.e.

684.69mmscfd compared with average Gas flare rate of 10.17 per cent which is 800.59mmscfd for the period September 2017 to September 2018.

The September 2018 NNPC Financial and Operations Report is the 38th edition of the broadcast of the corporation’s books aimed at enhancing probity and transparency of the corporation.

L-R: Managing Director, Sam Water Engineering Institute, Mr Samuel Iteghie; Senior Engineer, Arab Contractor Nigeria Limited, Mr Osiomane Godfree; and one of the graduating student, Iyemhelo Banabas, during the Sam Water Engineering Institute 2018 graduation, yesterday in Abuja

SEC urges shareholders to monitor their investments ...moves to tackle Identity Theft in Capital Market

By Etuka Sunday

T

he Securities and Exchange Commission (SEC), has urged shareholders to monitor their investments in the capital market, assuring that the Apex Regulator will live up to its responsibilities on investor protection.

Acting Director General of the SEC, Mary Uduk stated this in an interview in Abuja.

She said the Commission has put in place a number of initiatives to protect investors as well as boost their confidence including the e-dividend mandate Management System, Direct Cash Settlement, setting up a committee on identity management in the Nigerian Capital Market Regularization of Multiple Subscription, Complaints

Management Framework among others, but however enjoined investors to take ownership of their investments.

According to her “They have to be able to monitor their investments, attend Annual General Meetings as well as read the annual reports sent out to them. On our part, we protect them through the National Investors Protection Fund (NIPF) Risk Based supervision that enables us to supervise the operators to ensure that they do not do what they are not supposed to do. And again the Complaints Management Framework enables investors to know where to complain to and how long it takes for such complaints to be resolved.

“We advise investors to get their financial advisers to advise them properly on where to invest. In this area, we advise retail investors

to invest in Collective Investment Schemes and Mutual Funds because those are managed independently by professionals and they are diversified thereby reducing risks. We are committed to protecting investors in the work we do.

Uduk said the Commission is working with other major stakeholders in setting up a committee that will look into and proffer solutions to problems around identity management in the Nigerian capital market.

“So for instance, to boost the e-dividend mandate and Direct Cash Settlement initiatives, we are engaging NIBSS (Nigeria Inter-Bank Settlement System) on behalf of the capital market community to facilitate identity validation and account validation in an effort to enhance market processes” she stated.

The Acting DG also disclosed that the electronic distribution of annual accounts by public companies to shareholders continues to record tremendous success, as shareholders have largely accepted the new initiative and are willingly providing their email addresses. Alongside other stakeholders, we have continued sensitization to further enlighten shareholders on the benefits of the initiative.

On the need to grow the market for trading in securities on unlisted public companies, Uduk said the SEC is making concerted efforts in collaboration with CAC and other stakeholders to assist public companies that are yet to register their securities to do so without much difficulty.

On the role of technology in the Nigerian Capital market, Uduk said

Innovations in financial technology, has made possible the potential of using digital tools to make financial services available to a wider range of consumers and enterprises, promoting financial inclusion and the affordability of financial services, adding “A financially inclusive society will provide increased access to finance, especially for women, help support sustainable growth and will create a million more jobs.

The gains of having a more inclusive financial system are enormous, as it helps broaden financial markets and make policies more effective”.

These initiatives she added, continue to highlight and promote developments and trends in the Nigerian Capital Market and drive Financial Inclusion aimed at reducing adult exclusion from financial services.

PEOPLES DAILY, ThursDAY, december 27, 2018

Digest

METRO

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

27

One 20th of a mince pie, half a parsnip: What Christmas dinner looks like if you stick to the recommended daily calories

By Vanessa Chalmers Health Reporter For Mailonline

W

ith mulled wine simmering and Christmas pudding’s aflame, the last thing that will cross most people’s mind on December 25 will be how many calories they are consuming.

Christmas: NGO doles out food items to 400 poor widows

By Stanley Onyekwere

I

n the spirit of the yuletide season, an Abuja based Non Governmental Organisation (NGO) Helpline Foundation for the Needy has doled out food items to less privileged widows in the society.

In particular, assorted food

But research suggests that in order to meet official dietary guidelines, the average man should indulge in just one 20th of a mince pie, half a parsnip and a quarter of a glass of champagne.

The ‘nanny state’ approved Christmas lunch includes six thin slices of turkey, five small roast potatoes, half a parsnip and two Brussels sprouts.

Page 21

items; ranging from noodles, rice, to spices were distributed to the beneficiaries drawn from communities within and Abuja.

The food distribution was part of the activities of the NGO’s18th edition/end of the year reach-out programme for over 400 widows and orphans in Abuja.

Speaking to newsmen on the

sidelines of the event, President and founder of the Foundation, Dr. Jumai Ahmadu, said the annual charity outreach was packaged to show love and put smiles on the the vulnerable members of the society.

Ahmadu stressed the importance of giving and sharing to the needy during the yuletide

season.

According to her: “We will continue with out annual doling out of food items aimed at putting smiles on their faces during this Christmas period.

“We felt that nothing is too small to assist those who are in need.

“For that reason, we have gathered over 400 widows from different area councils to benefit from this year’s fiesta.”

She however called on government at all levels to initial policies and programmes that will add values to the widows and the less privileged in the society.

For dessert, he’d be limited to three grams of Christmas pudding with a measly teaspoon of custard.

Commissioned by the Taxpayer’s Alliance, the researched established ‘what a public health puritanapproved Christmas lunch would look like’ based on NHS guidelines and alcohol guidance from Drinkaware. Over a normal day, a man is advised to consume no more than six grams of salt, 30g of sugar, 30g of unsaturated fat and a total of 2,500 calories.

On Christmas, this is sure to go out the window, when sugar and fat-laden foods are enjoyed from breakfast onward.

But based on official guidelines, the ‘most important meal of the day’ only allows for a quarter of a croissant, a quarter of a Celebrations chocolate and 15ml of orange juice. If a man observing his calories wanted to drink on Christmas Day, he would be lucky to fit in just a tenth of a gin and tonic or a sip of port, according to the research.

For dinner, he could enjoy a quarter of a turkey sandwich with two crackers and 60g (2oz) of cheese, washed down with a quarter of a glass of red wine.

Public Health England has spent more than £41.7 million of taxpayers’ money ‘telling Brits what they can and cannot eat, drink and do in their leisure time’, the authors said in their research, published on the Taxpayer’s Alliance’s website.

John O’Connell, chief executive of the campaign group, said: ‘All year long taxpayer-funded public health Tsars tell us what to eat, drink and how to spend our leisure time.

‘If they had it their way, we would be eating nothing but salad and Brussels sprouts this Christmas, with a meagre sliver of a mince pie for pudding.

‘I wonder if public health officials this year will be practising what they preach by following their own overbearing guidelines?’

The ‘nanny state’ approved Christmas lunch is made up of six thin slices of turkey, half a parsnip, five small roast potatoes, two Brussels sprouts, a few dollops of cranberry sauce and gravy, one 20th of a mince pie and three grams of Christmas pudding with a teaspoon of custard. The amounts are based on NHS and Drinkaware guidelines for an average male

Filling up on vegetables is a tactic used by many watching their weight, but even those portions are tight, with just one fifth of a portion of red cabbage being within the guidelines. Dr Giles Yeo previously told the Mail on Sunday: ‘Surprisingly, cooking vegetables like sprouts, cabbage, broccoli or cauliflower can significantly increase the calories you absorb.

‘Digestive enzymes in the stomach can’t break cellulose down when we eat vegetables raw. But cooking releases more of it, giving greater access to the energy inside the plant cells.

‘That’s because plants contain a compound called cellulose. It helps cells hold their structure but is rich in calories.

Dr Yeo explained that cooking methods play a large role in shaping foods’ calories.

“

Public Health England has spent more than £41.7 million of taxpayers’ money ‘telling Brits what they can and cannot eat, drink and do in their leisure time’, the authors said in their research, published on the Taxpayer’s Alliance’s website.

‘The longer veg is cooked, the more cellulose is broken down and the more calories we absorb.’

‘Cooking methods for meat, including the Christmas turkey, have a similar effect – unlocking secret calories,’ he said.

‘While some supermarkets may record content in the meat’s raw state, cooking – depending on the method – can boost the amount you absorb by almost 50 per cent.

‘This is because cooking meat fully, or for long periods, releases extra calories that are tied up in muscle fibres we would not be able to access if we ate the meat raw.’

Fun seekers, at Millennium Park, during the Xmas Celebration yesterday in Abuja. Photo: Mahmud Isa

Candido presents N8.2bn budget proposal to AMAC Legislative Arm

By Stanley Onyekwere

T

he Chairman, Abuja Municipal Area Council (AMAC), of the Federal Capital Territor (FCT), Abdullahi Adamu Candido has presented the Council’s 2019 Budget proposal, in the tune of N8.257, 881,086 billion to its legislative arm.

The total amount in the 2019 appropriation bill tagged: “Budget of Hope”, represents a nominal decrease of two per cent of the previous year’s budget estimates.

In the proposed budget, the Council allocated N4.1 billion for recurrent expenditure, representing 49.17 percent, with N4.2 billion for capital expenditure, representing 50.83 percent of the budget.

Also, the there is estimated personnel cost of N2.8 billion representing 33.51 percent, while the overhead was N1.29 billion, respectively.

Candido while laying the appropriation bill inside the AMAC Legislative Chambers, on Monday explained that the 2019 budget of hope was envisioned to be a budget hinged on consolidation of the gains and success stories imprinted for posterity.

The AMAC Chairman noted that the budget was a painstaking efforts of relevant stakeholders who had the masses and progress of the council at heart, adding that it would also captured the wishes of the people.

He added that the increase in

personnel cost was mainly due to provision for staff promotion arrears, annual increment and possible recruitment of confidential secretaries and potential salary increase.

According to him, the AMAC Boss said the entire budget and planning have been predicted to give hope to electorate to deliver on campaign promises.

Furthermore, he said allocating 51 per cent of 2019 budget to capital projects was to demonstrate strong commitment to continue to develop infrastructure across the 12 wards of the council.

Candido also explained that the overhead cost has been decreased by 52.27 per cent as part of the government strategy

to ensure delivery of value for money and eliminate wasteful expenditure.

The chairman also opined that the administration had begun payment for the completion of ongoing projects and to reconcile liabilities and settle legitimate claims.

He further revealed that the thrust of AMAC Capital Projects in 2019 will be completion of many ongoing projects over new ones.

“As responsible administration we decided that clearing backlog was an important priority.

“To consolidate on the momentum of 2018 budget implementation, many ongoing capital projects have been provided for in 2019 budget.

“This is in line with our commitment to appropriately fund all ongoing Capital projects to completion”, he stressed.

He, however, expressed hope that the council would expedite action accordingly, so as to commence implementation soon.

Earlier, the Speaker of the AMAC legislative council, Mr. Daniel Michael who revealed that the Council recorded 80-90% budget performance for the 2018 fiscal year, commended the the Candido-led AMAC executive arm for achieving the feat.

He therefore assured of the commitment of the legislative arm to expedite action on the proposed bill when they resume from their two weeks recess, to enable the Chairman assent it into law.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

Page 22

world news

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

N international_peoplesdailyng@yahoo.com

e w s

F

Page 23

r o m

A

f r i c a

Letter from Africa: Africa’s history makers in 2018 In our series of letters from African writers, Ghanaian journalist Elizabeth Ohene looks back at some of the big events on the continent in 2018.

Japan whale hunting: Commercial whaling to restart in July

Japan will be free to hunt whales like the minke for commercial purposes from July onwards

J

apan will be free to hunt whales like the minke for commercial purposes from July onwards Japan says it is to restart commercial whaling in July in a move that is likely to draw international criticism.

It said it would withdraw from the International Whaling Commission (IWC), the body tasked with whale conservation.

Commercial whaling was banned by the IWC in 1986 after some species were driven almost to extinction.

Officials in Japan, an IWC member since 1951, say eating whales is part of the country’s culture.

For many years Japan has hunted whales for what it calls “scientific research” and to sell the meat, a programme widely criticised by conservationists.

Wednesday’s announcement had been expected, but conservation groups warn the move will have serious consequences.

It means Japan will be able to freely hunt species currently protected by the IWC, like minke whales.

What did Japan just announce?

Government spokesman Yoshihide Suga said commercial whaling would be restricted to Japanese territorial waters and economic zones.

As a result, Japan will stop hunting in Antarctic waters and the southern hemisphere, a prospect conservation groups had welcomed before it was formally confirmed.

A statement by Japan’s government said the IWC was not committed enough to one of its goals, of supporting sustainable commercial whaling.

It accused the IWC of being focused only on the aim of conserving numbers.

A number of coastal communities in Japan have hunted whales for centuries, but consumption in the country surged only after World War Two when whales were the main source of meat.

It has plummeted in recent decades.

According to Japan’s Asahi newspaper, whale meat makes up only 0.1% of all meat sold in Japan.

Sushi made of whale meat and blubber sold in Miyagi prefecture

What’s been the reaction?

In a joint statement, Australia’s Foreign Minister Marise Payne and Environment Minister Melissa Price said they were “extremely disappointed” with Japan’s decision.

“Australia remains resolutely opposed to all forms of commercial and so-called ‘scientific’ whaling,” the statement added.

Before the formal announcement was made, Nicola Beynon, head of campaigns at Humane Society International in Australia, said Japan would be “operating completely outside the bounds of international law”.

She added: “This is the path of a pirate whaling nation, with a troubling disregard for international rule.”

Greenpeace Japan urged the government to reconsider, and warned it would risk criticism as the host of the G20 summit in Currently, Japan kills whales under a so-called June.

Sam Annesley, Greenpeace Japan’s executive director, scientific research programme said: “It’s clear that the government is trying to sneak in this announcement at the end of year, away from the spotlight of the IWC ban.

Critics say the practice is a cover for what actually amounts to international media, but the world sees this for what it is.

“The declaration today is out of step with the international commercial whaling.

It means that whales can be taken for scientific studies and the community, let alone the protection needed to safeguard the meat can later be sold for consumption. future of our oceans and these majestic creatures.”

Japan has caught between about 200 and 1,200 whales each What is the current whaling ban?

In 1986, IWC members agreed to a moratorium on hunting to year, saying it is investigating stock levels to see whether the whales are endangered or not. allow stocks to recover.

Why can’t the IWC agree?

Pro-whaling nations expected the moratorium to be Japan has repeatedly tried to overturn the moratorium and temporary, until consensus could be reached on sustainable catch secure agreement on sustainable catch quotas. quotas.

The last attempt to do so came in September at an IWC summit ban. Whaling nations, such as Japan, Norway and Iceland, however argue the practice is part of their culture and should in Brazil.

Japan offered a package of measures, including setting up a continue in a sustainable way.

Today, whale stocks are carefully monitored, and while many Sustainable Whaling Committee and sustainable catch limits “for species are still endangered, others - like the minke whale that abundant whale stocks/species”.

The proposal was voted down. Since then there has been talk of Japan primarily hunts - are not.

In September, Tokyo tried to get the IWC to allow commercial the country simply leaving the body so it will no longer be bound by its rules. catch quotas but the proposal was rejected.

Can Japan just leave?

It will still be bound by certain international laws, despite leaving the IWC. The UN Convention on the Law of the Sea binds countries to co-operate on the conservation of whales “through the appropriate international organisations for igrants arriving at the US-Mexico whose identity has not been officially confirmed, their conservation, management border say they are fleeing persecution, died at 23:48 local time(06:48 GMT) on 24 and study”. The text does not say December. The cause of death is still unknown. poverty and violence which international organisation After being detained in El Paso, Texas, he An eight-year-old boy from Guatemala has that is. died in US government custody, officials say, the and his father were taken to a local processing Japan could either try to second migrant child to die in US detention this centre, where they spent two days. They were set up another international month. then sent to El Paso Border Patrol Station, body if it manages to get enough The border agency says the boy died on where they were held for another two days. other countries to sign up - or On 22 December, they were transferred join an existing one like the Monday night hours after showing signs of to Alamogordo Border Patrol Station, in illness.

A Texas congressman named him as North Atlantic Marine Mammal neighbouring New Mexico.

Commission (Nammco) instead. Felipe Alónzo-Gomez.

On Monday morning, an agent noticed The child was detained with his father on 18 Like a smaller version of the IWC, Nammco is a grouping of December after illegally crossing the US-Mexico that the boy “was coughing and appeared to have glossy eyes”. He was taken with his father pro-whaling nations - Norway, border.

A seven-year-old girl died earlier this month to a hospital where he was diagnosed with a Iceland, Greenland and the common cold and given Tylenol (paracetamol).

Faroe Islands - born out of just hours after being detained.

While being evaluated for release, he was Jakelin Caal, also from Guatemala, frustration with the IWC. Hasn’t Japan been whaling developed a high fever and died of liver failure. found to have a fever of 103F (39.4C) and held for more observation. He was released shortly Her funeral was held in her village on Tuesday. all along?

Thousands of migrants have travelled from afterwards with a prescription for an antibiotic Yes, Japan has been hunting whales for the past 30 years but Central America - mainly from Guatemala, and ibuprofen.

The boy and his father were taken to a under a scientific programme, Honduras and El Salvador - to the US border.

Many say there are fleeing persecution, temporary site at the Highway 70 checkpoint, granted as an exception under poverty and violence in their home countries where the child received the medication. Two hours later, he vomited. and plan to seek asylum in the US. His father declined further medical What do we know about the latest case?

In a new, lengthy statement, the US Customs assistance, the CBP said, as the child had been and Border Protection (CBP) said the boy, feeling better.

Guatemalan boy detained at border dies in US custody

M

Mount Etna: New 4.8-magnitude earthquake hits Sicily

F

our point Eight (4.8)-magnitude earthquake has hit Sicily near Europe’s most active volcano, Mount Etna, injuring at least 28 people, Italian officials say.

Ten people were taken to hospital suffering from light injuries caused by falling debris.

Some buildings were damaged in what was the strongest in dozens of tremors since Etna erupted on Monday.

Volcanic ash had earlier covered nearby villages and Catania airport had to temporarily suspend operations.

The earthquake struck at 03:19 local time (02:19 GMT) on Wednesday near the municipality of Viagrande.

In the village of Fleri, an 80-year-old man had to be rescued from his home. A local church was also damaged.

Italian media reported panic among residents, many of whom ran out into the streets. People on the mountainside were told to escape quickly.

There were also reports of buildings shaking in Catania, a city of more than 300,000 people.

Source: BBC

Migrants arriving at the US-Mexico border say they are fleeing persecution, poverty and violence

Ethiopia’s Prime Minister Abiy Ahmed got soldiers who had threatened him to do press-ups t has been a year where one is tempted to invoke the “always something new out of Africa” theory.

It is not every day you have a prime minister leading a group of soldiers into doing press-ups, particularly not when the armed soldiers had tried to force their way into the compound of the prime minister to protest against unpaid wages.

It is the type of scenario that used to end up in coups in the old days.

But Abiy Ahmed has been doing the seemingly impossible ever since he unexpectedly became prime minister of Ethiopia in April.

He is 42-years-old, and currently Africa’s youngest leader.

I

There is nothing predictable about the man and how he has set about doing his job.

Ethiopia had been seen by critics as an authoritarian state that brushed off criticism and remained an implacable foe to neighbour Eritrea.

But within a few months of taking office, Mr Abiy had lifted the state of emergency, released thousands of political prisoners, allowed dissidents to return home and unblocked hundreds of websites and TV channels.

Peace with long-time foe Just as people were digesting the dizzying changes on the domestic front, the prime minister, in the sphere of diplomatic relations, did the equivalent of making the sun rise from the west.

He ended the state of war with Eritrea by agreeing to give up disputed border territory thereby normalising relations with the long-time foe.

Sahle-Work Zewde is Ethiopia’s ceremonial head of state, while Abiy Ahmed (r) holds political power This came in an unexpected visit to the Eritrean capital, Asmara, and publicly holding hands with Eritrean President Isaias Afwerki to declare the end of the two-decade old war.

Women in power Flights and telephone communications have been restored and there has been an outbreak of love between the two nations that has stunned the world.

And if anyone thought there had been enough surprises, in October, Mr Abiy appointed women to half of all cabinet posts.

If that does not sound impressive enough, there were other changes. Ethiopia now has a female president (Sahle-Work Zewde), a female head of the Supreme Court (Meaza Ashenafi), a female head of the electoral commission (Birtukan Mideksa), and the official spokesperson of the government is a woman (Billene Aster Seyoum).

South Africa was another country which saw a major change of leadership, but the optimism that came with the accession of Cyril Ramaphosa to the presidency has fizzled out.

Cyril Ramaphosa is under pressure to curb corruption and unemployment He took over after the scandal-hit President Jacob Zuma was forced to resign in February.

Mr Ramaphosa was not doing press-ups but he did start with a lot of enthusiastic jogging that attracted a lot of attention from his compatriots.

‘Brooding shadow’ When he started the hashtag “the tummy must fall”, many South Africans felt the time for smiles had returned to their country.

But the brooding shadow of Mr Zuma looms large as Mr Ramaphosa tries to tackle the alleged corruption which came to define his his predecessor’s time in office.

Mr Zuma maintains his innocence, and has asked the courts to throw out 16 corruption charges brought against him over a notorious arms deal.

For a brief period this year, all 54 countries on the continent appeared united in outrage in January when US President Donald Trump was reported as not wanting migrants from Africa coming to the US because their countries were “shitholes”.

Later in the year, his wife Melania undertook a four-nation African tour when she visited Ghana, Malawi, Egypt and Kenya.

Whilst she was still on the continent, President Trump was tweeting that Africans loved his wife.

Bobi Wine, the Ugandan pop star-turned-MP, shook Uganda for a few weeks in August and attracted the attention of the world when he was arrested by the police and charged with treason.

After leaving the country for medical treatment for injuries that he alleged were sustained during his arrest, he is now back in Uganda and his first performance as a singer in November showed his popularity remained solid.

A good man was recognised for his good deeds when Denis Mukwege, the Congolese doctor, shared the 2018 Nobel Peace Prize with Yazidi activist Nadia Murad.

Dr Mukwege has been described as “the world’s leading expert on repairing injuries of rape”, and is known to grateful patients as “Doctor Miracle” for his work in his homeland of the Democratic Republic of Congo, where unfortunately his skills are always needed because of the continuing unrest.

Arsene Wenger got a hero’s welcome when he flew into Liberia George Weah became president of Liberia in January and demonstrated his gratitude to those who helped him at the start of his football career as later in the year he gave his former coach, Arsene Wenger, the country’s highest award.

If Nelson Mandela had been alive, he would have been 100 years old this year and to mark the anniversary of his birth, lots of activities were organised around the world.

Former US President Barack Obama went to South Africa to give a lecture and there were concerts to celebrate Madiba, as the anti-apartheid icon is affectionately known.

‘Predatory loans’ Hugh Masekela, the famous South African trumpet player and anti-apartheid campaigner, died earlier in the year and was widely mourned.

Winnie Madikizela-Mandela, the ex-wife of Nelson Mandela and the much-loved and sometimes controversial anti-apartheid leader, also died this year and was given a befittingly rousing send-off.

Melania Trump chose to wear a pith helmet on a safari in Kenya Indeed, Melania cut a swathe with her pith helmet, even though it does not seem to have started a new fashion trend yet.

Whilst some people were still debating Mr Trump’s reported insult against migrants, a young man from Mali held Paris spellbound as he scrambled up the wall of a high-rise apartment block to save a dangling child.

He earned himself the title of Spiderman, and was granted French citizenship by President Emmanuel Macron.

Weah honours Wenger If the Parisian Spiderman temporarily forced the French to look at migrants in a different light, President Macron himself was forced to listen to an eight-minute exposition on how Africa does not want the generosity of the world by the Ghanaian President Nana Akufo-Addo when he visited the West African state.

That video went viral and many Africans cheered that a leader had articulated their feelings.

But other things went viral which did not make too many people proud.

Uganda popular musician-turned-politician Wine appeared in court with crutches

Bobi

Ex-UN chief Kofi Annan was given a grand funeral in Ghana’s capital, Accra Kofi Annan, the former secretary-general of the United Nations, celebrated his 80th birthday and continued with his peacemaking activities when he led a delegation to Zimbabwe ahead of July’s elections. He died unexpectedly in Bern, Switzerland, in August.

His remains were brought to his homeland of Ghana where he was given a state burial and a grand funeral in true Ghanaian style.

The love affair between China and Africa continued and at a conference in Beijing this year, President Xi Jinping announced an extra $60bn (£47bn) of financing for the continent.

Meanwhile, the Americans went public with their scepticism about China’s intentions and accused China of predatory loan arrangements.

But the infrastructure deficit on the continent is huge, and the view of African governments seems to be that money should be taken from anywhere and anyone to build roads, bridges, railways, airports, schools, hospitals and universities.

Their citizens will not complain, provided they can see the results with their own eyes.

PAGE 24

N

e w s

F

r o m

A

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

s i a

Russia condemns ‘Israeli’ air strikes on Syria R ussia has branded as “provocative” an alleged Israeli air strike on Syria late on Tuesday.

Reports from Syria said an arms depot in Qatifah, about 40km (25 miles) northeast of Damascus, was hit, injuring three soldiers.

Israel has not commented, but after the reported strikes it said it had fired at a Syrian anti-aircraft missile. It did not report any damage or injuries.

Israel has carried out dozens of strikes on Syria in recent years.

It says it is acting to thwart advanced weapons transfers from Iran to the Lebanese pro-Iranian Hezbollah movement and the strengthening of Iran’s military presence in Syria.

Israel considers Iran and Hezbollah to pose a particularly dangerous threat.

‘Launched from Lebanon’ The foreign ministry of Russia, a key Syrian ally, said it was “very concerned” by the alleged Israeli air strikes.

“The provocative actions of the Israeli air force... directly threatened two

airliners,” it said.

The statement said the unidentified airliners “not from Russia, were preparing to land at the airports of Beirut and Damascus”.

The Syrian military said the attacks were carried out from within Lebanese air space. Syrian state news agency, Sana, said most of the missiles were intercepted.

Video footage posted on social media shows an object moving over Damascus.

Then the sound of a loud explosion is heard, followed by a burst of artillery shelling.

Newsweek magazine quoted an unnamed US defence department source as saying several Hezbollah leaders had just boarded a flight to Iran and were injured in the strikes.

The Israel Defense Forces (IDF) later tweeted that its air defence systems had been “activated in response to an antiaircraft missile launched from Syria”.

Israel rarely admits carrying out attacks on targets in Syria.

But in May, Israel said it had struck

Smoke was seen rising over a mountain near Damascus on Tuesday night almost all of Iran’s military infrastructure there in its such biggest assault since the start of the Syrian civil war in 2011.

Those strikes came after rockets were fired at Israeli military positions in the occupied Syrian Golan Heights.

A

British-Iranian academic who was arrested and detained in Iran on security charges has returned to the UK, the Foreign Office has confirmed.

Prof Abbas Edalat, who works at Imperial College London, was detained in Tehran in April.

The Campaign Against Sanctions and

Military Intervention in Iran said he was released last week.

British-Iranian charity worker Nazanin Zaghari-Ratcliffe remains in prison in Iran, where she has been since 2016.

Prof Edalat - who specialises in computer science and mathematics was reportedly attending an academic workshop in Iran on 15 April when he was detained.

At the time of his arrest, an Iranian news agency reported that Prof Edalat was part of a “network” of British spies whose members had been identified and arrested.

Prof Edalat founded anti-war protest group CASMII, which opposes sanctions in Iran.

The group said: “It increasingly appears, as we had suspected, that his detention in spring in Iran was a case of misinformation and misunderstanding by the Iranian security apparatus.”

In April, there were at least 30 dual nationals in jail in Iran - among them several dual British-Iranian nationals.

A spokesman for the Foreign Office

said: “We continue to take action on all our consular cases in Iran in line with what we believe will produce the best outcomes in their cases.”

Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe is serving a five-year jail sentence after being convicted of spying charges, which she denies.

Foreign Secretary Jeremy Hunt met Mrs Zaghari-Ratcliffe’s husband, Richard Ratcliffe, on 21 December to assure him the Foreign Office was continuing to work towards her release.

With regards to her case, a Foreign Office spokesman said: “We have repeatedly lobbied the Iranians to release Ms Zaghari-Ratcliffe on humanitarian grounds and we raise all our cases at every level and every opportunity.”

The spokesman added that Iran did not recognise dual nationality, which made the case more difficult.

Prime Minister Theresa May met Iranian President Hassan Rouhani for talksat the United Nations in New York in September, when she told him she had “serious concerns” about Mrs ZaghariRatcliffe’s imprisonment.

Afghan presidential election delayed by three months

F

inal results from October’s parliamentary elections have not yet been declared Next year’s presidential election in Afghanistan has been postponed by three months, election authority sources say.

It was initially due in April. A new date in mid-July or early August is to be announced on Thursday.

Many potential candidates had been unable to meet registration requirements and extreme weather meant their teams could not organise for a spring date, the sources told the BBC. It comes days after reports that the US was to withdraw thousands of troops.

About 7,000 troops - roughly half the remaining US military presence in the country - could go home within months, the US media reports said.

On Monday 43 people died in a suicide and gun attack on the Afghan ministry of public works in Kabul, officials said.

Meanwhile Iran has held talks with the Afghan Taliban, a senior Iranian security official said.

The decision to postpone the presidential

vote also comes after a series of problems affected parliamentary elections in October, which was disrupted by the Taliban and Islamic State group.

Violence affected campaigning and the polls themselves, with 10 candidates killed and deadly blasts at polling stations, nearly a third of which were closed because of security concerns.

There were widespread problems with biometric identification devices used in October The vote in Ghazni province has not yet taken place because of insecurity and will now happen at the same time as the presidential election.

Voting in Kandahar province was delayed for a week after its police chief there was assassinated.

There were also problems with a biometric verification system as well as delays at many polling stations because staff arrived late.

Final results from other major provinces such as Kabul, Herat and Mazar-e-Sharif have not yet been declared. The new parliament is due to begin sitting in March.

Final results from October’s parliamentary elections have not yet been declared Past elections in the country have also was only resolved after a power-sharing been marred by corruption, fraud, and voter agreement was negotiated by the US with Mr intimidation.

Ghani’s main rival, Abdullah Abdullah, who The previous presidential election was given the position of chief executive.

- which saw Ashraf Ghani take power Source: BBC

PAGE 25

By TOBIAS LENGNAN DAPAM

Killings, attacks: Optometrists demand members protection

T

Abbas Edalat: British professor returns to UK after detention in Iran

British-Iranian professor returns to UK after detention in Iran. ... (CNN) Abbas Edalat

HEALTH

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

he Nigerian Optometric Association (NOA) has condemned frequent attacks on its members and called for urgent protection to avoid nationwide service disruption.

Dr. Ozy Okonokhua, the President of NOA, made the appeal at a news conference on the attack of optometry profession on Tuesday in Abuja.

He was reacting to the gruesome murder of its member, Dr Lucky Kina, the immediate past Chairman of Rivers chapter, in Ogoniland.

Okonokhua therefore called for intervention by security agencies to protect lives and property of citizens.

He lamented that Kina who was NOA Vice Chairman of the community council, was murdered last two weeks by known anticultist advocate in the presence of his wife in his home town.

“We are calling on President Muhammadu Buhari, the Inspector General of Police, the

Governor of Rivers State and FCT Minister, with other security agencies and well meaning Nigerians to come to the aid of optometrists in the country.

“We demand that persons that masterminded the gruesome murder of Kina be fished out and meted with justice.

“Kina was a peace loving citizen of Nigeria and does not deserve to be killed by persons who bear no true allegiance to the value of humanity.

“We also demand that the security agencies take practical steps to bring to book all persons involved in this systemic attack on the optometry family.

“This is to help restore confidence of the NOA on the security apparatus in Nigeria.

We shall continue to make this demand until justice has been served.

“No longer shall we keep quiet and watch key contributions to the economy such as optometrists decimated by agents of darkness.

“We further call on all persons of good

conscience to lend a voice to this clarion call and help save optometrists from extinction in the country,” Okonokhua said.

The NOA president recalled that the former FCT Chairman of the association was attacked and shot by suspected armed robbers in July 2016, and in October 2017 a siege was laid on the home of immediate past president Dr. Damian Echendu, for four hours in Abuja.

“Similarly, in June 2018, Rivers state chapter Treasurer was held hostage for days by persons demanding for ransom.’’

He also noted that in September, the Secretary of Kaduna State chapter died in strange circumstances in his home in Kaduna and few days ago the President of Women Optometrists in Nigeria (WON) was also held hostage for 14 hours in her house by suspected armed robbers, among others.

Okonokhua described orchestrators of these attacks as averse to eye care development

in the country and to further discourage the optometry population from growing.

According to him, NOA view these cases of attacks on members, particularly office holders, as a deliberate attempt to silence optometrists in the country given their commitment to the growth of the nation.

“Today NOA is under attack; today eye care in Nigeria is under attack. We are being systematically singled out for attack by persons who are not with the gains recorded

by Optometry profession for Nigerian populace across the length and breadth of the country.

“We view the killing of Kina as a clear indication of the fact that some persons are unhappy with the contributions being made by optometrists and NOA as a body.

“It is obvious that the leadership of NOA is the prime target so as to reduce the association’s influence and contributions to social development and nation building,” he said.

Snoring dangerous for women: New study Indigestion: Pediatrician recommends regular water intake

D

r. Annabel Shafe, a Paediatrician, says regular intake of water by children will prevent indigestion and burning chest pain.

Share, who made the recommendation in an interview with the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) on Saturday in Abuja noted that water was helpful in reducing the impact of acid reflux that caused indigestion.

She advised parents to cultivate the habit of giving their children water regularly, especially after meals to facilitate easy digestion.

According to her, indigestion happens when the stomach acids played havoc with the digestive system.

She said there might be no need for taking drugs to treat indigestion in children, adding that some children’s digestive systems was more sensitive than others.

The Paediatrician said the best option was to avoid fatty and greasy foods.

“Some children are more prone to stomach problems while some eat anything that comes their way and never experienced indigestion.

“But children with sensitive digestive system should avoid fatty and greasy foods because those foods can trigger indigestion,’’ she said.

The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that indigestion could cause stomach pain, chest pain, heartburn, nausea, vomiting, among others.

The medical expert advised parents to give their children fruits as they were a wonderful source of fibre, and aid digestion.

A

new study says both snoring and obstructive sleep apnea could lead to earlier impairment of cardiac function in women.

“Snoring” refers to a sleeping pattern in which a person breathes while emitting a snorting or grunting sound.

Although, the National Sleep Foundation suggests that 90 million people in the United States snore, snoring might become more dangerous as people age, and it can also lead to heart disease, especially for women.

There are different types of sleep apnea, but the most common is called obstructive sleep apnea (OSA). At least 18 million U.S. adults have sleep apnea.

This condition affects breathing patterns while sleeping, causing a person to stop breathing and start again repeatedly. About half of people who snore loudly have OSA. When OSA occurs, the muscles in the throat that are responsible for keeping the airway open actually prevent the flow of air.

According to a new study presented recently at the annual meeting of the Radiological Society of North America — held in Chicago, IL — snoring and OSA may lead to earlier impairment of cardiac function in women than in men.

It is unclear whether or not sleep apnea directly causes heart disease, but some specialists believe that people with sleep apnea are at risk of developing hypertension, or high blood pressure.

Many people who have sleep apnea also have co-existing diseases. This is one of the reasons why it is harder to establish a direct link between sleep apnea and heart disease.

According to the American Heart Association (AHA), some people living with sleep apnea and high blood pressure who received treatment for sleep apnea also saw their blood pressure drop.

Such findings show a possible link between hypertension and sleep apnea.

OSA is also associated with obesity, which is a risk factor for heart disease.

Obesity contributes to sleep apnea, and the sleep deprivation that sleep apnea causes can give rise to further obesity, in the long-term. As a person gains more weight, the throat muscles that keep the airway open relax, and sleep apnea becomes more serious.

The researchers analyzed data associated with cardiac parameters in relation to diagnosed OSA and self-reported snoring using data from the UK Biobank.

The UK Biobank is an international health resource, open to researchers, that aims to improve the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of diseases.

The data were of 4,877 participants who had received a cardiac MRI scan. The scientists divided them into three groups: those with OSA, those with self-reported snoring, and those with neither.

When the researchers compared the snoring

group with the group without sleep disorders, they found a striking difference in the left ventricular mass in women compared with men.

Increased left ventricular mass means that the heart needs to work harder to fulfil the body’s needs.

These patterns in people who self-reportedly snore may be an indication of undiagnosed OSA. “We found that the cardiac parameters in women appear to be more easily affected by the disease and that women who snore or have OSA might be at greater risk for cardiac involvement.”

The researchers also found that the number of diagnosed OSA cases in the study was extremely low, suggesting that OSA may be underdiagnosed across the board.

Dr. Curta, a radiology resident at Munich University Hospital in Germany, urges people who snore to get screened for OSA and those with OSA to seek treatment.

“I would encourage people who snore to ask their partner to observe them and look for phases during sleep when they stop breathing for a short while and then gasp for air,” says Dr. Curta.

“If unsure, they can spend the night at a sleep lab where breathing is constantly monitored during sleep and even slight alterations can be recorded.”

The team now hopes to conduct more research to fully understand the sex differences linked to snoring and OSA.

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, december 27, 2018

26

Feature

CLASSIFIED

When Yorubas celebrated carnival of unity in Zuba

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

AFE ANNANG FOUNDATION

CHRISTIAN LIFE ASSURANCE PRAYER MINISTRY

INTERNATIONAL CHRISTIAN LEADERSHIP COMMUNION

The general public is hereby inform that the above named Foundation has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Decree No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. ATUEKONG DON OBOT ETIEBET 2. SENATOR GODSWILL OBOT AKPABIO 3. OBONG UDOM EKPO UDOM 4. CHIEF GODWIN MICHAEL AFANGIDE 5. PROF. AKPAN IBANGA AKPAN 6. OBONGANWAN OBONODO INI UKO AIMS/OBJECTIVES: 1. To Foster Unity, Love and Patriotism among Annang Sons and Daughters at home and in diaspora Any Objection to the 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: CHAIRMAN

PUBLIC NOTICE

Mobile money & bank Agents association of Sokoto

The general public is hereby inform that the above named Foundation has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Decree No. 1 of 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Alh.Danladi Abubakar Amadi 2. Eng Abubakar Hassan 3. Barrister Nuhu Muhammad Aims and objectives 1 .Advocacy and awareness on Financial literacy 2. Support and aid to foster inclusion and other electronic payment solutions policies Any Objection to the 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

Yoruba and Egungun Festival – Juju Films Muhammed Bello, Minister of Federal Capital Territory

By Usman Shuaibu

O

n the 16th of December, 2018, the Yoruba people of Zuba in Gwagwalada Area Council, FCT gathered at Ikwa junction to celebrate the 1st Yoruba Youth carnival in a grand style.

It was indeed a special celebration, as the yorubas thronged the arena to showcase their cultural heritage. The colourful occasion was attended by impatent government dignitaries in the territory.

One of the government functionaries who spoke. During the carnival ceremony, the chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Adamu Mustapha Danze, commended the leadership of Yoruba Community in Zuba for the step being taken to organize the carnival to unite the youths, especially the Yoruba youths in the area.

However, the chairman specifically lauded the chairman of the occasion, Chief (Dr) Wasiu Tunwase who doubled as the Otunba of FCT for gathering the Yoruba youths in order to promote their cultural norms.

The Gwagwalada Council Chairman assured yorubas that his administration would not hesitate to support the Yoruba Community in Zuba for its activities Fielding questions from the Peoples Daily correspondent during the celebration of the carnival, the chairman of the day, Chief (Dr) Wasiu Tunwase, said the Yoruba youth carnival was the 1st of its kind in Zuba community.

He pointed out that the youth carnival was being organized in order to unite the yorubas in Zuba and beyond. “In fact, we join hands to celebrate the youth carnival in Zuba for the sake of peace of yorubas”. he added.

Otunba further said: “The Yoruba youth carnival aimed at bringing unity, peace and way forward to the Yoruba community in

Zuba and its environs.

On the 2019 general elections the Otunba charged the Yoruba youths to come out en masse to vote the candidates of their choice, urging them to desist from any act capable of generating tension before, during and after the elections.

He then advised the youths to continue to respect the Yoruba traditional rulers as well as constituted authorities at all times.

Tunwase, however, appealed to Obas of yorubas to continue to preach peace during their subjects, as well to maintain good relationship with the host communities.

However, the Otunba, thanked the chairman of Gwagwalada Area Council, Hon. Adamu Mustapha Danze, the Vicechairman of the council, Hon. Mohammed Kasim, the Oba of Yoruba in the FCT, Oba Olusegun Salau, the Oba Yoruba Zuba, Alhaji M.A. Odun Mbaku, the Oba Yoruba Yimi, Chief OlatunjiOpeifa and OloriOdo of Zuba, Chief Ayanlere Ibrahim Yusufu among other obas who attended the occasion.

At this juncture, some of the important associations and clubs also graced the carnival ceremony which included: Oyo Toro Progressive club, Bomode Oku Social Club, Akorede Prosgressive Club, Iwo OdiDere Nice Club, League of Friends, Unity Women’s Club, Legacy Club, Ewe Laiye N’ FE Social Club, Yoruba Forum

Fruit Market, Surprise Women Club, Okun Development Association, Ife Descendant, Ikare Descendant, Good Ambition, Nice Club, Unity Progressive Club, Prestige Club, Yoruba Youth Fancy Club and Tanimola Best Club (A.K.A TOKOLASE).

Also, on the 15th of December 2018, the Yorubas International Ultramodern Building Materials Traders Association Filindabo Dei-dei, FCT celebrated end of the year party which first started in 2004, with the attendance of the important personality.

Similarly, one of the activities carried out by the leadership of Yoruba community in this year was the inauguration of the executives of APC Southwest Forum in Gwagwalada which took place at Jeparo Hotel.

Speaking during the inauguration, the chairman of APC Southwest in the FCT chapter, Pastor OlusegunErinle, charged the newly inaugurated executives to lay a solid foundation for those who are coming behind.

He also urged the new officials to play politics of integrity, while advising them to be transparent in whatever they do.

He said: “Politicians in the Southwest should join force with APC to make sure that a credible change that will guarantee a solid future, not only for our children but for Nigeria as a nation is established or put in place”.

Erinle pleaded with the youths to shun politics of bitterness and advised them not

“

The Yoruba youth carnival aimed at bringing unity, peace and way forward to the Yoruba community in Zuba and its environs. On the 2019 general elections the Otunba charged the Yoruba youths to come out en masse to vote the candidates of their choice, urging them to desist from any act capable of generating tension before, during and after the elections.

PAGE 28

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

to identify with the politicians who would engage them in the political hooliganism or violence.

Also speaking, the State APC Vicechairman FCT Chapter, Hon. Patrick Ogunyemi, urged the new officials to come together to speak with one voice in order to ripe the dividends of democracy in the area.

He further asked the officials to deem it fit to pilot the affairs of APC South-West properly, so that they could actualize their dreams for the forum.

Ogunyemi called on the youths to rise up to contest for political positions, as the President MuhammaduBuhari had signed the bill “Not too Young to Run” into law.

On his part, the Vice-chairman APC Southwest FCT Chapter, Chief (Dr)Wasiu Tunwase, who is also the Otunba of Yoruba community in the FCT, advised the new officials of APC South West forum in Gwagwalada not to betray the confidence reposed on them.

Tunwase therefore, solicited the support and co-operation of the Yoruba people to continue to live in peace with the indigenes, noting that yorubas are known to be peaceloving people.

The Oba of Yoruba in the FCT, Oba Olusegun Salau, who spoke during the inauguration, charged the APC Southwest forum in Gwagwalada to tolerate one another.

In his speech, the chairman of the forum in Gwagwalada, Mr Ojo Sunday, said his leadership would carry every member of the forum along in the affairs of things.

To this end, the activities of Yoruba Community under review appointed the Oba of Yoruba in Gwagwalada and to be turbaned by the Aguma of Gwagwalada, Alhaji Muhammadu Magajias soon as the Yoruba community is ready to do so Meanwhile, the Otunba of the FCT, Chief (Dr) Wasiu Tunwase would be remembered for his policies and programmes aimed at bringing Yoruba people together in the six area councils and beyond for the sake of unity among them.

Signed: Secretary

Abdulrashid I, Formerly known as Abdulrashid Mohammed Now wish to be known and addresed as Abdulrashid Shu’aibu. All former documents remain valid. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

The general public is hereby informed that the above named ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990.

The general public is hereby informed that the above named ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. APOSTLE UDUMEDHENO PAUL OBI 2. PASTOR (MRS.) OREVAOGHENE OBI 3. MR. GOODLUCK URHIE 4. MR. GLORY GOREMA 5. BRO. CONFIDENCE OBI 6. ELDER EDIRI KOKORO

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. BISHOP (DR.) PAUL ANI-SMART 2. REV. (MRS.) TINA ANI-SMART 3. PASTOR HENRY OBI 4. REV. (DR.) GODSON AJAYI 5. PASTOR IRENE OGBE 6. REV. NICHOLAS AZAH

POSITION: - FOUNDER/GENERAL OVERSEER -ASSISTANT GENERAL OVERSEER -SECRETARY -MEMBER - MEMBER - MEMBER

POSITION: - INT’L PRESIDENT -IN’T VICE PRESIDENT -SECRETARY -TREASURER -MEMBER -MEMBER

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To Preach the Gospel of Christ Jesus.

AIMS AND OBJECTIVES 1. To help and encourage one another to be strong.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the RegistrarGeneral, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, P.M.B 198, Abuja, within Twenty Eight (28) days of this publication.

Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, P.M.B 198, Abuja, within Twenty Eight (28) days of this publication.

Signed: PASTOR EDWIN EMOJEVU 08039230250

Signed: PASTOR EDWIN EMOJEVU 08039230250

KAMAL I, Formerly known as Alhaji haliru kamal Now wish to be known and addresed as kamal ayinde haliru. All former documents remain valid. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

I, Formerly known as nura adamu, old date of birth: 2/12/1983 Now wish to be known and addresed as mohammed nura, new date of birth:2/12/1993. All former documents remain valid. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

KANDE I, Formerly known as KANDE IBRAHIM Now wish to be known and addresed as KANDE ADAMU. All former documents remain valid.

AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

KHADIJA I, Formerly known as KHADIJA ABDULLAHI Now wish to be known and addresed as KHADIJA ABDULLAHI MUHAMMAD. All former documents remain valid. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

SUGAR I, Formerly known as MUSTAFA HASIMU Now wish to be known and addresed as SAGIR HASIMU . All former documents remain valid.

AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE yahaya I, Formerly known as abdulmajid gatah yahaya Now wish to be known and addresed as yahaya kasimu. All former documents remain valid. AUTHORITIES CONCERNED AND THE GENERAL PUBLIC SHOULD PLEASE TAKE NOTE

mohammed

THIS SPACE IS FOR SALE

CLASSIFIED PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

UNITED CITIZENS FOR DEVELOPMENT INITIATIVE

RETECH HUMAN CAPITAL DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. JAMILU USMAN 2. MOHAMMED KABIR 3. SULAIMAN MANGADU 4. ABUBAKAR MUSA 5. ABDULRAHMAN SALIHU 6. HADIZA ABUBAKAR 7. AMINU SHUAIBU

-CHAIRMAN -SECRETARY -TREASURER -P.R.O -FIN. SECRETARY

ARTICLE 3: OBJECTIVES : 1. To improve living standard of citizens through moral, materials and financial support to ensure self-reliance and self-determination.

2. To prevent and reduce prevalence of diseases through awareness creation and support.

3. To improve educational standard through provision/revival of educational facilities and improve students’ performance.

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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. RONYE REX EJIRO 2. UZU UGOCHUKWU 3. OHIWEREI IRENOSEN BARBARA 4. UMAR NURUDEEN 5. UMOLE FRANKLIN OMOKHUDU 6. ADISA ADEKEMI FAOSAT 7. ADETOSOYE ADESUWA EMOKPAE THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. MENTORSHIP OF NIGERIAN YOUTHS DEVELOPMENT GOALS AND OBJECTIVES.

TO

ACHIEVE

PROFESSIONAL

THE GATE OF TERA’S 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. APOSTLE GABRIEL OTUERORO 2. PASTOR (MRS) HANNAH OTUERORO 3. APOSTLE (MRS) BLESSING OGHENEGARE ERUOTOR 4. REV. GEORGE OYABEVWE 5.SAMSON OTUERORO 6. DEACONESS IBIMISAN OWOYELE STELLA 7. DEACONESS BEAUTY IGUELE 8.MR. IWEMA GABRIEL 9. ASORO EUNICE OGBOTORHENE 10. GODWIN OBOTUKE THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. TO PREACH THE GOSPEL AND ENVANGELIZE THE WHOLE NATIONS. 2 TO HEAL THE SICK.

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 :

BY CHAIRMAN.

SIGNED : SECRETARY

SIGNED : BARR P. E. UTI 08035910306.

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

GOD’S PRINT 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. ALFRED ITSWELL. - President 2. OKON BLESSING UDOH -Secretary 3. EMUKA THANKGOD IFEANYI The AIM and Objective: 1. To preach, teach and propagate the rich gospel of our Lord and saviour Jesus Christ by the leading of the holy spirit.

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 :

By J. E. Obasuyi (Mrs.) 08024729418.

PUBLIC NOTICE

POWA PLAZA GARKI TWO RESIDENTS ASSOCIATION

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

THE TRUSTEES ARE : (1)ALH MANSUR SULEIMAN TAHIR. (2)Sagir Garba Zakari (3)AGBUGBA GLORIA. (4)SD OKORO. THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1. To protect the interest of it’s members.

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION. SIGNED : SECRETARY.

THE SAINT JOHN’S UNIVERSAL CHURCH OF CHRIST

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.

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. MRS AWE JOLAADE ALICE 2. MR AWE STEPHEN OLU 3. MRS FADIORA MARY EBUN 4. ENGR. AWE OLUWASEYI BABATUNDE 5. MRS OLABAMPE OLAYINKA VICTORIA 6. MRS OKYERE GRACE YEMISI 7. MRS BABALOLA ELIZABETH OLAWUMI

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1. ADIO LATEEFAT OLUWAKEMI 2. RAHEEM DAUDA AJADOSU

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. Ademola Ajadi

SIGNED : SECRETARY.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE INTERNATIONAL COMMUNITY LIFE HELP CENTRE

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1.TO Help street boys/girls, discover and develop their potentials encourage them to reconcile with their families Character formation .

2.TO help them acquire skills.

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 GENERAL PUBLIC IS HEREBY NOTIFIED ThAT THE ABOVE named has applied to the coperate affairs commision for CHANGE/appointment and removal OF ITS TRUSTEES under part c of the company and allied matters ACT 1990 APPOINTED TRUSTEES ARE (1) SHAW MICHEAL MATTHEW RETAINED TRUSTEES (1) MUSILI YINKA OSENI (2) OLADOSU GBOLAHAN SHERIFFDEEN (3) EJALONIBU ZAINAB AFOLABI (4) OLADOSU OLABISI HAFISAT (5) ALHAJI OSENI MUSTAPHA ADEWALE REMOVED TRUSTEES (1) .OSENI IDRIS BABATUNDE (2) AMZAT-DUHAK IBRAHIM DUHAT

Workers protesting

By Albert Akota

Aims and objects: remain the same.

Any objection to this APPLICATION should be forwaded to the registra genetral coperate affairs commision plot 420 tigris crescent maitama abuja withing 28 days of this publication Sign: Oni Alexander

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

PUBLIC NOTICE

GARLYN FOUNDATION

HEALTH POLICY RESEARCHERS GLOBAL NETWORK

YANA COMMUNITY DEVELOPMENT FOUNDATION

The general public is hereby informed that the above named ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1) Esther Jummai Pam-Tok 2) Kim Pam 3) Ezekiel Sunday Ango 4) Paul Tadi Tom 5) Mon Pam-Tok 6)Jennifer Pam-Tok 7) Priscilla Bitrus Pam 8) Lovina Kayode 9) Bang Pam-Tok The Aim And Objectives 1)Women and Youth empowerment 2) Gender based violence advocacy Signed. Secretary Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, P.M.B 198, Abuja, within Twenty Eight (28) days of this publication.

Signed: PASTOR EDWIN EMOJEVU 08039230250

The general public is hereby informed that the above named ministry has applied to the Corporate Affairs Commission, Abuja for registration under part “C” of the Companies and Allied Matters Acts, 1990.

THE TRUSTEES ARE: 1. Prof. Obinna onwujekwe 2. Pharm. (Mrs) Ogochukwu Onwujekwe 3. Prof. Paul Okonkwo 4. Prof. Benjamin Uzochukwu THE AIM AND OBJECTIVES: 1. To serve as a network of health policy researchers in the academia and in practice 2. To promote knowledge and education on health policy Any objection to the registration should be forwarded to the Registrar-General, Corporate Affairs Commission, plot 420, Tigris Crescent, off Aguiyi Ironsi street, Maitama, P.M.B 198, Abuja, within Twenty Eight (28) days of this publication.

Signed: Secretary

NFF owes workers 5-month salaries sports@peoplesdailyng.com, SMS- 08142929046

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

ANY OBJECTION TO THIS REGISTRATION SHOULD BE FORWARDED TO THE REGISTRAR_GENERAL, CORPORATE AFFAIRS COMMISSION, PLOT 420, TIGRIS CRESCENT , OFF AGUIYI IRONSI STREET , MAITAMA , ABUJA WITHIN 28DAYS OF THIS PUBLICATION.

PUBLIC NOTICE

THE TRUSTEES ARE : 1) Mrs. Jeshua Immanu-El Alleluyanatha- Anozia - CHAIRMAN 2) Mr. KINGSLEY Anetor Francis ODIA 3) Mr. Paul Ebhohimhen AIKOGHHAEKPEN 4.ANYAEGBUNAM Joseph Emeka 5)Mrs Olubukola Olubunmi Adeyeye 6) Mrs Olufunmilayo Aiyepeku - SECRETARY

29

THE AIMS AND OBJECTIVES ARE : 1. To propagate practices engendering women dignity and development in all human endeavours.

2. To empower women and youths to gain employment, become selfemployed and agent of positive change, use entrepreneurial skills development as a tool for poverty reduction, conflict mitigation and promotion of social cohesion.

LIVINGSTONES OFF THE STREET 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.

Page

GLOBAL INITIATIVE FOR WOMEN’S DIGNITY & DEVELOPMENT

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

THE AIM AND OBJECTIVE : 1.To preach the gospel of Jesus Christ.

Sports

PEOPLES DAILY

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

PAGE 28

The general public is hereby inform that the above named Foundation has applied to Corporate Affairs Commission for registration under Part ‘C’ of the Companies and Allied Matters Act, Decree No. 1 of 1990.

Board of Trustees 1. Baba Umar Faruk Chairman 2. Kani Abubakar Faggo 3. Auwal Hassan 4. Mohammed Maigari

5. Auwal Mohammed Hassan 6. Sani Babayo Yana 7. Mohammed Sani Umar

The aims and objectives of the association are: 1.To support Educational activities, social and and cultural activities 2.To support the youth to grow as responsible citizens 3.To support Government policies on health, education, environment and anti corruption 4.To corporate with other national and international organizations on health, education, environment and social development.

Any Objection to the 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: Muhammad Bello Salis Secretary

T

he news emanating from the Nigeria Football Federation (NFF) should have better be imagined rather than being a reality; this follows the allegations that the Football house owes its workers five months salaries.

Report on how the NFF had celebrated Sponsors and Partners in the year 2018 last Thursday in Lagos, for their contributions to the development of football in Nigeria.

The NFF President, Amaju Pinnick had boasted that the NFF could beat its chest anywhere that it is 60-65% self-funded, saying that corporate Nigeria’s support for Nigerian Football had improved significantly over the years.

The NFF actually celebrated its

numerous sponsors in Lagos for their morale and financial support.

At the occasion were big wigs and representatives of AITEO Group, Coca-Cola, Nigerian Breweries PLC, Amstel Malta, Zenith Bank PLC, Tropical and General Investments, WAPIC Insurance PLC, Cadbury Nigeria PLC, Emzor Pharmaceuticals, FrieslandCampina WAMCO and Simba Group (TVS: Official Motorcycle and Tricycle Partner of the Super Eagles, among others.

Also, the Amaju Pinnick-led NFF is said to owe Super Eagles Technical Adviser, Gernot Rohr two months salaries.

According to the source, Rohr is yet to get his bonuses for 2018 FIFA World Cup qualification and his salary for two months. “It’s evident that Gernot Rohr is not happy that

the NFF has not paid his 2018 World Cup qualification bonus over a year after qualifying the Eagles for the competition in Russia,” the source stated.

The source added that virtually everybody involved in the Super Eagles’ qualification for the World Cup (assistant coaches and backroom staff), have been paid. It was alleged that the contractual agreement signed between Rohr and the NFF is gradually being breached by the Pinnick-led NFF for ‘failing’ to pay the coach’s October and November salaries.

Reacting to the development, the Secretary General of the body, Dr. Mohammed Sanusi, saidthat he (Dr. Mohammed Sanusi) is being owed five months salary.

On Rohr’s salary the NFF General

Secretary, said: “Did he (Gernot Rohr) complained to anybody that he has not been paid his salary? “How many media houses have paid their journalists and other staffers in their organisations since seven months ago? Gernot Rohr is paid his salary or not, should not be a public issue.

Everybody, including Rohr has been paid his or her World Cup bonuses.

The Super Eagles Team Secretary can confirm that no one is still being owed any bonus.”

Continuing, Sanusi roared; “I am being owed five months salaries, and nobody cares about my survival. Yes. I’ve not been paid my salary since five months now.”

“We have not seen this type of treatment and administration since over 18 years some of us have been working here.”Sanusi said.

Wike suspends Rivers sports commissioner

>>pg >>pg >>pg 30 3130

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

PAGE 30

S p Itoya backs Rangers to advance in Confed Cup

Kelvin Itoya

E

nugu Rangers forward Kelvin Itoya has backed his team to enjoy a strong campaign in the CAF Confederation Cup after advancing through the first round this past weekend.

The Nigerian club defeated Algeria’s USM Bel Abbes 2-0 in Enugu on Sunday to win their Confed Cup tie by the same aggregate score and book a place in the playoff round next year.

Super-sub Itoya believes Rangers will overcome whoever they come up against next and enjoy a memorable time in the second-tier continental competition.

“First all we give glory to God for giving us this victory, as the good book says: ‘It is not of him that willeth or runneth but of God that showeth mercy.’ So we are grateful for the victory,” said the young forward.

“Going to the next round, before the group stage, I think we’ve been taking it one game at a time and we’ve not lost a game in this competition so far, and I don’t think the next year segment will be different from these previous matches played.

“I strongly believe we are going to scale through the next hurdle, when we get to know our next opponent, we will prepare hard and make sure that we go further in the competition.

Itoya added, “My target in the CAF Confederation Cup is that as a team we are going to be taking it each game at the time and we believe we are going to go far in this tournament.

“Having looked at how we got to this point you will know we are up for greatness.”

The Flying Antelopes will know their playoff round opponents when the draw is held at CAF headquarters in Cairo on December 28.

r

t

T

S

p

r

t

Wike suspends Rivers sports commissioner

The Premier League title race and Women’s World Cup - What to look forward to in 2019

T

As 2018 comes to an end, everyone will reflect on an eventful year during which England won a World Cup penalty shootout, Liverpool lost one of the most incident-packed Champions League finals ever, and Manchester City won the title in record-breaking style.

By Albert Akota

he Commissioner of Youth and Sports Development for Rivers State, Igboma Iyaye has been suspended by Governor Nyesom Wike.

Authoritative sources disclosed that the Governor orders the Commissioner’s suspension for coming late to an inspection to be conducted on a project involving his ministry.

The suspension letter from the Governor stated that he should step down from all official duties as the commissioner for Youth and Sports for now. A second source said the suspension was as a result of his failure to attend a crucial meeting held by the governor requiring the presence of all service heads of the state at the Government House.

Our source actually confirmed that, the suspended with immediate effect.

One of the sources added that, “at personal levels they are very good friends. They have come together a long way. Don’t be surprised that tomorrow you will see them together. Issue is, the Commissioner overstepped his bounds and the governor needed to act to stem any act of indiscipline.”

The suspended Commissioner was evidently and unavoidably

But what do we have to look forward to in 2019?

Fernandinho and Mohamed Salah Manchester City and Liverpool drew 0-0 at Anfield in October - but how will their January meeting go?

Manchester City’s sky-blue ribbons were already being tied to the Premier League trophy this time last year as Pep Guardiola’s side established a 14-point lead after only 18 games.

The race to the tape was a formality.

Nyesom Wike and Igboma Iyaye absent at the Rivers State Governor’s Badminton championship finals. No one saw him at the just concluded Governor Nyesom Wike’s Unity Cup pre-season finals that took place between Sunshine Stars FC of Akure and Rivers United FC of

Port Harcourt.

Efforts to get the Commissioner’s reaction proved abortive. His telephone line rang through and text message sent to him has not been responded to as at the time of going to press.

The Commissioner had in

some hours before the suspension gotten commendation for taking Rivers State through a great outing at the 19th National Sports festival in Abuja which the Governor demanded early preparation for the 20th edition “because Delta that won are not better than us.”

Law wins ladies European Tour School with record

E

ngland’s Bronte Law set a new record for the Lalla Aicha Tour School with a 26-under total for five rounds at Amelkis Golf Club in Marrakesh.

The 23-year-old from Stockport, who set another new Ladies European Tour record with nine consecutive birdies in round three, secured a one-shot victory.

Sweden’s Linnea Strom was second after a final round of 66.

Germany’s Esther Henseleit, England’s Sian Evans and Leona Maguire of Ireland were other players to seal Tour cards.

Law started her final round in Morocco with a 15-footer for a birdie on the first hole but after 41 holes without a bogey, she dropped her only shot of the day at the 10th, where she three-putted.

However, she was close to a hole-in-one at the 13th and tapped in to birdie the next en route to a five under round of 67.

“It means a lot, coming from England, even though I live in the States now, this is my home. It’s important to support the Ladies European Tour and I look forward to being a member of the Tour,” said Law, who has now targeted a

Solheim Cup place.

Evans, 27, who works full-time as a PGA professional at Kings Hill Golf Club in Kent, finished in fourth place on 16 under par.

She set up a website page for donations to fund her trip to Tour School and said: “This means the world, it’s what everyone dreams of.

“Ever since I was a little kid I wanted to do this and to shoot 16 under, it’s my lowest tournament score, so I’m just really happy.”

Maguire won a play-off with Sarah Nilsson of Sweden for the fifth spot, holing a 15-foot birdie

Law finished in a share of 18th in this year’s Women’s PGA Championship at Hazeltine putt on the first extra hole.

Onazi undergoes successful surgery in Istanbul rabzonspor of Turkey have disclosed that their Nigerian midfielder, Eddy Ogenyi Onazi received successful surgery on an injury he copped last weekend, but footballlive.ng reports that the club are yet to give a definite date on when he is expected back in action.

Amidst speculation that Onazi might be out for the remaining part of the ongoing season, the Turkish Super Lig club confirmed that the former SS Lazio of Italy ace got a ruptured Achilles tendon against Caykur Rizespor.

Onazi was taken off after the half-hour of his side’s 4-1 victory, then went for surgery yesterday, with high hopes of a chance of still being able to feature this season.

PAGE 31

PEOPLES DAILY, Thursday, DECEMBER 27, 2018

Should he be ruled out for the entire season, Onazi could find his hopes of starring for Nigeria at the Africa Cup of Nations dashed.

Which is the worst fear of Trabzonspor’s president, Ahmet Ağaoğlu?

Ağaoğlu described it as an unfortunate injury, especially as the 25-year-old battler only recently returned from a similar knock, which kept him out of action with the Super Eagl;es, and has since been in top form.

Statistics show further that Onazi has been awesome this season for Trabzon-based side in 15 matches so far this season, from whicbh he has two goals and two assists to show.

Ağaoğlu lamented: “Unfortunately Onazi suffered a ruptured Achilles tendon. His season may well be over.”

Not this year.

This is shaping up as the most exciting season in years as Liverpool match, and indeed lead, City while Spurs and Chelsea, albeit in a more understated manner, make claims of their own.

The excitement and anticipation surrounding this season can be illustrated in managers, players and supporters already weighing up the potential long-term damage of dropped points well before the turn of the year.

The season is made even more exciting by the thrilling brand of football on offer from the teams chasing the big prize - from Guardiola’s City to Jurgen Klopp’s vibrant, attacking Liverpool side. Tottenham’s Mauricio Pochettino and newcomer Maurizio Sarri at Chelsea are also determined to pursue trophies in the most attractive manner, while the animated Unai Emery has been a breath of fresh air at Arsenal.

And while life on the field has been dull at Manchester United, a familiar acrimonious decline into another pre-Christmas dismissal for Jose Mourinho has given Ole Gunnar Solskjaer the chance to illuminate the ‘Theatre Of Dreams’ once more.

The Premier League has seen dramatic finishes in recent seasons, such as when Manchester City pipped Manchester United on goal difference in 2011-12, and when Liverpool stumbled at the finishing line to lose out to City two years later. This season could be just as dramatic.

City won the title by 19 points from Manchester United last season and had a goal difference 33 ahead of their closest rivals in that department - Liverpool. It was a procession but this could go to the wire.

City’s surprise defeat at home to Crystal Palace just before Christmas - after Liverpool had beaten Wolves the day before - means Guardiola’s men are in the unusual position of playing catch-up, with four points separating the top two.

One of the most vital acts in the drama will be played out when City and Liverpool face each other at Etihad Stadium on 3 January.

The Women’s World Cup The ever-expanding global women’s game gets its greatest showcase once more in France next summer - and expectations have never been higher as its profile continues to rise.

The draw has only added to the anticipation as England, managed by Phil Neville, face Scotland, guided by head coach Shelley Kerr, in their opening game in Nice on 9 June.

Argentina and Japan make up England and Scotland’s group.

The Lionesses are making their fifth World

Ogenyi Onazi

Manchester City and Liverpool drew 0-0 at Anfield in October - but how will their January meeting go?

Steven Gerrard’s Rangers are playing their part in the first proper Scottish title race in years Cup appearance and will be hoping to improve with a perhaps inevitable dip in the standards on their 2015 performance, when they lost 2-1 of a Celtic side that has carried all before them in manager Brendan Rodgers’ first two seasons. to Japan in the semi-final.

It would, however, be patronising to simply England are fourth in the world rankings behind the United States, Germany and France, focus on the Old Firm. Scottish football is offering much more. with Scotland 20th.

Celtic, Rangers, Hearts and Kilmarnock And the SheBelieves Cup, in which England will face Brazil, the United States and Japan have all been top of the table this season - with in late February and early March, will provide Steve Clarke’s work at Killie an outstanding an intriguing measure of their progress under piece of management.

Aberdeen and Hibernian have also Neville.

The final of the Women’s World Cup will be produced evidence of the ability to challenge and overcome the supposed natural order, and staged in the Stade de Lyon on 7 July. the first Ibrox meeting between Gerrard and his former Liverpool manager on 29 December is A Scottish Premiership thriller?

Celtic have been conducting a procession to heavily loaded with significance.

It is shaping up to be a 2019 to relish in the Scottish Premiership title for the past seven seasons - but it is all looking a lot tighter north Scotland. of the border this season to set up a potentially Can England bring home the Uefa Nations thrilling 2019.

A combination of ingredients are in the League? mix to make this a potent cocktail and allow World Cup 2018: England’s historic Scotland to throw back some insults at the English about one-sided title races - especially penalty shootout win against Colombia after Manchester City’s stroll to the title last in full England capitalised on reaching their first term.

The gap is no longer wider than the Clyde World Cup semi-final for 28 years by reaching the finals of the inaugural Uefa Nations League estuary.

Steven Gerrard’s arrival at Rangers was with their first win in Spain for 31 years, and by always going to add spice and it has not only exacting revenge on Croatia with a dramatic late raised sunken hopes at Ibrox but also coincided 2-1 win at Wembley.

It built on the feel-good factor engendered in Russia, maintained momentum and increased the belief manager Gareth Southgate has a squad offering real optimism for the future.

Now they have a great chance to turn potential into something tangible in Portugal next June.

England face Ronald Koeman’s rejuvenated Netherlands in the semi-final, and Portugal play Switzerland in the other last-four game.

No-one should kid themselves winning this would end the so-called “years of hurt” since the 1966 World Cup, as this tournament - which has been a surprise success and added a new dimension to the international scene - is very much in its infancy and way behind the majors like the World Cup and the Euros.

But success breeds success and it would be a sign of England’s progress and development under Southgate should they be able to win silverware as they re-establish themselves as a serious power in the game.

England’s Under-21s will also be hoping to add to the success of the under-17s and under20s World Cup winners when they take part in the Euros in Italy and San Marino in June.

This is another tournament that is growing in stature each time, and Aidy Boothroyd’s side will have high hopes with talent such as Manchester City’s Phil Foden, Borussia Dortmund’s Jadon Sancho, and Mason Mount the Chelsea youngster on loan at Derby County - to potentially call on.

They will face France, Romania and Croatia in their group games and, like England’s seniors, will hope to improve on a bitter semifinal disappointment after losing on penalties to Germany in Tychy, Poland.

This is an exciting time for England at all levels, and 2019 might just provide further evidence of how bright the future might be.

Another Championship fight to the finish?

Marcelo Bielsa Could this finally be Leeds’ season under Argentine wildcard Marcelo Bielsa?

Is there any division more difficult to get out of than the Championship?

Some of England’s greatest clubs have dropped out of the Premier League then found the return journey so competitive it proves impossible.

If proof is needed, just look at those jockeying for position at the top of the table.

Leeds United, under the guidance of the maverick but wonderfully innovative Marcelo Bielsa, have played some stunning football as they attempt to reclaim the place at the top table which has not been theirs since 2004, while Norwich City have been outstanding under Daniel Farke.

And that is just the start.

West Bromwich Albion have set their sights on instant promotion under Darren Moore while Derby County are making strides as Frank Lampard settles into his first managerial job.

Chris Wilder is proving once more what an outstanding operator he is at his beloved Sheffield United while Middlesbrough’s Tony Pulis - not everyone’s cup of tea - has successfully navigated the Championship’s course and distance before.

And are things stirring at Aston Villa now boyhood fan Dean Smith has succeeded Steve Bruce?

This is the division that produces tension and excitement every year because the price of success is so great and the price of failure can be so expensive.

Expect no different in 2019.

QUOTABLE QUOTE “PDP, as you are aware, was in safe hands until it was forcefully hijacked by some marauders for a price. For the avoidance of doubt, those of us that came into its leadership through a proper party convention will not surrender our offices to usurpers. While our erstwhile chairman and leader, Akogun Iyiola Oyedepo, has moved on to the opposition APC, we will remain here and fight the injustice orchestrated by those who came through the back doors.”

. . . putting the people first

THURSDAY, DECEMBER 27, 2018

Chief Sunday Ibitoye, acting Chairman of new PDP faction opposed to Saraki in Kwara State,

SPORTS Much ado about secularism (I) latest

Kehinde sets to dump Spain for Nigeria

G

enova FC right back Isaac Lolade Kehinde has revealed that he has pledged his international future to Nigeria ahead of Spain and will accept an invitation to train with the Golden Eaglets ahead of the 2019 Africa U17 Cup of Nations.

Born in Osogbo to Nigerian parents fifteen years ago, he has been living in Spain since he was a toddler but he’s more drawn to his country of birth. ‘’I was born in Osogbo and I can represent Spain or Nigeria.My father is from Oyo and my mother from Osun State,’’ Kehinde said. ‘’I have chosen to represent Nigeria because all my family is Nigerian and I am also Nigerian, and for me it is more important the country where I was born than the country where I live.’’ ‘’I’d say I model my game after Brian Idowu.

My favorite Super Eagles players are Ahmed Musa, Alex Iwobi, Obi Mikel and Victor Moses.’’

Isaac Kehinde previously wore the jerseys of the youth teams of Penya Arrabal, San Francisco and Son Oliva before he was snapped up by Genova in 2018.

Taye Taiwo and Oduamadi

Advert: business: news: lagos:

W

hat better time to talk about state and religion than now. What better time to expose our pretentions to being secular, or our denial of being a multi-religious nation, than now. Annually, by this time, we shut down the entire Federal and State bureaucracies in deference to series of religious activities by our Christian brothers. As we do also at other times for Islamic festivities such as Eid-l Fitr, Eid-l Kabir and Maulud. Christian and Muslim holidays are some of the clear examples that although the Constitution purports to be secular, the people it provides for are deeply sectarian. And it prompts the question again: are we truly a secular state or a multireligious society? Or how can we be secular when the Preamble to the Nigerian Constitution says that we are a ‘Sovereign Nation under God’? Or how can a Constitution be secular which recognizes the application of the Islamic personal law? Section 10 of the Constitution merely prohibits the adoption of “ANY religion as state Religion”. But does it therefore allow the adoption of the two major religions as state religions? These are some of the questions I intend for us to muse over during this wonderful period of Christmas. I will give mostly a universal outlook on the subject this week, and conclude next week mostly with our situation at home.

Merry Christmas to my readers; Felis Nevidad; Happy Kwanzaa!

State and Religion I had Nigeria particularly in mind when about three years ago I wrote ‘Secularism Is Not The Enemy Of Religion’ (04/04/16); because going by the English dictionary definition of the term ‘secular’, meaning ‘concern with temporal, worldly matters’ to the exclusion of ‘religion’ Nigeria cannot be said to be secular.

Evidently our ‘concern with temporal, worldly matters’ is not to the exclusion of ‘religion’. In fact going by that text book definition, many so called ‘secular’ nations are not necessarily secular.

Most Scandinavian countries especially Sweden, Norway and Denmark with state-established Lutheran Churches many of whose Ministers are drown from the civil service, can in fact pass for theocracies. Or bluntly put, ‘governments by God’; which, in a sense, is no less than what our Constitution says that Nigeria is a ‘Sovereign Nation under God’. The Scandinavian example provides an apt, existential definition of ‘theocracy’ in its blending of the ‘clerical’ with the ‘clerk-lical’; the ‘spiritual’ with the ‘temporal; or -to use conventional clichés- the

0806 564 8620 0704 385 9705 0814 292 9046 08074420617

THURSDAY Column WITH Mohammed Adamu (08035892325 sms only)

dankande2@gmail.com fusion of ‘religion and politics’ or of ‘state and the church’. It is ironic that the Scandinavian countries appear more ‘theocratic’ than even a Vatican-hosting Italy which, in spite of its Catholic baggage and its fusion of ‘church’ and ‘governing party’, yet officially could disavow ‘Roman Catholicism’ as state religion. And the question again may be asked: if even after publicly disavowing ‘Roman Catholicism’ as state religion Italy is still not wholly ‘secular’, can the mere declaration by the Nigerian Constitution that no religion shall be made a state religion alone to the exclusion of all other socioreligious considerations, make Nigeria secular?

By the way although almost all European nations, on the face of it, are considered ‘secular’, the truth is that in virtually all of them, religion (in this case Christianity) has always played a significant role in their politics. Meaning that in spite of all theoretical claims to the contrary, ‘religion and politics’ on the one hand, and ‘state and religion’ on the other, are essentially ‘inseparable’ in the affairs of these states. And you do not have to go beyond the confines of the Church or even outside the very bastion of secularism herself, America, to grasp the echoes of these verities: In 1795 America’s first President, George Washington proclaimed the 19th of February for National Thanksgiving and Prayer, and at the inaugural of which, Bishop James Madison (cousin to the 4th President James Madison), while speaking on the subject of ‘Divine Providence toward America’, projected a commitment both to the spiritual and the temporal realms. His choice of the biblical “Dear Brethren” and the political

“

“Fellow citizens”, his reference to “American Christians” and to “American ‘patriots’, projected the promise of a nation that was not about to lose her ‘spirituality’ for her ‘secularity’ or vice versa.

And George Washington, to affirm the Bishop’s vision of a ‘secular’ America ‘under God’, proceeded also to spice his speech with generous quotations both from the Bible’s ‘Psalms’ -to indicate America’s readiness to give to God what’s God’s- and from John Milton’s ‘Paradise Lost’ -to underscore her readiness to give to Caesar what is Caesar’s.

Nation Under God William Safire, in his ‘World Great Speeches’ collection ‘Lend Me Your Ears’ said that not only did a Bishop and a symbolize the ‘secular’ and the ‘non-secular’ but that the two had made no pretence about their desire to “link the notion of church and state” and to build a “common ground(for) religion and government”. In fact Richard Nixon in his days was also said to have instituted a series of sermons delivered on Sunday mornings in the White House and at the inaugural of which also Rabbi Louis Finkelstein, America’s preeminent voice of conservative Judaism, in a deeply philosophical sermon, reminded American secularists (who had criticized Nixon’s idea of ‘Sunday-Sunday Sermons’ as “a breach between church and state”) of the need to recant their ‘exclusion’ of God in the temporal affairs of man. Said the Rabbi: “How little the mightiest of us can hope to accomplish, and how much we have to leave to God!” Then there was Ronald Reagan, a known proponent of prayer

in public schools, who, in 1983 while speaking on the sources of evil in the modern world to the ‘National Association of Evangelists’ meeting in Florida, accused Communist Russia of preaching “the supremacy of the state” and “its omnipotence over individual man”, alleging that “The crisis of the Western world exists to the degree in which the West is indifferent to God, the degree to which it collaborates in Communism’s attempt to make man stand alone without God”.

Then in 1776 there was Reverend John Whitherspoon, the only Clergyman to sign the American Declaration of Independence, who preached the controversial subject of ‘The Dominion of Providence over the Passions of Men’ and in which, while laboring to couple religion with politics, he said the best friend to American liberty is one “who is most sincere and active in promoting true and undefiled religion, and who sets himself with the greatest firmness to bear down profanity and immorality of every kind”. Said Reverend Whitherspoon: “God grant that in America true religion and civil liberty may be inseparable”; and he prayed “that the unjust’s attempts to destroy the one may in the issue tend to the support and establishment of both”. Again there was Bishop Fulton John Sheen, a long time preacher of the philosophy of religion at the American Catholic University, who, in one of his popular 1941 ‘Catholic Hour’ Radio Sermon -titled that week ‘The Cross and the Double Cross’- warned that “the hour of false freedom is past. No longer can we have education without discipline... individual existence without moral responsibility, economics and politics without subservience to the common good”.

DAN GAYE

112 women to contest State Assembly seats in Oyo

There are almost equal chances that you can win, or lose. It is realpolitik to know, to accept and to live with this reality.

-Hope 12 will get it

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