The New Tribe Nigeria Must Have, By Vice President Osinbajo

December 10, 2017

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has called on all Nigerians you to join the new tribe whose ethos is of hard work, whose creed is that all honest labour is dignifying, worthy of respect and reward; and that integrity is not negotiable; that our word must be our bond; that personal desires and ambitions must be moderated by faith, and consideration for others.
Professor Osinbajo, in a key-note address titled “Rebirth Of A Nation” at the 2017 The Future Award held in Lagos yesterday, Saturday, noted that there are particular moments in the history of nations when there is a palpable feeling that something new is about to emerge that the nation can be transformed.
He said that often, it begins with hopelessness and cynicism, adding that it might be that the nation has laboured under oppressive and divisive circumstances, living with poverty, inequality, bitter ethnic and religious division and hate.
“But in the midst of poverty, corruption, ethnic and religious divisions, hope begins to be built in the hearts of some; a new vision is birthed in these people.
“Of the number are men and women, young, old, married and single, united by the common belief that nation can be reborn; that a new nation can be forged from the furnace of despair; that a nation of great values is possible; that the people can be united; that they can together fight corruption, reject the politics of identity and religion; and unite around the values common to the attainment of dignity and fulfilment for all.
“They are united in the notion that a new tribe can emerge. A tribe of men and women from all tribes, ethnicities and faiths; built on principles that all persons are created equal; that resources attain their greatest use when they are rendered for the benefit of all; that our best talents must be applied in every task; that we must respect the rule of law and the centrality of law and order; that none will be allowed to steal or waste public resources; that we will prefer and reward excellence and merit; that Government is to create the circumstances for the happiness and prosperity of the majority; that the life of the Nigerian person is our most precious resource; that we must love our nation and love each other; and protect the weak and vulnerable.”
Vice President Osinbajo predicted that from the many tribes, ethnicities and identities will arise a ‘New People, a New Tribe’, adding: “we are at that moment in our history. And it is the historic responsibility of the new tribe to develop an understanding of who we are meant to be as a people, to develop the capacity to define our place in human history by reaching deeply into the core of our humanity to find the purpose or reason for our existence.”
Professor Osinbajo asked: “are we here to live sub-human lives in one form of deprivation or the other? Aligned along parochial lines, ignoring merit and value and upholding narrow identities, permitting corruption if it is done by those of our tribe or faith?”
According to the Professor, in the womb of this ‘New Tribe’ is the greatness of Nigeria, even as he said that the greatness can only come from the willingness of the few to make the sacrifices necessary for the emancipation of the many. “This new tribe,” Professor Osinbajo swore “can build a new nation.” [myad]

Central Bank Announces Revamping Of N500 Billion Export Stimulation Fund

Greenbarge Reporters

December 10, 2017

In its bid to diversify the country’s economy away from oil, the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) has announced that it would revamp the N500 billion Export Stimulation Fund for the promotion of non-oil exports in the country using the Anchor Borrowers’ Programme model.
The apex Bank has also introduced a N50 billion direct intervention funding for the Nigeria Export Import Bank (NEXIM).
The Governor of the CBN, Godwin Emefiele, who made these known when he addressed news men in Lagos on Friday, said that the measures were in line with the Federal Government’s economic plan.
Emefiele who spoke shortly after a meeting in with banks and exporters operating in the non-oil sector, emphasised that the measures were meant to advance the course of the country’s efforts at diversifying the economy and developing sources of foreign exchange in addition to earnings from crude oil.
He said that the effort is expected to increase the volume of non-oil exports, which will subsequently increase the amount of foreign exchange inflow into the economy.
“We want to encourage exporters with the N500 billion Export Facility to increase the volume of export earnings that is routed back to the economy to help us grow the economy,”
Emefiele identified the agricultural sector as critical, and should be developed in the country’s effort to diversify the economy because it had historically sustained Nigeria’s economy before the advent of oil.
He said that the new programme would encourage a policy of value addition to agricultural produce before export rather than the current situation of exporting raw unprocessed produce.
The CBN boss said that a team comprising of NEXIM, the Development Finance Department of the CBN and the Office of the Special Adviser to the CBN Governor on Agriculture had been constituted to review the existing framework for the Stimulation Fund on how it will be disbursed, to make it all-encompassing.
He said that the current effort is hinged on a policy of Produce, Add-Value and Export (PAVE) aimed at encouraging exporters to advance beyond merely exporting raw materials to adding value to the products through processing exportable items.
According to him, the rationale for this approach is that the processing of agricultural produce before export would create jobs for Nigerians and generate revenue for the country.
The Governor identified some of the agricultural produce that would be supported with the funds to include cocoa, cashew nuts, palm produce, sesame seeds and rubber.
He added that the solid minerals sector would also benefit from the facility, adding that as an additional means of both creating jobs and increasing exports, the CBN would provide needed support to revive erstwhile exporting companies of processed agricultural produce that are now moribund.
He acknowledge that some incidences of undocumented export transactions in the system, even as he called on the exporters to desist from such adding that only documented export transactions would be funded by the intervention.
Emefiele said that before the funding is provided to the exporters, they would have to commit, through their banks and NEXIM, the volume of export earnings to be routed back to the country to support economic activities and other foreign exchange commitments.
He said that a detailed framework for the disbursement of the funds is expected to be released soon. [myad]

2 Nigerians Manufacture Generator That Runs Without Fuel, Gas

Greenbarge Reporters

December 10, 2017

Two Nigerians from Ekwulobia, Aguata Council Area of Anambra State have manufactured a power generating set which requires neither fuel nor diesel to run.
The two men, Gabriel Obinna and Moses Ezeilegbunam, who identified themselves as technicians, said they were moved to commence invention of the set by the high cost of petrol and epileptic power supply in the country.
Showcasing their product at the premises of the Anambra Broadcasting Service, Obinna said that the generator had 900 watts capacity and could power a ceiling fan, standing fan, television and a table top refrigerator at once and can work for 48 hours, nonstop.
Also, Ezeilegbunam said that the generator hardly requires maintenance, adding that with government’s support as well as those of affluent individuals in the society, they can construct one that can power air conditioners, refrigerators of all kinds, electric heater, among others.
The duo said that they intended to produce the generator in commercial quantity, complaining however that lack of finance has been the major challenge to their plan.
They solicited for support for them to go into mass production, saying that N2 million for a start would aid their invention.

Source: THISDAY.
[myad]

Full List Of PDP New National Officers

Greenbarge Reporters

December 10, 2017

Here is the list of the winners at the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP’s) National Elective Convention, held on Saturday, December 9 at Eagles Square, Abuja.

National Chairman – Prince Uche Secondus
National Deputy Chairman South – Elder Yemi Akinwonmi
National Deputy Chairman North – Senator Gamawa Babawo Garba
National Secretary – Senator Ibrahim Tsauri
Deputy National Secretary – Dr. Agbo Emmanuel
National Treasurer – Hon. Aribisala Adewale
Deputy National Treasurer – Alhaji Wada Masu
Financial Secretary – Ibrahim Husseini Maibasira
Dep. Fin. Sec. – Hon. Irona Alphonsus
National Organizing Secretary – Col (Rtd) Austin Akobundu
Deputy National Organizing Secretary – Barr. Hassan Yakubu
Publicity Secretary – Kola Ologbondiyan
Deputy National Publicity Secretary – Hon. Diran Odeyemi
National Legal Adviser – Barrister Emmanuel Enoidem
Deputy National Legal Adviser – Barr. Ahmed Bello Liman
National Auditor – Malam Adamu Mustapha
Deputy National Auditor – Miss Divine Amina Arong
National Women Leader – Hajiya Mariya Waziri
Deputy National Women Leader – Umoru Adizet Hadizat
National Youth Leader – Rt. Hon. Udeh Okoye
Deputy National Youth Leader – Umar Babangida Maina. [myad]

Buhari Flies To Paris Tuesday For One-Planet Summit

Greenbarge Reporters

December 10, 2017

President Muhammadu Buhari is scheduled to fly to Paris, capital of France on Tuesday, to join over 50 world leaders in the One Planet Summit.

A statement by the special adviser to the President on media and publicity, Femi Adesina today, Sunday, said that Buhari will depart for Paris on Monday and will be accompanied by the governors of Adamawa, Kano and Ondo States as well as the ministers of Foreign Affairs and Environment. They are expected back in Nigeria on Thursday.

The statement said that the One Planet Summit, jointly organized by the United Nations, the World Bank Group, and the French Government in partnership with non-governmental organizations, concerned about reversing the negative effects of climate change, like Bloomberg Philanthropies, holds at the eco-friendly La Seine Musicale, situated on the picturesque Seguin Island in western Paris.

It said that the main focus of the summit, with the theme, “Climate Change Financing,” will be to innovatively pool public and private finance “to support and accelerate our common efforts to fight climate change.”

While recognizing that all countries are affected by the effects of climate change under “One Planet” but some are more vulnerable, the summit seeks for tangible collective action to reduce greenhouse gas emissions.

The statement said that before heading for the Summit venue, President Buhari will attend a lunch hosted by President Emmanuel Macron of France for Heads of State and Governments at the Elysee Palace.

The statement said that Buhari and other world leaders and participants will make presentations under four sub-themes namely: Scaling-up Finance for Climate Action; Greening Finance for Sustainable Business; Accelerating Local and Regional Climate Action; and Strengthening Policies for Ecological and Inclusive Transition.

It would be recalled that while signing the Paris Agreement on Climate Change at the sidelines of the 71st Session of the United Nations General Assembly in New York on September 22, 2016, President Buhari had said it “demonstrated Nigeria’s commitment to global efforts to reverse the effects of the negative trend.”

He followed that significant step by signing the Instrument of Ratification of the Paris Agreement on March 28, 2017 at the State House, Abuja, making Nigeria the 146th party to the Paris Treaty. It became binding on the country effective June 15, 2017, one month after the submission of the Ratification instrument to the United Nations on May 16, 2017 by Nigeria’s Permanent Representative to the UN, Prof. Tijjani Bande.

The participation of Nigeria’s delegation at the One Planet Summit will reinforce the country’s commitment to realizing the objectives of the Paris Agreement. [myad]

As Strange Conflagration Engulfs California, President Trump Declares State Of Emergency

Greenbarge Reporters

December 10, 2017

President of the United States of America, Donald Trump has today, Sunday, issued a state of emergency in California, following strange conflagration that has so far destroyed no fewer than 700 structures, including multi-million dollar mansions.

The deadly blazes in California, which have forced hundreds of thousands of people to flee the Los Angeles area, have been raging on six different fronts and has claimed one life as at the press time.

President Trump has already authorizing the release of federal funds to “help alleviate the hardship and suffering that the emergency may inflict on the local population.”

An eye witness and victim, Judy Herman, 76, told AFP: “I’ve never seen anything like this and I’ve lived here 20 years.”

Herman was relieved to find her home in Murrieta, east of Los Angeles, still intact. It was part of the huge evacuation zone forced by the “Liberty” fire – which included many ranches in the area, where rodeos are popular.

With gusts of up to 60 miles per hour, the turbulent seasonal Santa Ana winds whipped the fire on Friday, spitting embers and creating “extreme fire danger.” A red alert was extended into the weekend due to expected low humidity.

Further south in San Diego county the “Lilac” fire was ballooning at a dangerous rate, charring more than 4,000 acres after igniting Thursday morning and triggering a new wave of evacuations as it encroached on the university town of Santa Barbara.

Flames also claimed the lives of more than two dozen racehorses after tearing through eight barns at the normally serene San Luis Rey training center, in the town of Bonsall, where some 500 horses were stabled, the California Horse Racing Board said in a statement.

“75 per cent of the stables were consumed, the fire was spreading so fast… they couldn’t evacuate all the horses,” fire chief Ross Fowler said.

“It’s hard when horses are scared, they don’t comply, they are heavy, they can hurt you,” he added.

Meanwhile, firefighters also got something of a handle on the “Skirball” fire in Los Angeles, which had spewed rivers of flames over 500 acres in the densely populated area of Bel Air, engulfing entire hillsides. [myad]

We Commit PDP Into God’s Hands, New PDP Chairman, Secondus Pledges

Greenbarge Reporters

December 10, 2017

The new chairman of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), Prince Uche Secondus has…in whose hands too he committed the party.

In his acceptance speech after his election at the PDP national convention yesterday, Saturday, Prince Secondus gave the glory for the success of the convention to God, saying: “we commit PDP into his hands.”

In a speech titled: ‘Rebuilding to Regain’, the new PDP national chairman said that his understanding of the mandate given to him is to return the party to power come 2019.

“As Herculean as this mandate seems, I know it’s achievable. “My campaign pillars for this election are ‘To Rebuild, Reposition and Regain.'”

Prince Secondus assured members and leaders of the party that the brief tenancy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Aso Rock Villa will expire on May 28, 2019, adding: “by this, we serve them a quit notice.

“This has to be immediate, in order to save our beloved country from disintegration. We are all witnesses to how the unity of this country has been shaken to its very foundation under the watch of the rudderless and clueless APC.” The new helmsman reminded leaders and members of the party that the task of retrieving this country from APC’s clear lack of direction and confusion starting with the Presidency is gigantic.

Read the full text of the speech:

On behalf of members of the National Working Committee of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, i dedicate this mandate to the Almighty God who it has pleased to make this convention successful and grant us this opportunity to serve our great party. We give all glory to God and we commit PDP into his hands.

I stand before you this day, humbled by the mandate you just given to my colleagues and I to lead this great party at this time in Nigeria’s political history. We wholeheartedly accept it with extreme gratitude.

Eighteen years ago specifically February 14, 1999, this party made history with its first ever national convention in Jos, Plateau State and since then, has grown to become undisputedly, the largest political party on the African continent.

I recall that before that, precisely on the 19th of August, 1998, our founding fathers gathered here in Abuja to give birth to this party whose aims and objectives were patriotic, with lofty and visionary dreams.

By my understanding, the mandate you have given us today is clear and unambiguous. It is to return our party to power come 2019. As Herculean as this mandate seems, I know it’s achievable. My campaign pillars for this election are ‘To Rebuild, Reposition and Regain’. Let me assure you great members and leaders of our party, that by the grace of God and with all hands on deck, the brief tenancy of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Aso Rock Villa expires on May 28, 2019. By this, we serve them a quit notice.

This has to be immediate, in order to save our beloved country from disintegration. We are all witnesses to how the unity of this country has been shaken to its very foundation under the watch of the rudderless and clueless APC. We therefore have a gigantic task of retrieving this country from APC’s clear lack of direction and confusion starting with the Presidency.

In the words of the 34th President of the United States of America Dwight .D. Eisenhower, “If a political party does not have its foundation in the determination to advance a cause that is right and that is moral, then it is not a political party; it is merely a conspiracy to seize power”. Judging from this, it is crystal clear to all Nigerians, that APC is not a political party, but a body hurriedly assembled to seize power without a clear cut plan for governance.

Our party on the other hand, was founded on ideals which are totally in tandem with those of the founding fathers of this great country. Those founding fathers had in mind, a prosperous and lasting democracy as captured in the preamble of our constitution clearly stating their desire for a free and egalitarian society. Even in our perceived failure of 2015, we chose to to abide by our strong faith in democracy, willingly conceding power to opposition, thereby elevating the democratic status of Nigeria. We are the true democrats!

I can therefore say without an iota of doubt, that PDP’s contributions to the growth and sustenance of democracy in this country in the last 18 years remain unequalled. The best way to celebrate the memories of these founding fathers, is to ensure that the ideals are continuously engaged. (At this juncture great PDP leaders and members here present, let us stand and observe a minute silent for our fallen heroes one of whom is our pioneer National Chairman and former Vice President of this country Dr Alex Ifeanyichukwu Ekwueme GCON who passed on recently)

With your mandate I assure you, that all necessary steps will be taken to avoid a repeat of our past mistakes. Indeed we have learnt our lessons and by this convention, we are now set to forge a new path for our great party and Nigeria. Under my watch, Internal democracy will be strictly adhered to with a deliberate policy to return ‘real’ power to the people. No more imposition, no more impunity. Every member of this party can from this moment, consider him or herself, an equal shareholder in our common destiny. I call on all Nigerians, of all creed and class, to embrace this new PDP and join in this quest for a new Nigeria. Particularly, I reach out to our old members who for one reason or the other have left the party, to please come back ‘home’.

I cannot end this address without acknowledging my co-contestants especially for the chairmanship position. Truth be told, any one of you is eminently qualified to lead this party. I thank you for a worthy contest and being part of history as this marks the first time such a highly competitive contest to produce the leadership of a political party has been held in Nigeria. You have every cause to stand tall and I now extend my hand of fellowship to you all. Let ‘US’ Rebuild, Reposition & Regain.

In the same breath, let me thank the outgoing National Caretaker Committee led by Senator Ahmed Markafi. We will forever remember your courageous leadership in our most trying times. History will no doubt, be kind to you. I must also thank the Convention Committee led by HE Dr. Arthur Ifeanyi Okowa for a job well done.

Finally in accepting this mandate, I am guided by the words of the 19th President of the United States of America, Rutherford Hayes who said in 1877 “he serves his party best, who serves his country best” [myad]

I Maintained PDP Principles Even When I Was In APC, Atiku Confesses

Greenbarge Reporters

December 9, 2017

Former Nigeria Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, has confessed that he had never abandoned the principles for which the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) was formed even when he was in the All Progressives Congress (APC), which he left a fortnight ago.

Addressing delegates to the PDP National Convention at the Eagle Square today, Saturday, Atiku emphasized that he had always stood for constitutionalism and the enthronement of good governance in the country in the interest of all.

“It is great to be home and I believe in one Nigeria where all our people have equal opportunities and share a common goal. This belief stirred me and other compatriots to form the PDP; I am proud to say that I have returned home to our party, a party that gave the country the first successful transition.”

The former Vice President said that APC government which he was part of until recently had not delivered on its campaign promises and had failed the country.

Atiku admitted that though the PDP had made some mistakes in the past, leading to the loss of the 2015 Presidential election, but that it remained the best option for Nigerians.

“We made mistakes because we are human beings; we did not favour states that voted for us during election. The PDP is the party that will restructure and develop Nigeria.”

He advised PDP members and leaders to work to earn the trust of Nigerians again ahead of 2019 election, adding that if the PDP is stronger together, Nigerians would be stronger.

He advised the party to embody the Nigerian vision even as he called on the delegates to elect leaders who understood the urgency of restructuring and devolution of power, among other things.

“Let the PDP get winning again so that we can get Nigeria working again.”

Source: NAN[myad]

Nigerians Are Yearning For Return Of PDP, Senator Ekweremadu Claims

Greenbarge Reporters

December 9, 2017

Deputy President of the Senate, Ike Ekweremadu, has claimed that millions of Nigerians are yearning for the return of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) to power as the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC) has failed them on security, economy, job creation and national unity.

Senator Ekweremadu, who spoke today, Saturday in Abuja at the national convention of the PDP, said: “millions of our people who lost their jobs in the last two years and those who struggled through higher institutions of learning to receive education but could not find jobs in the last two years believe that when PDP returns, there will be hope for them.

“Our brothers and sisters from the North-East, who were liberated by the PDP government but who are now suffering under attacks and threats by Boko Haram, believe that they will be safe when PDP returns to power.

“Our people, who are struggling everyday to leave Nigeria to the so-called Eldorado in Europe but who either end up in the Mediterranean (Sea) or trapped in Libya and other places because of the hardships in Nigeria, believe that this convention will mark the beginning of the end of their problems, as they see hope for Nigeria in 2019.”

The Deputy Senate President described the 16 years of PDP administration as glorious years for the country, saying: “good men and women who left PDP for the APC are eager to return to join us to build a better Nigeria.

“The PDP worked out Nigeria’s debt forgiveness and paid up our remaining debts but today, we are getting indebted more than any other time in the history of Nigeria. We groomed and bequeathed the fastest growing economy as well as the largest economy in Africa. The story is different today.”

Ekweremadu said that the PDP years recorded job creation and improvement in agriculture and consequent low food prices. He said Nigerians now live under dire realities of insecurity, unemployment and hunger.

He decried the level of disunity in the country today unlike in the PDP years, which, he said “showed Nigerians, in true sense of it, that we belong to everybody.”[myad]

Turkish President Rallies Support Of World Leaders Against Trump On Jerusalem

Greenbarge Reporters

December 9, 2017

Turkey President Erdoga — Turkish President, Tayyip Erdogan

Tayyip Erdogan is believed to be talking to world leaders, including President Muhammadu Buhari of Nigeria and Indonesian President Joko Widodo on the urgent need for them to find a common ground to oppose President Donald Trump of the United States of America on his recognition of Jerusalem as Israel’s capital.

Turkish presidential sources said that President Erdogan today, Saturday, also spoke to the presidents of France, Kazakhstan, Azerbaijan and Lebanon, during which time he stressed that the move by the United States would “badly” affect the peace and stability in the region.

The leaders who spoke on phones focused on the importance of showing a common stance to convince the U.S. to reconsider its decision.

They also expressed hope that the extraordinary summit of Organization of Islamic Cooperation (OIC), due to be held in Istanbul on December 13, would show a common stance against the decision.

Meanwhile, Trump decision dramatically shifting Washington’s Jerusalem policy had already triggered demonstrations in the occupied Palestinian territories, Turkey, Egypt, Jordan, Tunisia, Algeria, Iraq and other Muslim countries.

Jerusalem remains at the heart of the Israel-Palestine conflict, with Palestinians hoping that East Jerusalem — now occupied by Israel — might eventually serve as the capital of a Palestinian state.[myad]

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