Group To Atiku: You Are Myopic

September 30, 2019

The Buhari Media Organization (BMO) has described the candidate of the Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 2019 election, Atiku Abubakar as being myopic over the pessimism he expressed as the nation observes its 59^th independence

The group, which reacted to Atiku’s comments where he raised issues on the repression of the press, persecution of judges, poverty level and high cost of governance in the country, reminded Atiku that it was on the basis of the atmosphere for free speech provided by the Buhari administration that he is able to release statements to the media unhindered.

In a statement by the group’s Chairman, Niyi Akinsiju and Secretary, Cassidy Madueke, it said: “since President Buhari assumed power, the Nigerian press has enjoyed unfettered access to information, ably aided by the Freedom of Information Act (FOI).

“It is also worthy of note that contrary to Atiku’s assertion that the Judiciary is being hampered under the present administration, judges are free to deliver judgments and such judgments are promptly obeyed by the Buhari administration as it believes in the rule of law. Perhaps we need to re-state that President Muhammadu Buhari, in his quest for the Presidency of Nigeria, had pursued his case through the courts up to the highest court in the land, and this is a clear evidence of his faith in the Judiciary.”

The group disagreed with Atiku that poverty level had risen in the country, saying: “considering that the President Buhari administration had taken steps to reduce poverty, especially with the Social Investment Programmes (SIP) which have gained international acclaim and recognition.

“Similarly, the engagement of hundreds of thousands of Nigerians in agriculture, based on the support being provided by the Buhari administration has significantly reduced the poverty level that various PDP administrations bequeathed to Nigerians after being in charge for sixteen years.

“Obviously, these are deliberate policies and programmes put in place by the Buhari administration to alleviate poverty in the land and it is still work in progress.”

On the allegation that the cost of governance in the country was on the increase, BMO drew the attention of the former vice president to the 50% voluntary slash in the salaries of President and his deputy as their exemplary sacrifice as leaders.

“The Buhari administration was also able to weed out tens of thousands of ghost workers from the civil service, thereby reducing the federal wage bill by several billions naira monthly. The federal government is also looking into ways to reduce recurrent expenditure in the legislative arm.”

The Buhari group also recalled that up till 2015 recurrent expenditure and other non-capital expenditure gulped up to 80% of our national budget, leaving a paltry 20% for spending on infrastructure and other capital developments.

“It is to the credit of Buhari administration, since 2015, that this is no longer the case.

“It is also on account of reducing waste, curbing corruption and blocking leakages that the Buhari administration conceived and implemented the Treasury Single Account (TSA). The positive results are there for everyone to see.”

Police On Read Alert As Nigeria Celebrates Independence

Editorial staff

September 30, 2019

The Inspector-General of Police, Mohammed Adamu has placed his men and officers on red alert across the country, including the Federal Capital Territory (FCT), to ensure a hitch-free celebration of the Nigeria’s 59th Independence Anniversary tomorrow, October 1st.

A statement today, September 30 by the Force spokesman, Frank Mba said that all Commissioners of Police and their supervisory Assistant Inspectors-General of Police in the State and Zonal Commands across the country have been directed to emplace necessary security measures towards a peaceful and incident-free Celebration.

The statement said that the Inspector General also directed that Particular attention should be concentrated on Parade Grounds, Government/Private Infrastructure and all places of public resort and recreation centres. They are also to intensify patrols along all the major highways in the country.

Atiku Asks Nigerians To Take Action Against Government Of Tyranny

Editorial staff

September 30, 2019

Presidential candidate of the People’s Democratic Party (PDP) in the February 2019 election, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar has called on Nigerians take democratic action to ensure that the ideals of the nation’s founding fathers are not set aside on the altar of tyranny.

In his message as the nation prepares for its 59th independence anniversary celebration tomorrow, October 1st, Atiku concluded that all is not well in Nigeria when judges are persecuted for enforcing the constitutionally guaranteed fundamental human rights of Nigerian citizens.

“All is not well when Nigeria is now officially the world headquarters for extreme poverty and out of school children, yet the cost of maintaining those in government continues to grow, while the needs of the governed are not being met.

“And certainly, all is not well when the media cannot freely express itself without the fear that those who wield the big stick would use it on them for saying things as they are.”

Atiku said that the nation’s Founding Fathers in 1960 could never have fathomed that 59 years after birthing the largest black nation on earth, “we would be facing a situation where we do not have a free press, our judiciary being under attack, and our youths and activists, who should ordinarily be the future of Nigeria, would be facing the very real threat of arrest and intimidation should they speak out about the state of the nation.

“My dear citizens of Nigeria, I could go with the flow and the cliche and say all is well with Nigeria, but as the late Chinua Achebe once wrote, “when an adult is in the house, the she-goat is not left to suffer the pain of parturition on its tether”.

“I could call for prayers, as others would indeed call for today. I could also call on Nigerians to show more understanding, as indeed many have said in the past and will undoubtedly say again today. But I am mindful of the fact that the time for rhetoric has long since passed and now is the time for all lovers of Nigeria to take concrete steps to aid Nigeria’s progress, by not just praying and showing understanding, but also to take democratic action to ensure that the ideals of our founding fathers – Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress – are not set aside on the altar of tyranny.”

The defeated PDP flagbearer said that rather than just call for prayers today, he would call on Nigerians to believe in Nigeria’s betterment and to work for Nigeria’s betterment, “and to insist that no one in Nigeria, no matter how highly placed, shall be bigger than the laws of our land.

“It is not all gloom and doom, however. There is still hope. Much hope. I took time to listen to a recent remark made by the Emir of Kano, HRM Muhammed Sanusi II about why we need to pay more attention to the issue of girl-child education. It is an age-long truism that women are the teachers of a nation. I make bold to say that the greatness of our country, Nigeria has much to do with how well we educate how children, especially the girl-child. My commendation goes to Governor Bello Matawalle of Zamfara State for leading the way by massively investing in public education.

“I also specifically want to cite the example of Chief Allen Onyeama and his public spiritedness which saw him offer relief to Nigerian citizens who were victims of the recent xenophobic attacks in South Africa.

“By repatriating hundreds of Nigerians back home, at his cost, Mr. Onyeama and Air Peace, have revived hope in the Nigeria of our founding fathers’ dream. I would like to quote Mr. Onyeama. When the first plane of repatriated Nigerian citizens landed at Murtala Mohammed International Airport, Lagos, Mr. Onyeama said:

“When I stepped inside the aircraft to welcome them, they mobbed me and started singing the Nigerian national anthem, there was nobody there singing about separation, they felt proud to be Nigerian, they rose in unison, that drew tears from me.”

“You see, when we put Nigeria first, we not only revive the Nigerian Dream, we also revive Unity and Faith, Peace and Progress, which were the ideals that our founding fathers had in mind when they came together to put forward this new and independent nation 59 years ago on October 1, 1960.

“Nigeria belongs to all of us and we all have a role to play in making our nation great. Nigeria should be the beacon of hope, democracy, and freedom, to not only the African continent but to the black diaspora the world over. And to ensure that this becomes the case, we all have a duty to support and defend the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria against all enemies, foreign and domestic. And this we must do, so help us God.”

Nigeria At 59 Has Reasons To Swagger, Roll Out Drums To Celebrate – Cross River Gov

Editorial staff

September 29, 2019

Cross River Governor, Professor Ben Ayade has said that though there are rooms for Nigeria to improve but that just at 59, the country has many reasons to roll out the drums and celebrate.

“As a nation, we may be not be where we want to be but for life, for the unity; there is a reason for us to say let’s celebrate; it is not always right to look at the negative aspects alone.

“Yes, there is room for improvement; yes, we might not have done as well but as the leader of black people, the whole world looks unto Nigeria but we must only come together to make the progress we so desire.

“So, I believe that as we turn into the ceremonial 60 that is coming, we need to swagger, roll out our drums and have positive comments; healthy discussions. We should use the social media for positive intent just to bring value.”

Governor Ayade spoke to news men at the Presidential Villa in Abuja shortly after a private audience with the Chief of Staff to the President, Malam Abba Kyari at the weekend.

The governor wanted Nigerians to share from the extrapolated sociological philosophy of Albeit Einstein , the theory of relativity “that when you are in the same coordinate with an object in motion, your velocity turns to zero; when you sit in an aircraft moving at 800km per hour, for you sitting in the aircraft, your velocity is zero because you are stationary but indeed you are moving at 800km per hour.”

He insisted that Nigeria has made progress, saying: “we must not only look at where we have failed; as a nation, we have made progress at 59. America is over 250 years; Britain is over 250 years; we are just 59. At 59, we have GSM; at 59, we have better communication, at 59, we have medical services.”

Human Capital Development In Nigeria: Ondo As Case Study, By Clem Ikanade Agba

Editorial staff

September 29, 2019

Let me begin by commending the efforts and commitments of the Ondo State Government for aligning with the Human Capital Development best practices and to thank the His Excellency, The Executive Governor of Ondo State, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN, for this special recognition and invitation to share the good efforts of the present administration led by His Excellency, President Muhammadu Buhari, GCFR.

Human capital development is considered to be one of the fundamental solutions to the challenges facing nation-building in Africa. Nigeria as a democratic nation has always considered the well being of its citizens as the primary objective of economic policy. This position is reflected in the 1999 constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (as amended), wherein it is clearly enunciated that, “the security and welfare of the people shall be the primary duty of the government”.

The consensus among development experts is that the wealth of any nation, if not properly managed and equitably distributed, may not necessarily contribute to human development, as was the case with our country many years ago when we had growth without development.

It has been my earnest desire to share my thoughts on the need for effective Human Capital Development, which is central to economic growth and development of any nation, and the imperative of according it the priority attention it deserves by all stakeholders.

Human capital, a component of development consisting of various ingredients including knowledge, talents, skills, abilities, experience, intelligence, training among others things, possessed by a country’s human population has been dubbed the foundation upon which every other aspect of development – social, economic, technological, etc. of any nation rests.

Distinguished Ladies and gentlemen,

The quality of human population invariably constitutes an important factor in development thus, human capital development should help to increase the knowledge, skills, and capacities of people to enable them to exploit, process and manage their resources.

The 2018 report on Human Development Indices and Indicators specifies that Nigeria is in the low human development category placing us 157th of 189 countries surveyed. The report also shows that Nigeria is above the average for countries in the low human development group and below average for countries in Sub-Saharan Africa.

Based on this, the government has taken strategic steps towards addressing the identified challenges through various activities like investment in skills, Innovation, Information Communication Technology (ICT) through policies such as the Energising Education Initiative as well as programs such as the Social Investment Programme (SIP), the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Program (GEEP) and N-Power.

The Government has also prioritized vocational training and lifelong learning as central pillars of employment and has introduced new educational curriculum at the primary, secondary and tertiary levels to accommodate skills and entrepreneurship development with an emphasis on technical and vocational training to achieve sustainable enterprise development.

The Ministry of Budget and National Planning recognizes the importance of human capital development and has included among its priority project deliverables in the 2019-2023 plans to coordinate a national focus to revive labour productivity in Nigeria.

Human capital is vital to maintaining high growth and boosting competitiveness in a labour-abundant country like Nigeria. One of the biggest challenges for Nigeria is to make labour more productive. Optimizing labour productivity is essential to boost real wages and purchasing power. Sustainable wage growth would not only support deficit reduction but also help to address inequality and promote well-being.

There are many drivers of low productivity, but the two most important ones in Nigeria are low investments and weak labour efficiency. The question is, how can we better channel our assets, skills, capabilities, and endowments into productive use?

As you all know, unemployment is a major development challenge for Nigeria. Despite several economic policies introduced by the government to guide labour absorption and utilization in the country, we are yet to effectively address this challenge. The low human capital development among other socioeconomic issues contributes significantly to the unemployment rate.

Nigeria is projected to have a population of over 400 million people by 2050. The youth of today will be the workforce of tomorrow. These statistics highlight the need for the right action plan and investments in Education and Health.

No country can achieve sustained economic development without substantial investment in human capital. Nations without abundant natural resources but skilled and competent hands can be developed. Singapore, Malaysia, Japan, South Korea, etc., are countries with little or no natural resources but are well developed because of their skilled population. These countries are known to be self-sufficient in the skills required for their economic and social development.

It is acknowledged that the development of a modern economy and the civilization of the 21st century have entered a development period based on human capital; and, the growth rate per capita income depends on the growth rate of human capital. The new digital world we find ourselves in calls for targeted investments in Science, Technology, Engineering and Mathematics (STEM). This will equip Nigerians with the skills required to solve problems and perform efficiently as well as drive innovation and technology as new economies emerge.

Developing human capital requires creating and cultivating environments in which human beings can rapidly learn and apply new ideas, competencies, skills, behaviors, and attitudes.

Hence, planning remains central to effective human capital development and employment generation.

It would also help to:

Evaluate the level of skills and competencies currently available by sector and future needs in line with the national development plan.

Translate the skills required into educational programs to ensure the availability of the skilled and competent hands.

Link skills from the educational system to the labour market.

Ensure equilibrium in the qualitative and quantitative demand and supply of labour in the economy at all levels.

Since Nigeria’s economic development rests in part on the priority given to sustainable human capital development, the Government’s Mid-term plan provides for effective collaboration and coordination with the states to ensure that the Federal, State and Local Governments work towards the same goal.

I encourage states to leverage on this opportunity to further accelerate efforts towards deepening the human capital development efforts in Nigeria.

I have followed up on the progress being made by the Ondo State government under the leadership of His Excellency, Arakunrin Oluwarotimi Akeredolu, SAN. I commend the government for their achievements thus far and their continued commitment to human capital development. I encourage the Ondo state government to sustain their efforts to ensure these gains are sustained and translate into great economic opportunities and growth.

Finally, as the forum shares insights on the work the Ondo State government is doing in up-skilling young men and women in the state, I assure you that the Federal Government of Nigeria is committed to partnering with your government in its various activities and efforts at investing in human capital.

Thank you.

Clem Agba, Nigeria’s minister of Budget and National Planning delivered this as key note address at the margins of the recently concluded 74th UN General Assembly special session organized by the Ondo State Government held at Nigeria House, New York.

May I Announce To You That God Is Set To Give Us A New Nigeria? – Osinbajo

Editorial staff

September 29, 2019

“God had promised, through the mouths of His trusted prophets, that He is giving us a New Nigeria! May I announce to you today that God is ready to take us into the Promised Land, the new Nigeria.

“And we must remember that God, the Almighty God is the builder of nations, that God controls the destinies of nations and its people. Psalms 24:1 says, “The earth is the Lord’s, and all its fullness. The world and those who dwell therein.”
These were the words of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo at a special church service today, September 29 in Abuja to usher in the 59th anniversary of the Nigeria’s Independence celebration which comes up on October 1st.

Professor Osinbajo stressed that God promised the children of Israel that He would take them from bondage, suffering and slavery into the Promised Land, a land flowing with milk and honey.
He said that by the hand of Joshua, God brought His promise to pass, adding that they got to the Jordan and as their feet touched the water, the Jordan was separated and they walked on dry land all across the Jordan.
“They got to Jericho, a well-fortified city and they did not fire a shot, they brought down the walls of Jericho by a shout. Thereafter, when they were about to take the Promised Land, after Moses had asked that some go and spy out the land, some of those who went to spy said that it would be impossible to take the city, impossible to enter the Promised Land. However, Caleb and Joshua had a different spirit, and they said that because God had promised and because He could do it, all the problems were just bread, mere bread to be eaten by the children of Israel.

“God has promised us a new Nigeria, a peaceful Nigeria, a prosperous Nigeria, a Nigeria where justice and equity shall prevail, a united Nigeria, where the different tribes and tongues are not wedges of separation, but the joyful textures of our togetherness. God is ready to fulfill His promise.
“We stand outside the new city, the Promised Land, the new Nigeria; like the spies sent by Moses to spy out the Promised Land, some are saying, “Ha! It is impossible, Nigeria cannot change, the ethnic and religious divisions are too deep, corruption cannot end, politicians are too selfish and mischievous.”
“Yet, like Caleb and Joshua, we declare that these problems are merely bread for us, we will enter the Promised Land!
“The new Nigeria is here, and each and every one of us, our families, our friends, all of us, will eat the pleasant fruits of this land.
“God Almighty has taken away the protection of the enemies of this nation. He has taken away their powers, the noise we hear, the turbulence we experience, are the last gasps of a defeated foe. The day of freedom is at the door.
“As with Abraham, we in the words of Hebrews 11:10 wait for the new Nigeria, which has foundations, whose builder and maker is God.
“As we wait, we declare in the words of Psalms 46:8-11 -“Come, behold the works of the Lord, who has made desolations in the earth. He makes wars cease to the end of the earth; He breaks the bow and cuts the spear in two; He burns the chariot in the fire. Be still and know that I am God! I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth! The Lord of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge.”

Unusual Heavy Downpour Kill 59 In India

Editorial staff

September 28, 2019

Unsually heavy downpour have led to the death of no fewer than 59 people in northern India. This was confirmed by spokesman for the Disaster Management and Relief Department,mMs Sandhaya Kureel.

She said that the 59 fatalities were recorded this past week alone, as a result of house collapses, lightning and drowning in Uttar Pradesh state. Casualties also included at least five people dying of snake bites in flooded areas.

The temple city of Varanasi was lashed by 19cm of rain on Thursday and Friday, flooding the bathing areas of the Ganges River used by thousands of Hindu pilgrims.

Schools were shut yesterday as the downpour caused disruptions in the state capital, Lucknow, and several towns, including Amethi and Hardoi.

Mr J. P. Gupta, director of the state’s meteorological department, said the rain is expected to ebb after tomorrow.

The Press Trust of India news agency said the western state of Maharashtra was also hit by heavy rain and nearly 3,000 people were moved to higher ground due to flooding in low-lying areas of Pune city and neighbouring areas.

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More than 350 people have been killed by rain-related causes in India, Nepal and Bangladesh this monsoon season, which runs from June through September.

30,000-Capacity Mosque, Biggest In West Africa, Opened In Senegal

Editorial staff

September 28, 2019

A 30,000-capacity mosque, touted as the largest in West Africa, has been opened in Dakar, capital of Senegal. It is built at the cost of $33 million, by Mouride Brotherhood.

With a Carrara marble exterior and boasting five minarets – the tallest 78 metres (255 feet) high – the mosque has a capacity of 15,000 worshippers inside, and another 15,000 on an outside esplanade.

The lavish interiors include a gold-leaf dome, giant chandeliers and decorations hand drawn by Moroccan workmen.

Work on the Massalikul Jinaan (‘The Paths to Paradise’) mosque was said to have began a decade ago on a swampy six-hectare (14-acre) site in the poor area of Bopp, on land donated by the government of the 90-percent Muslim nation.

The government provided additional 10.5 million euros for lighting, sanitation and road works, according to Infrastructure Minister Oumar Youm.

The mosque is smaller than Casablanca’s Hassan II, which is spread over nine hectares and can accommodate 105,000 worshippers and has a minaret spiraling 210 meters.

Another mosque being built in Algiers is sprawled over nine hectares with a 265-metre minaret. It will be able to accommodate 120,000 people.

Ex FCT Director Loses Car To Thieves In Abuja

Editorial staff

September 28, 2019

Car thieves are back in the nation’s Federal Capital Territory, Abuja as a car belonging to the former Director in the Department of Information at the Federal Capital Territory Administration (FCTA), Alhaji Ibrahim Biu was stolen yesterday, September 27.

Ibrahim Biu, who was also once an editor with defunct New Nigerian Newspaper in Kaduna, narrated that he parked the car, a Corolla S, 2006/7 model with registration number KUJE359TV around the FCTA/AGIS in Area 11 at about 3.00pm and went into an office nearby only for him to return less than 20 minutes later to find that the car was gone.

He said that the first thing that came to his mind was that the car was towed away by officers of the Federal Road Safety Commission (FRSC), but that when he traced the office, he could not find it there, adding that he immediately reported to both the FCT police command and Garki police station.

Ibrahim Biu, who was obviously shaken by the loss of the car which contained many vital documents, including his National identity card, the originals of the vehicle particulars, lamented the frequent stealing of vehicles around the FCDA area.

Information reaching us indicated that stealing of vehicles around the FCDA at area 11 has remained endemic and rampant in spite of many police men and women posted to that place daily to protect lives and property of innocent workers and visitors to FCTA.

It was gathered that because of the frequent stealing of vehicles, many car owners prefer to go to the FCTA to keep important appointments, in public vehicles while leaving their vehicles in their homes or offices elsewhere.

Buhari Condemns Abuse Of Children In Kaduna ‘Reform Institution’

Editorial staff

September 28, 2019

President Muhammadu Buhari has condemned reported horrific acts at a ‘reform institution’ in Kaduna where about 300 children were rescued by the police.

A statement by the Senior Special Assistant to the President on Media and Publicity, Malam Garba Shehu, said that the President condemned all forms of rights abuses whether of adults or children.

While commending the efforts of the police for the discovery and subsequent arrest of operators of the horrific hub, the president said all children must be safeguarded and protected from all evil influences in the society.

The statement read in part: ‘‘In commending the police for their discovery of this horrific hub and arrest of suspected operators of the unedifying, so-called ‘reform institution,’ the administration of President Buhari categorically condemns rights abuses whether of adults or of children.

‘‘We are glad that Muslim authorities have dismissed the notion of the embarrassing and horrifying spectacle as Islamic School. The place has indeed been described as a house of torture and a place of human slavery.

‘‘The President holds the view that children will be safeguarded from roaming the streets and protected from all evil influences that assail idle hands and idle minds when they are sent to school.

‘‘When he inaugurated the National Economic Council for the year 2019/2023 at the Presidential Villa, in Abuja, President Buhari warned that keeping children away from school is a criminal offence. He also stressed the need to take seriously and enforce the statutory provisions on free and compulsory basic education.

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