The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has yet again knocked President Buhari over his recent appointment of about 7 dead people into boards of federal parastatals.
In a statement made available to newsmen by its ADP Lagos spokesman, Prince Adelaja Adeoye on Sunday in Lagos, he posited that “it is rather too shameful and very awful that a country of over 180 million people is being led by a man who constantly brings embarrassment to them both locally and internationally.”
ADP said, Buhari is a President who lacks the soundness of mind to lead the country and that it’s rather too bad that in a country with able young men and women, Buhari can only turn to the dead for appointments. The party stressed further that it won’t be a surprise if one day, because of Buhari’s continuous gaffes, he commits Nigeria into something that will have far reaching negative effects on the citizenry. The party believes that a leader must have the presence of mind in the carrying out of his official duties.
The party noted that this is the same disgraceful manner at which Buhari went to London to shame and call Nigerians criminals that engaged in drugs and human trafficking. The ADP spokesperson says that the country does not need a President in the mould of Buhari ever again if the country must progress.
“In a swift reaction from the Presidency, Garba Shehu had said the list had been prepared since over two years ago. This means that the President signs documents without vetting them. This same President condoled with the families of some of these men when they died some time ago or does it mean that he has forgotten?” he queried.
The party observed that it is not just about dead men on the list but that there were some duplication of names and most interestingly, Deborah Iliyas who is the Congo DR. Ambassador to Nigeria also had her name penned down as the Chair of the Nigerian College of Aviation Technology. Apparently, our government now appoints foreigners to head boards in our country. The party said that if the Presidency cannot handle mundane things like list compilation, it wonders how it will handle sensitive matters.
The Action Democratic Party (ADP) has described the New Year message by President Muhammadu Buhari as a Greek Gift.
The party in a statement issued in Lagos on Tuesday by the party’s spokesman, Prince Adelaja Adeoye, said that his party has critically studied the New Year message and that “it is nothing but a ploy to deceive Nigerians again as another election year is around the corner. The party says that Buhari has consistently failed to use every opportunity available to him to redeem his battered image before Nigerians,” he said.
As regards the fuel crisis, he said that Buhari has resorted to cheap blackmail against oil marketers instead of taking responsibility for the lingering fuel scarcity that has inflicted undue pains and hardship on Nigerians. He added that the only thing that the Buhari administration is good at is blame games.
The party went further to say that when Buhari was a Minister for Petroleum in 1974 and military dictator in 1984 before he was forcefully kicked out, that the same blame game was what he employed back then. Buhari has never taken responsibility for any of his failures. “Why is he President, if he cannot solve problems with all the paraphernalia of government at his disposal?” Adelaja asked.
ADP says that despite the close to N20 trillion already budgeted since Buhari’s assumption of office in 2015, no significant infrastructural improvement can be pointed to except the helipad he built for his private use in his home town at Daura, Kastina State. The party said even with reports of huge monies recovered; there have been no signs of reinvestment to improve the lives of the people. Nigerians are poorer under Buhari than any other President that has ever led the country.
The President is promising massive infrastructure in rails, roads and power this new year and the ADP has asked what he has been doing for almost three years, asserting that the probability of having all these projects in an election year is next to zero because of the experience we have had in the past three years of this administration. The party is not optimistic about these plans.
On the issue of Restructuring Nigeria, the party said it is shocked that the President has reduced the agitations for devolution of powers by the federal government to the arguments for the parliamentary system of government. The party says that the President continues to show that he is not abreast of issues in his own country and regards the President’s position that “no structure is perfect” on the issue as vague and a continuous deployment of delay tactics including tactical way of avoiding responsibility.
The party also said that the President gloats about stabilizing the exchange rate at N365 to the dollar and that there has been improvement of the economy but the party wonders how this is something to celebrate. The economy that the President speaks so highly about is the same one that has lost over 7 million jobs since 2015 and the party also wonders the statistics that back the President’s claims other than the data from the Nigerian Bureau of Statistics.
ADP believes that it is capable of presenting a credible candidate who can end the sufferings of all Nigerians in 2019. The party has urged all Nigerians to support them in their bid to make Nigeria work.
Who remembers this book of magical tale of boundaries, bravery, and growth, by Chinua Achebe, one of the world’s most beloved and admired storytellers.
Chinua Achebe’s ‘Chike and the River’ reads with the directness of a folk tale, even though it’s set in the modern world.
It was originally published in South Africa by Cambridge University Press in 1966 eight years after the author’s landmark novel ‘Things Fall Apart,’it is the first of his four children’s books, the story of a boy named Chike who yearns to cross the Niger River, for no other reason than to see what’s on the other side.
In this book, a young reader gains more understanding about the Niger River, gets a closer look into the African culture and relates with Chike as though they are siblings. The book was written elegantly and simply, as befits a book for children, and the tale perfectly blends fable with adventure.
Chike, an 11-year-old boy growing up in Umuofia (the same village as in Things Fall Apart), is sent to live with his uncle in a house in a large town, where there are so many strangers, his uncle’s servant tells him, ‘sometimes a man died in one room and his neighbor in the next room would be playing his gramophone.’ But Chike must adapt to all sorts of modern, urban experiences.
Before he leaves for the city, his mother (head of a single-parent household that includes two sisters and Chike) gives him the same advice given by parents around the world especially African parents about how to be safe and being careful around people.
The fact that he misses her greatly in the beginning, but eventually gets lost in the ways of his new environment, gives more credence and reality to the transitions in his life, from small village to big city and from a young boy to a young man.
Chike’s burgeoning excitement about living in a city is dampened by the reality of having countless numbers of families packed into every room and only two latrines in their yard for fifty people. He also feels a greater sense of isolation with folks not knowing their neighbors. On the other hand, he greatly revels in more sights, activities, and many new friends at school.
Once he gets settled in his new school and develops a friendship with another student named Samuel (known as S.M.O.G), the notorious S.M.O.G. becomes a particularly good friend and a constant bad influence. Chike becomes increasingly fascinated with the ferries crossing the Niger River to Asaba and is determined to raise enough money to pay for his crossing.
The ferry ride is six-pence one way and this is beyond his means. The adventure begins as he figures a way to make the money, once in Asaba, Chike is disappointed by how unimpressive the town is. But when he decides he has seen enough, he finds that he has missed the last ferry back to Onitsha. With no place to stay, Chike takes refuge in the back of a lorry.
The lorry turns out to belong to a gang of thieves. Chike overhears the thieves make arrangements with a night watchman and then load their lorry with stolen goods. Chike avoids discovery, and in the morning when he awakes, “He was amazed by what he saw. A man tied to a mango tree.”
If you no longer remember how Chike became a Hero,
Whether it’s celebratory, energizing, cathartic, funny, or just plain embarrassing, dance is one of the best art forms for expression. People gyrate in order to celebrate, commemorate or even to prepare for some ritual.
Historic and traditional dance goes back hundreds and even thousands of years.Nigeria has the treasure of a variety of folk and tribal dances in regions across the country. The eastern region which consist mostly of the Igbo tribe, have a list of traditional dances performed as a form of emotional expression, social interaction, or exercise, in a spiritual or performance setting, and these dances are sometimes used to express ideas or tell a story.
When visiting the Eastern parts of Nigeria, check out Jovago’slist of top 5 local dances for some inspiration!
Ikpirikpi-ogu (War dance)
Commonly associated with the people of Abam in Arochukwu LGA, Abia State, Nigeria, Ikpirikpi-ogu is a dance of warriors.
Originally performed to welcome soldiers back from tribal wars, it exudes an air of valor and is strictly performed by men.
Today it’s purely symbolical to show the strength of a community and its conquest over collective challenges. It is performed at key festivals and community events.
Atilogwu (Acrobatic Dance)
This is very similar to performances by cheerleaders in the today’s western world. It is known as the ‘Acrobatic Dance” as it requires a lot of quick movements and calisthenics. It is mainly performed by the youth for entertainment at ceremonies or other events.
Nkwa umu-Agbogho (the Maiden dance)
In a bid to attract suitors, this dance which involves rhythmic movements of the chest and waist, was performed by maidens who had come of age and were set to marry. It was a key aspect of the Igbo culture and was used to foster abstinence from sexual activities before marriage. In recent times, it is performed as a form of entertainment by young ladies with supple bodies.
Omuru-onwa and Agbacha-ekuru-nwa
This dance strictly performed by married women, generally involves responsive movement of the body, in a rhythmic fashion to hip-swinging music. Married women and new mothers used such entertaining opportunities to exercise, lose weight, shed baby-fats and stay healthy through weekly rehearsals.
Mmanwu (masquerades)
Possibly the most popular dance in the Igbo culture, Mmanwu is celebrated across the entire Igbo landscape. In the ancient times, masquerades were seen as sacred as they either represented deities or were messengers sent by deities to deliver judgments or penalties on otherwise powerful people. They were untouchable; feared to be spirits.
It was assumed that during the Mmanwu dance, the spirit of the deity possessed the person wearing masquerade. The Mmanwu dance was and is still featured in most Igbo carnivals, celebrations and funerals including the New yam festival. Their performances are usually vibrant and mobile causing so audiences to move around in order to fully enjoy each.
A chieftain of the All Progressive Congress (APC) in Ekiti State, Mr. Makinde Araoye over the weekend at Ikere Ekiti empowered 500 indigent senior citizens and physically challenged persons drawn across the 6 Local Government Areas (LGAs) of Ekiti South Senatorial District of the state with N5million cash.
…Bags “Oluomo of Ekiti South” Honourary Award
The beneficiaries who hail from Ekiti East, Gbonyin, Emure, Ise/Orun, Ekiti South/West and Ikere LGAs got N10, 000 each.
Araoye who was presented an award at the event as the “Oluomo of Ekiti south” by the executives of APC youths of Ekiti South Senatorial District also distributed 500 bags of rice to augment the cash given to the beneficiaries.
The Makinde Araoye Social Security Scheme (MASSS), powered by the Makinde Araoye Foundation (MAF) is done in continuation of the foundation’s rescue mission and love for the poorest of the poor targeted at reducing poverty in the south senatorial district.
The last edition of the scheme which holds quarterly, took place at Emure-Ekiti in September 2017.
Speaking at the event, Araoye said he started the programme about 8 years ago as he felt the need to giving back to the society by ameliorating hunger and sufferings of the less-privileged and the aged, especially the widows and widowers who do not have employed children to cater for their needs.
He charged all party membrs at the event to support whose ever emerge as APC governorship candidate next year to ensure that PDP is voted out of the state.
“I started by giving out scholarship to students across Ekiti South Senatorial District. When the government of Governor Kayode Fayemi came, he started paying stipends to the elderly people, I had a meeting with him that I would like to support the programme and I started mine from my ward before it was finally extended to the entire south senatorial districts that cover 6 local government areas.
“The motive of the programme is to assist and empower the less privileged focusing majorly on the widows and widowers who are aged and do not have husbands or wives or children that are gainfully employed. The programme like I said cut across the entire 6 local government in Ekiti south and we are rotating it. We have done in Emure, Ekiti South West, and today is the turn of Ikere while we proceed to Ise/Orun after this.
“I believe it’s not until when you want to contest for electoral positions that you can do something like this, I have never sat with anyone to discuss any political ambition, the programme is purely humanitarian, I don’t have big money but the little God has given me, I chose to give back to the society by extending to the less privilege.” he said.
Decorating Araoye with the title of “Oluomo of Ekiti South”, the Youth Leader of the party in Ekiti South Senatorial District, Mr. Sikiru Daramola said MKD, as Araoye is fondly called by his admirers, was bestowed with the award in recognition of his contribution to humanity and amelioration of poverty among the youths of the senatorial district.
“I am happy for the life of Mr. Makinde Araoye for this programme which he has been doing for years. When he started this programme, he invited the youths and sincerely the entire youths were impressed and that was what triggered the award we presented him today as the “Oluomo of Ekiti”.
“It’s not as if he gave us money, we were just impressed with what he has been doing and still doing, if we have two or three people like him in the south, honestly thousands of people from other parties will be dumping their parties for ours on a monthly basis. The award we gave him is well deserved. I employ others in our party to emulate him and continue this gesture.”
In his remarks, the Chairman of APC in Ekiti South Senatorial District, Hon. Babade Kayode commended the efforts of Araoye in helping the needy in the society.
“It’s a wonderful gesture; it’s a humanitarian gesture and it’s a biblical juncture that we should share with others but unfortunately a lot of us are not sharing. But I thank God for Araoye’s life because he has the attitude of sharing especially to the less privileged. It’s only God that can replenish him. I advise others to emulate him; I thank God for his life”.
Some of the beneficiaries who spoke with news men could not hold their joy by the gesture extended to them by Araoye, as they were eulogizing, praising and praying for him for continue blessings and God’s protection over his life.
“I thank God for today, I am very much happy. I least I will celebrate Christmas in ground style. I never thought nor expected this gesture. May God continue to provide for Mr. Makinde. May he never lack in his life”, says one of the beneficiaries, Mrs Margret Dideowo from Gbonyin LGA.
The Ogoga of Ikere Ekiti, His Royal Majesty, Oba Adejimi Adu who spoke at his palace while receiving the delegation of MAF commended Araoye for spending his hard-earned resources in assisting the less-privileged.
“This is a good programme that must be endorsed by all lovers of humanity. This is the kind of gesture we employ and advise people to embrace; you are helping people you don’t know; God will continue to remember you. Extending to the needy or the less privileged shouldn’t be limited to only when politicians are seeking for votes. I thank and appreciate you for this programme”.
Others at the event were the spokesperson of the APC in the state, Hon. Taiwo Olatunbosun, the entire executive of APC in Ekiti South Senatorial District, past and present members of the state Executive Council of the party, all APC Local Government and Wards chairmen across Ekiti South Senatorial Districts and other well wishers.
Hello everyone, hope you had a wonderful Christmas Celebration?
Today is Boxing Day. Perhaps, a day spent continuing the party from Christmas Day in your family, with another roast dinner, or it might be your allotted recovery time, lazing about on the sofa, eating leftover turkey rice, snacking on celebrations and watching TV.
But where does the name “Boxing Day” actually come from? And what are its significance? Unlike its name, it has got nothing to do with throwing punches.
Although the origin of the holiday is not very clear, here are a few things you should know about this day:
Most Nigerians believe Boxing Day is a day dedicated to boxers.
It isn’t a day to fight your neighbours or have a boxing competition.
It is believed by some historians that the holiday began in England during the Middle Ages. According to them, the holiday developed because servants were required to work on Christmas Day, but took the following day off. As servants prepared to leave to visit their families, their employers would present them with gift boxes as a sign of gratitude for their help working on Christmas day.
Another interesting possible origin is the suggestions that the day got its name from the tradition of churches collecting donations in boxes for the poor after Christmas during the Victorian era.
The date also seems to have its root in the tradition of boxes placed in churches where parishioners deposited coins for the poor were opened and the contents distributed on December 26.
The name of the holiday is also believed to come from “Christmas Box,” the name for a Christmas gift.
In 1994, South Africa renamed Boxing Day as the Day of Goodwill in an effort to sever ties to the country’s colonial past.
Boxing Day is celebrated in many Commonwealth countries and former British colonies.
Some European countries such as Germany, Poland, Scandinavia and the Netherlands call Dec. 26 “Second Christmas Day,”.
In Ireland they call Boxing Day ‘St. Stevens Day’.
In other continental European countries, it is known as ‘Christmas II’ or ‘Second Christmas Day’.
On Boxing Day 2004 a massive earthquake created a tsunami around the Indian Ocean resulting in the deaths of over 300,000 people.
In Australia, New Zealand, Canada and UK, Boxing Day is the heaviest shopping day of the year.
Boxing Day is one of the British bank holidays recognized since 1871.
National Candy Cane Day is celebrated 26th December every year in the United
Despite the competition between the theories and beliefs, in Today’s world, December 26, is a day to do anything you want. You can spend time with your family, go shopping, help the less privileged, appreciate people and so much more. What do you do on Boxing Day?
*Everyone has a talent – Dr. Cosmas Maduka, Coscharis President
*Make your life count – Tony Attah, MD/CEO NLNG
*Take charge and transform your future – Daniel Ikechukwu, FLPN Boss
The atmosphere inside the Eagle Hall, Forever Living Products, Aromire Avenue, Ikeja, Tuesday, December 12, 2017, was electric. The company had summoned Nigerian youths from all walks of life, particularly those who wished to improve their living standard based on the theme: Forever Youth Summit: Building for the future.
The Country Sales Manager Forever Living Products Nigeria, Mr. Daniel Ikechukwu who declared the 4-days summit open said 47.4% of Nigerian youths were either unemployed or underemployed (NBS Report, 2017). “The objective of our summit”, he said. “is to create healthier and higher quality of life for Nigerian youths. They must take charge of their lives and be involved in actions that will transform their beliefs, values, attitude and finances. He urged them to imbibe the spirit of Forever which is the spirit of love, and learn skills from some of the best business managers in Nigeria to build a bigger and better future for themselves
Three eminent personalities were on stage – Dr. Cosmas Maduka, businessman, founder, President/CEO of Coscharis Group; Mr. Tony Attah, MD/CEO Nigeria Liquefied Gas and Pharm. Victor Erukunuakpor, MD/CEO Gratunity Nig Ltd
Maduka is an epitome of the saying: from grass to grace. He, it was, who superintended a one-man business and transformed it into an indigenous conglomerate with diverse interests in manufacturing, ICT, petro-chemicals and auto sales. And at the event, he opened himself up to an appreciative audience who cheered his every word, his every gesture. “I love to go where people add value to my life”, he started, accusing Forever Country Sales Manager, Mr. Daniel Ikechukwu, of putting him behind such accomplished man, like Tony Attah, as the two dazzled at the event. “I got value today”, he confessed.
While Maduka placed his own personal life on a scale for all to tantalize and savour, Attah placed value of people worldwide for them to choose. At the end, another standing ovation was to FLP Nigeria boss, Daniel Ikechukwu, who put together an amalgam of genuine enterprise and friendship for Forever Business Owners. Generally, the two gentlemen agreed on basic principles of creating wealth and having a successful entrepreneurship.
“Mine was a humble beginning”, Maduka said. Lost his father at age 4, he had to withdraw from school at Primary III at age 7. “I hawked akara to contribute to the up keep of my family”, he revealed. He later came to Lagos, and became apprentice in an auto shop to a senior uncle.
However, Attah revealed how an aptitude test in Yamoussoukro, changed the way he viewed life. “I was part of a 900-youth group who were drilled on how they viewed life and wealth. We were asked to privately indicate what each could do with a free hundred million dollars. While some Africans desired a bigger house, cars, youths from advanced societies had different perspectives”. According to Attah, a 19-year-old from Europe, said with the money, he could eradicate malaria in Sudan and Ethiopia and hope that one day he could be opportune to visit the place. Another said he would use his imaginary millions to eradicate poverty in Africa and hope to visit there one day. Attah said the responses changed the way he viewed life. “It is important that you live for something bigger than yourself. Who will miss you when you are no longer here?” he asked a now subdued audience.
Meanwhile, Maduka explained how with dedication, honesty and hard work, the N200 his uncle provided as settlement for years of his apprenticeship, eventually turned into fortune.
“If anybody had reason not to succeed, the person is me. If anybody had reason to blame God for failing, it should be me”, adding that life was about mind-set. “Belief, is one of the most important things in my life. As a child, my mother told me to believe in myself. She didn’t tell me about God, before, but she did later. Believe in yourself and believe in God. Believe truly that hard work opens the good life”, he advised. He derided young people who condemn the country for not providing enough for them. “A lot of young people say this country is useless, nothing will work for you if you say and think so. In your subconscious, you said it. Remember the Bible says: `Out of the abundance of the heart, the mouth speaks’”, urging them to leave the hall with a different mind-set. “Say to yourself, `I will change my future, my life will not remain the same’, and wake up early in your race for prosperity. If you want to somersault, you must do so before age 20. If you don’t, after 25, you will have spinal injury. But if you are somersaulting at 19, you can still somersault at 40, because at age 28-30, you are at the borderline”, he told a subsumed audience, adding that statistics showed successful people were usually within age 15-25. “Only in exceptional cases, people start being successful after age 40.
Also speaking, Attah said young people coming to Forever were being presented with a vision ordained by God, who had literally given a canvass, paint and a brush to paint their desired vision that will be approved, adding that in all cases, they would require determination and team work. “In life journey, everyone needs help and that is the meaning of team work, afterall, two good heads are better than one. You can have everything you want in life, if you just help other people get what they want, operating individually, you can achieve nothing. Without other people you will not happen”, Attah stressed, condemning those who believe the grass is always greener on the other side. “No”, he said, “the grass is always greener where you water it”, he observed. He urged youths to be focused and courageous, as nothing could be achieved without focus. “When you work hard, luck shows up. Know your company; Know and use the products; Focus on your customers and build a team of champions. You must have the burning desire to win, and ensure you go into ventures that could change your names for the better”. Concluding Attah, described Forever Combo Pack as a Pack of Fortune, saying FBOs must stay focused so they can recognise their opportunity when it shows up.
However, in his closing remarks, Maduka, explained that if he, with his humble beginning, could sit in the board of two Nigerian banks for 12 years, serve as Chairman, Credit Committee of Access Bank, stand on a podium at the United Nations, comprising 170 countries to speak on Youth Entrepreneurship, there was no one who could not make it. He said, however, that like any worthwhile endeavour, there were rules that must be obeyed, even in Forever business.
Maduka said selling remained the most difficult thing to do in life. “You will be challenged by anything you do”, adding that the Igbo had enterprising spirit that distinguished them from other people. “To the Igbo, shop is part of our religion”, adding that with vision, courage, and hard work, anyone could succeed. He urged young people to look out for gaps that exist in the service sector. “When you fill the gaps that exist in service, you will not be running after money, money will be running after you”, he said.
Nearly all leaders can stand adversity, bit if you want to text a man’s character, give him a war. This very word fit into the compass mind under which the character of Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai has evolved. In the war against terror, his leadership qualities stood out the most.
“The most important thing I learned is that soldiers watch what their leaders do. You can give them classes and lecture them forever, but it is your personal example they will follow.”
– General Colin Powell.
With this treatise, with this article, a reflection on the qualities of a Quintessential Gentleman and a Soldier begin… His name, Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai, Chief of Army Staff (COAS), Nigerian Army.
Many will agree with the General in the very manner of summing up his philosophy — A passion for Excellence is contagious and uplifting. Passion cuts both ways… In creating passion in his own life and with those he cares for, General Tukur Yusufu Buratai wants to feel, experience and live every emotion and passion of his work….And such that he had determined to suffer through the bad for the heights of the good. Here, his story as a war time General and the Chief of Army Staff, starts as one of the very few who as the head, has witnessed war… Real War, and unlike many other, has Triumphed!
The war I am referring to, is not even just a war, not just a battle, but a war with a difference. The War on Terror. And Not just a war on Terror but a war on Boko Haram, arguably the Deadliest Terror group with as much of a political backing.
And to fight against these odds in a multi-plural polity like the Nigerian situation is such a hugely daunting task.
HOW IT ALL BEGAN
The Boko Haram first started as an uprising in 2009, in what was a conflict between Boko Haram, a militant fundamentalist group, and Nigerian security forces.
Violence occurred across several states in Northeastern Nigeria, which resulted in more than 1,000 dead, with around 700 killed in the city of Maiduguri alone. And that was how a full scale war had ensued since then.
Boko Haram appeared in the consciousness of most Nigerians outside of the Northeastern zone, for the first time toward the middle of the year in August of 2011.
The escalation of what started as a mere uprising developed into a full scale war toward the end of 2012 in which from Bornu state the Boko Haram Terror spread to the whole of the Northeastern states… It was this situation that became the focal point upon which the last administration of President Jonathan lost the 2015 elections after a three year period that produced minimal victories that left open the vulnerability of the military, especially the army, resulting in heavy casualties, low morale and mismanagement of resources… A dangerous situation it was for both the fledgling Nigerian democracy and the continued existence of a United Nigeria.
Such a country President Muhammadu Buhari inherited and a more severe and precarious circumstance Lieutenant General Tukur Yusufu Buratai inherited as the New Army Chief of Staff.
It is very important at this juncture in this discourse to point out the very issues that the army under General Buratai has been dealing with in this war against Terror since 2015.
Boko Haram has many arms and appendages… The most dangerous reality about the Boko Haram is perhaps its political arm, of which any army is not going to be so equipped to deal with by the book and neither by their training.
It is not uncommon to see this scenario play out — That a decision be made at the very top of the Army command and within minutes such intricate policy decisions made in secrecy is already known to the Terrorists…. Many times, the terrorists will be waiting in ambush to intercept the soldiers carrying out a mission regarded as a most secret maneuver and tactics…!
No sooner after debriefings are done and personnel deployed, would the same Terrorists will, by information somewhat obtained, know of it and launch an attack…!
The leaks were mostly done by politicians who are aiding and abetting the Terrorists…
This situation and many of such the Army Chief has had to face in his two years in the saddle.
To say the Truth, General Buratai has succeeded where others have failed in tackling the ever difficult challenge of tackling the political arm of the Terrorists… And we must say where we have the volatile mix of politics and religion, a very serious challenge ensues… But not insurmountable as the Nigerian Army under General Buratai has succeeded in locating, arresting and decimating the support systems of the Terrorists…
In August of this year, the Nation heaved a sigh of relief when the army announced that Two Boko Haram terrorists and principal logistics experts, fell into the ambush of Army troops deployed at Forward Operation Base Mainok in Borno state. So also were 4 armed men, 5 drug suppliers, 26 others arrested earlier this year for working for Boko Haram as informants.
In April of year 2016, the Nigerian Army announced that Six vital people noted for getting logistics support and information for the Boko Haram terrorists, were arrested in a swift military operation by troops of 3 Battalion, 22 Brigade.
Those arrested were described as “unrepentant and hardened insurgents”, they include Musa Kalile Saba Kara, an Ameer, Babagana John, an informant and also seller of foodstuffs, Isah Abakar, an Ameer , and Usman Abasa, who specializes in cattle rustling and selling of food stuffs, as well Bukar Gujja, a tailor who prepare clothes for the terrorists and Bukar Kahalifa, also a tailor who prepares the dress for the Boko Haram terrorists.
The Nigerian Army under General Buratai has also through ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ made a heavy breakthrough when it arrested a Caretaker Chairman of Mafa Local Government Area of Borno state, Alhaji Shettima Lawan Maina for hiding a top Boko Haram Commander…
Such are the few examples of the progress the Army Chief has made toward what has now largely been seen as a worn war over Boko Haram Terror. Being able to fight a largely unseen enemy, in an unconventional Terror war meant employing more than conventional weapons and tactics… This has also been a war of wits and bravery.
Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai himself is from Biu local government of Borno State, right in the midst of all that has transpired so far in this war on Terror that started from Borno state.
As the General himself has demonstrated, In the Military, he has learned the essence of people. He has learned to be impartial.
In General Buratai, we have seen so many examples of self-sacrifice and moral courage, even waging a war upon those who might be friend, acquaintances and family. In the whole of different endeavors, not just in the Army alone, you don’t get that many opportunities to be sure of such loyal impartial leaders who would administer decisions with such precision and total loyalty to his country over and above sectional interests…
Today, the people of the Northeastern zone, sleep peaceably in their beds at night only because Noble men like General Tukur Yusuf Buratai and his Gallant Soldiers stand ready to DEFEND their liberties on their behalf.
As it appeared his tenure was coming to an end and a glorious Nunc Dimitis is to be rendered to a worthy Gentleman and soldier, alas a decision came from the Commander-In-Chief… Which was not altogether a surprise.
It was therefore, not at all stupefying nor confounding, but a welcoming expectation, that on the 18th day of December, 2017, the President and Commander-In-Chief of the Armed forces, decided to extend the Tenure of Service of the Chief of Army Staff along with the services of the other Service Chiefs…
In a statement released by the Ministry of Defense , which says, “President Muhammadu Buhari, having carefully reviewed the on-going military operations across the nation and the efforts of the Chief of Defence staff and the Service Chiefs in the counter insurgency operations in the North East, coupled with the security situation of the Niger Delta region, has graciously approved the extension of tenure of Service Lieutenant General Tukur Yusuf Buratai, and others… “
Rather than say goodbye Sir, to a High Achiever, we are proud to say, “Good luck, Godspeed, and come home safe after your extended tenure, with the unalloyed belief that vanquishing the remnants of the Terrorists is only a matter of months!”
Our thanks and appreciation goes to President Muhammadu Buhari, the Federal Executive Council and our State Governors for the approval of $1 Billion for the use of our security agencies in tackling the many security challenges that we face, including the Boko Haram insurgency.
Part of these funds we are sure will be of benefit in routing completely the Boko Haram menace from our nation.
Our special thanks go to the Gallant soldiers under the able leadership of General Buratai for doing the nation proud, as we also remember those who have paid the supreme sacrifice in defending their motherland with their very lives…
Long live the Nigerian Army.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
By: Comrade Oladimeji Odeyemi, a Youth and Gender Activist, a security analyst and a counter terrorist expert
It is interesting to think of Nigeria as an overweight giant with unkempt beards irregularly scattered all over his face (at least we like to pride ourselves as THE GIANT OF AFRICA). Even an overweight giant becomes a burden to itself.
Giant of Africa?
His excessively rotund and roly-poly body is as a result of the over-consumption and excessive reliance on a particular kind of food nutrient.
He likes to drink oil and smoke gas.
Quite frankly, no human species can survive or thrive with that kind of dietary equation; in fact, such a one is a disaster waiting to happen.
After the discovery of fossil oil at Oloibiri area of Bayelsa in 1956 in commercial quantity, petroleum industry in Nigeria became the largest industry.
Oloibiri
Oil, therefore, supplied approximately 90 percent of foreign exchange earnings and about 80 percent of federal revenue and contributes to the growth rate of Gross Domestic Product (GDP) of our economy.
The oil boom of 1970s made Nigeria rely heavily on crude oil and natural gas for its continuous supply of economic diet. Crude oil has since then become the darling of our nation; she received preferential treatment to the detriment of our first love (Agriculture).
Eventually, agriculture which in times past earned us at least 70% of our foreign exchange deteriorated very fast because our policy wonks became derelict in their sacred obligations to her (Agriculture).
Today, the salubrious broth called crude oil has started to turn sour and rendered our taste buds sore. Significant precincts of oil-rich regions are no longer habitable due to oil spillage.
The persistent groundswells of legitimate agitations and destructive activities by militants in the Niger Delta have almost crippled the economic wheels of our dear country.
The bludgeoning and bloodying of our nation’s “economic head” by corrupt practices and sleazes in the public and private sectors are all a part of the curses and crosses emanating from our overreliance on crude oil.
It is shameful that we still grovel at the feet of crude oil when countries on the global pedestal have begun to embrace and deliberately fade out their reliance on it by cannibalizing and diversifying other sectors.
Thespians in the crude oil intoxication Melodrama
The thespians
Our ludicrous fixation on oil further deepened as we now have a President in the person of Muhammadu Buhari, who shuttles between his primary role as the chief executive helmsman of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the substantive Minister of Petroleum.
However, when we thought that we have heard and seen the last of the behavioural debauchery that took place in past administrations from crude oil intoxication, the recent wrangling between the Minister of State for Petroleum Resources, Dr. Ibe Kachikwu and the Group Managing Director of the Nigerian National Petroleum Corporation (NNPC), Dr. Maikanti K. Baru regarding the alleged awarding of contracts without due consultation with the minister betrayed our gullible optimism.
The melodrama became even messier when the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo debunked widespread statements that he approved the said sum as the Acting President during the period Muhammadu Buhari was on his medical vacation. Regardless of who is right or wrong, the obvious solution is a total overhaul and sanitation of the inherent tacky climate in the oil sector.
Sad yet is the fact that the President’s Chief of Staff, Abba Kyari is a member of the Board of Directors of the NNPC, according to legal experts, this is wrong in its totality. Unfortunately, this and much more have been handled like nothing is happening.
If truly our President intends to be involved personally, operationally and officially in the development of the Nigerian project, then he should hands-off the oil ministry as its head, and get a hands-on on some ministries like Agriculture, Health and Education – all of which are in dare need of a state of emergency.
If Nigeria perpetuates in this state of plateau; posturing itself as the biblical “fig tree”, it might eventually fall like the proverbial humpty dumpty for overreliance on oil “blocks”.
While the world is running, jumping and jetting into the future with precise plans and ground-breaking innovations in Science, Technology, Medicine, Agriculture, Art etc., Nigeria is busy performing the “moon walk” and sliding backward very fast into antiquity.
It is heartbreaking that our country is still unnecessarily dependent on fossil deposits that have become more or less a curse and an albatross to us as a nation instead of a great vault of opportunities to all and sundry.
Death and burial of crude oil
A Resident fetching Crude Oil from leakage at Adibawa Well 8 in Edagberi Community in Rivers State.
It is instructive to note that countries like Norway, India and France have decided to stop the exploration and production of crude oil by year 2025, 2030 and 2040 respectively in order to combat the deleterious and hazardous effects of climate change.
There seems to be a growing movement by these countries to force the extinction of vehicles that run on fossil fuels. They have resorted to the production of electric cars and the complete obliteration of petrol and diesel-driven engines.
Volvo Cars became the first mainstream automaker to sound the death knell of the internal combustion engine, saying that all the models it introduces starting in 2019 will be either hybrids or powered solely by batteries.
Their goal is to drive a sharp stake through the heart of carbon emissions; the boogeyman whose corollary effects manifests as global warming, depletion of the ozone layer and its other destructive appurtenances.
European countries like England, France, Norway, Denmark, the Netherlands, and Germany are making definitive moves away from the use of fossil fuels. They have completed plans to announce the death and burial of the era of fossil domination.
Big car manufacturers like Tesla, Volvo, Renault and the PSA Group are beginning to embrace alternative sources of powering cars through electric, solar and battery.
The repugnant smell of doom and gloom
On a macro scale, what are the economic implications of these decisions by some of the stakeholders and key players (countries and car companies) in the crude oil space on the African continent, heck!…on Nigeria? What will be its effect on our social, political and cultural survival?
Before reaching any hasty conclusions, it is important that we understand the sundry contributions of the oil sector to our nation.
Also, how bright will the future earnings of Nigeria be? Nigeria being a member of The Organization of the Petroleum Exporting Countries (OPEC) and the second largest producer of oil in Africa?
Your guess is almost as good as the writer’s.
We would definitely hit a slide due to the sudden drop in the demand for our crude oil.
In retrospect, when the price of oil fell from highs of about $112 a barrel in 2014 to below $50 in 2016, Nigeria was thrown into recession. It is, therefore, better imagined what will happen to Nigeria if European and Asian countries completely deviate from fossil fuel dependence to other healthy alternatives like electricity and solar, knowing fully well that Crude oil sales account for 70% of government income.
Although government have had tiny sparks of successes in several non-oil sectors like agriculture, however, it seems all we can boast of at best are “tiny sparks” because of poor storage, haulage and management of agricultural produce, which is gradually becoming an embarrassment to our nation especially with the outright rejection of our export agricultural produce in Europe, United States and other parts of the world in recent times. What a shame! We can do better in Agriculture only if we set our minds, hearts and hands to it.
Salvation in the Non-Oil sector?
There is a portion of one of the Holy Books that says: “At least there is hope for a tree: If it is cut down, it will sprout again, and its new shoots will not fail…. at the scent of water it will bud and sprout again like a new seedling.”
There’s hope
Last month, the National Bureau of Statistics (NBS) unveiled the bright figure of 0.55% GDP Growth in the second quarter (Q2) of 2017; this indicated that we are “statistically” out of recession. This momentous declaration by the bureau was a joyous daybreak to millions of Nigerians who had been seared in the flames of poverty and encumbered by the manacles of economic hardship.
However, for us to avoid our “joyous daybreak” reversing into long nights of starvation, those at the helms of affairs of our great country need to latch upon and capitalize on the non-oil sector to bring to us the dividends of democracy.
Below are a few statistics from the NBS:
According to the preliminary results for the second quarter of the year 2017, Nigeria’s economic recovery was driven principally by the performance of four main economic activities comprising Oil and Non-oil (agriculture, manufacturing and trade).
The results showed that Oil GDP recovered significantly from -11.63 per cent in Q2 2016 and -15.40 per cent in Q1 2017 to 1.64 per cent in Q2 2017.
While Oil GDP expanded considerably in the second quarter of 2017, Non-oil GDP only grew at 0.45 per cent, down from 0.72 per cent in the preceding quarter and -0.38 in the corresponding period in 2016.
Agriculture continued its strong and positive growth, which it had maintained throughout the recession, growing by 3.01 per cent in Q2 2017, from 3.39 per cent in Q1 2017 and 4.53 per cent in Q2 2016.
Manufacturing retained its positive growth for the second consecutive quarter in Q2 2017, growing at 0.64 per cent compared to 1.36 per cent in Q1 2017 and -3.36 per cent in Q2 2016.
Trade which has a dominant share of GDP remained negative at -1.62 per cent, but the contraction in the sector decelerated from the -3.08 per cent recorded in Q1 2017.
The results also showed that the industry sector grew positively by 1.45 per cent in Q2 2017, after nine consecutive quarters of negative growth since Q4 2014.
Service = 53.73%
Industries = 23.31%
Agriculture = 22.97%
Does it look like Nigeria’s economic future is bright? Yes! Can we begin to pop Champagne and take a little rest? Absolutely NOT!
Although the oil and gas sector accounts for about 35 per cent of gross domestic product, and petroleum exports revenue represents over 90 per cent of total exports revenue, Agriculture is expected to feature as one of the pertinent driving force in Africa’s economic rebirth and is already ranked among the critical factors contributing towards an increasing curiousity in the continent’s native resources.
It is estimated that over 60 percent of the world’s available and untapped farmland is in sub-Saharan Africa. Interestingly, for Nigeria, agriculture contributes about 22 percent of its GDP.
With the allocation of N92 Billion to the Agriculture sector, and the ubiquitous potentials in other sectors like tourism, entertainment, art and culture, manufacturing, trade and other non-oil sectors of the economy, the government might be able to improve the economic aesthetics of Nigeria.
A few Recommendations
We need to consciously divest our reliance on the oil sector and begin to focus on other non-oil sectors; especially those that are currently driving world economies. For example, in Asia, technology drives the wheel of their economy; in Europe, agriculture does it for them; even as they expand and bolster their technological strength.
Our leaders need to be selfless and sincere in the making of policies that are people-centred and not one to fuel their political and personal agendas.
Also, our Presidents need to eschew the ideologies of heading the oil sectors alongside their executive portfolios. This appears like they have ulterior motives.
Citizens should use the power of their votes to elect fresh and credible individuals with concrete antecedents of leadership and accomplishments. These should be individuals who can clearly enunciate their plans and can galvanise the people towards the achievement of these plans.
We need to invest more in tapping the resources between our ears and not those beneath the ground. In Asia, there are technological schools whose certifications are as valid as those of the universities; making it a viable alternative for everyone to have access to education. The never-ending battle between the B.Sc and the HND is a mere case of “potayto…potahto”; just mere nomenclature. We need to place more premiums on competence instead of certificates.
Moreover, the clamour for true federalism, especially when it bothers on resource control and decentralisation should be placed in the front burner. This will make states more competitive and accountable to their people.
These recommendations (though not exhaustive) are some of the immediate approaches we can engage to move the economic and political wheels of our country.
Shining, evergreen conifers, twinkle lights and jingle bells only mean a single thing: Christmas is upon us. While this is a perfect time to let your hair down and enjoy the moment, travelling during Christmas can be hectic, and tiring. Africa’s largest online travel company Wakanow has put together these essential tips to ease you into a hassle-free yuletide.
#1. By all means, pack light
Virtually everybody seems to be on the road during Christmas, and you can’t imagine the frustration of struggling with heavy luggage at this time. So, avoid the temptation to cram your bags with stuff you might end up not using. Let go of those dresses you are not going to wear during the vacation.
#2. Book a Transfer Service Ahead
You don’t want to land in your destination, and start another struggle for a local taxi. It’s even worse when you already have a jet lag. One way you can save time is by booking a transfer service in advance and beat the waiting time. Imagine the ease of having a taxi on standby while you land in your destination.
#3. Get a Plan-B
Life can be unpredictable sometimes, and the same is true for travel. Travelling during a busy period like Christmas puts you at the risk of overbooked, delayed or canceled flights. Figure out a trusted online booking platforms or smart travel apps that allow you run a quick search of the next available flights to your destination.
#4. Don’t forget the basics
Sometimes, we get carried away with the excitement of a Christmas break that we end up forgetting the basics. If you are travelling outside of the country, ensure your passport and visa are up to date. Print out every relevant document you might need ahead of time. You obviously don’t want to get to the airport only to realize you left your passport on the bed.
#5. Follow all the updates
You want to have the latest updates on your flight? Follow your airline on social media. These days, most airlines share instant updates of their flights, and you’ll do yourself good to abreast of these developments as they happen. Signing up for relevant travel newsletters gives you first-hand information on deals, flight updates, and son on.
#6. Be proactive, plan ahead
Except you are travelling within your country, communication can be a major challenge, and the cost of a roaming service can dig a hole in your pocket.
Essentially, you might have to acquire a new SIM card to be able to make calls or surf the web on the go. It’s advisable you beat the cost and get a Travel SIM that allows you keep in touch with your loved ones for less, everywhere you go.
#7. Go Dead, Save Big
In travel, the “dead week” is the period immediately after a peak travel period like Christmas. If you’ll be travelling for Christmas, and your dates are flexible, consider a return date that falls within the dead week. This allows you save big on fares.
#8. A Christmas Gift is Everything
Travelling long distances – either by road or air – is usually a challenge, and not many people enjoy it. But if you are travelling home for Christmas, you just can’t afford not to buy gifts for loved ones, no matter the inconvenience that comes with it. After all, this is one of the most important periods of the year to show them all the love they deserve.
