The Nation Newspaper

Tag: independence

  • ‘Independence is our hallmark’

    Lagosians were reminded of the beauty of colour ‘white’ and the accessibility needs of the blind and visually-impaired persons.

    Members of the Lagos State chapter of the Nigeria Association of the Blind (NAB), marched on the streets of Lagos to protest against dependency and discrimination. The march was to commemorate this year’s International White Cane Day. It was their way of celebrating ‘independence’.

    The Publicity Secretary of the association, Fadeyi Michael, said: “Mobility as you know allows every man to seek a better life such as education, health services, recreation and employment. The ‘White Cane’ has enabled us to do all these without which our lives would have been more miserable. “In line with this year’s theme, White Cane, our mark of independence, the ‘White Cane’ is truly a symbol of independence for the visually-impaired because it enables us to move around with little or no help. The International White Cane Day, celebrated yearly on October 15, promotes the White Cane as a positive means of Independence and mobility for people who are blind or have visual problem and raises awareness on the access needs of this category of people.”

    NAB members marked the Day with a walk from Shoprite, Maroko to the Kings’ College annex, Adeyemo Alakija, Victoria Island.

    The chapter’s chairman, Akinola Opeolu, called for an enabling environment for the blind to operate. He said: “Blind Nigerians want to contribute to the development of our country. Disability is a reality and diversity in the human race of short, white, poor, or weak variations.

    “The independence of all human beings in an inter-dependent effort towards progress. Independence is our hallmark, inter-dependence is our goal. When we clamour for rights, we only ask for the opportunity to serve humanity. When our rights are denied, the entire society is robbed of 10 per cent manpower resources converted into 20 per cent deficit as we then become dependants on others. The physical and attitudinal changes we advocate for will benefit all citizens as a social insurance against accidents and the effects of ageing.”

    Opeolu called for constitutional admendment to discourage discrimination marginalisation of Persons With Disabilities (PWDs).

    While hailing the Lagos State government for passing the Special Peoples’ Law in 2011, he urged other states to follow suit so that the blind and the visually-impaired persons can enjoy the rights fundamentally due to them as human beings.

    He said: “The Senate President recently outlined the areas of the 1999 Nigerian Constitution that will be amended. He was silent on the discriminatory clauses that perpetuate the marginalisation of persons with disabilities despite repeated memoranda from our organisations pointing out those clauses.

    “Fortunately, the Lagos State government has demonstrated more clairvoyance by enacting various disability legislations, one of which is the Lagos State Special People’s Law 2011.”

  • Independence without celebration

    Independence without celebration

    I could have written this piece earlier but waited to appropriately gauge the mood of Nigerians last Monday, October 1, the 52nd Independence anniversary of the country.

    On the eve of that day, Ayo, a young Customs officer in Lagos had called me to wish me happy Independence Anniversary in advance. Soon after this, he added a caveat! “Sir, is it true that prices of petrol might be hiked tomorrow?” Initially, I was speechless. Then I quickly put myself together and replied: “I don’t think so. No sane person would do such a thing on Independence Day of all days.”

    “But remember sir that the last fuel price hike was on New Year Day, January 1, and people are already doing panic buying”. In spite of this, I stood my ground and asked him to perish the thought. That is the extent of the mortal fear that has been etched into the sub-consciousness of the average Nigerian.

    Anyway, the following day, October 1, I listened to the President’s broadcast that morning as he reeled out his achievements so far. It was reassuring though. But statistics aside, what Nigerians actually need this time is to measure the quality of their life. Has there been any improvement in the last 13 years of democratic governance? I say this because I share the admission of the President that he alone and not one man alone can change the fortunes of Nigeria.

    We have passed through decades of decay, decadence, indiscipline, corruption, embezzlement of public funds and all that. That Nigeria is still standing as one nation today is probably due to the benevolence of the Almighty God. Every sector, every section, and every age bracket have contributed to the morass of underdevelopment the country has been grappling with.

    Under the military interregnum, there was a common enemy, as various aspersions were cast on the military as if they were some foreign elements or strangers who had cornered the reins of power to foster a selfish agenda. We never took cognisance of the fact that, except for the head of state, military governors or military administrators of each state and a few aides, all other members of the cabinet were civilians. Even the civil service, the engine room of government, was run solely by civil servants. Not one of them was a military man.

    So, if the military rulers stole money, they did not perpetrate the looting alone. They were aided or, even in many instances, goaded by the civilians in high places. It was the civilians in sensitive places who taught them how to steal and what to steal. Today, the civilian collaborators of the military are walking freely and causing problems everywhere with their ill-gotten wealth, but nobody is talking.

    That brings me back to 1999. We all know what we passed through to achieve democratic governance. Many precious souls were lost in the titanic struggle to ease off the military from power. But how many of those who stood before the barrels of the guns are in power today? The political firmament is being dominated by the offspring of those who brought the country to its knees prior to the events of January and July 1966. Many of the political parties, that is, if they can be called as such, are populated by crooks and known criminals. Their agenda: to loot the public till in order to oil their selfish and extravagant lifestyles.

    In the rat race to empty the treasury, strange bedfellows are now cohabiting. It is no longer “what we can offer, but what we can get”. That is the reason why there is a permanent fratricidal war going on in most of the political parties. When elephants fight, it is the grass that suffers. As our politicians are embroiled in an open war of attrition, it is the people and the development of the nation that bear the brunt.

    No other time in Nigeria has the drums of war by ethnic nationalities been so high than today. Those who have been schemed out of the political equations in the country have resorted to championing the parochial interests of their ethnic and sectional groups. This, they intend to use, as bargaining chips for political ascendency. To achieve this, they must heat up the polity to breaking point.

    While the ethnic jingoists are doing their own, others are using religion and other pretences to conceal their real intentions. Besides, all the present form of criminality – kidnapping, violent robberies, internet fraud and social media crimes – are the manifestation of a society where the craze for materialism at all costs has reached an alarming crescendo. It is like those who cannot join the politicians to loot have devised their own ‘ingenious’ means to amass wealth even if it means that blood must flow freely.

    Look at Boko Haram or whatever it is called. Though the lethargic security system in the country could be blamed for not nipping this nonsense in the bud, the increasing number of new converts to the rapacious and rampaging gang is worrisome. It means some people are profiting from the entire brigandage. In a country where religious pluralism holds sway, is it not pure eccentricity to assume that a rudderless group of people could foster a particular religion or doctrine on the country?

    Now, it is getting increasingly clear that the gang of marauders has the blessing and active connivance of some unscrupulous security agents, which is why their activities have been proving intractable. Yet, what is really at stake is the struggle for the control of the levers of power. All is about power, not to change or improve on the destiny of the country but to rape it ceaselessly and mercilessly.

    As I write, I can imagine the life of squalor and destitution the victims of the recent flood disaster in the country are facing. Do the politicians care if they are washed away by the surging flood? As people are driven out of their places of abode, petty thieves and robbers are all over the place making away with any property they could lay their hands on. The government that should have provided the needed succour seems to have no solution to the problem. Consequently, many of the displaced Nigerians are now left entirely to the vagaries of hunger, disease and untimely death.

    That is why I see this year’s independence anniversary as a contradiction of what I witnessed in the United States of America, USA, on June 4. That day was America’s Independence Anniversary.

    Independence Day in America is always a huge celebration. You could smell the festivities before the D-Day. Various manufacturers and shopping outlets unleash a deluge of promos, discounts and lotteries on the public, while people scramble to arrange for barbeque all over the place. People travel far and wide for revelry.

    In the afternoon of that day, I accompanied my friend to their church – a newly commissioned Redeemed Church of God at Richmond area of Houston, Texas. The place was packed full with picnickers who were all Nigerians. Apart from a cow on a barbecue, sausages, corn and every item of merriment were also in abundance. As I watched the joyous multitude, what ran through my mind was: “Here are Nigerians celebrating the independence of another country almost 7,000 kilometres away from home with such élan and excitement. Even though many of them could hardly live above subsistence level, they were sure that their conditions can only improve, not get worse like that of their fellow men back home.

    The lesson from this is that we must wake up from our deep slumber, eschew all forms of unhealthy rivalries – ethnic, religious or political – bury our parochial interests and join hands to move this country forward.

     

  • Bayelsa to immortalise Abacha,honour Alamieyeseigha

    Bayelsa to immortalise Abacha,honour Alamieyeseigha

    To mark the 16th anniversary of the creation of Bayelsa State, the state government has announced its decision to immortalise late General Sani Abacha.
    It has concluded plans to lay the foundation stone for a 150 duplex housing estate which would be named after late General Abacha whose government created Bayelsa State as Head of State on the 1st of October, 1996.
    Governor Seriake Dickson announced the decision on Monday in his broadcast to commemorate the 16th anniversary of the creation of the State and the 52nd independence of the country.
    According to Governor Dickson, government in partnership with the Ijaw National Congress (INC), has christened the main auditorium of the INC secretariat after General Abacha as well as invite the family of the late General to be part of the celebration and also plant a memorial tree in his honour.
    This gesture which comes 16 years after the creation of the state would also be used to honour the first civilian Governor of the State, Chief Diepreye Alamieyeseigha for his commitment to the Ijaw struggle by naming a hall after him in the INC building which was started by him.
    The governor also paid tributes to those he described as worthy Nigerian leaders like President Olusegun Obasanjo and late President Umaru Yar’Adua whose actions impacted positively on Bayelsans.
    He re-affirmed his administration’s commitment towards ensuring accelerated infrastructural development and revolutionary investments in human capital development.

  • We will not fail Nigerians – Jonathan

    We will not fail Nigerians – Jonathan

    President Goodluck Jonathan has again urged Nigerians not to despairs, even as he assured the people that his administration will not fail them.

    The president addressed the nation on the occasion of the country’s 52nd Independence anniversary celebration on Monday.

    The president also listed the fight against corruption as a top priority of his administration.

    He noted that his administration has continued to work for the progress of the country, adding that the country was making good progress.

    The country, he assured will continue to grow from strength to strength.

    He also urged Nigerians to remain steadfast as the country has remained a strong nation.

    The president noted that the various reforms carried out by his administration are on tracks and will soon be yielding results.

    Jonathan was also positive that Nigeria will continue to be a country of pride.

    “I have no doubt that by the time I address you on our next independence anniversary, many of our reform efforts would have yielded even better results.

    “Over the years, several leaders have built on the foundation laid by our Founding Fathers. The baton is now in our hands. Let me assure all Nigerians that we shall not fail.

    “I am confident that Nigeria will continue to be a source of pride to its citizens; to Africa and the Black Race and to humanity; a land that is known for progress, freedom, peace and the promotion of human dignity.

    “On this special day, I call on every Nigerian to remain steadfast, because our nation is indeed making progress. I call on every Nigerian to rediscover that special spirit that enables us to triumph over every adversity as a people.

    “We weathered the storm of the civil war, we have refused to be broken by sectarian crises; we have remained a strong nation. I bring to you today, a message of renewed hope and faith in the immense possibilities that lie ahead.

    ” Fellow citizens, I have an unshaken belief in the future of our great Country. I consider it a priority and sacred duty to continue to strengthen the bond of unity that holds our nation together and to promote and nourish the creative energies of our people. This is a central objective of our administration’s Transformation Agenda.

    “Nigeria, I assure you, will continue to grow from strength to strength.

    “We must continue to work together, confidently and faithfully, to ensure that our country’s potentials are realised to the fullest; that our dreams are translated into reality; and that our goals are achieved.

    “Let me reiterate that our administration is committed to the pursuit of fundamental objectives of an open society: the pursuit of freedom, security and prosperity for the Nigerian people, and the rule of law. “

    On the economy, the president said Nigeria has continued to witness some level of improvement even in the face of global economic downturn.

    The Gross Domestic Product, according to him has grown by 7.1 per cent.

     

  • President Jonathan’s Independence speech

    President Jonathan’s Independence speech

    ADDRESS BY PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN ON THE OCCASION OF THE INDEPENDENCE DAY ANNIVERSARY ON MONDAY, 1ST OCTOBER, 2012

    1. Beloved countrymen and women, on this day, fifty-two years ago, our founding fathers brought joy and hope to the hearts of our people when they won independence for our great country. Nigeria made a clean break with more than six decades of colonial rule, and emerged as a truly independent nation. That turning point was a new beginning for our nation.

    2. Those who witnessed the lowering of the Union Jack and the emergence of the Green White Green flag continue to relish the memory, because that ceremony was not just about the destiny of a nation, but the future of a people.

    3. That future is here; we are the inheritors of a great legacy that goes even much farther into the past.

    4. The worthy patriots who made this possible were young men and women in their twenties and thirties. They worked together to restore dignity and honour to the Nigerian people. Their resolve united a multicultural and multilingual nation of diverse peoples, with more than 250 distinct languages and ethnic groups.

    5. In 1960, our diversity became a source of strength, and the new leaders resolved to carry the flag of independence for the benefit of future generations. They had their differences, but they placed a greater premium on the need to come together to build a new nation.

     

    6. It is that resolve, and that glorious moment that we celebrate today. We also celebrate the patriotism of our heroes past: Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe, Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Sir Ahmadu Bello, Chief Obafemi Awolowo, Sir Michael Okpara, Chief Anthony Enahoro, Herbert Macaulay, and several others who made the case for our independence.

    7. We remember as always, their contributions to the making of the Nigerian nation, and the efforts of their successors since 1960. We also celebrate the unfailing optimism and resilience of Nigerians who remain proud of our national identity.

    8. On this special day, I call on every Nigerian to remain steadfast, because our nation is indeed making progress. I call on every Nigerian to rediscover that special spirit that enables us to triumph over every adversity as a people:

    9. We weathered the storm of the civil war, we have refused to be broken by sectarian crises; we have remained a strong nation. I bring to you today, a message of renewed hope and faith in the immense possibilities that lie ahead.

    10. Fellow citizens, I have an unshaken belief in the future of our great Country. I consider it a priority and sacred duty to continue to strengthen the bond of unity that holds our nation together and to promote and nourish the creative energies of our people. This is a central objective of our administration’s Transformation Agenda. Nigeria, I assure you, will continue to grow from strength to strength.

    11. Since I assumed office as President of our dear country on the 6th of May 2010, I have continued to work with our countrymen and women to enhance our nation’s growth and development.

    12. Our vision is encapsulated in the Transformation Agenda. We are working hard and making progress on many fronts. We have cleaned up our electoral process; our elections are now globally acclaimed to be free and fair. Nigeria is now on a higher pedestal regarding elections.

    13. Over the past five years, the global economy has been going through a weak and uncertain recovery. During the same period and particularly in the last two years, the Nigerian economy has done appreciably well despite the global financial crisis. Nigeria’s real Gross Domestic Product (GDP) has grown by 7.1 per cent on average.

    14. It is also significant that the GDP growth has been driven largely by the non-oil sector. In pursuance of the main goals of the Transformation Agenda, a number of reforms and initiatives are being pursued in key sectors of the economy with a view to consolidating the gains of the economic growth.

    15. Our country’s power supply situation is improving gradually. We are successfully implementing a well-integrated power sector reform programme which includes institutional arrangements to facilitate and strengthen private-sector-led power generation, transmission and distribution.

    16. We have also put in place a cost-reflective tariff structure that reduces the cost of power for a majority of electricity consumers. I am pleased with the feedback from across the country, of improvements in power supply.

    17. We are continuing to improve and stabilize on our crude production volumes; our 12-month gas supply emergency plan, put in place earlier this year, has produced more than the targeted volumes of gas for power generation. A robust Petroleum Industry Bill (PIB) has been placed before the National Assembly. Its passage into law will ensure far-reaching reforms, transparency, accountability, increased government revenue and predictability for investors in the Oil and Gas sector.

    18. Several government programmes and projects are creating wealth and millions of job opportunities for our youth and general population. Such programmes include: You-Win, both for the youth and for the women, Public Works, the Local Content Initiative in the Oil and Gas Sector, and the Agricultural Transformation programme.

    19. We have improved on our investment environment; more corporate bodies are investing in the Nigerian economy. Our Investment Climate Reform Programme has helped to attract over N6.8 trillion local and foreign direct investment commitments.

    20. Nigeria has become the preferred destination for investment in Africa. It is ranked first in the top 5 host economies for Foreign Direct Investment (FDI) in Africa, accounting for over 20 per cent of total FDI flows into the continent. We have streamlined bureaucratic activities at the ports to ensure greater efficiency in the handling of ports and port-related businesses. Specifically, we have drastically reduced the goods clearing period in our ports from about six weeks to about one week and under. We have an ultimate target of 48 hours.

    21. We have put in place, a new visa policy that makes it easier for legitimate investors to receive long stay visas. We have achieved a 24-hour timeline for registration of new businesses, leading to the registration of close to 7, 000 companies within the second quarter of 2012.

    22. The Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) has disclosed that, as at July 2012, 249 new members across the country had joined the Association, and that capacity utilization has also improved. The multiplier effect of this development on our job creation programme cannot be over-emphasized.

    23. In the last two years, we have put in place structures for an upgrade of the country’s health sector, to promote in every respect, the individual citizen’s right to quality, affordable and accessible healthcare.

    24. In this regard, we are devoting resources under the Subsidy Reinvestment Program (SURE-P) to reducing malaria incidents, dramatically reducing maternal and child mortality, and eradicating polio.

    25. Fellow Nigerians, in recent times, we have witnessed serious security challenges in parts of our country. We have taken pro-active measures to check the menace. This has included constant consultation and collaboration with our neighbours and other friendly nations on issues relating to internal and cross border security, and the sharing of information on smuggling and illegal dealing in small arms and light weapons.

    26. Our security agencies are constantly being strengthened and repositioned for greater efficiency. Many Nigerians have acknowledged that there has been a significant decline in the spate of security breaches.

    27. While expressing our condolences to the affected families, let me reiterate the commitment of this Administration to ensure the safety of lives and property of all Nigerians.

    28. Even as we remain focused on the issue of security, the fight against the scourge of corruption is a top priority of our Administration. We are fighting corruption in all facets of our economy, and we are succeeding. We have put an end to several decades of endemic corruption associated with fertilizer and tractor procurement and distribution. We have exposed decades of scam in the management of pensions and fuel subsidy, and ensured that the culprits are being brought to book.

    29. In its latest report, Transparency International (TI) noted that Nigeria is the second most improved country in the effort to curb corruption.

    30. We will sustain the effort in this direction with an even stronger determination to strengthen the institutions that are statutorily entrusted with the task of ending this scourge.

    31. I have given my commitment of non-interference in the work of the relevant agencies and I am keeping my word. What we require is the full cooperation of all tiers of government, and the public, especially civil society and the media.

    32. This Administration has also introduced for the first time in Nigeria’s history, a Performance Contract System for all Ministers, and other officials of government. This is to further place emphasis on performance, efficiency, and service delivery.

    33. Fellow Nigerians, our determined efforts on several fronts not-withstanding, our country still faces a number of challenges.

    34. Those challenges should not deter us. In the last few weeks, for example, many of our communities have been ravaged by floods, resulting in the loss of lives and property, and the displacement of persons.

    35. I want to reassure all affected Nigerians that I share in their grief, and our Administration is taking steps to address these incidents, in collaboration with the States and Local Governments.

    36. I have received the interim Report of the Presidential team that I set up to assess the flooding situation across the country.

    37. The Federal Government has taken measures to assist the affected States, while considering long term measures to check future re occurrence.

    38. We must continue to work together, confidently and faithfully, to ensure that our country’s potentials are realised to the fullest; that our dreams are translated into reality; and that our goals are achieved.

    39. Let me reiterate that our administration is committed to the pursuit of fundamental objectives of an open society: the pursuit of freedom, security and prosperity for the Nigerian people, and the rule of law.

    40. In the next few days, I shall lay before the National Assembly the 2013 Federal Budget Proposal so that deliberations can commence in earnest on the key policies, programmes and projects that will mark a decisive year for our development and transformation.

    41. I have no doubt that by the time I address you on our next independence anniversary, many of our reform efforts would have yielded even better results.

    42. Over the years, several leaders have built on the foundation laid by our Founding Fathers. The baton is now in our hands. Let me assure all Nigerians that we shall not fail.

    43. I am confident that Nigeria will continue to be a source of pride to its citizens; to Africa and the Black Race and to humanity; a land that is known for progress, freedom, peace and the promotion of human dignity.

    44. May God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria. May God bless you all.

  • Nigeria since independence

    Nigeria since independence

    January 1960 – HOR passed motion demanding independence by October.

    May 1960 – Metcalfe, first Speaker of House of Representatives, resigns;

    Jaja Wachukwu succeeds him.

    October 1, 1960 – Nigeria obtains independence

    January 15, 1966 – First military coup, P. M. Northern and Western Premiers,

    ministers and high ranking military officers killed.

    July 29, 1966 – Counter coup, Gowon becomes Head of State.

    May 30, 1967 – FMG announces creation of twelve states.

    July 29, 1975 – Gowon’s regime toppled, Murtala Muhammed takes over as Head of State.

    October 4, 1975 – Constitution Drafting Committee headed by Chief FRA Williams, set up.

    August 6, 1975 – FMG inaugurates the Irikefe Panel to make recommendation on

    criteria for creating new states.

    February 3, 1976 – FMG creates seven additional states.

    February 7, 1976 – Decree establishing new Federal Capital Territory released.

    Septemb 14, 1976 – CDC submits report.

    October 6, 1977 – Constituent Assembly inaugurated; members receive charge to review

    and fine- tune draft constitution.

    Septem 21, 1978 – FG lifts ban on political activities.

    July/August 1979 – General elections to usher in the Second Republic held across the country.

    March 30, 1980 – J. S. Tarka dies in a London hospital.

    June 24, 1981 – Governor Balarabe Musa of Kaduna State impeached.

    July 6, 1981 – Chief Adeniran Ogunsanya, national chairman of NPP, gives notice

    to termination of his party’s accord with the NPN.

    May 18, 1982 – President Shagari grants pardon to Ojukwu.

    April 1983 – Alhaji Aminu Kano passes on.

    Decem 31, 1983 – The military sacks the Shagari regime. Maj. Gen. Buhari assumes power.

    August 27, 1985 – Palace coup announced. Babangida replaces Buhari as Head of State.

    May 9, 1987 – Awo passes on.

    August 1987 – Two new states, Akwa Ibom and Delta, created by FMG.

    October 1989 – FMG floats two political parties, SDP and NRC.

    August 1991 – Nigeria now has a 30 State structure as FMG creates nine additional states.

    August 1991 – Governorship election in all the 30 states.

    August 1992 – Abortive primaries to select presidential candidates for the two parties.

    April 1993 – SDP, NRC hold primaries to elect presidential candidates. Chief M. K. O. Abiola emerges in the SDP, Alhaji Bashir Othman Tofa in the NRC.

    June 12, 1993 – Presidential election held in all 30 states.

    June 23, 1993 – General Babangida annuls the election after it had become

    clear that Chief Abiola had own.

    August 26, 1993 – General Babangida steps aside; appoints Shonekan as successor.

    Nov 17, 1993 – Gen. Sani Abacha, ING’s Defence Secretary, sacks the Shonekan

    government; takes over.

    May 28, 1994 – Elections nationwide to elect members of Constitutional Conference.

    June 27, 1994 – Constitutional conference convenes.

    June 27, 1995 – Constitutional Conference submits report to FG.

    May 11, 1996 – Dr Nnamdi Azikiwe completes his earthly assignment. End of another era.

    October 1997 – The Abacha regime creates six additional states.

    December 1997 – Gen. Shehu Yar ‘Adua dies in prison.

    May 1998 – All the political parties adopt Gen. Abacha as their presidential candidate.

    June 8, 1998 – Gen. Abacha dies. He is succeeded by, Gen. Abdulsalami Abubakar.

    July 7, 1998 – Chief MKO Abiola dies in custody.

    July 20, 1998 – Gen. Abubakar announces exit date, lays out transition plan.

    Febru 27, 1999 – Presidential election, Obasanjo emerges president.

    May 29, 1999 – Gen. Obasanjo assumes office as second elected President of

    the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

    May 29, 2003 – Obasanjo’s first term ends, earns another tenure.

    May 29, 2007 – Alhaji Umaru Yar -Adua sworn-in as Obasanjo’s successor.

    February 2010 – Dr Jonathan sworn-in as Acting President.

    May 5, 2010 – Yar ‘Adua dies after prolonged illness; succeeded by Jonathan.

    April 2011 – General elections nationwide.

    May 29, 2011 – Jonathan takes over as elected President.

  • Independence presidential broadcast on Monday

    Independence presidential broadcast on Monday

    As part of the activities marking Nigeria’s 52nd Independence Anniversary, President Goodluck Jonathan is to address the nation on Monday.

    A statement by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Dr Reuben Abati stated that the broadcast would be aired at 7.00 am.

    Abati urged all television stations to hook on to the Nigerian Television Authority (NTA) for clean feed, while radio stations should hook on to the Federal Radio Corporation of Nigeria (FRCN).

    He said the president would also watch a ceremonial Change of Guards by the Nigerian Army’s Brigade of Guards, at the State House, Abuja.

    Abati said the ceremony would be witnessed by Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo, Senate President, Sen. David Mark, Speaker, House of Representatives, Hon. Aminu Tambuwal and Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Aloma Mukhtar.

    He said former heads of state, members of the diplomatic corps, top political leaders and government officials would also witness the ceremony.

    Abati said the event would be transmitted live, from 9.30 am on the NTA and FRCN networks.(NAN)

  • Independence: Abubakar assures of adequate security

    Independence: Abubakar assures of adequate security

    THE Inspector General of Police, Mohammed Abubakar, has expressed the preparedness of the Force to ensure hitch-free 52nd Independence celebration.

    The police boss spoke with reporters yesterday in Ilorin, the Kwara State capital, shortly before being decorated with an honorary doctorate degree by a faith-based Islamic private institution, Al-Hikhmah University at its second convocation.

    Other dignitaries honoured by the university included Governors AbdulFatah Ahmed, Isiaka Abiola Ajimobi, Aliyu Wammako and Abdul-Aziz Yari of Kwara, Oyo, Sokoto and Zamfara states as well as Comptroller-General of Nigeria Customs, Alhaji Dikko Abdullahi.

    Abubakar expressed delight with improvement in the nation’s security situation compared with what was on ground eight months ago when he assumed office.

    The police boss said the recoveny arms and ammunitions in parts of the country was testimony of progress so far recorded in the area of security.

    According to him: “Nigeria is better today security wise. There is peace and stability in the country.

    “We shall continue to do our best to ensure security of life and property of the citizenry.”

    On the 52nd Independence anniversary of Nigeria, he said the police will ensure criminals have no hiding place.

    On the proposed police intelligence school slated for Ilorin, the IGP said: “the school will soon take off. We have gotten the bill for it. The land has been allocated and we are trying to mobilise contractors to site so that the project can start.”

     

  • Ebenezer Obey headlines Independence Jam

    Ebenezer Obey headlines Independence Jam

    JUJU music legend, Ebenezer Obey-Fabiyi, is set to treat A-list lovers of his music at a show tagged: Independence Eve Party on Sunday September 30, 2012.

    The show is being put together by Picasso Lounge, an upscale hospitality outfit on Adetokunbo Ademola Street, Victoria Island, in conjunction with Hennessy.

    The organisers of the show in a statement said the choice of Obey was borne out of the need to satisfy lovers of the Juju music crooner who had been tirelessly longing to have a taste of his brand of Juju music.

    The statement reads:” The show is in direct response to the request by our teeming customers and friends for Obey’s music. Basically, many music buffs of the 60s who graduated from Nigerian universities and sojourned in foreign lands have been returning to Nigeria in droves.

    “And they’ve not stopped from asking us to bring Obey on stage to entertain them on the eve of Nigeria’s Independence anniversary.

    “Besides, Obey remains one of the most remarkable artistes of his generation, whose music still draws a lot of patronage from old and young revelers. We believe that a lot of people are so stressed out as a result of coping with the rigours of work and we also believe that Obey’s music offers soothing balm for this set of people.”

    The high-octane show, which will be anchored by ace comedian, Gbenga Adeyinka, the 1st, is strictly by invitation, and cost of tickets for couples and tables for high profile revelers shuttles between thousands and one million naira.

  • A dream deferred

    A dream deferred

    Sam Egburonu, Associate Editor, reports that 52 years after independence, agriculture, which used to serve as the country’s economic mainstay, has been taken to the background at dire consequences for the country and the people.

    On September 30, 1960, few hours before Nigeria’s independence, the Kofat Muazugal Quarters in Kano had a unique appeal not only for Nigerians who held it in high esteem but also for the visiting international community, eager to behold one of the wonders of the world. Housing what was described as the biggest and artistically displayed groundnut pyramids ever seen on planet earth,Nigerians and visitors to the country acknowledged it then as one of the concrete symbols of the country’s economic success.
    Pa Udensi Onyekwere, a retired civil servant now in Umuahia, Abia State capital, who was in Kano in the early 1960s, told The Nation that “each of the pyramids, made up of about 15,000 tons of groundnut bags, not only engaged thousands of workers and businessmen, but also attracted foreign businessmen and tourists eager to take photographs, thus transforming the quarters to one of the busiest commercial areas in West Africa.”
    The retiree recalled that the Northern Nigerian Government, under Alhaji Ahmadu Bello, the Sarduana of Sokoto, was very passionate about the development of the groundnut trade. So, all through his government, the trade boomed and the pyramids only became bigger and better.
    Today, Sunday, September 30, 2012, exactly 52 years after independence, those groundnut pyramids and the multi million pounds they brought to the country’s coffers, are no more. In their place are buildings and empty fields sometimes used for recreational purposes.
    So, as Nigeria celebrates its independence anniversary tomorrow, October 1, it may be difficult to see any foreign guest curious enough or anxious enough to visit the area and to take lifetime photographs as was the case in the 1960s.
    Even residents of Kano, especially youths and middle aged men born from 1970s, are not likely to take any special notice as they make use of the empty fields as football training grounds this independence anniversary vacation.
    The stories of palm trade in Eastern Nigeria, cocoa in Western Nigeria and that of other agricultural products across the country, are not less pathetic.
    Okpara’s farm settlements in eastern Nigeria:
    Dr. Michael Okpara, the late Premier of Eastern Nigeria, was considered by his admirers and hard-nosed economists as a master strategist, who had a tall dream of building Africa’s strongest economy. He had ample faith in the country’s natural endowments and reasoned that the country will easily lead the rest of Africa and beyond if the leaders chose to do the right thing.
    He captured this vision when he said, “Nigeria has a bright future if its leaders will observe certain basic tenets. If the leaders of this vast and rich country will be fair minded and ensure that no part of it is neglected, then the country will be moving forward to a very prosperous future. Nigeria is one of the few African countries that can look after themselves because of its natural wealth, especially oil.”
    Though he believed that availability of natural resources, especially oil, was a major advantage for Nigeria’s economic development, he set out to build an economy that was not necessarily dependent on liquid gold.
    Even as the world was highly excited with discovery of oil in the country and the region, Okpara, in 1962, launched an agricultural revolution, a move that made some observers to describe the zone then as “Japan of Africa.”
    Under the project, the Government of Eastern Nigeria worked closely with local farmers and multipurpose cooperative societies. It also established cooperative community farms and Cooperative Farm Settlements and ensured that they functioned optimally.
    Recalling the benefits of that policy, Pa Onyekwere said, “During Dr. Okpara’s period, the government of the region incorporated ordinary farmers in its agrarian revolution schemes; it organised cooperatives and with that unique effort, recorded unprecedented production of food and cash crops. Then, all the cities within the region and our immediate neighbours enjoyed abundance of foodstuffs.”
    He confirmed report that Malaysian economic planners, impressed by the economic successes of the region actually paid visits to Eastern Nigeria to learn about palm three production and processing. “They sent officials who were trained on production of palm oil. They took palm seedlings with which the Asian country delved into production of palm trees. You know the rest of the story. Malaysia is today the world’s leading producer of this lucrative crop. Where is Nigeria and where are the Okpara Farm settlements, which were everywhere in the region as at the time the war started,” he asked regrettably.
    Some of the cooperatives include, Igbariam Cooperative Farm Settlement, in today’s Anambra State, Ulonna Farm Settlement in Umuahia, Abia State,
    Lamenting the fate of the area after Okpara, Onyekwere said all the settlement farms and the industries that were set up then were abandoned shortly after he left office and joined his ancestors.
    According to him, while very little or no tangible effort has been made to effectively revive any of the farm settlements since crude oil exploration and export began to dominate Nigeria’s economy, most of the few major industries that had been built in the South-East zone since then, had been equally abandoned.
    Such industries include Golden Guinea Breweries, Niger Gas, Niger Steel, Nkalagu Cement Industries, Enugu Petroleum Depot, Sunrise Flour Mills, Modern Ceramics and Anambra Vegetable Oil Company of Nigeria (AVOC).
    In fact, Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) in Ebonyi, Enugu and Anambra states on May 2011, openly expressed concern over this development, describing it as unfortunate.
    This retrogressive record was not limited to Eastern Nigeria. It was indeed a general problem across the country as petrol dollar ensured that other agricultural activities suffered gravely.
    It is on record for example, that as far back as early 1980s, Nigeria had become almost completely dependent on oil production which then generated close to 25 percent of its GDP. Official records show that by 2008, this figure had risen to 60 percent and till date, it has remained on the increase.
    This trend has impacted so negatively on agriculture that Nigeria, which used to be net exporters of many agricultural products are now major importers.
    A recent report captured the trend thus: “Annual production of both cash and food crops dropped significantly in the latter decades of 20th century, cocoa production dropped by 43 percent, (Nigeria was the world’s largest cocoa exporter in 1960), rubber dropped by 29 percent, cotton by 65 percent, and groundnuts by 64 percent.
    Cocoa trade in Southwest
    The government of Chief Obafemi Awolowo, the Premier of Western Nigeria in the 1960s, made an enduring mark in Africa, especially because of the way it wisely managed and invested proceeds of cocoa and other lucrative agricultural products from the region. But as was the case with groundnut and palm oil trade, cocoa business has suffered greatly since independence. It is on record that Nigeria was the world’s largest exporter of cocoa at the beginning, but reports in the last decade indicate that it had been struggling to retain the position of the fourth largest grower.
    Many reasons have been adduced for this decline. Aside neglect for white collar jobs since the emergence of oil, cocoa farmers also blame current government policies for their predicament.
    For example, Felix Oladunjoye, the Secretary-General of Cocoa Processors’ Association of Nigeria (COPAN), at the height of the recent global economic crisis, blamed the phenomenon for the deteriorating cocoa trade in the country. The global crisis, he said “has crippled business; almost everything is at a standstill.”
    Although it suffered greatly like other major agricultural products, cocoa, according to Alhaji Tajudeen Oladeinde, remains one of the few agricultural products that are still being produced for commercial purposes and for export. He said their products are still shipped to chocolate makers in Europe though the trade has been at a very dull in recent years.
    To sustain this, the Federal Government, in 2005, launched an ambitious cocoa revival campaign aimed at boosting production, local processing and domestic consumption of cocoa products.
    That effort notwithstanding, Nigeria has remained a light weight in the trade it once led the entire world.
    The way out:
    Dr. Jona Aremu, economist and international consultant, told The Nation that at independence, Nigeria had very tall dreams. “Our expectations were high. We danced joyfully, knowing that we had what is required to build a great nation. Also, the emerging ruling class, who understudied the colonial administrators, made eloquent and achievable promises.
    “But we missed it all when the military took over power and changed everything. This was worsened by the long military rule, which made it difficult for the promises at independence to be fulfilled.”
    He regretted that since then, agriculture was sacrificed at the alter of petrol dollar and so everybody started moving away from the farms in search of white collar jobs or oil money.
    To redress the situation, he said, “Nigerian government must ensure that local communities have up-to-date infrastructure. To remain in the farms, farmers must be encouraged, the quality of their lifestyle must be improved and good transport facility must be made available to transport their goods, he said.
    Pa Onyekwere agreed. According to him, “People are running away from the farms because they feel farming is an inferior job and that they would never make it if they remain in the villages. That impression must be corrected if we want to return the lost glory.”