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  • Govt probes suspected flu epidemic in Queen’s College

    The Lagos State Ministry of Health has begun investigation into allegations of an air borne flu-like disease at Queen’s College, Yaba, Lagos.

    However, the Permanent Secretary, Federal Ministry of Education (FME), Mr. Sonny Echono, said there is no recurrence of food and water bacterial disease which claimed the lives of three pupils in 2017.

    Echono and a team from the Lagos State Ministry of Health visited the school on Tuesday to investigate claims of an epidemic outbreak.

    Commissioner for Health, Prof. Akin Abayomi Abayomi, said in a statement by Tunbosun Ogunbanwo, Director, Public Affairs, Lagos State Ministry of Health, that the state had assembled an investigative team.

    It comprises officials of State Epidemiology Team and the Primary Health Care Services and Environmental Health Department of Lagos Mainland Local Government.

    They are to unravel the cause of the flu-like disease, which he said was worth investigating considering the number of pupils affected.

    Based on preliminary reports of the investigations conducted by the team, Abayomi said it had identified what appears to be a sporadic increase in upper respiratory tract infections characterised by cough, catarrh, fever and weakness across some schools.

    The Commissioner noted that the incidences were not an outbreak of any sort but excess number of cases that needed to be investigated.

    Read Also: ‘Epidemic’ sends hundreds of Queen’s College pupils home

    He said: “The team has since visited Queen’s College and investigations are ongoing. Findings according to the review of health records in the school sick bay revealed that 89 students presented to the clinic with Influenza like illnesses.”

    Abayomi noted that nasal swab samples will be collected from pupils for confirmation of the cause of the illness.

    He said: “As we await comprehensive report of the investigation being conducted, I would like to appeal to stakeholders of Queen’s College, other affected schools and residents of Lagos State to remain calm and ensure strict adherence to personal and environmental hygiene at all times.

    “I assure you that the situation is under control and seems to be subsiding. We will give necessary updates as the assessment and investigation progresses.”

    He advised parents not to send their wards to school if they have symptoms of cold or flu.

    Abayomi  continued: “To parents, please do not send your children to school if they have features of an upper respiratory tract infection such as a cold or flu like symptoms but rather have your doctor review them.”

    Echono told the News Agency Nigeria (NAN) that there was no epidemic in the school.

    He said: “I want to say that all such reports going round about outbreak of epidemic in Queen’s College are total falsehood.

    “As I am speaking with you, I just left that school about one hour ago and on my way back to the airport en-route Abuja.

    “I chose to dash down to Lagos to see things for myself, because such stories are damaging.

    “On getting to the college, I went straight to the sick bay. Yes I saw a few students being attended to on account of flu and malaria.

    “I spoke with the nurse at length, spoke with the doctor, the principal and some other persons. Wwhat I discovered is that the students were majorly having flu and malaria, nothing more.

    “I was equally conducted round the college to do some inspection and based on this, I can confidently tell you that there is nothing like epidemic.”

    When our reporter visited the college yesterday, the security men denied him access.

    The reporter was told that  the Principal, Mrs Oyinloye Yakubu, was not around because of the holiday.

    Some parents said they came to pick their children y for treatment.

    One of the pupils said she was suffering from fever; another said she was vomiting, but had received treatment.

    A parent alleged that many pupils took ill, but that the cause had not been ascertained.

    She said: “A whole lot of these girls are ill.  Many of them were in the sick bay.  But nobody can pinpoint the exact cause of their illness.”

    Another parent who had come to pick his  daughter dismissed the news with a wave of the hand.  He noted that there was nothing like infection-breakout in the school.

    Most of the students who came in tendered a doctor’s report at the security post before being allowed in.

    A particular girl whose slip did not bear the doctor’s report was told to go back home by security operatives.

    The Principal answer her calls on Sunday, as they rang out.

    She did not return the calls, nor did she respond to a text message sent to her as at press time.

  • Oyo warns illegal tax collectors

    Oyo State Government on Tuesday warned illegal tax collectors issuing out fake tickets to commercial motorists at motor parks in the state and claiming to be acting on behalf of the government to desist or risk serious sanction.

    The government stressed that the proscription on union activities in the state was still place.

    The state’s Commissioner for Works and Transportation, Prof. Raphael Afonja, who issued this warning while on inspection of motor parks in the Ibadan metropolis, said that some individuals were still illegally issuing tickets to motorists on behalf of the government.

    He described such an action as extortion, saying that the Governor Seyi Makinde-led administration had put a ban on the activities of transport unions in the state.

    Afonja said that the government was working out modalities to put things in shape as regards the status of transport unions in the state so as to make life easy for motorists and everyone.

    He, therefore, declared the sale of tickets to motorists by anyone in the state at the moment as an illegal action, and should be stopped forthwith as anyone found flouting the laws would be sanctioned.

    The commissioner said: “We have got information from all angles and every corner of the state of some unscrupulous individuals that are issuing receipts to motorists at motor parks and claiming to represent government or any transport union.

    “I wish to restate the stand of the state governor on this. The ban on activities of transport union is still in place and anyone caught issuing receipts and collecting money at the parks will be seriously dealt with according to the law.

    Read Also: Obiano orders clampdown on illegal revenue collectors

    “The action of the government is for the benefit of the people of the state that have been the direct recipients of the activities of illicit activities at our parks and how it has been affecting smooth transportation of people and goods across the state.

    “We call on the people to immediately inform security personnel close to them whenever they find anyone collecting money under any guise at the park. That is extortion and we will not allow it.”

    He, therefore, charged motorists to desist from loading passengers by the roadsides by moving back to the public parks provided for this purpose, adding that the act would no longer be condoned by the authorities as anyone caught flouting the order would be severely dealt with.

    Meanwhile, no fewer than three major markets in Oyo town were sensitised on the need to maintain clean environment during an awareness campaign embarked upon by the Ministry of Environment and Natural Resources recently in the ancient town.

    The Commissioner for Environment and Natural Resources, Hon. Keyinde Ayoola, who led the sensitisation team comprising the Permanent Secretary, Dr. Bashir Olanrewaju; directors and environmental health officers of the ministry as well as heads of local government administration in Oyo town, representatives of  Non-Governmental Organisations, and market leaders among others, said there was dire need to urgently embrace safe environmental habits by the residents in order to have quality living condition.

  • Independence Day speech: Obaseki, economists seek action on policies

    PRESIDENT Muhammadu Buhari’s Independence Day speech, especially the aspects that touches on the economy, drew positive reviews from stakeholders on Tuesday.

    They praised the President for his administration’s economic reforms, but urged him to back his words with action.

    They also identified what must be done to further strengthen the economy.

    Edo State Governor Godwin Obaseki praised the President for prioritizing investment in infrastructural development.

    He urged the President to follow through his approval of N600 billion to revamp infrastructure across the country in the next three months.

    The governor said the move was necessary to spur economic development.

    Obaseki was chatting with reporters after attending an Independence Day Church Service organised by the state government in collaboration with the Youth Wing of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), Edo State chapter, in Benin City.

    Buhari in his nationwide broadcast mandated the Ministry of Finance, Budget and National Planning to release N600 billion for capital projects in the next three months.

    Obaseki said Nigeria has not experienced the needed economic growth because, over the years, policies had not been aligned to drive growth.

    He added that the Buhari-led administration has gotten it right by coming up with policies that would spur economic growth.

    Obaseki said: “We need to build the basic infrastructure to move people, goods and services. This country has the resources to produce what it consumes, but over the years, policies have not been aligned to do so.

    “The Economic Recovery and Growth Plan is a new direction to push growth in the country. The President is emphasising infrastructure, law and order and other policies to grow the economy, which is commendable.”

    The governor urged Nigerians not to lose faith in the country, noting that despite the difficult times, the nation would be great again.

    Nigerian Association of Chamber of Commerce, Industry, Mines and Agriculture (NACCIMA) National President Hajiya Saratu Iya Aliyu said there was the need to consolidate on the gains the administration has recorded so far.

    It’s said the government should ensure adherence to the rule of law, promote an efficient tax system geared towards expanding the tax net, focus on sustainable energy, and harness the creative industry, agribusiness, solid minerals and metals.

    The NACCIMA chief called for the promotion of women and youths through micro and medium scale development, and a coordinated approach towards regional economic integration.

    He said: “As we approach the last year of implementation of the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP 2017-2020), we are also presented with an opportunity for introspection, to assess our policy stance as a country for the benefit of the generations unborn.”

    To the Lagos Chamber of Commerce & Industry (LCCI), said the power situation remains a major limitation to local production.

    Its Director-General Muda Yusuf added that the security situation has deteriorated.

    He said: “It impacted on investment risk and worsened the country’s perception and image by the global investing community.

    “Access to markets in the troubled parts of the country has reduced for many enterprises with negative consequences for investors’ confidence.”

    He maintained that unless there are effective and sustained protection and support for the manufacturing sector, and a dramatic improvement in infrastructure, the outlook for the sector will remain gloomy, particularly for the small-scale industries.

    He said: “It is impossible to have a vibrant manufacturing sector in the face of cheap imports into the country, and high production and operating cost in the domestic economy. Some of these imports are landing at 50 per cent of the cost of locally-made products.

    “Besides, manufacturers have to worry about high energy cost; they have to worry about high-interest rates – 20 per cent and above; they have to worry about a multitude of regulatory agencies making different demands on them.”

    He urged the Federal Government to address the issues of massive smuggling and under-invoicing of imports, as well as trade facilitation issues at the seaports.

    There were also reactions to the President’s decision to relocate the supervision of the Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC) from the Presidency to the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs (MNDA).

    The Pan-Niger Delta Forum (PANDEF) and the Urhobo Progress Union (UPU) do not mind where the control originates from; the Itsekiri Leaders of Thought (ILoT) see the shift as a violation of the legal framework of the establishing Act of the NDDC.

    PANDEF, in a statement by its National Secretary, Dr Alfred Mulade, said it was not bothered about who supervises the commission, but how effective the ministry would be in coordinating the activities of the commission alongside its primary duties as a ministry.

    He said: “The explanation proffered by Mr President for the relocation of the NDDC to the Ministry of Niger Delta could not be faulted in its face value. The worry lies in the capacity of the Ministry to provide effective coordination and supervision alongside its primary objectives, for the region.

    “What matters most is the political will to effectively fund the NDDC and the ministry to deliver on their respective mandates to the people of the Niger Delta region.”

    UPU said its primary concern was about the effective performance of the NDDC and not the supervising body.

    UPU’s National Publicity Secretary Abel Oshevire noted that people of the region expect that the commission to do better under the ministry.

    He said: “What the Urhobo people want from the NDDC, just like other stakeholders, is performance. Who supervises the Commission is only a matter of semantics, whether the Presidency or the Niger Delta Ministry, is not an issue to the people of the region.

    “What matters to the people of the Niger Delta now is an NDDC that will develop and transform the place into a status befitting an oil-producing region.

    “The NDDC has failed to live up the expectations of the people since its establishment more than 15 years ago. It has been more of a curse than a blessing to the region. It has been all stories of corruption, leaving the region poorer and under-developed with each successive administration.

    Read Also: Obaseki reassures on kidnapping, other crimes

    Stakeholders in the agricultural sector expressed mixed feelings over the speech.

    Buhari said Nigeria has made “remarkable progress in almost all segments of the agriculture value chain, from fertilizers to rice, to animal feed production,” vowing to sustain the policies.

    National Association of Grain Storage Practitioners of Nigeria Chairman Chief Eric Ozongwu noted that farmers cannot afford the fertilizer.

    He said: “Fertilizer is on the high side. Once you don’t have fertilizer, you are just wasting your time.”

    On border closure to prevent rice importation, Ozongwu said smugglers were still taking advantage of the country’s porous borders to import rice on motorcycles.

    He said: “I am in Lagos currently and the borders are said to be closed, but smugglers still bring in rice because all our borders are porous.

    “People still use motorcycles to bring in rice through our borders. Little effort has been made no doubt, but we just have to be sincere about what we are doing.”

    A Plateau rice farmer and processor, Peter Dama, said that the government had done remarkably well in rice production.

    He said the closure of land borders boosted local rice farmers and processors’ profits, adding that the introduction of the Anchor Borrowers Program was a further positive development.

    His words: “In the milling sector, you find out that a lot of Nigerian millers are now milling and selling out their rice as a result of the closure of the borders which has curbed smuggling activities.”

    All Farmers Association of Nigeria (AFAN) Vice President Daniel Okafor urged the government to do more to improve farmers’ access to fertilizer.

    He also urged the government to carry farmers along during policy formulation and implementation.

    Harvest Feeds and Agro Processing Chairman Goke Adeyemi said the limit on importation was bearing fruit.

    He said Nigeria used to import things it could produce locally, “but in the last three years, you can see the production of some of the staple foods within Nigeria.”

    According to him, boosting local production would guarantee job security.

    He said: “The government needs to take a step further by making sure that all produce consumed in Nigeria is produced in Nigeria”.

    World Bank Consultant, Prof. Abel Ogunwale, said he was supportive of the government’s move to stop food import.

    He praised the government on its agricultural policies, saying the sector suffered years of neglect due to oil dependence.

    Industrialist/Managing Director, Spectra Foods Limited, Duro Kuteyi, said the President’s speech lacked substance.

    He said: “The President did not take into consideration the challenges faced by indigenous manufacturers such as lack of electricity and multiple taxations.

    “The level of infrastructure decay is unhealthy for the productive sector. There should be tax reduction, which is stifling industrialisation.

    “The Federal Government should be wary of its borrowing especially from the Chinese Government because it can be disastrous if not well-managed.”

  • Ondo 2020: Group lobbies Boroffice

    A group, Ondo State All Progressives Congress Youth for Good Governance (OSAYGG) on Tuesday urged party stakeholders, youths, women and all residents in the state to join them in persuading the Senator representing Ondo North, Prof. Ajayi Boroffice, to accept their request to declare interest in the 2020 governorship race.

    According to the group, the ranking Senator should oblige them their request, if he truly loves the state.

    It argued that Boroffice was the only person who had the capacity to rescue the state from its alleged backwardness.

    OSAYGG members, who converged on Akure ,the state capital, with leaders from the three senatorial districts, in a communique, urged Boroffice to accede to their request and declare for the governorship ticket of the APC in Ondo State without further delay.

    In the communique signed by its State Coordinator, Olaniyi Yusuf, and Prince Adewuyi Aderogba, the group regretted the alleged infrastructural decay, lack of security and jobs for the teeming youth and women in the state.

    Read Also: Ondo 2020: Southwest PDP chair declares ambition

    It also frowned on the ‘unfriendly’ increment in tuition fees in all the state-owned tertiary institutions.

    According to the communique, Borrofice is the first lawmaker from the state to have completed several skills acquisition centres across the North District to train the people to become self-reliant.

    It read: “The Asiwaju of Akoko also constructed cashew processing plant, Bio-fuel ethanol and modern classrooms across Ondo North District, apart from emergency hospitals already completed and inaugurated.

    “The deputy majority leader is the most popular figure in the APC, who can defeat PDP in the coming election because he, inspite of all odds, defeated the ’emergency’ political party, ‘Action Alliance’ (AA) candidates, especially in Ondo North, to emerge as a third term Senator.”

    The group’s coordinator said the 150,000-strong membership across the state had agreed to commence a house-to-house mobilisation for APC immediately the Senator declares to run for the governorship seat.

  • Buhari’s speech confirms Nigeria is in wrong hands, says PDP

    The Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) on Tuesday said President Muhammadu Buhari’s Independence Day broadcast further confirmed that the country is in the wrong hands.

    It accused the President of failing to “forcefully” address the key issues of freedom, social justice, constitutional order, separation of powers, rule of law, human rights, credible elections, national cohesion, accountability and transparency in government.

    PDP spokesman Kola Ologbondiyan said Buhari ignored the  fundamentals of an independent state because his administration violated them all.

    PDP said: “He had no clear-cut and operable blueprint to revamp our economy, which his administration wrecked in a period of four years, resulting in so much hardship and despondency that Nigerians now resort to suicide and slavery abroad as options.

    “Our party notes that this address further exposes the fact that the Buhari Presidency is not interested in nation building; that it is completely disconnected from the people and remains insensitive to the plights of Nigerians.”

    Read Also: Buhari’s independence broadcast insult to Nigerians, says PDP

    According to the PDP, under the Buhari Presidency, the nation has experienced the worst form of division, deprivation, human right abuse and constitutional violations.

    PDP said: “The administration has remained lacking in the required capacity and boldness to forcefully engage other world leaders on critical issues.

    “The dearth in foreign direct investments and the inhuman treatments being meted out on our citizens in countries where we were once held in very high esteem, are some of the injuries our nation is suffering under the Buhari administration.”

    The party said while other leaders motivate their citizens on Independence Day, President Buhari presented uninspiring claims, propaganda and empty promises, describing the development as “depressing”.

    The PDP, however, urged Nigerians not to despair but keep hope alive.

  • How leaders, followers can make Nigeria greater, by Abiodun

    OGUN State Governor Dapo Abiodun has said leaders and followers have roles to play to make the country truly great.

    He said Nigerians may not have a had an elaborate Independence anniversary this year due to some challenges, but the nation still had cause to be happy about many things.

    The governor noted that for the nation to have overcome its many challenges showed the resilience of the people.

    Abiodun, who spoke at the Moshood Kashimawo Olawale (M.K.O) Abiola International Stadium in Abeokuta, the state capital, expressed worry about the rate Nigerians flee the country in search of greener pastures.

    The governor expressed concern that Nigeria was losing its best brains to developed nations due to perceived little opportunities at home.

    He advised Nigerians, particularly the youths, to be more patriotic and give their best to the development of the country, instead of running to other countries where things may turn out to be “a mirage” for them.

    Abiodun said: “At 59, our dear country still has much work to do. We must remain patriotic. We must put our nation first. It is worrisome that our people are migrating to other countries for greener pastures.

    “While some of our current national challenges may make it tempting to seek fortunes outside our shores, we must also realise that these countries were once in our position with different challenges. And indeed, more often than not, the greener pasture is a mirage. We must not run away but stay and solve our problems together.

    Read Also: Abiodun inherits N32b gratuities

    “I, therefore, use this medium to encourage our people to come together as one and solve our challenges for the greater good of our nation. If we do this, our great nation will be better.

    “We must realise that we are Nigerians before any other affiliation; because of this, we should have the love of this country, whatever responsibilities that we are entrusted with. We should discharge them with fervour and commitment.

    “Our 59 years of political independence as a nation have not been all glowing. Our dear country survived three traumatic years of the Civil War between 1967 and 1970; we had our civil liberties curtailed under different military juntas. We also experienced the 1993 political impasse which was close to a national crisis, but we survived it.

    “Our experiences have taught us resilience; we have weathered together a lot of storm as a nation and people, and have come out stronger. It is a testament to our resilience that we are still standing as a country.

    “Since 1999, we have continued to have civilian to civilian transition with each succeeding cycle better than the preceding one. And for this reason, we have cause to celebrate and thank God for keeping us together as a united nation whose diversity remains the tower of her strength.”

  • Oyo, Lagos, Kaduna top 2.2m qualified teachers’ list

    Oyo, Lagos and Kaduna have emerged tops on the list of states with qualified teachers registered by the Teachers Registration Council of Nigeria.

    These qualified teachers in the three states are part of the about 2.2million so far registered with the TRCN, ahead of the December 31 deadline for all teachers in the country to register with the council.

    While Oyo State emerged tops with 5, 200 registered qualified teachers, Lagos has 5, 117 to come second; and Kaduna 4, 616.

    Also, the Federal Capital Territory (Abuja) is the fourth with 4, 214 qualified registered teachers and followed by Plateau State with 3, 709.

    But the state with the least number of qualified registered teachers is Sokoto State with only 363, trailing Zamfara State with 397 and Cross River State with 570.

    TRCN Registrar, Prof. Segun Ajiboye, disclosed this during an interview with The Nation in Abuja.

    He said that 83 percent of qualified teachers that had so far registered with the council were from public schools.

    The Federal Ministry of Education had on June 7, 2019, sent a circular to all principals on the December 31 deadline for unqualified teachers to leave the teaching profession in the country.

    Ajiboye said that the council would not back down on the December 31 deadline to flush out unqualified teachers from Nigerian schools.

    The registrar explained that Nigeria needed quality teachers to deliver quality education and not those he called ‘quacks.’

    He said that the ultimate goal was to remove quackery from the teaching profession in order to ensure that only those with required competence give the Nigerian children quality education.

    Ajiboye said: “As at now, TRCN has registered over two million two hundred teachers that are qualified and registered with us. About two million two hundred teachers have so far registered with us.

    “But we know that this figure cannot capture even what we have. We have a larger number- more than four million teachers in our school system- and a large number of these people have not yet registered with TRCN and, therefore, the National Council on Education (NCE) gave that deadline of December 31st, 2019 for all teachers to get qualified, registered and licensed by the TRCN.

    “We are close to the deadline now and that is why this year we have done the first Professional Qualifying Examination in May. We are planning to have about two other Professional Qualifying Examinations. The next one is going to be in this month of October and we will have the last one before the deadline, which will come up in November.”

    The TRCN registrar said that over 60,000 candidates had applied to write the Professional Qualifying Examinations taking place nationwide next weekend.

    He urged those that had yet to register with the council to take the opportunity of the qualifying tests to do so before the deadline.

  • No new projects in 2020 budget

    THE Federal Government may have halted new projects in 2020 budget in favour of completion of ongoing and abandoned projects, according to feelers from the Ministry of Finance.

    Besides, there is a stoppage to purchase of vehicles.

    The budget estimate is likely to be submitted to the National Assembly next week after President Muhammadu Buhari’s return from his state visit to South Africa.

    It was learnt that all Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) have been given a budgetary ceiling for their capital expenditure needs in the 2020 budget.

    Each of them has been given an envelope detailing what their capital expenditure covers, a source said on Tuesday.

    The source added that because the Federal Government had resolved to complete ongoing and abandoned projects, the MDAs have been directed to remove the purchase of vehicles from their budgetary requirements.

    But, military establishments may be exempted because they require operational vehicles to tackle insurgency and insecurity.

    MDAs that have capital expenditure requirements higher than their approved ceiling, have been asked to adjust their budget or give convincing reasons why their demands should be accommodated.

    Since the MDAs got their envelopes, ministers, permanent secretaries and top military and para-military chiefs have been visiting the Ministry of Finance and the Budget Office to defend their capital budget requirements.

    The Federal Government has pegged capital expenditure for MDAs at N1.01 trillion exclusive of capital in statutory transfers.

    The Wednesday (today) deadline given to the Senate Committee on Finance to submit its report on the 2020-2022 Medium Term Expenditure Framework (MTEF) and Fiscal Strategy Paper (FSP) is no longer feasible, it was learnt on Tuesday.

    The panel, which has since embarked on back-to-back meetings since the document was referred to it last Wednesday by the President of the Senate, Ahmad Lawan, is yet to receive presentation from Ministries, Departments and Agencies (MDAs) to enable it conclude its assignment on the MTEF/FSP.

    The Chairman of the Senate Committee on Finance, Senator Solomon Adeola, disclosed on his twitter handle on Tuesday that the panel would be taking submissions from relevant agencies Wednesday (Today).

    Adeola twitted that: “Shortly after the @MBuhari Broadcast, I headed for office in Senate to continue work on (MTEF/FSP) 2020-2023 as Chairman of Sen Cmtee on Finance.

    “I was joined by Sen Ayo Akinyelure, a member, to prepare for invited FG agencies’ presentation tomorrow. All hands/ sacrifices on deck,” he said.

    The Senate had on September 25 received the  2020-2022 MTEF/FSP from President Muhammadu Buhari and on September 26, referred the document to its committee on Finance to report back on Wednesday October 2.

    In the document, the Federal Government proposed the sum of N10.002trillion as the 2020 Appropriation Bill and the sum of N2.45trillion for debt service for next year.

    It also proposed to borrow N1.7trillion.

  • Why Nigeria should celebrate, by Lawan, Gbajabiamila, Mustapha

    A CHANGE of guards, cutting of cake, gun salute  and release of pigeons to signify peace, were the highlights of the activity that climaxed the celebration of Nigeria’s 59th Independence anniversary on Tuesday.

    There were no speeches.  President Muhammadu Buhari signed the anniversary register in the presence of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, Senate President Ahmad Lawan, Chief Justice of Nigeria Tanko Muhammad and House of Representatives Speaker Femi Gbajabiamila, to end the one hour, 45 minutes ceremony.

    Since the October 1, 2010 bomb blast during the country’s 50th Independence anniversary, subsequent anniversaries were marked at the Villa’s forecourt but President Buhari’s administration broke the jinx by marking the 58th anniversary last year at the Eagles Square.

    On Tuesday, there was a Presidential change of guard from 177 guard battalion to the 7 battalion of the guards brigade.

    President Buhari was ushered to the venue by 9.59am. He inspected the quarter guards and then walked to the Villa forecourt to receive national salute which was followed by rendition of the National Anthem. He arrival signaled the commencement of the event which was witnessed by Secretary to the Government of the Federation (SGF), Boss Mustapha, Inspector General of Police (IGP) Muhammed Adamu, Minister of the Federal Capital Territory Muhammed Bello and National Chairman of the All Progressives Congress (APC) Adams Oshiomhole.

    Service chiefs and other top government functionaries and members of the diplomatic corps also attended the ceremony.

    Read Also: Buhari: Nigeria will be stronger than ever before

    There was 21 gun salute, preceded by silent drills, colour party, posting of sentries and weapons and uniforms inspections to ensure conformity with military standards.

    Top government officials submitted yesterday that with the unity and a secured environment, there will be prosperity for all.

    They officials, including Lawan,  Mustapha and Information, Culture and Tourism Minister Lai Mohammed, urged support for the Federal Government.

    According to them, the government needs the cooperation of all Nigerians, including those in opposition to lift the country to enviable height.

    Speaking with State House reporters after the ceremony, the Senate President said: “Nigeria at 59 has achieved a lot but we also have some challenges.  This is the way nations evolve normally.  While we have achieved so much, we have some challenges which we can surmount. What is required of us is determination of the leadership and the followership in this country.

    “Nigerians are very determined and loyal people.  Therefore, these challenges should catapult us into our nation’s development.  We should never despair.  We have the wherewithal to resolve our issues.

    “I also believe that the nation at 59 has come a long way in terms of the unity we have been able to achieve.  Some countries have gone through more serious that disunited them but Nigeria has remained a country that sometimes people may feel bad about certain things, but everybody believes that Nigeria should remain a united and one country.

    “That is what it should be, but for us to enjoy our country, we have to take our country to the Next Level.”

    Asked if Nigeria’s independence is worth celebrating, Femi Gbajabiamila said: “Absolutely, every year of existence is worth celebrating. Nigeria is 59 years today; other countries, not as old as 59, they celebrate. Other countries are 200 years and they are celebrating.  Every year is worth celebrating and we have come a long way.

    “We will get there,” the Speaker assured.

    Asked what Nigerians should be expecting next year when it turns 60, he said: Sixty years in itself is a landmark and I believe our achievements at that time will be landmark too.

    “We have another year to go.  Budget is being presented very soon. What happens between now and next year, and I believe a lot will happen to determine the level of celebration. But as I said, don’t forget, every year is worth celebrating in one’s life.”

    Mohammed urged Nigerians to keep up hope.

    He said: “Fifty years of independence in a country as diverse as Nigeria is not an easy but the good thing is that everybody is glad to be part of one united and prosperous Nigeria.

    “And the administration will continue to work to ensure there is unity, security and that there is prosperity for all Nigeria and for everybody.”

    The SGF said: “When we compare with countries that have sustained democracy for 200 years, ours is just 59.  We have had major conflicts even within those 59 years, but to still be one solid, indivisible country today is a thing we as Nigerians rejoice over.

    “So, I believe we have every course to celebrate that God has been truly be faithful to us as a nation and as a people.

    “Yes, we acknowledge challenges, but going forward in our attitude.  Like the President said this morning, the change must begin with each and every one of us. In our various spheres of influence and endeavours we must begin to change our attitude, our ways of doing things; become lawful citizens, not lawless citizens and we will begin to see God work in our nation to cause a change.”

     

     

     

     

     

  • ‘Rebuilding the country needs collective effort’

    Governors across the country yesterday spoke in one voice: Nigeria’s challenges are surmountable, if the people shun sentiments and work together in peace with a sense of purpose. Though they celebrated the nationhood in their respective states, their messages on the 59th Independence celebrations resonated with a high sense of hope and the need for all to rebuild the country, instead of pointing fingers and giving excuses. Our Correspondents  capture the mood of the governors and their expectations from leaders at all levels and the led, in the years ahead.

     

    We shall achieve our collective aspiration, says Sanwo-Olu

    Amid intermittent downpour at the Police Parade Ground, Ikeja venue of the 59th independence celebration anniversary yesterday, Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu assured Lagosians of commitment to achieving collective aspiration of the state and nation.

    In his independence anniversary speech, the governor said: “As leaders in the position of authority, we are committed to achieving the greatest good for the greatest number.

    “We will ensure that we do all that we can to improve and impact the lives of our people through our developmental programmes.”

    He added that it was reassuring that the state was on the right track to attaining greatness and achieving a goal to build the foundation for a sustainable growth and development.

    Sanwo-Olu said Lagosians take pride in the role the state has played and will continue to play in the development trajectory of the nation, “particularly in fulfilling the vision of our founding fathers.

    “Today, we draw our strength from our cosmopolitan nature, which has made our state a melting pot for ethnic groups. This is one of the visions of our founding fathers, which we will continue to cherish, sustain and protect for generations.”

    He appealed for continuous cooperation and support from all citizens of the state, saying: “Governance is not about the people in government alone, it is everybody’s business.”

    Sanwo-Olu, therefore, appealed for compliance to rules and regulations as well as voluntary discharge of civic obligation from citizens.

    “This is what it takes to build a greater Lagos, it is a duty and it shall be accomplished by the special grace of God,” he said.

    I believe in indivisible, stronger nation, says Umahi

    Ebonyi State Governor David Umahi has reiterated his belief in an indivisible and stronger Nigeria built on godliness, equity, justice and peace.

    The governor hailed President Muhammadu Buhari for his administration’s work on the Second Niger Bridge, which he said holds a lot of economic promise for the people of the region.

    He also lauded the Federal Government’s agricultural programmes, saying they have been beneficial to the predominantly farming population of Ebonyi State, especially in rice production.

    The governor promised to travel today to South Africa with the President to look into the challenges Nigerians are facing in that country.

    He urged Nigerians in the Diaspora to uphold the cultural values for which the country is known for, saying this would change the negative perception associated with Nigeria abroad.

    “We must, as Nigerians, do everything to uphold our cultural value and better ourselves outside the country. The way we are treated outside the shores of this land is not encouraging. We have to do empirical evaluation of ourselves. We get devalued a lot in other nations.

    “I get a lot of calls from people in Ghana, saying a lot of them are about to be sentenced. Some people have been imprisoned for 1,000 years and some for 500 years in prison.

    “And so, it is important that as Nigerians we re-evaluate our statues and our values because the way we are treated – even as a governor – you don’t wear a governor’s badge at the airport. When I was in America, they singled some of us out and conducted a thorough search. It is an intimidation. We will not continue to live in such manner that humiliates our nation. It is very important,” Umahi said.

    The governor noted that the closure of the Enugu International Airport was for the safety of the people of Southeast and other Nigerians using the airport.

    The governor was alluding to the action of the Federal Government, which shut the airport for maintenance work on its runway.

    Umahi spoke yesterday at the Pa Oruta Ngele Township Stadium in Abakaliki, the state capital, during the nation’s 59th Independence anniversary celebration.

    “Let me assure Ebonyi people and the entire Southeast that the closure of the Akanipu Ibiam International Airport in Enugu was for the safety of our people.

    “As the Chairman of Southeast Governors’ Forum, I had a meeting with Mr President and we agreed on modalities for quick execution and, of course, a comprehensive overhaul of that airport.

    “We are seeking a special funding with Mr President. As I travel with him, I will also reveal to him how much we have gone in the release of the funds for the quick completion of that project.

    “We have provided two coaster buses, 10 pick-up vans and a brand new liaison zone office in Owerri. These will assist our people who go to the airport there,” he said.

    Umahi said his administration would conduct a test for teachers in the state to ascertain the level of their competence.

    The governor promised that no one would be sacked because of the test, while those who fail would be sent to the vocational schools set up by the state government to learn about modern agriculture and other vocations.

    He reiterated his administration’s resolve to fight cultism to a standstill.

    “It appears we are winning the war on cultism, but I assure you we have just started. We shall introduce a whistle blowers programme whereby you give us accurate information on persons involved in cultism and you get rewarded for such information,” Umahi said.

    AbdulRazaq pledges legacy of equal opportunities

    Kwara State Governor AbdulRahman AbdulRazaq has said his administration plans to leave a legacy of equal opportunity, gender parity, youth inclusiveness and fiscal discipline.

    He urged the people to support his drive for growth and development.

    AbdulRazaq, in a statement by his media aide, Rafiu Ajakaye, to commemorate the 59th Independence Day anniversary, called for consensus among Nigerians, especially the political elite, to build a country where no one is left to suffer or is treated unfairly on account of whatever differences.

    The governor said the independence anniversary offers another window to celebrate Nigeria’s unity in diversity, noting that the country’s togetherness after 59 years is an achievement.

    “I join Mr. President and all patriots across the country to call on all Nigerians to embrace one another and build a country where we identify and treat ourselves only as citizens and fellow human beings, and not as Hausa, Igbo, Yoruba, Ijaw, Fulani, Christians, or Muslims. We should work harder to build a nation-state with zero emphasis on these cleavages,” the statement quoted him as saying.

    “Fellow citizens, 59 years down the road, we should build a country that works for all and not just for the privileged few. This requires that we look at the bigger picture each time we take decisions in our areas of influence. That bigger picture is national unity, national development and collective prosperity where no one is left behind.”

    AbdulRazaq advocated a consensus among critical stakeholders to free up funds to develop Nigeria.

    “On this note, I call on the political class to begin to see things in terms of what benefits the whole community and not what is politically expedient. Election is long over. Whether we belong to the ruling party or to the opposition, we are all confronted with the question of extreme poverty, unemployment, drug abuse, the danger of climate change, crime and other challenges,” the statement said.

    Akeredolu: there should be no more excuses

    Ondo State Governor Oluwarotimi Akeredolu said yesterday that the leadership of the country had exhausted all excuses for its underdevelopment 59 years after independence.

    The governor, in his speech at the independence anniversary, said the country had not got to where it should be since it got flag independence from Britain 59 years ago.

    He was represented by his deputy, Agboola Ajayi.

    Akeredolu said the task before the leadership of the country was to build a strong and viable economy that would generate a prosperous, progressive and dignified life for the good of the country and the state.

    He said the country could achieve her desired destination with more hard work, enterprise, creativity and fight against corruption.

    The governor said: “The nation is going through some challenges ranging from insecurity of lives and property to poor welfare and other problems which are making lives difficult for our people.”

    He said the state government was collaborating with the Federal Government and Southwest states to map out strategies to stamp out banditry.

    Akeredolu said his administration has procured 120 motorcycles and 20 Hilux buses to assist in tackling insecurity.

    He added that a security outfit, ‘Amotekun’, would soon be inaugurated in the Southwest to tackle insecurity.

    The governor said that the government was doing everything possible to improve the state’s economy and ensure that the citizens enjoy new lease of life.

    Fayemi solicits citizens’ greater commitment

    Ekiti State Governor Dr. Kayode Fayemi has congratulated Nigerians on the country’s 59th independence anniversary.

    He called for the citizens’ greater commitment to ensure the nation’s greatness.

    Fayemi, in a goodwill message in Ado-Ekiti yesterday, also congratulated Ekiti State people on the 23rd anniversary of the creation of the state.

    He urged the Ekiti at home and abroad to support his administration in repositioning the state as a destination of choice for living and for investments.

    The governor said the present administration “is laying a strong foundation for an all-round development of the state, focusing on its five pillars of development and through huge investments in knowledge, economy, urban, agricultural, industrial and human capital development”.

    Noting that the policies of the administrations have started yielding positive results with attendant boost in the quality of life of the average citizen, Governor Fayemi said he was confident that the state and its people would return to the frontline.

    He said: “I congratulate Nigerians on the country’s 59th independence anniversary, and I urge all to remain steadfast in our collective efforts to make the country a better place for us all.

    “Similarly, I rejoice with the Ekitikete on the 23rd anniversary of the creation of our dear state. Although we may not have attained all that we would have loved to attain, we can look back and give thanks to God for how much he has helped us.

    “Mention must also be made of the efforts made by successive administrations to develop the state as well as the leadership that have been provided by the former chief executives of the state.

    “The task of rebuilding and repositioning the state is a collective effort and through your cooperation, we shall build a truly prosperous state and put our state firmly on the path of honour and irreversible development.”

    Makinde calls for orientation change

    Oyo State Governor Seyi Makinde has called for a change of orientation on the part of Nigerians by ensuring that they put national interests first and above what he described as “egocentric concepts” that negate the country’s progress.

    Noting that the Independence Day celebration used to be marked with fanfare, the governor stressed that this year’s edition calls for sober reflection in the state and the nation at large.

    He spoke yesterday at the Lekan Salami Stadium, Adamasingba, Ibadan, after a commemorative march past led by officers of the Oyo State Police Command.

    Makinde, who was represented by his deputy, Mr. Rauf Olaniyan, assured the people that notwithstanding the plethora of challenges facing the country, his administration would chart the course that would launch Oyo State into a land of great investments with economic opportunities and agricultural development.

    He said: “There is need to change our orientation to put national interest first above all egocentric concepts that negate the progress of the nation.

    “The present administration will continue to chart a course that will launch the state into a land of great investments with economic opportunities and agricultural development, so that the state in the not too distant future will be a state of pride to us as before.

    “Welfare programmes will be our focus in order to create a good life for all the citizens of Oyo State as we pursue our four policy thrust of agricultural development and its value chain, health, education and security.

    “We have a genuine desire to embark on aggressive strategy on mechanised agriculture and agricultural value chain that will not only provide employment for our people, but one that will make Oyo State the food basket of the nation.

    “In order to achieve a greater level of educational development, we must invest in all-round development of our opportunity for self-development, self-reliance and self-actualisation by exposing our people to training that will assist them to become patriotic and responsible citizens in the society.

    “Hence the intervention programme launched with the distribution of textbooks and exercise books to all the schools in Oyo State.

    “I use the occasion of this year’s celebration to seek the cooperation of all progressive minded people, civil servants, artisans, stakeholders, political leaders and followers. We shall accommodate all interests to ensure that every part of the state has a sense of belonging.

    “As Nigeria celebrates her 59th independence anniversary today, I congratulate us and pray that at our time, the dream of Eldorado is achieved. I wish you all a happy low key independence celebration.”

    Let’s rebuild our country, Okowa tells Nigerians

    For Nigerians to enjoy life more abundant, Delta State Governor Ifeanyi Okowa yesterday advised them to eschew divisive attitudes that have worsened the state of the nation.

    He said unity, peaceful coexistence and brotherliness would make it easy for all to rebuild a nation that the current and future generations would be proud of.

    A statement yesterday in Asaba, the state capital, by his Chief Press Secretary, Mr Olisa Ifeajika, quoted the governor as saying there was need for all Nigerians to shun ethnic, religious and sectional sentiments and collaborate to rebuild a nation where peace, justice and economic growth would reign.

    He said: “On behalf of government and the people of Delta, I congratulate Nigerians on the occasion of the 2019 Independence celebration.

    “As a people, we have enjoyed democratic governance in the last 20 years, but we have not fully harnessed the gains of democracy.

    “It is appalling that after 20 years of democracy in Nigeria, we are still faced with same challenges of corruption, insecurity, infrastructure deficits, as a nation.

    “I urge all Nigerians to use the occasion of the 59th Independence anniversary to redefine what should constitutes national interest, and unite and rally to achieve that dream.

    “Let us only support and elect leaders with competence and capacity to realise the dream of rebuilding and uniting the nation.

    “As a people, we must take interest in politics and ensure that our choice of leaders is devoid of religious, ethnic and geo-political considerations, and it should permeate all levels.

    “I urge leaders at all levels to re-dedicate themselves to the ideals of politics and good governance to ensure that they deliver a better nation to our people,” he said.

    Oyetola preaches unity

    Osun State Governor Adegboyega Oyetola yesterday urged Nigerians at home and in the Diaspora to remain firmly committed to the unity of the country.

    In his goodwill message, the governor assured Nigerians of better days ahead, saying no achievement could surpass the country’s togetherness as a nation.

    This, he stressed, had remained intact, despite all the challenges that had threatened it in the last 59 years.

    Oyetola said the people owed the country a responsibility to join the government in examining issues that threaten the country’s collective survival with a view to marshalling out plans for socio-political and economic growth and sustainable development.

    He said: “I congratulate and felicitate with every citizen of The State of Osun and, by extension, all Nigerians, on this joyous event and on the journey so far.

    “On all accounts, it is appropriate to roll out the drums to celebrate the accomplishment of the vision of our founding fathers to birth a strong, indivisible, peaceful and prosperous Nigeria.

    “Although the journey has been adorned by dark days of colonialism, a shattering civil war and occasional crises, we have proved to the world that our ethnic, linguistic and religious diversities are sources of strength, not division.

    “Fifty-nine years down the road, we have had our accomplishments and failings, but Project Nigeria is on course.

    “Consequently, we owe it to ourselves and posterity to continue to interrogate issues that threaten our collective survival as a nation. In our introspection, we must review not just the last 59 years but also attempt to project further afield into the years ahead and marshal our plans for socio-political and economic growth and sustainable development.”

    Tambuwal advises youths on self-reliance, peace

    Sokoto State Governor Aminu Tambuwal yesterday advised Nigerian youths to work for the country’s greatness.

    The governor noted that their engagement in legitimate ventures and promotion of peaceful co-existence would make the nation’s future more secured.

    He said these are the basic ingredients to launch the youths on the path self-reliance and patriotism to justify felicitating Nigeria’s mark of prosperity after 59 years of independence.

    The governor also said Nigerians should not allow the current challenges to dampen the joy of celebrating the nationhood.

    Tambuwal spoke at the International Conference Centre, Sokoto, the state capital, at a special interactive session with youths’ groups and students in commemoration of the Independence anniversary.

    The governor noted that despite the various hitches, the anniversary was worth celebrating by patriotic Nigerians.

    According to him, the legacies and struggles by the country’s past heroes should not be in vain, hence “Nigerians have cause to celebrate in recognition of their contributions as our founding brothers”.

    Tambuwal said Nigerians across the world should thank God and extend their hands of gratitude “to President Muhammadu Buhari and all Nigerians for the historic celebration”.

    The governor noted that most Nigerians were not happy with the challenges facing the country, adding: “But we shall continue to celebrate our country’s independence.”

    He advised the youths to give priority to education in order to remain productive and self-reliant.

    “Youths would always remain leaders of today and tomorrow, by God’s grace. The state government will ensure the building and reshaping of their capacities as generational future leaders,” he said.

    Kano moves to promote peaceful coexistence

    Kano State Governor Dr. Abdullahi Umar Ganduje said yesterday in Kano that his administration would adopt measures aimed at promoting peaceful coexistence among the diverse ethnic nationalities in the state.

    The governor, who spoke during the independence anniversary celebration held at the Sani Abacha Stadium, Kano, said it was imperative and more constructive for Nigeria as a nation to remain together than to split.

    “Our diversity, which breeds abundance in our culture and heritage, should not be used as a tool to split us, but should rather bring us together for as long as there is understanding and respect,” he said.

    Ganduje, represented by his deputy, Dr. Nasiru Yusuf Gawuna, described the theme of this year’s celebration: ‘Peaceful Coexistence For National Unity and Development’, as appropriate, considering the challenges facing the nation, which include security, religious related tension, ethnical disintegration and indigene-settler disputes, among others.

    He said: “Our youths are our most valuable human assets and we believe that their destiny should not be defined by their circumstances or situation in life. We cannot, therefore, as parents, government or as a society continue to make excuses for the difficulties restricting their hopes for a better life.

    “This administration will maintain its friendly posture towards our youths that saw the empowerment of more than 200,000 youths in the last four years. Priority will continue to be given to youth development by tackling the challenges that keep them behind.”

    Ganduje said in the last four years, his administration had delivered significant milestones and advanced the progress of the state, especially in the area of education, health, agriculture, infrastructure and job creation, adding: “This second tenure will be another chance to take tough decisions on the tasks ahead with courage, commitment and compassion.”

    Wike decries faulty electoral system

    Rivers State Governor Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has decried the faulty electoral system in the last 20 years of the nation’s democracy.

    He said it is responsible for the poor leadership selection process.

    Addressing the people yesterday at the Sharks Stadium in Port Harcourt, Wike said: “We pride ourselves as a democratic nation, yet for 20 years, our electoral process has remained fraudulent and incapable of delivering free and fair elections.

    “Yet, we are shamefully carrying on as if all is well, resisting every attempt at providing a credible electoral system and not minding the monumental damage this has caused and continues to cause to the character and quality of our politics, leadership recruitment and nation building.”

    The governor said this year’s anniversary had mixed results as there were areas where the country had made progress, while in others it failed woefully.

    “By all accounts, it has been 59 years of mixed results; making significant strides in some respect and failing woefully in others. Nevertheless, we have reason to celebrate this day because we have been free and will remain a free and sovereign nation forever,” he said.

    Imo to roll out five-year development plan

    Imo State Governor Emeka Ihedioha has said his administration is developing a five-year economic blueprint to restore the state to its former glory.

    Speaking yesterday in Owerri during the independence anniversary celebration, he said:

    “Reforms are ongoing to improve service delivery across board, motivate the workforce and right the wrongs inflicted on the psyche of the personnel by eight years of misgovernment.”

    The governor added: “We have embarked on a comprehensive plan of overhauling our infrastructure, which was ruined by shoddy contract awards, quackery and entrenched policy of graft. Work is commencing shortly for the reconstruction of 14 critical roads, both within the Owerri township and across the state.

    “It is important to state that we are reviewing our security architecture with a view to ensuring security of lives and property and restoration of confidence in the government.”

    ‘Nigeria will overcome challenges’

    Akwa Ibom State Governor Udom Emmanuel has expressed optimism that Nigeria will soon overcome its socio-economic challenges and launch into a new era of prosperity.

    Speaking yesterday in Uyo during the Independence Day anniversary, the governor urged Nigerians to be steadfast, as the country struggles to tackle underdevelopment that has been plaguing the nation for many years.

    He said: “The country is blessed with abundant natural resources as well as experienced human capital,” adding that if such natural wealth was painstakingly harnessed, the nation should become the envy of the world.

    “I have never seen a country that is so as blessed as Nigeria in terms of human resources. We have a whole lot of Nigerians that have the capacity. So, we need to harness and see what we can make out of the resources,” Emmanuel said.