Peter Obi said Nigeria is a failed country at 57

A former Governor of Anambra State, Peter Obi, on Saturday declared that the country had failed as a nation since gaining independence in 1960.

Obi lamented the failure of successive governments in the country.
The former governor warned that the increasing spate of agitations by various ethnic-nationalities in the country in recent times might get out of control if governments at all levels did not put measures in place that would create employment for jobless youths.
He spoke in Abakaliki, the Ebonyi State capital, on Saturday while delivering an anniversary lecture organized by the state government as part of activities to mark the 57th anniversary of the country and Ebonyi State at 21.

The theme of the anniversary lecture was, ‘Ebonyi State: yesterday, today and tomorrow.’
He said, “Nigeria is a failed country. The country is going backward. Not thinking of the future; that is why there are agitations everywhere. The agitations are just starting. There are millions of jobless youths doing nothing in the country. Most young people have lost their future.
“Nigeria is in the wrong direction. The country is not doing well. The indices of good governance are very clear worldwide. The only way to stop the agitations is to engage the youths in meaningful ventures. The world is selling knowledge and not baggage economy.  Nigeria needs to embrace knowledge-based economy. With such an economy in place, by the year 2020, the country would join the world to create 25 million job opportunities for the youth.”
The former governor emphasized that over dependence on oil as the mainstay of the nation’s economy was no longer fashionable and tenable.
“Oil is destined to finish in the next 30 years. The Federal Allocation Committee is one of the things that make us lazy. Nobody is willing to work except to go to Abuja on a monthly basis to share money. Our reserve is weak.
Obi disagreed with the claim of the Federal Government that the country had exited recession citing widespread poverty as the reason.

Army Plane crashes and some died

A military cargo plane crashed in Democratic Republic of Congo's capital Kinshasa on Saturday, killing its 12 crew members, the defense minister said.

"I confirm that a military aircraft crashed this morning," said De fence Minister Crispin Atama Tabe. "All 12 members of the crew died."

The Antonov transport plane had just taken off and had "several dozen people" on board, an airport source told AFP, speaking on condition of anonymity.

The plane went down in Nsele, about 100 kilometers to the east of Kinshasa, capital of the Democratic Republic of Congo, the source said.
So sad what a sad news losing people to a cargo plane crash ..RIP to all lost soul and God give there families the grace to bear the loss.

The Nigerian Health Workers suspend strike

The Joint Health Sector Unions and Assembly of Healthcare Professionals, JOHESU, has suspended its nine-day-old strike. The union made the decision following a nine-hour meeting with the federal government in Abuja today.

The national chairman of the union, Biobelemoye Josiah, said the strike had been suspended “in principle”, as a NEC meeting of the union will be held on Tuesday to take the final decision.
He said that the union has reached an agreement with the Federal government and workers are to resume back to work on Wednesday.
The union embarked on a nationwide strike on September 20 to protest among other issues, salaries adjustments, promotion arrears, and improved work environment for its members.

FFK Backing Fayose for presidency

A former Minister of Aviation, Femi Fani-Kayode, has explained why he is backing the presidential bid of the governor of Ekiti State, Ayo Fayose.
Mr. Fayose had on Thursday in Abuja formally declared his intention to run for president in 2019 on the ticket of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP.
The governor, who will complete his tenure in 2018, said he joined the race in order to tackle the myriad of problems confronting Nigeria and also engender the unity of the country which he said was being threatened by nepotism, religious bigotry and favoritism of the Muhammadu Buhari administration.
In a statement sent to Premium Times on Saturday, Mr. Fani-Kayode, who was one of the prominent members of the PDP that
spoke at the event, said he was backing Mr. Fayose because of his courage, frankness and conviction.

“I stood with Governor Ayodele Fayose because, unlike most, he has courage,” the former minister said.

“We come from completely different backgrounds and we do not agree on everything but we have a similar disposition and we share the same perspective on most things.

“He is not bound up in fear and he is not chained down by political correctness. He speaks the raw and bitter truth and he stands up for the weak and the defenseless.

“Like me, he moves in the prophetic and his source of strength is the spirit and power of God.

“We both love God and we are both men of strength, courage, faith and destiny. The spirit of David and Jehu runs through us both. We neither fear death nor incarceration and we hate injustice, evil and oppression.”

Mr. Fani-Kayode said the governor had done an excellent job in Ekiti State since he assumed office and had consistently and fearlessly stood against “the evil of the Buhari administration and constantly kept them on their toes.”

He added, “He is a Yoruba man who has the courage and conviction to say that he wants to be president. Why would I not stand with him and attend the launching of his campaign?

“I believe that he would make an excellent president and effect the necessary changes and restructuring that our country desperately needs.

“I am very proud of Ayo Fayose and I never desert or abandon my friends. He is and will always be my friend and brother.”

Kalu opposes Nigerias Breakup

Former Governor of Abia, Orji Kalu, has expressed opposition with Nigerians agitating for the division of the country.

He called for restructuring as panacea to solving the problems facing the country.
Mr. Kalu made the remark on Friday in a paper he presented at a public lecture organized by the Department of Social Sciences, University of Calabar.
In his paper, entitled: “Devolution of Powers and the Future of Nigeria,’’ Mr. Kalu insisted that the only acceptable solution for Nigeria’s problems remained restructuring.

He said: “I believe fully in the unity of Nigeria. I am against those who call for the division of the country. There is no such provision as division in our Constitution.
“If you look at all political or constitutional conferences we have had in this country since after independence, you will find that devolution of powers featured prominently but under different guise.
“Therefore, like the Igbo people will say, where a child is crying and pointing at, if his father is not there, his mother must surely be there.
“So, I think there is need for us to fully review the call for devolution of powers within the context of our current realities and as permissible by our constitution.
“Whether we call it resource control, Sovereign National Conference, Restructuring or by any other name, we are saying the same thing.
“That we want power to devolve so that our states and local governments can have constitutional powers to do much more than they are doing today.
“It is what the nation needs at the moment, to move forward,” he said.
Mr. Kalu described genuine agitations as part of viable democratic process.
“The agitation for devolution of power, restructuring or referendum, are all legitimate democratic demands.
“They form part of the conversation that must take place to strengthen democracy and make it a real system of government of the people, by the people and for the people,” Mr. Kalu said.
The former governor maintained that the call for devolution of powers started since the time of late Isaac Boro, adding that this was the time for its realization.
He said the call for devolution of powers to the three tiers of governments had become necessary since there was too much power concentrated at the center.
He attributed the present agitations and criminalizes across the country by youth, to lack of even distribution of resources, adding that it had brought unemployment and poverty among the youths.
Mr. Kalu called for restructuring in the areas of Land Use Act; handing over of roads the states; licensing of minerals, among others.
He described as unconstitutional the continued appointment of Caretaker Committees to run Local Government Administrations by some state governors.
Also speaking, the chairman of the occasion, Chris Agara, said the call for restructuring was long overdue.
NAN

President Buhari's address to the Nation to acknowledge Nigeria's 57th Independence Day Anniversary

My dear Nigerians, October 1st remains a special date for all Nigerians as this marks the day when we attained one of the most precious of human desires freedom. Over the years the country has gone through trials and tribulations, but October 1st is always a day for celebrations.

It is a day for thanks giving, reflection and re-dedication.

It is also a day for remembrance. We should remind ourselves of the recent journey from 1999 – 2015, when our country happily returned to democratic rule.

However, in spite of oil prices being an average of $100 per barrel and about 2.1m barrels a day, that great piece of luck was squandered and the country’s social and physical infrastructure neglected.

We were left with no savings and huge infrastructure deficit.

The APC Government’s Campaign rallying cry to restore security, re-balance the economy and fight corruption was not all rhetoric. The country must first be secured. The economy must be re-balanced so that we do not depend on oil alone. We must fight corruption which is Nigeria’s Number One Enemy. Our Administration is tackling these tasks in earnest.

In the past two years, Nigeria has recorded appreciable gains in political freedom. A political Party at the Center losing elections of State Governor, National Assembly seat and even State Assemblies to the opposition parties is new to Nigeria. Added to these are complete freedom to associate, to hold and disseminate opinions. Such developments clearly attest to the country’s growing political development. But like all freedoms, this is open to abuse.

Recent calls on re-structuring, quite proper in a legitimate debate, has let in highly irresponsible groups to call for dismemberment of the country. We can not and we will not allow such advocacy.

As a young Army Officer, I took part from the beginning to the end in our tragic civil war costing about 2m lives, resulting in fearful destruction and untold suffering. Those who are agitating for a re-run were not born by 1967 and have no idea of the horrendous consequences of the civil conflict which we went through.

I am very disappointed that responsible leaders of these communities do not warn their hot-headed youths what the country went through. Those who were there should tell those who were not there, the consequences of such folly.

At all events, proper dialogue and any desired constitutional changes should take place in a rational manner, at the National and State Assemblies. These are the proper and legal fora for National debate, not some lop-sided, un-democratic body with pre-determined set of objectives.
Government is keeping up the momentum of dialogue with stakeholders in the Niger Delta to keep the peace. We intend to address genuine grievances of the communities. Government is grateful to the responsible leadership of those communities and will pursue lasting peace in the Niger Delta.
SECURITY
On security, Nigerians must be grateful to our gallant Armed Forces for rolling back the frontiers of Boko Haram’s terrorism, defeating them and reducing them to cowardly attacks on soft and vulnerable targets.
Nigeria is grateful to its neighbours and the international community for the collective efforts to defeat this world-wide menace of terrorism.
Not even the most organized and most equipped police and security forces in the world can escape the menace of modern day terrorism, as we have seen in recent years in Europe and other parts of the world.
But we are not letting up. Our Armed Forces in an effort to enhance the operational capability of troops of OPERATION LAFIYA DOLE have established Mobile Strike Teams in the North East. These will ensure the final push to wipe out the remnants of Boko Haram.
In addition, through targeted air strikes most of the leadership and identified logistics bases and routes of the insurgents have been neutralized. The Armed Forces have established a Naval presence in the Lake Chad Basin as part of the coordinated military efforts to curtail the movements or re-emergence of the sect in the area.
Government is working round the clock to ensure release of the remaining Chibok girls, as well as other persons in Boko Haram captivity. Government will continue to support the Armed Forces and other security agencies to fight not only terrorism, but kidnapping, armed robberies, herdsmen/farmers violence and to ensure peace, stability and security in our country.
ECONOMY
With respect to the economy, the Government has remained pro-active in its diversification policy. The Federal Government’s agricultural Anchor Borrowers Programme, which I launched in November 2015, has been an outstanding success with:
· N43.92 billion released through the CBN and 13 participating institutions,
· 200,000 small holder farmers from 29 states of the federation benefitting,
· 233,000 hectares of farmland cultivating eight commodities, namely Rice, Wheat, Maize, Cotton, soya-beans, Poultry, Cassava and Groundnuts, in addition to fish farming.
These initiatives have been undertaken in close collaboration with the states. I wish to commend the efforts of the Governors of Kebbi, Lagos, Ebonyi and Jigawa States for their support to the rice and fertilizer revolutions.
Equally commendable are contributions of the Governors of Ondo, Edo, Delta, Imo, Cross River, Benue, Ogun, Kaduna and Plateau States for their support for the Presidential initiative for palm oil, rubber, cashew, cassava, potatoes and other crops.

With the abundance of rainfall last year and this year, agriculture has enjoyed Divine intervention.
Since December last year, this Administration has produced over 7 million 50Kg bags of fertilizer. Eleven blending plants with a capacity of 2.1 million metric tons have been reactivated. We have saved $150 million in foreign exchange and N60 billion in subsidy. Fertilizer prices have dropped from N13,000 per 50Kg bag to N5,500.
Furthermore, a new presidential initiative is starting with each state of the Federation creating a minimum of 10,000 jobs for unemployed youths, again with the aid of CBN’s development finance initiatives.
Power remains a huge problem. As of September 12th, production of power reached an all — time high of 7,001 Megawatts. Government is increasing its investment, clearing up the operational and financial log jam bedeviling the industry. We hope to reach 10,000 Megawatts by 2020.
Key priorities include better energy mix through solar and Hydro technologies. I am glad to say that after many years of limbo, Mambilla Power Project has taken off.
Elsewhere in the economy the special window created for manufacturers, investors and exporters, foreign exchange requirements has proved very effective. Since April, about $7 billion has come through this window alone. The main effect of these policies is improved confidence in the economy and better investment sentiments.
The country has recorded 7 consecutive months of lower inflation, Naira rate is beginning to stabilize, appreciating from N525 per $1 in February this year to N360 today. Broad-based economic growth is leading us out of recession.
Furthermore, in order to stabilize the polity, the Federal Government gave additional support to states in the form of:
· State Excess Crude Account loans,
· Budget Support Facility,
· Stabilization Fund Release
to states and local governments as follows:
· N200 billion in 2015
· N441 billion in 2016
· N1 trillion in 2017
Altogether totaling N1.642 trillion.
This was done to enable states to pay outstanding salaries, pensions and small business suppliers who had been all but crippled over the years.
In addition, the Government’s current N500 billion Special Intervention Programme is targeting groups through;
· Home Grown School Feeding Programme,
· N-Power Job creation to provide loans to small-scale traders and artisans,
· Conditional Cash Transfer,
· Family Homes Fund and
· Social Housing Scheme.
CORRUPTION
Fellow Nigerians,
We are fully aware that fighting corruption was never going to be a straightforward task. We expected corrupt elements to use any weapon to fight back, mainly judicial obstruction and political diversion. But we are determined to eradicate corruption from our body politic.
In this fight, the Government has:
· Empowered teams of prosecutors,
· Assembled detailed databases,
· Accelerated the recovery of stolen funds.
The Administration’s new institutional reforms include:
· Enforcing Treasury Single Account,
· Whistle-Blowers Policy,
· Integrated Payroll Personnel and Information System.
We have signed multi-lateral cooperation agreements on criminal matters with friendly countries. There are signs of increasing cooperation from the Judiciary. Recently the Chief Justice of Nigeria directed Heads of all our Courts of first instance and Appeal to accelerate hearings of corruption cases and dismiss any judicial officers found to have been compromised.

Justice Salami has just been appointed to chair the Judiciary’s anti-graft committee. Government expects a lot from this Committee.

I commend the National Assembly for refocusing on its oversight committees. They should, in addition, ensure swift passage of enabling corruption laws. But fighting corruption is a bottom to top operation. I call on all Nigerians to combat corruption at every turn. By not asking for and refusing to accept a bribe, by reporting unethical practices or by blowing a whistle, together we can beat corruption. The government for its part will work for accountability at all levels - Federal, State and Local Governments. CHANGE will then be real.

As we enter the second half of our term of office, we intend to accelerate progress and intensify our resolve to fix the country’s challenges and problems.
Thank you and a happy holiday to all of you.
God bless our country
Facebook page:https://web.facebook.com/Sammysparc

Wow when you are accomplished nathing is impossible....See what seyi law did for her daughter on birthday

We thought the almost 50 pictures were much until Seyi Law unveiled a NEW ONE. Tiwaloluwa, Seyi laws daughters birthday was celebrated on the bill board..What a pretty baby...

It's another edition of the prestigious Miss Jolene beauty pageant (face of Jolene) 2017/2018>>If you really have what it takes to be a brand ambassador your time is now

Miss Jolene Beauty Pageant, a product of the Jolene brand is an annual event that mirrors the beauty pageant entertainment industry as an effective tool to educate, empower and promote Self-confidence, bring out talents, further goodwill and encourage young ladies to express their individuality with poise, grace and wits.

 

The theme of Miss Jolene beauty pageant is “The Total woman” which embodies “Empowering women, embracing cultures, and embodying the beauty within” and it visibly expresses the vision of this pageantry. The goal is not to pick the most beautiful girl as a winner just for the sake of it but to further meaningful course.

 

This event will provide a platform, for creative designers to display their art and equal opportunity for models to showcase their talent, boost their confidence whilst also opening vast opportunities for designers, beauticians, fashion photographers & models.

 

 The reign of Miss Jolene is 12 months and this remarkable queen will travel around  the world to represent the brand in promoting the beauty, intelligence, and charm of women globally. 

 

1st Prize 

A brand new Kia Rio 

A cash prize of 1,000.000 Naira 

A year contract with Jolene

 

2nd Prize

 500,000 naira

An all expenses paid trip 

A year contract with Jolene

 

3rd Prize 

500,000 Naira 

A year contract with Jolene

 

To register visit the nearest Zenith bank nationwide and pay a non-refundable fee of 5,500 Naira to:

 Jolene Hair and cosmetics

 1014761484

  For sponsorship and inquiries contact 

08122339225 or 08077512479

 

Instagram : @missjolenebeautypageant

 

Massive deployment of police personnel by the IGP on saturday

The Inspector General of Police, Ibrahim Idris has ordered a massive deployment of Police personnel across Nigeria to ensure a hitch-free and peaceful celebration of Nigeria’s 57th independence celebration.

The police boss in a statement directed all Commissioners of Police in all states of the Federation and their supervising assistant Inspectors General of Police in charge of zonal commands to carry out the order, Channels tv reports.

The officers and men are to be drafted from the police mobile force, counter-terrorism unit, special police forces and force intelligence and investigation department, among others.

They are also to forestall any disturbances in connection with the quit notices issued by various groups in the country.

Also, the IGP has placed all the personnel of the Force on red alert to nip in the bud any attempt by any group under whatsoever guise to cause disturbance of the peace on 1st of October, 2017 or at any other time. 

Source >ladun

The presidents message to Governor Rochas Okorocha

President Muhammadu Buhari has congratulated Governor Rochas Okorocha of Imo State on his 55th birthday. The letter reads in part: ‘‘On this special occasion, I wish to commend Governor Okorocha’s leadership and commitment to the people of Imo State and the entire nation.
‘‘His philanthropy has touched many lives in states across the country, from the south to the north.
‘‘I also wish to express my deep appreciation to him for his support and commitment to the success of this administration.
‘‘Owelle Rochas Okorocha had the vision to look beyond ethnic bias and align his political interest and that of his people with that of the ruling All Progressives Congress (APC), even when many in his region did not have such foresight.
I must say this man have really done well for his people and believe you me even children unborn are already seeing all he has done to impact the community as a whole...Kudos sir

‘‘Happy birthday, Owelle Rochas Okorocha!”

See why this ladys mum walked her down the aisle

BTW her dress is stunning.... IG user, @vienstylez, had her wedding recently and her mum walked her down the aisle. In a post she shared on her IG page, she explained why this happened. Read below
"Oh! the grieve I got because I asked my mother who had me at the age of 15, to walk me down the aisle. I appreciate the idea of having a great dad walk the child down, but when my own father
refuses to be present in my life should I killl myself ?. I found great joy in having a female marry myself and @ajpapa_1 and an even greater joy honouring @vienstylezmum for doing her best in creating a better future for me. Cheers to the #motherofthebride .". 
.

Buhari in the midst of soldiers as the cut the cake...

Is really trending they are saying this is the smallest cake that will be cut during independence day??Could this be true my people whats your take on this....

I used to be the one to tell a guy I like him and then we would start kissing" rapper, Eva Alordiah, says

Rapper, Eva Alordiah had an interactive session with her fans on IG last night and one of them apparently told her she was interested in a guy but doesn't know how to go about it. 
"If you die tomorrow and you do not get to experience that beautiful(love). If you really like him so much, the only reason that you should hold back is if you are not sure that he likes you that much. I think it is sweeter when he shows you first how much he likes you. I had to teach myself how not to be too forward. I used to be too forward. If I like a guy, I would be like hey, I like you. The next thing, we are kissing. I used to be very forward but I have had to calm down and understand that sometimes, regardless of how you are feeling, you want to hold back" she sa

You will see marriage list run oh

Even the three-page list cost N1000. According to a Facebook user,  a man from Anambra state was presented with the marriage list.

"The man's family are going crazy" he wrote.

Woman trains 5 graduates through roasted yam business.....Thumbs up to all mamas

Mrs. Franca Nwosu, a roasted yam seller based in Minna, Niger State, revealed that she put five of her children through university from the proceeds of her business. Speaking to Northern City News on Thursday in Minna, the mother of nine said that she started the business about 15 years ago.

"I started this business over 15 years ago and with the proceeds.I was able to train five graduates. So , as far as I am concerned, the business is booming, no matter the hardship in the country, people must eat, you cannot avoid food .”

The trader said she opened for business by 7am everyday to serve her customers who comprised commercial motorcyclists, artisans , pedestrians and motorists.

She used to roast over 150 tubers of yam each day,  however, the economic recession had forced her to reduce the quantity to 100.

Mrs Nwosu said she had started the business because her husband’ s low earnings and a welder wasn't enough to take care of their family need.

“My husband is a welder by profession but with the current situation of things in the country, what he is getting cannot sustain the family ; so, I engaged myself in the yam roasting business to support him so that our family will not suffer ,” she explained.