₦airaland Forum

“As a perspective on the current approach to poverty reduction envisaged in the National Economic Empowerment and Development Strategy (NEEDS) vis-à-vis the New Partnership for Africa’s Development (NEPAD), a most pressing target now is to create a viable and sustainable energy system for rural modernisation, agricultural mechanisation, post-harvest processing/preservation for increasing food sufficiency, and the consequential industrial expansion. This route, if vigorously pursued by the Southeastern states will generate employment opportunities as well as reduce the acute social and economic difficulties in Igboland in particular and Nigeria in general.”
–  A. Animalu, Professor of Solid State Physics, ex Director, Abuja Mathematical Centre, Fellow, Nigeria Academy of Science.
At the turn of the last century, a BBC survey proclaimed Nelson Mandela, Kwame Nkhrumah and Dr. Nnamdi Azikiwe in that order as the three greatest African leaders of our times. Despite the distortions of our rabid revisionist Historiographers, that critical scientific survey has resolved the same question as who amongst the so-called founding fathers of the Nigerian maladroit nation was the greatest. From our own findings, there was one true name, who, from day one, prepared for his set goals to “battle for the liberation of the mind of the Black race not only in the continent but also within the world comity of nations.” As a matter of fact, he had to stop over in Ghana on his return from the US and wherever we travel to, in Africa he is the first name from Nigeria to be heard from the citizens of Botswana, Kenya, Tunisia or Liberia!
Ironically, most of his Igbo kinsmen, as a result of his Pan Africanist philosophy do not recognise his giant strides and would prefer to applaud his protégés and would readily at the slightest offer the diadem to Azikiwe’s protégés.
One of those protégés of Zik was Michael Okpara. While the debate on who was the greatest Nigerian would rage on, Okpara was arguably the greatest Igbo. Oh yes, Zik was a leading pantheon in the struggle for the global emancipation of the Black race and there was this slave pace setter Olaudah Equiano, who founded Sierra Leone and contributed greatly to the abolition of slave trade. Before Professor Kenneth Dike, Chinua Achebe, Olaudah was the first to tell the world the Igbo romantic story and civilisation. Yet the African Deity, who inspired the seminarian Kwame Nkhrumah to abandon priesthood, prepared his papers to study at his old Ivy League Lincoln University in Pennsylvania. Azikiwe was the mentor to Mandela, who, before he was incarcerated at Robben Islands, was the guest of the Governor General, who clandestinely kept the freedom fighter at the home of Chief Mbazulike Amaechi, his trusted courageous organiser of the Zikist Vanguard fame.
Odumegwu Ojukwu, the General of the Peoples’ Army, was on the other hand the greatest Biafran. Every Biafran may be Igbo and more but not every Igbo is a Biafran. Others would prefer to stay in Nigeria and majority is waiting on the final snap before they make their decision. Zik was part of Emeka’s early life and he was the mentor, who advised his father to send him to Kings College, and to Oxford. Zik appointed Akanu Ibiam and Michael Okpara, Governor and Minister into his Cabinet at Enugu.
Michael Okpara’s strategic plan of embarking on agricultural revolution with the end point of  building one of the world’s modern industrial systems, which, by the early 60s, drowned the Asian Tigers’ development graphs, registered the Premier’s legacies into the golden annals of the black man’s leap into modernity.
Michael Iheonukara Okpara, who read medicine at Dublin, had returned home from the Premier Lodge by 11a.m for break lunch. His wife reported that the cost of one egg had gone up to six pence! The Premier reasoned that if it was that difficult for him and family to purchase eggs for that amount, then the situation would be nightmarish for the citizens. He finished his meal and did not return home until 2a.m. the following day. So also were his Minister of Agriculture, P.N. Okeke, and the entire Cabinet. In due course, he had visited Israel. He met firsthand the Israeli Prime Minister, Goldie Maier, and the young State of Israel as policy decided to partner with the government of Eastern Nigeria to drive its Agric. Revolution. Okpara, with all speed, embarked on a crash programme of initiating agricultural seminars, leading participants and students to acquire Diploma Certificates after six months of training. Supervised by the Faculty of Agriculture, the University of Nigeria and the Umudike School of Agriculture, these Agric. Diploma graduates were ready to till the land. Agriculture, Foods and Nutrition studies were introduced to the secondary schools and tertiary institutes as part of the curriculum for exams in the West African Certificates.
Before you could say Jack Robinson, Okpara built the Nkwelle, Abakaliki, Ohaji Palms, Nekede, Uzo Uwani, Bende and countless other farm settlements, extending to the present Rivers, Cross Rivers and the Akwa Ibom states. Most of these settlements are still alive despite the ravishing of the farmlands by politicians.
All these thousands of wasting Advisers, Senior and Medium Special Assistants to the Governors, would, under Okpara’s charge, be sent to the Diploma Courses in Agriculture and in six months would be skilled enough to be posted to the farm settlements, supervising massive production of food. Before the war, the East took over the feeding of West Africa in rice, staples and boats from Port Harcourt and Calabar plied the Atlantic, supplying food to the Island of Fernanda po, Camerouns and the Congos.
According to Dr. Chidi Osuagwu, “Okpara’s Agricultural Revolution was part of a strategic plan for the industrial modernisation of the Eastern region. Agriculture was to feed the people and produce industrial raw materials for the factories.” Critically, the Premier had defined his Agric. programme and projected in deadlines, the inevitable productivity consequences. Where he needed effective technical and financial partners, he opened up and invited Jerusalem.
In deep recession and with starvation engulfing the landscape, I write from Owerri… The Oke Mba city, and as promised you last week, we shall examine the Governor Anayo Rochas Okorocha’s agricultural programme and hope that all our contributions, including yours would help to drive the programme to success and push for productivity, not only for the benefit of our people but also to stave off starvation that has overwhelmed the populace.
As a refrain, Imo, Ebonyi, Enugu, Anambra, Cross River, Ogun, Ondo, Kwara, Benue, Plateau, Nassarawa, Adamawa, Kebbi, Sokoto, Kano all have pronounced agric. programmes. However, we continue to ask the simple question, why are these states not making the quantum production? Why is it so difficult for these states (especially those on the East of the Niger) to pick up the documented template of how Premier M.I. Okpara planted food to feed his people and export the surplus to West Africa?

UnknownT:
He is working on Ughelli-Afiesere-Ufuoma road? That's interesting, it was one hell of a bumpy ride the first and last time I passed through that road last year

okowa we want a flyover in delta oh

Qmerit:
I am not surprise...

His Excellency Ayodele Fayose Executive Governor Ekiti State...



aka The Lion of the Tribe of Ekiti

no comment

Twistaray:
OgunState government has stated that it would stop at nothing to position the State as the preferred destination for investors; not only in Nigeria but Africa as a whole.

Economic Adviser to Governor Ibikunle Amosun, Mr. Rotimi Adewunmi, who stated this while speaking with THISDAY in his office at Abeokuta, the State capital, said the Ibikunle Amosun Administration was fully ready to explore the abundant resources in the State and open it for business.

Adewunmi, who was flanked by the Special Adviser to the governor on Commerce and Industry, Mr. Femi Ogunsola and Senior Special Assistant on Trade and Investment, Mrs Adenike Aboderin, said the government would use the forthcoming two-day investors’ forum scheduled to hold in Abeokuta on March 26 and 27 to sell its economic master plan to international investors.

He disclosed that the State government was particularly looking at investors from South East Asia and will also learn from Brazil in developing its housing sector. “What we are organising is not a summit where people come, talk and go but a summit where we can sell an economic master plan and do a follow-up after the forum,” Adewunmi said.

“We have recognised where our strength lies and we want to capitalise on those areas. We want to attract people who will invest in those areas as well as other big players into the State,” he added.

Special Adviser to the governor on Commerce and Industry, Ogunsola, said the State government was interested in developing the agriculture and agro-allied sector; mining, foundry, logistics and cottage industries.

“What we are trying to do is to create an enduring sustainable platform between the government of Ogun State, those who are investing here at the moment and those who will be coming in the future. Our plan is to position Ogun State as the preferred investment destination in Africa,” he said.

In her contribution, Senior Special Assistant on Trade and Investment, Aboderin, said research had shown that currently, Ogun State offers the best returns on investment.

She also noted that the office of Trade and Investment and the Bureau of Lands, Urban and Regional Planning are working hard to make the state an investor’s delight, especially with the One-Stop shop concept where all the papers needed by investors could be processed under one roof.

“Currently, research has shown that Ogun offers the best returns on investment. We therefore want to exploit this to woo investors into the State. We are not waiting until we have the entire infrastructure in place. We are starting by developing our roads and creating an environment that is conducive to business.

“A joint task force is in place to ensure security and what we offer investors are in tandem with global standards. The response to our call has been overwhelming as investors are really hungry to do business here,” she stated.


http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/ogun-seeks-preferred-investment-destination-status/111991/
Ogun is moving...SW is progressing/moving.

am proud to be associated with development

Abagworo:
More. That's the market

green white green long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria

NuclearWinter:
Afonjastic clown, why is Kanu, ipob and Biafra your daily headache?

be careful of committing high Treason

NuclearWinter:
Afonjastic clown, why is Kanu, ipob and Biafra your daily headache?

be careful of committing high Treason

NuclearWinter:
Afonjastic clown, why is Kanu, ipob and Biafra your daily headache?

be careful of committing high Treason

NuclearWinter:
Afonjastic clown, why is Kanu, ipob and Biafra your daily headache?

be careful of committing high Treason

Nigeria wants Shell to open major pipeline but attack feared
Johannesburg - Nigeria wants Royal Dutch Shell to reopen one of its main pipelines but the oil multinational is resisting, analysts say, for fear it could once again be bombed by militants.
The Trans Forcados Pipeline, the main feed to the 400 000-barrel-a-day Forcados export terminal, has been shut for all but three weeks of the past year, Lagos-based SBM Intelligence said in its weekly risk analysis published Friday.
In their most sophisticated attack, militants used divers to blow up an underwater section of the pipeline in the Atlantic a year ago. Defying militant death threats, Shell flew in underwater engineers who took seven months to get the pipeline operational.
Two days later, the militants bombed it again.
Shell Nigeria lost $3bn during the seven months of repairs, Africa Confidential newsletter estimated at the time.
"Nigeria wants Royal Dutch Shell to reopen a major export pipeline in the Niger Delta but the oil major wants better protection first, to avoid having it blown up yet again," SBM Intelligence said, quoting unidentified officials and industry sources.
Lowest rate of production
Shell Nigeria said only that one of its priorities is to secure the pipeline, while indicating it is still working to contain leaks. "Our focus on the Forcados leaks is on containment, spill recovery and securing the line," spokesman Precious Okolobo told The Associated Press on Saturday.
Petroleum Minister Ibe Kachikwu announced last month that Nigeria, one of Africa's top oil producers, lost between $50bn and $100bn in oil revenues because of militant attacks last year. At the worst point, he said, production was cut to 1.2 million barrels a day — a loss of 1 million barrels a day and the lowest rate of production in 30 years.
The Forcados terminal handles nearly one-quarter of Nigeria's exports. So experts are puzzled by the state oil company's declaration this week that production has risen to 2.1 million barrels a day — near optimal production of 2.2 million.
"Nigeria has given differing figures for its oil output in recent weeks ... without giving an explanation," said SBM Intelligence, quoting figures between 1.7 million to 2.2 million barrels a day.
With Nigeria confronting its worst recession in 25 years, "We certainly hope the figures are true," the analysts said.
Oil militants say careless production in the southern Niger Delta has brought nothing but misery, with pollution from oil spills destroying farmlands, fishing grounds and millions of livelihoods.
Fear of more attacks
At one point, all three of Nigeria's biggest export terminals were closed for repairs from militant attacks: Forcados, ExxonMobil's Qua Iboe and Eni's Brass River. Qua Iboe, the biggest terminal, was shut for more than three months before quietly resuming exports in October. It is not clear if Brass River is operating. Oil companies are reluctant to divulge information for fear of more attacks.
There has been no major attack since an August cease-fire to allow negotiations between the government, representatives of militants, community leaders and oil companies operating in the Niger Delta.
Community leaders have expressed confidence in Vice President Yemi Osinbajo's visits and promises of a comprehensive plan to help residents benefit from oil production.
Low oil production and international prices for the petroleum that provides 80 percent of government revenue have brought on a recession in Nigeria compounded by a massive foreign currency shortage.
Nigeria lost its place as Africa's biggest oil producer last year, to Angola.

http://m.news24.com/news24/Africa/News/nigeria-wants-shell-to-open-major-pipeline-but-attack-feared-20170304

outrage:
I can confirm this is gombe, I am sire you passed through bauchi right?

Bauchi has better road network, finner roads neater streets..
In general a finner town than gombe.

Abu walahi Gombe is d home of beauty

PapaBaby:
[s][/s]

Awo ended the war? Which history books did that come from? You must be high on cow dung.

this again
General Ojukwu refused wise council from Dr Azikewe to forget about Biafra and reunited back to Nigeria but History is repeated

Springup:
I paid a visit to the dam or tunnel ment to channel the flood
:cc lalasticlala

my friend in Congo come and learn

DVMtuppence:
Hbd to him

His Excellency President General Obasanjo

pinkycute:
Am still watching

pls when will train service commence operations

allrightsir:
Rochas? are you kidding? the guy is an imb3cile!!!


Peter Obi is the only Ibo "politician" I reckon can be a good president. There are many Igbo technocrats and intellectuals that will make a good president but not from the current crop of politicians!!

arise and build

BAKAREAAT:
Buhari will win in 2019 on what basis?

non can challenge the truth and honesty of PMB

Horlufemi:
I don't care. I'll protect myself from the proceeds

Great job Mr President

with mechanical agri business more crops and animal production will abound eliminating hunger unemployment at similar angles

every time I see news of us buying heavy imported military equipment I become sad
we should rather be buying or importing heavy agricultural equipment and agro machines to turn this country around for more jobs more food and more crop production

hucienda:
The Osinbajo the masses saw around in Keke, roasting bole and all that gimmick of 2015 is here.

Welcome back.

great leadership

mangood74:
the prices of goods should come down pls my acting vice

I plead with all people to embrace peace and work for peace

SageTravels:
Another Country In Nigeria. I wanted to Serve there by all means.

I love Lagos

Eko for show

investnow2013:
AWKA ANAMBRA STATE

what of the ghettos where the poor live

investnow2013:
AWKA NIGERIAN'S FASTEST DEVELOPING CITY!

No come and see Ogun

orunto27:
A Governor to the VP? Doesn't the Governor know that the VP is his direct Boss? To call a whole VP some body s boy is an incitement and a seditious move. We are still thinking of Mr. President s power to grant Amnesty to bokoharam, some aliens, invaders, Arabs intruders etc and now this act of insubordination is rearing its ugly head. The NASS should please call MrPresident and the Governor in question to order using constitutional mean.

Now with His Excellency Acting President Osinbajo in motion how will El rufia feel

Toyade888:
It’s about to go down!!!

D’banj, Wande Coal and Harrysong, were pictured on set of what is assumed to be a new music video. We truly can not wait for this.

More pictures below:

dokita wole

anibi9674:
ok

hurts me when we look down upon our own

smellingmenses:
I would have preferred Fayemi did this project. He does quality jobs. Unlike Fayose

progress report on ekiti flyovers

buygala:
Ok

when a leader has no impact he is just a boss