₦airaland Forum

This is a plus to the APC, The Apc is gradually taking over the state. it is glaring that PMB will do exceptionally well in SS in 2019, Buhari would get more votes from Rivers in 2019 than he did in 2015; but the estimated percentage depends on the Wike-Abe alliance, even in Atiku's home state adamawa, buhari ll beat him hands down. it has been happening.

This is just a cheap publicity to mislead the public, this is the era of change, the patriotic Nigerians do no not buy information without backing any longer, Ekweremadu has no influence, he has nothing to offer to the party, it is a matter of interest, the only difference is were the interest lies, if he has the interest of the people at heart, he will not hesitate to join the party that is moving toward that direction. The truth just have to be told.

This is a good move by the Federal government, i appreciate the presidency visionary position and determination to ensure that every Nigerian is counted and given basic social service and the commitment to support the NSR drive.

I disagree with this post, this was what actually happened when the people were eager to vote the pdp out after 16 years of ruling Nigeria, and so far the movement for change is gradually yielding a good result, a country like Nigeria cannot be changed overnight, individuals should not consider the fake propaganda by the PDP, this administration is our reality we should learn how to work with the Government to achieve their aims as every individual has a role to play in the development process of this country.

Reeno will always use every opportunity to drag the APC Government to the mud, since he knows how to keep record, he should be patriotic enough to keep both positive and negative records, chameleon behaviour is simplier to understand.

The Federal government is gradually getting closer to the eradication of insurgency in this country, for those attacking the Government on their effort, they should understand that as long as borders still have access points, as long as people come of age everyday to be recruited. the war will continue. US is still fighting taliban, alqaieda , aquim and all sorts of terrorist groups till today.

The fact is that with or without peter Obi Atiku will not emerge the winner come 2019, this is because no patriotic Nigerian will support Atiku over Buhari, PDP can't use Obi 's cleanliness to wash off Atiku's filthiness, he is only coming in as a vice. I would only take Pdp serious if Kola makes a simple and logical statement over a piece he wrote indicting Atiku Abubakar some few years ago.
Atiku is a looter, facts don't lie.

The Federal Government, through its Government Enterprise Empowerment Programmes (GEEP), has commenced the disbursement of N110 million to 11,000 petty traders in Nasarawa State. Ms Chinenye Okorocha, the project officer of Bank of Industry, disclosed this to newsmen on Wednesday in Lafia. Okorocha said that market activation of “Trader Moni” was an enterprise empowerment programme (GEEP) of Federal Government under the Bank of Industry. According to her, the Federal Government market activation for “trader moni” has been launched in 15 states in the country. Hoodlums harass girl for indecent dressing in Lagos “We are here for market activation for “traders moni”, we are disbursing money to registered beneficiariaries. “We are also sensitising traders on what to do with the money;we have been doing it across the country. “Today is the turn of Nasarawa State, we have captured about 11,000 traders which we are going to transfer money to,” she said. Okorocha said the Federal Government would register more traders in to benefit from the programme. Okorocha, however, said that the N10, 000 empowerment loan attracted administrative fees of 1. 5 per cent which traders would pay every week in six months period. Hauwa Abubakar, who Spoke with newsmen on behalf of the beneficiaries, said they were grateful to Federal Government, adding that the loan would go a long way in assisting them. NAN

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/empowerment-fg-disburses-n110m-to-petty-traders-in-nasarawa/

Nigeria’s Minister of Power, Works and Housing, Babatunde Fashola, on Tuesday said the present administration has done better in power generation, transmission and distribution than the opposition Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) did in 16 years of its administration.

A statement sent to PREMIUM TIMES Tuesday from the minister’s media office said Mr Fashola made this known while speaking at the Nigeria-South Africa Chamber of Commerce (NSACC) breakfast forum.

The minister explained that the achievements of the present government would be better felt if compared with the ‘realities’ it met on ground when it took over the reign of power in 2015.

“If you do not define your goal against your reality, progress will be difficult to recognise,” Mr Fashola said. “As to where we were in 2015, power generation was averaging 4,000 MW; transmission was averaging 5,000 MW and distribution was averaging 3,000 MW.

“As to what we promised, I stated in my very first public briefing in November 2015 that contrary to previous practice, we were committing to a journey; first of getting incremental power, with the plan to proceed to steady power, and ultimately get uninterrupted power.

“I made it clear that our intention was to improve your power supply experience gradually rather than discuss the megawatts as quantum of power, and that any reference to the megawatts would be measuring milestones of our progress in the journey of incremental power.”

Three years after the present government took over, he said, records show that from 4,000MW, generation has reached 7,000MW, averaging incremental generation of 1,000 MW every year since 2015.

Similarly, the minister said transmission has reached 7,000MW from 5,000MW, averaging 666 MW of incremental transmission every year and distribution peaked at 5,222MW in January of this year, from about 3,000 MW in 2015, averaging 740 MW incremental distribution capacity every year.

Although Mr Fashola said the nation has “moved the needle forward” and there is progress, the government has not finished its work, he said.

“How far we can go depends on what those of you who will decide who forms the next government do when you vote,” he said.



“You will compare our record of three years with what we met after the previous 16 (sixteen) years. If you compare our performance record in three years with the 16 – year record of the previous administration in the areas of Generation, Transmission and Distribution you will get the following instructive results: Incremental Generation of 1000MW per year against 4000MW in 16 years which amounts to 250MW per year; Transmission capacity improvement by 666MW per year against 5000MW in 16 years which amounts to 312.5MW per year ; and Distribution capacity improvement by 740MW per year as against 3,000MW in 16 years which amounts to 187.5MW per year.

“You will also compare the resources available to us in the last three years, with what was available over the previous 16 years. In addition, you will have to ask yourself whether you are running your generator for longer or shorter periods today, than in 2015; and also whether you are spending more to buy fuel for your generator than three years ago.

“Those of you who are well-meaning and right thinking know the answers.”

The former Lagos State governor added that feedback from consumers also reflect the impact of the results being underscored, citing instances of consumer testimonials from Magboro, Mowe and other parts of the country.

Mr Fashola explained, however, that there are people still unserved or not well served, adding that “the good news is that there is a mechanism put in place by the Nigerian Electricity Regulatory Commission (NERC) to monitor complaints by Consumers with a total of 166,543 complaints resolved out of 262,096 from January to June 2018.”

The minister said Nigerians will also have to compare this government’s plans for tomorrow with the plan of the others, in relation to prospects for the future.

Mr Fashola disclosed that by end of this year, another 945 MW will be ready for supply from the following power plants: Azura (450MW), AFAM IV (240MW), Kaduna (215MW) and Kashimbilla (40MW). In addition, he said, between 2019 and first quarter of 2020, Zungeru (700MW) and Okpai II (450MW), both totalling 1,150MW, should come into operation.

“These do not include about 7,000MW of installed but inoperative power plants that are constrained either by gas supply or transmission capacity or both, about which action is being taken,” he said.

“It does not include independent power plants now under construction in nine federal universities with a plan to scale to 37, neither does it include 15 independent power projects targeting major markets now under construction to power 85,000 shops and small businesses.”

On the transmission side, he explained that the government has finalised a 10-year transmission expansion plan from 2018 to 2028, just as it has recovered 690 containers of power equipment abandoned at the ports as part of the legacy of the previous 16 years, and deployed them to the sub-stations they were originally meant for.



Currently, “there are not less than 90 transmission sub-station projects at different stages of construction,” he added.

A transformer used to illustrate the story
On distribution challenges, the minister said 11 companies that distribute power were sold to private investors and it is their responsibility, not that of government, to supply distribution equipment like breakers, transformers and meters.

“So, if there is any problem there, as indeed there are, it is private businessmen who should solve this problem,” he explained, adding that their ability to respond partly depends on what government does.

The minister explained further that there is 7000 MW of power operationally available but distribution can only take 5000. He said government has engaged with Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN) to offer the rights to take the 2,000MW and enunciated the Eligible Customer Policy for consumers who take up to 2MW and beyond.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/headlines/292218-electricity-weve-performed-better-than-pdp-did-in-16-years-fashola.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has vowed to make tourism a veritable income earner for the nation. Buhari The President spoke yesterday while flagging off the Rediscover Heritage Bikers Tours to eleven states in Nigeria. We’ll not allow our history determine our future – FG vows Buhari, who was represented at the occasion by the minister of Information and Culture, Alhaji Lai Mohammed, said his government had welcome the Bikers’s tour initiative in line with its ambition to make tourism next income earner which would support sustainable development going on to move nation forward. IPOB : Kanu’s re-appearance shows we’ve been absolved of alleged assassination, kidnap – Presidency He said: ”I am very pleased at this laudable initiative birthed by the National Commission of Museums and Monuments of Nigeria (NCMM). “The tour will take local and international biker groups, led by MAMA Bikers to museums, monuments and heritage sites in 11 states of the federation. These are tourists sites under the auspices of the national Commission for Museums and Monuments of Nigeria. APC crisis : Clear this mess, Buhari tells Oshiomhole “LAMA Bikers, though citizens of different nations of the world including Brazil, Mexico, USA, Puerto Rico, South Africa, but are joined together by a common desire to promote heritage and tourism in nations that welcome them. “Nigeria has welcomed them in line with our ambition to make tourism a veritable income earner for this nation,” he added. The senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki also said the 8th Senate has focused on a legislative agenda that stimulates job creation, particularly for the youths who represent 70 percent of Nigeria population. According to him, the event was an economic boost offered by tourism, saying that it will help to create jobs for the teeming youth and also address root courses of many societal problems confronting Nigeria. Saraki stated that the project will awakens the curiosity of Nigeria to explore the wonders available within the borders, adding that the tour will foster better integration among communities and is set also as a tool for peace building. He described the tour as a peace setting project that will attract foreign and direct tourism investments, and also critical to Nigeria economic development. In his own remarks, the Acting Director-General of National Commission for Museums and Monuments, CMM, Alhaji Abdulkerim Kadiri, expressed gratitude to federal government for its support and agenda that placed tourism on top of its priority list, as main stay for evenue generation for the country. He also commended the Minister for Information and Culture for his concern and for projecting national culture and heritage to the global community. “Today, we are living witnesses to the renaissance that he has for long championed,” he said.

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/well-make-tourism-veritable-income-earner-for-nigeria-buhari/

The Nigerian Army says it has commenced Operation Crocodile Smile III exercise across the states of the Niger Delta to stem the tide of pipeline vandalism in the region.

This is contained in a statement made available to the News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) in Uyo on Tuesday by the Acting Assistant Director, Army Public Relations, Tayo Oluwafemi, of 2 Brigade Nigerian Army.

According to him, the exercise which started on Monday October 22 would last till November 22, 2018.

“In line with the Army Headquarters Training Directive for Year 2018 which tasked Headquarters 6 Division, Port Harcourt to organize above mentioned exercise, the exercise is going to take place within the States in the Niger Delta Region including Akwa Ibom State.

“In view of this, Headquarters 2 Brigade, Uyo will from Monday 22 October to 22 November 2018 conduct Exercise Crocodile Smile III.

“This is aimed at stemming the tide of pipeline vandalism, illegal refineries/bunkering, kidnapping, cultism and other related crimes, “ he said.

He added that other activities to be carried out include medical outreaches, sanitation exercise, distribution of items to orphanages, distribution of sporting equipment to schools, distribution of items to market women and sinking of boreholes.

He warned members of the public that there would be movement of troops and equipment and advised them not to panic.

He urged members of the public especially residents of Ikot Abasi and Mbo Local Government Areas in Akwa Ibom to keep away from the exercise area. (NAN)

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/292066-army-begins-crocodile-smile-iii-in-niger-delta.html

The federal government has applauded the impact of the Nigeria State Health Investment Project (NSHIP) on primary health care service delivery in the country.

The Executive Director of the National Primary Health Care Development Agency (NPHCDA), Faisal Shuaib, described the project as the most enduring strategy for enhanced primary health care delivery in Nigeria.

He spoke at the Oxford Policy Management (OPM) contract close – out session in Abuja on Tuesday.

NSHIP is a World Bank assisted project implemented by the NPHCDA. The framework provides results-based incentives especially at service delivery points to increase the delivery, use, and quality of high impact maternal and child health interventions.

The project, which is modeling a new way of financing health care by paying on performance basis, was first started in Adamawa, Nasarawa and Ondo states.

It has however expanded to five more states—Taraba, Gombe, Borno, Yobe and Bauchi.

Verification of claims of performance had been outsourced to OPM since 2013 in Ondo, Adamawa and Nasarawa.

Mr Shuaib said since the inception of the project, over 16 million people from various states have benefited.

He said the Results-Based Financing Technical Assistant (TBF-TA) under the NSHIP is part of the effort of the agency to address the challenges of primary healthcare.

He commended OPM for successful conduct of the project.



The manager of OPM in Nigeria, Joseph Shu, said the partnership with the agency has been fruitful.

He said OPM provided a robust technical assistance and support to the government, noting that the firm adopted quantity and quality indicators for data management to ensure accurate data.

In her remarks, the National Project Coordinator, Binta Ismail, said about 35 LGAs, 1,887 health facilities and over 16 million people have benefited from the programme.

Mrs Ismail, who was represented by the Deputy National Project Coordinator, Mohammed Mohammed, said adequate funds have been provided for the project and work must be done and delivered.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/health/health-news/292068-nship-govt-praises-impact-of-new-project-on-primary-health-care-delivery-in-nigeria.html

Anyone that is against the initiative that add value to the lives of the public is an enemy of Nigeria, the Npower that is under the office of the VP, has touched the life of the masses. Did Atiku or his party do such thing when they where in the office, 30,000 * 500,000 youths is 15,000,000,000. #15bn Monthly for the masses. It is good that people are now coming to understand that the Government can not provide everything in one day or one year or even four years.

American Assistant Secretary for the Bureau of African Affairs, Tibor Nagy, is expected to visit Nigeria and five other countries on promoting stronger trade and commercial ties between the United States and Africa.

According to a statement released on the U.S. state department website on Monday, Mr Nagy would visit the United Kingdom, France, Togo, Guinea, and Mali from October 29 to November 10.

”During his trip, Assistant Secretary Nagy will focus on promoting stronger trade and commercial ties between the United States and Africa, harnessing the potential of Africa’s youth, advancing peace and security through partnerships, and conveying the United States’ unwavering commitment to Africa.”

According to the statement, the Mr Nagi’s final stop on the trip would be in Nigeria, where he would deliver a speech at Baze University on U.S.-Africa relations.

”The final stop on the trip will be Abuja, Nigeria. Assistant Secretary Nagy will have meetings with government officials, members of the American business community, religious leaders, civil society organizations, youth groups, and he will deliver a speech at Baze University on U.S.-Africa relations,” the statement highlighted.

Similarly, Mr Nagy would visit Lomé, Togo on November 1, Conakry, Guinea, November 2-4, and Bamako, Mali on October 4-7, where he would conduct bilateral meetings with the three government officials and meet with the countries alumni of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).

”Nagy will then travel to Lomé, Togo on November 1 where he will meet with Togolese government officials, and lead a regional U.S. Chiefs of Mission Conference.

”In Conakry, Guinea, November 2-4, Assistant Secretary Nagy will conduct bilateral meetings with Guinea government officials, host a business roundtable, and meet with alumni of the Young African Leaders Initiative (YALI).

”In Bamako, Mali on October 4-7, Assistant Secretary Nagy will hold meetings with Malian government officials, host a trade and entrepreneurship roundtable, and meet with YALI alumni.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/291905-american-envoy-to-visit-nigeria-three-other-african-countries.html

President Muhammadu Buhari has said Nigeria would not be in a haste to sign any treaty without verifying the impact it would have on the lives of citizens.

He made the remark on Monday at the presidential villa, Abuja, while inaugurating the Committee for Impact and Readiness Assessment of the African Continental Free Trade Area.

The president said Nigeria will henceforth take its time to breakaway from the past practice, where treaties were signed without making the needed positive gains for the country.

He said Nigeria will henceforth make a complete departure from the past when treaties were signed without thoroughly evaluating the clear benefits they could bring to the country.

“We are determined to breakaway form the past practice of committing Nigeria to treaties without a definite implementation plan to actualise the expected benefit while mitigating the risks. We cannot go back to the days of signing agreements without understanding and planning for the consequences of such actions and our country being the worst for it,” he said.

“Few months ago I directed a nationwide stakeholders’ engagement on the Africa Free Trade Continental Area Agreement to understand the true impact of this agreement on Nigeria and Nigerians, considering the existing domestic and regional policies as it relates to trade.

“From the consultation, the key issues raised by stakeholders were abuse of rules of origin, smuggling arising from difficulties in border controls, unqualified impact of legacy preferential trade agreements, low capacity and capability of local businesses to conduct international trade, costly finance, insufficient energy and transport logistics infrastructure but our Economic recovery and Growth Plan is addressing these issues,” he said.

Solution
Mr Buhari charged the committee to concentrate on the issues raised during the nationwide consultations in order to find lasting solutions to them.

“Your task as members of the Impact and Readiness Assessment of the African Continental Free Trade Area Committee is to address the issues raised during the stakeholders’ consultations on the Africa Continental free trade Agreement. You are expected to develop short, medium and long term measures that will address any challenges arising there from.”

The president said Nigeria’s vision for intra-African trade is for a free movement of made in Africa goods.



The Nigerian leader, who stressed that Nigeria is the largest economy in Africa, regretted that for too long, the country’s domestic productive capabilities were neglected in favour of imports.

He said the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan (ERGP) introduced by the current administration will help revive key job creating and import substitution sectors like agriculture, mining and manufacturing.

Term of Reference
Similarly, the minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Okechukwu Enelamah, gave the terms of reference of the committee.

“Following consultations, the terms of reference of the Presidential Committee on the Africa Continental free Trade Area Impact Assessment and Readiness are; Assess the potential cost and impact of the Africa Continental free Trade Area AFCTA for Nigeria in relation to the benefits, identify the short, medium and long term measure to prepare Nigerian businesses for the take-off of AFCTA trading group and a backup plan that covers selected scenarios and view the trade remedy options to safeguard the Nigerian economy form predatory and failed trade practices.”

He said an updated trade policy is being prepared for Nigeria and the draft would be ready for review by the end of the year.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/291975-well-only-sign-treaties-that-will-impact-the-lives-of-nigerians-buhari.html

This is one of the major reasons he is contesting for the presidential sit, so that he can travel and do some of his businesses. USA will be compelled to conform when Atiku becomes President.

These people thinks that Nigeria is a joke, before Atiuku can jail anyoneAtiku will revamp looters and jail the economy thats what they meant to say, he will first of all jail himself.

Fake promises everywhere, Atiku will Neva become the president of this country. Buhari has done for us what even OBJ could not do. No amount of promises can change the mind of the patriotic Nigerians, this is the era of change, your achievements will speak for you. SW stand with Buhari.

Fake promises everywhere, Atiku will Neva become the president of this country. Buhari has done for us what even OBJ could not do. No amout of promises can change the mind of the patriotic Nigerians, this is the era of change, your achievements will speak for you. SW stand with Buhari.

Special Assistant to the President on Foreign Affairs and Diaspora Abike Dabiri-Erewa has demanded full autopsy and investigation from Kenya Government into the killing of a Nigerian, Mr. Bamiyo Ashade, allegedly killed by the Kenyan Police. 2019: Okagbare, Onuesoke, mobilizes for Atiku in Norway Abike Dabiri-Erewa A statement by Abdur-Rahman Balogun, Media Aide to Dabiri-Erewa, revealed that the reported killing was contained in the briefing by the Nigerian Ambassador in Kenya, Amb. Sheidu Momoh, who met with Nigerians in Kenya, pleading with them to remain calm. Nigeria vs Libya : Libya coach takes responsibility for Knights bashing According to the Ambassador, the Nigerian High Commission is on top of the situation and had sent a formal complaint to the Kenyan Foreign Affairs demanding full autopsy. 4 killed in abduction of traditional ruler, wife in Kaduna – Police The Envoy, however, noted that contrary to insinuation that the late Bamiyo Ashade, also known as Bamo, was a student in Kenya she said he was a Nigerian living in Kenya, adding that he had met with the family of the bereaved to commiserate with them with an assurance that justice will prevail. The deceased, Bamiyo Ashade, the second born in a family of three, was brutalised at his house in Four Ways Estate, Kiambu last week Monday, while the police officers allegedly tried to extort him despite finding out he had valid papers. However, he stood his ground, as he didn’t commit any crime. The officers then resorted to harassment and assault. Seeing that he was nearing his death, he was quickly rushed to a hospital, where he died. Friends and relatives have taken to the social media to condemn the police brutality directed towards Nigerians in the Diaspora and joined in calling for justice for Bamo. Related FG condemns killing of another Nigerian in Kenya October 21, 2018

Read more at: https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/fg-condemns-killing-of-nigerian-in-kenya/

This group of people knows that Atiku has a lot of money to spend so they are saying all of that to collect their own share from the pdp presidential aspirant. The group knows that he is corrupt and can pay anything to get to the office if presidency so they are ready to promise him heaven and hell and even dash him their wives just so they can get their share of his dollars.

I don't see how Atiku will come out victorious ahead of Buhari, The fact is that even if PDP wins SS, it will be with a very small margin, and the numbers of eligible South East and South South added together is not up the the total number of eligible voters in North East alone.

Fayose will never stop blowing things up, the EFCC is doing a great job on his case, necessary measures are been taken regarding that case, he is just trying to paint the EFCC bad like he has always been doing before now, Nigerians understands his game plans, no one will into his manipulating moves.

The Nigerian government has announced a ‘big plan’ for some beneficiaries of the social intervention programme dubbed: N-Power.

The federal government in a communique released on Thursday revealed that it is set for an enhancement programme for the 2016 N-power programme beneficiaries.

“The 2016 beneficiaries will proceed into an enhancement programme as you continue to give your service and earn your monthly stipend,” the statement reads.

The federal government noted that “the details of the N-Power Enhance will gladden” the hearts of the beneficiaries.


Although, the statement did not indicate when the enhancement programme will start, it however, hinted that the enhancement plan is a “multi-sector, multilayered and multi-pronged” one.

In May, the Vice President Yemi Osinbajo said the N-Power Programme will be expanded and made better to benefit more Nigerian youths.

“The programme will be expanded, enriched, made bigger and better and we will improve the welfare of those in the programme,” Osinbajo said during a visit to Kiara De-Luke Multi-Skill and Entrepreneurship Centre, an N-Power training centre at Umuobiakwa in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia.

The N-Power Volunteer Corps is part of the ruling All Progressives Congress’ Social Investment Programmes, SIP, under which 500,000 graduates had so far been recruited.

It is currently in operation in the 36 states of Nigeria. The main thrust of the N-Power scheme is to harness Nigeria’s young demography through appropriate skill development, providing a structure for large scale and relevant work skills acquisition and development, and linking outcomes to fixing inadequate public services and stimulating the larger economy.

Beneficiaries are engaged on different areas of public service, including education (N-Teach), health (N-Health), agriculture (N-Agro), building/construction (N-Build). Beneficiaries are paid a monthly stipend of N30,000 during their period of engagement.

http://guardian.ng/news/fg-announces-enhanced-scheme-for-2016-n-power-beneficiaries/

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday night reassured that the brutal activities of the Boko Haram sect would soon become history. President Buhari The president gave the assurance when he hosted members of the Kannywood entertainment industry to a dinner at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He said that the Federal Government would not allow any group hiding under religion to unleash terror on innocent citizens. Buhari, who spoke in local language, said: “It’s totally wrong for any believer in God to kill innocent people either in the Mosque, Church or the market place. “You can’t be shouting Allahu Akbar (Allah is Great), Allahu Akbar, and killing innocent citizens and destroying properties all in the name of God. “It is either you don’t know what you are saying or you don’t even believe in the existence of God Almighty. God has nothing to do with injustice. “So, now we are confronting them and by the grace of God we will destroy them.’’ Buhari, who recalled his political struggles since 2003 when he made his first attempt to clinch the presidential seat, lauded former President Goodluck Jonathan for accepting defeat in the 2015 general elections. “I’ll continue to hold former president Jonathan in high esteem as a result of that singular act. Atiku / OBJ meeting: BMO seeks Kukah’s withdrawal from National peace C’ttee “He (Jonathan) was in power as Deputy Governor, Governor (Bayelsa), Vice-President and President, all for about 10 years and he voluntarily accepted defeat and surrendered power to me,’’ he said. The president enjoined members of the Kannywood to use their respective talents in promoting the culture of peaceful co-existence and unity among the diverse socio-political groups in the country. Earlier in his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, expressed the hope that Buhari had been guaranteed at least five million votes in the 2019 presidential election by the fans and followers of the entertainers. He, therefore, urged them to use their platforms in the social media in promoting the achievements of the Buhari administration. Mustapha thanked entertainers for the roles they played in 2015 which contributed immensely to the victory of Buhari in the presidential election, and called on them to repeat the same in 2019. Representatives of the Kannywood entertainers, who spoke at the event, pledged to mobilise support for Buhari and other APC candidates in the forthcoming 2019 general elections. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Nasiru el-Rufai of Kaduna state and his counterpart of Plateau, Simon Lalong as well as presidential aides were among the personalities that attended the event. (NAN) 2019: Atiku wooing Diaspora technocrats back home… – Ex-

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/you-cant-be-shouting-allahu-akbar-killing-innocent-citizens-buhari/

President Muhammadu Buhari on Thursday night reassured that the brutal activities of the Boko Haram sect would soon become history. The president gave the assurance when he hosted members of the Kannywood entertainment industry to a dinner at the Presidential Villa, Abuja. He said that the Federal Government would not allow any group hiding under religion to unleash terror on innocent citizens. Buhari, who spoke in local language, said: “It’s totally wrong for any believer in God to kill innocent people either in the Mosque, Church or the market place. “You can’t be shouting Allahu Akbar (Allah is Great), Allahu Akbar, and killing innocent citizens and destroying properties all in the name of God. “It is either you don’t know what you are saying or you don’t even believe in the existence of God Almighty. God has nothing to do with injustice. “So, now we are confronting them and by the grace of God we will destroy them.’’ Stop this genocide in Plateau, Northern Christians tell Buhari Buhari, who recalled his political struggles since 2003 when he made his first attempt to clinch the presidential seat, lauded former President Goodluck Jonathan for accepting defeat in the 2015 general elections. “I’ll continue to hold former president Jonathan in high esteem as a result of that singular act. “He (Jonathan) was in power as Deputy Governor, Governor (Bayelsa), Vice-President and President, all for about 10 years and he voluntarily accepted defeat and surrendered power to me,’’ he said. The president enjoined members of the Kannywood to use their respective talents in promoting the culture of peaceful co-existence and unity among the diverse socio-political groups in the country. Earlier in his remarks, the Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Mr Boss Mustapha, expressed the hope that Buhari had been guaranteed at least five million votes in the 2019 presidential election by the fans and followers of the entertainers. He, therefore, urged them to use their platforms in the social media in promoting the achievements of the Buhari administration. Mustapha thanked entertainers for the roles they played in 2015 which contributed immensely to the victory of Buhari in the presidential election, and called on them to repeat the same in 2019. Representatives of the Kannywood entertainers, who spoke at the event, pledged to mobilise support for Buhari and other APC candidates in the forthcoming 2019 general elections. The News Agency of Nigeria (NAN) reports that Gov. Nasiru el-Rufai of Kaduna state and his counterpart of Plateau, Simon Lalong as well as presidential aides were among the personalities that attended the event. Related You can’t be shouting Allahu Akbar, killing innocent citizens - Buhari October 19, 2018

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/buhari-reiterates-commitment-to-ending-boko-haram-insurgency/

Only those that do not have the interest of this country at heart will vote against Buhari come 2019, the patriotic Nigerians will definitely come out on election day and stop the evil party from making a comeback next year. paid agents are only online campaigning for the PDP, they should understand that Elections are not won on the internet.

No doubt, Atiku's victory will be a bad omen for the country as it will not only drag Nigeria back to where it used to be but also create an avenue for thieves to role and operate peacefully without any distraction.Nigeria surely need better than the likes of Atiku and Co.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, has said Nigeria and Botswana have signed agreements on cultural cooperation and diplomatic relations as part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations.

The minister stated this on Wednesday in Abuja after the 4th session of Nigeria-Botswanan Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (BNJPCC).

“The signing of the agreements on the JPCC signalled our collective desire to promote political, economic, cultural, social, educational, scientific relations among others.

“It also marked a strategic cooperation and partnership to boost economic growth and create employment opportunities thus making a contribution in the fight against poverty and underdevelopment in our countries,” he said.

He said Nigeria attached great importance to relations with Botswana and the outcome of the meeting confirmed the friendly and cooperative ties between them.

He said as important partners, the two countries needed to work together to realise the fullest potentials of their bilateral relations.

Mr Onyeama stressed the need for both countries to transform their cooperation towards the achievement of sustainable inclusive economic growth.

“As members of both commonwealth and African Union, we should consult on regular basis with a view to strategically cooperate with each other in these prime organisations to achieve our set objectives,” he said.

He said the meeting had broaden the scope of collaboration between Nigeria and Botswana and also paved the way for regular political exchanges at a higher level.

The Botswana Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Unity Dow, expressed satisfaction with the existing relations between the two countries and reiterated the necessity to reinforce these relations for mutual benefits.



She stressed the need to deepen cooperation politically, economically, social-culturally and in all aspects of development in line with the principle of African Union,

The minister said the relation should be broaden from economic and technical cooperation to social cultural, human resources and manpower development as well as legal and defence cooperation.

Foreign Affairs Minister, Geoffrey Onyeama, has said Nigeria and Botswana have signed agreements on cultural cooperation and diplomatic relations as part of efforts to deepen bilateral relations.

The minister stated this on Wednesday in Abuja after the 4th session of Nigeria-Botswanan Joint Permanent Commission for Cooperation (BNJPCC).

“The signing of the agreements on the JPCC signalled our collective desire to promote political, economic, cultural, social, educational, scientific relations among others.

“It also marked a strategic cooperation and partnership to boost economic growth and create employment opportunities thus making a contribution in the fight against poverty and underdevelopment in our countries,” he said.

https://www.premiumtimesng.com/news/more-news/291013-nigeria-botswana-sign-agreement-on-cultural-affairs-diplomatic-relations.html

He said Nigeria attached great importance to relations with Botswana and the outcome of the meeting confirmed the friendly and cooperative ties between them.

He said as important partners, the two countries needed to work together to realise the fullest potentials of their bilateral relations.

Mr Onyeama stressed the need for both countries to transform their cooperation towards the achievement of sustainable inclusive economic growth.

“As members of both commonwealth and African Union, we should consult on regular basis with a view to strategically cooperate with each other in these prime organisations to achieve our set objectives,” he said.

He said the meeting had broaden the scope of collaboration between Nigeria and Botswana and also paved the way for regular political exchanges at a higher level.

The Botswana Minister of International Affairs and Cooperation, Unity Dow, expressed satisfaction with the existing relations between the two countries and reiterated the necessity to reinforce these relations for mutual benefits.



She stressed the need to deepen cooperation politically, economically, social-culturally and in all aspects of development in line with the principle of African Union,

The minister said the relation should be broaden from economic and technical cooperation to social cultural, human resources and manpower development as well as legal and defence cooperation.

(NAN)

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The Nigerian government on Wednesday said it will pay 50 per cent of entitlements owed ex-staff of the defunct Nigerian Airways in 2018 and pay the balance next year.

The finance minister, Zainab Ahmed, revealed this on Wednesday while briefing journalists after the Federal Executive Council (FEC) meeting in Abuja.

She also at a separate forum on Wednesday said the 2018 payment will commence next week.

After the FEC meeting, the minister explained that though the formal approval given for payment of the entitlements was N45 billion, due to paucity of funds, President Muhammadu Buhari only gave approval for the initial payment of 50 per cent (N22.6 billion).

“We hope in 2019, to pay the balance,” she said.

Meanwhile, the minister, who also spoke through the secretary, Presidential Initiative on Continuous Audit (PICA), Mohammed Dikwa, said some of the ex-workers may be paid their benefits next week.

However, to allow for the personal data of all former workers of the Nigeria Airways Limited to be captured, the ongoing verification exercise, she said, the exercise has been extended indefinitely in all the three centres across the country. The verification centres are located in Kano, Enugu and Lagos.

The official, who said this during her visit to one of the three verification centres, noted that the exercise will not end ”until everybody was captured”.

Mrs Ahmed said additional desks have been made available to address all complaints.

The minister appealed to all participants to be patient with the officials until they are all attended to.



The minister said over 6,000 former staff of the liquidated Nigeria Airways Limited spread across the three centres would be attended to during the period of the exercise.

She said about 40 per cent of the affected workers would be attended to in Kano centre, while 50 per cent and 10 per cent would be attended to in Lagos and Enugu centres respectively.

The PICA scribe said President Muhammadu Buhari had directed Mrs Ahmed, to release all the entitlements of the ex-workers to them.

“We are very much aware at the federal level of the suffering you people have undergone over the years. It is as a result of this that Mr President directed the Honourable Minister to immediately release funds for the ex-workers of the Nigerians Airways Limited,” Mr Dikwa said.

“Now the funds are ready, what is left for us to do here is to conduct that verification exercise, which started on Monday. The verification exercise will continue until such a time each and every one that is entitled is captured. I want you to be patient and orderly so that you get verified and get your entitlements latest by next week.

He assured those whose names were omitted that they would be addressed to ensure that all those entitled to the benefits were admitted, verified and paid accordingly.

Besides, Mr Dikwa said, additional help desks dedicated for complaints have been established to allow affected workers to put down their details.

“As soon as the team reports back to Abuja next week we will address the matter with dispatch, while those who are deceased and/or their names omitted would be paid their entitlements

“We are going to look into the records and be sure that you are entitled and once that is ascertained, you will be paid,” he said.

Other FEC Approvals



Mrs Ahmed at the FEC briefing disclosed that the council granted approval for the issuance of $2.9 billion and other securities in Eurobonds from the international capital market, to enable the government implement the borrowing external plan of N849.67 billion equivalent of $2.786 billion which is provided for in the 2018 Appropriation Act.

The arrangement, she said, is to fund capital projects in 2018 Budget.

“We also as part of that, got approval to raise the sum of $82.54 million to bridge the shortfall of the 500 million Eurobond that matured on the July 12, 2018,” she said. “In addition to this approval for the issuance of Eurobond, we also got the approval for payment to transaction parties and their respective fees like settling bills and expenses.

“We have as parties for the transactions, two joint league managers, a combination of Citibank group as well as Standard Chartered Bank as joint league managers and FSB Merchant Bank as financial advisers; the White and Case LIP as legal managers and Ighodalo as legal advisers for Nigeria. The total cost for this advisory group is N374.618,889.”

In addition to the approval of the Eurobond, she said, there was also approval for livelihood of family improvement project in Niger Delta.

According to her, the project is called Life and D and involves $60 million that will be a combination of loans and grants. The projects will be implemented in the Niger Delta States: Abia, Akwa Ibom, Bayelsa, Cross River, Delta, Edo, Imo, Ondo and Rivers, the minister explained.

“However, when we reviewed the project in the nine states, we found that six of the states met their own requirements while three did not,” she said. “So, the three will be assisted to enable them improve and join the team in 2019.”

On capital release from 2018 budget, the minister said about two weeks ago, N460 billion was released for capital budget.

In respect of the Paris Club refunds, she said, Mr Buhari has given approval for the payment of the last refund to the states but the approval came with some conditions ”which the government is trying to work out together with the states to meet”.

“Those conditions that Mr. President gave is that we must show that the states have used the previous refund for payment of salaries and they will use this one also for payment of salaries.

“The states that were not paid were Akwa Ibom, Rivers and Imo State because they had some deficiencies and the agency that is handling it is working to bridge the gap,” she said.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, will lead other national and international dignitaries to declare open the 5th edition of the four-day entrepreneurship capacity-building summit kicking off next Thursday, October 25, 2018 in Abuja. VP Osinbajo Tagged ‘The Kingdom Summit’, the event whose Lagos edition will start the following day, Friday and end on Sunday, October 28, is an annual non-denominational International Marketplace Economics and Leadership Conference which seeks to promote the understanding of God’s principles for the marketplace. This year’s Summit has as its theme, ‘Empowering the Next Generation of Entrepreneurs’ Nweke, Nwankwo win 2018 Open Shotokan championship Speaking on the activities lined up for the Summit, Director General, Budget office of the Federation, Ben Akabueze, who is leading other organizers to champion the cause of knowledge-driven approach in the nation’s entrepreneurship and market space, said there will be at least 20 other speakers at the event, including Brett Johnson who is President of Institute for Innovation, Integration & Impact, a Silicon Valley Think-Tank. Save the Children seeks end to diarrhoea infection Akabueze stated: “This year’s summit is particularly important in view of the need to build young entrepreneurs with strong penchant for corporate governance principles that will give new direction to our efforts to achieve inclusive growth and sustainable development of our economy. Nwokike, now NCC’s Public Affairs Director “In addition, the Kingdom Summit is launching the Goshen Impact Fund, which is being established to provide mentorship, capacity building and business incubation to upcoming entrepreneurs that have innovative and credible business value propositions, and who sign up to our governing principles.” Related Osinbajo to flags off Abuja International Motor Fair October 27, 2015

https://www.vanguardngr.com/2018/10/osinbajo-to-kick-off-entrepreneurship-forum/