MojiDelano: It is with great pain in my heart that I write this post. Yesterday, I got a very sad email from friends of Folakemi Akinbode(pictured above), the corper nurse whose head was almost chopped off by cultists in Yenogua Bayelsa as she served her father land through youth service. By sheer providence she escaped death, but not unscarred. The cultists who aimed for her neck almost chopped off her arm. Read comprehensive reports about the incident HERE and HERE. When the news broke and went viral, An Italian firm that remains unknown promised to step in and take up the matter. Government was also quick to step in(or so we thought) as it was announced on various mediums that she will be flown abroad where the arm will be properly treated, and hopefully salvaged.Considering that the incident happened as she served her country, it was an a very welcome development when government and and the Italian Firm promised to foot her medical bill.
But lo and behold! I got the email below from her friends saying that NOTHING has been done by government or any Italian firm till date. In fact, Folakemi's health continues to deteriorate as she groans in growing, excruciating pain daily. As this rate, the probability that her arm will be saved lies solely in God's hands. However, it is her life that should be feared for now, not even just arm.
At the moment, Her friends and hospital sources at Niger Delta teaching hospital where she is presently on admission say that she has been moved from intensive care to the GENERAL WARD. She no longer receives adequate treatment the arm deserves.
See the unedited email I got from her friends below: [/sup]
From all indication, we can no longer rely on a lying Government to save Folakemi's life. This is why I call on all well meaning, kind hearted Nigerians, to come to Folakemi's aid. Folakemi could be our friend, sister or neighbor. This could happen to anyone. Daily, many Nigerian youths risk their lives(as most have no choice) despite the chaotic security state of the nation, through the National youth service, and many have lost their lives in the process. Sadly most times as in this case, the government turns a blind eye. I implore you ll to please come to Folakemi's aid once again. Please publicize her story so that Government,people in high places as well as private individuals who can help may rise to the occasion as soon as possible.
[quote author=Becacia_Barbie]Goodevening Nairalanders, My Jnr bro got missing this morning! My Dad ws supposed to drop him off school but he couldn't and drove off! My lil bro in his lil mind decided to goto school without anyone knowing this, and my mum on the other hand, thought my Dad drove him off! Not until he(Dad) got home and confirmed he didn't. We have no idea where he is right now, he is an introvert and hardly hangs around with friends! His name is John Akinsoji, he was putting on a lemon t-shirt(glo) before he left home this morning...wil upload his pic. Please if you have any info about him, kindly call my Dad's number-08033337146 or post it here. Thanks so much and God bless y'all.[/quote]He will surely return safe and sound In Jesus Name
[quote author=L.M Ayedun..]A two-year-old boy from Huaxi, has undergone an operation to give 'birth' after doctors diagnosed him as 'pregnant'.
Xiao Feng, was brought to hospital after his stomach had become so distended that he had begun to suffer breathing difficulties.
Once admitted, doctors took x-rays and MRI scans and discovered that Feng was carrying the undeveloped foteus of his own twin inside his stomach and they rushed him to surgery. https://i.dailymail.co.uk/i/pix/2013/09/30/article-2439498-1869504E00000578-235_634x416.jpg The removed foetus measured 20 cm in width and had a fully formed spine and limbs, including fingers and toes.The parasitic twin would have developed into a boy and had grown so large that almost 2/3rds of his affected twin's stomach was taken up.
chindi: Happy Independence Day Nairalanders. I want to use this medium to expose some of the tv commercials that doesn't work as advertised. Below is a list of the adverts:
DETERGENTS: Most adverts on detergents (if not all) doesn't truely work as advertised. Ariel, Omo, Klin, among others 'one wash' adverts are scams. I have used most of the detergents on tough stains but 'e no dey comot once'. I'll have to change water and rewash all over before the stains will be removed (after hard scrubbing until my flesh peel comot).
VICKS BLUE: '...Vicks blue go sama dat ur cough and catarrh one time...' I've tried this when I had cough and catarrh but it doesn't work. At times, I end up taking a dozen of vicks blue all to no avail. If you have tried taking just one and it worked for you just lemme know.
ONGA: ...mama's helping hand. The advert shows that when you use Onga seasoning on any meal, it turns out delicious, chei! What if say na potty I dey cook, so if I just add onga d food go sweet, abegi! Tell me something else. Well, all na advert sha.
PANADOL: From the advert, when you take panadol for pain relief, you will be relieved immediately, ONE TIME! I have taken panadol when I had headache but I wasn't relieved of the pain immediately, I had to rest for a while before I regained 'my head'. More will be sent, not until you post yours.
Long live Nairalanders Long live Nigerians Happy Independence!
flawless911: If my Phone and my Girlfriend were on fire, i would rescue my phone, ensure dat all d features are still functioning b4 lookin for a means to rescue d gal.. A gal will break ur heart n walk out of ur lyf but a Phone can NEVA leave u.. Same goes for my Laptop n PlayStation
passion007: This would be my first post in this section. I would like to celebrate my Mum, Mrs Ifeoma Maduka Ezeh (nee Nwafor) as she clocks 53!
Born on Oct 1, 1960 to Pa Nwagbara Nwafor (God bless his memory) and Mrs Monica Nwafor(both from Ozalla, Nkanu LGA of Enugu State) my mum was the quintessential only daughter: to this day , her mother still fondly calls her 'baby'. During the post independence days, she was called Freedom by her peers.
My mother accompanied her parents in their trade itinerary, consequently spending the better part of her early life in Onitcha, Anambra State until she returned to Enugu to attend Sedes Sapientae College in Iwollo.
In 1978, she married my father at Holy Ghost Cathedral, Enugu.
My mother's worst experience was losing both her younger brothers: Ifeanyi and Patrick (God bless their memory). I was little at the time, but I wished there was something I could do to make her sorrow go away.
My mother is jovial, gentle, enterprising, and extremely philanthropic.
I want her to know that my siblings and I love her very dearly, even though we are all grown now and have (or about to have) our own families.
I love you, Mum!
Happy Birthday, Mum!
Happy Independence Day, Nigeria!
Edit: Mods, pls consider for FrontPage. I'm several hundred kilometres from home, and so I'm hoping seeing Nigeria's foremost online forum celebrating her birthday would suffice for a birthday gift for my Mum. Thanks.
HAPPY B DAY TO YOUR MOTHER AND ALL OTHER MOTHERS BORN IN 1960 IN ALL OVER THE WORLD
CFCfan: The US Congress could not agree on a spending bill The U.S. government shutdown went into effect at 12:01 a.m. ET Tuesday after lawmakers in the House and the Senate could not agree on a spending bill to fund the government.
The two sides bickered and blamed for more than a week over Obamacare, the president's signature health care law. House Republicans insisted the spending bill include anti-Obamacare amendments. Senate Democrats were just as insistent that it didn't.
Federal employees who are deemed essential will continue working. But non-essential employees will be furloughed.
yunglykmine: In commemoration of Nigeria’s 53rd independence anniversary, Dana Air is offering air travellers in Nigeria the opportunity to purchase a companion ticket on its existing route network – Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Uyo and Calabar - and get a reward of a ‘freedom ticket’ for travel anytime within the month of October.
Announcing the commencement of the gesture, Mr Obi Mbanuzuo, Dana Air’s head of commercial said, “as our great nation marks its 53rd independence anniversary this October, there is no better way to celebrate than to offer more Nigerians the freedom to fly. This is why we have introduced the freedom ticket initiative to encourage business and pleasure trips for family and friends.
“Starting September 27, 2013, simply buy a Dana Air ticket for yourself and a companion and you will get one ‘freedom ticket’ for travel to any Dana Air destination; the more ‘companion tickets’ you buy online, the more freedom tickets you get! The freedom ticket is valid for travel in the month of October only,” Mbanuzuo stated.
silverdam: After the Jim Iyke’s deliverance gist went viral, so many bloggers reported he was delivered from witchcraft while some celebs also criticized him. Well, now Jim has finally replied them via twitter, he tweets:
Lol witchcraft?! Its imperative I underscore dt peo r oblivious to wat transpired.Ignorance is no excuse.Tailor ur opinion to wh u knw#bless
mega jay:Alcohol addiction - A serious problem Getting addicted to drinking alcohol has serious consequences. It damages the liver and disrupts the normal metabolic activities of the human body. It is difficult to quit but not impossible. Here are a few steps which can be followed to escape from alcohol addiction.
Do not let the intention to die The intention to quit must be strong and you must first make up your mind clear that you will not be touching them again. You need to think that alcohol is your enemy and you are going to quit drinking for your own welfare. You must not feel that you are forced to stop drinking just because of advice from someone but rather in the bottom of the heart must have the feeling that it was you who initiated and wanted to quit. If you do not have that intention, then there are chances that when that person who wanted you to quit alcohol is not around, you may consume it. Get rid of everything that reminds you of alcohol It is recommended that you get rid of all bottles from your premises. If you feel you have guests who drink, then it is definitely not wrong to offer them tea or coffee or any soft drink at least till you are completely out of the addiction. It is better not to visit friends whom you fear that joining with them would make you resume drinking alcohol. Avoid social drinking during this phase When you are in the phase of quitting alcohol addiction, it is better to avoid social drinking, as it may tempt you to consume more. There is no necessity to feel shy to say your colleagues that you want to quit alcohol and that is the reason you are not drinking in parties. If you find it difficult to avoid drinking, then it is better not to attend the parties, at least till you are completely out of that addiction. Consult Rehabilitation Centre There are several rehabilitation centres around which help you to get rid of alcohol. They train you, motivYUte you and be with you as you work out to come out of the addiction. The doctors over there would measure your body health and other conditions and update you during the phase. You can also consult a doctor in private without reaching rehabilitation centre. The only advantage of rehabilitation centre is that you will have fear in your heart that someone is monitoring you. Measure your success Once you decide to quit and working towards it, then measure how much you drunk previous month, previous week and now. You can feel the difference as you start quitting. You will have a different way of feeling hunger, thirst and the outside world will start seeming to look beautiful to your eyes. It is necessary to make up your mind so that you are strong till you reach a point where you do not drink the entire month. You are completely out of addiction, when you see a bottle of alcohol right in front of your eyes and do not dare to touch it. Help others to quit This may seem a bit weird but this has a strong impact on you quitting the alcohol permanently. When you help and advice others, by default you will feel the pressure to quit greatly reduced. When you advice your friend or someone about the negative consequences of drinking alcohol, and joining rehabilitation centre to help others, you are making sure that you do not touch alcohol again. SOURCE: http://cliniconomy..com/2013/09/how-to-escape-alcohol-addiction.html
iamOdino: Ary Borges, who cares for seven tigers and two lionesses, at his family’s home in Maringa, Brazil is in a legal battle with federal wildlife officials to keep his endangered animals from undergoing vasectomies and being taken away from him. While Borges does have a license to raise the animals, Brazilian wildlife officials say he illegally bred the cats, creating a public danger.
Borges also has two lions, a monkey, and a pet Chihuahau named Little inside his makeshift animal sanctuary, where man and beast alike live together in his spacious red-dirt compound, separated from the outside world by tall metal fences and high wooden walls.
The Brazilian family is now locked in a legal dispute for the cats, with federal wildlife officials working to take them away. While Borges does have a license to raise the animals, Brazilian wildlife officials say he illegally bred the tigers, creating a public danger.
Borges says it all started in 2005 when he first rescued two abused tigers from a travelling circus. He defends his right to breed the animals and says he gives them a better home than they might find elsewhere in Brazil.
"Sadly there are so many animals dying in zoos that have no oversight. My animals are treated extremely well ... we're preserving and conserving the species," he said. "We have a great team of veterinarians. We give them only the best, but we're being persecuted."
Ibama, Brazil's environmental protection agency that also oversees wildlife, declined repeated requests for comment.
The agency is working through courts to force Borges to have the male tigers undergo vasectomies so they can't reproduce. It also wants his caretaker license confiscated and to obtain the cats. Borges appealed and the matter is pending before a federal court.
Ary's daughter Nayara Borges, 20, who grew up with the tiger cubs sleeping in her bed until they became too big, says she thinks the big cats would be mistreated if taken away, "and our family would go into a severe depression."
Her sister Uyara, 23, agreed, saying the cats are family after spending so many years with the Borges.
"At first we were scared of them, but as time went on, we saw them every day, fed them, gave them baths and water, and we started to fall in love with them," Uyara said. "We never thought we could live with such ferocious animals."
Uyara trusts the cats so much, she even allows her 2-year-old daughter Rayara to sit atop them.
Experts, however, question the Borges family's efforts.
"It's crazy," said Patty Finch, executive director of the Washington-based Global Federation of Animal Sanctuaries. "It's a very dangerous situation, especially if there are young children around, they easily trigger a tiger's hunting instinct."
Finch said that "you will see people sometimes get lucky for a while, but sooner or later an accident is going to happen. You never know what's going to set these animals off because they're wild."
Instead of promoting the animal's welfare, Finch said the Borges have done the opposite.
"Breeding in captivity doesn't help conserve the tigers unless they're bred in their native habitat and there is a plan to release them," she said. "They can't get habituated to people. They're condemning these tigers to a life of captivity."
The Borges family isn't hearing any of it.
Inside a high fenced-in area where the tigers now sleep, Borges roughhoused with the animals, playfully slapping one on the flank and then leapt atop him, holding onto the animal's fur with both fists and grinning widely as the cat growled.
"My father would die or kill himself if these tigers are taken away," Uyara said. "They're everything to us, they're my brothers. We've lived with them day and night for eight years."
CLT123: Nigeria international and Lille OSC goalkeeper Vincent Enyeama is being linked with a possible English Premiership move in January.
Sky Sports says Sunderland have been linked with a move for the Nigeria international, who is rated as one of the best keepers in the French Ligue 1 at the moment.
There is also rumours doing the rounds that Arsenal are keeping an eye on the keeper.
Enyeama has played in eight games for Lille this season, since moving from Maccabi Tel Aviv, and has kept a clean sheet in six of those games.
Donchyke39: Enugu – The Enugu State Police Command has found a four-year-old boy, who was allegedly stolen at his school three months ago. A statement signed by the Public Relations Officer of the command, Mr Ebere Amarizu, on Monday in Enugu said the kid was found on Sept. 26 at the residence of a couple, Mr and Mrs Ejiofor Eze, at Awada Layout in Onitsha, Anambra. The statement said that Mr and Mrs Eze, residing at Awada in Onitsha, allegedly stole the kid at his school at Achara Layout, Enugu on July 2. “Following intensive investigation by the Anti-Kidnap Unit of the Enugu State Police Command, it was discovered that the boy was held hostage by the couple in their house. “Ejiofor Eze and his wife are the brain behind the stealing of the boy.’’ The statement said that the boy was in good health and had rejoined his family. It said, however, that the couple was currently on the run, noting that the police had been on their trail. (NAN)
Consultville: Full Text of Speech Delivered by Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, at Nigeria's Independence Ceremony, October 1st, 1960
On Saturday, October 1, 1960, Nigeria became an independent nation. What follows is Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa's speech delivered at Tafawa Balewa Square in Lagos at the Independence Ceremony.
Today is Independence Day. The first of October 1960 is a date to which for two years every Nigerian has been eagerly looking forward. At last, our great day has arrived, and Nigeria is now indeed an independent sovereign nation. Words cannot adequately express my joy and pride at being the Nigerian citizen privileged to accept from Her Royal Highness these Constitutional Instruments which are the symbols of Nigeria’s Independence. It is a unique privilege which I shall remember forever, and it gives me strength and courage as I dedicate my life to the service of our country.
This is a wonderful day, and it is all the more wonderful because we have awaited it with increasing impatience, compelled to watch one country after another overtaking us on the road when we had so nearly reached our goal. But now we have acquired our rightful status, and I feel sure that history will show that the building of our nation proceeded at the wisest pace: it has been thorough, and Nigeria now stands well- built upon firm foundations. Today’s ceremony marks the culmination of a process which began fifteen years ago and has now reached a happy and successful conclusion. It is with justifiable pride that we claim the achievement of our Independence to be unparalleled in the annals of history. Each step of our constitutional advance has been purposefully and peacefully planned with full and open consultation, not only between representatives of all the various interests in Nigeria but in harmonious cooperation with the administering power which has today relinquished its authority.
At the time when our constitutional development entered upon its final phase, the emphasis was largely upon self-government. We, the elected representatives of the people of Nigeria, concentrated on proving that we were fully capable of managing our own affairs both internally and as a nation. However, we were not to be allowed the selfish luxury of focusing our interest on our own homes. In these days of rapid communications we cannot live in isolation, apart from the rest of the world, even if we wished to do so. All too soon it has become evident that for us Independence implies a great deal more than self-government. This great country, which has now emerged without bitterness or bloodshed, finds that she must at once be ready to deal with grave international issues.
This fact has of recent months been unhappily emphasized by the startling events which have occurred in this continent. I shall not labour the point but it would be unrealistic not to draw attention first to the awe-inspiring task confronting us at the very start of our nationhood. When this day in October 1960 was chosen for our Independence it seemed that we were destined to move with quiet dignity to place on the world stage. Recent events have changed the scene beyond recognition, so that we find ourselves today being tested to the utmost We are called upon immediately to show that our claims to responsible government are well-founded, and having been accepted as an indepedent state we must at once play an active part in maintaining the peace of the world and in preserving civilisation. I promise you, we shall not fail for want of determination.
And we come to this task better-equipped than many. For this, I pay tribute to the manner in which successive British Governments have gradually transferred the burden of responsibility to our shoulders. The assistance and unfailing encouragement which we have received from each Secretary of State for the Colonies and their intense personal interest in our development has immeasurably lightened that burden.
All our friends in the Colonial Office must today be proud of their handiwork and in the knowledge that they have helped to lay the foundations of a lasting friendship between our two nations. I have indeed every confidence that, based on the happy experience of a successful partnership, our future relations with the United Kingdom will be more cordial than ever, bound together, as we shall be in the Commonwealth, by a common allegiance to Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth, whom today we proudly acclaim as Queen of Nigeria and Head of the Commonwealth.
Time will not permit the individual mention of all those friends, many of them Nigerians, whose selfless labours have contributed to our Independence. Some have not lived to see the fulfilment of their hopes—on them be peace—but nevertheless they are remembered here, and the names of buildings and streets and roads and bridges throughout the country recall to our minds their achievements, some of them on a national scale. Others confined, perhaps, to a small area in one Division, are more humble but of equal value in the sum-total.
Today, we have with us representatives of those who have made Nigeria: Representatives of the Regional Governments, of former Central Governments, of the Missionary Societies, and of the Banking and Commercial enterprises, and members, both past and present, of the Public Service. We welcome you, and we rejoice that you have been able to come and share in our celebrations. We wish that it could have been possible for all of those whom you represent to be here today: Many, I know, will be disappointed to be absent, but if they are listening to me now, I say to them: ‘Thank you on behalf of my Thank you for your devoted service which helped build up Nigeria into a nation. Today we are reaping the harvest which you sowed, and the quality of the harvest is equalled only by our gratitude to you. May God bless you all.
This is an occasion when our hearts are filled with conflicting emotions: we are, indeed, proud to have achieved our independence, and proud that our efforts should have contributed to this happy event. But do not mistake our pride for arrogance. It is tempered by feelings of sincere gratitude to all who have shared in the task of developing Nigeria politically, socially and economically. We are grateful to the British officers whom we have known, first as masters, and then as leaders, and finally as partners, but always as friends. And there have been countless missionaries who have laboured unceasingly in the cause of education and to whom we owe many of our medical services. We are grateful also to those who have brought modern methods of banking and of commerce, and new industries. I wish to pay tribute to all of these people and to declare our everlasting admiration of their devotion to duty.
And, finally, I must express our gratitude to Her Royal Highness the Princess Alexandra of Kent for personally bringing to us these symbols of our freedom, and especially for delivering the gracious message from Her Majesty The Queen. And so, with the words ‘God Save Our Queen’, I open a new chapter in the history of Nigeria, and of the Commonwealth, and indeed of the world.
Sources:
Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, Mr. Prime Minister: A Selection of Speeches Made by Alhaji the Right Honourable Sir Abubakar Tafawa Balewa, K.B.E., M.P., Prime Minister of the Federal Republic of Nigeria (Apapa: Nigerian National Press, Ltd., 1964).
1. Today marks 53 years of our Independence as a nation. First and foremost, I would like to say congratulations to us all. Through thick and thin, we have built this country together. Through triumphs and trials, we have developed a Nigerian identity in our own way.
2. In truth, Nigeria is still a work in progress and we are challenged everyday to keep building in spite of the various obstacles that we face. Our strength has been in our diversity. If we look back over the years, we can say confidently that there is every reason to celebrate.
3. Today's Independence anniversary is unique because it is the last before we mark our centenary. On January 1, 2014, Nigeria will be 100 years old as a country, following the amalgamation of the Protectorates of Southern and Northern Nigeria in 1914.
4. Beloved country men and women, traditionally, the Presidential address on this symbolic day has served two purposes. It has, quite rightly, been used to remind all Nigerians about our heritage. It has also allowed my predecessors and I to comment on our stewardship to the nation and make political capital out of a state occasion.
5. But this year, I will not. Because, today of all days, we should not be scoring political points. On the contrary, in this last year of the first century of our Union, we should be addressing our future as a Nation and a people!
6. I admit that these may not be the best of times for our nation. Our people are divided in many ways – ethnically, religiously, politically, and materially. I cannot hide from this reality. I cannot hide from my own responsibilities.
7. As we prepare to mark the centenary, therefore, today offers us an opportunity to reflect on our long journey to nationhood and the progress we have made so far. Whatever the challenges that we may face, we have every reason to be proud of our national accomplishments; we have every reason to remain proud and optimistic. Our collective national journey has witnessed great watersheds, thanks to our spirit of endurance, perseverance and sacrifice. Getting the rest of the job done with determination and courage is just a matter of time. We are Nigerians, a nation of talented people, endowed with resources, potentials, and Divine Grace.
8. In our journey to greatness as a nation, we have built an economy that is robust and erected enduring infrastructure and institutions of democracy. Our social system is now more inclusive, open and compassionate. We are waging a steady battle against poverty, unemployment, and corruption. Our sense of community, solidarity and shared expectation is strong and capable of withstanding the present social, economic and political challenges that still confront us.
9. In saying this, I am reminded of the comments I made a week ago to a cross-section of Nigerians in New York during the 68th United Nations General Assembly. I declare now as I declared then: we have a duty as Nigerians, whatever may be our differences or prejudices, to always put Nigeria first.
10. Our politics should be an art of patriotic labour and selfless service to the community, particularly by the political elite who are placed in positions of great trust and responsibility. Politics has its own high moral principles which abhor distracting and divisive rhetoric. As men and women in leadership, we must continually focus on service, duty, responsibility, and the next generation. Those who are elected to govern at all levels must focus on improving the lives of our people, not selfish ambition.
11. In the words of the American theologian and author, James Freeman Clarke, ‘a politician thinks of the next election; a statesman of the next generation’. Whether we are Muslims or Christians; rich or poor; from the North or the South; East or West; regardless of our political affiliations, this is the time for every one of us to be a statesman!
12. My clarion call therefore, on this special day, is that we should begin to align our political utterances and conduct solely to the nobler passions that unite our people. Politicians do not make a nation; ordinary folks do.
13. Our nation is made great by the big and small efforts of regular citizens. These are the teachers and men and women in academics who inculcate the knowledge and wisdom that transform into tomorrow’s wealth; the traders and market women who tend to our everyday needs; the farmers whose labour feeds the nation; the artisans whose work ensures that our homesteads are well maintained; the doctors, pharmacists, nurses, accountants, bankers, engineers, and other professionals who add value to our lives; the sportsmen and women and those in the creative industry who bring honour and fame to our nation;
14. And the men and women of our armed forces and security services who toil day and night so that you and I may live in a safe and secure nation.
15. It is the individual and collective heroism of these regular folks that has placed our nation on the path of greatness. Politics and politicians sometimes distract the people and create unnecessary tension.
16. But our independence celebration is about the same people, the people of Nigeria: their industry, sense of mission and purpose, and their patience and perseverance as we navigate historical turns in our march towards prosperity and self-sufficiency. Today, I salute the people of Nigeria.
17. My Compatriots, history has proven that nations take time to evolve. We should rejoice in our democracy because it enables us to be united by our differences, not destroyed by them. And, there is no more crucial time for us to be united than now.
18. The threats we face may be real and immediate. But we are not alone in this regard. It is a difficult season for much of the world: industrialized or developing; rich or poor. What matters are the lessons we learn, the wisdom we demonstrate, and the victory we snatch from the jaws of likely defeat.
19. And I tell you, more than anything else, there are lessons to learn, and every cause to be thankful. If I must cite one example, take Syria. As we all pray and work for a return to normalcy in Syria, it would be helpful for us to reflect on the fact that Syria was once a peaceful, thriving, multi-cultural nation which played host to a mosaic of religions and ethnicities.
20. But that once idyllic nation has today become a theatre of human misery of unimaginable proportions as a result of the activities of extremist forces.
21. Fellow Nigerians, the spectre of extremism haunts every democracy in every corner of the globe. While we celebrate our independence and good fortune, our hearts must grieve for those who have lost loved ones in numerous terrorist activities around the world.
22. Back home, I admit being overtaken by deep feelings of grief, whenever news reached me of the appalling atrocities in some of our States, especially the North Eastern part of our country. Just two days ago, terrorist elements attacked the College of Agriculture in Gujba, Yobe State killing a number of innocent students of the institution and other residents in cold blood, most of them in their sleep. This act of barbarism is a demonstration of the extent to which evil forces will go to destabilize our nation. But I assure you, they will not succeed.
23. My heart goes out to the families of all those who have fallen victim of these dastardly acts. Our Administration will not rest until every Nigerian is free from the oppression of terrorism. I reassure you that no cost will be spared, no idea will be ignored, and no resource will be left untapped in the quest to enable our people live without fear.
24. On this day, I implore every Nigerian – wherever you are, whatever language you speak, whatever your religious persuasion, whichever Political Party you support -: let us join together to fight this evil of extremism.
25. On behalf of us all, I commend our Armed Forces and security agencies for their dedication and bravery in the face of grave danger, and in the name of our collective liberty.
26. Fellow Nigerians, this is a time to pull together behind the national cause: the cause of our freedom, and our future. We must rekindle the spirit of Nigeria, to ensure that every democrat and every lover of peace in this great nation continues to live in a free, peaceful, and secure Nigeria.
27. On my part, I re-dedicate myself completely to the service of this great country. I was elected President to continue the process of building a prosperous nation where hopes, dreams and aspirations would be fulfilled. Nigerians, home and abroad, want a country they can be proud to call their own. I am pleased to affirm that, no matter the challenges we face, we are on the right path to greatness. Our Transformation Agenda, which is part of the overall vision of making Nigeria a land of greatness, has been delivering positive and encouraging results.
28. On May 29th this year, I presented to the nation a mid-term report of my Administration’s Transformation Agenda. This was conceived as an integrated policy aimed at reconstructing not only institutional governance for effective and efficient service delivery, but also a re-orientation of national norms and values. The document captured the essence of our agenda in relation to core objectives and achievements.
29. I have been consistently mindful of the weight of public expectation to find solutions to the challenges that confront us because the mandate we have is a free and sacred one. In all that I have done, I have been guided by this sacred obligation, to work hard for the good of Nigeria and to make life better for Nigerians. I want to assure everyone that Nigeria, under my leadership, will not fail.
30. Exactly 53 years ago today, Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa urged us to ‘move with quiet dignity to our place on the world stage’. I am sure that there have been times when every one of us must have questioned how closely we have followed that injunction.
31. But again, I can reassure you that Nigeria’s place on the world stage today is strong and safe, and it is certainly a place of dignity and respect. We must continue to build on this by remaining a nation and a people committed to ideals, the noblest humanitarian values, and the rule of law.
32. Our Constitution is anchored ultimately on the idea of freedom and fundamental rights: freedom of expression; freedom from discrimination; freedom to vote and be voted for, and the right to human dignity. These are the core values of a true democracy. These are the values of which we must never lose sight.
33. In my address to the UN General Assembly last week, I emphasized the crucial role of democratization in improving the fortunes not just of this country, but of our entire continent. Democratic values encourage diversity. They encourage discourse. They encourage disagreement. This is the joy of democracy.
34. It enables us to have an opinion. And ultimately, the ballot box gives us all the opportunity to instigate change. When democracy works, it does not destroy a nation. It unites and defines it.
35. Fellow Nigerians, our Administration has taken cognizance of suggestions over the years by well-meaning Nigerians on the need for a National Dialogue on the future of our beloved country. I am an advocate of dialogue. When there are issues that stoke tension and bring about friction, it makes perfect sense for the interested parties to come together to discuss.
36. In demonstration of my avowed belief in the positive power of dialogue in charting the way forward, I have decided to set up an Advisory Committee whose mandate is to establish the modalities for a National Dialogue or Conference. The Committee will also design a framework and come up with recommendations as to the form, structure and mechanism of the process.
37. The Committee will be chaired by Dr. Femi Okurounmu while Dr. Akilu Indabawa will serve as the Secretary. The full membership of the Committee will be announced shortly.
38. I expect the Report to be ready in one month, following which the nation will be briefed on the nomenclature, structure and modalities of the Dialogue.
39. Fellow Nigerians, the past 53 years have seen Nigeria evolve on an epic scale. Our progress since independence has not always been smooth. This is, after all, our Fourth Republic; but despite all its flaws, it has lasted longer than all the previous three put together. That is progress and it proves that, our differences – real and imagined - notwithstanding, we are, in every sense, a united nation.
40. This is no time for the harmful clutches of parochial sentiments and the politics of bitterness, impunity, arrogance and unhelpful indiscipline. We must stand as one, with absolute commitment and resolve to resist any force that threatens us and the sanctity of our union.
41. I want to thank all our country men and women who have stood by this Administration in the midst of mounting challenges and enormous expectations.
42. I recognize that it is not easy to keep believing in the possibilities of our greatness when our faith is constantly challenged. But let me assure you that, if we do not despair, we shall reap the reward of our labour in due season.
43. It is my prayer that, another 53 years from now, our children and grand-children will look back on our effort and be thankful that we kept the faith.
44. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
45. I wish you all a very happy 53rd Independence Celebration.
Mamiya: In the spirit of Patriotism and Independence I embarked on a project to photograph 53 Nigerians from different walks of life holding the national flag and wishing fellow Nigerians a happy 53rd Independence.
In the course of this project I got a lot of complaints from workers about the hard economy. I really pray that help and growth in all sectors will be experienced soon.
Please feel free to like and share these images (our reason for posting a day before).
We wish every Nigerian (Home and Abroad) a happy 53rd Independence day celebration.
for the love of "sweet sweeeeet 53rd Independence".....
Solozzo: I wish all Nairalanders happy independence day. Remember to pray for peace, progress and unity for Nigeria today. Remember as the new Nigeria year begins to contribute your own quota to help this country develop
Politics › Re: Punch Cameraman Slapped For Obeying Traffic Light by emmabest2000(m): 5:50pm On Oct 01, 2013
?
