.

Efforts by the Nigerian military to procure US-made Chinook helicopters from Israel, to facilitate the movement of troops and the injured, have been blocked by the United States Government, THISDAY has learnt.

This, among other issues, including the US’ refusal to provide Nigeria’s security agencies with timely intelligence needed to defeat Boko Haram insurgents who have been riding rough shod in the North-east, would form part of the discussions when President Goodluck Jonathan meets with US President Barack Obama in New York this week.

Jonathan departed for New York on Sunday for the 69th General Assembly of the United Nations.

The Chinook is a versatile and reliable American twin-engine, tandem rotor heavy-lift helicopter produced by Boeing. Its primary roles are troops movement, artillery placement and battlefield resupply.

In a war where Boko Haram insurgents move in convoys through arid towns and villages, the helicopters are required to checkmate them, reinforce troops and supplies and recover dead and wounded soldiers.

Although it has a number of variants and is used primarily for the transportation of troops, supplies and search and rescue operations, limited weaponry can be mounted on its door and window for the purpose of enemy attacks.

However, according to defence and intelligence sources, attempts to buy the helicopters and other munitions from, first the US and other Western European countries, have proved to be an impossible task, thus compelling the military to resort to Israel and several retired members of the Israeli defense forces.

Opening up on the challenges the Nigerian military has faced dealing with the procurement of arms for the war effort in the North-east, a knowledgeable official, who did not want to be named as he was not authorised to speak with the press, said: “The US government has frustrated Nigeria all the way in our war against terrorism despite its public statements in support of Nigeria, as it fights the Boko Haram insurgents in the North-east… They want us to fight Boko Haram with our arms tied to our backs.

“They have refused to sell us arms and equipment and even our recent attempt to buy Chinook helicopters, which are manufactured in the US, from the Israelis was blocked, based on unfounded allegations of human rights violations by our troops. This is after the office of Prime Minister Benjamin Natanyahu had initially approved the purchase.

“But because they were supplied by the Americans, the Israelis required a ‘No Objection’ letter from Washington which was refused.

“We had even tried to procure arms from Russia but this was stalled because of the Ukrainian crisis, thus compelling us to turn to other nations like Israel. But even this has been frustrated by the US,” he said.
He said it was not just in the area of arms procurement that US has been most unhelpful, adding that contrary to its public stance that it was assisting in the rescue operations of the abducted Chibok secondary school girls it has done nothing significant to help Nigeria in this regard.

Other intelligence sources also cited the fact that the US has refused to share intelligence with Nigerian security forces in a timely manner.
They said: “When we complained they started sharing some intelligence, but days after the fact when such intelligence is of little value.

“They have blocked us from procuring the helicopters and would not provide us with intelligence despite the fact that they have several drones and sophisticated aircraft overflying the North-east of Nigeria from bases in Niger and Chad where the Boko Haram fighters and movements are clearly in their sights.

“This belies their stance they want to help us to defeat the terrorists and help to rescue the Chibok girls.”

Indeed, a security analyst who spoke to THISDAY on the issue said the US’ role smacks of double standards and questioned its intent over the Boko Haram insurgency.

He warned that ignoring the threat of Boko Haram could be a strategy that could come to haunt the US in the future.

He also wondered why the same US would refuse to assist Nigeria based on unsubstantiated claims of human rights violations, which the military has repeatedly denied and insisted are carried out by Boko Haram insurgents wearing Nigerian military uniforms, yet the same US turns a blind eye to the same human rights violations committed by countries like Israel.

“Look at what happened in the recent war between Israel and Hamas in the Gaza strip. Israel repeatedly bombed school compounds and UN buildings and in the process killed scores of women and children.
“Even the UN cried out against the targeting of its facilities by Israeli forces, yet the US did nothing and will continue to supply arms and ammunition to Israel to defend itself against Palestinians and other hostile neighbours in the Middle East,” the security analyst said.

Efforts by THISDAY to get the White House to respond to the allegations were not successful.

Two questions to the White House and the US National Security Adviser’s office which were unanswered as at press time are: The Nigerian military, through its agents, tried to buy Chinook helicopters for the prosecution of the war against terrorism, from Israel. But this was blocked by the U.S. National Security Council and the White House. If so, why was the procurement blocked?; and the decision to block the procurement of the helicopters may have stemmed from U.S.’ concerns over human rights abuses by Nigerian troops who have been fighting the insurgents in the North-eastern part of the country. Does this not appear contradictory given the fact that the U.S. continues to supply equipment and ammunition to Israel, which is also accused of human rights violations in Palestinian territories?

More Terrorists Surrender

In a related development, as the news continued to spread about the possible killing of the leader of Boko Haram, Abubakar Shekau, or his body double who security forces insist has been impersonating the “real” Shekau for over a year, members of the terror sect have been thrown into disarray and are surrendering in droves to the Nigerian military.

Whereas the security agencies are yet to officially name or confirm the names of some of the senior members of the sect who were said to have been killed or captured in recent operations in Konduga, Borno State, including Shekau or his alleged imposter, more suspected insurgents have continued to surrender and hand over their weapons to the troops.

According to a statement issued on the Defence Headquarter's (DHQ) twitter handle, 10 more sect members surrendered yesterday to the Nigerian security forces at Kawuri, Borno State, and have since been taken into custody for further interrogation.
The statement read: “Another set of 10 terrorists yesterday surrendered to troops at #Kawuri. In custody for necessary security debriefing #VictoryforNigeria.”

A blood battle had ensued between members of the sect and Nigerian troops in Kawuri about two weeks ago, leaving over 50 terrorists dead.
It is believed that some 40 terrorists including those from Konduga have so far surrendered to the military.

Military Debunks Cameroun’s Claim

However, the unconfirmed death of the Boko Haram leader or his impostor has continued to generate controversy as Camerounian authorities were alleged to have claimed responsibility for the killing of the terrorist henchman.

Camerounian authorities yesterday released a photo of a dead man they identified as Shekau, the loquacious and attention-seeking leader of the terrorist group that has launched deadly strikes in Nigeria’s North-east zone as well as Cameroun.

But the claim, which went viral, attracted the attention of the Nigerian Defence authorities, which quickly debunked the rumour.
The DHQ through its twitter account described the claim by Cameroun as untrue.

The military authorities said: “There was no raid whatsoever by Cameroun or any foreign forces in any part of Nigeria’s territory in pursuit of terrorists as claimed in some reports allegedly quoting Cameroun military authorities.
“All operations ongoing in the environs of Konduga and all associated border locations within the country are completely being undertaken by Nigerian troops.”

Troops Shoot Indiscriminately in Yola

Meanwhile, pandemonium broke out at the Federal College of Education (FCE), Yola, Adamawa State, yesterday when some soldiers on patrol shot into the air a few meters away from the institution.

The development caused panic in the school and its environs, as students and other passersby were reported to have scrambled for safety. In the melee that ensured, some of the students sustained various degrees of injuries.

An eyewitness, who spoke to THISDAY on the issue, revealed that the soldiers were part of the troops drafted to fight the insurgents in Mubi, Michika, Gulak and Madagali of Adamawa State.

The eyewitness, who pleaded anonymity, said he was about to board a bus when he and other intending passengers heard sporadic gunshots, compelling them to run for their lives.

He said several vehicles were badly damaged in the process of trying to escape from the gunshots.
It also led to a traffic snarl in the area and many people sustained injuries, he revealed.

“See how our vehicles are now damaged and not one among the soldiers deemed it fit to say sorry, they just zoomed off. Only in Nigeria would you see security operatives firing shots unprovoked. They are just trigger happy,” said Ambrose Anthony, a student of FCE, Yola.

Another eyewitness, named Abdulazeez, said: “We have to run for our lives, fearing that it was Boko Haram insurgents that have taken over the state capital.”

Abdulazeez, who sustained an injury, said students were injured while scampering for their lives, particularly female students who were about to enter the college.

Reacting to the development, the Public Relations Officer of the college, Mallam Bashir Abdullahi, said the shooting incident did not take place in the college but was nearby.

“Yes, we heard that during the show of force displayed by the soldiers, there was shooting into the air. But I cannot confirm whether there was any loss of lives or not,” he said.

Efforts to get the army spokesman, Captain Jafaru Nuhu, proved abortive as
he did not pick his phones.

Nonetheless, security operatives were said to have arrested five suspected members of Boko Haram in the internally displaced persons (IDPs)camp in Yola, the Adamawa State capital.

Police spokesman, Assistant Superintendent of Police Michael Haa, confirmed the arrest of some high-risk criminals at the IDPs camp in the state capital.
He said the police were yet to unveil the true identity of the suspects, clarifying that the suspects were high-risk criminals and were being investigated.

[quote author=nigerianvenom]

have u ever criticised buhari or tinubu before?if yes,show us d link.[/quote

OBJ will soon come back begging but then it will be too late.............GEJ till ............2019

Seriously? El- Rufai said this? I think he has to be questioned by SSS, it is very clear that El Rufai has a hand in Boko Haram.

kel4soft:

Offcourse they should be applauded if they will be neutral but, when the heads make statement in my last link. There is every room for suspicion. So, I don't see anything wrong if they decide to take a shot of their ballot papers since there is no longer trust.

The Electoral Act does not allow any form of interference, its clearly stated in section 125 sub section 1,2,3 of the Act.

kel4soft:
Like I said, PDP controls the Police and the minister of defence is also a politician.

These are there separate statements on the election:

dailypost.ng/2014/08/06/osun-2014-apc-jittery-impending-defeat-police-minister/

www.punchng.com/politics/pdpll-kick-aregbesola-out-of-osun-obanikoro/

The above are links to the statement of both the minister of Police affairs and Defence. This is the more reason why the security wont be neutral.

It doesn't change any thing, let me ask you if you are in Osun State on Saturday as an Electorate would the presence of the military in any way prevent you from exercising your franchise right? how would you as a genuine voter be intimidated by the the Military or the security operatives? before now election day in Nigeria is synonymous with rigging,snatching of ballot boxes, confrontation and most-times shooting, with DSS personnel on ground all of these cannot happen, don't you think they should be applauded?

kel4soft: If the election will be free and fair, whats the toss about snapping the ballot paper? Thats said, where in the electoral act is the militarization of an election?

What do you mean by militarization of election? Rauf wrote to DSS, inviting them ahead of August 9th, the only people scared of the security operatives would be those that have plans to either rig the election or cause mayhem like Senator Adeyeye and co, voters with clear minds have no reason to the scared of anything, since when did too much security become a problem?

chikichaka: your desperation to correct is even worse

It was clearly a typo, you shouldn't make a big deal about that.

OP you are so clueless and dry....i wounder why I'm even dropping a post.

Aregboshola And APC Instigate Supporters To Violate Electoral Laws

https://www.nairaland.com/1846754/aregboshola-apc-instigate-supporters-violate

Aregboshola And APC Instigate Supporters To Violate Electoral Laws

https://www.nairaland.com/1846754/aregboshola-apc-instigate-supporters-violate

Aregboshola And APC Instigate Supporters To Violate Electoral Laws

https://www.nairaland.com/1846754/aregboshola-apc-instigate-supporters-violate

APC is at it again, first the Governor wrote to DSS asking for deployment of more security Operatives during the election, on arrival of the security Operative APC complained about militarization of election, now they are urging supporters to go against the electoral Laws, FYI violators are liable on conviction to 6months imprisonment........SO be wise.

The ruling Peoples Democratic Party (PDP) yesterday accused the All Progressives Congress (APC) of planning an ‘Arab Spring’ protest to destablise the democratic government in the country should it lose the 2015 presidential election.
It further said the utterances of the national chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie Oyegun, that the party would form a parallel government in 2015 should the main opposition political party lose the 2015 presdential election, stating that in a presidential system of government, there is no place for a parallel government.

Addressing a press conference in Abuja the National Publicity Secretary of PDP, Olisa Metuh, said: “Our attention has been drawn to an open threat by the National Chairman of the APC, Oyegun, to institute a parallel government should his party lose the 2015 presidential election.
“Nigerians need to be reminded that the APC’s understanding of ‘rigging’ is where they lose election. Whenever they win as was the case in Edo, it is free and fair.

“It is a globally acknowledged fact that shadow or parallel governments have no place in a presidential system. Therefore, the threat to institute such is nothing short of implementing the agenda to destabilise and collapse the democratic system and institute a reign of anarchy.
“The statement by the APC National Chairman therefore has confirmed our position that the APC is not planning for the 2015 election but an overthrow of a democratically-elected government having realised that they cannot and will not win in the presidential election.

“The pronouncement confirms that the APC is indeed promoting a supporter of APC ideology and further reinforces the long held suspicion that they have been holding meetings outside the country to enact an Arab Spring as a means to forcefully take over power when it loses in 2015.

“This explains why they have been making inflammatory statements and publishing negative advertorials and articles in local and foreign media to incite Nigerians, embolden insurgents and stir hatred and division among the populace while balkanising the nation along its fault lines.
“All the pockets of anti-government protests and calls for civil disobedience in parts of the country bear the imprints of the APC and are geared towards cultivating a fertile ground for them to unleash a reign of terror against the country.

“The importation of thugs to cause confusion in elections including in Anambra, Ekiti and now Osun State are all part of the plot to discredit the electoral system and truncate the 2015 elections. The attacks on institutions of government including the judiciary and the security agencies are all part of the larger plot to weaken government systems and make them vulnerable and powerless and set the stage for the materialisation of their ignoble plans.

“Nigerians are also aware of the hiring of foreign consultants by the APC to tarnish the image of the country abroad, as a means to gain foreign support when they eventually strike.

“We therefore call on Nigerians to be ready to defend their hard earned democracy and protect it from encircling vultures who are hell-bent at taking us back to the dark ages,” Metuh said.

Also, the Minister of State for Works, Mr. Adedayo Adeyeye, has described as treasonable, the statement made by Oyegun.
Adeyeye, who cautioned the APC leaders against instigating bloodshed as they did during the 2011 elections, added: “It amounts to hatred for Nigeria as a nation and insult on Ekiti people for anyone to claim that the mandate freely given to Mr. Ayodele Fayose by the people of Ekiti State in the June 21 governorship election was a stolen one.”

In a statement issued yesterday and made available to journalists in Ado-Ekiti, the minister, who said it was unbecoming of a party that wants to rule Nigeria to be threatening to cause anarchy in the country, added: “Nigerians must begin to take note of what the APC intends to do in 2015 because it will definitely lose the presidential and other elections scandalously.”

Adeyeye, who said the threat must not be taken with levity, added that it was the same way the APC instigated violence after the 2011 presidential election, leading to the murder of several youth corps members.

According to the minister, “By their attitude, any election they did not win is rigged.

“Therefore, if the APC loses the 2015 presidential election, which is very sure that the party will lose because President Goodluck Jonathan will be re-elected, they will claim that the election was rigged and throw the entire country into chaos by forming a parallel government.
“Perhaps, they are likely to begin this criminal plan in Osun State because they are going to lose Osun on Saturday, and also lose other South-west states in 2015.”



While speaking further, the minister said it was unpatriotic for anyone to be fanning embers of anarchy in the country, when Nigerians are still being killed by the Boko Haram insurgents, with accusing fingers being pointed at the APC as the sponsor of the insurgents.
He called on the people of Osun State not to be deterred by the APC threat and come out on Saturday to send the Rauf Aregbesola-led APC out of the state with their votes.

http://www.thisdaylive.com/articles/pdp-accuses-apc-of-planning-arab-spring/185626/

The Nigeria Police Force has debunked the rumours about the escape of a top ranking official of Boko Haram, who says he is the ‘Chief Butcher’ of Balmo Forest.

To prove that so-called Boko Haram ‘Chief Butcher’, Mohammed Zakari, is still in their custody, the Nigeria Police Force shared a photo with the suspect.

On the picture, Mohammed Zakari is interacting with media representatives. According to the police, the meeting was held in Abuja today, August 6.
The Nigeria Police Force also asked not to believe any rumours about his escape and to contact them when in doubt of any information.

Boko Haram ‘Chief Butcher’ of Balmo Forest was arrested on July 15, 2014, after the army raided Balmo forest in Bauchi state.

See Pictures

They deserve your prayer not ur insult, praise them not condemnation, He died while trying to #BringbackourGirl, SAD LOSS: Another Young Soldier Killed In Borno
Captain Benjamin Toyiring Sule was killed in the line of duty in an ambush in Bama, Borno State on Monday, August 4, 2015 by members of the Islamist sect, Boko Haram men.
Captain Sule, who just got married last November, was posted to Borno state just four months ago.

He is survived by his young wife, his parents and siblings.

May his soul rest in peace.

Corporal Ebosele with wife and sons aged 7, 4 & 3. He was killed on Sunday in Maiduguri defending us from terrorists

Instead of castigating the military and promoting viral materials and utterances that is capable of demoralizing and frustrating the military, let us show them love and support for their tireless efforts in ensuring that we are secured.

I doubt if Tinubu really made that statement, but if he did then that will be the height of his desperation and frustration, wisdom has long departed from him.

APC has again proven that they are bad losers, they are already anticipating defect, why don't they try to win the election instead of planing to cause mayhem when defected, its a shame that the leadership of the party would come out and make such statement, this goes all long way to show the characters and composition of the APC, a bunch of power hunger individuals its obvious that their agenda is definitely not in the interest of Nigeria

The Federal Government on Thursday launched the first 10,000 mortgages for the commencement of the Presidential Initiative on the delivery of affordable housing units to Nigerians.

The Minister of Finance, Dr Ngozi Okonjo-Iweala, said in Abuja that the launch was part of the Federal Government’s efforts to fulfill its promise of providing affordable houses to Nigerians.

According to her, the launch is the kick-off of the first initial 10,000 mortgages to be provided by lenders.

She said the Nigeria Mortgage Refinancing Company-NMRC would provide mortgage lending with access to more liquidity and long term funds.

She said the initiative would address the limitation faced by banks to deliver mortgage services.

Okonjo-Iweala also said that the scheme would target first time home buyer to buy houses between two and N20 million.

“We try to keep it low to address our first time buyers and above all our young people; essentially what we have done is to develop an online portal especially for this scheme.

She gave the address of the portal as www.housingfinance.gov.ng, and urged interested applicants to access the portal from Monday Aug 4.

Okonjo-Iweala said that upon completion of the form, the processing time for per-qualification

which used to be six to nine months had been reduced to three to six weeks.

The minister, however, appealed to states that were yet to make commitments to do so in the interest of their indigence.

She appealed to private sector to seize the opportunity and invest in the initiative aimed at reducing the housing deficit in the country.

http://www.activatenigeria.com/how-to-apply-for-fgs-recently-launched-generous-mortgage-scheme-for-the-common-man/

The Federal Government on Thursday officially handed over the electricity trading point meters to market participants in the nation’s power sector.

The handing over ceremony, which was done simultaneously nationwide, was conducted in Abuja by the Minister of Power, Prof. Chinedu Nebo, at the Transmission Company of Nigeria’s point yard.

According to Nebo, the power generation and distribution companies as well as the Transmission Services Provider should have trading point meters at their various trading interfaces.

He noted that although the electricity Market Operator had been handling and managing the meters before they were handed over, the meters actually belonged to the participants.

He said, “Now, as one of the conditions precedent for the Transitional Electricity Market, the MO has scheduled to formally hand over these meters to the participants. This means from henceforth, the participants will assume responsibility for their trading point meters, while the MO offers the metering regulatory oversight functions.

“The obvious gaps presently being experienced in revenue collection will soon be a thing of the past as the new investors have been enjoined to massively invest in metering both at the up and lower stream of the electricity flow. Whatever your investment in the utility facilities, the output is measured in terms of power and energy, which must be metered before payment is made.

“This means that metering is a very important aspect of the electricity market. We hereby implore the market participants not to do anything that will compromise the integrity of the metering data, as this will affect the accuracy of market settlement.”

On the significance of the exercise, Nebo said the handover of the facilities would instil discipline and transparency in the entire electricity trading market.

whatlyf: I am not being myopic. Anybody can cook up story and post on web. Private chat?

How about the story of Anyanyo that has a programme which runs on Silverbird Television every Mondays by 3.30pm........ I shouldn't waste my time convincing you about the obvious you...... you either know the truth and don't want to admit it or you are just been ignorant, why don't you just apply in the next batch and see for your self instead of making assumptions.

omenka: @Descartes: You realy must be the most unemployed and, perhaps, unemployable member of this forum!! See the way you've been running all over threads pissing everywhere like someone with a dysfunctional bladder!!

Get a job and let off this ppp thingy. Sure-p will soon be a thing of the past!

#honestadvice.

What gives you the impression that Nairalanders are unemployed? NL is a hub of info where people visit to get acquainted with happenings and make their contributions, my dear, you must learn to deal with the matter raised on the thread or post instead of going personal with somebody, every body is entitled to their own opinion it must not tally with your.

Rubbish................its obvious she is seeking for cheep publicity.....why didn't she say something about her husband's link with Boko Haram

whatlyf: I have been to the link man. In fact i went further to YouWin official page. But all I see is Stories and Testimonies without Video/pictures of their claims to backup. Bro... This Propaganda isn't working

What do you mean by propaganda? stop acting myopic, if you really visited the site you would have seen all the proves you want.

Another Look At President Jonathan’s Achievements.

The Nigeria Police Force is not been left out in the wind of FRESH AIR blowing across the country. Here are some of the developments in the Nigeria Police in the last 2 years:

1. Complete rehabilitation of the Police College, Ikeja, Lagos.

2. Dismantling of police road blocks nationwide. Over the years, police road blocks became an avenue for corruption, and harassment of citizens. Some innocent citizens have even lost their lives from trigger happy police officers at police road blocks. This govt has now dismantled police road blocks and replaced them with motorized patrols and in some cases temporary observation posts.

3. Procurement of about 7,000 patrol vehicles. These patrol vehicles replaced the police road blocks.

4. The marine police have been empowered with patrol boats

5. Introduction of police camouflage uniforms. Unlike their counterparts in other parts of the world, the Nigeria Police didn't have camouflage uniforms.

6. Procurement and deployment of 13 helicopters to boost the flying wing of the police. Helipads are being built in geopolitical zones to facilitate the use of these helicopters.

7. Establishment of police intelligence schools. It is shocking that this never existed.

8. Upgrade of the police intelligence departments. The Nigeria Police Force now has the capacity to listen to phone conversation of criminals.

9. Increased partnership of the police with sister security agencies.

10. Creation of Police Museum.

11. Increased training and re-training of police officers.

12. The police now has its own in-house pension fund. The is to ensure more efficient settlement of entitlement of retired police officers.

13. Construction of modern police housing estates. The first modern police housing estate, the 200-Units Goodluck Jonathan Housing Estate, was commissioned in July 2013. Another 80-Units, the Sunday Badang Housing Estate in Abuja, was commissioned in November 2013. Late sergeant Badang died in an explosion in February 2012 whilst trying to defuse an Improvised Explosive Device (IED) in Kaduna. These Housing Estates are meant to improve the standard of living of the Nigeria Police officers.

14. Establishment of the police mortgage bank. This is also geared towards better welfare for officers of the Nigeria Police Force.

These and many other internal measures have led to improved performance of the Nigeria Police Force and better security in most parts of the country.

MAJOR ACHIEVEMENT:

1. The Speedy Signing into Law of Freedom of Information Bill and Press Freedom. The FOI Law is One Reason I love President Goodluck Jonathan. The whole world Stood Up for him the day he Signed it into law. Most states in Nigeria throw the FOI Law in a trash bin especially Lagos State.

2. The revitalisation of the Agricultural Sector, which is unprecedented in the history of Nigeria. The Agriculture revamp is equal to non.

3.The establishment of nine new universities and Almajiri education in Northern part of Nigeria.

4. Reactivation and modernisation of Railway, science and technology. Economic boost. Aviation revolution. Roads. Strong foreign policy and Diaspora protection policies.

The signing into law the Same Sex Marriage Prohibition Act and Pensions Law

Now the SouthEast.

1. Completion of Onitsha River Port. Of all the River Ports being constructed by the FG (Baro, Lokoja,etc) Onitsha Port was the first to be completed. It is now being concessioned. The equipments being used by Julius Berger for preliminary works on the Second Niger Bridge were delivered through the Port.

2. Construction of Oguta River Port in Imo State. This should be completed this December or early next year and then concessioned.

3. Award of contract for rehabilitation of Amanwaozuzu-Uzoagba-Eziama-Orie-Amaohia road in Imo State (N1.27b).

4. FG is building a new N2.5billion federal secretariat in Anambra. None existed before now.

5. FG has completed the Onitsha-Owerri road

6. FG has expanded the Bridge-Head to Upper-Iweka section of the Enugu-Onitsha road to 10-lane.

7. The FG just awarded re-construction of Section I and II of Enugu-PH road at N90billion. Work has commenced.

8. The Enugu International Airport is now open to business with the outside world with commencement of international flight operations.

9. The N13billion New international terminal is under construction at Enugu International Airport. It is the FIRST out of the 5 planned new international terminals to be built in Lagos, Abuja, Kano and PH.

9. Ebonyi now has a brand new teaching hospital. Thus, 5 DECADES after, the southeast now have 3 federal teaching hospital- University of Nigeria Teaching Hospital (UNTH), Enugu and Federal Teaching Hospital, Abakaliki (FETHA) EBONYI and NAUTH.

10. Ebonyi now has a brand new federal university. It is called Federal University, Ndufu-Alike,Ebonyi State.

11. Contract for the N100billion 6-lane Second Niger bridge has been awarded to Julius Berger. Julius started preliminary work around July this year.

12. The PH-Enugu-Maiduguri railway rehabilitation was scheduled to be completed this December.

13. The Southeast is well covered in the ongoing feasibility studies for modern railways across the country.

14. The Sam Mbakwe Airport in Owerri is one of the Airports remodelled.

15. The N1.5billion Zik’s mausoleum and library being constructed in Onitsha.

16. Completion of work on Obiozara-Uburu-Ishiagu road in Enugu and Ebonyi States.

17. Completion of work on Abakaliki-Mbok (Ogoja Junction) road in Ebonyi and Cross-River States.

18. Completion of work on Owerri-Aba Road in Imo and Abia States.

19. Completion of work on Okpala-Igwurita road in Imo State.

20. Completion and commissioning of the crucial second 330KV Onitsha-Benin transmission line.

21. Completion of 1×7.5MVA power injection sub station each in Orafite and Amichi in Anambra states

22. Completion of 2×2.5MVA Eke distribution injection sub station in Enugu.

23. Completion of 7.5MVA power distribution injection substation in Trade fair area of Enugu.

24. Completion of 7.5MVA power injection sub station in New Heaven, Enugu state.

25. Rehabilitation and reopening of the Nigeria National Petroleum Corporation, NNPC, depot at Aba, Abia State. The depot was closed for over 6 years.

whatlyf: Since its inception, YouWiN! has achieved tremendous success in the aspect of job creation for the Nigerian youth.

Why not list the TREMENDOUS success in the area of Job Creation?

Go to the link and find out Mr. Thomas.

The YouWiN! program is one of the many avenues the Federal Government is using to tackle youth unemployment in Nigeria. YouWiN!, which targets aspiring young entrepreneurs, is empowering young people across the nation so they may become a part of the solution to creating a better Nigeria.

Since its inception, YouWiN! has achieved tremendous success in the aspect of job creation for the Nigerian youth.

As of June 2013, a total of 14,025 direct jobs have been created from activities of the flagship edition’s beneficiaries. Browse through individual profiles and read stories of how YouWiN! has empowered the awardees and youths in their community.

Anyanyo

I am Anyanyo Ozioma Grace, the Director of Favourble Standard Concept, and the Producer of Recreziontv show which runs Mondays 3.30pm on Silverbird Television. I started business after my youth service – 2010. My programme was on air but was not gaining viewership, because of financial constraint, which hindered my ability of acquiring enough airtime. Thank God for YouWiN! that came up and I emerged a winner. With YouWiN! funds, I was able to air several of my programmes on Television stations across the country, which in turn attracted viewers and advertisers to my business.

Presently, my staff strength is thirteen and counting as my business continues to grow daily. I have also been able to become a disciplined Entrepreneur aimed at achieving goals and success. YouWiN! has really made my dream as a seasoned producer come true and also impacted positively in the lives of several youths.

Lorenissi Creche and Preschool

Lorenissi Creche and Preschool is a child learning centre that provides a comfortable and healthy environment for kids between the ages of 3 months and 2 years. A few years ago, Nissi managed a daycare centre but was constrained by lack of funds and was forced to close down. With the advent of the YouWiN! program, she remained faithful to her passion and re-established a crèche in Calabar, Cross River state, where she can be actively involved in the physical and mental development of children. Lorenissi also provides after school care for children under the age of 15 years where they can get extra tuition. Nissi used her grant funds to provide space to accommodate her daycare and pre-school activities. She currently has 7 employees and is looking to recruit a nurse so she may provide the best care for the children at her daycare.

Lorenissi Creche and Preschool


Nissi Oluseyi-Oden Ibiang

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At least 69 people have been placed under close surveillance, after coming in contact with Patrick Sawyer, the Liberian-American who died from Ebola fever in Lagos last week.

It is an upward review from 59, the number announced last week.
The deadly viral disease has killed more than 700 in Liberia and Sierra Leone since an outbreak was announced in April.
Two others remain in quarantine, which could last up to three weeks-in which time any infection with Ebola should have manifested, health minister Onyebuchi Chukwu said yesterday at a joint briefing with information minister Labaran Maku.
Nigerian health officials are however “still searching” for others who came in contact with Sawyer, Chukwu said, even though it has acquired the flight manifest from Asky, the airline the Liberian flew to Lagos.
Colleagues travelling with Sawyer to Calabar as well as staff who treated him before his death remain on surveillance while the hospital, First Consultant in Obalende has been decontaminated.
“State governments are identifying isolation sites beyond the capacity they had before,” he said, citing efforts to keep the virus in check.
“Our borders remain open, but we are screening people,” Chukwu insisted.
The health ministry has also advised extra precautions in hygiene, recommending hand sanitisers in every public building to “reduce the sources of contamination.”

Since the reported death last week, a presidential committee on communication to manage public knowledge about Ebola is said to have met three times already.

A national call centre, expected to be launched in two weeks, could become operational earlier than planned to take toll-free calls for questions and information about the disease.

In a strategy coordinated across the entire West African region, mobile phone carriers have agreed to send Ebola messages to millions of subscribers, Chukwu said, citing outcomes of meetings over Ebola which lasted most of yesterday.
Information minister Labaran Maku raised concern about misinformation in social media and international media’s preoccupation with panic stories, urging journalists to be “professional about their reporting” Ebola and avoiding creating situations where everyone with a fever concludes they must have Ebola.

“The concern is not that Ebola is out there, but we want to prevent it,” Maku said, urging for universal hygiene to cut sources of infection. “There is no rule about Ebola that is different from preventing other diseases-just hygiene.”