₦airaland Forum

Publisher of an online news platform, Sahara Reporters and Convener of Revolution Now Protest, Mr. Yele Sowore, has been allegedly fingered to be a recipient of one million dollars $1million to organize and fund the much publicised protest scheduled to commence on Monday.

This is according to a Twitter post made by a social media reporter, Abiodun Olanrewaju, (@AbiodunOlarewa6) who stated that the said donor of the huge sum of money is a Nigerian, who is presently residing in Dubai, United Arab Emirates. The motive behind the donation is to allegedly upturn the status quo and destabilize the much enjoyed peace in the country.

The DSS Spokesman Nnochirionye Afunanya had stated in a media briefing that certain foreign persons were sponsoring the #RevolutionNow movement.

While it is yet unclear who the donor is, a source who pleaded anonymity stated that Mr. Timi Frank, an aide to former Vice President Atiku Abubakar, helped facilitated the transfer of funds to Mr. Sowore.

When asked if the former Vice President is also in Dubai, the source replied “yes.”

In a funny twist of events Timi Frank has however come out to ask the DSS to name the so called foreign sponsors even where there was no mention of his name.

The protest’s messaging and the groups associated with it has raised a number of questions about its sincerity of purpose

It is no longer news that for Mr. Femi Fani Kayode to remain relevant in Nigeria he has resorted to insulting Vice President (VP) Prof. Oluyemi Oluleke Osinbajo and this has given him the illusion of the relevance he sought especially at a time even members of his own party see no more value in him.

Just like his father (Chief Victor Fani-Kayode) who betrayed Chief Obafemi Awolowo and the entire Yoruba race, Femi has been following his father’s footsteps by fighting against the real Yoruba interest and person of Prof Osinbajo, who many see as one of the shining lights and a beacon of hope in this present government.

What cannot be doubted is that Yemi Osinbajo is everywhere going about his national duties, working tirelessly for the good of the nation even with his limited constitutional powers as the vice president.

The main grouse of people like FFK is that the VP has a trustworthy and cordial relationship with President Muhammadu Buhari. And for this reason he is saddled with the responsibilities that are deemed by many as beyond his constitutional powers.

These are major responsibilities which many a former vice president has never handled. How many times did Atiku had to bear the blame for the perceived errors of Obasanjo while they were in office? Or Jonathan bearing the burden of Yaradua’s mistakes? Who ever blamed Namadi Sambo for the many undoings of President Jonathan? Yet for social cum public space cheaters like FFK, it is the man who is clearly ahead in integrity, character and competence who must be attacked and brought down, even when the buck dont stop at his desk!

It has been argued that the renewed onslaught against Osinbajo is because of 2023. FFK and such political opportunists and sophists are focused on the VP because his character, integrity and popularity threatens their 2023 aspirations. Who knows tomorrow anyway?

On the kidnapping of clergymen, Femi Fani-Kayode should know that Pastor Adeboye and Prof Osinbajo were as bothered as the rest of Nigerians and as leaders with integrity; they immediately swung into action using their spiritual and political capacity to call for the rescue of the abducted pastors. If Mr. Fani-Kayode did not have an ulterior motive and had he waited even 48 hours he would have been celebrating the rescue of these pastors and other Nigerians that were abducted. Actually the pastors abduction was reported on Friday and by Saturday they were rescued by the Police. But haters like the perennially unstable FFK were already attacking Osinbajo no sooner the abduction were announced.

Pastor Enoch Adeboye demonstrated a good example as a leader in the body of Christ by asking Nigerians and Christians to pray for their release, even while the security agencies continue their search and rescue operations. Unlike the rabid rabble-rouser utterances we have read from Fani-Kayode on various media platforms.


Femi Fani-Kayode is very crafty in whipping up religious and ethnic sentiments, as he encourages people to behave violently or aggressively, twisting even the meanings of passages in the Holy Scriptures, always for his personal political advantage. He has been out of power and the money that come with it. He is thus on a mission of survival, albeit in a most fatal approach of slandering Osinbajo who is seen by progressives as a true ‘Omoluabi’ and hardworking man.

How do we clearly ascertain those pastors were even kidnapped by Fulani Herdsmen in the first place, when investigation is still on? Just some days ago a four-man Yoruba gang was caught in possession of 10,000 live ammunition in Ibadan.

The same thing was just reported in Osun State where a roberry gang terrorizing Ikire axis in the State met their Waterloo when they were rounded up by local vigilante and were handed over to the Police. Surprisingly, they all dressed like Fulani but they were in fact indigenes of Ondo & Kogi States of Nigeria.

We as positive Nigerians should not continue to point fingers, when we should be working together to overcome our security challenges rather than fuel prejudice and ethnocentrism as a nation with different religions and languages.

Recently, Femi Fani-Kayode had to publicly apologize to the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission over his widely publicized allegations, wherein he had blatantly accused the EFCC had raided the home of the former Chief Justice of Nigeria, Justice Walter Onnoghen. The commission would later threaten to sue him for defamation, describing him as a purveyor of fake news.

However, in a very rare acceptance of the humiliation brought upon himself by his regular unguarded utterances, Fani-Kayode would later apologize for his earlier comment but petulantly insisted that some people actually searched the CJN’s home. Many public analysts agreed the bravado was just a mere face-saving attempt after getting burnt. FFK had also insinuated that Onnoghen’s bank accounts had been frozen by agents of the Federal Government.

Many Nigerians are aware this same pontificating fellow is a well-known wife-beater in Abuja elite circles. This has made many discerning socialites to steer clear of his person even at high brow events as most VIPs do not want to be associated with such. He who lives in a glass house should truly not be throwing stones.

Unity in diversity should be Nigeria’s strength. There should unity in every corner of Nigeria which will be our strength.

Finally, anyone that has gone through Chief Remi Fani-Kayode’s rascal antecedents in the Nigerian Politics during the NPN, should know by now that Femi Fani-Kayode is a real son of his father. Hence the public should beware of his antics and lies, Femi FaniKayode once said that President Jonathan’s government is a bad omen to the country, but thereafter he decamped to the PDP to join people from the same bad omen. We can clearly see him with his re-twisted propaganda taking after his father’s style of politics as the apple never falls far from the tree.

Oladele Peter (PhD) writes from Ile Ife, Osun State

MEDVIEW, ARIK THE NEW PONZI SCHEMES July 29, 2019
By Seun Bisuga

https://www.chronicle.ng/2019/07/medview-arik-the-new-ponzi-schemes

People generally believe that Ponzi schemes are primarily money doubling, risk-taking adventures but there are some that are designed to totally con you out of your money without you even knowing it.

Like every Ponzi scheme, these organizations have communication mediums but NO feedback channels; they control everything from their end and allow you little or no opportunity to give a feedback, something akin to both Medview and Arik.

These airlines are notorious particularly Medview, they have set themselves up to rob Nigerians blind. They both do not have active social media channels in 2019 because they do not want you to lay your complaints or make enquiries. Sending them an email is a futile exercise because they will never reply. I mean NEVER reply.

Even worse is attempting to call them. Like every Ponzi scheme the phone calls never connect, you can try as hard as you want and for as long as you like but that phone call is never going to connect, they have no customer care in place, clear attributes of organizations that run a Ponzi scheme.

My latest experience with Medview is fascinating because I have come to learn that they do this every once in a month or so. The airline is a flight risk yet despite the staggering evidences, they are still allowed to carry on their scams.

Here’s how their scheme works; Medview always have their portal open for business, if you are unfortunate, you book a flight via Medview but when you get to the airport to check-in, you realize that they are nowhere to be found. On other occasions, you’ll be hours away from your flight when they send you an email that your flight has been cancelled, you’re thinking at the top of your head, what do you mean cancelled?

Here are their exact words, “Please be informed that your flight from ABUJA to LAGOS has been CANCELLED due operational reasons. Re-protection is available at the Airport”.

They then ask you to proceed to any of their centres to claim a refund but guess what, all their staff at every centre have vamoosed, it’s like they never existed, it’s like a mirage and then you think to yourself, Medview think they are wise, yes, they are wise, this is their stock in trade, they have mastered the art.

You start to call their phone lines and you never get through, you send email after email and you still don’t get through then you’re thoroughly frustrated.

God bless you, you have scarcity of funds then you are stranded but if you desperately have to travel then you’ll pay no less than N35,000 for any other flight available at the airport.

That’s not where the story ends. You arrive Lagos and walk briskly to the Medview stand and there’s no one there, if there had not been a name on their stand, you would probably have thought that you dreamed of the name Medview, that it probably never existed.

With this scheme in place every once in a while Medview hopes to reap off Nigerians many of whom are left frustrated by their acts and move on with their lives. There is no one to complain to and even if you find anyone by the counter after weeks of trying they will only refer you to their head office.

What makes it worse is that even ticket hustlers at the airport would comfortably say to you; “Medview? Did you say Medview? Medview NEVER refunds anybody”.

Let’s take a deep breath and do the math for a bit. If Medview have a fully booked flight canceled how much do they make from this scheme every time they perpetuate it? Let’s say they have 100 passengers on the flight and each passenger pays N20,000 that is a cool N2,000,000 in Medview’s account without having to hit the runway.

This has become their new modus operandi and they use it on unsuspecting Nigerians but once you’ve had this kind of experience you flee from them but there are new people to fall for this scam, this Ponzi scheme, this Yahoo, Yahoo.


But Nigerians are left with very little options, most of the other airlines have their own stories after having flown almost all, one is sometimes forced to retire into his shell and just wonder. Wonder, just like Femi Kuti put it.

Let me stress that Medview Airlines only operate one flight from Lagos to Abuja daily, just one flight yet they can’t pull it off.

As for Arik, I once booked a flight to Ibadan and I decided I want going to change the route, I had a balance of N10,000 from Arik. If Arik is not going to refund its customers, it could at least allow them use the balance on their next flight but guess what, Arik don’t make refunds. Let me put it like this, “We don’t give refunds if you decide to change your flight, it’s not our fault,” the lady at the counter told me.

With modern day Ponzi schemes like this ongoing, how much more can Nigeria withstand, with organizations that are supposed to be models for the youths scamming us, this leaves a lot to be desired.

Some might be wondering why I have chosen these two airlines for scrutiny, the truth is, this is only the beginning of the beaming the search light on the aviation sector. I have used Air Peace, Azman, Aero, Dana and they all give you the jitters. While Air Peace appear to have good planes they are notorious for delaying flights.

The wings of Dana and Aero will make you pray all through your flight unless of course nature seeps in and you manage to doze off. But their matter is a discussion for another day and that day is near.

Most culpable in all of this is the Federal Airport Authority of Nigeria (FAAN) and especially the Nigerian Civil Aviation Authority (NCAA). They are supposed to be regulatory agencies with oversight functions on Nigeria’s aviation sector but there’s a huge doubt they see anything at all.
This makes you wonder how can you be a regulatory agency and not regulate anything at all? This is highly unacceptable and is no way to sell Nigeria to investors in the aviation sector or any other sector for that matter.

Any investor that has this kind gory experience on our flights will not come back, even worse, is how these airlines treat Nigerians and con them of their hard earned money. We don’t have to be prayer warriors because we want to travel by air.

NOTE: This is the first in a series of many write-ups on the dwindling quality of the aviation sector in Nigeria and of the airlines too.

*NYCD cautions Nigerian youths against Sowore’s calculated revolutionary protest*

The National Youth Coalition for Development has cautioned Nigerian youths against joining Omoyele Sowore’s revolutionary protest, stressing that, the motive behind the rally is negative.

In a press statement signed by the chairman of NYCD, Olawale Adebayo and co-signed by Secretary Chukwu Maurice Okoye on Monday, the group said Mr. Sowore was still bitter after losing out ridiculously in the last presidential election.

The group decried the strategy used by Mr. Sowore and some other Nigerians to deceive and subsequently con young Nigerians into thinking it’s a cause for them.

The NYCD said Nigerian youths can organize their protests without being used as a means to an end.

The chairman, Mr. Adebayo said Mr. Sowore was morally bankrupt and lacked the standing to call for revolution in Nigeria, given that, his online news platform, SaharaReporters is the king of fake news in Nigeria.

“How can Mr. Sowore call for a revolution when the revolution is supposed to start with him. Many of the problems we have in Nigeria is caused by the SaharaReporters which is owned by him.

He said Nigerians have not forgotten how he was disgraced on live television by the African Action Congress, AAC, the party which he founded and for which he contested the 2019 presidential election.

“He was disgraced on live television by the AAC for mismanaging and embezzling funds from donors for the execution of the last presidential election, how can this man be calling for revolution? Remember, he that lives in a glass house should not throw stones.

The NYCD called for massive boycott of the planned protests claiming that Mr. Sowore along with others like Segun Awosanya, popularly known as Segalink have fraudulent pasts and are using the supposed protest to collect grants from foreign organizations.

“A leopard never loses its stripes, these are men with proven track record for fraud. Segalink used #EndSARS to con many Nigerians on Twitter, he even took money from politicians to propagate outright falsehood and lies.

“I urge all Nigerians to please stay at home and don’t allow themselves to be used. We must remember that Sowore is always looking to grab the headlines and afterwards he will run to the United States while young Nigerians will be left hanging.

Mr. Adebayo said after the elections which Mr. Sowore was accused of fraud, he returned to the US to allow all claims against him to cool off.

“Has Sowore responded to the fraud allegations against him? Has he denied any of the allegations against him? We need to be weary of these elements.

He then urged Nigerian youths to demand their rights from the government in a civil way. “Youths can mobilize themselves for a protest but they need to do it with intentions of making things better for all and not enriching a few, we should be at the vanguard of this for good,” he said.

The NYCD said it will be announcing a protest for all Nigerian youths with a view to dialoguing with the federal, state and local government.

Here's A Brief Introduction Of Every Person On The 43-Man Ministerial List.

1. Dr. Okechukwu Ogah (Abia)

A Consultant Physician/Cardiologist ( Special Grade) University College Hospital, Ibadan. he served as Commissioner/ Chief Executive officer, Ministry of Health and member of Abia State Executive Council (August 2010- May 2015)

2. Muhammadu Musa Bello (Adamawa)

born in 1959, Adamawa state. He is a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he obtained a B.Sc. in Management with a major in Banking and Finance in 1980 as well as an MBA in the same field.

3. Sen. Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom)

a former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate's Minority Leader. He was also Governor of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria from May 29, 2007 to May 29, 2015.

4. Chris Ngige (Anambra)

born in August 1952, was governor of Anambra State in Nigeria from 29 May 2003 to 17 March 2006 (PDP). He is currently a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) He was elected Senator for Anambra Central Constituency in April 2011 .

5. Sharon Ikeazor (Anambra)

was born into the family of Chief Chimezie Ikeazor, SAN, of Obosi, Anambra State, the founder of the Legal Aid for the Poor Scheme in Nigeria. She graduated with an LLB Hons in 1984 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985.

6. Adamu Adamu (Bauchi)

A Nigerian accountant, writer, former journalist and a Former Minister of Education. He was appointed minister by President Muhammadu Buhari on November 2015 and that was his first ever presidential appointment.

7. Mrs Mariam Yalwaji Katagum (Bauchi)

Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO

She holds a Masters in Administration and Planning from the University of Lagos, (B.A.) in English, Graduate Certificate in Education at the Ahmadu Bello University.

8. Timipre Sylva (Bayelsa)

Fmr. Governor of Bayelsa State and He was a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly in the 1990s

9. Sen. George Akume (Benue)

He was the Minority Leader of the Senate from June 2011 to June 2015. He was also the Governor of Benue State from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007.

10. Mustapha Baba Shehuri (Borno)

Fmr. Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing
Born July 4th , 1961. He graduated from the University of Maiduguri in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology and Anthropology.

11. Goddy Jedy-Agba (Cross River)

A farmer, Bureaucrat and has a Degree in International Studies from Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Zaria in 1983. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos, Akoka in 1989.

12. Festus Keyamo (SAN)

Born in January 1970, A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, columnist and human rights activist, he received a Bachelor of Law degree in 1992 from Ambrose Alli University at Ekpoma, Edo State and was called to the Nigerian Bar on December 1993.

13. Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu (Ebonyi)

Fmr. Minister of Science and Tech. He graduated with a first class degree in Chemical Engineering in 1976 (UNILAG), and obtained a PhD in Chemical engineering in 1980 from University of California, Berkeley.

14. Dr. Osagie Ehanire (Edo)

Fmr. Minister for state Health.
studied Medicine at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in Germany qualifying as a physician and went to Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland where he obtained postgraduate Diploma in Anaesthetics.

15. Clement Ik Anade Agba (Edo)

Fmr. Commissioner for Environment and Public Utility, Edo and also briefly served as Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Housing.

16. Otunba Richard Adebayo (Ekiti)

First Executive Governor of Ekiti State from May 29, 1999 to May 29, 2003. He attended University of Lagos where he studied Law and obtained (LL.B Hons)

17. Geoffrey Onyeama (Enugu)

Fmr. Foreign Affairs Minister. Holds a (B.A) degree in Political Science, Columbia University, New York (1977), (B.A) degree in Law from St John's College, Cambridge (1980). Masters of Law (LL.M), London School of Economics

18. Dr. Ali Isa Ibrahim Pantami (Gombe)

studied Computer Science at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi, Nigeria, gaining a BTech in 2003 Session and an MSc in 2008, before obtaining a PhD from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland.

19. Emeka Nwajuba (Imo)

He was called to the Nigerian bar in 1989, pursued his LLM at University of Lagos and PhD at University of Jos. He had served as House of Representatives committee chairman on Land, Housing and works from 1999 to 2003

20. Eng. Suleiman H Adamu (Jigawa)

Fmr. Minister for eater resources and he has a B. Eng. (Hons.) Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 1984· M. Sc. (Project Management) Univ. of Reading, UK, 2004.

21. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed (Kaduna)

Fmr. Minister of State for Budget and National Planning... BSc Accounting (1981) Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria; IJMB ‘A’ Levels (1979) from SBS/ABU Zaria; and WASC ‘O’ Level in 1977 from Queen Amina College, Kaduna.

22. Dr. Mohammed Mahmoud (Kaduna)

Fmr. Chairman, Universal Basic Education Commission...

23. Sabo Nanono (Kano)

Mr. Nanono, who was a former chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, in Kano... Ahmadu Bello University [ABU], Zaria... B.Sc [Business Administration - 1972

University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA

24. Maj. Gen. (RTD) Bashir Magashi (Kano) is a lawyer and a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. He holds a national award of CFR. appointed Governor of Sokoto State in Nigeria from August 1990 to January 1992 during military era

25. Sen. Hadi Sirika (Katsina)

Fmr. Minister of Aviation, former pilot, Former General Manager Katsina State Transport Authority, Former Member House of Representative, and Senator of the Federal Republic of ��

26. Abubakar Malami (Kebbi)

lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). He is Nigeria's immediate past Minister for Justice and Attorney-General. He graduated from Usmanu Danfodiyo University where he studied Law and was called to the bar in 1992.

27. Rahmatu Tijani (Kogi)

graduated from Ahmadu Bello University with a degree in
Urban & Regional Planning. She also has an M.PA in Public Administration from Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

28. Lai Mohammed (Kwara)

He earned a bachelor's degree in French from Obafemi Awolowo University, in the year 1975. He proceeded to obtain a Law degree from the University of Lagos, and then Nigerian Law School.

29. Gbemisola Saraki (Kwara)

attended the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom and earned a bachelor's degree in Economics. She is the female legislator with the highest number of sponsored bills in Nigeria ��

30. Babatunde Raji Fashola (Lagos)
A senior Advocate of Nigeria, Fmr. Governor of Lagos and Fmr. Minister of Power, Works and Housing. He studied Law at the University of Benin from where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws, LL.B.(Hon), degree in 1987.

31. Sen. Adeleke O. Mamora (Lagos)

He obtained a B.Sc, Health Sciences, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) University of Ife, Ile-Ife and became a Health Practitioner. Senator for the Lagos East constituency (2007).

32. Mohammed H. Abdullahi (Nasarawa)

Fmr. Secretary to the State Government, Nasarawa State. Fmr. Attorney General & Commissiomer for Justice Nasarawa.

Usman Danfodiyo University Sokoto
LLB/BL (1990), Nigerian Bar Association 1991.

33. Ambassador Zubairu Dada (Niger)

He is a diplomat and also an Ambassador, Embassy of Nigeria, Warsaw Poland, since 1999....

34. Arch. Olamilekan Adegbite (Ogun)

Former Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure, Ogun State.

35. Sen. Tayo Alasoadura (Ondo)

obtained the Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA) of England Certificate as well as that of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria(ICAN) All in 1974

36. Rauf Aregbesola (Osun)

Fmr. Governor of Osun state, Fmr. Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure

37. Sunday Dare (Oyo)

Bachelor of Science (BSc.) in International Studies from Ahmadu Bello University in 1991. He then proceeded to obtain a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the University of Jos.

38. Pauline Tallen (Plateau)

Fmr. Deputy Governor Plateau state, she was appointed Minister of State for science and technology (2007) and She got a degree in sociology at the University of Jos in 1982

39. Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers)

Fmr. Governor Rivers State, Fmr. Minister of Transport. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree (Honours) in English Studies and Literature from the University of Port Harcourt in 1987

40. Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi (Sokoto)

Fmr. Chairman Chairman, NCCE Governing Board

41. Eng Saleh Mamman (Taraba)

Mamman Kwagyang Saleh currently works at the Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Ahmadu Bello University. Mamman does research in Agricultural Plant Science, Food Science and Animal Science.

42. Abubakar D. Aliyu (Yobe)

has served as Deputy Governor of the state for the past 10 years, making him the longest serving deputy governor in Nigeria’s political history.

43. Sa'adiya Umar Faruq (Zamfara)

Federal Commissioner of National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons. She has a Bsc. in Business Administration (Actuarial Science), Master's degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy in 2008.

Here's A Brief Introduction Of Every Person On The 43-Man Ministerial List.

1. Dr. Okechukwu Ogah (Abia)

A Consultant Physician/Cardiologist ( Special Grade) University College Hospital, Ibadan. he served as Commissioner/ Chief Executive officer, Ministry of Health and member of Abia State Executive Council (August 2010- May 2015)

2. Muhammadu Musa Bello (Adamawa)

born in 1959, Adamawa state. He is a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria, where he obtained a B.Sc. in Management with a major in Banking and Finance in 1980 as well as an MBA in the same field.

3. Sen. Godswill Akpabio (Akwa Ibom)

a former Senator of the Federal Republic of Nigeria and the Senate's Minority Leader. He was also Governor of Akwa Ibom State of Nigeria from May 29, 2007 to May 29, 2015.

4. Chris Ngige (Anambra)

born in August 1952, was governor of Anambra State in Nigeria from 29 May 2003 to 17 March 2006 (PDP). He is currently a member of the All Progressives Congress (APC) He was elected Senator for Anambra Central Constituency in April 2011 .

5. Sharon Ikeazor (Anambra)

was born into the family of Chief Chimezie Ikeazor, SAN, of Obosi, Anambra State, the founder of the Legal Aid for the Poor Scheme in Nigeria. She graduated with an LLB Hons in 1984 and was called to the Nigerian Bar in 1985.

6. Adamu Adamu (Bauchi)

A Nigerian accountant, writer, former journalist and a Former Minister of Education. He was appointed minister by President Muhammadu Buhari on November 2015 and that was his first ever presidential appointment.

7. Mrs Mariam Yalwaji Katagum (Bauchi)

Ambassador, Permanent Delegate of Nigeria to UNESCO

She holds a Masters in Administration and Planning from the University of Lagos, (B.A.) in English, Graduate Certificate in Education at the Ahmadu Bello University.

8. Timipre Sylva (Bayelsa)

Fmr. Governor of Bayelsa State and He was a member of the Rivers State House of Assembly in the 1990s

9. Sen. George Akume (Benue)

He was the Minority Leader of the Senate from June 2011 to June 2015. He was also the Governor of Benue State from 29 May 1999 to 29 May 2007.

10. Mustapha Baba Shehuri (Borno)

Fmr. Minister of State for Power, Works and Housing
Born July 4th , 1961. He graduated from the University of Maiduguri in 2007 with a Bachelor of Science Degree in Sociology and Anthropology.

11. Goddy Jedy-Agba (Cross River)

A farmer, Bureaucrat and has a Degree in International Studies from Ahmadu Bello University, Samaru, Zaria in 1983. He holds a Master’s Degree in International Law and Diplomacy from the University of Lagos, Akoka in 1989.

12. Festus Keyamo (SAN)

Born in January 1970, A Senior Advocate of Nigeria, columnist and human rights activist, he received a Bachelor of Law degree in 1992 from Ambrose Alli University at Ekpoma, Edo State and was called to the Nigerian Bar on December 1993.

13. Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu (Ebonyi)

Fmr. Minister of Science and Tech. He graduated with a first class degree in Chemical Engineering in 1976 (UNILAG), and obtained a PhD in Chemical engineering in 1980 from University of California, Berkeley.

14. Dr. Osagie Ehanire (Edo)

Fmr. Minister for state Health.
studied Medicine at Ludwig Maximilian University of Munich in Germany qualifying as a physician and went to Royal College of Surgeons in Ireland where he obtained postgraduate Diploma in Anaesthetics.

15. Clement Ik Anade Agba (Edo)

Fmr. Commissioner for Environment and Public Utility, Edo and also briefly served as Commissioner for Lands, Survey and Housing.

16. Otunba Richard Adebayo (Ekiti)

First Executive Governor of Ekiti State from May 29, 1999 to May 29, 2003. He attended University of Lagos where he studied Law and obtained (LL.B Hons)

17. Geoffrey Onyeama (Enugu)

Fmr. Foreign Affairs Minister. Holds a (B.A) degree in Political Science, Columbia University, New York (1977), (B.A) degree in Law from St John's College, Cambridge (1980). Masters of Law (LL.M), London School of Economics

18. Dr. Ali Isa Ibrahim Pantami (Gombe)

studied Computer Science at Abubakar Tafawa Balewa University in Bauchi, Nigeria, gaining a BTech in 2003 Session and an MSc in 2008, before obtaining a PhD from Robert Gordon University, Aberdeen, Scotland.

19. Emeka Nwajuba (Imo)

He was called to the Nigerian bar in 1989, pursued his LLM at University of Lagos and PhD at University of Jos. He had served as House of Representatives committee chairman on Land, Housing and works from 1999 to 2003

20. Eng. Suleiman H Adamu (Jigawa)

Fmr. Minister for eater resources and he has a B. Eng. (Hons.) Ahmadu Bello University, Zaria, 1984· M. Sc. (Project Management) Univ. of Reading, UK, 2004.

21. Zainab Shamsuna Ahmed (Kaduna)

Fmr. Minister of State for Budget and National Planning... BSc Accounting (1981) Ahmadu Bello University (ABU), Zaria; IJMB ‘A’ Levels (1979) from SBS/ABU Zaria; and WASC ‘O’ Level in 1977 from Queen Amina College, Kaduna.

22. Dr. Mohammed Mahmoud (Kaduna)

Fmr. Chairman, Universal Basic Education Commission...

23. Sabo Nanono (Kano)

Mr. Nanono, who was a former chairman of the All Farmers Association of Nigeria, in Kano... Ahmadu Bello University [ABU], Zaria... B.Sc [Business Administration - 1972

University of Wisconsin, Madison, USA

24. Maj. Gen. (RTD) Bashir Magashi (Kano) is a lawyer and a graduate of Ahmadu Bello University (ABU) Zaria. He holds a national award of CFR. appointed Governor of Sokoto State in Nigeria from August 1990 to January 1992 during military era

25. Sen. Hadi Sirika (Katsina)

Fmr. Minister of Aviation, former pilot, Former General Manager Katsina State Transport Authority, Former Member House of Representative, and Senator of the Federal Republic of ��

26. Abubakar Malami (Kebbi)

lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria (SAN). He is Nigeria's immediate past Minister for Justice and Attorney-General. He graduated from Usmanu Danfodiyo University where he studied Law and was called to the bar in 1992.

27. Rahmatu Tijani (Kogi)

graduated from Ahmadu Bello University with a degree in
Urban & Regional Planning. She also has an M.PA in Public Administration from Nasarawa State University, Keffi.

28. Lai Mohammed (Kwara)

He earned a bachelor's degree in French from Obafemi Awolowo University, in the year 1975. He proceeded to obtain a Law degree from the University of Lagos, and then Nigerian Law School.

29. Gbemisola Saraki (Kwara)

attended the University of Sussex in the United Kingdom and earned a bachelor's degree in Economics. She is the female legislator with the highest number of sponsored bills in Nigeria ��

30. Babatunde Raji Fashola (Lagos)
A senior Advocate of Nigeria, Fmr. Governor of Lagos and Fmr. Minister of Power, Works and Housing. He studied Law at the University of Benin from where he graduated with a Bachelor of Laws, LL.B.(Hon), degree in 1987.

31. Sen. Adeleke O. Mamora (Lagos)

He obtained a B.Sc, Health Sciences, Bachelor of Medicine and Bachelor of Surgery (MBBS) University of Ife, Ile-Ife and became a Health Practitioner. Senator for the Lagos East constituency (2007).

32. Mohammed H. Abdullahi (Nasarawa)

Fmr. Secretary to the State Government, Nasarawa State. Fmr. Attorney General & Commissiomer for Justice Nasarawa.

Usman Danfodiyo University Sokoto
LLB/BL (1990), Nigerian Bar Association 1991.

33. Ambassador Zubairu Dada (Niger)

He is a diplomat and also an Ambassador, Embassy of Nigeria, Warsaw Poland, since 1999....

34. Arch. Olamilekan Adegbite (Ogun)

Former Commissioner for Works & Infrastructure, Ogun State.

35. Sen. Tayo Alasoadura (Ondo)

obtained the Association of Chartered Accountants (ACA) of England Certificate as well as that of the Institute of Chartered Accountants of Nigeria(ICAN) All in 1974

36. Rauf Aregbesola (Osun)

Fmr. Governor of Osun state, Fmr. Lagos State Commissioner for Works and Infrastructure

37. Sunday Dare (Oyo)

Bachelor of Science (BSc.) in International Studies from Ahmadu Bello University in 1991. He then proceeded to obtain a Master of Arts in Law and Diplomacy from the University of Jos.

38. Pauline Tallen (Plateau)

Fmr. Deputy Governor Plateau state, she was appointed Minister of State for science and technology (2007) and She got a degree in sociology at the University of Jos in 1982

39. Rotimi Amaechi (Rivers)

Fmr. Governor Rivers State, Fmr. Minister of Transport. He received a Bachelor of Arts degree (Honours) in English Studies and Literature from the University of Port Harcourt in 1987

40. Muhammadu Maigari Dingyadi (Sokoto)

Fmr. Chairman Chairman, NCCE Governing Board

41. Eng Saleh Mamman (Taraba)

Mamman Kwagyang Saleh currently works at the Agricultural Extension and Rural Development, Ahmadu Bello University. Mamman does research in Agricultural Plant Science, Food Science and Animal Science.

42. Abubakar D. Aliyu (Yobe)

has served as Deputy Governor of the state for the past 10 years, making him the longest serving deputy governor in Nigeria’s political history.

43. Sa'adiya Umar Faruq (Zamfara)

Federal Commissioner of National Commission for Refugees, Migrants and Internally Displaced Persons. She has a Bsc. in Business Administration (Actuarial Science), Master's degree in International Affairs and Diplomacy in 2008.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo on Saturday met with two royal fathers in Ogun state in a bid to ensure the safety of live and property as well as fashion modalities for lasting peace in the country.

At the palace of the Akarigbo of Remoland, Oba Babatunde Adewale Ajayi, Prof. Osinbajo assured Nigerians of President Muhammadu Buhari’s resolve to improve the security situation across the country.

At the meeting which had Governor Dapo Abiodun in attendance, the Vice President assured Nigerians that engagements will be held across the country to ensure that Nigeria is peaceful.

Speaking briefly to newsmen after meeting with the Akarigbo, he explained that the security concerns in Nigeria are top priority for the government and engagement with stakeholders is important to finding a lasting solution.

“As you know there are many significant security concerns all over the country and of course there are concerns also in the South West, so I’m here on the instruction of Mr President to consult with Kabiyesi, the Akarigbo of Remoland, Governor Dapo Abiodun and other stakeholders on what could be done to beef up security and also generally to improve the security architecture.

Explaining why he met with the Akarigbo, he said, “Of course you know that Kabiyesi is not just the traditional ruler here but also a very important part of the government, so that is why we here to talk to him and to agree on a few modalities for beefing of security and for ensuring that we are fully conscious of what is going on around us and also to be sure that peace and security reigns here and across the country.



Asked what his advice to Nigerians are, he said, “I think the most important thing is for all of us to realize that we are one country and we all have to work together to ensure that our country is peaceful, secure and happy for all of us.

“This country has the potential to give us everything we can desire and everything that we need. There are many amongst us who may want to cause instability and difficulty as well but we are very confident, God helping us, that if we work together as a country and as a nation we will be able to overcome all our problems, and then set our country on the path of peace and prosperity.”

The Vice President is now meeting the Awujale of the Ijebu, Oba Sikiru Kayode Adetona for more consultations on security issues.

He is accompanied by Deputy Chief of Staff, Mr. Ade Ipaye, Senator Babafemi Ojudu, Special Adviser on Political Matters as well as other aides

SCAMMING A PRESIDENTIAL CANDIDATE IN THAT MANNER IS NOT FAIR. A NIGERIAN SCAMMER WOULD HAVE DONE BETTER THAN THE KENYAN.

Atiku and PDP’s Star witness, who claimed to be an ICT expert from Kenya, by name - David Ayu Nyango Njoga has said the results of the last presidential election were stored in a server allegedly operated by the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC).

Njoga said he only got the report, which he later analysed, from a third party website : “www.factdontlieng.com”.
The witness, who claimed that the information was provided by an INEC official, but said the INEC official acted anonymously and whose name, he does not know.

When asked if the website belonged to INEC, he said no but by a whistle-blower, whose name he, still did not know. He said the website was created on March 12, 2019, which is more than two weeks after the Presidential election date. When reminded that the presidential election held on February 23 and the results released before March 12, the witness went mute.

So that we are better informed:-
Below, are the illustrations on the different visa pages of the New Nigerian E-Passport:-

1. Rock, maybe Aso
2. Tiv Dancers
3. Calabar Masquerade
4. Argungu Fish Festival
5. Igbo Traditional Male Dancers.
6. Wall of Emir Palace
7. Fulani Herdsman & Cows
8. Benin Bronze
9. Durbar Horse Riders
10. Lagos Traffic
11. Fulani Girls With Calabash
12. Unidentifiable Historic Monument.
13. Carving of Southern Lady
14. Immigration HQ Building
15. Benin Mask
16. Savannah Forest
17. Rural Village Setting
18. Abuja City Entry
19. Hausa Trumpeter
20. Offshore Oil Rig
21 Akwa Ibom Female Dancers.
22. Obudu Ranch Cable Car
23. Canoe Transport
24. Lagos Eyo Festival
25. Rock-Jos, Abeokuta or Ondo
26. Nupe Bronze Carving
27. Acrobats Possibly S.E
28. Rock/Tree in Arid Background
29. Yoruba Masquerades
30. Waterfall
31. Statue of Ogun, god of Iron.

It was just a regular day – another business-as-usual one, for 28-year-old Suleiman Sanni, a basket seller in the popular Kasuwar Yankaba in Nasarawa LGA of Kano state, North West, Nigeria. Little did he know right there in the market, even without a formal bank account to his name, he’d become a beneficiary of a government micro loan to support his small business. That day he got registered and on the following day, Sanni received a non-collateral loan of N10,000 to support his small-scale business whose total capital at the time was estimated around N5,000.

Suleiman would need a formal bank account and collateral in order to access a loan from a regular commercial bank in any part of the country. His story is just one of over two million petty traders across the country who have become beneficiaries of the government scheme. This is the success story that GEEP has become today.

It was in 2017, when the President Buhari’s administration launched the Government Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP), as one of the National Social Investment Programme (NSIP) for Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) under the Office of Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, and executed in partnership with the Bank of Industry. TraderMoni is perhaps the most popular of the three schemes under GEEP including MarketMoni and FarmerMoni, and has so far reached over two million petty traders and small business owners in Nigeria.



In a remarkably short period, GEEP’s impact has been felt across the country but even more significant is its impact in the North West, a geopolitical zone with relatively low access to financial inclusion. The ‘no-barrier’ access to the TraderMoni loan ensured that tens of thousands became beneficiaries of the government loan. All they needed were just a working mobile phone and a verifiable business.

In a media chat with journalists, the Executive Director, Micro Enterprises, Bank of Industry, Mrs. Toyin Adeniji, said, “Trader-Moni is a microcredit loan for petty traders designed to meet the need of the larger population of Nigerian micro-enterprises that do not meet the more stringent starting requirements of the bank verification number and bank accounts.

According to her, “Qualified petty traders start at N10, 000, they progress to N15, 000, N20, 000, N50, 000 and then N100, 000. And as they pay back the preceding amount, they automatically qualify for the next loan.”

The loan repayment period is 6 months but records have it that many have repaid their first loan before the expiration tenure.

A GEEP Activation team travelled round the zone in 2018 ensuring every state was reached. From Kano to Kaduna, to Sokoto, Zamfara, Kebbi and Jigawa, visiting local markets in each of the state to enumerate and disburse the loans to traders.

The stories and testimonials were largely the same for the beneficiaries of the loan – they have been given an opportunity to expand their business – and ultimately, enhance their living conditions. And for many of them, it was the first time benefiting directly from a government scheme of such.

For most traders interviewed, the ease of access to the loans, non-discrimination of beneficiaries and convenient repayment plans were major attractions to them in contrast to the many hurdles of getting commercial bank loans.

Aisha Umaru, a roadside trader in local foods like kulikuli and mai in Gusau Central Market and 22-year-old Aliyu Umar Kwaruru, who sells local groundnut in a wheelbarrow in Kebbi Central Market are grateful for this intervention. For them, it was a good stepping stone to gradually scale their petty businesses.



According to Suleiman Sanni mentioned earlier in this article, “I came into the market a bit late and saw the TraderMoni people registering small businesses, and I was privileged to be part of those registered. It is indeed a blessing and I am grateful because this money will in-crease my business capital a great deal. Rather than buying fifty baskets, I can now afford to buy a hundred.”


Suleiman Sanni, a basket seller and TraderMoni beneficiary in Kano state.
In Sheikh Abubakar Gumi (Central) Market, Kaduna, another beneficiary, Sefiani who sells onions from a wheelbarrow said, all he wanted to do with the loan was to get a small roadside kiosk for his business and stop using wheelbarrow. He believed the N10,000 loan will help him increase profit which he can save to up to actualize his goal of renting a kiosk.

Many would easily dismiss what impact N10,000 could have a trader in present day Nigeria but the stories were different for many beneficiaries of TraderMoni. In Gusau Central Market, a beneficiary, Mogbelade Jejeniwa sells small plastic products and local food stuffs. For her, the loan is a significant addition to her business which will aid her growth and expansion. And for many like Mogbelade, N10,000 loan without a collateral is a good stepping stone to gradually scale their petty businesses.


Mogbelade Jejeniwa, a beneficiary of TraderMoni in Zamfara state.
In Central Market, Katsina, another beneficiary is Martina James, a widow who has been struggling to make ends meet along with her aged mother. She sells foodstuffs from a roadside shed and said she wanted to do with the loan was to add it to her business capital to buy and pay for the produce she sells rather getting them on credit which is how she had been getting by. She said it’d be easier for her to make more profit that way. A visibly happy Martina promised to pay up her loan as fast she can in other to access more loan from the government.


Martina James, a TraderMoni Beneficiary in Katsina Central Market.
To validate the scheme’s extensive reach across the country, the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo said during one of his visits to the markets, “The Trader Moni scheme is one of the Government, Enterprise and Empowerment Programme (GEEP) micro-credit products.

“MarketMoni and FarmerMoni are still very much in operation. We have a target of 30,000 minimum beneficiaries per state, and we have achieved this in majority of the 36 states and Federal Capital Territory (FCT).”

The immediate impact of the scheme was for small business owners to grow their businesses but the larger success of GEEP is deepening access to financial inclusion in the North Western region with many beneficiaries having to open a formal bank accounts as one of the requirements to qualify for the phase two of the loans.

With the increasing access to the loans, government is creating a more enabling environment for the growth of small-scale businesses and reduction in the overall poverty rate.

Did You Know?

GEEP has impacted over 2 million small and micro businesses.

Over 56% of beneficiaries are female.

Professions: Artisans, petty traders, farmers and market women.

Over 2600 markets have been activated across the 774 LGAs in the 36 states and the F.C.T.

GEEP has worked with 7000 market cooperatives, farming clusters and field agents.


source :
https://punchng.com/tradermoni-beneficiaries-in-the-north-west-share-testimonies/

*Nigerians rank Sahara Reporters, Punch as leading FAKE NEWS media outfits*

Nigerians have ranked SaharaReporters and Punch Newspapers as the leading media outfits for fake news in the country following a vote on a poll on social media.

In a poll conducted by Oladele Peter, titled: "Which News Media Ranks First In Fake News". Sahara Reporters topped the vote, after being picked by 47% of the respondents.
Punch placed second with 27% while Premium Times and Daily Post placed a joint third with 13% each.

Oladele Peter, a professional psychologist, explained that he conducted the poll following weeks of fake news churned out by media outfits in Nigeria.

In this online poll which was recently conducted this month, some very interesting findings were gathered to show how respondents see the media houses when it comes to publishing fake news and passing it off as the real deal.

With the spread of internet usage and smartphones becoming as ubiquitous as pens, the phrase that goes “the world is a global village” has become a daily reality for billions of the world’s population. Zoom in on Nigeria and the global village becomes one long street of interactions in all directions, with diverse ramifications.

Nigerians are a unique audience of sorts, and over time this audience has come to identify the major home-based media outlets for their various strengths and weaknesses, presentation styles, as well as neutrality or partisanship in political issues.

Fake news is a global scourge and Nigeria is not immune to this terrible trend in news dissemination. After the US election cycle in 2016 that produced Donald Trump as president, the world became introduced to media tactics for aggressive controlling of narratives.

When media sources deliberately set out to twist the little shreds of truth, or outright falsehoods that get presented as news, it becomes the burden of the audience to sieve through all content and separate fact from fiction.

Buhari’s plan to Islamise Nigeria is in full gear.

Here are the recent army promotions, appointments and postings. Democracy is in danger!!!


Here’s the list: Lt.-Gen Lamidi Adeosun now Chief of Policy and Plans of the Army

Maj.-Gen A.O Shodunke now Chief of Defence Logistics, DHQ

Maj.-Gen A.A Tarfa now Training and Doctrine Command, Minna as Commander

Maj.-Gen E.O Udoh now Chief of Training and Operations

Maj.-Gen. M.S Yusuf now (Chief of Administration) Army

Maj.-Gen J.I Unuigbe now Chief of Logistics (Army)

Maj.-Gen. E.N Njoku remains at DHQ as Director Communications

Maj.-Gen. O.F Azinta now Chief of Army Standard and Evaluation

Maj.-Gen. A.B Omozoje now General Officer Commanding 2 Division Ibadan

Maj.-Gen A.B Biu now General Officer Commanding 7 Division Maiduguri

Maj.-Gen. J.J Ogunlade now General Officer Commanding 8 Division Sokoto

Maj.-Gen J.O Irefin now General Officer Commanding 81 Division Lagos

Maj.-Gen. Kay Isiyaku now Commander DHQ Garrison Abuja

Maj.-Gen. A.A Jidda now Coordinator Peacekeeping Operations (MoD)

Maj.-Gen J.O Oni now Director Procurement, Defence Headquarters

Maj.-Gen. O.A Akintade now Corps Commander Ordinance Lagos

Maj.-Gen O.W Ali now Director Army Physical Training Zaria

Maj.-Gen. C.G Musa now Commander Sector 3 Operation LAFIYA DOLE, Monguno

Maj.-Gen O.T Akinjobi now Director Standards and Evaluation DHQ

Brig.-Gen K.A Kazir acting ED Nigerian Army Farms and Ranches Limited

Brig.-Gen. A.E Attu now acting deputy commandant National Defence College

Brig.-Gen M.T Usman now Headquarters Guards Brigade Abuja

Brig.-Gen U.T Musa now acting Commandant Martin Luther Agwai International Leadership and Peacekeeping Centre Jaji

Brig.-Gen G.O Adesina now acting Director, Policy

Brig.-Gen L.A Fejokwu now acting Director Personnel Services at Army Headquarters

Brig.-Gen. E.A.P Undiandeye now acting Director Foreign Liaison at the Defence Intelligence Agency Abuja

Brig.-Gen J.Y Nimyel now Commandant Amphibious Training School Calabar

Brig.-Gen. O.O Oluyede now Commander 27 Task Force Brigade Buni Yadi

Brig.-Gen. P.P Malla now Commander 28 Task Force Brigade Chibok

Brig.-Gen. O.M Bello now Commander 1 Brigade Sokoto

Brig.-Gen. M.A Etsu-Ndagi now Commander 9 Brigade Lagos

Col. R.C Emeh now Assistant Director Army Physical Training at 3 Division Physical Training Group Jos

Col. M.O Erebulu now Commander 2 Provost Group Ibadan

Lt.-Col. S.A Abimbola now Commanding Officer 343 Artillery Regiment Elele

Lt.-Col. S.M Ahmed now Commanding Officer 332 Artillery Regiment Shendam

Nigeria and the dangers of Fake News

Based on an online research carried out on Twitter, Facebook, and Instagram 59.6% of news making the round on the internet are fake news (that is, majority of the news on social media and prints are deliberate misinformation, disinformation, hoaxes, satire, junk, and yellow journalism which is just to discredit an individual, a policy, a programme, an idea, an ethnic group or government.

Fake news are information that cannot be verified, without sources, and possibly untrue, fabricated news, also known as junk news or pseudo-news, is a type of satire, yellow journalism or propaganda that consists of deliberate misinformation or hoaxes spread through traditional news media (print and broadcast) or online social media. Fake news have long been in existence and is as old as the news industry itself.

A false information could be ignited by reporters paying sources for stories or are paid to report an unethical and unreal story, this is called checkbook journalism. Digital news has brought back and increased usage of fake news, or yellow journalism.

Fake news is also journalism that consists of deliberate misinformation, news whose main purpose is to distort "the truth for emotional persuasion, seeking to drive action." More recently it has become a catch-all term used to discredit stories, and in the political arena to influence the political process and election.

Nigeria is witnessing increasing fake news which are sponsored for political, religion and tribal gains. This is becoming alarming and if not cautioned could lead to civil unrest or even another civil war. We must collectively as a nation verify news and their sources before publishing or sharing them. For example, the cloning of President Buhari, EFCC raiding Justice Onnoghen’s home, the news of Peter Obi fainting in court, the allegation of Osinbajo heading RUGA, and of recent the report that herdsmen killed Mrs Funke Olakunrin, daughter of Pa Fasoranti.

The Nigerian Police has warned against “false information and incendiary images on Facebook and Twitter, stressing that, it contributed to more than a dozen killings in Plateau state” this is an area turn by ethnic, religion, farmer and herdsmen violence for a long period of time. The fake report and news on social media and print also added fire to the violence in the area.

We need to verify all information in Nigeria, whether in print or on social media. Sometimes reporters, editors and media houses could be given fake news to publish without them knowing it. We need to join hands in fighting the menace called FAKE NEWS; this will also help eradicate ethnic and religion prejudice as well as discrimination while encouraging tolerance and acceptance.

God bless Nigeria
Oladele Peter (from Ekiti)

tsinzu:
Get lost!! You and your husband are part of the problems of Nigeria

get sense ....

*Its Time The Fulani Propaganda Stops*

Once again talks of Fulanis invading Nigeria and taking over the country has surfaced barely one week after Ruga Settlements were suspended by the Presidency over fears that the scheme was designed to empower Fulanis across the country especially in the south and west.

A statement credited to the Fulani Nationality Movement, FUNAM from 2018 is the latest message making the rounds by those who are working relentlessly to ensure that Nigeria burns. Their goal is to pitch ethnic groups against themselves, and hopefully ignite a war.

Since they lost the 2019 elections, they have determined amongst themselves that Nigeria MUST be ungovernable. They have developed and laundered messages that have both religious and ethnic coloration and they will stop at nothing to make sure Nigeria burns.

Only yesterday, two siblings named Chinaza and Emeka, kidnapped their 88-year old father for ransom but it did not make the front pages because they are not Fulanis, in fact, northerners. That is not even the talking point; the crux of the matter is that we shouldn’t put up one ethnic group for the other.

Nigeria will not break in spite of misguided fabrications and propaganda by haters of this country. One thing that comes to mind when talk of ‘Fulanization’ is mentioned, is the fact that Nigeria is evenly represented in the National Assembly. Are we saying all our lawmakers are naïve of this plan?

Here are some things Nigerians must know because ignorance is no longer bliss.

1. For starters, not everyone from northern Nigeria is Fulani or Hausa, there are over 10 major tribes in the north of Nigeria including Kanuri, Bornu, Nok, etc to mention a few, so how do they go along with this laughable plan?

2. It’s ridiculous that in 2019, some Nigerians and indeed people across the world still believe that every northerner is a Muslim. This is completely gross and unacceptable. There are Christians and pagans in the north of Nigeria. States like Benue, Plateau are predominantly Christian states while Kaduna and other northern states boast of a healthy amount of Christians. Are this Christians in on this plan too?

3. The South East, South South and South West of Nigeria are predominantly Christians. How will they allow the Fulanis to take over their lands? Is the rejection of Ruga settlements not the clearest indication of their stance?

4. When Babatunde Fashola was governor of Lagos, didn’t he take action against non-Lagosians by sending them back to their states? What are the governors doing now? Do they have the political will to replicate this action?

5. Or is it because Muhammadu Buhari is President and because he is Fulani that these purveyors of bad news are feasting on this narrative? What exactly do our governors do with security votes? These are questions that must be asked.

There are heavily vested interests who are even more disgruntled than we can understand, ever since the Buhari administration decided to enforce the payments for renewal of oil block licences. These are men with means to assemble sizable armed groups to unleash mayhem under the cover tag of ‘Fulani herdsmen’. We need to ask the carriers of fake news how they identify the attackers whom they always label as Fulani, since they do not speak the language.

Only recently we have seen the Benue state governor Ortom, who had initially accused herdsmen and the Buhari administration of attacking his state to foment trouble before the presidential elections, later coming out after the elections to say it was his own deputy governor that engineered the unrest for political reasons.

Any mischief maker can come up with a WhatsApp broadcast message tilted towards the most unreasonable ethnic and religious sentiment one can imagine. This is where public awareness plays a major role. A stranger cannot know the people more than themselves. Nigerians need to learn how to sieve through messages and separate the real from fake news.

https://www.chronicle.ng/2019/07/supreme-court-affirms-oyetola-governor-of-osun-state/



The Supreme Court has dismissed Peoples Democratic Party’s petitions in a five against two split judgment, upholding Gboyega Oyetola of the APC as the elected governor of Osun State.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo
Contrary to claims reported in sections of the media, the establishment of Ruga settlements is not being supervised by the Office of the Vice President.

The Ruga initiative is different from the National Livestock Transformation Plan approved by State governors under the auspices of the National Economic Council (NEC) chaired by Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, SAN.

NEC on January 17, 2019, approved the plan based on the recommendations of a Technical Committee of the Council chaired by Governor Dave Umahi of Ebonyi State.

Other State Governors on the committee and Working Group of NEC are those from Adamawa, Kaduna, Benue, Taraba, Edo, Plateau, Oyo & Zamfara – mostly the frontline States in the Farmer-Herder crises.

The National Livestock Transformation Plan (NLTP) 2019-2028 is a programme to be implemented in 7 pilot states of Adamawa, Benue, Kaduna, Plateau, Nasarawa, Taraba and Zamfara (as decided by NEC in January), being States in the frontlines of the Farmer-Herder crises.

READ: Court overrules defence, admits more evidence against Jonah Jang

Afterwards, six other States have indicated readiness to also implement the plan. They are Katsina, Kano, Kogi, Kwara, Ondo, and Edo states, Laolu Akande, spokesperson to VP Osinbajo said in a statement.

The plan has six pillars through which it aims to transform the livestock production system in Nigeria along market oriented value chain while ensuring an atmosphere of peace and justice.
The six key pillars include:

economic investment
conflict resolution
justice and peace
humanitarian relief and early recovery
human capital development and
cross-cutting issues such as gender, youth, research and information and strategic communication.
In all the Federal Government will not impose on any State government regarding its land.

*Who will help Afenifere faction, Reno Omokri and PDP?*

Gush! What Afenifere? Is it that notorious faction of Afenifere that has Yinka Odunmakin as its publicity secretary? Is that what you're talking about? Please, I can't begin to lose sleep over those ones; in any case, they are in our past.

Please, what is making them a talking point? Oh, I see, it's Vice President Yemi Osinbajo's comments on kidnapping while in the United States, but I heard the man has said he was misquoted, upon watching the video I learnt he never said what they claimed. Let’s leave those hungry old men to go and sit down jo.

You mean Reno Omokri also commented on it? Are you really sure he said the VP said there are no kidnappings in Nigeria. Well, I have concluded on that lad called Reno, he is a confusionist. He tries to twist everything the Vice President or anyone in the current government says.

Come to think of it, this guy was sacked even before Goodluck Jonathan lost the 2015 election. Biko, why is he crying more than the bereaved? But let’s remember ooo, they robbed this country blind. He is probably very broke now after gallivanting across nations, especially for someone that has never held a decent job in his life.

I even heard that he is using the name of Leah Sharibu to sell books and shirts for a living. Yes, the Dapchi school girl that was abducted by Boko Haram, he is milking that girl and her family. Let me tell you something, a fraudster is a fraudster, they never change.

Apostle Suleman is benefiting from the Leah Sharibu scam? I don't know that one oooo. Well I don't agree, he is a man of God. But if it's true, God will judge plenty people on the last day.

Now you're talking. I can agree that Sola Kuti, Henry Shield and the other wailers are part of that scam. These guys are desperate, I mean very, very desperate. On Twitter, they drop their account numbers in DMs of those doing giveaways, I won't be surprised if they are caught doing blood money.

This is what Nigeria has become, miscreants don't want a good government to work. So what? What if PDP issued a statement on the VP's comments. Do you mean that party still exists? Or is it the remnant of PDP that is issuing the statement? Hahaha, wonders shall never end.

Nothing good has ever come out of PDP, I mean when they were in government and even now that they are opposition. Nothing good will ever come out of them too, it’s not a curse oooo, unless their mentality changes, I tell you.

Why are you are asking me what Prof. Osinbajo said in the United States again? Don't take me back, biko. Didn't you watch his video? Didn't you read his statement?

But I shared it with you now, why didn't you read it? Oh, you were reading that Wole Soyinka drama, abeg that's a tale for another day.

Since you refused to click on links I sent to help your career, let me just share what VP Osinbajo said but I most definitely will not gist you about his visit to the White House to meet Vice President Mike Pence.

For the last time, this is what Prof. Osinbajo said;


“I think there is also a lot of politics involved in some of the information as it comes up. I think it is also important to point out that this new wave of issues of security came immediately after the elections. And there is always a connection between this issue of security and elections because many times, politicians’ arm several of these individuals during the electioneering period, and immediately after an election cycle, many of them, having nothing to do and with arms all over the place, resort to the fastest way of making money which is to abduct somebody and ask for a ransom. And that is just one side of the problem”.


“When people say there is security problem here and there, it is not one thing, it is several different things but if it is described as one thing then it will look bigger than it really is. And I am deeply worried about the fact that we might find ourselves unable to resolve these problems unless we drill down to see what the problems are.”

“With respect to general kidnapping which we have seen in certain parts of the country, again this is not entirely new. When you listen to some of the stories, some of them are simply not true anyway. Some are fueled by politics, but there are cases of kidnapping, there is no question at all about that….and every story we try to track and trace. When you track them, you find out that people just tell some stories, but the truth anyway is that there is kidnapping in places where it has taken place. The way to check it is the work we are doing with State governments namely using technology to track cases. These are economic crimes; if people know that they will be caught, and they will not be allowed to get away with their loot, it will stop in the places where it is taking place. That is really the work we are doing with the State governments. We are doing this in the various zones where we see that there is a rash of incidents. We are trying to put in place trackers and all sorts of other equipment that can be used to locate these criminals.”

“I am not so sure how many follow the number of arrests that have been made in different state police commands, several have been made. I don’t think the problem is as massive as that, I think we can deal with the question of kidnapping quite easily. I am sure that not so long a time, the news will be a lot better in terms of kidnapping and we will feel more comfortable about life at home.”

I really will urge that you don’t rely entirely for information on social media. I think that the social media tends to be hysterical about practically everything.

Vice President Mike Pence has described his Nigerian counterpart Prof. Yemi Osinbajo as his ‘friend’ after the pair met at the White House on Wednesday.

Prof. Osinbajo who was in the United States on a four-day working visit culminated his trip with a closed door meeting with Mr. Pence.

The two discussed strengthening the Nigeria-US relationship and deepening the economic ties between both countries.

Even more, was the instant chord and chemistry between the two leaders that made Mr. Pence walk Mr. Osinbajo to his car before wishing him a safe trip back to Nigeria.

The respect was mutual between VP Pence and VP Osinbajo during their meeting at the White House
The respect was mutual between VP Pence and VP Osinbajo during their meeting at the White House
Shortly after the meeting, Laolu Akande, the spokesperson to VP Osinbajo explained what Nigerians should expect from the productive meeting.

On Twitter he wrote, “Vice Presidents Yemi Osinbajo and Mike Pence just ended a meeting now in the White House


“After their discussions, which centered around deepening relationships between Nigeria and the US, VP Pence decided to walk his Nigerian guest to his car, describing Osinbajo as “a friend.”


Vice Presidents Yemi Osinbajo & Mike Pence just ended a meeting now in the White House. After their discussions, which centered around deepening relationships between Nigeria & the US, US VP Pence decided to walk his Nigerian guest to his car, describing Osinbajo as "a friend."

Prior to Prof. Osinbajo’s meeting with VP Pence, the Nigerian Vice President was guest at the Council of Foreign Relations in New York where he met with investors and other stakeholders.

Vice President Mike Pence walking Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to his car after a meeting at the White House
Vice President Mike Pence walking Vice President Yemi Osinbajo to his car after a meeting at the White House
Pitching Nigeria to the world, Prof. Osinbajo said, “Our potential in technology and entertainment has been attracting huge attention. First is the market, at 174 million GSM phones, we are among the top ten telephone users in the world, and we have the highest percentage of people who use internet on their phones in the world.”

Continuing he said “we are also number two in mobile internet banking in the world, and 17 million Nigerians are on Facebook. Microsoft has announced that it will establish a 100 million dollar African Development Centre in Nigeria.

“Second is the ever-growing number of technology startups, young digital entrepreneurs who are creating solutions to value chain and logistics challenges and creating thousands of jobs in the process. Andela, a software company training software developers for many Fortune 500 companies received a $24m dollar investment from Facebook.”

12 Things You Should Know About #TraderMoni

A lot of things have been said about TraderMoni, most of them, political.

I was privileged to work with a group of people who are enumerators in this programme and here are 12 things I learnt.

- Trader Moni is an empowerment scheme by the FG for petty traders/artisans.

- It kicked off in Sept 2017.

- It is a collateral/interest free loan.

- Presently it has won 4 international recognition/awards.

- Registration/Payment is electronic.

- Disbursement and repayment is handled by BOI.

-TraderMoni is presently in the 36 states and the FCT

- It is not a vote buying scheme

- It is a cashless/paperless transaction

- One of its objectives is to promote financial inclusion

- It is not funded by the Abacha loot, but the national
budget

- Registration is free

Copied from Tise jay @jaytise (twitter)

connectadex:
How much is this bro?

150k

Clean 1 month used
IPhone 8
Gold
64gig

Public Notice On Video Clip Making Rounds On Social Media- Nigeria High Commission- Ottawa

The attention of the High Commission has been drawn to a video Clip making rounds on social media, giving a wrong impression that Nigerians go through a difficult and harrowing experience when they come to obtain passports and other consular-related services at the Nigeria High Commission,Ottawa.

The High Commission hereby wishes to state unequivocally that the mentioned video clip purportedly shot by the Canadian Broadcasting Corporation (CBC) in 2013 does not, in any way, reflect the current reality of the very positive experiences Nigerians have whenever they visit our office for passports and other consular-related matters.

For the avoidance of doubt, our website : www.nigeriahcottawa.com provides passport applicants with useful information on our operations and various services.

In addition, with the passport processing structure presently in place at the High Commission, Nigerians with complete documentation are able to obtain their passports within a few hours on the same day of their visits to our office.

Member of the public are, therefore enjoined to disregard the visor clip in it entirely, as High Commission remains committed to sustaining and improving on its effective service delivery to Nigerians and all, it is, no doubt, the handiwork of mischief makers, who may even be envious of the commission landmark achievements made so far with regard to issuance of passports and consular services to Nigerians in Canada.

Thank you.
Nigeria High Commission,
Ottawa.
June 18, 2019.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo says the problem of extreme poverty in Nigeria keeps him up at night and that the government will take Nigerians out of poverty.

Osinbajo disclosed this at a dinner and Interactive Session with Faculty Members, Harvard Business School (HBS) in Lagos.

The Vice President featured alongside Srikant Datar, Professor of Business Administration (HBS), and Bayo Ogunlesi, a Nigerian investment banker at a question and answer session moderated by Hakeem Bello-Osagie, Chairman of Metis Capital Partners.

“I think what keeps me up at night has to do with extreme poverty; the issue is that the largest number of those who vote for us are the very poor.

“The promises that government makes to them is that their lives will be better and obviously they are looking at their lives being better in the shortest possible time.

“I will like to see Nigeria being an industrialised nation in the next 10 years; a very strong middle class and most people living above poverty line.’’

Osinbajo said that a lot of government policies were taking into account people at the bottom of the pyramid with a focus on agriculture and getting credit facilities to farmers in order to achieve self sufficiency.

He said that many farmers in the country had been lifted out of poverty by this administration.

According to him, a lot of attention had also been given to the Social Intervention Programmes (SIPs) which factored the provision of cheap credit to petty traders at the bottom of the pyramid.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo interacts with 36 Havard professors, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Prof. Hakeem Bello-Osagie; global investor Mr. Adebayo Ogunlesi and Emir of Kano, Muhammed Sanusi II at a dinner in Lagos
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo interacts with 36 Havard professors, Lagos State Governor Babajide Sanwo-Olu and Prof. Hakeem Bello-Osagie; global investor Mr. Adebayo Ogunlesi and Emir of Kano, Muhammed Sanusi II at a dinner in Lagos
The vice president told the HBS that Nigeria was open to business with its various potentials and urged Nigerian investors abroad to look homewards.

“If you are going to do business anywhere in Africa, it has to be Nigeria.

“This is where you have the energy; you have the drive.

READ: Ad-hoc NYSC members will get automatic employment – INEC

“We are already seeing that kind of activity; business people will always be driven by profit.

“Talent will always go in the direction where it is best rewarded; one can’t afford to be sentimental about that.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo interacting with Havard Profs and Nigerian leaders
Vice President Yemi Osinbajo interacting with Havard Profs and Nigerian leaders
“As people see that the environment is getting better for business, they will come back; the opportunities for making huge profits are here.

“Practically everything we are doing is to ensure that there is environment for business to thrive. People are leaving but people are coming back.’’

He said that the Federal Government, through the Special Economic Zones (SEZ) was encouraging the manufacturers.

The vice president said that the government was looking at natural economic clusters and had set up shared facilities and power.

He said a lot was going on the agro-allied sector and of course, resolving the power challenges.

“In the next few months, we will unveil a plan that deals with most of the critical issues in the power sector,’’ he said.

On climate change, Osinbajo said that the momentum was in favour of renewable energy and Nigeria was doing a lot of investment in renewable energy; solar power and opening up opportunities.

On his part, Datar said he was particularly proud of Osinbajo as an academic in governance, adding that academics provide enabling environment for good governance.

He pledged HBS’s support in providing needed support for human capital development in Nigeria and proffering solutions to tackling Nigeria’s infrastructure challenges.

Speaking, Ogunlesi said that the era of depending on government for infrastructure was gone, adding that the Federal Government had no business running infrastructure in Nigeria, especially the airports.

In a vote of thanks, Emir of Kano, Alhaji Muhammadu Sanusi II, called for urgent action to address the high poverty rate in Nigeria especially in the North West.

He also advocated for a committee on girl-child education to boost enrolment in schools and uplift their living standards.

The event also attracted Lagos State Governor, Mr Babajide Sanwo-Olu, US Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr Stuart Symington, immediate past Minister of Trade and Investment, Mr Okechukwu Enelamah, immediate past Minister of Budget and National Planning, Sen. Udoma Udo Udoma among others.

IRI/NDI commends INEC for conduct of 2019 election

The International Republic Institute (IRI) and the National Democratic Institute (NDI) has praised Nigeria’s electoral agency, the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) for introducing far reaching reforms prior to the 2019 general elections.

The United States based group made the commendation at a press conference held at the Benue Plateau Room, Transcorp Hilton, Abuja on Tuesday.

In its final report, the IRI/NDI noted that its comprehensive analysis of the electoral process includes important recommendations ahead of Nigeria’s 2023 general elections.

“This final report builds on the findings and recommendations of three pre-election assessment missions in July 2018, September 2018, and December 2018 as well as preliminary statements released following the February 23, 2019 presidential and National Assembly elections and the March 9, 2019 gubernatorial and state House of Assembly elections,” Dr. Daniel Twining, IRI President said.

The groups, however, noted that the last-minute postponement of the presidential and National Assembly elections on the morning of February 16 and delays in opening some polling units and other administrative challenges on Feb. 23 undermined public confidence in INEC.

Ambassador Derek Mitchell, NDI President called for a national dialogue on election reforms. “The 2019 elections highlighted for many Nigerians the need for a national conversation about the country’s democratization since the 1999 transition to civilian rule.”

He added that, “We hope this report may both spur and contribute to enriching that national conversation.”

The final report provides recommendations to enhance the credibility of elections in Nigeria going forward, including areas of improvement for political party conduct, civic engagement, election security, and legal frameworks around election disputes.

Honourable Simon Karu representing Kaltungo-Shongom in Gombe state in the House of Representatives said the National Assembly will do its share in ensuring that electoral reforms are implemented.

“There are lots of reforms, what we need is implementation. Policies and laws should be implemented by NASS. There should also be comprehensive education of the larger society. We need proper engagements of youths and strategic implementations not just for 2023.

''We should be able to guard our votes; I will project it to the NASS when the opportunity arises. For the rural areas, we should use a collective effort to get internet network to those areas just like the banks. We should not wait for 2020, the private bodies should rise up and not just leave it to the Federal Government. Telecommunications bodies should arise to plant network in these areas to,'' he urged.

He noted that INEC’s conduct of the 2019 election was a notch higher than that of 2015. “In previous elections, accredited voters ended up not voting and their ballots were thumb printed falsely just to meet the figure of those accredited.

“But in 2019 elections, INEC came out to say although this figure were accredited, not all of them voted due to one reason or another.


The high-level delegation for the joint Nigeria International Election Observation Mission included His Excellency Festus Mogae, former president of Botswana; Her Excellency Vaira Vike-Freiberga, former president of Latvia; Her Excellency Fatoumata Tambajang, former vice president of The Gambia; Ambassador Johnnie Carson, former U.S. assistant secretary of state for African affairs; Randy Scheunemann, vice chairman of IRI’s board of directors; Ambassador Derek Mitchell, NDI president; and Dr. Daniel Twining, IRI president, along with 40 observers from Africa, Europe, and North America. Five thematic experts were also deployed to provide in-depth analysis on key issues identified during the pre-election assessments: electoral violence, election administration, inclusivity and the political environment.

Democracy Day: Show of shame by past Presidents, Heads of States

Shunning June 12 Democracy Day celebrations is the clearest indication that most of our past Presidents and Heads of States were only about their selfish goals and not about Nigeria. They will do everything possible to make Nigerians know they are sulking; this includes shunning Democracy Day celebration.

The skewed thinking of many Nigerians and their joy that former Presidents and Head of States did not attend the Democracy Day celebrations is a pointer to our problems. Not only is their joy misplaced, it is very ridiculous.

As past Presidents and Heads of States who have claimed at different times that the June 12 election was wrongly annulled, one would expect that even if they failed to declare June 12 as Democracy Day, they will at least grace the maiden celebration.

But not our past Presidents and Heads of States, they have their own agenda and they do not want to see Nigeria celebrate anything. What is more appalling is that some of them have claimed to be true democrats, how can this be?

Their actions and utterances show that they were never democrats, speak less, leaders. A leader is a person who defines and exhibits moral and ethical courage and sets an example for everyone else. What kinds of example have this lot set?

It is often said that true leadership is all about developing people and helping others reach their full potential, please how have our past Presidents helped Nigeria to reach its goals? The election is over, the case is in court, that does not mean that they should carry their hate and divisive embryo everywhere they go.

Nigeria is much more than an election and Nigeria is in dire need of true leaders, leaders who do not politicize everything. What is more painful is that African leaders graced the occasion that our own past Presidents shunned. What an irony, Nigeria who claims to be the ‘Giant of Africa’ displaying its problems in open glare.

I think it is a shame on all the past leaders save for General Yakubu Gowon who I believe was unavoidably absent. As for President Goodluck Jonathan who many applauded for his big heart in the 2015 election, I think he might be losing the plot. We know who Chief Olusegun Obasanjo is and we have seen how he is trying to drag Nigeria down because of selfish reasons.

Only yesterday Babagana Kingibe confirmed that Obasanjo was one of the architects of the annulment of the June 12, 1993 presidential election.
President Jonathan should not go down that route. He should not allow the same democracy that he preserved remember him in the negative. He is the reason why President Muhammadu Buhari can declare June 12 a Democracy Day.

Ladidi Mohammed in Abuja

*Reno Omokri corners foreign grants in Leah Sharibu’s name*

Reno Omokri, the former social media aide to President Good luck Jonathan has reportedly received hundreds of thousands of dollars in foreign grants in the name of abducted Dapchi girl, Leah Sharibu.

On Twitter, Mr. Omokri has been advocating that the Federal Government of Nigeria secure the release of Ms. Sharibu but all for personal gains, a source close to an American NGO said.

The source explained that Mr. Omokri has been using his influence as a former aide to President Jonathan to scurry favours and make money.

“Background check on the activities of Mr. Omokri revealed that he has not been in Nigeria for many years and has only been mouthing the release of Ms. Sharibu to secure grants.

The source said they discovered that he designed shirts and claimed to have held rallies calling for her release in Nigeria. “He did design shirts but never held a rally. One of those shirts was presented by a Nigerian senator to UK Prime Minister hopeful, Boris Johnson,” the source said.

The source however said that Mr. Omokri is still being investigated and could be charged for fraud. “We understand that he has a history of falsehood and our due diligence has revealed that this could be a repeat of his past.

“Our organization has since suspended ties with Mr. Omokri for now while we continue investigations of our dealings with him.

“We stand for human rights and freedom but not fraud or anything like that; we will come out with our findings once it is concluded.

“In the mean time, people should note that Ms. Sharibu’s matter is one that means so much to our organization and not an avenue for fraud or political scores.

“We are open to working with honest and upright groups in Nigeria to ensure that Ms. Sharibu is reunited with her family because that it what she deserves,” the source said.

Twitter user @curlyspeaks praises the VP

https://twitter.com/curlyspeaks/status/1131116658939047937

VP Osinbajo and the Borno chemistry

I had to fight back the tears that threatened to pour from my eyes as I felt the emotion, passion and love as Nigeria’s Vice President Yemi Osinbajo interacted and mingled with pupils and students of primary and secondary schools during his one day visit to Borno, northeast Nigeria.

This was not scripted, as it was spontaneous. Prof. Osinbajo has been praised for mingling with market women and farmers but that does not compare to the pure love that transcended between him and the pupils.

There was nothing political about their rapport. The pictures showed a father-daughter relationship, not that of a pompous Nigerian politician. It was clear he was interested in understanding what the pupils were been taught and they were interested in learning from him.

What struck a chord was how they put heads together to solve the question, for a second, one would have thought they were colleagues but no, it’s the Vice President and a primary school pupil. Could his security detail hide their disdain, No they couldn’t, perhaps he was too close to the pupils for their own liking.

When he was done teaching her, he went to the digital board and then taught the class. He even asked questions, that was when a male student had the chance to stand up to the Vice President and share the limelight.

The VP was less concerned about the razzmatazz; he was genuinely more concerned about the pupils understanding the topic. That’s how you know a father figure, he wants everyone to succeed.

As I write this, many people will actually think I was with the VP and his hefty security men to see all of this but no, I’m writing this from the pictures on social media.

If you think, I have managed to paint a good mental picture of what transpired between the VP and the pupils please share until the VP sees it.

Four Things Prof. Yemi Osinbajo Means to Nigeria



1. Hope for Nigerians (through the Social Investments Programmes): Vice President Yemi Osinbajo oversees what is regarded as the largest social investments programme in sub-Saharan Africa. The National Social Investment Programmes (N-SIP) comprises of the N-Power Programme, currently employing 500,000 graduates; the GEEP loans (Market Moni, FarmerMoni andTrader Moni), providing credit to over 3 million Nigerian traders, artisans and businessmen; the Home Grown School Feeding Programme, feeding over 9.5 million children in public schools in 31 states nationwide; and the Conditional Cash Transfer programme, putting disposable funds in the hands of over 300,000 of the poorest families in Nigeria.

The Social Investment Programmes are the most successful social investment programmes ever implemented in Nigeria. Designed, promoted and managed by Vice President Osinbajo, they have lifted millions of Nigerians out of poverty. Indeed, the N-SIPs are is giving hope to millions of Nigerians nationwide and helping them to improve their lives.

It is not surprising that only a week ago, President Muhammadu Buhari commended him for the success of the programmes - like the World Bank and many more. The commendations are evidence of hard-work, transformational policies and dedication. They are deserved as well.

2. Improving the Economy: As a recession seemed inevitable in 2016 - giving the absence of any savings by previous administrations, falling of the price of oil in the international market, the destruction of Nigeria’s oil assets by militants, and the monotonic nature of Nigeria’s economy - Nigeria needed a team to steer the ship out of the storm. And Prof. Osinbajo provided the lead of this team.

The Niger Delta New Vision, which is the blueprint of the Buhari administration to develop the Niger Delta, is being spearheaded by the Vice President on behalf of President Muhammadu Buhari. His leadership and forthrightness to ensure development was clear for all to see during his tour of the region and meetings with Niger Delta elders. Osinbajo’s leadership acumen has not only helped rebuild the trust of many who had been skeptical of the Federal Government’s New Vision, it has also contributed in no small measure to the peace and stability in the region. This has greatly helped to improve oil revenue that had suffered greatly from past restiveness, and so the country’s economy.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo is the head of Nigeria’s Economic Management Team. His leadership was able to bring the country out of its worst recession to hit it in decades. Since the country’s exit from the recession, he has overseen the economy grow from negative, and headed to a double digit, even beyond the predictions of the IMF and the World Bank. The journey with his captainship has been a steady and sure rise: diversification has been successfully pursued, with increased inputs now being seen from the non-oil sectors in our GDP and revenue; the country’s foreign reserves have doubled in just four years; the minimum wage increase is set for implementation despite Nigeria’s low earnings from oil; these and more show a focused, dogged, resilient and witty economic management team – led by Professor Osinbajo.

Also, the Vice President is chair of the Presidential Enabling Business Environment Council (PEBEC), which was inaugurated in July 2016, as the administration's flagship initiative to reform the business environment, attract investment and diversify the economy to reduce the nation's reliance on oil. Since its setup, PEBEC has spearheaded reforms that have improved the nation’s economic environment through its Ease of Doing Business reforms. This ensured Nigeria moved up 24 places on the World bank’s Ease of Doing business index and earned the country commendation as one of the top 10 reforming economies in the world. Also, the Vice President has helped launch the administration’s Energizing Economies project which provides solar power to markets and economic clusters for small businesses and petty traders and so, drives economic growth.


3. Leadership: Seen as youthful, agile, contemporary and versatile, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo stands out as the significant link between Nigeria’s young population to the President Buhari administration. And he doesn’t stop at that. He is a mentor to hundreds of young Nigerians through his platform, Act Now Group. His aides are comprised mostly of a tech-savvy generation of young upwardly mobile youths. Osinbajo gladly welcomes opportunities to mentor young people to become excellent in their respective fields and contribute their quota to nation-building. He walks the talks and is a bridge-builder, for both the young and old generations.

As Nigeria’s number two citizen he has taken positions that prove his deft appreciation of leadership: he took mended the fence of feuding members of his party APC. As Acting President, he took hefty but pertinent decisions: he appointed a Chief Justice where there was a vacuum, he unflinchingly sacked a recalcitrant head of Nigeria’s security services, he signed Executive Orders to improve Nigeria’s business community. As a lawyer and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, he is a leader of thoughts who has left indelible marks of astute thoughts in Nigeria’s jurisprudential space. His prominent role as Head of Nigeria’s Economic Management Team needs no second mention.

Just recently, in demonstration of true leadership, the Vice President temporarily delayed his trip to the airport for an official assignment to engage with some Abuja residents protesting on the highway over alleged land grabbing by members of the Nigerian Army. He subsequently met with leaders of the community and also Nigerian Army to ensure the issues are resolved amicably. Osinbajo has displayed such exemplary leadership on many occasions.

Vice President Yemi Osinbajo means leadership to Nigeria today – cutting across professions, ethnic groups and age demographics.

4. Bringing people closer to government: From Oyo to Owerri, Maiduguri to Yenagoa, everywhere he goes, Vice President Yemi Osinbajo has a way with people that instantly magnets them to his inborn charm and aura of personality. Whether in the wide corridors of power, in the narrow passages in marketplaces or wading through flooded areas around Nigeria, VP Osinbajo is at home with both the high and mighty, as well as the low and ordinary Nigerians. Simply put, Osinbajo’s deep connection with people goes deeper than the surface. It is neither for the camera or for the klieg lights or for photo-ops, just the epitome of a man whose life and career has been built on the foundations of championing social causes well before his university days, and giving back to society through his talents, skills, and resources.

Recently, during the launch of the Home-Grown School Feeding Programme in Ekiti State, the Vice President was pictured sitting with one of the schoolgirls in her classroom while the pupils enjoyed their meal. Like a dotting father, Osinbajo leaned closer to listen to what the little girl was saying at the time. Later that day, he tweeted, “She spoke, I listened. She was the boss of me today (insert smile emoji).” It felt like a photo-op moment, but it was more than that. It succinctly captured a man devoid of airs, one who embodied the essence of true leadership driven by compassion and genuine concern for people’s welfare. Everywhere he goes, his connection with people is evident. Everywhere he goes, it is evident that people, Nigerians, simply love this man. Sometimes, the crowd is so overwhelming, that Osinbajo’s security and protocol struggle to contain them. True compassion cannot be masked in photo-ops. Osinbajo is the real deal. He brings a human face to governance like never seen before from one holding the Number 2 position in Africa’s most populous country.

At countless events, despite his busy itinerary and schedules, and retinue of security, Osinbajo takes out time to listen to a child, a young or old man or woman, who wouldn’t have had a whiff of opportunity to come close to him in any situation. He listens to everyone, regardless of status or social class. Whether it was that woman that was moved to pray for him in the market, or a group of three generations of a grateful family he visited during one of his family chats, or the excited mai suya who couldn’t believe his eyes that Nigeria’s Vice President actually stopped by his stall to engage him in a conversation and then purchase his wares, or those group of starry-eyed kids who surrounded him and listened with rapt attention, or those excited young men and women who just wanted to take selfies with this great man; Osinbajo’s deep connection with people shines through.

Osinbajo brings that quality of compassion into political leadership and governance, he goes to meet the people where they are, bringing government closer to ordinary people. He loves to be there, to feel the pulse of the people, with the people, so that he could help them to make their lives and situations better.

NIGERIANS BLAST RENO ON SOCIAL MEDIA AGAIN FOR HIS DIVISIVE WAYS

says Buhari is for Muslims, Osinbajo for Christians

Nigerians have blasted Reno Omokri, the former Social Media aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan for working tirelessly to divide Nigeria along religious lines.

Youths who attacked Mr. Omokri on Twitter said he was trying to ignite a civil war in Nigeria while living in California with his family.

Mr. Omokri had written on his official Twitter page that President Muhammadu Buhari is for the Muslims while Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was for Christians sparking an outrage that he was trying to turn religions against each other.

He also claimed that President Buhari strived for Zainab Aliyu, who was wrongly accused to have transported Tramadol to Saudi Arabia freed because she was a Muslim while Leah Sharibu, a Christian who was abducted by Boko Haram terrorists was still in captivity.

Reacting to his claims, James Sunday Akinloye said Mr. Omokri was suffering from a self-induced post election traumatic stress disorder and that he needs to see a doctor.

“I must tell you that those who listen and follow Omokri are merely doing so to be entertained. We know Mr. Omokri don’t mean well for Nigeria. He only wants to ruffle things up so that the unsuspecting can ignite a violence in our country.

“He has forgotten so quickly that over 200 school girls were abducted during the Jonathan government and it took Buhari/Osinbajo to reunite most of them with their families.

He added that Mr. Omokri’s attempt to draw comparison between legitimate governments and a terrorist sect was baseless to say the least. He urged Nigerians to stay clear of Omokri and his ilks.

Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa who is the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Foreign Relations and Diaspora said it’s not true that the Federal Government wasn’t working to have Leah Sharibu released.

“Leah’s case is different. She is held captive by terrorists. The Buhari administration is not leaving any stone unturned to get her back. We are optimistic she will return,” she said.

Similarly, Bernard Okri pointed out that both the President and Vice President do not represent the interest of any religious groups as they were both elected by Muslims and Christians.

“It’s petty that Mr. Omokri is trying to draw a religious divide in Nigeria just because he wants the country to burn. Nigerians should be weary of him and those who reside in the United States but are strategising to make Nigeria burn.

He also shamed Mr. Omokri for trying to draw Kiki Osinbajo, the daughter of the Vice President into the matter. “Mr. Omokri claims that he wants Ms. Sharibu rescued are lies. He takes pictures and brandishes the good life he is living but will never return to Nigeria to help free Leah Sharibu.

NIGERIANS BLAST RENO ON SOCIAL MEDIA AGAIN FOR HIS DIVISIVE WAYS

says Buhari is for Muslims, Osinbajo for Christians

Nigerians have blasted Reno Omokri, the former Social Media aide to former President Goodluck Jonathan for working tirelessly to divide Nigeria along religious lines.

Youths who attacked Mr. Omokri on Twitter said he was trying to ignite a civil war in Nigeria while living in California with his family.

Mr. Omokri had written on his official Twitter page that President Muhammadu Buhari is for the Muslims while Vice President Yemi Osinbajo was for Christians sparking an outrage that he was trying to turn religions against each other.

He also claimed that President Buhari strived for Zainab Aliyu, who was wrongly accused to have transported Tramadol to Saudi Arabia freed because she was a Muslim while Leah Sharibu, a Christian who was abducted by Boko Haram terrorists was still in captivity.

Reacting to his claims, James Sunday Akinloye said Mr. Omokri was suffering from a self-induced post election traumatic stress disorder and that he needs to see a doctor.

“I must tell you that those who listen and follow Omokri are merely doing so to be entertained. We know Mr. Omokri don’t mean well for Nigeria. He only wants to ruffle things up so that the unsuspecting can ignite a violence in our country.

“He has forgotten so quickly that over 200 school girls were abducted during the Jonathan government and it took Buhari/Osinbajo to reunite most of them with their families.

He added that Mr. Omokri’s attempt to draw comparison between legitimate governments and a terrorist sect was baseless to say the least. He urged Nigerians to stay clear of Omokri and his ilks.

Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa who is the Senior Special Adviser to the President on Foreign Relations and Diaspora said it’s not true that the Federal Government wasn’t working to have Leah Sharibu released.

“Leah’s case is different. She is held captive by terrorists. The Buhari administration is not leaving any stone unturned to get her back. We are optimistic she will return,” she said.

Similarly, Bernard Okri pointed out that both the President and Vice President do not represent the interest of any religious groups as they were both elected by Muslims and Christians.

“It’s petty that Mr. Omokri is trying to draw a religious divide in Nigeria just because he wants the country to burn. Nigerians should be weary of him and those who reside in the United States but are strategising to make Nigeria burn.

He also shamed Mr. Omokri for trying to draw Kiki Osinbajo, the daughter of the Vice President into the matter. “Mr. Omokri claims that he wants Ms. Sharibu rescued are lies. He takes pictures and brandishes the good life he is living but will never return to Nigeria to help free Leah Sharibu.