The Nigeria Gas Infrastructure Company, a subsidiary of NNPCL in partnership with Fradro Gas and Power, has concluded plans to lay a 24 inches, 600 million (six hundred million) standard cubic feet Gas pipeline from Agbor to Awka to give Ndi Anambra a sense of belonging.
The Gas pipeline, which is the first of it’s kind in the history of Anambra State, will be layed under the River Niger, passing through Onitsha to Awka with its city gates in both cities opening up a new business, employment opportunities, direct and indirect jobs along the corridor.
Speaking during a preparatory meeting with stakeholders drawn from the Association of Anambra State Chambers of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture, and Manufacturers Association of Nigeria (MAN), the state Commissioner for Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Mr. Anthony Ifeanya, urged the assembly to assist in identifying stakeholders and offtakers for the project he described as a game-changer.
Commissioner Ifeanya further disclosed that a larger stakeholders meeting has been scheduled to hold on 28th May, 2025, by the Nigeria Gas Infrastructure Company, a subsidiary of NNPCL in partnership with Fradro Gas and Power, to make the project a worthwhile.
For the Commissioner for Commerce and Industry, Mr. Christian Udechukwu, they do not lack investors in the sector but only prefer that the operators are Ndi Anambra, hence their invitation as the first destination point of disseminating the information.
The Special Assistant to Governor Chukwuma Soludo on Petroleum and Mineral Resources, Mr Ikechukwu Okafor, weighed- in his technical expertise on the comparative advantages of using Gas to fuel thermal power stations and other associated business that need gas to fire furnaces
Reacting, the Deputy Chairman, Association of Anambra State Chambers of Commerce, Industry Mines and Agriculture, Dr. Ndubuisi Nwobu and the President, Onitsha Chambers of Commerce, Chief Augustine Ibeme, while heaving a sigh of relief, appealed to state government to invest in Gas turbines in IPP’s to achieve power security and further reduce the cost of electrical power to investors.
Okechukwu is of the Ministry of Information, Anambra State *
The Solution Innovation District is already functioning and youths are already learning digital skills while its permanent site is still under construction.
(Back in the day Nigerians were taught that we were neither left nor right, neither capitalist nor socialist, we were non-aligned and we had a mixed economy)
naptu2: This is not as detailed as the last one, but I think it is OK.
LEFT AND RIGHT
Politics, economy, religion, etc
I don't think I wrote the range and shades the last time I did this, but I'll do so now. I'll write the main point, in order to show the distinction, then I'll write the range in brackets beside it.
There are ranges and shades, for example, the left could range from far left to centre left.
1 A) Help the poor
The left believe that it is government's job to help the poor with things like free higher education, free healthcare, subsidies, free housing, etc. Government should help the poor in order to create a better society.
(Range and shades: This ranges from people who believe that government should take over all services and provide all services for free, so that there would be no poor people, to people who believe that government should provide subsidies on things like petrol, food, education, etc to people that believe that the government should intervene once in a while to lighten the burden of the poor).
1 B) Free competition
The right believes that the best way to help the poor is to provide an enabling environment for poor people to be able to own their own business, work hard and become rich. They believe that government should not interfere in this process because government interference will make people poor. They believe that government setting up companies like television stations, newspapers, electricity companies, etc will make people poorer, because people will not be able to establish these companies and compete with government (government has deeper pockets).
(Range and shades: This ranges from people who believe that government should not get involved in anything that can be done by private companies, including providing healthcare and ambulance services, postal services, etc. to those who believe that government can play a limited role in providing services, but majority of the services should be provided by the private sector).
2 A) Big government
Usually as a result of point 1 above, the left usually creates big government. What do I mean by "big government"? I mean that the left usually creates lots of government agencies, companies and jobs. Things like NEPA, NITEL, etc. These agencies usually oversee the help that the government wants to give to the poor.
(Ranges and shades: This ranges from communists who believe that government should own all the companies [all the means of production], to people who believe that there can be private companies, but government should own all the important companies, to those who just believe that there should be many government agencies and roles to help the poor).
2 B) Big business
In support of point one above, the right believes that the government should do things like give tax breaks to big companies and wealthy individuals. They believe that this would spur them to invest more and it would lead to the creation of more jobs and boost the economy. They believe that government should favour the big companies and wealthy individuals because it is these companies and individuals that create employment and boost the economy.
The right hates big government because they say that all these government agencies are funded by tax payer's money and that the money is better in tax payer's pockets than in government hands. They say that these government companies and agencies are inefficient, ineffective, lack proper motivation and that they are simply avenues for corruption and nepotism (people in government and their associates get the money and jobs).
People on the left say that big business is only after its own interest, doesn't care about the poor, is corrupt (they bribe government) and is only after making money.
3 A) Redistribution of wealth
Well, were is the money for all this help (to the poor) going to come from? The left believes that you should tax the rich or take from the rich and give to the poor.
(This ranges from people who believe that there should be no rich people and that everybody should be equal, to those who believe that government should tax the rich)
3 B) Wealth creation
The right say that, instead of trying to make the rich poor (by taking their money and giving to the poor), why not try to make everyone rich by implementing policies that encourage business, encourage more people to own their own companies, etc. They use the national cake to illustrate their point. They say that what the left wants to do is to share a single cake to more people. The result will be that people will get smaller pieces of the cake. Instead, the right believes that more cakes should be baked (creation of wealth), so that everybody can have a big piece.
(Ranges and shades: Many on the right hate things like welfare payments [government pays the poorest in society, so that they'll have money to survive]. They believe that it encourages people to be lazy and that it punishes people that actually work and earn a living).
4 A) Equal rights and representation
The left believes in equal rights and representation, that's why they usually support minority groups like blacks, immigrants and LGBTQ. Many in the left believe in quota systems like affirmative action, because they believe that representation is important. They believe that, for example, black children will only aspire to great heights if they see black people like them that have reached those great heights. That's one of the reasons why they like quota systems, so that minority children will see an example that makes them believe that they can also be successful.
(Again, this ranges from people who believe that everybody should be equal comrades to those who believe that there should be quota system so that minorities will be represented)
4 B) Free competition, no obstacles
The right also believes in equal rights, but in a different way. The right believes that you need to remove obstacles in the path of minorities, then allow everybody compete freely. So for example, in university admissions, the right believes that any barrier, for example, a ban on black students, should be removed, then you should admit those that pass the exams. They are against quota systems and affirmative action. They believe that, for example, any quota in favour of black students, is a discrimination against white students (reverse discrimination). They believe that people should be employed or admitted solely based on merit.
(Ranges and shades: But in actual fact, this ranges from some far right groups that are against any blacks, immigrants or other minorities, to those who simply want free competition and no discrimination)
5 A) Religion:
The left believes that religion should be totally and completely separated from the state (that is, it should play no part in government).
(Ranges and shades: This ranges from people who do not believe in God at all and practice no religion and believe that religion should be abolished [like communists] to those who believe in God and practice religion, but believe that religion should not have anything to do with government).
5 B) Religion:
Many on the right believe that religion is very important in everything that people do. They believe that a person's religious values shape his world view and morals and will determine how he will act in government. That's why they want "God fearing leaders".
(Ranges and shades: This ranges from people who want religion to determine what happens in government, to those who simply use a person's religious views to determine if he is fit for a leadership role).
Watch the progress at the once-abandoned Awka Mall, now revitalized by Market Square, owners of Sundry Market and Kilimanjaro, through a Public-Private Partnership!
Watch the progress at the once-abandoned Awka Mall, now revitalized by Market Square, owners of Sundry Market and Kilimanjaro, through a Public-Private Partnership!#SolutionIsHerepic.twitter.com/xYSB8UPwlw
Soludo unveils ‘solution’ market, bus terminal in Anambra community
By Ikenna Obianeri 3rd July 2025
Anambra State Governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo, has unveiled the newly built “Solution Market” and “Solution Park” in Ekwulobia in Aguata Local Government Area, saying the structure is aimed at catering to specific needs.
During the inauguration of the facilities on Wednesday, Soludo emphasised their importance as part of his administration’s urban regeneration agenda, adding that it is a significant stride towards transforming the urban landscape of Anambra State.
The governor said, “What we are commissioning today is consistent with the APGA mantra of ‘leave no one behind’. The Solution Market, alongside the modern park equipped with amenities, aims to create an environment that stimulates economic activity while improving the quality of life for residents.
“This new marketplace is notably the third built by the state government to cater to the specific needs.”
Soludo explained that the facility particularly benefits those who will be displaced by the ongoing construction of the Ekwulọbịa flyover, which is nearing completion.
“You find markets in all the nooks and crannies of Anambra, and this is no exception,” he added.
He pointed out that the ‘Solution Park’ promises to breathe new life into urban settings previously marked by desolation, adding, “We are doing a fundamental urban regeneration.”
He highlighted the features of the park, which include expansive open spaces for parking, a park for leisure, solar power installations, canteen facilities, and a reliable water supply.
“We are using this place as a model for what a modern market should look like. The need to ensure that citizens can trade and shop in pleasure,” he added.
In line with his vision of elevating Anambra to a level akin to that of global cities, Soludo also announced plans to further improve various sectors.
Referencing his administration’s commitments to free education, free antenatal care and complimentary delivery services for mothers, he said, “If we are aspiring to become like Dubai or Taiwan, we must lay a solid foundation. Our people must enjoy minimum pleasure”.
Highlighting the collaborative nature of the project, the governor noted that the ‘Solution Market and Park’ is a property of the state government developed in partnership with local authorities, ensuring efficient and effective management.
According to him, his administration focuses on empathy and compassion for the less fortunate, making significant strides in connecting communities through infrastructure improvements, adding that the ongoing development around the Ekwulobia “tower of light” and the forthcoming “Odu Igbo” project stand as testaments to this dedication.
The Commissioner for Transportation, Patricia Igwebuike, referred to the bus terminal as a legacy project aimed at alleviating congestion.
Meanwhile, the Special Adviser to the Governor on Markets, Chief Evarist Ubah, noted that the establishment of the facility signifies the complete urbanization of Ekwulobia.
Earlier, Dr Chibueze Offorbike, the Mayor of Aguata LG, Chief Joseph Ezeokafor, as well as tricycle operators, bus drivers and market women, thanked the Governor for the initiative that has transformed the area from a previously untouched bush to a developed space.
Yesterday, I had the honour of commissioning the Solution Ultra Modern Market and Park at Ekwulobia! This project is a key part of our administration's efforts to transform Ekwulobia into a thriving urban center.
I am happy to see our traders moving from the streets and roadsides to a safe and conducive space. As part of our governance philosophy of leaving no one behind, we are allocating these stalls to our traders FREE OF CHARGE!
The new bus park is also a game-changer. With its expansive terminal area, administrative offices, and comfortable waiting area for passengers, we are bringing order and efficiency to our transportation system.
I'm proud of what we have achieved so far, and I am confident that this will take Ekwulobia to the next level.
May Anambra continue to win!
Yesterday, I had the honour of commissioning the Solution Ultra Modern Market and Park at Ekwulobia! This project is a key part of our administration's efforts to transform Ekwulobia into a thriving urban center.
Today, the biggest combination of an amusement park and water park in the south east – and, as it were, in Nigeria – will be opened to the public and its customers with a mega fiesta, which will feature music maestros and entertainers such as Flavour, Umu Obiligbo, Jeriq, Apete and the likes. This complex, also known as ‘Solution Fun City’, was commissioned last month by President Bola Ahmed Tinubu.
The 12.7 hectares Solution Fun City competes with the likes of Hi-Impact Planet in Ogun State and Giwa Gardens Water Park in Lagos. The Solution Fun City has features such as roller coaster, Ferris Wheel (38m diameter), drop tower, pirate ship, merry-go-round, carousel, Olympic-sized and kids’ swimming pools, island pools, water slides, aqua towers, paintball, indoor arcades, indoor cinemas, virtual reality and gaming zones, bowling alleys, tennis courts, basketball courts, five-a-side football court, volley ball court, etc. It also has a Country Club with spas, gyms, swimming pool and restaurants. It is designed to be carbon neutral with the beautiful landscaping, lawns and ornamental trees.
The Solution Fun City is one of the signature projects by Governor Chukwuma Soludo to transform Anambra into a tourist destination. It is part of Governor Soludo’s tourism and creative economy agenda. It is a flagship project and a proof of concept by the state government in order to spur the private sector to build similar complexes in Anambra. (It is a flagship project that is intended to boost investor confidence in Anambra’s development agenda). It is meant to catalyze tourism in Anambra.
The Solution Fun City will be independently managed and in the long term it will be privatized and the revenue ploughed back to build more public goods in Anambra. Though the Anambra State Government (ANSG) had to invest in this complex in order to intentionally catalyze tourism in Anambra, this kind of edifice is better managed by the private sector. The Solution Fun City serves as a template, which has been intentionally built by government, to show the private sector that this kind of facility is viable in Anambra. Many more of this will be built in Anambra in the coming years by the private sector.
In order for this complex to be run as an independent entity, it has been registered as Solution Fun City Limited, with a board of directors. Solution Fun City Limited is structured to be able to take independent decisions that would boost the profitability of the Fun City. It will have no interference from government. The Fun City has an Egyptian Managing Director/ Chief Executive Officer, Mr. Mohammed Faraz, who is well-versed in tourism management. Mr. Mohammed Faraz will be responsible for ensuring that the Fun City provides world-class services. The vision is to get the Solution Fun City managed and run by the best and brightest. Ndi Anambra must get value for the investment in this complex.
The economic and social benefits of the Solution Fun City are enormous.
The Solution Fun City will create thousands of direct and indirect jobs. It will help create a skill pool that was hitherto not available in the state. This facility will employ the following specialties: ICT specialists, ride operators, equipment maintenance operators, security service providers, customer service providers, lifeguard services, entertainment, vending and sales, cleaning, etc. The facility will also create indirect jobs for the following: local suppliers, contractors, transport operators, hotels, restaurants, and artisans. It will also provide various kinds of seasonal and permanent jobs.
It will boost tourism income in Anambra by attracting domestic and international tourists, families, school groups, fun seekers and corporate social events. It will impact hotel bookings, food sales and general spending in Anambra. It will have an impact on the government revenue through its multiplier effects.
The Solution Fun City will help provide a safe and structured leisure location for young people. It will support community cohesion through recreational events. The Managing Director, Mr. Mohammed Faraz, says the entry fees into the Fun City were made affordable so that people can enjoy themselves without spending so much. “The minimum price for entry is N400 and to play a game is N1,000 and I believe they are reasonable”, Mr. Faraz remarked. At the same time, the Fun City will be professionally run in other to maximize the return on investment. It is an economic asset for Ndi Anambra.
Most importantly, it will help enhance Awka’s brand as a modern city, a vibrant place to live, work, play and invest.
Many more of this kind of facility is expected to spring up in Anambra. The future of Anambra is bright and Anambra is on the rise!
Nwankwo is the special adviser to Soludo on special projects.
This is being built to teach Ndi Anambra digital skills and to encourage investment by ICT companies. The agency is already functioning and youths are already learning digital skills while its permanent site is still under construction.
Progress report on the construction of Anambra Silicon Valley! Work is progressing on the main building of the Anambra Solution Innovation District (SID).
At SID, we’re not just teaching tech. We’re creating a clear path from learning to earning.
With hands-on training, expert mentorship, and real job placements through Anambra Jobs, you’re not just gaining skills, you’re stepping into your future.
Ready to grow your career?
Here’s how to get started: ✅ Sign up at sidacademy.ng (find the link in bio) ✅ Take a course you love ✅ Earn your certificate ✅ Get connected to job opportunities
No long talks—just results. Learn. Grow. Get Hired.
Let’s build the future together—one digital skill at a time.
At SID, we’re not just teaching tech. We’re creating a clear path from learning to earning.
With hands-on training, expert mentorship, and real job placements through Anambra Jobs, you’re not just gaining skills, pic.twitter.com/dufh9iggCl
— Solution Innovation District (SID) (@solution_sid) May 22, 2025
Solution Innovation District (SID) @solution_sid
📢 #1MADT is Making Headlines Nationwide!
Governor Charles Chukwuma Soludo’s groundbreaking digital empowerment initiative is receiving massive national attention as it continues to transform the lives of young people across Anambra State.
Anambra is rising, digitally and globally. Be part of the transformation.
Anambra State government has named the new Government House, constructed by Governor Chukwuma Soludo, ‘The Light House Awka’.
Rising from the weekly State Executive Council meeting in Awka, the state Commissioner for Information, Dr Law Mefor, said that after deliberating over a suitable name, the council christened and proclaimed the new Anambra Government House Mini City, the “Light House Awka,” in keeping with Anambra State’s slogan, “Light of the Nation.”
The EXCO also announced the establishment of the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission.
“To perform its functions as contained in the recently assented Anambra State Electricity Law, ANSEC decided to immediately establish the Anambra State Electricity Regulatory Commission and launched a recruitment drive for experts to join the new commission,” Mefor said.
Similarly, the state executive council decided that all facilities used as holding places for child beggars in the state are to be confiscated and sealed in compliance with extant laws.
Meanwhile, the state government has awarded three contracts valued at over N350 million to be executed within eight weeks.
The first contract valued at N190.48 million is for the construction of a factory warehouse for processing of pharmaceutical grade kaolin at the Kaolin Plant, Ukpor in Nnewi South local government area and it is to be completed in eight weeks from the date of mobilisation.
The second contract is for the extension of the Nnewi Industrial line & supply and installation of a 750 KVA transformer at the Kaolin Plant, which is expected to cost N110,114,510.60 and to be completed in six weeks from mobilisation, while the third is the procurement and supply of official uniforms and operational gears to Ocha Brigade, the state’s security outfit for N155,653,550.00
This is the administrative hub of the state and it includes the Government House, Governor's Lodge, Presidential Lodge and several monuments like the Anambra Tower of Light.
Gov Soludo Reveals What To Do With Old Govt House Anambra state Governor disclosed that the entire former Government House premises, which spans over 30 hectares, is currently being transformed into Anambra’s own Silicon Valley — a hub for innovation, technology, and creativity. The move, he said, was long overdue, as Anambra had never had a proper Government House since its creation in 1991. He described how the state’s governance operations had, for over three decades, been domiciled in a makeshift facility, originally a yard for a road construction company workers in the 1980s, where they were sleeping and parking their equipments during the construction of the Enugu-Onitsha Expressway. According to him, that jinx has now been broken with his administration’s completion of a world-class, eco-friendly Government House mini-city, comprising 56 structures — including a Governor’s Lodge, Presidential Lodge, Deputy Governor’s Office, hospital, State Banquet Hall, and an amphitheater with a 1,250 seating capacity, among other essential and fascinating structures.
The old government house will now be transformed to Anambra's silicon valley (A hub for innovation, technology and creativity)
2) ANAMBRA STATE PHARMACEUTICAL DISTRIBUTION HUB, OBA
You've heard about how NAFDAC has raided markets in Anambra and how pharmaceuticals are kept in unsafe conditions. The state government is building a proper distribution hub for legitimate pharmaceuticals, to ensure safe storage and to promote legitimate trade in pharmaceuticals.
The Drug distribution hub Oba Anambra state. The market will replace the chaotic Ogbo ogwu Onitsha and bring orderliness in the pharmaceutical market in Anambra state. It'll mark the end of fake and adulterated drugs as there'll be NAFDAC, NDLEA and SON offices in the market.
Anambra, Afreximbank sign $200m development agreement
By Ikenna Obianeri 10th November 2023
The Anambra State government and Afreximbank have signed a $200m development agreement aimed at “charting a course for the future” of the state.
The agreement, which is in two mandates, will herald a pivotal moment in the state’s development.
This was contained in a press statement issued on Friday by Christian Aburime, the Press Secretary to the Anambra State governor, Prof. Chukwuma Soludo.
Aburime said the first initiative entails the provision of capital-raising financial advisory services, amounting to an estimated $200m dedicated to crucial projects, including the development of the Ikenga Mixed-Use Industrial City Project, investments in the Anambra Export Emporium, and the establishment of the Akwaihedi Unubi Uga Automotive Industrial Park.
He added that the second initiative focuses on the creation of the operational and governance framework for the Anambra Diaspora Fund, aiming to leverage the resources and expertise of the diaspora community for the state’s benefit.
The statement read in part, “Afreximbank and Anambra State have today signed two mandates, heralding a pivotal moment in the state’s development.
“Governor Chukwuma Soludo, the Commissioner for Industry, Christian Udechukwu, CEO of Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency, Mark Okoye and Afreximbank President, Benedict Oramah, jointly endorsed these transformative deals, charting a course for the future of Anambra State.
“The first initiative entails the provision of capital raise financial advisory services, amounting to an estimated $200 million. This funding is dedicated to crucial projects, including the development of the Ikenga Mixed-Use Industrial City Project, investments in the Anambra Export Emporium, and the establishment of the Akwaihedi Unubi Uga Automotive Industrial Park.
“The second initiative focuses on the creation of the operational and governance framework for the Anambra Diaspora Fund, aiming to leverage the resources and expertise of the diaspora community for the state’s benefit.
“Furthermore, the mandate encompasses capital-raising financial advisory services for key projects such as the Anambra Intra-City Rail Master Plan Project. These initiatives underscore Afreximbank’s unwavering commitment to inclusive growth and sustainable development.”
He added that the signing ceremony took place on the sidelines of the ongoing Intra-African Trade Fair 2023 in Cairo, Egypt.
Afreximbank Signs $200M Agreement with Nigeria's ANSIPPA
November 14, 2023
Pan-African multilateral financial institution the African Export-Import Bank signed two agreements with the Anambra State Investment Promotion and Protection Agency (ANSIPPA) – a state-owned investment agency responsible for private sector-led development in Anambra State, southeastern Nigeria.
The agreements include a mandate letter for the provision of financial advisory services. These services aim to support the state’s initiatives in raising the necessary capital for three strategic projects and facilitating the development of the Anambra Diaspora Fund.
Under the terms of the first agreement, Afreximbank will provide financial advisory services amounting to $200 million for the development of three strategic projects in the State of Anambra. These include the Ikenga Mixed-Use Industrial City Project; the Anambra Export Emporium; and the Akwaihedi Unubi Uga Automotive Industrial Park.
Additionally, under the second agreement signed with ANSIPPA, Afreximbank will support the establishment of the operational and governance framework for the Anambra Diaspora Fund – a facility aimed at leveraging the resources and expertise of the diaspora community for the development of the State of Anambra. Afreximbank will also offer advisory services for the Anambra Intra-City Rail Master Plan Project, a rail system aimed at improving ease of transport in Nigeria.
Both agreements aim to position Anambra State as a competitive investment, technology and tourist destination.
Yesterday, ANSIPPA in collaboration with Ministry of industry welcomed representatives from WULING Auto Group, Afreximbank, and Zenith Bank plc to explore different investment opportunities within the Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City (AMIC)
The state is providing infrastructure such as access to gas pipelines, electricity, good roads, etc. in order to attract manufacturing firms to the industrial city, to grow the state's economy and provide jobs.
The Anambra Mixed-Use Industrial City is a flagship infrastructure project aimed at accelerating economic development in the state. Through this project, the state government will focus on developing industrial infrastructure—such as access roads, gas pipelines, and power—in a single location to create an enabling environment for industries to thrive.
Supported by a comprehensive Masterplan designed by Artelia Consulting Engineers Ltd., this project offers strategic advantages and incentives for investors looking to partner with the State Government in implementing its transformation agenda. This project will operate under a Special Economic Zone licence with tailored incentives for investors.
Investment Opportunity
Manufacturing, Industry, Pharmaceuticals, Agriculture & Agro-Processing, Automotives, Real Estate, Hospitality & Leisure, Warehousing, Logistics, Power and Energy, Financial Services, SMEs and MSMEs
One of the two main reasons why Mrs Abike Dabiri-Erewa is having problems on social media is because she is doing another person's job and that is a job that she does not have the resources to do. It reminds me of the Civil Defence. The Civil Defence was set up for a particular reason, but they lost their way and began doing the Police's job. Now some people are asking, "What is the point of the Civil Defence when you already have the Police"? People will soon ask, "What is the point of NIDCOM"?
I'll explain by answering that question.
The whole idea of diaspora engagement started during the Olusegun Obasanjo era (1999 - 2007).
You see, Nigerians have always moved abroad (it's now called japa). This was the case in the 1950s, '60s and even in the 1970s (during the oil boom era). It got worse with the economic collapse of 1982 and this led to the famous "Andrew no check out" advert of 1984 (starring Enebeli Elebuwa).
The 1982 economic crisis and the SAP problem of the 1980s significantly increased the emigration. People thought that was bad, but it was nothing compared to the Abacha and June 12 era. It now seemed like everybody must emigrate and people were ready to do anything just to move abroad. By the time that Nigeria returned to democracy in 1999, very many people had moved abroad.
President Olusegun Obasanjo felt that this was a resource that needed to be tapped. I have already explained a bit of this. It was felt that, for example, a medical park should be set up in Nigeria, so that Nigerian medical doctors who were based abroad could come home during their holidays and practice in these medical parks, in order to improve the quality of care and number of doctors in the country. Nigerians wouldn't need to go abroad for healthcare, rather they could go to the medical parks. It was also felt that Nigerian medical doctors and professors of medicine that were based abroad could teach Nigerian students based in Nigeria through telemedicine. As Professor Bola Akinterinwa explains:
In this regard, efforts were first made by President Olusegun Obasanjo, GCFR, to bring together Nigerians in the Diaspora in September 2000 when he held a meeting with 3,700 Nigerians in Diaspora in Atlanta. He asked them to prepare ‘to participate fully in the process of visioning, planning and pursuing the political well-being, the economic development and the sound governance of their country. As further explained by Dr. Bashir Obasekola, the Chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Organisations Europe (NIDO-E), President Obasanjo said that ‘we can tap the knowledge and skills of many of our fellow Nigerians, wherever they are,’ and had therefore called for the establishment of a mechanism ‘to establish structures and networks that will promote the use of special skills of Nigerians in the Diaspora. It is against this background that the formation of NIDOs began in 2001 in the United States and thereafter in 2002 in Europe.
If I remember correctly, President Obasanjo was the first president to have a special assistant on diaspora affairs. The duty of the special assistant on diaspora affairs was to make it easy for Nigerians abroad to relocate to Nigeria or, if they wanted to stay abroad, to invest in Nigeria and contribute to her development.
Whenever the executive creates a position, the National Assembly also creates a corresponding position. Mrs Abike Dabiri was initially made the spokesman of the House of Representatives and chairman of the House Committee on Information, but later on, she was made the chairman of the House Committee on Diaspora Affairs.
President Muhammadu Buhari then made her his special assistant on diaspora affairs. As I said before, "The duty of the special assistant on diaspora affairs was to make it easy for Nigerians abroad to relocate to Nigeria or, if they wanted to stay abroad, to invest in Nigeria and contribute to her development". However, Mrs Dabiri-Erewa is very active on Twitter, so people began tweeting at her whenever a Nigerian was in trouble abroad. She wanted to be helpful, so she started rendering assistance in such cases and replying such tweets. The problem is that this is not her job and she is not equipped to handle that job. I'll explain further.
The special assistant to the president on diaspora affairs, or as it now is, the chairman of the Nigerians in Diaspora Commission (NIDCOM) has no staff or office outside Nigeria. She has no resources whatsoever to help any Nigerian abroad. This is no surprise because it is not her job. This is the job of the Foreign Ministry!
Nigerian ambassadors all over the world report to the foreign minister. They take instructions from the Foreign Ministry. They are extensions of the Foreign Ministry. The foreign affairs minister can issue orders to them. It is the job of the embassies to render consular services to Nigerians abroad who are in need of help. NIDCOM has no resources to do any of this. It can only appeal to the Foreign Ministry.
Basically, Abike Dabiri has to route all those complaints and requests through the Foreign Ministry. So why don't people approach the Foreign Ministry directly?
In military terms this is what is called mission creep. It is when you start doing other things that are different to the mission that was assigned to you. It could force you to abandon or neglect your original mission, to fail in achieving your aims or to get criticised for attempting to do someone else's job and to go over budget or run over time. It never ends well.
Let's go back to my childhood and find out about types of cars.
There are many types of automobiles that are named after horse drawn vehicles. This is one of them.
A landaulet is a car that has a hardtop (fixed metal roof) above the driver and front seat passenger and a convertible (retractable roof) above the rear passengers.
Landaulets are often used by heads of state and government because they allow crowds of people to easily see the dignitary and the dignitary can easily wave to the crowd.
Landaulets were quite common before the assassination of President John F. Kennedy. Since the assassination, heads of state and government have preferred to use fully armoured limousines rather than open top vehicles.
The most popular landaulets from my childhood include the Mercedes 600 (W100) State Landaulet. King Hassan of Morocco had one. Below is a picture of his son, King Mohammed VI and President Muhammadu Buhari in the car.
Mercedes also made a version of the car for the visit of Queen Elizabeth II to Germany in the 1960s. Here's a photo of the Queen and the President of Germany in the car.
Of course this series was inspired by the Rolls Royce Phantom IV State Landaulet. Here is a photo of Queen Elizabeth II and Prince Philip in the car in Lagos in 1956.
Rolls Royce Phantom IV
The Rolls Royce Phantom IV is an extremely rare car that was made by Rolls Royce in the 1950s. Only 18 were made and Rolls Royce did not sell them to just anybody. They first determined if you were worthy to be a customer before they sold it to you. Most of the buyers were royalty. Here is a list of the 18 cars and their buyers.
1) The first car was made for Princess Elizabeth of the United Kingdom. She took delivery of the car in 1950. The car had a special driver's seat in case Prince Philip wanted to drive it. It was originally painted green with a red stripe, but it was repainted claret and black (the colour of royal vehicles) when Princess Elizabeth became Queen Elizabeth II. As with most of Queen Elizabeth's cars, the mascot can be changed depending on who is in the car (she usually used a silver mascot of St George slaying the dragon instead of the Spirit of Ecstacy).
There were plans to sell this car after the Queen's death, but King Charles is fond of it and he intervened to prevent it from being sold.
The coachwork is by H.J. Mulliner and it is a 7 seater limousine.
2) This was an experimental truck that was built for the factory where the Phantom IV was made.
3) This car was made for the Shah of Iran, Mohammed Reza Phlavi. It is the only Phantom IV to have Silver Dawn type headlights. It was delivered to the Shah in 1951, but was returned to Rolls Royce in 1959. The coach was made by H.J. Mulliner and it was a cabriolet.
4) This car was built for the Emir of Kuwait, Abdullah III Al-Salim Al-Sabah (Abdullah III). The body was built by Mulliner and it was delivered in 1951.
5) This car was made for Prince Henry, Duke of Gloucester (Queen Elizabeth's cousin). The body was by Hooper and it was delivered in 1951.
6) This car was made for Ernest Hives who was the chairman and managing director of Rolls Royce. The body was by Hooper and it was a 7-seat limousine.
7) This car was made for Generalissimo Francisco Franco, the military head of state of Spain. It was a 5-seater luxury car, the body work was by H.J. Mulliner and it was armoured by English Steel Corporation. It was delivered in 1952.
8 ) This car was also made for Franco. It is a 7-seater limousine and it is still used as the number 1 state car of Spain. The body work is by H.J. Mulliner and it was armoured by English Steel Corporation.
9) This car was also made for Franco. It is the only Phantom IV that does not have suicide doors (the hinges are at the front not the back).
10) This car was made for His Majesty The Aga Khan (Aga Khan III). Rolls Royce had an agreement with the Aga Khan that the car would never be sold and that it would be returned to the company when the Aga Khan did not need it. However, after the Aga Khan's death, his widow sold the car to an American.
11) This car was made for Prince Talal of Saudi Arabia. The coachwork was done by a French company.
12) This car was made for the coronation of King Faisal II of Iraq. Coachwork was by Hooper and it was delivered in 1953.
13) This car was made for Prince Abdallah of Iraq. Its bodywork was by Hooper and it is a 7-seater limousine.
14) The number 1 state car of the United Kingdom. This car was the official car of Queen Elizabeth II. The Royal Family previously used Daimler limousines as their official cars, but Queen Elizabeth preferred Rolls Royces.
This car was a landaulet and it was often used when Queen Elizabeth visited hot countries like Nigeria (they could put the top down for more fresh air). The body work was by Hooper and it was painted in the official claret and black colours.
This car was delivered in 1954 and it was the number 1 state car of the United Kingdom until 1977 when Rolls Royce gave the queen a specially made Phantom VI for her silver jubilee. The Phantom VI was the number 1 state car until 2002 when Rolls Royce (which had become Bentley by that time) gave the Queen a Bentley State Limousine for her golden jubilee.
This was the car that Queen Elizabeth used during her tour of Southern Nigeria (Lagos, Ibadan, Abeokuta, Warri, Port-Harcourt, Enugu, etc) in 1956. I read a book by a colonial officer and he said that the car broke down in the Niger Delta. That's probably why the Queen used the Emir of Kano's Rolls Royce during her tour of Northern Nigeria (Kano, Kaduna, Jos, etc).
Buckingham Palace had an agreement with Rolls Royce that the car would never be sold and it would be returned to Rolls Royce when the Palace no longer needed it. It was returned to Rolls Royce in 2002.
15) Princess Margaret of the United Kingdom. This car was made for Queen Elizabeth II's sister, Princess Margareth, Countess of Snowdon. It is a 7-seater limousine and the body was made by H.J. Mulliner.
16) This car was made for Abdullah III Al-Salim Al-Sabah, Emir of Kuwait. The body was made by H.J. Mulliner.
17) This car was also made for Abdullah III Al-Salim Al-Sabah, the Emir of Kuwait.
18) The 18th and final car was made for the Shah of Iran, Mohammed Reza Pahlavi.
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