₦airaland Forum

The publisher and board of Gbaramatu Voice have nominated Comrade Timi Frank to receive an award of excellence tagged the: “Niger Delta Most Outstanding Activist of the Year.”

The Chief Executive Officer and Publisher of Gbaramatu Voice, Mr. Jacob Abai, in a letter with reference number GPCL/PUB/SUM/ND01 and dated Tuesday June 29, 2021, said the award was based on the outspokenness of the Bayelsa-born political activist.

Frank has been in the forefront of the fight against corruption, misrule and impunity in Nigeria especially being perpetrated by the President, Maj. Gen. Muhammadu Buhari (rtd.) regime and the All Progressives Congress.

He has relentlessly crusaded for the empowerment of the youths and good governance in the country.

The letter titled: “Notification of Award Nomination” reads in part: “We, the publisher, management and organizing committee of the 6th Gbaramatu Voice Anniversary Lecture/Niger Delta Awards programme, which is coming up in Lagos on Tuesday August 10th, 2021, wish to intimate you that based on your acts of activism majorly on policy issues and governance, have nominated you for an award of recognition as the Niger Delta Most Outstanding Activist of the Year.

“The winner of the award, upon selection by the Committee, will be honoured with a plaque and certificate of recognition.

“In so doing, we are of the opinion that your labour of making Niger Delta a great region cannot be overemphasised in this period of time.

“We look forward to your positive response cum endorsement of the programme just as other networth individuals have done.

“As part of this nomination, you are invited to attend the Gbaramatu Voice 6th Annual event ceremony at the Eko Hotels and Suite, Victoria Island, Lagos, Nigeria.”

https://ogunnewshub.com/ex-deputy-national-publicity-secretary-of-apc-timi-frank-win-niger-delta-most-outstanding-activist-of-the-year-award/
Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

Take it easy now

Komolafe89:
Hear this animal, Islam hatred will kill you and the others hater,when was Akpabio become Muslim,

Olori buruku

nyiamfrank:
Ok

Is like you are not normal

Africafooty:
This government will be remembered for the good things they are currently doing for us.

Famous Instagram comedian, Ahmad Oluwatoyin popularly known as thecuteabiola has secretly wedded his longtime girlfriend in Osogbo today.


The comedian was spotted alongside his wife wearing blue outfits.


Watch video below...

https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NWDUpJE2CQI?
Lalasticlala OAM4J, Mynd44

How are we going to holding bayi?

Buhari should get this for the military

You are crying in front of the camera

Hmmmm

Did you know that WhatsApp, Facebook, Instagram Down.


I thought it was network on I visited twitter and I noticed everybody is experiencing the same issue.


Are you also experiencing same here?

Alhaji Atiku Abubakar GCON, former Vice President of Nigeria and Presidential hopeful has received a signed copy of best seller poetry book ‘A Poet Who Died by his Poem’ from Godspower Oshodin the author.

Atiku while receiving his copy of the literary work underscores the essence of reinventing the literary wheels in Africa, while also giving credence to the author for the beautiful piece of art.

‘A Poet Who died by his Poem’ was released February 2021 by Oshodin on Amazon as well as in top global bookstores.

The audio version of the poetry album is due for release later in the year, it is produced by Nigerian born UAE based music producer Victor Alfred, Vstix.


Source: https://ngg.ng/h-e-alhaji-atiku-abubakar-receives-signed-copy-of-a-poet-who-died-by-his-poem/

Former Deputy National Publicity Secretary of the All Progressives Congress (APC), Comrade Timi Frank, on Wednesday, condemned the Senate’s confirmation of the immediate past Service Chiefs as ambassadors in strong terms.

Frank in a statement in Abuja, described the approval given by the upper chamber to the same ex-military top shots it had severally rejected and called for their sack over incompetence as a gross betrayal of the people’s trust.

The Bayelsa-born political activist insisted that the action of the Senate smacks of raising personal gain above the wishes and aspirations of the generality of Nigerians who have spoken out strongly against the wrongful and ill-advised nomination of the ex-military leaders as ambassadors by President Muhammadu Buhari.

He described the 9th Senate as the worst upper chamber since the advent of democracy in the country “as it is populated by lawmakers who have elevated their ego and personal interest far above the national interest.”

He said that he is not surprised that despite opposition to the confirmation by the minority caucus , the APC dominated chamber went ahead to act in an unpatriotic and anti-people manner just to please their paymasters in the Villa who had earlier doled out the sum of $100,000.00 each to the lawmakers to secure their cooperation.

While commending the opposition lawmakers, especially the Senate Minority Leader, Senator Enyinnaya Abaribe, for speaking the minds of majority of Nigerians who will continue to oppose the gross abuse of power by the Buhari administration, he declared that posterity will judge the present crop of APC Senators very poorly.

“The injury that these set of senators have inflicted on the psyche of Nigerians is greater than the atrocities being perpetrated against the country by Boko Haram, kidnappers and bandits,” Frank said.

He vowed that Nigerians in diaspora would not fail to receive the envoys with protests in countries they would be assigned while calling on members of the international community to reject their posting.

He added: “We will not rest until the present administration learns to respect the will of the people. The 9th Senate has acted in shame by prioritizing personal gain above the general good.

“Confirming the same set of officers it called for their sack more than thrice over incompetence in mitigating insecurity in the country as serving military top echelon is an egregious evil from Senators against the long suffering taxpayers from whose sweat they are being lavishly funded.

“This confirmation shows a Senate chamber that has lost its mettle, completely sold out, rudderless, unfocused and driven by avarice rather than the overall interest of their constituents in particular and the country in general.

“How can men who failed to bring Nigeria any respite against criminal gangs despite vast arms and ammunitions at their disposal as military chiefs now be relied upon to win the country laurels through diplomacy which has been regarded as a war by other means?

“Clearly, Buhari made a mistake by nominating failed officers for ambassadorial positions. The Senate has compounded that mistake by approving the nominations. Nigeria and Nigerians will definitely be worse for it.

“History will not forget the 9th Senate and by extension the 9th National Assembly for being notorious lawmakers who subsumed the legislature under the executive by casting overboard the inherent checks and balances that safeguard democratic governance from becoming a dictatorship.”

He called on Nigerian voters to reward the APC Senators by voting them out of office during the 2023 general elections.

Source: https://ngg.ng/confirmation-of-ex-service-chiefs-a-betrayer-of-trust-says-timi-frank/

President Muhammadu Buhari has asked the Senate to confirm Mr Abdulrasheed Bawa as substantive Chairman of the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC)
In a letter to President of the Senate, Ahmad Ibrahim Lawan, the President said he was acting in accordance with Paragraph 2(3) of Part1, CAP E1 of EFCC Act 2004.


Bawa, 40, is a trained EFCC investigator with vast experience in the investigation and prosecution of Advance Fee Fraud cases, official corruption, bank fraud, money laundering, and other economic crimes.


He has undergone several specialized trainings in different parts of the world, and was one of the pioneer EFCC Cadet Officers in 2005.


Bawa holds a B.Sc degree in Economics, and Masters in International Affairs and Diplomacy.
 


Source: https://ngg.ng/president-buhari-requests-senate-to-confirm-abdulrasheed-bawa-as-efcc-boss/

Emeka Kalu calls for probe of Akpabio, Akwa over N22billion NDDC funds, N100m bribe


A chieftain of the Peoples Democratic Party, PDP, Engineer Emeka Kalu has called for a thorough investigation of alleged squandering of a whopping N22 billion by Senator Godswill Akpabio, who is the Minister for Niger Delta Affairs, and the Sole Administrator of the Niger Delta Development Commission, NDDC, Effiong Okon Akwa.

Kalu also expressed support for the ongoing investigation of allegation of attempting to bribe some officials of the Code of Conduct Bureau, CCB by Akpabio.

Kalu in a statement he signed himself, and made available to Jungle Journalist Media Limited via electronic mail, said that the current corruption charges against Akpabio are one too many, and must not be ignored.

Kalu who sent the mail from the United States of America, warned that the Minister and the Sole Administrator of NDDC, Akwa must not be allowed to get away with the alleged massive fraud which he said has further impoverished people of the Niger Delta.

Hear him: "We are appalled at the high level of corruption cases against Misters Akpabio and Akwa, who heads the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs, and the NDDC. What's really tragic in the whole matter is that the funds being squandered have been allocated for the upliftment of the people of Niger Delta.

"But these two men sit on our money and dare us. I hereby call for a thorough investigation of these men, whom it has become obvious are far from being honest. Pregnancy cannot be hidden forever, and anyone whose hands are not clean should be tried and jailed for corruption.

"I hereby call on the present administration not to relent in its efforts to curb corrupt practices in this country, and to ensure that justice is served against those who have committed fraud on behalf of the people of the Niger Delta, as well As Nigerians across the gkobe", he started in parts.

Recall that a Federal Commissioner in CCB, Ehiozuwa Johnson Agbonayinma on Monday, 22nd February 2021 told newsmen that his subcommittee is currently investigating the allegation of N100 million bribe against Akpabio.

According to media reports, Akapabio allegedly offered bribe to the CCB officials to give a “soft landing” to Sole Administrator of Niger Delta Development Commission (NDDC), Mr Efiong Okon Akwa over discrepancies in his asset declaration form.

Agbonayinma said the Bureau was looking at the accusation first made against Mr Akpabio by Jackson Ude on Twitter.

“We have been given a mandate by the bureau to investigate the allegation against some officials of CCB that we saw on social media. Let me be specific, one Mr Jackson Ude twitted, and it went viral, that money was given to some officials of CCB by Akpabio. Because of that, a committee to investigate the allegation was set up, with myself as the chairman,” he said.

The embattled Minister, Godswill Akpabio and Effiong Okon Akwa (Sole Administrator of NDDC) were recently accused of having squandered N22billion released to the agency by the Federal Government.

It was also alleged that the Minister is building a multibillion naira mansion in Abuja, and would soon take delivery of two private jets bought on his behalf by a front, one Dubem Obaze.


Source: https://ngg.ng/emeka-kalu-calls-for-probe-of-akpabio-akwa-over-n22billion-nddc-funds-n100m-bribe/

Draslo:
Every time penis jam vagina, wahala must show.

She no get conscience at all.... After having 3 failed marriage

gaius01:
True! Also,
@bolded when you hear women are wicked and heartless na this type them they talk about.. She has no regards for those little kids. Such a derelict person.

May God allow anybody snatch my sister husband...

Fear women

NaijaCelebrity:
This is year is the year of snatching....

This guy is right and also wrong

God bless you sir

I want Buhari to Resign As Petroleum Min. And President

But his pocket is brighter than your future

Officialgarri:
This Timing Franks ugliness spreads to his brain. This same idiot once asked that APC should be probed when Buba Galadima and his son had a motor accident and he thinks that's not laughable enough?

#AkpabioMustGo: Civil Society Groups in Niger Delta Calls For removal of the Interim Management Committee


Conduct and Due Process Group in collaboration with Niger Delta Youth Advocates for Development and other civil society groups in the Niger Delta region call for the removal of the Interim Management Committee and declare it illegal.

The protesters have written to the Inspector General of police informing the Nigerian Police of their intention to conduct a peaceful assembly at the premises of NDDC in all NDDC member states and at the premises of the National Assembly and the Channels Television in Lagos.

The organizers are calling for the removal of NDDC from the control of the Ministry of Niger Delta Affairs and from Godswill Akpabio’s control as it is illegal.

The protesters would also be calling for the removal of Godswill Akpabio as Minister of Niger Delta affairs after being alleged of mismanagement of N40 Billion naira.

Remember on May 5, 2020 Tuesday, the two chambers of the National Assembly had resolved to probe the alleged N40 billion financial recklessness of the Interim Management Committee (IMC) of the NDDC in the last three months.

Responding, Akpabio, whose ministry supervises the NDDC, in a statement entitled “Re: National Assembly probes alleged N40bn corruption in NDDC”, issued on Friday May 8 2020 by his Chief Press Secretary, Anietie Ekong, explained that under the supervision of the Niger Delta Affairs ministry, no corruption has been recorded in the NDDC.

The protesters are agitating under these three hashtags, #WHEREISOUR40BILLION, #AKPABIOMUSTGO, #DISBANDNDDCIMC.



Source: https://ngg.ng/akpabiomustgo-civil-society-groups-in-niger-delta-calls-for-removal-of-the-interim-management-committee/

The DG of Atiku 100%, and initiator of 7th Republic,  Kazeem Tanimu has thrown his weight behind Edo State Governor,  Godwin Obaseki.  


The Social Political Strategist has stretched his hands in campaigning and supporting a host of power Brokers vying for offices in the past. 


In his Instagram post he said: One good turn deserves another. I stand with Governor Obaseki for second term.

Source: https://ngg.ng/kazeem-tanimu-backs-governor-obaseki-for-second-term/

More https://wotzup.ng/nigerian-striker-taiwo-awoniyi-hospitalized-after-suffering-concussion/

Nigerian striker, Taiwo Awoniyi has been hospitalized after he suffered a concussion during a match between his club, Mainz and Augsburg on Sunday.

Awoniyi who is on loan from Liverpool, was motionless for some moments after he landed badly following a collision with Augsburg’s Felix Uduokhai in the first half of the German Bundesliga encounter.


The former U-17 World Cup winner was stretchered off the pitch with his neck in a brace after receiving medical treatment on the field.

According to a statement from the club, Awoniyi, 22, has been hospitalized and is in a stable condition.

“Our striker Taiwo Awoniyi suffered a concussion in his collision with
Augsburg’s Felix Uduokhai and is spending the night in hospital as a precautionary measure,” the club tweeted. “Get well soon, Taiwo!”

Source: https://wotzup.ng/nigerian-striker-taiwo-awoniyi-hospitalized-after-suffering-concussion/

Source: https://wotzup.ng/june-12-president-buhari-addresses-nigerians-on-democracy-day-full-speech/


50. To further institutionalize our effort in this regard, I signed the Executive Order 009 on Ending Open Defecation in Nigeria.

51. In order to improve our forest cover and in fulfilment of my commitment at the 74th Session of the United Nations General Assembly in 2019, we have commenced the planting of 25 million trees. This initiative will also contribute to our effort to mitigate the effect of climate change.

52. In the area of security, we remain unshaken in our resolve to protect our national infrastructure including on-shore and off-shore oil installations, secure our territorial waters and end piracy in the Gulf of Guinea.

53. Ending insurgency, banditry and other forms of criminality across the nation is being accorded appropriate priorities and the men and women of the Armed Forces of Nigeria have considerably downgraded such threats across all geo-political zones.

54. All the Local Governments that were taken over by the Boko Haram insurgents in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa have long been recovered and are now occupied by indigenes of these areas who were hitherto forced to seek a living in areas far from their ancestral homes.

55. The total collapse of the economies of these areas, which constituted a threat to our food security, has also been reversed with the gradual recovery of farming and other economic activities.

56. I regret recent sporadic incidents with tragic loss of lives in Katsina and Borno States as a result of criminals taking advantage of COVID-19 restrictions. Security Agencies will pursue the perpetrators and bring them to swift justice.

57. I must implore state and local governments to revamp their intelligence assets so that the Security Agencies can nip in the bud any planned attacks in remote rural areas. I send my heartfelt condolences to all the relatives and communities affected.

58. As part of the strengthening of our internal security architecture, the Ministry of Police Affairs was created.

59. Amongst others, Government has expanded the National Command and Control Centre to nineteen states of the federation, resuscitated the National Public Security Communication System and commenced the implementation of the Community Policing Strategy.

60. Government has similarly established a Nigerian Police Trust Fund as a public-private sector vehicle for alternative sources of funding security activities.

61. To reduce security challenges through our external borders especially smuggling of oil products out of the country, inflow of small arms and drugs into the country and equally protect our local manufacturers, we introduced operation “Ex-Swift Response” closing our borders from August 20th 2019, and have considerably succeeded in meeting its objectives as well as improving our national revenue.

62. Our Government has continued to work to reduce social and economic inequality through targeted social investment programmes, education, technology and improved information.

63. Our Social Investment Programme has continued to be a model to other nations and has engaged 549,500 N-Power beneficiaries, 408,682 beneficiaries of the Conditional Cash Transfer Programme and 2,238,334 beneficiaries of the Growth Enhancement and Empowerment Programme. This is being done in collaboration with the States.

64. Similarly, “Marketmoni” and “Tradermoni” Programmes have provided affordable loans to small and micro scale enterprises to grow their businesses. Under the National Home-Grown School Feeding Programme, over 9,963,729 children are being fed to keep them in school and improve their nutritional status.

65. Fellow Nigerians, the year 2020 has been like none other. In January 2020, the COVID-19 was declared a global pandemic by the World Health Organization. The number of global infections has risen from less than 8,000 shared between China and eighteen other countries to over 7million spread over 216 countries and on all continents.

66. Nigeria recorded its first case of COVID-19 on February 27th 2020 and within the first 100 days, I have had cause to address the nation on three occasions within one month, which underscores the gravity of this pandemic.

67. There is no doubt that this pandemic has affected the global economy and all known socio-economic systems. It has also brought grief and pain to families that have lost their loved ones. Like many Nigerians, I feel the grief and pain not only as your President but also as someone who has lost a close member of my staff and some relatives and friends.

68. In order to have a robust National response, I approved a Presidential Task Force on COVID-19 to provide guidance and leadership in tackling the pandemic nationwide.

69. State Governments also constituted their own COVID-19 Task Forces. Complementing this was the establishment of a National Emergency Operations Centre responsible for providing technical and professional guidance in the National Response.

70. The overall objective of the PTF COVID-19 is to ensure that the pandemic does not overwhelm our health systems, while ensuring that we maintain an effective Case Management System to help in containing the spread of the virus.

71. The impact of the pandemic has disrupted our economic system and to ensure its functioning while still addressing the spread, the Federal Government put in place a number of various non-pharmaceutical measures to slow down the spread of the virus, in addition to a progressive re-opening of the economy.

72. As part of the strategy to create jobs in reducing the effect of COVID-19 on our youths, I directed the employment of 774, 000 Nigerians. These youths will be engaged in Special Public Works Programme aimed at cushioning the effects of economic downturn. Each of the 774 local government areas in the country will be allotted 1,000 slots. I am pleased to report that this programme has commenced.

73. I receive regular briefing from the PTF on COVID-19. I note that the National Response relies on Science, Data and Experience in taking decisions. This informed my approval for the ease of lock down phase to ensure a balance between lives and livelihoods.

74. I am confident that the steps being taken by the PTF would result in flattening the COVID-19 curve. I, therefore, implore all Nigerians to abide by the approved guidelines and protocols. There is hope for us all if we take individual and collective responsibility.

75. Government is determined to turn this COVID-19 challenge into a motivation to action by building a nation-wide public health care system that will help us overcome the COVID-19 pandemic and prepare for any future outbreak.

76. Already, we have begun to look inward and I charge our inventors, researchers and scientists to come up with solutions to cure COVID-19.

77. Government has continued to implement accountability and transparent policies through the Open Government Partnership and the transparency portal on financial transactions. Similarly, we have strengthened auditing and accountability mechanisms so as to ensure that rules and regulations are followed strictly.

78. Anti-Corruption Agencies have secured more than 1,400 convictions and also recovered funds in excess of N800 billion. These monies are being ploughed into development and infrastructure projects.

79. The Public Service of Nigeria remains the bedrock for the formulation and implementation of policies, programmes and projects in the country. This accounts for why it continues to evolve especially as new socio-economic challenges emerge for Government to address.

80. I will continue to give all the necessary support for the on-going reforms designed to return discipline, integrity and patriotism as the hallmark of the public service.

81. In the face of dwindling resources and rising cost of governance, I have authorized that the White Paper on the Rationalisation of Government Parastatals and Agencies be reviewed for implementation.

82. Our youth population remains a source of strength in achieving development objectives. In this regard, we would continue to concentrate in developing their skills, providing them with opportunities to express their entrepreneurial, research and industrial capacities as well as ample opportunity to take leadership positions in the service of the nation.

83. The commitment of this Administration to the well-being of people living with disabilities remains unwavering. Government recognises their contributions to development. I have directed that all relevant Government agencies pay special attention to the peculiarities of persons with disabilities in the formulation and implementation of their policies and programmes, and where suitable their employment.

84. Nigerian women remain a particular treasure to this nation and for this reason this Administration has continued to give them a place of pride in the affairs of our country.

85. I salute your courage, enterprise and resilience as well as your contributions to national development. I wish to assure all our women of this administration’s determination to fight Gender Based Violence through the instrumentality of the law and awareness creation. I am particularly upset at recent incidents of rape especially of very young girls. The Police are pursuing these cases with a view to bringing perpetrators of these heinous crimes to swift justice.

86. Government continues to recognize and harness the power of the media for positive development. The reforms of the broadcast and advertising industries including digital switch over and continuous engagement through town hall meetings remain central to accurate and credible information dissemination.

87. Our culture provides the basis for our existence as a people and a nation. In preserving iconic aspects of our national culture, this government has been pursuing the recovery of artefacts removed from Nigeria, promoting heritage sites and festivals and working towards designating some of our heritage sites as UNESCO World Heritage Centres.

88. This administration is focused on ensuring that Nigeria would always be governed by the Rule of Law and I would do my utmost to uphold the constitution and protect the lives and property of all Nigerians.

89. Government has initiated a number of policies and programmes designed to promote the legal rights of Nigerians, facilitate the institutionalization of a responsive legal system, provide support to all constituted bodies in implementing their mandates and improve our custodial system of justice.

90. The National Assembly has been an important partner in our quest to sustain our democracy and achieve our development objectives.

91. I therefore greatly thank the leadership and members of the Senate and the House of Representatives for their invaluable support at all times.

92. I will also like to convey our deep appreciation to members of the Press for your doggedness in the struggle for attainment of democracy since the beginning of our nationhood.

93. I must admit that the relationship between the media and successive governments has not always been perfect. But there is no denying the fact that you have been an effective watchdog for the society especially in holding public officers to account. It is sad that in the course of securing our democracy, some of your colleagues have had to pay a heavy price.

94. We will continue to guarantee freedom of the Press as we place high premium on responsible journalism that is devoid of hate speech, fake news and other unethical professional conduct.

95. Fellow Nigerians, as we celebrate this year’s Democracy Day, let us remember that, notwithstanding our aspirations, humanity and indeed democracy is under the threat of COVID-19. Nigeria has survived many crises before and came out stronger. I am confident that by God’s grace we shall overcome this one and emerge stronger and more purposeful.

96. Thank you for listening. God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

President Muhammadu Buhari on Friday addressed Nigerians on the occasion of the Democracy Day.

Read the speech by the President below:

Fellow Nigerians,
1. The 2020 celebration of Democracy Day marks 21 years of uninterrupted civil administration in our dear country. This day provides us an opportunity to reflect on our journey as a nation, our achievements and struggles.

2. It is a day to honour our founding fathers who toiled to establish our republic and every Nigerian who has worked tirelessly to sustain it.

3. We are celebrating this year’s Democracy Day despite the COVID-19 pandemic which afflicts our nation and the whole world.

4. It is indeed a very difficult time for everyone especially those who have lost loved ones to the virus and those whose sources of livelihood have been severely constrained by the stringent measures we introduced at every level of government to contain the virus and save lives.

5. The dedication of our health and other essential services staff towards containing this virus is a testament of our courage and resilience as a people and as a great nation, and I use this opportunity to say thank you to all of you for your service to the nation.

6. Sustaining our democracy thus far has been a collective struggle, and I congratulate all Nigerians and particularly leaders of our democratic institutions on their resilience and determination to ensure that Nigeria remains a shining example of democracy.

7. In my 2019 Democracy Day address, I promised to frontally address the nation’s daunting challenges, especially insecurity, economy and corruption. I therefore find it necessary to give an account of my stewardship on this day.

8. We have recorded notable achievements in the course of implementing our nine priority objectives and are establishing a solid foundation for future success.

9. On the economic front, our objectives have remained to stabilize the macroeconomy, achieve agricultural and food security, ensure energy sufficiency in power and petroleum products, develop infrastructure, fight corruption and improve governance.

10. We have witnessed eleven quarters of consecutive GDP growth since exiting recession. The GDP grew from 1.91% in 2018 to 2.27% in 2019 but declined to 1.87% in the first quarter of 2020 as a result of the decline in global economic activities due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

11. Every single economy in the world has suffered a decline. Ours has been relatively moderate.

12. In order to stabilize the economy, the Monetary Authority took steps to build the external reserves which resulted in improved liquidity in the foreign exchange market. The external reserves grew from $33.42 billion on April 29th 2020 to about $36.00 billion in May, 2020 which is enough to finance seven months of import commitments.

13. Agriculture remains the key to our economic diversification strategy. The Presidential Fertilizer Initiative programme continues to deliver significant quantities of affordable and high-quality fertilizers to our farmers. This initiative has also revived 31 blending plants and created a significant number of direct and indirect jobs across the value chain.

14. Government is also revamping the cotton, textile and garment sector via a CBN Textile Revival Intervention Fund that would considerably reduce foreign exchange spent on cotton and other textile imports.

15. Through the food security initiative, we are promoting “Grow What We Eat” and “Eat What We Grow”. I am also delighted that more and more Nigerians are taking advantage of the opportunities in the agriculture and agri-business sector. I assure you that government will continue to support the Agriculture sector through the CBN Anchor Borrowers Programme and similar schemes.

16. To protect our farming investments, we have deployed 5,000 Agro-Rangers and employed 30,289 in our para-military agencies.

17. We are also integrating rural communities to the formal economy by extending access to credit and inputs to rural farmers and building feeder roads.

18. Our efforts on growing non-oil exports have started to yield some results. For instance, in the past year, our revenue from Cocoa and Sesame Seed increased by $79.4 million and $153 million.

19. Africa presents a huge opportunity for our export base diversification and we are developing our strategy to grow intra-Africa trade through the Africa Continental Free Trade Area Agreement.

20. Nigeria has risen by 25 places on the World Bank’s Ease of Doing Business ranking from 146th to 131st and is now rated as one of the top ten reforming countries.

21. This development is due to the Visa on Arrival policy, consistent promotion of initiatives that expand facilities available to Micro Small and Medium Scale Enterprises, robust electronic registration and payment system, seamless processing of business registration and reduction of cost of registering business by 50%. We are confident that on-going efforts would result in further improvement of this rating.

22. We remain committed to expanding our mining sector. To this end, I have directed the resuscitation of the Ajaokuta Steel Plant based on Government-to-Government financing and a Public-Private Sector financing.

23. With foreign and domestic investments and the participation of Small Scale Miners, we are harnessing the supply value chain in gold production.

24. We would also be launching a fully digitized mineral rights management platform for quick processing of mineral rights application, digitization of records and plugging revenue leakages.

25. The Power Sector remains very critical to meeting our industrial development aspirations and we are tackling the challenges that still exist in the delivery of power through different strategies.

26. We are executing some critical projects through the Transmission Rehabilitation and Expansion Programme including the:

a. Alaoji to Onitsha, Delta Power Station to Benin and Kaduna to Kano;

b. 330kv DC 62km line between Birnin Kebbi and Kamba;

c. Lagos/Ogun Transmission Infrastructure Project;

d. Abuja Transmission Ring Scheme; and

e. Northern Corridor Transmission Project.

27. Our agreement with Siemens will transmit and distribute a total of 11,000 Megawatts by 2023, to serve our electricity needs.

28. On transportation, another critical sector to improving our economic competitiveness, we are growing the stock and quality of our road, rail, air and water transport infrastructure.

29. Through the SUKUK-Funded Road Projects, a total of 412km of the targeted 643km road projects have been completed, representing 64%.

30. The Presidential Infrastructure Development Fund projects are also progressing very well. On the 2nd Niger Bridge, piling work has been completed and the approach roads are being constructed. 48% of work on this bridge has been achieved. We have constructed 102km of the 376km Abuja – Kaduna – Kano Road, representing 38%, and the 42.9km Obajana – Kabba Road is 87.03% complete.

31. Furthermore, the Federal Roads Maintenance Agency has completed routine maintenance on over 4,000km of federal roads out of the 5,000km targeted.

32. We are extending and upgrading our railway network too. We are introducing more locomotives, coaches and wagons for the Abuja-Kaduna Rail Line. The Central Ajaokuta – Itakpe – Warri Line has been completed and is being extended from Itakpe to Abuja on one end and from Warri Town to Warri Port on the other.

33. The Lagos-Ibadan Rail Line is 90% completed and would be extended to the Lagos Port which would help address the long-standing grid-lock at the Apapa port.

34. The Kano – Maradi Single Track Standard Gauge Railway, Coastal Railway Project and Port Harcourt – Maiduguri Standard Gauge Railway, with its associated branch lines running through the South Eastern and Gombe States, industrial park and Bonny Deep Sea Port are all ready for concessioning.

35. Government continues to make investments in the Aviation sector to position it as a travel and trade hub in West Africa and the wider African continent.

36. Airport Terminals in Abuja, Lagos, Kano and Port Harcourt are being expanded, while the rehabilitation of the Enugu Airport is almost completed. All our airports are being raised to international standards with the provision of necessary equipment, especially navigational aids, to guarantee world class safety standards.

37. For the first time in over ten years, Nigeria is conducting bidding process for 57 Marginal Oil Fields to increase revenue and increase the participation of Nigerian companies in oil and exploration and production business.

38. We continue to grow local content in other areas of the oil and gas sector with the disbursement of funds from the $200 million Nigerian Content Intervention Fund to indigenous manufacturers and service providers.

39. With sustained engagement of youths, opinion leaders and other stakeholders, we have restored peace in the Niger Delta Region and maintained our oil production levels.

40. The Head office of the Niger Delta Development Commission will be commissioned shortly. The Funding of sections I–IV of the East-West Road shall be pursued with a view to completing the project by the end of 2021.

41. Furthermore, I am determined to ensure that development meant for the people of the Niger Delta get to them so I have authorised a Forensic Audit of the Niger Delta Development Commission.

42. Digital Economy continues to play an important role in our development agenda as we move into the age of Artificial Intelligence.

43. Since the creation of the Ministry of Communication and Digital Economy, the National Digital Economy Policy and Strategy has been launched. Steps have been taken to achieve a reduction of connectivity cluster gaps from 207 to 114 as well as increase the level of 4G coverage by 30%.

44. Nigeria remains committed to expanding access to quality education to enhance the productivity of its citizens and would continue to pursue the enforcement of free and compulsory basic education for the first 9 years of schooling.

45. In pursuit of this, we have launched the Better Education Service Delivery for All in 17 states, established additional 6 Federal Science and Technical Colleges and currently executing a pro-active Teacher Training Plan with all states of the Federation.

46. In our revision of the operations of specialized education funds and to implement reforms that would optimize their benefits to the sector, we have adopted a Public-Private Sector Partnership for provision of infrastructure and also collaborate with the private sector to create jobs.

47. Our pursuit of affordable housing for the low and middle-income earners has received a boost with the delivery of 1,200 housing units, provision of 520 service plots with infrastructure through a Public Private Sector partnership and the issuance of 868 mortgages totaling N7.7 Billion. Similarly, Home Renovation Loans totaling N16.2 Billion have been granted to 19,210 people.

48. To enable sustainable access to safe and sufficient water to meet the social, cultural, environmental and economic development needs of all Nigerians, we continue to expand our water supply, irrigation and dam facilities.

49. The Completion of Amauzari, Amla Otukpo and other 42 Earth Dams with combined job creation of about 43,354 direct jobs and 71,172 indirect jobs, would provide more support for irrigation agriculture and water supply.


Source: https://wotzup.ng/june-12-president-buhari-addresses-nigerians-on-democracy-day-full-speech/

Video of Simi carrying and handling with her baby, Adejare has surfaced on social media.

In the video, Simi was seen hugging and touching her newborn baby while she was talking with her friends in a room.


Recall that a few days ago, 32-year-old new mum, Simi took to her official Instagram page to announce the birth of her little girl.

Unfortunately, the singer took down the video of herself handling her daughter a few minutes after she posted it.


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=3kR8_Xcd1po

Source: https://wotzup.ng/video-simi-shows-off-her-baby-girl-spotted-carrying-handling-adejare/