₦airaland Forum

I join my fellow citizens this morning to welcome and celebrate the New Year 2018. This year promises to be pivotal in our quest for CHANGE.

Unfortunately, I am saddened to acknowledge that for many this Christmas and New Year holidays have been anything but merry and happy. Instead of showing love, companionship and charity, some of our compatriots chose this period to inflict severe hardship on us all by creating unnecessary fuel scarcity across the country.

The consequence was that not many could travel and the few who did had to pay exorbitant transport fares. This is unacceptable given that NNPC had taken measures to ensure availability at all depots. I am determined to get to the root of this collective blackmail of all Nigerians and ensure that whichever groups are behind this manipulated hardship will be prevented from doing so again.

Such unpatriotism will not divert the Administration from the course we have set ourselves. Our government’s watch word and policy thrust is CHANGE. We must change our way of doing things or we will stagnate and be left behind in the race to lift our people out of poverty and into prosperity.

My address to fellow Nigerians this morning is devoted mainly to informing you about the intense efforts this Administration is putting to address our country’s huge infrastructural deficit.

We are going to make significant in-roads in advancing road, rail and power projects across the country.

The Ministry of Power, Works and Housing is one of the drivers of this Government’s commitment to renew and increase Nigeria’s stock of infrastructure in order to achieve global economic competitiveness as targeted under the Economic Recovery and Growth Plan.

With regards to Railways, we have set ourselves ambitious targets. Already in construction stage is the Lagos-Kano Standard Gauge Railway.

The line should reach Ibadan from Lagos by the end of this year and will carry two million passengers per year and five million tons of cargo will be transported every year giving a substantial boost to the country’s economy.

Construction of the Kano – Kaduna segment is expected to commence this year and reach Kaduna by the end of 2019. By the end of 2021 the two ends will be joined so that we will have standard gauge railway across the main North-South trading route.

The Abuja – Kaduna route will be boosted by additional rolling stock next Thursday and will be able to handle one million commuters annually.

At the same time I have approved and negotiations will be concluded in the first part of this year for the Port Harcourt to Maiduguri line covering Aba, Owerri, Umuahia, Enugu, Awka, Abakaliki, Makurdi, Lafia, Jos, Bauchi, Gombe, Yola and Damaturu. The Abuja to Itakpe line will go through Baro and terminates in Warri with construction of a new seaport at Warri.

Negotiations are also advanced for the construction ofother railway lines, firstly from Kano to Maradi in Niger Republic passing through Kazaure, Daura, Katsina, Jibiato Maradi.

Secondly, Lagos to Calabar the “Coastal Rail” through Ore, Benin, Agbor, Asaba, Onitsha, Sapele, Ughelli, Warri, Yenagoa, Otuoke, Port Harcourt, Aba, Uyo and Calabar. In the next few years, all these Nigerian cities will be linked by functional modern rail systems, giving enormous boost to the social and economic life of our people.

With respect to the Abuja Capital Light Rail, progress has reached 98% completion, as at 64% completion when we assumed office. Only test runs remain before start of operations.

This train service will stimulate economic activities in the Federal Capital and provide residents with an efficient and safe transportation system. Twelve railway sub-stations around the capital over a 45.2 kilometre route will serve as a catalyst and a pull factor to the economy of the area. The Light Rail System will reduce traffic congestion and carbon emission in line with the Administration’s policy on climate change.

Management of the Federal Road Maintenance Agency (FERMA) has been reconstituted and has been charged with a 12 week rapid intervention in road repairs to cover all the geo-political zones. Government is undertaking repairs and maintenance of 44 roads within the the six geo-political zones.

Twenty five major highways will be funded under the N100b SUKUK facility. Each geo-political zone will benefit by an equal amount of N16.67b. The following major highways are to receive special attention:
a. Oyo – Ogbomosho,
b. Ofusu – Ore – Ajebandele – Shagamu,
c. Yenegoa Road Junction – Kolo Otuoke – Bayelsa Palm,
d. Enugu – Part Harcourt Dual Carrriage Way,
e. Onitsha – Enugu Expressway,
f. Kaduna Eastern Bypass,
g. Dualization of Kano – Maiduguri Road,
h. Dualization of Abuja – Lokoja – Benin Road,
i. Dualization of Suleja – Minna Road.

In addition, Government has approved work to start on the re-construction of Abuja – Kaduna – Zaria – Kano roadwhich is in a state of disrepair. Work will soon start and is expected to be completed in 2019.

More Nigerians across the country are experiencing improved power supply to their homes and businesses. However, power remains a concern to this governmentbecause too many people still do not have regular and reliable supply.

The Payment Assurance Guarantee Scheme which started in January 2016 has enabled the Nigerian Bulk Electricity Trader to raise so far N701 billion to assure Generation Companies of at least 80% payment for any power delivered to the national grid.

Consequently, generation has now reached 7,000MW. On December 8, 2017 the country achieved 5,155MW of power delivered to consumers, the highest level ever recorded.

Several moribund projects have been revived. Repairs of Afam Power Station added 110MW in 2017 and another 240MW will be added this year through a private investment partnership.

Katsina Power Project is now being tested and producing 10MW of power from wind for the first time in Nigeria. It should be fully operational this year.

The Zungeru 700MW Hydroelectric Power Project, stalled by court cases is due for completion in 2019. The transmission and other requirements to operate the 30MW Gurara Phase 1 Hydroelectric Plant, the 40MW KashinbillaHydroelectric Plant and the 215 MW Kaduna Gas/LPG/Diesel Power Plant will also be completed this year.

A landmark project, Mambilla Hydroelectric Power Project is at last taking off. This project has been on the drawing Board for 40 years, but now the engineering, procurement and construction contract for the 3,050MW project has been agreed with a Chinese joint venture Company with a financing commitment from the government of China. Completion is targeted for 2023.

As I mentioned earlier, the Transmission Company of Nigeria can now distribute all the 7,000MW that can be generated. TCN and the Niger Delta Holding Company have added 1,950MVA of 330 down to 132KV transformer capacity of 10 transmission stations and 2,930MVA of 132 down to 33KV transformer capacity of 42 sub-stations including Ikot Ekpene, Aba, Alagbon, Ajah, Ejigbo, Funtuaand Zaria.​

This Administration is working with the privatised distribution Companies to overcome the continuing challenges of distribution.

These massive public works should spearhead the recovery and lead millions back to employment. You will recall that it was not until last year that we got out of the economic recession into which the country had fallen as a consequence of past unsustainable economic policies which projected short-term illusory growth.

The government is slowly stabilizing the economy.

It was in order to change the steady and steep decline that we adopted the more sustainable policies and programmes captured in the Economic Recovery Plan. Diversification efforts have resulted in improved output particularly in agriculture and solid minerals sectors. The relative exchange rate stability has improved manufacturing sector performance.

We have got to get used to discipline and direction in economic management. The days of business as usual are numbered.

Two years ago I appealed to people to go back to the land. I am highly gratified that agriculture has picked up, contributing to the government’s effort to re-structure the economy. Rice imports will stop this year. Local rice, fresher and more nutritious will be on our dishes from nowon.

By the same token, I am today appealing to enterprising Nigerians with ideas and unemployed graduates and other able-bodied and literate men and women with ideas not to just sit and wait for employment from the government or the Organized Private Sector. Great nations are built by enterprising people who turn their hands to anything that circumstances dictate.

In respect of political developments, I have kept a close watch on the on-going debate about “Restructuring”. No human law or edifice is perfect. Whatever structure we develop must periodically be perfected according to changing circumstances and the country’s socio-economic developments. We Nigerians can be very impatient and want to improve our conditions faster than may be possible considering our resources and capabilities. When all the aggregates of nationwide opinions are considered, my firm view is that our problems are more to do with process than structure.

We tried the Parliamentary system: we jettisoned it. Now there are shrill cries for a return to the Parliamentary structure. In older democracies these systems took centuries to evolve so we cannot expect a copied system to fit neatly our purposes. We must give a long period of trial and improvement before the system we have adopted is anywhere near fit for purpose.

However, there is a strong case for a closer look at the cost of government and for the public services long used to extravagance, waste and corruption to change for the better. I assure you that government is ever receptive to ideas which will improve governance and contribute to the country’s peace and stability.

As the electioneering season approaches politicians must avoid exploiting ethnicity and religion by linking ethnicity with religion and religion with politics. Such must be avoided at all costs if we are to live in harmony.

In this respect the rest of Nigeria could learn from the South Western States who have successfully internalized religion, ethnicity and politics.

Political discourse should be conducted with civility, decorum and in a constitutional manner. We all have a collective responsibility to strengthen our democracy and entrench the rule of law. We should draw encouragement from the series of bye-elections conducted by INEC last year which were generally violence free and their outcomes adjudged to be free and fair.

Before I conclude my address I must reassure my fellow citizens that security of life and property is still top of our government’s agenda. We have since beaten Boko Haram. Isolated attacks still occur, but even the best-policed countries cannot prevent determined criminals from committing terrible acts of terror as we have seen during the past years in Europe, Asia, Middle East, elsewhere in Africa and in America.

Our government remains determined to protect all Nigerians in line with our election pledge and promises.On behalf of all Nigerians let me offer our thanks to the Armed forces, the Police, other para-military forces and traditional authorities who are working round the clock to ensure that you and I go about our normal business in reasonable safety.

Terrorism and urban crimes are world-wide phenomena and our security forces are continuously adapting their responses to changing threats.


With regard to rampant cases of kidnappings, we are taking immediate short-term measures to combat this new evil creeping into our societies. Tighter police methods and swift and severe punishment for those proved to be engaged in kidnapping are on the way.

With respect to Niger Delta, Government is still engaging responsible leadership of the Communities to help in identifying and addressing genuine grievances of the region. Our clean-up programme in collaboration with the United Nations is making satisfactory progress.

I am grateful to all the Governors and other Political &Community leaders of the Niger Delta States for their part in bringing relative peace to the areas.

Finally let me again express my heartfelt thanks to all Nigerians who prayed for me during my illness last year. I feel deeply humbled by your prayers and good wishes and I am more determined than ever to serve you to the best of my ability.

Good morning. And I wish everyone a Happy New Year.

President Muhammadu Buhari has just congratulated renowned hip-hop artistes, Ayodeji Ibrahim Balogun, Wizkidayo, and David Adedeji Adeleke, Davido, on their awards at the Music of Black Origin (MOBO).

President Buhari joins the teeming fans of the artistes in Nigeria and all over the world in celebrating the highly deserved and meritorious recognition, which saw WizKid winning “International Best Artitse’’ award, while Davido picked the “Best African Act’’.

The President affirms that both singers have showcased the rich talents in the country, and brought pride to the nation through their many songs and performances, commending their dedication, hard work and charity works.

President Buhari also calls on the upwardly mobile artistes to be cautious and mindful of likely distractions to their careers, urging WizKid and Davido to serve as ambassadors of the country and role models to upcoming musicians.

Welcome to Sara Primary School in Bauchi State, Established in 1953, neglected by the State Government.

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President Buhari presiding over the federal executive council meeting at the presidential villa Abuja

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Journalist Kemi Olunloyo has revealed why she created the word Biafra in 2013 and how she predicted that FG will declare IPOB a terrorist organization.

She wrote via her twitter timeline.. I created the word Biafra in 2013 after a spat with #BiancaOjukwu. I am not a prophet! #Nigerians PLEASE start listening to me! MBuhari

The Ekiti State Governor, Ayodele Fayose, wants the Minister of Information and Culture, Lai Mohammed, to name ‘Treasury Looters’ he allegedly claimed were sponsoring the Indigenous People of Biafra, (IPOB).

Speaking to newsmen shortly after inspecting the ongoing construction of the first ever overhead bridge in Ado-Ekiti the state capital.

Governor said its high time Nigerians begin to hold the minster accountable for his claims.

On the faceoff between the military and IPOB in the southeast, the Ekiti Governor advised the Federal Government to embrace dialogue rather than use force.

Governor Fayose, however, called on the international community, especially the United Nations and the International Criminal Court to investigate the heinous crime committed by the military against Nigerians in the southeast.

Former President Olusegun Obasanjo says he really want to meet IPOB Leader, Nnamdi Kanu and talk to him.

Obasanjo stated this during an interview with Newsweek Magazine.

Ironically, Kanu, had in the past called Obasanjo an “evil man”.

READ ALSO: South-East govs Proscribe IPOB’s Activities, Insists Anambra Election Must Hold

The former President said, “I don’t see anything wrong in that (Buhari meeting with Kanu). I would not object to that; if anything, I would encourage it.

“I would want to meet Kanu myself and talk to people like him, people of his age, (and ask) ‘What are your worries?’ Not only from the South-East but from all parts of Nigeria.”

Obasanjo, who led the final offensive that brought the civil war to an end in 1970, said he had seen too many wars and it was time for Nigeria to move on.

He said he believed that enough dialogue had not been done by both the government and several groups.

The former President, however, said secession was not the answer.

“Those who fought in the war in Biafra will not want to fight any other war. I fought in that war and it was an unfortunate war and I said I have fought one war too many in Nigeria; I don’t want to see another.

“The heavy boot is not the solution. I believe also whatever may be the frustration of any youth in any part of Nigeria; I believe secession is not the solution.”

The former president, who was also military head of state from 1976–1979, said economic development in the country was the only way to solve the various agitations across the country.

Some Igbo leaders have complained that President Buhari, who hails from northern Nigeria, has prioritized the development of other parts of the country to their detriment.

“We need to satisfy the youth in job creation, in wealth creation, in giving them a better, fulfilled life, in giving them hope for the future. There’s no easy way out,” he said.

Nigerian Army has reacted to the video clip that emerged online yesterday showing IPOB Members been compelled by Soldiers to swim in a dirty mud water.

Army reacting to the information stated that the issue is been investigated and those behind the incidence if found guilty will face the wrath of the Military justice.

Read below..

The attention of the Headquarters 82 Division Nigerian Army has been drawn to a video clip trending on social media and other platforms purportedly showing troops humiliating some people at a check point in Abia State, Nigeria.

The issue is being investigated with the view to ascertain the source and the actors in the clip.

Our Code of Conduct and Rules of Engagement are quite clear and any officer or soldier that infringed on any of such directive if found guilty, will face full wrath of the military justice system. We would like inform the public that 82 Division is also aware of the planned misinformation and propaganda arrangement by the secessionists Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB).

They intend to churn out prerecorded video clips aimed at discrediting the Nigerian Army, causing disaffection among the citizens of this country. They will be using bogus, manipulated and photo-shopped photographs as well as video clips.

The public should be wary of such mischief, scrutinize and report same to the Nigerian Army or any of security agencies. The Division wishes to reassure the public that it is determined to ensuring the safety of lives and properties in its area of operational responsibility, particularly the entire South East geo-political zone as enshrined in the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. We do not condone any act of indiscipline in the conduct of our operations and training exercises.

Any claim of rights violation would be investigated and when confirmed, appropriate disciplinary action would be taken against the erring personnel. SAGIR MUSA Colonel Deputy Director Army Public Relations 82 Division Nigerian Army

Two young men were today caught and beaten to near death in Agudama-epie, Yenagoa, Bayelsa state for stealing a live dog.

According to the facebook user, Omoke samuel, who happens to be the President of the akassa national youth association.(ANYA)

He posted on his wall, "Two boys that stole my dog this morning".

Further findings revealed that the suspects were caught with the dog at the Nigerian law school area, at Agudama-epie.

The suspects were therefore paraded half naked on the streets and humiliated with whips of cain, placing the stolen dog around their shoulders to mock them.

Thousands of Muslim faithful from the 7 states of northwest on Thursday converged in Kano for special prayer session and rally in support of President Muhammadu Buhari.

The participating states are Kano, Jigawa, Katsina, Sokoto, Kebbi, Zamfara and Kaduna.

The prayer session was held at Sani Abacha Indoor Stadium

Many Islamic Scholars, politicians, top government officials and hundreds of members of Civil Society Organisations, Students' unions and other non-governmental organisations were in attendance.


The mammoth crowd later matched to Kano State Government House where Governor Ganduje addressed them.

The leader of the Indigenous People of Biafra (IPOB), Nnamdi Kanu, has said that the group will never be armed.

Kanu asked Nigerians not to be afraid of the internal operations of the group.

He said; "There is no need for people to be afraid of the internal operations of the IPOB. We will never ever resort to armed violence or armed conflict of any sort,” he said.

Kanu stated this on Wednesday in an interview with reporters shortly after a meeting of some southern leaders in Obingwa Local Government Area of Abia State.

He insisted that members of the group will never get involved in any activity that can bring shame to people, especially in Nigeria’s South-East region.

“I will not do anything that will bring dishonour or shame to our people and if I do it, IPOB will never be violent, we will never be armed.”

The weekly Federal Executive Council meeting will has been cancelled.

The cancellation of the meeting was made known by the President Muhammadu Buhari’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, in the early hours of Wednesday.

No reason was given for the cancelation.

He, however, said President Muhammadu Buhari will receive the probe report on the allegations against the suspended Secretary to the Government of the Federation, Babachir Lawal, and the Director General of the National Intelligence Agency, Ambassador Ayo Oke, at 12 noon.

The probe panel was headed by the Vice President, Prof. Yemi Osinbajo.

It was set up to probe Lawal for his role in a some contracts on the clearing of grass in the North East by a company linked to him.


Oke was probed for the role of the NIA in the huge funds found in a Lagos home in cash.

The presentation of the probe report will hold at the office of the President in his residence at the Presidential Villa, Abuja.

Coalition of South-East youths on Tuesday held a rally in support of President Muhammadu Buhari in Abuja.

The Youths were seen carrying placards during the rally in abuja

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Photo Credit: NAN

The Senior special assistant to the President Buhari on Media and Publicity, Shehu Garba, has explained why the President is currently working from his home office after returning from a long medical vacation in London.

Speaking to Thisday, Shehu said the President's main office was devastated by rodents, who caused damage a lot of damage to the furniture and air conditioning units during the three months period of disuse.

Although Shehu Garba didn't state when the renovation would be completed, he revealed that the maintenance company had been asked to speed up its pace of work.

President Buhari is currently meeting with Service Chiefs in his office at his official residence in Abuja.

Some of those in attendance include the Chief of Defence, Maj. Gen. Gabriel Olonisakin, Chief of Army Staff, Lt. Gen. Tukur Buratai, Chief of Air Staff, Air Marshal Sadique Abubakar, Chief of Naval Staff, Rear Admiral Ibot-Ete Ibas.

The purpose of the meeting is not yet known but sources say it may be connected with the President’s charge to the security agencies not to relent in their fight against insurgency in his presidential broadcast to the nation on Monday.

More details coming….

SENATE RECEIVES, ACKNOWLEDGES BUHARI'S RESUMPTION LETTER

The Nigerian Senate says it has received and acknowledged a letter of resumption of duty signed by President Muhammadu Buhari, Says Senate President Bukola Saraki (@bukolasaraki) in a tweet.

There is currently a Massive protest in Ekiti,citizens ask Gov Ayo Fayose to produce his imaginary 11 pictures of MBuhari on life-support or RESIGN

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Over 30 Brand New Mini Buses allowed to rust and wast at the International Cancer Centre along Airport road @Abuja_Facts

According to an online user who shared the photo...

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Airport right now. Supporters waiting to escort the president back to the villa

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