The Director-General of the Nigeria’s Debt Management Office (DMO), Dr. Abraham Nwankwo has sought a strong partnership with media, particularly, the online media for the operations of the Debt Management outfit which is a vital instrument of nation’s economic development. Dr. Nwankwo spoke yesterday when DMO played host to Online Publishers at an enlightenment workshop it organized for them at the Best Western Hotel, Allen Avenue, Ikeja Lagos. The DMO boss described the nation’s economy as being based purely on two parameters: material and none material, explaining that none material development which has to do with intellectual rectitude should be given much emphasis to ensure that the material development of the country, which is the human and physical development, has greater and meaningful impact. Dr. Nwankwo said that DMO is an integral part of the modern economy, dealing with every national economic challenge. He said that the organization has no supervisory role on the use to which loans taken by federal and state governments are put. “We try to detach ourselves from the political complications of how state governments utilize the loans they take, but we make sure they pay back the loans.
Dr. Nwankwo, in an answer to a question, said that Nigeria’s external debts is the smallest in the world in relation to its GDP, adding that level of debt does not determine the level of a nation’s economy.
“America has one of the highest debt portfolios in the world, but it is also the strongest economy of the world.” He stressed that Online publishers are being brought in as the DMO’s stakeholders to take advantage of the emerging new window of information technology. “We value the importance of Online publishing as an emerging new window of information for the collaborative development of the nation and its economy,” he stressed. Dr. Nwankwo emphasized that in developing rapport and seeking the collaboration of stakeholders, including students, the organization has come to realize that the role of the Online publishing as public opinion shaper, cannot be under-estimated. During the one-day workshop, four directors in DMO, Patience Oniha, Dele Afolabi, Hannatu Suleiman and Asmau Mohammed delivered papers on various functions of the organization. The President of the Guild of Corporate Online Publishers (GOCOP), Mr. Malachy Agbo assured the DMO team that the Online publishers would support the economic growth of the country. Agbo said that the fact that about 85 million Nigerians now have access to online made it the most powerful and useful aspect of the nation’s economic and sociopolitical development. [myad]
Months after the last bomb blast in the nation’s capital, Abuja, explosions are back again, as about 15 people were feared killed in one of the twin explosions in Kuje, capital of one of the Area Councils, last night. Information reaching us indicated that more people were also killed and others injured in a blast which occurred simultaneously in Nyanya, the suburb of the capital city. The explosions in Kuje occurred at about 10.00pm around the market side where hordes of commercial motorcyclists, known as “achaba” or “going” used to hang around waiting for prospective customers. A resident who lives close to the scene of the explosion, Jafaru Abubakar narrated how he heard the sound of earth-shaking explosion at the time he was about to sleep. “I woke up immediately and rushed to the scene. I found so many dead bodies littered around the place. It was a gory sight.” The Editor-In-Chief of Greenbarge Reporters also narrated how, as he drove into Kuje from a trip to Lagos, policemen diverted him and other motorists away from the road leading to the scene of the explosion to an alternative road. “Just as I approached the Kuje Secretariat, I heard another deafening sound of explosion. Even with the darkness of the night, one could see smokes from the explosion rising up into the sky from far.”
Meanwhile, the National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA), in a statement by Manzo Ezekiel, its press officer confirmed the explosion.
“Following the unfortunate explosions that occurred this night in Nyanya and Kuje, which are two satellite towns in the Federal Capital Territory Abuja, the National Emergency Management Agency has deployed its rescue teams in the evacuation of the victims to various hospitals.
“The explosions which occurred almost simultaneously have resulted in a number of deaths and injuries but the rescue operations coordinated by NEMA are still ongoing. Details would be made available later.
The source of the blasts was not immediately clear but similar explosions carried out by Boko Haram had hit Nyanya twice in the past.
This was as he Permanent Secretary of the Federal Capital Territory, Engr. John Obinna Chukwu, , has condemned in strong terms the twin suicide bomb blasts in Kuje, a suburb of Abuja late Friday.
Engr. Chukwu has commiserated with people of Kuje Satellite town, particularly those who lost their loved ones in the unfortunate and barbaric incident.
While also commiserating with the injured persons, the Permanent Secretary described the wanton destruction of lives and property as heartless and an act of wickedness on soft targets, which has “no place in our history and tradition”.
He assured that the FCT Administration would continue to work closely with the security agencies to ensure the safety of lives and property of all the residents of the Federal Capital Territory. Engr. Chukwu thus, prayed for the speedy recovery of the injured persons.
The Permanent Secretary has however appealed the residents of the Federal Capital Territory to be more vigilant and report any suspicious person (s) or movement(s) to the law enforcement agents.
Meanwhile, the FCT Police Commissioner, Mr. Wilson Inalegwu, who confirmed the twin blasts in Kuje, a suburb of Abuja has also condemned the unfortunate act. [myad]
President Muhammadu Buhari seems to be cracking jokes with the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki at the nation’s 55th Independence anniversary celebration at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, today.
From right: Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, President Muhammadu Buhari and Vice President Yemi Osinbajo (second left) admiring a giant 55th Independence anniversary Card at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa, today.
President Muhammadu Buhari inspecting a guard of honour mounted by members of the Nigeria Armed Forces at the nation’s 55th Independence anniversary today, at the Aso Rock Presidential Villa. [myad]
“Nobody should fear anything from me. We are not after anyone. People should only fear the consequences of their actions.” These were the words of President Muhammadu Buhari as the nation celebrate its 55th Independence anniversary today. He went on: “I bear no ill will against anyone on past events. I hereby invite everyone, whatever his or her political view to join me in working for the nation.” The President maintained that every new government used to inherit problems and that his was not different. “But what Nigerians want are solutions, quick solutions not a recitation of problems inherited. Accordingly, after consultations with the Vice President, senior party leaders and other senior stakeholders, I quickly got down to work on the immediate, medium-term and long-term problems which we must solve if we are to maintain the confidence which Nigerians so generously bestowed on us in the March elections and since then.” [myad]
Governor of Ebonyi State, Chief David Umahi has said that he is eager to sign the death warrant of any kidnapper convicted in the state. The governor, in his address to mark the 55th anniversary of the country and the 19th year celebration of the state’s creation said: “the incidences of kidnapping in the state is worrisome as it leaves psychological trauma on victims and their relatives. “I will readily sign the death warrant of any convicted kidnapper without wasting time; without bothering if it involves a high profile person or not.” Umahi said that the state House of Assembly had passed a law on kidnapping in the state, and that it stipulates capital punishment for convicted.offenders. The governor warned all owners of uncompleted buildings in the state to keep them clean and ensure that they are guarded. “Any uncompleted building that houses kidnap victims or accessories would be demolished within 24 hours of discovery of such activities.” Governor Umahi granted state pardon to eight convicted prisoners in the state in the spirit of the dual celebrations. “I am directing the state committee on prerogative of mercy to monitor the conduct of the pardoned persons and ensure they are responsible.” He enjoined the committee to ensure that the beneficiaries did not commit crimes again, even as he reiterated his readiness to improve the capital city through road rehabilitation and reconstruction and to ensure that at least 1,000 Ebonyi youths are provided with training opportunities before the end of this month. Dr Sam Egwu, the first Civilian Governor of the state and Senator representing Ebonyi North zone in the Senate asked Ebonyi people to unite and cooperate with its leaders. “This is to realise the aims of the state’s founding fathers while thanking the former leaders of the state, especially its first Military Administrator, Rtd. Commodore Walter Ferghabo for their contributions to develop of the state. [myad]
The United States of America is still talking of how it was impressed by the March Presidential election in Nigeria, even as it congratulated the country for its 55th Independence anniversary today.
A statement by Secretary of State, John Kerry, in Washington, DC said that Nigerians can observe this national day with gratitude and pride knowing that it followed a largely peaceful general election in March, “a significant moment for your country
“On behalf of President Obama and the people of the United States, I congratulate the citizens of Nigeria as you celebrate your Independence Day on October 1.”
Kerry recalled that he was privileged to travel to Nigeria in the lead up to that historic balloting and that during such visit, he reaffirmed the importance of the U.S.-Nigeria strategic partnership and the need to uphold peace and democratic principles as the nation headed to the polls.
“I was pleased to see the high-level of participation in the democratic process, which resulted in a successful transfer of power. I was also honored to attend the presidential inauguration on May 29.
“Even with the elections behind you and a new government in place, much hard work still lies ahead. When President Obama met President Buhari, in July, the United States pledged to support Nigeria firmly as it strives to curb corruption, bolster the economy, consolidate democratic governance, and address regional issues, including the weakening and defeat of Boko Haram.”
Kerry noted that the partnership between the two countries is strong “because of our people, because of our collaboration in so many areas, and because of our commitment to uphold and advance shared values.”
He said that the United States is looking forward to deepening its friendship with Nigeria in months and years to come.
“I extend my very best wishes to you on this, the 55th anniversary of your nation’s independence.” [myad]
Workers in Cross River State have been ordered by their unions to begin an indefinite sit-at-home protest from tomorrow, Friday, against the background of the alleged refusal of the state government to settle the arrears of their salaries and allowances..
The Organized Labour Action Committee (OLAC) is demanding on behalf of the workers, that salaries of local government workers and teachers, salaries of staff of the Cross River University of Technology, weigh-in allowances and other salary related payments should be settled.
The workers unions expressed surprised in a statement that the state government claimed that the bailout funds it received from the federal government is to offset loans acquired.
The Chairman of the Trade Union Congress (TUC), Mr. Clarkson Otu, insisted that the bailout funds are meant for payment of salary arrears, outstanding gratuities/pension and deduction from salaries, adding: “our demand is that the government offsets all these payments, if not please sit at home from October 2, 2015.
“MDAs are grounded, no activity, no funding. It is a one man show, no exco. Boards, commissions and agencies are not formed. Promotion of civil servants stalled. Salaries paid in parts, no release of deductions from salaries. Civil servants are made bad debtors to banks and loan vendors. All we hear is noise and sirens. Comrades, we are tired of waiting.”
After a botched meeting with Governor Ben Ayade, Chairman of the Nigeria Labour Congress (NLC), Mr. John Ushie, said the governor never granted them audience to sort out the issues until they had to resort to strike. [myad]
The governor of Kaduna state, Mallam Nasiru El-Rufai has admitted that the challenges facing Nigeria today could scare leaders who are not prepared for them.
According to him, as he addressed the people of Kaduna state to mark the nation’s 55th Indepedence celebration: “the challenges are so huge that they can easily disorient the unwary, and insert depression where resolve is needed.”
The governor said that as he contemplated the magnitude of the job at hand, he was encouraged by aspects of the Nigerian character, adding: “we have proven repeatedly that when we set our heart to a challenge, we can master it.
“But our collective weakness is that we demonstrate this burst of creative energy only in emergencies, in moments of crisis when the consequence of failure is too tragic to contemplate. Yet episodic feats of competence and performance are not sufficient to build a country. Such feats certainly inspire, but we should strive to be a land of people who consistently do our best in every assignment, small or large.”
The governor’s speech, titled: Our Chance for National Rebirth, is reproduced here. Read on:
Protocols
I am highly delighted to witness this commemoration of our country’s 55th independence anniversary. It is the first since we got the chance to reclaim our country. Nigeria and and its people have traveled a tortuous path over the last few decades. We are nowhere close to where we ought to be, no thanks to the legacy of bad governance, corruption, abuse of power and disunity that has been foisted by leaders who could have done better.
Yet we can celebrate the small mercies that have been afforded us. Despite our differences, and the many tensions and stresses that have buffeted our land, we remain bound together as a united country. We can celebrate because 2015 is the year that the peoples of this country decided it was time to begin the rebirth of a nation. Against the most concerted campaign ever mounted by a government to divide the people it was meant to lead, Nigerians refused to be set against each other. I pay tribute to the many sacrifices that were made to make the historic elections of this year possible. What the voters of 2015 did was to make democracy a bulwark of patriotism. In other words, the people cast their votes for their country. May we never again be saddled with people who prefer themselves above the country.
As we joyfully celebrate today’s occasion, I urge us all to remember that we are only at the beginning. The tasks before us as a country and a people are immense. The challenges are so huge that they can easily disorient the unwary, and insert depression where resolve is needed. As I contemplate the magnitude of the job at hand, I am encouraged by aspects of the Nigerian character. We have proven repeatedly that when we set our heart to a challenge, we can master it. But our collective weakness is that we demonstrate this burst of creative energy only in emergencies, in moments of crisis when the consequence of failure is too tragic to contemplate. Yet episodic feats of competence and performance are not sufficient to build a country. Such feats certainly inspire, but we should strive to be a land of people who consistently do our best in every assignment, small or large.
The opportunity we have been given for national rebirth imposes on us a duty to take steps to improve the life chances of people. We have a duty to improve access to jobs, education and healthcare. And we can do this only in a climate of peace and security. I urge us all to respect and uphold the humanity of others, and to foster harmony in all our little corners. The ordinary people of this state have not benefitted from the division, acrimony and violence that the entrepreneurs of ethnic and religious hatred have unleashed. Enough is Enough!
We have been delighted by the parade and the marches put on today. I say a big thank you to our people in uniform for a good show. Our school children and young people have also given us a grand spectacle, and they deserve our applause. They have truly demonstrated what can be achieved through discipline and rigorous preparation.
On this occasion convened to celebrate independence, I wish to remind us that as we liberated our country, we must also free our people by making the light of quality education accessible to all. Education is emancipation! The provision of free basic education in decent schools and with skilled teachers is one of the priorities this government will accomplish in its four-year term. We have spent the past few months planning school repairs, the provision of school furniture and the training of teachers. Today, we move to declare a state of emergency in education. We ask for your support as we begin to implement extraordinary measures in the educational sector. Tomorrow by God’s Grace, the Commissioner of Education, Science and Technology will announce the raft of measures that will be taken to ensure that our schools’ infrastructure, tools and teacher quality are improved significantly within the next six weeks. We are determined that one legacy of the rebirth of our country will be the restoration of education as a tool to free our people from the fetters of ignorance.
On this occasion, the Kaduna State government decided to extend mercy to prisoners. Pursuant to Section 212 of the Constitution, the prerogative of mercy was exercised in favour of 14 prisoners. The government commuted the death sentences of five convicts, who will now serve prison time. Five prisoners serving sentences of three years and above were released on the basis of good behavior or time served already. In addition, three prisoners were released on the basis on age while one person was released due to ill health. In doing our duty to show mercy, the government warns that it will not tolerate crime and threats to security.
I will not end my speech without conveying the message of our leader and mentor President Muhammadu Buhari on the APC’s philosophical reason for being, and contained in his nationwide broadcast earlier this morning. I quote him verbatim:
“And better results for our country is what the APC government for CHANGE is all about…Change does not just happen. You and I and all of us must appreciate that we all have our part to play if we want to bring CHANGE about. We must change our lawless habits, our attitude to public office and public trust. We must change our unruly behaviour in schools, hospitals, market places, motor parks, on the roads, in homes and offices. To bring about change, we must change ourselves by being law-abiding citizens.”
Once again, I wish us all a happy 55th independence anniversary.
Thank you for listening.
God bless Kaduna State
God bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.
Nasir El-Rufai is Governor of Kaduna State. [myad]
Kwara state government cancelled the 55th independence celebration parade scheduled to take place at the Metropolitan Square, Ilorin. This followed an unfavourable security report that suspected hoodlums might disrupt the programme.
The cancellation of the independence parade, might not be unconnected also with last Thursday’s attack at Ilorin praying ground where some suspected hoodlums stoned the Senate President, Dr. Bukola Saraki, the Emir of Ilorin and other dignitaries.
During the attack, sachets of cold pure water and stones were freely used by the suspected hoodlums, which resulted in pandemonium. 9myad0
Governor Ayo Fayose of Ekiti state has cancelled all forms of fanfare as well as stadium parades usually held on Independence Day celebrations, citing the difficulty in paying workers salaries as the main reason.
Fayose, in a broadcast to the people of the state today said that there was nothing to celebrate in view of the economic situation in the country.
“`I do not think it is proper to engage in jamboree when it is almost becoming increasingly difficult to pay workers salaries.
“The current situation demands sober reflection from all and we cannot pretend about this,” Mr. Fayose said.
He ordered residents to stay at home and enjoy the celebration in low-key.
As a result of the governor’s order, there were no activities in most parts of Ado-Ekiti, the state capital. However, there were few places where pockets of activities were organized by individuals and corporate bodies. [myad]
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