Lagos: One Of Africa's Biggest Economies

Lagos, Nigeria’s commercial hub, could soon have a US$45 billion economy – equivalent to that of Ghana, according to a recent report produced by Renaissance Capital economist Yvonne Mhango.

Mhango says that the size of Lagos State’s economy is currently about US$32 billion, or 12% of Nigeria’s total GDP. 

However, in 2014 Nigeria is expected to change the base year for its GDP calculation. Nigeria’s GDP is currently calculated by using 1990 as a base year, which does not account for the rapid development of the services, telecoms, and entertainment industries. The rebasing is expected to boost the GDP of Africa’s most populous country by about 40%.

 

“By our estimates, the Lagos State economy will become Africa’s 13th biggest economy in 2014, around $45 billion,” notes Mhango.

 

According to Anna Rosenberg, a senior analyst for sub-Saharan Africa at Frontier Strategy Group, Nigeria’s rebased GDP figures, when they are released, are likely to make Nigeria the largest economy in sub-Saharan Africa, surpassing South Africa. 

"Nigeria will surpass South Africa as the continent’s largest economy when GDP is revised upwards between 40-60%. It is unclear however, when the new figures will be released. But if GDP increases by 40%, Nigeria’s economy would swell from $275 billion to $385 billion,” said Rosenberg. “South Africa’s economic output is $378.9 billion.”

 

Although Lagos is the smallest of Nigeria’s 36 states by area, it is by far the most densely populated.

 

“Lagos State has parallels with South Africa’s smallest province Gauteng, in that it is Nigeria’s smallest, but most densely populated state,” says Mhango. “This will be no surprise to readers that have travelled to Lagos and experienced its congestion. Lagos State accounts for only 0.5% of Nigeria’s total area of 924,000 km2, yet it has the country’s second biggest population, behind Kano.”

OPINON: Justification for the declaration of state of emergency in the three states in North Nigeria.

By Nnabueze Callista Adaobi.

President Goodluck Jonathan, on the 14th May, 2013 declare state of emergency on three states in the North Nigeria; Bornu, Yobe and Adamawa.

One may wish to know, what state of emergency is all about. According to the Encyclopedia, ‘a state of emergency is a governmental declaration which usually suspends a few normal functions of the Executive, Legislative and Judicial powers, and alert citizen’.

Terrorism, anarchy or any form of violence has never done well to any country, since the consequences are loss of lives and properties.  Democracy has been misconstrued for a period of time where the freedom of expression is abused.  “If there is order of liberty, it cannot be order of license”; so said, a thinker.

The Boko Haram sect has undermined and threatened the sovereignty of Nigeria longer than should be tolerated.   To refresh our minds a little; we were all witness to the bombing of UN building on 26th of August, 2011 in Abuja where many nationals lost their lives.  This also has directly affected the foreign investment and capital inflow to the country.

The Madalla bomb blast of St Theresa Catholic Church on 25th December, 2011 in   Niger State, where many Nigerians were sent to their untimely graves, is another case one can point to.

The bombing of the Nigerian Police headquarters in Abuja on June 2011, not to talk of many security personnels which the nation has spent hard earned tax payers’ monies to train were gruesomely murdered by this sect.

With all these threats to security and destruction, the President still maintained human face to consider amnesty for the Sect, whom any reasonable person would expect should grab the opportunity, yet they rebuffed the offer.  They stated that they were not doing any wrong to be considered  for amnesty.

It should be stated that, at this point, President Goodluck Jonathan was compelled to declare the state of emergency.  It is necessary to state clearly that state of emergency   declared against these states where the insurgents appeared to have taken over; was long awaited.   Whether President Goodluck Jonathan consulted widely or not, the section 305 sub sections 1 and 3 of the 1999 constitution as amended has justified the declaration.

These sub sections stated inter alia “subject to the provision of this constitution, the President may by instrument published in the official gazette of the government of the Federation issued a proclamation of a state of emergency in the Federation or any part thereof, and the President shall have power to issue the proclamation of state of emergency only when; (a) the Federation is at  war, (b) the Federation is in imminent danger of invasion or involvement in a state of war, (c) there is actual breakdown  of public order and safety in the Federation…”

The   sect in the affected states have torn the Nigerian Flag and hoisted their own. They have gone in groups to attack military barracks and on countless occasion, policemen and their barracks became the target.  Many Nigerians living in those areas within this period of insurgency have relocated to different cities while others have been displaced of their livelihood.  Government has responsibility to protect lives and property.   In fact, non declaration of the state of emergency earlier than when he did, has made many to think that President Goodluck Jonathan was over-pampering the idiosyncrasies of this sect unjustifiably.

The Military on whose shoulder the emergency rule rests may need to be told to execute the project decisively; by observing strictly, their rules of engagement.  No stone should be left on unturned, and every strategy should be employed to bring to an end the loss of lives and properties of innocent and law abiding citizens.

The commendations of the President on state of emergency have transcended the political, ethnical and religious barriers as both opposition party members and those of the ruling party are solidly behind the President.   A prominent social activist and Senior Advocate of Nigeria, Femi Falana applauded the decision of President Goodluck Jonathan on the proclamation of state of emergency in the three states. He added that the President has complied with the Nigerian Constitution, challenging that anybody who opposes the President’s action was not being serious about restoring normalcy in the areas.

Religious leaders, both Muslims and Christians and indeed, all tribes have expressed strong support for the President that he has taken a right step.

On the other hand, Governors of the Federation should put effective surveillance and security measures up in their respective states.   President Jonathan should not hesitate to extend the emergency rule to any other State that attempts to breech the peace of the nation, as the bulk ends on his table.  Even as at now the ugly incidences in Nasarawa, Kano and Bayelse suggest that same measure should be meted on the insurgents and militants in those other states.  Nobody should be allowed to take the Nigerian state for a ride; it is our country and we have no other place than Nigeria.

Nnabueze Callista Adaobi is an Information Officer serving with National Press Centre, Abuja.

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Oshiomhole commends Jonathan for the completion of Ukpoke irrigation project. »

FG inaugurates board members of ITF, FRC.

The Federal Government has inaugurated the Board members of the Industrial Training Fund (ITF) and the Financial Reporting Council of Nigeria (FRC).

While the Board Members of the FRC  is chaired by the immediate past President of the Association of National Accountants of Nigeria, Hajia Maryam Ibrahim, that of ITF is being chaired by Senator Musiliu Obanikoro.

Speaking during the inauguration in Abuja, the Minister of Industry, Trade and Investment, Mr. Olusegun Aganga, said the appointment of the board members was based on their knowledge and wealth of experience in their respective areas of specialization, adding that their appointment would further enhance the overall Ministry’s roles and mandates in addressing the Transformation Agenda of President Goodluck Jonathan’s administration.

He said, “The Ministry and all its Parastatals share a common mandate anchored on  creating the enabling environment to stimulate domestic investment and attract foreign direct investment into all sectors of the economy and making Nigeria the most preferred investment destination; facilitating trade in goods and services and maximizing the benefits of international trade through functional bilateral and multi-lateral trade relations with other countries and boosting industrial development and enabling Micro, Small and Medium Enterprises (MSMEs) as the engine of economic growth”.

While congratulating the board members on their appointments, the Minister however, warned them not to interfere with in the day-to-day running of their respective agencies.

He said, “While congratulating you on your well deserved appointment, may I emphasise that your appointment is on part-time basis only.  As such, you are not expected to interfere or participate in the day-to-day running of your respective agencies.  I must stress at this juncture, that no Chairmanor board member is entitled to an official vehicle on permanent basis.

VP receives committee report on Bakassi.

The Vice President Mohammed Namadi Sambo has assured Nigerians that government would look at the Bakassi report with a view to implementing the relevant areas that are of benefit to Nigeria.

He was speaking during the presentation of the report of the committee chaired by the Deputy Governor of Cross-River State, Efiok Cobham at the State House, Abuja.

The Vice President remarked that government was aware of the schedule of completion of the committee’s task which is sometimes within the year and that government was looking at the re-inauguration of the implementation committee. He further stressed that government would look at the report favourably.

Arc Namadi Sambo thanked the committee for working diligently and in-depth to look at the problems of the Bakassi people.

While speaking earlier, the chairman of the committee, Efiok Cobham, while presenting the report, stated that the committee worked within its mandate and examined issues that bordered on legal, technical and socio-economic factors. He expressed his appreciation of the selection of members that served in the committee and thanked government for the opportunity given to them to contribute their quota to national development.

The Chairman noted that the committee made far reaching recommendations such that when implemented, the report would go a long way in resolving the lingering issues as outlined.

Those present at the occasion were the Minister of Interior, Abba Moro, the Director-General of the National Boundary Commission, Senator Florence Giwa and the Executive Secretary, Border Communities Commission, Engr. Numoipre Mills.

FG to transform Nigerian roads nationwide says Amb. Yuguda.

The Federal Government has again reiterated its resolve to positively transform the Nigerian road sector so as to enhance economic activities, in line with Mr. President’s pledge to Nigerians for the provision of critical infrastructure.

This was made known by the Minister of State for Works, Amb. Bashir Yuguda, while he was commissioning the Katsina – Daura- Mai Adua road and two bridges along the Kano-Katsina federal road in Katsina State.

Amb. Yuguda stated that President Goodluck Jonatahn attaches much importance to all the federal roads in Katsina State due to the fact that almost all are part of the Trans-Saharan route linking Nigeria with its Northern neighbour, Niger Republic.

The Minister also stated that the Federal Ministry of Works has numerous projects in Katsina State; including those leading to the border towns with Niger Republic.

Amb. Yuguda also hinted that last year December, the Federal Ministry of Works embarked upon “Operation Safe Passage” during which the Ministry was able to rehabilitate all federal roads in the State up to Magama.

Amb. Yuguda further disclosed that the road and bridges being commissioned were as a result of alerting the Ministry on time; Mr. President’s approval of funds and co-operation from State government.

The Katsina State Deputy Governor, Barr. Abdullahi Faskari, who accompanied the Minister to the commissioning ceremonies, hailed Mr President’s Transformation Agenda, which according to him “is truly transforming the fortunes of the people of Katsina State”.

Barr. Faskari added that the good people of Katsina State will be eternally grateful for the Federal Government’s good gesture.

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FG wants to create vibrant private sector says VP Sambo.

Vice President Mohammed Sambo has said that the President Goodluck Jonathan-led Administration is determined to create a vibrant private sector in the country.

Vice President Sambo stated this Thursday, 23rd may, 2013 when he performed the ground breaking ceremony of the Idu Industrial Park in Abuja.

To this end, Vice President Sambo said government had instituted series of reforms and incentives that would create competitive advantages for the private sector in the country particularly in the face of rapidly increasing globalisation. “These incentives include 3-5 year Tax moratorium, 100% Repatriation of Profit (100%), 140% Capital Allowances on Research & Development, 20% Capital Allowances for 5 years on local raw materials utilization and 30% tax relief on expenditure in respect of public infrastructure”, he said.

While commending the Federal Capital Territory Administration and Messrs Zerberced Limited for the laudable initiative, ingenuity, altruism and for promoting the Transformation Agenda, the VP directed relevant government agencies to assist them in the execution, operation and attraction of patronage from both local and foreign investors. “The Federal Capital Territory Administration has displayed a high sense of responsibility and responsiveness in the implementation of the Transformation Agenda. The collaboration with Messrs. Zeberced Limited for the establishment of an industrial Park is therefore in line with our National Implementation Plan under the Nigeria’s Vision 20: 2020.”

In his remarks, the host of the occasion and the Minister of FCT, Senator Bala Mohammed said that the initiative was fallout from President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan’s 2011 State’s visit to Turkey. He said that the project is wholly private-sector-driven and factored under the FCT Land Swap Policy.

He added that the project when completed would provide over 40,000 jobs and over 170 small and medium scale industries. While calling on investors to take advantage of the opportunities that abound in the FCT he said, “Those who sit back and drag their feet will have a rude awakening in no distant time, when the early birds begin to count their gains.”

In his remarks, the Managing Director of Zeberced and the project investor, Mr. Adil Kurt said that the project situated on 250 hectares of land would provide an integrated infrastructure to the tune of 200 million dollars. He said the project which is all-encompassing would boast of road network, sewage system, natural gas pipeline, a rail link to the national rail corridor and independent power supply.

He further said that the project involves 177 factory plots and other sundry facilities.

Those present at the occasion were the Minister of Trade, Industry and Investment, Dr. Olusegun Aganga and the Minister of State, FCT, Oloye Olajumoke Akinjide. Others were members of the National Assembly, Royal fathers and numerous other dignitaries.

AFRICA: Even after 50 years, unity remains a dream

''For the sake of the people of the continent, a democratic African Union is needed today as much as it was five decades ago''.

By Ngugi wa Thiong’o

If one were to ask people on the streets of any African capital to name a union of states that readily comes to mind, they are likely to mention the United Nations, the US and possibly the European Union. And the African Union? Oh yes, yes, I have heard of it, a few might say. And yet the Organisation of African Unity (OAU) — as the African Union (AU) was called in 1963 when it was set up in Addis Ababa with 30 signatories — now includes virtually all the African states and will be 50 years old tomorrow.
This should mean something, shouldn’t it? Africa is a huge continent: Europe, the US, China and India can be contained within it. This means that Africa has the most natural resources, including land for agriculture and mines for almost every conceivable mineral. These, including her human resources, have played a central role in the evolution of capitalism from its mercantile through its industrial to its current global financial dominance — all to the advantage of the West and the disadvantage of the people of Africa.
The OAU, and the independence it so ably championed through its liberation committee, was meant to reverse that historical trend — and find its own version of the old US anti-colonialist Monroe doctrine and manifest destiny: Africa for Africans at home and abroad.
It was founded on a dream, its roots in the pan-Africanism of WEB Dubois — an African-American scholar, author of Souls of Black Folk, and founding president of the still running National Association for the Advancement of Coloured People. He was the most consistent presence in the early Pan-African Congresses held in the capitals of Europe, including London, Paris and Brussels. He was also the prime mover in drawing in continental African participants, such as Kwame Nkrumah and Jomo Kenyatta.
Contributing to the idea, though not as a member of the Pan-African Congresses, was Marcus Garvey, the Jamaican founder of the Universal Negro Improvement Association in 1914 that, between the wars, blossomed into the biggest organised mass movement of black people in history. His publication, Negro World, was hunted down by a terrified colonial officialdom, from the French to the British, because of its clarion call of Africa for Africans.
In its origins, the pan-African idea was Caribbean and black American before it became continental African. Embodying the Garveyite vision of the unity of Africans and all people of African descent, pan-Africanism gripped the imagination of the anti-colonial activists, reaching its pinnacle in the 1945 Manchester-based fifth Pan-African Congress that led to many exiles returning home to lead anti-colonial nationalism. Among these was Kenyatta, who returned to Kenya only to be imprisoned by the British as the leader of Mau Mau; and Nkrumah, who led Ghana to independence in 1957, and declared that Ghana’s independence was not complete without the rest of the continent. He saw Ghana as the nucleus of a future political federation of African states strong enough to safeguard her natural resources, and flex its muscles to project the African personality in world affairs.
The OAU was a vastly watered down version of that vision. The AU became a watered version of OAU, reduced to a talking shop rather than a fighting club. It has become invisible within Africa, and in the world. It cannot safeguard the continent from the traditional marauders of the West. Has one ever heard of African-owned corporations in the West? African-owned oil companies drilling in the West? And yet western-owned corporations proliferate in the continent.
Has one ever heard of an African army invading Europe or America or even stationing its troops and bases in any part of the two regions or its ships patrolling European and American waters? The West has troops in nearly all African countries, with an America-controlled Africa command. When Nato forces planned the invasion of Libya, they brushed aside the concerns of the AU, which became a helpless bystander. In short: despite the AU, Africa continues to be the West’s playground.
In a strange way, both African and western governments fear a strong, united, democratic Africa. For the West, such unity will mean that it will no longer do whatever it wants with Africa’s resources. It will no longer be the sole determinant of the prices for exports to, and imports from, the continent. Its oil and mining companies would no longer continue to be the sole, invisible masters of Africa’s vast oil and mineral resources.
For African governments unity will mean ceding some of their powers to a federal authority. And to realise even this minimum, they will have to make sure that the union is a people’s union, and not a union of African heads of state. However, I have a feeling that most of these leaders would rather remain tin deitiess than have a deity who can make tins. The days when Kwame Nkrumah could link the sovereignty of Ghana to that of the continent — or Julius Nyerere offer to delay the independence of Tanzania if such a move would lead to an East African Union — are a distant 50 years ago.
Does that mean that the AU is not necessary? It is better to have a skeleton of a union than no union at all. The skeleton brings memories of a breath of life, but also dreams of a resurrection. For the sake of the people of Africa a strong, a democratic African Union is needed today as much as it was 50 years ago. Despite its failures and weaknesses, the AU keeps the dream alive. And as Victor Hugo once put it: there is nothing like a dream to create the future.

Ngugi wa Thiong’o, distinguished professor of English and Comparative Literature at the University of California, Irvine, is the author of Wizard of the Crow, and the memoir In the House of the Interpreter.

US sanctions Syrian Ministers,Airline & a T.V Station

The Obama administration on Thursday imposed a fresh round of sanctions on Syria, targeting four ministers, one airline and one TV station, just as a new peace conference is being broached to end the 27-month conflict in the Arab nation.
The Department of Treasury blacklisted the ministers of defense, health, industry and justice, the government-owned Syrian Arab Airlines and Al-Dunya Television, a privately owned 24-hour satellite channel.
The airline was accused of transporting weaponry on behalf of Iran's Islamic Revolutionary Guard Corps-Qods Force to the Syrian government in its battle against the opposition forces, which has killed some 80,000 people.
Al-Dunya Television was targeted for providing services to the government, "including the despicable practice of airing forced confessions," the Treasury said in a statement.
The Treasury's move bars American citizens from doing business with the individuals and entities, and freezes all of their assets under U.S. jurisdiction.
The Obama administration, in its continued push for Syrian President Bashar al-Assad to step down to make way for a political transition in his country, has so far slapped sanctions on the Syrian government, including its central bank and oil companies, and more than 100 individuals and entities.
Syria dominated Obama's separate talks with prime ministers of Britain and Turkey at the White House on Monday and Thursday, as the United States and Russia have agreed to sponsor another peace conference on Syria in Geneva either this or next month.



source:Xinhua

United States Set To Establish $250m Fertilizer Plant In Nigeria

Jeffry Hawkins, the Consul-General of the United States to Nigeria, has expressed United States government readiness to establish a $250 million fertilizer plant in Edo State.
Hawkins, who paid a courtesy call to the state Governor, Adams Oshiomhole during an inspection of projects in the state, said the $250 million fertilizer plant is being planned by the Overseas Private Investment Corporation of the United State Government.
“We are here because we are proud that the Overseas Private Investment Corporation of the US government is involved with the Green Petrochemical Company, which is making a $250m investment, and we are happy that this important fertilizer plant will have the support of the United States Government.”
“It will create about 1,500 jobs. That is something we are hoping to take a look at when we are here. The United States has had a long relationship with you way back before your time in politics and your activities as one of Nigeria’s premier labour leaders, and we are very happy to continue with that relationship.”
Hawkins in his address also described the state Governor who was a former president of Nigerian Labor Congress (NLC), as one of the most effective governors in Nigeria.
“We are happy that people of your state obviously think highly of you and your re-election is what we in America call landslide. You are someone many people point to when answering the question: ‘Who is the most effective governor in Nigeria?’ Often, the answer is Comrade Adams Oshiomhole,” he said.
Speaking on the proposed project, Governor Oshiomhole thanked the US government for the planned investment in the state.
“We trust we can count on your support. I am happy for the good news that a US agency is supporting a fertiliser plant here, and this shows the confidence and we are happy about that,” Oshiomole said.




source:Ventures Africa

Amosun and Scroll of Remembrance

By  Oba Olufemi Ogunleye, Akinale

When Senator Ibikunle Amosun took over the rudder of Ogun State’s ship as the new captain on Sunday May 29, 2011, some of the multitude of enthusiastic stakeholders who witnessed the flag off at the Moshood Abiola Stadium, Abeokuta, were not only cynical but scornfully accepted the constant variable of life that spat on their faces – change!

As he rolled out his five cardinal programmes – (i) Affordable and qualitative education, (ii) Efficient Health Care Delivery, (iii) Agricultural production and industrialization, (iv) Affordable housing and urban renewal, and (v)Rural and infrastructural development/Employment generation - in his inaugural speech after he was sworn in, traditional armchair critics wasted no time in pontificating their presumed knowledge of a failing mission.

But the nom de plume by which Senator Amosun is popularly known and addressed – Eyi o wu a wi, t’Oluwa l’ase (Humans’ views or perception notwithstanding, only God’s will is done!) stands him stead.

Amazingly, Amosun’s paradigm change in governance, evidently, an adoption of a critical path analysis module to determine what can speak for him and last as a legacy, as seen in the seemingly belated re-design and major face-lift of the state capital of Abeokuta and other important cities of the state under the urban renewal programme, without ceasing to execute other developmental programmes, has reached a crescendo just at half of the lifespan of his government’s term of four years.

As the government celebrates a second year anniversary this May, both rural and city duelers in Ogun state have one song or the other to sing in praises of this steadfast, rugged and irredeemable fighter for justice, Senator Ibikunle Amosun for his restless passion to fulfill his mission to rebuild Ogun state.

My scout confirmed that there has been substantial progress in each of the five cardinal programmes spread across the 20 local government areas of the state, but I like to limit my observation and comment to our experience in the Ewekoro Local Government where I live and which also is the home-base of the governor.

Taking cue from the Obafemi Awolowo legacy of free education in the Western Region of old, Governor Amosun’s Mission to rebuild Ogun State, include heavy investment in infrastructure, training and motivation of personnel, students and pupils so as to obtain high quality results. 

Available records confirm that all schools in our local government have benefitted from the free education programme e.g. free distribution of text books to primary and secondary schools; busary awards, scholarship grants, subvention to tertiary institutions and supply of various categories of furniture for different stages of schools in the state.

Construction work has reached advanced stage on the model school with boarding facilities located at Akinale, Owowo Ward of Ewekoro local government. This is one of the 28 of such schools planned for all the 20 local government of the state.

In tandem with the Local Government, previously abandoned farm settlements have been reactivated for empowerment of the youth; local feeder roads are being graded for ease of transport while major markets such as Arigbajo near Ifo, are being redesigned to provide lock-up shops for traders. 
Fufu processing centre in Itori market is being modernized for healthy production and marketing while the local government has completed the construction and equipped the Health Centre in Ajegunle in Abalabi ward.

The Ewekoro Local government is the most relatively peaceful among the 20 local governments in the state. The synergy between the Chairman of the Local Government, Surveyor Zacheous Oludele Adio Soluade and the traditional rulers in the area has been magical in warding off inter and intra communal clashes, particularly arising from land and chieftaincy disputes, thus promoting peace and tranquility in all settlements that make the local government.

Governor Amosun’s icing on the cake of social development in Ewekoro Local Government is the elevation of two traditional rulers in the domain, Towulade of Akinale, Oba Olufemi Adewunmi Ogunleye and Olu of Afowowa-Sogade, Oba M.O. Hamzat, as permanent members of Egba Traditional Council as well as members of Ogun State Council of Obas.

Thieves Rob Johannesburg Stadium after Concert

Thieves broke into a South African stadium early Monday, opened the safe and made off with a lot of loot — 3 million rand ($330,000) in cash.
Johannesburg’s Soccer City stadium was particularly well stocked with cash after both Justin Bieber and Jon Bon Jovi played shows there over the weekend, and police believe that’s why the crooks targeted it.
“The intruders broke through the roof of the bathroom nearby and there is evidence that they gained entry by abseiling down to gain access to the strong room,” Lt. Col. Katlego Mogale, a spokesman for Gauteng police, told CNN.
The crime was not discovered until Monday morning. A Soweto-based police officer, who declined to be named, told Reuters, “We don’t know how many people were involved as we are still gathering evidence.” Police are studying the stadium’s closed-circuit TV footage for clues to the crime.



source:NewsRepublic

BOKO HARAM TERRORISTS KILL REVEREND FAYE MUSA IN BORNO STATE

Barely few moments after President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan declared a state of emergency in Borno State alongside two other states because of terrorism, the Secretary of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN), in the state, Reverend Faye Pama Musa has been shot dead inside his Maiduguri residence by members of the radical Islamic group, the Boko Haram

It was learnt from security sources that Musa, the head pastor of a Pentecostal church in Maiduguri, the spiritual headquarters of the terrorist group, was trailed to his GRA residence by two gunmen who shot him at close range at about 7.30pm.

CAN Headquarters Confirms Assassination With “Heavy Heart”

The headquarters of the Christian Association of Nigeria (CAN) has confirmed the murder of Reverend Musa.

Describing the killing of its Secretary in Borno State as “sad”, Kenny Asaka, the media aide to the National President of CAN, Pastor Ayo Oritsejafor, said the President received the news with a “heavy heart.”

The Boko Haram, a group of radical Islamic fundamentalists has claimed responsibility for hundreds of attacks that have killed over 2000 persons and wounded dozens.

The group says it wants Northern Nigeria to be governed under strict Islamic laws (Sharia).

PRESIDENT JONATHAN DECLARES STATE OF EMERGENCY IN THREE NORTHAN STATES

President Goodluck Jonathan yesterday declared a state of emergency in the troubled states of Borno, Yobe and Adamawa. Below is the president's speech;
Dear compatriots,
It has become necessary for me to address you on the recent spate of terrorist activities and protracted security challenges in some parts of the country, particularly in Borno, Yobe, Adamawa, Gombe, Bauchi, Kano, Plateau and most recently Bayelsa, Taraba, Benue and Nasarawa states.  These unfortunate events have led to needless loss of lives and property of many innocent Nigerians including members of our security forces.
The recent killing of security operatives by a cult group in Nasarawa state is particularly condemnable. I have directed that no effort or expense be spared in identifying and bringing to justice all those who had a hand in the killing of the operatives.
The activities of insurgents and terrorists have been reprehensible, causing fear among our citizens and a near-breakdown of law and order in parts of the country, especially the North. We have taken robust steps to unravel and address the root causes of these crises, but it would appear that there is a systematic effort by insurgents and terrorists to destabilize the Nigerian state and test our collective resolve.
Since I returned to the country after cutting short my visit to South Africa and aborting a planned state visit to Namibia, I have received detailed briefings from our security agencies. These briefings indicate that what we are facing is not just militancy or criminality, but a rebellion and insurgency by terrorist groups which pose a very serious threat to national unity and territorial integrity. Already, some northern parts of Borno state have been taken over by groups whose allegiance is to different flags and ideologies.
These terrorists and insurgents seem determined to establish control and authority over parts of our beloved nation and to progressively overwhelm the rest of the country. In many places, they have destroyed the Nigerian flag and other symbols of state authority and in their place, hoisted strange flags suggesting the exercise of alternative sovereignty.
They have attacked government buildings and facilities. They have murdered innocent citizens and state officials. They have set houses ablaze, and taken women and children as hostages. These actions amount to a declaration of war and a deliberate attempt to undermine the authority of the Nigerian state and threaten her territorial integrity. As a responsible government, we will not tolerate this.
Previously, we adopted a multi-track approach to the resolution of this problem through actions which included persuasion, dialogue and widespread consultation with the political, religious and community leaders in the affected states.
We exercised restraint to allow for all efforts by both State Governors and well-meaning Nigerians to stop the repeated cases of mindless violence.
Yet, the insurgents and terrorists seek to prevent government from fulfilling its constitutional obligations to the people as they pursue their fanatical agenda of mayhem, mass murder, division and separatism.
While the efforts at persuasion and dialogue will continue, let me reiterate that we have a sacred duty to ensure the security and well-being of all our people and protect the sovereign integrity of our country. Therefore, we shall, on no account, shy away from doing whatever becomes necessary to provide the fullest possible security for the citizens of this country in any part of the country they choose to reside.
We have a duty to stand firm against those who threaten the sovereign integrity of the Nigerian state. Our will is strong, because our faith lies in the indivisibility of Nigeria.
Following recent developments in the affected states, it has become necessary for Government to take extraordinary measures to restore normalcy. After wide consultations, and in exercise of the powers conferred on me by the provisions of Section 305, sub-section 1 of the Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria 1999 as amended, I hereby declare a State of Emergency in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states.
Accordingly, the Chief of Defence Staff has been directed to immediately deploy more troops to these states for more effective internal security operations. The troops and other security agencies involved in these operations have orders to take all necessary action, within the ambit of their rules of engagement, to put an end to the impunity of insurgents and terrorists.
This will include the authority to arrest and detain suspects, the taking of possession and control of any building or structure used for terrorist purposes, the lock-down of any area of terrorist operation, the conduct of searches, and the apprehension of persons in illegal possession of weapons.
The details of this Proclamation will be transmitted to the National Assembly in accordance with the provisions of the Constitution. But in the meantime, let me make it clear that within the purview of this Proclamation, the Governors and other political office holders in the affected states will continue to discharge their constitutional responsibilities.
I urge the political leadership in Borno, Yobe and Adamawa states to co-operate maximally with the Armed Forces and the Police to ensure that the exercise succeeds. We call on the citizenry to co-operate with our security agencies to ensure a return to normalcy within the shortest possible time.
I am again approaching our neighbouring countries, through diplomatic channels, as done in the recent past, for their co-operation in apprehending any terrorist elements that may escape across the border.
Nigerians are peace-loving people; these sad events perpetrated by those who do not wish our nation well have not changed the essential character of our people.
I want to reassure you all that those who are directly or indirectly encouraging any form of rebellion against the Nigerian state, and their collaborators; those insurgents and terrorists who take delight in killing our security operatives, whoever they may be, wherever they may go, we will hunt them down, we will fish them out, and we will bring them to justice. No matter what it takes, we will win this war against terror.
I am convinced that with your support and prayers, we shall overcome these challenges and together, we will restore every part of our country to the path of peace, growth and development.
Long live the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

AFRICAN GOVTS URGED TO IMPROVE WOMEN’S LOTS

African governments, gender-based non-governmental organizations and women societies have been enjoined to improve the lots of women in the continent by addressing the poor women educational background.

In her key note address titled ‘repositioning to ensure women’s equal access to and full participation in power structure and police making’ at the 2013 Women Advancement Forum in South Africa, the chairman House Committee on Aviation, Hon Nkiruka Onyejeocha said women in Africa were educationally disadvantaged as a societal and policy challenge that required urgent attention.

According to Hon Onyejeocha, any move to address the total lack or low level of education among African women will be a step in the right direction and will tremendously boost the chances of women to fully participate in policy making, business and economy. 

She noted that women contributed immensely to national development in the areas of politics and economy. 

“ In Asia, women are the economy driving force. Their contribution in providing job openings in business sectors continues to rise. They are involved in enterprises at all levels as managers, entrepreneurs, owners and investors. Available statistics indicate that women dominate the service sector in this region. In Singapore and Taiwan women dominate about 61% of the GNP of said countries. The amount of Asian women employment evidently in quantitative terms has been similar with European countries”.

This Hon Onyenjeocha maintained, has resulted in growth within the service sector in Asia culminating into a large working opportunity for women adding, that it was possible because of the high level of awareness created among women in these areas through mass and qualitative education.

 According to the Legislator, the feat can be replicated in Africa by both government and non-government organizations, civil society groups and gender-based organizations through the following ways through public policy in which national governments in Africa should boost women’s access to education through the introduction of mass and compulsory education targeted at the women and initiation of adult literacy programmes to reach those women that have passed the age of basic education.

Hon Onyenjeocha noted that military government in Nigeria encouraged women through various programmes. “In Nigeria for instance, both in the military and democratic era, efforts have been geared towards women empowerment. The military regimes of Generals Ibrahim Babangida and Sanni Abach saw for the first time the pursuit of poverty alleviation programmes from gender-based perspectives with the formation of Better Life Programme for Women and the Family Advancement Programme of the Babangida and Abacha regimes respectively”

She declared that since the country returned to democratic governance in 1999, successive regimes in Nigeria have ensured compliance with the requirements of the 35 per cent affirmative action aimed at aimed at ensuring that women were given at least 35 per cent representation in national power structure and policy making institutions.

An aviation services firm Obike Systems Consults Limited has petitioned the  Economic and Financial Crimes Commission ( EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices and Other Related Offences Commission ( ICPC ), as well as the National Assembly Committees on Upstream sector of the oil and gas industry to investigate the refusal of the Department of Petroleum Resources ( DPR) , to release funds to contractors  engaged to wet lease  three helicopters for the off shore monitoring of oil terminals.

The firm said since 2010 when it secured approval for the contract to supply three helicopters for the offshore monitoring of oil terminals to be managed by the the DPR, it is yet to be paid for the job it has carried by , despite budgetary release of funds to the DPR.

Addressing reporters at the weekend in Lagos, the chief executive officer of Obike System Consults  Limited, Navy Captain Jerry Ogbona (rtd), said he had to petition relevant anti graft agencies of government and the National Assembly to draw attention to the stumbling blocks erected by officials of the DPR , to his bid to get paid for the job he has done, which he said is key to cleaning up the oil and has sector.

Ogbonna said since 2010, when over N2.17 billion has been budgeted for the three helicopters, the DPR is yet to release substantial amount to several contractors handling several segments of the project.

He explained that for the past three years officials of the DPR have been frustrating efforts to release money for the firm to complete the job of bringing in three helicopters, for which he secured a bank guarantee as advance payment for the lease.

He said :" In 2012, we got two helicopters from a Tunisian firm to facilitate the project. It was an eleven seater helicopter to enable us move material and men offshore for the job, yet the DPR will not pay us.

The important thing here is that in 2010 government budgeted N1.19bn for this project, in 2011 government budgeted N489m and in 2012 government budgeted N300m.

The  important thing is that government has been making all these monies available all these years, a total of N2.17bn has been budgeted for this project and has been made available through the ministry of finance but the DPR had always said that the money has been mopped up.

In 2010,  they said  money has been mopped, in 2011 and 2012 they were saying the same thing. The truth is that we have done the contract, we have done everything, we have presented our invoice, we have not brought in the helicopters but we have finished the terms of the contract which required us to achieve certain things and we have achieved those things first of all to identify the helicopter, to send their people for inspection and also we sent civil aviation authority for inspection, they went and confirm, they have seen two helicopters and they are air worthy and the helicopters can be allowed to operate in Nigeria.

In 2012 NCAA confirmed that the helicopters are air worthy and they should be allowed to operate in Nigeria so the next thing for us now is let us get the money because we have already given them a bank guarantee from Zenith bank so the total amount that they are due to pay us now is N280m to pay in order for the aircraft to get to Nigeria.

 This DPR also frustrated the entire programme so this is three years running now."

On how the firm was engaged for the contract, Captain Ogbonna said :" We signed the contract with the ministry of petroleum and then we were asked to go the DPR being the user department that will be using these helicopters so we now went to DPR but unfortunately since 2010, DPR has become an obstacle.

The scope for the contract was to supply the helicopter while we will provide the maintenance because it is a lease helicopter, we will provide the maintenance, we will provide the crew, the insurance for the period of 225 days ."

US Withdraws Military Assistance to Nigeria

The United States Government has withdrawn military assistance to Nigeria over various reported human rights violations by Nigerian security forces.

It noted in particular the military which is currently engulfed in a controversy over the killing of dozens and destruction of hundreds of residences in Baga, a town in Borno State during a clash with members of the Boko Haram.

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Terence P. McCulley in a private meeting Thursday in Abuja with about ten members of the human rights community in Nigeria disclosed the US government position.

The US supports the Nigerian military and security agencies with training, intelligence and weapons.

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) in a report released in Johannesburg, South Africa, said its investigations into the fighting in Baga, showed that 183 people were killed, contrary to the claims by the military, which also investigated the incident and has maintained that 36 persons and a soldier died in the clash.

HRW which cited a community leader as its source, also said its analysis of satellite images of Baga, before and after the clash, showed that 2,275 buildings, majority of which were likely residences, were razed by fire with another 125 severely damaged.

Further Investigations revealed that the meeting who opted to remain anonymous that the Ambassador called the meeting to feel the pulse of the human rights community over the violations of basic rights of citizens by security forces under the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

As the meeting progressed, Mr. Terrence announced to the activists that the US congress had previously passed a law that bars the United States from rendering military assistance to any government that violates basic rights of citizens.

He said the Obama led US government has therefore ceased to assist Nigeria militarily in obedience to the law.

The source said Mr. Terence listened as his visitors expressed frustrations with the Nigerian government over its inability to bring to justice security operatives that have violated rights of fellow citizens.

According to media reports the activists pleaded with the US Ambassador to cancel any invitation extended to President Goodluck Jonathan to attend any meetings of global world leaders in protest of the nation’s worsening human rights record.

The Ambassador however agreed with their position and assured the rights activists of the US government’s unflinching support for democracy and the rights of citizens. He assured them that their position would be communicated to the Department of State headed by Senator John Kerry.

Some of the activists at the meeting include Mr. Clement Nwankwo, Mr. Emmanuel Onwubiko of the Human Rights Writers' Association of Nigeria; Kole Shettima of the MacArthur Foundation and Auwal Rafsanjani of the Executive Director at Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) amongst others.

The United States Government has withdrawn military assistance to Nigeria over various reported human rights violations by Nigerian security forces.

It noted in particular the military which is currently engulfed in a controversy over the killing of dozens and destruction of hundreds of residences in Baga, a town in Borno State during a clash with members of the Boko Haram.

The United States Ambassador to Nigeria, Mr. Terence P. McCulley in a private meeting Thursday in Abuja with about ten members of the human rights community in Nigeria disclosed the US government position.

The US supports the Nigerian military and security agencies with training, intelligence and weapons.

The Human Rights Watch (HRW) in a report released in Johannesburg, South Africa, said its investigations into the fighting in Baga, showed that 183 people were killed, contrary to the claims by the military, which also investigated the incident and has maintained that 36 persons and a soldier died in the clash.

HRW which cited a community leader as its source, also said its analysis of satellite images of Baga, before and after the clash, showed that 2,275 buildings, majority of which were likely residences, were razed by fire with another 125 severely damaged.

Further Investigations revealed that the meeting who opted to remain anonymous that the Ambassador called the meeting to feel the pulse of the human rights community over the violations of basic rights of citizens by security forces under the Goodluck Jonathan administration.

As the meeting progressed, Mr. Terrence announced to the activists that the US congress had previously passed a law that bars the United States from rendering military assistance to any government that violates basic rights of citizens.

He said the Obama led US government has therefore ceased to assist Nigeria militarily in obedience to the law.

The source said Mr. Terence listened as his visitors expressed frustrations with the Nigerian government over its inability to bring to justice security operatives that have violated rights of fellow citizens.

According to media reports the activists pleaded with the US Ambassador to cancel any invitation extended to President Goodluck Jonathan to attend any meetings of global world leaders in protest of the nations worsening human rights record.

The Ambassador however agreed with their position and assured the rights activists of the US governments unflinching support for democracy and the rights of citizens. He assured them that their position would be communicated to the Department of State headed by Senator John Kerry.

Some of the activists at the meeting include Mr. Clement Nwankwo, Mr. Emmanuel Onwubiko of the Human Rights Writers\' Association of Nigeria; Kole Shettima of the MacArthur Foundation and Auwal Rafsanjani of the Executive Director at Civil Society Legislative Advocacy Centre (CISLAC) amongst others.

Satellite images suggest destruction in Nigerian town

US-based Human Rights Watch (HRW) has released satellite images that suggest Nigerian troops carried out extensive destruction in the northern town of Baga during a raid sparked by the killing of a soldier last month.

The Joint Task Force (JTF) was stationed in the north to fight against the upsurge of Islamic extremists in the region spearheaded by Boko Haram sect.

During the attack on the town, the Red Cross reported that 187 persons were killed but the military said the number was much lower.

HRW said images released suggest that 2,275 buildings were destroyed with 125 severely damaged whereas the country's President Goodluck Jonathan had said after receiving a report from the military yesterday that the destroyed buildings were not up to 1,000. The military had said only 30 houses were destroyed while 37 people were killed. Maina Ma'aji Lawan, a senator representing Baga in the Parliament, alleged that 4,000 houses were destroyed while 200 people were killed.

Nonetheless, some observers noted that northern communities shielded terrorists in their houses.

Jonathan has promised that the country's Human Rights Commission (HRC) would investigate the incident despite an initial probe carried out by the military and National Emergency Management Agency (NEMA).

Boko Haram carries out frequent attacks on police stations and other public institutions in the northern part of the oil rich African country.

Since it commenced attacks in 2009, more than 4,000 lives have been lost. They engage in suicide bombings, shootings, remote controlled bombings in their quest to install an Islamic caliphate in the northern part of the country.



source:ZEENEWS

REV. (DR) ELKANAH OYEMADE ADEGORITE FOR BURIAL TODAY

The remains of late Rev. (Dr) Elkanah Oyemade Adegorite shall be committed to mother earth today [Thursday], the 2^nd of May, 2013 at Vaults and Gardens, Ikoyi Lagos, after a funeral service at Mountain of Fire and Miracles Ministries (MFM), beside FRCN, Ikoyi Lagos. 
The late Rev. Adegorite was born 71years ago, precisely on the 16^th of July, 1942, in a rusty town of Ile-Ogbo in Aiyedire Local Government Area of Osun State.  His father, the late Pa Gabriel Adedunmoye Adegorite, one of the leading lights in the area was a prosperous merchant who was well known for his strict discipline and distinguished contribution towards the spread of early Christian faith.  
 His mother the late Madam Juliana Sawola Adegorite on the other hand was a renowned Christian who  devoted most of her life mobilizing women towards the early Christian Ministry.
Having been thrown up from the foregoing puritanical environment, it became apparent that the young Elkanah as he was fondly called would naturally gravitate towards the service of God as his later years would reveal.
The young Elkanah Adegorite was an extremely brilliant chap and his parents, having discovered this trait early enough, stopped at nothing to bolster his academic pursuit. He began his primary education at the Local Authority Primary School, Ode-Omu in 1947 where his teachers quickly spotted him as a future star. His secondary education at Ode-Omu High School, Ode-Omu between 1954 and 1959 was equally eventful as the came out in flying colours.
Between 1959 and 1964, he attended prestigious St. Theresa’s College, Ibadan where he cut his teeth as an accountant. The growing Adegorite was an ambitious young chap with a bright future ahead of him. Tall and handsome with an infectious smile, Elkanah was the cynosure of all eyes wherever he went. In 1965, he caught the fancy of a beautiful and dashing young girl – the then Miss Alice Ranti Daniel (now late). He quickly married her and she moved with him to Lagos. As a committed family man who believed in the development of human capital, he invested huge resources in the education of his children who went to some of the best schools in the world.
 He would later join Bewac Ltd, a British – owned conglomerate where he worked as an auditor for several years before retiring meritoriously in 1982. After retirement, he ventured into the manufacturing sector and founded Manna Industrial Co. Ltd, producers of various household brands of soaps and candles back in the 80s.

His retirement from service paved way for him to heed to his religious calling which had been in abeyance for a while now. He subsequently enrolled at the Faith Christian Theological seminary for a Bachelor of Arts degree in Theology where he came out as the Best graduating Student in the class of 1993. He was consequently ordained a Reverend by the All Faith Chapel gospel Mission in 1994. He later acquired a Master of Arts degree in Theology from the same institution in 1995. By 1998, he had bagged a Doctor of theology from the Cambridge theological seminary, much to the admiration of his peers and followers alike. Between 1998 and his demise on the 23^rd of March 2013 he devoted his life to the service of God and humanity. The avalanche of goodwill messages and eulogies that have cascaded since his demise is a testimony to the selfless and philanthropic life he led. He is survived by six children including Engr. Muyiwa Adegorite, SA to NAMA Managing Director.