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
Thursday, May 16, 2013
Wednesday, May 15, 2013
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.
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
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).
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.
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.
Thursday, May 9, 2013
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.
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.
Monday, May 6, 2013
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 ."
Thursday, May 2, 2013
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.
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
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
Wednesday, May 1, 2013
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 2nd 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 16th 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.
The late Rev. Adegorite was born 71years ago, precisely on the 16th 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 23rd 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.
Sunday, April 28, 2013
1,000 couples in Mass Wedding in Kano
Kano State Hisbah Board yesterday married off 1,000 couples in the third batch of the Kano State sponsored mass wedding of divorces, widows and spinsters as part of the government's efforts to reduce marital problem in the society.
The grand wedding fatiha took place simultaneously at the Emir Palace Central Mosque and the palaces of the District Heads of the 44 local government areas of the state.
At the Emir Palace mosque the weddings were solemnized after payment of N10,000 dowries by the representative of the grooms in the presence of Kano State Governor, Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso.
In his brief speech at the occasion, Kwankwaso thanked the Hisbah Board, Islamic scholars and traditional rulers who helped toward the success of the wedding Fatiha and prayed to Allah to make the marriage a means of development to the state and the country at large.
The Commandant General of the Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa said the historic wedding Fatiha that saw 1,000 couples married at the same time entered history as the first of its kind on African continent.
"We're grateful to Allah for realizing our dream of marrying off 1,000 women as part of our commitment to mitigate the social malaise we're facing in our society," Daurawa said.
Daurawa said individuals and groups gave money to the grooms to pay for their dowries and the state government provided the brides with furniture, kitchen wares and foodstuffs as well as N20,000 to each couple to enable them start small businesses.
The Hisbah CG thanked individuals and organisations that helped towards the success of the event and enjoined the couples to have fear of Allah in their new life.
One of the beneficiaries, Muhammad Dauda expressed delight and commended the state government and the Hisbah Board for organising and sponsoring their weddings.
"Today is the happiest day of my life. I can't thank the governor enough for making me realize my dream of getting married.
"All I can say for now is, may Allah bless him and guide him to continue the good work he's doing in Kano State," Dandoya said.
The event had in attendance the state governor, commissioners, members of the State House of Assembly, Sarkin Sudan Alhaji Shehu Malami as well as prominent Islamic scholars in the state.
The state government also organised a Walima (marriage) bouquet for the brides and the grooms at the Hisbah Board premises and the Kano State Government House respectively.
SOURCE:Daily Trust
The grand wedding fatiha took place simultaneously at the Emir Palace Central Mosque and the palaces of the District Heads of the 44 local government areas of the state.
At the Emir Palace mosque the weddings were solemnized after payment of N10,000 dowries by the representative of the grooms in the presence of Kano State Governor, Rabi'u Musa Kwankwaso.
In his brief speech at the occasion, Kwankwaso thanked the Hisbah Board, Islamic scholars and traditional rulers who helped toward the success of the wedding Fatiha and prayed to Allah to make the marriage a means of development to the state and the country at large.
The Commandant General of the Hisbah Board, Sheikh Aminu Ibrahim Daurawa said the historic wedding Fatiha that saw 1,000 couples married at the same time entered history as the first of its kind on African continent.
"We're grateful to Allah for realizing our dream of marrying off 1,000 women as part of our commitment to mitigate the social malaise we're facing in our society," Daurawa said.
Daurawa said individuals and groups gave money to the grooms to pay for their dowries and the state government provided the brides with furniture, kitchen wares and foodstuffs as well as N20,000 to each couple to enable them start small businesses.
The Hisbah CG thanked individuals and organisations that helped towards the success of the event and enjoined the couples to have fear of Allah in their new life.
One of the beneficiaries, Muhammad Dauda expressed delight and commended the state government and the Hisbah Board for organising and sponsoring their weddings.
"Today is the happiest day of my life. I can't thank the governor enough for making me realize my dream of getting married.
"All I can say for now is, may Allah bless him and guide him to continue the good work he's doing in Kano State," Dandoya said.
The event had in attendance the state governor, commissioners, members of the State House of Assembly, Sarkin Sudan Alhaji Shehu Malami as well as prominent Islamic scholars in the state.
The state government also organised a Walima (marriage) bouquet for the brides and the grooms at the Hisbah Board premises and the Kano State Government House respectively.
SOURCE:Daily Trust
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