FULLY LOADED TANKER WITH PMS CRASHES INTO BUILDING

Early this morning, a tanker fully loaded with premium motor spirit (PMS), popularly known as petrol crashed into stores along LASU - Isheri road by Isheri Iodine bus stop. Eye witness report gives the time of incident between 4am and 5am this morning. No lives were lost except for damages to properties the witness said.

May God protect us as we move daily on our roads. 

AMBODE'S MAY 29TH 2016 DEMOCRACY DAY ADDRESS TO LAGOSIANS

Lagos State Governor - Akinwunmi Ambode

The address by President Muhammadu Buhari took almost if not all attention on May 29th Democracy day address to the nation. Funny though, simultaneously, state governors too were given their address to the people they govern. Below is the "One Year Anniversary Address To The State By His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Governor Of Lagos State On Democracy Day, May 29, 2016".

Fellow Lagosians,

Exactly one year ago, I took the oath of office and allegiance as the 14th Governor of our dear State. Then, you committed yourselves and the future of the State into my hands; the huge responsibility of serving you.

I want to say thank you for giving me the opportunity to serve.

Today, I am humbled by the clear support and encouragement you have shown to me and my government in the last one year.

Today, I am happy to report, despite the fact that the global economy is in turmoil and the Nigerian economy is facing huge challenges, Lagos is marching on with confidence and a clear vision.

Our vision remains the same as declared in my manifesto last year; To make Lagos a clean, secure and prosperous State with a robust economy built on service, equity and justice.

It is equally true that our mission remains on track:

• Develop tourism through the provision of necessary infrastructure and facilities to make Lagos one of the most welcoming places to tourists and foreigners
• Pursue increased community cohesion and civic identity through participation in social, political and cultural spheres.
• Provide adequate safety and effective security of lives and property.
• Improve urban living, productivity, mobility and connectivity through the provision of adequate physical and social infrastructure.
• Propagate human rights protection and sustainable development.

I remain totally committed to serving you as we join hands together to achieve our mission for Lagos.

I have also been driven by the promises I made during my inauguration where I promised to run a government of inclusion where no one is left behind. You remember I reiterated that no matter your age, sex, tribe or status, as long as you reside in Lagos, my administration would make Lagos work for you.

I dared to dream of a 24/7 Lagos where people will prosper and all your aspirations can be met. I call on all our children and youth once again, to join me in that dream and vision where hardwork and diligence will lead to great rewards for all of us.

CONTINUITY WITH IMPROVEMENT

As you all know, the only constant thing in life is CHANGE. I therefore seek to continue with that change and move Lagos to the next level.

We are all witnesses to the extreme economic difficulties being faced by the nation and Lagos is not immune. My administration has therefore had to employ creative and ingenious financial engineering to meet the economic challenges of our time.

God has been good and faithful to us. We have been prudent and encouraged transparency in the operations of government. This has in turn enabled us to meet our obligations and promises to our people. I am therefore bold to say that with your support and prayers, Lagos shall continue to prosper despite a difficult economic environment.

OUR ACHIEVEMENTS

While it might appear that it took some time for our train to gather momentum, most people overlooked the fundamental bedrock of the change mantra – reforming the public service and institutional framework – to deliver positive results.

The success story of our public sector reforms has been the underpinning achievement in driving the various sectoral improvements we have witnessed in the last one year.

Using our tripod approach of Security, Infrastructural Development and Job Opportunities, we have made significant progress. Our efforts in the security sector has resulted in a reduction in crime incidents by 65%. Our Light Up Lagos initiative, road and bridge construction projects have improved the physical infrastructure in the State while our renewal and upgrading of medical infrastructure and the new emergency rescue unit have raised our social infrastructure.

All these have contributed to economic growth and with our Employment Trust Fund coming on stream, job opportunities will be created for all our people.

GOING FORWARD

We plan to undertake so much more in the coming year and we promise that we will not disappoint Lagosians. We plan to install a fiber optic network around the city of Lagos to boost broadband access to our homes and offices; we shall build and rehabilitate more roads; we shall ignite our Tourism and Entertainment potentials by approving a new International conference center and entertainment and theatre district; our television and radio stations will be fully overhauled to make them first class; we shall automate our bus system and introduce new buses; we shall overhaul our garbage collection system to make it more efficient; we shall build and refurbish more schools; we shall commence disbursement of loans to entrepreneurs and our youth under our Employment Trust Fund; establish a Rent – To – Own housing scheme and many more initiatives.

More importantly, greater attention shall be paid to the issues of our elderly ones, the youth and the people living with disabilities in the coming year. Our schools and hospitals will receive special attention comprehensively.

CONCLUSION

Fellow Lagosians, I renew my oath and pledge to serve you diligently, with passion, love and perseverance. I have always wanted to serve and I just ask that you continue to give me the cooperation to serve you and together, we will all realise the Lagos of our dreams where we thrive and not just survive.

I also ask you to dream along with me as we actualize a vision of a vibrant, non-discriminatory, clean, prosperous, safe Lagos that we can all be proud of and God will help us all achieve our dreams.

ITESIWAJU IPINLE EKO LO JEMILOGUN LO JE GBOBGO WA LOGUN.

AKINWUNMI AMBODE

GOVERNOR OF LAGOS STATE, NIGERIA

MY GOVERNORSHIP, AN ASSIGNMENT FROM GOD - GOVERNOR AKINWUNMI AMBODE

Governor Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State

Governor Ambode, who thanked all those that stood by him, specifically appreciated his mother, family and his wife, Bolanle, who he described as a prayer warrior standing in the gap of prayer for him.

The Governor also thanked the National Leader of All Progressives Congress (APC) and former Governor of the State, Asiwaju Bola Ahmed Tinubu and the Oba of Lagos, HRM Oba Rilwan Akiolu for believing in him and supporting him.

He said: “I want to openly thank God for using them (Tinubu and Akiolu) and believing in me as well as supporting me and giving me to Lagos State. I want to thank all our party members and leaders led by the State Chairman, Chief Henry Ajomale. As much I was new, I was the new face of Lagos and they supported me.”

He thanked members of the State Executive Council, civil servants, religious leaders, the Judiciary and the Legislature, saying the three arms of government in the State have worked greatly together in the last one year, which was why the State is progressing.

In his sermon, Presiding Chaplain of the Chapel, Ven. Femi Taiwo commended Governor Ambode for his sterling performance in the last one year, saying it was audible and visible for everyone to hear and see.

The clergyman, who said he was not given to praising people especially when not necessary, said the administration of Governor Ambode was a regime of noiseless transformation and alluded to the various road projects, educational transformation, street light project, massive investment in security, among others.

Earlier, Governor Ambode in his Democracy Day Broadcast Message to Lagosians, which he titled, “Daring to Dream and Ready to Actualise”, said that despite the fact that the global economy is in turmoil and the Nigerian economy is facing huge challenges, Lagos has continued to march on with confidence and a clear vision.

Highlighting some of his plans for the next one year, Governor Ambode said that plans are underway to install a fiber optic network around the State to boost broadband access to our homes and offices, improve the transportation system as well as continue the massive infrastructural development ongoing across the metropolis.

“We shall build and rehabilitate more roads; we shall ignite our Tourism and Entertainment potentials by approving a new International conference center and entertainment and theatre district; our television and radio stations will be fully overhauled to make them first class.

“We shall automate our bus system and introduce new buses; we shall overhaul our garbage collection system to make it more efficient; we shall build and refurbish more schools; we shall commence disbursement of loans to entrepreneurs and our youth under our Employment Trust Fund; establish a Rent-To-Own housing scheme and many more initiatives.

The Governor said that more importantly, greater attention would be paid issues involving the elderly, the youth and the people living with disabilities in the coming year, while schools and hospitals will receive special attention comprehensively.

“Fellow Lagosians, I renew my oath and pledge to serve you diligently, with passion, love and perseverance. I have always wanted to serve and I just ask that you continue to give me the cooperation to serve you and together, we will all realise the Lagos of our dreams where we thrive and not just survive.

“I also ask you to dream along with me as we actualize a vision of a vibrant, non-discriminatory, clean, prosperous, safe Lagos that we can all be proud of and God will help us all achieve our dreams,” Governor Ambode said.

Credits:akinwunmiambode.com

LAGOS STATE GOVERNOR - AKINWUNMI AMBODE'S ADDRESS AT THE "ABILITY IN DISABILITY" EVENT ON MAY 29TH DEMOCRACY DAY

Akinwunmi Ambode - Celebrating Democracy day with Physically Challenged

Address Delivered By His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Governor Of Lagos State At The ‘Ability In Disability’ Event At Lagos House, Ikeja On Sunday 29th May, 2016.

On behalf of the government and people of Lagos State, I welcome you all to this reception.

We decided to hold this event in honour of our brothers and sisters Living with Disabilities not only in line with the commitment of this administration to run an all-inclusive government but to restate our commitment to giving every individual a voice in this government.

Persons with disabilities often encounter discrimination and exclusion on a daily basis. They are faced with barriers to education and training which limit their job opportunities, leading in turn to poverty, social exclusion and restricted access the basic human rights which we all take for granted. This is unacceptable. People living with disabilities have a right to live a decent life and enjoy the benefits of good governance and as much as anyone else.

Physical disability is not inability and should not be seen as an inhibition from achieving something positive in life. The theme of this event tells the story – “Ability in Disability”. People living with disability have special skills and talents which if properly harnessed will make a huge difference not only in their lives, but to the society.

As a government, we are committed to the welfare of all people without discrimination. We owe it a duty to protect and provide for every individual and group in the State; especially the vulnerable ones.

In keeping with this, the Lagos State Special People’s Law of 2011 was passed to establish the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs (LASODA) with a mandate to safeguard people living with disability from discrimination and equalize their opportunities in the society.

I commend the General Manager and all Officers in the Lagos State Office of Disability Affairs for their persistence and commitment towards effective implementation of this law. The registration of all persons living with disabilities in the State is a very good initiative and the data base created from this exercise will ensure effective planning for the needs of Special People in Lagos State.

I urge all those who have not yet registered to do so without further delay as the certificates and badges issued will entitle you to special rights and privileges including free rides on BRT buses, exclusive right to designated parking lots and special consideration for access to the Lagos State Employment Trust Fund facility.

As an employer of labour, the State Government will ensure full compliance with the provisions of the Special People Law on reservation of 1% of job vacancies exclusively for qualified PLWDs. The process has already commenced with advert placements by some MDAs.

In line with provisions of Section 12, of the Special People’s Law, we are today launching the Lagos State Persons Living with Disability Fund with N500million. This fund will be for the advancement of the cause of persons living with disability. I call on Individuals, Corporate Organisations, Non-governmental organisations and other stakeholders to support this fund so that we can maximize the abilities in the disabilities of our fellow compatriots.

Distinguished ladies and gentlemen, let me use this opportunity to appeal to all Lagosians to embrace people living with disabilities. Do not discriminate against them. All they require is care, support and opportunity to live a fulfilled and productive life just like any of us.

Once again, I thank the leadership and officers of the Ministry of Youth and Social Development for their dedication and commitment to their mandate. I assure you of the continuous support of this administration to strengthen your capacity to do more.

Thank you and God bless you all.

Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko, lo jewa l’ogun!!!

Akinwunmi Ambode

Governor of Lagos State,

Alausa.

Credits: akinwunmiambode.com

FULL TEXT : PRESIDENT MUHAMMADU BUHARI'S DEMOCRACY DAY SPEECH ON MAY 29TH, 2016

President Muhammad Buhari

My compatriots,

It is one year today since our administration came into office. It has been a year of triumph, consolidation, pains and achievements. By age, instinct and experience, my preference is to look forward, to prepare for the challenges that lie ahead and rededicate the administration to the task of fixing Nigeria. But I believe we can also learn from the obstacles we have overcome and the progress we made thus far, to help strengthen the plans that we have in place to put Nigeria back on the path of progress.

We affirm our belief in democracy as the form of government that best assures the active participation and actual benefit of the people. Despite the many years of hardship and disappointment the people of this nation have proved inherently good, industrious tolerant, patient and generous.

The past years have witnessed huge flows of oil revenues. From 2010 average oil prices were $100 per barrel. But economic and security conditions were deteriorating. We campaigned and won the election on the platform of restoring security, tackling corruption and restructuring the economy. On our arrival, the oil price had collapsed to as low as $30 per barrel and we found nothing had been kept for the rainy day. Oil prices have been declining since 2014 but due to the neglect of the past, the country was not equipped to halt the economy from declining.

The infrastructure, notably rail, power, roads were in a decrepit state. All the four refineries were in a state of disrepair, the pipelines and depots neglected.

Huge debts owed to contractors and suppliers had accumulated. Twenty-seven states could not pay salaries for months. In the north-east, Boko Haram had captured 14 local governments, driven the local authorities out, hoisted their flags. Elsewhere, insecurity was palpable; corruption and impunity were the order of the day. In short, we inherited a state near collapse.

On the economic front, all oil dependent countries, Nigeria included, have been struggling since the drop in prices. Many oil rich states have had to take tough decisions similar to what we are doing. The world, Nigeria included has been dealing with the effects of three significant and simultaneous global shocks starting in 2014:

A 70% drop in oil prices.

Global growth slowdown.

Normalization of monetary policy by the United States federal reserve.

Our problems as a government are like that of a farmer who in a good season harvests ten bags of produce. The proceeds enable him to get by for rest of the year. However, this year he could only manage 3 bags from his farm. He must now think of other ways to make ends meet.

From day one, we purposely set out to correct our condition, to change Nigeria. We reinforced and galvanized our armed forces with new leadership and resources. We marshaled our neighbours in a joint task force to tackle and defeat Boko Haram. By the end of December 2015, all but pockets and remnants had been routed by our gallant armed forces. Our immediate focus is for a gradual and safe return of internally displaced persons in safety and dignity and for the resumption of normalcy in the lives of people living in these areas.

EFCC was given the freedom to pursue corrupt officials and the judiciary was alerted on what Nigerians expect of them in the fight against corruption. On the economy, in particular foreign exchange and fuel shortages, our plan is to save foreign exchange by fast tracking repair of the refineries and producing most of our fuel requirements at home. And by growing more food in Nigeria, mainly rice, wheat and sugar we will save billions of dollars in foreign exchange and drastically reduce our food import bill.

We resolved to keep the Naira steady, as in the past, devaluation had done dreadful harm to the Nigerian economy. Furthermore, I supported the monetary authority’s decision to ensure alignment between monetary policy and fiscal policy. We shall keep a close look on how the recent measures affect the Naira and the economy. But we cannot get away from the fact that a strong currency is predicated on a strong economy. And a strong economy pre-supposes an industrial productive base and a steady export market.

The measures we must take, may lead to hardships. The problems Nigerians have faced over the last year have been many and varied. But the real challenge for this government has been reconstructing the spine of the Nigerian state. The last twelve months have been spent collaborating with all arms of government to revive our institutions so that they are more efficient and fit for purpose:

That means a bureaucracy better able to develop and deliver policy

That means an independent judiciary, above suspicion and able to defend citizen’s rights and dispense justice equitably.

That means a legislature that actually legislates effectively and

Above all; that means political parties and politicians committed to serving the nigerian people rather than themselves.

These are the pillars of the state on which democracy can take root and thrive. But only if they are strong and incorruptible. Accordingly, we are working very hard to introduce some vital structural reforms in the way we conduct government business and lay a solid foundation on which we can build enduring change.

An important first step has been to get our housekeeping right. So we have reduced the extravagant spending of the past. We started boldly with the treasury single account, stopping the leakages in public expenditure.

We then identified forty-three thousand ghost workers through the Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information system. That represents pay packets totalling N4.2 billion stolen every month. In addition, we will save Twenty-Three Billion Naira per annum from official travelling and sitting allowances alone.

Furthermore, the efficiency unit will cut costs and eliminate duplications in ministries and departments. Every little saving helps. The reduction in the number of ministries and work on restructuring and rationalization of the MDAs is well underway. When this work is complete we will have a leaner, more efficient public service that is fit for the purpose of changing Nigeria for the good and for good.

As well as making savings, we have changed the way public money is spent. In all my years as a public servant, I have never come across the practice of padding budgets. I am glad to tell you now we not only have a budget, but more importantly, we have a budget process that is more transparent, more inclusive and more closely tied to our development priorities than in the recent past. 30% of the expenditure in this budget is devoted to capital items. Furthermore, we are projecting non-oil revenues to surpass proceeds from oil. Some critics have described the budget exercise as clumsy. Perhaps. But it was an example of consensus building, which is integral to democratic government. In the end we resolved our differences.

We have, therefore, delivered significant milestones on security, corruption and the economy. In respect of the economy, I would like to directly address you on the very painful but inevitable decisions we had to make in the last few weeks specifically on the pump price of fuel and the more flexible exchange rate policy announced by the central bank. It is even more painful for me that a major producer of crude oil with four refineries that once exported refined products is today having to import all of its domestic needs. This is what corruption and mismanagement has done to us and that is why we must fight these ills.

As part of the foundation of the new economy we have had to reform how fuel prices had traditionally been fixed. This step was taken only after protracted consideration of its pros and cons. After comprehensive investigation my advisers and I concluded that the mechanism was unsustainable.

We are also engaged in making recoveries of stolen assets some of which are in different jurisdictions. The processes of recovery can be tedious and time consuming, but today I can confirm that thus far: significant amount of assets have been recovered. A considerable portion of these are at different stages of recovery. Full details of the status and categories of the assets will now be published by the Ministry of Information and updated periodically. When forfeiture formalities are completed these monies will be credited to the treasury and be openly and transparently used in funding developmental projects and the public will be informed.

On the Niger Delta, we are committed to implementing the United Nations Environment Programme report and are advancing clean-up operations. I believe the way forward is to take a sustainable approach to address the issues that affect the delta communities. Re-engineering the amnesty programmes is an example of this. The recent spate of attacks by militants disrupting oil and power installations will not distract us from engaging leaders in the region in addressing Niger Delta problems. If the militants and vandals are testing our resolve, they are much mistaken. We shall apprehend the perpetrators and their sponsors and bring them to justice.

The policy measures and actions taken so far are not to be seen as some experiment in governance. We are fully aware that those vested interests who have held Nigeria back for so long will not give up without a fight. They will sow divisions, sponsor vile press criticisms at home and abroad, incite the public in an effort to create chaos rather than relinquish the vice-like grip they have held on Nigeria.

The economic misfortune we are experiencing in the shape of very low oil prices has provided us with an opportunity to restructure our economy and diversify. We are in the process of promoting agriculture, livestocks, exploiting our solid mineral resources and expanding our industrial and manufacturing base. That way, we will import less and make the social investments necessary to allow us to produce a large and skilled workforce.

Central Bank of Nigeria will offer more fiscal incentives for business that prove capable of manufacturing products that are internationally competitive. We remain committed to reforming the regulatory framework, for investors by improving the ease of doing business in Nigeria.

Meanwhile, the first steps along the path of self-sufficiency in rice, wheat and sugar – big users of our scarce foreign exchange – have been taken. The Labour Intensive Farming Enterprise will boost the economy and ensure inclusive growth in long neglected communities. Special intervention funds through the Bank of Agriculture will provide targeted support. Concerns remain about rising cost of foods such as maize, rice, millet, beans and garri. Farmers tell me that they are worried about the cost of fertilizers, pesticides and the absence of extension services. The federal and state governments are on the same page in tackling these hurdles in our efforts at increased food production and ultimately food security.

I would like to take this opportunity to express my appreciation for the increasing role that our women are playing in revitalizing the agricultural sector. Modern farming is still hard and heavy work and I salute our Nigerian women in sharing this burden. In this respect I am very pleased to announce that the government will shortly be launching the national women’s empowerment fund, which I have approved to provide N1.6 billion in micro-finance loans to women across the nation to assist in rehabilitating the economies of rural communities, particularly those impacted by the insurgency and conflict.

With respect to solid minerals, the minister has produced a roadmap where we will work closely with the world bank and major international investors to ensure through best practices and due diligence that we choose the right partners. Illegal mining remains a problem and we have set up a special security team to protect our assets. Special measures will be in place to protect miners in their work environment.

For too long, ours has been a society that neglects the poor and victimizes the weak. A society that promotes profit and growth over development and freedom. A society that fails to recognize that, to quote the distinguished economist Amartya Sen “ poverty is not just lack of money. It is not having the capability to realize one’s full potential as a human being.”

So, today, I am happy to formally launch, by far the most ambitious social protection programme in our history. A programme that both seeks to start the process of lifting many from poverty, while at the same time creating the opportunity for people to fend for themselves.

In this regard, Five Hundred Billion Naira has been appropriated in the 2016 budget for social intervention programmes in five key areas. We are committed to providing job creation opportunities for five hundred thousand teachers and one hundred thousand artisans across the nation. 5.5 million children are to be provided with nutritious meals through our school feeding programme to improve learning outcomes, as well as enrolment and completion rates. The conditional cash transfer scheme will provide financial support for up to one million vulnerable beneficiaries, and complement the enterprise programme – which will target up to one million market women; four hundred and sixty thousand artisans; and two hundred thousand agricultural workers, nationwide. Finally, through the education grant scheme, we will encourage students studying sciences, technology, engineering and maths, and lay a foundation for human capital development for the next generation.

I would like to pay a special tribute to our gallant men and women of the armed forces who are in harm’s way so that the rest of us can live and go about our business in safety. Their work is almost done. The nation owes them a debt of gratitude.

Abroad, we want to assure our neighbours, friends and development partners that Nigeria is firmly committed to democratic principles. We are ready partners in combating terrorism, cyber crimes, control of communicable diseases and protection of the environment. Following on the Paris Agreement, COP 21, we are fully committed to halting and reversing desertification. Elsewhere, we will intensify efforts to tackle erosion, ocean surge, flooding and oil spillage which I referred to earlier by implementing the United Nations Environment Programme (UNEP) report.

We are grateful to the international community notably France, the US, UK and China for their quick response in helping to tackle the recent Ebola outbreak in our sub-region.

We also acknowledge the humanity shown by the Italian and German governments in the treatment of boat people, many fleeing from our sub-region because of lack of economic opportunity. We thank all our partners especially several countries in the EU.

We appreciate the valuable work that the UN agencies, particularly UNICEF, ICRC, the World Food Program have been doing. We must also appreciate the World Bank, the Gates Foundation, the Global Fund and Educate A Child of Qatar for the excellent work in our health, education and other sectors.

Fellow citizens let me end on a happy note. To the delight of all, two of the abducted Chibok girls have regained their freedom. During the last one year, not a single day passed without my agonizing about these girls. Our efforts have centred around negotiations to free them safely from their mindless captors. We are still pursuing that course. Their safety is of paramount concern to me and I am sure to most Nigerians. I am very worried about the conditions those still captured might be in.

Today I re-affirm our commitment to rescuing our girls. We will never stop until we bring them home safely. As I said before, no girl should be put through the brutality of forced marriage and every Nigerian girl has the right to an education and a life choice.

I thank you and appeal to you to continue supporting the government’s efforts to fix Nigeria.

HIGHLIGHTS OF BUHARI'S SPEECH ON DEMOCRACY DAY

Below are some of the highlights in President Muhammad Buhari's speech on May 29th, 2016.

1. Our administration clocks one year today
2. My administration inherited a state in near collapse
3. It has been  a year of triumph, consolidation, pains,  and achievements 
4. Significant amount of stolen funds have been recovered 
5. Decisions on fuel pump price and flexible exchange rates painful but inevitable 
6. We would provide #1.6 billion national women En empowerment funds to provide micro finance loans to women
7. Our administration plans to save foreign exchange by fast tracking repairs of refineries and producing most of domestic fuel requirements 
8. Attacks on oil and power installations by militants will not distract dialogue with Niger Delta leaders 
9. We have formally launched the #500 billion social benefit funds
10. We have reduced the extravagant spending of government 
11. Pipeline and power installation vandals will be apprehended and brought to justice 

APPRAISING GOVERNMENT OF PRESIDENT BUHARI AFTER ONE YEAR

President Muhammadu Buhari 

By: Comrade AbdulRahman Agboola

Argument on perfection in human nature has never been proved beyond the consensus of negation in humans’ perfection, this paradox brought to fore the common maxim “to err is human” and in absolute reality there is no perfection in humanity. Often, people tends to attach perfectionistic stance to some personalities at variance with human frailties, which eventually leads to contrite when shortcomings evolve in the general performance of the idolized personalities. We should be guided by the fact that we rested the mantle of leadership of this Country on the shoulders of a human who is equally prone to shortcomings, people regarded as exemplary are not flawless, but fortunate to record greater positive feats that overshadows their inadequacies, every action in life has an implication, people of good characters conflicts with bad-mannered people and the vicious circle continues.

Before the emergence of President Muhammadu Buhari a year ago, Nigeria was in terribly bad states at all fronts, but today, the fronts can be disjointedly appraised, where economy has gone worse, added with poor cost of living through new government policies of increased electricity tariffs and petrol pump price due to economic comatose, where our exchange rate hit the worst taste in a Country mainly dependent on importation for economic survival, the commoners are struggling harder than before for survival of the woes, but reposing high confidence in the government to change the present cantankerous tides to a rewarding future of economic stabilities and fortunes, our cranky situation in Nigeria is not beyond redemption under this present administration of President Muhammadu Buhari.
Geniuses concentrate on solving problems and not blame shifts to distractors or agent’s provocateurs, the emergence of this administration was premised on populace acknowledgements of the horrendous and terrifying state of economy, governance, security and effective service delivery, that era was regarded as era of paddy paddy, arrangee, army arrangement, embezzlement of public funds, protection of vagabonds in power, promotion of social malaise and deepened chasm between the rich and the poor, that era eradicated the middle class and changed the order to just the extremely rich people and the extremely poor people.


A year after we constituted a new government to wipe away those odds we ought to regard as gory past, the government has recorded notable achievements that partially addressed most of the challenges, perpetual contest confronts the achievements with the prominence of economic hardship over leverages. The President undoubtedly is discharging valuable services to the people of this Country, his services must be best enough to solve the numerous problems and excuse can never be an option, even though we acknowledge several causes of hindrances staring him in the face, he must bravely overcome those challenges and earn resounding applause, until then, no applause for Mr President.


The Media team of Mr President released a script captioned “One Year Achievements in Office” which is a pointer to content of the Democracy Day Speech by Mr President; the documents listed the success of this administration in the last one year, initiatives on restoration of effective security services, anti-corruption crusade and address of global image/perception of Nigeria were well captured. The Media team like most allies and supporters of Mr President, in the bid to promote the good intentions and positive actions of our master in the last one year downplayed the constraints and sabotages like depleted foreign reserve, reduced earnings from international trades and terrific attacks on oil pipelines which has hindered the wishes of Mr President to reposition the Country for abundance wealth and greatness.


It is a great disservice to enumerate our gains without counting our losses, where the Country is gaining momentum in prudence management of resources and protection of commonwealth against abuse and misappropriations, the emergence of an egalitarian society remains a mirage. Where peace has tactically returned to the Boko Haram ridden South East, pockets of violence in Zaria from fracas between the Military and Islamic Sect recorded scores of deaths, Ethnic Militias in Nasarawa and Benue remains unabated, while the South South Militias have returned to the creeks and launch attacks against the Country’s asset in a declaration of war against the government.


Mr President is neither naïve nor clueless, but guided by democratic norms and values hence could not frontally launch assaults against violators of laws and promoters of disorderliness, summary executions and brutal attacks conflicts with democratic governance, while separation of powers and rules of law handcuffs the mightiness of an elected President, but proactive responses to circumstances of treasons and felony differs, when sovereignty of the Country is attacked by any group.


Democracy offers the populace the rights to decide how they should be governed, but those rights are grossly abused by the people themselves, instead of having consensus among our artificial divides of political, race, region and tribes to resolutely support the efforts of President Muhammadu Buhari in his bid to restore sanity to the polity, and facilitate home grown economy as a respite for total dependency on importations, the ethnic irredentists who promoted and coordinated the misguided Biafra agitations conveyed the first volatile distractions to the present administration, followed by the renascent of Militancy in the Niger Delta as economic sabotage against our collective welfares and lastly, the clash of interest among political gladiators that undermined the performance of the present administration.


A study of the revelations contained in Engels, in the light of researches of Lewis H. Morgan on the Origin of the Family, Private Property and the State appropriately captures the rivalry among tribes and regions in Nigeria, which impugned on the unity of purpose among Nigerians across the divides of River Niger and Benue with the failure of marriage of North, South, East, West and Central as one, where signal of divorce remain invincible, sabotage of government in power by ethnic chauvinists remains our greatest albatross and constitute reasons for our economic woes in Nigeria.


Aligning with Engels, the inequality of the two before the law, which is a legacy of previous social conditions, is not the cause but the economic oppression of women, in the old communistic household which embraced numerous couples and their children, the administration of household entrusted to the women was just as much a public, a socially necessary industry as the providing of food by the men, this situation changed with the patriarchal family and even more with the monogamous individual family, the administration of the household lost its public character, it was no longer the concern of society, it became a private service. Our dependency on oil exploration as the only source of wealth in Nigeria is the monogamous individual family and women are the Nigeria Citizens in this antithesis, the order must be changed to polygamous extended families of diversified economy.


In corollary, Mr President himself failed to commence the activities of his administration as promised, to hit the ground running as revealed by his running mate when they secured the populace mandate, the major actors of the last administration that aided and abetted fraudulent practices were not substituted until recently, most Institutions operated without governing boards as checks against heads of Institutions, the Ministers were not appointed until recently and the budgets was lately passed. All these setbacks occurred due to the discretion of Mr President that was too careful to avoid making mistakes, but dragged back the performance of his administration.
In further corollary, the polarization among APC stalwarts over tussle and bickering on the leadership of the National Assembly adversely affected the performance of the administration in the last one year, Mr President hold the aces and would have saved the situation by categorical positions on salient worries and divisions among his party men, that should become history as unity of purpose among his team can never be undermined.


The Country is still afar from resolving the basic challenges of epileptic power supply, economic diversification and patriotism among the entire citizens, but signals appear that Mr President is setting the pathway towards achieving these lofty visions, these are only achievable if we all shun sycophancy and allow the prevalence of constructive criticism of government policies and programmes to sharpen and shape issues into proper perspectives. People must not be regarded as nuisance for reeling out opposing views in as much as those views can be debated and appropriately reviewed.


Mr President still has the next few months to achieve his visions for this Country, he needs the masses support to succeed and must reunite with the aspirations of the people, for a government to be regarded as masses inclined, populace views must be appropriately sought before policy formulations and implementations, people will feel honoured and respected by the government when their opinions counts in decision making. Mr President is presiding over a Country of numerous and abundantly neglected natural resources, where our earlier success on oil explorations and trades has now failed, efforts must be instantly re-dedicated towards prioritizing our priorities, best of luck to Mr President as we hopefully assess his administration in the next one year, happy democracy day celebrations to all Nigerians, “ale ma lowo sugbon ani alaafia”, we may lack money but we seek solace in good health.


Comrade AbdulRahman Agboola,
National Coordinator,
Mass Action for Good Governance and Grassroots Developments in Nigeria

LAGOS STATE GOVERNMENT CANCELS SATURDAY ENVIRONMENTAL SANITATATION EXERCISE

The Lagos state government has cancelled this Saturday’s May 28, monthly environmental sanitation in order to allow for free movement of examination materials and also for students, invigilators and other stakeholders to participate effectively in the National Business and Technical Examinations Board (NABTEB) Examination expected to be held across the nation.

Commissioner for the Environment, Dr. Babatunde Adejare who announced on Thursday, May 26, but urged Lagosians to still observe the monthly exercise by cleaning their homes and clear the drains in their neighbourhood so as to prevent flooding in the state and to allow free flow of water as the raining reason gathers momentum.

He stressed that the monthly cleaning exercise will resume next month. The Commissioner said that it became imperative for the state government to waive the restriction order so as to not to jeopardize the future of the candidates whose counterparts in other parts of the federation will write the same examination.

As a responsible and responsive government, we value the education of our children very dearly and therefore resolvedto relax the order in the interest of the future leaders of tomorrow.

As we are all aware, Lagos is a Coastal City that has highwater table levels and prone to flooding whenever it rains. We must therefore imbibe habits which will reduce to the barest minimum the incidence of flooding in the state,” he said.

The Commissioner enjoined Lagosians to shun acts that could aggravate the adverse global climatic conditions, noting that “people should not dump waste in unauthorized places like canals and drainage channels.”

He said that the target of the state this year is to sustain past record of flood abatement, thus making it possible for the state not to experience flooding as in the past years, adding that, “this can only be achieved through effective collaboration of the people.” Adejare stated that the issue of sanitation has become very critical, especially with the geometrical population explosion in the state, adding that the regular clean-up for a healthier, cleaner and Sustainable Environment has become a matter of survival for residents.

He urged the residents, to ensure that their environment is kept clean at all times and free from storm water stagnation, which could also be a breeding ground for mosquitoes and other health hazards.

Adejare advised Lagosians not to patronize cart pushers who end up dumping the wastes into canals and Lagoons adding they should dispose their waste through LAWMA/PSP Operators. “This is how we can all assist to make the state deflooding programme a success.’’

He disclosed that the state government has embarked on continuous clearing, maintenance and dredging of canals across the state to pre-empt the incidences of flooding. The Commissioner advised residents of the state to desist from dumping waste arbitrarily into the drainage channels and canals in order to maintain a flood-free Lagos.

He also warned residents who still patronize cart pushers to desist from the illegal act as it is still an offence. 

The Lagos state government had last month clarified reports making rounds on social media that the monthly environmental sanitation in the state had been outlawed. According to the state government, the policy on the monthly exercise has not been reviewed for now.

WHY TOMATO IS SCARCE IN NIGERIA

The Dangote Farms Tomato Processing Factory announced that it has halted operations in its $20 million tomato paste facility due to a scarcity of tomatoes, barely two months after beginning operations. This announcement comes as a surprise to many that believed Dangote was the reason for the tomatoes shortage plaguing Nigeria.

The tomato plant was anticipated to help reduce wastage of the fruit in the country and to also minimise the amount of imported tomato pastes in the Nigerian market. According to Nigeria’s Ministry of Agriculture, Nigeria produces about 1.5 million tons of tomatoes a year, but over 900,000 tons is lost to rot.

Nigerians have been severely affected by the scarcity of tomatoes, which is a key ingredient in most of the delicacies prepared in this part of the continent. The price of the fruit has increased by 400 percent; Nigerians now pay around 200 Naira for the same quantity of tomatoes which was sold at 50 Naira few months ago. But while there have been different rumours concerning the tomato scarcity, the real reason for the scarcity is a devastating pest attack which has affected this year’s harvest. A pest known as Tuta absoluta has reportedly affected tomato farms in Jigawa, Kaduna, Kano, Katsina and Plateau states.

Tuta absoluta Attack

Tuta absoluta is also known by the common name tomato leafminer or the South American tomato moth and has been spreading rapidly across the world from South America, where it was first discovered. It has the ability to destroy a whole tomato farm within 48 hours and is also very difficult to control as it has a high mutation capacity with the ability to develop a resistance to insecticides. Around this time last year, farmers in some parts of Nigeria recorded losses as a result of this same pest attack but the consequences of this attack weren’t reflected in the price of the commodity because the demand for the crop wasn’t as high as it is now.

If the Nigerian government does not treat this as a matter of urgency it can take years to recover from the attack. It took Sudan about three years to recover from a similar attack in 2010. This plague could also dampen the export of fruits and vegetables.

Quick facts about the tomatoes industry in Nigeria

• Nigeria is the 14th largest producer of tomatoes in the world.
• It is the largest producer of tomatoes in sub-Saharan Africa.
• It is the eighth largest importer of tomato paste in the world after Iraq and Japan.
• The country has a significant demand for processed tomatoes but almost half of the tomato pastes found in its markets have been imported from China and Italy.
• Last year, the Director General and CEO of the Raw Material and Research and Development Council (RMRDC), Dr. Hussaini Ibrahim, revealed that Nigeria spends about $1.5 billion annually on tomato product-importation from China and other parts of the world.
• Erisco tomato paste known as Nagiko is the first tomato paste to be made in Nigeria.

USE DANGOTE'S MICRO-GRANT JUDICIOUSLY - AMBODE

Ambode and Dangote

Presenting the micro-grant to a beneficiary 

The real essence of wealth is to improve the standard of living of people around us. True wealth is measured not by the property one acquires but by the ability to positively affect the society and lift up less privileged people.

The decision of Alhaji Aliko Dangote, to share his wealth with the people of Lagos State, is a strong indication of love and support for the well-being of our people. This gesture shows a depth of character and compassion that should be emulated by other people who are equally endowed. 

I am delighted that Alhaji Aliko Dangote has decided to support our social regeneration programme in Lagos State by collaborating with the State’s Ministry of Women Affairs & Poverty Alleviation through this micro-grant programme.

The Micro-Grant Programme is designed to enhance the income generating capacity of beneficiaries through seed grants of N 10,000 and other accessories. This programme will reach beneficiaries across the 20 Local Government and 37 Local Council Development Areas of the State. 

We shall ensure that the micro-grant is administered to benefit the targeted disadvantaged and vulnerable members of our community, especially the widows and other special interest persons.

I urge members of the Micro-Grants Beneficiary Selection Committee to ensure transparency in the nomination process from the Ward level. Nobody must be denied access to this facility on the basis of gender, political, ethnic or religious affiliation.

Let me also use this opportunity to appeal to the first set of beneficiaries not to abuse the opportunity afforded them by the Micro-Grant Programme. The seed grants you will receive have been provided to enable you engage in petty commercial activities and cottage business that would put food on the table for your family and not a largesse that should be spent frivolously.

I assure Lagosians that we shall be consistent in providing a conducive environment that would ensure continuous development and economic empowerment for residents and investors. I also urge other well meaning, public spirited individuals and corporate organisations to emulate the kind gesture of the Dangote Foundation and collaborate with Lagos State Government to provide socio-economic palliatives and other poverty alleviation initiatives to enhance the quality of life for our people.

The Governor said. 

Source : akinwunmiambode.com

AMBODE'S ADDRESS AT THE SIGNING OF MOU FOR 4TH MAINLAND BRIDGE

The Lagos State Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode announced on Wednesday at an event the significant of Memorandum of Understanding for the construction of the fourth mainland bridge. Below is pictures and his address. 

Representatives of Contractors 

                                       

LASG Executive team

                            

The Governor during his address 

"Ladies and Gentlemen, today, Lagos State is recording another major milestone in it’s almost 50years of existence. We have just signed a Memorandum of Understanding on the 4th Mainland Bridge. The 38km bridge and expressway will become the longest bridge and expressway anywhere when completed.

The significance of this bridge will be fully appreciated if we can imagine Lagos of today without the 3rd Mainland Bridge. Almost Thirty years after the delivery of the 3rd Mainland Bridge; the State has experienced phenomenal growth to become a megalopolis – a city-State with a population of over 21 million people.  The increase in the State’s population and expanded commercial activity has led to frequent traffic congestion. This has made it imperative for us to have a 4th Mainland Bridge that will serve as an alternative route to the Eastern axis and decongest traffic in the State. 

More importantly this bridge will provide the required transportation compliment to the rapidly growing industrial activities on the Eti-Osa - Lekki - Epe corridor of the State.  

The proposed alignment passes through Lekki, Langbasa and Baiyeiku towns along the shoreline of the Lagos Lagoon estuaries, further running through Igbogbo River Basin and crossing the Lagos Lagoon estuaries to Itamaga Area in Ikorodu. It then crosses the Itoikin road and the Ikorodu - Sagamu Road to connect Isawo inward Lagos Ibadan Expressway at Ojodu Berger axis. The Bridge would be made up of 8 interchanges to facilitate effective interconnectivity between different parts of the State".

AMBODE'S KEYNOTE ADDRESS AT THE PRESS CONFERENCE ON REGENERATION OF OSHODI

Lagos State Governor _ Akinwunmi Ambode

Key Note Address By His Excellency, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode, Governor of Lagos State at The Press Conference on the Regeneration of the Oshodi Area at Lagos House, Alausa, Ikeja on Tuesday, May 24, 2016

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Oshodi is arguably the busiest transport interchange in West Africa, with over 5,600 buses spread over 13 different motor parks loading daily. Oshodi has over 200,000 passengers boarding per day, about 1 million pedestrians and 76% of the area is dedicated to transport and related activities.

The result of this is chaos, illegal markets, high human and vehicular traffic, environmental and sanitation issues and in recent times serious security challenges. You will agree with me that this Oshodi does not fit into the Lagos of our dreams; a globally competitive Lagos which is clean, safe and prosperous.

Ladies and Gentlemen, we have a solution to the Oshodi menace. The Oshodi Interchange you see today will be replaced by an iconic, world class transportation and commercial hub. That is in keeping with the vision of this government to transform the key city centres of the State to reflect the mega city status of Lagos.

Many of you would have been aware of the recent demolition of illegal structures and markets in this area. This was not to oppress or deny anybody their livelihood but to start the process of regenerating and recreating Oshodi.

Our efforts to redevelop Oshodi is aimed at improving the physical structure, security and more importantly creating the 24hour economy which we promised.

The proposed redevelopment of Oshodi axis will consolidate all the 13 City and Interstate parks into 3 multi-storey bus park & terminals situated on 4 floors.

Terminal 1, the Mosafejo Market Axis, would be for Inter-state transportation. Terminal 2, former Owonifari Market, and Terminal 3, adjacent to NAFDAC, will be for Intra-city transport activities. These terminals will have standard facilities including waiting area, loading bays, ticketing stands, drivers lounge, parking areas, rest rooms, etc.

The development will include accessible walkways and pedestrian bridges/sky-walks to link all the 3 terminals. The development will introduce bus lanes, lay-bys, green parks to soften the environment, proper waste management, fencing and a dedicated security team for Oshodi.

When we complete this project, we would have completely rebranded and remodeled Oshodi from a decadent situation to an iconic state. The crime rate in this area will be drastically reduced, if not eliminated.

In addition, a shopping mall covering over Two Hectares will be situated in the old Mosafejo settlement. This mall will comprise recreation, entertainment

The new Oshodi bus terminal will be delivered with a PPP arrangement. This model allows the effective allocation of tasks and risks in the development of the interchange and also ensures that finance can be easily obtained for the project.

I want to commend and thank all the stakeholders that have made this proposal attainable. The market men and women, members of the transport union, NURTW, the traders and management of the various Local Governments and Local Council Development Authorities involved.

The regeneration of the Oshodi interchange will definitely redefine the economic outlook of this part of the State. Our goal is to make every nook and cranny of Lagos economically viable and liveable.

Thank you.

Itesiwaju Ipinle Eko…….Lo Je Wa Logun!!!!!!

Akinwunmi Ambode,

Governor of Lagos State,

Alausa.

24th May, 2016.

YOUTH INITIATIVE ENTREPRENEURSHIP DEVELOPMENT PROGRAMME (YIEDP)

Heritage Bank has been adopted by the Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) as the pilot bank for the Youth Innovative Entrepreneurship Development Programme (YIEDP). The programme is aimed at harnessing the latent entrepreneurial spirit in the teeming youth by providing them timely and affordable loans to implement their business ideas. It further provides a sustainable mechanism to stimulate employment, contribute to the nation’s non-oil Gross Domestic Product (GDP) and address the challenge of youth restiveness.

The following youth, aged 18 – 35, are eligible under this scheme:

I. Serving National Youth Corps members 

II. Non-NYSC members (not more than five years post National Youth Service)

Qualified Business Sectors:

1. Agro - Allied

2. Food Processing / Preservation

3. Arts & Crafts

4. Manufacturing / Cottage Industry

5. Information & Communication Technology (ICT)

6. Construction Support

7. Power & Energy

8. Education & Financial Inclusion

9. Film & Photography

10. Automobile

11. Others

Transaction Dynamics:

• Eligible youth can apply for the loan through this portal http://www.yiedp-hbng.com/ using his/her NYSC State Code
• Applications can be made as an individual or as a group of 3-5 applicants with similar business interests 
• A single applicant can access up to a facility limit of N3million while group projects jointly owned by 3-5 qualified beneficiaries can access up to a facility limit of N10million
• Applicants can also track application status via the same portal
• Applications will be processed centrally from the Head Office Annex
• Security: Graduate entrepreneurs will use their tertiary institution(s) certificate(s) and their NYSC discharge certificate. Serving Corp members will pledge their NYSC discharge certificate and their tertiary institution(s) certificates(s). Also, legal ownership of assets financed by the bank and 3rd party guarantors will be requested as additional collateral from all entrepreneurs
• Successful candidates will be assigned to ECs close to the intended business locations.

Please refer to the FAQ for further clarification http://www.yiedp-hbng.com/ies/faqs.aspx

EMIR OF KANO'S SPEECH AT SIR OLANIWUN AJAYI'S BOOK LAUNCH

The former Central Bank Governor, and Emir of Kano His royal highness Muhammadu Sanusi the second, surprised guests present at the Muson Centre for the launching of the book of Sir Olaniwun Ajayi.

Below is his unedited speech.

"Let me start by saying that I am Folami (laughter). My grandfather was an Emir also fulani my uncle and guardian was also the immediate late Emir of kano Alhaji Ado Bayero and therefore I represent all that has been talked about this afternoon. Sir Ajayi has written a book.

And like all Nigerians of his generation, he has written in the language of his generation.

My grandfather was a Northerner, I am a Nigerian. The problem with this country is that in 2009, we speak in the language of 1953. Sir Olaniwun can be forgiven for the way he spoke, but I cannot forgive people of my generation speaking in that language.

Let us go into this issue because there are so many myths that are being bandied around. Before colonialism, there was nothing like Northern Nigeria, Before the Sokoto Jihad, there was nothing like the Sokoto caliphate. The man from Kano regard himself as Bakane. The man from Zaria was Bazazzage. The man from Katsina was Bakatsine. The kingdoms were at war with each other. They were Hausas, they were Muslims, they were killing each other.

“The Yoruba were Ijebu, Owo, Ijesha, Akoko, Egba.

When did they become one? When did the North become one? You have the Sokoto Caliphate that brought every person from Adamawa to Sokoto and said it is one kingdom. They now said it was a Muslim North.

The Colonialists came, put that together and

said it is now called the Northern Nigeria. Do you know what happened? Our grand fathers were able to transform to being Northerners. We have not been able to transform to being Nigerians.

The fault is ours.

Tell me, how many governors has South West produced after Awolowo that are role models of leadership? How many governors has the East produced like Nnamdi Azikiwe that can be role models of leadership? How Many governors in the Niger Delta are role models of leadership? Tell me. There is no evidence statistically that any part of this country has produced good leaders.

You talk about Babangida and the problems of our economy. Who were the people in charge of the economy during Babangida era? Olu Falae, Kalu Idika Kalu. What state are they from in the North?

We started the banking reform; the first thing I heard was that in Urobo land, there will be a

curse of the ancestors. I said they (ancestors) would not answer. They said why? I said how

many factories did Ibru build in Urobo land? So, why will the ancestors of the Urobo people

support her?

We talk ethnicity when it pleases us. It is hypocrisy. You said elections were rigged in 1959, Obasanjo and Maurice Iwu rigged election in 2007. Was it a Southern thing? It was not. “The problem is: everywhere in this country, there is one Hausa, Ibo, Yoruba and Itshekiri man whose concern is how to get his hands on the pile and how much he can steal.

Whether it is in the military or in the civilian government, they sit down, they eat together. In fact, the constitution says there must be a minister from every state.

So, anybody that is still preaching that the problem of Nigeria is Yoruba or Hausa or Fulani, he does not love Nigeria . The problem with Nigeria is that a group of people from each and every ethnic tribe is very selfish. The poverty that is found in Maiduguri is even worse than any poverty that you find in any part of the South.

The British came for 60 years and Sir Ajayi talked about few numbers of graduates in the North (two as at independence) . What he did not say was that there was a documented policy of the British when they came that the Northerner should not be educated. It was documented. It was British colonial policy. I have the document. I have published articles on it. That if you educate the Northerner you will produce progressive Muslim intellectuals of the type we have in Egypt and India. So, do not educate them. It was documented. And you say they love us (North) more than the south.

I have spent the better part of my life to fight and Dr. (Reuben) Abati knows it. Yes, my grandfather was an Emir. Why was I in the pro-democracy movement fighting for June 12? Is

(Moshood) Abiola from Kano ? Why am I a founding director of the Kudirat Initiative for

Nigerian Development (KIND)?

There are good Yoruba people, good Igbo people, good Fulani people, good Nigerians and there are bad people everywhere. That is the truth. “Stop talking about dividing Nigeria because we are not the most populous country in the world. We have all the resources that make it easy to make one united great Nigeria . It is better if we are united than to divide it.

Every time you talk about division, when you restructure, do you know what will happen? In

Delta Area, the people in Warri will say Agbor, you don’t have oil. When was the Niger Delta constructed as a political entity? Ten years ago, the Itshekiris were fighting the Urobos. Isn’t that what was happening? Now they have become Niger Delta because they have found oil. After, it will be, if you do not have oil in your village then you cannot share our resources.

“There is no country in the world where resources are found in everybody’s hamlet. But people have leaders and they said if you have this geography and if we are one state, then we have a responsibility for making sure that the people who belong to this country have a good nature.

So, why don’t you talk about; we don’t have infrastructure, we don’t have education, we don’t have health. We are still talking about Fulani. Is it the Fulani cattle rearer or is anybody saying there is no poverty among the Fulani?”, he said.

This is a great message to our generation.