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Local hero Kei Nishikori began his quest for a third Japan Open title by thrashing countryman Yuichi Sugita 6-4, 6-1 to reach the last 16 on Monday.
Continue reading Clinical Nishikori off to flier at Japan Open at Vanguard News.
Clinical Nishikori off to flier at Japan Open
The main market in Gboko Local Government Area of Benue State in the early hours of Monday, October 1st, 2018 was razed down by fire. Residents and business owners in the area have described the incident as catastrophic. According to an eyewitness, the fire, which started in the early hours of the day consumed over […]
BREAKING: Fire razes Gboko main market, traders lose millions
BREAKING: Fire razes Gboko main market, traders lose millions
Former Super Eagles striker Shola Ameobi says he has not retired from football, and would consider joining the “right clubâ€�, if an offer comes his way. The 36-year-old Ameobi has been without a club since he was released by Notts County over the summer, but he is yet to officially declare that his playing career […]
The post Shola Ameobi: I’ve Not Retired, Waiting For The Right Club Closer Home appeared first on Complete Sports Nigeria.
Shola Ameobi: I’ve Not Retired, Waiting For The Right Club Closer Home
LEADERSHIP
Brent crude oil prices hit their highest level since November 2014 on Monday ahead of U.S. sanctions against Iran that kick in next month. Brent sweet crude oil futures rose to as much as 83.27 dollars a barrel. U.S. West Texas Intermediate (WTI) crude futures were at 73.57 dollars a barrel. Brent was pushed up […]
The post Oil Races Toward $85 As Iran Sanctions Loom appeared first on Leadership Newspaper.
Oil Races Toward As Iran Sanctions Loom
British number one Kyle Edmund fights back from a set down to reach the second round of the China Open with victory over Peter Gojowczyk.
China Open: Kyle Edmund beats Peter Gojowczyk to reach second round
We take a look at scriptures about gaining true freedom.
Here are some of the scriptures about freedom that can be found in the Bible.
"So if the Son sets you free, you will be free indeed."
"All things are lawful for me, but not all things are helpful. All things are lawful for me, but I will not be dominated by anything.
"For freedom, Christ has set us free; stand firm…"
"For you were called to freedom, brothers. Only do not use your freedom as an opportunity for the flesh, but through love serve one another."
"Live as people who are free, not using your freedom as a cover-up for evil, but living as servants of God.
"Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom."
"The Spirit of the Lord God is upon me because the Lord has anointed me to bring good news to the poor; he has sent me to bind up the brokenhearted, to proclaim liberty to the captives, and the opening of the prison to those who are bound."
"In him and through faith in him we may approach God with freedom and confidence."
"There is therefore now no condemnation for those who are in Christ Jesus."
"I will walk about in freedom, for I have sought out your precepts."
Independence Day: 10 great Bible verses to celebrate Nigeria's 58th anniversary
Nigeria forward, Victor Anichebe, has reported his own club, Beijing Enterprises, to FIFA over allegations of match-fixing. The former Everton and West Brom striker according to a report in the dailymail lodged the complaint after alleging he was asked ‘not to try’ by coaches on two occasions, including for a game against their local rivals. […]
The post Anichebe Reports Own Club Beijing Enterprises To FIFA Over Alleged Match-Fixing appeared first on Complete Sports Nigeria.
Anichebe Reports Own Club Beijing Enterprises To FIFA Over Alleged Match-Fixing
The Senate Leader, Ahmad Lawan, has said that increased socio-economic activities and improved security in the Northeast was an indication that the region was recovering from the excesses of Boko Haram insurgency.
Improved activities in the North east an indication of peace – Senate Leader
The ex-Red Devils striker feels an inconsistent side is lacking direction from an under-fire Portuguese coach, with performances suffering as a result
Man Utd aren't exciting under Mourinho – Saha
The former Minister of the FCT and Senator Representing Plateau South Senatorial District, retired Lt. Gen. Jeremiah Useni has emerged as the gubernatorial candidate of the Peoples’ Democratic Party, PDP for the 2019 general elections in Plateau State. Useni got 1018 votes out of the 2097 delegates votes to emerge the flagbearer of the party […]
Senate President, Bukola Saraki has highlighted areas Nigerians need to prioritize before the nation’s 60th Independence celebration in 2019. The Senate president warned Nigerians to participate actively in politics and not to continue to allow government officials and politicians to manipulate them in pursuit of narrow interests. He also urged Nigerians to vote a leader […]
Nigeria at 58: Saraki advises Nigerians on what to do before 60th Independence
Nigeria at 58: Saraki advises Nigerians on what to do before 60th Independence
Patrick Reed says US Ryder Cup team-mate Jordan Spieth did not want to be paired with him during their 17½-10½ defeat by Europe.
Spieth did not want to partner me at Ryder Cup – Reed
The popular cleric has shared his covenant blessings for the new week.
The founder of the Living Faith Faith Church Worldwide International church also known as Winner's Chapel made this prophecy on Facebook.
Sharing his covenant blessings for this week, he wrote: "The secret of strength is joy; therefore guard your joy at all cost Psalm 16:11, 87:7.
"The solution to every challenge in the Kingdom delivers via engagement to God's instruction. By the Holy Ghost, the bond of depression and sadness is loosed from your life in the name of Jesus!"
ALSO READ: Tap into Bishop Oyedepo's blessings
"My prayer for you is that the great light of God's Word that brings great joy is yours in Jesus' name! No more weakness in your body in the name of Jesus!
"Whatever chapter that has been closed in your life, they are re-opened in Jesus' name! Today marks the end of your downcastness; no devil will ever make you mourn in Jesus' name! Begging for survival ends in your life today!
"Every evil disappears from your life in the name of Jesus! Anyone hunting for your life will go down for you in the mighty name of Jesus!"
Bishop Oyedepo concluded: "This week is declared your turnaround week in the name of Jesus!"
Bishop Oyedepo: "This is your turnaround week" - Living Faith founder declares
The Germany goalkeeper is eager to make the most of his opening and admits that being eased in gently might prove a blessing in disguise
Leno determined to impress for Arsenal during Cech absence: Itâ€
s a big chance for me
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Nigeria's current national anthem was not used until 18 years after the nation gained independence in 1960.
However, while many Nigerians are now familiar with the current "Arise, O compatriots" anthem, it wasn't the nation's first choice.
In fact, it didn't become the nation's anthem until 1978, 18 years after independence and eight years after the end of a terrible civil war.
The anthem of choice when Nigeria became an independent country 58 years ago was titled "Nigeria we hail thee".
The anthem's lyrics was written by a British expariate, Lillian Jean Williams, while the music was composed by a certain Frances Berda.
Due to criticisms thrown at the anthem and an agitation to have it changed, a national competition was held for the purpose of choosing a new one with a committee created to choose the best entry. In 1978, Nigeria had a new anthem to replace its first post-independence anthem.
The committee chose entries from five winning contestants and fused them to make one anthem. The current "Arise, O compatriots" anthem contains lyrics from five entries composed by John Ikechukwu, Eme Etim Akpan, Babatunde Ogunnaike, Sotu Omoigui and P. O. Aderogbu.
Benedict Odiase, the Director of Music in the Nigeria Police Band at the time, pieced the entries together and composed the music for the anthem that is still sung everywhere in the country today.
Nigeria we hail thee,
Our own dear native land,
Though tribe and tongue may differ,
In brotherhood we stand,
Nigerians all, are proud to serve
Our sovereign Motherland.
Our flag shall be a symbol
That truth and justice reign,
In peace or battle honour'd,
And this we count as gain,
To hand on to our children
A banner without stain.
O God of all creation,
Grant this our one request,
Help us to build a nation
Where no man is oppressed,
And so with peace and plenty
Nigeria may be blessed.
Independence Day: How much do you know about Nigeria's first national anthem?
“Into whatever houses I enter…whatever, in connection with my professional practice or not, in connection with it, I see or hear, in the life of men, which ought not to be spoken of abroad, I will not divulge, as reckoning that all such should be kept secret�
The inference above is the medical Hippocratic oath of secrecy that protects the rights of patients and their medical records from being divulged to a third party. Health and ill-health is often a deeply personal journey and the fear of stigma and shame keeps many sufferers from seeking medical attention. So it is of the utmost importance that personal information shared remains between the patient and the care giver. This medical oath of secrecy has now been flouted by some medical personnel at the Lagos state owned Gbagada General Hospital and is now being used as a political weapon by the Lagos state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode against the aspiration of Mr. Babajide Sanwo Olu a Governorship aspirant on the platform of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Lagos State.
RELATED: Who is Jide Sanwo-Olu, Ambode’s political nemesis
On Sunday, September 30, 2018 the Lagos state Governor, Mr. Akinwunmi Ambode while addressing a press conference at the Lagos house Alausa, took a swipe at Mr. Sanwo-Olu by saying “He doesnâ€t have the competence to do what he is being propelled to do. This is somebody that has gone for rehabilitation before. The records are there at the Gbagada General Hospital,â€�. This simply means the state Governor would have either used his position as the Governor to access Mr. Sanwo-Olu medical records or some medical staff at the Gbagada hospital made such records available to the Governor even without requesting for it for political reasons. Irrespective of how the Governor got to know about this medical history, it shows the Gbagada General Hospital committed an infraction by making such information public without the approval of the patient while the decision of the Governor to make such a political point is another low for public communication by elected officers in the country.
RELATED: Tinubu speaks on Lagos APC primaries and officially backs Sanwo-Olu
I am indifferent to the existing political situation in the state but all Iâ€m saying is that the right of every patient must be respected and protected from third party as contained in the Hippocratic Oath that was sworn to by medical personnel as the release of such information without the patients approval could be damaging. As for the Lagos state Governor, he has committed an infraction that belittle his office.
Read » Ambode, Sanwo-Olu and Gbagada General Hospital’s breach of Hippocratic Oath on YNaija
Ambode, Sanwo-Olu and Gbagada General Hospital’s breach of Hippocratic Oath
Rescue personnel prepare the bodies of the earthquake victims at the compound of a police hospital in Palu, Indonesia's Central Sulawesi on October 1, 2018, after an earthquake and tsunami hit the area on September 28. AFP PHOTO / MUHAMMAD RIFKI
Indonesian volunteers began burying bodies in a mass grave with space for more than a thousand people on Monday, victims of a quake-tsunami that devastated swathes of Sulawesi and left authorities struggling to deal with the sheer scale of the disaster.
Indonesia is no stranger to natural calamities and Jakarta had been keen to show it could deal with a catastrophe that has killed at least 844 people, according to the latest official count, and displaced some 48,000 more.
But four days on some remote areas are only now being contacted, medicines are running out and rescuers are struggling with a shortage of heavy equipment as they try to reach desperate victims calling out from the ruins of collapsed buildings.
In response, President Joko Widodo opened the door to the dozens of international aid agencies and NGOs who are lined up to provide life-saving assistance.
“Last night, President @jokowi authorized us to accept international help for urgent disaster-response & relief,” senior government official Tom Lembong wrote on Twitter on Monday.
Officials fear the toll will rise steeply in the coming days and are preparing for the worst, declaring a 14-day state of emergency.
At Poboya — in the hills above the devastated seaside city of Palu — volunteers began to fill a vast grave with the dead, with instructions to prepare for 1,300 victims to be laid to rest.
Authorities are desperate to stave off any disease outbreak caused by decomposing bodies, some now are riddled with maggots.
Three trucks arrived stacked with corpses wrapped in orange, yellow and black bags, an AFP reporter on the scene saw. One-by-one they were dragged into the grave as excavators poured soil on top.
Twisted wastelandÂ
In Balaroa, a Palu suburb once home to a housing complex, the scale of the damage was obvious. A wasteland of flattened trees, shards of concrete, twisted metal roofing, door frames and mangled furniture stretched out into the distance.
Dazed groups of people ambled over the wreckage, unclear where or how to start digging. Among them were three men looking for their younger brother.
Rescuers are racing against the clock and a lack of equipment to save those still trapped in the rubble, with up to 60 people feared to be underneath one Palu hotel alone.
Two survivors have been plucked from the 80-room Hotel Roa-Roa, Indonesia’s search and rescue agency said, and there could still be more alive.
Desperate survivors turned to looting shops for basics like food, water and fuel as police looked on, unwilling or unable to intervene.
“There has been no aid, we need to eat. We don’t have any other choice, we must get food,” one man in Palu told AFP as he filled a basket with goods from a nearby store.
Meanwhile government officials said some 1,200 inmates fled at least three prisons in the region.
“I’m sure they escaped because they feared they would be affected by the earthquake. This is for sure a matter of life and death for the prisoners,” Ministry of Justice official Sri Puguh Utami said.
Many survivors have spent the last days desperately searching for loved ones while dealing with the trauma of the disaster.
One survivor, Adi, was hugging his wife by the beach when the tsunami struck on Friday. He has no idea where she is now, or whether she is alive.
“When the wave came, I lost her,” he said. “I was carried about 50 metres. I couldn’t hold anything,” he said.
Others have centred their search for loved ones around open-air morgues, where the dead lay in the baking sun — waiting to be claimed, waiting to be named.
In other places, the picture was even less clear.
Indonesiaâ€s Metro TV broadcast aerial footage from the southern suburb of Petobo, where the devastation appeared extensive.
According to government estimates there could be up to 700 people killed there alone, with many of the 1,747 homes destroyed.
“We donâ€t know how many casualties there are at the complex” said Sutopo Purwo Nugroho, the national disaster agency spokesman.
Ports, bridges, roads shattered
Yenni Suryani, of Catholic Relief Services, said devastated infrastructure was hampering rescue efforts.
“Humanitarian groups are struggling to get people into affected areas,” she said. The main airport at Palu was damaged, landslides had cut off key roads while “power is out almost everywhere,” she added.
The local airport has been cleared to receive humanitarian and commercial flights, but so far the landing slots have been taken up by Indonesia’s powerful military, which is staging its own assistance efforts.
Satellite imagery provided by regional relief teams showed severe damage at some of the area’s major ports, with large ships tossed on land, quays and bridges trashed and shipping containers thrown around.
A double-arched yellow bridge had collapsed, its ribs twisted as cars bobbed in the water below.
Indonesia, home to 260 million people, is one of the world’s most disaster-prone nations.
It lies on the Pacific “Ring of Fire”, where tectonic plates collide and many of the world’s volcanic eruptions and earthquakes occur.
A massive 2004 quake triggered a tsunami that killed 220,000 throughout the region, including 168,000 in Indonesia.
Quake-hit Indonesia starts burying dead in mass grave
The midfielder has enjoyed an impressive start to the season in Ligue 1 and has proved particularly adept at set-pieces
'I didnâ€t think PSG goal would bring so much coverage' – Nimes star Bobichon
Gov. Samuel Ortom of Benue has called on all tiers of government in the country to work towards deepening democratic culture by entrenching the rule of law in their jurisdictions.
Independence: Gov Ortom calls for deepening of democratic culture for a better Nigeria
Barcelona chief, Josep Maria Bartomeu, has refused to rule out a move for Paul Pogba. The Manchester United midfielder has been linked with Barca, with his Old Trafford future up in the air following his latest spat with manager Jose Mourinho. The LaLiga champions are interested in Pogba, but are not prepared to go above […]
Barcelona chief speaks on buying Pogba, Messi’s exit
Barcelona chief speaks on buying Pogba, Messi’s exit
As we celebrate Nigeriaâ€s 58 years of independence, we say cheers to new beginnings and 360 jollification.
To celebrate this great day, we present you with top 7 songs dedicated to our beloved country by patriotic musicians over the years.
Hereâ€s a list of 7 songs you should listen to today –
This passionate song by Timi Dakolo was released in November 2012. The track that communicates the desire for a greater Nigeria. The song ‘Great Nation’express confidence in the greatness of this nation and how we can build this nation together through peace, unity and Justice. The song is indeed an anthem for peace, patrotism and togetherness.
2. Funmi Adams– ‘Nigeria My Beloved Country’
‘Nigeria My Beloved Country’ is one of the classic songs by Funmi Adams recognised to celebrate Nigeria. The track is one of the most patriotic songs to be ever recorded in Nigeria. The impact of the message in this song is so overwhelming as the lyrics say, “Nigeria my beloved country, working together is the key. Nigeria my beloved country, her future is you and me.”
3. Sonny Okosun– ‘Which Way Nigeria’
The late veteran Nigerian singer, Sonny Okosun, is indeed a legend that will never be forgotten. The song ‘Which Way To Go’ emphasises on the possible ways Nigeria can be saved, “which way Nigeria, which way to go, I love my fatherland, let’s save Nigeria.” Okosun also highlights the issues of the country that citizens need to pay attention to such as inefficiency, indiscipline, corruption and inflation.
4. TY Bello – ‘Green Land’
‘Green Land‘ is one of Nigeria’s most celebratory songs. TY Bello in 2008 released her debut studio album ‘Greenlandâ€. The song with the theme of love, family and nation expresses confidence in the future of Nigeria. It inspires Nigerians to liberate themselves from a place of despair to a place of hope.
5. Sound sultan – ‘Motherland’
Sound Sultan is one of the creative artistes that gave the best rendition to promote independence. His 2006 classic, ‘Mother Land’ is a reminder to Nigerians in the diaspora not to forget their heritage. It further preaches that no matter how rosy, beautiful and blessed a foreign land may appear, Nigeria will always be home.
6. Veno Marioghae– ‘Nigeria Go Survive’
Veno Marioghae released this song 33 years ago, under the Tabansi Records’ label. ‘Nigeria Go Survive’ is a signal of hope for many Nigerians in the 80s and 90s. Veno’s patriotism cannot be weighed as the artiste strongly believed that th country would pull through, despite all odds. The lyrics of the song stressed on the basic crisis in Nigeria; economical, religious and tribalistic conflicts.
7. Onyeka Onwenu – ‘One Love’
Onyeka Onwenu is a music legend who is passionate about the unity and peace of Nigeria. One Love is the lead song off her fourth the album ‘One Love†released in 1986. This song emphasises the theme of love and unity in a world of struggle and dreams of staying alive.
The post #NigeriaAt58: ORIN Commemorates Celebration With Independence Day Playlist appeared first on Nigerian Entertainment Today.
#NigeriaAt58: ORIN Commemorates Celebration With Independence Day Playlist
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Watch how cyclists in the Road World Championships dealt with a hill climb with an incline of 28% after already cycling 240km.
Road World Championships 2018: The agony of a 28% climb after cycling 240km
The All Progressive Congress (APC) has once again postponed the governorship primaries of the Lagos, Enugu and Adamawa.
In a statement by the party’s Acting. National Publicity Secretary, Yekini Nabena, the primaries for Enugu and Adamawa have been changed by the National Working Committee (NWC) from indirect to direct.
Read Also: Sanwo-Olu was arrested for spending fake dollars – Ambode
No particular reason was stated for the postponement but the Lagos primaries will now hold on Tuesday, October 2, 2018, while the Enugu and Adamawa direct governorship primaries will take place on Thursday, October 4, 2018.
The Lagos primaries was scheduled to hold on Monday (today).
ICYMI: Tinubu speaks on Lagos APC governorship primary, backs Sanwo-Oluâ€s emergence
Read » APC postpones Lagos, Enugu, Adamawa governorship primaries on YNaija
APC postpones Lagos, Enugu, Adamawa governorship primaries
Nigeria’s ruling All Progressives Congress has postponed governorship primary elections in three states.
It also announced a change in the mode of the primaries in two of the three states.
The elections will now hold on Tuesday, October 2, in Lagos, and on Thursday, October 4 in Enugu and Adamawa.
While Enugu and Adamawa were to have indirect primaries, the party said on Monday that the primaries in both states will now be direct.
More details later.
APC postpones primaries in Lagos, Enugu, Adamawa
As part of its product development strategy to improve consumers†internet service experience, Premier Internet Service Provider, Spectranet, introduces new Blue Freedom MiFi with 25GB free data for just 16,000 naira. The entry of Blue Freedom MiFi is premised on the celebration of Nigeriaâ€s 58th independence anniversary just as Spectranet aims to deepen internet penetration […]
Spectranet 4G LTE celebrates Independence with Blue Freedom MiFi launch
Spectranet 4G LTE celebrates Independence with Blue Freedom MiFi launch
The president warned that there are disruptive forces using social media to provoke tensions.
The president raised the alarm on the usage of social media in his national broadcast on the occasion of Nigeria's 58th Independence anniversary at the Presidential Villa on October 1, 2018.
The president noted that the country had never faced the 'challenge' of such a technology which some are abusing to "provoke passions and stir tensions".
He said, "Fellow Nigerians, now we have in our hands technology that is a powerful tool that we can and should use for knowledge and understanding. As with other countries, we must also learn how to manage those tendencies that, instead, look to abuse new technologies to provoke passions and stir tensions.
"Never before have we faced such a challenge. We must all rise to the responsibility of shutting out those disruptive and corrosive forces that hide in today's world of social media.
"We need critical minds and independent thinking, to question and question until we are satisfied we have the facts. Otherwise, all the progress we have made as a democracy since 1999 is at stake."
The president also assured Nigerians that he'll ensure that the Independent National Electoral Commission (INEC) conducts free and fair elections in 2019.
"I have committed myself many times to ensure that elections are fully participatory, free and fair and that the Independent National Electoral Commission will be exactly INDEPENDENT and properly staffed and resourced. The ballot box is how we make our choice for the governments that rule in our name," he said.
In his address, the president highlighted the 'steady improvement' in the security situation in the North East where military troops battle against terrorist group, Boko Haram. He promised Nigerians that his government is committed towards preventing the terrorist group from fulfilling its goal to capture territories and destroy democracy.
While speaking about the herders-farmers crisis that has claimed the lives of hundreds of victims this year alone, President Buhari reiterated his earlier position that the it is being exploited by self-serving individuals and pledged his administration's resolve towards finding a lasting solution.
He also praised his administration for making strides in its anti-corruption war, noting that he has created an enabling environment for local and foreign investment in Nigeria.
He praised Nigerian youths and highlighted their important role in nation-building, and promised to continue to work tirelessly to promote, protect and preserve a united, peaceful, prosperous and secure Nigeria.
Read his full speech here.
Buhari: Be responsible on social media, President cautions Nigerians in Independence Day speech
The Spurs striker has seen his form and fitness called into question this season, but he continues to silence his detractors in front of goal
'Kane has been criticised for no reason' – Tottenham star can't do any more, says Bassong
Governor Ifeanyi Ugwuanyi of Enugu State will on Tuesday (tomorrow) play host to Vice President Yemi Osinbajo, who will be visiting Enugu for the 19th edition of the National Micro, Small and Medium Enterprise (MSME) Clinic, billed to hold at the Michael Okpara, Square, Enugu.
Continue reading Ugwuanyi hosts Osinbajo on enterpreneurship programme at Vanguard News.
Ugwuanyi hosts Osinbajo on enterpreneurship programme
LEADERSHIP
Fellow Nigerians, Today is a day of celebration and solemn reflection. It is the anniversary of the day Nigerians realised one of the most cherished of human desires – the desire for freedom. We, therefore, give thanks to and remember our founding fathers who laboured so hard and sacrificed so much to build and bequeath […]
The post Text Of The National Broadcast By President Muhammadu Buhari On The 58th Independence Anniversary, 1st October, 2018 appeared first on Leadership Newspaper.
National Broadcast by President Muhammadu Buhari on the 58th Independence Anniversary, October 1st, 2018.
Fellow Nigerians,
Today is a day of celebration and solemn reflection. It is the anniversary of the day Nigerians realised one of the most cherished of human desires – the desire for freedom. We, therefore, give thanks to and remember our founding fathers who laboured so hard and sacrificed so much to build and bequeath to us this wonderful nation. It is our duty to consolidate this great legacy.
2. On this first October date and on the eve of the start of the general election cycle, we should do well to reflect on what binds us together and the great strength our diversity bestows on us. Ours is an ambitious nation, and, as citizens we have every right to look forward to the future with confidence and optimism which are well founded, considering where we find ourselves today.
3. There has been a steady improvement in the security situation in the North East. We remain committed to ending the crisis and make the North East safe for all.
4. Our thoughts and prayers are always with the victims of the Boko Haramâ€s atrocities and their families. Beyond that, we know that the goals of the Boko Haram terrorists include capturing territories, destroying our democracy and denying our children the right to education. We will not allow them to succeed.
5. I want at this point to pay tribute to the men and women of our armed forces, the Police and other security and law enforcement agencies, who have been working under the most difficult conditions to keep the country safe. In the process, many have made the supreme sacrifice.
6. As their Commander -In- Chief, I assure these our gallant men and women that I will continue to empower them by deepening their professionalism and providing all the necessary force multipliers and enablers required for them to prevail on the field. I am looking into all reported cases of inadequacies in relation to their entitlements, their welfare and those of their families.
7. We are diversifying away from reliance on oil to increased manufacturing capacity, solid minerals development, and agriculture.
8. Efforts are on course in the Niger Delta to clean up polluted lands, restore hopes of the youths in the region and re-establish livelihoods, and strengthen their capacity to guarantee for themselves and for our country a brighter future.
9. The age-long conflict between herders and farmers that was being exploited by those seeking to plant the seeds of discord and disunity amongst our people, is being addressed decisively. We will sustain and continue to support the commendable efforts by all including civil society organisations, local and states governments and our traditional and religious leaders in finding a durable solution to this problem.
10. This being a transhumance issue, we are working with countries in our region that are also facing similar difficulties to complement our common efforts. In this context, I must warn that the perpetrators of murder and general mayhem in the name of defending or protecting herders or farmers will face the full wrath of the law. Meanwhile, we urge all peace-loving Nigerians to reject any simplistic portrayal, at home or abroad, of this conflict as either religious or ethnic based.
11. We are one of the countries in the world most affected by environmental degradation, as a consequence of climate change. We are signatories to almost all conventions and agreements aimed at slowing down the effect of climate change and mitigating its now evident consequences.
12. The consequences on lives and livelihoods of the shrinking of the Lake Chad and the pollution caused by oil exploitation activities alone make it mandatory on us to be at the forefront of the struggle for a safer and more sustainable environment. We will continue to mobilise international support for our efforts in this regard.
13. We are making progress in the fight against corruption and recovery of stolen public funds and assets despite vicious and stiff resistance. The shameful past practice, of the brazen theft of billions of Naira, is no more. Shady oil deals and public contracts that were never delivered have become things of the past.
14. Consequently, and this is very evident across the country, we have done more with less in infrastructural developments. Roads, railways, major bridges, schools, energy and power, air and seaports, the welfare of serving and retired personnel both civilian and military including payment of legacy debt such as pension arrears, have been attended to.
15. There is now an enabling environment for local and foreign investment in Nigeria. We are building a rules-based system – a level playing field that is free from fixers and intermediaries. This is the cornerstone to help genuine investors and honest consumers, and the platform that will allow for the real reforms that we intend to deliver over the coming years.
16. We are gradually strengthening the economy with a stable Naira and falling inflation rate. We are building an economy that is moving away from over-reliance on oil. Consequently, we have witnessed a massive return to farms and seen bumper harvest, despite recurrent floods across the country.
17. These positive developments are the result of our collective pursuit of a common vision through hard work and dedication, after the missed opportunities and disappointments that followed the return to democracy in 1999.
18. At the forefront, have always been our youths. They have been at the vanguard of the struggle for independence. They fought in the war to keep the country united. And it was they who kept alive the struggle for democracy and human rights in our country at times when these were at risk, especially following the June 12th 1993 election and the historic 2015 election process.
19. Even today, our youths play a central role in Nigeriaâ€s continuing progress and developments in all fields of our national endeavour –technology, agriculture, mining, engineering and especially creative arts. Together we are building a more diverse, inclusive and self-reliant economy.
20. In the past three years, we have introduced many policies and programmes targeted at youth development and youth empowerment. We support the ‘not too young to run†legislation aimed at giving the youths greater say in our national politics and governance.
21. The school feeding program in primary schools is aimed at encouraging enrolment and attendance. We are building on what we have already introduced to support schools and universities to which funds have recently been released for the upgrade of facilities, training programs for our entrepreneurs, and rehabilitation schemes for victims of terrorism and human trafficking.
Fellow Nigerians,
22. Now we have in our hands technology that is a powerful tool that we can and should use for knowledge and understanding. As with other countries, we must also learn how to manage those tendencies that, instead, look to abuse new technologies to provoke passions and stir tensions.
23. Never before have we faced such a challenge. We must all rise to the responsibility of shutting out those disruptive and corrosive forces that hide in todayâ€s world of social media. We need critical minds and independent thinking, to question and question until we are satisfied we have the facts. Otherwise, all the progress we have made as a democracy since 1999 is at stake.
24. I have committed myself many times to ensure that elections are fully participatory, free and fair and that the Independent National Electoral Commission will be exactly INDEPENDENT and properly staffed and resourced. The ballot box is how we make our choice for the governments that rule in our name.
Fellow Nigerians,
25. Developing a thriving democracy is not an easy task. There can be no quick fixes or shortcuts. These are the most important lessons that we have learnt in our 58 years as an independent nation.
26. At the international level, we remain a responsible and respected member of the international community, playing active positive roles within ECOWAS, the African Union and the United Nations as well as all other regional and international organisations and institutions of which we are members.
27. We will continue to support initiatives aimed at addressing the challenges of our times: global and regional crises and conflicts, terrorism, trans-border crime, climate change, human rights, gender equality, development, poverty and inequality within and between nations, etc. In this context, we are working hard to achieve both the AU 2063 Agenda for socio-economic transformation of our continent; and the UN 2030 Agenda for sustainable development, which together aim at addressing these challenges
Fellow Nigerians,
28. As we celebrate the 58th Anniversary of our independence, we know we are on the right path. Although we have our differences, they count for far less than the values, virtues and common aspirations that unite us as a nation. We have so much for which we should be grateful, and in which we should rightly take pride. Our journey is not finished but we have come a long way.
29. I want to assure you that as President, I will continue to work tirelessly to promote, protect and preserve what really matters: a united, peaceful, prosperous and secure Nigeria, where all, irrespective of background, can aspire to succeed.
Thank you. I wish you a memorable independence celebration.
Read » “We must all rise to the responsibility of shutting out those disruptive and corrosive forces” | Read President Buhari’s full speech #NigeriaAt58 on YNaija
Governor of Katsina State, Aminu Masari, has emerged flag bearer of the All Progressives Congress (APC) in Katsina State for the 2019 election. The Chairman, APC Gubernatorial Primary Election in the state, Dr Isa Adamu, announced the result on Sunday in Katsina. Adamu said that a total of 5,627 votes were cast during the primary […]
2019: Masari wins APC governorship ticket in Katsina
2019: Masari wins APC governorship ticket in Katsina
Masari made the call on Monday in Katsina in his 58th Nigeriaâ€s Independence Anniversary, through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Alhaji Abdu Labaran.
Masari made the call on Monday in Katsina in his 58th Nigeriaâ€s Independence Anniversary, through his Senior Special Assistant on Media, Alhaji Abdu Labaran.
“Nigerians should close ranks and re-elect Buhari in 2019 for him to consolidate on his achievements, evidenced in so many meaningful interventions across the country.“
Buhari has laid the solid foundation to place Nigeria on the path of total recovery and development.
“His sterling performances had shamed and proved the doubters wrong that Nigeria can make a progress,� he said.
The governor said those opposing President Buhari were only doing so because of what he described as “Buhari has exposed and stopped their rent collecting activities�.
Masari, then urged Nigerians to always pray for the country and its leaders to enable it continue to prosper.
Independence Day: Katsina Gov., Masari, begs Nigerians to give Buhari another chance
