Friday 29 May 2015

Senator Ifeanyi Okowa being Swore-in as the Executive Governor of Delta State


 Senator Okowa being Swore-in as the Executive Governor of Delta State at the Cenotaph, Asaba





It's official! Buhari sworn in as President of Nigeria (Photos)



At exactly 10.51am,Muhammadu Buhari was sworn in as the president of Nigeria.He is the second after Olusegun Obasanjo to be the president of Nigeria twice..Now, ex-president Goodluck Jonathan took his last walk as the president before Buhari was sworn in..

As President Goodluck Jonathan Bows out.....



Today May 29th,2015,President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan would formally bow out of his position as the President of the Federal Republic of Nigeria..His story is an inspiring yet,intricate one..Many believe his rise to power was nothing short of divine favor..But most importantly,thanks to one single phone call to his opponent and incoming president,Muhammadu Buhari,he is now widely received as a hero and the new face of democracy..
During the handover of his administration's reports to Buhari yesterday,the president-elect said
"You have earned yourself a place in Nigeria's history for stabilizing our democracy. If you wanted to make things difficult, you could have but you didn't and for that, you have won the respect of world leaders"
 As President Jonathan said, 
My second term ambition is not worth the blood of any Nigerian ... In my political life, I have never been driven by the love of power.
He sure lived up to his words.. If you had an opportunity to meet president Jonathan today what would you tell him?

Happy Democracy Day..

President Jonathan's remarks at the presentation of handover notes to Buhari


HIS EXCELLENCY, PRESIDENT GOODLUCK EBELE JONATHAN, GCFR, ON THE OCCASION OF THE PRESENTATION OF HAND OVER NOTES TO THE PRESIDENT-ELECT, MUHAMMADU BUHARI, GCFR THURSDAY, 28TH MAY, 2015

1. I welcome you all to this occasion of the formal presentation of the Hand-over notes of my Administration to the in-coming Administration of the President-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari.

2. This event and tomorrow’s inauguration of a new administration are truly historic as it is the first time in the history of our nation that we are witnessing the democratic and orderly transfer of power at the Federal level from one political party to another.

3. The Hand-over notes which we now present, contain the governance philosophy, strategies, policies, programmes and activities of my Administration for the period - 2011-2015. Also to be found in the notes are the objectives, targets and implementation strategies, achievements and challenges of our key policies, schemes, initiatives as well as the status of commitments and liabilities of the various MDAs.

4. As we hand over the affairs of the nation, it is appropriate to recall that at inception, in May 2011, we committed ourselves to consolidating national unity through democratization and good governance. Our assessment then, and our firm belief ever since, is that the unity of Nigeria, the security, well-being, greater freedoms and opportunities for all citizens must remain the primary objectives of government.

5. The Agenda for National Transformation which we did our best to implement consisted of clear and consistent governance strategies, policies, plans, programmes and projects, in all facets of our national life. Emphasis was placed on human and state security, democratization, sound economic management, as well as structural and institutional reforms.

6. Our foremost concern was the unity of Nigeria. In keeping with that concern, we engineered a process that began with a review of issues outstanding from previous Constitutional Conferences by the Belgore Committee. After that, we widened political consultations through a National Dialogue that was orchestrated through the Okurounmu Committee. These culminated in the all-inclusive National Conference which unanimously reaffirmed that Nigeria must remain united and indivisible.

7. The Conference also made resolutions and recommendations for serious constitutional, political and governance reforms, which we have forwarded to the National Assembly for appropriate legislative action. It is our hope that the incoming Government will accord the Report of the National Conference the very high priority that it deserves, as a genuine expression of the will of our people.

8. The recognition that the starting point for good governance is the legitimacy of the government itself informed our commitment to promoting free and fair elections.

9. It also motivated innovations in the management and conduct of elections which we undertook. Hopefully, in the years ahead, those innovations will be properly and fully implemented so that Nigerians will be even more assured of the integrity of the electoral system and the legitimacy of any government that it produces.

10. To strengthen the social contract between the government and the governed, we institutionalized the rule of law as well as the independence of the legislature and the judiciary. We also promoted group and individual freedoms. As a result, there is vast expansion in democratic, social and economic space for all citizens.

11.Our nation and citizens faced many new challenges over the past four years but the greatest was the vastly increased menace of Boko Haram with their mindless terror, mass killings, utter ruthlessness, kidnapping of innocent children and other unspeakable acts of brutality.

12. We should all remember that Boko Haram’s emergence predated our administration going as far back as 2002. The group however became extremely malignant with the killing of its leader, Mohammed Yusuf in July 2009.

13. It therefore became an urgent task for us to effectively confront the great threat Boko Haram posed to the security and well-being of our people. To do so, we overhauled and virtually reinvented our security architecture to confront Boko Haram and its insurgency. We re-organized our security apparatus. We re-equipped and fully motivated our forces.

14. Victory is now in sight and within our reach. However, the cost in blood of citizens and heroes; and the diversion of national treasure from urgent needs for development have been very high. While more than 500 women and children have been rescued from the clutches of Boko Haram thus far by our security forces, it remains my sincere hope and prayer that our beloved daughters from Chibok will soon be reunited with us.

15. I wish to thank the Nigerian people for their resilience and patience. I also wish to pay very special and personal tribute to all the men and women of our valiant armed forces and security agencies. Their sacrifice and dedication have brought us thus far.

16. While striving to overcome our national security challenges, we still gave necessary attention to economic development. Our goal was to achieve long-term economic growth and stability, improve the quality and quantum of infrastructure and enhance human capital development.

17. Our financial system reforms included the Treasury Single Account [TSA] that unified the structure of government accounts for all MDAs and thereby brought order to cash flow management; and Government Integrated Financial Management Information System [GIFMIS] was introduced to plug leakages and waste of resources. The Integrated Payroll and Personnel Information System [IPPIS] weeded out 60,450 ghost workers in 359 out of 425 MDAs, yielding N185.4 billion in savings to the Federal government.

18. Improved Revenue Mobilization was achieved through improvements in the laws and compliance measures. In 2013 alone, these measures resulted in a 69% rise in Federal tax revenues from N2.8 trillion to N4.8 trillion. Also, Waiver Policy and Trade Facilitation were reformed to create a more rational regime. Our emphasis shifted to granting waivers to specific sectors instead of individual companies and the Sovereign Wealth Fund was established to provide stabilization from external shocks, provide funding for critical infrastructure and savings for future generations.

19. Our Financial Sector reforms addressed the issues of inefficiencies in the coordination and monitoring of the financial system. Our policies promoted transparency, better risk management, new banking models and payment systems. We established the Assets Management Corporation of Nigeria as a resolution mechanism for toxic banking assets. We strengthened banking supervision and enhanced public confidence in Nigerian Banks.

20. Similarly, we undertook innovative reforms for job creation and repositioned the manufacturing, agriculture and housing sectors. Specifically, it was observed that over the years, job creation did not keep pace with economic growth. Thus unemployment, especially amongst the youth was assuming alarming dimensions.

21. To address this, my administration made job creation a key consideration for all programmes in the Transformation Agenda. Emphasis was also shifted towards empowering youths to become entrepreneurs rather than job seekers, through such initiatives as Youth Enterprise with Innovation in Nigeria (YOU-WIN), GraduateInternship Scheme (GIS), the SURE-P Technical Vocational Education and Training Programme (TVET) and the Youth Employment in Agriculture Programme (YEAP).

22. Manufacturing in Nigeria faces many challenges, including poor power supply, high cost of input, high cost of doing business, multiple taxation, poor infrastructure and lack of synergy with the labour market. To address these problems, we launched several programmes and initiatives including the National Industrial Revolution Plan and a new National Automobile Policy designed to boost domestic car production and expand existing capacity. Since then, five new private vehicle assembly plants have been established.

23. Agriculture is critical to national survival and yet the sector was besieged with many problems. By year 2010, Nigeria was the second largest importer of food in the world, spending about N1.3 trillion on the importation of fish, rice and sugar alone.

24. The reforms we introduced in agriculture dramatically increased local production of staple food and saved us vast amounts of money that we would have spent on the importation of food items.

25. To address the glaring inadequacy of critical national infrastructure, we focused on the Power Sector, Roads, Railways, Aviation, Ports and Harbours as well as on Water and Sanitation, Information and Communication Technology.

26. My government introduced the Power Sector Roadmap in 2010. Since then, we have privatized the generation and distribution aspects in a most transparent process. Obstacles to the private sector investments in power supply were removed and we developed cost effective electricity tariff to make the sector more attractive. It remains our hope that the successor companies to PHCN and also the private sector will step forward with the necessary investment to make the power reform work.

27. The major challenge in the road sector in Nigeria is the high cost of building roads and it continues to rise. The other challenge is the fact that because of regular use, roads are one of the fastest depreciating assets in developing countries.

28. To address this, Government has developed the required legal and regulatory framework and created opportunities for Private Public Partnership (PPP) in road construction and maintenance.

29. From Ore/Benin Road, Lagos/Ibadan Expressway to the Kano/Maiduguri dualisation projects, we made concerted efforts to address age-long problems of delays in construction, design defect, neglect and ineffective maintenance. The construction of the historic Second Niger Bridge has also commenced, and on completion, it will open new and far-reaching opportunities for greater trade and interaction among our people.

30. In the Aviation Sector, our government developed a Master Plan to institutionalise safety and security, and to develop infrastructure at the airports and local airlines. We embarked on the reconstruction and rehabilitation of 22 airports nationwide. Construction work on five new international terminals in Lagos, Abuja, Port Harcourt, Kano and Enugu are also on-going.

31. There has been a revolution in rail transportation. We rehabilitated the old narrow gauge network and ensured that it has served our people steadily for three years running with new coaches and improved expanded services nationwide.

32. We are in the construction stages of a new national network for standard gauge speed-train services, with the new rail line segment, from Abuja to Kaduna, successfully completed. In addition, we have initiated the process for the construction of an ultramodern coastal rail line that will run from Lagos to Calabar, with a link to Onitsha.

33. We have also successfully completed the dredging of River Niger, from Warri in Delta State to Baro in Niger State, and completed construction works for the Onitsha River Port. Other River Ports at Baro, Lokoja and Oguta, are at advanced construction stages. Working with the states and development partners, we have facilitated the process towards the development of two new deep sea ports at Lekki in Lagos, and Ibaka in Akwa Ibom. We have also implemented reforms to streamline the clearing regime in existing ports, increasing cargo turnover time and easing business for all users.

34. In the oil and gas sector, our local content policy has continued to empower Nigerian companies, particularly in technical and engineering projects. The Gas Revolution Industrial Park in Delta State is unprecedented in the sub
​-​sector, and will not only deliver Africa’s biggest industrial park, but all the accompanying benefits to local industry and job creation.

35. We recognized Human Capital as the most important agent for transformational development. Our reforms in this sector focused on Health, Education and Social Development and also on Women and Youth Empowerment and Social Safety Nets.

36. In the Health sector, the comprehensive National Strategic Health Development Plan (NSHDP) of 2011 laid the foundation for widening access and improving the quality of healthcare with lower infant mortality rates and higher life expectancy for the populace. Our effective curtailment of the Ebola epidemic has continued to receive worldwide acclaim as an example in prompt and effective national disease management. On our watch, guinea-worm has been eradicated from Nigeria and we are on the verge of wiping out polio entirely.

37. In the Education sector, our objectives are clear and precise. They emphasise expansion of access and the upgrade of quality. I am proud that we have widened access by establishing 18 more Federal Universities and other specialized polytechnics. We strengthened TETFUND and used it to boldly address the problems of inadequate infrastructure in the existing institutions.

38. I am particularly proud of our efforts with regards to Early Childhood Education and Out-of-School Children. We provided modern hybrid Almajiri Education Programme in the North, attended to schooling needs of boys in the South-East and ensured the construction of special girls’ schools in 13 States of the Federation to improve girl-child education. We expanded opportunities for open and distance learning and provided scholarships at all levels to help improve access to quality education for bright and promising Nigerians.

39. We have promoted gender-mainstreaming with commensurate priority and opportunities for our womenfolk, beginning with ensuring that not less than 30 per cent of key Federal appointments go to women. Other initiatives that we have taken include: the National Gender Policy, Establishment of Gender Units in Federal MDAs, Women Empowerment Training Programmes, Micro-Credit for Women, Social Safety Net Programmes and the Conditional Cash Transfer (CCT) Scheme.

40. My Administration has emphasized giving a free hand to our Anti-corruption agencies such as the Economic and Financial Crimes Commission (EFCC) and the Independent Corrupt Practices Commission (ICPC). We preferred that they mature into strong institutions instead of being the images, the hammer and the anvil of a strong man. We must encourage them to abide by the rule of law and due process instead of resorting to dramatic or illegal actions orchestrated for cheap applause.

41. Beyond the very impressive records of enhanced convictions by statutory anti-corruption agencies like the EFCC and ICPC, our other strategy has been to fashion economic policies that deliver higher deterrence and frustrate concealment. In this regard, the Bureau of Public Procurement has played a central role and impacted strongly on the fight against corruption.

42. In Sports, we have improved our national performance in team and individual events. The disappointment of not qualifying to defend our African Football Championship was cushioned by a decent FIFA World Cup appearance, an Under-17 World Cup win in addition to other victories in other international football tournaments and the Paralympics. We have also encouraged excellence in other sports, apart from football, resulting in exceptional performance in international sporting events, especially in athletics.

43. Our foreign policy position remains strong. In October 2013, Nigeria was elected as a non-permanent member of the United Nations Security Council for the second time on our watch. Our country had only served in that capacity thrice before 2011, since independence in 1960. Our Administration also played a leading role in the resolution of security and political challenges in our sub-region, particularly in Niger, Cote D’Ivoire, Mali, Guinea-Bissau and Burkina Faso.

44. In addition, we increased engagement with Nigerians in the diaspora who contribute so much in remittances to their fatherland. Our Administration successfully encouraged more of them to invest in Nigeria and others to return home and join in the task of nation-building.

45. In summary, Your Excellency, distinguished ladies and gentlemen, our administration has done its best to intervene robustly and impact positively on key aspects of our national life.

46. There is no doubt that challenges still abound, but they are surmountable and overwhelming national transformation remains realisable, with continuity, commitment and consistency.

47. Nigeria is blessed with citizens that will always remain faithful, firmly committed to national unity, accelerated political, social and economic development.

48. As we hand over the reins of government, I believe that our nation is secure, our democracy is stable, and the future is bright. Let us all work together, and with greater resolve, continue to build a stronger and more prosperous nation.

49. May God Almighty continue to bless our dear country, Nigeria.

50. I thank you all.

No regrets losing to Buhari - President Jonathan


President Jonathan,on Wednesday, spoke at a grand House Reception organised in his honour by the ChairmanEmeritus of DAAR Communications Plc, High Chief Raymond Dokpesi, owners of AIT and Raypower.

Jonathan, who was also presented by rare mementos by Dokpesi, said:
 ‘‘By this time people are supposed to be running away from someone who has lost an election but I am being celebrated by Daar Communications PLc.
“For me, whatever happened in the election I have accepted it in good faith. Even though, some have argued that those I entrusted with my campaign disappointed me, I have no regrets for losing because in any political processes, there are all kinds of stories and conspiracies.
“We are a very religious society; whether Christians or Muslims or some other religions, I believe it is the will of God that the election went the way it did.
I have always maintained that for the ordinary Nigerian, what is important is the style of governance, not who is even the president.“Anybody can be the President any day but if the country is peaceful, and economic activities are going on smoothly, our children are going to school, hospitals are okay and they can eat what they want to eat, then, of course people will be happy. 
I believe the incoming administration will toe that line and Nigerians will begin to see that there is no difference between political parties because even as we see there is no difference between the PDP and the APC. If you look at the number of people that moved from PDP to APC, then you will really see that both parties are almost the same.What is important to us as Nigerians is what the government is bringing to bear and I have always maintained that politicians must learn to put the people first. If our aspiration is really for the interest of the people, then you wouldn’t want to hurt these people, you wouldn’t want anybody to be slapped because of your own ambition.For me, my ambition is to see what contribution I can make for the ordinary people and that is why their lives are special to me. 
And I wouldn’t do anything that would create crisis, to kill innocent people. ‘‘People should not be surprised for the decision I took. in Nigeria. Doing that is diminishing Nigeria. I wouldn’t want to be a party that will diminish this country.‘‘There is combination of bad and good in my administration just like in any other administration, but what should be uppermost in the mind of the leader is to make sure that the bad is not more than the good. One thing I must always ensure is peace and unity of this country.‘‘We must have a nation before aspiring to hold any position: without a nation, you can’t be elected to any post. I charge all politicians to consider the people first before self. You can lose today and win tomorrow but anybody that dies in the process can’t be revived again. While looking for political offices, we must conduct ourselves in a way that will not halt the lives of innocent people,” Jonathan said.

Vanguard

President Buhari on Boko Haram - Military Command Center to be moved from Abuja to Borno


During President Buhari's inauguration speech,he addressed his plans to tackle Boko Haram. He noted that, the Armed Forces can not fight Boko Haram from Abuja ..So, the Command center will be moved to Maiduguri,Borno state until Boko Haram is eradicated..

He also promised to secure the release of the Chibok girls and those held in captivity, and described Boko Haram as a mindless group far away from Islam.

He also said,there will be no paying of old scores. The past is prologue..

Fashola exits his office on his last day as Governor of Lagos (Photos)


The amiable governor of Lagos State, Babatunde Raji Fashola(SAN) is finally bowing out of office after 8 years of serving Lagosians..There is an outpour of love on Social media as Lagosians shower him with accolades..The Hashtag #ThankyouBRF is trending ..

These photos show his last day in office as captured by his official photographer,Lukesh!

Friday 22 May 2015

Baby born with traditional beads in Lagos


Despite adopting several family planning strategies, a 52-year-old grandmother, Mrs. Funke Adamson, has ended up giving birth to a baby girl clutching white ‘Ileke’ (Yoruba name for beads) on her hands. Funke, a traditional worshipper said she was delivered of the baby that has now been described by many as  a “miracle child” on Monday, May 11, 2015 at a Trado-medical home in Apapa.

Speaking to Vanguard, she said: “I received a message from an Osun Custodian who said that a child is on the way for me. I didn’t believe him. I didn’t realize until the baby was three and half month old when I began to experienced flow of membranous fluid.”

When Vanguard visited the home of the Adamson at No.16 Olayinka Street, Ijora, Apapa-Iganmu Local Council Development Area, LCDA last Monday during the naming ceremony, it was gathered that Funke and her husband, Mr. Hamzat Adamson, 63-year-old never planned to have a child at this time.

Sources said that Funke who celebrated her 50 years birthday two years ago had already entered her menopause age. The baby named Bukola came three years after another 32-year-old single mother, Mrs. Kikelomo Ilori was delivered of a baby boy in a Cherubim & Seraphim Church, purportedly clutching a Holy Quran. On the signs discovered during her pregnancy, Funke noted that prior to her discovery, she couldn’t sleep comfortably for two months.

“So I started praying before I later discovered that I was pregnant. Also, while trying to open a perfume, it caught fire, which made me suffer severe burns. After discovering the pregnancy, I couldn’t sleep without having a dream. In these dreams, I often found myself sitting at the shore,” Funke added. After her birth, the grandmother explained that the traditional healers who attended to her raised alarm that they found the baby clutching white beads.

“When I heard this, I was afraid. I told them to inform my husband for any possible solution. Rather than demand that they discard the beads, he said they should be kept. After regaining my strength I removed the beads and tied it on her wrist,” she said. Corroborating her story, the husband, Hamzat said “I was surprised when I saw the baby delivered holding beads in his hands. But I realized that the beads are important and that was why we have decided not to throw it away.”

Similarly, Rashidat Ojesanmi, the Osun custodian who gave the family the prophesy said “I was consulting the deities when I got the revelation that she would be blessed with a unique gift, which I told her. But she didn’t believe. Later, when the revelation was further revealed that she will be blessed with an important child, she declined, saying that she cannot conceive at her age.

She said so because of the family planning she had earlier done and considering her age. But as prophesied, few months later, she called me and told me of the signs she discovered.” Also speaking, a midwife, Mrs. Adenike Adeyemo, described the case as one out of ten cases, saying “it is rare to have such cases because at this age, the woman may have entered menopause stage.”

Saturday 16 May 2015

Buhari, IBB, others expected in Edo as Oshiomhole remarries today



BENIN—PRESIDENT-Elect, General Muhammadu Buhari and his wife Aisha, are among dignitaries expected today for the wedding between Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State and his fiancĂ©e, Miss Lara Fortes, at his country home in Iyamho, Etsako West Local Government Area of the state.
 

Other dignitaries expected include former Head of State, Gen. Ibrahim Babangida, former Vice President, Alhaji Atiku Abubakar, the national leader of All Progressives Congress, APC, Asiwaju Bola Tinubu, National Chairman of APC, Chief John Odigie-Oyegun, Governor Rotimi Amaechi of Rivers State and others.
Oshiomhole is re-marrying five years after he lost his first wife, Clara on December 8, 2010. She died after several years of battle with cancer. Oshiomhole has been under pressure from traditional rulers including the Benin monarch, Oba of Benin to take another wife who will be of assistance to him at home.

Thursday 14 May 2015

OKOWA WILL PUT SMILES ON THE FACES OF DELTANS-Hon Samson Okoh



IKA WEEKLY

The councilor representing Ward 6 (federal) in Ika South Council Legislative Arm, Hon. Samson Okoh has expressed hope that the Delta State governor-elect,
Senator Ifeanyi Okowa will put smiles on the faces of Deltans.

Hon. Okoh stated this while congratulating Senator Okowa during an interview he granted Ika Weekly in Agbor- Nta, on Sunday, May 3, 2015.

According to him Delta State is in for a credible and people- oriented government with the emergence of Okowa as governor.

He described the governor-elect as a detribalized, selfless, intelligent and charismatic political leader whose achievements in the previous offices in government he has held in speak volume.

While calling on Deltans to give maximum support to Okowa by the time he assumes office as governor he advises the would be state governor to carry everybody along in his administration

NEVER AGAIN WILL ONE MAN HOLD IKA SOUTH TO RANSOM-Col. Godwin Eboma, rtd.



IKA WEEKLY

A Peoples Democratic Party (PDP), chieftain in Delta State and community leader, Col Godwin Eboma, retired has expressed optimism that Ika South Local Government Area will benefit immensely from Senator Ifeanyi Okowa's administration by the time he (Okowa) assumes office come May 29, 2015.

Col Eboma, who was speaking during an enlarged meeting of Otu-Umunne/
Delta Political Vanguard associations in Agbor during the week, said that they are happy and thankful to the Almighty God for setting the local government free from a particular cabal (name withheld), who according to him (Eboma) was the reason why Ika South was dragging to develop for the past ten years.

The one time transition committee chairman of Ika South LGA while thanking the people of the local government particularly Otu-Umunne/Delta Political Vanguard members for casting their votes for Okowa during the April 11 gubernatorial election, enjoined them to redouble their support for him, assuring that when the governor-elect assumes the number one seat in the state he is not going to fail his people.

Nigerian senate passes tobacco bill into law



The Senate on Tuesday, passed into law, the National Tobacco Control Bill 2015 (Senate Bill) and 2014 (Executive Bill) which seek to repeal the Tobacco (Control) Act 1990.

The bill specifies the specific places where users of cigarette could smoke and areas where smoking was forbidden.

The 52-clause document also prescribed various punishments for either the smoker who flouts the law or owner of public places who failed to paste ‘No Smoking’ inscription on their premises.

Deputy Senate President, Ike Ekweremadu, who presided over the plenary noted that the bill when assented to by President Goodluck Jonathan, will repeal the existing law, titled, “The Tobacco Smoking (Control) Act, CAP.T6, LFN 2004, enacted in 1990.

The bill, sponsored by the Chairman, Senate Committee on Health, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa, according to Ekweremadu, will also ensure effective regulation and control of production, manufacture, sale, labeling, advertising, promotion and sponsorship of tobacco and tobacco products in Nigeria.

He said it will further ensure balance between economic consideration and health implications of tobacco manufacture, use and exposure.

Ekweremadu said, “The passage of the bill is a milestone for us at the senate. The dangers associated with smoking cannot be overemphasised and the tragedy here is that those at risk are not just those who smoke but also those around them, their loved ones, their families, neighbours and friends.

” It is important that we regulate smoking and other matters related with tobacco manufacturing and sales.

Wednesday 6 May 2015

ASABA AIRPORT NOT SAFE, FG DECLARES


The Nigerian Government has downgraded the Asaba Airport over the failure of Delta State Government to put in place safety and security measures at the airport, an Assistant Director, Press & Public Affairs, Ministry of Aviation, James Odaudu,said Tuesday in Abuja.

Mr. Odaudu said with the downgrading, the airport would now be allowed to accommodate the operation of only Dash 8-Q 400 aircraft or its equivalent until all the safety issues were addressed.

He stated that the Nigeria Civil Aviation Authority has raised several safety concerns.

The safety concerns according to the statement, were over undulations on the airport’s runway, the lack of the required strip, perimeter fencing, drainage, as well as lack of adequately trained technical personnel.

Mr. Odaudu said the decision was taken since no concrete steps had been taken to address the issues which were capable of compromising the safety of flight operation and the passengers.

“It has therefore become a matter of serious concern that despite a series of meetings with, and assurances given by the operators of the airport.

“The Federal Government has also drawn the attention of the owners of the airport to the fact that it has, through its inability to address the issues, violated compliance with safety standards.

“Safety standard as stipulated in the Nig. CARs Part 12.6.2 and 12.6.3 in respect of the airport runway and its associated facilities as well as adequately trained personnel were violated,” Mr. Odaudu said in the statement.

He quoted the Minister of Aviation, Osita Chidoka, as saying that the downgrading was done in public interest.

“Because the Federal Government places very high premium on the safety and security of aviation passengers and would never compromise set standards for whatever reason.

“The minister, however, assures that the airport would revert to its previous status as soon as all the safety concerns are adequately and satisfactorily addressed,” Mr. Odaudu said in the statement. (NAN)

Expectation of Nigerians too high - Buhari


President-elect Buhari has said the expectation Nigerians have for his government is too high and it is making him nervous .. Buhari said this at a meeting with the APC governors-elect at Defence House, Abuja, on Monday.

He also lamented the poor state of the economy which has made it difficult for both the federal and state governments to meet their obligations to workers and pay salaries.According to Punch, he said

“The expectation is too high and I have started nervously to explain to people that Rome was not built in a day.For this to be corrected, please give the incoming government a chance. Here, I will like to recall what happened during the Abacha regime which led to the emergence of PTF.
The Abacha regime was a military regime and it thought that the only way was to increase the prices of petroleum products, but they were not taking Nigerians for a ride.
“They could have said if Nigerians decide too riot, they have the guns and so they can have their way. They decided to tell Nigerians that they were going to increase prices of petroleum products and the money we get, we will put aside for development. That was how PTF came..
“This time around, under this system, to bounce back with the issue especially with the backlog of salaries which are of immediate concern to individuals and states, I think we should look for a better way to address the issue and think of how to persuade people to give us a chance to organise the economy immediately and get something to pay salaries.
”He reaffirmed his determination to give priority to securing the lives and property of Nigerians because according to him no meaningful development can take place without security.

Friday 1 May 2015

8 Things Guys Secretly Love But Won’t Tell You


Whether a guy is just starting to date a woman or is in a committed relationship with her, there are small things that she may do without thinking twice that guys secretly love.
While there are many, here are eight to start.

1) Laying your head on his chest.
When laying on the couch watching TV or laying in bed after a long day, it’s one of the best feelings when a woman lays her head down on your chest and puts her arm over you.
As men, we enjoy feeling as though we are being protective, and this signifies that she feels safe in our arms.

2) When you text him first.
There is a lot of pressure on guys to always initiate conversation. Sometimes he may not know if he’s being too pushy or texting too much — he might overthink it and not text you at all, which could leave you wondering.
Guys like to feel affection too, and if he’s really into you, he will be thinking about you. Sending him a quick text will brighten his day and spark a good conversation.

3) When you tell him you appreciate him.
Some people are more affectionate than others, and there’s nothing wrong with however you are. Just remember, if a man puts in a lot of effort into your relationship (as he should), he will never complain about hearing how much you appreciate him.
While he should be able to read your feelings from your actions, some guys need a more direct approach. It will make him feel all warm and fuzzy inside.

4) Play with his hair while he’s driving.
I didn’t realize how great this one was until my girlfriend randomly did it one day. If you’re riding shotgun, reach over and lightly scratch the back of his head for awhile. Guaranteed to make him smile. (Don’t distract him too much though, he’s driving!)

5) Brag about him on Facebook.
Some girls go overboard with this. Way overboard. But, if your guy does something nice for you, it never hurts to talk about it or snap a photo of the impromptu dinner he had arranged when you got home from work.
It will show him that you appreciate him and are willing to share your appreciation and love for him with the world.

6) Really listen.
Women know better than anyone that really listening isn’t just a passive activity. It’s actually an action and it takes effort. Sometimes a guy has something important going on in his life, is working towards a goal, or is just stressed out about work.
When you really sit down, keep his eye contact and become genuinely engaged in a conversation about something important to him, it will let him know you care (even if he already does).

7) Text him when you’re out with your friends.
I’ve heard some really bad stories about guys who are insanely jealous or don’t “let” their girlfriend go out with friends, and especially with other guys. While I understand the apprehension, a man should be secure enough in his relationship (and trust his girlfriend enough) to not worry every second she is out without him.
If you have a man who is mature enough to tell you to go have a good time, text him every now and then during the course of the night just saying hello. It will make him smile and let him know that you’re still thinking about him when you’re out.

8) Be affectionate.
You don’t have to jump on him in public, but small things like taking his hand while you’re walking, hugging him in line at the grocery store, or hooking your arm into his as you walk into a party, will make him feel close to you and that you’re proud to be with him.
The little things go a long way.

Buhari’s Ministers List: What Positions Obasanjo, Tinubu Can’t Divide


After the opposition All Progressives Congress (APC) won the presidential poll, intensive internal campaigning has started over the formation of the cabinet of the president-elect, Muhammadu Buhari.

Though some candidates have been marked down for definite offices, the selection of those to fill the sought-after “juicy” positions may not be an easy task, as powerful party members and others who gave Buhari support from outside the APC are pushing their own nominees.

According to Daily Post, the former Central Bank of Nigeria (CBN) governor, Professor Chukwuma Charles Soludo, may have been offered the Ministry of Finance in the Buhari government by the ex-president Olusegun Obasanjo.

Soludo was a member of the economic team for the Obasanjo government prior to becoming the governor of the CBN. Many APC leaders are said to be against him. One of the reasons is that Soludo remains a card-carrying member of the All Progressive Grand Alliance.

The other is that it was under Soludo that the banking sector almost collapsed, a situation confirmed by the former CBN chief and Emir of Kano, Sanusi Lamido Sanusi, a loyal supporter of the APC.
The former Lagos state governor, Bola Tinubu, is considered also to be strongly against Obasanjo’s recommendation.

Sources say he had in fact agreed a contract with Buhari prior to the APC presidential primaries regarding appointments to ministerial positions.

Tinubu is said to have drafted an agreement with Buhari, to which the president-elect added his signature.
According to the accord, the former Lagos governor will name nine ministers. Some of the positions are said to comprise Petroleum, Finance, Works, Federal Capital Territory and Interior.

It is for this reason that Tinubu opposes Soludo as minister of finance. Soludo is reported to have been persuaded by Obasanjo to accept the nomination. Tinubu is now reportedly pulling the strings for President-elect Buhari’s transition team. Buhari is expected to constitute his transition team which will consist of politicians and private sector players that will enable his smooth takeover from the leaving President Goodluck Jonathan government.

GILBERT ALUGE EXPRESS GRATITUDE TO GOD OVER OKOWA'S VICTORY



IKA WEEKLY

A Port-Harcourt based businessman and one time chairmanship aspirant in Ika South Local Government Area of Delta State, Mr. Gilbert Aluge has expressed gratitude to the Almighty God over the victory of the Peoples Democratic Party , (PDP) candidate in the April 11 governorship election, Senator Ifeanyi Okowa. Mr. Aluge also applauded Ika people and indeed all Deltans for massively and sacrificially casting their votes for Senator Ifeanyi Okowa .

He said the much craved for governor of Anioma extraction has finally come to pass. According to him, Senator Okowa's well deserved and overwhelming victory is a march on to quality service as state governor and an affirmation that God is the Almighty and that the PDP remains a strong force in the state.

In his words, :this is a new dawn for Ika people in the history of Delta State politics. I sincerely say a big thank you to every person God has used to contribute to this resounding victory that has elicited
great joy across Delta State.”

He appealed to Deltans and Ika people in particular to key into the opportunity created by Okowa's victory to provide an enabling environment for the governor elect to execute his God given visionary mandate without boundaries, shun personal interest and contribute towards the overall development of the state.

“To God be the glory, Senator Okowa's victory has brought great excitement and joy across the state like never before. Frankly speaking, it has never happened this way before. To state the obvious, it is the first of its kind in the history of our dear Delta State. Truly, when the righteous is in power, the people rejoice. The name Okowa, no doubt is synonymous with joy and crowd pulling. Deltans have never had it so good. Kudos Ekwueme, our governor-elect”, Mr. Aluge concluded.