Thursday, 16 July 2015
Id-El-Fitr message to the nation from President Buhari
Fellow Compatriots, I greet and felicitate with you all, especially our citizens of the Islamic faith on this auspicious occasion of the 2015 Eid-el-Fitr celebrations.
I congratulate all those who have successfully completed the Ramadan fast in keeping with the injunction of our Creator.Although we have come to the end of this year’s month of Ramadan, I believe that a greater acceptance by Nigerians of its key lessons of self-denial and sacrifice will serve our dear country well as we strive to overcome our present challenges, undo the damage done by years of bad governance and accelerate the pace of national development.
Reviewing our dire circumstances and the many missed opportunities of the past, some commentators and observers have said that this is Nigeria’s last chance to get its act together and finally begin to fulfill its God-given potential for greatness.
While not going that far, I certainly believe that now, more than ever before, our country needs greater self-denial, sacrifice and patriotism from all of its citizens, if we are to quickly recover from our numerous problems and start moving in a positive direction.
This current period of our life as a nation offers us a great opportunity to break from the vicious triangle of insecurity, corruption and under-developme
I remain wholly committed to giving the required leadership towards undoing the wrongs of the past, ensuring that Nigeria truly begins to unlock its great potential and that the benefits of our immense national resources are shared and enjoyed by all, not just by successive cabals of corrupt leaders and their cronies.
I was very aware of your high expectations when I assumed office and I reassure you, my fellow citizens, that since my inauguration on the 29th of May this year, I have been working with utmost dedication to meticulously plan and tackle the many national challenges which we identified and promised to resolve.
To succeed however, I need your continued support, understanding and patience.
I fully understand and share the thirst of my long-suffering compatriots for corruption-free
I also share the feelings of those who think that we should be moving faster. But I urge them and all Nigerians to trust that my commitment to real and positive change in our nation is as firm as ever.
There is indeed much work to be done, but we must do it well and carefully to ensure that the great opportunity which we now have is not lost to the “business as usual” group who selfishly or shortsightedly prefer a status quo that panders to their personal or group interests.
The adverse effects of years of rot, corruption, inept and bad governance on our nation are immense, but certainly not insurmountable if we all resolve now to place the well-being of our nation above all other considerations and work whole-heartedly
May Almighty Allah continue to guide us and bless our dear nation.
I wish you all happy Eid-el- Fitr celebrations.
Muhammadu Buhari
President,
Federal Republic of Nigeria
Gov. Ambode- $1.5bn Badagry port construction will begin in Sept
Governor of Lagos State, Gov. Akinwunmi Ambode of Lagos State,
yesterday, said construction of the planned $1.5 billion Badagry Deep
Seaport will commence in 2 months.
This came barely 6 days after the consortium for the project expected to be the largest deep sea port in Africa emerged.
Ambode disclosed this when he led a team to inspect various developmental projects such as; the ongoing expansion works on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway into 10 lanes, Badagry Deep Seaport, among others.
He said:
Appealing to the warring communities, the governor said
Vanguard
This came barely 6 days after the consortium for the project expected to be the largest deep sea port in Africa emerged.
Ambode disclosed this when he led a team to inspect various developmental projects such as; the ongoing expansion works on the Lagos-Badagry Expressway into 10 lanes, Badagry Deep Seaport, among others.
He said:
“We hope that in the next two months, we would commence construction work on this project. This is my reason for coming here personally to see things for myself.”Assuring investors, he said,
“We know that they (investors) have done their best to ensure the project comes to fruition,” we will also do our best to see the project commence operation within the shortest possible time.
“The project means a lot to us in terms of employment and establishment of new settlements,” the governor added.Ambode stressed that his administration would work effectively to bring development to the communities in the state.
Appealing to the warring communities, the governor said
“There are 12 communities here; we will ensure that they are all compensated.
“But in a situation where we have one or two communities still at the negotiation stage, we will ensure that we reach necessary conclusion.
“I just want to appeal to one of the warring communities -Aivoji, that they are safe.In regards to the Lagos-Badagry Expressway, he said:
“We are going to mobilise immediately to see that what has been done from Mile 2 to National Theatre (end of the Blue line of the Lagos lite rail) continue to Marina within the next 12 months.”
“We should be able to put to use whatever has been done from Mile 2 to Marina. We will protect the interest of every community by supporting them. We will be working with them to ensure that all issues are sorted out soon.”
“Even as we ensure that the project is long lasting for generation yet unborn,” Ambode added.The governor noted that the commencement of the project would not halt the ongoing Lagos-Badagy Express road project, saying
“The project would be constructed simultaneously with the ongoing expansion of the Lagos-Badagry expressway into 10 lanes.”
“And immediately they (CCECC) commence work on the road project from Mile 2 towards Badagry, once we pass the aspect of Okokomaiko, we should be able to do the Blue Rail from Mile 2 to Okokomaiko.
“The Mile 2 Badagry Expressway is very important to all of us and like we said, it’s a project that we must finish. It’s a project that I would like to be completed within the shortest possible time, so I’ll like to see greater work done on the road project itself.”
Vanguard
Drama at Nigerian High Commission in London today (photos)
An email from a LIB reader
The Nigeria High Commission in London needs an urgent overhaul. This afternoon we Nigerians were treated like animals in Fleet street London all because we want to do BVN for those of us that have accounts in Nigeria. Things soon became chaotic and someone called police on us. They allowed us converge on the street and then locked us out. We are also being forced to pay £30.00 each but none of the officials or the website can explain what the money is for. Is it not free in Nigeria?
Actor/producers Peter Berg slams Caitlyn Jenner's 'Courage Award'
"Friday Night Lights" director Peter Berg isn't happy with all the praise being heaped on Caitlyn Jenner -- and is now mocking everyone from ESPN to President Obama for honoring her ... instead of military vets.
Berg who also produces and co-stars in "Ballers" -- reposted a crass meme to Instagram following the ESPYs which compares a double amputee military vet to Caitlyn. Berg co-signed on the meme with a simple comment -- "Yup."
Berg wasn't the only star to express outrage over Jenner getting the award -- Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry tweeted, "What exactly is 'COURAGE' these days?"
He was retweeted by NFL linebacker Sio Moore.
So, how is ESPN handling the criticism? Michelle Beadle summed it up this way:
"This rage over an arbitrary award is silly. Courage and bravery come in many forms and faces. I welcome progress for everyone. #BeYou." - TMZ
Berg who also produces and co-stars in "Ballers" -- reposted a crass meme to Instagram following the ESPYs which compares a double amputee military vet to Caitlyn. Berg co-signed on the meme with a simple comment -- "Yup."
Berg wasn't the only star to express outrage over Jenner getting the award -- Miami Dolphins wide receiver Jarvis Landry tweeted, "What exactly is 'COURAGE' these days?"
He was retweeted by NFL linebacker Sio Moore.
So, how is ESPN handling the criticism? Michelle Beadle summed it up this way:
"This rage over an arbitrary award is silly. Courage and bravery come in many forms and faces. I welcome progress for everyone. #BeYou." - TMZ
Buhari dissolves boards of Institutions, Parastatals & Agencies
President Muhammadu Buhari has approved the dissolution of the Governing Boards of Federal Parastatals, Agencies and Institutions with effect from Friday, July 16, 2015.
Until the boards are reconstituted, the Chief Executive Officers of the affected parastatals, agencies and institutions are to refer all matters requiring the attention of their boards to the President, through the Permanent Secretaries of their supervising ministries.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.
The statement also said that the dissolution does not affect Federal Executive Bodies listed in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. But it covers administrative or technical committees and other similar organs established by the now dissolved boards.
Until the boards are reconstituted, the Chief Executive Officers of the affected parastatals, agencies and institutions are to refer all matters requiring the attention of their boards to the President, through the Permanent Secretaries of their supervising ministries.
This was contained in a statement issued by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr. Femi Adesina.
The statement also said that the dissolution does not affect Federal Executive Bodies listed in the 1999 Constitution of the Federal Republic of Nigeria. But it covers administrative or technical committees and other similar organs established by the now dissolved boards.
President Buhari Fires Director General of NIMASA
Things are happening very fast inside Aso Rock these days and the impacts are being felt from all corners of the country. As read this, President Muhammadu Buhari has terminated the appointment of the Director-General of the Nigerian Maritime Administration and Safety Agency (NIMASA), Patrick Ziakede Akpobolokemi.
The man has been defending the billions of Naira paid to ex-militant leader, Tompolo by Goodluck Jonathan and his agents, all in the name of pipeline contract and maritime security.
His sack was contained in a two-paragraph statement on Thursday by the Special Adviser to the President on Media and Publicity, Mr Femi Adesina. The presidential spokesman did not give any reason for the termination of Akpobolokemi's appointment which, he said, took immediate effect.
Akpobolokemi has been directed to immediately hand over the management of NIMASA and all government property in his possession to the most senior officer in the agency who will remain in charge until a new director-general is appointed.
Tolu Ogunlesi appointed SA New Media to President Buhari
President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed award-winning writer and social commentator, Tolu Ogunlesi, as his Special Assistant on New (Social) Media. Ogunlesi who is one of Nigeria’s most active Twitter users was among the foremost youth who supported Buhari in the 2015 general elections.
Tolu is a friend and brother. I say congrats to him! Those of us working online are not wasting time. *wink*
President Muhammadu Buhari has appointed award-winning writer and social commentator, Tolu Ogunlesi, as his Special Assistant on New (Social) Media. Ogunlesi who is one of Nigeria’s most active Twitter users was among the foremost youth who supported Buhari in the 2015 general elections.
Tolu is a friend and brother. I say congrats to him! Those of us working online are not wasting time. *wink*
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