A Nigerian newspaper and Online version of the Vanguard, a daily publication in Nigeria covering Niger delta, general national news, politics, business, energy, sports, entertainment, fashion,lifestyle human interest stories, etc
President Muhammadu Buhari has said that his administration's determination to wrestle corruption to the ground remains unshaken.
And to underscore that he is unrelenting in waging the war, President Buhari announced that his government would probe the shenanigans reported in connection with IDP funds and punish culprits.
The President, who gave the assurance in his New Year message to Nigerians, however, said that the fight against corruption would be guided by respect for the rule of law and due process.
He vowed that his administration would not spare anybody or organ of government in the ongoing crusade against corrupt practices.
""It is a collective undertaking and resolve that must be seen to its logical conclusion in spite of certain distractions.
""The fate of our country lies partly in the success of this campaign.It will be unthinkable on my part to allow the boat of this crucial campaign promise capsize mid-stream,'' he added.
The Kebbi State Government has earmarked N10million for the planting of one million trees as part of efforts to establish the Green Belt Forestation programme against desert encroachment.
A statement by Umar Gulma of the Ministry of Environment in Kebbi on Saturday indicated that the ministry will grow the nurseries and plant the trees along designated locations.
Gov. Bagudu
According to the statement, the ministry will also spend N11million on the construction of perimeter fences to protect the trees as well as nurture them to maturity.
The ministry will also spend N6million on surveys of the mineral resources available for commercial exploitation as part of efforts to generate revenue, provide employment and ensure rapid development.
The statement also indicated that efforts would be made to protect the environment especially the development of plantations and eradication of tree felling.
U.S. President-elect Donald Trump has again been rejected following the refusal of Jan Chamberlin, a member of the Mormon Tabernacle Choir to sing during his inauguration.
Chamberlin is quitting the group and saying that she could never sing for Trump after she sent a resignation letter to the choir president this week.
The Mormon Tabernacle Choir sings during the biannual general conference of The Church of Jesus Christ of Latter-day Saints in Salt Lake City, Utah October 3, 2015. Approximately 21,000 are expected to attend in person while many more around the world will watch the broadcast, according to a press release from the church.
"I've tried to tell myself that it will be all right and that I can continue in good conscience before God and man," Chamberlin wrote in a Facebook post. "I only know I could never 'throw roses to Hitler.' And I certainly could never sing for him."
One month out, Trump inauguration lacks star power
Chamberlin said she has concerns about the choir's reputation after performing at the inauguration.
"Looking from the outside in, it will appear that Choir is endorsing tyranny and fascism by singing for this man," she wrote.
"Tyranny is now on our doorstep; it has been sneaking its way into our lives through stealth. Now it will burst into our homes through storm," Chamberlin added.
The choir did not return a request for comment. Boris Epshteyn, a spokesman for Trump's inaugural festivities, simply said, "We're honored to have the Mormon Tabernacle Choir perform in the 58th Inauguration, their sixth time participating in inaugural ceremonies, and we look forward to their uplifting performance."
Phoebe Pearl, a dancer with the Rockettes, reportedly had previously protested on Instagram about the group being chosen to perform at the event. Her post has since been deleted.
The Madison Square Garden Company, which operates the Rockettes, previously said the dancers would not be compelled, by MSG or their union, to perform at next month's inaugural festivities.
The committee for Trump's inauguration has not yet publicized any major celebrities performing at the event — a change from the past two events.
The inaugural committee has announced The Rockettes, the Mormon Tabernacle Choir and 16-year-old "America's Got Talent" star Jackie Evancho.
MOTHERS certainly know best no matter how old their children. Eccua, a younger friend, paid a visit to her mum some few months back, virtually bending her ears with tales of her husband's latest escapades. "She always made a soothing noise whenever she realized all I needed to do was let off steam", said Eccua, "but this fateful afternoon, my mum gave me a bored look, yawned and declared: 'Aren't you a bit tired of hearing your own moan? I mean look at you! A graduate we were all proud of now turned into what? Look at the back of your feet.
When last did you have a pedicure? Or a good facial? Or a fancy stint at the hairdresser's? I scarcely see you in anything glamorous but a frumpy boubou. If I were your husband, believe me, I wouldn't be interested either!" I glanced at her and she glared right back. Whose side was she on? I'm a mother of three for goodness sake, not some femme fatal! she ought to be more sympathetic".
I hate to rob salt into Eccua's wound but I told her gently that I agreed with her mum. She was really fashionable when she was younger and we weren't surprised when she married into a respectable family. Now a couple of decades later, she's settled into a rut. She'd become sort of 'mum-sy' and even mothered her husband. I told her that if she didn't snatch a bit of her old self back, find some self-respect, her husband might not appreciate her. My harsh words obviously hit home.
She looked at me as if I were a traitor, but I gently pointed out to her that she might be running a successful primary school, that didn't mean she had to dress the part of a school ma'am! She'd put on more weight than necessary and in spite of her mum's warning, she had on an unflattering boubou which seemed to be her trade mark lately. "Why don't you give away your boubous and get some more flattering gears?", I asked her gently. She nodded, then left, a bit dejected. Had I gone too far? She needed to be shocked out of her complacency, I consoled myself. Who best to do that but a well meaning 'aunty' like me?
When I next spoke with her on the phone, she told me excitedly that she'd started on a diet and joined a group of ladies that went for walks in their estate. Good for her, I encourage, my conscience salved. When next I saw Eccua, I nearly flipped. She'd lost the right amount of weight, had a lovely and flattering dress on. She'd also put some fancy highlights in her hair. "Wow!" I yelled encouragingly. "Double wow!" she shrieked and then her phone rang. Her face instantly lit up as she checked the caller's identity. She had on a smug smile after she finished her call. 'That was Femi, one of my pupil's dad' 'Oh', I gulped. She joked: 'Thanks to you and mum. I can now pull men!" "Heh, that wasn't the idea", I quickly told her. "We just wanted you to feel good about yourself, not start pulling men, left, right and centre!" Had we created a monster?
"The good thing about having an inner glow is that other people notice," she told me smugly. `Femi has two children in my school and sometimes comes .for them instead of sending a driver. We've often chatted but it never even occurred to me that he could be anything but a parent. After I lost weight, he started staying longer and longer. When the staff decided to do a play and one of Femi's sons was involved, he was excited, chipping in his bits at rehearsals and since I hadn't forgotten my sewing skills I made some of the costumes. Femi praised my efforts to high heavens one evening after rehearsal. We were alone in my office and I thanked him. 'What could I have done without you!" I told him innocently until I saw the dirty look on his face.
"Show me," he declared as he moved closer to me giving me a kiss. He must have unlocked some hidden passion in me because I couldn't stop myself – I was all over him and he was kissing me as if I was a much needed drug. We made love right there and then in my office. It was so daring, so passionate. And by the time I got home that evening, I was still smiling. Seyi, my husband, was waiting for me – he'd been coming home early since I changed. I felt like a teenager rather than a staid married woman!
Instead of dashing to the kitchen, I asked the maid to rush to a lovely canteen a few doors away – that specializes in home-made meals and Seyi made a show of actually enjoying the meal. In the past, he used to moan about my penchant for buka foods and how I should take pride in serving home made meals. After the meal, he brought out my favourite wine, I was pleasantly surprised. My hard work at keeping fit had certainly paid off as we retired to the bedroom. Then it hit me! I would be making love twice with different men in the space of a few hours! Wicked!
"I intend to sleep with Femi a couple more times. It is thanks to him that I got my sensual self back. After that, I intend to let him know deep down, it is my husband and my marriage that I really want. Thanks to my mum's seemingly cruel jab at my appearance, and your backing her all the way, I was jolted into taking another look at myself. Now, I've virtually got my husband back and it is worth the effort. "We go out more often than we ever did in the last few years and we make love more. Once he asked suspiciously about why I decided to spruce myself up and I told him about my mum. He was amused Apparently, he had first thought I made the effort for a lover! "It's only you I've told about Femi and I don't feel guilty for cheating on Seyi, because my fling has made our marriage stronger. I'm glad I followed you people's advice. By taking some pride in the way I look, I've found the respect I deserve."
In The Line Of Duty? (Humour)
A man is delivering coal to a lady's house. In order to reach the coal shed, he had to carry the sacks right through the garden, where the lady has a lot of washing hanging out to dry on the line. While carrying the sacks through, he brushes against the clothes and gets them smudged and dirty. The lady of the house notices this and forbids him from delivering any more of the coal. Not knowing what to do, he rings his boss.
'The lady has got her clothes up and I've soiled her drawers with my dirty bags,' he explains. 'I've got half of it in, but she won't let me put in the rest because her drawers are in the way. And the half I've got in, she won't let me take out. What should I do?"
'You'll just have to persuade her to let you put it all in so you can finish it off. And in future, make sure you ask her to remove her clothes first!'
Nasty Dog Bites? (Humour)
A married man decides to spend the evening with his secretary, so he calls his wife to make an excuse. He and his secretary go out to dinner, then back to her flat for sex. Later, he looks in the mirror and sees a huge love bite on his neck. He panics, wondering what he's going to tell his wife.
Back home, as he opens the front door, the dog bounds up to greet him. The man falls to the floor, pretending to fight off the animal. Then, holding his neck with one hand, he calls out to his wife: "Look what the dog did to my neck!" "That's nothing!" she says, pulling up her top". "Look at what he did to my boobs!"
The Governor of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola has said that the need to make the Osun society emerge a major player within the new knowledge economy and digital world informs his administration's dogged battle to revamp education.
Aregbesola stated this when he bagged on the 2016 Governor of Year Award in Education, presented by the African Education Monitor.
Governor State of Osun, Ogbeni Rauf Aregbesola, receiving an Award of the Nigerian Governor of the year in Education (2016) from the Publisher, Chief Executive Official, African Education Monitor Magazine, Oludaisi Adetarami (right), during his Investiture as Nigerian Governor of the year in Education (2016) by African Education Monitor Magazine at the State Secretariat Abere on Thursday 29-12-2016.
The management of the AEM said it arrived at the decision to honour the governor given his tremendous works on the sector.
Presenting the award, the Publisher, African Education Monitor Magazine, Mr. Oludaisi Adetarami, commended Governor Aregbesola for guiding the state towards educational prosperity.
He said the state has distinguished itself among its peers in education sector, thus, making Osun the model and pacesetter for national and international education system.
Adetarami, who described Osun education policy as one of the best in the world, said the impact of the state in building solid foundation in education sector has been yielding positive results.
He said the huge investment made in education by Osun government was part of the reasons for the state to be ranked among the best four states in Nigeria on female child education.
According to him, it is a known fact that the education policy of Osun was designed basically to advance humanity and as well build minds that would not only be productive to themselves but meaningful and impactful to the society at large.
He said, “As this has been the hallmarks of the present administration not only in education but in other sectors, that is why we identified ourselves with the state so as to further enhance quality and functional education in line with international best practices."
“We painstakingly studied and analysed the Osun education policy and we found out that the policy adopted by the state is not only in conformity with international best standards but a sine qua non to achieve a sustainable education system."
“As we all know that today, Osun is being ranked among the best four states in Nigeria on female child education, these among others are the outward manifestation of Governor Aregbesola’s contributions to education."
“The successes recorded in education in Osun had showcased the untiring interests of the state towards the provision of educational infrastructure developments which the state viewed as basis for all round transformation, growth and development."
“It is for this noble reason that our organisation felt to celebrate the state and Mr. Governor on this investiture ceremony as a sign of appreciation towards making education the bedrock of development."
“Our organisation’s project has cardinal relations to education system in Africa that is why we do everything to partner with a state like Osun on education development.
“We want to liaise with the state to complement the government’s efforts in repositioning the education sector in the state”, Adetarami stated.
In his remarks, Aregbesola described education as an opportunity for happiness and fulfillment of life deserving ultimate priority.
Describing education as a process of integrating human being into the society, the governor said all hands must be on deck to promote education in Africa.
He added, “Education is the tool required by individual to live a purposeful, productive beneficial and rewarding life through wish life is productively navigated to the benefit of self, society and world at large.
“We must therefore put in our best as governments, individuals, stakeholders and agencies to revamp the education sector by seeing it as the only mechanism to development”.
He promised to continuously earmarking larger chunk of the state’s resources on education, saying, “it is only educated society that would meet the needs of the present digital world”.
The Federal Government on Friday declared that the Assumpta Science Centre, Owerri will be ready for use in four months time. The Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu disclosed this while performing the foundation laying ceremony of the Science centre, at Ofekata, Owerri, in Imo State.
Minister of Science and Technology, Dr. Ogbonnaya Onu performing the foundation laying ceremony of the Science centre, at Ofekata, Owerri, in Imo State.
The Minister explained that the project is in line with the Federal Government's commitment to the initiative of International Universities and Youth Cooperation with Africa in informal science learning activities for sustainable development.
Dr. Onu stated that the project is one of the Federal Government's Projects in the South East saying that one of the benefits of the centre is that it will contribute to the development of the country and ensure that Nigerians and indeed other African countries would become self sufficient in defending the available resources God has given them.
He maintained that national development will be difficult to achieve without the application of Science and Technology, urging all and sundry to key in to ensure that the laudable project is sustained.
The Minister argued that the difference between Africa and developed nations lies in the actualization of Science, Technology and Innovation and as such thanked the people of Ofekata for their commitment and the donation of their land to ensure that the Assumpta Science becomes a reality.
He further assured the commitment of Federal Government to ensuring the completion of the project in four monthstime, calling on the state and local governments to join hands together to ensure the success of the laudable project.
He pointed out that the neglect of science and technology affected Nigeria's economic growth and development but expressed optimism that with the coming on board of the Assumpta science centre and other scientific innovations Nigeria is at the centre of development with the available resources Nigeria has, we would have been the at the center stage for development
Dr. Onu lamented that Africa has come to a stage where it can use its natural resources to develop our nations, adding that there is need for all the African countries to change direction, focus and embrace science, technology and innovation as it has a vital role in assisting humanity in all aspects of life, to ensure national security and higher agricultural productivity, better housing, broad communication, better health care delivery system, improve quality of life and sustainability that could help turn Nigeria into truly a great nation.
He maintained that the nation's weak scientific and technological culture constitute to serious obstacle towards achieving the economic diversification the country is yearning for decades, assuring that the administration of president Muhammadu Buhari is willing and determined to utilize science, technology and innovation as a tool to achieve diversification of the national economy.
The Minister however stated that the Federal Government through the Federal Ministry of Science and Technology has entered into a memorandum of understanding (MoU) with the Pontifical Council for Culture of the Vatican City on the ASSUMTA Science centre in Owerri the Imo state capital.
In his remark, the Executive Governor of Imo State, Owelle Anayo Rochas Okorocha, who was represented at the event by the Chairman, Mbaitoli Local Government Area, Honorable Chris Nwike thanked the gesture done to his people by the Federal Government and promised to collaborate and ensure speedy completion of the project. He also called on the people of the community to see it as an opportunity not only for them but for the future generation yet unborn.
In his response, the President General of Ofekata Autonomous Community, Chief Alexandra Iwuore thanked the federal Government for its commitment to ensuring that the project is realized and pledged the co- operation of his community to achieve the laudable objectives of the project.
Among dignitaries that graced the occasion include the Catholic Archbishop of Owerri Catholic Diocese, His Grace, Archbishop Anthony Obinna.
Willian scored twice as Chelsea claimed a record-equalling 13th consecutive Premier League victory by beating Stoke City 4-2 on Saturday to provisionally move nine points clear at the summit.
Stoke twice hit back to level after falling behind at Stamford Bridge, but Willian’s second goal and a late Diego Costa strike saw Chelsea match Arsenal’s run of 13 wins within the same season from 2001-02.
Antonio Conte’s side pulled nine points clear of second-place Liverpool, who host third-place Manchester City later in the day in an explosive climax to the calendar year.
Manchester United came perilously close to seeing their own winning streak end, only for late goals by star signings Zlatan Ibrahimovic and Paul Pogba to secure a 2-1 home win over Middlesbrough.
It was sixth-place United’s fifth straight league win and took them to within a point of fourth-place Arsenal, who host Sam Allardyce’s Crystal Palace on New Year’s Day.
Chelsea welcomed back N’Golo Kante and Costa from suspension for the visit of Stoke and took a 33rd-minute lead when Gary Cahill headed in a corner from Cesc Fabregas.
Bruno Martins Indi equalised within seconds of kick-off in the second half, slotting in after Peter Crouch nodded down Charlie Adam’s free-kick.
After Willian had restored the hosts’ lead, lashing in from Eden Hazard’s lay-off, Crouch drew Stoke level again in the 64th minute when he tapped in Mame Biram Diouf’s cross.
But Willian put Chelsea back in front a minute later and Costa’s late strike sealed victory.
– Gray hat-trick –
At Old Trafford, United produced a comeback reminiscent of the glory years of the watching Alex Ferguson to continue their recent upturn.
But they had to do it the hard way, with Ibrahimovic initially denied an 18th goal of the season in a contentious incident late in the first half.
Leaping to meet Anthony Martial’s left-wing cross, the Swede jabbed the ball past goalkeeper Victor Valdes at the near post, only for referee Lee Mason to rule it out.
United’s players, and Jose Mourinho, contested the decision, and there was worse to come when Grant Leadbitter drilled Boro in front from Alvaro Negredo’s knock-down in the 67th minute.
But Ibrahimovic did get his goal in the 85th minute, tucking in Martial’s cross, and barely a minute later Pogba headed in the winner from Juan Mata’s cross.
Champions Leicester City claimed a much-needed win, beating West Ham United 1-0 courtesy of Islam Slimani’s 20th-minute header to climb six points clear of the relegation zone.
Swansea City made a demoralising start to life without sacked manager Bob Bradley, slumping to a 3-0 home defeat against Bournemouth that kept them at the foot of the table.
Goals from Benik Afobe, Ryan Fraser and Josh King gave Bournemouth victory, with first-team coach Alan Curtis taking temporary charge of Swansea.
Andre Gray became the first Burnley player to score a Premier League hat-trick as Sean Dyche’s men beat third-bottom Sunderland 3-1 to climb to 11th place.
Gray scored three times in the first 53 minutes at Turf Moor, with Ashley Barnes netting a penalty before Jermain Defoe replied for the visitors.
Matt Phillips and Wales’s Euro 2016 star Hal-Robson Kanu scored as West Bromwich Albion came from behind to win 2-1 at Southampton, who had centre-back Virgil van Dijk sent off late on for two bookable offences.
Two weeks ago, on this same platform, I warned against the statement of the Governor of Kaduna, who in a recorded interview with several journalists, said that his administration had traced those Fulani herdsmen involved in killings in Southern Kaduna and rather than arresting and prosecuting them, the Kaduna state government had offered them money to placate them so they would not kill again.
I wrote that if killers heard that other killers were paid by a government not to kill, that they will also go and kill in order to get their own blood money.
With what is happening in Southern Kaduna today, I have been vindicated. When you allow criminals profit from their criminality, what you have is always more crime.
What is going on in Southern Kaduna is nothing short of genocide! In the past week, an untold number of people have been killed with some reports alleging that hundreds have been killed.
Certainly, thousands of Nigerians have been killed in and around Nigeria’s Middle Belt since the beginning of the year. Yet, the President of Nigeria has remained silent.
Last week, there was a terror attack in Germany where a terrorist named Anis Amri killed 12 people. The day after the attack, President Muhammadu Buhari issued a statement condemning the attack and commiserating with the victims.
Three days after that incident, suspected Fulani herdsmen attacked Goska village and killed 11 people including the 14 year old daughter of former Chairman of Jema'a LGA, Barr. Gideon Morik.
The same President Buhari who was so quick to issue a statement condemning the German terror attack and commiserating with the German people and their government has continued to remain silent when Nigerians are killed.
This is is more so when the Governor of Kaduna has, in a recorded interview, admitted that the people doing the killings are foreign herdsmen! This leads me to ask the question of President Buhari: Are German Lives More Important Than Nigerian Lives?
And when asked why the President has continued to ignore the killings of Christians in Southern Kaduna, the President’s spokesman, Femi Adesina, said that it is because the Kaduna Governor has assured the President that he is on top of the situation.
Really?
Did the German leader, tell President Muhammadu Buhari that she was not on top of the situation in Germany before he released his statement condemning the terror attacks there?
The number one job of the Nigerian Army is protecting the nation from external aggression. Yet, while foreigners are killing Nigerians in Southern Kaduna, our army is being sent to the Niger Delta where nobody is killing Nigerian citizens!
And to add insult to injury, the Kaduna state governor is trying to blame Niger Delta militants for the killings in Southern Kaduna.
Let me say that I condemn militancy and I am a man of peace any day. My weapon is the Word of God and my sword is the Gospel of Jesus Christ.
But if only President Buhari was as interested in the loss of lives in Southern Kaduna as he is in the loss of oil in the Niger Delta, the killings could have ended long ago.
And quite sadly, while I am waiting for the All Progressive Congress to condemn the carnage in Southern Kaduna, the party, through it’s a Ekiti chapter, released a statement condemning the General Overseer of the Redeemed Christian Church of God, Pastor Enoch Adeboye for his praise of the Ekiti state Governor, Ayo Fayose, and went ahead to insult the sensibilities of Nigerian Christians by accusing Pastor Adeboye of collecting a bribe from Governor Fayose.
Christians are being killed in Southern Kaduna and I ask: Where is the Vice President, Pastor Yemi Osinbajo? Where is Reverend Father Mbaka? Where is Pastor Tunde Bakare?
I want to address in particular the Vice President and I will quote from the Bible to him.
Pastor Osinbajo, this is what Esther 4:14 says, "if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the Jews will arise from another place, but you and your father’s family will perish. And who knows but that you have come to your royal position for such a time as this?”
Mr. Vice President sir, please permit me to rephrase that Scripture and say ‘if you remain silent at this time, relief and deliverance for the people of Southern Kaduna will arise from another place, but you and the political family you belong to will answer to God. And who knows but that you have come to your Vice Presidential position in Aso Rock for such a time as this?”
By Reno Omokri
Omokri is the founder of the Mind of Christ Christian Center in California, author of Shunpiking: No Shortcuts to God and Why Jesus Wept and the host of Transformation with Reno Omokri
The former Special Adviser to Ex-President Goodluck Jonathan on Electronic Media, Reno Omokri has said that the Central Bank of Nigeria has since 2015 not printed any new Naira notes and that the Buhari-led government is using the over $36b left for it by the Jonathan’s administration.
On Christmas Day of 2016, President Muhammadu Buhari hosted leading citizens of the Federal Capital Territory led by the minister of the FCT, Muhammad Bello, and during the visit, he returned to his old habit of blaming and said, and I quote, “there was no money saved, no infrastructure built, and power is still our main problem.”
This is patently untrue and without mincing words, President Buhari was wrong in his assertions.
The Naira is about to hit ₦500 to $1, but rather than find solutions, President Buhari is still blaming ex President Jonathan while our economy is collapsing all around him!
But it would have been bearable if the president was accurate in the accusations he made, but no, the President did not have his facts correct and exposed the fickleness of his anti-corruption stance.
Former President Jonathan left $2.07 billion in the Excess Crude Account when he handed over to President Buhari on May 29, 2015. He also left foreign reserves of $29 billion for the incoming government in May 2015. In addition to this, the Jonathan administration left behind $5.6 billion in dividend payments from the Nigerian Liquefied Natural Gas Company which amount has since been utilized by the Buhari administration.
If ex President Jonathan left no savings, with what money did President Muhammadu Buhari use to bail out those states that could not pay salary (mostly APC states) after he assumed office in May 2015? Of course the Central Bank of Nigeria did not print money! That money came from somewhere. They came from savings left by the Jonathan administration.
On Tuesday the 26th of July, 2016, President Buhari commissioned the $1.457bn Abuja-Kaduna standard gauge rail project. This was a project built and COMPLETED by the Jonathan administration. It is a 187 kilometer railway that enables Nigerians to live in Kaduna and work in Abuja. Is this not infrastructure?
The only federal university in President Buhari’s state is the federal university Dutsin-Ma was built by former President Jonathan who also built 11 other federal universities in Zamfara, Yobe, Nasarawa, Kogi, Taraba, Gombe, Jigawa, Kebbi, Ebonyi, Bayelsa and Ekiti states.
By building 12 new federal universities and 165 Almajiri schools and renovating 507 additional secondary schools all over Nigeria through the Universal Basic Education Commission, the Jonathan administration not only increased access to education, the policy also had the intended side effect of putting hundreds of thousands of youths to work which stimulated the economy and contributed to GDP growth. Are these not infrastructure?
To prove that former President Jonathan prudently and judiciously developed all parts of Nigeria, I will now list, state by state, some of the infrastructure that the Jonathan administration invested in every state of Nigeria. This is not an exhaustive list as Jonathan did far more than this. I challenge President Muhammadu Buhari to contradict me on these projects.
In Abia, Jonathan completed power plants in Aba and Alaoji and reconstructed and reopened Ohafia barracks to stem kidnapping.
In Adamawa Jonathan constructed 5 Almajiri schools and the NAF Comprehensive Secondary School and a Terminal at the Yola airport.
In Anambra Jonathan completed Onitsha River Port, repaired Onitsa-Owerri Rd and kick-started the process of the 2nd Niger Bridge.
In Akwa Ibom Jonathan established a new Federal Polytechnic in Ukana and the Nkari Earth dam and rehabilitated FG roads.
In Bauchi Jonathan equipped the Abubakar Tafawa Balewa Teaching Hospital Bauchi and built 5 Almajiri schools.
In Benue Jonathan took the Loko-Oweto bridge to more than 65% completion and completed the Makurdi Water Supply Scheme supplying to 1 million people.
In Borno, Jonathan fought desertification with the Great Green Wall Project and rehabilitated the Uba – Mbalala Road. He also set up the Presidential Initiative for the Northeast and the Victims Support Fund which raised ₦59 billion for the Northeast. Interestingly, it is from this PINE that a certain Babachir Lawal is accused of pilfering ₦270 million from.
In Cross River Jonathan rehabilitated the Margaret Ekpo International Airport and Modernised the University of Calabar Teaching Hospital.
In Delta Jonathan took Itakpe-Ajaokuta-warri railway to 80% completion and kick started the $16 billion Gas City Project at Ogidigben which is the single largest investment in the oil and gas sector in Africa.
In Ebonyi Jonathan established the Federal University in Ndufe – Alike, repaired over 250km of roads and built power substations.
In Edo Jonathan completed the Ihovbor power Station, reconstructed the Benin-Ore-Sagamu and equipped the University of Benin Teaching Hospital.
In Ekiti Jonathan established the Federal University in Oye – Ekiti, and repaired Federal roads.
In Enugu Jonathan gave the South East their first International Airport by upgrading the Akanu Ibiam Airport and revived the Port Harcourt-Enugu rail line.
In Gombe Jonathan established the Federal University in Kashere and built 5 Almajiri schools.
In Imo Jonathan rehabilitated the Sam Mbakwe International Airport and completed power stations and built sub stations.
In Jigawa Jonathan established the Federal University in Dutse, built 5 Almajiri schools and built strategic grain reserve silos.
In Kano Jonathan revived the Lagos-Kano rail, built 5 Almajiri schools, renovated the MAKIA International Airport and built strategic grain reserve silos.
In Kaduna, Jonathan completed the Standard Gauge Kaduna-Abuja rail that enables you work in Abuja and live in Kaduna.
In Katsina Jonathan established the Federal University in Dutsin-ma, built 5 Almajiri schools and multiple silos.
In Kebbi Jonathan established the Federal University in Kalgo, built 5 Almajiri schools and multiple strategic grain reserve silos.
In Kogi Jonathan established the new Federal University in Lokoja, and completed the Geregu power plant.
In Kwara Jonathan revived Jebba-Kano, Ilorin–Offa rail lines, built Almajiri schools, and kick started the ongoing reconstruction of Ibadan-Ilorin road.
In Lagos Jonathan revived the Lagos-Kano rail, introduced inter-city air conditioned diesel trains and rehabilitated Murtala Mohammed International Airport
In Nasarawa Jonathan established a new Federal University in Lafia and rehabilitated the Lafia–Makurdi road.
In Niger Jonathan dredged River Niger up to Baro, developed the Baro Port up to 95% completion and advanced work on the Zungeru power plant.
In Ondo Jonathan completed and commissioned the 500 MWs Omotosho Power Plant Phase 2 and renovated the Akure airport.
In Ogun Jonathan rehabilitated the Sagamu-Ore road as well as the Ijebu Igbo Ajegunle–Araromi–Ife-Sekona Road (Section II).
In Osun Jonathan re-equipped Obafemi Awolowo University Teaching Hospital, constructed silos, built power substations, and repaired Efon Alaaye-Erinmo Ijesha-Iwarga Road.
In Oyo Jonathan kick-started the reconstruction (not repair) of the Lagos-Ibadan road and mobilized two construction giants (Julius Berger and RCC) to the site to work simultaneously. He also commenced initial groundwork for the proposed Lagos-Ibadan hi-speed rail.
In Plateau Jonathan repaired the Vom-Manchok road, constructed an earth dam in Heipang and built power substations.
In Rivers Jonathan revived the Port Harcourt-Enugu Rail, was Rehabilitating the Port Harcourt International Airport (still ongoing as at the time he left office) and upgraded the University of Port Harcourt Teaching Hospital.
In Sokoto Jonathan fought desertification with the Great Green Wall and built 5 Almajiri schools.
In Taraba Jonathan established the Federal University in Wukari and constructed the Kashimbila Multi-Purpose Dam Project.
In Yobe Jonathan established Federal University of Gashua, built Almajiri and the Gashua–Hadejia 132KV double circuit transmission line.
In Zamfara Jonathan established the Federal University Gusau, built multiple Almajiri schools and constructed strategic grain reserve silos.
If President Muhammadu Buhari believes this is nothing, then he should define what nothing is.
Omokri is the founder of the Mind of Christ Christian Center in California, author of Shunpiking: No Shortcuts to God and Why Jesus Wept and the host of Transformation with Reno Omokri.
The suspended lawmaker in a series of tweets on Saturday condemned the leader of the House of Representatives, Yakubu Dogara for denying that former Gov James Ibori provided huge support to his emergence as Speaker and urged him to return funds donated to his speakership campaign:
Makurdi – Gov Samuel Ortom of Benue said on Saturday in Makurdi that the state would clear outstanding salaries of state and Local Government workers in 2017.
The promise was contained in the Governor's New Year message that was signed by the Chief Press Secretary Mr Terver Akase.
The state government workers are being owed four months salaries, while local government and primary school teachers were being owed eight months. Pensioners are being owed for 13 months .
While felicitating with the people of the state as they step into the new year, Ortom said his administration has concluded plans to clear salary arrears in the coming year.
"The wage bill of Benue workers in particular will continue to be a priority as our administration plans to clear outstanding salaries at the State and local government levels", he said.
He expressed optimism that 2017 would be a better year which would offer greater opportunities to the people in different sectors of the economy.
Ortom said that the state 2017 Appropriation Bill would open up rural roads for ease transportation for effective agricultural produce and enhance mechanized equipment to support farmers.
Gov Ortom reaffirmed the commitment of his administration to uphold transparency, accountability, as well as sustained peace and security as demanded by the change mantra.
Also the state Chairman, Board of Internal Revenue Service (BIRS) Mrs Mimi Orubibi in her New Year message thanked God for his continuous blessings and protection over his people in the state and beyond.
Orubibi explained that his lead board would continue to operate a tax friendly regime adding that the welfare of the masses was the topmost priority of the Ortom lead administration.
She disclosed that the people's taxes would be used judiciously.
Outgoing U.S. President Barack Obama has called for the sustenance of the legacies of his eight-year presidency as he hands over to President-elect Donald Trump on Jan. 20, 2017.
Obama, in a New Year message to Americans, said America had made significant progress over the past eight years as against the gloom that pervaded the country when he took office in 2009.
"Happy New Year, everybody. At a time when we turn the page on one year and look ahead to the future, I just wanted to take a minute to thank you for everything you've done to make America stronger these past eight years.
"Just eight years ago, as I prepared to take office, our economy teetered on the brink of depression.
"Nearly 800,000 Americans were losing their jobs each month. In some communities, nearly one in five folks were out of work. Almost 180,000 troops were serving in Iraq and Afghanistan, and Osama bin Laden was still at large.
"And on challenges from health care to climate change, we'd been kicking the can down the road for way too long."
According to him, eight years later, Americans are telling a better and different story.
*Obama
"We've turned recession into recovery. Our businesses have created 15.6 million new jobs since early 2010 – and we've put more people back to work than all other major advanced economies combined.
"A resurgent auto industry has added nearly 700,000 jobs, and is producing more cars than ever. Poverty is falling. Incomes are rising.
"In fact, last year, folks' typical household income rose by 2,800 dollars, that's the single biggest increase on record, and folks at the bottom and middle saw bigger gains than those at the top.
"Twenty million more Americans know the financial security of health insurance. Our kids' high school graduation rate is at an all-time high. We've brought 165,000 troops from Iraq and Afghanistan, and took out Osama bin Laden.
"Through diplomacy, we shut down Iran's nuclear weapons programme, opened up a new chapter with the people of Cuba, and brought nearly 200 nations together around a climate agreement that could save this planet for our kids.
"Almost every country on Earth sees America as stronger and more respected today than they did eight years ago. And marriage equality is finally a reality from coast to coast.
"We've made extraordinary progress as a country these past eight years. And here's the thing: none of it was inevitable. It was the result of tough choices we made, and the result of your hard work and resilience."
The outgoing President, however, reminded the citizens that to keep America moving forward is a task that "falls to all of us".
"Sustaining and building on all we've achieved – from helping more young people afford a higher education, to ending discrimination based on preexisting conditions, to tightening rules on Wall Street, to protecting this planet for our kids – that's going to take all of us working together.
"Because that's always been our story – the story of ordinary people coming together in the hard, slow, sometimes frustrating, but always vital work of self-government," the two-term President said.
Obama, who was inaugurated as the 44th U.S. President on Jan. 20, 2009, the only Black man in the history of U.S. to be elected president, and won re-election for the second and last term, described his two-term presidency as a "privilege".
"It's been the privilege of my life to serve as your President.
"And as I prepare to take on the even more important role of citizen, know that I will be there with you every step of the way to ensure that this country forever strives to live up to the incredible promise of our founding.
"That all of us are created equal, and all of us deserve every chance to live out our dreams.
"And from the Obama family to yours – have a happy and blessed 2017," the former Illinois senator, who still receives uncommon high popularity ratings among Americans, concluded.
The Deputy President of the Senate, Sen. Ike Ekweremadu, has urged Nigerians to pray for the quick recovery of the nation's economy in the New Year.
This is contained in a statement signed by his Special Adviser on Media, Mr Uche Anichukwu, in Abuja on Saturday.
Ekweremadu, who expressed concern over the current economic hardship in the country, said the nation's leadership needed divine guidance for right economic policies.
He called on the Federal Government to put the right policies in place to boost investors' confidence while spending more on infrastructure and critical sectors to ensure economic growth.
Ekweremadu
"No doubt, 2016 will be remembered for unprecedented economic hardship for Nigerians, irrespective of social status, political, ethnic, and religious leanings.
"Therefore, we must all join hands to seek the face of God for quick economic recovery and peace in our land.
"Importantly, those in charge of the economy must rise to the occasion.
"We must assemble the best hands, irrespective of where they come from, to lead the nation out of the economic wilderness'', he said.
The deputy president of the senate also urged the Independent National Electoral Commission, security agencies, and political elites to improve on electoral process ahead of 2019.
He said, "we must restore the confidence of our people in the ballot box.
"They must freely vote and their votes must count, devoid of all forms of intimidation, manipulation, and political excesses.''
He wished Nigerians a happy celebration and a prosperous New Year.
Nigerian Army of ‘Operation Lafiya Dole’ in the north east on Friday night made a heavy breakthrough when it arrested a Caretaker Chairman of Mafa Local Government Area of Borno state, Alhaji Shettima Lawan Maina for hiding a top Boko Haram Commander (name withheld) in his house at 1000 housing estate along Maiduguri- Damaturu- Kano road. Sources have said.
The incident according to sources living at the same estate with the Chairman did not come to them as a surprise following the capture of Sambisa Forest, a stronghold of insurgents by troops that led to so many of the terrorists escaped to various places for safety.
Mafa Local Government is east and about 40 kilometres drive from Maiduguri the state capital which had witnessed series of deadly attacks by insurgents, before it was liberated by the military early last year.
A resident and neighbours of the LG boss said, the military and some security operatives stormed the house after getting an intelligence report that the top Boko Haram commander had sneaked into the house for safety.
Already the source said, both the top Boko Haram Commander and the Chairman have been detained in a military facility to enable thorough investigation as to how a wanted terrorist will sneak into the house of the Chairman, knowing fully well, that politicians of such caliber do not usually allow access to their house of abode.
When contacted for confirmation, the Police Public Relations Officer, Victor Isuku’s phone lines were not reachable, but a top security officer who is not authorized to talk to the press confirmed the incident, stating that “The arrest and capture of the Caretaker Chairman and the wanted boko haram commander took place on Friday night following a tip off”.
Ado-Ekiti-Tragedy struck at Ido Ekiti, Ido/Osi local government Area of Ekiti State on Saturday as three persons were killed when a truck belonging to Dangote Company reportedly crushed two motorcycles.
The Chairman of the Council, Mr Ayodele Arogbodo, who related the sad incident to journalists in Ado Ekiti, said the incident happened in front of Ekiti Parapo Grammar School in the town at about 10.30 am on Saturday.
He explained that the Dangote truck was coming from Lagos State via Ijero Ekiti and lost control at Usi-Ido junction before crashing into two moving commercial motorcyclists and overran them.
According to him, "one of the Okadas carried two passengers and another one carried three people. Three of these five persons died on the spot while the two other persons sustained severe injuries.
"I visited the scene this morning and those wounded are now at the Intensive Care Unit of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido Ekiti and the mangled bodies of those who lost their lives have been deposited in the morgue in the same hospital".
The Council boss said the Divisional Police Officer of the Ido Ekiti Division and the Ekiti Sector Commander of the Federal Road Safety Commission promptly visited the scene to ensure free flow of traffic along that route.
Arogbodo, who expressed sadness on the loss of the three persons called on motorists to always exercise patience while driving on the road to prevent loss off innocent lives.
Another source confided in the journalists that those who lost their lives were of the same parents and that they were traveling to Usi Ekiti when the incident happened.
The source added: "the truck were moving down the hill when he drove very close to that junction. The driver wanted to apply brake but the brake failed and the two Okadas were already at the centre of the junction when the truck climbed the median and ran over them.
"The accident would have been worse than that but there were few vehicles on the road at that time . Even those who were coming from Ido Ekiti and were quick to recognize that the truck had lost control had immediately stopped their vehicles to prevent being crushed".
The Police Public Relation officer, Ekiti State Command, Mr Alberto Adeyemi, who confirmed the incident, said the bodies of the deceased have been deposited at the morgue of the Federal Teaching Hospital, Ido-Ekiti.
Rivers United defender, Chigozie Ihunda has undergone successful surgery on his knee and is expected to be back in action for the 'Pride of Rivers' in the next three to six months.
Ihunda injured his left knee during United's 1-0 win over Warri Wolves at the Warri City Stadium, Warri on May 8 and has not played competitively ever since.
The right-back is currently in New Delhi, India where he has now undergone successful surgery and will now continue his rehabilitation with a view to returning to active competition.
Rivers United doctor, Chukwuemeka Agi who is with the defender in India explained that the procedure which took place on December 24 was successful.
"Ihunda has been operated upon at the Artemis Hospital in New Delhi, India.
"We arrived in New Delhi on December 22 and he (Ihunda) had blood tests and Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) done on the same day.
"We had a review with the surgeon on December 24 and agreed to have the surgery two days later.
"The surgery lasted for two hours.
Chigozie Ihunda
"The operations that were done were in two phases; the first was a key hole surgery on the left knee while the second was an open surgery.
"He is currently in the first phase of recovery and we will now need to commence rehabilitation.
"He has already started minor physiotherapy which we hope will be good and effective.
"The time line for his return to action will be between three to six months but it could also be earlier depending on how the physiotherapy progresses.
"We wish to thank the Rivers State Government led by the Governor, His Excellency, Barrister Ezebunwo Nyesom Wike for facilitating this trip and ensuring the career of this young man did not end prematurely," Dr Agi told the club's official media.
Ihunda who is recovering well after the surgery also took the time to discuss his current situation.
"This is an important moment in my career. Football is my life and I feared I may never play again.
"It is God that will bless the Governor and the Rivers State Sports Commissioner, Honourable Boma Iyaye for the role they played in bringing me here (to India).
"I also want to thank my teammates for their support during my trying moments.
"Hopefully, I will be with them soon on the pitch to help Rivers United FC win things," a very emotional Ihunda said.
Ihunda scored two goals for Rivers United last season before he sustained the unfortunate injury on matchday 15.
President Muhammadu Buhari has said that his administration's determination to wrestle corruption to the ground remains unshaken.
The President, who gave the assurance in his New Year message to Nigerians, however, said that the fight against corruption would be guided by respect for the rule of law and due process.
He vowed that his administration would not spare anybody or organ of government in the ongoing crusade against corrupt practices.
""It is a collective undertaking and resolve that must be seen to its logical conclusion in spite of certain distractions.
""The fate of our country lies partly in the success of this campaign.
""It will be unthinkable on my part to allow the boat of this crucial campaign promise capsize mid-stream,'' he added.
On the economy, President Buhari said his administration had focused its energies to turn around the economy, create jobs, fight corruption, and transform agriculture to replace oil and gas as a major revenue earner for the nation.
Buhari
""I am encouraged that we are getting things right.''
According to him, agricultural revolution has begun and farmers in different parts of the country are experiencing bumper harvests while states are getting into strategic partnership towards attaining self-sufficiency in rice.
He said that "the era of over-dependence on oil for foreign exchange revenues was gradually waning.
""I am optimistic that the CHANGE we all yearned for in voting this administration to power in 2015 will manifest more and be sustained in different sectors, particularly agriculture, in 2017.''
He noted that the nation's economic recovery and growth plan in 2017 was anchored on optimizing the use of local content and empowering local businesses.
""In pursuit of this administration's philosophy, we will continue to appeal that we buy "Made In Nigeria" goods.
""Like I said during the 2017 Budget presentation to the National Assembly, farmers, small and medium-sized manufacturers, agro-allied businesses, dressmakers, entertainers and technology start-ups, will remain the true drivers of our economic future.
""They are the engine of our economic recovery and their needs underpin our Economic Recovery and Growth Plan,'' he further maintained.
On job creation, the President stated that his administration would sustain existing programmes aimed at lifting a vast number of the youth out of poverty, while at the same time creating the opportunities for people to fend for themselves.
President Buhari thanked Nigerians for their support to his administration's efforts to transform Nigeria.
""I assure you again that the current pains are temporary and will ease when the economic seeds in gestation begin to bloom to fruition" he said.
He urged them to continue to support the administration in its effort to transform Nigeria for the good of all.
Rafael Nadal ended an injury-plagued 2016 on a high by lifting the Mubadala World Tennis Championship title for a fourth time on Saturday.
The 30-year-old Spaniard defeated 11th-ranked Belgian David Goffin 6-4, 7-6 (7/5) after world number one Andy Murray earlier ousted Canada’s Milos Raonic 6-3, 7-6 (8/6) to take third place.
“I’m very happy to return to competition again. These three days have been good for me. These three days, playing at this level, are going to stand me in good stead for the rest of the season,” said Nadal.
Nadal’s 2016 campaign had been ruined by a wrist injury that forced him out of Roland Garros after the second round and saw him miss Wimbledon.
But he looked in form throughout the exhibition tournament in Abu Dhabi, beating Czech Tomas Berdych in the quarter-final and Raonic in the semi-finals.
“He put a lot of pressure on me,” said Goffin of his first clash against the Spaniard.
“You can feel how strong he is when he is in front of you. Mentally he is very impressive and he looks really strong to start the new season.”
Nadal will now head to Australia for the Brisbane International, with Goffin travelling to Doha for the Qatar Open.
Wimbledon and Olympic champion Murray, who was knighted in the New Year Honours list, lost to Goffin in Friday’s semi-final, his first defeat in the Belgian in six meetings.
“It was good to finish the year with a win,” said the 29-year-old Scot. “I still feel like Andy Murray – that feels more normal – but I am happy with the knighthood and it is a nice way to start the new year.”
Murray’s next stop is neighbouring Qatar for the opening week of the ATP season and two weeks out from the Australian Open, the first Grand Slam of 2017.
In the match for fifth-place in the six-man field, France’s Jo-Wilfried Tsonga beat Czech Thomas Berdych 6-7 (5/7), 6-3, 10-3.
The Kano State Government is to establish six additional fire service stations across the state in 2017.
The Director of the State Fire Service, Alhaji Mustapha Rulwan, disclosed this in an interview in Kano on Saturday.
He said the project had been captured in the 2017 budget.
He said the offices, when established, would complement the existing 26 stations located across the state.
"Our plan is to have fire service office in each of the 44 local government areas of the state to ensure adequate coverage of the state.
Ganduje
"But 2017, we plan to establish six offices in order to enhance our performance and in readiness of any eventuality.''
He said the state government also planned to purchase additional fire fighting vehicles and other necessary equipment to enhance the operation of the department.
He said the state government had rehabilitated six broken down fire fighting vehicles and an ambulance to complement the existing vehicles at the headquarters.
According to him, the fire service had reopened four of its offices that were closed due to lack of fire fighting vehicles.
"We opened four of our offices that were closed down and provided each of them with a vehicle", he said.
He said the reopened stations are located at Gezawa, Wudil, State House of Assembly and Jakara/Kasuwar Kurmi.
He urged residents to continue to comply with safety regulations in order to avoid possible fire outbreak especially during the harmattan.
Rivers State Governor, Nyesom Ezenwo Wike has assured the people of Rivers State that they will continue to enjoy good governance; pro-people leadership and enhanced welfare in 2017 .
In a new year message, the governor felicitated with the people of Rivers State and other Nigerians on the new year, urging them to continue to pray for Rivers State and Nigeria.
He noted that Rivers State will continue to grow in all sectors in 2017 as his administration is focused on building on the successes of 2016.
Gov. Wike
The governor said that civil servants and pensioners welfare will continue to receive priority attention as his administration will always pay salaries and pensions.
He emphasised that the state will witness unprecedented development in the areas of infrastructure, education, health, women and youth empowerment as his administration has dedicated 70 percent of the 2017 budget to capital expenditure.
Governor Wike further assured the people of the state that the security network of the state will improve in 2017 as structures have been put in place to enhance the security architecture of the state.
While wishing the people of Rivers State a prosperous 2017, Governor Wike thanked them for their unflinching support, love and prayers.
