Oshiomhole Has My Vote For Presidency – Fashola

 

 

Governor Babatunde Fashola of Lagos State says he will support his Edo State counterpart, Comrade Adams Oshiomhole, should the latter decide to take a shot at the Presidency.

 

 

Speaking in Benin City yesterday at a Youth Summit organised by the Edo State Government, with the theme “Nigeria’s Centenary: Defining the Issues and Setting Agenda for the Future of our Youths” held in Benin City, Fashola said: “if Governor Adams Oshiomhole decides to run as President of this country, he will have my vote. He is the kind of leader that Nigeria needs. I say that because, I have spent five memorable years of my life in Benin City as an undergraduate and as a Youth Corper and they are very fond memories that I hold dear in my heart today.

“I am always looking forward to coming here each time I am invited. The excitement to come here is in at an all time high. Since my brother assumed office as your governor, because every time that I come here, for all the right reasons, Benin City has not remained the same. It has changed positively and continues to change.

“On my way here, I drove past my former office on Sapele Road and clearly the place has transformed. And the Airport Road is now wider. I know what Ring Road used to be like and Akpakpava road. It is nice to know that tourism is back, flights are regular and you have done it because you have allowed yourselves to be led by a man who can inspire you to action. And I don’t think that anybody can claim the credit for what has happened here if not the people of Edo State.”
In his remarks, Governor Adams Oshiomhole of Edo State appealed to the youths not to give up on the nation adding that the future of the country is in their hands as foreigners can assist but cannot solve the nation’s problems.

Oshiomhole argued that every nation has its own history and that Nigeria has come to stay. “As a people what we should think about is how we get our people properly managed such that the wealth of this great country is expressed in the quality of life of the citizen. How do we address the paradox of a nation so rich and yet its people getting poorer?
“How do we raise the issue of how the promise of democracy can be fully realised, if the federal government continues to pocket 52% and ask all the 36 states and the FCT to share 26% and the rest to be shared by 774 Local Government Areas.

“I do not think it is helpful for us to question whether Nigeria is a reality. So I ask you as young people to recognise that every country has its own share of problems and none of those problems can be resolved because the people have perfected the act of lamentation.
“There is no nation that doesn’t have problems. It is only Nigerians that can build Nigeria. We can’t keep crying over what we have lost yesterday. But we can resolve to do things differently tomorrow.
“I appeal to our youths not to judge the future of Nigeria by the failure of the past leaders and even the failings of the current leaders.”

On his part, Barrister Festus Keyamo called for the participation of youths in the democratic process
He said, “youths in Edo State have shown how to protect one man one vote. The practice must be entrenched beyond Edo State”.
On his part, TUC former President, Comrade Peter Esele called on the youths to brace up to the challenge of transforming the country to a better place for all.

 

Source: Channels Television

What Kind of Friend are You?

When it comes to finding friends, perhaps the first step is understanding what exactly friendship is. Does it mean you have each other in your Facebook list? Or that you see each other every Friday or Sunday at Mosque or Church? Not really. A relationship needs to have some key elements in order to be labeled as friendship. To me, a true friend is there for you no matter what. They don't lie to you no matter what. They also keep their promises. T...hey also don't stab you in the back

According to Aristotle, there are three kinds of friendships: friendships of utility, friendships of pleasure, and friendships of the good. I think these categories work, but I’m going to put Aristotle’s ideas in my own language.

Three Types of Friendships:

1.Friendships of Usefulness: I have friends who I never hear from except when they need something. Usually it’s once a year. I’ll get an email from them asking me to endorse or promote their new book. That’s about as deep as it goes. They are “friends of usefulness.” I’ll admit, I sometimes find such annual requests irritating as I’d like to be better friends with some of these people. But it is what it is. Business partners, coworkers on the job, and classmates often fit into this category.
2.Friendships of Mutual Interest: The glue of this kind of friendship is a particular kind of shared enjoyment. Think of fishing buddies, or exercise buddies, or golf buddies. You and your friend share a common interest or pleasure, and that’s where your friendship is rooted. If you lose interest in that common pleasure, the friendship ends.
3.Friendships of Virtue. The glue that holds this sort of friendship together is the mutual respect you have for one another. Such respect may even rise to admiration. You value one another as people, and you enjoy one another’s company. You are their friend, not for how they can benefit you or how they can bring you pleasure, but simply because you like them. This is the highest form of friendship.

Going beyond Aristotle’s three categories, there’s a fourth kind of friendship. It’s what I call a “close” friendship. Others would use the word “true” friendship to describe it. Though I don’t think the kinds of friendship listed above are “false.” Not all friendships of virtue are close friendships. But all close friendships are also friendships of virtue.

Folks What kind of friend are you?

May we all enjoy a fruitful year ahead. Shalom!

A Humble Heart is the Key to Godly Favor

Many people today want to be at the top of their game. They want to have both the answers and the plan. They want to have everything it takes to get the job done. Many times they will even ignore the instruction or counsel of others to do it. They think they can do it themselves. They are driven by pride, selfish ambitions and jealousy.

All of this is because they don't want others to see their insecurities. They are afraid of failing. They are afraid of appearing weak and vulnerable. They are afraid that others will think less of them if they are not able to make their own decisions or clear their own path in life. They want to be a one-person show, giving no thought to others around them, and no room for anyone to offer them direction.

Unfortunately, many women fall under this same category. But God did not make women to stand alone, nor did He make them to pull the weight of the entire world. Christianity cannot be lived alone, and Christians are called to work together toward the common goal of strengthening the believers and leading the lost to Christ. This takes not only patience, but unity, faith and incredible humility.
Humility is the virtue that allows a believer to admit that they cannot do it alone. They cannot always see where God is leading them.

They do not always make the best decisions, and even make foolish ones from time to time. They cannot always withstand temptation alone. They cannot always fight off attacks from the enemy alone. They can be weak. They can be given to crazy thoughts and even crazier actions. This is normal. It's called humanity. And admitting one's humanity requires humility. But amazingly, because of their humility, God can still use them despite their humanity.

God loves to live and move through a humble believer. It is in their weaknesses that His strength and power are magnified. If someone is arrogant and prideful, they assume the position of guide, counselor, even savior in their life. This kind of mindset denies God and His authority in a Christian's life. But God stated in His Word that He resists the proud, but gives grace to the humble. (James 4:6, NKJV).

Every Christian woman can receive favor from the Father, grace enough to compensate for her faults and shortcomings. The key is a heart of humility.

UK Investigates Nigerian, Who Runs University from Flat

Dr. Beloveth Powerful, whose school is named Havard School UK, has also been sued by the American university of almost the same name.

The United Kingdom’s (UK) Milton Keynes Trading Standards department has commenced investigations into the controversy surrounding a Nigerian national, Dr. Tina Beloveth Powerful, who runs a university from a city centre flat in North Third Street in CMK.

Dr. Beloveth Powerful, whose school is named Havard School UK, has also been sued by the American university of almost the same name, reports The Nigerian Telegraph.

A spokesman for Trading Standards confirmed that the Nigerian is under investigation but refused to give details.

“As it is an ongoing investigation we cannot comment in detail about it,” he said.

Media reports, however, suggest the trading standards investigation may involve false claims on Havard’s website that the school is affiliated to the Institute of Administrative Management. The wording on the school’s website has been changed to read “is to be accredited to.”

However, Dr. Beloveth Powerful insists she has not done anything wrong, adding that she was on a “mission from God to help people study.”

“I have six degrees myself, two of them from Nigeria where I came from,” she said in a report. “I transformed my life and God has given me power to transform others’.”

The Nigerian claimed she is not aware of the trading standards investigations into Havard.

America’s Harvard University files suit

Dr. Powerful, whose school is named Havard School of Management and Technology UK, is also being sued by Harvard University of the US. The American university, which name differs from Dr. Powerful’s institution by just a letter, is suing for alleged trademark infringement.

But Dr Powerful is counter-claiming for £2 million – the money, she says, she has spent so far on setting up her school.

“A good name is better than silver and gold,” she said. “Having said that, we are telling them we want to step aside but we have spent money in advertising, marketing and productions.”

The 46-year-old Nigerian also denied claims she caused academic confusion by calling her school Havard, explaining that the name ‘Havard’ was from her grandfather.

“My paternal grandfather’s first name was Havard. I chose to immortalise his name. I never thought about Harvard,” she said.

Source: Daily Times

Agagu Crash: Ondo Govt Reacts To Aircraft Hire Claim

The Ondo state Government, has reacted to the claim that it hired the aircraft of Associated Airline, which crash-landed last Thursday in Lagos, while conveying the body of former Governor of the state, Dr Olusegun Agagu, to Akure for the commencement of the burial rites.

In a statement issued by the Commissioner for Information, Mr Kayode Akinmade in Akure, the government said the reaction would not have been necessary at the time the state and families are still mourning those who lost their lives in the crash, but for inaccurate media reports.

It explained that its determination to give the former Governor a befitting state burial made it set up a burial committee, which met regularly with the family of the deceased to arrive at a burial programme agreeable to the family.

At one of the meetings, the statement said, the issue of the transportation of the body from Lagos to Akure was discussed. "The committee deferred to the family's insistence that the body be moved to Akure by air. The family thereafter introduced Mr. Tunji Okusanya
(now deceased) of MIC Funeral as the official undertaker, who would make necessary arrangements regarding the movement of the body and thefuneral."

"Thereafter", the statement further explained, “the MIC boss forwarded the names of various airlines through an e-mail message to the Committee, namely, Aero Contractor; OAS Helicopters; Chachangi; Arik; Dana; and IRS as the Airline operators that have been contacted".

“It was indicated in his message that IRS was not available for conveying human remains; Dana aircraft had gone for maintenance; and Arik does not fly the Akure route". He, therefore, suggested Chachangi as "the best offer".

The government further indicated that it was neither the wish nor the prerogative of government to indicate any preference for a particular airline stressing that the interface with MIC at the instance of the family, was necessary for facilitation of payment ,insisting that "at
no time was Associated Airline mentioned.

Stating that the government made these clarifications against its wish, the statement emphasized that "this is definitely not the time for this as we are still mourning.” adding that “It is pathetic losing any soul in the course of paying homage to our former Governor,
particularly government officials and other bread winners of their families, including the Managing Director of MIC, his son, and other workers of his company".

The government thanked the Federal Government for ordering a thorough investigation into the crash in order to prevent the occurrence of such tragedies in the future, imploring the team of investigators to leave no stone unturned in the course of their investigation.

Futher, the government said it "wishes to place on record it's appreciation of the active and timely involvement of the Lagos State Government through its Emergency Agency as well as Federal Emergency
agencies. We thank the management and staff of the Lagos State Teaching Hospital LASUTH, and other medical facilities who came to the rescue of the survivors," .

Thanking those "who have identified with the government during these trying times". It also "sincerely thanked those who have shared in our pain by identifying with us at this time. We implore you to pray for the repose of those who lost their lives in the ill-fated crash and also continue to pray for all the bereaved families", the government appealed

National Conference: Nwabueze, Obiozo, Gwadabe, Others Are Members Of Advisory Committee

The federal government Tuesday announced a 13-member advisory committee for the proposed national conference.

Dr. Femi Okurunmu was named Chairman, while Dr. Akilu Indabawa will serve as Secretary.

A statement by the secretary to the government of the federation, Senator Anyim Pius Anyim said President Goodluck Jonathan approved the membership and their terms of reference.

The Committee which will be inaugurated by the President at the State House on Monday, 7th October, 2013 by 10 am, was given one month to conclude the assignment.
The other members are:

Prof George Obiozo - Member
Prof. Ben Nwabueze - Member
Sen. Khairat Gwadabe - Member
Sen. Timothy Adudu - Member
Col. Tony Nyiam (Rtd) - Member
Prof. Funke Adebayo - Member
Dr. (Mrs) Mairo Ahmed Amshi - Member
Dr. Abubakar Sadiq - Member
Alh. Dauda Birma - Member
Mallam Buhari Bello - Member
Mr. Tony Uranta - Member

The terms of reference of the committee according to the statement are as follows:

i. To consult expeditiously with all relevant stakeholders with a view to drawing up a feasible agenda for the proposed national dialogue/conference

ii. To make recommendations to government on structure and modalities for the proposed national dialogue/conference

iii. To make recommendations to government on how representation of various interest groups at the national dialogue/conference will be determined.

iv. To advise on a timeframe for the national dialogue/conference

v. To advise government on a legal framework for the national dialogue/conference.

vi. To advise government on legal procedures and options for integrating decisions and outcomes of the national dialogue/ conference into the constitution and laws of the nation

vii. To advise Government on any other matters that may be related or incidental to the proposed national dialogue/conference. 

FULL TRANSCRIPT: President Jonathan’s Speech At Nigeria’s 53rd Independence, Tuesday Oct 1, 2013

Address by His Excellency, President Goodluck Ebele Jonathan, GCFR

On the Occasion of

Nigeria’s 53rd Independence Anniversary

Tuesday 1st October, 2013

Fellow Nigerians,

1. Today marks 53 years of our Independence as a nation. First and foremost, I would like to say congratulations to us all. Through thick and thin, we have built this country together. Through triumphs and trials, we have developed a Nigerian identity in our own way.

2. In truth, Nigeria is still a work in progress and we are challenged everyday to keep building in spite of the various obstacles that we face. Our strength has been in our diversity. If we look back over the years, we can say confidently that there is every reason to celebrate.

3. Today’s Independence anniversary is unique because it is the last before we mark our centenary. On January 1, 2014, Nigeria will be 100 years old as a country, following the amalgamation of the Protectorates of Southern and Northern Nigeria in 1914.

4. Beloved country men and women, traditionally, the Presidential address on this symbolic day has served two purposes. It has, quite rightly, been used to remind all Nigerians about our heritage. It has also allowed my predecessors and I to comment on our stewardship to the nation and make political capital out of a state occasion.

5. But this year, I will not. Because, today of all days, we should not be scoring political points. On the contrary, in this last year of the first century of our Union, we should be addressing our future as a Nation and a people!

6. I admit that these may not be the best of times for our nation. Our people are divided in many ways – ethnically, religiously, politically, and materially. I cannot hide from this reality. I cannot hide from my own responsibilities.

7. As we prepare to mark the centenary, therefore, today offers us an opportunity to reflect on our long journey to nationhood and the progress we have made so far. Whatever the challenges that we may face, we have every reason to be proud of our national accomplishments; we have every reason to remain proud and optimistic. Our collective national journey has witnessed great watersheds, thanks to our spirit of endurance, perseverance and sacrifice. Getting the rest of the job done with determination and courage is just a matter of time. We are Nigerians, a nation of talented people, endowed with resources, potentials, and Divine Grace.

8. In our journey to greatness as a nation, we have built an economy that is robust and erected enduring infrastructure and institutions of democracy. Our social system is now more inclusive, open and compassionate. We are waging a steady battle against poverty, unemployment, and corruption. Our sense of community, solidarity and shared expectation is strong and capable of withstanding the present social, economic and political challenges that still confront us.

9. In saying this, I am reminded of the comments I made a week ago to a cross-section of Nigerians in New York during the 68th United Nations General Assembly. I declare now as I declared then: we have a duty as Nigerians, whatever may be our differences or prejudices, to always put Nigeria first.

10. Our politics should be an art of patriotic labour and selfless service to the community, particularly by the political elite who are placed in positions of great trust and responsibility. Politics has its own high moral principles which abhor distracting and divisive rhetoric. As men and women in leadership, we must continually focus on service, duty, responsibility, and the next generation. Those who are elected to govern at all levels must focus on improving the lives of our people, not selfish ambition.

11. In the words of the American theologian and author, James Freeman Clarke, ‘a politician thinks of the next election; a statesman of the next generation’. Whether we are Muslims or Christians; rich or poor; from the North or the South; East or West; regardless of our political affiliations, this is the time for every one of us to be a statesman!

12. My clarion call therefore, on this special day, is that we should begin to align our political utterances and conduct solely to the nobler passions that unite our people. Politicians do not make a nation; ordinary folks do.

13. Our nation is made great by the big and small efforts of regular citizens. These are the teachers and men and women in academics who inculcate the knowledge and wisdom that transform into tomorrow’s wealth; the traders and market women who tend to our everyday needs; the farmers whose labour feeds the nation; the artisans whose work ensures that our homesteads are well maintained; the doctors, pharmacists, nurses, accountants, bankers, engineers, and other professionals who add value to our lives; the sportsmen and women and those in the creative industry who bring honour and fame to our nation;

14. And the men and women of our armed forces and security services who toil day and night so that you and I may live in a safe and secure nation.

15. It is the individual and collective heroism of these regular folks that has placed our nation on the path of greatness. Politics and politicians sometimes distract the people and create unnecessary tension.

16. But our independence celebration is about the same people, the people of Nigeria: their industry, sense of mission and purpose, and their patience and perseverance as we navigate historical turns in our march towards prosperity and self-sufficiency. Today, I salute the people of Nigeria.

17. My Compatriots, history has proven that nations take time to evolve. We should rejoice in our democracy because it enables us to be united by our differences, not destroyed by them. And, there is no more crucial time for us to be united than now.

18. The threats we face may be real and immediate. But we are not alone in this regard. It is a difficult season for much of the world: industrialized or developing; rich or poor. What matters are the lessons we learn, the wisdom we demonstrate, and the victory we snatch from the jaws of likely defeat.

19. And I tell you, more than anything else, there are lessons to learn, and every cause to be thankful. If I must cite one example, take Syria. As we all pray and work for a return to normalcy in Syria, it would be helpful for us to reflect on the fact that Syria was once a peaceful, thriving, multi-cultural nation which played host to a mosaic of religions and ethnicities.

20. But that once idyllic nation has today become a theatre of human misery of unimaginable proportions as a result of the activities of extremist forces.

21. Fellow Nigerians, the spectre of extremism haunts every democracy in every corner of the globe. While we celebrate our independence and good fortune, our hearts must grieve for those who have lost loved ones in numerous terrorist activities around the world.

22. Back home, I admit being overtaken by deep feelings of grief, whenever news reached me of the appalling atrocities in some of our States, especially the North Eastern part of our country. Just two days ago, terrorist elements attacked the College of Agriculture in Gujba, Yobe State killing a number of innocent students of the institution and other residents in cold blood, most of them in their sleep. This act of barbarism is a demonstration of the extent to which evil forces will go to destabilize our nation. But I assure you, they will not succeed.

23. My heart goes out to the families of all those who have fallen victim of these dastardly acts. Our Administration will not rest until every Nigerian is free from the oppression of terrorism. I reassure you that no cost will be spared, no idea will be ignored, and no resource will be left untapped in the quest to enable our people live without fear.

24. On this day, I implore every Nigerian – wherever you are, whatever language you speak, whatever your religious persuasion, whichever Political Party you support -: let us join together to fight this evil of extremism.

25. On behalf of us all, I commend our Armed Forces and security agencies for their dedication and bravery in the face of grave danger, and in the name of our collective liberty.

26. Fellow Nigerians, this is a time to pull together behind the national cause: the cause of our freedom, and our future. We must rekindle the spirit of Nigeria, to ensure that every democrat and every lover of peace in this great nation continues to live in a free, peaceful, and secure Nigeria.

27. On my part, I re-dedicate myself completely to the service of this great country. I was elected President to continue the process of building a prosperous nation where hopes, dreams and aspirations would be fulfilled. Nigerians, home and abroad, want a country they can be proud to call their own. I am pleased to affirm that, no matter the challenges we face, we are on the right path to greatness. Our Transformation Agenda, which is part of the overall vision of making Nigeria a land of greatness, has been delivering positive and encouraging results.

28. On May 29th this year, I presented to the nation a mid-term report of my Administration’s Transformation Agenda. This was conceived as an integrated policy aimed at reconstructing not only institutional governance for effective and efficient service delivery, but also a re-orientation of national norms and values. The document captured the essence of our agenda in relation to core objectives and achievements.

29. I have been consistently mindful of the weight of public expectation to find solutions to the challenges that confront us because the mandate we have is a free and sacred one. In all that I have done, I have been guided by this sacred obligation, to work hard for the good of Nigeria and to make life better for Nigerians. I want to assure everyone that Nigeria, under my leadership, will not fail.

30. Exactly 53 years ago today, Prime Minister Tafawa Balewa urged us to ‘move with quiet dignity to our place on the world stage’. I am sure that there have been times when every one of us must have questioned how closely we have followed that injunction.

31. But again, I can reassure you that Nigeria’s place on the world stage today is strong and safe, and it is certainly a place of dignity and respect. We must continue to build on this by remaining a nation and a people committed to ideals, the noblest humanitarian values, and the rule of law.

32. Our Constitution is anchored ultimately on the idea of freedom and fundamental rights: freedom of expression; freedom from discrimination; freedom to vote and be voted for, and the right to human dignity. These are the core values of a true democracy. These are the values of which we must never lose sight.

33. In my address to the UN General Assembly last week, I emphasized the crucial role of democratization in improving the fortunes not just of this country, but of our entire continent. Democratic values encourage diversity. They encourage discourse. They encourage disagreement. This is the joy of democracy.

34. It enables us to have an opinion. And ultimately, the ballot box gives us all the opportunity to instigate change. When democracy works, it does not destroy a nation. It unites and defines it.

35. Fellow Nigerians, our Administration has taken cognizance of suggestions over the years by well-meaning Nigerians on the need for a National Dialogue on the future of our beloved country. I am an advocate of dialogue. When there are issues that stoke tension and bring about friction, it makes perfect sense for the interested parties to come together to discuss.

36. In demonstration of my avowed belief in the positive power of dialogue in charting the way forward, I have decided to set up an Advisory Committee whose mandate is to establish the modalities for a National Dialogue or Conference. The Committee will also design a framework and come up with recommendations as to the form, structure and mechanism of the process.

37. The Committee will be chaired by Dr. Femi Okurounmu while Dr. Akilu Indabawa will serve as the Secretary. The full membership of the Committee will be announced shortly.

38. I expect the Report to be ready in one month, following which the nation will be briefed on the nomenclature, structure and modalities of the Dialogue.

39. Fellow Nigerians, the past 53 years have seen Nigeria evolve on an epic scale. Our progress since independence has not always been smooth. This is, after all, our Fourth Republic; but despite all its flaws, it has lasted longer than all the previous three put together. That is progress and it proves that, our differences – real and imagined – notwithstanding, we are, in every sense, a united nation.

40. This is no time for the harmful clutches of parochial sentiments and the politics of bitterness, impunity, arrogance and unhelpful indiscipline. We must stand as one, with absolute commitment and resolve to resist any force that threatens us and the sanctity of our union.

41. I want to thank all our country men and women who have stood by this Administration in the midst of mounting challenges and enormous expectations.

42. I recognize that it is not easy to keep believing in the possibilities of our greatness when our faith is constantly challenged. But let me assure you that, if we do not despair, we shall reap the reward of our labour in due season.

43. It is my prayer that, another 53 years from now, our children and grand-children will look back on our effort and be thankful that we kept the faith.

44. May God continue to bless the Federal Republic of Nigeria.

45. I wish you all a very happy 53rd Independence Celebration.

I thank you.